POV: None
845th Star Corps at the start of the war had been sent off to many different worlds and systems to fulfill their main duty of scouting out Separatist holds and key infrastructure on planets important to run the Separatist War Machine, before reporting back to Republic intelligence on Coruscant for the other much larger battalions to invade.
That all changed when the planet of Liberio located in the Marley Sector was taken over by a Separatist invasion. The planet of Liberio was on the very edge of the Core Worlds with the other two planets, Eldia and Hizuru, sharing the system as well but they were much farther from the border meaning that they were closer to the other Core Worlds.
The 845th at the time was returning to Coruscant after a rather easy assignment in the Mid Rim. The 845th was the best at what they did on the ground. The Clones ARF armor was not for show or style. However this meant that most of the 845th had never seen intense combat before and were rather green in large scale battles. This included their lack of experience in space combat as well with their fleet made up of three Acclamator Assault Ships and twelve Arquitens Light Cruisers, fifteen ships in all. A rather green fleet but it was much larger than those that attack Separatist planets head on.
Despite this, when Jedi General Erwin Smith received the distress signal from Liberio, he answered.
The battle lasted a good eight hours. In that time the 845th lost five ships. One Acclamator the Maria, and its four supporting Light Cruisers, Shiganshina, Ragato, Dauper and the Paradis. While a fifth of the 845th fighting force was blown into space dust they managed to drive the Separatist Invading force from the planet. What happened an hour later was the start of the longest battle ever seen during the Clone Wars, it matched the intensity of even greater battles such as Sarrish and both Invasions of Geonosis. If it was not for the charismatic skills of Jedi General Erwin Smith and the clever tactics of his newest Padawan Armin Arlert then the Clones would have never been able to take the planet.
When the Clones first landed they were already out of their depths. Many thought that they would be going after B1 and B2 Battle Droids with an unknown amount of armored units and Destroyer Droids mixed in.
They were wrong.
Stalking the desert mountains and cliffs of the Mesas of Liberio were the fast and deadly Hailfire droids that had been rarely seen since the first battle of Geonosis. They outmatched the speeds of the clones AT-RTs and Speeder Bikes all the while raining rockets down on trenches and ranks that marched through the rough terrain.
Waiting for the Republic's Grand Army in the thick, chest high, grass of the Savannas were Crab Droids of all shapes and sizes. The tall grass hid them well. Only spotted either by Clones on a higher vantage point such as a particularly tall tree or hill. But most of the time the Crab Droids were not seen until they were on top of the Clones' positions and firing their blasters.
In the wide and open grassland plains, the Clones were still denied an equal playing field. When the warm rays of sun casted onto the ground in the morning all the way to the late evening, Vulture and Hyena Droids swarmed the sky. The Vulture Droids would strafe the Clone lines and spread them out, away from any heavy tanks the rather lightly armoured 845th had access to in the beginning of the campaign while the Hyena Bombers lived up to their name and took said heavy tanks out with little flack from the Clones on the ground. In the dark of the night the grassy fields would be home to Commando Droids. They shot at the Clones from miles away and snuck into camps killing higher ranking troopers or detonating bombs causing mass chaos.
The only safe place from the droids was the dense pine forests. But even there the Clones had trouble. The brush was too thick to allow the entry of vehicles and cutting down trees would allow the droids to rain down bombs in their sleep. However there was a reason why droids left the pine forests alone. Nexu Cats. While the Clones were safe in numbers those who got lost or turned their backs were rarely seen again but their screams could be heard echoing in the woods. Simply put, the Droids allowed nature to do their job for them.
Only in the cities and towns were large numbers of B1 droids actually seen.
In other words the year long fighting on Liberio was pure hell. During this six Jedi were assigned, this included Master Erwin Smith and—six months after the first battle—the newly promoted Knight Armin Arlert. Aside from them were the Jedi Sentinel Hange Zöe and her former Padawan Jedi Guardian Mikasa Ackerman. Finally were the Master and apprentice duo of Jedi Knight Levi Ackerman and Padawan Eren Yeager. To say the least the Clones were not the only ones to suffer.
Leading from the front were Erwin and Armin. They saw the most fighting. Master Erwin had gone as far as losing his right arm in order to save two dozen of his men from a bombing raid. The other four were spread around the planet with Hange and Mikasa in the Mesas hunting for hidden droid forts and possible droid factories—of which they found a good number of. Levi and Eren when they weren't fulfilling the 845th actual job of scouting, they were in older Z-95 Headhunters, giving air support to everyone on the planet when they could.
But after a year of costly fighting with many hardships and trials that tested both the Clones and the Jedi alike and pushed them to their limits, it was when the capital of Liberio was finally taken, that it had all ended.
POV: Erwin
Jedi Master and General of the 845th walked peacefully through the streets of the Capital city of Liberio, his robes—or at least what was left of the torn and tattered mud stained brown cloth—bellowed behind him as he merely observed the city he was in. It was hard to believe that only a week ago he was leading an army into the city center. His ears remembering the sounds of fearful cries as he and the clones charged into the lines of parading battle droids. Blaster bolts flying right and left. Coming from houses, rooftops, the streets…
He closed his eyes trying to forget the memory. When he opened his eyes he realised that he was in front of a fountain, the one located at the center of the city's town square. He had not realized that he walked that close without noticing it sooner.
The fountain was large and circular. It sloped like a cone giving the crystal clear water a strange but entrancing waterfall effect. The Cone was shaved off at the top and hollowed allowing the water to flow freely. Somehow through all the fighting, not once was it hit. Erwin found it remarkable how something so simple could stay standing when the city's protective walls that stood close to four stories high and buildings ranging from large apartment complexes to small stores and shops fell down like a house of cards curing the first artillery bombardment. At the top of the fountain was a statue with its arms stretched wide. It was a statue of Willy Tyber. Most likely made not long after his conquest of his home planet.
Erwin noticed words engraved into the stone, …Let Us Start A New Life From The Darkness… Erwin read. He would have found it strange why the statue had the words from an ancient Eldian war song engraved into it if he hadn't looked into Willy Tybers rise to power. He was an Eldian masquerading as a Marleyan…
Erwin found it slightly amusing. In ancient times it was the Marleyans who ruled over both Eldia and Hizuru with an iron fist. It was why the sector was named the Marleyan Sector in the first place. But after two separate revolutions did the planets gain their independence. Now millennia later, an Eldian hidden in plain sight takes control of Liberio forcing its people to endure battles and starvation for a whole year.
Despite being a Jedi, Erwin was still rather connected to his roots on Eldia. As was his former Padawans Armin Alert and Levi Ackerman despite the latter only being Half-Eldian. It was something that they had introduced to the Clones as well, as a way to keep up morale. It wasn't much at first, just introducing code words from the Eldian language and songs from times past. But it grew into a culture among the 845th.
Many even began to take on rather normal names from Eldian origin which were seen as rather peculiar to the eyes and ears of the Clones in other battalions who had encountered their brothers during periods of shore leave.
However Erwin didn't mind. After living in the Jedi Temple for so long it gave him a strange sense of nostalgic familiarity. He cleared his head when he sensed footsteps heading towards his direction. Turning he saw his second in command, Commander Pixis.
"Commander Pixis, a fine day for a stroll wouldn't you say?" Erwin initiated the conversation as he turned his head back to the fountain with his arms folded behind his back. Commander Pixis walked up next to Erwin, copying the Jedis' stance out of habit and looked up to the clear blue sky above their heads.
"Hmm… that it is, General, that it is…" Pixis lowered his head and looked at the fountain. "I still find it hard to believe that we're here."
Erwin closed his eyes and allowed a strained smile to settle on his face. "I know what you mean. Even now the battle has not stopped. Armin is elsewhere hunting down droid forces that may still be active while Hange and Mikasa are… tomb raiding for lack of better terms, in order to find anything that might have been left behind or overlooked in the Mesas. As for Levi and Eren they should be arriving later today with the Senator." Pixis nodded, taking in everything that was said.
"Speaking of Commander Arlert, the boys back at the command post just got word that he found a hidden ammunition storage that the droids seemed to have left behind. They are asking for reinforcements to move everything. After all the fighting here might be finished but those bombs and blasters might help the brothers out in the Outer Rim."
"I see. Commander you're dismissed, see to it that you get some rest, I'll head over to the command post and contact Armin myself." Erwin ordered. Pixis froze for a moment before slowly nodding.
The Commander was not new to instances when his Jedi General would tell him to take a break or rest but that was before Liberio. Since then the main mentality of the 845th was, 'if you have time to rest you have time to fight.' Many Clones and the Jedi have had sleepless nights since the year began. Sometimes it felt like weeks would mold together and feel like only a day.
Saluting Erwin, Pixis left the Jedi to his own devices and made his way to the barracks.
POV: Armin
Awaiting his call to be transferred to the command post in the capitol, from inside of his unit's Clone Turbo Tank nicknamed the Juggernaut by many, was the blonde haired Jedi Knight Armin Arlert.
The blonde haired Jedi tapped the side of the Holotable board. While he normally had the patients of a saint—something he needed to have given who was in his Youngling Clan back at the Jedi Temple—Armin felt his patients had decreased over the years he had been stationed on Liberio.
But today was worse than usual. Since he woke up in his bunk he shared with the unit he lead, he had a feeling like something big was about to happen. While he was no 'Seer' he had a good track record of predicting the worst—whether it was a good skill or not he couldn't decide. And it was that feeling that was grating on his nerves.
Trying to take his mind off of it he looked around the room for anything to distract him. His eyes landed on a screen that displayed the Tank he was in. Seeing the image made him think about the vehicle.
The Juggernaut Tank was one of the few heavy vehicles that the 845th had access to since most had been destroyed. Besides the Juggernaut the only tanks left in the 845th arsenal are three AT-TE's and eight AV-7 Anti-Vehicle Artillery Cannons that were brought in and used for the final battle in order to destroy the Ray-Shield that covered the city.
He would have continued his line of thought but the Holotable made a noise alerting him that his signal was finally received. Appearing at eye level was a holographic image of his Master.
"Master It's good to see you—"
POV: Erwin
—I hope that all is well in the Capitol?" Erwin heard his former Padawan ask. The Jedi Master couldn't help but smile at the sight of his most recent Padawan. The boy was smart and he made Erwin feel proud that he had grown so much since they first met each other. The Jedi Master was sure that if Armin were not force sensitive that he would be an explorer or a great commander in the Republic Army.
Smiling Erwin responded, "Yes Armin, everything here is alright. And please I'm not your Master anymore, call me by my name."
"Of course Master." Armin said with a smile. The banter between the Jedi Master and his former Padawan got a few quiet chuckles from the Clones in the room. Erwin shook his head but a smile of his own had formed on his face. When he had taken the boy as his Padawan he was very surprised how different he was compared to his first Padawan, Levi Ackerman. It was strange at first but he found the change nice.
"Alright enough joking around and back to the matter at hand," Erwin said, schooling his features. "The Commander told me that you found a Separatist Supply Cache, I assume you have already catalogued everything?"
"Yes Master, I'm surprised how much we found. If Willy Tyber had used any of this I'm positive that we wouldn't have been able to take the Capitol, we really lucked out." Armin said grimly. Like the flick of a switch the mood within the Command Center grew somber. Erwin would not be surprised if this news got around before sunset. For elite soldiers the Clones had a habit of gossiping—it was not like some of the Jedi were better at this, mind you. At the very least the battles were over so the Clones wouldn't be too demoralized by the news.
"I see…" Was all Erwin could say. "Stand by Amrin, I'll see to it that reinforcements are directed to your area to help. How much is there?"
"Well, considering that Liberio was the only Separatist hold in the Core, I was hoping we could redirect an Acclamator into low orbit overhead. It should have enough space to hold everything and it will make the process much faster." Armin said.
Erwin tapped his chin. Armin did make a point and one less support ship around the planet would make little difference since they had taken the planetary Hypervelocity Cannons on the ground. "I'll see what I can do. May the Force be with you."
"And with you as well Master."
POV: Pixis
Pixis woke up several hours later in his bunk feeling groggy and with a stiff back. He had fallen asleep with his armor on, paranoia from the fighting had yet to leave his mind. Despite the back pain he felt safer.
Rolling out of bed he made sure not to hit his head on the upper bunk. After a good stretch the commander looked to the blast door and exit to the barracks. He should probably meet with the General since he had been asleep for several hours now. But before that… reached under his bunk and pulled out a glass bottle.
It was Marleyan Wine.
Commander Pixis was not ashamed to admit that he and many of the others in the unit had raided empty houses in search of the alcoholic beverage. 'Spoils of War,' were what the guilty minded called it. Those who didn't give a Womp-Rats ass about feeling guilty said that it was what they were entitled to after the losses they suffered.
And Pixis belonged to the latter group.
Giving a quick look around the Commander took off his helmet and popped the bottle open. The smell and sound of the wine being exposed to the outside filled him with joy. This was not the first time Pixis had drank wine or an alcoholic beverage. His first was in a small nameless town that they found abandoned. In the seller of one of the houses was a whole rack of wine. He remembered that day well. Even the General and his Padawan joined in. Ever since then he was addicted to the drink.
In one swift motion, Commander Pixis lifted the bottle up and took a great big drink of it, downing a third in one go. While he liked to savor his food, drinks like the one in his hand, made him feel like they had to be downed in one go.
Standing still for a few seconds, allowing the drink to settle in his stomach, he moved to close the bottle wanting to save some for later. Hiding it back under his bunk he placed his helmet firmly back onto his head and left the barracks with a slight sway in his step. But no-one was none the wiser.
POV: Erwin
After making contact with Armin, Erwin had stayed in the command center to reposition the fleet and make sure that Armin received his reinforcements. As he did he felt a sharp pain pass through his head. Whatever it was lasted less than a second but made his forehead be covered in a layer of sweat. Something happened to someone close to him. He could feel it though one of his force bonds.
The sound of a blaster clicking off its safety was all the warning he received, before everything went to hell.
POV: Pixis (Moments Before)
Commander Pixis' mind was elsewhere as he walked—stumbling occasionally—to the command center. He stopped however when his communicator beeped. Pulling it out he answered.
"Commander Pixis' here." He started as the hologram booted up. What he saw was a man wearing a black robe that covered his face.
"Commander Pixis, Execute Order 66," Before Pixis could respond the holoprojector shut off. Pixis stood there for a moment. Trying to figure out what the figure meant. Raising his arm to his helmet's speaker he contacted his second in command that was on the planet.
"Captain Moblit, this is Commander Pixis, do you read me?" Pixis called. There was a little static but he was soon answered.
"This is Moblit, I read you loud and clear Sir."
"I was just contacted by the Chancellor, he said something about err… 'Executing Order 66,' my mind is a little fuzzy and I know you love reading those reg manuels, that was Order 66 again?" Pixis asked. The more he said those words the more his head hurt for some reason. It made him wonder if he had drunk a bad bottle of wine. When the other line went silent Pixis was worried that something had happened.
"Captain Moblit—"
"Understood Sir." Without another word the line was cut leaving Pixis standing there with his arm raised.
—well that was rude, better check in on the General…"
POV: Erwin
Erwin felt out of breath as the last Clone fell. It was only due to quick thinking that he was able to survive. Who would have thought that pulling the Clone's blasters from their hands would have made them easier to deal with? As he tried to catch his breath he heard the door slide open.
"What the hell went on in here!?" Spinning around Erwin saw Commander Pixis standing in the doorway. Raising his saber up he stood defensively.
"Whoa! General, what are you doing!?"
"I don't know commander, why don't you ask me why my men just tried to shoot me in the back?" Erwin demanded.
"I don't— what? N-no that's not possible they would have never done that!" Pixis yelled. The Clone Commander felt his mind spinning. Had his troops really tried to kill the General? If so, then why? "General I do not have even the foggiest idea of what's going on here." Pixis said.
Before either of them could say something the Command Center's second blast door slid open to reveal five troopers with their blasters at the ready.
"There's the Jedi!" One shouted.
"Blast him!"
Chu!
Chu!
Chu!
Chuchu!
Erwin pivoted on his heel and deflected the lasers into the walls leaving scorch marks. The next several volleys of blaster fire he switched between redirecting and deflecting the lasers back to their senders.
The last Clone, instead of firing his blaster, pulled a Thermal-Imploder off his belt and was about to arm it only for a blue laser to hit him in the chest. Erwin turned to see the shaken form of Commander Pixis who was holding a smoking blaster.
"I think I believe you now, General." Pixis said.
Erwin frowned grimly. "Come, I have a feeling that this is more than a simple mutiny."
POV: Pixis
Commander Pixis and Master Erwin fought through the hallways of the command center. They moved quickly, meeting little resistance as they ran. However when they made it out all hope of escaping left their reach.
In a semi-circle around the Command Centers entrance was more than half the city's garrison including two AT-TE's that were still arriving from down the street.
Pixis couldn't help but let out a rueful laugh. "So much for seeing the end of the war, right General?" Standing next to him Erwin turned to face him with a smile.
"It was an honor to serve with you Commander. I only wished that we had more time." Erwin said, turning away.
"Well Sir, I always did want to go out in a blaze of glory. Given our advanced aging they probably would have put me behind a desk within a year."
"Well then, I hope you get your wish… say, do you remember what I said before we charged the city?"
"Hmm, 'Shinzou wo Sasageyo,' if I remember correctly… what did it mean again?"
"Dedicate your hearts, Commander, Dedicate your hearts." Erwin said
"Hahaha! Of course you said that, well let's dedicate our hearts one last time?"
"Yes, one last time indeed."
POV: None
Across the city civilians could hear the sounds of blaster fire. Many ran to cover while others stayed frozen, too scared to move from where they stood. The blaster fire lasted no more than a minute. A day later when people walked near the Town Square where the Clones Command Center was located, they would see a large scorch mark on the ground with two human shaped shadows burnt into the ground.
When asked about it no one was given an answer by the Clones. By the end of the week the brick that was damaged was replaced but the people would not forget about the shadows burnt into the ground. The truth would be hidden for many years before it came to light.
(A.N. Sorry for the lack of updates! My Grades had been less than great and I needed to get those up before I could write anymore)