Disclaimer: All of this belongs to George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd. I am making no money from this, either. :(
The Confrontation
General Obi-Wan Kenobi and Commander Anakin Skywalker looked out the bridge windows of the massive Republic Assault Ship. Since the beginning of the Clone Wars five months ago, they had fought alongside each other in many battles. Countless battalions of clones had been killed, captured or gone missing. Of the 16 000 clones the ship left Coruscant with, only 6 000 remained. They needed more troops badly. One dozen AT-TE's, six SPHA-T's and 28 Republic Gunships had been destroyed. Only 240 speeder bikes were left. Luckily, they still had all 20 Republic Dropships. On the assault ship itself, three quad turbolaser turrets and 16 laser cannons were gone. Fortunately, they still had all four missile / torpedo launch tubes. Spirits were low and even Obi-Wan looked depressed.
Obi-Wan had been Anakin's master for 10 years but he still hadn't revealed where they were going now. It was time to find out the truth. "Where are we going, Master?" Anakin asked the tall, bearded man. "To Kamino and Rothana. Our ship is damaged. It needs repairs. And the clones... we need more troops. 10 000 of them are ready and we're going to pick them up first. Then we'll head to Rothana to get the repairs and replace our missing craft."
Anakin was disappointed. He had hoped they would go back to Coruscant for a relief from military duty. He had certainly earned it. And besides being tired from battle, Anakin missed his wife: Padme Amidala Skywalker. He remembered the last time he saw her, three days after their secret wedding on Naboo. It was the day they returned to Coruscant as Senator and Jedi protector. They both had duties to the Republic and would be leading separate lives, he knew. He longed to see her again.
Anakin's thoughts changed as he looked down at his mechanical right hand. An evil Sith Lord, Count Dooku, had sliced it off during a lightsaber battle on Geonosis. It seemed like so long ago and he was reminded of how bad the situation really was. Since the opening of the Clone Wars, at the Battle of Geonosis, 1 500 Jedi had lost their lives. The Force seemed turbulent and the galaxy was in distress. Geonosis was now the center of Separatist activity while Kamino was producing millions of more clones. It was still hard to believe it had all happened in such a short time. For Anakin, it seemed like someone else's reality, like it wasn't happening to him.
Captain Ronet interrupted Anakin's thoughts. "General Kenobi, we are receiving a message from the Peacekeeper. It is for you." "Thank you, Captain. This is General Kenobi aboard the Liberator," said Obi-Wan. A strong voice came through the communications system. "This is General Fisto, of the Peacekeeper. We have just received a message from Coruscant. Count Dooku has been spotted in the Anoat system, gathering more troops for the Separatists. We have been ordered to track him down. We will be dropping out of hyperspace to change course after another parsec. The Liberator is to continue to Kamino for repairs." "I see, General, will the Mediator be joining you?" Obi-Wan asked. "No. In your condition, it's not safe to travel alone. After escorting you to Kamino, the Mediator will join us. We have already notified them. I trust you can make it to Rothana on your own?" Obi-Wan recognized the teasing tone of his fellow Jedi. Kit Fisto has used it many times since they first met. All Jedi had grown closer after the outbreak of the Clone Wars. "Yes, General Fisto. Thank you for informing us. May the Force be with you," said Obi-Wan. "May the Force be with you," replied Kit Fisto. Obi-Wan and Anakin watched as the Peacekeeper dropped out of hyperspace leaving them with the Mediator.
Anakin was worried now. All planets in the Anoat system had remained neutral during the Clone Wars. What could Count Dooku be doing there? Perhaps his Master could provide some insight. Anakin asked, "What could the Separatists want with the Anoat system?" "I'm not sure, but I heard they found a new Tibanna gas deposit on Bespin. It could be very profitable, since the gas is so rare and valuable but there aren't any mines there yet. I'm sure that whatever Dooku's up to, it's no good." "Yes, Master."
Before Anakin had any time to reflect on what happened, the entire hyperspace glow around them changed from ice blue to bright orange. Before anyone had time to say anything, they were all slammed into the floor as the Republic Assault Ship was forced out of hyperspace. Anakin and Obi-Wan were on their feet in an instant and helped Captain Ronet up. "What happened?" asked Obi-Wan. "I'm not sure but we're receiving a distress message from the Mediator." Obi-Wan barked out the command: "Put it through!" The comm. unit crackled for a moment and finally a voice came through. "General Kenobi, this is General Gallia of the Mediator. We have been forced out of hyperspace and are under attack from 12 Separatist capital ships. I don't think we can hold them off for much longer; you should leave now." The captain said "She's right, General. Three more ships just appeared and are heading to intercept us." Obi-Wan was determined to help. "I never run from a fight; let us stay, we can help you." He was rocked back and forth as proton torpedoes hit the ship. "You have no choice, General Kenobi, you can't stand up to that much firepower." Anakin finally spoke up. "We must go, Master." "Fine. Is the hyperdrive generator online?" "Yes, General." "Then let us depart. Don't worry, General Gallia, we'll send more ships when we get to Kamino. May the Force be with you." "May the Force be with you." The comm. unit buzzed with static as the communications center was hit. "Let's go, Captain!" Obi-Wan watched the stars fly by as they entered hyperspace. He hated leaving anyone behind but they had no other option. "Please inform me when we reach Kamino. I am retiring to my quarters." Obi-Wan said as he left the bridge.
Obi-Wan was woken up by the soft sounds of his comm. unit. "Yes, Captain?" he asked in a groggy voice. "We've reached Kamino and we're ready to dock with the re-loaders." "Proceed, Captain." Obi-Wan decided to get up and get dressed. He felt it would be a long day ahead.
Twelve hours later, the newly repaired Liberator carried 16 000 clonetroopers, four dozen AT-TE's, three dozen SPHA-T's, 320 speeder bikes, 60 Republic Gunships and 20 Republic Dropships. It's dozen quad turbolaser turrets, 24 laser cannons and four missile / torpedo launch tubes were now fully operational.
Obi-Wan was beaming on the Bridge, ready to take on Separatist forces. He contacted Coruscant to get new orders. "Coruscant Command, this is General Kenobi aboard the Liberator. We have just received repairs on Rothana and are ready to continue our military service." Obi-Wan was surprised to hear Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's voice coming through loudly. "Greetings General. I'm afraid I have bad news for you. The Mediator was destroyed by a Separatist battle group and we have lost contact with the Peacekeeper. All forces are being directed to Kessel. I feel another battle is about to take place there. We would like you to join the ships there as well. I am...* All of a sudden, the Chancellor's communication was cut off. The entire ship began to rumble, as if it were in the hands of an enormous beast, being shaken to its very core. The stars disappeared from the viewport and the ship was left in a void. Inexplicably, the low roar stopped and all was silent. "What happened, Captain?" Obi-Wan asked in a worried voice. "I'm not sure, General. The power system and all sensors are working but navigation is down. I have no idea where we are." "I sense a disturbance in the Force, Master" Anakin said gravely as he walked onto the Bridge. "I sense it also, Padawan."
Suddenly, all the stars returned to view as if the ship had just exited hyperspace. Everything seemed normal. Except, what awaited the Liberator was anything but ordinary. The entire viewscreen was filled with an enormous capital warship. It must have been a kilometer long, maybe more! The planet behind it was barely visible. "Master, what is that?" Anakin asked in awe. "I'm not sure, Anakin, but it's huge." "It's double our size, at least!" Anakin said. Captain Ronet spoke up, "General, I see at least 50 weapons emplacements on that thing! If they don't like the look of us..." "I know, Captain, but we can't jump to conclusions." "General, they're contacting us." "Put them through." Obi-Wan said, unable to hide the anxiety in his voice. The tough voice of a seasoned captain came through. "This is the Devastator, an Imperial Star Destroyer. In the name of the Empire, surrender now and prepare to be boarded... or face the consequences."
The Confrontation
General Obi-Wan Kenobi and Commander Anakin Skywalker looked out the bridge windows of the massive Republic Assault Ship. Since the beginning of the Clone Wars five months ago, they had fought alongside each other in many battles. Countless battalions of clones had been killed, captured or gone missing. Of the 16 000 clones the ship left Coruscant with, only 6 000 remained. They needed more troops badly. One dozen AT-TE's, six SPHA-T's and 28 Republic Gunships had been destroyed. Only 240 speeder bikes were left. Luckily, they still had all 20 Republic Dropships. On the assault ship itself, three quad turbolaser turrets and 16 laser cannons were gone. Fortunately, they still had all four missile / torpedo launch tubes. Spirits were low and even Obi-Wan looked depressed.
Obi-Wan had been Anakin's master for 10 years but he still hadn't revealed where they were going now. It was time to find out the truth. "Where are we going, Master?" Anakin asked the tall, bearded man. "To Kamino and Rothana. Our ship is damaged. It needs repairs. And the clones... we need more troops. 10 000 of them are ready and we're going to pick them up first. Then we'll head to Rothana to get the repairs and replace our missing craft."
Anakin was disappointed. He had hoped they would go back to Coruscant for a relief from military duty. He had certainly earned it. And besides being tired from battle, Anakin missed his wife: Padme Amidala Skywalker. He remembered the last time he saw her, three days after their secret wedding on Naboo. It was the day they returned to Coruscant as Senator and Jedi protector. They both had duties to the Republic and would be leading separate lives, he knew. He longed to see her again.
Anakin's thoughts changed as he looked down at his mechanical right hand. An evil Sith Lord, Count Dooku, had sliced it off during a lightsaber battle on Geonosis. It seemed like so long ago and he was reminded of how bad the situation really was. Since the opening of the Clone Wars, at the Battle of Geonosis, 1 500 Jedi had lost their lives. The Force seemed turbulent and the galaxy was in distress. Geonosis was now the center of Separatist activity while Kamino was producing millions of more clones. It was still hard to believe it had all happened in such a short time. For Anakin, it seemed like someone else's reality, like it wasn't happening to him.
Captain Ronet interrupted Anakin's thoughts. "General Kenobi, we are receiving a message from the Peacekeeper. It is for you." "Thank you, Captain. This is General Kenobi aboard the Liberator," said Obi-Wan. A strong voice came through the communications system. "This is General Fisto, of the Peacekeeper. We have just received a message from Coruscant. Count Dooku has been spotted in the Anoat system, gathering more troops for the Separatists. We have been ordered to track him down. We will be dropping out of hyperspace to change course after another parsec. The Liberator is to continue to Kamino for repairs." "I see, General, will the Mediator be joining you?" Obi-Wan asked. "No. In your condition, it's not safe to travel alone. After escorting you to Kamino, the Mediator will join us. We have already notified them. I trust you can make it to Rothana on your own?" Obi-Wan recognized the teasing tone of his fellow Jedi. Kit Fisto has used it many times since they first met. All Jedi had grown closer after the outbreak of the Clone Wars. "Yes, General Fisto. Thank you for informing us. May the Force be with you," said Obi-Wan. "May the Force be with you," replied Kit Fisto. Obi-Wan and Anakin watched as the Peacekeeper dropped out of hyperspace leaving them with the Mediator.
Anakin was worried now. All planets in the Anoat system had remained neutral during the Clone Wars. What could Count Dooku be doing there? Perhaps his Master could provide some insight. Anakin asked, "What could the Separatists want with the Anoat system?" "I'm not sure, but I heard they found a new Tibanna gas deposit on Bespin. It could be very profitable, since the gas is so rare and valuable but there aren't any mines there yet. I'm sure that whatever Dooku's up to, it's no good." "Yes, Master."
Before Anakin had any time to reflect on what happened, the entire hyperspace glow around them changed from ice blue to bright orange. Before anyone had time to say anything, they were all slammed into the floor as the Republic Assault Ship was forced out of hyperspace. Anakin and Obi-Wan were on their feet in an instant and helped Captain Ronet up. "What happened?" asked Obi-Wan. "I'm not sure but we're receiving a distress message from the Mediator." Obi-Wan barked out the command: "Put it through!" The comm. unit crackled for a moment and finally a voice came through. "General Kenobi, this is General Gallia of the Mediator. We have been forced out of hyperspace and are under attack from 12 Separatist capital ships. I don't think we can hold them off for much longer; you should leave now." The captain said "She's right, General. Three more ships just appeared and are heading to intercept us." Obi-Wan was determined to help. "I never run from a fight; let us stay, we can help you." He was rocked back and forth as proton torpedoes hit the ship. "You have no choice, General Kenobi, you can't stand up to that much firepower." Anakin finally spoke up. "We must go, Master." "Fine. Is the hyperdrive generator online?" "Yes, General." "Then let us depart. Don't worry, General Gallia, we'll send more ships when we get to Kamino. May the Force be with you." "May the Force be with you." The comm. unit buzzed with static as the communications center was hit. "Let's go, Captain!" Obi-Wan watched the stars fly by as they entered hyperspace. He hated leaving anyone behind but they had no other option. "Please inform me when we reach Kamino. I am retiring to my quarters." Obi-Wan said as he left the bridge.
Obi-Wan was woken up by the soft sounds of his comm. unit. "Yes, Captain?" he asked in a groggy voice. "We've reached Kamino and we're ready to dock with the re-loaders." "Proceed, Captain." Obi-Wan decided to get up and get dressed. He felt it would be a long day ahead.
Twelve hours later, the newly repaired Liberator carried 16 000 clonetroopers, four dozen AT-TE's, three dozen SPHA-T's, 320 speeder bikes, 60 Republic Gunships and 20 Republic Dropships. It's dozen quad turbolaser turrets, 24 laser cannons and four missile / torpedo launch tubes were now fully operational.
Obi-Wan was beaming on the Bridge, ready to take on Separatist forces. He contacted Coruscant to get new orders. "Coruscant Command, this is General Kenobi aboard the Liberator. We have just received repairs on Rothana and are ready to continue our military service." Obi-Wan was surprised to hear Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's voice coming through loudly. "Greetings General. I'm afraid I have bad news for you. The Mediator was destroyed by a Separatist battle group and we have lost contact with the Peacekeeper. All forces are being directed to Kessel. I feel another battle is about to take place there. We would like you to join the ships there as well. I am...* All of a sudden, the Chancellor's communication was cut off. The entire ship began to rumble, as if it were in the hands of an enormous beast, being shaken to its very core. The stars disappeared from the viewport and the ship was left in a void. Inexplicably, the low roar stopped and all was silent. "What happened, Captain?" Obi-Wan asked in a worried voice. "I'm not sure, General. The power system and all sensors are working but navigation is down. I have no idea where we are." "I sense a disturbance in the Force, Master" Anakin said gravely as he walked onto the Bridge. "I sense it also, Padawan."
Suddenly, all the stars returned to view as if the ship had just exited hyperspace. Everything seemed normal. Except, what awaited the Liberator was anything but ordinary. The entire viewscreen was filled with an enormous capital warship. It must have been a kilometer long, maybe more! The planet behind it was barely visible. "Master, what is that?" Anakin asked in awe. "I'm not sure, Anakin, but it's huge." "It's double our size, at least!" Anakin said. Captain Ronet spoke up, "General, I see at least 50 weapons emplacements on that thing! If they don't like the look of us..." "I know, Captain, but we can't jump to conclusions." "General, they're contacting us." "Put them through." Obi-Wan said, unable to hide the anxiety in his voice. The tough voice of a seasoned captain came through. "This is the Devastator, an Imperial Star Destroyer. In the name of the Empire, surrender now and prepare to be boarded... or face the consequences."