Bene was a buzzer-nest gone mad. Without warning, the citizens of the remote town of the backside of Naboo had been overrun with soldiers. But these weren't droids. They were humans wearing the same face...clones.
They had been summoned by their brothers from a myriad of nearby worlds, pulled out of 'retirement' by the words of their former commanders and the inborn sense of duty. The clones milled about in untold numbers. Some spoke together in groups, some shifted their feet, others took detailed visual note of their surroundings. Most were plagued with a strange combination of nerves and eagerness. All of them wanted to help. None of them was sure how.
Rex's pride was so great in seeing his brothers together again that he felt his heart might burst. It was only a small fraction of the total number- many hundreds of thousands more had refused to help, were out of contact, or were too far away to come in time.
The odds were certainly long. The Federation had half a million droids at their disposal. And these clones were no longer the efficient, well-equipped ground pounders they had once been. Their weapons consisted of pikes, vibroblades, and blasters of every description. Most of them didn't even have their armor anymore, and those that did had been without a full set for more than a year.
Rex tried not to let this bother him as the makeshift army gathered on the town's outskirts. Nor did the former commander think too much of the fact that they were 'only' clones. This time there were no Jedi to lead, to take point with lightsabers blazing, to eliminate obstacles with the Force.
Never mind, he told himself. We've fought without Jedi before. Somehow this was a poor comfort and Rex knew at least half of the clones would feel the same way. The other half were likely to feel somewhat bitter toward the Jedi because of all that had happened.
Cody wove his way through the crowd at a brisk walk, orange shoulder pads and greaves all that remained of his armor and former rank. He strode up to Rex with an automatic salute. "That's the last of them, sir."
Rex nodded slowly. He had a feeling no more would come. "How many?"
Cody cringed. "Just over 20,000. Not as many as we'd hoped for."
Rex sighed unhappily, then shrugged. "Well, then we'll have to do the best with what we have."
Cody straightened his spine. "Yes, sir."
Rex smiled back and clapped Cody's shoulder. "Come on, then. Let's get these boys organized." Together the two men-in-arms marched up to the center of the gathered clones. Rex cleared his throat. "Can I have everyone's attention?"
A few clones turned to listen, but the rest continued to speak among themselves.
"Hello? Hello! Can I have your attention?" Rex raised his voice, but still only a tenth of the clones were listening. The rest might not have heard him.
Cody, meanwhile, fumbled for a miniature amplification device and brought it to his lips. "Troopers! Atten-tion!"
Immediately each clone responded in exactly the way he had learned from the age of two. Spines were straightened, arms were moved to their sides, and chins lifted high as the thousands of troopers turned to face Rex and wait for orders. There was a brief, embarrassed moment when they realized they weren't lined up for inspection, but it passed quickly.
Cody grinned. "They're all yours, Rex old boy." He clapped Rex on the shoulder and handed him the miniature microphone.
Rex's mouth twisted sideways he took the device from Cody. "Thanks." Facing thousands of his brothers at once was overwhelming. They were all looking at him for further instructions. Well...so be it, then. He cleared his throat again. "Captain Rex, former leader of the 501st Legion. When we were disbanded two years ago, we made a promise that anytime the Republic needed us, in whatever way, we'd be there. Well, the Republic needs us again. You're the ones who kept that promise. For that, I salute you." Rex paused to do just that.
Most of the troopers who could see him saluted back.
Rex smiled briefly before continuing. "It hasn't been easy the last couple years. We've all gone our separate ways, and for most of us it wasn't by choice. We've taken jobs as security guards, pilots, medics...anything we could find just to keep busy. It's a shame it took a battle to bring us back together, but...here we are." He lifted an eyebrow and deepened his voice. "Now if any of you thought this was going to be a reunion picnic in the meadow, think again. Naboo is in trouble. Without help, she's going to fall. We're here to make sure that doesn't happen. If any of you has other ideas, you'd better leave now."
The clones looked at each other and exchanged looks of incredulity and determination. After a moment they all stood at attention again.
A slight smile returned to Rex's face. "Good. I hope you boys are spoiling for a fight, 'cause this is gonna be a big one."
A clone near the front raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "Yeah. More like a slaughter," he muttered.
Rex narrowed his eyes at the man. "You got something you wanna add?"
"Uh...no, sir," The clone said, coloring a little.
Rex crossed his arms. "What's your name, soldier?"
"CT-8311," answered the man promptly. "They used to call me Hawkbat."
"Go ahead, Hawkbat. I'm sure we'd all like to hear what you've got to say."
"Well...sir, isn't this a little pointless? The reports coming out of Theed are staggering. We're outmanned, outgunned, and for most of us, on unfamiliar territory."
"That's never stopped us before."
"We had Jedi before, sir," reminded Hawkbat. His eyes shifted about. "The last I looked, there weren't any around here. How are we gonna make it through?"
An uneasy ripple passed through the crowd as the truth of the matter fell hard open the men. Some, who were bitter at the Jedi, glared. Others nodded in sad agreement with Hawkbat.
Rex glared a little in determination. "We'll make it."
A clone with a sparse goatee and a shaved head stepped forward, glancing back at Hawkbat and the others. "Respectfully, sir...you don't know that. Without the Jedi to lead...we haven't got anything left for this fight."
There was a grain of truth to what he had said. There would always be unknowns. Rex grimaced and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. We can't give up. Not now. He paused for a moment before reaching over and taking the clone's shoulder. "We do have something, soldier. We've got each other...and that's all we need. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind having a Jedi or two at our head...but we can't waste time wishing. We've got to move, for the sake of the people on Naboo." Rex lifted his shoulders and brought the amplification device back to his lips. "Don't think for one moment, any of you, that this battle is hopeless. Just because we relied on the Jedi in the past doesn't mean we can't do without them now. We aren't defined by our past. What defines us is how we fight...and we fight together. That's enough for me. Is it enough for you?"
One by one the clones exchanged glances filled with hope. As one they lifted their chins and raised a shout. "Yes, sir!"
Rex nodded. "All right. Find your groups we assigned en route. We're going in waves. Stay alert, and good luck." With a grin that was part bravado, part reckless hope, Rex raised his blaster high. "Let's scrap these clankers!"
Cheers, whoops, and hollers rose in chorus for a moment. Then with renewed strength, the soldiers scattered to find their battle groups.
Meanwhile the citizens of Bene watched with guarded emotions. Someone had finally arisen to defend Naboo. That much was obvious.
What wasn't obvious was why the clones had showed up to help and the guardians of peace and justice- the Jedi -were nowhere to be found.
《-v-》 《-v-》 《-v-》
"We are not soldiers," insisted Luminara Unduli, seated on the Jedi Council among her peers and glancing uneasily about the circular room. "This conviction was nearly lost during the Clone Wars."
"True enough. But does this prevent us from bringing aid to a planet which desperately needs it?" Plo Koon wanted to know.
"There are not enough Jedi for such a task," put in Ki-Adi Mundi.
"But we cannot allow Naboo to fall. Something must be done," said Kit Fisto with conviction.
Mace Windu and Yoda exchanged tired glances. The debate had been going for over an hour, ever since word had come that Naboo was under attack by the Trade Federation. The Council seemed evenly divided down the middle. Half were firmly opposed to sending out the thinly-stretched Jedi Masters, while the other half felt passionately about doing something to help the Naboo; enough so that they were willing to go themselves. Naboo was, of course, an important system and something must be done to prevent its fall. The question came in what action to take. The Republic no longer had any army but management of the systems was still their responsibility. At this moment they were debating over what to do...much like the Jedi were.
Adi Gallia turned to Saesee Tiin. "Has there been any word from Master Kenobi? Our last communication from him indicated he was very near the Naboo system."
The Iktochi Jedi nodded. "Yes. Master Kenobi is heading back to the Temple for a...most unorthodox reason. He is transporting a badly wounded former Jedi here for treatment."
Seven Council members leaned forward with interest. "Which former Jedi?" Luminara asked cautiously.
"Skywalker's former Padawan, Ahsoka Tano. Apparently she was wounded while protecting Skywalker's children," he explained.
"And what of Skywalker himself?" asked Mace Windu.
"He remains on Naboo with Representative Amidala. However, in the interest of protecting them, Skywalker is allowing his children to come here."
A surprised murmur rippled across the Council. Some were pleased, others uneasy, still others incredulous.
Shaak Ti lifted an eyebrow. "Is he allowing his children to train? Or, is he simply sending them here for safekeeping?" she wanted to know.
Saesee Tiin frowned. "Apparently the latter."
Ki-Adi Mundi steepled his fingertips. "Disappointing, but unsurprising. Skywalker's attachment issues are still present."
Yoda thoughtfully rested his chin on his Gimer stick. "Hmm. So it would seem. But assume, we should not, about Skywalker's motivations."
Mace nodded. "I didn't even expect him to let us anywhere near them. Perhaps this is sign he is learning to let go."
Yoda frowned and tapped the floor with his Gimer stick. "But now, the time is not, to discuss Skywalker. More pressing matters, there are."
Plo Koon nodded. "Agreed. What shall be done?"
Mace sighed, looked down, and shook his head. "Apparently there's nothing else to be done. We will send what Jedi we can spare to Naboo and attempt to capture Viceroy Gunray."
Luminara sighed with reluctance. "Should not the civilians be evacuated first?"
"It has already been done," informed Saesee Tiin.
"How many should we send?" asked Kit Fisto.
"I recommend two Masters and as many Knights as we can spare," said Mace.
"Then I would like to volunteer," said Kit Fisto, lifting his head.
"As would I," said Plo Koon.
Cin Drallig, the one who had replaced Anakin on the Council, shifted uneasily. "The Jedi answer to the Republic. Should not the Senate be consulted before moving forward?"
Grimly Yoda shook his head. "Time, there is not, to wait on the Senate. Quickly, we must move, if Naboo we wish to save."
Plo Koon nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Naboo is a system we cannot afford to lose." He and Fisto rose from their seats. "Master Fisto and I will assemble the others and leave as soon as possible."
Yoda extended a hand toward them. "Council adjourned. May the Force be with you."
Kit Fisto and Plo Koon bowed to their fellow Jedi, then turned to march out the door. No doubt the Senate would find some way to protest this sudden intervention without a consultation, but Master Yoda was right. There was no time to lose. If Naboo was to be saved, they would have to move quickly.
The possibility that all of the Jedi knew and that none of them wanted to mention was the fact that hyperspace travel to Naboo would take hours. They might already be too late.
《-v-》 《-v-》 《-v-》
Weaving and winding through streets they knew so well, seeing the destruction already caused by the bombing of the Trade Federation, and seeing so much heartbreak from the greed of a single man, Anakin and Padme had to fight to keep their composure as they made their way to Naboo's security headquarters.
For Anakin the scene was doubly heartbreaking; seeing a place he loved in ruins, and his wife's reaction to it. She ran alongside him with her lower lip clamped tightly between her teeth, trying not to cry. It was all Anakin could do to keep from stopping midstride and just holding his wife to make the hurt go away. But he couldn't. One had little time to mourn while battle droids still populated the area. They had to keep moving.
Padme didn't have any problem with that concept. Her slim legs ate up the ground at such a pace that her husband had to run on all four cylinders to keep up with her.
"Slow down," hissed Anakin as he tried to match her strides. While the familiar weight of his lightsaber against his hip was reassuring, it wouldn't do any good if Padme wouldn't stay behind him, where she would be safe.
"What; are you tired?" Padme asked, turning to her husband in surprise. Gently she touched the bandage on his arm. "Is it hurting you?"
"No, it's fine. I'm more worried about you," said Anakin, brushing her hand away.
"Well, don't. There's no time. We have to move."
"I know, but I thought we agreed you were going to stay behind me."
Padme frowned. "Then keep up. I'm not waiting for you."
Anakin gripped Padme's arms at the elbow. "Padme, please. I can't protect you if you're ahead of me."
Padme pressed her lips together. Anakin's concern was expected. He was right about the promise she had made to stay behind him, but every limb was charged with adrenaline. Every nerve urged her to run faster. She didn't have the patience to wait while Anakin stopped at every corner to clear it before moving forward. "You don't know these streets like I do. I'll be fine. It's the droids you should worry about," she said, lifting her pistol for emphasis.
Anakin gripped her arms tighter. "No. You're running too fast without looking where you're going. If you run into a squad of droids-" His voice broke, forcing him to clear his throat. "I'm not going to lose you."
Padme's shoulders fell. She couldn't help but feel Anakin was overprotective, but he did have a point. Her eagerness to end this was making her reckless and she was in no hurry to leave her children orphans. The woman sighed and nodded tightly. "You won't...but all right. I'll stay behind you." She peered around the corner. "We're close. It shouldn't be much farther."
Anakin's grip relaxed and he planted a hurried kiss on her lips. "Come on. Let's go."
No sooner had the pair rounded that corner than they ran right into a platoon of battle droids, which opened fire immediately.
Anakin quickly ignited his lightsaber and held it high to deflect the bolts. At first his movements felt clumsy and uncoordinated. A few blaster bolts made it past him, forcing Padme to duck. It galled Anakin to find he had grown rusty over his two year hiatus from Jedi work. He resolved to keep up regular practice in the future. The young man finally tapped into the Force to increase his speed and accuracy, and then the droids began to fall.
When the platoon realized they had a lightsaber to deal with, they began to retreat with mechanical cries of dismay. "It's a Jedi! Run!"
Anakin didn't give them the chance to get very far. Lightsaber twirling, he plowed right into the fray and cut them down one by one. The last two had their heads blown off by Padme's blaster. He managed a slight smile of pride as she emerged from hiding to survey the mess of parts. "Nice shot. Thanks."
Padme didn't smile back as she holstered her pistol. "You can thank me later. The Security office is only a block away."
Anakin sighed as they took off again. "Let's hope there's still someone left," he muttered. While neither his nor Padme's abilities were in doubt, he didn't relish taking on the entire droid army all by themselves. Several hundred thousand against two were pretty rough odds, even for a man with a lightsaber and a woman who was a dead shot.
At least the children are safe, Anakin thought with a lump in his throat. It was the only bit of comfort he had left.
They rounded the last corner...and skidded to a stop as they found themselves surrounded by two dozen Naboo security officers. Anakin raised his lightsaber defensively.
The guards' eyes widened in surprise upon seeing them. "Representative Amidala! Please excuse us. We heard the footsteps and weren't sure if it was droids." Quickly they lowered their weapons. "So the rumors are true; there is a Jedi on Naboo. We're glad to see you, Master...?"
Anakin cringed at the title. "Anakin Skywalker. I'm not a Jedi anymore. But, I am willing to do whatever I can to help."
Half of the security guards flinched in awe at the name while the other half seemed confused at the misplaced title. After all, Skywalker was carrying a lightsaber and his name was known throughout the galaxy. Finally the chief of security offered Anakin his arm. "We'll take any help we can get, Skywalker, Jedi or not...especially yours. Come inside...another platoon will be here soon."
Anakin gripped the officer's arm and ushered Padme to follow them. He brought up the rear, feeling a renewed sense of hope.
They weren't alone. Now they might just have a chance at saving Naboo.
A/N: I promise more is coming, just be patient. We're almost down to the wire now and this story will soon be over. This is the last day of 2015 that I can upload anything. :( Happy New Year!