Hey, everyone!
Sorry about the late update. Work got a little nuts among other things. Also had to double check a few things on my edits which took longer than usual.
But in any case let's dip into our mailbag.
Lawrence H. Bain- Quantifying Luke's power is tricky I will admit. George Lucas has said that Luke fulfilled the potential that Anakin failed to achieve. I think that's correct in the sense that he become the leader and symbol of light Anakin was supposed to be. In terms of power I think that's harder to ascertain. Anakin had a full 13 years at the Temple being trained properly as a Jedi. Luke had four years of sporadic training with Obi-Wan and Yoda and while that's important, he essentially had to wing it a good chunk of the time. In terms of raw Force power? Probably equal. I head canon that Palpatine has had a ton of time to amass his strength in the dark side which probably amplifies him even more. So in this story, I think Luke and Anakin are about equal with Anakin having more finesse and skill with Luke having greater potential in the Force. But again, not easy to define.
Mike- Thank you! I hope you continue to read!
AllegroGiocosco- Once more, you find the little things my friend. By the way, the Prophecy refers to the 'Chosen One' who will bring balance to the Force. In theory, Anakin is that person though Luke's presence will complicate that a bit.
OdeClock- Thank you for your reviews! I'm curious to know your thoughts on the other chapters as well.
UnOriginal2Tall- Lol you got the wrong fandom, ball breaker XD
dragonagegirl- Haha I couldn't help but give a little Easter egg there. I'm pretty proud of some of that dialogue haha. There will be more banter to come!
The Rhombus- Luke and Anakin have a natural connection and Yoda can certainly sense that. Whether it pans out remains to be seen. And yes nothing like a boozy diner scene to lighten things up. The four of them bonding together will be crucial moving forward.
Guest- Ahsoka is going to continue to suspect something. Keep following that particular trail whenever it pops up. I personally believe she's more emotionally intelligent than Anakin or Obi-Wan. But yes, father/son shenanigans are incoming!
Things are going to start picking up soon. These next two chapters will largely be devoted to Anakin/Luke moments since they haven't had any real private moments yet. Father/son bonding (even if unknown) will be aplenty!
As a side note: I did use some material from legends in the next two chapters but nothing that interferes with the current canon or the Skywalker story itself. There is shockingly little info about Dantooine.
As always, leave a review and some feedback! Love seeing it :)
"So many people focus on who they will be, they never get around to figuring out who they are."- Shannon Adler
Chapter 11. Know Thyself
Anticipation.
Walking back to his room after a shower, that was the only way to describe how he felt after finding out that he would be accompanying his father in a real time war situation as his right hand man.
It brought out the nineteen year old in him again, the one he often suppressed or simply forgot about. Luke had never glorified war despite having a talent for it. But that adventurous spirit that defined his youth had evolved into a kind of grizzled cynicism. Onderon had been a painful reminder that he was not a god or some kind of omnipotent savior. People's lives were on the line but not every single one of them could make it through.
If someone had told him at the beginning of his Jedi training that he'd one day serve alongside the man who would become Darth Vader, Luke would have told you to check the oxygen level in the cockpit. But that was about to become a reality. Oh there were stories. So many stories about the great Anakin Skywalker and his heroic deeds during the Clone Wars.
But becoming a Sith was no accident. Something, perhaps multiple things, must have slowly pushed his father closer and closer to the dark.
You don't know the power of the dark side
The words still sent a chill up his spine to this day. Vader had been immersed in that toxic, black tar pit of hate and fear, drowning Anakin Skywalker in the process. Luke knew that seduction too. But perhaps, he could minimize the damage before it began. Fighting side by side, he would catch a glimpse of how his father fought...and conducted himself in emotionally challenging moments.
Centering himself back with the Force, Luke managed to stabilize the mixture of intense emotions surrounding the mission to Dantooine when he felt a presence behind him.
"Luke Ahch-To, is it?"
Master Adi Gallia was standing behind him. Other than the walking stick in her right hand, she otherwise looked completely recovered though her bright, blue eyes betrayed some left over trauma. Who could blame her? Luke had needed some time to recover mentally from having his hand sliced off by Vader.
"Yes, Master. It is good to see you back on your feet."
"Still getting there. It will be a while longer before I am able to resume combat missions and my duties as a General. But...I am alive."
She stepped forward in earnest.
"Which is why I came to thank you."
"No need-" Luke began but she held up a hand.
"I must insist. Your valor on Florum is to be commended."
"I did what any good person would have. Though some on the Council certainly believe that I have an ulterior motive."
Gallia waved that aside.
"That is irrelevant. Though I sense something else within you, Luke Ahch-To. You are nervous, conflicted even."
He didn't know what to say to that except give a false smile and try to let go of his anxiety as best he could. Damn that Skywalker volatility.
"First true battle will bring that out in everyone I suppose," he said diplomatically.
"Indeed, but your feelings are not merely about said battle. You are undertaking this mission with Anakin Skywalker, no?"
Luke was about to give another generic answer when she interrupted again.
"Do not worry. I am not here to pry into your past like some others. It is not my business. What I will say to you, is that though he is reckless and uses unorthodox tactics, General Skywalker is a good man. He will make you feel right at home."
"I certainly hope so," he said in a voice that was a little higher than intended.
"Take it from someone who has fought many times on behalf of the Republic. The clones follow natural leaders."
She nodded towards him once more.
"Be yourself and no one else. What does that mean to you, Luke Ahch-To?"
He found himself unable to reply. Through everything he'd seen and done in his life, the good, the bad, the trauma, to traveling through time itself, at the end of that road, he found to his own surprise to find silence within.
There was no answer. Because he didn't know.
"A bid you goodnight. And may the Force be with you."
She bowed and he returned the gesture before entering his room.
Sleeping would be a difficult prospect to say the least.
Who was he? And what did he stand for in this war? Should there have been more he could have done already? His thoughts and questions only led to further questions.
You saved the life of a Jedi Master. Does that not count for something? She's already making an impact
Perhaps he'd find out more on Dantooine.
Waking up the next morning after managing some manner of sleep, Luke Skywalker took a look in the mirror in the bathroom of his residence. He hadn't paid much attention to his appearance since returning to the past but for the first time in a good long while, certain aspects became apparent. Physically, he was about forty eight but the beard he'd sported since his late thirties aged him a great deal, flecked with an increasing amount of gray. Shaggy hair hung like vines of Dagobah in front of blue eyes. Dark circles indicated stress, the lines stretching across from his cheekbones marked loss. Every wrinkle told a tale of everything he'd been through.
But times were different now. A real, incredibly rare chance stood before him. And symbolically, presenting as a sour, grim old man didn't fit right any longer.
Whether influenced by Anakin's inspiration, Adi Galla's encouragement, or embracing a new attitude, it didn't matter.
Slowly, he reached over and grabbed his electric razor. He was going to look like the Luke Skywalker of old once again.
Unlike Obi-Wan, Anakin did not place a particular emphasis in being on time. However, that didn't seem to bother him nor the men he served under. In no time at all, Luke found himself in a familiar hangar. And that wasn't all. The change in appearance didn't go unnoticed.
"Shaved off the beard eh?" his father greeted warmly. "And a little trim. I like it. Clean shaven suits you. It's a younger look. Though personally I liked the long hair."
"Much appreciated. Felt it was time to change it up a bit. So where are Obi-Wan and Ahsoka?" he asked as they walked through the hustle and bustle of military activity.
"Neither one of them will be joining us this time. Ahsoka's with Master Yoda teaching younglings and Obi-Wan's dealing with the Hutts. It's just you and me."
That statement nearly made Luke stop in his tracks. Not only would he be going into battle with his father, but alone. Without Ahsoka there, he effectively was the number two man.
I think the past is trying to mess with my head, he thought, noting that the coincidences and ironies increased with each passing day.
"In any case, I also wanted to introduce you to the men before we took off. The 501st are the best the Republic has to offer. With personality to boot."
Luke gave a small chuckle.
"I can only assume they get that from you."
"Eh, just makes it more fun," Anakin said cheekily. "But be prepared. The clones are good men but their trust is conditional, despite what some may tell you. Loyalty means everything to them."
Luke suddenly received a flashback from his time learning the memories of his father and other such information needed once he'd arrived back in the past. One relevant piece from the ghost of Obi-Wan echoed in his mind.
None of us detected the true purpose of their creation. Though we fought side by side for years in many campaigns, ultimately the clones were programmed to eliminate us when the time came. The plot was so deep, not even the clones themselves were aware of it. That's how clouded our knowledge was. When Order 66 came down, most of us were powerless and caught unawares as our own soldiers gunned their generals down
His father came next.
Don't be afraid of the Clone Troopers. They may resemble the stormtroopers of the Empire in outside appearance; at their core they're nothing alike. For one thing, very few Jango Fett clones were left in service by the time of the first Death Star. Second, they were as much a victim of Palpatine's scheming as anyone. The Jedi and the clones fought side by side for years and in that time many became closer than brothers. They loved us and we loved them. But in the end, they were merely a tool in the fall of the Republic, forced against their will to gun down the same people they'd die to protect. Of all the crimes perpetrated by Sidious, that ranks among the worst
He'd spent so much time at the temple and focusing on honing his Jedi arts, Luke hadn't considered a plan to negate the effects of the inhibitor chips currently inside each clone's brain, the organic devices that would subvert them into infinite servitude and commit foulest deed the galaxy had ever witnessed. It was definitely a problem and one of the main reasons for keeping a low profile from the soon to be Emperor. If Palpatine caught wind of any possible act of treason on the part of the Jedi, he'd wipe them out in a second.
But now was not the time to focus on that. Sidious remained unaware of his true lineage and the more immediate goal was as his father said: earning the loyalty of the men he'd be leading.
"Ah, Rex. There you are. Are we ready for departure?"
This time the good Captain wore full gear: kama, pauldron, armor, twin pistols, boots, and a helmet visor that combined the design of Phase I and Phase II tallied with what Luke could only assume were the numbers of droids he'd taken down. Marking his helmet were a pair of blue, Jaig eyes, a Mandalorian symbol of honor and bravery.
"Always ready, General. And good to see you too, sir," he said, saluting Luke as well.
Rex must have gotten the memo already
The rest of the men were standing in neat orderly rows behind him, stock still at attention in armor similar to Rex's, except their helmets were purely Phase II. Each one carried a DC-15 rifle blaster along with a utility belt for grenades, rations, and personal belongings. To mark their specialized unit, the armor came with cobalt blue trimming along the shoulders, with a stripe sloping down their helmets and chest.
"Before we embark there's a new face I'd like to introduce. Commander Tano will not be with us this time around. This is my new aide, Luke Ahch-To. While he's relatively new to full scale combat against the droids, he is a powerful warrior and a valued member of this team. I want you to treat him with the same respect and courtesy as you give me. Understood?"
Luke's eyes caught a few of the clones looking at each other ever so briefly but every one answered with the same response.
"Sir, yes sir!"
"Very good. Rex, load up the ship and make sure all necessary supplies and materials are accounted for. This one could get intense."
"Yes, General. You heard him, men. Load on up, grab your gear, and prepare to board!"
A flurry of activity began going on around them as Luke followed Anakin to the main part of the hangar.
"Can't say I'm not impressed so far," he told his father.
"Well then get ready because this time we will be taking the usual Armada."
Soon they came upon a Republic Venator Class Star Destroyer, not unlike the ones used in the Imperial Navy except slightly longer and with a red striped painted down the middle. Luke again reminded himself of the differences between the Republic and the Empire...and how the former was quickly becoming the latter every day.
"I hope the men end up liking me as much as they like you," he commented.
Anakin gave a reassuring wave of his hand.
"Don't worry. They will. Especially if you're anything like me."
In this case, Luke was counting on it.
Altogether three Destroyers and a cruiser tallied the number of ships going to Dantooine. Once the jump to hyperspace was made, Anakin took his aide through the main hangar explaining the different military craft and weaponry.
"Now since you use a lightsaber, you won't be using most of this stuff but it's good to know how it works all the same."
He pointed towards a massive tank.
"Take the AT-TE for example. Slow moving but powerful. Strong armor that can withstand most droid weaponry. Four small ball turret lasers along with a front cannon that can take out entire squadrons of droids, including Droidekas."
Anakin gestured towards his right.
"AT-RTs. Walkers that are made for speed and quick assault. They can easily out maneuver an AAT in a tight pinch. Jedi don't typically use them but never rule it out."
Luke nodded, noting to learn how to operate the walkers at a later date.
"And this," Anakin emphasized up ahead. "Is my favorite branch of the military." Luke could see rows of ARC-170s, Z-95s, and Y-Wing Bomber fighters on standby, not dissimilar to the ones used in the Alliance. He took heart knowing at least some of the Old Republic lived on in their rebellion and not just the Empire. But Anakin wasn't just referring to them. A customized yellow starfighter stood in the center of the bay.
"Isn't she a thing of beauty?" he said proudly.
"No surprise. I've heard you're the best pilot in the galaxy," Luke told him, recalling how excited he was at age nineteen when Obi-Wan first told him about his father's prowess.
"They exaggerate, but I know what I'm doing," Anakin replied with barely concealed arrogance. "How bout yourself? Any experience behind a cockpit?"
The forty eight year old could see the flash of an exploding Death Star ever so briefly before replying.
"Uh..a little."
Anakin smiled.
"Something tells me you're being modest again."
Just then they were interrupted by a whirl of beeping noises. To Luke's surprise and delight, R2-D2 came wheeling in. His father seemed equally delighted.
"R2! How are ya buddy?"
The astromech droid answered in his own unique manner.
"I feel that, R2. But there's someone I'd like you to meet. This is my new friend, Luke."
His heart fluttered with joy at the sight of the blue and white little astro droid. He hadn't a chance to run into R2 yet but was extremely grateful for the chance. He missed his faithful companion almost as much as Leia, Han, or Chewy.
If only I knew where Threepio was
"Hey little guy. How are you?" Luke said kindly, gently rubbing the dome.
R2 beeped and bounced in a show of happiness though he did give a bit of snark.
"R2!" Anakin said, trying not to laugh. "Be polite."
Snickering, he turned towards Luke.
"He's being a little sassy but he likes you, don't worry."
Luke for his part, knew R2 like the back of his hand and also gave a laugh.
"I know."
Backtracking he chastised himself for talking like he already knew the droid and recovered.
"I've had experiences with astro droids myself."
Thankfully, Anakin didn't seem to find any suspicion in his remark, though he did raise an eyebrow.
"Clearly. But this one is the best little pilot in the galaxy. And a great friend."
It took everything Luke had not to say 'I know' for a second time.
R2 wasn't done talking, however, turning the swivel of his dome, red light flickering as he began whistling in a high frequency.
"Admiral Yularen needs us on top deck to discuss the plan of attack. Thanks, R2! Come on."
Luke couldn't resist giving a tiny wave towards the astro droid when Anakin wasn't looking.
The name 'Yularen' rang a bell and Luke soon found himself face to face with a tall, fair skinned man in a classic gray uniform with a cap that would soon become a hallmark of Imperial Officers. He didn't know much about the man except that he was one of the Empire's top navy men, who later perished when he blew up the First Death Star.
The Force loves throwing curveballs at me, doesn't it?
The younger version of Yularen sported a thick toothbrush mustache and graying, brown hair that receded at the temples. During his days serving the rebellion, the Last Jedi hadn't given much thought about the personalities of those who served in the oppressive Galactic Empire, assuming they all were as heartless as the man who led it. Which is why Yularen's demeanor- firm in decision making, rule following but prudent, pragmatic, and even a small sense of humor- proved to be a bit contrary to the image typical of future Imperialists.
"General, Skywalker," Yularen greeted warmly as they entered the control room. "We'll be coming out of hyperspace soon. I thought now might be a good time to discuss our plan of attack."
"Yes, Admiral. I promise, nothing too reckless this time."
Yularen gave an amused noise of disbelief.
"Somehow I doubt that. But I've learned to expect it."
"This is also Luke Ahch-To, my aide."
Luke bowed respectfully.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Admiral."
"Likewise. The General speaks highly of you."
It was then that Luke wondered how many simply used the Empire to further their ambitions or fulfill sadistic tendencies while others simply became corrupted or complacent. Clearly Yularen fit the latter.
"General, we've received intel from Master Windu about the strength of the Separatist Forces," Captain Rex announced as he entered.
The meeting soon went underway with a holomap of the planet arising from the central computer.
"The Seps tried to jam the transmission going through but we managed to piece together most of it," the Captain explained. "Dantooine has several continents, but we're only focusing on this one in the Northern Hemisphere. To the West is where our forces are currently concentrated. The Seps control the East. Caught in the middle is the Capital, Garang which serves as an access point to all waterways and roads leading in or out. The droids have barricaded themselves within the walls and we haven't been able to breach them."
"So what's our point of attack?" Anakin asked.
Rex zeroed in on the map, specifically the area around the capital.
"General Windu's forces are to the west, two miles outside of Garang. The Separatists have sent in more clankers from the north in a flanking position. If we can cut a wedge here..." he said pointing to a red dot in the middle of the droid units. "...I believe their lines will break and entering the capital will be simple work."
"And the terrain?"
"There will be virtually no cover. It's all flat grasslands in the area we'll be attacking, specifically in this area called the Arissi Plains. There are steppes and hills to the southeast and forests in the Southern Hemisphere, but not where we're going."
"We'll have to hit them hard and fast," Anakin surmised. "Two days maximum to reduce the number of potential casualties. Once we link up with Master Windu, entering the capital should secure the victory. Admiral, what's the status of the Confederate Navy? Is there a blockade?"
Yularen cleared his throat in the most dignified manner Luke had ever seen before answering.
"Our scanner indicates there is only one Trade Federation ship alongside a Banking Clan frigate for protection. It is the most likely reason most of Master Windu's transmission came through."
"Excellent. I'll lead a squadron to take out the cruiser while you concentrate fire on the Trade Federation hub."
"Very good, General."
All in all the blond considered himself highly impressed at his father's tactical abilities as well as his working relationship with Captain Rex. Even if his reputation was a bit unorthodox and heavily improvisational, it was clearly effective. Yet another similarity between Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader who'd also lured him into traps many times over. Yet at this point in time Luke couldn't help but see them as totally separate entities.
How did this man become a Sith?
Just then a loud alarm rang through the corridors alerting the ship they were coming out of hyperspace.
"Alright, let's get ready," Anakin ordered. "Rex, prepare the ground forces after we get rid of the Confederate ships. Admiral Yularen, take us in as close as you can. Luke, be on standby with the Admiral. Once we get the all clear you'll join me in our assault on the ground. I want this to be quick and clean."
"Yes, sir!"
"Understood, General."
The group split up but not before Luke caught Rex's eye.
"Everything alright, sir?" the Captain asked.
"Yes, Captain. I must say, General Skywalker is a natural leader."
The veteran gave an affirmative nod.
"He's almost never lost a battle. And more importantly, he's never let the men down. Never asks us to do anything he wouldn't do himself."
"I hope I prove myself the same," Luke said honestly. "Even though I'm technically an aide."
"First time in a heated battle is always challenging. But I've seen glimpses of what you can do and if you're anything like the General, the men will gravitate towards that."
Luke appreciated the encouraging words, knowing full well he'd still hidden a great deal of- the true power he possessed. But fighting in the Clone Wars fifty years into the past alongside two of the greatest warriors the galaxy ever produced proved challenging nonetheless.
"I just hope he destroys those ships as quickly as he says he will."
This time Rex gave a knowing smile.
"Trust me, with General Skywalker around, there's never a dull moment."
The sound of shrapnel exploding past, the hum of the cockpit, the grip of the leather steering wheel.
Anakin loved to fly. Ever since he could envision a life off of the ground, it had been a dream of his to soar through the clouds and escape the slavish, sandy confines of Tatooine. Now he was a General in the most consequential war in millenia.
Take that Sebulba
He'd done this a million times throughout his time fighting the Separatists. Checking his vital systems he gave a quick reassurance to R2.
"This shouldn't take too long, buddy. A run, three tops and we're out of here."
R2 issued his standard beeps in reply.
"I can respect that." He opened up his comlink and began the sound off. "Broadside, how're we doing?"
"Holding steady, sir. The squadron is in position. Got droid fighters coming in."
"We'll handle them like always. Begin attack formation."
"Sir."
They lined up in 'V', standard formation with Anakin leading the way. It wasn't long before the first wave of tri fighters and vulture droids met them head on.
A minor bump here and there but nothing the Chosen One wasn't accustomed to. He set about his targets and fired the turrets.
"Nice shot, sir!" Broadside came in as two vultures exploded.
"Stay focused, soldier. We've got more coming in."
The unthinking droids were ruthless in their pursuit but knew little in the way of strategy. And unlike in previous battles there weren't nearly enough of them to overwhelm the skies.
Veering off to the right, he dodged a missile that almost certainly contained buzz droids and fired again, this time taking out a lone Tri-Fighter.
Admiral Yularen came in over the comm channel.
"General, we've managed to disable the frigate shields. You are clear to attack."
"Copy, that, Admiral. Boys, we're going in for the first run. Broadside, Hawk, prepare to fire on their left engine."
Breaking free of the pack, Anakin fired but the shots were not quite on target. His two companions sent two torpedoes; one missed and one grazed the back of the engine, disabling but not destroying it.
"Apologies, General. We were off by just that much."
"No need to apologize, Hawk. I missed too. Let's bring it back around."
He checked the status of the battle, noting that the droids appeared scattered, unorganized and without purpose.
This is almost too easy
One vulture tried to set its sights behind him, but pulled back, reducing speed, flipping back over and destroying it with three quick shots.
"Alright let's go back in again. Broadside, cover me."
"Yes, sir."
This time Anakin went in alone, revving up his speed and diving with reckless gusto. He aimed straight for the bridge.
Come on, almost there
But a last minute shot from a turret gun on the port side forced him to veer up. Gnashing his teeth with disappointment, he rejoined the main battle. About a dozen tri-fighters had entered the fray, most likely from the Trade Federation frigate.
"Admiral, can you tell the other two Star Destroyers to fire on that ship? I need some time to destroy some of these Tri's before going in again."
"Negative, General, we have incoming targets!"
The tone indicated trouble and it soon found him. Two more Banking Clan Cruisers suddenly jumped in from hyperspace and began firing their forward guns on their fighters. Broadside's panicked voice soon came in.
"General Skywalker, we've got the enemy incoming from all sides. They've got us surrounded!"
Uh oh
Luke could have guessed the seemingly weak blockade might be a set up for a trap but felt it was not his place to say so given his status on the military chain of command and inexperience in the Clone wars.
But the hero of Yavin 4 and the Endor Moon was not inexperienced. He'd seen this kind of tactic before and such a lackluster defense could only mean one thing. And Anakin Skywalker, hero of the Republic, had fallen for it.
Standing by on the bridge, he could see the anxiety on Admiral Yularen's mustached face.
"General Skywalker, you need to pull your fighters back. There are simply too many droids out there."
"No can do, Admiral. General Windu needs us to break through. We'll find a way."
But finding a way proved to be more difficult than originally anticipated. In a matter of minutes the number of droids tripled and quickly did their primary job: overwhelm.
"We're taking heavy casualties!" Broadside said over the comlink.
"Captain, how many fighters do you have left?"
"We had about seventy five to begin with, we're down to fifty. We're not going to last much longer out here."
"And the cruisers?"
"We disabled the engine of one but we can't take on the remaining two with all these damned clankers buzzing around."
From the window, Luke witnessed another ARC-170 being destroyed by a trio of vultures, who seemed to cackle madly as they did so. Rex had told him that Anakin rarely ever lost a battle, but the ghost of Obi-Wan echoed through his mind.
Your father was a great pilot, bold and able to improvise brilliantly. But too often he threw caution to the wind and sometimes lost sight of the bigger picture
Safe to say, this was one of those moments.
Making a decision then and there, he barely noticed Admiral Yularen calling after him. Caution be damned. He was going to show what he could do.
Time to embrace who I am
Anakin never liked to admit he'd been wrong about something, especially in the heat of battle but even he had his limitations. His company was being besieged on all sides with no way to destroy or disable the other two frigates.
"Broadside, how're we doing?"
"It's no use, General. Those Banking Clan guns are making it impossible to get a clear shot. We're losing a fighter every minute out here."
He was right, from the side window he could see yet another fighter, this one a Z95, explode into a big ball of flame.
Putting his head down and sighing, Anakin wrestled with the decision. He hated retreating, but the lives of his men were more important than any personal glory to attain. Principle before purpose.
You've scolded Ahsoka for doing the exact same thing you're doing right now. Get it together
But before he could issue the orders to fly back to the main hangar, a sudden whoosh could be heard.
"General, look!"
A random Eta-2 Actis class interceptor, flying as though possessed, zoomed past dipping and darting through the droid fighters like butter.
In a stroke of piloting that made Anakin's jaw drop, the mystery Republic fighter entered a tail dive, pulled up at the last second and fired straight into the bridge, knocking out one of the frigates.
He could hear the clones cheering on his comlink but the Chosen One was agog with curiosity. No clone pilot as of yet could pull a stunt like that. Only someone extremely gifted with the Force. Someone like…
"Luke," Anakin chuckled into his comlink. "Somehow I knew you were holding back."
He could hear the grin in the man's reply.
"Looked like you all needed some help. You can thank me later."
"I'll thank you once we get past this blockade," Anakin laughed.
"Fair enough. Care to join me in taking out the second ship?"
"With pleasure."
Reaching out through the Force, Anakin was now getting a true sense of just how strong Luke was. The lightsaber duel had impressed him to be sure, but only Jedi with extremely high midi-chlorian counts carried the ability to fly as he did.
Who is this guy?
"Broadside, Hawk. Cover us. Luke and I are going in on that last frigate."
"Yes, sir."
Together with the clones, they reorganized their formation and made short work of the remaining droids, slicing them up piecemeal.
Anakin ducked underneath a canon shot, while Luke covered his flank, fired and destroyed the turret. He weaved in and darted out taking out the main engine.
"All yours, General Skywalker."
"That's Anakin to you."
He raised up his blasters and the bridge of the last Banking Clan ship exploded in a fiery mass, mechanical bits of droid drifting on by in the vacuum of space.
Admiral Yularen's voice then came in.
"General, the Trade Federation ship is in full retreat. We now have a full pathway to land on the surface."
"Gear up the men. I'll be back in a few minutes."
But that wasn't all Yularen had to say.
"You might also want to congratulate your new aide for saving your skin, might I add."
Anakin usually eschewed traditional gestures of humbleness, but this was not one of those times. Luke saved not only him, but the entire squadron.
"Believe me, I'll be sure to let him know."
Strangely, the usual arrogance that plagued the reckless twenty two year old was absent. Instead he felt thankful, as well as an increasing amount of pride and affection. The bond shared with Luke Ahch-To simply put, differed from anything he'd ever experienced before.
Stranger still, he didn't mind one bit.
Next up! Battle of Dantooine! And...clones...lots of them! XD
~The Wasp