Chapter 10: Kalifa In Retreat


Kalifa knew that it was over the moment that the AT-AT fired its laser. Her cockpit didn't take damage but Sara's did. She heard the Human's screams and flashed back to when she lost one of her friends during the Death Star Battle. As the speeder went down, she noticed another speeder take it's place and brought the massive beast to it's knees. The ship then fired it's proton torpedoes at the downed AT-AT which exploded in a fiery ball. But even that unknown ship was powerless against the other AT-AT's that were soon approaching.

She focuses her attention on the back cockpit which was in flames, electricity crackled all over, Kalifa knew she had to find some way to escape. She would not be stranded on this world. No time to mourn, the Galaxy needed her. Her mother needed her. Luke needed her. She found the strength in her friends and reached out into the Force, just as Anakin and Ahsoka had taught her. As soon as she heard the hiss of the cockpit opening she seized her chance and vaulted high above the ship before the speeder with Sara's body inside exploded.

She landed nearby where an AT-AT was slowing making it's way towards the base. A sudden rage filled her. She knew it was hopeless, but she had to do something. A smile came to her face as a plan formed in her mind. Reaching for Lightsabers, Kalifa then took off at a run in a desperate attempt to catch up,with the slowly advancing monster. She did catch up eventually so she ran as fast as she could, she then took out her grappling hook and aimed it straight for her destination. The underside of the AT-AT. When she was far enough under, She ignited her mother's old Lightsaber which glowed a bright colorful green and sliced into the underside.

She deactivated her Lightsaber and then took out a tiny bomb from inside her pocket. Activating the bomb she then threw it inside the bowls of the AT-AT and quickly made her escape by disentangling the grappling hook. She fell to the ground, got to a safe. Space and watched the giant machine explode.

She smiled and whooped in delight at that small victory. At least she had avenged her friend. At least this way the Empire had less machines of death. She figured it was time to retreat and so she began running all the way back to Echo Base. A cold sensation filled her body as she watched The Falcon fly away. She swore she got a glimpse of Ahsoka jumping onto the ramp which closed up. At least her friends were all right. Then a feeling of fear hit her as a familiar voice spoke to her.

"Hello, Kalifa." She knew who that voice had belonged to. Slowly she turned around and drew back her Lightsabers, readying for a fight. "It's been a while," Darth Vader laughed, it was scary to hear him laugh. Here he was, a tall man with dark black hair. He was dressed in black robes and wearing a mask that covered half his face. She could see deep into his golden eyes. Though she couldn't tell Vader's expression, she could sense the wave of emotions coming from him. His blood red Lightsaber, the weapon that had killed Anakin shone before her in the darkness of the hanger bay.

"Vader," she growled, she ignited her Lightsabers, but didn't rush into a fight as she had done before. She knew she was no match for him. She had on several occasions witnessed Ahsoka go toe to toe with Vader albeit with some restraints. Kalifa had always thought that was strange. But nevertheless Ahsoka had survived every encounter within moments of nearly being killed.

"I sense your power has doubled, since when we last met." Vader said, his eyes drew to Ahsoka's former Lightsabers and Kalifa thought she had heard him growl. It was faint, but it was there. His attention began to focus on her. "Ahsoka has trained you well." He swung his Lightsaber around as if to show off. Kalifa didn't have time for this. She needed to get off planet and fast.

Thinking quickly, she rushed Vader and attacked him head on This was Not part of her plan but it proved an advantage. Vader, momentarily stunned by this surprise attack, recovered, reached out into the Force and threw a nearby crate at her, Kalifa was just lucky enough to dodge the crate. She smiled and said "You're getting sloppy." She panted and she examined the damage. "Not like you to miss." She could feel the anger radiating from him, good but the way he didn't respond was even more creepy. Kalifa wondered if that was standard for the Dark Side or rather Vader himself.

It was clear that they had reached a stalemate, Kalifa and Vader were equally matched in power. Behind the mask Vader smiled impressed with his daughter's skills with a lightsaber. "Ever your mothers daughter." Vader said deactivating his sword and placing it on his belt. "I'll spare you, Kalifa. This one time, don't think this is over, we will meet again." and with that Kalifa was left stunned as Vader departed the base and headed towards his Star Destroyer. She then decided it was probably for the best and she deactivated her lightsaber and ran towards her X-Wing.

She was surprised to find R2-D2 in the droid compartment but was happy none the less. "Let's get out of here." She then placed co-ordinates, not for the Rebel rendezvous point. But somewhere where Anakin's spirit had told her to go, and where she had a feeling she was meant to be. R2 beeped a few worried notes as he realized where they were heading. "No I know." Kalifa said happily. "That's where we're heading buddy," The cockpit lowered and Kalifa took hold of the control yoke. "Dagobah." She said finishing placing the co-ordinates. "Dagobah." The X-Wing then took off and headed towards the unknown...