When You Give a Man Power
Chapter 15

It was time. A manic grin adorned my face when I got the call from the Hutts. It was time at long last. Was beginning to think the Trade Federation wasn’t going to make any type of deal. I was expecting it to be honest. Sitting in the cockpit of my ship as she cruised along the vast cosmos of space as another ship coasted right along with me. A big thing that I remember having a dogfight with Obi-Wan over Geonosis.

Seeing the armored form of Jango with Cad Bane seated next to him in the copilot's seat through the window of their ship floating right beside my own. From the job, the Hutts told me I would be going with Jango and Cad Bane for this job while unlike before I will be getting paid fully compared to the last job. 

Of course, I argued for more pay considering where we are going to pick up Rune Haako which with him being Gunray's right-hand man sounds like a setup. To my surprise, they did increase my payout. Was expecting them to get greedy but I suppose they are taking this seriously with the others being on the same job as me. I guess they liked my work and work ethic enough to not undercut me and I wouldn’t drag Jango and company down.

My coms spring to life as Jango's voice comes through crystal clear. “We are almost at the meeting point. Remember everyone, don’t get brash especially when Rune Haako is brought out to us. We need him alive and in one piece.” 

I mean I get it. Sure I am good compared to other bounty hunters and have proven myself but to Jango, I am an unknown variable and he has seen my handiwork with how far I will go to get some revenge. With the Hutts wanting to make an example of Rune Haako without wanting to resort to a massive war between them and the Trade Federation is understandable.

The issue is sending your good bounty hunters into the viper's nest in what is practically a screw job if there ever was one. Weaving through space I ponder on what to expect eternally grateful for having the wisdom to bring as much as I could fit in this ship. That’s when I see it. And the sight of it just takes my breath away. It’s one thing to see the nearly donut-shaped ship that is the icon of the Trade Federation on TV.

But with it being real changes things. It’s absolutely massive. The sheer scope and size of it fills me with both awe and dread when I think about how many battle droids have to be stationed on that thing. “Far too many to try and kill every single one.” Jango responds on the coms when I realize I spoke my thoughts out loud.

My gaping mouth changes to a cocky smirk before I respond. “Good thing I brought some things to help with that. And relax Jango I am not going to pull anything. I brought it with me because this sounded like a setup.”

“Good. Because from the looks of it, it more than likely is. However, I would like to think the cowards in control of the Federation would have enough self-preservation to not attempt anything with the Hutts.” He says back calmly as if we are not about to land inside of that giant enemy ship.

“Representatives of the Hutts please land in hangar bay four.” A robotic voice says as we veer the ships towards the hangar bay.

Flying and landing our ships near the bay as the blue glowing shield keeps the vacuum of space at bay as I look around hands on the controls in case I need to shoot something. I see some turrets stationed here with us further up near the ceiling but not active. Yet.

“Corvo, stay near your ship. Me and Bane will go out and get Haako. Aurra is still on the Slave I so you are not alone.” He says as the hatch for his ship lowers with their forms stepping off and heading towards the middle of the hangar. I get up out of the pilot seat seeing the blast doors opening with a protocol droid coming out to greet them.

Stepping further into the ship I see three black boxes with some angular curves along some of the nearly flat sides of the boxes. Tapping my foot on the side of one as it and the other two unfold and expand. The black metal shifted and changed as the forms of 007, 008, and 009 stood before me with their newly installed choice of weapons.

“It’s probably going to turn violent and I don’t trust the current situation. Be ready to leave the ship and cause havoc on this Lucrehulk. Anyway you can. Even if it means flying it into the star of this system.” I say to them gravely. 

A round of affirmatives greets me as I contemplate what to do if Jango and Cad Bane don’t make it back. I don’t like the idea of leaving a man behind even if I barely know them. Jango hadn’t exactly gone out of his way to make me feel unwelcome.

But another thought comes to the forefront of my mind, one that I had on occasion that first came about when we were all playing Uno at the table. If he dies the clone army goes with him… the Sith won’t have him as the template anymore. All that would need to happen is for Jango to have an accident. 

I wouldn’t even need to kill him myself. But at the same time, it’s not going to stop them from making a clone army regardless if he is around. If they don’t they would decide on something else to use as the Republic's military force.

I need to stop thinking like that. I know a little about Jango's backstory from Legends but it’s just the barebones. From what I have seen of the flesh and blood man he seems like a decent enough guy. He isn’t exactly talkative but he also isn’t an antisocial edge lord. What little I do remember of his character was enough for me to like him. Besides being a badass he wasn’t a mustache-twirling evil villain.

What little was shown of him in Attack of The Clones I would go so far as to say I liked Jango more than his son Boba from the original trilogy. 

And that’s if whatever version of Star Wars I am in is adhering to Legends and god help me if it is Disney’s abomination. But killing him isn’t currently an option. If he tries to kill me then sure but otherwise I am not. Considering it may not change much of anything in the grand scheme of things.

One of the plans I have been pondering might become a possibility if this conflict between the Hutts and the Trade Federation escalates. I might be able to influence things and become a player on the board and not just a pawn.

After several minutes had passed I felt tense waiting for whatever to happen to just happen. Like music to my ears, my comlink comes to life.

“Trap— on our— battle droids have— us pinned—” Jango’s voice is heard amid the static cutting in and out as I get the idea of what’s happening. Shit. Of course, things couldn’t just be easy.

To further add to the already hectic call we just got several massive turbo lasers whir to life in the hangar bay as they start aiming for both of our ships. Like hell, you are destroying this ship after I just got done modifying it. “7 and 8 get to Jango and Bane and help them stay alive.” As my ship starts rising off the metal floor the hatch for the ship cracks open as they quickly drop to the ground running off.

The turrets don’t even bother with them as a large group of battle droids rush out of the blast doors opening fire at first on our ships but quickly change targets trying to shoot the two droids rushing them with extreme speed. 7 has her arms split apart as three barrels are seen as they spin rapidly releasing a steady stream of lasers as they shred through the large group of droids while avoiding any return fire.

8 rushes into the fray like a berserker just leaping into the fray smashing and crushing any unfortunate droid that got in her way destroying each one with sickening metal crunches and cracks as their forms warp and bend under each punch or kick delivered. The Slave I starts lifting off while I feel the now familiar sense of time slowing to a crawl. Opening fire on the turrets before they can line up a shot on the Slave I.

They turn to smoking ruins after a few short blasts from my ship's guns as I evade several shots fired at my ship by the remaining ones. Seeing my two droids have made it past the wave of droids they were dealing with into the blast doors that my colleagues had gone through. More of the Federations droids come rushing out of the other doors lining the hangar room opening fire on us.

Turning the ship around and leaving out of the hangar bay as the doors on the outside begin to close shut. Our ships narrowly avoid it closing on us as we fly outside of the Lucrehulk its many defenses begin shooting at us. 

…

Jango felt divided. On one hand, he agreed with Corvo that this felt like a setup. On the other, it would be suicidally stupid of the Trade Federation to attempt anything with the Hutts. But they had already done that now hadn’t they? If they are foolish enough to do so again he and Bane would be more than capable enough to get back to the hangar or find a way off the ship themselves if they had to.

Bane himself was walking by Jango’s side, a faint tension that most would miss if they didn't know the man well enough. But since that day Cad Bane had come to him for aid in getting better as a bounty hunter Jango saw the potential in him and the fact he was willing to ask for help showed Jango he wasn’t like the common thug who believed themselves to be the greatest in their collective line of work.

Plus it wasn’t one-sided either. Jango had learned some things from Bane as Bane had from him. A few tricks here and there that could save his life one day even if he hasn’t learned nearly as much as Cad had from him. Banes' gaze moves across the long corridor they are walking down noting how few of anyone or even droids have shown themselves. Bane glances at Jango as they both nod at one another thinking the same thing.

It’s a trap. Normally they wouldn’t go any further and back off depending on what they are dealing with. But this particular job they couldn’t afford to back out of with the Hutts wanting to be satisfied knowing that Haako tried to dupe them again and have cause to let the Federation know their displeasure right beside Haako.

Jango was the best bounty hunter in the galaxy and Bane was no slouch himself and with enough time would one day rival Jango. So the two were confident in walking into the trap, springing it, and fighting their way out. The protocol droid was silent as they reached their destination. A large set of blast doors open revealing a large bipedal metal frame staring at them with soulless eyes.

It raises a heavy blaster in one hand as soon as the door opens. As it opened fire Jango and Bane had already stepped back along the edge of the door as they unholstered their weapons. The protocol droid was cut down falling to the floor in a heap as Bane palms a grenade quickly tossing it into the room as they start running back while keeping their eyes peeled. 

Hearing the sounds of footsteps approaching them with the remnants of the explosion from the grenade, Jango sees the skeletal forms of the Federation droids as one points at them.

“The intruders!”

The droid quickly found a new hole in its head with a well-placed blaster shot. Opening fire Jango takes many of them down as they return fire. 

“It was a trap. Me and Bane are on our way. Battle droids have us pinned but we are enroute to the ship. Expect trouble.” Jango tries to tell the others but only hears some static as he hears Aurra and Corvo respond but it’s gargled and he can only make out a few words.


He and Bane both quickly back away before they hear heavy thuds behind them. Glancing back they both see the armored suit running for them with the metal damaged and blackened from the grenade but otherwise relatively undamaged.

Not liking the odds of having to face that juggernaut Bane tosses another grenade at the droids as he and Jango turn and open fire on their pursuer. Following the grenade explosion, the shots all hit their mark but the armored figure isn’t even phased by it. 

“What the hell is that thing?” Bane growls out not liking the situation they have found themselves in.

They both turn and run as the armored figure raises its blaster. Sparks and scorched metal are left where the blasters hit. Jango and Bane take a turn down the corridor to break the line of sight and see a squad of battle droids looking around.

Just as quickly as the droids appear they simply run past them as the dumb machines turn to look at them and as they raise their blasters to shoot them in the back but they stop. Turning around to see what is making all that noise behind them to see a hulking figure made of durasteel running through them as they either get shoved aside with broken bodies or crushed underneath it.

The droid fires more rounds at them as Jango shoots back aiming for any possible weak points along the joints or anything he could think of that might slow it down at least. Bane glances over and sees a vent cover and with some help from his blaster pistol bashing it loose enough so he can pry it off. Jango, seeing what he is doing lowers himself down enough as his suit's helmet locks into their pursuer.

The droid advanced on them, still shooting at them the entire time. Even with Jango targeting the few parts of it that are warped enough to show an opening it has had no visible effect. Maybe slowing its arm motions or movement but it may as well be negligible. Lowering his shoulder exposing more of his back, Jango fires the sole missile in his jet pack at the suit. 

In the blink of an eye, the missile meets the chest of the monstrosity halting it in its tracks and an explosion erupts across the armored figure engulfing it. Fire and smoke rush down the corridor stopping many yards from Jango and Bane. 

“Jango, come on.” Bane waves Jango towards him into the vent. Quickly crawling in they both shuffle forward awkwardly not liking the cramped space inside. Peering down along some of the ventilation shaft openings and seeing far too many battle droids roaming about. They even see some destroyer droids of all things rushing by.

After some time traveling through the vents, Bane starts coughing, getting Jango's attention as his helmet gives him information on what is being pumped into the shaft they are in. Bane, still coughing, looks to Jango as they decide on what to do.

Seeing a corridor with nothing in it they take their chances and drop from the ceiling with the grate clattering to the floor. Bane, who is normally far more in control, stumbles and falls as he hits the floor. Jango walks over to him and grabs his arm despite Bane's protests about needing Jango's aid.

Bane relents as Jango forces it to happen he leans against Jango as they keep moving albeit slower than they would have liked. Then they hear a dreaded sound they hoped they wouldn’t hear.

The sound of a mechanical whirring comes from deeper inside of the hall as they see two droideka come barreling down it towards them. The wheels come to a swift stop as their forms shift and change as they unfold. Jango and Bane don’t give them the chance as they fire on one of them hitting it enough times it falls over on its side as useless scrap and only manages to hit the second one a few times but not enough to kill it.

Just as its shield comes to life it opens fire rapidly spitting out blasters. Jango shields Bane, putting him in front of him as he helps him get to cover. A blaster bolt hits Jango in the back but his armor manages to shrug it off other than the scorch mark.

“The Trade Federation is going to pay dearly for this.” Bane gets out between breaths as he occasionally pops out and shoots the droid for what little good it does. The shield easily absorbs the blaster bolts as it slowly comes closer to their cover shooting nonstop.

“We can both agree on that. But we have to get out of here first.” Says Jango mind racing trying to think of a way to deal with the droideka keeping them pinned as more steps are heard behind them. Looking over he sees the shadows of the other droids coming around the corner.

This is bad. Jango and Bane both ready their arsenals as they prepare for a final stand. Just as the droids look like they are going to turn the corner a commotion makes them stop. The sound of tearing metal and being crushed like a can is heard from where they are as the droids shoot at whatever is destroying them before the only sound is the droideka steady blaster shots.

A faint whirring that is barely heard over the droideka blaster fire comes from behind it before a river of red impacts the droid's shield which manages to hold for a good amount of time. Enough for the droid to turn around and try to shoot its attacker as Jango and Bane help shoot from behind it. Eventually, the river of blasters overcomes the shield and bisects the droid riddling it with small smoking holes along its frame.

It falls over in shambles as they hold their blasters steady, staring at a droid in all black with an attempt at making it look female. Its arms are replaced with four barrels with steam or smoke coming off of them as the tips glow red. Steps are heard behind them seeing another droid coming up from behind with a nearly identical design save for the large almost comically sized gauntlet-like hands on its body.

Just as both Jango and Bane are going to shoot, not wanting to take any chances, the droid with the guns for hands speaks. “Creator Corvo sent us to rescue you and keep you alive. The Duros needs assistance, 008 will assist in carrying him.”

The droid from behind walks up about to grab Bane when Bane raises his blaster at the droid's head. “I don’t need to be carried.” He pushes away from Jango and manages to keep himself standing despite struggling to do so and keeping the pistol leveled at the droid's head.

“Bane, just let it help you. We need to get moving now.” Jango tries to persuade him as Bane looks torn but ultimately relents. The pistol lowers itself as the droid easily holds his weight as they get moving. 

Jango hears a beeping coming from the lead droid as he has his blaster pistols ready in case they pull something. “Creator Corvo and the Slave I was forced to leave the hangar. The Slave I has fled while Creator remains behind holding off the enemy's star fighters. I have designated a hangar that is close enough for him to pick you up.”

If it wasn’t for Jango's helmet they would see a raised brow. The droid somehow sensed what he was doing elaborated. “We have a simple code system used for quick communication methods and the system used is a simple one that most forms of jamming do not work on.” 

Jango will admit he is impressed. Now to see if they all get out of here or die. A part of him is angered at Aurra but another part of him understands. He just wished she hadn’t left with his ship. 

“Well, how far?” Bane gets out still not doing well but hanging in there. He needs to get some type of air filtration system after this.

With the new droids backing them up they make short work of any of the simple battle droids coming out as they get massacred. The lead droid would move ahead of the group and mow down any in their path while Jango would hold overwatch for any that tried to flank or survived. The latter became an impossibility in his eyes witnessing the carnage the droid could dish out.

Not only the sheer speed at which it shot blaster bolts but the absurd accuracy. He had seen his fair share of machine precision that some organics could do alongside droids but not like this. Seeing the remains of a large squad of droids with their heads cleanly blasted off in a single barrage in a matter of seconds made him realize how much he still had yet to see.

They near a corner and the huffing of Bane as he has sweat beading on his forehead as he looks worse. They need to get him off this ship and medical attention and fast. 

“The hangar doors are just ahead.” The lead droid says as the doors open but not before its right arm shifts with the plating as it changes from four barrels to a single large tube. As it steps through the opening doors it aims its arm across different sections of the ceiling as it shoots at projectiles that detonate with each shot sending flashes of fire and shadows across the hangar with the black form of the droid standing there in the flame's light.

Not even missing a beat its arms unfolded as it just shot down any droids that found themselves in its crosshairs. He and the rest stand next to the wall peering out and helping shoot down any droids that Corvo’s didn’t just blast down. More than enough for everyone as the B1’s don’t have a chance as they try and fight back a few shots hitting the droid's frame but doing nothing.

Jango lets out a sigh as he needs to get some better equipment after this. And he thinks he knows just the guy to talk to about it if what he is seeing is any indication.