Disclaimer – all original Star Wars characters in this fanfic (excluding my OC's) are the property of Lucasfilm and Disney.
Chapter 51 "Schemes and Spies."
Protecting a child! While the Republic forces try to free planet Christophsis from the Separatist's grasp, the crimelord, Jabba the Hutt, takes all the necessary precautions to make sure his son, Rotta, won't get kidnapped.
Just like ArchKnight Zai'shira said, Darth Vundus sent one of his assassins, Bruck Chun, to planet Tatooine in order to kidnap the small Huttlet and start their scheme.
Planet Tatooine, Northern Dune Sea, Jabba's Palace.
Jabba the Hutt tripled the guards stationed in his palace and ordered everyone to be on high alert. He even hired bounty hunters as additional protection. One would need an army to break through all the guards and defenses.
The Hutt wouldn't tolerate any failures and would punish everyone if his son would get kidnapped, so everyone inside the palace was ready for anything. However, despite everything, they were not ready to deal with a Sith assassin.
One of the bounty hunters clad in black full-body armor, a male Weequay, left the palace to get some fresh air and to take a leak. Since he wanted some privacy, the Weequay moved far away from the palace. After he 'did his thing,' an invincible hand grabbed his throat and lifted him from the ground. After a few seconds, the Weequay's neck was snapped, and his body pulled away towards the rocks.
Bruck Chun, who hid behind a large rock far away from the palace, pulled the dead body towards him. The Sith assassin took off the armor from the dead Weequay and put it on. Pretending to be the bounty hunter, Bruck entered the palace without raising any suspicions.
Since he wore a full-body armor that covered his real identity, Bruck passed the Gamorrean guards without any issues. Thanks to the palace's layout his Master provided him with, the assassin found Jabba's throne room. Only Gamorreans and bounty hunters were present in the alcoves while all the dancers and band members had a day off.
Jabba slept on his large dais, and Rotta slept on his tail. Bruck always wondered how the Hutt's were able to sleep or even remain dead in a straight-up position. The human memorized the layout of the palace and was confident that he knew the way out, but kidnapping Rotta without raising the alarm was impossible.
The Sith was confused why the Hutt had so many guards on high alert. It almost seemed like he expected someone to attack him. True, Bruck could probably fight his way out of the palace with the Huttlet, but there was a high chance they would discover that he wasn't a Jedi. And even if he'd threaten to kill the Huttlet, he wasn't completely sure that Jabba wouldn't call his bluff.
However, there was one faster option to leave the Jabba, there was a private turbolift which allowed his majordomo to greet guests at the front gate, allowing for the crime boss's second in command to either welcome, turn away, or kill them.
Grab the Huttlet, get inside the turbolift, reach the front gate, leave the palace, reach his ship and escape Tatooine. Bruck was ready to begin.
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Invincible, Command Deck.
Admiral Trench found the Republic fleet's stagnancy unusual and mused over their intentions. Soon enough, he found out as Skywalker brought his stealth ship around to get a clear shot at the Invincible. After disengaging his ship's cloaking shields, Anakin ordered his crew to fire the volley of torpedoes at the bridge of the Invincible. The attack proved unsuccessful, as Trench activated his command ship's powerful thermal shields in time to repel the blasts.
Just as the stealth ship began to recloak, Admiral Trench fired four discord missiles at the enemy craft. Skywalker had his stealth pilot launch decoy flares and recloaked his ship, causing the missiles to hit the flares instead of the ship. However, Trench was not finished just yet. He ordered a large spread of lasers to be fired at the area where the stealth ship had just vanished, attempting to hit the craft with sheer numbers. Anakin managed to evade the incoming barrage, avoiding destruction at Trench's hands, and his skills did not go unnoticed.
"Scan are coming out negative," informed the tactical droid TI-99. "We missed."
"Yes," Trench replied with a clicking sound, stroking his chelicerae. But we have learned something. No clone would have successfully flown through that many lasers. We are dealing with a Jedi." The Admiral pointed at a battle droid with his swagger stick and ordered. "Patch me into the com channel, open frequency."
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, IPV-2C Stealth Corvette.
"Now that they know we are here, what's your plan?" asked Admiral Yularen.
"I'll think of something, Admiral," Anakin assured. "In the meantime, I have Trench right where I want him, thinking about us."
The clone trooper CT-1284, nicknamed Spark, ran up to Anakin and spoke. "General, there's a transmission on the open frequency, it's the enemy."
"Put it through," Anakin replied without hesitation, and shortly after, a holographic image of Admiral Trench appeared before him. "Hello, ugly," Anakin arched his eyebrow with a smirk. He knew that the Harch didn't hear or see him since it was a one-sided transmission.
"I am Admiral Trench," the Harch introduced himself proudly with a clicking sound. "If you are listening, Jedi, you have made a bold move and a grave mistake. I appreciate your decision to face me, ship to ship, to play this little game. It's been so long since I had a worthy opponent. You have an impressive new vessel, but I warn you, I've dealt with its kind before. Your technology will not save you and your friends on the planet bellow shall perish as a result of your failure. The people of planet Christophsis and her resources shall join the Separatist Alliance. Turn back now, retreat while you still can, for I am your doom."
After the long message, the holographic image vanished. "He said he's dealt with this kind of ship before," said Admiral Yularen.
"How?" Anakin asked. Both men were left puzzled at the revelation of Trench's experience with cloaked ships and contacted Obi-Wan, asking him to find records of Trench's battles. The Jedi Master reported that Trench had faced such technology and successfully hit them with tracking torpedoes.
"Hmmm..." Anakin thought for a moment and asked, looking at the holographic image of Obi-Wan. "What class ship was he fighting?"
"Mostly cruiser to cruiser, nothing as small as your ship," Obi-Wan answered.
"Well, no ship this small usually has a cloaking device," Anakin stated and began to theorize. "Maybe he's targeting the ship's magnetic signature." He looked at the Jedi Master and nodded. "Thanks, Obi-Wan. Hold off your attack until we destroy Trench."
Obi-Wan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Might I remind you that this was not a part of your mission?" he asked.
"You might," Anakin replied and casually turned off the transmission before Obi-Wan could say anything. "Admiral, prepare to disengage cloaking device and fire."
Yularen complied and ordered the clones to prepare for battle. After completing the necessary preparations, the stealth ship decloaked once more and fired four more torpedoes at the Invincible.
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, The Invincible, Command Deck.
"There she is!" stated Admiral Trench, noticing the stealth ship on their radar.
"Sir, four more Republic torpedos armed and closing," warned TI-99. The Republic's stealth ship once again began to cloak itself while Trench spoke. "Lock us onto that ship's magnetic signature."
While the torpedoes hit the Invincible's shields and shook the whole command deck, they failed to do any damage. "Magnetic signature locked," informed the tactical droid.
"Arm tracking torpedoes and fire on my command," Trench ordered.
"But, sir, we cannot fire unless we lower our shields," pointed out TI-99.
"The lower our shields and fire!" ordered Trench.
TI-99 complied, lowered the shields, and released the four-torpedo volley.
The Orbit of Planet Christophsis, IPV-2C Stealth Corvette.
"General, I really hope your know what your doing," Yularen said, noticing on the radar as four torpedoes headed towards their ship.
"So do I, Admiral," Anakin replied with a smile. He turned the ship around, but the torpedoes followed the ship despite the active cloaking device.
"General, the cloaking device is active, but they're locked onto our magnetic signature," stated Commander Blackout.
"He took the bait," said Anakin. "Turn off the cloaking device and divert all power to the engines."
Anakin headed the stealth ship straight for the Invincible's bridge, where Trench found that the shields could not be raised because they were still in recharge. The Jedi Knight sped the stealth ship straight across the Invincible's hull, grazing it and leading the torpedoes straight into her bridge. He quickly made for the surface as the Invincible was torn apart by explosions along its spine.
The crew of the stealth ship cheered as Anakin and Yularen were contacted by Obi-Wan. "I hate to admit it, but, good job, Anakin," the Jedi Master issued a somewhat reluctant congratulations. "We're beginning our attack on the Separatist fleet."
"Have fun," Anakin with a smirk. "I'll be delivering the supplies to the surface, Master."
Obi-Wan only shook his head with a smile and ended the conversation while Anakin and Admiral Yularen headed towards Christophsis.
Planet Tatooine, Northern Dune Sea, Jabba's Palace.
Even during the wildest parties or brawls, the palace has never been this loud. Jabba's enraged screams were echoing in the whole complex. Bruck Chun timed everything perfectly and snatched the sleeping Rotta, who began to cry. Bounty hunters and guards reacted almost immediately, but without the Force to enhance their speed, there wasn't much they could do to catch the kidnapper, who was out of the castle after a short amount of time.
Some began to shoot after him, but the possibility of hitting the Huttlet and the knowledge of what Jabba would do afterward was too risky. True, Bruck had to use the Force a few times to push a few Gamorreans out of the way, revealing that he could use the Force, but no one was sure that he was a Sith or a Jedi. However, Jabba remembered what Zai'shira told him about Ziro's plan.
Despite his anger, Jabba knew that if he'd confront the Sith or Ziro, they could kill his son if it turned out that their scheme wouldn't work. A part of the Hutt also suspected that it could be a scheme of the Kingdom of the Force, but he wanted to check something first.
Jabba quickly contacted the Republic and demanded to speak with the Supreme Chancellor. With his protocol droid by his side, the Hutt looked at the holographic image of Chancellor Palpatine, who didn't hide his surprised expression.
"I must say, this is an unexpected call," said the Chancellor. "How can the Republic assist you, mighty Jabba?"
Jabba the Hutt spoke in Huttese, and TC-70 translated. "The son of the mighty Jabba the Hutt has been kidnapped by bandits and he requests the Republic assistance."
Palpatine's eyes widened. "Oh, this is bad news," he said and thought for a moment. "I'll inform the Jedi Order and I'm sure they'll save your son, mighty Jabba. I hope that this act will stop any hostilities between us."
Jabba tilted his head to the side questioningly, and Palpatine explained. "The Hutt space was never a safe region for the Republic. We humbly ask that after the Jedi will rescue your son, you'll give us safe access to the Hutt's trading routes so that the Republic can safely move its forces and end this war as soon as possible."
Jabba hummed and narrowed his eyes. Zai'shira's words became even more convincing after two things she said came true. This meant there was a high probability that the Sith and his uncle, Ziro the Hutt, were indeed responsible for Rotta's kidnapping. The Hutt spoke, and the protocol droid translated his words again. "The mighty Jabba will think about your offer and contact you again when he decides."
"Of course," Palpatine replied calmly. The Hutt's decision was strange, and, as a Sith Lord, he hoped that he'd agree and they could start their plan. "The Republic will wait for your response."
With that, the Hutt ended the transmission; however, he immediately ordered to establish a new one with the Kingdom of the Force. The one who answered the call was ArchKnight Zai'shira and ArchKnight Deiven. "So, you decided to contact us, Jabba?" asked the Togruta.
The Hutt quickly spoke in Huttese, and the droid translated. "The great Jabba admits you were right about the kidnaping of his son and about the Republic wanting to use his trading routes in exchange for their help. He accepts your kind offer to rescue his son and also wants you to bring him proof that his uncle Ziro was involved."
"Simple enough," Zai'shira's holographic image replied. "I know Ziro is on Coruscant." The Togruta gestured towards Deiven. "ArchKnight Deiven will find him and get you your proof while I find your son, Rotta."
The ArchKnights knew exactly where Rotta was since Darth Enigma told them that. Bruck Chun took the Huttlet to the abandoned monastery on planet Teth where they waited for the Republic forces to arrive.
Jabba nodded and spoke. "The almighty Jabba wishes you luck and hopes you'll succeed," TC-70 translated.
The Orbit of Shili, Zulio – Third Moon of Shili, The Temple of Balance, Communication Center.
When Jabba the Hutt ended the conversation, Deiven rolled his shoulders. "Alright, I've been dying to get back into action after the battle on planet Drongar," he said with clear excitement. "Hunting a Hutt sounds good."
"Take HK with you," Zai'shira suggested. "He can record anything Ziro will say and get the proof. As always be careful. I have a felling the Separatist droids will guard him."
"Sure," Deiven nodded and made a suggestion himself. "And you can take Aritia with you. She'll have your back."
Zai'shira smiled. "No problem," she replied.
Before they could leave the room and start their missions, one of the Rakatan technicians spoke to them. "There's another call, this time from planet Christophsis. It's the Republic."
Deiven arched his ginger eyebrow. "Okay, put them through," he instructed. "I wonder what they want."
When a holographic image of a clone appeared in front of the two ArchKnights, Zai'shira crossed her arms over her chest and squinted her blue-colored eyes. "Ummm... hello?"
"Greetings, ArchKnights," the clone nodded. "You can call me Slick, I'm a clone Sergeant, serving in the Grand Army of the Republic."
"What's your business with us, Sergeant?" asked the Togruta. "The Jedi are too busy to call us personally?"
"They don't know I'm calling you," Slick replied with a serious expression. "The Jedi are using us like slaves to win the war. We're nothing more than a cannon fodder for the Jedi, and because of this, I believe that fighting for the Republic is dishonorable. I just want... something more for me and my brothers... freedom."
Zai'shira and Deiven exchanged glances and looked back at the Sergeant. "So you decided to ask us to free you?" asked the Togruta.
"At first," Slick began to explain. "I wanted to provide the Separatists on planet Christophsis with information about our tactics and plans so that the Jedi would lose the war much faster, but... I believe that the Kingdom is a far better choice. I'm sure you'll fight the Republic sooner or later and I can provide you with intel about their operations. It's my own choice."
Deiven looked at Zai'shira, who asked. "How do we know it's not a trick of the Republic to have a spy in our faction?"
"I can kill a Jedi if you want a proof of my loyalty," Slick replied bluntly. "Or you can read my mind with your Force powers to learn that I speak the truth."
Deiven arched his eyebrows while Zai'shira scratched her chin for a moment. "First of all, don't do anything that would get you killed or put in a Republic prison," Zai'shira instructed. "Fight alongside the Jedi and your brothers like you did before. When our forces engage the Republic, contact us in private and we can meet face to face. Then we'll see if you're telling the truth."
"I understand," Slick nodded. The Sergeant turned his head and noticed someone. Zai'shira and Deiven assumed it was another clone or a Jedi since Slick quickly cut the transmission.
"What do you think?" Deiven asked. "Can we trust him?"
"It's too early to say," Zai'shira answered honestly. "An additional intel during battle against the Republic could come in handy, but we need to make sure he's telling the truth. If the Jedi know something about him being a spy, Dooku could help us verify that. For now, let's just focus on our missions."
"Alright," Deiven nodded.
A few hours later - Planet Christophsis, Chaleydonia – Capital of Christophsis, Separatist Headquarters.
Planet Christophsis had a temperate climate and a terrestrial terrain. Its surface was covered in forests of naturally occurring turquoise crystal spires, making a dramatic and beautiful landscape. It had an atmosphere that was breathable for most humanoid species and was orbited by a moon, Leesis.
The inhabitants of Christophsis took advantage of the natural spires, building cities into and around the crystalline formations and using the crystals's solid structures for foundation and support; the size of the world's buildings often varied with the size of their supporting crystals. Some of the world's cities were so large that they could be seen from space.
One of such cities was Chaleydonia, the capital of planet Christophsis. Also known as the Crystal City, Chaleydonia was made out of organic crystal construction, hence the name.
After Anakin and Yularen delivered the supplies, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Commander Cody joined Skywalker, Captain Rex, and the rest of the Republic forces on the surface, while Admiral Yularen eventually returned to the fleet as its acting commander in the continuing struggle against the Separatist blockade.
Since Slick didn't give the Separatists any information about their plans, the Republic's ambush at the double-towered business center was far more successful. Also, while Slick didn't destroy the Republic gunships, All Terrain Tactical Enforcer heavy walkers, and the Republic's weapons depot, the presence of the upgraded battle droids made up for it, and the victor of the battle remained undecided.
Under cover of the night, Anakin and Obi-Wan headed towards the Separatist headquarters, where the main Separatist invasion force was landing and preparing to march on the city, on BARC speeders through the streets of the crumbled Crystal City. The two Jedi noticed an increasing number of battle droids observing them, but because the droids were not attempting to stop them, the pair deduced that they were heading into a trap.
Upon arrival at the base, the two Jedi dismounted their speeders and approached the building. "No guards, no barricades," Anakin pointed out. "You'd think the Separatist headquarters would be better protected."
"But clearly, keeping us out is not what they intend," Obi-Wan stated and opened the door with the Force. The two Jedi went inside the building, entered an elevator, and headed to the top floor.
When they reached their destination and left the elevator, entering a large, destroyed room with stairs, they were immediately approached by the hooded figure of Komari Vosa.
"Komari," said Obi-Wan, stroking his beard. "And here I thought this mission would be unpleasant."
"Oh, it will be very unpleasant for you, Jedi," the female said with a sinister smirk. She decloaked and grabbed her lightsabers, activating them. Obi-Wan and Anakin grabbed and activated their lightsabers as well.
Komari rushed towards the two Jedi. She slashed at Anakin, who blocked her crimson blade with his blue one. Obi-Wan attacked, and Komari blocked his blade with her second crimson one. The two Jedi pushed her back and forced her to backflip away.
She climbed nimbly to the top of the stairs and used the Force to yank down a crystal-made chandelier from the ceiling. Anakin jumped to the side, avoiding it, and it hit the floor and shattered to pieces. Both Jedi headed up the stairs and engaged with Komari, who used her Jar'Kai proficiency to fight both of them simultaneously.
Still, Anakin and Obi-Wan were stronger, not to mention they attacked with double-handed strikes. Komari was pushed back and forced to retreat into the next room, which was filled with bookcases.
She grabbed numerous books with the Force off their shelves and hurtled them at her pursuers. Obi-Wan stopped them with the Force, and Anakin's added telekinetic assistance forced the books back at Komari.
"Give up, Komari," demanded Obi-Wan. "You're outmatched."
"Are you sure about that?" Komari smirked at the Jedi Knight. She raised one of her lightsabers, and as on cue, two B1 battle droids crashed into the room through the window. It was evident for the Jedi that the two droids were the upgraded models.
While Komari backed away, the two B1 battle droids unleashed at the Jedi, who began to deflect the energy bolts. Anakin deflected one at the droid, but the B1 lunged to the side and continued to fire.
Obi-Wan dodged one of the energy bolts and pulled the droid with the use of the Force, wanting to impel him on his lightsaber. However, the second droid that fought with Anakin aimed at Obi-Wan and fired, forcing him to deflect the bolt and lose concentration.
Using the momentum, the B1 battle droid tackled Obi-Wan and grabbed his right wrist. The second battle droid was ready to shoot Obi-Wan, who couldn't defend himself, but Anakin released a powerful Force wave, sending the droid out the window.
Obi-Wan reacted quickly and used the Force to pull the lightsaber to his left hand and sliced the remaining B1 droid with a vertical cut.
Both Jedi focused once again on Komari, who turned around and dashed towards the large window, which led to the balcony. She slashed it with her lightsabers, jumped outside and off the balcony. Skywalker and Kenobi pursued her and stopped on the balcony, discovering the full scale of the Confederate invasion force. Numerous C-9979 landing craft were landing, bringing more and more battle droids to the surface, and many troops had already been deployed and marched in formation on the ground far below.
Komari herself stood on an octuptarra Magna tri-droid, which was attached to the side of the building, and smiled viciously. "You didn't say you brought more friends," said Obi-Wan.
"This will be your end," said the assassin. "Christophsis will be ours!"
Both Jedi continued the duel and jumped onto the legs of the tri-droid, severing two of its legs and breaking its hold on the building. Komari jumped off the droid's head and briefly engaged Skywalker upon one of the droid's remaining legs. As the tri-droid plummeted to the ground, Anakin Force-pushed Komari away, and he and Obi-Wan each jumped on a Single Trooper Aerial Platform and kicked off the B1 battle droids, who piloted them.
The Jedi flew away and headed back to their base while Komari landed on the ground just as the tri-droid slammed to the ground with a crash behind her. She stood up and approached General Loathsom, who sat in an Armored Assault Tank. "Prepare to march on the city," Komari ordered.
While the Separatist forces began to move, Komari walked beside a tactical droid. "Have General Loathsom delay the Jedi as long as possible, she instructed. "I will need time to execute the next part of my Master's plan."
"Yes, Mistress," the droid replied while the assassin was ready to fly to Teth to join Bruck and guard the Huttlet.
Please R&R ;)