A Fate Unseen: Legacy of the Jedi-Side A

by An Origami Fish

There can be no light without the dark, no desire without passion, no Jedi without Sith. There is the Jedi Order, weakened by a decade of conflict. There is the One Sith, strengthened by chaos. Can one Solo give up everything and everyone they ever cared for for the the good of the galaxy? Will the peace that sacrifice brings be worth it? Part 2A of the Fate Unseen trilogy.

16. Chapter 16

Sixteen

LotJA[I]LotJA

The bridge aboard the Anakin Skywalker was dark with the expectation of a soft glow emanating from the hypercomm niche. The usual crew was enjoying their last few days of leave across Naboo before the forces of the Galactic Alliance set out to go on the offensive.

Naboo's newly created armed forces would temporarily be taking over, their shipyards becoming properly motivated by Jacen's occasional snap-inspections and accompanying snap-firings. Additionally, with the support of the Gungans and their expertise with energy shields, even the Gungans had become involved in the building of Naboo's space-borne navy. Over a dozen frigate-sized warships had been created, hundreds of fighters, and even the first ever Naboo-made cruiser, the Amidala—meant to be a bringer of peace to systems beyond the borders of Naboo.

Like many of the Naboo ships, the sleek, flat, ovaloid-shaped cruiser was silvery in color, with four protruding nodules on the aft that housed an engine cluster on each. It had a plow-like prow that couldn't have had any purpose but to ram whatever was in its way, and a cone-shaped aft that contained its primary engine cluster. It was two-thirds the size of an Imperial-class Star Destroyer, but nearly had the same armament as its larger counterpart. The frigates were smaller versions of the same design, looking like someone jammed a right triangular prism onto the front of an oval, sharpened the opposite end, and stuck egg-like bubbles around the cone to complete the picture. They were half the size of a Nebulon-B frigate, but far less vulnerable structurally and much faster. Most of the vessels created would stay to safeguard the system from any One Sith retaliatory attacks, with one of the surviving Prine Jedi, as well as Knight Jerga and her apprentice, staying behind to act as advisors.

The remaining quarter of the forces would depart with Jacen's forces, the Gungan Army onboard the vessels and piloting some of the fighters. But the destination of Naboo's first off-world offensive in their history was still in flux. A lot rode on not only the actions of the One Sith, but on the movements of the Galactic Alliance fleet groups as well.

"I'm thinking Bakura," Jacen told the hologram image of his younger brother. "From the information Alema gave us, this Darth Siege, the One Sith commander in that area, has a lot of potential one way or the other. We have to move before he manages to completely wipe out the Bakuran resistance and their Jensaarai allies."

"The P'w'eck and the Ssi-ruuvi are a wildcard though. According to the intel I got from my people, the Yuuzhan Vong successfully overthrew and now command the Ssi-ruuvi Imperium."

"That's a good thing, right?"

"From all reports, these Yuuzhan Vong are the die-hard zealots," Anakin allowed the corner of his mouth to lift in a sarcastic smirk. "They see the Yuuzhan Vong in this galaxy as weak and unworthy of the name. The last report is from a couple months ago, and it said that the Ssi-ruuvi Imperium shipyards were fully operational and working once more. There's even this picture to go along with it."

The panel on the hypercomm relay chirped, and Jacen glanced at the image Anakin sent. His eyebrows nearly disappeared into his hairline. "That's surge-coral on a gold Ssi-ruuvi. How the frack did you get this image? Scratch that. You actually sent people wandering into the Unknown Regions?"

"It was one possible area the Sith could use to hide out, and we needed to map out the area anyways." Anakin said unrepentantly. "In any case, the Ssi-ruuvi Imperium may be a shell of itself, but it's still a threat should the Yuuzhan Vong decide to launch their attack. In addition to the Ssi-ruuvi ships, whichever Domain is still out there probably had their own growing facilities. Depending on if it was a shaper-based Domain, they could have developed new warships by now."

"If the Yuuzhan Vong were going to attack, they'd be using infiltrators within the Bakuran government to destabilize it first," Jacen reasoned.

"Bakura has already fallen to the One Sith, you don't need to get any more destabilized than that," Anakin pointed out dryly. "I just wanted to give you that heads up in case you end up retaking Bakura and suddenly find yourself staring down shaped Ssi-ruuvi and whatever else the Yuuzhan Vong did with their entechment tech."

"Great, now I'm going to have trouble sleeping thinking about that," Jacen retorted.

"I do my best."

"I'll come up with some contingency plans then. And I'll definitely need cover."

"My eventual goal is Corellia anyways. I can do an Expansion to Core-ward sweep to cut off any holo-comm traffic to and from the Outer Rim Bakura-ward. If we happen to hit civilian buoys it can't be helped. You'll be free to do what you will until the buoys are replaced. Just signal when you want me to make that sweep."

"Appreciated."

"Jace…Thank you."

"It's what big brothers are for, right, Anakin?"

"Can I use that for when Jaya learns of what we're doing and tries to space me?"

"No, that's what big sisters are for," Jacen couldn't help but snort in amusement. "And I'm more afraid of Aunt Mara. She was a former Hand of the Emperor after all."

"Good point," Anakin's smile was just as forced as Jacen's, neither brother wanting to say out loud the absurdity of their situation. "Stay safe, stay sane, Jace."

"You too, little brother." Jacen watched the image of his brother fade away, and an expressionless mask fell back over his countenance. The cover he had been requesting hadn't been military reinforcements or protection on his flank. It had been cover for whatever action's he'd be forced to do in the name of 'good'.

Both he and Anakin weren't quite ready for the galaxy to realize that Jacen had 'fallen,' and it needed to stay that way until the GA put the One Sith on their back foot. Given their nature and philosophy, it was almost a given that the One Sith would fall. The when was a bit trickier, and needed to be stopped at any cost. That's where Jacen came in. He would 'turn' to the dark side, tip the balance, and be seen as a hero by the various One Sith factions. It would then be Anakin's turn to come in to check Jacen's movements and establish not just a stalemate, but a balancing of forces on both sides. Only then could they have a galaxy at peace, where those who rejected one set of dogmas could find refuge in the systems controlled by the other faction.

Until then, Jacen had to play the role of 'edgy' Jedi commander and do his part in hastening the One Sith's fall. It had all been planned. That very thought had Jacen shaking his head in disbelief. Who in their right minds would wake up one day and decide, 'you know what, I think I'll become the most feared Sith Lord in a couple of months'. For all the other Sith Lords in history, the fall had always been unintentional, a gradual slide that eventually led to a dark rise. Normally, artificially recreating that was extremely difficult if not impossible when one's morals were still firmly rooted in the light. But it wasn't so difficult for him. He had rationalized what he was doing, used logic to see the wisdom in Anakin's ideas. With the number of dark Jedi that had popped up, someone had to keep tabs on them or there'd be another decade plus of warring throughout the galaxy. Better to unite them, keep them from retreating into the shadows, than to destroy their power base and have them go from one large problem to hundreds of smaller ones.

Walking up to the bridge viewport, he silently weighed the consequences. If the price was his soul, it would be well worth it. His daughter would grow up in a galaxy at balance, Tenel Ka would be safe from Sith and Jedi alike, and the galaxy would finally be at peace.

Tenel Ka and Allana.

Jacen closed his eyes, pained. It was times like this, the downtime, when he had to remind himself what was at stake. Remind himself that as much as cutting himself off from them would hurt them, they would be better off in the long run. They were a weakness he couldn't afford to have, the one factor that might make him hesitate when the fate of the galaxy was on the line.

He delved into the Force, dismissing the myriad of futures that had him give in to that weakness. Jacen instead focused on the outcome he wanted to occur; the next step he needed to take to make sure things went according to plan.

He stopped short of flow-walking, choosing instead to simply let the Force carry his mind forward in time. Opening his eyes, he found himself on the bridge of the Anakin Skywalker, a farmworld replacing Naboo in the bridge window. The sounds around him were a faint din, something great about to unfold. Great, yet horrible at the same time. The Force fast-forwarded him through the events, and like story reaching its crescendo, Jacen staggered as a powerful wave of death washed over him, millions dying simultaneously. He didn't quite know what had just happened, yet at the same time he had a feeling he had been responsible for the loss of every single one of those lives.

Jacen! Our daughter needs you!

Still stunned by the vision, Jacen needed a moment to realize that the cry had come from the present. The vision froze in place, the overwhelming emptiness of many lives being snuffed out in an instant hanging in the air. He knew that it wasn't the future…at least not yet. He remembered his flow-walking lessons well. Only by flow-walking could one guarantee a particular outcome.

He shook himself again, cloaking himself in the dark side of the Force and trying to seek out Tenel Ka's presence on the opposite side of the galaxy. The urgency with which she had tried to ram through his raised barriers concerned him. What would the point of becoming the next Sith Lord be if the people he was becoming a Sith lord for died before he could be in a position to protect them?

Jacen felt a swell of dark side energy surrounding Tenel Ka and Allana and racked his mind for some solution. He wasn't powerful enough to simply snap his fingers and eliminate the threat. For one, Allana and Tenel Ka were on the other side of the galaxy, and no wishful thinking was going to make him suddenly appear at their side and whisk them to safety. At the same time, the dark side threat surrounding the both of them continued to close, like the jaws of a predatory beast.

He took a deep breath, dispelling his emotions. He needed to think about the situation logically. What he needed was an absurd amount of power, and fast. His thoughts took him back to the Force vision, the empty void in the Force where millions of lives had once been. Even if those people were not yet dead in the present, that particular future had snuffed them out with brutal, unfeeling carelessness. A solution came to Jacen's mind. If they were going to die in such a manner, he might as well make their deaths worth something. He didn't know how far in the future such deaths occurred, or if they'd even happen.

But he needed those deaths to happen so he could use those life-forces to overpower the dark side wave threatening to crush Tenel Ka and Allana. Needed to battle the dark side with the dark side, a battle of darkness where the stronger won. He didn't know what Tenel Ka and Allana were involved in, but he doubted the Force energies they were facing could stand up against the wholesale death of millions.

Opening himself up to the Force full-bore, Jacen dove head first into the myriad of time-streams, going from observer to Flow-Walker. His spirit and consciousness were swept up in the swirling futures, and he willed himself down the path the Force had shown him. Images, feelings, sounds, smells, all flashing by faster than Jacen's mind could process. When the Aing-Tii monks had taught him how to Flow-Walk, they had warned him against the dangers of anchoring himself to a particular future. It was like trying to ground one's self in the middle of a torrential river. Nearly impossible, but if accomplished, also very hazardous to one's health. The river of time would take the path of least resistance to that Force imprint, ensuring that no matter what actions you took, the end result would always lead up to that particular moment in time.

Yet, Jacen had the will and the strength to do just that, and he imprinted his Force-signature in that exact moment, guaranteeing the deaths of everyone on the farmworld. As their deaths echoed down the time-stream, he pulled on the void their deaths left in the Force and dragged the Force aftershock all the way back to the present. With precision and skill, Jacen turned that emptiness towards the threat Tenel Ka and Allana were facing. And then he released his grip of the future. The Force, time itself, snapped back to normal, sending powerful ripples out from the epicenter he had created. He slumped forward, breathing heavily, pale and sweating. He didn't know what exactly he had accomplished, knowing only that the threat to his lover and his daughter had been averted.

The effort had left him fatigued, drained spiritually and mentally, but he ignored the warning signs. Through sheer stubbornness he forced himself to stay standing, turning his yellow-eyed gaze outwards. Though he had just sacrificed millions of lives to save the people he loved, they weren't the first lives to be used in that fashion. The bright world of Naboo filled one side of his the viewport, the cold void of space the other. The idyllic planet was only one in what would no doubt be a very long list to feel the consequences of his and Anakin's decisions. It was crazy. Insane. Ridiculous in the extreme. And Jacen didn't even want to imagine the look on Tenel Ka's face if she learned what he was doing. Couldn't even imagine what his twin would do to both him and Anakin.

But it was all necessary, Jacen mentally repeated. He had to believe that for him to go ahead with the plan. Knew that just as he had used logic to justify what he was doing, logic could similarly be used to argue against it. His mind flashed back to his former apprentice, Nelani Dinn. He knew she'd never have gone along with what was happening. Knew that she'd more than likely end up being a casualty for the greater good. Knew that there would be many more sacrificed for that cause.

As the ship's orbit temporarily moved Naboo out of sight of the bridge windows, darkness slowly flooded the bridge. The only lights came from the red indicators on the jaw-piece connected to the individual standing alone on the bridge, gazing out into the icy void of space.

LotJA[II]LotJA

Jacen reviewed the datapad with the GAG information Anakin had transmitted, a list of worlds currently allied to the One Sith for the sake of show, but would 'flip' to his side the moment his fleet came into orbit. The datapad listed military assets, mining systems, even several Shadow Jedi who were supposed to ally with him upon his arrival. The list read out like a shopping list. Darkknell would provide raw materials for the building military assets. Vondarc would give him a venerable legion of walkers. Eriadu an army of droids. Dolla a staging point and citadel. One system would give him access to a military-grade shipyard, another Tabana gas. Anakin had strategically spread out the assets like some holo-vid game, placing needed resources right when they'd be needed most. Everything seemingly planned out and ready to go.

Planning was all well and good, but there were a lot of steps to take before they even reached Bakuran space. Blocking the way out of the Mid-Rim was a One Sith garrison in the Alui system They were a good-sized force acting as the rear-vanguard for the One Sith assault on the Bakuran Confederation. Though technologically older than the forces now at Jacen's disposal, it still presented a challenge to the yet-to-be-tested-in-battle Naboo-made warships. Apart from the disparity in technology, the Galactic Alliance forces also had the advantage in that assignment to the rear-guard was used as a punishment and the small force was made up of inexperienced or disgraced members of the One Sith assault.

Probes used to scout the system revealed a trio of older Victory-class and one Imperial I-class Star Destroyer holding position over Alui Three. The One Sith were using an old Trade Federation command bunker on the planet as their headquarters. Since they had yet to face any real opposition since the outbreak of the war, they were more lax than a military force should be.

Jacen set the datapad aside and was once more bathed in the light of holo-emitters as he stood before the tactical read-out table with the other commanders. "Orlopp, begin your briefing."

"Yes, sir," the Jenet officer adjusted several dials on the holo-emitter. "As you can see, the four capital ships in the Alui system are on standard patrol routes throughout the system. Each Star Destroyer is escorted by a newer Lancer II-class anti-starfighter frigate, and two CR-90's. The most interesting thing is that the One Sith is, for some reason, keeping this many ships out of the fight and guarding this seemingly unimportant system. Even for a rearguard the numbers are excessive."

"That is strange," Colonel Serpa noted with a frown. "They could cause a lot of damage with just one group of ships, let alone four. The Galactic Alliance is hardly in any position to challenge them out here."

"Our analysts agree," Orlopp said succinctly. He pressed another button on the holo-table and the image zoomed in on Alui Three. "Note the dome-like structure buried into the side of the mountain that acts as the One Sith's command and control. Our scans could not penetrate whatever it is they have inside, but they were able to get a very good view of the outside. What the scans show are most telling indeed."

Being an ocean-planet dotted with large, volcanic archipelagos that stretched across its circumference, the island chains almost looked like stripes across the dazzling blue water. The image being displayed focused on one of the larger islands.

Looking half-buried in hardened lava, the white deck-plating of the half-sphere stood out against the black, volcanic rock. On the surrounding the island, however, was a hardened defensive network of turbolasers and smaller bunkers. Swaths of jungle had been cleared to make way for atmospheric combat vehicles, and several powerful shield-generators were embedded in the island.

"The shield generators being employed produce a protective bubble on par with a type-five class Theater Shield Generator," Orlopp continued once everyone had a chance to study the images. "This means that orbital bombardments are out. If we are to dislodge the One Sith from the planet, a ground assault is needed."

"The One Sith have to have something down there to warrant the defenses they've employed," Captain Nevil voiced, his Quarren features as difficult to read as ever. "Do we have any records about this planet?"

"As far as we know, it was used as a staging point by the now defunct Trade Federation when they launched their attack on Naboo over sixty years ago. Any records were lost when the Empire purged the Trade Federation's databanks."

"Given that the Trade Federation was one of the first pawns employed by Palpatine, any number of secrets could be hidden in that bunker," Jacen said carefully. He nodded to himself, making a decision. "Captain Nevil, I will leave the space battle in your capable hands. You may deploy the Skywalker, Kenobi, Tachi, and Amidala however you see fit. I will lead the ground assault."

"Sir, thank you for the vote of confidence, but if the One Sith have Red Blade battlemeld coordinators onboard their ships, we will be at a disadvantage. With the rest of the Jedi staying behind on Naboo, we have no one else capable of countering such action."

"Also, us planning such an attack means that they will surely be aware of our intentions," Colonel Serpa added.

"Any Red Blade remaining behind will be of junior status. They will be just as easily rattled as any junior officer. So long as you keep him or her off their guard, their presence won't matter. We Jedi are not gods after all. Colonel Serpa, prepare your forces for an amphibious assault."

"We have no heavy units and our marine force isn't trained to go up against a hardened target," the blonde-haired officer reminded.

"That's what we have the Gungans for," Jacen's vocorder made his statement sound cool and harsh. He pointed to the hologram. "The One Sith built their base on a volcanic island surrounded by water. We have the Gungans use proton charges on the underwater anchor of the island and then detonate the explosives. The resulting damage should render most of their defenses moot. At which point your forces will then proceed to mop up any resistance. Are there any further objections?"

No one spoke up, and the holograms showing the captains of the Amidala, Kenobi and Tachi shook their heads.

"Very well, Captain Nevil, the bridge is yours. I will inform the Bosses of their role in this. Remember, we have no room for prisoners, nor can we afford to let known enemies of the Galactic Alliance live to fight another day. They will not extend any mercy either. Stay focused. Remember, we are making this galaxy a safer place for every Red Blade we eliminate, May the Force be with us."

II-I-II-I-II

It had been business as usual for the One Sith within the old Trade Federation bunker on Alui. Morale was high, the fact that those on the planet was stationed on a tropical paradise definitely helped in that matter. Though they were technically the 'reserve fleet' for the offensive on the Bakuran Confederation, their commanding officer had the great fortune to stumble upon Alui and the treasure trove of information within the bunker. Prototypes, schematics, a backup databank untouched and undiscovered since the Clone Wars; all would soon elevate the 'reserve fleet' to the forefront of the war.

The first sign that something was wrong was when the Force sensitives within the base all paused in their action, sensing great danger but not knowing the source. The next sign that something was wrong was when a rumbling crash shook the entire base. Light fixtures blew out, the ground buckled from intense seismic activity, and some of the hallways carved into the volcanic rock caved in completely. Emergency lighting bathed hallways red as a wailing klaxon informed everyone what they already knew, they were under attack. But it wasn't as if the occupants of the base could do anything, the earthquake not ceasing its violent activity. Those in the lower levels of the base had it even worse. Water started spraying up from the ruptured flooring, whole sections flooding before the occupants could even make their way out.

"Come on!" One Sith Lieutenant First Class Jelicio Yahn rallied his squad as they donned their silver stormtrooper helmets and grabbed their blasters from the armory.

"What in blazes hit us?" one of the other silver-clad troopers said in disbelief. "With those shield generators, we would have survived an orbital bombardment."

"Do I look like a Jedi, Corporal?" Jelicio snapped back. "Just get your gear, we're going to our assigned post."

He the dozen other men rallied as if their lives depended on it and joined up with three lightsaber-toting One Sith.

"Squad Five-Three-One of the Sixth Order reporting for duty," Jelicio announced to the leader of the trio.

"You will accompany us. A threat strong in the Force has just breached the base. Any Jedi is ours, handle the small fry."

"Yes sir," Jelicio clasped a hand to his chest to acknowledge the Mon Cal dark sider.

The base continued to shudder from whatever had hit them, more lights flashing out or flickering intermittently as the power generators in the heart of the base were either flooded or crushed. The group hurried through the hallways, their boots splashing through the now ankle-high water filling the corridors of the entry level. They slowed at a hand signal from the Mon Cal Force adept and brought their weapons to bear. As they did, a report crackled over the comlink embedded in their helmets.

"Enemy forces have infiltrated the base from below! Multiple hostiles! Some sort of water-breathing alien, we need reinforce…" The report died off in static.

"We will deal with them after we are through here," the Mon Cal dark sider said coldly. "The dark side will wash away all opposition as the ocean does to a mountain side."

The group continued their cautious approach through the hallway, the light fixtures above flickering. Another gesture from the dark Jedi, and Jelicio halted has squad. The hallway leading to the vault-like door that should have protected the base was completely dark.

"Stay here, we'll handle the Jedi," the Mon Cal ordered.

"Yes, sir."

Jelicio motioned to his men and they formed into three rows of four spanning the width of the hallway. The squad watched as the three dark Jedi freed their lightsabers and advanced into the darkness. Silence followed shortly after, and the troopers held their position. The seconds passed slowly, not a single sound coming from the inky blackness that had swallowed the dark Jedi.

"Sir?"

"We hold position," Jelicio exhaled, the water now knee-high.

The seconds stretched into minutes, doubt slowly seeping into the soldiers of the Sixth Order. And then the light-fixture above them shorted out, plunging the group into darkness. The only source of light came from a fixture behind them, throwing their shadows out before them.

Then they heard it, the sound of someone making their way through the water. Small lights from a mechanic jaw prosthetic came into view, and the soldiers all raised their blasters once more. There was an ominous hum as a blade of verdant green crackled to life, the Jedi's eyes looking almost black in the blade's light.

Jelicio blanched within his helmet. "Open fire!"

Thirteen blasters began pouring bolts of superheated gas down the hallway. They might as well have been throwing spitballs, Jelicio realized in despair. The Jedi deflected or avoided every single shot. And then the Jedi started to advance. With a sweep of his green saber, he sent a flurry of blasterbolts back at their shooters and the entire first line of stormtroopers collapsed to the ground from rebound headshots. The other two lines of soldiers started a hasty, fighting retreat. The Jedi motioned with one hand and the second line of soldiers had their blasters yanked out of their hands. Another gesture had three of those second-line troopers thrown backwards. An unfortunate fourth stormtrooper was lifted off the ground and pinned to the ceiling of the hallway. Said stormtrooper was sliced in two as the Jedi continued his relentless advance. The three who had been thrown were even less fortunate as the Jedi used the Force to hold them under the thigh-high water until they went completely limp.

"Fall back," Jelicio stammered belatedly, watching as his squad was decimated in front of his very eyes. The last four members of his squad agreed with his orders wholeheartedly and joined him in panickedly wading down the hallway. And then one was yanked backwards and Jelicio looked over his shoulder just in time to see his squad member be impaled on the green blade. The blade deactivated and the dead trooper landed with a splash, his dead figure floating along with the other deceased members of the squad. "Fall back!"

Two more troopers were lifted into the air and then were slammed together with bone breaking force. Jelicio and the last remaining trooper managed to round the corner, their breaths coming out heavy. They saw two more squads of troopers rushing to secure the entrance, took one look at one and other, and continued to run. Both heard the squads open fire, and also heard the resulting panicked screams over the comms.

"Wait! Wait up!" More splashes as the survivors of the decimated squads frantically tried to catch up.

"No, no, no!" A trooper yelled out in panic.

Jelicio hazarded a glance behind him and saw one trooper being dragged down and into the pitch black hallway by some invisible force. The trooper's panicked screams ended with a gurgle. The few others behind Jelicio and his squadmate all resumed their sprint through the compound. They needed to get to the commander of the mission, Lord Duplici, in the command center.

One by one, the other survivors were picked off, the Jedi making no attempt to conceal his advance. Finally Jelicio and two others burst onto the command deck, panting and radiating fear. One of them slammed a hand on the door controls, sealing the deck off.

"My Lord," Jelicio gasped out, seeing the wrinkled green-gray skin of the Nemoidian Duplici standing on the observation platform. "A Jedi…we tried to stop him…he was too strong…cut down everyone…"

"You did your best, I'm sure," the Nemoidian simpered with false sympathy. He activated his own lightsaber. "Now you will see the true power of the dark side."

"We closed the blast doors," one of the survivors rasped out. "There's no way the Jedi can get in here."

"Corporal, you've never faced a Jedi in combat before, have you?" the Nemoidian sounded mildly annoyed.

"N…no, my lord."

On cue, the darkened durasteel of the door began to glow white-hot. Chunks of molten metal melted down onto the floor. The other guards in the command center raised their weapons and aimed at the failing door. Duplici motioned for them to stand down.

"I will deal with this annoyance. In the meantime, continue your duties."

The sound of stressed gears screeched loudly as the remains of the doors were wrenched open. The molten metal kept the entrance shrouded in smoke. A shadow walked through it, and Jelicio resisted the urge to run once more.

"So you are the lone Jedi causing so many problems," the Nemoidian blustered.

The Jedi looked nothing like the Jedi in the holo-vids to Jelicio. For one, he wasn't ten feet tall, glowing, and projecting an aura of 'righteousness'. Instead, he was slightly below average in height, the only part of him glowing was the jaw implant covering one side of his face, and the aura he was projecting was one of abject despair. The One Sith trooper edged further away, trying surreptitiously to reach the emergency exit without making it look like he was trying to reach the emergency exit.

The Jedi said nothing, didn't even activate his lightsaber, as cold brown eyes evaluated the situation. Lord Duplici took it as an invitation to continue his monologue. "Well that ends here. Your sabotage of the island and little incursion has jeopardized much and I cannot let this go unpunished. You Jedi fear the dark side for good reason, allow me to show you the full power of the dark side!"

The dark Jedi held out his hands as a powerful blast of Sith Lightning crackled out of it. The Jedi calmly held up one hand and caught the barrage with ease.

"My lord," one of the other troopers spoke up. "Have you ever faced a Jedi in combat before?"

Duplici snarled at the question and the barrage intensified, ozone filling the air as purple light streaked across the command center. All of the barrage continued to gather into a swirling ball of energy in front of the Jedi's outstretched palm.

"Full power of the dark side?" the Jedi final spoke when Duplici could no longer maintain the attack. To the shock of everyone, including Duplici, the Jedi simply closed his hand and the ball of destructive energy vanished as if it hadn't even existed. "Okay, what's next?"

Duplici activated his lightsaber and held it in a combat-ready pose up above his head. "It's obvious that…"

"That was it?" the Jedi asked, arching a single power. "That little light show was the 'full power of the dark side?' The reason Jedi are supposed to fear it?"

"Of course not," Duplici managed, recovering quickly. "I just wanted to test you to see if you were worthy of more."

"Fair enough. I guess I should do the same," The Jedi made a gesture, and an invisible force pushed on Duplici's elbow, hitting the reflex point with a fair amount of strength. This, of course, caused the forearm to jerk downwards, and Duplici ended up impaling his own head with his own lightsaber. "Looks like that's a no."

The rest of the people in the room looked at Lord Duplici's body in total shock and misery. Emotions that turned to outright terror when the Jedi focused on the rest of them. "The Galactic Alliance currently has job openings for front-line troopers, counter-intelligence, and tactical advisors. Please raise your hand if you're looking for a new job opportunity."

Jelicio was not ashamed when he, and everyone else in the room, promptly raised a hand.

II-II-II-II-II

"This is amazing, sir," Orlopp reported.

Jacen, who had been standing on the command platform that had only recently been occupied by Duplici, continued to gaze out at the ocean. "What is?"

"Sir. Apparently this was a covert research bunker for the Trade Federation. It was active throughout the Clone Wars and shut down just after the Purge. It's the information in the databanks that is truly impressive. Schematics for weapons and starships, bio-chemical agents, droid blueprints, they're all intact. The recently recruited members who were working on this site have been very helpful in unlocking all the databanks and levels of this base."

"Anything that can be of use?"

"Yes, sir. There is a weapon referred to as a 'defoliator' located in the files. It's an energy weapon capable of destroying all organic matter in a blast zone, leaving metal and stone untouched. There's also something called an 'ion pulse cannon' that I think we can adapt as well. Unfortunately the sinking of the island destroyed much of this facility's manufacturing capabilities."

Jacen stared at the datapad he had been handed, briefly going through the files. After a moment, he returned his attention to the Jenet officer. "Get construction teams down here on the double. I want the lower levels pumped out and any 'manufacturing' capabilities this place has online and operational as soon as possible. We'll fortify this system and use it as our staging point for further forays into One Sith space. This way the One Sith will have to go through a hardened target to hit Naboo."

"Very good, sir."

"Speaking of the Naboo. How did the Naboo forces fair in their first real engagement?"

"Above expected results," Orlopp continued. "Two Naboo frigates and a squadron and a half of fighters were lost. In addition, three other frigates suffered extensive damage but are salvageable. The Gungan Army sustained light losses as well, most of which were sustained by the first wave of soldiers infiltrating the base from below."

"Remind me to praise the Bosses when I have a chance. Their people were instrumental in the capture of this facility."

"Will do, sir."

"And what of the rest of the fleet?"

Orlopp grimaced slightly. "Not as well, I'm afraid. The Tachi has multiple hull breaches and one of its bridge deflectors has been knocked out. The Kenobi had its primary hangar hit with a well-placed torpedo that caused extensive damage. The Skywalker has likewise suffered damage, mostly along its starboard side. Five frigates report heavy damage and we lost a light cruiser. Captain Nevis reported that he used the GA forces to screen the greener Naboo forces the best he could, accounting for why the Naboo got off with relatively little damage. All ships are currently in orbit above the planet awaiting further orders."

"Well, I guess it is a good thing we have new schematics then," Jacen said after a moment of thought. "If possible, let's mount one of these 'ion pulse cannons' on the Kenobi. Replace the primary hangar bay if you have to. Also, see if the defoliators can be fired in space. If we can wipe out the living crew without actually damaging the vessel, we'd have quite an advantage. If not, incorporate them into our ground forces."

"I'll get the R and D teams on it."

"We'll spend the next month or so here. Have teams scour this base for anything else of use. For the One Sith that were here and opted to join us, have them all sent to Bakura. Whether or not they've actually had a change of heart won't matter. If they broadcast intel reports, great. If not, they won't be getting a second chance."

"Yes, sir."

Jacen made a dismissive motion with his hand, and the Jenet officer loped away to do his duty. Staring out at the crystal clear bodies of water and swaying trees, Jacen mentally began to plan his next move. One system secured, many more to go.

LotJA[III]LotJA

Jacen studied the data that Anakin had provided, finding one of his 'suggested' locations to actually be out of the way of their goal. His forces had been skirting the Mid Rim/Outer Rim border on the Outer Rim side of things whenever possible, taking one system after another in short order. The number of resources at his disposal had greatly increased thanks to Anakin's strategic foresight.

Captured ships from surrendering One Sith patrols, droid foundries from One Sith planets that had voluntarily left the GA at Anakin's direction, walkers, all had been picked up in the four-week sweep towards Bakura. In that time, the Naboo forces and Gungan Army had accumulated quite a bit of experience in those minor skirmishes, with the Gungans being surprisingly efficient at boarding actions thanks to their energy shields.

Yet the location of Anakin's next 'suggested' world was in the Mid Rim, possessed no factories or vast amounts of mineral resources and wasn't even relevant to their current campaign. The only thing to note about Anakin's 'suggested' location was the One Sith garrison present in the system and that the system was considered the lynch-pin of the Gevarno Loop hyperspace lane—a small lane that connected eight equally minor systems. The only reason why Jacen had directed his forces, however, was because Anakin had 'suggested' the system. In all the data on the dozens of systems in their neck of the woods, Anakin only 'suggested' they visit four of those systems..

"I still don't get it, sir. Why are we headed to the…" Colonel Salle Serpa took a moment to double-check the name on the holo-readout. "The Al'Har system?"

"Outside intelligence sources figured that the system might be helpful to us," Jacen remarked, pressing forward to avoid questions. "Plus, we get the added bonus of taking out another One Sith garrison, liberating the local populace. According to the intel I received, We want to head towards Haruun Kal, the only populated planet in the system. Intel indicates the garrison is comprised of one Vengeance-class frigate, a MC50 heavy frigate, and an older MC75 cruiser."

Orlopp took over from there. "Haruun Kal, suffered greatly under Imperial occupation and most records of the planet have been completely erased. What is known is that Haruun Kal was once home to a specific group of fungi that ate away metal and electronics. Since the One Sith have managed to establish a garrison planet-side, it is highly likely that the Base Delta Zero utilized by the Empire sterilized the planet. Presently, the garrison is in two segments. A fortified bunker located here, on a plateau, and a defensive line that leads up to the bunker in the surrounding low land."

"That seems to make going to this planet an even bigger wild bantha chase," one of the others around the holo-table frowned. "This system isn't self-sustainable, and taking a lifeless ball of rock is a waste of resources we could be using elsewhere.

"Nevertheless, we are going. Have the ships we just picked up, as well as our supporting frigates and picketships, wait in these hyperspace lanes to intercept any possible reinforcement from the Outer Rim," Jacen said firmly, gesturing to the galaxy map. He then looked to another officer present. "Captain Veers, prepare the men for a ground assault."

"Sir?" The grandson of famed Imperial strategist, Maximilian Veers, was caught off-guard.

"Colonel Serpa will be helping to coordinate any boarding actions," Jacen gestured to the readouts of the One Sith garrison. "I'll be counting on you, Donovan, to neutralize any resistance on the planet. The half-dozen AT-M6s we picked up on Vondarc should help you break through that defensive line with no trouble. We're being routed here by our intel so the base must have some importance. Hopefully another windfall like Alui."

"Understood, sir."

"The second we hit atmo, begin landing your troops. You have until that long to prepare a plan of attack. Orlopp give him all the latest data we have, including the live feed from the GAG stealth probe in the system."

"Yes, sir."

"Colonel Serpa, the Mon Cal-75 might be an older model capital ship, but it can still pack a punch. Draw up a plan for boarding it," Jacen directed. "I'll let the Kenobi know that we'll hold off on using their new toy this time around."

"Do you want any of the frigates as well?"

"I intend to take the Skywalker directly through the Vengeance-class and blast anything else in the way," Jacen shook his head. "Captain Nevil, have the Amidala and Naboo forces concentrate their fire on the heavy frigate. Use their fighters knock out any air-superiority units that might be protecting the base and protect our dropships. The Kenobi and Tachi can cover after they're through helping the Amidala with the heavy frigate."

"I'll pass the orders along," the Quarren captain said, concurring with the plan.

"Approaching outer edge of the Al'Har system," the helmsman announced.

"Take us out of hyperspace."

The moment the fleet of GA ships emerged, the comm-operator raised his hand. "Sir, receiving encoded transmission using GAG encryption."

"Patch it through to the holo-table."

An old woman's image appeared in the middle of the table, her once red-hair now completely silver. "About time you kids got here. What'd you do, go on a sight-seeing tour of the galaxy?"

"Something like that," Jacen said with an amused quirk of his lips. "Given your encryption, can I assume you're Galactic Alliance Guard?"

"Assume whatever you want, Solo." The older woman said with a dry scoff. "Your brother decided to hand off this frequency to Haruun Kal a year or two back, said we'd probably be needing it. Don't ever remember signing up for this Galactic Alliance Guard detail you mentioned. The name's Aeona Rostu, current leader of the people of Haruun Kal."

"Well, Mrs. Rostu, how can my forces be of service?"

"Blasting the One Sith off my damned world would be good for starters. Mind the bunker though. Those Sith are holding several hundred Uplanders, a good majority of the survivors, prisoner in there. Blast the One Sith, but not my people."

"The Galactic Alliance is here to serve the needs of its people," Jacen quipped. "Do you have any forces you can contribute?"

"Since the days of the Empire and that lunatic Cronal, Haruun Kal's population has barely topped ten thousand," Aeona shook her head. "We've been focused on rebuilding. The Bakuran Confederation kept the pirates off our backs, but they have their own problems now."

"Is there any reason why the One Sith would be interested in your world?"

"Considering everyone from it is Force-sensitive, what do you think?" Aeona said wryly. "And yes, if you rescue them, more than a few will probably sign up with you; the young, the stupid, and those who've just been itching to get away from Haruun Kal."

"Their help would definitely be appreciated in liberating other worlds." Jacen made a mental note to give his little brother a very expensive happy birthday present later. "Captain Veers?"

"I'll have my teams standing by to rescue any prisoners."

"We'll get your people out, Mrs. Rostu," Jacen said with a reassuring smile. "And rid this system of One Sith forces while we're at it."

"I'm going to hold you to your word, Solo. My husband and two of our children are among the prisoners. Get them back."

Jacen gave her a salute and nod. "Solo, out."

"All ships standing by for your orders, sir," the comm-operator announced.

"On my signal, micro-jump us to Haruun Kal and deploy fighters. Captain Veers, you're on the clock. Colonel Serpa, same to you."

The officers saluted sharply and departed the bridge.

"Inform our fighters to concentrate on the cruiser, we want to knock out its shields for Colonel Serpa's people to board. Helm, see if you can't micro-jump us directly over the Vengeance-class frigate. Gunnery-control, fire as soon as you have a targeting solution. Once the way is clear, give Captain Veers permission to disembark."

The plan of attack worked almost exactly as Jacen had drawn it up. One moment it was guard-duty as usual for the One Sith forces in the Al'Har system. The next, three Nebula-class Star Destroyers had dropped in right above the two frigates patrolling the space around Haruun Kal. The aging Vengeance-class frigate didn't even stand a chance. With the Skywalker capable of bringing twice as many guns to bear as a usual Nebula-class, over twenty heavy-turbolaser batteries ripped apart the startled smaller vessel before the crew even had a chance to raise its shields. The thick green turbolaser bolts plowed into the frigate, superheating its armor plating into slag and continuing into the more vital internals. It only took a single volley to reduce the frigate into a small field of debris, the pieces then rapidly pulled into Haruun Kal's gravity and flaring on re-entry.

The MC50 frigate lasted only a few seconds longer thanks to its sturdy Mon Calamarian hull design. Even then, it had two Nebula-class Star Destroyers and one Amidala-class Naboo cruiser tear into it like a starving pack of wolves. With sustained fire from three directions, its shields were promptly overloaded, and the frigate was ripped apart in a violent blast.

Pouring from the GA capital ships were squadron after squadron of fighters, most of which were heading planet-side to escort a small armada of dropships deploying from the same vessel. Any remaining fighters were meeting up with the two squadrons emerging from the Skywalker, and making attack runs on the now woefully outnumbered, outgunned, and out flanked MC75.

Just like the Mon Calamarian frigate before it, the large capital ship now found itself in the crosshairs of four different capital ships and several dozen starfighters. It was late in deploying its fighters, and suffered a catastrophic loss after only a handful managed to get out of the hangar. Another quintet of fighters had been in the process of clearing the hangar when a turbolaser broadside from the Skywalker barreled through the fighters and into the exposed hangar. The crew of the MC75, not realizing that the opposing force meant to capture and not wipe them out, promptly began sending out calls of surrender, escape-pods flying out every which way.

The siege on the ground was just as devastating to the defenders, and the fight fast turned into a rout. The MegaCaliber turbolasers mounted on the new walkers were used to great effect, blasting through entrenched positions all around the plateau and annihilating the base defenses. The One Sith on the planet, used to putting down backwater rebellions and ill-equipped opposition, fared really poorly against the top-of-the-line military forces deployed against them.

Only a few hours into the battle, Jacen received word that his troops had entered the One Sith bunker.

"Reports on casualties?" He asked, mildly curious.

"Only a few dozen ground troopers report injuries, no fatalities. Those walkers really did their job," Orlopp noted.

"Has Colonel Serpa signaled full control over the cruiser?"

"Last pockets of One Sith loyalists still present," the Jenet officer shook his head. "He reports his boarding force has lost seven so far. He is requesting instruction regarding those who surrendered."

"Detain them for now. We'll leave them to Mrs. Rostu to sort out," Jacen answered succinctly. "Aside from that, is the system secure?"

"Yes sir," Orlopp smiled. "Another One Sith system liberated from Red Blade fanatics made possible by your leadership."

"We were just lucky," Jacen chuckled wryly, his brown eyes devoid of warmth. "Once the ground forces on the planet have liberated the natives, have any who wish to sign up sent to the Skywalker for debriefing. I'm sure that if they're anything like some people I know, they're definitely going to be itching for revenge."

LotJA[IV]LotJA

Several more systems capitulated to the advancing GA forces before Jacen's fleet encountered the next One Sith stronghold. They dropped out of hyperspace in the next system Anakin had designated, but found things a lot different than expected.

"We've encountered the rearguard for the One Sith forces assaulting the Bakuran Confederation," Watch Officer Patra Tebut reported as Jacen strode onto the bridge, summoned by the urgent call. "As you anticipated Master Solo, they have a sizeable force defending the Bespin system."

"They need the Tabana gas to sustain their weapon-systems," Jacen replied matter-of-factly. "With a source so close to their offensive, they have immediate access to anything Bespin produces."

"Yes sir. We hailed Cloud City as you requested, but did not get the Administrator you said would answer. Apparently he was deposed shortly after the One Sith took over the system."

"Not everything can go as planned," Jacen muttered to himself.

"I'm sorry, sir?"

"Don't be. Anything else, Watch Officer?"

"Just one, sir. Upon arriving on the outer edge of the system, we received another encoded message using Galactic Alliance Guard encryption. Decryption revealed that it was from an intelligence team identifying themselves as Wraith Squadron Bakura, Team Besh."

"Wraith Squadron?" Jacen's eyebrows rose in mild surprise.

"Yes sir, General saBinring's authorization code was confirmed."

"The message then?"

Patra handed Jacen a datapad, and Jacen studied its contents. The message was relatively simple, and pretty much nonsensical to anyone who might have intercepted it. Say the magic words and poof.

"That was it?"

"Yes sir."

"Composition of enemy forces?" Jacen looked to the Quarren captain for the answer.

Captain Nevil's head bobbed. "Fairly sizable, sir. Five Star Destroyers, over a dozen escorting vessels. Three of the Destroyers are Imperial-class. Two are the newer Turbulent MK II-class. I think we caught them gearing up for an offensive."

"Refresh my memory, what makes these Turbulents different than the Mark I?"

"Modifications to the prow-design," the Quarren responded, activating a hologram of one of the ships. "Note that rather than a flat platform for the prow, its sides are sloped at twenty degree angles. This gives the Mark Two superior fields of fire and enables them to bring more guns to bear at any one time. Coupled with the superior maneuverability and shields of the Turbulent-class, the engineers made a deadly ship even more efficient."

"Sirs, we have fighters rising from the planet," a sensor operator said professionally. "At least two wings."

"Fighters are being deployed from the Star Destroyers as well," another announced. "Similar numbers."

"Launch fighters, but keep them back." Captain Nevil directed.

"Have the Kenobi begin charging their new gun," Jacen agreed.

"The One Sith forces are holding position above Bespin," an operator announced. "The Kenobi reports that unless we draw them away, there might be collateral damage when they fire the weapon."

"Have the Tachi and Amidala take Frigate Group One and Two to these coordinates," Jacen pointed to the tactical readout. He then pointed to two more capital ships, ones that had been captured from the One Sith. "Then contact the Revenge of the Empire and Pristine Fear and have them bring the rest of our fleet to here. We'll hang back with the Kenobi and rely on our own fighter screen."

"Sir," the communication's officer acknowledged, relaying the orders.

Jacen concentrated on the readout, steepling his fingers as he tried to predict the events in the battle before they occurred. So many puzzle pieces fitting together, then changing all over again as the designed was altered ever so slightly. In response to the maneuvers of his fleet, the One Sith defensive formation also shifted, becoming more spread out as they sought to guard the planet from any possible treachery.

"And Wraith Squadron's message?"

"They're an intel group," Jacen patiently explained, his brown eyes following the movements of the One Sith ships. "At most they have a few fighters, maybe a freighter at their disposal. We say the magic words too early and we get them killed."

"We don't even know where they are," the Quarren continued the whispered conversation.

"They'll be where they can do the most damage," Jacen returned. "Comm-officer, signal the Kenobi to began advancing towards Bespin at three-quarters speed. Helm, match the Kenobi's movements."

"Signaling the Kenobi."

"Bringing engines to three-quarters speed."

"Come on, come on," Jacen murmured, staring at the holograms before him. "Tactical, estimated time to firing range?"

"We will be at the far range of their weapons in one hour if we maintain our current speed and course."

"Have our fighters perform a micro-jump, unload a few warheads, and then jump back to our position."

"Relaying orders."

Three squadrons of fighters blinked into hyperspace for a fraction of a second, emerging several tens of thousands of kilometers away. They each unloaded a torpedo at the One Sith fleet, and then jumped away again. All of the torpedoes were shot down by defensive lasers or impacted harmlessly on shields. The fighters appeared once more next to the two GA Star Destroyers.

"One Sith ships are breaking formation. They are trying to flank us."

The wings of the One Sith formation began swinging outwards, like a pair of giant arms trying to engulf the Skywalker and Kenobi.

"All stop," Jacen ordered. "Order Captain Rylander to target the left wing of the enemy fleet. Have their new Korunnai advisor help with the aiming to enable the most damage possible."

"The Kenobi acknowledges. They are bringing the Ion Pulse Cannon to bear."

Jacen watched with great interest as the Kenobi began tilting its belly towards the incoming One Sith fleet elements. Instead of the square hangar that had been at the bottom, a nexus of plasma rotors swirled, generating an immense amount of energy. Said energy blasted out through space a split second later, taking only moments to reach the One Sith fleet. Two of the One Sith Star Destroyers, dozens of supporting frigates, freighters, and fighters, and several light cruisers were caught up in the massive sphere of ion energy. The crackling purple-blue energy tore apart ships like a wave crashing through a sandcastle. Anything that had electricity running through it promptly exploded as conduits were overloaded. Fighters ripped themselves apart, their warheads detonating from the short. Frigates buckled, light cruisers disappeared in blinding flares of light, and the two Star Destroyers had their backsides blown away as their main reactors went critical. In the span of ten seconds, the left wing of the One Sith force had been completely demolished.

"I think that the weapon performed admirably," Jacen deadpanned, hiding his own surprise at its efficiency.

"And that was only two-thirds the destructive ability the schematics said it could produce," an officer on the bridge whispered in a hush voice. "We had to scale down the schematics because the Kenobi couldn't produce enough power for the larger version. As it is, it had to divert energy from shields, propulsion, other weapon systems, just for that blast."

"How long until we can fire again?" Jacen asked.

"Thirteen minutes," the officer answered. "The cooling system needs to purge any excess ion particles in the weapon array. The energy buffers also have to drain and reset. They're dead in space meantime."

"On the bright side, the right flanking One Sith force has stopped their advance," Captain Nevil gestured to the holotable. "What are your orders, Master Solo?"

"Bring in the Tachi and Amidala's strike force behind the right wing. Comms, signal Wraith Squadron to act."

"What should I tell them, sir?"

"Tell them 'the magic words'." Captain Nevil said dryly, letting the comm-officer hear the quotes around the pass phrase. "Wraiths have a very odd sense of humor."

"Message away."

Several things happened in quick succession the moment the orders went out. The bewildered right wing of the One Sith force suddenly found itself trapped between the Skywalker and Kenobi, and the new forces brought in by the Amidala and Tachi. At the same time, the Imperial-class Star Destroyer and its fighter compliment that had remained on station above Bespin were suddenly rocked by a blaze of torpedoes. Whole fighter squadrons were engulfed by the warhead barrage, disappearing in mini-novas of super-heated metal. The Star Destroyer itself had its power fluctuate, its lights flickering off for a moment before switching back on. Most of its gun turrets were smoldering wrecks, and it had sustained moderate damage throughout its length.

Streaking out of the clouds of the planet were six X-wings with guns blazing. The surviving fighters that had been guarding the Star Destroyer swarmed down to greet them.

"Switching to the tactical frequency Wraith Squadron is using,"

"Whoa! I thought we got them all!"

"You'd know better if you were keeping count."

"Oh, not this again."

"Imperial-class Destroyers carry…"

"Seventy-two TIE fighters…it never gets old."

"Glad you're paying attention Jett."

"They are definitely Wraith Squadron," the Quarren Captain said in amusement, his face twisting into what Jacen could only assume was a Quarren's equivalent to a smile. "No other Galactic Alliance unit is that undisciplined over a tactical frequency."

"You've worked with Wraith Squadron before, I presume?" Jacen remarked.

"With Kell Tainer," Captain Nevil confirmed. "It was shortly after the Yuuzhan Vong War. I was just a lieutenant then. It was on a mission to take out slavers on Ryloth. 'A favor for a friend,' I think he put it. His team sounded much like this Wraith Squadron Bakura, Team Besh."

"Looks like they got the Star Destroyer. Not bad for a half-squadron of fighters," Jacen motioned to the holo-read out. "Comms, can you confirm that?"

The comm-officer nodded and tapped his earpiece. "Wraiths Three and Four, what's the Destroyer's condition?"

"Destroyer is crippled, Command. It's…" the pilot stopped talking.

The comm-officer frowned. "Wraith Three?"

"It's, uh, it's falling out of orbit. It's heading for the city!"

Jacen heard the broadcast and clenched a fist on the holotable. "If they can't have Cloud City, neither can we. Are we in tractor beam range?"

The tactical officer shook his head. "Negative, we're still engaging the other two Destroyers and their escort."

Captain Nevil looked grim. "Then we have to leave it to Wraith Squadron. If they are anything like Kell Tainer's team, they can turn disaster into success."

Jacen accepted that reluctantly. If Cloud City was hit, the chance of the Galactic Alliance being able to utilize Bespin's tabana gas in any efficient manner was next to nil. He mentally chastised himself, knowing he should have remembered that the One Sith had the 'if we can't have it, neither can you' mentality when it came to vital resources. He focused instead on the top-side turbolaser and heavy-turbolaser batteries simultaneously turning several One Sith ships into glowing pyres as it cut through the battlefield. The helmsmen of the Skywalker were doing an excellent job of shielding the still energy-depleted Kenobi throughout the battle.

"The One Sith Star Destroyers are making a break for it," the sensor operator announced. "They sacrificed two light cruisers and three frigates to put some distance between us. They'll be able to jump to hyperspace in five minutes."

"They took the bait. Bring the Empire and Fear in." Jacen heard Captain Nevil direct. "Jedi Solo, would you care for either Star Destroyer?"

"That Turbulent-class Mark Two looks really nice," Jacen smiled in turn. "But don't strain yourselves getting it. The One Sith probably have more in Bakura."

Three minutes later, the remaining part of the GA fleet darted back into the battlefield, directly in front of the fleeing One Sith capital ships. Both Star Destroyers banked hard to avoid the sudden appearance of the two Republic-class vessels and fighter-squad accompaniment now in their way. Like a pride of lionesses peeling away a member of their prey from the rest of the pack, the Revenge of the Empire, and Pristine Fear whipped around in sharp pursuit of the more advanced of the two fleeing vessels. Streams of blue energy lashed out as the pursuing ships sprayed barrages of ion energy in a crackling storm that lit up the Turbulent II Star Destroyer's shields. Two squadrons of TIE Defenders added to the chaos, roaring in and concentrating their own ion fire on the engines of the fleeing ship.

The Imperial II-class Star Destroyer saw that its counterpart was in trouble and haltingly stopped its evasive maneuvers, seemingly torn between escaping and coming to the other's aid. Both Star Destroyers had abandoned their fighter compliments in the main scrum and had no means of support. Nevertheless, two Star Destroyers could still do a lot of damage. The frigates and other supporting vessels accompanying the Revenge of the Empire and Pristine Fear swarmed after the larger ship and helped the lone ship makes it decision.

It promptly resumed its retreat, leaping to hyperspace only a few seconds later. Meanwhile the Turbulent II-class Star Destroyer was dead in space, the GA battle-group surrounding it like a proud hunter standing over the corpse of its prey.

"Orlopp."

"Yes, sir?"

"Take a note to capture or build an interdictor in the near future."

"Will do, sir."

"Have Colonel Serpa get another boarding group ready. The Korrunai we picked up on Haruun Kal will help them deal with any Red Blades."

Orlopp motioned to a comm-officer, who nodded and passed the orders along. "Sir, you'll be pleased to know that Wraith Squadron successfully saved Cloud City."

"What? How?"

"They shot out one of the Star Destroyer's engines at the last second causing a change in velocity that had the Star Destroyer narrowly miss the city. Wraith Three reported that the Star Destroyer hit crush-depth shortly before Wraith Squadron jumped out of the system."

"Pass along our thanks at the next available opportunity," Jacen replied. He gazed outside the bridge window and saw that the space-battle was wrapping up as well. Without the cruiser support, the rest of the One Sith forces were being outgunned and were falling one after the other. A few other ships had managed to escape the scrum and jump to hyperspace, but they were the rare, lucky few. "Send an open broadcast to the remaining One Sith ships. Information for survival. Offer is only good to the first one hundred people who respond, prioritize by rank. After, we'll do what we did to the survivors on Alui and send them back into Bakura when we're done with them."

"And the rest?"

Jacen looked to Captain Nevil, his face expressionless. "It's a shame that a majority of the One Sith forces fought to the death. We'll have to report that only a hundred or so saw the error of their ways and surrendered."

Captain Nevil cocked his head in a very human manner, but his alien face was harder to read. Jacen could not tell if the Quarren agreed or disagreed with the decision. Though it was only a few seconds, it seemed like minutes had passed before the captain replied. "Understood, Jedi Master Solo."

LotJA[V]LotJA

Though they were technically already in Bakuran Confederation space—Bakuran influence had extended all the way to the Corellian run until the One Sith attacked—the actual Outer Rim territory that was under Confederation control only went as far as Koda Station, a relatively backwater spacestation that served as a trading and entertainment hub for nearby farming worlds. With the One Sith pressing the Confederation all the way back to the Shiritoku Way, however, Koda Station and its surrounding farm-worlds were under the control of the forces of Darth Siege. Taking it would be the last step to launching an all-out counter-attack on Siege's forces and would cut off the One Sith food supply-lines.

Unlike the previous One Sith garrisons, however, Koda Station's One Sith forces were part of the main attacking body and contained battle-hardened veterans and very talented Force-users. From the intel Jacen's forces had gleaned from the survivors at Bespin, some of the Jensaarai had even defected and were stationed in the system. There was also no question that the One Sith knew Jacen's people were coming. Apart from the warnings in the Force, the warnings they got from survivors who had returned to the fold, and the fact that Koda Station was the last heavily fortified system before the Shiritoku Way, the One Sith had been keeping sensor buoys and scouting forces in every system Jacen had advanced through; keeping tabs on the Galactic Alliance advance.

Jacen had no doubt that these warnings had also given the garrison plenty of time to come up with a counter to the ion weapon on the Kenobi. In fact, he had even reduced the Kenobi to a skeleton crew because he knew the weapon would be one of the first targeted by the One Sith. The rest of said crew had been transferred to the captured Turbulent II-class Star Destroyer, renamed the Ion Storm.

"Sir, we're receiving reports from Bespin, Vondarc, Alui, and three other systems. The One Sith have launched a counter-offensive from the Mid-Rim. Attacking forces range from frigate to capital class. Our forces are holding for now but they're requesting reinforcements.

"Bring the fleet out of hyperspace," Jacen directed.

A moment later, the fleet of ten capital ships and dozens of supporting vessels emerged from hyperspace.

"Fleet standing by."

"Send the Amidala and Kenobi with their frigate escort back to Alui," Jacen said, staring out at the fleet of ships. "We cannot lose the research in that facility."

"The Empire and Fear for Bespin?" Captain Nevil said in a low voice.

"Agreed," Jacen concurred, repeating the order out loud.

One by one, ships and resources were diverted back towards the systems Jacen's fleet had just spent the better part of two months marching through. When the divvying up of the fleet was finished, Jacen was once again left with just three capital ships and their escorting taskgroups.

"Sir, should we halt our attack for now?" Captain Nevil asked softly. "The One Sith had the advantage in numbers even when our fleet was intact."

"We have momentum on our side," Jacen exhaled, moving from the bridge window to a holo-table. Studying the intel they had on their destination, the odds did not look good. "And the rear-guard on their back foot. If we give them a breather, they'll be that much harder to dislodge."

"But can we dislodge them with a three cruiser strikeforce?"

Jacen turned off the holo-table. "Have the fleet hold position for now. I'll be in my quarters meditating on this matter."

"Yes, sir."

Jacen left the bridge and took the turbolift to his private quarters. The custom-made meditation chamber inside was obsidian-black, a single half-sphere of equally black durasteel sat in the center. Jacen took a seat in the center of the half-sphere, resting back on his legs. He disconnected his jaw prosthetic and set it aside, likewise unhooking his lightsaber to do the same. Releasing a slow, long breath, he immersed himself into the Force. The room resonated with his efforts, acting as a natural echo-chamber as the Force collected, rebounded, and swelled all around him.

Jacen reached out with his mind, following the many, many strands of future possibilities the Force was allowing him to see. Where many in his career had accused him of being slow to act—of trying to balance probability and possibility, light side and dark side—instead of making change an actual reality, he had steadfastly kept to his ways. Many of the times the accusations were from short-sighted people who couldn't see the big picture. Couldn't see that even if there was no immediate change, the events he would set in motion would reap large rewards many years down the line. Sure he might not adapt to situations as quickly as his brother or sister, but unlike their shoot-from-the-hip style of doing things, if he was given time to plan something out, the overall goal of the plan almost always came to fruition.

The futures whooshed by faster than most minds could process, wisps of what could be, what can be, what might be. One action, like a stone in a lake, would set off a different set of ripples that would change the overall picture. A feint in battle at one point would change the possibilities for or against his forces. A loss of a ship to take down a dreadnaught might balance the forces or it might leave him weaker. Each future depended on the personalities of the crew; who would stand their ground, who would flee if pressed, who would seek glory ahead of sense.

A majority of the futures ended with his assault going very poorly. The next closest probability ended up with his forces victorious but himself and most of the others dead. Other futures, much more fleeting, offered the slimmest of chances but required everything to go perfectly. He just didn't have the numbers to survive a frontal assault on the One Sith positions.

He emerged from his meditations and activated the secure holo-comm next to his seat. An image of Anakin's face appeared only a few seconds later.

"Jace?"

"Holo-buoys disabled?" Jacen asked simply.

Anakin's expression became neutral and he nodded without saying a word.

"Intercept any vessel hailing from Koda Station or the farm worlds in the surrounding systems," Jacen directed emotionlessly. "I had to divide my fleet to stop a counter-attack and don't have the numbers to do it myself."

"Copy," Anakin responded. "All HoloNet buoys in your region of space are under Guard control. A team is standing by to intercept any ship coming from the Outer Rim."

Jacen tilted his head a fraction to show his acknowledgment, then reached over and ended the communications. He reached over and reattached his jaw-prosthetic and then switched on the intercom. "Orlopp, are the defoliator cannons ready?"

"Yes sir, but they are only effective in vacuum from a range of less than a hundred meters and a pre-existing hull breach is required for ship-to-ship combat."

"I don't intend to use them on ships. Would they work in atmosphere?"

"That's what their initial design was, yes. At full power, with our modern starship power generators, each pulse-blast will be enough to leave thirty square kilometers a barren patch of land."

"And if someone living were to be caught in the blast?"

"They would be killed instantly, sir. The weapon does not distinguish plant-life from other forms of life. Even if they were inside a building, any open window or other source of ventilation would allow the pulse's energy to affect those inside."

"Have the Skywalker switch our ventral cannons to the defoliating pulse mode. Keep the Ion Storm's and Tachi's cannons in their default mode just in case. Inform Captain Nevil to make the jump to hyperspace, I'll be on the bridge shortly."

"Very good, sir."

Jacen returned to the bridge, the blue glow of hyperspace illuminating the room. "Captain, new plan of attack."

"Sir," Captain Nevil moved to the tactical holo-table.

"The One Sith outnumber and outgun us, so we will not be directly assaulting their position around Koda Station."

"That's a relief, sir," Captain Nevil remarked.

"Yes, for me too," Jacen said wryly. "Instead, we're going to render this system moot by eliminating its purpose."

"Sir?"

"Koda Station is the gathering point for resources from these ten farming worlds," Jacen brought up the holo-map of the region. "Three of those worlds are in the Koda system itself. The remaining seven are spread out in these two other dwarf systems, Koda Aurek and Koda Besh. Together, these ten planets provide foodstuffs for the nearly all of the Bakuran Confederation controlled by the One Sith. Eliminating their food-production abilities will put extreme pressure on the One Sith to keep their forces supplied."

"Eliminate?" one of the other officers frowned. "Sir, these planets are full of farmers and other civilians. The only way to stop…"

"We'll be using an experimental weapon we picked up on Alui," Jacen changed the image of the starmap to that of a defoliator cannon. "Developed during the Clone Wars, our techs have made improvements on a defoliator cannon designed to wipe out all plant-life. As I speak, we are switching our ventral cannons to emit the energy pulse of these upgraded defoliators."

"And collateral damage?"

"Log reports from Alui show that the Confederacy of Independent Systems successfully tested this weapon on their own forces to no ill-effect," Jacen answered back truthfully. "Unfortunately the prototype was destroyed in combat so their datalogs are minimal. Our goal is to deny the One Sith access to these farming worlds. Without the foodstuffs, the massive fleet they have waiting for us at Koda Station will be forced to abandon their position. We won't be destroying a world or anything drastic like that, just eliminating any farmland with a weapon designed to clear plant-life on worlds with large flora."

"It sounds good," Captain Nevil said slowly. "Though the One Sith garrison will no doubt try to intercept us once they catch on to what we are doing."

"That's what the Ion Storm and Tachi are for," Jacen confirmed. "They'll take the rest of our ships and run interference. Not directly engaging, but giving us the few minutes we'll need to bombard the planet with the defoliating pulses. We'll start with the dwarf systems first, moving in to Koda system as the One Sith move out to chase us. Once the last of the planets are neutralized, we'll fall back to Bespin and wait for the rest of our fleet to rejoin us."

"I'll pass the orders down now, sir," the Quarren captain saluted.

Jacen returned the salute. "We'll probably get the first few planets with minimal resistance. Once the One Sith wise up to our action, that's when the real fun begins."

V-I-V-I-V

"Entering into high orbit around designated target."

"Sensor sweep shows mostly civilian traffic in the area. A One Sith picketship has been tagged, and fighters are being scrambled from the planet. The Ion Storm and Tachi are moving to intercept and are deploying fighters."

"Proceed with the plan," Jacen directed, staring out at the small farmworld. "Do we have current census records for this planet?"

"Last census before the One Sith took over place the population at just under seven million. The entire planet is being used for farming, with orbital hydroponic platforms and greenhouses also present."

"And the defoliating pulse doesn't pass through metal unless there's an opening," Jacen breathed out in annoyance. "Those platforms are going to be a problem. We can't leave them for the One Sith when they come back."

"Picking up only a few dozen life-signs at most on each platform."

"A few for the good of many," Jacen grimaced. "Take out those platforms and then bring us into atmosphere. Have the defoliator crews charge the batteries. We're going to need to make several passes over this planet if we want to neutralize its usefulness to the One Sith."

"Sir," Watch Officer Tebut said hesitantly. "Those are civilian lives aboard the station."

"Aiding and abetting the One Sith," Jacen said without emotion, his hand briefly passing through the air in front of him. "If we let them live, the stations they work on will produce foodstuffs that will enable the One Sith to continue their campaign against Bakura. How many civilians will die then? We can't allow these few farmers to jeopardize the safety of several Outer Rim sectors."

The gunnery teams who had been listening, looked down at their controls for several long moments. Then one by one, they nodded grimly.

"Battery One standing by."

"Battery Two reports ready."

"Three, we're a go."

"Four, go."

"Five, green light across the board."

"Six, standing by."

"All gunnery crews, make sure to coordinate fire so your areas of effect are not overlapping. We want the maximum amount of farmland destroyed with every shot."

"Yes, sir."

"Dorsal and port-side batteries, lock onto the hydroponic and greenhouse orbital platforms and fire when you have a solution," Jacen ordered without any infliction. Despite that, he wondered if anyone could hear his pounding heart as he turned away from the bridge crews to stare out the window. Executing pirates, causing the death of Jedi, using dark Jedi to assassinate would-be allies, they were all one thing. But to actually see the results of his actions first hand, to know that these civilians—whom all probably had no other choice but to continue farming or be killed by the One Sith—would soon die by his proverbial hand, was something else entirely. "Helm control, begin our descent."

The turbolaser batteries of the Anakin Skywalker blazed to life, bolts of destructive green energy hurtled through space at the defenseless orbital platforms. One by one, the next-generation Star Destroyer annihilated each target, the stations flaring brilliantly before being reduced to a ruined field of metal and other components. Like meteorites, the debris hit the atmosphere before the Anakin Skywalker's black profile, creating a spectacle of fiery rain for the bewildered population below. Many stepped outside their dwellings in incomprehension, heads tilted back to view the glowing reentry of the debris from the many platforms that had been in orbit only moments earlier.

And then those on the ground saw something else, a much larger, black profile—glowing red like the fires of Mustafar—in its own entry into the planet's upper atmosphere.

Jacen looked down at the vast swaths of farmland below, every acre going towards food production. He saw the miniscule dots of the many people outside looking up at his ship in wonder. All at once, the vision he had received from the Force several months earlier came crashing back into his thoughts with the force of a run-away mag-train. He realized what the situation was. Even if he wanted to, there was no way he'd be able to save any of those lives below.

Or could he? That was the tricky thing about fate and free will. In the vision he had had so long ago, he only knew that millions of lives would be lost. A mental calculation confirmed that there was almost the same number of lives spread out among the One Sith fleet and his own. A catastrophic space-battle that resulted in the deaths of everyone would work just as well. Then again, such a battle would also put a stop to the plan he and Anakin had devised. There truly was no other way out of his current situation.

Sacrifices had to be made.

His face pale and his eyes closed, Jacen gave the briefest tilt of his head. "Helm, set a course to circumnavigate the world. Defoliator gunnery crews…"

There was a pause, the eyes of everyone on the bridge staring at the Jedi-robed figure at the forefront of the bridge.

"Defoliator crews," Jacen said again, killing his emotions, his voice mechanical as his vocorder picked up a more sinister reverberation. "Open fire."

LotJA[Chapter End]LotJA

A\N: Happy holidays! Story still on hiatus but here's a part of my holiday gift to you all!

Credits: The Wraith Squadron Bakura dialogue and their downing of a Star Destroyer is based on the fanfilm Star Wars:Destroyer by Arya Moghaddam.