Project Boussh: Mornin' Farmer Lister!
by Brad Corletti

"Intelligence has informed me that there is a Rebel base of operations
near the South Australian coast, at a place called "Lochiel". Our
objectives are simple. Hit the base and bring back anything of value,
especially intelligence."

Brad called up a holographic display. "The base is situated here, next
to the Hummock Range. Alpha Flight is to perform a flyby to locate and
destroy any anti-starfighter defences. Once the area is clear, Alpha
Flight will fly Combat Air Patrol for the 525th in their stormtrooper
transport. The 525th are to secure the base and begin searching for
Rebel intelligence information. Any questions?"

None of the assembled stormtroopers and TIE pilots raised their hands.

"Good. Then man your ships, and may the Emperor be with you!"

--

The operation went smoothly, as Brad had expected. There were no
anti-starfighter defences, nor were there automated sentry turrets or
booby traps. Brad feigned caution anyway, giving careful orders that
allowed the operation to proceed without giving away the fact that he
knew it was a milk run.

The only disturbance was the arrival of the paddock's farmer. Brad had
ordered him stunned and left it at that. The farmer knew nothing.

The troops returned with little; a few changes of clothes, survival
rations, little more. Brad and Dorset had left nothing of value
behind.

It was fitting that the Empire would be bringing him back their
belongings, after the New Republic had tried to ensure they would not
have any at all. It was rather obvious to Brad that the New Republic
wanted nothing more to do with him, after it had sucked him dry and
discarded the husk in an orgy of suspicion. The Empire was his only
choice, and it was one he was embracing, with one minor complication.

Brad was on the horns of a dilemma. On the one hand, he wanted to hurt
the New Republic like they had hurt him. On the other, his quarrel was
with the New Republic, not AFW.

If he were to use the insider knowledge he possessed, the Empire would
quickly crush the New Republic forces on this world. And while it
would be satisfying to watch Piggy beg for its worthless life, it
would put Quiara and the rest of the AFWers at serious risk.

Of course, it wasn't a dilemma at all.

Brad really hated Piggy.