Star Wars: Negative Episode III
Volume II
Chapter I: The Counterstrike
Fifteen years have passed since the dreaded Battle of Byss
The evil SITH EMPIRE has overthrown the Old Republic
And sent the remaining Jedi into hiding.
Over the past year whispers of Rebellion have reached the ear of the
Two Hierarchs, in a desperate attempt to find the Jedi
Commissioned an Armada of deadly warships to sweep the Outer Rim.
While the Imperial Fleet is spread thin through the Galaxy
A battle group of Mon Calamari star ships
Have intercepted the plans to the Empires most deadly weapon,
DARTH VADER, Lord of the Sith has been sent
To retrieve the stolen plans,
In orbit above Onderon
A battle the likes of which none
have seen since the Clone Wars begins…
Admiral Ackbar folded his hands behind his back. He frowned at the image of the encroaching Imperial Fleet.
"What is our status?" he asked.
"The Imperials have an Interdictor," a fellow Mon Calamari officer reported, "We're not going anywhere until they are out of commission."
"And how do we stand?" he asked.
"Well, the Home One has a hundred and twenty Y-Wings, and the new prototype X-Wings," Captain Verrack reported, "The other warships are equipped with Arc-170s and V-Wings."
"What is your suggestion Master Jedi?" Ackbar said motioning to Master Tsui Choi. The Jedi Councilor turned to face Ackbar.
"We are up against quite the Imperial fleet," Tsui Choi said, "I'd say to abandon ship, or rather, you should allow me and my Clones to disembark, you on the other hand should send your fighters to destroy that Interdictor, then fall back."
"What about you?" Ackbar inquired.
"You need not worry, the Onderon Military will protect us, the Empire does not have the resources to take this world," the Jedi Master said, "At least not currently, soon my Allies will gather on this world."
"Who exactly have you been in contact with?" Ackbar inquired.
"The Old Republic, the Jedi Order, and the CIS are sending fleets hear," he said.
"We be able to make it look like we all died in the crash," Tsui Choi said, "R2, 3P0 I hope you are ready for departure."
"Oh yes sir," C-3P0 said, "I have been waiting to get off this ship since I got on board."
R2 simply gave an affirmative chirp.
"Admiral," the Aleena Jedi Master offered his hand, "It's been a pleasure, rendezvous with the fleet at Dantooine, you will be safe there. Good luck."
The diminutive Jedi left the bridge, the two droids in tow.
--
Darth Vader looked out towards the Rebel fleet, he had them trapped like insects. He had sensed a powerful Jedi for a second but then its force signature disappeared. The Rebels were bold to move in orbit around Onderon. Their military would soon be deployed if things got out of hand.
"Admiral Ozzel," Vader turned to the commanding officer of Death Squadron, "Do not let any ship escape the system, do I make myself clear."
The Sith Lord had grown tired of the Admiral's constant failures, ever since his promotion. Even now the Sith Lord resisted the urge to strangle the incompetent fool right then.
"Remember, Admiral, even my patience has its limits," Vader sped off the bridge. He moved into his personal quarters. He entered the main holo-room. Immediately the image of Darth Tyranus' face appeared. Vader dropped to one knee immediately, "What is thy bidding my Master."
"The Jedi are moving throughout the Galaxy, we are afraid that this recent uprising by the Mon Calamari has been by the design of the Jedi Order," Vader said, "I sensed a powerful presence but then it vanished, it was like I was in a dream."
"Clear your mind Lord Vader, we must uncover this plot if we are to truly discover the motive of this plot," Tyranus said.
"Yes my Master," Vader bowed his head low.
--
The Rebel Fleet engaged the Imperials in a long-range slug fest. The Imperial Armada was clearly winning. But the main danger came when the Empire began to engage them at point-blank range, where their Imperators clearly held the advantage. Admiral Ackbar had loss hope, when an explosion emanated from the interior of the enemy armada.
"Battle meditation can turn the tide of any battle," the voice of Master Choi said over the comms, "The Interdictor has been destroyed, I am on the surface alive and well, withdraw Admiral."
"Thank you, sir" Ackbar said as the organic warships pulled back into hyperspace. He sighed and fell back into his command chair. 'Rebellion is dangerous.' He mused in his head. Then a transmission came through.
"Admiral, it's from HighCom, your eyes only," Verrack said.
"Very well take command up hear Verrack," Ackbar said. He took the turbolift shaft down to deck five, where the officers' quarters were. As an Admiral he had the best room on the ship, it was lavishly decorated with drawings of Mon Calamari cities and beautiful dancers of his homeworld. But it was relatively a simple design, a kitchen and an office was one room, and his bed was in the adjacent room. He sat in his lavish chair and reviewed the reports from the recent campaign. He punched in a code into the chairs arm rest which began a massage cycle. He sighed, it had been nearly a week since he had any R&R, constant narrow escapes from the Empire, had worn the Admiral out to the point of exhaustion. He finally got to the file marked TOP SECRETADMIRAL ACKBAREYES ONLY. He was shocked to see the seal of the Chancellors office, and the Jedi Council on it.
RECENT EVENTS HAVE LED THE HIGH COMMAND OF THE REPUBLIC TO LEARN THE LOCATION OF THE DEATH STAR AND ITS FLEET MOVEMENTS FOR THE NEXT MONTH. WE HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THANKS TO YOU, AND THE EFFORTS OF YOUR CREW. THE JEDI ORDER HAS COMMISSIONED SEVERAL OF ITS OWN TO LEAD THE ASSAULT ON THE DEATH STAR ITSELF. AS A RESULT YOU, AND YOUR BATTLE GROUP WILL BE ALLOWED TWO WEEK LEAVE. UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE ALL REBEL OFFICERS HAVE MASSIVE BOUTIES ON THERE HEADS, AND THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF DEFECTION, ALL MUST TAKE THERE LEAVE ON DANTOOINE. THAT IS ALL. SIGNED BY THE JEDI HIGH COUNCIL, AND THE OFFICE OF THE SUPREME CHANCELLOR.
Ackbar knew that this was Tsui Choi's doing, no wonder he had ordered him to fall back to Dantooine, rather than Rothana the Navy's base of operations. The diminutive Jedi Master had become fast friends with him ever since they first met. But, he was exceptionally glad that he had some time off.
--
Darth Vader entered the bridge, furious at Admiral Ozzel's failure. He brushed past officers with such force they almost fell into the pit. He walked up to Admiral Ozzel who bowed before him apologetically. Vader did not even use the force he wanted to feel the incompetent fool's neck snap beneath his hands.
"Your incompetence knows no bounds Ozzel," he said angrily, "I order you to defend the Interdictor and you fail! After I warned you not to fail me again."
"But, my," Ozzel coughed as the Dark Lord's grip tightened, "I don't know what happened I had a lapse in vision, then the…the Interdictor was destroyed."
The Dark Lord was surprised at Ozzel's description, there was a Jed in orbit, his senses were not wrong. He casually dropped the Imperial Admiral.
"I will give you one last chance considering this failure was not your fault," Vader then turned to face the viewport of the Exactor he gazed out towards the stars once again. 'I will find you Obi-Wan' Vader said in his mind a Jedi's presence could only mean the Jedi were becoming active in the Galaxy again. And soon the two would be drawn in a battle, and this time, he was the Master. He could barely contain his excitement.
--
Tsui Choi entered the Onderon Royal Palace courtyard after passing three security checkpoints on the Skyramp. Greeting him personally was Queen Talia XVI and her royal guard dressed in typical Onderonian dress, with the exception of the Queen who donned an ornate dress and headpiece. The Jedi Commander was flanked by Delta Squad. Remarkably during the Jedi Orders time hiding in the rim, the Kaminoans discovered ways to reverse the growth acceleration to the normal aging process. The Clones aged normally and most of them had the genetic age of about thirty-five. They formed the special forces of the Rebellion, local militias, and the CIS battle droids formed the base of the army. But now Choi's five hundred Clones, an entire Commando group under his command, everyone a deadly member of the renowned SpecOps brigade under the command of Senior Jedi General Arligan Zey.
"General Choi, welcome," Talia said in a thick Onderonian accent, "I trust your stay at the palace will be pleasant."
"As do I your majesty," he said, "What of my troops."
"They too shall receive the quarters of officers in my Military," she said, "Fortunately the resent space battle has left many Onderonians disgusted, after all the Empire was very careless and sloppy in their targeting."
"Indeed, but it seems my plan to draw the Sith from the core has been a success," the diminutive Jedi said.
"I agree," Talia responded, "I fear though that the Empire may take drastic actions before your fleet arrives."
"If the Empire makes a move here to soon then many more systems will rally to our cause," Choi said, "The Hierarchs know this, which is why there are not Imperial troops marching on Iziz as we speak."
"And yet you brought soldiers with you," Talia shot back.
"Your majesty, my troops are a precaution, if the Empire does attack they will have a hard time going up the sky ramp with a Commando group of five hundred supplementing your soldiers," Tsui Choi said.
"So you do see the war coming to Iziz," the Queen said.
"The Dark Side clouds my vision, only Master Yoda has the power to see into the future with clarity," the Jedi Master said, "And you need not worry your majesty, my troops are well equipped to handle any Imperial soldiers, and I will have my soldiers supplement your royal guard."
"It is not my safety I worry about," she said sadly, "It is that of my people."
--
"And you believe that our enemies have allies on Onderon," Sidious inquired.
"Yes Masters, it is clear to me that the Jedi wished to take refuge in Onderon," Vader said.
"And now you need our counsel," Tyranus finished Vader's sentence, "Send spies to Onderon. Verify the Jedi's presence there, then and only then should you strike. For now pull back there is no need to provoke a fight with the Onderonian defense fleet."
"Yes noble Hierarchs," Vader said, "It shall be done."
Vader entered his meditation chambers, he sat on his throne and removed his cape. He turned to the view screen and punched in the bridge. Immediately the image of Admiral Ozzel appeared
"Here is an order you cannot mess up," Vader said looking down on the nervous Admiral, "Pull out of this system, we do not want to provoke the Onderonian armada if we do not have to."
"Yes my Lord," the Admiral said.
"Set course for the Executor," he ordered.
--
The Jedi High Council assembled. Most were scattered across the Outer Rim like the order itself. On Dantooine itself Cin Drallig, Yoda, and Master Shaak Ti, also on the Council were Masters Kenobi, Fisto, Mundi, Koon, Tiin, Kolar, Tsui Choi, Master Stass Allie was killed by Darth Vader on the Rim, and Master Coleman Kcaj died honorably in a duel with Darth Tyranus himself, his sacrifice allowed countless refugees to escape the surface of the world. The two were replaced by Yaddle and Rahm Kota respectively.
"Well I was very surprised to see a message with the seal of the Grand Master delivered to me," Plo Koon said, "Hm last time we met, it was ten years ago to elect Rahm Kota to the High Council."
"The time to strike, it is," Yoda said, "Master Tsui Choi has found the plans to the Empire's Death Star, and with the assistance of the Mon Calamari captured them he has."
"Indeed, in further analysis we have detected several weaknesses, the most prominent of which lies within, a small thermal exhaust port, it is two meters wide," Tsui Choi said, "But I am sure that Master Tiin, or Koon could make the shot."
"Well, I believe my Padawan should also be a part of the attack," Obi-Wan said.
"Hm, strong in the force is he," Yaddle said.
"The spitting image of his father, that one," Tiin said.
"In mind and talents," Yoda said, "Careful we must be, if face Vader too soon he does, disastrous it will be."
"I will go as well," Obi-Wan said.
"I thought you hated flying," Rahm Kota mused.
"He will need guidance if a conflict with Vader erupts," Obi Wan said, "And I am a fair pilot."
"Decided it is then, lead the assault Master Koon will," Yoda said, "Master Kenobi, and Master Tiin, join them you will."
"May the force be with us all," Plo Koon said, "Kenobi, Tiin rendezvous in Quadrant B- Sector 37."
--
On the edge of the Kuat Sector, a massive dreadnought was under construction. The Executor drifted through the blackness of space. Not a single vessel could enter within a hundred thousand kilometers of the warships without being annihilated by the patrolling Imperial fleet. At over 19km it was easily the largest warship to ever be created, other than the Death Star itself. On the empty bridge of the command ship Darth Vader faced the bowing figure of a young man.
"It is time for you to face your true test," Darth Vader said.
"Yes my master," Darth Stalker, Vader's apprentice said, "What is thy bidding?"
"Onderon, a sovereign planet, it has declared neutrality since the end of the Clone Wars," Vader said, "The Hierarchs have ignored this minor setback for years now, but now we have intelligence that point to a Jedi on the surface of the world."
"You wish for me to kill the Jedi?" Stalker said eagerly.
"No, simply confirm his presence, you must appear as a trader, nothing more," Vader said, "Do not reveal yourself as a Sith. Kill anyone who learns of your identity, other than your crew, Imperials and Onderonians alike."
"Master? Why would there be any Imperials on the surface of Onderon?" he inquired.
"The Hierarchs have spies everywhere," Vader said, "If you appear too powerful the Hierarchs would kill you, as a threat to their power."
"I will leave at once, Master," he bowed and left the room.
--
A joint Republic fleet entered the Onderon system, immediately they submitted the proper transponder codes to the Onderon defense fleet that now held orbit around the planet. The Republic vessels approached on the Dark Side so as to not catch the eyes or the scanners of the massive loads of freighters that passed to and from the blockade.
On the surface of the world Master Tsui Choi, now accompanied by Rahm Kota walked with the Queen discussing the succession of Onderon.
"When would you suggest that we succeed?" the Queen asked.
"I believe that you should succeed right after the Death Star is destroyed," Rahm Kota suggested.
"That would be wise," Tsui Choi said, "The Empire will have its hands full and will most likely pull more warships back to the Core Worlds."
"I can keep my fleet in orbit, my personal militia will be very useful against the Empire should they attack," Kota said proudly, "I believe there are a number of Onderonians who wouldn't mind being stationed home for a while."
"I concur, if the Empire strikes, it will be with force," Choi said, "And if that happens we must be prepared, your majesty."
"Then it all rests on the destruction of the Death Star," she said.
--
Luke Skywalker meditated in his quarters. He sensed a familiar presence enter the room. He immediately identified it as Obi-Wan Kenobi, his Jedi Master.
"Luke," Obi-Wan said, "I have selected you to be a part of the assault on the Death Star."
"Master?" Luke opened his eyes, surprised by what his Jedi Master had just said, "You have that much faith in me?"
"You are a skilled pilot, and the force is with you, that much is sure," Obi-Wan said, "It has always been your maturity that the Council has questioned. But, recently you have shown a great deal of growth. You were just meditating, that alone shows improvement. We will leave in the morning to rendezvous with the fleet."
"We? Your flying in the mission Master?" Luke said quizzically scratching his head, "I thought you hated flying."
"Someone has to watch your back," Obi-Wan said laughing, then he changed his tone to something more serious, "Vader may be there, I do not wish for you to face him alone."
"Master, I am ready for the trials, I can kill Vader, and make him pay for what he's done," Luke said.
"Be careful my young Padawan," Obi-Wan warned, "Such thoughts of revenge, executing opponents for blood lust that is what led Vader to the Dark Side. You will find that you and Vader are not that different."
"But, Master I could never do such horrific things," Luke said, "Betray my friends, my mentor; you."
"That is why the Dark Side is so insidious, none can imagine themselves doing such horrific things," Obi-Wan said, "At least from their point of view, what they are doing is for the 'greater good'. Take heed of what I say, it may serve you in the near future."
"I will, Master," Luke said, "I will prepare for our departure."
--
Grand Moff Tarkin sat at the head of a group of Imperial Officers. Also present in the form of a holograms was Darth Vader.
"This rebel fleet is too well organized for a band of dissidents," High General Cassio Tagge, "By themselves they are formidable opponent and dangerous threats. And if they do have Jedi support, we will need more ships committed to the outer rim."
"Dangerous to your Starfleet, Commander, not to this battle station," Admiral Motti said.
"This station is the Ultimate Power in the universe," Motti said, "It has kept the Galaxy in line for twenty years, and will continue to keep the Galaxy in line."
"You fail to see that the Jedi Order has a power far greater than this Battle Station," Vader said, "The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force."
"Your dedication to that ancient religion is pathetic at best, Lord Vader," Motti said slightly overstepping his boundaries, he failed to realize that Vader was a vastly superior officer, "The Jedi, the Sith they're just shock troopers."
"I find your lack of faith disturbing," Vader began to choke him with the Force, "Perhaps a demonstration will prove to you the power of the force."
General Tagge looked on with mixed glee and horror as Motti's jugular was crushed by an invisible force. He knew all too well the Force was real, in fact it was what powered the Death Star, but people like Motti couldn't except it. He did not pity the Admiral either, he insulted the fleet of star ships that his family constructed for the Imperial fleet. Many of Tagge's rivals often claimed that the only reason he had ever been considered for such a high rank is because of his family's wealth and deals with the Empire.
"This bickering is pointless, Vader release him," Tarkin said, Vader obliged and left Motti gasping breath, "Now Lord Vader will provide us with rebel targets, and retrieve the plans to this battle station. Motti, you would do well not to offend the Hierarchs deadliest servant. Should you do so again Lord Vader will not be obligated to honor my request."
--
Luke Skywalker dueled Obi-Wan in a sparring match. The young Jedi fared well for being matched against the Master of Soresu. Kenobi masterfully parried each of the young Jedi's blows. He was using Form V: Djem So, an aggressive form that if not mastered to the extreme degree. It used brute force and required enormous reserves of Force energy. Obi-Wan felt the pressure of several amplified force blows, but the Soresu master managed to block every blow. Obi-Wan knew that the key to defeating a Djem So user was to force them to expend their energy on powerful blows, a task easier said than done. Obi-Wan sensed a change, Luke's moves became more fluent, and he added some acrobatics into it.
"You've mixed elements of Ataru with your form," Obi-Wan said moving his blade to meet his Padawan's, "I am impressed."
"You should know me better than that Master," Luke said, "I'm always full of surprises."
Luke made even further advances, taking any flaw, no matter how small and turning it into a gaping hole in his Master's defense. But, he sensed his apprentice's frustration every time a hole was detected, it was immediately closed up. With a force push, Luke was disarmed and on the other side of the room.
"Remember my apprentice," Obi-Wan said giving him back his lightsaber, "when one is on the defensive, you will never be able to tell when they will go on the offensive. Such sudden attacks are how many are felled in a duel."
Obi-Wan remembered in his duel with Darth Maul, when he was force pushed down the energy shaft at Theed. He also remembered taking his Master's lightsaber to end the Sith Lord. The element of surprise could be a deadly ally.
"Thank you, Master," Luke said slightly frustrated by his loss.
"You are a far better duelist than I am," Obi-Wan put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "To master two forms is one thing, but to combine elements takes a true master. In time you will find yourself surpassing even me."
--
The Jedi fleet assembled in orbit of a remote planet. On the surface of the world itself, the Jedi ships were so numerous it blotted out the sun. The strike fleet was now assembled.
"The time to strike is now," Plo Koon said looking at his fellow commanders, "We have the target."
A holographic representation of the Death Star appeared. The image then focused on one of the countless trenches lined with turbolasers.
"A small two meter exhaust port," Koon said, "If hit with a proton torpedo, it will hit the anti-matter reactor and it will destabilize. This will result in the destruction of the battle station."
"Sir, are you sure that we can hit that," a Clone commander said, "Two meters is a very small target range."
"A skilled pilot, or one using the force can make the target," Clone Ultra Commander Wolfe said.
"This is why three flights will be used," Koon said, "One shot will be made by me, the other Master Tiin, and the last by Commander Skywalker."
"The Capital ships will not engage the Death Star, but will serve as distractions, Master Kenobi and Commander Davijaan, will defend the Capital ships against enemy fighters," Commander Wolfe said, "I will be on the flagship coordinating the assault."
"May the force be with us all," Master Tiin said, "We depart in five hours."
Luke walked out of the room and found a particularly scruffy looking smuggler standing on the edge of the room.
"Hey, old man," he barked across the room towards Obi-Wan.
"Han Solo," Obi-Wan moved towards him, "I wasn't sure you would come. I trust Dex got you my message."
"Yeah he told me alright, he told me you needed me to help you with some suicide mission," Han smirked.
"Well, allow me to introduce you to my Padawan ," Obi-Wan said, "Luke Skywalker."
"As in a relative of Anakin Skywalker," Han said slightly intrigued.
"Yes, he is going to be your commander in this operation," Obi-Wan said.
"Hm the pay better be pretty damn high if I'm following the orders of some kid," Han barked.
"Hey, I'll bet a million credits I'm a better pilot than you," Luke said annoyed.
"Ya know kid your really co…."Han stopped talking as a young Jedi Knight around Luke's age walked it with a middle aged Jedi Master. She was Leia, Luke's twin sister, Han's jaw dropped as she ran into the room, and gave Luke a bear hug.
"Luke, I was so worried," she said, "we heard reports that the Sith were beginning to track the locations of Jedi, and Master Kenobi is high on their list."
"Don't worry, I'm alright," Luke reassured his sister, then turned to his mother, "How are you mother?"
"I'm doing fine," she said, "Still recovering from the death of Master Allie. She was a great Jedi Master."
"Indeed, she was," Obi-Wan said, putting a reassuring hand on Padme's shoulder, "And a fine commander if I do say so myself."
"Statement: There you are Master," HK-47 entered the room, "You left me in that hangar bay for some time. Although I admit that dingy freighter for some time did provide me with some amusement."
"Dingy?!" Han looked insulted, "Listen you bucket of bolts. That ship is the only thing that's going to be covering your Master's ass in this suicide mission."
"Threat: If you mean to threaten my master then please say so immediately so that I can blast you right here," HK said pulling a sniper rifle from his back.
"Stand down HK," Obi-Wan sighed.
Then an alarm blared throughout the fleet, in every corridor.
"All combat personnel to their battle stations," Plo Koon said, "Onderon is under siege, all hands prepare for Hyperspace."
"I have a bad feeling about this," Han said.
"Statement: If I had a Republic credit for every time a meat bag said that," HK mused, "Caution: My processing core appears to have overloaded from my calculations. I seem to have failed you Master."
"Don't worry about it," Obi-Wan said.
"HK, let's do some fighter simulations," Luke said moving out of the nearly empty orientation chamber.
"Recitation: I would shoot myself with a blaster rifle to get away from the scruffy meatbag," HK coldly brushed pass Han.
"Well, this is where the fun begins," Obi-Wan said, remembering his old apprentice. In his mind he knew that this would be the first time in fifteen years he'd confront Anakin. The Empire had begun its counterstrike against the Jedi and their allies, the Jedi Civil War resumed.