Chapter 4: Sabotage
A few hours later…
Roman let out a loud exhalation as he looked about for his team to arrive. Sally and Shatter were there already, with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles yet to arrive.
"General, permission to speak freely?" Shatter asked.
"Granted." Roman replied.
"Is it me, General, or are Team Sonic deliberately taking their time?" Shatter asked.
"Relax, Shatter. We have all night to do this." Sally said. "And anyhow, one thing you'll need to get used to around Sonic is that he sometimes can be a bit lazy. And wherever Sonic is, Tails and Knuckles aren't usually too far behind." Not a second after she said this, Sonic came into view, followed by Tails and Knuckles, all appropriately dressed for the task at hand. Sally walked up to Sonic with a look. "You're late." Sally said.
"Can't blame me this time, Sal. It was Knuckles' fault we were late this time. Was too busy talking to Shade up on Angel Island." Sonic said.
"Why you little-!" Knuckles began, but was stopped by Roman.
"That's enough you two, and anyway, Sonic, you'd be doing the same as Knucks were you away from Sally on a solo mission." Roman said.
"Rome does have a point, Sonic." Tails added.
"Yeah, I guess he does." Sonic said, pecking Sally on the cheek. Turning to Roman, Sonic asked: "So when're we getting this show on the road, Rome?"
"That depends on whether you guys are ready." Roman replied.
"Well, I'm certainly ready." Tails said. "Because apart from dogfighting with Vulture Droids and everything, I've done next to zilch on the ground."
"Well, neither have we, Tails." Knuckles replied. "So we're all in the same boat as you are."
"Ain't that the truth?" Seth said as he walked out into view.
Roman let out a chuckle. "Finally wrapped up your conversation with you know who, then?"
Seth shrugged. "Can't blame us. We're two teens in love."
Roman rolled his eyes. "By Aurora, you two can be a handful. At least I don't have to babysit you two like I had to when we were involved in that big manhunt for Darth Maul and Savage Oppress."
"Oh, Force, don't remind me of that." Seth complained. "I already have enough bad memories of the war. Don't remind me of anymore."
"Aye. Besides, I could easily remind you of those two fights where you ended up out for the count." Roth declared as he came out, followed by King Acorn.
"Please. I don't suffer from Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder like Seth does." Roman replied.
"Hey-!" Seth protested.
"What's Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder?" Knuckles asked, scratching his head. But as soon as he saw Tails about to open his mouth, Knuckles held up a stopping hand. "Never mind. I don't want to know."
"In that case, everybody ready?" Roman asked.
Everyone nodded.
"Good. Let's get moving." Roman said as he headed towards the gunship that would take them on their way.
As this was happening, Sally hugged her father. "I'll be back, Dad. I promise."
"Just please be careful, my dear." King Acorn said. "You're the only family I have left."
Sally smiled and said: "I know. Which is why I'm coming back." Sally said as she turned and stepped onto the gunship.
"Glad you could join us, Princess." Roman said jokingly. After this, he banged on the wall behind him, saying: "Pilot, take us in."
The pilot complied, and thus lifted off into the air, taking them to their destination: Behind enemy lines.
Half an hour later, behind enemy lines…
"It still amazes me how most of this city is still standing." Roman remarked as they neared their drop zone. Turning to Sally, Roman asked: "So what happened exactly? Was it a complete surprise attack, or were you guys caught with your pants around your ankles?"
Sally nodded. "We were never expecting a Separatist assault. I remember that my dad was actually good friends with Count Dooku, despite the fact they disagreed over Dooku's opinion on the Republic. I guess Dad thought that his friendship with Dooku would be enough to protect the planet from invasion."
"Well, we can officially conclude your old man was wrong." Knuckles said.
"No offence, Sally, but Knuckles raises a good point. Your dad does have a history of trusting the wrong people." Tails added.
"Okay, guys, that's enough making jabs at Sally's old man. It isn't his fault he has a tendency to trust the wrong kinds of people." Sonic said.
"Thanks, Sonic." Sally said gratefully. They were interrupted by the pilot saying:
"We're above the drop point! Get ready to drop!"
Roman nodded and turned to his team. "You guys ready?"
Everyone nodded as they attached themselves to grapple ropes.
"Good. Then let's get this show on the road!" Roman said as he backflipped out of the gunship.
"Fuckin' show-off." Knuckles muttered as he rappelled down, followed suit by the other members of the team to where Roman was waiting for them on the ground.
"Was that really necessary?" Sally asked Roman as she disconnected herself from the rappelling rope.
Roman shrugged. "Can't blame me, Sally. I like to show off sometimes."
"Like I said, a show-off." Knuckles remarked
"So what now, General?" Shatter asked as he walked over.
Roman responded by closing his eyes and reaching out with the Force. As he did, he sensed a startling concentration of Force Energy emanating from one of the others. Following the energy to its source, he found it emanating from none other than Tails himself. This vexed Roman greatly, as he had not sensed this from Tails before. Deciding to talk to him about it later, he returned to the task at hand, before his senses picked up a concentration of artillery guns about a block away. Opening his eyes, Roman said: "There's a small concentration of artillery guns a block away from here. If we head there via the streets, there's a possibility we'll be spotted by battle droids, but if we move via the rooftops, there's an even higher possibility of being spotted by HMPs."
"What the heck are HMPs?"
"Clanker missile platforms." Shatter replied. "They can also deploy battle droids as well."
"Well, which way's the quickest?" Sonic said.
"Be patient, Sonic. Jedi Master Tera Sinube once told my friend Ahsoka that going slow still gets you to the destination." Roman advised.
"So it's via the streets, then?" Tails inquired.
"Via the streets, bud." Roman said, ruffling Tails' bangs. At this, they went on the move.
Fifteen minutes later…
The team stacked up behind a corner with Roman peeking out over the street, scowling. The artillery guns were right in the middle of one of Mobotropolis' main squares, with several patrols of battle droids moving around. Rolling his eyes, Roman turned to the rest of the team. "We got several patrols around the area. We'll need some eyes on from higher up." At this, he turned to Tails.
"Why does it have to be me?" Tails asked in a complaining tone.
"Cause you're smaller." Roman said. "Which is ideal, as you'll be harder to notice."
"Thanks for the reminder." Tails replied sarcastically. Stepping out from the wall, he twirled his namesakes like rotor blades and zoomed up onto the roof.
Shatter watched this with wonder as he looked to Roman. "You never told me the kid could do that!"
"Believe me;" Roman replied. "You'll find Tails has many surprises up his sleeve for someone his age." Contacting Tails, Roman said: "Fox Five; you up there?"
"Yeah, and I can see multiple entry points for you guys." Tails said. "And for a second there, I thought you'd call me Fox Two."
"Nah, Fox Five rolls off the tongue better." Roman replied. "Plus, it sounds cooler."
"Why thank you." Tails replied. "Anyway, the entry point nearest to you is a sequence of parked landspeeders. They'll give you cover as you get in close. Then you can circumvent the patrols, plant the explosives, and get out of there. Copy?"
"Copy that." Roman said before peeking around the corner. Indeed there was a line of parked landspeeders that was long enough to provide cover enough for them to get close to the artillery, without having to take out any patrols. Turning to the team, they mentally counted: One, two, three! And just like that, they moved around the corner and behind cover, with Shatter bringing up the rear-guard. "Okay team, nice and slow." Roman said as he slowly moved forward.
Everyone followed suit, with Shatter taking a few more seconds to make sure they hadn't been spotted before following them.
Contacting Tails, Roman asked: "You got eyes on, bro?"
"Yeah, I see you guys." Tails replied from his perch. "And if you turn, you can see me."
Roman turned his head around to spot the twin-tailed vulpine waving from his spot. Roman smirked and gave the young kit a mock salute before continuing to make his way towards the artillery, with the rest of the team in tow. Unfortunately, Sally's foot found a metal can, drawing the attention of one of the droids.
"Hey! What was that noise?" Said one of the droids.
"Shit." Sally cursed.
"Why don't you go check it out?" Said another one of the droids.
"That sounds like a good idea." Said the first droid that had spoken.
Sally sighed as she met what was an angry gaze from Roman. "Sorry." She said as they heard the sound of mechanical feet. But before it could reach them, there came the sound of a sniper shot ringing out, and of it meeting a target, and with a clatter, there came the sound of a droid hitting the ground.
"Is he alright?" Said another droid.
"He will be. He's always had locomotion problems." Said the other droid that had spoken.
"Clearly they haven't heard of snipers." Came Tails' voice.
"You're a sniper?" Roman asked.
"Yep, and a pretty darn good one at that." Sally answered. "Nice shot, Tails."
"Thanks." Tails said. "And in case you're wondering, Roman, I've learned a few things since we last met."
"I can see that." Roman said. "Now, let's get moving." At this, they continued on their way. Once they had reached the end of the line of cars, they each moved towards the artillery, hiding behind a statue as another patrol went past before getting to the artillery, planting the bombs, and then getting away as fast as possible. Once they were away, Roman said: "Bombs planted, Tails. Re-join us when you're ready."
"Relax, Rome. I moved when you moved." Tails said as he slid down a pipe and into view. The sniper he was using was visible as it was slung across his back.
Roman nodded. "Right. Now, let's get back on the move."
And so they did.
Several Hours Later, 23:30 pm
The team formed up as they looked over their next target: A vast amount of Separatist armour. They'd spent the past few hours planting explosives on the various artillery and gun emplacements in the occupied areas of the city. And now they were scoping out the mother-lode of enemy armour. They could see numerous patrols around the area, much more numerous than the ones they'd just passed when they'd planted explosives on a large amount of gun emplacements.
Roman turned to Sally and nodded. "Bring out Nikki."
Sally nodded as she knelt down and brought out a handheld computer, on the screen of which came a female anthropomorphic lynx. "Nicole, find us a safe path to and from the target."
"On it, Sally." Nicole said. "Calculating ideal mission trajectory now." After a few minutes, Nicole said: "Got one." At this, she went off screen, and a map of the area appeared, showing a path through the area and an ideal escape route.
Roman walked over, studied it, and nodded approvingly before turning to Tails. "Tails, you're up top." Turning to Shatter, Roman said: "You'll spot for him."
"Yes sir." Shatter said as he activated the grapple-hook on his rifle and shot it into the building beside them, climbing up.
Tails flew up there with his namesakes and helped Shatter up, the duo soon taking their place up top. "In position, Rome. You're good to go."
"Roger that." Roman replied. At this, he turned to the others and motioned with his hand, indicating for them to follow him. With that, the team moved out, following Nicole's path. Unfortunately, a droid sentry spotted them:
"Hey! You're not supposed to-" the droid never finished his sentence, as he was silenced by a quick spin-dash from Sonic.
"Thanks, Sonic." Roman said. "That made things a lot easier."
Sonic nodded. "I know."
"Guys, while I hate to break up the bro talk, we have a mission to complete." Tails said pointedly via the comms.
"I agree with Tails. Can we get this done and then get to talking like bros again?" Knuckles said.
"Right." Sally said. "Let's move." With this, they continued moving. Following the path Nicole had mapped out for them, they reached the tanks.
Roman turned to Sally. "Go prone and crawl under the tanks. For each one, plant a bomb on the bottom. I'll take the back."
"And why exactly do I have to be the one that crawls under the tanks? Why don't you?" Sally asked.
Roman rolled his eyes. "Fair enough." At this, he walked up to the side of one of the tanks, got down underneath, and began to crawl. "Fuck this is tight." Roman hissed to himself "See, Sally? This is why I wanted you to come under here. You're smaller, and a hell of a lot more flexible than I am."
Sally chuckled. "Maybe. But it's your job right now. Race you to the end?"
Roman sighed. "Despite the fact I sense that this is a foregone conclusion, I'll see you at the end."
"Atta boy." Sally said teasingly.
Roman rolled his eyes and got a bomb, planting it. After making a mental note to prank Sally at a later date as payback, Roman continued on.
Half an hour later…
Roman tugged himself from under the last tank with an audible grunt. Reminder: Prank Sally when you have the chance. Looking ahead, Roman saw Sally and company hiding, and walked over.
"Guess I won." Sally said with a coy smile.
Roman rolled his eyes. "You do realise I'll get you back for this, right?"
Sally laughed before she saw something behind Roman. "Um, Roman…"
Roman reacted before she even opened her mouth, taking his lightsaber, igniting it, and whirling around, cutting the patrol of battle droids currently behind him into a wide variety of pieces. Turning back to face Sally, Roman smirked, the blue blade of his lightsaber giving his face a ghostly blue light. "There are things you don't even need to do, Sally."
"Um, guys? Hate to break things up but the other patrols are headed your way. I'd get the heck out of there if I were you." Tails said via the comms.
Roman turned to see the patrols headed his way, instantly opening fire.
"Get the Jedi!" one battle droid commanded.
Roman blocked all of the blaster bolts with ease before charging the droids, starting to cut into them like a farmer with a sickle.
Meanwhile, Shatter got up from where he was with Tails and helped the kit up. "Guess we need to help the General. Shall we?"
Tails nodded and the two jumped down, brandishing their blasters. Tails drawing his pistol and Shatter his DC-15S Blaster Carbine. Together, they too charged the droids, blasting what droids they could. Eventually, all the droids lay deactivated.
"Well, that was easy." Roman said. Just as he said this, Nicole activated, saying:
"Hate to ruin the celebrations guys, but it looks like the whole city's about to come onto your heads. Better move!" Nicole said.
Roman nodded and shouted: "Team, let's blow this fucking joint!" At this, the group sprinted off, only to find themselves in the crosshairs of a HMP Droid Gunship. "Fuck." Roman said as he and the others dodged, just as the gunship fired.
The resultant explosion sent everyone sprawling, especially Sally, who took a nasty looking spill into a nearby streetlight, her back wrapping around it like a python around their prey, then falling limp to the floor.
"SAL!" Sonic shouted as he recovered his equilibrium and sprinted to Sally, picking her up.
Roman got up and shook the cobwebs from his head before helping Shatter and Knuckles up. The HMP, believing its target to be obliterated, had moved away, returning to patrol. Turning to where Sonic had the unconscious Sally in his arms, Roman cursed: "Fuck! We got to move!" At this, he picked up the dazed Tails and hoisted him into the fireman's carry position, carrying the barely conscious kit with him, calling in: "This is Jedi Knight Roman the Fox. Request immediate medevac, we have wounded."
"Copy that. Hold your position until we arrive." Said the operator.
Roman swore and activated the transponder he had for such situations, finally finding a position he found defensible, laying down Tails, who by now had come to his senses. "You okay Tails?"
Tails nodded. "Yeah. I will be."
Roman nodded as he peeked his head from cover, seeing several platoons of droids headed their way. "Shatter, fuck 'em!" Roman commanded as he leapt from cover, activating his lightsaber. The sky blue coloured blade sprang into being with the all too familiar noise, continuing to glow as Roman closed with the enemy, beginning to hack them apart, while Shatter picked off the stragglers.
Tails, once he had fully cleared his head, drew his pistol and opened fire, joining in to the desperate fight to stay alive long enough to be extracted. But before this, he turned to see Sonic dragging the unconscious Sally into cover, assisted by Knuckles. "How is she?"
"I'm not sure, I ain't no medic!" Sonic said. "Anyway, keep an eye on her, will ya? I'm going to help Rome!" At this, Sonic jumped from cover and began spin-dashing anything mechanical that moved.
Tails sighed and continued firing.
Fifteen Minutes later…
Roman cut down the final droid before wiping the perspiration from his brow. That had been the third wave, and it had been a lot of droids. Right now, Roman knew he was tired. And from the looks of Sonic, Sonic wasn't looking too good either. Eventually, they'd be subdued. Turning to see the others, he walked over along with Sonic. "Everybody okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine. My back still hurts real bad though." Sally, who had recently woken up, replied.
"General, my ammunition's running low. I'm not sure how long we can hold them." Shatter reported.
"I'm getting tired, too, Rome. That extraction had better arrive soon." Tails said.
"But what if it doesn't?" Knuckles asked.
"Then we give these guys a good reason to remember our names." Roman replied, just as he heard the sound of marching.
Sonic sighed before turning to Sally, who kissed him hard and fast, knowing that this could well be the last time their lips would ever meet. Then, he joined Roman, who already stood at the ready, and Knuckles, who now joined them, watching as the enemy was at last sighted, marching towards them with blasters blazing.
Roman ignited his lightsaber and blocked the blows, letting out a defiant war-cry and charging, followed by Sonic and Knuckles. But before he closed with them, laser blasts soon reduced the approaching battle droids to nothingness, and a Republic Gunship appeared in the sky, touching down near them. When the door opened, it revealed Seth, Roth, and Clone Commander Spectre, with a squad of troopers. "Took your fucking time!" Roman complained.
"Sorry, lad. Had to explain the situation to the King" Roth replied.
Roman sighed before saying: "Let's just get the fuck out of here." At this, he walked over and helped Sonic get the injured Sally on board, followed by Tails, Knuckles, and Shatter. Just as quickly as it had landed, the gunship lifted off.
As the gunship lifted off, Roman turned to Sally, who was laid on the floor, knelt down, and handed her the detonator. "Care to do the honours?"
Sally smiled and took the detonator, instantly pressing the button, with the result soon being heard, explosions raging all over the area.
Roman smiled as he watched the explosions. Now hopefully, they could go on the offensive.
Castle Acorn …
Roman walked into the main courtyard to find Roth, Seth, King Acorn, Commander Spectre and Captain Shatter waiting for him.
"So how is Sally?" King Acorn asked.
"She'll be fine." Roman replied as he walked over. "It's just a herniated disc in her lower back. With some time to heal, she'll be combat ready in no time."
"All righty then." King Acorn said. At this, he turned on the holoprojector and the map of Mobotropolis sprang up once again, this time, with far less artillery. "Thanks to the efforts of your team, we now have evened the playing field. The only question is, how will we launch this offensive?"
"I have a suggestion." Seth said. "We could start the attack with a massive air-strike that will flush out the enemy, and destroy any remaining artillery they have hidden, and then, we can send Spartan and Phantom Company in, alongside the Royal Army."
"Sounds like a definite plan." Spectre replied.
"I agree." Shatter added.
"Though just to add a bit of extra oomph, I would suggest we call for some AT-TEs and some heavy cannons just to add to our support." Roman said.
"I'll handle that, General." Spectre replied.
"Cool." Roman said.
Roth nodded approvingly. "You lot keep this up; you'll usurp my status as a military genius." Roth remarked, leaving everybody laughing.
"It is settled then." King Acorn declared. "When do we attack?"
"As soon as we can." Roth said. "Maybe this afternoon. For now, let's get some sleep."
Everyone nodded and headed to bed, with Roman leaving last, with one thought crawling through his mind: So it begins.
Well, that's that chapter done. So all in all, next chapter comes the big battle. After that, well, I don't need to spoil it for you to know what happens next.
Please leave your reviews, and may the Force be with you. Always.
T-Rock14
