(Cole POV)
"Wayyl? What's to be found there?" I ask the woman presented on the hologram.
[It's represented by Senator Dagonet.]
"Who?"
[One of the longest-standing Senators of the Republic?]
"Doesn't ring a bell."
[You're hopeless. What would you do without me? Although now that I think about it, probably more of the same. Anyway, I have found out that he requires someone with your skillset.]
"And I should care about that, because?"
[You're no real bounty hunter, Cole. With any other, I could talk from information broker to bounty hunter, but with you, that's impossible.]
"That's the only thing I got going for me."
[No, it's because you don't jump when there's a lot of money to be made.]
"I don't like jumping. So what would I have to do then? You know that I don't like politicians."
[Senator Dagonet's son was kidnapped on their homeworld, Wayyl. He has asked for help from the Jedi, and so far, they haven't answered yet or told him anything specific, so anyone who saves his son will get a lot of credits. I could use some credits.]
"What happened to those I gave you?"
[I have a lot of mouths to feed... You know that.]
"Mm-hmm. Don't worry about credits. So, do you have a picture?"
.
My name is Cole Cassidy. Cassidy wasn't my original last name, but now that I've been given another chance to experience life and didn't have any parents in this one, I chose it for myself. And why not? It suits me, I think. I like the gunslinger and sci-fi look. There is no way I would want to join a religious order and enslave myself to a metaphysical light side or dark side. So I became a bounty hunter. However, it's not that simple.
I was given the wish treatment, thankfully. I didn't see anyone or anything like that; there were no romantic meetings or funny stories to share. I was told that I had only one wish, which came as a great disappointment to me. Naturally, wishing for one of the three O's, as they are known, was not allowed. So, what to wish for? Most of my wishes were refused. If you only have one chance to wish for something, you need to be smart. No powers of the Molecule Man, no true immortality, no reality manipulation... so what did I wish for?
Well, I was a bit sneaky. I continued to state wishes which weren't granted for a very long time. I don't know how long it was, since time was distorted to me, but it felt like an eternity. In the end, I wished for two small potions. That was accepted, right away, with the conditions that it wasn't allowed to be anything 'stronger' than the Super Soldier Serum. Naturally, I was more than fine with that and accepted. However, I hadn't yet said what I wanted those potions to be, so when whatever brought me here agreed to grant me the wish, it hadn't thought about the repercussions. Or maybe it had and didn't care. Either way, I was smart about it. I named what I wanted the vials to be.
Vial 1: The Serum that gave New-Earth Deathstroke his powers.
This is better than the Super Soldier Serum, in my opinion. Due to receiving a serum during a military enhancement procedure, Slade Wilson's physiology was changed permanently. First, the procedure crippled his mind and body. Then, the experiment further rebuilt his physical and mental faculties beyond what a human could process or build. These enhancements make Deathstroke highly effective at low levels of superhuman conditioning. The best part of it is the enhanced intellect. And that's no joke.
- His mind works at incredible speeds and is his greatest asset. His brain capacity has been increased to 90 per cent. Able to think and perceive 9 times faster and utilise that much more of his mind than the average human for information processing and sorting.
- He can perfectly remember anything and instantly recall everything he saw and experienced in his lifetime without being overwhelmed or pausing for thought. Deathstroke's mind is virtually a supercomputer, built for strategy and problem-solving, which operates optimally even under stress and fatigue.
- He can work out a battle ahead of time for every possibility and predict enemy movements and tactics after the battle has engaged by instantly recalling and utilising memorised mannerisms acquired through past experience.
- He is ingenious in devising solutions against superior aspects of opponents, observing and exploiting, and can instantly make any calculations, especially regarding distance, speed, and time; his sense of timing is perfect.
- He immediately solves any problem he happens to face and instantly formulates how to overcome any obstacle.
- He can understand the mechanics behind any issue he faces and knows what must be done to solve any problem.
I was worried about the lack of intelligence, so this serum is what I consider the best choice without being strictly superior to the Super Soldier Serum. Naturally, there are also physical enhancements, of which partial immortality is very tempting. I'm honestly unsure why this was allowed, but all the better.
.
Vial 2: Essence of the Infinite Inventory
Oh, yes. This is a beauty of a Meta Essence CYOA. It does what it says and more. It grants me a game-like inventory that can store anything inside, except sentient, intelligent beings. This means I can put various types of animals, monsters, and the like inside it. But there's more.
I can also permanently delete things inside it. I would lose it and won't get it back unless I have another slot containing it. I can also absorb enemy attacks and multiply them ad infinitum. And then... shoot them back, similar to Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon. But there's more.
I can also combine items and objects like metals, swords and potions to create stronger versions of them. I could merge a poison with a health potion to make something that heals at first and then kills. I could combine a sword and a spear to create a weapon capable of shifting between the two forms. And what's more, I can understand anything I place inside the inventory perfectly.
Guess what the first thing I placed inside the inventory was? The Deathstroke Serum, of course. But apart from taking it once, I haven't done anything else yet. I enjoy my life the way it is.
I was born in the Outer Rim and had to raise myself. That wasn't a problem, as my skills and my Inventory allowed me to live comfortably. I began to gather any new information I could find. I combined different materials with existing armour and weapons to make them stronger. As both a Jesse McCree and Deathstroke fan, I decided to go with a mix of both. I haven't gotten my hands on Beskar yet, but will soon. I also have my eyes on other materials and weapons, and will create my own as well.
By the time I was 21, I had stopped physically ageing and growing stronger, but I had been constantly increasing my skills with my weapons and hand-to-hand combat. Needless to say, I am the wealthiest individual in the galaxy, but I continue taking bounties, since I enjoy doing it. I'm sure the future will bring a lot of adventure and excitement.
.
.
(3rd Person POV)
Jedi Master Dooku and his Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn, arrive at Wayyl in a shuttle.
"We'll be arriving shortly, Master," Qui-Gon says.
"Set us down well clear of the village. Tensions are high enough."
"Yes, Master."
They land their shuttle a distance away from the village they are supposed to visit. As they exit their shuttle, they see the greyish dirt and trees with little other vegetation. There is a large ocean, with massive lakes and rivers. However, the village they are heading towards appears to be dilapidated. Mud hinders the path everywhere, and stray dogs and rats run across the road.
Wherever the two Jedi go, the residents shut their doors and close their windows. Dooku and Qui-Gon make their way to a cantina and enter. Coughing can be heard, and the atmosphere is gloomy.
"Where is the child?" Dooku asks.
But no one answers.
"Where are they holding the Senator's son?" Dooku asks again.
"Why should we tell you?" an elderly woman asks.
Seeing the woman holding some form of authority here, the Jedi and his Padawan make their way to the table. Two men stand up and keep their weapons close to their persons. Dooku sits down.
"Allow me to make my intentions clear," Dooku says, placing his lightsaber on the table.
"Jedi."
"We are here to help resolve the situation," Dooku says.
"For the Senator," the woman says.
"For everyone," Qui-Gon corrects her.
"What do you know of Senator Dagonet?" she asks them.
"He is one of the longest-standing Senators in the Republic," Qui-Gon answers.
"Yes, and when you entered this village, you could see the effects of his long-standing policies."
"With due respect, if you don't like him, why not select a new Senator?" Qui-Gon asks.
"Heh, how naive," a new voice says.
Dooku turns to the side and widens his eyes. He recognises that voice and knows the person it belongs to. He stands up and grabs his lightsaber, but doesn't ignite it yet. At the table in the corner sits a stranger with a sci-fi cowboy look. He smiles upon seeing Dooku, but his laid-back attitude often hides his true thoughts. Dooku knows him to be unpredictable.
"What are you doing here?" Dooku asks.
"Is that a way to greet an old friend, Dooku?" Cole asks.
"We are not friends."
"What? Are you still mad about Protobranch? That was like... ages ago. And I think I did pretty well."
"Not Protobranch. You stole the cargo when I was on Aroom 3, which was supposed to feed a small village." Dooku hisses.
"That old spaceship? Really? At least now I know why Aiva looked at me strangely. Hey, but I did return the cargo in the end, didn't I? That has to amount to something. Sure, the ship was ruined, but at least I wasn't hurt."
"What are you doing here?" Dooku asks again, this time slower.
"Same as you, I suppose. Pompous Senator, missing child, you know the drill," Cole says.
"Senator Dagonet hired you?" Qui-Gon asks.
"Indeed. So, how about we call a truce here and get what we both came here to do, eh?" Cole asks.
Qui-Gon looks at his master, who swallows his annoyance and nods. He knows that Cole is unpredictable, and without a doubt is the best bounty hunter he has ever met, but he isn't an evil man per se. At least that's what his gut told him. The Force had not much to say about him. As if it were... clueless. But that was clearly a mistake, right?
"Perfect, now love, you were about to tell the Padawan, why you aren't simply selecting a new Senator," Cole addresses the old woman.
"I didn't know you were so well known, Cole," the woman says.
"You know this man?" Dooku asks.
"Yes, Cole is a good man," she says.
"Since when do you know her? Are you involved in the Senator's abduction? Are you looking to make money here?" Dooku asks, moving his hand back to his lightsaber.
"We just met, like an hour ago. Lovely people, honestly," Cole says.
"Don't lie to me, bounty hunter," Dooku says.
"I don't think he is lying, Master," Qui-Gon says.
"He's not lying. Cole arrived here about an hour before you did," the woman says.
Dooku looks at Cole but doesn't want to believe it. He can feel that the woman is telling the truth. He knew that Cole was rather charismatic and, for a bounty hunter, that was unusual. The reason this bothered him was that he wasn't immune to it either.
"Now, about voting on another Senator?"
"I wish it were that simple," the old woman says. "Perhaps in the beginning, Senator Dagonet was a good person and had the interests of the people in mind. But now... Come, I will show you where the Senator's son is."
"You're one of the kidnappers?" Qui-Gon asks, surprised.
"They all are," Dooku concludes.
"Indeed. Senator Dagonet's service to the Republic has done everything to enrich him, at the expense of his people."
They walk a short distance from the village to a barn, where they find the Senator's son with his hands tied behind his back.
"Have you been treated well?" Dooku asks.
"For a prisoner, yes. Besides, I have two-ton here, to keep me company," the young man says, pointing at the droid.
"Your ordeal will soon be over," Qui-Gon promises.
"It's not much of an ordeal. Not compared to how these people are living."
"And you were not aware of these conditions?" Dooku asks.
"I rarely leave the capital. When I do, I spend time off-world on Coruscant, not here. How can my father allow this to happen to his people?"
"Greed child, greed," Cole says after looking around the barn.
"Who are you?" he asks.
"Cole Cassidy, pleasure. Your father hired me to retrieve you."
"You're a bounty hunter?" the young man asks, his voice filled with fear.
"Aye, I suppose you can call me that. Don't look so scared, I'm not collecting any bounties right now."
"Please don't hurt these people," the young man says.
"Why would I hurt them? A rebellion against tyranny starts with injustice, or is it justice?" Cole asks.
"You believe it to be just what the people did by abducting the Senator's son?" Qui-Gon asks.
"Come now, young Padawan. You can't possibly be this naive, can you? The Jedi and the Senators are just, and those who don't follow their will and ideas are unjust? Those views change as often as the sun rises. Men and women who have never known peace have different values from those who have never known war. Those who have never known property and a full stomach have different priorities from the rich and powerful," Cole says, reciting the words of a different life.
"What does this mean for you, then? Is what we do pointless? Is the Jedi Order not going about it the correct way? We are keepers of peace, no?" Qui-Gon asks.
"The simple truth is that those who stand at the very top of power decide the current definition of just and evil."
Qui-Gon widens his eyes. He has never thought about it that way. Qui-Gon is a good man who represents what the Jedi Order should be, and Cole knows that. Even Dooku has his heart in the right spot and is bothered by what he sees here. But listening to Cole's words doesn't please the man of House Serenno. But he can't help but admit that there is truth to his words.
"I see. So the only thing we can do is trust the Force for guidance. And that this way, justice will eventually triumph," Qui-Gon says contemplatively.
"Justice will triumph? Did you not listen to what I just said? Of course, justice will triumph because the victors will write history and, therefore, become the ones who decide what justice is. Don't worry about the future, Padawan. You can only live in the moment," Cole says.
The door opens, and a man rushes inside.
"The Senator, he's here. And he's brought soldiers," the man says.
"You have deceived us, Master Jedi," the elder woman says.
"No, the senator did not know about our coming here," Dooku says, looking at Cole with narrowed eyes.
"What? I didn't contact him."
"Then who did? You are the only one who would profit from this," Dooku says.
"Not really. If the Senator comes here with soldiers to handle the problem himself, he won't have to pay, and no one would find out what he did," Cole explains.
They walk out of the barn and see the approaching soldiers with the Senator in their midst. Dooku and Qui-Gon stand at the forefront of the group. Cole, meanwhile, stands next to Dooku, a bit to the side.
"Jedi, arrest these criminals and have them release my son at once," Senator Dagonet commands.
"I'm afraid our investigation is not yet complete, Senator," Dooku says.
"Investigation? They abducted my son! I demand his release!" Dagonet orders.
"I assure you, your son is in no immediate danger."
"I'll be the judge of that. You, bounty hunter, what are you doing? Where is my son? If they won't follow my orders, then you will!"
"Your son's in the barn. As for what I'm doing, I'm standing here," Cole shrugs.
"I pay you to find my son, and you will do that right this instant. Get him to me, or you will not see a single credit."
"I couldn't care less for your credits. I do care about your way of ruling this planet, though. What would the Republic think when they find out that you are getting rich and powerful, at the expense of your own people? Would they like that? They have double standards, but with such an image, you wouldn't have much success afterwards."
"You dare threaten me?! A street rat, bounty hunter? Guards!" Dagonet shouts.
The guards move forward into position and aim their blasters at the people, and they do the same. Qui-Gon can feel the fear coming from the men and women as they have far worse weapons than the soldiers do.
"Step aside, Jedi."
"We cannot," Dooku says.
"You serve the Senate," Dagonet says.
"No. We serve the people of the Republic."
"And what about you, bounty hunter? Will you stand at my side, or will you also go against a Senator of the Republic?" Dagonet asks Cole.
"You see, Senator..." Cole lights his cigar. "Hoooh... It appears that you're no better a judge of human beings than you are a specimen of one. That's some rad beard you got there, I admit. But I don't like your helmet. So I am disinclined to acquiesce to your request."
"So be it. Ready!"
The soldiers prepare to attack. There are two Jedi in front of them after all. And a rather famous bounty hunter.
"Aim!"
Both Master and Padawan Jedi ignite their lightsabers.
"Stand down," Dooku says.
"I will not," the Senator says, pointing a hand blaster at them as well.
"Fire!"
And then the shooting starts. The soldiers shoot towards the poor people of Wayyl, while they return fire. Dooku and Qui-Gon block the blaster fire, making sure not to hit anyone. Cole, meanwhile, has pulled out his modified guns faster than anyone and has fired at the soldiers' weapons. All of his shots hit the bullseye, and he also adds another shot into either their legs or arms, to take them out for good. He isn't doing this because he's a pacifist or hates killing; he just knows that once he's done here, the people will need support, and the soldiers will be the best support they can get.
"Halt!" the Senator shouts.
Dooku looks at the few who have been hurt or killed by the soldiers. He sees the pain and the uselessness of what is happening here. And it makes him angry. He looks at the angry look on the Senator's face.
"I will destroy this town and make an example out of it, and many others. None shall defy me. Not even you, Master Jed-"
*BANG*
A shot is heard, and a hole appears in the Senator's head. Dooku's anger suddenly disappears, and he looks to the side where Cole rotates and puts his modified blaster away. He has spent years creating a revolver-looking blaster with the power surpassing that of normal ones. He has also made it far more accurate.
"What... have you done?" Dooku says as he sees Dagonet fall to the ground.
"I prevented you from sullying your white vest. You looked pretty angry," Cole says.
It's true, Dooku was just about to use the Force to choke the Senator, when Cole killed the man. In a way, he prevented that from happening and solved the problem all at once. This will paint a large target on his back, as no one kills a Senator and just gets away with it. The Republic will want his head, that's for sure. But this doesn't bother Cole.
"You killed him, a Senator of the Republic. Right in front of two Jedi."
"True, that might sully your reputation instead of your conscience. But don't worry, after a few wise words and successful missions, you'll be right back where you started."
Dooku turns towards Cole with his lightsaber still ignited and hesitates. He doesn't know what to do, as Cole is right. He was just about to use the Force against the Senator. But he can't allow Cole to leave after what he did. Cole presses a button on his handguard and calls for his starship. A second later, an N-1 starfighter appears and lets down a hook for Cole to grab.
"Well, it's been fun. Oh, and check out the barn, I'm sure you'll find something good there," Cole says.
Dooku tries to use the Force to stop him, but Cole throws a smoke bomb towards him, blocking his concentration and vision, and then flies off, leaving the Jedi, the soldiers and the civilians standing there.
"What did he mean by that, Master?" Qui-Gon asks.
"Who knows? Cole Cassidy can be both very literal and cryptic in quick intervals. Let us check out the barn," Dooku answers.
They go to have a look at the barn, while the young man mourns for his father. It might seem that no one was the winner of this day, not even Cole, since he didn't get paid, but that's not true.
"Master, look!"
"What is it?"
"These crates..."
Dooku and Qui-Gon look at the crates which weren't there when they entered, and they are certain of it. They open them up, and inside, they find food, crops and even one with credits. Both of the Jedi's eyes widened, but not as much as those of the civilians when they saw it. They start to cheer and cry in relief and joy.
"Was that his doing, Master?" Qui-Gon asks.
"Yes, there is no doubt about it."
"But when did he place them there? We were with him the entire time? How could he carry them there?" Qui-Gon asks.
"He must have brought them earlier and then waited for the arrival of the Senator."
"So killing the Senator was his goal from the very start?" Qui-Gon asks, surprised.
"It appears so, Qui-Gon. It appears so."