“I really do like these things when they aren’t firing at me” commented Zeshaun as he looked at the e-webs.

Zeshaun moved over to the e-webs and kneeled down running his hands over the mechanism.  Suddenly the e-web fired a bolt.  Thankfully it wasn’t pointed at any of the squad but the bolt shattered a pillar.

“Hey, watch it” said TK who was standing close to the pillar.

“Sorry, my bad” replied Zeshaun.

Alan glanced upwards and heard a loud creaking.  Oh no thought Alan as he knew the ceiling had finally had enough.

“Move!” shouted Alan as he started moving into the next room.  The squad didn’t question why as they could hear the urgency in his voice.  The squad made it out of the main entrance before the ceiling came crashing down.

“Nice work Zesh” commented Njall.

“It wasn’t my fault” replied Zeshaun.

“So, now what are we going to do?” asked Greywolf.

“Well we’re not exiting the building through the main entrance” said Katarn as he looked at the rubble blocking the entry way.

“Let’s carry on into the building and hope that Pratt really is here” said Lucky.

The squad carried their movement into the building.  Alan had holstered his blasters for now but he was on high alert.  If Pratt had put two e-webs to cover the main entrance to the building then he was certain that Pratt had some more surprises for them.

“What’s that?” asked Chas suddenly.

Alan looked around to see what Chas had spotted as he couldn’t see what it was that had attracted the new kid’s attention.  He was just about to ask Chas what he had seen as he still couldn’t see anything.  Then he spotted it and he immediately knew they were in trouble.

“Hit the deck!” yelled Alan.

The squad immediately dived to the floor.  As Alan moved to the floor he felt his body being forced sideways.  He didn’t feel any pain but he knew that something had caused the unexpected movement.  He looked at his armour and spotted a sizzling graze on his shoulder.  Damn he’s good thought Alan.

“Are you alright?” asked Lucky.

“I’m fine, just grazed my armour” replied Alan.

“What is it?” asked Zeshaun.

“Sniper on the second floor” replied Chas.

“Well spotted kid” commented Alan.

Just what we need thought Alan, no way out and a well trained sniper pinning us down.

As the door slid open, Greywolf heard movement behind him. He turned and saw a trandoshan trying to sneak up behind them. "Oh crap!" gasped Greywolf as he noticed the weapons in the mercs hands. Ryyk blades. Greywolf remembered his guns were left behind when he made his dareing move on the E-web.

With the squad focused on the threat ahead, Greywolf readied himself for the fight. The Trandoshan charged into battle with a out side sweeping strike that would have taken Greywolf down had he not been noticed. Greywolf parried the attack and took a defensive stance as the next flurry of blows came in.

Greywolf blocked all three attacks and movied into the offensive. He swung his right blade in an upward motion only to be parried by the merc. the other hand blocked a strike the the outter left thigh. Greywolf fought with a speed and agility the Trandoshan thought impossible but he didn't give up.

The squad, having finished off the small group of mercs that came through the door, turned and readied their rifles. None shot as Greywolf was between them and the merc.

Greywolf went through a sierese of attacks that he learned watching panthers hunt and fight for food. The fight went back and forth for several minutes, no one recieving injuries. The trandoshan made an attack to Greywolfs upper right arm. Greywolf parried it, but not fast enough. The blade found the soft flesh Of his upper arm.

The wound only infuriated Greywolf. A fire seen only by the mercenary lit in Greywolfs eyes as he started a flury of attakcs both wide and close to the inside. and up and down on the mercs body. The mercenary was still for several seconds before he dropped to a broken, bloodied heap at Greywolfs feet.

He turned to his squad. "Where did you learn to fight like that?" asked Alan.

"My father taught me," Replied Greywolf

"Doesn't that hurt?" Asked finch, pointing to his arm.

Greywolf, noticing his wound replied "it does now. Tk, you think you can patch me up?"

"I might, but it'll cost ya."

"What is it you want?" asked Greywolf mockingly.

"When we get back, you gotta teach me some of your moves." said Tk jokingly as he riffled through his supplies.

"Dealyo." said greywolf as he sat down.

“Kill them, Paladin attack!” yelled Alan

Alan’s blasters were quickly in his hands as he fired into the throng of the approaching mercenaries.  He knew that they would be the easiest to bring down.  I don’t know how we’re going to take this thing down thought Alan as he kept careful tabs on where the ultra battle droid was going to.

“TK, Zesh, hit the floor!” shouted Lucky.

TK and Zeshaun didn’t question the order but instantly collapsed and hugged the floor.  Alan had dropped several mercenaries with well placed shots.  He took cover and glanced over towards TK and Zeshaun to see what was going on.  The ultra battle droid had decided to target them and had lowered its right arm.  Immediately a burst of flame blazed out from its arm.  Thankfully the flames went over the heads of TK and Zeshaun.

“At least it doesn’t have a rocket launcher” commented Zeshaun as he picked himself up from the floor feeling slightly warmer than before.

Tell me he didn’t say that thought Alan as he glanced over at the ultra battle droid and saw its rocket launcher on its left shoulder suddenly activate.

“Um Zesh, yes, it does” said TK,

“Get out of there!” yelled Alan.

“Covering fire” ordered Lucky.

Greywolf and Katarn immediately started firing at the mercenaries as TK and Zeshaun started to run.  A rocket leapt out from the ultra battle droid and exploded where TK and Zeshaun had stood mere seconds ago.

“I’m starting to dislike this droid” commented Njall.

“You guys ok?” asked Chas.

“Yeah, we’re fine” confirmed Zeshaun.

“Let’s bring this thing down before it dishes out any more surprises” said Finch.

“Or Zeshaun gives it another idea” commented TK.

“Hey” objected Zeshaun.

“Paladins, attack” ordered Lucky.

With that the squad started firing repeatedly at the ultra battle droid.

TK sprinted towards Alan, ducking for cover. He let out several busts out on the ultra. He noticed two more were on the squads left, and two more on their right.

“Frack” cursed TK

“What is it?” questioned Njall

“Four more clankers” yelled TK

TK heard Zeshaun let loose a war cry, and blew away the wall, TK followed on with the other.

“Spread out and handle those clankers” ordered Lucky

TK dived for cover and shot at the droid, in seconds he had to reload again.

“This won’t work yelled TK nervously

“Hold position and bring them down” ordered Lucky

“But ma’am we won’t hold out long” replied TK

“That is an order private” retorted Lucky

“Yes ma’am” said TK downtrodden

This is the end of us thought TK

TK pulled out his concussion rifle, and held down the trigger, he then ran to Alan and let loose of the shot towards the ceiling, it then collapsed crushing the droid.

“Well done” congratulated Alan

“Thanks” replied TK with gratitude

“It’s back UP!” yelled Lucky shooting at the emerging droid

TK fired again, this time it was down for good.

“Finally” said Alan

“Don’t get cocky sir” said TK “four more”

“Indeed” said Alan “I don’t say this much but good work trooper, you will be a fine asset with that rifle”

TK briefly saluted but got back to action right away. He repeated the with the other droids and within moments the squad was safe. For now.

TK stared out into the open world, only to spot a Lambada class shuttle get shot down by two droid starfighters, which were followed by Hyena class droid bombers.

“Sir we gotta go help them” said TK

“It is too risky, and it may endanger this mission” said Lucky

“I don’t care, we can’t leave them alone” said TK

“Fine, me and you will go, we will meet back up with you, won’t be long” said Alan

TK and Alan left the ruins and went to hunt down the crew of the shuttle

Alan watched as the squad carried on without them.  He cursed silently.  He hated seeing them go into danger without him but he also knew that the people on the shuttle needed help.

They quickly moved back down to the ground floor.  They knew that the main entrance was sealed so they hunted around for a back door.  Thankfully they came across one and opened the door quietly.  Alan popped his head out and was grateful to see that there was no-one around.  They exited the building and looked around.

"Over there Sir" said TK pointing.

Alan looked over in the direction of where TK was pointing at and spotted a trail of smoke leading down to the ground.  He was glad to see that there did not seem to be any flames coming from the area where the shuttle went down so he surmised that the ship was still intact.

"Let's go" said Alan, "and let's make it quick, dear knows what surprises Pratt has in store for the squad and they will need everyone they have".

"Roger that" replied TK.

Alan and TK set off at a brisk pace, keeping their eyes peeled for trouble.  When they started to get closer to the downed ship they could hear blaster fire.  Well that doesn't sound good thought Alan as he motioned TK to get down so they could crawl up to the ridge overlooking the ship for a better look.

They crawled slowly until they could get a good look at what they were up against.  True enough the ship was intact.  Outside there were four mercenaries firing at the ship.  Alan was surprised that the troops inside the ship were not returning fire.

"Why aren't they returning fire?" queried TK.

"Maybe they are injured" replied Alan.

Alan noticed that with the lack of return fire, the mercenaries were very cautiously approaching the ship.  We have to get to them before they get to the ship thought Alan.

"Let's go" said Alan.

TK nodded and together they leapt over the ridge and slide down towards the mercenaries.  Alan had his blasters in his hands and two of the mercenaries were down before they were even aware of Alan and TK's presence.  TK quickly brought down the other two mercenaries whilst they were turning round to find out who was firing at them.

"Well that was easy" said TK.

"Don't go jinxing us" commented Alan, "go check on the passengers whilst I keep watch".

TK entered the shuttle.  There were five occupants, one lying down on the ground whilst some cradling injured arms.  TK went to the occupant on the ground and realised he was dead.  He started to tend to the injured occupants.

"Hi I'm TK, I'm a medic, so sit back, relax and I'll tend to your injuries" said TK.

"What is going on?" asked one of the occupants.

"Tadath has been taken over by a Hutt name of Pratt" replied TK, "who are you?"

"We are engineers returning to Tadath after being sent out to assist in repairs of a station" he replied.

TK nodded, understanding why they had not returned fire.  They weren't soldiers but technicians caught up in this conflict.

"What's taking so long?" asked Alan.

Alan wasn't happy with being stuck out in the open like this.  He was certain that more mercenaries would arrive to see what the commotion was.  The thick plume of smoke coming from the ship was enough to attract anyone.

"Nearly done Sir" replied TK.

Soon TK and the rest of the occupants emerged from the ship.  TK explained to Alan that they were simple technicians.  Alan nodded and together they escorted them to a nearby building and told them to stay put and to keep a low profile.

"You think they'll be ok Sir?" asked TK.

"I'm sure they'll be fine so long as they stay hidden" replied Alan, "now let's get back to the squad, chances are is that they are battling something and could with our help".

"Yeah, probably" agreed TK.

They started to rush back to the building they had come from.  Alan was hoping that the squad was doing alright without their presence.  He was looking forward to rejoining them but wondered what it was they were facing now.

Alan couldn’t believe it when TK disobeyed a direct order.  The chain of command was vitally important to the Vast Empire and any breach of it was unforgivable.  He felt sorry for the kid in a way.  He knew that there would be repercussions for him once the mission was over but he also knew that TK was trying to do the right thing.  He watched TK rush back to the crash and thought to himself damn fool.

Alan rushed back as quickly as he could back to the building that they had come out of.  He wondered if he would ever see TK again, he hoped he would.  Entering the building he could hear blaster fire coming from upstairs.  Damn, I knew they couldn’t stay out of trouble thought Alan as he grabbed his blasters from their holsters and started running up the stairs.

The sound of the blaster fire was getting closer and Alan slowed down until he located the room that the fire was coming from.  He quickly scanned the room and saw that the squad were pinned down by a group of mercenaries.  He saw that the floor was littered with dead mercenaries and droids that no longer worked.  Well they sure are putting up one hell of a fight thought Alan as he entered the room silently and kept to the shadows.

Alan smiled from under his helmet.  The mercenaries hadn’t seen him as they were focused primarily on the squad.  Alan’s blasters were soon blazing and the ranks of the mercenaries were quickly decimated before they had a chance to figure out what was going on.  Those that were lucky enough to avoid Alan’s initial onslaught and were able to turn around and get a lock on Alan were gunned down by the squad.

“Nice to have you back” said Lucky once all the mercenaries were dead.

“Good to be back and to see you all still in one piece” replied Alan.

“Where’s TK?” asked Zeshaun as he glanced around noticing TK’s absence.

“He decided to disobey orders and he stayed behind to look after the engineers on the downed ship” replied Alan.

“He disobeyed orders” commented Lucky, slightly taken aback at such a thing.

“Great, he’s going to get himself killed” stated Njall.

“Perhaps we should go help him” suggested Finch.

“No” replied Alan, “we need to focus on the mission.  He chose to stay behind and that will be a decision he will have to live with”.

“Let’s move out and take the fight to Pratt” ordered Lucky.

The squad continued their advance through the building in their search for the elusive Hutt.  Alan glanced through one of the windows and saw the plume of smoke.  Good luck kid thought Alan as he followed the squad.

Zeshaun was sad to hear that TK_421 had run to defend the innocent technicians trapped in the broken down shuttle. Zeshaun had become fond of TK_421 and could always count on him to cover his back, it would be a shame if he died. He reluctantly followed Alan and Lucky through the halls, searching for Pratt, who managed to stay elusive through out this whole mission. Zeshaun smelled smoke and he saw Alan looking out the window as well. Zeshaun turned to see what he was looking at, a large pillar of smoke rose from between the buildings that must be where TK is fighting Zeshaun thought as he heard distant sounds of blaster rifles and explosions.

Lucky motioned for everyone to be quiet, they stood with their backs up against the wall, voices could be heard coming down the hall, Zeshaun counted about 4 voices, and they were approaching the squad. The squad pressed their backs against the wall, trying to stay in whatever shadow that they could find, the mercenaries past without noticing the squad. Lucky and Alan pivoted around the corner and shot all four mercenaries in the back. The squad proceeded down the hallway, checking doors as they went. Zeshaun noticed that there was no noise, it was very serene and peaceful for it to be a place housing mercenaries. As he was wondering he heard a clanking noise, and Zeshaun turned quickly, raising his rifle to see Greywolf holding a small projector in his hand.

"This came out of the vent." He said pointing to a grate less vent in the ceiling.

The holoprojector emitted some beeping noises, and Greywolf dropped it and started to turn to run, thinking it was some sort of explosive, a life size projection of Pratt filled the hallway, not leaving out any slimy details. Zeshaun noticed that he had acquired a new translation droid and it was standing next to Pratt. Prat began to speak and the droid translated.

"My master wishes to thank you for the most enjoyable show." The droid began. "and wishes to offer you a deal."

"We don't deal with the likes of you." Lucky scoffed.

"That is most unfortunate." The droid translated, "My master says he is sad to see his favorite act be destroyed."

"We're not done yet." Alan said, taking a step forward.

The hutt laughed, the sound filling the hallway, Zeshaun shuddered, but then heard a new noise coming from down the hall. He saw the shadow of at least 8 battle droids coming from around the corner.

"My master would beg to differ." The droid countered,

The holoprojection ended and the disk lay on the ground, the squad of droids turned the corner. Alan quickly snatched up his guns and started firing as the squad ran back around the corner and started firing back. Just as the Bi battle droids started to thin out, a new set of super battle droids appeared around the corner. what the hell Zeshaun thought, annoyed with the apparent endless assets that Pratt controlled.

"We don't have time for this." Njall shouted, firing as he did so.

"I know," Alan shouted back, "Every second we waste here the farther Pratt get's away."

Zeshaun fired at one of the droids joints, bringing it to the ground. Alan finished it off with a clean shot through the head area of the super battle droid. The sound of Pratt's droids voice suddenly projected through the whole hallway, from some unseen speakers.

"My master is not pleased, he wishes you would all die faster."

Zeshaun nearly laughed. If Pratt think's we're dieing this easily, he's got another thing coming. Alan quickened his fire rate, bringing down the droids faster than anyone Zeshaun knew, other than jedi. Zeshaun followed his example and set started to fire faster as well. He seemed to shoot more accurately than ever before, this pratt guy must be a real good motivation Zeshaun thought smiling, imagining the look on the hutt's face as he watched the Paladins destroy his army of droids.

"We're done here," Lucky said putting a shot through the last of the battle droids. "Let's go get that hutt."

"We're done here," Lucky said putting a shot through the last of the battle droids. "Let's go get that hutt."

Alan could sense that they were nearing the location of Pratt.  They had battled several mercenaries and druids and now it felt like they were nearing the end of their mission.  He was looking forward to finally putting the Hutt down for good.

“Hold up” called out Lucky.

The squad came to a stop and waited.  It looked like Lucky was receiving some form of message.  Suddenly Alan’s com unit sparked to life and he realised that Lucky had put the message through to his com unit also.  Alan held his hands to his helmet, the message was very garbled and it was difficult to make out.

“Field…Marsk…under attack….TK…..assistance” said the message.

Alan glanced over at Lucky and he could see that despite the message being garbled the important information was understood.

Lucky looked up at the squad and said “TK’s in trouble, we need to go provide him with assistance”.

“But what about Pratt, we are so close to putting him down” objected Greywolf.

“I’m well aware of the Private but TK is one of our own and we always look after our own” said Lucky.

“Where is he?” asked Zeshaun.

“Sadly that’s the part, we don’t know.  We got a garbled message from an officer called Marsk” said Alan.

“Field Commander Garken Marsk” said Finch.

“Well we did get the word Field before his name so I’m guessing so” said Lucky.

“I know him, his in charge of a base several miles due south of here” replied Finch.

“Let’s get going then” ordered Lucky.

The squad started backtracking back through the building.  Alan glanced back and cursed silently.  They would get Pratt one day but it wasn’t looking like today was going to be that day.

“So how are we going to get to him, I don’t fancy the walk and if he is in trouble we need to get to him now” called out Katarn.

“Look, over there” said Chas, pointing.

The squad glanced over and saw a mercenaries shuttlecraft sitting parked.  Alan was surprised that it wasn’t guarded but then he figured that the mercenaries didn’t expect there to be any trouble and didn’t need for it to be under guard.

A noise suddenly broke the silence and Alan glanced over at the building.  He saw a ship fly away from the building and Alan knew that it was Pratt moving to a more secure and secretive location.

“Tell me that’s not who I think it is” commented Njall.

“It probably is” replied Lucky, “we will deal with him in time”.

“I’ll drive” called out Zeshaun as he hurtled towards the ship.

“That thing better have safety belts” commented Njall upon hearing who the pilot was going to be.

Alan groaned as he wondered whether they would be crashing as they usually did when Zeshaun got into the pilots chair.  Here we go again thought Alan as he boarded the craft.

Alan was surprised that Zeshaun had managed to safely land the shuttle, even if it had been a rather wobbly descent.  He wondered whether or not Zeshaun had been secretly taking piloting lessons.

“You put that thing on autopilot?” queried Alan.

“Watch it” replied Zeshaun, laughing.

Alan chucked and slapped Zeshaun on the back as the ramp lowered down to the ground and the squad began to disembark.  Alan was very happy to see that TK was still alive.

During their trip over, Alan had spotted a shuttle manoeuvre its way in front of them and Alan started to wonder whether or not it was the shuttle that Pratt had left on.  Surely he wouldn’t come here thought Alan that would be too easy.

Alan immediately wanted to know if Pratt was here or not so instead of saying hi to TK or asking how he was he went straight to business.

“Did Pratt land here?” asked Alan

TK nodded “Yes, and we have this situation under control”

Alan wasn’t sure what TK meant by that but he wanted to see Pratt dead, once and for all.  It seemed that just when they had him, they lost him.  Not this time vowed Alan.

“Now let’s move out Paladin” hollered Lucky.

TK was the first one that ran up the stairs, closely followed by the rest of the squad.  Arriving on the first floor of the base TK suddenly found himself skidding.  He managed to stabilise himself and stop the slide.

“Stop clowning around” commented Njall.

“I’m not clowning around” retorted TK.

Alan was curious to find out what had happened so moved swiftly to the front and saw that the floor was coated with slime.  Perfect thought Alan.

“Looks like Pratt came this way” said Alan.

“Yeah, and left part of himself right here” replied Njall.

Alan smiled under his helmet as Lucky waved the squad forward.  The squad had to be careful where they stepped as they didn’t want to go marching or sliding through the mess that Pratt had left in his wake.

Rounding a corner they came face to face with a group of elite mercenaries.  This confirmed to Alan that Pratt was still in the building.  The squad immediately dove for cover as the elites opened fire on them.

“Paladin’s, let’s take them out!” ordered Lucky.

Alan blasters were quickly in his hands as he got ready to return fire.  Why does Pratt have so many soldiers thought Alan as he got ready to attack.

"Well this is what Paladin does," Alan said, "Let's do this." Alan held his blasters at the ready.

Lucky held up her hand and directed the squad to take out the two elites.  Alan nodded, he liked the strategy.  Take out the easy targets first and that would leave just the droideka.  No idea how we're taking that down yet pondered Alan but he decided first things first and right now it was time for the elites.

The squad nodded back that they were ready.  Lucky held up three fingers and started to visually count down using her fingers.  One finger left, then her hand waved out and the squad leapt out in unison.  Alan's blasters blazed.  One of his blasters targeted the left hand side elite.  The other targeted the right hand side elite.  The squad targeted an elite mercenary of their own and blaster fire cascaded down on them.

Alan felt sorry for the left hand mercenary as he seemed to be getting targeted more than the other one.  The droideka immediately spun into action and send multiple blaster fire towards the squad.  The squad were ready and expecting this and had retreated back to a safe location, the initial onslaught on the elites over with.

Just as Alan spun back to his covering location, through the smoke he noticed something.  You have got to be kidding me he thought.  He decided that he had to see what was going on.

"Get back" called out Lucky as she saw Alan snaking out from his covering position.

Alan fired a single shot and stayed much longer than was safer but he needed to know.  He scowled under his helmet as his worst fears were realised.  He ducked back into cover mere seconds before his exposed location was bombarded by droideka fire.

"Well that's the mercenaries down, now just that blasted droideka" said TK.

"What were you playing at?" queried Lucky to Alan, more annoyed at the fact that he had risked his life needlessly.

"Yeah, I'm afraid the elite's aren't down" commented Alan.

"Not down" exclaimed Zeshaun, "with the amount of blaster fire we hit them with they should be in small pieces by now".

"That's what I thought, but it seems that these ones have personal shielding around them, our blaster fire was ineffective.  I had to check to make sure" said Alan.

"Oh well this is just great" commented Njall.

Alan glanced over at Lucky and he knew that she was formulating a new strategy.  He was looking forward to seeing what she had in mind as right now his mind was a blank and he knew that the mercenaries wouldn't just sit there, now that they knew they were here they would advance.

"What now" said Zeshaun, "they're probably going to attack us now".

Alan shook his head softly.  He had been thinking the same thing but why had Zeshaun felt the need to voice the obvious.  Surely he must know that he was just begging them to attack.

"Here they come" called out Greywolf.

Alan's blasters were in his hand.  He knew that his blasters were probably going to be useless against them but if he was going to go out then he was going to go out fighting.

I hope you come up with a plan soon thought Alan as he readied himself for the attack.

Alan cursed himself for letting Greywolf go off on such a foolhardy undertaking.  He looked over at Greywolf and at the advancing mercenaries and knew they had to get him out of there.

“Covering fire” barked Alan.

The squad nodded and started firing discriminately at the advancing mercenaries.  Most of the shots went wild and the shots that were on target never reached their destination as the mercenaries immediately took cover.

Alan didn’t care as his immediate concern was the retrieval of Greywolf.  He had told him to go on his foolhardy mission and now it was up to him to go get him.

“Give him plenty of cover” ordered Lucky, her voice showing signs of concern at seeing Alan venture out in such an exposed position.

Even though he was going out to retrieve Greywolf, Alan still had one of his blasters in his hands in case he needed to defend himself.  He arrived at Greywolf and could hear him groaning.  That’s a good sign thought Alan.

Grabbing Greywolf by his shoulders, Alan started to drag him back.  A cock mercenary suddenly poked his head out from his hiding position.  Alan wasted no time in sending several blaster bolts in his vicinity.  Alan didn’t care that his shots went wild, what was more important was the fact that the mercenary ducked into cover.

Pulling Greywolf to safety, TK was soon by his side.  He pulled off Greywolf’s helmet and was happy to see him come round.  TK started checking Greywolf for injuries and tending to them.

Lucky skirted over beside Alan to check on how Greywolf was doing as well as making sure Alan was ok.

“That was risky” said Lucky.

“Yeah, but necessary” replied Alan.

“Well you’ll be glad to know that he will live” called out TK.
“Aw, that’s a shame” commented Njall sarcastically.

“Hey, I heard that” called out Greywolf as he started to come round.

“So what’s the plan?” queried Zeshaun.

“Well, looks like it’s a standoff” said Lucky as she glanced out.

“Well I think we need to take the fight to them before Pratt decides to vacate the premises” said Alan.

“Agreed, let’s fall out” ordered Lucky.

TK helped Greywolf to his feet as Alan grabbed both of his blasters and readied himself for the battle ahead.

The three soldiers and the squad started advancing slowly on the mercenaries.  The green sludge that was left behind by Pratt was pressed up against a set of double doors.  Lucky and Alan moved over to the doors and realised that they had been locked tightly, almost to the point that whoever was in was never coming out.

Alan grabbed one of his blasters.  He didn't feel like trying to take apart the lock manually so he opted for the easier approach.  This should be nice and straightforward he thought to himself.

"Are you sure that's a wise idea?" queried Lucky.

"Trust me, it'll be fine" replied Alan.

He aimed the blaster at the first lock and fired.  The blaster bolt immediately bounced off the lock and headed straight for the squad.  Thankfully the bolt sailed harmlessly between Zeshaun and Njall.

"What are you trying to do, kill us" stated Njall.

"Sorry" called out Alan.

"I tried to tell you" informed Lucky.

"My bad" replied Alan, "guess we'll have to do this the old fashioned way".

Lucky pulled off her helmet and Alan was about to object, wondering why she was jeopardising her safety.  He suddenly realised what she was doing as she slid her hands through her tied up hair and retrieved two hair clips.  She quickly put her helmet back on and handed one of the clips to Alan.

"Here, this might help" she said.

"Thanks" replied Alan.

The mercenaries were putting up a strong fight as the three soldiers and Paladin fought them, giving Lucky and Alan time to crack the locks on the door.  Finally thought Alan as one of the locks opened.  As if by magic, once the first lock was open the others started opening up easily until at last Lucky opened up the last lock.

Both Lucky and Alan pressed against the double doors.  They were heavy, but together the doors started opening up slowly.  They creaked as they started swinging inwards.  I hope Pratt doesn't have any welcoming party for us thought Alan as he realised the noise the doors were making would attract the attention of anyone on the other side of the door.

The doors finally opened fully and Lucky and Alan saw the full hideous form of Pratt.  Alan was thankful to see that the Hutt hadn't fled the planet.  Then he noticed them.  He knew Pratt would have some form of protections, but this, this was something different.

"Paladin's, on us" called out Lucky, knowing that she needed all the help she could muster.

The squad burst through the open doors leaving the three soldiers to deal with the remaining mercenaries in the hallway.  Alan was happy to see that the squad was intact and he hoped the three soldiers could finish off the mercenaries without their help.

"Oh you have got to be kidding me" said Njall.

Alan couldn't have summed it up better himself.  This would be the toughest challenge yet for the Paladin's and he hoped that they survived it.

"Paladin's, attack!" barked Lucky.

Alan couldn't believe his eyes when the squad came face to face with Pratt's vehicle.  He had never even conceived of such a contraption but there it was.  Then the squad started being besieged by battle droids and Alan began to wonder whether Pratt was going to be too much for them to handle.

"I'm actually going to call for some reinforcements." Lucky said.

Elsewhere.

"Commander Marsk, Commander Marsk!"

Field Commander Marsk was strolling through his base, looking at the devastation the battle had inflicted on it.  The troops that had survived had fought back the mercenaries and now the base was his once more.  He glanced over at the rushing officer approaching him.

"Yes?" queried Marsk.

"Sir, we have just received an urgent message.  It's the Paladin's, they need help now" said the officer.

"Send three gunships to assist.  No, wait, ready my own gunship and two others, I will personally assist.  I think I owe them one" replied Marsk.

The junior officer nodded and rushed off to get the gunships and personnel prepped and ready for departure.  Marsk took one last look around and marched briskly towards the hangar bay.

"Help is on its way!" shouted Lucky over the loudness of the battle.

Alan nodded and was thankful to hear that.  Their position was tenable at best, the droids would soon overrun their position and no matter how good their shooting was and how accurate their shots were, they were just outnumbered severely.

"You hear that?" asked TK.

"I don't hear anything" replied Zeshaun.

"No, wait, listen" called out Greywolf.

The squad listened intently and then smiled.  The noise was louder now and instantly recognisable.  Alan glanced around to see if he could see them and then suddenly he spotted them, three small dots getting closer.  He knew that help had arrived.

"Everyone, take cover" ordered Lucky.

The squad quickly ducked down into covering positions as the gunships roared overhead.  Suddenly the ground shook violently as heavy blaster fire bombarded the area where the battle droids marched.

"Bring us around for another pass" barked Marsk from inside his gunship, "then unleash hell".

Marsk watched on in satisfaction as the droids ranks were decimated as repeated blaster fire brought them crashing down.  The droids never stood a chance under the onslaught.

Marsk opened up a channel to Lucky and said "you want us to finish off Pratt or would you like the honour".

Lucky stood up and glanced around at the devastation.  The droids were in ruin and now there was only Pratt and his vehicle remaining, although one of the tracks had been badly shot up and Lucky knew he wasn't going anywhere.

"We'll take it from here" replied Lucky, "we have a score to settle".

"Understood" replied Marsk, "I figured you'd want the kill.  Godspeed, Paladin's".

"Thanks again" replied Lucky as she watched the gunships start to disappear in the distance.

Lucky waved her hands towards the vehicle and although it was now grounded, the squad advanced cautiously, weapons raised.  Even from here Alan could hear the warbled chuckle of Pratt and he wondered how the Hutt could be in such a jovial mood.  Didn't he realise that his end was nigh.

Entering the vehicle TK and Zeshaun took a quick look through the craft to make sure that no-one else was inside.

"Clear" called out both TK and Zeshaun.

So Pratt is all by himself thought Alan as he raised his weapons at Pratt.  Pratt merely chuckled.

"Pratt, for your attack on the Vast Empire and the attack of Tadath itself then you must die" said Lucky.

Lucky nodded and the squad opened fire on Pratt.  Pratt merely chuckled as the blaster bolts bounced off the shield system around his floating platform.

"TK, see if you can shut down his shield" called out Lucky.

"Roger that" replied TK and he moved to the platform and started working.

"You have no idea what you have started here today" called out Pratt, "you really think I could mastermind all this.  You have made an enemy today and you are marked men, your days are numbered Paladin's".

Lucky glanced at Pratt, her eyebrows raised as she queried "if you didn't mastermind all this, then who did?"

Pratt merely just chuckled and pressed a button on his platform.  Instantly the doors shut and a beeping noise was suddenly evident.

"What the hell" said Alan.

Greywolf rushed over to the doors and called back "it's no good, but they're locked shut".

"Well, forgive me for being paranoid, but that sounds like a bomb" called out Njall.

"How you doing?" asked Lucky to TK.

TK wished he could give her good news but he replied "it's going to take some time to take down this shield".

"Something tells me time is not on our side" said Zeshaun.

Alan couldn't believe that Pratt was killing himself and that he was going to take out the squad alongside him.  It looked like there was no way out for them and he cursed Pratt silently and also wondered who it was that Pratt had referred to.

"Wait, the ejection system!" exclaimed Zeshaun.

Zeshaun didn't wait for the squad to follow him on his train of thought.  Instead he rushed forward to the cockpit.  Alan followed him, curious to know what he was thinking about.  Zeshaun clambered into the cockpit, secured himself and pressed a button.  Alan watched as the canopy flew off and Zeshaun's chair was launched upwards.  Safe landing thought Alan as he watched Zeshaun's chair opening a parachute.

"Everyone out, now!" yelled Lucky as she saw the canopy was now gone and the Paladin's had a way out.

The squad wasted no time in diving out of the open canopy.  Once they hit the ground they ran as fast as they could away from the craft.

"NO!" screamed Pratt as he watched the Paladin's escape.

Alan and Lucky were the last one's to exit the craft and as they were running the craft exploded sending them forwards.  Getting up, they glanced over and saw the charred remains of what was left of the craft.

"At least Pratt is dead" said TK jubilantly.

"Yeah" replied Lucky.

Alan was glad to see the end of Pratt but he was certain that Lucky was thinking the same thing as he was and he wondered whether she was just as perturbed as he with who Pratt had referred to.

A noise startled them as they glanced over and saw that Zeshaun's chair had landed.  It took several minutes for Zeshaun to free himself from the chair and the parachute but he soon bounded over happily to the squad.

"Good thinking" commented Alan.

"Thanks" replied Zeshaun, "just glad it worked".

A shuttlecraft approached and Alan hoped that it wasn't more mercenaries.  He clutched his weapon and waited as the craft landed and its doors opened.  He breathed a sigh of relief when an Imperial officer exited the craft.

The officer saluted the Paladin's and said "the rest of the mercenaries are in full retreat and the lockdown has been cancelled.  I think Command is looking forward to hearing your report.  Field Commander Marsk sent this shuttle to take you back to the main building for debriefing".

"Thanks" replied Lucky, "and thank Commander Marsk when you next see him".

"Yes Ma'am" replied the officer.

The squad started to walk towards the craft, thankful that another mission had finally come to a close.

"Can I" started Zeshaun.

"No!" came a chorus of voices.

Alan smiled as he realised that everyone had said it.  The squad laughed as they boarded the craft, even Zeshaun was laughing at it.

"Let's go home" said Lucky as the shuttle lifted off.