Have no fear, Grubkiller is here.
Hey folks. This is my 8th main chapter, which is part 2 of Act-II.
It will focus on The fall of Yavin, the Siege of Azura from the POV of Delta Squad (GAR) and Inferno squad (Empire), as well as what Luke and Obi-Wan've been up to.
PS. Also quick side note here: I haven't really gotten a written review from anyone since around the time that I uploaded chapter 2 of this story. Please feel free to leave a review. I love hearing from you people. I want to now what you guys think of the story so far.
I also re-edited a previous chapter to place R2 and 3P0 in the story with Luke and Obi-Wan.
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Throne room, Emperor's observation tower, Death Star, Alderaan system.
High above the death star near the dish that fired the super-laser, in a tower much like the one on Coruscant, Emperor Palpatine and Grand Moff Tarkin looked out over the system as the Death Star moved into position.
The Planet Alderaan was in the view screen.
It was a planet that claimed to be peaceful. But in reality, it was the home of a traitor that has been a thorn in Palpatine's side for too long.
Bail Organa was one of the founders of the Rebel Alliance to Restore the Republic.
This planet has been secretly supplying intel and manpower to the Rebel Alliance.
Now, with the Alliance on its last legs, it seemed fit to punish the home of its founding member.
Tarkin, stood next to the Emperor's throne, looked to the fire control officer.
"You may fire when ready Commander," Tarkin said.
A few moments later, Palpatine smiled as 8 green laser beams exploded from the Death Star's convergence array.
They combined into one powerful beam that headed straight for Alderaan.
Bail Organa and his family watched from their balcony as the beam crashed down in the capital city on the horizon. Then they saw themselves plunge into the abyss.
The beam burrowed deep into the crust and hit the core, cracking the planet open as it exploded with the power of a star going supernova.
Sideous continued to smile.
One by one, his enemies would fall, until he ruled over the universe without opposition.
"With this weapon, no one one will stand against us," Palpatine said as his chair rotated in view of a group of Imperial officers.
"But my lord, how will the people of the galaxy react to the destruction of Alderaan? People might rise against us," General Tagge said with concern.
"We are about to disband the Senate. Without any help from the Senate, the Rebel Alliance will lose most of its funding, manpower, and resources. And soon, with the rebel base on Yavin destroyed, they will have no where left to go," Tarkin explained.
"And with the Republic destroyed after that, this galaxy will be under our complete control. Then we can turn our attention to the Milky way Galaxy, so that we can subjugate and crush can anyone who stands against us. This is a glorious hour for the Empire gentlemen. Now Tarkin, if you will?" Sideous ordered.
"Yes your majesty," Tarkin said with a bow. "Set a coarse for the Azura system!"
The Death Star soon jumped into hyperspace.
Sideous was deep in thought. He thought about his old Sith master, Darth Plagueis.
Oh Master! If only you could bare witness to this beautiful plan that was centuries in the making. I almost feel bad for killing you in your sleep. \
Sideous smiled.
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Rebel Base. Fourth moon of Yavin.
Kanan Jarrus sat in a meditation position as he 'watched' Ezra and Sabine sparring in the middle of a ring.
Ezra had his green saber, while Sabine possessed the dark saber.
The dark saber was a weapon forged by the first Mandalorian jedi. The saber was black and had the shape of a katana. It was stolen from the temple long ago by Mandalorian warriors who were ancestors to House Visla. Darth Maul used it while he ruled Mandalore, but during an encounter with the dark lord, the Ghost crew was able to snag it from his hideout on Dathomir.
Ever since then, Sabine has been practicing with the blade. Not just as a new weapon, but also to help unite Mandalore.
The Two of them spared. Their blades sparked and cracked as they locked together.
Sabine pressed her attack. She swung her blade more wildly, keeping Ezra on the defensive. She drove him back until his foot was just on the edge of the ring.
He was about to be knocked out. So he improvised.
As they crossed their swords again, he leaned back.
She leave forward against him as he did so.
He then smiled.
Sabine got confused. But then she realized what he was up to. But it was to late.
Ezra used his foot to catch her off balance and then flip her over his head and out of the sparring ring.
"Good work. You almost pushed me out of the ring," Ezra joked.
He balanced on one foot as best as he could. "No fair. You cheated," Sabine accused.
"All is fair in love and war," Ezra said as he continued to lean back and balance on one foot, but a revenge seeking Sabine had different plans.
While she was on her back, she lifted herself up and grabbed his shoulder, pulling him to the ground with her. They both laughed uncontrollably.
Their heads were next to each other. But Sabine flipped over and pinned Ezra to the ground.
She looked down at his upside down head and they both smiled.
Sabine leaned in and planted her lips on Ezra's.
Ezra placed one of hands on the back of her head, while Sabine held the sides of his head with her own.
They stayed that way for a few seconds until Kanan came over.
He lightly nudged Ezra with his foot to get his attention.
"All right, All right, break it up. I think we're done sparring for now," Kanan said as his two students stood up from the ground and dusted themselves off.
Karan looked at Sabine. Even with no eye sight, he looked at her in the eye.
"Sabine. You've advanced very well since you started using that blade. I think that you're well on your way to uniting your people," Kanan said.
She smiled at her teacher's compliment.
"And Ezra? I think you're well on your way to becoming a jedi knight. I'm proud of both of you".
Ezra and Sabine smiled at Kanan.
All of a sudden, sirens began to wail throughout the entire camp. The wailing sounds echoed through the forest for miles in every direction.
It caught everyone's attention.
"What's going on? Is this a drill?" Ezra asked.
"I don't think so," Kanan said.
They headed back to the temple base and saw Rebel soldiers running every direction.
X-wings, Y-wings, hammerhead frigates, and corellian blocked runners lifted off from the ground and headed for the atmosphere.
Heavy transports were being loaded with heavy equipment and wounded rebel troopers.
That's when Kanan's comm-link buzzed.
"Love. The Empire is here. General Dodonna has ordered the evacuation. We're going to try and hold them off up here. I want you to get the ghost ready for take off," Hera said over her com-link.
"Can do. Good luck up there," Kanan said.
"You too," hera said.
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Yavin 4 orbit.
Hera and her squadrons headed for the atmosphere.
When they cleared the clouds, and the white-blue sky became dark blue, they could see the Imperial armada.
An full size Imperial fleet, 6 Star destroyers along with various support craft, with a pair of Interdictor class battlecruisers faced down the Rebel defense fleet.
Chopper was in the X-wing with her. He controlled the ship systems that the pilot couldn't.
"All right, those interdictors are going to be a problem. If we don't take them out then we're not leaving this system. Dutch. I want your bombers to take out those interdictors," Hera ordered.
"You got it General," Dutch, leader of Gold Squadron, said as his bombers accelerated towards to two dome-covered star-destroyer.
"Red leader, I want you and your boys to split up. One half will escort 'Dutch's' squadron to the star-destroyers, while the other half will hang back with the fleet. Take out as many Imperial landing craft as possible," Hera ordered.
"I copy General Syndulla," Colonel Dreis, red leader, acknowledged.
The Rebel fleet had gathered in the atmosphere. They faced the Imperial fleet. When they were in range they fired. Rebel fire managed to take out a couple frigates and some troop transports, but their laser blasts were hardly mosquito bites to the 6 powerful battlewagons that led the Imperial fleet.
Hundreds of green lasers exploded from the guns of the Imperial star-destroyers and propelled themselves towards the small rebel ships. Several ships exploded as they were hit by the powerful laser blasts.
Dozens of Imperial Tie fighters poured out of the Star-destroyers. They headed straight for the Y-wing bombers.
"Lock S-foils to attack positions," Dreis ordered his fighters.
The X-wings folded their wings in order to unlock their weaponry. They fired their blasters at the Massive wave of Tie Fighters. Their red lasers streaked towards the Tie fighters, disintegrating several of them.
The Y-wings passed through, while the X-wings stayed back to dogfight the Ties that stayed behind.
Hera chased after two fighters. She destroyed both of them with her cannons.
The Y-wings flew towards the Star destroyers. Their heavy cannons fired up at them. The storm of green lasers flew surrounded Vandor and his bombers.
A third of them disintegrated. The remaining bombers dropped their payload and turned back sharply.
The proton bombs impacted One of the Star destroyers. They exploded against the dome covered ship. There was noticeable damage, but not enough to knock out the gravity field.
"Ma'am? We've run out of bombs. We weren't able to knock the ship. We're heading back to the carrier now," Dutch said as his bombers flew back to Sato's carrier.
"Phoenix leader. We cannot hold them off much longer. The Empire is advancing," Dreis said. "We have to return to base and prepare for ground assault".
Hera looked around. The Imperial fleet had lost several transports and a pair of light cruisers to her fighters, but the larger ships were still going to over run the Rebel fleet.
"Agreed. I want all of the warships to return to base. Fighter squadrons will continue to harass the Imperial invasion force on its way to the surface. Now move," Hera ordered.
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Yavin surface. In the jungles surrounding the temple base.
The Imperial fleet faced the planet in a blockade formation. They were pounding the surface.
Green laser blasts pounded into the surface of the planet. Trees were reduced to smoking charcoal and scorching holes were smashed into the surface. The ruined buildings were blasted away in every direction.
But despite the heavy bombardment, the Rebel forces were holding steady. They concealed themselves in the trees and bushes.
Captain Rex and Zeb were leading the forward defense just a few miles from the Imperial landing zone, and one mile from the temple. They watched as Green lasers continued to fall from the sky.
In that very sky, X-wings and Tie fighters flew by. They zoomed around in circles as they fought each other for control of the sky. The Rebels had better fighters, but the Empire had more.
This distraction had allowed the Imperial forces to land with little scrutiny from the Rebel squadrons.
They were just waiting for the bombardment to stop before they advanced on the temple.
"So Rex? You and your clone buddies ever regret joining us. Peaceful life always seems better ya' know," Zeb said.
"Awh, W'd be slinging for joopas. Besides, we clones were born to fight and we'll go down fighting like clones should," Rex said.
"That's the spirt Rex. Although, those joopas sure taste good," Zeb said.
"Yes they do," Rex agreed.
Suddenly, the bombardment began to subside.
That meant only one thing: The Empire was advancing.
"Everyone get into position. Here they come!" Rex shouted.
The camo covered Rebel troopers held firm, their blasters pointed towards the sound of the Imperial assault force. They also had mortar teams and repeating blaster emplacements in the bushes. The snipers were in the trees.
The clanking sounds of AT-STs and the whine of the engines of Imperial hover tanks grew louder and louder.
Soon, the rebels started to make out white armored figures in the distance.
They got closer and closer.
Soon, Rex produced a device from his belt. It had a button atop it. He pushed down on it.
Suddenly, dozens of explosions ripped through the front ranks of the Imperial assault force. Several Walkers toppled over and several tanks burst into flames and stopped.
The Rebels drew first blood.
"Let 'em have it!" Rex shouted.
All along the tree-line, red lasers from the Rebel soldiers ripped into the air and flew into the Imperial ranks.
Stormtroopers dropped to the ground in droves.
Zeb placed a rocket launcher over his shoulder and aimed it at an AT-ST. Smoke flew out the back of the launcher as the rocket exploded into the air out the front.
It flew into the walker's head and exploded. The lifeless legs of the headless walker fell forward.
"You got 'im. Nice work," Rex complimented.
The Rebel continued to rain down murderous fire down on the Imperial troopers.
Many of the Imperial viechles were forced to hand back while the infantry hunkered down behind cover, not daring to poke their heads out.
"Pour it on boys, we're almost through this," Rex ordered as he fired his signature dual blasters at the pinned down stormtroopers.
Zeb fired his Bo-rifle at an Imperial trooper that dared to poke his head out. His head disappeared.
That's when Zeb heard something else.
It was a loud stomping sound, mixed in with the whine of an engine and crushing sound of falling trees.
"Hey? You hear that?" Zeb asked.
Rex listened carefully. "yeah, and I don't like it". Rebel fire began to die down as they began to hear the same thing.
They then saw what was making that sound through the space between the treetops.
AT-AT walkers towered over the trees as they stomped their way towards the temple.
"Oh Karabast!" Zeb exclaimed.
The massive walkers fired. Their heavy cannons demolished dozens of trees, sending wooden shards and chips into multiple rebel troopers that stood to close.
Many other blasts that followed slammed into the Rebel positions, killing dozens of soldiers.
They continued to march forward. The stormtroopers and hover tanks from earlier advanced with the arrival of the towering death machines.
"Uhh Rex? What do we do now?" Zeb asked with concern.
Rex pushed the button on his link before speaking into it.
"Fall back! I repeat: Fall back to the temple! Now!" Rex ordered.
"Good enough for me," Zeb stated as he pulled back with the rest of the soldiers.
They continued to pull back through the forest.
"Where in blazes is our support?" Zeb shouted.
Just as Zeb shouted that out, a flight of T-47 air-speeders zoomed by.
"I think it just arrived," Rex said.
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Yavin 4, one mile from rebel base.
Ezra and Sabine were flying an Airspeeder. Ezra was in the pilot seat, while Sabine was the rear gunner.
They flew into battle with a squadron of Air-speeders.
"All right specter squadron, this it Lt. Bridger. Pick your targets and bring 'em down," Ezra ordered.
He piloted his speeder towards the walkers. The four-legged behemoths fired on them as they got closer.
Several speeders were blown out of the sky. They crashed into the forest below.
But a few speeders managed to attach their tow cables to the walkers massive legs.
Sabine fired the cable at one of the legs on their target.
"Nice work Sabine," Ezra said as he flew his speeder around a walker and wrapped the strong cable around its legs, tangling it up.
"That should do it. Detaching cable," Sabine said as she pushed down on a button.
The cable detached from the speeder as it flew away.
The tangled up walker fell forward. It was now completely immobile. As were a couple of other walkers.
"Scratch one AT-AT, Ezra said triumphantly. That's when the speeder was hit by ground fire from the Empire. The engine was hit.
"Ezra, we're hit and going down," Sabine shouted.
"Oh Karabast!" Ezra said, copying Zeb's famous exclamation. "Brace for impact!"
They both held onto their seats very tightly a they came in for a landing.
Ezra glided the speeder against the surface, but it still scraped against the stone ground outside the temple.
Their speeder came to a screeching stop. it caught fire.
Ezra popped the hatch.
Sabine climbed out the back seat and out of the speeder.
Ezra was having trouble with his safety belt. So he simply cut it up with his saber.
"Go Go Go!" Ezra shouted to Sabine. They ran away from the wreckage just as it was completely engulfed in flames.
They looked at the burning wreckage before it exploded.
"Hey, any landing you can walk away from. Am I right?" Ezra joked.
Sabine looked at him with look that said 'are you done?'
"Too soon?" He asked.
"Yup," Sabine confirmed.
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The Rebels continued their retreat to the temple. Rex and Zeb linked up with Ezra and Sabine inside the main hanger bay.
"Everyone get to your transports! Move!" Rex ushered his soldiers.
Everyone ran to the heavy transports parked out back as the Empire burst through the hanger bay door to the hanger.
They held their ground as Purge troopers and death troopers entered the temple.
Blaster fire went everywhere.
Rebel troopers that stayed behind were killed off left and right.
Zeb unfolded his rifle into an electro staff. He charged at a purge trooper. He jabbed the massive droid in the chest, electrocuting its circuits. He then went to town on the surrounding troopers.
Sabine used her Mandalorian jet pack to fly over the Imperial troopers in the hanger. She tossed a few detonators on them from above.
They detonated, taking out several troopers from above.
Ezra and Rex tried to push out several Imperial troopers by using the sword and shield maneuver favored by Jedi and clones during the Clone wars.
Ezra used his blade to block, while Rex tossed grenades over his head.
That's when Kanan jumped in from a catwalk that overlooked the hanger bay.
He used his blue lightsaber to cleave a purge trooper droid into two symmetrical pieces.
"Ezra! Give me a hand!" Kanan said, thinking quickly.
He then channeled the power of the force, with Ezra's help, to throw several star-fighters at the temple entrance. They exploded and caused a cave in that blocked off the Imperial army.
"Good thinking Kanan," Ezra complimented.
"Let's go. Hera has ordered us to get out of the Base. She has the Ghost warmed up and ready to go," Kanan said.
Everyone got outside and entered the Ghost. It took off with several fighters and five heavy transports, and several frigates and light cruisers.
Imperial AT-ATs that had a good view of the evacuation opened fire on the fleeing transports.
Two of the five transports caught fire and crashed into the jungle below.
Rex, Sabine, and Zeb headed for the Ghost's gun turret mounts, while Kanan headed for the cockpit.
He walked past several Rebel troopers who were on the ship. Many of them were wounded from the fighting down below.
Kanan entered the cockpit with Hera, Chopper, and General Dodonna.
"All ships make for orbit. We've got to get out of here," Dodonna said into the Ghost's comm-system as Kanan sat next to Hera.
The Ghost's guns fired at several pursuing Tie fighters that were harassing the fleeing Rebel ships.
A hammerhead cruiser was hit in the engines. It burst into flames, trailed smoke, and dove back towards the surface.
Only twelve Alliance ships remained.
"Wait. What about the Interdictors? We won't be able to jump away from the system," Kanan pointed out.
"We're way ahead of you Love," Hera said.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
As they made it to the upper atmosphere, they could see the Imperial fleet.
The massive warships prepared to destroy the Rebel fleet.
That's when four Mon Calamari battlecruisers and three Nebulae class frigates exited hyperspace right behind the Imperial ships.
"We called a friend who happened to be near by," Dodonna said.
"This is Admiral Ackbar! Stand by Dodonna. We'll clear to a path!" The Mon Cala Admiral said over the com.
Each of the heavy Alliance warships fired their cannons into the unshielded rear ends of the Imperial fleet. More specifically, they fired on the two Interdictors that kept the Alliance warships from escaping.
The star destroyer turned around to face the new threat and opened fire.
"This is Home One. You are clear to proceed Phoenix squadron," Admiral Ackbar said over the comm system.
"Much appreciated Admiral," Hera said.
Both fleets continued to exchange fire.
One Star-destroyer was blasted open. It's main reactor was hit, causing a massive explosion to rip through the ship.
But two of the Mon Cala battlecruiser were heavily damaged. But they continued to fire in defiance.
Their crews would either be executed or captured.
As Home One and the Liberty pulled away to join the rest of the escaping rebel ships, the other two ships, though crippled, continued to fire. They were eventually overrun and destroyed.
The last of the rebel ships jumped into hyperspace away from the system.
Yavin base has fallen.
But what was about to happen next was much worse.
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Imperial Proclamation.
By order of his Imperial majesty, Emperor Sheev Palpatine, the Imperial senate is hereby disbanded. No longer shall the slow and bureaucratic senate get in the way of progress. From now on, our supreme ruler and the regional governors that he has chosen personally shall lead the way. In these chaotic days, only the powerful and infinite wisdom of our glorious Emperor shall lead the way.
All Hail Emperor Palpatine!
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Rebel flagship, Home One, en route to the Hoth system.
"You can't be serious!?" Mon Mothma, the political leader of the Rebel Alliance, exclaimed.
She was speaking to the Alliance Council, via their holographic forms. It was a group of politicians from several different planets that gave covert support to the Alliance.
One member of the Alliance Council spoke up.
"Senator Mothma, The Emperor has just disbanded the Senate. And he just destroyed Alderaan. Senator Organa is presumed dead. All of our worlds are under Palpatine's control. They will soon discover us. I'm sorry. But we can no longer afford to provide you with the means to fight the Empire. You must accept it. The war is lost. The Empire has won. We can't defeat them. Good bye Senator Mothma," said the councilor, before his hologram and every other councilor's hologram disappeared.
Mothma leaned over the holo-table.
"Those Cowards!" Ackbar exclaimed.
"That's it then? We have no more manpower reserves, no more fresh ships, no more supplies, or fuel for our ships. And our remaining bases are isolated. It's over," Mon Mothma's military advisor said with a tone that screamed hopelessness.
"No. It's not over. We're still here. We can still fight the Empire. As long as we're still here, then we can still stand up to the Empire. I say we keep fighting," Ezra, who was standing next to the rest of the Ghost crew, said.
"We're in this to the end," Hera said. The Ghost crew stood behind her. Without a word, they agreed to stay in the fight as well.
Mothma looked around at the Rebel leaders in the room.
They all nodded in agreement.
She smiled, admiring their courage, spirit, and defiance.
"Then it's settled," General Reikaan's hologram said. "let's continue the fight".
The bridge crew cheered in unison.
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Captured Imperial shuttle, en route to Dagohbah system.
The shuttle carrying Luke, Obi-wan and the two droids, travelled through the blue tunnel vortex of hyperspace while on their way to a mysterious swamp world called Dagohbah.
As the shuttle continued moving at faster than light speeds, the four passengers on board were in the passenger bay.
The two droids sat on either side of a table that had holographic figures fighting each other. They were playing a game.
Obi-Wan sat down and watched as the son of his former pupil started training in the ways of Lightsaber combat.
Luke stood firm as he held his ignited blade, a blue sword that belonged to his father Anakin before him.
In front of Luke was a floating sphere. It floated in random directions and rotated as it orbited around the young jedi in training.
The sphere was an old training tool used by younglings to practice blocking laser bolts with their swords.
The floating ball moved slowly to the left before it suddenly dropped about one foot to blast Luke with a stun blast.
Luke immediately blocked it. But then the ball shot to the right and fired. This time it shot its bolt past Luke's defenses.
He blocked it again.
"Remember, a jedi can feel the force flowing through him," Obi-Wan said.
"You mean it controls your actions?" Luke asked as he continued to follow the floating remote's movements.
"Partially, but it also obeys your commands," Obi wan said as the remote flew behind Luke.
He tried to turn around to face the remote, but it fired before he could set up his defensive stance.
Luke was hit by a yellow stun blast. He recoiled in pain and frustration.
Obi wan stroked his beard in deep thought before he spotted a welder's helmet. It had a blast shield to protect from sparks.
"I suggest you try it again Luke," Obi-wan said as he placed the helmet over Luke's eyes, obscuring his vision. "But this time, let go of your conscious and act on instinct".
Luke laughed, a little nervously.
"But with the blast shield down I can't see. How am I supposed to fight?" He asked with skepticism and concern.
"Your eyes can deceive you. Don't trust them," Obi wan said.
Luke re-ignited his saber and assumed a defensive posture.
The remote blasted him. It hit him and he got frustrated agin.
"Stretch out with your feelings," Obi-Wan instructed.
Luke assumed the stance again and held firm. The remote flew around him. It fired several shots.
The young padawan deflected all of them with the use of his eyes.
"You see? You can do it," Kenobi said.
"An excellent display Master Luke," 3P0 commented.
"Sure it wasn't luck?" Luke asked jokingly. "In my experience, there's no such thing as luck," Obi-wan said.
suddenly, there was a loud continuos beeping noise. It was coming from the cockpit.
Artoo beeped several times.
"Sir? Artoo says that we are coming up on our destination," Threepio translated.
Luke and Obi-Wan moved into the cockpit.
"You know, now that you mention it, I think I could almost see the remote," Luke said.
"That's good," Kenobi said as he patted Luke on his shoulder. "You've taken your first step into a much larger world".
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Dagohbah, swamp planet.
The shuttle landed in the murky waters of Dagohbah.
"You two stay with the ship. We'll go on ahead," Ben said.
"Do not worry Master Kenobi. We'll stay and watch over the ship," 3P0 said.
"Bleep-Bloop," Artoo said.
"I am not afraid of getting muddy. I am afraid of being eaten," Threepio corrected.
Luke smiled.
"See you guys later," he said as he caught up with Ben. "Master, what are we doing here?"
"We are here to see an old friend. He has been expecting you," Ben said.
Luke was confused. Who could be expecting him all the way out here in this mud hole.
They eventually came up on a small hut out in the middle of the swamp.
It looks like it was made by someone who caked some mud and roots together and then called it a house.
They passed the house.
There was a small green figure with pointy ears. He sat down in a meditation position.
"Master Yoda," Ben said with a slight bow. "It's good to see you".
"Good to see you to it is," Yoda said before he looked at Luke. "Ah, see that you brought young Skywalker I do?"
"You know me?" Luke asked.
"Knew your father I did. Powerful Jedi was he. Until destroyed by great evil he was," Yoda said.
"What are we doing here?" Luke asked.
"You are going to begin your training with Master Yoda. It's time for you to become a Jedi like your father," Ben said.
Luke then looked at Yoda.
He then thought about his father.
His family.
His long lost sister.
"I'll do whatever it takes," Luke said.
(A/N: Keep in mind that this doesn't take place at the exact same time as the Death Star going to Azura. It's days earlier, right after Scarif. I'd say that the story has be taking place over the coarse of a couple weeks)
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Azura System. Day 7 of the siege of Azura. Imperial spec ops unit, Inferno Squad.
The Battle for the fate of the Galaxy was in full swing.
Republic and Imperial forces were hammering away at each other from a great distance.
But so far only one of them had the advantage.
For now.
The Empire had the ability to rip holes into the storm that concealed the last piece of Republic territory in the galaxy, as well as a foothold in the system.
Imperial forces continued to pour into the system. But many of them continued to drift to their demise.
The Republic fleet was tucked in behind an asteroid belt. That same belt had military bases and anti-ship batteries.
But there was also a field of cloaked mines that hammered the advancing imperial ships.
When the mines detected anything that didn't have a friendly IFF signal, it was a target.
The mines flew in the ships path. Then the ships would be hit by enemy naval fire support.
Commander Versio and her team were on their way to change that.
They were on an asteroid that had a series of buildings that controlled the mines.
When they were inside the control center, as the last clone hit the floor dead, the squad moved to secure the room.
Iden Versio stood in the middle of the room, giving orders to her troops.
"Gideon and Del! Hold that door way! Seyn, get on that console and take out those mines," She ordered.
As the two male troopers went to cover the door, Seyn went over to the console.
A few minutes later, Versio walked over to Seyn.
"Any luck with those mines?" Versio asked.
"Yes ma'am. I can't seem to make them self-destruct, but I think that I can control them from here," Seyn said.
Iden knew what that meant.
"You boys ready for a fireworks display?" She asked.
"Ah hell yeah!" Del exclaimed.
Gideon just gave a grunt of approval.
Iden smiled and turned to Seyn. "Do it".
Seyn smiled as she started punching in different keys. "Get ready for one hell of a show!"
Commander Versio released her seeker droid and had it record the Republic fleet.
In a few minutes, hundreds of tiny objects flew in the direction of the Republic fleet.
More specifically, they flew into the Fleets orbital gun platforms that orbited Azura-III.
over a dozen stations exploded from their own mines.
"Woo-hoo. Now our boys in the navy can put the hurt on 'em," Del.
"That's affirmative Del. Now let's get out of here and signal for evac," Iden said.
As they moved outside for pick up, they saw the Imperial Armada, along with thousands of fighters and bombers, pound the Republic military installations in the asteroid belt.
The Republic Navy was scrambling to defend Azura-III.
It was the last line of defense before the center of the Republic Remnant's Government.
For the Grand Army, it was do or die.
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Gunship wing Delta-42, Azura III, Azura System, Day 12 of the siege.
Azura III was the second most heavily populated planet in the system. It had a few cities and vast farmlands, but the Republic military was heavily invested in this planet.
The 'gateway to the capital' as it was none across the system.
Of coarse, that's what it was before the siege began.
Now, it was more like the 'gateway to Hell'.
Debris fields of warships from both sides littered the space around the planet.
On the planet, the surface burned.
Cities burned.
Skyscrapers burned.
Imperial Naval forces were pounding the planet below into slag. After the Republic fleet was defeated above the planet, not before putting up one hell of a fight though, their ships scattered across the system.
But the Republic wasn't going to go quietly. They regrouped above Azura-II and went back to launch a counterattack.
Both sides were suffering heavily.
Contrary to popular belief, the Empire does not have a bottomless arsenal. They were scattered across the galaxy. They still had to put down the last of the disorganized Alliance forces, and on top of that, they still had to deploy more and more troops to fight in the Milky Way Galaxy.
The Republic fleet has been reduced from 1800 ships to roughly 1250 ships.
Imperil naval assets have been reduced from 1000 ships to just under 400, and they were scattered across the system.
The Republic Armada was leading a powerful counter attack against the Imperial fleet above Azura III.
But the Empire was going to try get as much info on the Republic as possible, or key personnel for interrogation. Which led them to project Fulcrum, which was underneath the occupied Grand Army HQ.
The Clone Commandoes of Delta Squad were flying in on a gunship.
The team leader, Delta-38, aka 'Boss', who wore white and orange armor stood in the troop bay of the Gunship with his men.
His second in command and the tech expert was a clone with white and green armor, Delta 40, aka 'Fixer'.
Another clone with black and yellow armor, Delta-62, aka 'Scorch', was the demolition expert.
One final clone with white and maroon armor and was the team's expert marksman was Delta-07, aka 'Sev'.
All four of them were tasked with entering the facility to rescue key Republic military personnel.
"Boss, I'm getting a message," Fixer said as he threw a holo-projector onto the deck.
It revealed a hologram of the team's Clone advisor. He was tasked with directing the squad on different missions, even behind Imperial lines. The five of them, in addition to the gunship's crew and the crew of their spec ops corvette, have been working together since the Clone Wars.
"Delta Lead, as you know, your mission is to secure that building and rescue any remaining Republic personnel. But due to the importance of this mission, someone has been sent here to provide assistance. Patching her through now," Advisor said.
Then the hologram of the clone was replaced by the hologram of a togrutan. This particular togrutan, with two lightsabers, was Ahsoka Tano. She was the former head of Project Fulcrum.
"Delta's. This is Commander Tano. I've tasked with providing you assistance as needed," Ahsoka said to the four commandoes.
"Yes Ma'am. What do we need to know?" Boss asked.
"The area has been completely locked down by local Imperial forces. They'll be able to stop a full scale offensive, but not a small team. And with the bulk of Republic forces fighting elsewhere, they won't be expecting us. Me and my troops will be launching what seems to be a diversionary attack, when in reality we'll be taking out their AA weapons in the area. Once we've punched a hole in their defenses, you'll be clear to proceed," Ahsoka said, explaining the mission parameters.
"Understood Ma'am," Boss said.
"There's one more thing," Ahsoka said. The four clones listened more carefully. "I'm still technically the head of the program. That means that my access codes should still work. I'm transferring them to you now".
The holographic jedi tapped a few buttons on her wrist.
A few seconds later, Fixer's wrist blinked. He looked at it. He then looked at Boss and gave him a thumbs up. The tech expert could now open any door in the facility.
Boss nodded in understanding.
"But in case those codes don't work: feel free to get pass any locked doors you come across by any means possible," Ahsoka said.
"You mean explosives!? Yes! You just made my day ma'am," Scorch said enthusiastically.
Ahsoka cracked a small smile before going back to a more professional expression.
"Anything else we should know about?" Sev said in his gruff voice.
"Unless you want me to tell you that the artillery will be down in about 90 seconds, that's pretty much it. Good Luck Delta's," Ahsoka said before her hologram disappeared.
"Delta Squad! Lock and Load!" Boss ordered.
Everyone checked their weapons and got ready for anything.
60 seconds to go.
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Two miles away from Grand Army HQ.
Ahsoka stood in front of a half dozen AT-TE's and a company of Clone Troopers.
She was wearing the all gray outfit with the silver boots and guantlets. It was the one with the plunging V-neck that got Lux, not to mention some of her boys in the 501st, riled up. Her large breasts were on display, as well as her belly button.
It was her (and Lux's) favorite battlefield outfit.
Out on the horizon, Republic and Imperial forces battled for control over the surface. Masters Mundi and Ti were leading the massive counter-offensive to reclaim Azura-III.
Kota and young Galen were down there with the rest of the 501st Legion.
She watched as Torrent Company came up on the targets. They were two large AA towers with dual mounted turrets.
Lieutenant Jesse walked up to her.
"Ma'am. The tanks are ready to fire on your order," Jesse said.
"Thanks Jesse. Give the order," Ahsoka said.
He nodded and reached for the button on his helmet comm.
"Commence firing, fire at will. Repeat: Commence Firing, fire at will," the Veteran clone ordered.
6 barrels exploded and sent casts of blue plasma in the direction of the gun towers. The ordnance rained down on top of them.
The rotating gun on one tower exploded.
The other tower was hit closer to its base. It tipped over and crashed into the ground.
Moments later, a Gunship flew by. It must've been Delta's.
"Thanks for the assistance Commander," Boss said over the comm.
"Anytime trooper," Ahsoka said.
"Incoming! Fighters," a clone called out.
Several Tie Strikers flew in and strafed the ground.
Everyone found cover, but some clones weren't lucky. Two of the Six AT-TE's were destroyed.
Torrent Company withdrew from the area after suffering those casualties.
As they retreated, Ahsoka was thinking to herself.
Hurry it up Delta. I have a friend in there.
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Grand Army HQ courtyard.
Delta's gunship sprayed the courtyard with heavy firepower. The beam turrets on either side strafed the window, while the rockets pounded the surface.
Several Imperial hover tanks went up in smoke and debris. While the Gunship continued the carnage, Delta Squad repelled down into the courtyard.
"All right Delta's, I'll be on station for as long as possible. You go get our boys out of there. Good Luck," the pilot said.
Boss, Fixer, Scorch, and Sev cut their way through the remaining Imperial defenders.
When it was secure, they moved through the building.
It was a mess when they got inside.
There were fires, broken windows, and burst pipes everywhere. Not to mention the bodies of those whom paid the ultimate price for the freedom of the Republic.
Any door they came across was usually opened by Fixer, with the codes that Ahsoka gave them earlier.
Others were opened by more brute force-ish methods, courtesy of Scorch's seemingly unhealthy love of explosives.
They eventually came across the the main hub of Project Fulcrum.
Several prisoners were being interrogated in the large operation center.
A sith warrior with gold armor and two lightsabers, but no force powers (not force sensitive, just really good with swords, like Pre Visla), was slaughtering some of the prisoners.
He was surrounded by several Imperial death troopers.
"Tell me all of the Republic's secrets! Or I start killing all of your men" the sith warrior ordered.
"We're not telling you shit!" Bardry said.
"You got a shot?" Boss asked.
"Always," Sev said as he sighted up on the sith trooper as he held LC Mathieson in his clutches.
Sev squeezed the trigger and sent a deadly bolt of energy into the sith warrior's skull.
He dropped Mathieson and fell to the ground dead.
As Sev went to work on the troopers, Boss, Fixer, and Scorch rushed the remaining troopers.
The blasted at the pinned troopers and jumped over their cover with them. They got up close and personal with their blades.
Soon, only Delta and the hostages were alive.
Fixer went up to them and started removing their binders.
"you all right sir?" Boss asked Bardy.
"Yeah, but we all took a serious beating. And unfortunately, Mathieson's been crippled by those bastards," Bardy said, referring to the unconscious intel officer.
"Well don't worry sir. We almost have them driven out of the system. The Empire's falling back to Azura-IV," Boss said.
"That's good to hear. At least we have some time to breath," Bardry said as everyone started heading for a secret tunnel that would lead them to landing zone.
But little did anyone know, the Empire wasn't done yet.
In fact, it was only the beginning.
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That's part 2 of the second act folks. Hope you enjoyed.
On the next exciting episode of 'Rebelling against Defeat': Luke continues his training, the Republic sends for some help, The Death Star makes its entrance.