The Night Fury had just exited hyperspace and was approaching a planetoid. Hiccup was sitting at the pilot seat with Astrid as his co-pilot, also with them was Fishlegs, Toothless, Rex, Gustav and R3.
"You sure we couldn't bring the others?" Astrid asked.
"This is a recon mission, Ragnar still needed to help Heather go through her issues and Snotlout and twins…" Hiccup then stopped. "Need I say more?"
"Good point," said Astrid.
Toothless roared.
"We're investigating a very old signal that been transmitting," said Hiccup.
"How old?" Astrid asked.
Rex was sitting in the navigation seat frowning. "This can't be right, according to the instruments it's a Separatist signal."
"Separatists?" Gustav frowned. "You mean the army would be droids."
"That would be them, yes," said Hiccup.
They soon reached the planet's atmosphere and landed next to an old separatist transporter. The transporter was a complete wreck and looked as if it crashed down to the planet.
"Okay, Fishlegs, drop us off here and wait for signal," said Hiccup.
"You sure you want to be down here alone?" Fishlegs asked.
"You wanna come with us?" Astrid asked.
"No, no," said Fishlegs quickly.
Once they landed, Hiccup led the team of the cargo ramp and no sooner had the exited the ship, Fishlegs took off and headed back towards the sky.
Toothless looked at the transporter and roared.
"Yeah, it is a fixer upper," Hiccup agreed.
"What's the story about this place?" Gustav asked.
"There was about here during the Clone War, it could be that the crash had operated its distress beacon," said Rex as he placed his helmet on.
Hiccup frowned and Astrid noted the troubled look. "You don't think it's a distress beacon do you?"
Hiccup shook his head. "It should have died out by now."
"Could be scavengers," said Rex. "This is a treasure trove of ammo and proton bombs."
Gustav then down and picked up an old head of a battle droid. "Hey, isn't this a Separatist droid?"
"Oh, yeah," said Rex. "A piece of one anyway, this place used to be crawling with them we called them 'Clankers.'"
"'Clankers?' I like that," Astrid smiled. "How many of these things do you think you blasted?"
"I don't know, thousands, probably tens of thousands," Rex shrugged. "Never check out unlike some of the boys." He then looked at Hiccup. "The General, here, didn't approve of competitions."
"What's the matter with a little competition?" Astrid asked.
"We were at war, it wasn't a game," said Hiccup bluntly. "I needed my men to work together not fight among each other saying who killed the most droids."
"They don't look very dangerous," said Gustav tossing the droid head away.
Rex quickly turned on him. "Listen, those droids wiped out a lot of Republic troopers, many of them were my friends."
Hiccup looked at Gustav. "Rex, witnessed an entire massacre of Clones during the Battle of Umbara."
Astrid looked at him. "I read the military reports, your unit was the one that suffered the most losses."
"That's because I was called off world just at the beginning of the battle and Ryker took my place," said Hiccup. "Rex, did his best to keep the men safe, but Ryker kept on pushing them into suicide objectives. If wasn't for his leadership the entire campaign would have ended with our defeat and we lost a lot of good men before Ryker's treachery was revealed."
"He had a very good example," Astrid smiled looking at him. "I imagine that your influence had something to do with it."
"You can say that again, ma'am," said Rex, who apparently overheard their entire conversation. "If he hadn't allowed us to think for ourselves, my entire unit would have been wiped out."
"He does like to lead by example," Astrid smiled.
They soon entered into the transport and Rex held out his hand immediately.
"Hang on, let me do recon first," said Rex. He started to scout ahead and then saw entire ships were proton bombs. "Well, look at that. We hit pay dirt ammo depo is fully loaded."
Hiccup and the others soon made their way over to his position.
"We can certainly make use of these proton bombs," said Hiccup. "However our primary concern is to find the source of the signal."
"Then we best get to the bridge," said Astrid. "We can pick up the proton bombs on our way back." She then looked at Hiccup. "Should we inform Fishlegs?"
Hiccup shook his head. "Not yet. I still have a bad feeling about this place."
Toothless roared.
"Glad I'm not the only one that thinks this is odd," said Hiccup.
They started to make their way towards the bridge when R3 heard some distant voices.
"Roger, roger," said a voice.
He came to a stop and went to investigate, because of his audio receptors were fooling him he could have sworn that he heard the sound of battle droids.
"Careful kid," said Rex as they approached a corridor. "The droid used to protect infrastructures with ray-shields."
"What's a ray-shield?" Gustav asked.
He soon got his answer as a ray-shield appeared around them trapping them.
"This is a ray-shield," said Rex.
"Great, just perfect," Hiccup moaned.
Suddenly they were surrounded by battle droids much to their bewilderment. The droid had a elongated heads, back packs with antenna and their hands had only three digits.
"Wait, are those battle droids? I thought they were all shut down?" Gustav stared.
"Guess we found the source of that Separatist signal," said Astrid.
The Commander then approached them, who had a yellow paint job. "You had been captured by the Separatist Alliance," he said.
"Separatists?" Rex stared.
Toothless roared.
"I know, bud, it is unusual," Hiccup agreed.
"Prepare to blast the Republic invaded," said the commander.
"'Republic invaded?'" Hiccup blinked.
The droid Commander then got held his hand out. "Belay that order." Someone appear to be communicating with him through his radio. "Roger, roger." The droid Commander then attached his blaster to his back and looked at his droids. "We have new orders, incapacitate and capture." He then pulled out a data pad. "Activating stunner."
He then press down on the data pad and suddenly the five of them were shocked and collapsed.
"Take them to the command centre," said the droid Commander. "We haven't captured anyone in years."
R3 was hiding behind a few crates and had seen the entire ordeal. He knew that he had to do something to help them, but one astromech was nothing compared to an entire army of battle droids, even if he was much smarter.
Rex then regained consciousness.
"Where… where are we?" he said as he opened his eyes.
He found that he was bound and then he heard a voice.
"How intriguing," said a robotic voice. "Well done, P1-268."
"Roger, roger," said the commander saluting.
His eyes focus and he found that he was on the bridge of the transporter which was surrounded with battle droids, super battle droids and a super tactical droid was sitting in command chair.
"No, no. The war… it's not over," Rex breathed.
"Rex! Rex!" said Hiccup's voice.
Rex quickly turned on him. "General?"
"Talk to me," said Hiccup.
Rex shook his head. "Sorry, sir. Just in bit of shock."
"Considering that we just got herself captured by a bunch of battle droids not entirely surprising and their leader appears to be a super tactical droid," said Hiccup grimly. "Looks like were in the usual mess."
Rex looked up and saw the super tactical droid holding his helmet and began to approach them.
"You're right," he nodded.
"Is that bad?" Gustav asked.
Rex turned and saw that the others were next to him and bound.
"It's really bad. That droid is extremely intelligent," said Rex.
"I am General Kalani," said the droid.
"I know that name," said Hiccup looking at him. "You were sent to the planet Onderon to eradicate the Rebels on that world, who wanted to free themselves from the Separatist."
"Indeed I am," said Kalani. "Near the end of the War, Separatist droids significantly outnumbered Republic units," he said looking at them. "By my calculations our probability of being defeated was 23.6%."
"After the Clone Order 66, the whole droid army was given a shutdown commands how are you even operating," said Rex.
"The Jedi betrayal ended the war for most of the galaxy, but here on Agamar I assumed it was a Republic trick and prevented the shutdown command," he said. "I then began sending a transmission for any Separatist ships to answer us."
"That explains the transmission our scouts reported," Hiccup frowned.
"Well it doesn't matter how ended the War is over," said Rex as he tried to break free from his cuffs. "Let us go."
"Negative, Captain, I calculate this will be my only opportunity to end the Clone Wars as I planned," he said. "With a victory for the Separatist Alliance."
"What do you want us to do, surrender?" Rex roared.
"On the contrary, I want you to fight. To prove once and for all, whose tactical strategy was superior." He then turned his optics onto Hiccup. "And I cannot find a finer General to act as an opponent, General Hiccup. I have read your military reports indicating that you were the finest strategist in the Republic army."
"This is ridiculous, there's no way I'm taking part in some stupid war game," said Astrid furiously.
"That is correct, Berkian," said Kalani. "Your people were neutral within the Clone Wars so you will be the hostage your allies must save. The Jedi rescue is a recurring scenario based upon 132 battles I have reviewed."
"We've done it a few times," Gustav shrugged.
The droid then looked at Hiccup. "General, is this your Padawan?"
"Yes, he is," Hiccup nodded.
"Good. A complete set of Republic opponents will make this authentic," said Kalani.
Toothless roared.
"You will also be taking part, Wookie, it is my understanding that you accompanied General Hiccup on all of his missions during the Clone Wars," said Kalani.
"This is ridiculous," said Rex. "There's no way we're going to take part in this experiment of yours."
"If you do not fight you will be terminated."
"I'll fight your Clone War," said Gustav.
"What?" Rex stared.
"Gustav, no!" Hiccup yelled.
"Hey, you both talk about the Clone War, what it was like, the good and the bad. I want to help you win this last battle," said Gustav. He then turned his eyes to the droids. "Besides, look at them. How can we lose?"
Two of the battle droids looked at one another.
Hiccup sighed. "I hate to say it, but it might be easier to fight them head-on rather than in our current dilemma."
"Fine," said Rex reluctantly. "Fine we'll do it."
"Then let us begin," said Kalani dropping Rex's helmet.
R3 was still hiding behind craters he saw battle droids emerging taking up fighting positions. He was a bit confused why they allowed the others minus Astrid to go free, but soon he realised there were about to fight no doubt Astrid was the prize.
"The General has initiated Battle Plan Zeta," said one of the battle droids. "Take your positions at once."
"Roger, roger," said the droids and they began to spread out.
"Battle Plan Zeta?" said one of the droids excitedly. "Finally!"
R3 decided it was best to find another hiding place and began looking around the hanger and that's when he found an old Separatist shuttle and it was wide open. He quickly made his way towards it and inserted his data port into the system.
There was no way he can communicate with the Night Fury, but they could use this shuttle as an escape plan. If he can get into flying shape in time.
Unfortunately at that point, a Star Destroyer soon exited out of hyperspace. They too had received a distress signal from the Separatist transporter.
"We've arrived, my Lord," said Admiral Konstantine approaching Ryker.
"Are we still receiving that signal?" Ryker asked.
"Yes, my Lord and it does appear to be Separatist in origin."
Ryker frowned. "Send troops to investigate along with three of our AT-ATs."
Konstantine frowned at him. "My Lord, is that really necessary?"
"Are you questioning me, Admiral?" said Ryker giving him a warning look.
"N-no, of course not," said Konstantine quickly.
Ryker smiled. "I thought not."
In space, Fishlegs saw the Star Destroyer and immediately panicked. To make matters worse he was unable to communicate with Hiccup and the rest of his team.
"Oh, this is not good," he said and quickly began to shut down the power. "Oh, I hope Hiccup and the others are all right."
Hiccup and his team were now outside the ruined transport as they were about to take their positions in the last battle the Clone Wars.
"The objective of this battle is simple, you must fight your way back to the command centre and capture it to free your friend," said Kalani over the comm.
"What's our plan of attack, General?" Rex asked.
"All right, our first goal is to get inside the hangar, Kalani is a war machine, program to kill, and he's got the numbers and firepower to do it," said Hiccup. "Our only chance is to be aggressive and surprise. Hopefully, we'll put him on the defensive."
Toothless roared indicating that he liked the idea.
"How many droids do you think he has?" Gustav asked.
"The last battle will begin now," said Kalani's voice.
They turned and saw an entire platoon of battle droids advancing towards them.
"A lot, he has a lot of droids," said Hiccup.
"We've gotta scatter them, use the Sword and Shield manoeuvre," said Rex placing on his helmet.
Gustav looked at Hiccup confused. "Wait, what does that mean?"
"We block, they fire," said Hiccup simply.
Hiccup and Gustav then drew out their lightsabers and Rex and Toothless got their pistols crossbow ready.
"Everybody ready?" Hiccup asked.
"Yep," said Gustav.
Toothless roared.
"Let's go," said Rex.
The droids then opened fired and immediately Hiccup and Gustav began blocking their shots and deflecting them.
"Gustav, get ready to duck," said Hiccup.
"Okay," said Gustav.
"Now!" Hiccup ordered.
The two of them docked and Rex tossed a thermal detonator right into the path of the droids. It exploded taking a good chunk of them out, but despite this the droids kept on advancing and firing. Toothless then began taking other leaders with his crossbow scoring perfect shots as Hiccup and Gustav continue to block and deflect.
"Again!" Hiccup yelled.
They ducked once again and Rex taught yet another thermal detonator into their path taking more them out.
"That scattered them," said Rex.
"Everyone forward!" Hiccup ordered.
They began making their way through the droids slicing them apart with either their lightsabers or blasting them with their pistols and crossbow. Gustav, however, was so into the moment that he advanced too far ahead of them.
"Gustav, pull back!" Rex yelled. He was so busy focusing on Gustav that he failed to notice enjoyed almost shooting him. He quickly retaliate taking it out. "We've got to stick together."
Eventually they took out the last of the droids and entered into the hanger, but strangely they encountered no more droids.
"The hanger looks clear. Let's go," said Gustav.
He was about to enter inside, but Rex stopped him.
"Wait, that's not how it normally goes," said Rex looking into the hanger.
"What's wrong?" Gustav frowned.
"The droids usually keep coming, wave after wave," said Rex.
"General Kalani has had a long time to think about this and remember he wants to win," Hiccup reminded.
Toothless roared.
"I'm not being paranoid, especially when someone is trying to kill us," said Hiccup.
"I'm surprised it mean so much to him," said Gustav.
"Yeah, it means a lot to his programming. It means a lot to mine as well," said Rex.
Gustav frowned. "Your programming?"
"We clones were bred for combat," Rex explained. "We are very few exceptions there was no other way of life for us."
Hiccup placed a hand on his shoulder. "We should move," he said before entering the hanger
"Right, General," Rex nodded following him.
Toothless then follow them, but Gustav hanged back for a brief second before following them.
On the bridge of the transporter, Kalani and Astrid were watching the entire battle from the monitor.
"Looks like my friends are doing pretty good," Astrid smiled. She then looked at Kalani. "You might as well surrender."
"I am not programmed to comprehend your 'humour'," said Kalani.
Astrid narrowed her eyes. "I'm not joking."
"Ha-ha," said Kalani. "Your Republic friends have taken the bait." He then turned to one of the battle droids operating the controls. "Send in the destroyers."
In the hanger, Hiccup and the others watched as destroyers emerge onto the walkways above them in their ball form.
"Incoming!" Rex yelled.
The destroyers soon came to a stop and turned into battle mode and activated their force fields. They then began shooting down at them with everything they had.
"Gustav, get back!" Hiccup ordered. "They're too dangerous!"
They tried deflecting their shots and blasting them, but the force fields are far too strong. In the end they had to retreat back outside the hanger and hid behind cover.
"We can't advance with those destroyers up there," said Rex. "There's no way to breach their shields."
Gustav looked at the walkways and notice something. "Look, that crane," he pointed. "I bet we can use it to take out the catwalk. I'll make a run for it."
Hiccup nodded. "We'll draw their attention."
"There's going to be a lot of fire, we have to be quick," said Rex.
Hiccup looked at Gustav. "Gustav, move as fast as you can."
"You can count on me," said Gustav.
The destroyers were looking around trying to locate them. Then they saw Hiccup, Rex and Toothless running towards another crate and opened fired. While they were not looking, Gustav started to make his way to the crane controls.
Up on the command centre, Kalani and Astrid were still watching the battle. Kalani then saw Gustav making his way towards the crane control.
"Ah, the Jedi have split up as they do 76% of the time. Squad Six, advance," Kalani ordered.
"Move in," said the droids Commander.
Then an entire squad of droids emerged from behind some crates and began to open fire at Hiccup, Rex and Toothless.
"More droids," said Rex.
Toothless roared as he fired his crossbow.
"Yeah, Kalani predicted we would split up," Hiccup nodded as he began deflecting shots with his lightsabers.
"We've got to take cover," said Rex.
They started making their way back towards the crates with the droids close behind and Gustav was making his way towards the crane controls when he ran into R3.
"R3, where have you been?" Gustav asked.
R3 beeped.
"You've been trying to fix a shuttle? What shuttle?" Gustav stared.
R3 beeped and then gestured with his tendrils at a Separatist shuttle.
"Oh, that shuttle," said Gustav. "It's a good escape plan, but we need a rescue Astrid. You get it running and I'll get the others."
R3 nodded and made his way back towards the shuttle.
Hiccup and the others were having a hard time with the droids which were attacking them from above and below.
"Where is that kid," said Rex frustratingly. "We're going to trap here."
"Relax, Rex, Gustav is probably having problems of his own, but I'm sure he can handle it," said Hiccup.
Toothless roared.
"See, Toothless agreed with me," said Hiccup.
However, Rex wasn't listening to either and rushed out only to be hit in the shoulder by a blaster.
"Rex!" Hiccup yelled.
Immediately Hiccup rushed out began deflecting the shots while Toothless dragged Rex behind cover. At this point Gustav decided that he did have enough time to operate the controls and decided to use the Force instead.
He concentrated upon the crane and then began to move and slammed right into the catwalk. The destroyers were then flung off the catwalk and landed on top of the battle droids and then the catwalk gave way destroying yet more battle droids until only one remained.
Hiccup helped Rex up. "You all right?"
"I'm good, Sir," said Rex. "Generation one armour always holds up."
They then made their way towards the corridor and joined up with Gustav, but Rex made sure to take out the ray-shield this time before they entered.
"No ray-shields this time," he said.
"Well, that when just as planned… more or less," said Gustav. "I make a pretty good soldier, huh."
Rex then quickly turned on him. "No, a good soldier follows orders. That plan was based upon timing and execution, and you took too long!"
"But R3 wanted to show me—"
Rex didn't seem to listen. "This is not a game! This is life-and-death! Every move you make effects the rest of us, if we're going to survive this we are going to do it with strategy and discipline!"
Rex then walked off leaving a crestfallen Gustav behind.
"It's not you," said Hiccup placing a hand on his Padawan.
Toothless, who was following Rex, roared gesturing him to follow.
"I'm coming, bud," said Hiccup. He then gave one last look at Gustav. "Look, he needs to finish this battle, his way." He then followed Rex and Toothless
"Just like the droid," said Gustav before following him.
They started to advance down the corridor towards the bridge taking out a few more battle droids along the way. However, their route was then blocked by a destroyer, who opened fire at them.
"Rex, Toothless get between us," Hiccup ordered.
Hiccup and Gustav then created a barrier around the two of them. Unfortunately, a second destroyer appeared around the corridor they just came through.
"Gustav, incoming," said Rex.
The destroyer got into battle position and began to fire at Gustav, who began to block the attack. As Hiccup and Gustav blocked a blaster fire, Rex and Toothless fired at the destroyers, but their shields were just too strong.
"Push and fire now!" Hiccup ordered.
Rex nodded and Hiccup use the Force to push the destroyer back causing it to deactivated shields. Rex then fired a precise shot at its head causing it to short-circuit. It reactivated its shields and began blasting at the wall as it walked towards it and ended up destroying itself.
The second destroyer then got Gustav in the arm and Toothless in the leg. Rex turned around just in time to get shot and the helmet, fortunately it didn't penetrate his skull and he collapsed. Hiccup was the only one standing and began deflecting the shots.
Rex then picked up his helmet and tossed it at the destroyer and it slammed right into its head even despite the force field. This caused him to short-circuit and overheat.
"That worked," said Rex in surprise before firing his pistol at it.
He fired a shot directly at its chest shutting down.
"Shield overheated," said Hiccup helping Gustav up. "That droid is not what it used to be."
"Just like me," said Rex as he helped Toothless up.
"You okay, bud?" Hiccup asked.
Toothless moved his leg and winced, but roared confidently at Hiccup.
"You sure?"
Toothless roared indignantly.
"Okay, okay you're fine."
"I'm fine too," said Gustav.
Eventually they reached the bridge and overpower the droids guarding the area. Kalani pulled out his blaster, but it was not out of his hand by Rex. Hiccup read the charge inside the bridge and Rex pointed his pistol that Kalani.
"Well, looks like we win," said Rex.
"I disagree, Captain," said Kalani looking at Astrid, who had a droid pointing his blaster at her.
Rex didn't lower his pistols.
"Rex, no!" Gustav yelled. Quickly, Gustav pulled Rex's arm up just as he fired missing Kalani. "We didn't win. These droids are so old they malfunctioned. If they hadn't, we'd be goners."
"The boy is correct," said Kalani. "The droid army would have prevailed. So technically victory is ours."
"No it's not!" Gustav yelled. "I never really thought about it, I never asked. I know the Jedi were wiped out, the clones were decommissioned and the droid army was just shut down. The Clone War ended, but why? If none of you won, who did?"
Everyone was completely silent.
"The First Order," said Astrid.
"Astrid, that's right, but how did you know?" said Gustav.
"Because they're here," said Astrid looking out of the screen. They turned and saw Star Destroyer heading straight towards them. "And they're about to win again."
"I've got a new calculation for you, what are the chances you'll droid army can defeat the First Order?" Gustav asked looking at Kalani.
"My resources are depleted. However, the droid army is not currently at war with the First Order," said Kalani.
"That won't last," said Astrid.
Kalani then reached for his radio. "Unit B1-268, analyse the threat."
"Roger, roger," said droid commander as an Imperial shuttles began to land. "Move in."
He then led a few of his droids towards the shuttles and they were soon met with Stormtroopers.
"Is that what I think it is?" said a Stormtrooper looking at the button and.
B1-268 then went to greet them. "Greetings, I am Unit B1-268, my commander…"
"Yeah, Clone Wars battle droid," the Lieutenant nodded as the droid talked. "Surprise its battery hasn't run out."
"Don't say many of these anymore," said the Stormtrooper.
B1-268 and his droids just stared at them blankly.
"Oh no," the Lieutenant agreed.
"You know there's usually a bunch of them," said the trooper.
"All right, you know the drill," said the Lieutenant.
The Stormtroopers then blasted the droids before they had a chance to talk. Then they dropped Walkers AT-ATs and AT-STs.
On the bridge, everyone had witnessed the unprecedented attack.
"I think we face a common enemy now," said Gustav.
"Wait a minute," said Rex realising when this conversation was going.
"Let him finish, Rex," said Hiccup with a smile placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Clones. Battle droids. You destroyed each other and when you are both weak enough the Galactic Empire took over. Then once our Rebellion succeeded to create a New Republic…"
"Which I might add several former Separatist worlds have joined," Hiccup added.
"The remains of the Galactic Empire then became the First Order, led by a new Emperor, who was the apprentice of the previous Emperor," Gustav continued.
Rex and Kalani looked at one another in silence.
"General, what were the Separatists fighting for?" Gustav asked.
"According to my programming: freedom from the tyranny of the Republic," said Kalani.
"Hmm, fighting tyranny? Sounds like the First Order has always been your enemy."
"You are against the First Order. I am against the Republic. Now the Republic turned into the Galactic Empire, but was overthrown and created the New Republic, which many Separatist worlds have joined, and the First Order was created from the fragments of the Empire." Kalani process to a second before looking at Gustav. "I agree with your logic. We are on the same side."
Rex removed his helmet. "I guess we are."
"However, as I stated my forces are to depleted for me to plan a successful counter-attack," said Kalani.
"Fighting impossible odds, we can help you with that," said Hiccup.
R3 was in the hanger and was beating frantically to Hiccup and the others.
"Right, R3, we know the First Order is here. How is the shuttle coming?" Gustav asked over his radio.
Hiccup stared at him. "Shuttle? What shuttle?"
"The one I tried to tell you about earlier," said Gustav.
All of them were surrounded by a holographic terminal of the transport and the enemy forces outside.
"We have a Sheathipede-class shuttle, but they have no weapons nor can it fly," said Kalani.
R3 beeped.
"R3 says that it would take too long to get the engines going, but fortunately we ship in orbit," said Hiccup.
"I have disabled the jamming frequency to allow you to communicate with your allies," said Kalani.
"Appreciate it," said Hiccup. He then reached for his comm. "Fishlegs, do you read me?"
"Hiccup, thank the stars you're alive," said Fishlegs. "There's a Star Destroyer heading down towards you."
"Yeah, we know and if send out a welcoming committee," said Hiccup. "Can you extract us?"
"I've powered down everything except life support in the comm, but the moment I power up notice me," said Fishlegs.
"The walkers will take down your ship before it had a chance to settle down," said Kalani.
"Who is that?" Fishlegs asked.
"We'll explain later," said Hiccup.
"Then our first step is to get rid of the walkers," said Rex.
"We do not have the firepower to take on the walkers," said Kalani.
"We still have the bombs in the armoury," Hiccup pointed out.
"We have no cannons to fire the shells. Otherwise, I wouldn't use them on you," said Kalani looking at Hiccup.
"Charming," said Astrid.
"We're running out of time," said Gustav.
"I do have an idea," said Hiccup. "We roll the proton bombs across the hanger and into the path of the walkers. Then we can blast and create a path for Fishlegs to pick us up."
"My battle droids are not accurate. However you are, General Hiccup," said Kalani looking up at Hiccup.
"I think I understand," said Hiccup. "Your joys fired up and then Gustav and I deflect the shots directly at the proton bombs."
"Correct, this way we can take out more targets than my droid could alone," said Kalani.
"Well, this takes trust to a whole new level," said Rex.
"I admit, this is the first time that I want droids to fire at me," Hiccup admitted. He then picked up his commlink. "R3, get the ammunition ready to roll."
They soon put themselves into position just as the walkers approached the hanger.
"Ready, Major, Toothless?" Rex asked.
Astrid and Toothless nodded as the lead a squad of battle droids.
Rex then looked at the advancing army heading towards them. "Ah, one last day in the grand Army of the Republic."
"Fishlegs, we're ready to put the plan into motion," said Hiccup over his commlink. "Give us 30 seconds and then come to our position."
"Okay, Hiccup," said Fishlegs' voice.
Hiccup then turned to a squad of battle droids. "D Squad, get ready."
Kalani looked at Hiccup and Rex. "I have never attempted such a desperate strategy."
"That's why we always won," said Rex.
"Not always," said Kalani.
"Hey, guys, focus on the present," said Gustav.
"Once the shells explode and the Night Fury appears run like you never run before," Astrid ordered the droids.
"Roger, roger," they nodded.
Once an AT-ST entered the hangar, Astrid tossed a thermal detonator right next to one of its legs and then and exploded. The explosion took the leg causing the AT-ST to stumble and then Astrid and Toothless led the first charge. Several destroyers appeared and fired at the AT-ST, but soon the AT-AT was in their sites.
"Now!" Rex ordered.
His squad then roll the proton bombs right next to the feet of the walkers. Once they were in position, Kalain looked at his squad.
"Fire!" he ordered.
His battle droids and open fired at Hiccup and Gustav and they quickly deflected the shots bouncing them back towards the proton bombs. They exploded taking out one of the walkers and causing it to topple over.
"Fishlegs, what's your ETA?" said Hiccup over the comm.
"I'm here," said Fishlegs' voice.
They then watched as the Night Fury appeared and quickly fired several lasers that one of the AT-AT by surprise taking it out. It then hovered in front of them lowering its cargo ramp.
"This may be our only chance, move!" Gustav yelled.
Instantly all of them ran towards the Night Fury as quickly as possible. The AT-STs started to concentrate their fire on the ship, but the deflector shields were operational.
"Hurry, guys, the shield won't last long," said Fishlegs.
Hiccup watched as the last of the battle droids jumped aboard.
"We're in, go, go!" Hiccup ordered.
"Thank the stars," Fishlegs sighed with relief.
He then guided the Night Fury away from AT-STs and headed straight towards the atmosphere before the Star Destroyer could move itself into position. Once they were out of the planet's atmosphere Fishlegs hit the hyperdrive and they entered into hyperspace.
"We made it," Gustav sighed with relief.
"Indeed, we have survived the battle. It was not a victory, but a successful strategy nonetheless," said Kalani.
"No, it was a victory," said Rex. Everyone then stared at him. "We all just won the Clone War." He then looked at Gustav. "And you ended it, Gustav. A galaxy of senators couldn't do that. An army of Jedi, clones and droids couldn't find the middle ground." He then placed a hand on Gustav's shoulder. "But you did."
"Rex, all I did was point out that none of you were meant to win, you couldn't," said Gustav.
"And we needed to hear it," said Rex.
"Agreed, I am satisfied if you are, Captain and you too General," said Kalani looking at Rex and Hiccup.
"I am," said Rex.
"As am I," said Hiccup. He then looked at Kalani. "You know general we do have a droid army of our own and they could use an ideal strategist such as yourself to lead them in the Resistance."
"Are you suggesting that I join forces with you?" Kalani looking at Hiccup.
"We already did against the First Order and we defeated the odds," said Hiccup extending his hand. "What do you say? Are you willing to take those down those that manipulated us to fighting one another?"
"I am," said Kalani shaking his hand.
Astrid smiled at Gustav. "Looks like you just became a peacekeeper, kid."
Gustav smiled and shrugged.