Disclaimer – all original Star Wars characters in this fanfic (excluding my OC's) are the property of Lucasfilm and Disney.
Chapter 50 "Cat and Mouse."
An impenetrable defense! Separatist droid army invaded the resource-rich planet of Christophsis, trapping the Senator of the planet Alderaan, Tar Darrou, who took the place of the former Senator and now Viceroy of Alderaan, Bail Organa.
Desperate to aid the Senator, a Republic task force under the command of Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker must break the impasse. But time runs short for the Senator and the good citizens of Christophsis.
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Resolute, Command Deck.
Due to its resources and strategic location, planet Christophsis became the target of the Separatist Alliance. Darth Vundus sent the droid army under General Whorm Loathsom and Komari Vosa to capture Christophsis. At the same time, Admiral Trench blockaded the planet with a fleet consisting of at least 23 Munificent-class star frigates, at least six Lucrehulk-class Battleships and his own Providence-class Dreadnought named Invincible, to prevent Republic forces from intervening.
The Republic responded by sending a relief force under Senator Tar Darrou to aid the people of Christophsis, but they became trapped with Republic troops in the eastern exurbs during the invasion.
While Christophsian rebels fought the Separatists, the Christophsians eventually pled for Republic help due to worsening conditions and depleting supplies. The Republic dispatched Jedi Generals Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to disrupt the blockade and deliver Senator Darrou's relief supplies. Anakin was sent in advance with a fleet of Star Destroyers, while Kenobi and Clone Commander Cody followed behind in Kenobi's flagship, the Negotiator.
As the two fleets engaged with each other between the planet Christophsis and Leesis, its terrestrial moon, Anakin contacted Senator Darrou. Aboard his own Venator-class star destroyer called the Resolute, the Jedi Knight, together with Admiral Yularen, looked at the holographic image of the Aderaanian Senator, who conversed with them from the surface of Christophsis.
"Separatist forces have overrun our position," said the Senator as another explosion forced him to duck. Tar Darrou was a middle-aged man with short blonde hair, fair skin, and brown-colored eyes. "We're out of food, water and munition. Our situation is desperate and-"
His holographic image began to flicker until it vanished completely, and the transmission was cut off. "Senator Darrou? Senator Darrou!" Anakin called but without any response.
"General!" A clone navigator drew his and Admiral's attention and pointed at a nearby star destroyer, which had a part of its hull pierced by a turbolaser cannon barrage. "Another ship has been hit!"
"Master Kenobi better arrive here soon or this will be a very short rescue mission," Anakin noted. As the two fleets continued to battle, the Invincible advanced towards the Resolute.
"The command ship is bearing down on us!" stated Admiral Yularen. "Full forward shields! Incoming fire!"
The Providence-class Dreadnought, who had better range, began to shoot at the Resolute. The star destroyer began to shook from the attack but managed to remain in one piece. "This isn't gonna be easy," said Anakin.
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Invincible, Command Deck.
"Fire all forward cannons, cut off those Republic supply ships," Admiral Trench ordered as he sat and watched the battle. A tactical droid, TI-99, stood right beside him in silence. Like all Harches, Trench had six arms and six red eyes arranged in a semicircle and a pair of chelicerae near his mouth. He had grey skin covered in thick brown hair.
The Harch Admiral stroked his chelicerae and stood up, holding his swagger stick in his three-fingered hand. "Separate them from their escort cruisers," he added with a clicking sound as he talked. "I smell fear, and it smells good."
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Resolute, Command Deck.
Just like Trench ordered, his ship aimed at the Republic supply ships. The shields of the smaller ships had no chance against such firepower, and the ship was completely torn apart. "General, of the supply ships had been hit," announced one of the clone navigators, who sat and watched the display console in a duel crew pit.
"Over-fire all reactors," Anakin instructed, looking at the command ship through the viewport. "We're gonna blow right past this guy, whoever he is."
Another clone navigator stood up from his console and quickly spoke, looking up at the Jedi Knight. "General, a Republic cruiser is coming out of hyperspace behind us."
Anakin turned around, sensing his former Jedi Master. "Obi-Wan," he said with a smile.
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Negotiator, Command Deck.
When the star destroyer left the hyperspace and headed towards the Republic fleet, Obi-Wan and Commander Cody observed the whole battlefield on a display console. "Looks like General Skywalker has already engaged the enemy," noted Cody.
"That's nothing out of the ordinary," Obi-Wan replied impassively, leaning against the console and arching his eyebrows. "Especialy since I gave him a direct order not to."
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Invincible, Command Deck.
"The Republic ship is not breaking off its attack," noted the TI-99 as the Resolute and the other Republic ships continued to press forward towards the planet.
"Hold the line," replied Admiral Trench. "Intensify forward deflectors."
The droid pilots did as they were told. The Invincible continued to cover the Republic's fleet with laser fire, with the Resolute taking most of the attack.
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Resolute, Command Deck.
Obi-Wan contacted Anakin via holo, and when his holographic image appeared right next to the image of the battlefield on the display console, the Jedi Master immediately spoke to his former Padawan. "Anakin, I want you to withdraw."
"Withdrawn?" Anakin, who was focused on the enemy command ship, turned around and asked in disbelief.
"I brought a new toy that may give us an advantage," Obi-Wan replied calmly.
"With respect, General, this may not be a bad time to regroup," Admiral Yularen added, supporting Obi-Wan'd decision.
Anakin was silent for a moment as he observed the holographic display of the battlefield and pondered. Finally, he accepted Obi-Wan's decision and looked at Admiral Yularen. "Tell the transports to fall back to Obi-Wan's position, we'll cover their retreat as they escape behind the moon."
When Obi-Wan's holographic image vanished, Anakin sighed and said under his nose. "I don't like this, I hope Obi-Wan knows what he's doing."
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Invincible, Command Deck.
While the Separatist fleet continued to fire, the Republic ships began to turn around and retreat, covering the supply transports. "They are escaping," said the tactical droid. "Should we go after them?"
"No!" Admiral Trench replied immediately with a clicking sound. "Our orders are to blockade, not chase. I have won this round." The Harch clicked again and spoke to the B1 battle droids. "Recycle the shields and let the cannons reset to a full charge."
"Roger, Roger," the droids complied.
"The enemy will soon return and when they do," Admiral Trench sat down and clicked excitedly. "We shall be ready for them."
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Negotiator, Hangar.
When the Republic fleet retreated behind the moon of Christophsis, Anakin took a Nu-class attack shuttle and flew from the Resolute to the Negotiator. As he landed in the ship's hangar and left the shuttle, he immediately spotted Obi-Wan.
"Well, here I am," he said as the clone troopers saluted. "Tell me about this new weapon."
"You're looking at it," Obi-Wan said as Anakin stooped in front of him and looked around. "I'm looking at what?" the Jedi Knight asked, not seeing anything out of the ordinary.
"Two steps forward and you'd actually be kissing it," Obi-Wan said, raising his hand and knocking on something that wasn't visible to the naked eye. A clone trooper, who stood beside them, pressed a button on his datapad. A humming sound echoed in the hangar as a long pencil-shaped ship decloaked itself in front of Anakin's eyes. "It's a stealth ship," Obi-Wan stated, leaning his back against it.
"Hmm, it's like Deiven's ship," Anakin noted.
"It's not as advanced," Obi-Wan replied. "It was manufactured by Sienar Design Systems, who focus on unique starship designs and experimental technologies. They don't have Rakatan technology so we can't count on the same level, but it has to suffice."
"I assume scanners can't detect it?" Anakin asked.
"As far as we know," Obi-Wan answered. "Still, this is the first real field test, but I'm sure you'll be up for a challenge."
"So, I can move in undetected and take them out from behind," Anakin said as he already planned for the fight. "It's a pretty small ship to destroy a whole fleet. Are there more?"
"No, this is the only prototype," Obi-Wan replied. "The cloaking technology's enormous expense and maintenance requirements discouraged the Galactic Republic Navy from commissioning additional stealth ships. But either way, you won't be on the offensive. I need you to run down a mercy mission down to the planet's surface. The ship can carry enough supplies for Senator Darrou's headquartes."
"Oh, I'm the delivery boy now?" Anakin asked with a displeased tone. "We don't need the whole fleet, I can do this myself."
"Anakin, slow dow and do what I tell you," Obi-Wan asked. "It's more important to save lies than destroy ships. I need you to continue the mercy mission. The Republic and the Jedi Order is already losing too much as we speak."
"What do you mean?" Anakin crossed his arms over his chest.
"A short while ago, three Jedi Knights decided to leave the Order," Obi-Wan answered. "While it's not a big number, the Jedi Order doesn't have the luxury to lose members. Of course we can't forbid someone to leave, it's their decision. Just like the Chancellor and the Senate can't forbid someone from leaving the Republic. A few lesser planets already decided to do so and join the Kingdom of the Force instead."
"Hmmm..." Anakin nodded. "Let's just hope the Separatist have the same amount of trouble."
"True, I would made the war more fair," Obi-Wan admitted.
Planet Tatooine, Northern Dune Sea, Jabba's Palace.
Jabba's palace was a large sandrock and durasteel complex located at the fringes of the Northern Dune Sea, a vast stretch of desert. The structure was a fortress with a defensive design that focused primarily on protection from attack. It was accessible on land by a single dirt road that stretched through a canyon. Originally erected as a monastery of the B'omarr Order, the buildings eventually fell into the hands of two major crimelords: first, an outcast and gang leader called Alkhara and later Jabba the Hutt, a notorious crime lord from Nal Hutta.
Using the Silent Shadow, Zai'shira traveled to the planet Tatooine to have a conversation with Jabba the Hutt. She landed the ship in front of the palace and descended the ramp, closing it behind her. Immediately after, the gate of the palace was raised, and a pale-skinned Twi'lek with red-colored eyes, accompanied by two Gamorrean guards, approached Zai'shira.
"ArchKnight Zai'shira," the Twi'lek bowed his head respectfully. "I'm Bid Fortuna, the majordomo of the wise and powerful Jabba the Hutt. We have been expecting you." The Twi'lek gestured the Togruta to follow him. "Please, this way. The guards will make sure no one will try to steal or tamper with your ship." The two Gamorreans approached the Silent Shadow with large axes and began to stand guard.
Zai'shira knew that this friendly atmosphere and manners were just a manipulation. The Hutt ordered his men to be friendly, but in reality, he would be more than happy to see the faction crumble. However, while Jabba was greedy, cruel, and fond of violent entertainment, he wasn't stupid and knew what power the Kingdom possessed.
The ArchKnight followed the majordomo inside the palace. As he led her deep into the subterranean chambers of the complex, Zai'shira heard an upbeat, swinging genre of music called Jizz, and cheers of all kinds. She also smelled a spiced t'bac, a mild drug that was smoked. Finally, the two reached the throne room.
Reposing on a large dais backed by a rotisserie cooker, Jabba oversaw the gathered masses he permitted to enjoy his company. The likes of bounty hunters, assassins, smugglers, and more filled out the crowded alcoves of the chamber, many of whom plotted to one day overthrow the Hutt or kill him.
At the center of the room, the polished stone floor gave way to a viewing grille which looked down upon a large pit where Jabba's beasts would fight, entertaining the Hutt and his depraved guests. A trap door in the floor in front of Jabba's dais could be opened by a trigger mechanism in the Hutt's hookah pipe, dropping threatening or otherwise bothersome guests into the pit to be devoured.
Zai'shira noticed Jabba's private band, the Max Rebo Band. The band, headlining vocalists Sy Snootles and Joh Yowza, performed at Jabba's whim, occupying a loft directly off the chamber.
The largest alcove in the room, hosting the stairs to the Dancers' Pit, band lounge, and the massive private elevator that ferried Jabba up to his private chambers, was also home to a wall of trophies collected by the Hutt. Amongst these items were the taxidermied heads of a jerba and tauntaun.
Bid Fortuna approached Jabba and whispered close to his face. Jabba hummed loudly and raised his hand for the music to stop. When Zai'shira approached the dais, a pink-colored protocol droid approached Jabba, who began to speak in Huttese. The protocol droid, TC-70, translated his words with a feminine voice. "The great Jabba the Hutt greets you in his palace, ArchKnight Zai'shira."
Zai'shira nodded and replied. "I'm glad you decided to talk with me."
Jabba spoke once again, and TC-70 translated. "Mighty Jabba asks, what is the purpose of your arrival."
"I came here to warn you, Jabba," Zai'shira replied. "Your son, Rotta, is in danger. He'll be kidnapped."
Whispers and gasps filled the throne room but were quickly silenced by Jabba's growl. The Hutt spoke loudly, and the protocol droid spoke. "The great Jabba asks who would dare to kidnap his... punky muffin."
Zai'shira arched her white eyebrow marking but didn't comment on the strange nickname. Instead, she answered. "The Sith will send an assassin to kidnap your son in attempt to blame it on the Jedi. They work together with Ziro the Hutt, who wants to remove you from power and gain control over the Hutt clan. The Republic will help you, but in exchange, they'll want to use the Hutt's trading routes for safe passage within the Outer Rim."
Jabba growled and narrowed his large orange eyes. He spoke again, looking at the Togruta suspiciously. "The might Jabba ask why he should believe you," the protocol droid translated.
"The greatest weapon of our Kingdom is knowledge and information," Zai'shira replied. Of course, she didn't intend to reveal that they have spies in each faction, but she had other ways of convincing the Hutt, using his ego and pride. "I have a special ability, I can see the future thanks to the Force. Back when I was a Jedi, I used that ability often, but the Jedi weren't smart enough to believe me when I warned them about the return of the Sith and the war. However, I'm sure you'll be much smarter than them."
The Hutt hummed and scratched his chin. After a few moments, he spoke, and TC-70 translated. "The all-powerful Jabba will take your warning seriously, but will be displeased if you're lying. However, he's curious why do you help him in the first place."
"I'm also a parent and I know how hard it is to lose a child," Zai'shira replied. "If, despite everything, Rotta will be kidnapped, don't hesitate to ask the Kingdom for help."
Jabba looked at her and hummed quietly. He spoke slowly and even somewhat calmly. "The mighty Jabba will keep it in mind," TC-70 translated.
Zai'shira nodded and turned on her heel, leaving the throne room. She had quite enough of that smoke and needed some fresh air.
When the Togruta left the palace, she noticed a few Jawas standing far away and looking at the Silent Shadow. The two Gamorreans did their job and didn't let anyone near her ship.
The ArchKnight nodded to the two guards, who oinked raggedly and walked away, heading back to the palace. Zai'shira entered the Silent Shadow and started the engines. The moment she took off, she also contacted the Temple of Balance.
Deiven's holographic image appeared before her. "So how was your mission?" he asked.
"I told Jabba about the kidnapping, but he won't be able to do anything despite being prepared for it," Zai'shira replied. "Events will happen so his son will be kidnapped and Jabba will ask us to rescue his son."
"And then neither the Republic or the Separatists will have access to the Hutt's trading routes," Deiven stated.
"Exactly," Zai'shira nodded. "Any news from Christophsis?
"They're still fighting," Deiven replied. "I believe Anakin will manage to break the blockade and reach the surface with the supplies."
"I hope you're right," Zai'shira replied. "See you on Zulio."
Deiven nodded, and his image vanished. Zai'shira left the planet's orbit and jumped into hyperspace.
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, IPV-2C Stealth Corvette.
Before Anakin began his mission, Admiral Yularen, who had noticed a familiarity with the enemy's tactics during the earlier engagement, researched the markings on the Invincible and confirmed that it belonged to Trench, whom he had personally fought in the Battle of Malastare Narrows. Concerned by his findings, Yularen reported his suspicions that the enemy commander was none other than Trench. Because he had seen the Admiral's work firsthand at Malastare, he volunteered himself as a consort to Skywalker's mission; he believed that he could be of service to Skywalker during the inevitable encounter that they would have with Trench. Skywalker accepted Yularen's offer and welcomed him to his crew aboard the stealth ship.
With Clone Commander Blackout and trooper CT-1284, nicknamed "Spark", the last of the stealth ship's crew, at their stations and ready for takeoff, the stealth ship powered up and prepared for departure. Skywalker piloted the ship out of the Negotiator's main hangar bay and toward the heavily armored Separatist fleet, engaging his craft's cloaking shield just as it came out from behind the moon. Remaining undetected by Trench and the rest of his blockade, Skywalker and Yularen slipped right past an ignorant Munificent-class frigate, with enough alarming closeness to leave Yularen worried about alerting the enemy to their presence.
Conferring with his tactical droid aboard the Invincible, Trench found that resistance on Christophsis was crumbling, and the droid offered his estimation that it would be a half rotation more before it was completely over. Intending to add some pressure on those who had been sent to rescue Darrou, Trench dispatched his Hyena-class bombers to attack Darrou's camp on the surface in order to draw his enemies out from behind the moon. The squadron of bombers, accompanied by fighter escort, launched from the Separatist fleet. Their path to the surface inadvertently headed them straight for Skywalker's stealth ship, despite Trench's continued unawareness of the craft.
Despite Yularen's belief of the contrary, the bombers did not hit the stealth ship, zooming right by and rattling it but otherwise leaving it unscathed. However, Yularen pushed away the comforting revelation that the Separatists were oblivious to their presence and voiced his realization that the bombers were heading to bomb Darrou's command center. The bombers did just that, releasing their munitions on Darrou's camp in the city. With the Separatists approaching by air and by ground, Senator Darrou opened a transmission to Kenobi and stated that there was little chance for survival without reinforcements. Kenobi immediately decided to contact Anakin.
"Anakin, I've just spoke to Senator Darrou," the holographic image of Jedi Master, which appeared in front of Anakin and Admiral Yularen, informed. "They're in dire need of our help. Continue with your mission to the planet's surface. I will engage Trench's fleet with the ships I already have."
"General Kenobi, with all due respect, you do not have the resources to engage Trench openly," Yularen stated. "He wants you to attack, you'll walking into a trap."
"He's right, Master," Anakin agreed. "You won't stand a chance.
"Anakin, I got enough problems without you becoming one of them," said Obi-Wan. "Get those supplies to the refugee camp. I'll worry about Trench. Just stay on your course and-"
"Your tactics won't work," Anakin interrupted and looked at Yularen. "Prep torpedo tubes one through four. Fix range on the command ship."
"Sir?" Yularen was confused.
"You heard me, Admiral," Anakin said, narrowing his eyes.
"What are you doing?" Obi-Wan asked, looking displeased.
"We need to defeat the enemy," Anakin replied, looking back the Obi-Wan's holographic image. "And this ship has the best chance of doing just that."
"I want those supplies on the planet's surface now," Obi-Wan said with a firm tone.
"Don't worry, I'm on it," Anakin assured with a smirk, pressing a button on the console and cutting the transmission. "Anakin!" Obi-Wan exclaimed before his holographic image vanished.
Hyperspace Tunnel, Silent Shadow, Cockpit.
As Zai'shira headed straight towards planet Shili and its moons, she got an unexpected call from Dooku. When his holographic image appeared in front of her, the Togruta immediately asked. "Is everything okay?"
Dooku sighed and replied. "The Jedi Council just had a conversation regarding Anakin. Many of them still think he's irresponsible and too attached to the people he cares about. Master Yoda thought about a solution... he's going to assign him a Padawan."
Zai'shira narrowed her eyes and shrugged. "And?"
The human looked directly at the Togruta and spoke. "Master Yoda chose Ahsoka as Anakin's Padawan."
Zai'shira's eyes widened, and she speechlessly leaned against the seat's backrest. The thought of Ahsoka being at the front of a battlefield against the Separatists made the ArchKnight sick in her stomach. Especially since Skywalker had a reputation of being reckless and unorthodox. Ahsoka would face the battle droids, even the upgraded once or even worse, General Grievous or even a Sith Lord.
"You have to believe in her," Dooku said, trying to calm the Togruta. "From what I've seen, she's a skilled girl like her mother. Not to mention, she's friends with Anakin. If anything, I think he'll be very protective of her."
"That doesn't change the fact that I don't like that idea," Zai'shira replied, placing a hand on her forehand. "But deep down, I knew that this could happen considering the Republic is at war."
"I'll try to be as active as I can to keep an eye on her," Dooku reassured. "My Padawan will also be with them. That trio has a thing of keeping each other safe."
Zai'shira sighed and looked at him. "Thank you," she replied.
"Rest for a while," Dooku advised. "Before Jabba contacts the Kingdom, you need to be well-rested."
"I will," the Togruta promised. Dooku nodded, and his image vanished. Zai'shira sighed once again and closed her blue-colored eyes. "Ahsoka," she whispered. "I hope you'll be okay."
Please R&R ;)