The Negotiator and the Fire Fang

The Infiltration of Vardos: Lightning and Embers

The next day, the Republic troops managed to track a Separatist signal to the warehouse in the industrial district of Kestro.

This put Windu on edge. This furthered his suspicions that Versio, and possibly Gleb, were helping Dooku under the table. It's very possible that the Count had devised this all under a pseudonym, but after Garrick's behavior in his office, Mace was willing to bet against it.

After planning their strategy, they found themselves standing in the complex, waiting for Versio's men to arrive. There were clones grouped up here and there, all rearing to go.

Cordelia however still seemed out of it. This concerned Windu and he decided to speak to her about it. He needed the Gray to be completely focused and right now she seemed anything but. Cordelia was talking with Stak and Captain Fir over near a few large containment units as Windu strolled over.

"Consult, can I have a word?" he asked her, his sentence more of a command than a request. The Gray turned to him. There was a question in her eyes.

"Of course Master Windu." she replied pleasantly. They moved a few feet to their right to speak more privately. He sighed out his nose.

"I sense that you are still uneasy Cordelia. Are you sure you are up for this mission?" She gripped her right wrist. She lowered her head and looked up to him past her hood.

"Yes. I promise sir. I won't let you down, nor will I let my emotions get in the way of us taking Dooku in. You have my word." she promised. Windu scanned her eyes for any hidden emotions they may have given away, but found none. "Good." They both looked away as the Jinata Reinforcements marched in.

There were twelve of them. The Ember Squadron was dressed in a dangerous looking black armor. The exterior was matte, reflecting little to no light. The one that was speaking with Master Mundi, presumably the leader, was the only one that had anything adorning his armor. Red stripes had been painted on his chest plate and helmet. They were pristine, all edges crisp and clean, especially when compared to the clone troopers' battle worn armor. Windu, Cordelia, and their men made their way over to them. Master Mundi looked to them and greeted his comrades with a warm smile.

"Lightning Squadron, meet Ember Squadron." he introduced. "This is Commander Yuno. He will be assisting us in driving the Separatists from Vardos." Yuno took a step forward to address them. Yuno was a tall man. Although he was skinny, he was well muscled. Only his face was visible through his helmet. His defining features were a small nose, dark upturned eyes, and lock of hair that was stuck to his brow.

"It's an honor to serve with your troopers. I have heard stories of the Clone Army's prowess and skills in battle. I look forward to seeing if they are true." he told them, putting a fist to his breast. He dipped his head respectfully. However, as he righted, he shot a pointed look towards three Force-Users and said nothing. Windu sensed irritation from Cordelia, but she kept her mouth shut this time.

Their plan was to move stealthily to the warehouse, which was on the opposite side of the complex. From there, they would surround it. Then Mace and Yuno would enter, driving the droids out. That would leave Mundi and Cordelia outside to box them in. Windu would have preferred to have Mundi by his side rather than of Yuno, but he trusted the Jinata Commander less than he trusted Dooku. As for Cordelia, she was starting to prove herself, but after her outburst in Versio's office, he did not want to leave anything to chance.

So they found themselves taking up posts around a large, decently kept building. The metal on the outside was rusted, but that was the only major flaw with it.

Some soldiers, both clones and Jinata, were perched up on nearby warehouses and container units in sniping positions. Others were positioned behind boxes or vehicles or machines.