Star Wars - Rise of the Rust

Please note that i dont belive the Mustafarians have a space capable army in

cannon, so this is coming from my mind....so uh yeah.

Other Notes

A - Im lazy, sorry this took forever

B - i tried to make it up with a longer chapter

C - I Used AI only for the purpose of cleaning up grammer

D - The Mustfarians ships are heavily inspired off the ones from the Tyranids from warhammer, although they have several diferences

Thought it was only right i share this info with you guys, anywho, feel free to comment and please enjoy this packed chapter!!

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Jake sat in one of Ada's seats, staring into the cold metal floor. The word echoed endlessly in his mind

Why...

It made him question everything. Why had he ever left his small hut a month ago? All of this… was it even worth it? Back there, he had his droids: 

Rusty's enthusiasm

Clank's protectiveness

Tac's wit

and Racket—the deadly one.

And then there were Teesh and Ada. Both great in their own ways. Teesh more so… though he was still deciding on Ada. Not that it mattered now.

Why…

Why... why... why...

"WHHHYYY!"

Jake's scream tore through the silence of the ship as his fist slammed into the practice dummy. The figure wobbled before toppling over, the clang of metal echoing throughout the space. Jake sighed, feeling the weight of everyone's stares on him. At least Ada had a dummy. And while he hadn't thought punching it would help, it did… more than he liked to admit.

The others weren't doing much better. Teesh missed Clank, sure, but his focus remained on Jake's increasingly unstable state. Ada shared that concern, though her approach was harder to read. Rusty and Tac cared for Jake, but the loss of Clank and Racket seemed to disorient them, leaving the droids more confused than the beings around them.

Rusty wandered aimlessly around the ship, as if hoping to find them in some forgotten corner. Tac sat motionless, staring at a datapad with its blue light reflecting off his photoreceptors. On the screen was a file titled "B2-Unit Data"—a detailed record of Clank. The droid held the device gently as though Clank could somehow feel its touch. Beside it was another file labeled "Destroyer Droid Data," likely for the same reason.

Ada descended from the cockpit to find Jake slumped against the wall, Teesh patting his back in a quiet, consoling gesture that looked odd on the reptile's face. Jake's hollow gaze flicked up to meet Ada's. She didn't fully understand. Clank was just a droid. Sure, she missed the B2—and even Racket and Mis-Step. But they could just get new ones, right?

Teesh's reptilian eyes narrowed as he observed Ada. Even through her helmet, he could read her demeanor. Ada stepped closer to Jake and nudged him lightly, her voice cautious but blunt.

"I get that you're sad, but… can't we just get… ya know… another one?" she said with a shrug.

Teesh's gaze snapped to her, radiating concern. His eyes silently screamed, Why would you say that? Ada shrugged again, oblivious to her words.

Jake froze. His rambling thoughts stilled as her words hit him like a blaster bolt. Slowly, he turned to face her, his piercing stare almost burning through her helmet.

"Another one?…" Jake's voice trembled with quiet fury. "O-oh… heh. Real funny."

Straightening his back, Jake balled his fists as his pupils narrowed into points. Ada instinctively stepped back, seeing the shift. Teesh reached out to calm him, but Jake slapped the reptile's hand away.

Jake's breathing grew heavier. 

His eye twitched.

"YOU—" he began, his voice a low growl.

He stepped forwards.

"YOU'RE GONNA NEED ANOTHER SUIT OF ARMOR ONCE I TEAR YOU APART!"

Jake threw himself from the floor and rammed his forehead into Ada's helmet. The Mandalorian staggered backward, stunned by the impact. Before she could regain her footing, Jake's fist connected with her visor, sending her reeling. He grabbed her neck, ignoring the pain in his skull, and threw her to the ground.

"THEY MEANT EVERYTHING!" Jake roared.

Ada scrambled away as his boot slammed down where her head had been. She rolled to her feet, hands raised in a defensive gesture.

"Listen, Ja—" she began.

"DON'T TALK!" Jake bellowed, swinging at her again. She barely dodged, stepping back.

Teesh finally intervened, his scaled hand gripping Jake's shoulder. Jake froze, his chest heaving. Slowly, he turned to look up at Teesh. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, his whole body trembling. Teesh exhaled a shaky sigh as Jake crumbled to his knees. The reptile's hand slipped away, leaving Jake staring at his shaking hands.

"I-I…" Jake choked, his voice cracking.

Ada stood a few paces away, her thoughts unreadable behind her helmet. After a long pause, she stepped forward and knelt down to meet Jake's eye level. He glanced at her, his expression a mix of anger, despair, and regret.

"Jake… you're a weird one," Ada said awkwardly. Her words were hesitant. "But… sorry. I guess."

She stood and walked back toward the cockpit, leaving Jake kneeling in silence. Fear took over, fear of losing another friend, not physically but emotionally. The kind of loss that would cut deeper.

Rusty and Tac watched from their seats. They lowered their voice modules so Jake wouldn't hear.

"Well… Commander's angry," Rusty said, his head tilting as he observed the scene.

"From what I gather, the girl insulted his connection to droids" Tac replied flatly.

Rusty slapped the side of his own head, rattling his joints. "Even I know our commander likes droids more than most organics."

Tac nodded silently.

"I'll make sure he is okay...after a bit" Rusty spoke out, moslty to himself. But Tac nodded either way, it was a good idea.

Jake's eyes lingered on the cockpit door before shifting to Teesh, who remained at his side. The cold steel of his shirt brushed against his skin, sending shivers through him. Teesh's sorrowful gaze met his, unspoken understanding passing between them.

Jake forced a fake smile and took a few hesitant steps toward the cockpit. Teesh watched him go, concern etched on his face. 

As Jake approached Ada's form in her seat, the metal beneath his feet creaked. He hesitated, intending to sit in the chair beside her, but she stood up. Jake flinched as she turned to face him. They stared at each other for a long moment, Jake's shallow, timid breaths audible in the quiet hum of the ship.

Jake wasn't an expert on helping people—far from it. But one thing he'd picked up from his village was small gestures, high fives… and hugs. He stared at the girl in front of him. She clearly wasn't doing well. And like a switch flipping, Jake suppressed his own bubbling sadness to try and help Ada. As far as he could tell, she needed it more than he did. Jake could wait.

In an act of either dumb bravery or sheer lack of social understanding, Jake extended his arms and stayed still. Hugs cheered people up… right? Ada turned fully to him, her helmet tilting in confusion. Jake could only mutter

"S-sorry…"

Ada paused. Jake could feel her stare, reading him like a datascan. His facade broke. His arms trembled weakly as they began to lower, and tears splattered onto the metal floor as he silently began to cry. Ada's shoulders slumped as she took a few hesitant steps forward and placed herself in the space Jake had designated for her. Mandalorian culture was unforgiving, all about weapons, war, and religion. This… this was different.

Jake wrapped his arms around her back as she mimicked the gesture. Both moved slowly, as if handling a frightened animal that might dart away at any moment. Jake sniffled quietly against Ada's cold armor. Her face was hidden beneath her helmet, but a single tear slipped from its edge, landing on the floor.

They stood there for only a few more seconds before separating, both looking away uncomfortably.

"Sorry," Ada muttered.

"Y-yeah… me too. For, ya know," Jake replied.

"Punching the fuck out of me?" Ada said with a weak laugh. Jake followed with one of his own. Before they could continue, Rusty screeched, his lanky B1 limbs carrying him into the cockpit in an unstable fashion.

"F-FRIENDS!! The bugs… from the lava place! They're here?!" Rusty held up Tac's datapad, showing a scanning pulse with several large dots surrounding them, outside. Massive ships boomed out of hyperspace, their hulls covered in a mucus-like mix of steel and the material from the bugs' shells. Jake and Ada stood in disbelief as smaller craft emerged from hyperspace, their designs resembling insect shells and coverings. The mucus trailed from all of their ships, a disgusting sight to be sure. Yet Jake's mind eased as he took this as confirmation of the Mustafarians loyalty.

Suddenly, Ada's ship rocked and shook as they were dragged toward the largest vessel, a carrier-sized monstrosity.

"Must be a tractor beam," Ada mumbled.

Jake gave her a confused look, the shift from the previous moment to this stunned his thoughts. "A tracta-what?"

Ada sighed lightly. "It drags ships into the hangar. Also…"

Without warning, Ada's fist slammed into Jake's gut. Rusty squeaked in surprise, clutching where his mouth would be. Jake grunted, his eyes wide as he doubled over, clutching his stomach.

"Fffffuuuuuuck… you know what… I deserve that," Jake wheezed, the phrase moslty directed towards himself, raising a finger at her. Ada snorted lightly.

 "you do," she said, patting his back as he uncurled, still catching his breath. Rusty tilted his head, ready to ask if he was okay, but Jake waved him off, confirming he was fine. The B1 simply nodded.

As the three walked down from the cockpit section, seeing Teesh and Tac standing with confusion, the ship rattled as it landed in what Jake assumed was the hanger, according to Ada. the Mandolorian went and pressed the button with a click, the ships door hissed open as everyone stuck their heads out.

The Mustafarians on deck stared at them, some of them ideally holding crates as others held their spear blasters, and some who held nothing at all, all chittering to themselves. The inside of the ships seemed to be made fully of steel, several fighters lined the walls hanging in place by thick metallic structres. Jakes wide eyes scanned the area, he had been in a hanger before, but considering he was being chased by Imperials back then he didn't get to really look around. 

Although his gawking was interrupted as Tac tapped his shoulder, motioning to the rest of the group already decending the stairs. Jake nodded and hopped down and few steps, landing next to Rusty who flinched at the sudden movement.

"Man-Thing JJAke!" a crooked voice called out.

Jake turned to see the commanding bug from before, still towering over both him and his droids, staring down at him with insectoid clacking. Rusty looked up before scooting backwards.

"Heyyyy, nice seeing you again" Jake said with a somehwat nervous tone as more and more bugs seemed to gather round, Teeshes eyes darting around with heavy suspicion.

"Who the hell is this guy?" Ada whispered over to Jake with a lean, Tac instead answered as he popped up between the two.

"These Mustafarians are an insectoid species that have been wronged by the Imperials, they plegded to give us assistance in a time of need as long as the Empire is involved" Tacs explination made Ada nod, looking to Jake. 

"nice, and here i thought you were a lonely sand rat" the Mandos vice was teasing enough to get through Jakes seemingly limited knowledge on being social.

"pfff, oh shush" the boy rolled his eyes as he shoved her lightly, earning a light chuckle...had he really attacked her earlier? damm...the feeling stung Jakes chest, even if it seemed to be somewhat resolved.

"We we....we heard your call call...where is threat yes yes?" The lead bugs head turned and snapped around with every few words, goop drooling out of his oddly shaped mouth.

"We were attacked above Tatooines orbit, they captured 3 of our droids" Jake explained, still staring up.

"hmmmm..yes..yes yes! we can go go now! attack we shall...evil imperial man thing die die yes!" The bugs around chittered and schreeched as they raised their various weapons and fists, Rusty and Tac looked, one with confusion, the latter with intrest. Teesh smirked to himself at the scene as Ada was trying not to gag, even with her helmet, Jake could tell she wasnt doing to well, and as the lead bug turned to leave he put a hand on her shoulder.

"You uh..good?"

"Sorry...just....these guys are disgusting" she hushed in a low voice as she turned her head towards him, Jake gave an understanding look and just patted her shoulder. 

"Sorry...youll get used to it..i hope" Ada could only nod in response.

The bug leader was quick to realize the group wasnt following them, and gave a aloud shrill and gave the "get over here" arm motion with his armored limb, Jake motioned to the others as they speed walked to catch up to him, before walking normally.

Jake, Teesh and Adas walked ahead, the boy and the lizard explaining the events, well mostly Teesh...as the longer the explination went on the more Jake stuttered and the quieter he became, Teesh didnt pester the teen and just explained, something the boy was silently grateful for.

Rusty and Tac followed behind, in their own talk.

"You think Clank and Racket are okay?" Rusty asked, turning his head to face the tactical droid as his body walked forwards.

"Affirmative, even as dull as B2 units tend to be, Clank can fight well" Tac explained.

Rusty nodded and looked forward for a moment, bringing his hands up and lighty tapping his finger together. 

"W-well still, if they got caught even the two of them cant fight off that many people" Rusty let out in a soft panicked voice, his high pitched tone making his word break.

"Gideon has more than likely captured them for bargaining usage, and to get Jake to return for an ambush" Tac stated calmly.

"oh...wait a second, arent we going back?" Rusty asked with a hint of conern, his mettalic steps echoing throughout the steel yet oddly moist hallways. The occasional bug skittering by along the walls or roof.

"Correct.....we are walking into a trap, on purpose" Tac stated, motioning to Jake. 

"Courtesy of our commander" Tac finished.

"Isnt that bad?"

"It isnt an ambush if we know its coming" Tac reasoned, The B1 only letting out a silent "ahhhh" in response, the answer seeming to be perfect to Rustys, admittedly, weak programming.

Jake stepped forwards more to walk by the side of the Bug commander, still dawning the heavy armor and spear rifle from before. the hallways reaked of the smell of raw meat, the only one enjoying it being Teesh, who breathed out happily after a deep breath. 

Ada shuddered as a bug warrior clambered by, Teesh only scoffing.

"So uh, uhm..sir?" Jake said lightly reaching up to poke the bug leaders shoulder, the insect snapping his face to stare. 

"Yes yes?" he answered.

"when can we give you the coodinates?"

"no no need friend-man, we know yes yes where Tatooine is is!" The bug spoke in an overly loud voice, as if everything he said needed to be announced. Jake nodded, despite these Mustafarians obviously being bugs, they wear strange masks, with only a few having their eyes exposed, and while their proportions were humanlike, it didnt really matter. Espeically when they tended to ride giant beetle like creatures, now those things would scare anyone..and probably make Ada pass out.

It didnt take much longer to get to the bridge, where the various controls where manned by more armored bugs, who didnt pay any attention to the newcomers. The lead bug tapped on a gooey panal as a hologram emitted from a circular slab of metal in the center of the area.

It flickered to life as Jake and the others surronded it. "This this...here...where you attacked yes yes?" The lead bug pointed at a small dot, with the label Tatooine next to it. 

"Yup..thatsssssss it" Teesh responded as he crossed his arms. 

"This guy is smart...im assuming he is expecting youll come back to save them...which should mean their still alive" Ada said with a hand placed the bottom of her helmet, Tac nodding in agreement.

"Either way, that wasnt Gideons ship that hit us....Sir, can your ships take the Imperials on?" Jake asked turning his head to the large bug, who stood clicking the controls of the holo table. 

"Yes yes..we has plan plan" The Bug chittered to himself a moment "Two ships, only one solider in in! rest all big big booom. HeheHEHAhaAHahaaaa" The bug gave off a chittering laugh before wheezing and stopping. 

"So...your gonna suicide bomb them?" Rusty asked with concern.

"yes YES!" 

"And what of the bugssss on your ssshipsss" Teesh asked with a judgemental look.

"We already has has eggs to replace them...yes yes..they volunteered they did" 

"Well at least they volunteered...i guess" Jake muttered to himself, Rusty listening as he stood by him, shrugging. The Bug clacked to himself as he turned away, ordering nearby bugs to start up the hyperdrive. Jake gave off a shaky sigh, jumping slightly as Teesh pat his shoulder. 

"Dont worry kid, we'll get them back" Teesh gave a toothy grin that Jake returned with a weaker one, Rusty leaning in with a cheery voice.

"Roger Roger!" 

Jake chuckled, his gaze landing on Adas faceless helmet, as the blue light of hyperspace caught his eye he gave a smile to her, and while he couldnt see it, he hoped she was smiling back.....

but he didnt need to worry.

She was..

----------LoCatTIon...Scouting Crusier...OrbitinggG*292---Tatooine..----------

A group of colorless trooper marched in formation out into the small hanger bay, led bya single TK with a black pauldron on his shoulder, all of them blasters in hand. The Hanger bay was filled with troopers walking around performing mundane tasks, or rearming weaponry on the surviving star fighters from the recent fire fight. 

"Alright men! Gideon gave us orders to capture and detain those droids, be ready. The tractor beam is dragging them to us" the Commander TK yelled out, the other saluting and yelling 

"Sir yes sir!" 

The squad gathered around the edge of the hanger bay as the three figures closed the distance, eventually passing through the blue barrier and smashing into the floor. Clank gave a grunt as Racket landed atop him ,Mis-Step letting out a panicked

GONK

as the droid fell on its side, walking in place unable to get up. Before the droids could gain their bearing two TKs seized Racket, grabbing each arm and putting a restraining bolt on his back, the Droidekka shook them off as it turned, but as soon as it wouldve opened fired the bolt shocked it, the droid spasamed as it slumped down smoking. A lone TK slapped a bolt on the Gonk Droid before standing him up, with three troopers including the Commander grabbing hold of Clank.

"Insignificant!" 

Clank bellowed out as he raised his body, backhanding a TK away before shoving the other two. The B2 went to aim his arm cannon at the nearest trooper on the floor who scrambled back, but the Commander quickly appeared by his side, Clank tried to launch his arm backwards for another attack, but the Commander ducked beneath it, slapping the final bolt on him. Clank, oblivious to the change, aimed down his arm, and was subsequently shocked, toppling over.

"Feisty one arent ya?" the TK scoffed.

A sergant walked by the TKs side "I can see why the Clones hate these rustbuckets, anyways, where do we put em Commander Axe?" 

"Shove him with that other Sepi we caught, i bet theyll make great roomates" Axe chuckled to himself as a few TKs saluted, grabbing the droids and starting the process of dragging them through the long and stale halls of their vessel.

"get me into contact with Gideon sergant, id be happy to give him some good news" The sergant only nodded at his requested, and ran off to get the holo table ready in the command center, Axe sighing with relief. 

"Pesky droids.." he muttered...

-----

-----

His legs laid splayed out as his photorecpetors scanned the beaming red barrier, still no weakness in its design...frustrating.

The commando droid lazily laid his head into the wall of the his cell, his dark metal blending with the grey depressing surrondings. He barely moved, unable to find the want to leave anymore. Clone and TKs alike used to come by and taunt him to try ease feelings for their lost brothers, Scythe used to respond with snarky quips, or by attacking the red barrier, only to be thrown back. 

But not anymore, his programming had nothing for him to do that would be helpful...Scythe assumed that this is what beign useless felt like, expect....the droid noticed that this..this is what he had always felt like...ever since he was rushed off the factory doors..wait….since when could he feel?

a noise.. 

Scythe snapped his head as the stimuli gave his programming a grace, he got up and walked forwards only for the red barrier infront of him to fade, at first he stood confused, eventually he tried to move out but his restraining bolt electructed the droid, the pulsing shocks sending him to his knees. He could only see the light chuckle of a few TKs as they tossed objects beside him, only when the barrier returned could Scythe move again, lifting himself he looked around.

"More droids?...curious" the Commando stated.

Clank slammed his fist into the floor as he heaved himself up, Racket shaking his flat head his three red eyes beamed at Scythe. Clank looked over and after a moment spoke up.

"Commando?...i did not think we would see eachother again"

Scythe nodded "I share this thought process"

the two droids stared at the other before Clank looked away, spotting a struggling Mis-Step on the floor, stomping over and lifting the droid up.

"How long have you been here?" Clank asked, wiping some dust of the Gonk droids head.

"3 days...." Scythe paused "the Magnaguard was destroyed in battle, but the Clones escaped"

"Understood...i apologize for that units loss" 

Scythe didnt respond, but changed the subject, Mis-step lighty walking to the corner and plopping down, Racket simply continuing to stare at the two, obviously unable to talk.

"I assume that boy is nearby?"

"negative, we were ejected from our ship due to a blast...they launched into hyperspace and we were captured" Clank explained, stepping back over towards Scythe.

"So, the boy finally made a smart decision"

"and what would that be?"

"Leaving you behind" Scythe spat "We both know we are all expendable, it is our programming"

Clank stood still, thinking..

"I do not wish to be left behind"

"Then you are a fool" Scythe followed, walking back to the wall he was sitting before, and sliding down with a metallic thump.

Clanka program grunted in annoyance, he walked over to the red barrier and reeled back his fist, Scuthe could've told the B2 it was useless to try, but the Commando would rather enjoying watching him get sent stumbling back. Which is exactly what happened, Clanks arm whirred as his fist slammed into the door, the pulse of the hit was the only effect as the counter force sent the droid backwards, taking several steps to stop itsef from falling.

"Idiotic" Scythe said staring up at him.

"Do not lecture me on escape attempts, your supposed to be the special forces, not me" Clank retorted

"We may both be separatist models, but I suggest you cease speaking" 

Clank took a step forwards at the sitting commando, who barely moved. The B2 was stopped in his tracks as Mis-Step let out a loud.

GONK

To the human ear nothing important was exchanged, but whatever the power droid said made Clank stop and simply turn around, staring at the barrier. 

Scythe made the effort to look over at Racket, who peered back. The Commando hadn't seen him before, but the BX didn't care, laying his head back and letting the time pass.

———

———

"Great…sssso we're ssstuck with a sssshit load of inssssectsss who want to kamikaze" Teesh grunted in annoyance as he leaned back in the seat.

Jake could only sigh as he looked up at Ada's ship, said girl walking around it ordering the bugs what to fix and how to fix it. The bugs, being bugs, didn't understand her very well and the girl was getting frustrated at a rapid pace. Rusty and Tac sat observing the scene.

"Okay look it's not the best option but we literally have one ship, not like we can do this ourselves" Jake's voice grew tired as he sighed again, only for Rusty to intervene.

"We could always call in the Separatist Fleet" Rusty said happily "I know they'd love to help"

As Jake and Teesh turned to look at the droid Tac slightly shoved the B1s side. "How many times must I tell you, we lost"

"Ooh yeah….my bad" Rusty shrugged, Jake lightly chuckled as Teesh gave off an annoyed noise.

"Sorry Rusty, maybe we can find some more of you guys later" Jake spoke trying to comfort the B1, who just nodded eagerly in response.

The Bugs used their time to prepare, with Jake and the others watching as they skittered about doing various duties, getting ships ready, arming weapons etc. Jake made sure to tell the lead bug that Gideon was probably expecting only for him to return, so even if they were going into an ambush, the ambush was meant for one ship, not a small fleet. 

After what seemed like forever, a large amount of that time spent trying to convince Teesh not to rip off Rusty's head for talking to much, Jake eventually heard Ada's voice call him from the ship, he looked up to her waving for him to go to her, the teen nodded and lifted him self up, stretching his back before jogging over.

"Yeah? You uh, wanted me?" Jake asked as he peaked a head into the ship, thankfully it seemed the bugs had fixed it, the doors that had blocked off the ship were no longer there and more importantly the hole in the hull had been repaired.

"Ships done….bugs somehow did a decent job so she'll fly again" Ada spoke softly as she rubbed a cloth on one of her pistols, liking away from the boy.

"Alright that's…good to hear"

"Mhm"

"…"

"…"

Jake sighed heavily, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a vibroblade, he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his gaze darting to the door as the silence stretched uncomfortably. Just as he turned to leave, a wire snaked around his torso and yanked him back with a startled yell. Spinning around, he found Ada dragging the wire toward her. In a swift motion, she grabbed the scruff of his metal shirt, her helmet looming close.

"We don't talk about what happened earlier," she growled, her helmet inches from his face.

"Oh, right! Yeah, of course not!" Jake stammered, his words tumbling over themselves. "I mean, why would I? It's not like I'd—okay, maybe Teesh might say something, but not me, no sir—"

Ada cut him off with a sharp glare. "I'm a Mandalorian. Not some softy. I'm not suppos—"

The sudden dimming of the light cut her short. Both turned to see Tac standing in the doorway.

"Am I interrupting something, sir?"

Ada let go of Jake, although there was no malevolent intentions as she gently pushed him to his feet, Jake giving a small thank you glance before answering the droid who just observed to two.

"No, what is it Tac?"

"The Mustafarians are ready to jump into hyper space, they said the systems are old and may cause a hit of a ki-" After what seems like the hundredth time someone has been cut off for whatever reason, this time Tac suddenly stopped speaking as his body was launched backwards, distant clanka heard as he tumbled down the stairs. Jake would've ran after his fallen friend if it weren't for the fact that both he and Ada were launched to the floor, the boy stumbling as he landed chest first into the metal, letting out a pained whimper as his still bandage covered chest would stung, and Ada's metal armor clanged on the wall before landing on her back.

And just as soon as it started the rattling ended, Jake lifted himself slightly off the ground, shaking his head before throwing the rest of his body up on wobbly legs. Ada sat up from her fallen position, to see Jake extending a hand to help her up, which she took. 

"Im assuming that was the Hyperspace jump Tac was on about" Ada said with a slight glance towards Jake.

"Yeah, talk about shitty timing" Jake mused, taking steps towards the door. 

Walking out it seemed only they werent prepared for the sudden jump, and looking outside the hangers entrance to see the blue stripes and glow of hyperspace. On the ground Rusty sat up right holding the back of his head, With Teesh helping Tac up from the bottom of the stairs, some of the bugs chittered at them, probably a laugh, only to be silenced by a stern glare from the reptile, causing the insects to skitter away.

"Okay so guess Tac was right, lttle late on the warning though" Jake groaned as he took a step off the ship.

"Yeah no shit" Ada scoffed from behind, Jake just lightly laughing in response. 

The group, now fully off the floor shook themselves off as they checked on eachother.

"i might have a few bolts loose after that" Rusty complained.

"I think you already had bolts loose" Teesh replied with a smug glance. Rusty tilted his head at the phrase.

"Thank you?" Teesh could only scoff at the droids unawarness.

That didnt matter though, the group was quickly approached by the bug leader, Jake taking it upon himself to step ahead of the others, ready for whatever the insect wanted.

"Man-thing, we arrive soon yes yes....tell you us plan i shall....win win we cans!" Jake nervously nodded at the rambling bug as he gently pushed Jake along, the others staring as Teesh was the first to follow, not fully trusitng leaving Jake alone, the other three just watching as they left to discuss whatever plan these bugs had in mind.

------------

-------------

Clank sat on the floor across from the unmoving Commando droid, Racket and Mis-Step stood in another corner, just staring into nothingness. A loud metal clang made all the droids turn to the red barrier, a smug Gideon stood on the other side pressing the button, several TK troopers stormed into the cell as the red barrier flickered off. They seized Mis-Step and Racket, who thrashed against their grips but couldn't break free. Scythe was carried off by two TKs, his body limp, knowing that any action would trigger the restraining bolt. Clanks stubbornes shined through as he tried to reel back a punch towards one of the TK, earning an electric shock as it took three troopers to carry his limp, and smoking body out.

Gideon followed the trooper as they carried the droids off to a small transport ship, none of them bothering to speak. Their journey was finally cut as the troopers tossed them to the floor without care as they reached their pre detirmined destination. The bridge of the cruiser was stark and cold, its metallic walls reflecting the faint glow of active consoles. Gideon's polished boots clicked against the floor as he approached the fallen droids.

"I presume you know that boy is going to come back for you" Gideon spoke mockingly, his eyes glaring at the downed B2.

"He wouldnt leave me behind" Clank gurgled out, disdain clear in his tone.

"Thats exactly what im counting on, "These bonds he's formed with you droids, they're weaknesses I intend to exploit."

"You, cannot achieve victory, Meatbag" Scythe spat, standing to his feet.

Gideon's dark chuckle evaporated into a cold glare. In one swift motion, he drew his pistol and fired. The red bolt screamed across the room, striking Scythe's knee. The droid crumpled to the ground as fragments of scorched metal clattered to the floor, smoke curling from the jagged remains. Clank and Racket only watching as the Commando stared at its injury.

"As for you, the Empire could use units like you on our side..." Gideon leaned down onto one knee as Scythes unmoving faceplate peered at him. "Do not expect to be hating me for long, soon youll be fighting along side all these trooper in pursuit of Jake"

Scythe didnt answer, his hand only curled in annoyance, the Moff chuckled lightly at the obvious display of anger before being interupted. 

"Sir! were detecting a signature coming out of hyperspace...its a single vessel"

Gideon gave a confused glance "So soon? i expected them to take more time to prepare" 

Scythe's voice crackled with contempt as he turned his unblinking gaze toward Clank. "Your so called commander is as reckless as you are," he spat, the word "commander" dripping with annoyance.

Clank didnt respond, his gaze fixed outside into space, before he fianlly saw what he was waiting for. Adas ship zipped out of Hyperspace, within Ada and Jake manned the controls, buttons and lights blinked as the sensors scanned the Imperial ships.

"I sure hope this works" Jake muttered, Ada looked outside.

"One crusier, three frigates and im assuming a swarm of fighters?" Adas spoke counting aloud as she scanned the outside. "Those bugs had better be right about this" 

Jake looked over at her and tried his best to put on a friendly smile "Im sure we will be fiiiiine" Jake encouraged, although the words didnt seem to be the most confident. Ada shared his gaze for a moment before nodding. 

Back in Gideons vessel, the Moff smiled. "Disengage weapon systems, no need to waste ammunition on such a pitiful target" He waved a hand "Reel them in" 

Gideons smile faded slightly as a comm light began to blink, one of the seated naval pilots turned around. "Sir, we have an incoming transmission"

Another pilot turned "It seems to be coming from their ship"

Gideon scoffed to himself, walking over to the holotable whil barking out orders. "Patch them in, must be a plea for surrender" 

Jake and Ada's forms materialized, bathed in the cold blue glow of the holotables as Gideon stood proudly infront of them, hands clasped behind his back.

Jake leaned casually in the projection, a sly grin stretched across his face.

"So there's the fuckface in the flesh," he quipped, folding his arms.

Gideon's expression darkened, his hands clasping tightly behind his back. "Such foul words for someone in your position. I assume you and your terrorist allies have come to surrender?"

Jake snorted, sharing a look with Ada, who rolled her head in mock disbelief. "Surrender? That's funny. Nope, we're just here for our droids," Jake said, shrugging.

Ada added, "you know, the ones you stole."

Confusion spread through the Imperial crew, officers exchanging uneasy glances. Gideon, however, was losing patience.

"You realize you'll all die for what you've done against the Empire," he snapped, jabbing a finger toward the projection.

Jake grinned wider. "Maybe. But hey, unrelated question, ever meet a Mustafarian?"

Gideons eyes widened, he turned and screeched at his crew. "Ready weapons systems!!" The TKs and crew look at him for a brief moment of confusion before he barked again "NOW!"

As he yelled several large ships boomed out of hyperspace, slime-coated hulls shedding globs of organic matter into space as they came to a halt, their cannons all turning and snapping onto the Imperials. The bugs ships heled similar size to Gideons fleet, with the Mustafarian cruiser being only slightly smaller than the Moffs, with the surronding frigates and fighters being smaller than their counterparts, but fitted with more seemingly organic weaponary.. Gideon looked outside with a panicked expression as he rest of his crew scrambled to activate their weapns again. Gideon turned back to the hologram ready to mock the boy only to see a large Insectoid figure clad in heavy armor instead. Gideon paused as the bug made clicking noises as his mask covered face turned.

"Imperial skin-suit, yes, yes you are! You hurt our man-friend. Now you die, die! YES!!..."

Gideon took a step back as the engines of the seveal Mustfarians ships blasted themselves towards his small fleet.

"For the Separatist Alliance! Yes YES!!!"

The hologram sputtered offline as the bugs insectoid laughter ringed through the now panicking room. Clank and the other droids other than Scythe had stood up to witness what had transpired. Clank smugly turning to Scythe.

"Who is performing the act of laughing, now....it is me.....im the one...laughing" Clank garbled out happily, the BX droid letting out an annoyed grunt, looking to watch as Jakes allies began to open fire...