Chapter 3:
Admiral Yularen watched as the twilight advanced towards the humongous enemy starship.
"I am afraid master Skywalker is taking a terrible risk" Plo Koon sighed. The young padawan Ahsoka Tano gave the Kel Dor master a wide smile "You will get used to it". The admiral turned from the bridge windows and faced the two Jedi. "Im sure that General Kenobi and General Skywalker can manage the rescue mission, so far they have proven their merit". The Jedi master nodded "I have been called by the council to oversee a transaction at Nal Hutta" He glanced down at his young friend whom seemed disappointed "May the force be with you and your master". He turned to Yularen and they both nodded in mutual respect.
Not long after Plo Koon's starfighter had jumped into hyperspace the Republic fleet received a reinforcement message. "This is Captain Wilhuff Tarkin, four of my Republic frigates are on the way to support your attack". Admiral Yularen answered firmly "Copy that captain". The blue hologram of Tarkin disappeared. Then four proud frigates burst out of hyperspace. A small shuttle left the front frigate and flew into the commanding Republic starship. After a few minutes a pompous commanding officer gracefully entered the command bridge, he was followed by a warrior with long brown hair and two golden tattoos decorating his stern frame.
Yularen couldn't help get puzzled " General…?" the Jedi interrupted him "Quinlan Vos" he stopped in front of the Admiral " I am here in master Luminara's place, since she is occupied with separatist reinforcement" Yularen nodded in understandment.
Tarkin was standing with his arms behind his back inspecting the Malevolence "We are here to help you destroy that enemy ship" he glanced back with an annoyed facial expression "And I would suggest that we continue our assault, while we still have the chance" Admiral Yularen raised an eyebrow "I have strict orders from general Skywalker and general Kenobi to maintain our position until the hostage is successfully rescued". A smirk twitched on Tarkin's small lips "And I presume the general's are performing this ruse themselves?" Yularen opened his mouth to answer but Tarkin interrupted him "With all due respect sir, we can't let a senator hostage stop us from terminating this weapon of mass destruction" straightening his back he added " Think on all the lives that will be lost if the Malevolence prevail" Yularen crossed his arms and sighed "That may be so.. but I have my orders" he increased his tone " And I can't blast the ship into oblivion while my commanding officers are onboard" Tarkin released a heartless laugh "You are no programmed Clone my dear Admiral, we can't let the Jedi's foolishness Jeopardize our best chance of victory, I say we continue our assault with maximum firepower " furiously Yularen barked "Captain Tarkin you don't have the authority here! so I would sugg.." A deep voice interrupted "But I do admiral"
Quinlan Vos stood hunched over a hologram podium which was projecting the Malevolence. He turned his head towards the two officers "And Tarkin is right, we must take extreme actions if we are to succeed" The captain smirked while Admiral Yularen widened his eyes in disbelief "But sir, general Kenobi and Skywalker would go down with it…" Quinlan Vos pushed himself from the podium "They are capable Jedi, and will have time to get out, with or without the senator" Yularen distressed tried to reason "Let us at least give them more time" but Tarkin countered "No, this may be the only time, we must strike now" Quinlan Vos gave them a serious gaze "They got two hours".
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Running through the corridors of the Malevolence Obi-Wan Kenobi suddenly stopped in his tracks. Anakin Skywalker turned his head towards his master. However right before he was able to ask the reason for the delay heavy footsteps echoed through the halls. He and his master quickly spun around and took cover behind the closest corner. A patrol of battle droids past them and after the coast was clear Obi-Wan put a hand on his former student's shoulder "There has been a shift in the force.." Anakin nodded "I feel it too, but I can't figure out why". Obi wan stroked his beard "It seems it has to do with us" a doubtful expression crossed the younger Jedi "Us?" Obi-Wan gave Anakin a troubled look "We may not have as much time as anticipated and we can't contact them without blowing our cover" The chosen one shut his eyes and reached into the force than his expression straightened in in an instant "Than we better hurry before the new guest on our command bridge decides to blow us up" his master grinned "I agree, don't let me catch you resting" Anakin smirked back "And who of us is the one called the negotiator? maybe you should start working with your list of terms to Grievous" his master laughed "Well we shall see my young friend".
After searching the ship for some time they found a huge train network. "Maybe we should split up" Obi-Wan reasoned "If one of us rescues Padmé the other one can make sure that this ship never makes the jumps into hyperspace". Anakin closed his eyes "I can feel her presence" Obi-Wan tried as well "As do I" scouting for the right train Anakin quickly rumbled "We meet at the Twilight, make sure the hyperdrive is well out of order" But as chosen one started to advance towards the trains his former teacher halted him "Let's not be hasty Anakin, you are the best mechanic" placing both his palms on Anakin's shoulders Obi-Wan calmly uttered "I know you care for Padmé, but don't let it cloud your judgment. We need to make sure that the hyperdrive is disabled without them knowing it and you are more experienced in these matters" Anakin sighed "Fine, you get Padmé and I will make sure Grievous receives our little surprise". Obi-wan smiled "Seems I better get going then".
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Anakin had managed to sneak into the command bridge. He looked across the room were multiple droids stood managing the controls. A squad of droids were working at the hyperdrive with various tools.
"The hyperdrive is almost fixed" a battle droid squeaked. Another responded "I would reckon another 30 minutes".
The young Jedi slowly sneaked closer the conversating battle droids. "Should we tell the general?" the droids fell silent for a moment.
Anakin slowly unhooked his lightsaber from his belt. "Naah, tell him when we are done, otherwise he might disable us if there are any delays". Anakin checked that the coast was clear.
"Attention!" Grievous voice ringed. Anakin just managed to halt himself. The droid general was speaking through the comlink. "There has been a breakout! Our republican guest is roaming the halls, find her! And kill the Jedi storeway".
Anakin knew he just could continue with his mission at hand, but he did not because of what the cyborg had said. He looked towards the elevator which could take him to his wife.
Obi-Wan had failed to make a subtle rescue. Would he risk losing Padmé's life to disable the hyperdrive? He stared at his lightsaber hilt while deciding if he could trust Obi-Wan to safely escort Padmé back to the Twilight.
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Padmé could see the door which led to the hangar containing their means of escape. She and Obi-wan had split up when multiple Magnaguards found them.
The senator sprinted with all her strength. "Once I'm in the ship I can wait for the others" she thought. But when the blast doors opened her way was blocked by another four Magnaguards. The senator gasped in surprise and took a few steps backwards.
"Did you really think that it was going to be that easy running around these corridors unnoticed" Padmé sure did recognize that menacing voice. The clunking sound of Grievous metallic claws echoed as he walked closer. The Senator backed further into the hangar until two of the cyborg's bodyguards grabbed her.
The droid general chuckled "There are thousands of security cameras onboard this starship, and you were not hard to track once Kenobi had attempted his pathetic rescue mission ".
Suddenly the sound of a lightsaber being ignited could be heard " And neither were you" a additional voice called. Everyone's attention was shifted to Anakin Skywalker.
Grievous reached into his cape and whipped out two lightsabers. He ignite a blue one in a flash as he positioned his body in a defensive stand. Anakin furiously tightened his double handed grip on his ghastly lightsaber. "Well, Well, aren't you a bold one" Grievous mocked as he released his cape from his broad shoulders. "Just you wait monster, and we will see who ends up in spare parts" Anakin hissed. Grievous unleashed his second lightsaber and twirled his blades menacingly. "It is amusing you would state that Skywalker, As it seems Count Dooku already did half of the job for me…" He grinned beneath his mask as the young Jedi lashed out in a cry. He swiped for Grievous head and the cyborg caught the blade in an instant between his two lightsabers.
Simultaneously as the blades locked the cyborg guided a powerful kick right to the Jedi's torso. Anakin's reckless blind attack had given Grievous the edge he needed. The crunching sound of the Jedi's ribs breaking was music to the general's ears. The chosen one stumbled backwards and had to focus all his Force concentration to maintain his footing. Padmé's helpless howl echoed through the hangar.
Now Grievous was on the offensive. His attacks were relentless, Anakin could hardly keep up. 4, 6, 8, to 10 strikes per second. The wounded Jedi blocked,side stepped, parried and just managed to evade a hard vertical cleave by twisting his body. The sparkling sounds singing as the General missed. Flashes of blue and green consumed the two foes. With his left lightsaber Grievous swung for the Jedi's leg while with his other he thrust right for chest. With a well timed parry Anakin jumped from his spot. Twisting in the air trying to dodge the swift lower blow. However his broken ribs slowed his movements and in mid air a moan of agony escaped Anakin's lips. In pain the suffering jedi tripped on his landing spot. With all his toes severed on his left foot he trembled on his stance.
Grievous gave him no break as he quickly turned around. Seeing his weakened foe the knight slayer released a cackling laughter as he charged with his lightsabers spinning like torpedoes. With his Grim reaper approaching Anakin seized all focus on sustaining his wounds and summoned all into a mighty force push. Grievous used his accelerating momentum to leap over the shockwave with his lightsabers raised. The strength had left the Jedi. His pathetic block didn't stand a chance. The chosen one was pounded to the floor like a rag doll. "Aaaaargh!". On impact Grievous had sliced Anakin's right leg of and knocked his weapon from his hand. In one last desperate attempt the Jedi rolled to the side and tried to call for his blade. This movement was left short as Anakin's robotic hand fell from it's wrist in a flash.
Grievous triumphant roar ringed in the hangar. The cyborg lifted the crippled Jedi by the neck and started to squeeze the life out of him. Padmé's desperate cries and pleas, just went over his head. He would make Skywalker suffer. "Not so cocky now Jedi…your lightsaber will indeed make a fine edition" Anakin gasped for air and desperately clutched Grievous solid wrist "The chosen one " Grievous mocked "A honorable title to such a weak candidate" he tightened his grip and the Jedi's body began shaking "Have mercy!" Padmé screamed. The general finally shifted his attention towards senator. His hateful eyes meet her tear filled ones "You know that I don't intend to!". Turning his skull like face back to his dying victim the cyborg maliciously hissed "This one seems to care about you...aren't you scum forbidden to love" Anakin's eyes were now almost popping out "You are a disappointment on so many levels Skywalker.." Grievous swung the chosen ones struggling body so he was facing Padmé. She desperately fought to free herself from the Magnaguards hold on her wrists. Grievous raised Anakin further up in the air while he kept his eye contact with the ex queen "Seems like you need a demonstration of what I meant earlier today!". He brutally threw Anakin on ground with all his might, It sounded like an explosion as multiple bones cracked in chorus. To the general's surprise Anakin was still conscious. His whole body trembling as he uncontrollably coughed blood. Grievous gave Anakin a moment to recover, both enjoying his suffering but also to avoid the execution to be such a bloody affair. He would grant the Jedi that mercy.
Grievous raised both his weapons above his head, Padmé screamed and Anakin gave the cyborg general a look of defeat. The whole ship suddenly quaked and Grievous slammed onto the floor. He roared "What in the name of…!" but he halted himself. He slowly began chuckling while pushing himself of the ground. "Well well" he released a malicious cackle "Your troops seems to neglect our beautiful hostage" Anakin's face twisted in fear as the cyborg continued " Seems only fair that she pays the price for their sacrifice!". Grievous turned on his heel and started stalking towards the terrified senator. The fallen Jedi tried to crawl after him "No…..you…bastard" he franticly coughed. He was ignored by the cyborg. The Magnaguards threw Padmé in front of Grievous deadly talons. But just as the general thrust his lightsaber towards the senator's chest Anakin roared "YOU WILL LEAVE HER!". All the chosen ones's remaining powers were gathered into one last powerful Jedi mind trick directed to the stabbing cyborg.
Grievous dropped his lightsaber in an instant and released blood filled screech, he violently clutched his skeletal head in agony as something snapped inwardly. He staggered on his footing and fell on his knees. Images of Ronderu lij Kummar and other fallen comrades flashed in his head. Blood, anguish, battle, Huks, family… He saw his crying children standing by his soothing wives. He could see an explosion, his elite men perishing in the flames.
"Am I dead" he was in a dark bacta tank, San Hills squeaky voice echoed "Your body has sustained near fatal wounds...your crew was not so lucky..." he could hear his own response "A honorable leader dies alongside his soldiers" the chairman's stutter haunted Grievous "Your accident is almost a blessing….you are a perfect candidate for an experiment to plunge you back into the heart of battle" his own voice terrifyingly ringed "Your new order is meaningless to me.." the gleeful voice phantomly burst "To die in a bacta tank does not benefit a great general such as yourself… what would your ancestors think…" everything became blurry "I consent if my mind is not altered…" the volume of the vision harshly increased and all Grievous could hear was the haunting echo of "Altered... altered... ALTERED".
He snapped back to reality, his sight was dazy. The rage and adrenaline suddenly lightened. Grievous had fallen on all four and he just blankly stared at the hangar floor. He was lost, what just happened? Grievous hastily rose up and for the first time in a very long time fear was painted all over the general.
The ground was shaking due to the republic assault. The cyborg confusingly viewed his surrounding. Everything seemed to move in slow-motion. Anakin laid senseless. Padmé cried traumatized. She looked at the general with fear mixed confusion.
The sounds of blasters being fired could be heard in the background. It grew louder and louder until Obi-Wan could be seen entering the hangar. He was chased by 10 magnaguards and two battalions of battle droids. "Anakin!" his blue eyes darted across the area analyzing the scene, the chosen one laid seemingly dead on the floor almost 50 meters from Grievous and senator Amidala who was guarded by additional six Jedi then saw that the Twilight was still stationary. "So escape is still possible" he thought. Five of the magnaguards which were guarding Padmé ignited their electro staffs. All the droids stooped and targeted the Jedi master. General Kenobi kneeled beside his friend's body and examined the wounds."Your orders general?" the Magna captain obediently asked. But Grievous stood speechless. Obi-Wan looked around and swiftly started counting "6..14..24… so 16 magnaguards, 40 battle droids and one Jedi slaying death machine… I think I'm out numbered". The magna captain guard looked at his master confused "General?". Obi-Wan met Padmé's brown orbs which were pleading "Save him".
Taking his opportunity the Jedi master lifted Anakin from the floor and sprinted towards the Twilight". The Magna captain looked from the fleeing Jedi to the frozen general and then took his own initiative "Kill them!". The Battle droids started firing and 15 Magnaguards pursued their prey. But the Republics bombardment increased and it became near impossible to stand due to the massive quakes. All the droids tumbled down the hangar, while Obi-wan managed to climb the Twilights platform and enter the ship.
Grievous who had started catching up with reality took hold of Padmé's wrist to keep her from falling. In the corner of the General's eye he could see a ship take off from the hangar.
"Sir the hyperdrive is now operational" a battle droid squeaked. "Make a jump into hyperspace.." Grievous mumbled. "Roger roger".
Padmé Amidala stared at the disappearing ship until the bright blue ocean of hyperspace consumed her.