Hey everyone, here is part two of the current battle. I hope everyone who takes the time to read this is having a good time as the year draws to a close. Finals are upon me, but it's my senior year and I feel ready to face them all. I have a more solid idea of what I want for the story as well. To answer a few questions, I don't know if the Bad Batch and Echo might make an appearance, since in this timeline we never see him rescued. As for Greivous, I think he'll make a final appearance, although I don't know how much of a role that him and the droids will have. After all, the entire point of the Seperatists were as a temporary conflict for Sidious to use for taking power. Once Sidious had that power, he had no need for them, and destroyed them. Grevious may well have survived, he's wily that way, but I don't think he's going to be a major contender. The clone wars are over, the Empire has won.
I do have one questions for everyone, and I'm going to place a poll on my page for everyone. Should Satine appear in this Fic, either just her grave appears, or maybe a force apparition of some kind, or is she somehow alive? I've thought hard on this, and I feel your alls input will help. THanks!
Anyways, enjoy the chapter and, if you want, please feel free to leave a review and have a great day!
"Atmo-shields are good! Life Support active!" The pilot checked off as the hangar doors rumbled open above them. Kittani took a deep breath and nodded to Gant. She could sense his nerves and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, we've got this, we just stay calm and follow Master Kenobi." She told him, even as she felt her own nerves acting up.
He nodded some, taking a breath. "Okay, yeah, thanks." He said. "We can do this."
"Both of you stay with me. We'll be just fine." Obi Wan said to them both, giving them a smile. Kittani glanced around at the other in the LAAT, each of them doing final checks on their weapons, chatting, or just mentally preparing themselves. Suddenly, the deck of the transport thrummed under her and they rose into the air. The blast doors were partially closed, and the exposed slots of light had a faint blue glow to them from the shielding that kept their atmosphere in. Steadily, the ship rose, and the view of the hangar was replaced by the blackness of space. A massive blue turbolaser shot streaked past as the Liberation opened fire on the distant cruisers. The LAAT accelerated, and through the force she could sense the others doing the same, keeping in two single file lines to not interfere with the star destroyers firing arc.
"Alright everyone! We'll be landing in the starboard landing bay on that ship. I need everyone off quickly to make room for the next transport to come in. We have to spread out quickly and overwhelm the defenders before they can set up secure positions!" Obi-Wan called out to the cabin. There were shouts of affirmatives and nods from the troopers.
It didn't take long for them to encounter the first signs of combat, as they started to pass the debris of destroyed starfighters, most of it from the outnumbered Imperial ships, but more than a few were pieces she could identify from their own. Just then, Kittani looked up to the sound of a screaming engine. One of the enemy fighters streaked past, smoke and fire pouring from it as two Republic fighters gave chase. Even then, it still managed to send a stream of blaster fire at the LAAT next to theirs and catch its wing.
"This is 1-2, we're hit, we're hit!" The pilot shouted out.
"1-2, this is Kenobi, can you maintain your course!? Can you keep it together 1-2!?"
"I think so, General! I've got some pressure issues in one of my stabilizers, and I've lost some power in my right engine, but we're holding her up!"
"Understood, you have priority now, you'll be the first ship in, set her down and get back out if you can!" Obi Wan barked.
"1-2 copies, we'll do what we can!" The pilot replied, still sounding focused on keeping his craft together.
Another powerful explosion caused the ship to shake. Kittani searched for its source and noticed one of the Arquitens had detonated from the heavy turbolaser fire. She saw a few escape pods streak away from the ship carcass, but she doubted everyone made it off.
"This is 1-2, we're coming up on the hangar bay now. I'm making my landing run!" The pilot called out again. After a moment, their own pilot replied.
"1-2, you need to reduce your approach speed, you're coming in too hot."
"I'm trying 1-1! Reverse thrusters aren't responding! I can't slow her down! Cutting throttle!" He shouted. "Brace for impact!"
"1-1, get us in that Hangar now!" Obi-Wan barked. Kittani had a bad feeling in her gut. This mission was supposed to go smoothly… and this wasn't smooth.
Their ship touched down in the hangar a few seconds later. Kittani grabbed her lightsaber and nodded to Gant. The Blast doors opened.
"Go go go!" Cody shouted. Kittani jumped from the ship and deflected a blaster shot. The hangar was chaos. 1-2's LAAT had practically plowed through part of it, cutting a hole in whatever defense the enemy had planned, and slammed into one of the ships transports.
"Come on, let's push out and get the LZ set up!" Rex called out, motioning the men forward with one hand as he fired a blaster pistol with the other. "We're on a schedule, times a wasting!"
Kittani deflected another blaster bolt and began to push forward, directing her own squad. "Boil! We're going for the downed gunship, give me some covering fire!" She shouted, continuing her advance on the barricade. A trooper appeared from behind one of the crates they'd gathered and fired, Kittani deflected the bolt back into him before jumping and forcing her blade into his chest plate. For once, she was glad she couldn't see through the trooper's helmets. Discarding the body, she kept pushing on the barricade.
"Come on, up and over boys!" Boil shouted, leaping the barricade as he fired, taking out an enemy trooper on the other side. The rest of the clones started to push over it along with Obi-Wan and the commanders. Gant cut down a trooper as he went over, and Kittani pushed two back with the force as her squad fired on them.
It was then that Kittani noticed the smoke starting to fill the room. She looked to the LAAT that had crashed, and, as she'd feared, it was starting to burn, and she could feel that men were still alive in there. "Boil! Master! The gunship!" She shouted, getting their attention.
"Kittani, help me with that door, it's stuck!" Gant shouted, grabbing the troop bay door with the force. Kittani reached out as well, hearing Rex directing men to cover them. The door started to budge, but not enough. Kittani nodded to Gant, and both plunged their lightsabers into the sliding rails. The door came free, and they moved it to the side with the force.
"Get everyone out, the gunships burning!" Kittani shouted, even as clones started to pour out, more than a few dragging wounded with them. Cody and Rex, along with two other clones, got up to the cockpit of the gunship and forced it open, pulling the two pilots free before leaping away. Obi-Wan nodded to her and Gant once the last of the clones, even the bodies, were out of the gunships troop bay.
"We have to get it out of here before it explodes!" He ordered. "Cody! Warn the incoming gunships to not land till we have this clear!"
Kittani didn't wait, as soon as her Master reached out with the force, she did too, and felt Gant do the same. She focused on cupping the gunship with the force, and then on lifting it. With a shove, they pushed the gunship past the force fields of the hangar doors, then directed it downwards, away from the path of any of the other ships.
"Kix, go ahead and set up a triage center here." Rex ordered. "Second platoon will stay here to keep this hangar secure. First and third platoon will press on to the holding cells!"
Master Kenobi motioned for them to keep moving before plunging his saber into the control panel for one of the doors, forcing it open. "The controls for the cell blocks should be in the center of the ship. If we can overwhelm the guards and free the prisoners, we can take the ship completely." Obi Wan said. Kittani took a deep breath and pushed into the corridor with the others, lightsaber up.
The corridor was empty aside from them, and in the distance Kittani could hear more blaster fire. Cody spoke up, "Sounds like Master Kota's group has their attention for now."
"Good, let's press on and make progress while it's clear. Remember everyone, keep moving, we can't let them pin us down!" Obi-Wan said before starting to move, making his way down one of the corridors using a map. The ship was in turmoil at this point. The defenders trying to respond to multiple boarding parties. They rounded a corner. Master Kenobi to sliced through the barrel of a blaster before cutting down the clone behind it. Kittani deflected a series of blaster shots with her own saber. Gant pushed forward and cut down another clone. Their own troopers charged in directly behind them. They overwhelmed the defenders with both skill and numbers before moving on. Behind the clones were a group of the ships crew who quickly threw their hands up.
"We surrender!" One said, tossing a blaster pistol down and throwing up his hands. The others quickly following suit. Master Kenobi nodded, "You three." He pointed to some of the clones. "Take them back to the hangar and secure them with any other prisoners." Obi-Wan said. "The rest of you, with me."
They didn't slow the pace, and as they neared the prison section, they started to hear the noise. It was a dull roar of shouting voices. Kittani could feel it reverberate through the force. There were a lot of angry, afraid, people nearby. She took a breath, adjusting to the force around her so their emotions wouldn't overwhelm her. Then the noise hit them in full as they opened the doors into the first cell block.
The inside of the prison was chaos. The prisoners hadn't felt the need to wait for rescue to come to them when the ships power had been damaged. Some of the cells had been forced open, and Obi-Wan watched as prisoners and clones fought for control. The clones had the weapons, but the prisoners had the numbers. Some were dog-piling the clone troopers to bring them down and steal their weapons, others already had weapons and were trying to help. However, his eyes were drawn to a group immediately to his front. They'd been right at the door, were organized, armed, and were clearly bewildered at the sight of Jedi. Obi-Wan raised a hand as a sign of peace, motioning for his troops to lower weapons.
"We're friends." He clarified. "These men aren't like the others, we're here to free you." He said.
One of the fighters, a Rodian, spoke up in Huttese. "J…Jedi!? We thought you'd all been killed! Can you help us!?"
"There are some of us left." Obi-Wan said. "And yes, but we must be quick. Do you know where the central controls for the cell blocks are?" He asked.
"Yes, this way, but we were going to make for the armory, to get more weapons. We have to find Mas!"
"Don't worry about weapons, we'll help you find them. And who is Mas?" Obi-Wan asked. He didn't expect Rex to be the one that spoke up.
"Mas?" Rex asked as he looked at Obi-Wan, then the Rodian. "Is Mas a Twi'Lek?" He asked.
The Rodian was surprised, "Y… yes! He's our leader! How do you know hi… Wait, that armor. You were with the Jedi and soldiers who helped us on Coruscant!" The Rodian exclaimed.
"General, I've met these people before, they were refugee's on level 1313 when I went with General Skywalker to find Commander Tano, we helped them!" Rex affirmed.
"Alright, if you can, lead us to the central prison controls, then we'll help you find Mas!" Obi-Wan told the Rhodian, who nodded and started to inform the others. Their groups quickly integrated, and Obi-Wan was surprised to see a strip of prison suit cloth being tied around his shoulder.
"Here, this will make sure everyone knows you're on our side." The Rodian replied with a nod, motioning to show that the same was being done to the clones under his command and the two Padawans. He smiled some and nodded, it was simple, but effective.
"Alright, we move as a unit. I want you to get your people, especially the unarmed ones, into the middle of the group where we can cover them, we have to move quickly." He looked around, many nodded, and those who didn't understand basic had it explained to them. "Everyone, get ready! Let's go!"
Obi-Wan charged forward, pushing into the melee that had enveloped the prison block. He returned a blaster shot to its sender, then struck down another clone that charged him with a stun baton. Around him, his troops and the prisoners kept pushing forward. As they moved and cleared the way, more prisoners joined, building momentum. It didn't take long before he spotted the central control area, where a large group of the remaining enemy clones had gathered behind riot shields to defend it. Obi-Wan didn't hesitate. A blast of the force opened a hole in the shield wall, and his men and the prisoners poured in, taking it down. Obi-Wan himself ran forward and plunged his lightsaber into the sealed door of the control room, forcing it open. Rex and Cody were at his side through the chaos, as were the Padawans. As the door slid open, the two commanders opened fire on the guards inside, cutting down the non-clone officer in command.
Obi-Wan kept on his guard as the last of the opposition fell, watching as the clones cleared the room. He released a breath when Rex gave the all clear. He noticed a weapons rack on the far wall and nodded to the Rodian who was leading the escaped prisoners. "There, some more weapons for your people. Get ready… I'm going to make an announcement over the main intercom. We plan on taking control of this ship, we could use your help."
"If it guarantee's our freedom from the Republic, we will gladly help you Jedi." The Rhodian replied with a nod.
"It isn't the Republic anymore… Chancellor Palpatine has declared it as his new Empire." He said before turning to the intercom and activating it. "This is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Myself along with my fellow Jedi, and loyal clone troopers and troops, are here to free you. There are friendly troops dressed in trooper armor with blue or yellow markings in the prison block. They will not hurt you." He said. He then nodded to the Rodian. "Please, let your people know what to do. I'm going to open the cell block doors." He said, and as soon as the Rodian took over the intercom, Obi-Wan pressed the master release switch, and across the prison, hundreds of cell block doors opened.
Rex was surprised that his helmet baffles had to kick in from the roaring shout that erupted through the prison. The newly released prisoners flooded into the halls and gangways of the cell block, overwhelming the guards. It was impressive to say the least, how much fight these people had in them. They weren't clones like his brothers, but they definitely had the spirit to stand for something.
"Cody, Rex, I think the prison block is under our control now. Let's report to Master Kota and Master Mundi." General Kenobi said. Rex nodded and opened up the comms.
"All units, this is Captain Rex, we are in control of the prison block, we've released the prisoners and they are willing to work with us."
It didn't take long before he had the needed replies. "This is Master Mundi, we're moping up here in engineering, the technicians are already at work making repairs."
"This is Captain Sirat, we have control of the bridge, our technicians are working on restoring full function to the ship. Inform Master Kenobi that Master Kota wants to know if he should try to order the ships crew to evacuate."
Rex tapped on his communications controls. "Alright, you're patched through to the General now, Captain." He said. "General Kenobi, General Kota wants to know if he should try to get the remaining imperials to evacuate."
He watched as the General turned to him and nodded, "Yes, go ahead. I don't know if the clones will or not… but I'm sure the non-clone crew will gladly." He said. "And inform the General that I'm going to contact Anakin to let him know we are working to get the ship back under control."
"Many thanks Master Kenobi, I'll let the General know. Thanks cl…" The soldier on the other end paused, "Thank you, Captain, your men did solid work rescuing our pilots today from that Laartie." He said, and before Rex could reply the line disconnected.
"This is Jedi Master Rahm Kota, speaking to all imperials on board the ship. We have control over the main areas of the ship, and the prisoners are now working with us. You have three choices: flee using the escape shuttles, surrender peacefully, or keep fighting. Out of those three, I would certainly recommend you pick one of the first two. Your ship is under our control now."
Rex sighed, "Well, that might work with the crew, but the clones are going to be much more resistant. Shall I raise comms with the Liberation, General?" He asked.
General Kenobi nodded, "Yes, do so, let them know that we're working on the ship now." He said.
Rex nodded and raised the comms line to the Liberation. "Liberation, General Skywalker, strike team reporting in. We are almost completely under control of the ship and the technicians are working on getting us underway now."
"We hear you Rex, excellent work on board there. We'll keep patrol until that ship makes the jump to hyperspace, then we'll pull out. Liberation, you can prepare to start recovering fighters."
"Understood General Skywalker, we'll get the ventral hangar doors o…" There was a pause. "Hang on, we're detecting something on the scanners, we have five signatures dropping from hyperspace! They're in the system, we're trying to get a reading on them… General, we have five Dreadnaught Class cruisers in the system making for our position!"
"Damn." General Skywalker said, "They must have gotten off a distress signal. Liberation, prepare more fighters for launch, we'll have to cover the prison ship until it can get underway again! Rex, let Obi-Wan and the others know what's going on!"
"Understood General, good luck up there!"
Anakin closed off the comms with the boarding team. "Liberation, we need those extra fighters in the air. We have to hold them off! All airborne flights, form up on me, we're going to make our attack run and hit them hard while they're still deploying."
Anakin swung his fighter around onto the heading that R2 had marked, keeping a slower pace as the other ships rallied into formation. They'd taken losses from the encounter with those new fighters but were still fighting capable. Steadily, Anakin could see the battle-group coming into visible range. "Alright, there they are, looks like they're already launching fighters too. All aircraft, we're going to make a concentrated run on the closest heavy cruiser. This won't be those Arquitens we were up against earlier. Bombers focus your fire on the single target and expend all ordinance, fighters, we're going to escort the bombers and keep a path cleared. Once we make the run, we make for the Liberation."
He received a series of affirmatives and opened the throttle before contacting Ahsoka. "Snips, we can survive a lot more than the others. We need to make ourselves stand out and draw attention to give the others a chance."
"I know, Master. I've got your back." She replied.
Anakin smiled, then took a breath at the next communication that came in. "This is the Liberation, we're nearing firing range. General Skywalker, we're going to plaster the lead ship with the SPHA, and then we'll focus on getting the shields down for the others. Extra starfighters are being launched from our side hangars, but it's going to be a minute."
"Understood Liberation, fire when ready!" Anakin said. After a moment, another blue beam streaked across his vision and impacted the forward most Dreadnaught. In response, the remaining four fired on the Liberation, which replied with its main Turbolaser batteries a moment later.
Anakin put his attention back on the task at hand, especially once the first point defense fire started focusing in on them. "Watch that fire everyone, let's get in and get out."
Anakin could see the fighters now, V-Wings, compared to their V-19 Torrents. Some of the fighters were already turning to meet them. "R2, target the lead fighter." They started to close, and the fire got heavier. Anakin flinched as a friendly fighter next to him was hit. At the last moment, he opened fire, cleaving through his first target. Flashes of blaster fire streaked past him and Anakin snap rolled to dodge the second attacker. Ahsoka fired behind him, downing it as well. The other fighters with them fired on their own passes, some scoring kills and others going down. "Stay on target! All bombers, fire on my command." He flipped over to Proton torpedoes. As soon as his targeting computer hummed with a lock on signal, Anakin rippled off his remaining torpedoes. His shots streaked in and slammed against the strong shields, followed by the bomber's torpedoes. It took multiple to overload that section of the shield, before a few broke through, detonating along the ship.
"Solid effect on target, everyone break off and make for home. Fighters, we have to keep these bombers covered! Ahsoka, let's break off and draw their attention!" Anakin said, breaking off and targeting the fighters that were reorganizing from the first attack wave. He opened fire on another V-wing, clipping it to draw the others attention while also keeping up on the flow of battle.
"Liberation, report, how're you holding up? What's the ETA on the ship getting underway?" He asked while dodging fire.
"We're taking a beating up here General, shields are nearly depleted but we're dishing it out! They're still working on getting the ship underway, General Kota says they need more time!"
"Alright! Do what you can to keep up the fight, but don't put your ship at risk Captain. We'll keep them occupied." He replied.
"Understood Gene… wait! General, we're detecting a flight of starfighters making a run on prison ship! Their shields are still down!"
"We're on it, Captain! Just get more fighters into battle." Anakin said, snapping into a tight turn as he made for the ship. "Ahsoka, on me!"
"On it, Master! These guys aren't happy!" She replied. They still had fighters giving chase. Their fighters were keeping ahead by speed alone, outrunning the clone ships. He could see more of their own craft joining the battle, slowly but steadily. For now though, his focus was on the flight of fighters he was drawing closer towards.
Anakin opened fire with Ahsoka almost simultaneously. Two of the enemy fighters were lit up, exploding in balls of flame. Anakin didn't wait, and used the force to quickly rotate his fighter and set in on the rest of the flight. He felt his ship shudder as a laser bolt caught it from some of the fighters that had followed, but he kept his focus on the attackers, cutting into the flight even more.
"Master, there's too many after us!" Ahsoka said. More fire streaked past his cockpit. Anakin forced himself to focus on the flight in front of him. The fire streaking past him was getting worse. Suddenly the flash of a ripple of concussion missiles surprised Anakin as they streaked into the enemy flight.
"This is Purple leader, we have your six General, we'll mix it up with them!"
"Master, your fighter is hit, it's smoking!" Ahsoka replied.
Anakin glanced back, noticing smoke coming from one of his engines. "R2, what's the damage."
R2 ran a quick diagnostics, and rattled off a series of chirps and whistles. "I've got a coolant leak. Engine heat is rising. I have to get back to the ship! R2, see what you can do to stabilize it."
"Understood Master, I'll keep up the battle here."
Anakin grit his teeth but turned his fighter towards home. R2 chirped again, and Anakin noticed that his engine heat had stabilized for now, but he knew it was temporary. He eased the ship back, watching carefully for any shudders and groans. "Come on, we can get home." He said. "You've got me home before." He reached out with the force, using it to monitor the ship as well. He slipped into the flak protection of the Liberation, and grimaced as he got a good look at it, there was visible damage on the ship, including a few small fires. Moving quickly, Anakin slipped in through one of the Hangar entrances and got his ship landed out of the way, going through an emergency shut down. He lept from the cockpit.
"Come on R2, let's get on the bridge!" He shouted over the sound of battle, launching ships, and the intercom ordering damage control teams around the ship. He broke off at a sprint, making for the main turbolift to the bridge.
"General." Captain Schaack said as his only form of greeting when Anakin arrived on the bridge. Anakin quickly moved to Padme, who had rushed to him as well. He scanned the situation while wrapping an arm around her. The cruiser they'd hit with the initial run had drifted out of formation, but was still putting up some fire. Another cruiser was broken in two and dying, but the remaining three were still going, albeit damaged in some way.
"We can't keep this up much longer, we can't take this damage." He said, raising the comms. "Master Kota, how much longer do you need!?"
"We're almost finished Skywalker…" There was a pause, as Kota looked away. "We have control now, we're going to pull a random jump, we'll meet you at the rendezvous!"
"Understood! Captain, let's get the fighters recovered and get out of here! Focus power to forward shields and open the main hangar doors, let's get everyone aboard and get out of here."
He noticed a flash of light as the prison ship jumped away, and then the dorsal hangar strip opened, exposing the ship. Fighters started to stream aboard, and Anakin noticed they'd managed to badly damage a third cruiser. The remaining two kept up the fire, but were breaking off. The fighters started to land en mass, and soon they reported the last ones aboard. The hangar bays started to closed as the ship rumbled from more hits. Finally, Anakin braced as the ship shot into hyperspace.
"What were our losses today?" Anakin asked as they gathered on the bridge.
Master Kota sighed, "We lost seventeen from my team, plus another eleven wounded. Master Mundi fared slightly better at eight dead and thirteen wounded." He said.
Obi-Wan nodded, "The Clones suffered fourteen losses, plus twenty-three wounded counting the crashed LAATi. We got lucky that a riot was already taking place in the prison block, however, the prisoners lost thirty-nine people and have many more wounded where they were unarmed in the beginning. Never mind the hundreds in the medical bays of both ships recovering from the Empire's treatment."
Anakin sighed, "We lost twenty-one starfighters in the engagement, but we scratched all three Arquitens, dozens of enemy fighters, including all of the new enemy fighters, and three of those heavy cruisers were destroyed or badly damaged. On the downside, the Liberation herself experienced damage along the hull. It won't put the ship out of action, but Captain Schaack reported that it's going to take time to actually repair the ship and that we can't risk combat until then."
"I agree, as much as I want to take the fight to the Empire. We can't risk our main fleet ship and home base. We'll have to scale back our actions and be more cautious." Master Kota added. "Well… enough of loss, what was gained from this?"
Anakin motioned to R2, who brought up a projection of the new fighter. "We got a lot of combat data on these new fighters, enough that we should be able to start looking at them for weaknesses. They definitely outperform our fighters, especially the older V-19's. We might want to consider finding newer fighters that can compete against them."
Padme spoke up, "I spent some time visiting with the wounded down in the sick bay, speaking with them. A few seemed hopeful, but if we want these people's help, we have to show them that we'll help them in turn." She explained. "In addition, I think some of the footage you gave me will help. It showed that people want to stand up to the Empire."
It was then that the door opened. Anakin watched as Ahsoka walked in, followed by Mas and two of his people who helped him walk. The Twi-Lek male looked like he'd seen better days, but he still carried himself with dignity. "I had heard that it was the Jedi we worked with who came to our aid, but I didn't want to believe it till I saw so for myself. Master Skywalker, it is good to see you're doing well."
"Mas, I wish the circumstances were better. You need to rest." Anakin said, seeing how rough the man looked. The Empire hadn't been easy on him. He was badly bruised, one of his eyes was badly swollen, and he had cuts on many places that were exposed, and likely more under the prison jumpsuit. One of his arms was in a cast.
"I will, but first. I want to thank you all for coming to our aid, and I'd like to know what your plans are."
There was silence for a moment, before Padme spoke up. "To resist… to fight the Empire and resist its power in any way we can, and to wait for a day where we can stop Palpatine's tyranny and reform the Republic."
"So, you have joined the Separatists now?" He asked.
"No, we haven't. It is likely that most of the separatists are dead. We made a discovery Mas. Palpatine was a Sith the entire time, a very strong force user who is an enemy to the Jedi. He wanted complete control of the Galaxy and orchestrated the entirety of the Clone Wars to do it. He was in control of both sides the entire time." Anakin said.
"Yes, one of my people, the Rhodian Master Kenobi met, informed me. So much life thrown away just for him to get power. Let me say that if you are willing to fight and resist… many of my people wish to do the same." He stated.
Obi-Wan nodded, "We gladly appreciate the offer of assistance… our goal is to help people see the true atrocities that Palpatine commits. What the empire truly is." He then looked to the others around him. "I think we can all agree that Mas and his people, those who wish to fight, will be welcome to join us."
Padme smiled some, although Anakin knew it wasn't one of happiness so much as relief that others wanted to join them. "Yes, I agree, and we will help those who don't wish to fight as well. Mas, in a short time, there will be a contact of ours arriving who will take you to safety. He worked closely with me when I was in the senate on trying to improve the refugee relocation project that Palpatine left in such a poor state. As such, he knows of multiple planets where your people could be located on to live in peace. He can provide the resources and food to help all of you get started and be independent, as well as finding ways to let everyone help in the fight against the empire. After all, we don't just need pilots and soldiers, but we also need medical personnel, mechanics, and we need food and supplies." She said.
Mas nodded, giving a faint smile, "That will be good… there are many of my people who don't want to fight, but who want to help."
Padme nodded, "I understand, and we have other ways to take action as well. But for now… we need to make sure your people are safe and receiving aid first and foremost."
"Thank you, I will hold you to your word for now. It is appreciated." He said.
"Generals, we're detecting a corvette sized object dropping from hyperspace." One of the crew announced from the operating pit they worked in. "They're opening up a short wave communications line now."
"Understood Lieutenant, patch it through to the command table here." General Kota said.
A holographic image settled in after a moment, and a man wearing an Alderaan Defense Force officer's uniform appeared. "Master Jedi. It's good to see you all. I'm Captain Antilles. We've got a small crew for the prison ship, and we also have a few volunteers to crew the Sundered Heart." He added.
Anakin nodded, "Alright Captain, feel free to dock and we will start getting everything handled." He said. "Mas, it might be a good time to help organize your people for this trip."
"It would, thank you again, Master Jedi, thank you for freeing my people." He said, and with a nod, he turned and left.
Anakin glanced up when he heard Obi-Wan let out a breath, "I feel that we need to ask Master Yoda to call a meeting of the Council. I don't think we will be conducting any large operations using the Liberation until it's been repaired. Until then… we need to figure out what we can do."
Anakin nodded, "I know… I can feel that there are other Jedi out there… and we need a safe place, a planet, where we can all gather. Never mind that the Emperor won't stop hunting for young force sensitives just because we stopped him once."
Padme spoke up as well, "I agree… and we need to start looking for allies as well. I want to try and make contact with a few of friends and allies from the Senate. I know more than a few were opposed to Palpatine's rule, and that they might be willing to secretly aid us."
Anakin looked to her; a bit concerned. "Are you sure Padme? You need to be resti…"
"I'm sure, Anakin. I can't keep sitting around constantly, and this wouldn't strain me, even with the children due. I won't stand by while you try to do so much." She said, raising an eyebrow as a challenge.
Anakin sighed, "Alright, alright, but I'm going to try and go with you if you do. For now… let's just work on formulating ideas until we can arrange a meeting."
Master Kota was the last to speak, "I won't be staying out of the fight either. We have smaller ships, and we can get more. I'm going to look for weak military targets we might be able to strike, and my men and I can help with rescuing other Jedi." He added. "But we'll discuss it more when the time is right. For now, I feel we should all get some rest. It's been a long day."
Anakin nodded, "I can definitely agree with that." He said, before wrapping an arm around Padme, and, with a smile, making for their quarters.
Lord Sidious frowned as the officer before him knelt down and made an apology over the loss of so many ships. Apparently the prison ship carrying the scum from the lower levels of Imperial Center had been attacked and captured. In addition, the three light cruisers escorting it had been destroyed, along with two of the patrol cruisers in that system, with a third badly damaged. Palpatine did his best to seem surprised and outraged, even if the second took little effort to achieve.
"Captain, you have failed me and the Empire gravely so, not only did your failure cost us multiple ships, but it also bolstered the enemies forces by several thousand. I hope you realize you just provided the Jedi with a small army." He sneered, "Such failure cannot go unpunished."
"N...no my lord, please, I beg of you, have mercy." The man pleaded. Sidious gave a smile, one he was glad to say would put no one at ease.
"Oh, I shall be merciful... but you shall wish I wasn't. Captain, for this failure, I am having you transferred into an Imperial Army conscription unit, and your rank shall be changed to that of Private. I hope you can better serve the empire on the front lines of a planet than you did on a ship." He said, before nodding to the two red guards to have the man removed, kicking and screaming. After all, this was a near certain death sentence... but the man had asked for lenience, and he was not dead... yet.
As soon as the man was gone, Sidious smiled. He'd expected the Jedi to come running to the rescue of those people, and it allowed him to see if their ship strength was growing. So far, it seemed they were still limited to only a single Venator, and that small frigate they had 'stolen' from Bail Organa. Sidious had little doubt that Organa harbored some level of support for the remnants, after all, he had been close friends to Amidala and the Jedi. Yet, he could do little of it for now. With no physical proof, and with Organa still a highly popular senator who gave him support in the Senate, eliminating him would be... troublesome.
Today had been successful in other ways though. It had further narrowed where the Jedi were hiding in the Galaxy, and, at least until they had been found, the tracking devices planted on some of the prisoners and the ship itself had let him see where they were operating. In addition, this had proven a solid test for the new TIE fighters. They'd served well against the enemy, especially for their price. Even with all of them lost, replacing them would be a simple matter.
He looked around to the remaining guards and to his faithful Grand Vizier, Mas Amedda. "Mas, inform Sienar Fleet Systems that their new TIE series of fighters are proving to be very acceptable from the combat trials we have conducted. Authorize them to go through with the first order for 100,000 units. I wish to be alone, all of you are to leave me now." He ordered with a wave of the hand. Mas gave a nod, and the Red Guards gave a deep bow, before they all exited his personal throne room. As soon as the door sealed, Sidious gave a wave of his hand, and a side door opened.
"Lord Tyranus, you may enter." He said. His apprentice did so, before kneeling before him.
"What is thy bidding, my Master?" Tyranus asked.
"I wish for a report on our project, how many of the Jedi and force sensitives have turned themselves over to the Dark Side?"
"Some have already done so... the method we decided upon is quite effective. Being forced to slaughter their own drives them from the light." His apprentice said with a nod. "Soon, we will have quite a capable force of Inquisitors and assassins."
"Good, good, and what of our dear guest, Master Windu?" Sidious asked with a grin. The Jedi Master had proven strong in his belief in the light, and to weaken him they'd had to drive him to the bring of death each time, but he had been weakening slowly.
"The light within him becomes less and less with each day. I feel that he will fall soon enough. His own brush with the dark side has proven to be his downfall. Maybe you would wish to see for yourself, my Master?"
Sidious grinned, now that sounded enjoyable. To see the suffering of the one who'd come closest to defeating him, and especially after such a draining day dealing with insolent Senators and groveling military commanders.
Pain. Pain was all that Master Windu had known for a long time. He had no idea of how long he'd been here, there was no outside light, nor any other way of telling the time. He didn't sleep, and instead had come to exist in an unconscious or semi-conscious state, with full consciousness only coming with the pain that periodically coursed through his veins from his 'sessions' with Count Dooku. They'd even denied him the ability to meditate, for every time the force flowed too strongly through him, the binders would activate and an electrical shock had made itself known.
The door in front of his cell whooshed open, and Mace managed to force open his eyes past the exhaustion, as he'd done every time. It wasn't just Dooku this time though, Sidious was there as well. He braced himself, knowing this would hurt.
"Ah, Master Windu, so good to see that you've decided to stay with us." Sidious sneered. "I can feel the hate flowing through you, all of that pent up fear, pain, and exhaustion must be taking its toll. All of this could end if you would embrace the Dark Side. Join me, Mace, and this pain can stop." He heard the honeyed words, oh so tempting... but then Mace growled.
"No. I will not give in to the Dark Side." He gritted out, staring down the yellow eyes of the Sith before him. "I am going to break free from here and kill you... the Jedi will come to my aid." He snapped.
"Will you now? And will they? The Jedi order is dead... all but a few remnants remain. And... I thought you might like to know, Master Yoda seems to have promoted Skywalker to the council, and granted him the rank of Master. They have fled to the far edges of the galaxy, and have abandoned you. Skywalker has replaced you."
Skywalker was a part of the council? That brash man who flaunted the Jedi code? So this must've been what he was after by working with Master Yoda. Windu felt a spike of anger stab into him. How could they let Skywalker be on the Council, he was nowhere near ready. He had broken the code! Mace growled, and for the first time in a while, thrashed against his binders with his one remaining arm, summoning the force to try and break them. The electricity set in again, but he fought to ignore it, he just needed more of the force. He dug deeper, reaching out at whatever the force could give him as the electricity grew stronger. He just wanted this pain to stop, to go away. Then, suddenly, he felt it. The faintest whisper in the force.
I can end your pain. I can stop your suffering. I can help you make all of this go away. Even that whisper seemed to dull the electricity that coursed through his veins. It felt both cold and warm at the same time. Comforting, but foreign. On the edge of passing out. Mace reached out for the force... and without warning it reached out and seized him as well. The pain from the electricity dulled, but the fire of anger in him grew, and it felt good. He felt his old power return, and he managed to glare at the device that controlled the electricity. He fought through it again, as the force lent him this power. Suddenly, the machine was crushed like a piece of flimsy, and the pain was gone. Finally, he'd beaten the pain... and with a triumphant shout, Mace collapsed from exhaustion, letting the darkness of unconsciousness take him.
Palpatine grinned at the limp form of the once proud Jedi before him. Master Windu may not have realized it, but for a moment, that power he had tapped into had made his eyes glow the fiercest of yellow and red.