The dawn awoke however Jupiter had not slept at all during the night, carefully guarding over the younglings and Ahsoka who was sleeping with her head on Jupiter's lap, her hand gently stroking her head as she thought. She had already sent Roo back to get help, however Jupiter already had an idea about what to do about the Trandoshans. On her way down she had noticed a sky fort orbiting the island, so she presumed that that is where they will all be hiding.
All that was left now was to await Roo to return and send her a communication, then the plan could be underway. As the light of the sunrise began to filter into the small cave that the younglings had made their home, they all began to stir, groaning sleepily and rubbing their eyes before looking out to the light as it rose steadily higher. "Oh no, sunrise! We have to get moving!" Khalifa was instantly on her feet, however Ahsoka remained soundly sleeping against Jupiter as she lifted her hand and brushed her fingers against the youngling's arm, halting her in her attempt to leave.
"Calm yourself youngling, there is no need to run any longer." Jupiter informed her as the other two younglings hesitated to get up, still rather sleepy but instinctively wanting to get on the move. "The Trandoshans have not yet even left their fortress, we are safe. If they come too close, I shall wake you and then we shall move, but for now continue to rest. We have a lot to accomplish today and you will need your strength." Khalifa looked uncertain, so Jupiter gave her a reassuring smile and gestured for her to lie back down again.
"Master, did you get any sleep at all?" Jinx asked her as he settled into his nest once more.
"I am alright, I can go many days and nights without sleep and not tire. Rest, younglings, and have pleasant dreams." The younglings very quickly found sleep once more and Jupiter watched over them dutifully, looking down to Ahsoka with a soft smile. The padawan had done so well to guide these other younglings, she was so close to completing her training, Jupiter could sense it. The younglings all slept for another hour or so until Jupiter finally received a message from Roo, making her quickly touch he wrist communicator to receive it. "Roo, are we ready?" She questioned softly as not to awaken anyone.
Roo responded with a fast relay of clicks, bleeps and whistling, a frown creasing her brow. "Another Trandoshan transporter is approaching the beach? This must mean they have captured fresh prey. The plan does not change, Roo, hold back until I give the signal to move. Remind Keyes and Admiral Toa to stay well out of sight, the Republic cannot be seen getting involved in this conflict, it is between the Jedi and the Trandoshans only." Roo beeped back a confirmative so Jupiter gently shook Ahsoka, waking her up. "Ahsoka, we must go. Another Trandoshan transporter has arrived and we must make it to the beach before they leave."
"Right…just a second…" Ahsoka mumbled, yawning as she slowly woke up but was quickly on her feet. "Khalifa, Jinx, O'Mer, it's time to leave so come on and get up!" She encouraged, hurrying over to the younglings who all complained slightly, rubbing their sore necks and backs and stifling yawns.
"Are the Trandoshans here?" O'Mer asked sleepily however when his own words dawned on him, he was immediately up and alert, the other younglings also looked with worried concern but Jupiter waved a hand to pacify them.
"No, but they are dropping off another load of prisoners. We must go look and see what is happening. My astromech droid is on standby with my ship, if we are to act and escape this island, it must be today." All four of the young Jedi nodded their heads so Jupiter led the way, her senses guiding her back to the beach with Ahsoka close behind her.
They halted in the treeline, remaining strictly undercover as Jupiter wished to observe what went on first. The large cargo ship opened its bay doors however only one prisoner dropped down, splashing into the ocean. "What is that?" Jinx questioned in a whisper as all the younglings kept well hidden and away from the treeline, only just being able to make out the shape of something large and furry.
"They've never brought so few prisoners before, and they also don't usually bring fresh prisoners so quickly after the previous drop off." Khalifa murmured and Jupiter's mind worked quickly as the prisoner slowly recovered from its fall and pulled itself out of the ocean.
"It means that they are preparing for a great hunt, but did not have time to capture more than one prisoner. They are organising the hunt to claim our lives." The younglings all shifted uncomfortably, glancing between one another. The transporter open fired upon the prisoner, making it yell with a roar and quickly move towards the trees for cover, heading straight towards them unknowingly. As the shape became clearer, Jupiter blinked in surprise. "That is a Wookiee. Extraordinary." Quickly signalling that Ahsoka and the younglings get back, they leaped into the trees to hide as she stepped out onto the path, lifting a hand as the Wookiee skidded to a halt. "Please do not panic, my friend, I am your ally here."
The Wookiee wailed, gripping his head and began to rant with strained moans and growls until Jupiter could calm him down. Wookiees were extremely strong and if this one started to rampage, it would cause trouble, which was why she ordered Ahsoka and the others back. "I understand that you were kidnapped, but it is alright. I am going to free you. My name is Jupiter and I am a Jedi. I came here searching for one of our lost padawans and found many younglings as well. I can return you to your people, but first tell me your name." The creature growled and Jupiter could not help but smile.
"Chewbacca. It's a privilege to make your acquaintance, Chewbacca." She bowed her head in greeting before extending her hand upwards and beckoned to the others who immediately dropped down from the tree branches above, standing close to her as they nodded to the Wookiee. "This is Khalifa, Jinx, O'Mer and Ahsoka. We're leaving this moon today, would you join us in our fight against the Trandoshans?" Jupiter's quick mind was already altering her plan as Chewbacca growled that he would gladly fight a few Trandoshans if it meant he could bash a few heads together. "Then is there anyone I can signal to ask for aid, would your people come to help us?"
Chewy, as Jupiter quickly decided she was going to call him, promised that if she could contact his people, they would come to help fight. This was perfect. Alone it would have been difficult to defeat the Trandoshans, however with the Wookiees the possibility was more certain. They would not be seen as aiding the Republic as it still remained an internal matter and it would not be brought before the Senate as a declaration of war against the Trandoshans. "Then please, allow me to contact someone from your home world. Kashyyyk, isn't it? I hear it's a beautiful place."
"Wait, so we're going to ask the Wookiees to help us?" Jinx questioned as Chewy gave Jupiter the address units so that she could contact his people. "Does this mean we can really defeat the Trandoshans?"
"Yes little one, though be mindful. Even with the Wookiees help, it will be difficult. They are strong and very good at killing. It is naturally in their blood. You must be aware of yourselves and all others constantly when entering the field of battle." Jupiter warned them as finally, she got through and her message was received by a tall looking Wookiee who growled at her in greeting. "Greetings General Tarfful, I am glad that we could meet. I have a proposition for you concerning the rescue of one of your own people."
Chewbacca growled loudly, calling out and instantly the General demanded to know what had happened, so Jupiter explained everything to him from the beginning, informing him that the Trandoshans had been capturing younglings, Wookiees and many other unfortunate souls to hunt them upon their moon Wasskah. The Wookiee general reassured Jupiter that he would come himself to deal with the Trandoshans. When Jupiter relayed the information to the younglings after the communication had ended, they all beamed with relief and excitedly began to whisper to one another.
"This is it! We're finally going home!"
"I can't believe it, we survived…after all this time…"
"Patience younglings. We are not free yet." Jupiter guided, nodding to Chewbacca. "Come, we must claim the high ground in order to have an advantage should any Trandoshans come." Instantly Ahsoka led the way, heading straight upwards and Jupiter brought up the rear, making sure that nothing tried to attack from behind. They moved upwards but remained close to the beach, standing on the verge so that one jump would be all it took to be back out in the open. "Roo. It is time, come find us. Also send a message to Admiral Tao, warn him that another ship will be arriving carrying Wookiee reinforcements and that he is to allow them to pass." Jupiter spoke into her communicator to contact her droid who bleeped back at her. "Younglings, Chewy, Ahsoka. Be ready, when my starfighter comes, I need you all to jump and hold on."
"Jump? Onto the starfighter?" Khalifa repeated in disbelief. "But that's crazy! I mean…sorry master…"
"Don't worry about it." Ahsoka assured her wittily as she patted Khalifa on the back. "Master Jupiter is always doing stuff like this but never once has she failed on a job. Just listen to what she says and we'll all get through just fine." Jupiter chuckled to herself, listening until she finally heard the high pitched whistle of her fighter as it descended from outer space, heading directly for the beach and as it swerved around, Jupiter gave the call.
"Now!" She jumped, sailing through the air and landed easily upon the front of the fighter, turning to see both Ahsoka and Khalifa make it, Chewy also managing to make the jump. O'Mer and Jinx had jumped a little late, meaning that O'Mer only just managed to land on the wing, however Jupiter quickly caught Jinx and pulled him on the jet whilst Roo complained loudly at the extra weight. "You can do it Roo. Everyone hold on tight, this will be something you possibly will never attempt again." She held onto Ahsoka and Chewbacca, all of them lowering their stances to balance together as Roo swerved around and headed directly for the Trandoshan air ship.
Her eyes narrowed against the biting wind, her jaw clenching slightly in anticipation before finally, Roo flew alongside the landing bay and they all leaped off, landing in a roll as the two Trandoshan guards jumped violently in shock. Ahsoka immediately Force pushed one of them away whilst Chewbacca grasped the other, giving an enraged roar before tossing him over the side. "Chewy…was that really necessary?" Jupiter hummed at him however the Wookiee only gave a sweet and innocent smile, shrugging his broad shoulders.
Suddenly the spare Trandoshan began to loudly call from the back of his throat, summoning all others and Jupiter quickly pulled him towards her, turning to press her lightsaber against the creature's gut before igniting her blade, quickly cutting off the call however it was too late. Above them, she heard the Trandoshan chief order all of his men to the primary landing bay, demanding their skins. "Younglings, stay behind me. Watch your surroundings carefully." Jupiter instructed as she began to masterfully deflect baster bolts. "Ahsoka, your task is to locate your own lightsabers and any others that have been stolen."
"Understood master." Ahsoka nodded her head, jumping up and striking a Trandoshan in the face with a flying kick as Chewbacca turned one of the heavy artillery cannons on its side, providing cover for everyone. Jupiter lifted a hand and sent both Trandoshans flying backwards, stopping the volley of blaster bolts that rained down upon them. Chewbacca instantly ran forwards, giving a battle roar before he locked hands with one of the Trandoshans, wrestling with them as O'Mer and Jinx went for the other, the two of them helping one another to overcome them.
"You won't leave this place alive, filth!" The Trandoshan leader yelled down at them, making Jupiter glare slightly as Khalifa stood next to her, Ahsoka also close by. "Get them!"
"Master, behind you!" Khalifa warned and Jupiter instantly spun around, throwing her lightsaber forwards and guided it with the Force as it spun, slicing through the air before it cut down both Trandoshans in one clean sweep and Jupiter quickly summoned it back, the blade sliding away as she flicked the igniter off. "They're everywhere, what do we do?!"
"Remain calm. A clearer mind means that actions will be more certain." Jupiter educated as she pushed Khalifa behind her as swarms of Trandoshans began to flood the landing bay. "Roo, target the secondary platform. If we can take out their leader then we will have the advantage. Also take out those blasters whilst you are there." Roo beeped back at her and immediately he swung the ship around, returning back to the Trandoshan ship and engaged the blasters, aiming directly for the top platform however the Trandoshan quickly retreated back into his fortress for safety as Roo took out the entire section.
Sensing the platform above beginning to give way, Jupiter immediately lifted her hand as it fell, suspended it as it almost crushed the younglings and Chewbacca, controlling it with guided breath before she flung it over the side. "Master!" Jinx cried out and Jupiter immediately spun around. Jinx was pinned down underneath one of the Trandoshans, the heavy claw wrapped around his throat.
"Release the younglings!" Jupiter ordered with a terrifying voice and moved with a flash, crossing the distance between heartbeats to kick the Trandoshan away, O'Mer quickly helping Jinx to stand up as they were all backed up together until their backs pressed against the wall.
"We're trapped, what now?!" However Jupiter could sense a new presence close by, rapidly closing in.
"Look up." Jupiter guided and the younglings did so, turning their eyes to the sky where immediately they spotted the ship, its whirring engines growing louder as the Trandoshans surrounded them. Upon hearing the new ship, they turned around in confusion and Jupiter immediately used the opportunity to Force push all of them away.
"Master, allow me to go after the leader. I have a feeling our weapons will be close to him." Ahsoka requested and Jupiter considered for a moment before nodding her head.
"Be careful Ahsoka, trust your instincts and do not let him catch you by surprise." She guided as the Wookiee reinforcements arrived, descending from the hired mercenary ship just as Roo circled around, blasting away several more Trandoshans before shooting overhead with a bleep. "Younglings, our help has arrived." General Tarfful roared as he landed, instantly beginning to wrestle against a rather large Trandoshan as Chewbacca engaged with another. Jupiter could sense the relief that radiated from the exhausted younglings, so she herded them towards the overturned cannon to keep them protected and sheltered before launching herself back into battle.
The younglings peeked out from their cover to watch the master, mouths dropping in awe. "What fighting style is that? It's not any of the six forms we studied." O'Mer questioned, unable to recognise the rather unique style in which Jupiter fought, relying on her strength and speed rather than artistic style.
"Perhaps it is something she developed herself?" Jinx suggested before hurriedly ducking back as a blaster bolt came frightfully close to his face. Jupiter whirled around, spinning tight circles and with every strike took down another Trandoshan before finally, she held out a hand with her palm facing upwards and beckoned the Force, lifting the last of the Trandoshans off their feet and they instantly hissed and struggled against her, attempting to escape however Jupiter did not feel that merciful. With a powerful flick of her wrist, they slammed against the solid wall of the fort, groaning as they sank to the ground and any movement made was quickly stilled as the Wookiees blasted them.
The battle was over and Jupiter exhaled, placing her lightsaber back onto her belt as the younglings slowly emerged, uncertain if it was all finally over. Without warning a crash sounded from above and Jupiter's head snapped upwards, seeing the Trandoshan leader fall from the destroyed platform as he was Force pushed over the edge and, with a sickening crack, landed upon the lower landing bay. Chewbacca growled, snorting distastefully at the detestable creature, however Jupiter stepped forwards and bowed over the body. "Be one with the Force, may you find peace." She murmured, expressing her forgiveness for the heinous crimes that the Trandoshan had committed.
"That thing kept us captive for years and hunted us down like animals!" Khalifa declared, affronted and angry. "Why should he be allowed to find peace? He can rot and suffer for all I care."
"Khalifa, it is not the Jedi way to allow hatred and anger consume us. We must forgive, even when it is most difficult. Take a deep breath and let go of your anger, find peace in the knowledge that this one can never hurt you again." Jupiter guided, placing her hand on the girl's head and brushed it so that it lay neat and flat, smiling down at her. "The Force does not take sides, it merely embodies itself within us and we act upon its will. That is all." Slowly Khalifa nodded her head, understanding the lesson Jupiter was trying to teach her.
Satisfied that they were all unharmed, Jupiter turned to speak with the Wookiees, greeting General Tarfful in person as Ahsoka returned, her lightsabers now returned and she also carried numerous others. Jupiter became saddened and deeply distraught by the sheer number that had been collected by these reptiles, however she calmly nodded her head and took possession of them in order to return them to the Jedi Temple so that they could be identified. The younglings had not yet crafter their own lightsabers, so none were theirs, but Jupiter suspected that after she made her report to the council, they would very soon be allowed to craft their own.
Chewbacca came to say goodbye, reaching out a furry hand and ruffled Jupiter's hair, making her laugh. "I am glad to have met you too, Chewbacca. Take care of yourself, I hope that we will one day meet again." She said, bowing her head and Tarfful also approached her, expressing his gratitude for rescuing one of their own. He informed Jupiter that she would always be considered a friend of the Wookiees and she graciously accepted the extended hand of friendship, smiling all the while before finally, they took their leave to return home.
"What about us? How are we to leave?" Jinx asked, brushing himself off as the younglings all gathered before Jupiter and Ahsoka, looking to them for guidance. With a knowing look in her eye, Jupiter merely pointed upwards. Instantly their eyes were widened in awe, seeing the massive star destroyer, three flagships and endless starfighters descending from the upper atmosphere, consuming their entire vision as a transport ship flew towards them and hovered just off the landing bay and the doors slid open to reveal Keyes himself.
"General, we were beginning to worry back there. Glad to see you're alright. You too Commander Tano." He said in greeting, making Ahsoka smile as she then guided the younglings forwards, ushering them to board the transport. Jupiter moved last, clearing the distance effortlessly and instantly secured her grip.
"Destroy this place, we cannot allow them to continue to hunt here." Jupiter ordered and Keyes nodded his head in agreement, giving the order. Immediately all starfighters open fired upon the Trandoshan fortress ship, blowing it to pieces. "Set up a search in all other sectors, I want this entire moon scanned for further life forms that are not Trandoshan. If there are more prisoners out there, we will find them." Jupiter instructed as they were carried back to the Sagacious. The younglings were starry eyed, staring at the massive size of everything, making Jupiter chuckle. "Younglings, welcome aboard the Sagacious. This is Admiral Tao and my trusted second in command, Commander Keyes." She introduced.
"Hello children." Admiral Tao greeted, giving them a smile. "I have already prepared your quarters where you can freshen up. The General even instructed us to prepare spare clothes for you to change into. Commander Ahsoka, it is good to see you safe and sound." He said to her kindly, earning a tired smile from the padawan.
"Once you're all cleaned up, I'll escort you to the mess hall for food. You things look half starved." Keyes said and they began to tremble with emotion, Khalifa tearing up so Jupiter placed an arm around her for comfort, rubbing circles into her back before looking to Ahsoka wordlessly. Understanding, Ahsoka took charge of the younglings, guiding Khalifa forwards as they were taken to their rooms. Jupiter watched them go before turning around, heading towards the bridge so that she could contact Anakin and the Jedi Council. "Sir, we have already set up the search parties to scan the moon. If there are any more people out there, we'll find them." He assured her as Admiral Tao also fell into step beside her.
"Our scans have not picked up anything yet, however it is possible that the Trandoshans did not confine their hunting grounds to this moon alone. It is more likely that they have several compounds where they leave their captives to fend themselves until they are hunted." Jupiter's fists clenched tightly, trying her best not to feel angered by this disgusting ritual that the Trandoshans had created for themselves. It sickened her.
"I will contact the Senate and the Council, even if it is the last thing I do, I will have this practice outlawed and bring the Trandoshans to justice. They cannot be allowed to take anymore younglings, or anyone else for that matter." She murmured, gripping onto the satchel of padawan lightsabers that Ahsoka had recovered. With a fresh purpose burning strongly within her, Jupiter strode to the bridge to carry out her intentions, swearing that even if she had to defeat the Trandoshans all by herself, she would do so.