Elementian Campaign. Day 45
Lieutenant Ix led his platoon forward. Hard fighting had finally gotten his men into the tunnel system. They literally had to blast their way in, using the cover from the smoke to bum rush their way in. They turned their lights on as they made their way through. The tunnels were lit with fluorescent crystals and a few powered lights. There was no further enemy opposition to deal with. They advanced cautiously, guns at the ready. The going was quiet save for the sounds of their feet on the rock floor.
"Stay alert," he reminded them as they came up to a crossroads of three other tunnels. From both ends no sounds were heard.
"I don't like this sir," said a trooper.
"Hold it together," said Ix.
A sound came from the tunnel on their left. Their guns cocked to the left. Another sound came from the right. Another sound had them scramble into a circle, guns pointed in every direction.
"Ix, report?" said the platoon's captain. "What's taken your men long to flank their positions?"
"Sir, we're in the tunnels. Something isn't right here," said Ix.
Suddenly, a loud grumble rang through. The men started firing, not ceasing despite Ix's efforts.
"Ceasefire! Ceasefire! Hold it damn you!" he yelled over the din before his men complied.
The grumbling had stopped, but every stormtrooper was cautious.
"Ix, what's your men's status?" said the captain.
"I'm not sure I think-"
A large, furry creature with red eyes and two vertical brown stripes with a large white stripe sandwiched between the two sprang at them from the left tunnel. Its forepaws were large and its claws were sharp. Another creature of the same size sprang out from the right. The men only had a moment to pull their triggers before the creatures were on them. All the captain heard was the sound of their screams and those of the creatures.
Behind the badgermoles, a platoon of Elementian soldiers came forward.
"Tunnel secure sir," said the lieutenant as the badgermoles moved back to their sentry positions, the lieutenant and some of the men petting them on the snouts and singing softly to them.
The 501st remained on standby, though they had been given updates of the campaign thus far. The men had been shocked when they heard that the first space battle had been a victory for the Elementians. Their wonder at the feat was stifled when news of the Empire's victory in the second battle proved victorious. From then on they were in the dark on the full details of the campaign. Rex had no word from the other commanders who were leading their forces on the planet. Not even Lord Vader would provide him an answer. That is until now as he had received a summons to come to Vader's Palace. Rex calmly walked through the hallways.
"Whatever it is, it must be of the utmost importance," he thought.
It was a long walk from the entrance to Vader's chamber. He was still in good shape and he had done this plenty of times. Besides, the Emperor's Palace was vast and took quite awhile to walk to his chambers. Helmet tucked in his arm, Rex walked into Vader's chamber. He looked to see Vader facing away from him as robotic arm lowered his black helmet onto his head inside a black pod. He had never in all his years seen Vader underneath the helmet. What had once been fair skin with brown hair now stood bald and pale, a jagged scar on the back of his head that would be permanently marked and haggard. Luckily he didn't see more as the helmet sealed itself and Vader turned to meet his commander's eyes.
"Yes Commander," said Vader.
"You summoned me sir," said Rex.
"Yes, follow me," said Vader.
He stood from his pod and walked out, heading into the living room area. Rex followed in tow, stopping as Vader turned on a holoprojector in the middle. An image of the surface of the planet in blue light shimmered into view. Some areas of the landmass were highlighted red, the rest in blue.
"As you can see, the red depicts areas we have seized since the first land battle. The blue remains in Elementian hands," said Vader.
Rex could seen that only the southern tip portion of the Earth Kingdom up the mountain range was seized and two islands on the edge of the Fire Nation archipelago. In all, the signs weren't good. With a force that size, the planet would have been well on its way to being subjugated. However, this was not the case.
"Our forces are being stifled at this mountain range. They have been held there, barely gaining any ground for three weeks," said Vader indicating to the mountains. "The Elementians have proven more resourceful and steadfast than we thought. The key to breaking through their positions is at the city of Gaoling."
"Gaoling?" said Rex.
Vader pointed at a white dot marked in the middle of the mountain range.
"The city here is their reinforcement bastion. They're dug in all around the mountains and our troops cannot seem to break past. Even when we take their positions, they've constructed tunnels in the mountain passes and underground as well. With them they fire on the soldiers from behind and so our men have to fight them out and occupy each and every inch. What's worse is their benders. If they see a position can't be retaken, they completely destroy them. You can already guess the condition our soldiers on the ground are in from this warfare," said Vader.
To him, it sounded like the siege of Saleucami. Endless, huge casualties and very little gained.
"Why can't we call in a bombardment of the planet?" said Rex.
"Their planetary shield will not allow our capital ships to do so, and they have a planetary gun that can destroy our Star Destroyers with ease. For now we must keep our distance until a plan is enacted to destroy it," said Vader.
"So what is the current plan of action?" said Rex.
"We will be undertaking a risky maneuver. We believed that landing at multiple points would put us in the same situation as the one we are currently in. Instead, we must think of the unorthodox. Gaoling is the key. If we can take it and concert it with an attack from our main force with a powerful thrust, we may yet break through into open country and envelop their armies arrayed along the mountains. From there we can proceed with our simultaneous strikes on Republic City and Ba Sing Se," said Vader.
"And how will this maneuver be carried out if I may ask?" said Rex.
"We have outfitted two legions specially to take the city directly. From there they will try and seize as many sectors of the city as they can before the main thrust is unleashed," said Vader.
"Are we to be one of them sir?" said Rex.
"No, but we will be utilized nonetheless. The 501st is to spearhead the main assault. I will personally lead the men," said Vader.
Rex nodded. With Vader at the head, they had nothing to worry about. He had lead them all on countless campaigns and won almost every single engagement.
"And the two legions sir?" said Rex.
"The Imperial Galactic Marines under Commander Bacara and the 7th Sky Legion under Commander Cody. I have faith they will see their objectives achieved," said Vader.
"Cody and Bacara. You couldn't have asked for a better pairing," Rex thought.
Thinking on it now, he should have guessed it from the beginning. Cody's men were used to the type of warfare as infiltrators behind enemy lines. The 7th was made up of the veterans from the 7th Sky Corps, including its core unit the 212th Attack Battalion. The men could still wear their specialized helmets, though in white. Their men could still use their bandoliers and a few could even maintain using their kama, causing some jealousy from other units. Bacara's men were in every shape and form the best men in the Empire, arguably even better than the men of the 501st. They alone out of an other unit could continue to wear their uniform from the Clone Wars: synthmesh visors to combat any elements with their maroon and white specialized armor. These men were excellent marksmen, at the peak of physical fitness and were the most hard-hitting clones ever created. The men were a reflection of their commander who instilled in them his characteristics: aggressive, independent and dedication to complete their tasks beyond the standard. This was proven time and time again in the brutal combat on the planet Mygeeto and other battlefronts. With this hard striking duo, victory was almost assured.
"They will sir. They're led by the two of the best commanders I know of," said Rex. "When do we leave?"
"The entire legion will be enroute by the end of the day," said Vader. Rex turned to leave, but then stopped in his tracks.
"Sir, are they down there?" said Rex. Vader knew who he was referring to.
"Yes. They and the other Jedi fugitives have been aiding the Elementians since the first fleet battle," said Vader. "Is that all Commander?"
"Yes sir," said Rex, saluting and walking out of the room.
Rex sighed as he ran his hand on his head. This wouldn't be easy for them, not by a longshot. Yet, why did he have some doubt in his mind? Was it because he thought of the casualties, or the thought of having to pull the trigger again if he saw one of them? He shook his head.
"I have orders."
The Mountain Brigade of the EDF had just repulsed another sortie by the Imperial Army soldiers with elements from the 41st Legion. Taran sheathed his lightsaber, five dead troopers at his feet. He inhaled slowly, wiping the sweat and dirt from his brow before sitting down on the ground. The brigade numbered 2,037 men in three regiments. They had originally started out with 3,500 but continuous action and stubborn attacks always caused casualties to climb. They were training specially for mountainous terrain fighting and had proved their mettle over the past two weeks of fighting. Ahsoka was assigned to the Cloud Chaser Air Wing who provided air support for their sector. Though they didn't want to be separated, the High Command recognized her strength in the air and had her command the 300 starship unit.
"Everything alright sir?" said a female captain as he inspected a dead stormtrooper.
"I'm fine Captain Teng. Have you seen Zatt?" said Taran.
The younglings had been reassigned from their previous sectors. The Fire Nation had lost three islands, but the going was slow and the Water Tribe and Fire Nation surface navies had taken their toll on the single legion accompanied with another reinforced army corp. Now they were locked in stalemate as well. Zatt had been assigned with Taran, Byph with Ahsoka. Katooni was fighting with the 1st Earthbender Corps alongside Gungi on the extreme right flank and Petro and Ganodi with the 5th Scout Corps holding the extreme left flank. Other corps units from the Earth Kingdom and even one from the United Republic held the line with them, the mountains playing host to over 500,000 soldiers.
"He was up ahead scouting with some scouts from Major Mao. They should be back soon," said Teng.
"How's your company?" said Taran.
"Could be better. That last attack hit us hard, but we'll be alright," said Teng, picking up the dead stormtrooper's weapons.
Elsewhere other men were doing the same, moving their own dead and wounded to the rear. They left the stormtroopers where they lie, though they did give medical attention to those who were wounded. They would be healed and taken prisoner, but they would not be treated inhumanely. Taran moved over to another dead stormtrooper, removing his helmet. The same face, same skin, different features. He studied the face of the dead trooper. He had his hair in the traditional buzzcut and a tattoo of a wampa on his cheek.
"I wonder what your name was?" Taran said softly, placing his helmet nearby.
He stood, dusting himself off and walking back to the entrance of the tunnel system. The entrance could be reached by going into a crater-like depression that led to the sheer face of a mountain. It was heavily fortified with rapid-repeater blaster cannons and entrenched men at the entrances before them and dug in above them on the mountain itself. Mortars were also present with artillery pieces in the rear that could zero in on the location should they be pushed inside to fight in the labyrinth of tunnels. Taran walked inside, passing men and women moving supplies or patrolling. He made his way to the brigade's HQ. Once he was there, he found a few officers, senior NCOs and the brigade commander Colonel Izuku.
"Commander Taran," said Col. Izuku.
"Repulsed away with heavy casualties on their side. Companies B and E of the 18th Foot were hit hard," said Taran as he strode towards him.
Izuku nodded, his black hair greying on the edges and cut short.
"Are you alright?" said Col. Izuku.
"I'll be fine. I'd like a rest though," said Taran, taking a seat next to him.
"You've more than earned it. The fighting had been ceaseless on the entire front," said Col. Izuku. "Some R&R in Gaoling? You and Zatt could use one."
"Wonderful. We'll take the first gunship back should there be any troubles Colonel," said Taran.
"Come back when you're ready. The Mountain Brigade can handle whatever the Imps throw at us," said Col. Izuku, a small smile on his features.
Taran chuckled, saluting the Colonel out of respect and standing up to go back outside and see if he could find Zatt.
Meanwhile, Zatt and two scouts Pvt. Tumilak and Cpl. Vesha were surveying as close as possible to the Imperial positions without being seen. They were on their bellies on the ground, observing behind the wreck of an AT-TE walker. The Imperials they were facing were encamped in a small valley in the mountains. It was the closest they had gotten over the last attack. They were still miles from reaching their main objective and the fighting here had been deadly, the area in the passes and other expanses littered with wrecked vehicles and bodies that hadn't been moved.
"Full battalion size down there. They're holding for now," said Zatt.
"You can see that?" said Pvt. Tumilak.
"No, I can feel it," said Zatt.
"You Jedi are incredible," said Tumilak in awe.
"Focus Private," said Vesha, using the scope on his DC-15A to zoom in. He could see the stormtroopers in their positions, others moving supplies and other duties at hand. They looked like they were indeed done for the day.
"Alright, we should head back," said Vesha.
"Follow me. They just a few men out to do the same. We've gotta be quiet," said Zatt, getting up into a crouched position and moving slowly. The two soldiers followed his every move, staying low and moving silently. Zatt used the Force to sense their movements. It was a squad of eight men. Zatt tried to keep in front of them at all times, but their pace was slow. The stormtroopers didn't need to worry so much for cover. Zatt stopped behind a wrecked HT-C, indicating for them get low.
"Pass me a thermal detonator," said Zatt.
Tumilak carefully handed it to him, Zatt arming it. He looked to the two men, who nodded with their fingers on the trigger to their blasters. Zatt took in a deep breath before tossing the detonator. The squad of stormtroopers barely had time to realize the detonator at their feet before it exploded. When the explosive device detonated, Tumilak and Vesha stood and opened fire, firing once into every stormtrooper that hit the ground. When the dust settled, all eight were dead. Zatt forced himself to look away. Looking at what a thermal detonator could do to living tissue was a sight he prayed to never see again. Vesha and Tumilak salvaged what they could.
"We need to go now. They would have heard that," said Zatt.
"On it," said Vesha, Tumilak taking the rear to cover their retreat.
The three swiftly made their way back to their positions, passing by the concealed snipers on the approach and through the fortified lines where the men were still cleaning up and making improvements to their entrenchments. Zatt found Captain Teng and gave her a report.
"Thank you for that Zatt. The Avatar is looking for you," said Cpt. Teng.
"Did he say why?" said Zatt. Teng shook her head.
"He's over on the right end," said Teng, pointing him out.
Taran was helping another metalbender contort a downed AT-ST walker into a blaster-proof bunker for a heavy repeater. The front was bent off and the ground was dug up to let it firmly lodge into place. The legs were salvaged to provide cover for the trenches on either side. Once the walker's head was in place, Taran cut a rectangular hole in the back big enough for the blaster's muzzle to pass through and rotate from side-to-side. Zatt came up behind him as he was finished sawing through it.
"You needed to see me?" said Zatt.
Taran turned around, seeing his appearance. The Nautolan was covered in dust and his clothes sported scorch marks. He also looked wary, probably how he himself looked right now.
"We've got some leave to rest in Gaoling," said Taran. "From the looks of it, we both need sleep. When's the last time you did?"
"I think...maybe two days ago for a few hours. I would nod off between the attacks," said Zatt.
It was the same with him and all the soldiers, though he was use to losing sleep. For Zatt, this was still new to im despite what he witnessed at the Temple.
"Come, let's go wait for our gunship," said Taran, turning around to walk back to a tunnel entrance.
"How do you do it?" said Zatt. Taran stopped in his tracks.
"How do you keep doing this without it affecting you?" said Zatt, his red eyes searching Taran for his answer.
Taran turned back to him, his eyes looking directly into Zatt's.
"It does affect me, but I have to keep focus on my goal," said Taran. "I want my planet to be free and make sure you all survive. I'll worry about the psychological effects later on. I'm really good at explaining those kind of things; Ahsoka is. I just keep that goal in my mind and have to let go of what happens along the way. That's how I rationalize to keep me going."
Zatt understood his meaning nonetheless.
"When did you...first start doing it like that?" said Zatt.
"My...the first battle I actually killed a living being," said Taran. "But it's life and I've never...murdered. Just self-defense, even with Bane."
"I'm sorry-"
"Don't be. It's really nice," said Taran.
"What's nice?"
"For people you care about seeing if you're okay," said Taran, a small smile ghosting over his lips. Zatt returned it.
Ahsoka stepped out of her Interceptor after flying another sortie. She moved her neck around and stretched a bit. She had flown over ten throughout the day, one time even flying over Taran and Zatt's position. She had turned her eyes to see him bring an AT-ST walker down by cutting off its legs before she averted her eyes and launched concussion missiles at an advancing Juggernaut tank. The last sortie she had flown was to intercept a squadron of ARC-170s that were bombing positions held by units of the 1st Earthbending Corps as they tried to hold onto a valley in the middle of a mountain range. They had shot down half of them before their escorts arrived to buy time for them to escape.
She sighed as she thought of Taran. They hadn't seen each other in weeks and already she was trying to find some way to see him even if it were just for a few minutes. However, they were called on missions and sorties daily and therefore she didn't have the time. All she could do was to comm him during a lull, but he would often times be in the middle of a battle and she could barely hear him, hearing nothing but the sounds of explosions in the background. Now all she could do was try to save lives in the air and on the ground.
"Everything alright Commander?" said Air Wing Commander Miko, a woman hailing from Kyoshi Island with light skin, auburn hair and blue eyes .
"I'm fine, just tired," said Ahsoka, rubbing the back of her neck.
"You have been at it a lot lately as far as I can see," said Commander Miko. "You should take a rest. Even the fighter pilots have more sleep than you."
"Thanks, but I'll be fine for the time being. I once went three days without sleeping," said Ahsoka.
"Still you should catch some rest," said Miko.
"I'll rest when the Imperials stop making sorties in our sector, and the neighboring ones at that," said Ahsoka.
Miko laughed. "Who knows, we keep them here long enough they might leave."
"Trust me, they don't give up that easily," said Ahsoka, her hand rubbing her chest still sore for the day.
"Breastfeeding pains again?" said Miko.
"You know it," said Ahsoka.
"I remember when I first went through them with my children. I'm surprised you're fighting despite all of this," said Miko.
"As much as I would want to, I would have bad anxiety everyday not knowing if Taran was alright. At least here we're not too far away, but still..." said Ahsoka, her thoughts on him.
Her communicator went off.
"Ahsoka here," she said.
"You sound tired," said Taran's voice.
"Taran! Are you okay? How's Zatt?" said Ahsoka.
"We're both fine. We had to beat back the latest incursion from the Imperials. We're heading to Gaoling for the next few days," said Taran. "Think you can get some time off?"
Commander Miko was already nodding her head when Ahsoka looked to her.
"I can. I'll-"
An alarm went off that alerted them that another sortie was needed. She breathed heavy sigh.
"Taran, I'll meet you there probably tonight. I'm sorry," said Ahsoka.
"It's okay, there's no hurry. Be safe out there Snips," said Taran.
"I will Gearhead," she said, a small smile playing on her.
"I love you," he said before the comm went out.
"I love you too," she said, even though she knew he couldn't hear it. She meant it with her soul instead.
"If only my husband could be so romantic," said Miko, the two of them racing off to their fighters.
The city of Gaoling was an impressive feat of engineering. A widespread monorail connected all parts of the city, the city dominated by metal skyscrapers of all sizes with apartments, homes and other buildings. There was pavement down for any being who wished to walk or use hover transportation, some still even using beasts of burden. The ostrich horse was a nimble animal and could be used to travel the mountain passes where some of the suburbs were located. The city at its heart held a stone statue of Toph Bei Fong made of a metal and stone fusion that withstood the sands of time. Though the city still had civilians, the streets were dominated by soldiers moving materials or sent off to reinforce the other sectors located in the mountains. The sky was already turning to night as Taran dozed off on the bed to the room he was given. Zatt had his own room, already fast asleep on the bed.
When they arrived, they had commed the others to see how they were. All said they were fine, their sectors seeing sporadic fights. They wished them well and parted ways. Zatt went to shower and sleep while Taran went to his room and took a shower, waiting for Ahsoka. The rooms were quaint. One bed of a decent size connected to a shower. He meditated on the bed as he waited before he realized just how tired he was. He told himself he would only sleep for an hour.
That hour turned into three.
Ahsoka, meanwhile, was finding the room he was in. The sortie they had flown had turned into a wild pursuit as a squadron of V-wings escorting a squadron of ARCs to survey positions and launch a bombing run. She had gotten three V-wings to her record, the rest of her squadron having decimated the group so that only one ship made it out. The last fighter had taken her on a wild chase through the mountains that tested her skills. Now here she was, close to midnight and trying to find Taran. She got to the room and walked inside, finding him fast asleep.
"Oh, I'm sorry Taran," she said, thinking that he must have been waiting for her.
Rather than disturb him, she went into the bathroom, resolving to shower before climbing into bed. She had a change of clothes ready, including a night shirt with pants. The shower was quick as she stepped out. She dried off quickly and changed into her sleeping attire consisting of a grey cotton shirt. She opted to go without the pants. She put her clothes nearby the bed and climbed onto the mattress softly. She kissed his cheek from the side, a small smile on her face. Taran hastily woke up, realizing for the first time she was there.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," said Ahsoka.
He yawned and stretched as he fully awakened the best he could. Truth be told, he was still tired as he rolled over to face her.
"You're fine," he said, yawning again. "Sorry I fell asleep."
"I don't blame you. The center sees more attacks than all others," said Ahsoka as she drew closer to him. A moment passed between them before their lips met in a soft kiss. When they pulled back, they both breathed a sigh.
"I missed you, terribly," said Ahsoka, snuggling to him.
"Almost four weeks now?" said Taran. She nodded.
"I should be down there with you," said Ahsoka.
"We talked about this Soka. The starfighters need you the most. You're essentially the best pilot on the planet," said Taran.
"But it doesn't make me feel any better. I don't want to come back on the ground and find out the worst has happened to you. I don't want us to be separated again," said Ahsoka, her words heartfelt.
"I saw more fighting during the chase. In the sector I passed it was so close they were using their hands. Clawing at each other, using their helmets, anything," she continued.
Taran's hands came to her cheek.
"I worry about you when you're in the air. I keep having this thought where I see you get hit and I can't do anything," said Taran. "I guess we're both stuck with the same feeling."
They gazed into each other, her hand stroking his hand that was currently on her cheek.
"How much time off do you have?" she asked.
"I told him three days, but I would come back if there was anything serious," said Taran. "You?"
"I'm not sure. I just want to spend time with you until then. If only we could get to Ba Sing Se to see Zephyr," said Ahsoka.
Everyone who had a family missed their loved ones. Colonel Izuku and Taran talked about their families. The Colonel's family was currently in the Fire Nation in one of the major islands still controlled by their side. He had two daughters and a son at ages 15, 13 and 10. He was worried immensely about the fighting inching its way towards them, but it brought him relief when he spoke to Taran about them. During combat, all soldier missed their families. Yet, they stayed and fought to protect them from harm.
"We can call Hiromi tomorrow. It might not be like we're there, but it's still good to see his face," said Taran.
Ahsoka nodded in agreement. His finger brushed her eyebrow.
"I miss him too, terribly," said Taran. "Especially you."
Ahsoka smiled. "I'm here now."
He kissed her lips slowly, she replying in kind. His hands went to her hips, pressing her closer as their lips pressed together. Her hands went to the back of his head and his back. Taran pulled back before kissing her again, and again, and again. When he left a searing kiss to her lips and pulled back to go for her neck, he yawned.
"Taran?" she said.
"It's nothing, just-" he said before yawning again.
"You're tired," said Ahsoka.
"I can get past it," he said, kissing her neck in one of her spots, causing her to gasp.
He kissed it again, running his tongue along the spot before finding another one close to her collarbone. She moaned from his ministrations, her hand running along his back. He moved up to place an open mouth kiss on her jaw before moving back up to kiss her lips. Their lips locked passionately. When he moved back, he resolved to go back to her neck, but before he could do that...
He yawned again.
Ahsoka laughed.
"Way to kill the mood Gearhead," she said.
Taran sighed, burying his face into her chest as she patted the back of his head.
"I'm sorry," he said softly.
"Don't be. We still have plenty of time," she said.
Taran inhaled softly, shifting his head up to her neck. "You mind if I sleep like this?"
"Not in the slightest," she said, kissing his forehead.
He rose up, kissing her again on her luscious lips before returning back to his previous position. His arms wrapped around her as hers did the same. Before she knew it, he was asleep. She joined him ten minutes later, the couple enjoying the first bit of relaxed sleep they had in weeks.
(Star Destroyer Overwatch)
Vader stood before a meeting of his high-ranking officers in the bridge staff room. All the heads of the three legions they brought in were present as well as other leaders in each unit.
Commander Rex, leading the 501st Legion with a strength of 10,000.
Commander Cody, leading the 7th Sky Legion with their strength at the legion standard of 9,700.
Commander Bacara, leading the Imperial Galactic Marines with a strength of 15,000. They had just gotten back from subjugating a longstanding Separatist stronghold in the Outer Rim.
"I trust you all to do your duty and seize your objectives. That is all," said Vader.
"Yes sir," they echoed, saluting him.
Vader dismissed them and went back to the plans at hand, the clones and birth-born officers filing out. He was left alone in the room to his thoughts. He looked at the holographic projection of the planet.
"Once this maneuver is executed, we can continue with the subjugation of the planet. We will crush the Elementians beneath our heel and restore order," he thought.
"Even at the cost of your friends?"
"I have no friends. They mean nothing to me," Vader thought.
He thought back to the Temple when he had thought he had killed Taran, then when they had fought at the Imperial Palace. Both times he had fought to kill. This time would be no different. The same would go for the apprentice that had left him. He clenched his fist hard as he resolved in his mind to do just that. He wouldn't hesitate, not for a second.
Outside on the bridge, Rex was looking at the planet in the distance.
"Never thought I'd be back here," he thought.
"Taking a good look at it Rex?" said Cody, walking up to stand by his friend and brother.
"I'm just remembering the last time we were here," said Rex.
"Oh yeah. Thinking back on it, I almost forgot it happened," said Cody.
"Back then we came in as allies. Now, we're the opposite," said Rex.
"They rebelled against us and took in the Jedi. They knew what they were getting into," said Cody.
"Would we have done the same?" said Rex. Cody was silent on the matter.
"What are you two over here chatting about?" said Commander Bacara, walking with precision to stand next to them.
His armor remained white and he kept his helmet with the blizzard protection side plates. Out of all the stormtrooper commanders, he could retain the kama, but it was dyed purple to match his unit's colors. Still, other commanders weren't so happy about that arrangement.
"Just reminiscing," said Rex.
"So these Elementians, what can you tell me about them?" said Bacara.
"They've kept our guys in the same place for a month," said Rex.
"You know what I mean Rex," said Bacara.
"Their benders are our greatest threat. In truth, they hold all the advantage over us in any environment. Only you can best them is to get close and shoot them before they react or take them out from a distance," said Rex.
"Hand-to-hand?" said Bacara.
"I wouldn't recommend it. If I remember Cyneran, most of his people are skilled in it," said Cody.
"So we can't get close and they have an advantage in all areas. Kriff," said Bacara.
"Best we can do is to use our unit cohesion. Their benders will usually fight individually since their powers can hinder their own men," said Rex.
"Guess that'll have to do. I'm going to go brief my men," said Bacara, turning abruptly from them and walking off.
"He always was a little too wired. I remember one time we met and he was filling out transfer documents to move men out who didn't fit his standards," said Rex.
"Bacara wants only the best. That's why the Marines are the way they are. Think our guys would have been like that on Mygeeto?" said Cody.
Rex remembered hearing back from the detachment sent to reinforce the planet. It was almost unreal the combat on the planet. From them he heard of the Marines holding the planet alongside Jedi General Ki-Adi-Mundi and how they pushed to take every inch in brutal urban combat. It took nerves of durasteel to fight in the hellish conditions of the planet and come back out of it alive. Ever since their combat on Mygeeto, besides the 501st the Galactic Marines were called on to undertake the hardest and most dangerous assignments. They had the perfect record of victories, never once being pushed back or defeated in the field. If surrounded, a troop formation would fight to the death rather than surrender.
"There's no telling. I think you'll have some damn good support when you hit the city," said Rex.
Cody smiled. "I'm counting on it."
He turned to leave, but Rex had something else on his mind.
"Cody?" said Rex. Cody turned to face him.
"If you meet them, what will you do?" said Rex.
"Is that really a question?" said Cody. "We have orders and we have to follow them through. The order still stands."
Cody turned and went on his way, leaving Rex standing there.
"Not even the slightest hesitation," he thought sadly.
The morning sun was nearly at its noon peak over the city of Gaoling. Ahsoka was awake by now as she stretched in the bed, Taran's arms around her holding her close to him. He was still knocked out even as she shifted around within his grasp. She decided not to disturb him and laid there, willing her eyes closed to hopefully catch more sleep. Meanwhile, Taran was still dreaming.
He stood alone in a white void, no one there with him. He looked around, finding nothing but the sheer white expanse. The light was so bright it disoriented him, yet it calmed him. Suddenly, everything changed. Color began to flow as an artist splashing colors onto the canvas. He looked in wonder as the world around him came to life. The colors shimmered into a landscape, the different shades of brown becoming trees, the different colored hues of green became the grass he walked on and the leaves in the trees. A poignant aqua-blue painted they sky and a shimmering light from above became the sun.
"I've been waiting for you Taran," said a feminine voice around him.
"Who are you?" said Taran.
"I've known you since you were born. Since your past life was born and his past life before," it said. His eyes widened in realization.
"Raava?"
"It is I," said Raava.
"This is...this is the first time I've ever talked to you," said Taran.
"It had to be done in due time, there was no urgency until now. Your inner self told me you wished to meet," said Raava.
"My inner self?" said Taran.
"Your true form, your inner spirit. It's been calling out for help," said Raava.
"So you know what's been happening?" said Taran.
"Yes. I can hear them even now, the souls of the dead crying out," said Raava.
"What are we going to do? What can we do?" said Taran.
"For now we will have to rely on our combined strength. You must use the Avatar state," said Raava.
"I can't. There's too much risk. All it takes is one sharpshooter, then the Avatar state is lost forever," said Taran.
"You will know the right time to use it. I am sure," said Raava.
"Raava, do you know what I am? Even I still don't know," said Taran.
"I cannot answer that. You must look deep within yourself to find out," said Raava.
"I've tried to, but what I see. It's..." he said, unable to find the words.
"Running will do you no good Taran. You must confront it, as we all must do," said Raava.
"Is that what you did?" said Taran.
"I was born the way I was. I knew who I was since then and have thought no different," said Raava.
"That makes one of us," said Taran, sighing in defeat. He felt an invisible hand on his chin.
"The answer will come in time. Now awaken," said Raava.
His eyes slowly open, registering he was back into reality.
"Are you okay?" inquired Ahsoka, her front facing him.
His eyes adjusted slowly as he blinked a few times as he came fully into this world.
"Yeah, I'm alright," said Taran.
"Your heart was racing. I thought you might have been having a nightmare," said Ahsoka.
"No, just a talk with Raava," said Taran. Her eyes slightly widened.
"Raava? You rarely talk about...her?" said Ahsoka, unsure if the spirit went by a gender.
"Her is fine. We finally talked for the first time. She said that I need to find myself," said Taran.
"Find yourself?" said Ahsoka.
"I have to find out about my origins. My real origins dating back to...to when my family acquired this power," said Taran.
She understood immediately. When he had tried to pry into his vision back on Saleucami to the answer that was looming within reach, he would always stop. She remembered the look on his face, one of fear. She didn't ask what he found because she knew his mannerisms. If he had begun to stumble upon something unpleasant, he would close his eyes and hold his legs up to himself.
"Are you going to try and pry into it again?" said Ahsoka.
"It looks like I have to," said Taran, resigning himself.
"I'm here, remember that," she said, her hand coming up to his chest. His hand found hers and held it, entwining their fingers together.
"I do," said Taran.
She gave him a small smile, one she gave to reassure him in any situation.
"Good, because I'm not letting you do this alone," said Ahsoka.
"I'm aware," said Taran.
"How so?"
"You married me right?" said Taran.
The small giggle she let out caused him to chuckle as well. In a moment, their lips found each other. She sighed into the kiss, bringing her hands up to his chest. His arms brought her in closer, relishing in the feel of the two of them pressed close together. He always felt reassured when they were together and even now he would give anything to be near her like this for all-time. When they pulled back, light smiles graced their faces.
"We should call Hiromi to talk to Zephyr before we do anything else," said Taran.
"Why now?" she asked coyly.
"Because I'm going to forget," he said, making her laugh. He kissed her again before he used the Force to pull his portable holoprojector from off the bedside table. He sat up on the edge as she sat up behind him. The holoproj beeped a few times before it hailed. Hiromi appeared.
"Hello Hiromi," said Taran.
"Taran! Ahsoka! You're both okay," she said, sighing in relief.
"We're fine. We're resting in Gaoling," said Ahsoka.
"That's good to hear. I'm guessing you wish to see Zephyr?" she said, the couple nodding enthusiastically.
Hiromi's hologram left for a few moments before reappearing with Zephyr in her arms. He was emitting a few baby coos and other sounds as he focused on the small hologram of his parents. Zephyr was nearing five months, his arms moving as if trying to reach out to them.
"Hey little guy," said Taran.
"How's my little boy doing?" said Ahsoka.
Zephyr made another sound like a grunt, causing his parents to laugh. At the sound of their laughter, his lips formed a smile, displaying his gums.
"We miss you," said Ahsoka.
"Are you going to be able to come here?" said Hiromi.
"Sadly no. The area is a no-fly zone save for military-only flights. Any going out could be ambushed by Imperial fighters. For now, we have to stay here," said Ahsoka.
"How's everything over there?" she added.
"The city for the most part is quiet. Business still goes on as usual at day, but at night a curfew is installed," said Hiromi.
"Understandable. All we can do is to keep dragging things out here," said Taran.
"The fighting, is it bad?" said Hiromi.
"It varies, but we're holding to it," said Taran. As he spoke, a button on the holoproj began to light up, signalling an incoming call.
"Hiromi, we're going to have to call you back later," said Taran.
"It's alright. Both of you be safe," said Hiromi.
"We will. We love you both," said Ahsoka.
"Love you as well," said Taran, hastily turning to the secondary channel. He found Colonel Izuku's hologram in place of Hiromi and Zephyr.
"Colonel, is everything okay?" said Taran.
"We're under attack. We're holding them, but it's a sizable force," said Izuku.
"What? Hang on I'm coming to help," said Taran. "Have you called for reinforcements from any other units?"
"That's the problem. The entire front is under attack," said Izuku.
That froze both him and Ahsoka to the core. The Imperials always made incursions in a few areas at a time, always looking for a way to force themselves through the mountain range. To attack in force in the entire area was unheard of.
"I'm coming with you, and no I'm not going back to the airfield," said Ahsoka as Taran made to say something.
"I know. I was going to say thanks," said Taran.
"Uh...oh," said Ahsoka, surprised he wasn't trying to stop her.
Taran laughed, putting his attire on.
"Don't tell me it takes an attack for me to finally one up you on something," he said.
"You're lucky I love you," she said, flashing him a grin of her own as she hastily got on her attire.
They ran hastily to the military command HQ. The HQ was the mayor's office of the city and the seat of Gaoling's political community. Now it served as the command ground for Gaoling. Inside, Long and the other high-ranking generals were coordinating the best they could. Gunships, armored and transport vehicles and starfighters were all around, men even running on foot if they were needed in the vicinity.
"No, send the 150th and 21st regiments to sector 05," Long commanded.
"General, we have reports of increased Imperial sorties near the Mu Ling pass."
"General, what other units are in that vicinity?"
"Militia."
"They'll have to do," said Long.
Taran and Ahsoka both rushed into the command center, Long catching sight of them.
"What are you two doing here?" said Long.
"Tell us where we need to go," said Taran.
"We have increased Imperial attacks along the entire front. Their air force has even stepped up their attacks. We don't know where they might possibly breakthrough or where their target is," said Long.
"Should we get back to the Mountain Brigade?" said Taran.
"Col. Izuku told me they were holding. For now, all we can do is ship reinforcements to every sector. We have two corps in transit to send detachments to every sector. So far, only half have been sent thus far and more will have to be sent," said Long as he poured over a holomap.
"There's got to be somewhere," said Ahsoka.
"We'll have a sector int due time. Trust me on that," said Long. "Huruk, what units are still in the city?"
"We were able to move one of the corps, but the second one is taking some time. They might have to move on foot if this keeps up," said Huruk.
"Do what we can, even if we have to move them with ostrich horses," said Long.
All around the HQ, the officers barked orders, took incoming messages and relayed information and commands to and fro. Taran and Ahsoka watched all before them with concern. All around they could feel the fear on all present in the HQ. Fear could cloud even the best judgments. Ahsoka thought about the current predicament. The Imperials were attacking all across the mountain range. To an experienced leader, they would be attacking to find a weak sector and push through it. The result could be devastating as one sector that gave way had its neighboring sectors at risk for flanking an encirclement if they were not notified in enough time to pull out. Ahsoka, though she believed the Empire was trying to find a weak area and spread out Elementian manpower, felt something was amiss. Taran felt her uneasiness easily.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
"Something doesn't feel right. For them to just suddenly attack on the whole front wouldn't necessarily mean they would find a weak spot. I feel like maybe they're trying to get us to see what they want us to see," said Ahsoka.
"A diversion. It would make sense, but where would they attack and how without us knowing?" said Taran.
"That's the part that's troubling me," said Ahsoka.
Although Gaoling wasn't the only supply city, it was the most central in location. However, other cities such as Huang and Xhao Liu offered presentable targets. Besides, Gaoling was still heavily defended. Even a feigned attack on the city would be repulsed. The whole situation felt odd and increasingly worrying. What strategy did the Empire have in mind? Suddenly, a massive feeling surged through both of them. The Force seemed to cry out to them saying that danger was near.
"Danger? Where?" Ahsoka thought. She looked to Taran, who shared the same look. Taran moved over to his uncle.
"Long something isn't right," said Taran.
"What's wrong?" said Long.
"We're in danger. I don't know how and where, but our senses are telling us that something is coming," said Taran.
"General, our scanners are indicating a large force of enemy soldiers," said a major.
"From where? Have they broken through a position?" said Long, alarming everyone in the room.
"No, none of the positions were breached. The mass of soldiers is coming from...above us," said the major.
"Above!" thought Taran until the answer dawned on him. His eyes widened in realization as he looked to Ahsoka, who returned the same look to him.
"Long, we have to get out of here!" said Taran. "It's a high-altitude drop!"
"High-altitude drop? But how? They'd have to get several ships close enough to do that," said Long.
Taran hastily ran to the door, opening it just as fast. He stepped outside to the sidewalk just as a trooper landed right in front of him. It was a Galactic Marine, a DC-15S in his hands. He touched down to his feet and aimed his weapon at Taran. Taran used the Force to push him back, the trooper sprawling onto his back. He drew his lightsaber and ran forward as the Marine scrambled to his feet. He managed to get a shot off, only to have it deflected as Taran's slash went down his torso. Ahsoka came out of the HQ just as Taran cut the trooper down. Her lightsabers flashed to life as they took in the scene unfolding before them. Seemingly from out of the clouds, stormtroopers were dropping from the sky in numbers he could barely tell. He could see that quite a few of them were equipped with jetpacks as they flew to the rooftops of building. Already he could see blue flashes from their guns and from unseen forces on the ground.
Just down the block, a squad of white-clad stormtroopers had just landed and seeing them began to open fire. They ran forward, deflecting the incoming fire. A few of the clone troopers were hit by the reflected shots as the Jedi rapidly closed the distance between them until they were with their midst. Their lightsabers cut through their armor with ease, Ahsoka cutting down the last with two parallel lines down his body. Surveying over the bodies of the eight troopers, Taran saw one was still alive, a slash across his belly. He turned him over, using the Force to pin him down as he took off his helmet. The clone had the same face yet there was a scar line that went through the middle of his face from cheek to cheek. His head was shaved and a tattoo of a specialized helmet on the side of his temple.
"Who are you? What's your unit?" said Taran, Ahsoka standing by readying to use the Force should the clone prove not willing to answer.
The clone chuckled.
"I know it's only been a few years, but you'd think you'd still recognize a few of us, former Commander Cyneran," said the clone.
Both Ahsoka and Taran froze.
"What did you say?" said Taran, his voice soft.
The clone coughed a few times.
"Lynx, Seventh Legion, formerly the Seventh Sky Corps," he said.
"Cody," they both thought.
"Where is he? Where's Cody?" said Taran.
"You'll see him...soon...(cough)...might be the last time before he...blasts you to oblivion," said Lynx before he ceased his breathing and was still. They continued to look at his body even after Taran stood up.
"7th Sky Corps. Galactic Marines," said Ahsoka. "They're using two units to take the city who specialize in high-altitude drops."
"They're trying to take the city and open it up to an assault from the south," said Taran as they finally figured out the Empire's plan.
"That's why they attacked all along the front. They wanted the city to be emptied for them to land their troops here," said Ahsoka. Taran took a quick look around the current situation, seeing stormtroopers beginning to advance to their position.
"We need to protect the generals and get them out of here," said Taran as they ran back to the building, deflecting blaster fire in their retreat.
Next chapter will be out soon.