And we are back to Star Wars: Clone Rebellion.
I was hoping that this Arc in particular would be up more quickly than Arc 12 was.
I have also decided that since each season will branch of separately by 4 whole years, I'll be doing separate stories that are gonna be called 'Mini-Arcs'. The Mini-Arcs will contain 4 episodes that explain what happens between the events of each season.
Also, Pantora isn't really a snow planet to say, but it may have weather changes, so I'm gonna say it is the winter of Pantora.
There isn't much else to say really but I do hope people leave nice reviews, as they boost my effort and time in finishing each Arc. If you wish to explain what should be done for certain plots, feel free to speak out your ideas that may be enlightening for the story's progress.
The Yavin IV team attacked! The 501st Clone squad stationed on the green plant moon gets attacked by Death Watch locals who didn't like their company! The Death Watch has lost most soldiers and the Clones are hunting down the rest! Ahsoka Tano and an assault force of Clones trave to Pantora after Ahsoka saved Mon Mothma who was on Alderaan! Senator Ryo Chuchi of Pantora gets captured and is imprisoned by Imperials to get planetary control!
Pantora Surface:
Ahsoka's team of Gunships flew over the snowy surface of Pantora; the movement of the LAAT Gunships was strong enough to make the flat snow fly under them. They were just lucky that there were no snow storms to make the Gunships go out of control and crash into the icy flat surface. It had taken them about an hour to get to the surface of the planet and in that time, any Imperials could have taken complete control of the Pantoran city. The Gunships were very close the city now and Ahsoka knew they needed to land soon.
The sounds generating inside the Gunships was only the humming of engines, the stretching of the wires the troops held and the sound of Clone armor moving and rubbing against each other.
Ahsoka secretly has wanted to see her friend Ryo ever since she had seen her witness her trial. It wasn't that Ahsoka was worried about Senator Chuchi's reaction to her visit, but she didn't know what her reaction would have been right after she would visit her on her homeworld. She might have thought that Ahsoka was really guilty about the crime committed by Barriss. This was now the only way she'd find out her reaction.
While trained as a Jedi, Ahsoka knew she couldn't hold the silence for much longer. She missed the days when she'd joke with her boys of the 501st and get ready to fight some Clankers and crack a few laughs as each Droid gets their heads blasted or snapped off. How the times have really flown since becoming Anakin Skywalker's Padawan. She of course, was now a proud Jedi Knight, fighting for what was right, not going into hiding awaiting for the galaxy to fall to pieces as the Empire grows and destroys more worlds for complete control. Even if the point of war has quickly changed in the galaxy, the rules remain the same. Right for what is right and at the end of the tunnel, the light will glow brighter than the living force. Ahsoka was then distracted from her thoughts as she got lightly shaken on her right shoulder by Captain Rex.
"Commander. We're almost there." Rex says in a short soft voice.
"Thank you, Rex." Ahsoka replies trying to get into focus. "How long before the city is in range?"
"In about two minutes Commander Tano." The main pilot of her Gunship says. "However, I don't know what we might face there. There may be a lot of brothers residing in the city and could take blasts at our Gunships, if they have Rocket Launchers."
Ahsoka then looks to the door on her left. The idea of the Gunships getting shot down was a good point. If she was to let them swoop over the city, then they might be destroyed.
"Land here." Ahsoka says.
"Excuse me Commander?" The pilot asks.
"Land here. We'll walk the rest of the way." Ahsoka says.
"If you say so sir…" The pilot says.
The LAAT lands not far from the city, and the others followed in direction. Even though they weren't far, they still had a five minute walk before arriving to the boarder.
Ahsoka's Gunship's panels opened and she jumped out with her men behind her. The five regulars with the rest doing the same. Ahsoka knew that time was not on their side. She had relied on her fleet to hold on until they got official control of Pantora; the ships in orbit could only take so much before being blown away from their mirrored enemy. She knew that her men would win, but if more was to come and take them on, it was a big game over for them.
"Rex, head count." Ahsoka says to her Captain.
"We did that back on the Cruiser sir. We've got five hundred men to spare." Rex replies.
"Let's just hope we all don't get killed." Ahsoka says.
"We'll be fine kid." Rex says.
Ahsoka's men had their snow gear on. Her men had taken all their main gear off and used their coat armor instead. Well, all except CT-1111/00. He had winter gear but refused to use it. His leaders had given up trying to speak to him because he never responded or looked at them. What was also strange was that his ID number was not normal. Normally if there was a six digit number Clone ID sign, it would be of something like Fives' one. CT-27-5555. But then he became an ARC Trooper and got the ID of ARC-5555. She hoped that this Clone would see reason to explain about this issue that he has about speaking to anyone and letting anyone see his face. While it was rather rude, Ahsoka knew that if he didn't care, there must have been some issue that she didn't see. Some issues that no one would probably understand.
The large infantry force started there trek to the city. With luck they might not fall into a trap getting in. They knew the enemies had only occupied the city for no more than an hour. Even though they might have not been in total control for that long, anything could have been secured in a short amount of time. As Ahsoka knew, time was not on their side. She knew that since the formation of the new Empire that evil was growing in the Clone armies too. They were no longer known as the GAR, (Grand Army of the Republic) but Ahsoka's men were not with the Empire. Unlike the new Empire's troops, Ahsoka's still stood with loyal hearts implanted within themselves. She hoped that after this battle was, then they could actually take a big rest. They still had a lot of work to do. Find more surviving Jedi and hope for more Clone Troopers to go rouge and join up with them. If lucky, then maybe they could compete with the Empire and show them who is stronger.
The mushing in the snow was loud due to the five hundred Clones walking together. It even conflicted with the many voices of the 501st they were speaking among themselves. Ahsoka just stayed listening to her goals she was aiming to accomplish here on Pantora.
Pantora City:
The limp body of Ryo was being dragged through a hall in the main government building in the city of the town. The city was quickly put on lockdown after the Imperial Clones had arrived to assess the situation of freedom here. They didn't care about peoples happiness, or at least the main leaders didn't. Clones holding the Pantorans had paid a lot of attention to the civilians felt very uneasy about holding them under control like this. This didn't originally belong in their programming on Kamino when learning about the laws of peoples freedom right. Sure, Order 66 was something to be prepared for incase the Jedi actually did betray them. The Clones may have actually helped in destroying the Jedi, but now they had new orders to guard innocent civilians when though they having no reason to be held under these types of strings. Once peace fighting soldiers now are ordered to bring fear and terror to all living good. Many Clones didn't agree to this, but many more just were glad to follow orders and not ask questions.
Senator Chuchi was dragged by her arms on her back there by two white snow uniform Clones and they just tossed her in like a throwing ball that was extremely heavy. Those balls were usually used to see how ones strength could be measured with force. Ryo was now acting as one. Once she was tossed in the middle, the Clones activated a force field to the chamber and the Senator was now trapped with no way out.
In the main office, the Imperial official sat in a chair looking through the Pantoran Senator's documents incased in folders. Folders were never always used for doing work. Sometimes they were done by Datapads so more information could be stored in smaller places. There were eight other Clones in the room with him and there were looking through all of the Senator's personal items, looking for clues, information, secrets, anything to show any evidence to her betrayal to the Emperor. The reason for this was to make her a suspect for being responsible for a new rebellion. Even if there was no clue or bit of evidence for it, they would just wrap up some random bits of documents and use them as 'hard evidence' against her and give her a death sentence. The execution would also be public for everyone to see. The point of her death would be an example to others who wish to start any new group against the Emperor. She was just useless bait who wanted freedom of Pantora, and that was something the Emperor could not have.
"Men, have you found anything that'll make her be proven of being guilty for crimes against the Empire?" The Imperial official asks.
"No sir, her office appears to be clean." The ARC Trooper replies. "If she really wanted to hide her secret files away from prying eyes then she wouldn't ever d them in the one place we would look."
"Blast it!" The Imperial official growls banging his fist upon the top of Ryo's desk. "Then we'll just make some evidence and use it against her."
"Um, sir? Isn't that lying?" The ARC Commander asks.
"Of course it is you simpleton!" The Imperial official says. "We are going to get complete control even if they did or didn't do anything! It is what the Emperor has demanded for his loyal soldiers the Imperial Order! We shall get him the planet!"
"Please sir, I was just asking. I didn't know we had to go dirty." The ARC leader says.
The Imperial official looks at the ARC Trooper for a few seconds before shooing out the eight men assisting him.
"You Stormtroopers need to leave. Now." The Imperial official commands.
"Let's go." The ARC leader says moving his arms to his men. They quickly complied with their Commander and left, shutting the doors to the room and leaving the official to do his work.
The group walks down the halls to go and head into the outside daylight. They were gonna inspect the hostages who were being guarded by other Clones of the legion. They all couldn't really confess it unless all of them felt the same way, but they knew they didn't like following the Empire anymore. At first each man had assumed they had joined something very wonderful. But, as the days had gone, almost a week, it had seemed that they quickly realized their error in following the command Order 66. Out of one of the one hundred and fifty Contingency Orders for the Grand Army of the Republic, and they just had to follow Order 66. Maybe the Jedi were not to blame for the Chancellor's state, now that his skin has been deformed. But, even if they did cause it, the Chancellor had somehow fought it off. It is well known that even if the Jedi was under the heavy attack of Clones in the Senate Building, he or she would have decapitated the Supreme Commander in an instant. A Lightsaber is a weapon that can cut through just about anything, and the Chancellor is not made of anything besides flesh and bones. He isn't made out of Cortosis-weave or any similar material.
When they all made it outside, they saw the Pantorans on the ground being watched by more Clones who aimed DC-15S weapons in their directions, waiting for the civilians in the large groups to get up and become targets for the Clones to shot. The ARC leader knew that their weapons were NOT set to stun. This was all becoming close to turning into a sick game. He was quite disappointed with the men for not having their weapons on stun, for they had done nothing wrong. He could however, spot most of them shaking nervously while aiming. They didn't want to keep doing this. They were doing very wrong by following orders. Orders that were very wrong.
"How far has the Republic fallen? Why has the Empire done this?" The ARC leader asks inside his head.
The Clones all around him actually felt the same way as the ARC leader did. They had respected peace since the war had started and that was all they had wanted.
"Sir… this is terrible. We should be protecting the people of Pantora, not killing them." A Clone says.
The ARC Commander was surprised by the Clone's sentence. There was still good in some of the men from what he now understood. But even if that was the case, there was still a lot more who would give all their remaining loyalty to an Emperor instead of a fair government with elected leaders and good intentions for the future. Palpatine was not one for those things, as shown from his recent dislikes to anyone who is otherwise not human related. Pantora was not an acceptation as shown from their treatment ordered by the official. He was just like the Emperor, racist.
A Pantoran man who was in a back row with other fellow Pantorans spoke with four more. The ARC Commander could see them doing something. The main man was speaking out a plan with two other males and two females. They looked at the Clones guarding the groups of Clones guarding the downed Pantorans. They were not facing their direction and slowly got up, forgetting the Clones around the ARC Commander. Even the ARC Commander was ignored.
Then as the group saw the distracted Clones, they quickly got up and attempted to run. The ARC Commander was hoping they wouldn't be heard moving, but a Clone in white snow gear guarding the groups saw the runners hungry for freedom trying to get out of the city as soon as possible.
"Stop them! Five Pantorans are escaping!" The Clone first to see them in snow shouts to his brothers.
The other guarding Clones looked towards the Clone shouting ad discovered he was right about the escaping Pantorans trying to get to some place where they could get refuge. But five Clones with DC-15A's went with the one Clone who shouted to get a clear view beyond the prisoners and take aim in the distance.
The ARC Commander was shocked that the Clones didn't even object to this. They didn't even give a chance to set their weapons from kill. Instead they quickly checked their ammo and aimed at the backs of the civilians getting smaller each second.
"Sir!" A Clone near the ARC Commander says in a hardened tone but in a whisper, not shout.
"Set to stun!" The ARC Commander shouts while he started running from his seven men to the six aiming at the civilians.
Blue bolts spewed from the ends of the barrels of each Rifle and went to hit that five Pantorans. They shots were difficult to hit the civilians. They bounced out of their range and around them and around their feet. A shot finally hit a man who was far behind from the rest. His left leg got a burn mark that traveled all the way across his blue skin. A woman who was closest to him stopped running and looked at her fallen Pantoran brother. She quickly decided to attempt to save him by dodging blasts aiming for her. She got to the man and attempted to pick him up by his right arm. He was heavy for her, but she could manage. The three other Pantorans stopped and looked at the woman who was risking her life to save the seriously injured man. The ARC Commander nods in silent respect to her, knowing that she was respectable to her own kind like a good brother of the Republic.
Something drew his attention to one of the Clones with a DC-15A. The Clone had aimed perfectly and let out one bolt aiming for a specific target. The ARC Commander followed the blue lined dot getting smaller and following up to the five Pantorans location. The dot then charged to the woman attempting to save the man. Before it hit her, she looked back feeling something rushing up to her. As the bolt of blue was just mere inches away, time suddenly went drastically slow for her. Then the bolt ripped into her chest and straight into her heart and through the back. The ARC Commander's pupils in his eyes quickly grew and he watched the woman standing in still shock. She knew she was dead, even if she could see what had happened. She then just drops the injured man and falls to her knees, then to her chest. The Clones continued to fire at the injured man and hit him in the chest multiple times.
The three remaining Pantorans watched their sister's and brother's bodies lying there stiffened. The six snow gear Clones then attempted to go after them. The ARC Commander who was not in the Clones range waved his hands above his head trying to get the three Pantorans attention and made it look like he was telling them to run for their lives.
The three Pantorans did what the Commander was waving about and try to avoid getting hit from the rest of the blasts the Clones were using against them.
The ARC Trooper then falls to his knees and hands in weakened annoyance. He looked at the ground beyond his bucket and cursed mentally about Palpatine and this whole god damn Empire he had created. The seven Clones around him get to the ground and face their leader's front helmet visor.
"Sir, are you feeling alright?" One voice asked with concern in it.
"No, I am not." The ARC Commander says. "This blasted Empire is ripping me apart. We were bred into the galaxy by the Kaminoans to protect the Republic, not destroy what we were ordered to protect."
"All we've ever done was following the Republic. We've seen our fair share of the Clone War, blasting Clankers and defeating Droid Capital ships. Now we've fallen upon dark times." A Clone says.
"Well the Clone War was pretty dark in itself. This may be a little worse now." Another Clone says.
"Of course it is worse. We've been fighting in the Clone Wars for what, three years and we still didn't trust our Jedi General? He was just as trusting as the Chancellor was." A third Clone says.
"And I killed him." The ARC Commander says. "He was not only our field leader, but he was our friend. And I killed him. I blasted him right in the back."
"And now our Supreme Commander has become an Emperor and casted the Jedi as traitors who need to be killed." Another Clone says.
"Order 66." The ARC Commander says standing up and removing his helmet slowly with his wet ice filed hands. Underneath a Jango face a bald head appeared from the encased darkness. "If you are all with me, then I have a plan."
The seven other Clones watched their leader who seemed to be doing something that would interest them. He was going to say something that would risk his life.
"We can't just stand in the Imperial Navy as soldiers with just numbers as our identifications. We are real men, no matter how anyone sees us as; we are real people with hearts and minds." The ARC Commander says. "We can't stay in an army built for complete domination of the galaxy when they plan to lock everything up and introduce slavery. We are going rouge, even if we die trying."
"While I respect your views sir, but how are we gonna get enough support from the others and leave this planet? Surely the Emperor will call in more Clones to hold this planet." A Clone says.
"If we really want to do right, then follow what I do when the time is right. We'll be here for a very long time, and patience is our weapon." The ARC Commander says.
"If you say so sir…" The Clone who asked the question before says.
The Clones then started doing what their leader would command of them.
Ahsoka's Group On Pantora:
Ahsoka had ordered her men to stop when they had seen the city's first buildings. She had taken Rex with her to scout ahead and look at the movements of the Clones holding the city hostage. They both had taken binoculars and went into prone to look all around the noticeable area. There was snow uniform Clones watching a lot of grounded Pantorans and were actually ready to kill them if they made a move. It was evident when they saw two dead corpses of a male and female with blaster burns in them. They had suffered a lot judging by their body appearances. Rex had taken his snow helmet off to get a better look.
"Blasted Empire!" Rex Curses pulling his binoculars from his eyes and banging into the icy ground. "They've changed the meaning of the Republic and twisted it into a sick game of slavery for credits!"
"Stay on the task, Rex." Ahsoka says keeping focus of the view. "We'll do something about it in the right time."
"Yes sir." Rex says looking around with his binoculars again. "This just outrageous."
"We'll work our butts off to end this Rex, but we need to do this slowly. One wrong move and we might lose before we've even started." Ahsoka says.
"Agreed Commander." Rex says.
After a few moments of watch, Ahsoka knew how she would plan her next move.
"Call in the boys Rex. I have a plan." Ahsoka says.
Yavin IV:
The group of Clones on the surface was heading to the one last camp owned by the Death Watch. Knowing the scouts would have made it back by now meant that they would know what was coming for them, giving them an easier advantage.
"C'mon! The longer we wait, the more we'll have to face. They could have better weapons than the double camp!" A Clone inside a Juggernaut says.
The field Commander was also present in the same tank. He looked towards the Clone who said the warning and replied. "Relax trooper. They've got nowhere else to go. They'll have weaker defenses. If they were stronger, then they'd counter attack us, not run to their friends."
"Then maybe I just want to get another fight done. I really want a break from all this hard work." The other Clone says to his field Commander.
"We'll get a break once the job's done." The field Commander says back. "How long until we make it to the camp?"
"Roughly about ten minutes if we reach the camp sir." A driver says. "Maybe more if we run into small paths."
"Alert me when we're close. I don't want to fall into a possible trap just because we weren't ready." The field Commander says.
"Yes sir." The driver says.
Pantora:
Ahsoka and her five hundred men move in prone so they would be hard to spot. They had assumed that they were completely protected by doing so. But the ARC Commander who made a plan with his loyal troops saw the large movement coming from the edge of the city. He was a little confused as to what it was coming towards them. At first, he thought it was native creatures from the outside of the city coming to attack because of the white lumpy bits. But he also saw blue markings on the lumpy bits. But what drew more attention about it was that he saw black in front of them. He recognized the black shade as the standard issue DC-115 series Blaster models. They were Clones!
"Clones? Here?!" The ARC Commander asks shocked and alarmed thinking something messy might happen. He knew of the 501st and saw these forms as said soldiers. What he had also heard was that half of the legion had disappeared after Order 66 was called, and was rumored to have attacked a Coruscant fuel station. What he didn't believe was that they were here, ready to attack.
The soldier stood frozen by their appearance and didn't know what to do. The ARC Commander however walked slowly and held his hands up above his head in a welcoming, surrendering greeting.
Ahsoka and Rex see the standing white armored snow gear ARC Trooper waving slowly to the approaching Clones. Ahsoka and Rex give each other silent signs of communication about approaching the ARC Trooper with no hostile intentions.
The Clones on the ARC Commander's side worry about their leader. They liked their leader, and he respected them. What they didn't want was their leader falling prey to rouge Clones who plan on attack the Pantoran city.
"Commander, where are you going?!" A snow geared Clones ask out loudly.
The ARC Commander ignores his soldier's panic and continued to try and grab the 501st legion's attention. Ahsoka and Rex get up from the ground but didn't raise their weapons. Ahsoka's and Rex's dual weapons were at their waists. Ahsoka's weapons hung from her belt wrapping right around her waist while Rex's twin DC-17 Hand Blasters were in their holsters sitting motionless with no restraint needed.
The ARC Commander then whipped off his helmet with no hesitation in his actions and looked directly into the face and helmet of the Jedi Knight and Clone Captain.
"Thank the Force, a Jedi." The ARC Commander says.
"What are you up to? What is your legion up to?" Rex asks demanding an answer with his twin Blasters in his hands, aiming at the ARC Trooper.
"I'm an ARC Trooper Commander, sir. CT-56-5656." The Commander answers with a salute. "We were ordered here to govern Pantora. Or at least that's what our leader said."
"And who is your leader… Commander?" Rex asks in a deep serious, yet quiet tone. This Clone wasn't technically his Commander in rank anymore, since he wasn't a part of the Imperial navy.
"I don't know. He said he didn't need to explain it to lab inventions." The ARC Commander says. He had tightened his wrists when he said 'lab inventions'.
"Well you seemed to have made your choice in following him." Rex says.
"I'll admit, I had followed him into attacking the city and holding the Pantorans captive, but I never intended to bring death among the innocent lives here." The ARC Commander says.
"Oh yeah? Well what about those corpses we had discovered?" Rex asks pointing to the dead civilian bodies.
"They were killed by the loyal soldiers following the Empire. About half of our platoon disagreed with our leader. I've got my men waiting for further orders until we can abandon the Empire." The ARC Commander
"Wait." Rex says grabbing the Clone's arm. "How do we know we can trust you?"
The ARC Commander shrugs off the hand and answers. "You don't, but I assure you my men are willing to prove their loyalty to peace. Now c'mon and we'll merge our troops together and we can save this city."
The ARC Commander walks towards his troops that were far from Ahsoka's and Rex's position. The two Republican leaders didn't attack the ARC trooper from behind as their suspicion wasn't clawing at them in anyway. The two just look at each other with questioning looks but just insisted themselves to shrug off the thought of being caught in a trap.
The ARC Commander checked back behind him and saw the large platoon of 501st Clone Troopers heading directly behind his path. Now that he was thinking about, he was starting to worry about whether or not any Empire loyal soldiers would discover them making in 'illegal entry' into the city. But deep down, the ARC Commander knew that it wouldn't matter in about an hour, since the city might as well be free then.
"C'mon!" The ARC Commander expresses to the 501st and waves his hands in the air.
From Ahsoka's and Rex's point, they saw the Commander looked impatient and eagerly wanted them to quicken their pace. Ahsoka gave the sign for everyone to rush faster and get in before time would beat them.
The ARC Commander went back to his men and had hoped that they had rounded up enough soldiers to assist them in their fight. When he got there, he was glad that the number was more than expected, but he could've expected a lot more. There was a lot of white winter armored Clones standing around with their helmets off and were looking at the ARC Commander's position.
"Commander." All the troops call as they give a salute to their leader. The ARC Commander smiles to his men as he sees that they were ready to help to the 501st battle their way to victory over the Imperials in the city.
"Men, we've got the boys of the 501st assisting us in saving the city today. With the numbers I see with them, we'll have a good chance at winning. If we all do our part in this rouge plan against our order, we'll all be finished quickly." The ARC Commander says.
"Sir, yes sir!" Most of the Clones yell back.
The Commander of this legion looked around his men with a quick glance again and quickly questioned their loyalty for a bitter moment. Then he let out another speech.
"And to the men who believe on defecting from this order I have given; think about what we'll achieve from doing this. As an Empire, we'll be subjugated into doing terrible things to people we would normally see reason to save, not just put heavy laws against everyone and execute those who do the smallest thing. If you have any objections to my order, step forward now and join the Empire and become our enemy."
The Clones could be heard mumbling among themselves and some were in groups. The groups debated among themselves and thought real heard to make a decision either for the greater good or for an evil the galaxy has never faced.
When the men looked back to their leader and silence was once again executed, the Commander knew their answer. "Good to know you boys aren't going to switch sides."
"You seem to have an interesting platoon like Wicket Company, Commander." A voice behind the ARC Commander says.
The Commander looked back to meet in the faces of the Jedi Knight and ARC Captain.
"Thank you Captain, I think." The ARC Commander says.
"It was a complement soldier." Rex says. "What's your name, Commander?"
The ARC Commander looked at Rex with worry beneath his helmet. This Commander was feeling a lot of guilt, and Ahsoka was picking up on it.
"Sorry Captain. But I feel like it isn't the time to be explaining that right now." The ARC Commander says. "If you don't mind, I'd like to start working out a plain for attack."
Ahsoka answered for Rex this time. "Of course Commander, we don't want to interrogate you."
The ARC Commander gives a sad smile beneath his bucket and thanks the Jedi Knight. "Thank you Master Jedi. I'm glad you can understand that."
"It's fine Commander. How about we get started?" Ahsoka asks.
Minutes later, over 500 rebellious Clones were managing to stand in a hidden area of the city. Or it was at least hidden from the Imperial soldiers working with the Official.
The ARC Commander had been working in the circle of Clones with 501st Clone Captain Rex. They were devising a plan about taking everything for good will. The ARC Commander was doing direct explanations about every detail of the situation.
"Alright, this is the situation troops." The ARC Commander says pulling out a sphere black object from his back pouch and sent it into the air scanning the enemy position. It made a 3D rendered map of the area the Imperials were in and it even had shown where they were. The buildings in the shapes were glowing orange and the Imperials and prisoners were glowing blue. The 3D area was being fed directly into the middle of Ahsoka, Rex, the ARC Commander and Fives who had gotten there as well. "There are a lot of Imperials in the area that are keeping the civilians occupied. We will need to go in fast and steady to avoid casualties."
"Alright, I think we can only rely on the task now. Be sure we do our jobs right." The ARC Commander says.
Yavin IV:
The two Juggernaut tanks were going through an open space area in a single file line. The jungle moon of Yavin IV seemed to be a tricky place to travel through with big vehicles. It was a hard trip for the Juggernauts, because the vines from certain sticky plants were getting onto the heavy tires.
Inside the tank, the assigned field Commander was with the Clones waiting for their destination to be reached. But as they listened in complete silence, the sounds of jamming, struggling and stopping went all over the tank. Since it was the tank in the front, it stopping would keep the second A6 from traveling as well. The Clones looked all around worrying for their transportation. Since they were heavily armed vehicles, it was good protection if there was a Death Watch ambush about to strike.
Then suddenly, the tank stopped making clunking and rolling sounds. The vibrations from the vehicle stop and absolute silence comes from the machinery of the tank. Chatter from the Clones start because of this and it confused them. The field Commander started to speak into his communicator, hoping and preparing for what he would not like to hear about this situation they were in.
"Driver, what seems to be the problem?" The field Commander asks.
"Sir, the jungle vines have tangled in with our tires and our machinery has over heated from the force it has been driving through. If we still want to eliminate the last Death Watch camp, traveling on foot is the only option at this point." The driver says.
The field Commander had tried to prepare himself for this. This was a tight situation they were in. If the tank wasn't blocking the way, then the other one could still destroy the last base with fewer deaths. But now they only had infantry and smaller vehicles to rely on. If only Commander Tano had left more Clones here, but she had her reasons for taking more with her and the field Commander knew what was at stake with her.
"Alright. We'll have to do this on foot." The field Commander says.
As the Clones walking with their Commander followed him off the walkway, a Clone on an AT-RT rides over to the leader.
"Sir, the driver in tank 2 is wondering why you stopped." The Walker driver says.
"Tell them we have to continue on foot for now. Our tank has over heated and we need to move in before the Death Watch can escape and run around to pose more of a threat to us." The field Commander says.
"Understood sir." The Clone on the AT-RT says, turning around and charging to the second Juggernaut tank.
After a few minutes of waiting, all troops from each tank dispersed and the field Commander was ready to lead them to the camp. It seemed like suicide to follow this plan. But at least there were Walkers and other vehicles there to support them.
"C'mon men, this may be a large hike we'll be doing, but it'll make sure we don't have to worry about our safety from threats such as the Death Watch." The field Commander says.
"Yes sir!" The Clones under his Command shout out.
They may not have any Juggernaut tanks to back them up in this final fight, but at least they would only have a small bit of resistance left to fight against.
Then, as the Clones started to march straight to the Death Watch camp, explosions started raining in front of the men. Most of the Clones flew back because of the impact of the explosions. The field Commander was the first to look out at what had caused the explosions and saw blue tanks following from the area of the Death Watch camp. The tanks appeared to have had very strong lasers and grenade launchers. One tank aimed for a group of six Clones and sent lasers for them. The impact killed them as they flew backwards. Other tanks joined in on this one tank's actions and continued to fight against the rouge troopers that followed the Republican version of peace.
The A6 Juggernaut tanks tried firing their roof weapons and their side missiles at the tanks but they were destroyed when the tanks fired at them. The pilots of the weapons inside the tanks cursed and banged their controls in frustration.
As the Mandalorian tanks started closing in on the Clones that are now bundled in a circle, a flying blur suddenly jumps from the bushes on the right of the Clones and hit into the tank closest to it. The blur was consisted of both red and black. As it hit the tank, there was heavy damage where it strikes. The field Commander got a good glimpse of what it was that attacked the tank due to the ceased fire of the other Mandalorian vehicles. It was a female Kaleesh judging by the looks of things. She was wearing Mandalorian Shock Trooper armor that made her look heavily armed for battle. She had used two Kaleesh swords judging by the looks of them and she jumped off of the tank immediately and headed for another one. The first tank she had attacked exploded and its parts had been sent flying in all directions.
As this Kaleesh warrior landed on her second prey that was a metal tank, a Death Watch warrior jumped out from the hatch of the tanks and tries to attack the female with his Vibrosword, which in the end was useless. The Kaleesh warrior had managed to grab his arm with her left hand and with a sudden thrust, a loud echoing snap was heard and the yells of a Death Watch soldier went out load for miles. His agony ended when her Kaleesh sword went straight through his upper chest and yanked it out, leaving the body dead and falling off from the tank.
The Kaleesh then put her blades within her sleeves that were on her back. After she put them on the back with a short amount of time, she grabbed herself an Outlander Blaster Rifle from the same spot too and aimed it at the metal body.
Zap! Zap! Zap! Zap! Zap!
Her Rifle managed to do extensive damage to the frame of the tank and the driver beneath in the shell was hit with one of the shots and died before she had jumped off. The tank exploded after that.
In midair, she looked at all tanks in quick time and send out shots against each one. Each shot more powerful than before.
But, even before the Kaleesh female could get all tanks, some Death Watch members were smart enough to leave their tanks before being victims of such vehicle explosions. Their jet packs activated and they launched into the air. While they were wise enough to exit each tank, they were not smart enough to leave rather than attack a questionable warrior. Her red skin seemed questionable to how threatening she had looked, not to mention her jaw teeth. It made her seem like a hard to consider fighting against warrior. Though for Death Watch, their purposes seemed rather questionable than understanding the meaning for their attacks. She had landed on a broken tank with the people inside unquestionably dead on their part.
The Death Watch members stupidly decided to fly up against her and try to send her packing. When the first member went to get her, he fired his laser Rifle directly into her stomach so he could make it hard for her to dodge. But she was fast at moving, really fast. The man was overwhelmed by facing a warrior that had this much strength. But his thoughts were silenced in seconds and the Kaleesh woman had grabbed him when he flew past trying to knock her down and she spun him in one circle with his jets moving and he was released at the approaching Death Watch doing the same. Hitting them was no issue, but the problem was that the woman had used her Outlander Rifle to shoot his rocket pack and it exploded, along with most of his charging brothers and sisters.
The four final survivors who evenly males and females went to charge at her still, but this time, they went at an even trail so she wouldn't be able to get them all with her hands. But she was incompetent and knew how to survive this. With her two Kaleesh swords now in her hands and her Rifle tucked back on her back with a strap holding it in place, she swings both her blades when all members are two feet away from smacking into her and she ducks straight afterwards. The four Death Watch members collide in with each other and bounced back. The bodies slide along the grassy terrain and hit into rocks, trees and broken stone from who knows where.
The Kaleesh warrior breaths slightly and looked around at her work and nods in acceptance. She puts her twin Kaleesh swords on her back with the sounds of rubbing blades on her holders.
The Kaleesh faced the Clones and they just looked back in awe, especially the field Commander.
"That deals with that Death Watch group scum, wouldn't you agree?" The female Kaleesh asks.
"Who… who are you?" The field Commander asks in shock.
The Kaleesh female makes a hint of humor and jumps off of the tank and walked towards the Clones casually. She stops ten feet away from the closest, which was the field Commander.
"My name is Kytani Kheashmun. I'll be assisting you in this battle you've gotten into." The Kaleesh woman says. "Now come, we've got a lot of work to do."
The Kaleesh walks away towards the Mandalorian camps knowing the Clones would follow anyway. The Clones were confused for these few seconds. It was not a minute ago and the tanks were destroyed before their very eyes, killing a lot of Death Watch.
Minutes later, the Clones were walking in a huge line that was following the Kaleesh woman called Kytani Kheashmun. The field Commander was behind her and he was beginning to feel uneasy easy around her. He was actually feeling like a second in command now because she had arrived. But he did however feel a lot safer. While feeling so, he knew that he'd want to know more about her to trust her. This was going to be a hellish walk before heading to the camp and getting to know her would be something to kill time.
"So, Miss Kheashmun, I find you to be very interesting, since you managed to kill those Mandos in under a minute, but I'm more interested in knowing you. Do you mind explaining your story and how you got here?" The field Commander asks.
The Kaleesh smiles mentally as the Clone had asked that. No one she had ever met before had ever asked her about her life and how she got where was. It flattered her that someone had finally asked.
"I normally don't give out much information, but I'll tell you my recent history." The says. "I was once a trainer for your home world of Kamino. I was assigned by Jango Fett to teach you Clone proper instructions and orders for the battle field. Once Jango had died, I knew that training would be much harder to do, so I did my best to try and assist the Republic in any way I could. While being a trainer for Clone Troopers, I started doing assassinations of very important Separatist leaders that would have been devastating to Clones on the front lines. My personal vendetta with Dooku was what kept me on my task. I was going to kill him myself when I had gotten the chance. But then I heard that Anakin Skywalker, the so called 'Hero With No Fear' had done my job for me. Even though I was glad he was dead, I still felt like I didn't do enough. I wanted to kill him, not have some Jedi do it for me." Kytani says gripping onto her Rifle in a tight grip.
The field Commander knew that she had some personal feelings with the CIS. It was best to drop the subject on that and let her skip it.
"Uh, right. So can you tell me more?" The field Commander asks.
"Oh right, sorry." Kytani says. "After the Battle of Coruscant, I had returned back to Kamino to train more of the next generation's Clone soldiers. It was hard thinking about the war. I was worried about its end, because the Clone soldiers' fates would have been decided. But after months of thinking, I had gotten word from the Kaminoans that the Jedi were now the enemy due to Order 66. It was then that I know that I felt a sense in me that had shown me that I didn't belong there and more. Despite what the Republic's new plan was to clearing out the Jedi, I had to leave without any second thoughts. After I had left Kamino, I had started a search for Clones and Jedi that had survived the affects and encounters of Order 66. I had check out Mygeeto and Felucia, but all I found on those plants was Clones and the information of the two Jedi Masters Ki-Adi Mundi and Aayla Secura were no longer living." Kytani then takes a moment to breathe a sigh of sadness and gaining more air for the next bit of information. "After I had left those planets, I had managed to get a bit of mission data from Republican computers and discovered that the 501st legion on Yavin IV hadn't called in or returned from battle against the Droids. So I discovered for myself what I would find and found you all."
"Wow, you've been through a lot I can tell." The field Commander says. "Your skills show you can sure handle yourself in battle. You had shown those Death Watch members what real fighting is."
"I also have a personal vengeance that needs to be cleaned up her too. I hated the Death Watch second from Dooku." Kytani says. "They had better start running, because they will get what they deserve."
"Well they've only got their last base left to hide, so we'll have plenty of time to deal with them." The field Commander says.
The two continued to strode in walking silence as they focused on heading to the Death Watch camp where they'll finally be finished, but for good this time.
Pantora:
The ARC Commander had removed his helmet and revealed the face to the 501st. He had Jango's hair style and he had a beard that was growing since it looked like a grey color. After all rouge units of the invading Imperials were counted for they started their attack.
At first, the rouge white armored unites went out so it seemed like they would be less concerned about, but the guards working for the Empire knew something was wrong by looking at the helmetless Clones. It was answered last when they started firing at Imperials. The Imps panicked at this uncalled for assault and tried to find the nearest cover for them.
The ARC Commander and his men fired their DC-15S Carbine weapons at Imperials and did their best to not hit the Pantorans forced onto the ground. Some Clones on the Imperials side decided to actually get cover behind the prisoners. The ARC Commander didn't take this lightly and decided to pull out a DC-17 Hand Blaster from his right holster and focused on aiming for the Imperial's helmet still poking from the top. The shot was a success as the blue bolt went straight above the prisoner's head and went right into the Imperial Clone.
"Imperial scum…" The ARC Commander says commending his kill of the evil Jango Clone.
The ARC Commander's men were on his right charging for remaining Imperial Clones who fired backed at them. Some of the men in the rogue wave went down and died with more almost tripping over their bodies. But being in short numbers, the Imperials outside fell in battle quickly due to the DC-15S's doing a lot of carnage to them.
As soon as the outer guards were all eliminated, rouge Clones from the Empire started supporting the civilians held hostage by helping them stand and reuniting them with their families.
From a window in the main government building, the Imperial official looked down at the rouge Clones, 501st and a Jedi that had taken the main square. He shakes his head in disappointment and disapproval for their actions. While the area the rouges were in was secure from Imperial control, the building the official is currently occupying was full of remaining rouges due to the size of the building. While it wasn't as tall as a short Coruscant tower, it was just as wide as one and there were so many rooms.
The official grabbed a comlink sitting on the table near him and called each Imperial within the building's walls. It was hard to make the same com channel bend in a way where it could be bent into that particular pattern. Of course, the one now given to the leaders of Imperial Clone platoons were newly introduced to the new type of device. The official had already set his so that he could warm the men in the building of this betrayal. Before he started using it, he had a look outside the window behind the office chair and looked at the situation out there.
"All Stormtrooper units, this is your leader speaking." As the official called through the building, Clones in full gear listened to the message being called from their main leader. "There has been a complication within our task. A number of our men has deserted from the Empire and are attacking our forces. As the last members inside the building, I expect you all to eliminate all rouge Stormtroopers outside these walls. Stop them from coming in."
The Clones within the halls understood what to prepare for and locked their weapons settings to kill and only kill. The only way they would survive is by leaving. But they have no way to escape.
The official continued to look out the window and checked over the men that had betrayed the Empire. He got a good look of the ARC Commander and he looked back up at the window. Both men looked at each other's eyes carefully and studied each other closely for each other's actions.
With the ARC Commander, he knew that the official must have made plans for something. He looked away from the official and went to speak with Commander Tano who was standing with a few members of the 501st the consisted of Rex, Fives, Jesse, Kix.
"Commander Tano?" The ARC Commander asks.
"Yes Commander, what is it?" Ahsoka asks turning from her men and facing the ARC Commander.
"The official we were working for is in that building over there." The ARC Commander says pointing to the building with the official at the window looking down at everyone. "His building is heavily guarded with Imperials and the Senator Chuchi is currently locked in the cells inside."
"I've been looking for Senator Chuchi. Is she also guarded?" Ahsoka asks worried for her friend.
"Yes, but not as guarded as the official. He is more concerned for his safety than his mission objectives." The ARC Commander replies.
"Then he'll learn that no amount of Imperial soldiers will hold us back. C'mon let's do this!" Ahsoka cries as she takes both her Lightsabers out and runs towards the capital building with the 501st behind her. The ARC Commander followed knowing someone had spirit and it had added to his too.
The ARC Commander looked to his left and saw Captain Rex running at the same speed as he was. This Captain was determined to fight the Empire and the ARC Commander's curiosity was aroused. Where did Rex get his strength and willpower from?
"Your Commander sure is inspirational, Captain Rex…" The ARC Commander says to the man on his right.
"She's been through a lot, that Jedi Knight. She's seen a lot of action, lost close friends and has been through betrayals." Rex says back.
"I wish I had a Commander with that much energy. We'd have won the Clone Wars if every legion did." The ARC Commander says.
"Well we did technically win the war, sir." Rex says, finding using the term sir on this ARC Trooper to be hard.
"Yeah, but there is no Republic anymore. While we may still be heroes, what we did fight for is now gone. I wish my General was here. He was a good moral Jedi and a true friend." The ARC Commander says.
"So he's dead?" Rex asks.
"Afraid so, Rex." The ARC Commander replies.
"Order 66?" Rex asks.
"Yes."
"Your men killed him?" Rex asks another question.
"No."
"Then how did he die?"
The ARC Commander was hesitant to answer. This was a tough breaking point for this ARC Trooper, and Rex was climbing the unstable tower.
"I… I-I was only following my orders!" The ARC Commander says almost shouting.
Under Rex's helmet, he was giving the ARC Trooper a look of shock. Trusting this Clone was hard to do Rex admitted. But he killing his General was a lot to take in.
"You killed your leader…" Rex says not knowing how to say it.
"I didn't want to. It was a reaction I had when I received the order. I was more worried about the safety of my brothers than the Jedi. I had a lot of respect for them and I didn't want to see them harmed." The ARC Commander says trembling, though it wasn't because of the icy cold land. "I.. I know that you feel like you cannot trust me even more now, but I understand. Most Clones in the galaxy had decided to do it instead of thinking second thoughts and I just did it, with his back turned. But he still saw what I was doing before I had killed him. It was after that, that I was confused and tried to stay on my feet until I could understand how I would feel. I hate myself for my actions and I hope you do too."
Rex looked at the Clone with confusion on what to say next. This ARC trooper was giving him a lot to think about. He made a mistake, but did it judge him for who he really was beneath that skin of Jango Fett? His mental thoughts must have been confused due to his foolish actions. But Rex knew that just about anyone deserved a second chance. He could still support this guy.
"Look, normally I would've just tried to restrain you for doing such actions. It was and is still my duty as a soldier of the Republic to stop anyone who does such actions. But in your case for following an order and feeling regret for follow it makes you a better man than other Clones who've chosen the Empire over a Republic. You've still got a big chance to show the galaxy that you can do right. Just believe in yourself and you'll succeed in making your Master proud." Rex says patting the ARC Commander on the shoulder twice for support.
"Thank you, Captain Rex." The ARC Commander says.
When both men looked ahead, they saw Commander Tano barge right inside the main doors and cut down two Imperials. 501st Clones followed in behind her and blue lasers started flying around indoors.
When Rex and the ARC Commander got in, there were dead Clones from the Imperial's side on the ground with gashes going from their upper thighs to their torsos. When checking around, Rex only saw around three dead 501st members without any sign of cuts, which was good. The Commander was careful when fighting around her men.
Rex looked at how deep the marks were on the Imperials and just scoffs at their choices to follow the Empire. He saw no reason to mourn his fallen brothers that followed the Empire now. He knew that with the civilians being killed and Jedi being massacred everywhere, it really didn't seem fit to follow orders when they are either blinded by so much or they just thought their propose was only to serve the Republic/Empire. In reality, Rex had discovered more. There was a lot more the Clone Troopers were bred for. His legion's branch that had broken off of the tree to the Empire was a good legion. It may have been divided, but he knew that it didn't matter if he thought of the other half. They had been personally sent to kill Jedi by his General. Rex now could admit that Anakin Skywalker was a man he now hates. Maybe he was manipulated, but he did so much damage that couldn't be repaired.
After about a bit of running to catch up to the Commander, Rex passed by what seems like literally hundreds of Imperials bodies. From the front, he could hear Lightsabers making sounds of deflecting Blaster shots and Clones groaning as they got defeated, brutally.
Soon, Rex had managed to catch up to Ahsoka, who was already at the desk of the official.
"Damn, what did Ventress teach her during her leave? She sure has shown what the kid could do…" Rex says mentally.
The official actually stood his ground with a DC-17S Pistol aiming at the Jedi. The ARC Commander would've literally face palmed to this action were it not being an important situation they were now in.
"It's over, now surrender or else." Ahsoka says bravely with her weapons held tightly and ready to strike back at him.
"Never! This is an Empire controlled planet, and I wouldn't dare give up my position because some criminals are trying to gain control!" After he finished his sentence, he fired his Blaster at Ahsoka, but the ARC Commander took matters into his own hands as when Ahsoka had deflected the shot, another shot hit the official in the chest. He stumbled and landed on the desk with dying words coming out. He looked up with his eyes glaring at the ARC Commander.
"You've… you've made a big mistake Clone. The Empire is infinite. They'll… find you, and kill you… one way or another…" And then the official died.
The ARC Trooper looked at the fallen Imperial with a mixture of emotions going through his mind. Ahsoka looked at the ARC Trooper with shock that he killed the official instead of her. He didn't like the Empire one bit. Rex knew that he couldn't blame him for his action. After all, the ARC Trooper hated the Empire and clearly wanted out with his other men.
His DC-15S was smoking from the end of the barrel and he just stood there, until he found the right words to speak with.
"I'm fighting for you now General."
Rex and nods in his choice of words and knew what he was saying. It was his honor for his leader that was keeping him running.
Soon, Ahsoka, Rex, Fives and the ARC Commander went to the cells and unlocked Chuchi's. They found her still knocked out, but she slowly gained consensus as the cell had opened.
"Ryo…" Ahsoka says walking forward.
Senator Chuchi instantly knew that voice from sound.
"Ahsoka!" She instantly got up and went to the Jedi
Both women hugged for a few moments and let go of each other. After that, Ryo looked towards the Clones, yet was more focused on the ARC Commander.
"Ahsoka, are you working for the Empire?!" Ryo asks panicking.
"No, no Ryo, this is… uh…" Ahsoka says, but she didn't know his name.
"My name is… Grit." The ARC Commander answers. "I'm sorry for my leader's orders, but I wasn't sure what to do to prevent it."
Ryo smiles and pats his shoulder in understanding.
Later, the civilians of Pantora City were free and began to evacuate. The small town was now a risky target for the Empire. The Imperial Clones bodies were left behind while the 501st and rouge Clones bodies were sent on the ships.
The Y-Wings flew over the city watching what was going on over head. Ahsoka gives them the others to return to the ships. She was glad when she got the news that they had defeated the space forces. Any more surviving witnesses that are loyal to the Empire would have been bad.
Ahsoka and Ryo got to spend some time together before they had to part ways for a bit. They were standing with each other while the Clones all stood far back trying to spot their LAATs that were coming to pick them up. Both women sit on a walkway and face each other for their little talk.
"Ahsoka, I'm very thankful for what you and your men have done with our city. If we were to be enslaved because were not humans, then everything would have gotten worse for my people's future." Ryo says to the Jedi Knight.
"Ryo, you've been a good friend of mine since I was only a Padawan. Of course I'd assist you. But where will you go now?" Ahsoka asks.
"We can't stay in our city for now. The Empire would find evidence that would back their plans up so they can start an invasion. It may be inevitable now, but at least my people have a second chance." Ryo answers.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to come with us? We've got enough space for your people." Ahsoka says.
"Thank you Ahsoka, but this is our home. We couldn't just turn our back on it that easily. It is our planet and we'll never give up on our home." Ryo says.
Both women stand on their spots and face each other. If things were to get a bit worse, then they mightn't see each other again. Since Ryo was too independent on staying on Pantora, Ahsoka had to let her go. Ryo Chuchi was the voice of the people and the courage they gain by her strong voice.
"It is a shame about Padme, Ahsoka. She was a good friend." Ryo finally says before they got into each other's arms in a strong hug.
"Thank you Ryo." Ahsoka whispers.
After a few seconds, they separate.
"I guess this is goodbye for now, Ahsoka." Ryo says.
"Yes. But we'll meet again." Ahsoka says sounding as competent as possible right now. "Take care, Ryo."
Both women nod and went their separate ways.
The Gunships arrived and Rex walked up to Ahsoka and spoke to her.
"Ahsoka, what are your orders?" Rex asks.
"We're going back to Alderaan. I need to see how Master Kenobi is doing." Ahsoka replies. "Is there enough space for the new allies?"
"Barely, but we managed." Rex says.
"What a relief." Ahsoka finally says and both of them jumped into their LAAT and the carriers went into the sky and back the Sharkbite.
End of episode:
Finally! Episode 13 is done!
Sorry if it took long for everyone! It was hard when I was working in the middle of the story. I kinda got confusion as to how long I'd make the next chapter without going over 10,000 words. But that's difficult to avoid.
If anyone wants some details on what the next chapter brings, feel free to ask as I will gladly bring it up if you wish.
Kytani Kheashmun was a Kaleesh character to be created by Mandalore the freedom who has been a pretty awesome reader to the story.
Until then people, may the Force be with you!