She meditated peacefully in the shade of a nearby juniper tree. Everything around her faded away. No sounds could be heard from the atmosphere around her save her own breathing. Light and color were soon enveloped into black, but she could feel herself. She was a beacon of light in the darkness. Her form glowed with white light that pierced the very shadows. Understanding and knowledge filled her mind as she connected with the Force. She was calm and she was relatively relaxed. As she meditated, she felt Taran's presence. He came towards her as another beacon of light. She smiled inwardly, loving the effect his presence had on her. As he drew nearer, a red glow seemed to emanate from inside. It was small, but it pulsed with a clear light.
"I never noticed that before? Then again, this is the first time I've had insight like this," she thought.
She honed in on the pulse. The feeling she felt sickened her to the core. She could hear the screams of men, women and children of all ages in its hold. The pulse began to quicken, causing her to break her concentration. She took several deep breaths to calm herself from the horrifying feeling inside. She felt sickened to her very core.
"Soka? You alright?" said Taran.
She opened her eyes. Taran was kneeling down in front of her, concern written all over his face. However, the moment she opened them a flash had crossed over his features. A white mask with two red triangles above the eye slits. Just as quickly as she saw it, it vanished to be replaced with his features.
"Your face looked like you were in pain. Did something happen?" he asked.
She took a steady breath to calm herself.
"I was using insight and...there's something inside you that disturbed me," said Ahsoka.
"Inside? You mean like my ability?" said Taran, more concerned.
She nodded. "It's the source. You have a dark energy inside you," she said.
Taran knew what she meant, sighing softly.
"Does Zephyr have it?" he asked.
She used the ability again, finding their son resting in the crib inside the home. He had the same light signature reading, but there was no darkness present.
"He doesn't," said Ahsoka.
"Not yet. It might be a trigger," said Taran as he sat down in front of her.
"What triggered yours?" said Ahsoka.
"Vindi, and I think that fiasco on Korriban with the ring," said Taran, thinking back darkly on the scientist who had tried to resurrect the Blue Shadow Virus.
"So I'm guessing that you'd have to be angered enough to extreme violence for it to trigger," said Ahsoka.
Taran was silent, contemplating her words. Her analysis was spot on. Before, he had been angry plenty of times, but he remembered the first time his ability triggered. It was an alien feeling to him, at first strange before he found he enjoyed the sensation. The mission on Korriban had solidified it in his mind and though he had tried to suppress it ever since, the two years of journeys had led him to embrace it. He knew he would not let the power get to him. Whenever he had unleashed it, he did it in bursts. He didn't want to give it the chance of consuming him should he let it go unhindered for too long a time.
"How good are you at insight?" said Taran.
"I've progressed fairly well," said Ahsoka. "It's also helping me with battle meditation."
"Can you teach me? I want to sense what you're sensing," said Taran.
"I'd be more than happy to," said Ahsoka, a small smile forming on her lips. He returned it, sitting across from her and closing his eyes to meditate.
The Battle over Elementia as it was being called had been over a week ago. The ships with limited to moderate damage had been swiftly repaired. Only the Centennial was still out of commission having suffered extensive damage. Nomad was confined to surface operations for the time being, the engineers worried that another excursion past the atmosphere would damage her as she was still not a 100% fighting capability. In all the fleet could use its six Venators and two Acclamators with other support craft. The land forces of all the nations used the added time to create more fortifications in their already established defense areas.
"We're not sure we can have Centennial underway before another Imperial fleet gets here," said the chief engineer to General Mung. General Zhang and Admiral Vesha were also present.
"Hm, we could use it instead as a fortress," said Mung.
"A fortress. We can put it at the Tung Shao Pass. Those batteries can overlook the entire valley towards Republic City. We can use earthbenders and waterbenders to help conceal it should the Empire march through," said Mung.
"It'll take some time," said Zhang. "For now we should commit most of our defense to the Yun Wei mountains and set up Omashu as a fortress. If they get past Omashu, they'll be in the United Republic's territory in no time."
"We can make time. Admiral, is this alright with you?" said Mung.
"It is as you say. I doubt Centennial will be battle-ready by the time the Imperial fleet gets here. I'm for this idea," said Vesha. "I'll contact Admiral Hatook."
"Good, now how are the defenses on the ground looking?" said Zhang.
"Fortified to the best of our ability. We also have the weapon ready to be fired safely inside Ba Sing Se," said Mung.
"Even better. We'll make them pay for every inch of ground," said Zhang.
"Come on Zhang, our fleet is still up there. Give them some credit," said Mung.
"True, they have the Avatar and the 'Angel' if memory serves correct," said Zhang, musing quietly over Ahsoka's title. "Even if they can't stop them, they'll make them pay."
Mung nodded. "You ready for the wedding tonight?" said Mung.
"I'd just prefer it to be here now," said Zhang, indicating to the time of day as it was still morning.
"Funny, as best man I thought you'd be milking it," said Mung, nudging him playfully.
"What can I say, weddings aren't really my thing," said Zhang.
"You must have been a real killjoy with your wife," said Mung.
"On the contrary, I loved my wedding. Everyone else, it's just a hassle," said Zhang. Mung playfully hit across his back.
"You ass, I'll tell Yuki that," said Mung.
"Please don't. Your wife is a real firecracker," said Zhang, scratching the back of his head.
The ceremony would be small, only around fifty guests maximum. It was held in the Botanical Gardens located in the Middle Ring. The flowers were still in full bloom as the season was fully into spring. Besides Taran, Ahsoka, Zephyr, Kara, Shalin and the younglings, also in attendance were Zhang and his family, his daughter being 14 years old, and Mung and his family, two boys 16 and 12. Other friends from the five nations and friends and family of Hiromi were present split evenly down the middle. Long stood at the altar where a priest waited. Long was wearing his EDF uniform, freshly cleaned and pressed. At the other end of the aisle, Hiromi walked down the lane where flower petals of all shapes and colors had been thrown on the ground. Her father, Jeong, walked down with her arm. He was an old man, his long hair and beard gone white, but he had strength to his gait and stature.
Hiromi wore her hair in a top knot, two golden rods spliced in it to hold it up. Her gown was pure white and ended near her feet clad in traditional wooden sandals. She wore no makeup save for black eyeliner. She was beautiful as Long beheld her coming towards him. At the foot of the altar, her father symbolically gave her to Long and went to take his seat beside his own wife, Hiromi's mother. Hiromi and Long held hands as the priest spoke.
"We are here wise and great spirits to join the souls of these two beings in your spiritual embrace," he began. "Bond them together and have them grow in love, for love is the most important gift bestowed on all."
Taran's hand found Ahsoka's. She cast a sideways look, a small smiling dancing across her lips. Her fingers linked with his, grasping the firmly as they listened.
"For when you are joined, the bond you share is to transcend past yourselves. You are not just one man and one woman, but one whole being. Grow together, learn together, and importantly love together for death is not the end, but the next step in our life cycle. What we do now echoes for a lifetime and beyond. Do you take this woman to be yours?" he said.
"I do," said Long, looking deeply into Hiromi's eyes.
"And do you take this man to be yours?" said the priest.
"I do," said Hiromi, her eyes mirroring his.
"Then may you be bonded from this point onwards. May the spirits grant you long life and happy days," he said, raising his hands.
They kissed and everyone applauded. Now happily married, the husband and wife turned and bowed in deference to the wedding guests.
(A few hours later)
The happy couple danced on the open lawn. Other couples danced around them. A live band played traditional Elementian folk music. Taran and Ahsoka were sitting down next to Kara, Shalin playing with Gungi, Zatt and Ganodi. Zephyr was dozing off in his mother's arms.
"It's funny, here we are in the middle of a war and yet we can still take time to enjoy moments like this," said Kara.
"It won't last, but it's still good to experience this," said Ahsoka, watching as the newest couple tried to dance to the music. Katooni was leading as Petro tried to keep up, the two laughing as Petro would fail miserably but Katooni would help to pick him right back up to the tempo. Taran smiled at the happiness they displayed.
"I guess that's all owed to your matchmaking?" said Taran.
She let out a small laugh. "I had to give him the nudge. Sometimes girl likes it when the guy asks," she said, giving him an amused smirk.
"You're never going to let that go are you?" said Taran.
"Nope, but I'm happy it went the way it did Gearhead," said Ahsoka.
The couple chuckled.
"Have we ever danced before?" said Taran.
"Um, I don't think we have,"said Ahsoka, pondering on it.
"May I have this dance?" said Taran.
Ahsoka smiled, but then another thought came to mind. She motioned towards Kara, indicating that he should ask her. He caught on and nodded, a small grin forming.
"Hey Kara, do you want to dance?" said Taran.
"Me? Oh no I don't dance, I'm...not really good," said Kara.
"Nonsense, it's like riding a speeder," said Taran, taking her hand.
"But I never-whoa!" she said as he hastily pulled her towards him.
He started off, she catching onto his movements. It was a medium-paced song with plenty of melodic rhythms from the string instruments. Their movements were casual, nothing forced as Kara let herself relax and ease into the song.
"I've never...well no one really ever asked me to dance," said Kara.
"Ahsoka suggested it. Besides, who am I to let my sister-in-law not have fun at a wedding?" said Taran.
"Sister-in-law?" said Kara.
"Ceran's my brother and you were the woman he fell in love with. In my eyes, you two were married," said Taran.
"I never really thought of it like that," said Kara, her eyes going to the ground.
"Embrace it. You were dear to him," said Taran.
Kara thought on it.
"Do you think that...he may have went to the Spirit World?" said Kara.
"I'm not sure, but I'm willing to go with you to find out. Both of us are," said Taran.
"Ahsoka's a great woman Taran. You really lucked out when it comes to her," said Kara.
Taran chuckled. "It hasn't been easy. I really wanted to bring her here when the war was over, raise our family in peace. Instead now...I'm treating every day like the biggest blessing the spirits can give us."
Kara smiled. "Or maybe you both lucked out." Taran chuckled.
"We're still in this fight. Who knows, maybe everything will work out for the better," said Kara.
"I can only pray it's so," said Taran.
She looked back to see Ahsoka watching them. Kara motioned for her to come towards them.
"I think it's time to dance with your wife," said Kara. Ahsoka came up, Kara taking Zephyr from her and the two women sharing a smile before Kara walked back to a table.
Ahsoka took her husband's hands, swaying with him as the song died down and replaced with a slower one. His hands went to the small of her back and hers went to her shoulders. They stepped in time to the tempo, their eyes on each other. Their minds went back to their own wedding ceremony on Saleucami where their audience was the Lawquanes. Even now, they missed them terribly and owed them a debt. His green eyes looked into her blue ones, seeing themselves in their irises. They didn't have to say any words to each other, not even through their shared telepathy. They drew closer until their bodies were touching, their foreheads pressed together. Their eyes closed, allowing the music to guide them. Memories came back to them, from when they were children in the Temple to their training as Jedi Padawans. Their first battle together and all others after. When they shared their first kiss on the planet to when they gave themselves to each other that night on the Resolute. From their separation when she left the Jedi Order to their reunion and fight on Coruscant. Then, their dark memory of Order 66 and separation before their eventual second reunion. Lastly, their shared journey after Coruscant to the moment of their happiest occasion.
The birth of their child, Zephyr Cyneran, as she held him in her arms and he cradled the back of his head.
Hiromi caught sight of them as she danced with her husband.
"Your nephew is truly blessed to have someone who can love him with all her being," said Hiromi.
"I'm not going to lie, I helped get them together," said Long.
"Do tell," she said.
His eyes slowly opened, the light of the morning sun illuminating the room. He felt peaceful, almost like he was in a nirvana-like state. He rolled over to his side, finding Ahsoka sleeping. Her back was to him as she slept on her side. They were both naked as his hands slowly trailed down her smooth back. After the wedding party they had went back to the Ba Sing Se estate, carefully putting Zephyr to sleep and kissing him goodnight. That night they made love and it was as passionate as any they could remember. They took their time, remembering where they liked to be touched and where their pleasure spots were located. When they were utterly spent they lay together in each other's arms until Ahsoka woke up when Zephyr cried. He still wasn't sleeping through the night, but he was getting there.
As his hand traced down her back, she let out a sigh. She stretched out for a bit before she turned around to him, her chest bare as the blanket had slid from her upper body when she had stretched. Her smile caused his to form as well.
"It's nice to wake up to that in the morning," he said softly.
She giggled, snuggling closer to him and giving him a light peck on his lips.
"You're not the only one," she said, her hand pressed to his chest.
He chuckled, kissing her again. Her hands went to his shoulders as he propped himself over her.
"In the mood already?" said Ahsoka, her hands running down his back.
"What can I say? My wife is my inspiration," said Taran, hastily kissing her. She sighed in contempt as she braced for his next move.
A knock on the door stopped them in their tracks.
"Ahsoka? Taran? Are you awake?" said the voice of Ganodi.
Taran breathed out a defeated sigh, to which Ahsoka put her hand on his cheek and gave him a 'sorry, but maybe next time' look.
"Yes we're awake, hold on one second," said Ahsoka as she and Taran got off the bed and made themselves decent. It took only twenty seconds for Taran to put on a pair of loose pants and a shirt and Ahsoka to put on a loose tunic and her own pants. Once they were presentable she opened the door to reveal Ganodi.
"Did I...interrupt something?" said Ganodi.
"Well...yes, but nothing that wouldn't stop us from hearing you out," said Ahsoka.
"Easy for you to say," Taran thought, which Ahsoka shot a warning glare at him.
"What's wrong Ganodi?" said Taran.
"It's...I had a bad premonition," said Ganodi.
"Premonition, like what?" said Ahsoka.
"It was about all of us," said Ganodi.
"Come, let's talk in the living room," said Taran.
They walked in, Ganodi taking a seat on the couch and Ahsoka beside her. Taran opted to sit on the floor cross-legged in front of her.
"Start from the beginning," said Ahsoka.
"It started out with all of us, well just Ahsoka and I and Byph, Zatt, Katooni. Taran, Petro and Gungi weren't there but we were running for something. The planet was burning all around us. I could hear fighting going on. Gunfire was everywhere. We had to deflect blaster fire from time to time but we still kept running. Suddenly, everything went black around me and before I knew it I was all alone. I thought everything was over and I would wake up, but I didn't. I started to call out but no one was there. Then, I heard him," said Ganodi, her hands tightening on her knees.
"Heard him? Who?" said Taran.
"Vader and his breathing thing. It terrified me so badly I woke up," said Ganodi.
Taran and Ahsoka shared a look.
"Do you think this was just a dream or the Force showing me the future?" said Ganodi.
"I don't know," Ahsoka said honestly. "Sometimes our minds play tricks on us, especially when the Force is concerned."
"What should I do? Meditation didn't help me with this," said Ganodi.
"We could meditate with you and try our best to see if we can get to the bottom of it," said Ahsoka.
Taran thought on it. "And if there's still some insight you need, you should go see the Air Nomads while there is still time. Monk Pasang helped me a lot when things like that occurred. He might give you better insight than we can give it comes to it," he said.
Ganodi nodded. At that moment they heard Zephyr's cries from the room used as a nursery.
"I'll get him," said Ganodi, hopping up and heading to the room. As she was gone the couple shared a look.
"What are you thinking?" said Ahsoka.
"Right now, I'm really just hoping it's her subconscious," said Taran.
"And if it's not?" said Ahsoka.
"I don't want to think about that," said Taran. "I just want to put her mind at ease."
"Not telling is lying," said Ahsoka.
"What would you say then? That there's a high likelihood that something bad is going to happen? That we're all going to die?" said Taran, his tone serious.
Ahsoka was taken aback.
"Why would you say that?" said Ahsoka.
"Because it's a real possibility. We all have to face that reality. If we don't, we're only lying to ourselves," said Taran.
Ganodi came in holding Zephyr. She noticed the tension between the two of them.
"Is everything alright?" said Ganodi.
They both turned to her before they looked back at each other. Though they hadn't meant for an argument to spring up, it had been on an issue they didn't want to bring up. Her eyes were hardened before they softened. His did the same. They could have a discussion about this later.
"We'll be okay for now," said Ahsoka.
Ganodi stayed with them for a few hours. They had meditated with her, helping her to ease her mind. Though she was still a bit shaken, her resolve strengthened. She bade them goodbye, saying she was going to find Byph. As the family resided on the couch, Taran holding Zephyr to his chest, Ahsoka was deep in thought.
"Do you really think we're all going to die?" she asked quietly.
Taran sighed. "I didn't mean for it to come out like that."
"But it did," said Ahsoka, her eyes opening to meet his. He expected to feel her emotions as hurt, but instead they were neutral.
He took another breath looking into his son's face before looking at his wife.
"I don't like thinking about it Ahsoka. I can't see the Empire just leaving things alone the way they are," said Taran.
"That doesn't mean we should go in knowing this is where we'll die. We don't know when we will," said Ahsoka, coming closer until they were touching.
"We might die, but we also might not. I don't want to rescind myself to thinking I will die like this," she said. "Do you?"
He looked back at her and back at Zephyr. Deep down, he knew there was a very low chance of the planet succeeding in holding off the Empire. Then again, he liked being the underdog when it came to fights. It helped him fight harder to beat the odds. He shook his head. Her hand found his cradling Zephyr's head. Her eyes met his. A small smile crossed her lips as she reassured him.
"You're too good at this," said Taran, a playful smirk forming.
"It's my job," said Ahsoka.
Suddenly, planetary alarms resounded. The Imperial fleet was on its way. Taran quickly went to his comlink as Zephyr cried out from the startling noise.
"Uncle, where are you?" said Taran.
"We're just coming back from Inner Ring. We should be there in a few minutes," said Long.
"We're coming there to drop off Zephyr to Hiromi," said Taran as he went into their bedroom, Ahsoka getting on her outfit.
He placed Zephyr gently on the bed and put on his own clothing. It only took them a few moments to get dressed before she picked him up and hugged him to her. He cooed in his mother's embrace, his small head looking back at his father before fixing back onto his mother. Ahsoka hummed softly as Taran hugged the both of them close, his hand rubbing Zephyr's hair. In truth he hated having to leave him, but he knew he was needed elsewhere. When it was all over and the dust settled, maybe then he could spend all his time with him. They heard the door of the home open, feeling Long and Hiromi's presence enter the house. They went to the living room.
"They couldn't have waited a few more days," said Long, having had to cut their honeymoon short. They had spent the night in a rented villa in the Inner Ring after seeing Ahsoka and Taran wanted some alone time and were planning to go to Ember Island for a few days until the alarms sounded.
"I hope you tear the fleet to pieces," said Long, rubbing Zephyr's head as Ahsoka handed him to Hiromi. The two women hugged the best they could, Taran doing the same.
"We'll be back soon," said Ahsoka.
"I know you will," said Hiromi, her eyes filled with hope and promise. Her look alone even emboldened Taran with hope.
"Take care, both of you," said Taran, hugging his new aunt. Long gave her one final kiss before the three of them were out of the door.
On the bridge of the Jade Emperor, Admiral Hatook and Taran went over the battle plan one last time.
"There's supposed to be more," said Hatook. "I don't know if we can handle this new force."
"Either way, we'll have a few surprises for them that might turn to our advantage," said Taran. His comlink beeped and he hit the button to allow open communication.
"We're in position," said Ahsoka.
"Good. Their fleet will be here in a minute," said Taran.
"Think we have a chance? Honestly?" said Hatook.
"Even if we had a single starfighter, there's still a chance," said Taran.
Six Venators were arrayed in a curved line, their broadsides facing towards the vast expanse of space. The supporting starships took the flanks, their bows pointing forward. The fleet as a whole had been augmented by the captured Imperial ships that had been repaired as well. Every Z-95, Actis Interceptor and V-wing were held behind the Venators, ready to break their current flight pattern when the attack was to commence. Ahead of them in space, the wreckage from the previous battle was still present. The large hulk of the Star Destroyer Peacekeeper loomed ahead. The Elementian fleet had deployed back to allow the wreckage be a hindrance to the Imperial fleet.
"They'll be coming out any second," said Hatook.
Taran could feel them coming. The fleet was large, but it wasn't impossible to defeat them. He closed his eyes, offering a silent prayer to the Force and the spirits. When he opened his eyes, the Imperial fleet came out of hyperspace. Five Imperial-class Star Destroyers accompanied by three Victory-class Star Destroyers. Hatook let out an audible gulp next to him. Taran grit his teeth.
"The odds are heavily against us. If they move in force, I don't think whatever we do will work," he thought.
The fleet held their fire as the Star Destroyers approached. The Star Destroyers began to unleash their air power. Each Imperial-class held up to 72 starfighters: 60 V-wings, 12 ARC-170 starfighters and 12 transport landers. In effect, 60 starfighters were used in combatant roles. Each Victory-class carried up to 24 V-wings. This combined for a total of 372 starfighters. In this area alone, the Imperial fleet was grossly outnumbered. The Elementian fleet could field around 3,300 starfighters. They had augmented some from the surface and repaired any that were damaged as well as acquire undamaged ones from the captured Imperial vessels. Once again, they would be relied on to carry the day. However, the ARC-170 and Y-wing starfighters were absent, bringing their tally to just over 2,100. Still, the Imperial air arm was outnumbered more than 7:1.
The Imperial forces scrambled their fighters, keeping them back as they maneuvered over and around the jetsam of the previous battle.
"Good, they haven't seen it," said Taran.
"Our two trump cards. Let's make them count," said Hatook.
Taran touched his shoulder and nodded, heading out of the bridge and towards the hangar. Hatook looked on as the Imperial fleet drew nearer.
"A little bit closer," he thought. He allowed twenty seconds to pass by before he gave the command.
"All ships, open fire," he ordered.
The Venators, Acclamators and other supporting craft opened fire on the Imperial fleet that hadn't fired a shot yet. As soon as their first salvos hit, the Imperial warships fired in return. At the moment, every starfighter broke away from the Elementian fleet. They knew the fleet wouldn't last long if they traded shots with the Imperial vessels.
"Dragon Leader, coming up on Imperial starfighters. V-wing class," said Dragon 2.
"Good, let's show them what we can do," said Dragon Leader.
Dragon Squadron locked into combat with the V-wing squadron, a dogfight ensuing. Blue and and green turbolaser batteries fired through as wave upon wave of Elementian fighters made for the Imperial forces. Dragon Leader found a V-wing, gunning his thrusters as he came up behind it. He locked on to the starfighter, his finger pressing the small button to have his laser cannons fire. The V-wing pilot noticed, using the V-wing's maneuverability to evade the shots.
"Now this is a party," said Dragon Leader, keeping on the V-wing's rear.
"Sir, the Elementian rebel starcraft are engaging our fighters ad bearing towards us," said Lieutenant Mink.
"Let them. Divert our smaller turbolasers onto their fighters but keep our heavy turbolasers on their line ships," said Captain Pons. He viewed the battle scene.
"Where are their bombers? This assortment is only fighter craft," said Pons.
"I'm not sure sir," said Mink.
"It's no matter. We stick to the plan," said Pons.
The Star Destroyers moved closer together to give them the best coverage for anti-aircraft fire. Their fire could overlap each other and and provide support. In short, it was the perfect formation for dealing with starfighters. The Elementian fighters, some equipped only with a few proton bombs, could only fire at their hulls to drain their shields. The batteries of the line ships collided with the Star Destroyers hulls, lowering their shields. In return the batteries of the Star Destroyers slammed into their hulls, however their shields wouldn't last long against the heavier caliber. Dogfights ensued all around the Imperial ships, explosions rocketing all around them. From the bridge, Captain Pons could watch everything from the bridge. The Elementian starfighters were attacking force and for the moment were overwhelming his air arm. However, their losses were beginning to tell.
"Sword 4, keep it together," said Sword Leader from the Typhoon personally leading a squadron of Actis-class Interceptors, as he and two other squadrons made an attack run on the turbolasers of the Star Destroyer Oppressor.
The flak and anti-aircraft turbolaser was intense as they were not being fired on from just the Oppressor, but the Star Destroyers Pacifier and Reaver as well. The Victory-class Star Destroyers Repulse and Barrage were steadily being cut off from their bigger and more powerful brothers as waves upon waves of starfighters swarmed them as well as beginning to take on damage from the Elementian fleet.
"I'm trying sir, the fire is too heavy," said Sword 4, trying to evade as best he could. Near him, the pilot for Sword 7 screamed as his fighter was hit and plummeted down to crash into the hull of the Oppressor.
"Aim for those shield generators boys," said Sword Leader. "Their shields need to b-AGH!"
His fighter exploded from a well-aimed shot, the rest of Sword Squadron continuing their run. Scores of their laser cannons hit the spherical container on top. Their fire ripped into it as they fired as one. In a matter of a few seconds, the deflector shield generator on the Oppressor exploded. Taran saw the damage from the generator as he fought on two V-wing fighters below the Imperial fleet. He could see the explosions all around as well as feel the deaths of many pilots on both sides.
"Ahsoka, are you enroute," he said as he shot one of the V-wings down.
"We're on our way," said Ahsoka. "ETA in two minutes."
Taran veered his fighter back up, finding a lone V-wing. The V-wing pilot was good as he evaded his fire, corkscrewing from his
"Not bad," Taran thought.
He cut his thrusters when the V-wing veered up sharply. Once he slowed he pulled up, finding the V-wing had spun around to take him head on.
"Head on? This is bad. Even though we're both not shielded, his armor is still heavier than mine. Still, I gotta try," he thought.
Both his ion and laser cannons fired as the twin blaster cannons on the V-wing opened up. Time seemed to slow down as he twisted in a spiral to evade the laser fire. Though one bolt hit his fighter, the rest missed. His cannon fire on the other hand hit the V-wing straight on its cockpit, turning it into a fireball. He jerked the controls hard to veer past the V-wing as it screamed past, the starfighter exploding almost directly behind him. The shockwave caused his own fighter to lurch up before the flight pattern stabilized. Taran breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the damage. The blaster mark was still fizzling, but his fighter was fine for the moment. The shot had come dangerously close to the cockpit.
"Never do that again," he thought.
All around, he could see the battle was swinging in favor of the Imperial fleet. Though the Imperial ships were taking damage, the Elementian fleet was getting hammered by the sustained fire from the ships. Jade Emperor, Typhoon, and Wind Chaser had moderate damage and were holding on as best they could. However, the other Venators were sustaining heavy damage. Unity was listing on its starboard side, gaping holes present in the ship, Scarred Prince was downed after a salvo had destroyed its bridge and the ship was dead in space continuing to take punishment. The Eclipse, two of its starboard turbolaser batteries destroyed, continued to fire even though it had been dealt extensive damage as fire raged on the ship. The other support craft such as the Acclamators, a frigate and several other light cruisers were doing what they could to lessen the fire on the Venators.
"Admiral, how's it holding up in there?" said Taran.
"It ain't good Avatar. Their firepower is overwhelming. The Jade has lost one of the batteries and we need to face our bows towards them or else they'll just keeping firing until we look like we were split down the middle," said Hatook. From the communication link, Taran could hear how frantic the bridge crew was.
"They'll be here any second Admiral," said Taran. "Then we can spring our trap."
"I hope to the spirits they are. We're not going to last another minute like this," said Hatook.
His other comm link opened up and he breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Ahsoka's voice.
"Taran, we're coming out of hyperspace," said Ahsoka.
"Thank the spirits," said Hatook.
Like angels of mercy, the remainder of the Elementian air arm traveled out of hyperspace from behind the Imperial fleet. Over a thousand in all were present. Ahsoka, flying an Interceptor with a hyperspace ring, detached from it. As they made their move on the rear, the second leg of the trap was sprung.
"Captain Cho, begin your attack," said Hatook.
"Aye aye Admiral," said Cho.
The seventh Venator hummed to life around Cho and his bridge crew as the the engines heated up and the Venator moved from its hiding location. The Venator was previously part of the Imperial fleet that had attacked earlier but had been surrendered to the Elementians. It still sported its grey paint which had been used to its advantage. It had under the hulk of the destroyed Star Destroyer Peacekeeper with all of its power turned off to hide from the Imperial radar. Now unleashed, the ship could hit the Imperial fleet from below and behind. The trap was set and the prey were cornered.
"Redirect power to the turbolasers. All batteries fire! Give them hell!" said Cho.
The turbolasers wheeled into position and fired underneath the unsuspecting Imperial fleet. The flagship, Reaver, and the other ships were hit by the barrages from the Venator.
"Where is that fire coming from?" said Pons, feeling the ship rock even from the bridge.
"Sir, our scanners picked up another ship from below and...oh no," said Lt. Mink. "Sir we have more enemy starfighters coming from behind!"
"What?!" said Captain Pons.
Behind the Imperial fleet, the bombers screamed towards them.
"All wings, target their engines and their bridges. We have to cripple them in one run," said Ahsoka.
"On it Angel!" said Bison Leader.
Other squadrons replied the same as they set their sights on the vessels ahead. The blue turbolaser fire from the captured Venator was scoring hits with every single shot. The Y-wings took the lead as the ARC-170s backed them up on the flanks and rear. Proton torpedoes fired from the ships, the deadly payloads streaking straight to their designated targets. The torpedoes slammed into the engines of the Imperial fleet and the rear of their bridges. Many explosions blanketed their ships as explosions rocked them to their very reactors. The Star Destroyer Pacifier listed off on its port side as all of its engines were knocked out and its bridge exploded. The other Imperial ships suffered similar damage. Onboard the Reaver, Lt. Mink helped Captain Pons to his feet aboard their heavily damaged bridge. The glass on the viewing port was cracked and smoke had filled the room.
"Damage report?" he coughed out.
"Sir, our engines are knocked out. We're dead in space."
Outside, the Elementian fighters began to do as much damage as they could to the surviving Imperial starfighters and the ships. The Victory-class cruiser Barrage was destroyed from a combination of bombers and turbolaser fire, the ship splitting in two from the explosion. Taran and Ahsoka's starfighters met up as they surveyed the battleground. They knew after that bombing run the Imperial fleet was done for.
"Thank the Force you guys got here in time," said Taran.
"I wasn't expecting them to deal this much damage before we arrived," said Ahsoka as she looked at the Venators. "Yet, something doesn't feel right. Why would they attack with just seven ships?"
"Five of them are Imperator-class*," said Taran.
"Either way, they would know how many starfighters our fleet possessed. It wouldn't make sense for them to attack with somewhat similar numbers," said Ahsoka.
On the bridge, Hatook and the bridge crew watched as the Imperials were decimated before their eyes.
"This one was a little bit too close for comfort," said Hatook. "Cho, sustain your fire until they surrender or their blasted into oblivion."
"Aye Admiral," said Cho. Another blast from the Star Destroyer Encompass signalled that a reactor explosion was on its way from the ship.
"Admiral, there's a new group of signals coming from two directions!" said a signals officer.
"What?!" said Hatook.
Due to the large nebula, ships could only come out of hyperspace from two vantage areas. The fleet was fighting on the northern end of the hyperspace lave facing towards the rest of the galaxy. The southern hyperspace lane faced towards the Outer Rim.
"Sir, they're coming out of hyperspace!" yelled the signals officer.
As fast as he said it, a second wave of Imperial forces arrived. The first group came in from behind the now engaged Imperial fleet. An Imperial-class Star Destroyer, one Venator-class Star Destroyer and eight Tartan patrol cruisers. The second group consisted of four Imperial-class Star Destroyers, one Victory-class Star Destroyers and two Venator-class Star Destroyers. They were surrounded on two sides, with the southern Imperial fleet gunning at max speed towards them.
"Oh no," said Ahsoka as she looked at the size of the forces arrayed against their own. Only four of their Venators were still fully operational, five if the Eclipse could still be counted operational having only one turbolaser battery and one of its engines knocked out.
"We can't win this," said Taran.
The Imperial forces had already launched their own starfighters, the Venators holding 380 due to the Y-wings not being replaced and LAAT gunships still in the hangars. Their fully tally came in at 1,644 starfighters. The Elementian starfighters had suffered casualties before the fleet's arrival with over 500 starfighters destroyed or damaged. Though the bombers had suffered slight if any casualties, that put their own tally at around 2,600. However, the Empire had Tartan patrol cruisers which were specialized for anti-aircraft roles. The Imperial fighters were racing towards them to hold them down as the cruisers pursued at a swift pace to knock out their starfighters left and right. The Imperial-class Star Destroyer Counterstrike began to fire on Cho's ship.
"Admiral, we need to retreat," said Ahsoka. "We'll be decimated if we don't pull back."
"My ship, Typhoon and Wind Chaser might not make it in time, but we'll try. The rest are too damaged to even think of escape," said Hatook.
"The starfighters can make it," said Taran as he and Ahsoka met the first wave of V-wing and ARC-170 starfighters. "And if you power your engines now you can make a break for the planet. Then we can get the shield up."
"I'll have the other damaged ships use their escape pods. There needs to be a rearguard else they'll just fly in an pick us apart," said Hatook.
"Admiral, you all get on. I'll do what I can," said Captain Cho.
"Cho? What are you thinking?" said Hatook.
"You're right. We're too far back to even think of making it out. We'll be your rearguard," said Cho.
"Sir, we'll assist them anyway we can," said Jade Leader.
"And we will too," said Hunter Leader. Other squadrons replied in kind.
"Ahsoka and I will support as many of you as we can," said Taran, his fighter locked in combat with three V-wings on his tail as Ahsoka took to their rear to discourage them off him.
Hatook sighed. The plan had gone well, but they were outgunned and outnumbered. The Empire was bringing its might and it was too much for their fleet to bear. He looked around the bridge to find the crew, enlisted and officers, watching him, ready to commit to his next order. Hatook looked them all over before he gave the command.
"Retreat back to the surface. Move any remaining ships that can back to any port," he said, giving off a string of commands that the crew followed.
Ahsoka attacked an ARC-170 that was making a beeline for Cho's ship. The tail gunner did his best to keep her off of the ship, but she knew the ship's weakness: it's slow speed. His ship could fly circles around it if he willed it. However, the ARC had heavy armor and it would take a few hits before it went down. She weaved in and out of the firing line, her guns firing at any chance she got. She managed to score successive hits on its wing, the starboard S-foil flying off from the latest hit. The ARC careened to its port as it was destabilized and twisted in space as it spiraled down and out of her target indicator.
Cho's ship was fighting the Counterstrike, but a single Venator against an Imperial-class Star Destroyer was suicide. Rapid salvos from the Imperial ship were devastating it and its own fire could only do so much damage as one turbolaser after another was destroyed. Ahsoka fought off a V-wing before she had to twist and turn to dodge the fire from a Tartan patrol cruiser. The cruisers rapidly advanced to take out as many starfighters as they possibly could. Their captains ordered their power diverted to their main guns, spraying out deadly sprays of fire. The Elementian starfighters kept away as best they could, fighting off the Imperial starfighters and evading the fire. Still, scores were being shot down.
"Have the bombers peel off and get back to the surface. There's nothing more they can do," said Taran. "Captain, are you alright?"
Cho watched as the bridge crew scrambled to and fro.
"You all, abandon ship. There's no need for your lives to be lost like this," said Cho.
"But sir-"
"Do it! That's a direct order," said Cho.
"What about you?"
"Buying you some time," said Cho, taking the controls. As the crew scrambled off, Cho kept the last remaining guns firing. He was everywhere, making sure what ever was operational still functioned and doing all he could to extend the life of the ship.
"Captain, are you there?" said Taran.
"I'm here Avatar. Go on, get them out of here," said Cho.
"Cho, don't-"
The ship's communications went dead as another hit destroyed the relay tower. Cho sighed, realizing this was the end. He looked out towards the planet as the Star Destroyer finished off his ship. He closed his eyes as the ship exploded around him.
"Keep fighting them," he thought before he was swallowed up by darkness and knew no more.
Taran and Ahsoka watched the Venator explode, a few more escape pods making it out before it had exploded. Taran grit his teeth, knowing Captain Cho was dead. The other starfighters that would serve as the rearguard received orders from Ahsoka to retreat. However, before he could think of retreating, he saw that the cruisers were beginning to pick off the escape pods from the ship and other retreating starfighters. Ahsoka saw too, her breath catching in her throat at the cruelty they were exhibiting.
"I'll give them something to shoot at," said Taran, his fighter peeling off and heading straight for them.
"Taran, wait for me," she said, her fighter following his.
Their fighters hurtled at the patrol cruisers. The gunners, seeing them approaching, aimed towards them. Taran and Ahsoka flew away from each other to split the guns up. Coming up on the rear of one ship, Ahsoka's cannons fired. Luckily with the ion blasters the shields were pierced and her fire hit the engines, knocking out one of them. Taran dove down and came up on the belly of the same cruiser. His finger didn't stop pulling the trigger until the midsection of the cruiser exploded from the onslaught. Their starfighters raced away, fire from the other cruisers focused primarily on them. The cruiser they had attacked was badly damaged and dead in space. Taran let out a sigh as they raced back towards the planet.
"Taran?" said Ahsoka. No reply.
"Taran, talk to me," said Ahsoka.
She heard him sigh as their ships passed the Venator line. Jade Emperor and Typhoon made it out to get back to the planet, the Wind Chaser crippled and listing towards the ground due to the long range fire of the southern Imperial fleet. Taran looked at the Imperial ships gathering together one last time before focusing back on the planet.
"I really wanted to believe we could stop them," he said at last as they went through the atmosphere.
On the ground, the finally casualty roll had been laid out. Of around 3,300 starfighters that had took to the skies, only 1,843 had made it back in one piece. Others had crashed onto the planet in various areas, those who were alive retrieved. All the men and women who had jettisoned from their ships in escape pods were being found and taken back to their bases. Out of the Venators, only the Jade Emperor and Typhoon had made it back to the planet's surface. The Wind Chaser and Scarred Prince had been taken into the planet's gravity and fallen towards the surface. The Scarred Prince's remains had crashed into the ocean just off the main island of the Fire Nation. The Wind Chaser had crashed in a fiery display into the Si Wong Desert. Many for miles had seen her go down. One Acclamator, Omashu, had made it back as well as two smaller cruisers. All other ships had been disabled or destroyed. The planetary shield had went up, keeping the Imperial fleet from bombarding the planet. The space around the planet had been surrendered to the Empire.
When they had landed at an airfield, Taran came to Ahsoka and hugged her tightly. She replied the same.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have went back the way I did," he said softly.
"You did it to protect the men in the pods," said Ahsoka. "I would have done the same thing."
"But what if...what if it would have cost your life?" said Taran, pulling back to look her in the eyes.
Ahsoka's hand went to his cheek. "It didn't. Always remember what could have happened doesn't mean it did."
Taran took her hand in her own. Admiral Hatook came towards them, his head bowed.
"Cho was a good man and even better officer. He was one of the best men in our fleet," said Hatook, breathing another sigh. "I just can't believe we didn't think they'd send that many ships."
"They took us all off guard Admiral. Either way, we wouldn't have been able to stop them had they deployed them all simultaneously," said Taran.
Hatook shook his head.
"An admiral stuck on the ground. Isn't that ironic in a sense?" he said. "Our Venators are done for now."
"We still have plenty of starfighters, plus we're fighting them on the ground. This is our home turf," said Taran.
The thought brought a small smile to Hatook's face.
"Aye, that true. We'll make them wish they hadn't even thought of invading," said Hatook.
Grand Moff Tarkin had watched the battle unfold aboard the Star Destroyer Retribution. Just as planned, his combined arms fleet had caused serious casualties and had all but disabled their capital ships and caused further losses to their starfighters. His strategy had called for the advance force to occupy the Elementian fleet while the southern force took a circuitous route through the Outer Rim to catch them unawares. In all it was a success, though the advance force had taken staggering losses. All had been disabled and calls for crews and mechanics had to be made before the ships were once again repaired enough to get them to drydock for extensive repairs. Two Imperial-class Star Destroyers and one Victory-class Star Destroyer were so crippled they were abandoned and scuttled on his orders. The rest of the fleet took orbital positions around the planet to blockade it. Tarkin hailed the Imperial Palace on his holoprojector. In no time an image of the Emperor and Darth Vader appeared. All on the bridge bowed before their images.
"What is the report Grand Moff Tarkin?" said Palpatine.
"The mission was a success my lord. The Elementians are confined to the surface. However, they have set up a planetary shield that can deflect any orbital bombardment," said Tarkin.
"Good work. Prepare your fleet for ground deployment and crush them," said Palpatine. "Do not be hasty."
"As you command my Emperor," said Tarkin. The hologram disappeared.
"Moff Tarkin, the planetary shield on Elementia has dissipated," said an officer.
"Their shield? Whatever for?" said Tarkin.
"I'm not sure sir," said the officer.
Tarkin looked down to the planet, seeing its seas and landmasses from the viewing window. As he watched, a purple beam of light came in from the northwestern corner of the Earth Kingdom.
"What is that?" he thought.
He received his answer as the beam breached through the atmosphere and collided with an Imperial-class Star Destroyer. It burst straight through its armor like paper, causing it to explode. The display was dazzling and nearly the whole fleet saw the vessel's demise. Tarkin was astounded by what he had seen.
"This invasion may not go as smoothly as we might think," he thought.
On the ground in a large underground base, Zhang and Long had both watched the test shot from their hidden weapon. The cannon itself was enormous, the muzzle being over 1,000 feet long. It was powered by almost an industrial factory amount of electrical equipment and its own power grid. The muzzle was a long barrel that ended in a coned tip to cause the beam to shoot in a pressurized setting, furthering its maximum range above the planet's atmosphere.
"How was the test shot?" said Long.
"One Imperial Star Destroyer destroyed sir," said and officer. "Though we scored a direct hit, the optics have to be further reconfigured."
"With this they won't think of getting too close to the planet," said Zhang.
The cannon the men were referring to was known as the X-3 planetary defense cannon. It was the only one of its kind on the planet to be used in extreme emergencies. The gun was the direct descendant of the spirit gun used by the former Earth Empire thousands of years ago in Elementia's history. Just as before, the cannon's ammunition was provided by spirit vines. However, they were limited due to their highly volatile nature as seen when another spirit portal was opened in Republic City. Therefore, only so many shells would be provided for the gun to keep the natural balance of the planet. Should the worst were to come, the plans for the cannon would be destroyed should the base was ever taken. The cannon itself was protected by retracting it inside the base and the opening covered with thick blastproof durasteel shutting doors.
"Remember, we can only use it sparingly. If they're smart they'll move their ships out of range and then we can't even dream of hitting them," said Long.
"Still, it served its purpose. Now it's time to get ready for the real test on the ground," said Zhang.
"You know, I almost feel kind of sorry for their men. Almost."
And so the Battle of Elementia will take its way down to the surface. Review and tell me what you think so far.
*Imperator-class: the designation given to the Imperial-class Star Destroyer during the Clone Wars..