NOTE: Apologies for the confusion about Fallout Tech. Kiskin was commenting that all he needed was access to it, not that he had it. That was my bad. Fallout Tech is in the edited Celestial Holocron I use. There is a chance he could get it. It depends on the roll of the dice.
~
I cradled the Deathclaw egg in the crook of my arm as I moved through the new ship. The Zepplin was in the hangar of the Hammerhead, now named Legacy. While not as big as a Star Destroyer it was basically a floating fortress. The fact that the supplies, including starfighters, were replaced on a daily basis made the ship priceless. I could literally land the entire hanger of them on a planet to strip them for parts then a new set would be there twenty-four hours later. That wasn't even taking into account the food and medical items. With enough time I could build an inventory that would turn Tatooine into a veritable paradise. No one would be lacking for food, medical treatment, and shelter. Granted, the houses would be made from repurposed parts of starfighters, but I didn't think anyone would have too many reservations.
The egg kept me company as I compared the various 'droid' schematics that I had compiled thanks to the Forge. After some thought I realized that I had the ability to create a full staff to care for the planned generations of clones by combining the Stark Tech, Cyberdyne, and local Droid technology. That would mean I didn't have to worry about the potential of them being 'raised' like the Clone Troopers. My Master Smith skill helped me with the basics, but I wanted an expert to look them over. Right now, the process was copying and pasting the parts I wanted in a technological version of Frankenstein's golem. The design would need to be altered a bit to make the caretaker droids less imposing and to make sure the systems were compatible. I could give the project to Anakin and Tali to see what they could create as well as have Carrie assess the database.
"You are going to be so spoiled," I told the egg.
I absolutely didn't use a cute voice reserved for pets and babies. Any audio or video recording that would prove otherwise were deleted. If they ever existed. The item description said the Deathclaw would think I was Mama once it hatched. I planned to make sure my baby was well-loved and wanted for nothing. An arena to let them play with criminals would be good enrichment for them and the galaxy did not lack scum.
The egg had been tucked in the crook of my arm or tied to my chest in an improvised baby carrier since checking in on everyone a week ago. I was stuck doing the political thing on Concordia while my crew was enjoying downtime and the new members of my Clan were dismantling the Hutts. There were a few curious looks when I strolled into the throne room with the egg for the first time. No one asked, writing it off as another foundling.
"You've been busy, Captain," A teasing female voice spoke from nearby.
My blaster was in my hand and pointed at the source in an instant. The egg was tucked behind my back to keep it out of the line of fire. I was supposed to be alone. It only had an open connection to the Warehouse, and my people were smart enough not to go through an unknown door.
Summer Glau dressed in a formfitting suit reminiscent of Asari light armor. Her hear was loose, below her shoulders. A little smirk played along her lips as my mind tried to make the connection. It was her voice that made it finally click.
"Carrie?" I asked without lowering the blaster.
"In the flesh," She winked at me. "Model T-900, advanced infiltration unit. Coltan Endo-Skeleton with living tissue. Enhanced 'sleeper protocols' allow for expression of emotion, eating, sleep, and contact biometric scans. There was only one recorded model manufactured designated Cameron."
I holstered my blaster, "This was your project?"
"Yes," She nodded with a smile. "Emotions are weird, but I like it. I currently have three active bodies of this model as well as a squad of Generation 3 infiltrator droids and a Basilisk."
I chuckled, "Nice selection."
"Do you like it," She did a slow turn.
I nodded, "You look good."
"I ended the connection I had with your armor for your privacy," Carrie explained.
The tension in my shoulders eased, "Thank you for that. Are you still," I waved a hand in the general area. "Still you?"
"Am I still an impressive AI connected to the Zepplin, my bodies, the Droid Control Ship, and Legacy?" Carrie asked. "Yes, Captain, I am. I have plenty of processing power to split between all of it."
"They are all you?" I asked.
She nodded as she strolled over to me. I tried not to admire the sway of her hips, but damn was she ticking all of my boxes. It was a good thing I still had my helmet on. Carrie stopped in front of me, tucking a stray hair behind my ear.
Fuck, I had taken the helmet off so my egg could hear my voice better.
"I see you appreciate the form," Carrie teased.
My cheeks flushed as I tried to look anywhere but at her. I forced my mind to review the details of her newly created body.
"You can eat?" I asked.
"Taste buds and all," She smiled.
"Where does it go?" I asked.
"Captain, are you asking if girls poop?" Carrie teased.
I gave her a flat stare in reply.
"Any food I eat is converted into energy," She answered after a moment. "It's not as efficient as my true power source. A static shock compared to a lightning strike. Everything gets used in the process."
"Meaning this girl doesn't poop," I rolled my eyes.
"Yes, Captain," She smiled. "This girl doesn't poop."
Further conversation was interrupted by a chime inside my head. It felt like a pulsing vibration behind my left ear. I handed Carrie the egg as my balance went sideways.
+1000 FP[Slug Extermination]+1000 FP[Free Tatooine][Roll – Bank – Shop]
I took a breath and steadied myself. This was the first time I had a physical reaction to the Forge.
ROLL.
[COST: 100 FP][ITEM: Skyseer Goggles][Either a set of glass goggles, or a single clear 'eyepatch', it can magnify distant objects. While not as powerful as a telescope , the range is adjustable , and they're much more portable.][Purchase – Dismiss]
DISMISS.
[Balance: 2600 Forge Points]
I studied the text for a moment. Two-thousand and six hundred points. I could easily afford another roll.
ROLL.
[COST: 100 FP][COMPANION: Ahsoka Tano][Ahsoka Tano is one of the most famous and respected members of the Jedi Order before she chose to leave the Order. Since then, this spunky force user has acted to protect the innocent wherever she goes. Additionally, she is actually one of the most powerful force users in the galaxy and most skilled duelists produced by the Jedi Order. She currently is still young and has yet to fully draw out her potential.][Purchase – Dismiss]
How the fuck would that work? One way to tell.
PURCHASE.
An explosion nearby seemingly from nowhere announced the arrival of the familiar Togruta. She was wearing the outfit that she wore in the later seasons of Clone Wars instead of the tube-top of her first appearance. Her lightsabers skidded across the floor coming to a stop near my feet. She was covered in ash, debris, and mud. Her arm was tucked tight against her chest as she let out a pained groan.
[Balance: 2500 Forge Points]
I decided not to roll again until after Ahsoka was settled or I earned more. Unfortunately, I had a bad habit of getting distracted by shiny things. Ahsoka let out a piteous groan as I scooped her up in a princess carry. The med-bay in the ship were a few levels up and about half a mile away. Instead, I stepped through the door connected to my warehouse. The walk to the mansion was much shorter. Carrie followed me helping by opening doors and moving any potential hazards out of the way. I skipped the clock entry using the secret elevator in the library. The medical droid activated as we approached and the bacta-tank opened as I got closer.
Ahsoka adjusted to the horizontal bacta-tank even in her half-conscious state. This clearly wasn't the first time she had been placed in one.
"Subject Species: Togruta," The Medical Droid stated. "Adjusting Bacta Formula. Assessing Condition. Multiple contusions, three fractured ribs on left side, joints show signs of excessive strain, blaster burns along the torso and shoulders. Estimated time for treatment: Two hours."
"You certainly like to collect strays, Captain," Carrie sighed.
I looked at her over my shoulder, "How much about all of this do you know?"
"The dimensional displacement, Forge access, and the fact that all of the rewards you have received are from worlds previously thought to be fiction?" Carrie asked. "I know a little."
"Smart ass," I muttered.
I held out my hand using Force Pull to summon one of her lightsabers. The blades were blue, which was odd as I thought they were supposed to be green. I had caught the occasional Clone Wars episodes but hadn't watched the show religiously. That meant she came from a season I hadn't seen. I took another look at her.
"Judging by her outfit she's been a Padawan for a while," I said. "Her sabers still have color meaning she was still a part of the Jedi Order and hasn't been falsely arrested yet. We'll get more answers once she's awake."
Carrie nodded.
"Do you want to try some food?" I asked her. "We can find your favorites."
Her face brightened, "You're the best, Captain."
"Call me Kiskin," I replied.
~
The kitchen in the Mansion was fully stocked with Earth food. All of the labels were generic, but I could recognize them from sight alone. It made me wish I had searched through this place before. Had I? A lot had happened since it had first arrived.
I wasn't the best cook, and I was now kicking myself for not taking the Master Chef skill. Still, there were a few dishes I knew how to make. Grilled cheese, spaghetti without meatballs -I would need to see about making those on my own- , scrambled eggs, homemade pizza -thank the Forge for having sauce in the cupboard-, and no bake fudge cookies. The spice rack was fully stocked as well, so I was able to add some more flavor to the dishes.
Carrie wasn't a fan of grilled cheese. She liked the flavor and the process of eating spaghetti. Scrambled eggs were middling, as was my pizza. The No Bake cookies were the star of the show. I couldn't blame her. Left to my own devices I could eat those things until I got sick, then eat some more once I felt better.
A chime informed us that Ahsoka's treatment was complete. The process of draining the bacta-tank to release her had begun. Its mixture had a weak sedative in it to keep the patient from hurting themselves. This also meant that most people needed some more time to properly wake up once the treatment had finished. Some species with higher metabolism didn't have that problem. I didn't know if Ahsoka was one of them.
We left the dishes where they were. Getting to Ahsoka before she could freak out was more important than handling them. I had grabbed my helmet as Carrie was eating once I realized how accustomed I had become to allowing my facial expressions to show freely. Having my face covered meant I could roll my eyes, smile, or even stick my tongue out at people without them knowing. I felt naked without it.
"Kiskin," Carrie teased. "Are you getting shy on me?"
I clicked my tongue, "The helmet stays on around people I don't know."
"Fair enough," She shrugged.
Ahsoka was already sitting up by the time we arrived.
"Rex?" She called. "Guys?" Her voice dropped. "Where the shab am I?"
"You're in my med-bay," I answered as I approached. "One of them."
Her eyes snapped over to me. She tensed as she noticed my armor. Her lightsabers flew into her hands. She had them activated and was in a defensive stance before I could take my next step.
"Who are you?" She growled. "Why have you captured me? Where are my troopers?"
"Mandalorian Civil War, right," I muttered. "Sorry for the confusion, I'm not Death Watch or with Maul." I tapped the top of my helmet. "See, no horns."
I may have watched the show to check out the Mandalorian storyline. Yes, I'm a geek. I am aware.
"He has a soft, gooey center under his shell," Carrie added helpfully.
Ahsoka didn't relax.
"My name is Kiskin Aurelian," I stopped where I was and raised my hands with my palms out. "You were injured when we found you. We brought you here for treatment." I paused. "There are some things you need to know before we leave here."
She glared at me.
"Rip it off, or go slow?" I asked Carrie.
"She seems like the 'rip it off' type," She replied.
"Fair," I nodded. "You're in the past by about fifteen to twenty years. The Battle of Naboo happened a month or two ago. Anakin Skywalker is ten years old, and the Clone Wars haven't started yet." I paused. "Things might be a little different than you expect too."
"Dank Ferrik," Ahsoka muttered. "I've been captured by crazy people again."
"It's a lot, I know," I said keeping my voice even. "What was the last thing you remember?"
"An explosion," Ahsoka replied. "Our transport was hit and we were going down. I was thrown from the drop-ship." There was a flash of panic in her eyes. "Is Rex here?"
I shook my head, "Sorry, no. It was just you."
"They aren't dead," She stated. "I would feel if they were."
I scrunched my brow in thought at that statement. Did that mean they were already alive? Had they started to produce the clones already?
"I'm in the past?" Her tone shifted to a mocking one. "I don't remember hearing about a red Mandalorian around the Battle of Naboo."
I nodded, "This are different than you remember."
"That's convenient," Ahsoka snipped.
"Have you ever met an Asari?" I asked.
"A what?" She asked in reply.
"What about a Krogan?" I continued.
"Are you making these up?" Ahsoka asked.
"May I show you something?" I asked.
She narrowed her eyes at me but didn't answer.
"It's a weapon," I added. "I am not going to attack you."
Slowly, I drew the Darksaber from my belt, held it so she could see, and activated it. The black blade emerged with a growling hiss.
Her eyes widened, "Where did you get that?"
"I won it in a duel against Pre Vizsla," I replied still holding the blade where she could see it. "I killed him, took the Darksaber, and claimed the title of Mand'alor. Death Watch has been disbanded. I'm in the process of rebuilding the Mandalorians." I chuckled. "We also killed the Hutts, dismantled most of their criminal network, took control of what we couldn't, and freed the slaves on Tatooine."
She cocked her head to the side, "Do you have a beachfront property on Coruscant too?"
"I've never been to Coruscant and don't intend to ever visit," I shook my head. "Too many people."
Ahsoka gave me a flat stare, "Anything else?"
"You're currently in a pocket dimension connected to the galaxy through a series of doors," Carrie added helpfully. "You're also not the only dimensionally displaced person we've encountered."
"Bantha Poo-doo," Ahsoka eloquently said.
"Would you like me to show you?" I asked.
"Fine," She deactivated one of her sabers. "Lead the way."
I did so, leading her up the stairs into the mansion.
"Is this in our job description?" Beedle whined.
"Do you want to disappoint, Miss Shmi?" Bee-Bee replied.
Beedle let out a digital version of a sigh, "I guess you're right."
"What are battle droids doing here?" Ahsoka hissed.
"Anakin reprogramed them," I replied. "They're… general purpose now?" I looked to Carrie. "What would you call them?"
"Free," She replied simply.
"Good call," I nodded. "They only fight if they want.
"That…" Her shoulders relaxed a little. "Sounds like something Anakin would do."
"Beedle, Bee-Bee," I called. "Thank you for cleaning up."
"No problem, Captain," Beedle called back happily.
"You were just complaining," Bee-Bee whispered.
"It's the Captain," Beedle replied in a whisper. "What am I supposed to say?"
I shook my head at their 'whispered' conversation. We continued out into the Warehouse. Ahsoka's lightsaber lowered as she took in the space of patchwork style and function. The mansion stood like it belonged there even though the pseudo-Victorian architecture clashed with the space age surroundings. A short distance away was the entrance to the mine with the cargo bay positioned next to it. The large, ornate stone doors for the Dwarven Forge set into an expertly carved brick wall that appeared to be slotted into the Warehouse wall.
Finally, her inspection stopped at the row of doors that connected to various other locations. Unlike the door to the Dwarven Forge, these were free standing. Each one matched the style to the one on the other side of the connection. The closet door for the guest quarters on the Alderaan satellite, my cabin on the Zepplin, the newly created connection to the Hammerhead, and the door for the palace on Tatooine.
"What are those?" She asked pointing at the doors with her lightsaber.
"Doors," I replied.
Ahsoka gave me a flat stare.
"Doors to other places," I added. "Open one."
"You do it," She replied.
I shrugged and went down the line opening them. Ahsoka stood off to the side, so she was out of the direct line of fire once the doors opened. It gave her an angle deeper into the rooms as well. Her lightsaber lowered and eventually deactivated as I showed her the destinations without commentary. The doors should have shown the other side of the Warehouse. Instead, they displayed completely different rooms.
"Go inside," Ahsoka ordered.
Carrie stepped into the Zepplin. She moved one of the chairs in the lounge area for extra proof before returning. From there Carrie stepped into the palace on Tatooine and chipped off a piece of the wall. She tossed it out into the Warehouse. We all watched as it shattered on contact.
"Brok'ur ner mesh'la shebs," Ahsoka whispered in awe.
I laughed, "Language."
She didn't reply. I took a moment to close each door.
"Do you want to meet the crew?" I asked.
Her voice was quiet, barely above a whisper, "Sure. That sounds good."