Author's Note: So... this chapter was turning about to be a lot longer than I thought: over 20,000 words. And I haven't even finalized it all just yet! So to compensate I'm going to split this into three parts, like how I did with 'Twilight of the Apprentice' and 'Steps Into Shadow.' But the third part will be finished up very soon, within the next day, so make sure to say tuned! There was so much in this episode to handle, which kind of draws it out a little bit and making it longer.
It's kind of annoying how difficult it is to write out chapters where multiple events are happening simultaneously, which is what's happening in my version of Zero Hour (Autobots vs Decepticons concurrent with Rebels vs Empire). But, as hard as it is I still enjoy doing it, and I know you guys enjoy Shaniverse content! :D Love to see it lol.
Fun fact: I've been going crazy in updating the Shaniverse Wiki lol.
I'm totally not self advertising for it or anything, oh no no no...
...
Never mind, I totally am lol. I regret nothing. (ಠ_ಠ)
Atollon - Outer Rim Territories
3rd person POV...
"A proposal for us?" Thrawn questions, bringing a hand to his chin. "What could you have to offer that you believe the Empire does not already possess?"
"I do not offer anything, nor do I ask much in return," Megatron replies. They have no visual on him, only his voice to go off of. "You see, on the planet below us we share mutual enemies."
"You have grievances with the rebels?" Governor Pryce asks skeptically. "I find that to be very unlikely. The Empire has no such knowledge of you, 'Decepticons.'"
"I do not care for these so called 'rebels' of yours, fleshling," he scoffs in reply, and Pryce blinks her eyes incredulously, scowling. "The only concern I have is destroying my enemies, who have decided to ally themselves with your own enemies, due to the insufferable 'kindness' of their sparks."
"And who would that be?" Vice Admiral Sloane questions, frowning.
While listening the Megatron speak, Thrawn stroked his chin with a thoughtful gaze, picking up on small details he noticed, giving him conclusive evidence on who this 'Megatron' really is.
"I believe I understand. I assume the one you seek is a large mechanical humanoid in pink armor, capable of transforming into a vehicle?" he deduces.
"Ah, so you do know," Megatron says in satisfaction. "Her name is Elita One. I wish to see her destroyed, and I believe we can benefit from each other."
"You speak as much. What is it you wish to propose?" Thrawn questions.
"I know all too well what it is like to be faced those who would rebel against you, Grand Admiral," Megatron states with an apparent tone of understanding. "You seek to destroy traitors to your Empire, and I seek to destroy Elita One, who has been helping the rebels to fight against you. As such, I propose a truce: stay out of my way as I eliminate Elita One, and my forces and I will not get in your way of eliminating the rebels."
"You offer a most interesting proposition, Megatron," Thrawn remarks, narrowing his eyes. "I would be willing to agree, were it not for the fact that you Decepticons have attacked the Empire as well."
"Tell me, Megatron," Vader says with disdain. "Why should the Empire cooperate with one who holds no qualms of striking against us?"
"Perhaps you forget what matters to me?" Megatron snaps back in reply, a dangerous tone to his voice. "The inhabitants of this galaxy are not worth the attention of the Decepticons. Every action taken, is to locate and destroy my Autobot enemies. And if you will stand in my way, I have no qualms of obliterating your forces as well."
"And yet as of right now, you are vastly outnumbered," Thrawn points out. "The Emperor does not take kindly to those who would threaten the Empire."
"He does, doesn't he? Perhaps you should concern yourself more with what I do not take kindly to," he retorts. "I could crush each and every one of you like the insects that you are."
"How amusing that you believe your great size as a machine can stand against the power of the Force," Vader scoffs dismissively. "You are nothing compared to the might of myself, and the Emperor."
"Tread lightly, fleshling. I offer you one last chance to accept my terms," Megatron growls quietly.
The bridge is filled with tension as the Imperial commanders anxiously await the decision. Pryce glares at the transmitter, though with some hesitation, while Kallus looks between them all with wide eyes, fearful of the possible answer. Sloane is much more cautious and uncertain, while Captain Brunson is simply dismissive of the threats against them. Vader of course stands still, his breaths echoing, completely unreadable to anyone.
Thrawn strokes his chin thoughtfully for some time, thinking the decision over. Despite the Decepticon attacks against several Imperial bases in the past, he does see the merit in the offered proposal. While the transformer, Elita One, has not been seen for some time now, she has proven to be a dangerous opponent to the Empire, having the skills and firepower to back it up. And as long as she's around, these Decepticons will be a nuisance to them as well.
There is something else Thrawn notices about Megatron however, in that he seems eager to get this over with quickly; the Decepticon leader certainly doesn't seem to favor the idea of prolonged battle here in this galaxy. It's clear that the transformers are in some sort of civil war against each other, and it's likely that Megatron cannot occupy himself with this task for very long, which is why he sent other in first place to track down this Elita One in the first place, which would indicate she carries some level of importance in the hierarchy of these 'Autobots.' But with his soldiers failing to kill her, he decided to bring his warship along and personally take matters into his own hands, to ensure the death of his enemy.
Thrawn glances at Vader's hologram with a questioning look, and the Sith Lord tilts his head in his direction. After observing him for a few moments, Vader gives him a stiff nod of confirmation.
"Very well, Megatron. We will allow you to deal with Elita One however you see fit, as long as you do not interfere in our assault against the rebels," Thrawn acknowledges.
"Wise choice, Grand Admiral," Megatron replies in satisfaction.
"Do not think to double cross us, transformer. It will not end well for you," Vader adds threateningly.
"Oh I most certainly agree," the Decepticon sinisterly replies.
He then cuts away from the transmission, leaving the Imperials to ponder this apparent new 'ally' of theirs.
"This 'Megatron' speaks highly of himself," Pryce scoffs with contempt. "It's amusing he actually believes he could stand a chance against the Empire."
"On the contrary, these transformers are not to be underestimated, for just one of them is capable of destroying an entire Imperial base," Thrawn replies in disagreement. "Nevertheless, for now our attention is better suited for focusing on the rebels."
"What if these 'Decepticons' betray us?" Sloane cautiously asks.
"Our transforming visitors are far too occupied with their own wars. Megatron will not spare so much time away from it, especially if he is their leader," he informs her. "Vice Admiral Sloane, prepare the fleet for orbital bombardment."
"As you wish, Grand Admiral," she acknowledges.
"Lord Megatron, should we really align ourselves with these organics?" Onslaught asks. "It would be much more efficient to simply strike down the Autobots and be done with it."
"It is not an alliance, more so mutual cooperation," Megatron replies dismissively, narrowing his optics at the video screen displaying the view in front of him. "I was not expecting to be faced with an opposing fleet of this magnitude."
"I doubt the Andromedans have the capability to harm us," he doubtfully responds.
"I'm not referring to those pitiful vessels!" he scowls back at him. "It's their command ship which poses a threat."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Onslaught asks.
Megatron turns around to glare at him irritably, and Onslaught takes a cautious step back with a hesitant, slightly fearful expression.
"Perhaps it wasn't clear to you?" Megatron scoffs, turning back away from him. "We cannot afford to bother ourselves with this so called 'Empire' of theirs. Our only purpose here is to destroy Elita One, something which should have long been accomplished by now."
Megatron throws Onslaught another spiteful glare, making him grimace and cower under his gaze.
"Soundwave, scan the planet's surface to pinpoint the Autobots precise location," Megatron orders.
The Decepticon without a face silently acknowledges him with a simple nod, and calmly walks over to the main computer to carry out his task. Meanwhile, Megatron observes the scene before him with his arms held behind his back, watching to see what the Imperial forces plan to do next.
Chopper Base
Jarik POV...
After the fleet returned to the surface, we got the base ready for imminent attack. I had to pause in my attempts to break through the Imperial jamming in favor of helping Rex, Boil and Zeb with setting up the shield. HK-47 came along to help, so after making sure things were all set I returned to the command center with the others, analyzing a map of the Imperial fleet. The Executor was undoubtedly the largest ship, easily dwarfing the size of even all the other six Star Destroyers put together, looming like a herald of doom.
"I've never seen a Star Destroyer that big before," Wedge Antilles says, unsettled.
"It's one of a kind. The personal flagship of Darth Vader," I grimly explain.
"Not even Megatron's flagship is that large," Ironhide comments through the hologram. "An impressive feat considering your smaller size."
"Yeah great, impressive. Doesn't change the fact that it's there to kill us all," Ezra sarcastically scoffs.
"So, what'll their next move be?" Cere asks.
"Thrawn and Vader are preparing for a planetary bombardment," Hera answers, crossing her arms. "How's the shield coming, Zeb?"
"We're about to fire it up now. Rex and I have done our best, but this is really Sabine's baby," Zeb informs us.
"Then it should work," she replies.
"Statement: Doubtful it'll last. This shield is nothing but modifications, special fuses, and all sorts of junk thrown together. I've never fought under such absurd circumstances," HK-47 says skeptically.
"I hate to say it, but I'm gonna have to agree with the droid on this one," Rex adds reluctantly. "We never got to test it while Sabine was still here, so if it overloads, I'm not sure we can fix it."
"Let's hope you don't have to," Hera sighs. "Fire it up!"
"Copy that, captain," Boil acknowledges.
"Elita, I'd recommend you three get yourselves inside the shield's radius as well," I advise them. "Orbital attacks are what Star Destroyers were made for, and they rarely leave anything behind."
"Way ahead of you," she replies.
A few moments later, a large blue energy beam blasts into the sky, several bolts arcing off as it forms a transparent dome. Once the energy shield stretches down all the way to the ground, the bolts fade away as a result of the shield being completed.
"It's working. The shield is stabilized!" Zeb reports happily.
"Statement: It's still junk," HK-47 scoffs.
"Nice work, boys," Hera says, ignoring his comment.
"We're inside the shield's range as well. Setting our ship down on the landing pad," Elita informs us.
I nod to her in response, their three holograms disappearing. I watch as their ship settles down farther away on the only empty section of the landing pad left, and they step outside while Hera talks through the comlink.
"Kanan, do you copy?" she asks.
"I read you, Hera," he replies.
"Thrawn is planning an orbital bombardment. You need to get back to base immediately," she orders.
"I'm moving as fast as I can," Kanan tells us.
"Well then you're not moving fast enough," Cal responds.
"Oh, you don't even know fast," he retorts with a scoff.
As he cuts off the transmission I cross my arms, sharing a worried look with Shaak for a moment, while Hera narrows her eyes at the fleet of Star Destroyers displayed on the holotable.
"All right, Thrawn. Your move," she murmurs.
3rd person POV...
"What is our progress?" Vader demands.
Thrawn stares out the window of the bridge down at the planetary surface of Atollon, his arms folded behind his back. Upon Governor Pryce answering the Sith Lord, he turns around and calmly moves in their direction.
"Our capital ships are in position, Lord Vader. The blockade is secure," Governor Pryce reports.
"And what of the status of the rebel fleet?" Thrawn asks her.
"The remaining vessels have fled back to the surface and are taking shelter under a localized shield," she informs him.
"Hmm. Very good," he casually remarks, rubbing his fingers together. "Let's test their mettle."
"Then begin the assault," Vader orders.
"Commander Hammerly, you may proceed" Thrawn nods to his chief gunner.
Nodding, Hammerly relays the order to her gunners and the rest of the Seventh Fleet. All across the Imperial fleet, the turbolaser cannons on the Executor and six other Star Destroyers swivel around to take aim at their assigned coordinates, and begin unleashing their ferocity. A shower of heavy green laser bolts shoot out from the fleet, arcing down to the surface of the planet in the direction of the rebel base. Down at Chopper Base, General Dodonna and a rebel officer look at their radar map in alarm as it starts rapidly beeping in earnest.
"We have incoming fire," Dodonna says worriedly.
Shutting off the holoprojector with a grim look, Hera turns to look up at the sky. A low rumbling sound can be heard, sounding almost like thunder, but is followed by the clouds glowing with a sinister green as the heavy laser bolts break through the atmosphere, swiftly passing through them to slam against the shield with a terrible roar.
"Kanan, find cover now!" Hera shouts in terror.
Out in the wilderness, Kanan was still a bit of distance away from the base, however he could hear the rumble of thunder caused by the orbital barrage. Sensing several laser bolts heading towards him, he swerves his speeder back out of the way. The first laser strikes the ground with enough explosive power to create a small crater, sending out chunks of dirt and debris in its radius. Kanan cries out in alarm as he momentarily loses control due to the blast, but quickly continues onward. However even more laser bolts strike the landscape around him, each impact forming craters in their wake.
Back at Chopper Base, Jarik, Hera, Shaak, Cere, and the rest of the rebels all stand in the open command center, watching anxiously as hundreds of green laser bolts slam into the energy shield with a thunderous roar, occasionally covering their eyes against the bright flashes of each impact. Elita, Ironhide and Chromia stand in front of their ship in the middle of the landing pad, looking up at the shield protecting them from destruction with hardened, yet sorrowful optics.
Megatron watches the orbital bombardment with a small smirk of intrigue, finding himself admittedly impressed at the ruthless assault.
"Promising..." he murmurs in satisfaction.
His ship also had a visual feed of the rebel base below, showing the bombardment on its shield. If the Autobots are within the confines of the shield, then perhaps he does not need to go down after all, for they will die with the rebels.
True to HK-47 and Rex's concerns, the shield generator was beginning to suffer under the intensive barrage, its energy conduits changing from a safe blue to a dangerous red, shaking uncontrollably and overheating as it struggled to maintain its power.
"Come on, come on!" Zeb starts to panic, pressing a few buttons to try and stabilize it.
Jarik watches as the green bolts explode on impact with the shield with an unflinching gaze. He wasn't afraid of death, exactly, but the thought filled him with terrible sadness. If Jarik dies, then he leaves the galaxy without the person who inspires them most to resist the evil of the Empire... he leaves a young girl without her father, alone in the galaxy.
Out in the wilderness, Kanan swerves his bike around in an attempt to avoid the next laser bolt, but he senses it too late, and it explodes right in front of him. Kanan goes flying off his bike, losing his mask as he tumbles uncontrollably across the ground, sensing another laser bolt destroy his speeder bike behind him.
Back at Chopper Base, Rex and Boil both work on their console to keep the shield stabilized, but the bombardment was proving to be too much for it, and Boil covers his face as a spray of sparks are blasted out of the generator over him.
"The shield is overheating!" Boil cries out in alarm.
Onboard the Chimaera, Thrawn watches the orbital bombardment with a small, triumphant smirk on his face at the completion of his victory. No longer is he being thwarted by casual tricks, interruptions, or mystical powers. No longer will this Rebellion continue to spread chaos and disrupt the logical order of the galaxy with their misguided ideals. For they are experiencing utter defeat in the face of what true power is.
Similarly, Darth Vader watches the bombardment from his own flagship, the Executor, satisfied in everything that he sees. At long last, the Jedi and these traitorous rebels are helpless against the might of the Empire. He can sense Jarik Shan down on the planet below, and knows what he is thinking. His daughter... poor Mara Jade, taken in by a man and woman who know nothing of what it is to sacrifice, to dedicate themselves to build something worthwhile the way he has. Jarik Shan betrayed him, like the rat that he is. And while he is disappointed at the idea of being unable to kill Shan personally, knowing his death will be the result of a vain attempt at resistance is enough.
The rebels down on Chopper Base begin fearing the worst as they notice the barrier protecting them slowly shift from blue to an unstable red, fear entering the hearts of many of them.
Cal holds Merrin close, glaring defiantly at the sky while she shuts her eyes in resignation, attempting to comfort herself by bringing her focus solely on her family. Ironhide and Chromia glance at each other sorrowfully, sharing the same look with Elita as they prepare themselves for the end, after eons of war. Ezra watches with wide eyes, afraid of dying, but also afraid of losing the opportunity to be with his friends and family as well; he glances down at Chopper sadly, laying a hand on the astromech's dome while he beeps back mournfully in response. Hera's defiant attitude in the face of the Empire, for what may be the first time, begins to falter into fear and uncertainty, which is reflected in her eyes as she instinctively pulls her head back to look away.
Jarik takes a step forward, looking up at the sky with a crestfallen gaze. Glancing at Cere Junda and Shaak Ti on either side of him, two Jedi Masters, he holds much of the same thoughts and feelings as they do, and they look back at him in bitter acknowledgement. Jarik resumes gazing upward at the orbital bombardment against the shield with a stern, if saddened, expression on his face, preparing himself for the end... where he will join his own parents, and so many lost friends in death... with Ahsoka.
However it was not meant to be: onboard the Chimaera, Thrawn mentally counted down in his head how longer the orbital bombardment went on, waiting for the precise moment... just before their shield would break...
"They've had enough. Cease fire," he orders.
Just as it seemed the shield would break, the orbital bombardment suddenly stopped. The rebels cautiously look up at the sky in surprise, baffled but also thankful that the bombardment stopped. The landscape around the outside of the shield was completely destroyed, littered with large craters, pillars of smoke rising from the fires still burning; the inside however was untouched. Zeb paces around the shield generator with a wide grin of relief on his face.
"It held! It held!" he exclaims excitedly.
Rex and Boil both raised their arms into the air with joyous laughter while Hk-47 scoffs.
"Statement: It certainly can't take another assault like that though," he remarks.
"Aw will you stop being such a pessimist for once?" Boil complains.
Jarik keeps his gaze focused on the sky for a little bit longer before letting out a sigh of relief, although that feeling is short lived. Thrawn and Vader are going to lead a ground assault next, no doubt with the intention to capture the rebel leaders, as well as kill him outright. As he thinks about that, Hera urgently opens a call to Kanan.
"Kanan? Kanan, do you copy?" she asks anxiously.
There's a few moments of silence until Kanan's groan can be heard through the transmission, and Hera breathes a sigh of relief.
"I'm gettin' the feeling Thrawn's actually trying to kill us this time," he jokes.
"Oh, that is only funny because you're still alive," Hera replies with nervous laughter. "Now, please, come home, love!"
Out in the wilderness, Kanan wearily gets up from the ground with a hand to his head, shaking off his dazed state as a result of his crash. Sensing something, he turns his head towards the sky with a frown where he can hear thunder rumbling in the sky, filling him with both excitement and dread.
Vader scowls in frustration once the orbital bombardment was halted despite already being aware that they could not completely obliterate the rebels, irritated by that fact all the same. He tilts his head in the direction of Thrawn's hologram, his true feelings visible even with his armor and mask in place.
"Tarkin's arrogant show of power will be his undoing one day," he growls coldly. "If this proves to be a blunder, I will hold it over his head."
"I understand Lord Vader," Thrawn replies with a simple nod. "I assume you and Second Sister wish to join me on the surface?"
"Indeed, Thrawn. I must see to the death of Jarik Shan, and the rest of the Jedi," Vader declares.
"As you wish, my Lord," he acknowledges. "Vice Admiral Sloane, you're in command of the fleet while I lead the ground assault."
As Thrawn moves to walk away however, he's halted by the amused chuckle of Agent Kallus. He pauses, turning back around to face him with a raised eyebrow while Vader observes Kallus with a cold gaze.
"Hmm. The plight of your friends amuses you?" Thrawn asks, narrowing his eyes.
"I've been in your position before, only to have these rebels pull a victory from certain defeat," Kallus replies with a grin.
"You and I are not the same, Kallus, as these rebels are about to learn," he retorts coldly.
"Lot of good that did for you on Dxun," he taunts in reply, before pausing as he widens his eyes in shock.
Kallus starts to choke and gasp for air, his binders preventing him from grabbing at his throat as Vader chokes him through the hologram with a clenched fist.
"You would do well to hold your breath, Agent Kallus," Vader growls ironically. "There is much you can reveal to us, as Jarik Shan won't be capable of doing so."
Vader releases him from the Force choke, and Kallus gasps desperately for much needed air. He coughs painfully while Thrawn and Vader both swiftly depart from the bridge to ready their ground forces for an assault on the rebel base.
When the orbital bombardment suddenly stopped without destroying the rebel base, Megatron was taken by surprise for a moment, which quickly changed into an irritated scowl.
"What?" he demands incredulously. "What are those fools thinking?!"
Soundwave walks over to Megatron and Onslaught, getting their attention with his presence as he plays an audio recording.
"I want you to capture their leadership," his recording says, repeating itself. "I want you to capture their leadership."
"Of course. The arrogance of these organics," Megatron sneers with a mocking smirk. "Boasting their show of power through petty tactics will only lead to their eventual downfall."
"Completely pointless, I would say," Onslaught adds, scoffing in contempt.
Krownest - Mandalore sector
Mara POV...
After escaping from Dxun, the remainder of Clan Ordo traveled to Krownest in order the regroup and join forces with Clan Wren, Sabine's clan. From what I know, Sabine's mother has offered them residence there for the time being until they can relocate to a more permanent settlement. Luckily it seems like the Empire hasn't been after them; at least, Vader and Thrawn haven't.
Emerging out of hyperspace, I flew the Knight Hawk down towards the surface of the snowy planet, breaking through the cloud lower along the way. As I do so, a pair of Mandalorian starfighters flank me on either side, and I reach out to open a call with them. Before I could however, a blast from one of them rocks the Knight Hawk, and I let out a startled cry of surprise while R5 beeps angrily.
"Woah, hey! Chill out, we're friends!" I shout urgently. "I'm Mara Jade, my Dad and I helped Clan Ordo, remember?"
"Mandalore is no friend to the Shan's," one of them replies coldly.
"Oh really? Why don't you ask Sabine Wren about that?" I retort. "Or better yet, Count Raman?"
"This is your last warning. Leave-" he responds, before pausing.
I wait tensely for a response, seeing as he's undoubtedly conversing with someone else about my presence here. Finally, a familiar voice answers.
"Mara Jade? Is that you?" the voice of Kira Sohl, my aunt through adoption, asks.
"Yes, it's me Kira!" I confirm with a sigh. "Can you tell these two knuckleheads that I'd rather they not shoot me down?"
"Of course. Some people in both our clans are still a bit sensitive about my controversial cousin, but you've been given permission to land," she assures me. "They'll guide you in."
"Thanks Kira," I happily respond, and the transmission ends.
The two Mandalorian starfighters move ahead to direct me down to the landing field. Along the way I catch sight of the stronghold beside the frozen lake, making me raise an eyebrow at its appearance. It is by far one of the coolest buildings I've ever seen, and the lights illuminating it in the darkened sky make it look even cooler. R5 beeps at me with an irritated tone.
"No, you're not allowed to shock them, the ship is fine," I scoff, rolling my eyes.
R5 grumbles in disappointment as I set the ship down, and we make our way towards the exit. Once outside a group of four Mandalorians, two from Clan Ordo and two from Clan Wren, guide R5 and I to the throne room of the stronghold, where I'm happy to see basically everyone there who I wanted to speak to: Kira's whole family, Fenn Rau and Sabine, and who I can only assume is Sabine's mother and brother, the former sitting in her throne. A few other Mandalorians I don't know are standing around the room, most with their helmets on.
"Hey, you made it without getting shot!" Kira calls out cheerfully.
"Wh-what?" I ask incredulously, narrowing my eyes. "What do you mean, 'without getting shot?'"
"Kira," Aathias sighs.
"Sorry mother," she replies, not sounding sorry at all, and Crassus rolls his eyes.
"Pardon me, Count Raman, but who is this girl?" Sabine's mother questions, frowning.
"This is Mara Jade. Jarik Shan's adopted daughter, and my great-niece," Raman explains.
Sabine's mother and the other guy raise a surprised eyebrow, and I give an awkward wave to them. Sabine steps over to me, pleasantly surprised but also confused.
"Mara? What's going on? Why are you here?" she asks me.
R5 beeps a response, and Sabine frowns in confusion.
"We've got a serious problem? What's he talking about?" she asks me.
"Thrawn's fleet ambushed the rebels on Atollon," I tell her.
She widens her eyes in alarm, and the rest of the Mandalorians in the room share looks of surprise and uneasy concern.
"I wasn't there, but my Dad sent me a message," I continue, looking up at them. "You're the only ones I could think of who can help."
"Well you certainly came at a bad time," Crassus says, crossing his arms. "No offense."
"We're in the middle of a civil war," Sabine's mother adds with a stern gaze. "Clan Saxon has the Empire's backing, and despite our combined forces, we're stretched to their limit just to protect what ground we have."
"Mother, there must be something we can do!" Sabine insists.
"Could you at least hear me out?" I ask with a pleading stare.
Sabine's mother stares at me with a wary gaze, glancing uncertainly over at the others. Raman however nods his head to her, and I let out a small breath of relief as Sabine's mother softens her gaze, giving me a nod.
Chopper Base - Atollon
Jarik POV...
"Statement: While the shield generator withheld the first bombardment, it didn't survive unscathed. It will not survive another assault," HK-47 tells us.
"I don't think it will have to. Thrawn was trying to soften us up," Hera replies with a hard gaze. "He'll send Vader in with ground forces to do the dirty work."
"While I agree that Vader will lead a ground assault, I don't think Thrawn was necessarily trying to soften us up," I respond thoughtfully in disagreement. "That's not his style. He's about efficiency and precision. If he held off on destruction from orbit, it's because he has orders to take prisoners."
"Are you sure? That's not what it sounded like in his message," Ezra asks skeptically.
"Even Vader isn't so determined on killing me himself that he wouldn't disregard annihilation through orbital bombardment," I state confidently.
"Then that gives us an advantage," Hera decides. "We have a much better chance of survival if we only need to worry about holding off a ground assault."
"I agree, Captain," General Dodonna says in agreement. "My guess is he will most likely stage a direct assault from this position."
He refers to the holoprojector displaying a map of the landscape around the base, pointing at the end of a long valley.
"If we mine these approaches here and here, we can slow 'em down," Boil suggests, analyzing the map.
"Good. You and Boil take a squad down and get it done," Hera orders. "Zeb, Ezra, I want you to go with them."
"You got it Hera," Ezra replies confidently.
"Ironhide, Chromia and I can support you with heavy firepower if they send tanks," Elita offers.
"Well I certainly won't mind the help," Rex comments in approval.
"I will remain here to assist in the evacuation, for when the chance of escape arises," Shaak Ti says softly.
"Greez and I will help," Cere adds in support, turning to the rest of her crew. "Cal, Merrin, you join the others in the defense."
"Not a problem Cere," Cal says confidently.
"We'll do our best," Merrin adds in support.
"Scanners have picked up Imperial transports on the western quadrant," AP-5 informs us.
"He's launching the first wave," Hera states. "Get going, all of you."
"Well, HK, here's your chance for some action," I remark.
"Commentary: Action which has long since been needed," he retorts.
I shake my head in exasperation, and rush off with him to join the rest of the group to prepare for the approaching battle. I'm going to need to be on my a-game when Vader shows up.
Wren Stronghold - Krownest
Mara POV...
With the holographic diagram of Thrawn's fleet projected by R5, thanks to Dad sending it to us, we quickly got to work in analyzing the possible ways of pulling up with a victory. However the chances of that, I could already tell, were slim, especially seeing as how Vader's flagship is joined up with the Seventh Fleet as well, easily dwarfing the rest of the Star Destroyers with its size.
"Here's the main problem, those Interdictor cruisers," Sabine points out.
"Not to mention that Super Star Destroyer," Crassus adds with a frown. "Just that ship alone is far beyond our ability to combat. If it wasn't for the Storm, we never would've gotten past it."
"With Thrawn in command, you should count your losses and consider yourself fortunate to have not been there," Fenn Rau states.
"Like I said, without your help, they're trapped," I remind him.
"I wish we could offer it, but we just don't have the resources," Sabine's brother, Tristan, replies apologetically. "We can barely take care of our own."
"There's got to be some sort of way you can help!" I plead desperately.
"Mara, I wish we could. Truly," Aathias tells me sadly. "But our people have been divided for far too long, leaving us without the strength needed to combat such a fleet, even without Vader's flagship."
I look down bitterly at the statement, frustrated and also feeling helpless at my inability to do anything. I can't just... abandon the rebels to the Empire! I can't just abandon my father, the only parent I have left in my life!
"If no is the final answer, then I'll go there alone," I say in disappointment.
"And do what, get captured like the rest of them? It's a suicide mission!" Crassus argues.
"Better for me to try than just sit here!" I angrily retort. "Unlike some people, my family doesn't abandon each other!"
Crassus pulls back with wide eyes, shocked and ashamed, while the rest of the Mandalorians in the room all share glances with each other, their surprise, guilt, and shame easy for me to read; R5 beeps his support with me, a scathing remark directed back at them as well. I know it's kind of a low blow to say that, especially to my adoptive family in Clan Ordo—considering they've changed for the better—but I couldn't help it. I'm angry, frustrated, and feeling more helpless than ever: it's even worse than when I was Palpatine's prisoner, because this time I'm free to do anything I want, yet there's nothing for me to do.
"I'll... see you guys later then," I murmur bitterly, moving to walk out.
"You're not going alone," Kira calls out, making me pause. "I'm going with you."
"So am I," Sabine adds in agreement.
"Really?" I ask quietly, feeling a bit more hopeful.
"Family doesn't abandon each other, right?" Kira says with a grin.
"Sabine, I appreciate the loyalty you and Kira have for your friends, but this mission is impossible!" Tristan protests.
"I never thought that I would be standing here with all of you, neither do I think you ever thought Clan Wren would be free from the grip of Gar Saxon. And I most certainly am willing to bet that NONE of us would ever considers ourselves allies, friends even, with Jarik Shan and his family," Sabine points out confidently. "But we are. One thing I know is that my friends make the impossible possible; Jarik's attack on Coruscant proves that. If Mara thinks we can make a difference, then I believe her!"
I smile gratefully at her supportive speech, and Sabine's mother, Ursa, stands up from her seat at the throne.
"My daughter was restored back to me thanks to her friends, something worth repaying, whereas my actions almost destroyed an entire clan while they were in the midst of recovering the key to Mandalore's future, which is a debt that demands fulfillment, even if I fear I may never be able to pay it," Ursa says, stepping down towards us. "We cannot leave ourselves undefended, but you may take a few ships and any warriors who are willing."
"Thank you, mother," Sabine replies gratefully.
"You won't have much of an army to take down their blockade," Fenn Rau warns us.
"Defeating just one of those Star Destroyers would require firepower that we don't possess, at least in a direct confrontation," Raman adds.
"R5, bring up the Interdictors," Sabine says, and he does so. "Maybe we don't need an army."
Atollon Wilderness - Atollon
3rd person POV...
After setting up the mines in the valley where Thrawn and Vader would lead their assault, the rebel team got behind cover to wait for their approach. Elita, Ironhide and Chromia remained behind the tall coralline structures to keep themselves hidden from sight.
"I hope this plan of yours works," Zeb remarks.
"Yeah, me, too," Rex replies.
"Musing: It seems far too obvious though. Surely they won't send in all their forces at once," HK-47 complains.
"Come on, even if Thrawn's leading this thing, all the other Imperials are still pretty stupid," Ezra replies dismissively.
"Yeah. Besides, I thought you'd like a good firefight," Rex adds with an amused scoff.
"Statement: When it's on my terms," HK retorts.
Jarik shakes his head in amusement at their bickering, carefully walking over to the Autobots position.
"Can't help but think how you three couldn't have any worse timing in coming back," he remarks, crossing his arms. "Now you're stuck here with us."
"Better stuck here than with those abominations out there," Chromia replies.
"Who knows, maybe it's a good thing we're here to help you guys fight off the Empire," Elita suggests optimistically.
"If you want to see it that way, then thanks," Jarik shrugs in acknowledgement.
"You sound just like Prime," Ironhide tells Elita, grumbling.
"Really 'Hide? I never would've guessed," she sarcastically replies, and Chromia giggles in amusement.
The sound of light stomping gets their attention, and Jarik turns his head in its direction while Rex looks through his binoculars. From out of the fog, a patrol of just over half a dozen Imperial scout walkers come marching forwards in their direction.
"Here they come," Zeb warns.
Ironhide glances out to get a glimpse at the approaching scout walkers, frowning thoughtfully as he easily reads the tactic.
"They're using those as bait," he grunts. "I see that tactic used all the time."
"Not surprising. They wouldn't expect those to successfully assault the base," Jarik says in agreement.
Narrowing his eyes at the scout walkers, Rex holds up his detonator and then presses the button. Three mines explode in quick succession, taking out four of the scout walkers with ease. Rex, Boil and Zeb share a small grin, and Rex presses the detonator again. One more mine goes off in the midst of the final three walkers, taking down two of them, although the third walker continues on through the shield.
"I left one for you, brother," Rex says.
"Much appreciated," Boil replies with a grin.
Pulling his rocket launcher off his back, he holds it up to take aim and fires. A missile shoots out of the launcher and through the air to strike the final walker, easily destroying it.
"If that's the best plan they've got then we'll barely have to do anything," Merrin comments.
"I wish we were that lucky," Cal replies, shrugging his shoulders.
"Me too," Ezra adds with a nod of agreement.
"Excited commentary: Now the fun is about to begin," HK-47 says giddily.
On the opposite side of the long valley Thrawn—clad in Imperial battle armor—observes the action through his binoculars, locating the explosion from the mines and pinpointing the position that the missile originated from.
"They've revealed their meager defenses. Now we will crush them," he says in satisfaction.
"I sense the transformers are near," Second Sister states beside him.
"I have not spotted them yet, but most likely they are hiding with their rebel allies. I trust that Megatron will soon reveal himself to them," Thrawn replies.
"Perhaps. But I do not trust those Decepticons," she hisses in contempt.
"Neither do I Inquisitor, but we do share mutual enemies," he calmly reasons, opening his comlink. "Mark enemy mines and firing positions. Heavy battalions, advance: first wave. Lord Vader, you are clear to begin your assault."
The sound of heavy stomping echoing across the valley gets the attention of the rebels, and they anxiously turn to look in the direction of the noise.
"I know that sound," Rex states.
"Yeah. And I hate that sound," Zeb adds uneasily.
In the distance, four AT-AT walkers move forwards slowly in their direction, each step crashing down with enough force force to make the ground shake slightly. Elita, Ironhide and Chromia peek out to view the walkers curiously, frowning upon seeing their sheer size and mass.
"Those certainly look deadly," Chromia comments.
"Maybe. Maybe not," Elita replies thoughtfully. "Onslaught and his group destroyed a pair of those things while chasing after me."
"Lousy four-leggers," Rex scowls.
"Hit 'em with the detonators!" Zeb urges.
Rex does so with a press of a button, setting off several mines at the feet of the walkers. However, the AT-AT's are completely unfazed by the explosions, and a glowing blue line appears around the head of the lead walker, traveling along it as it slowly marches through the shield.
"We need Sabine to invent a shield you can't walk through!" Zeb growls, backing up cautiously.
"If we get the chance to tell her!" Ezra replies anxiously.
"Statement: Easy solution! Use a ray shield," HK-47 states.
"You bots think you've got enough firepower to take out those things?" Boil calls out hopefully.
"Enough firepower?" Ironhide scoffs. "Please!"
"They're about to shoot!" Merrin calls out warningly.
True to her word, the AT-AT walkers angle their heads to take aim at the rebels, and start firing their blasters cannons. The rebels all scatter to avoid the explosive blasts from the walkers, running back to farther cover, whilst several platoons of stormtroopers supported by troop transports give chase. Ironhide readies his twin cannons, giving the other two a nod, before rolling out from behind cover in front of the rebels. Taking aim with his cannons, he fires off a few missiles that streak towards the first walker, which is slow to react in time. The missiles explode against the walkers front legs, shattering the joints so that it collapses with a metallic groan.
"Yes! Haha!" Boil shouts with joyous laughter.
Alarmed by the appearance of their new adversary, the other walkers swiftly angle their cannons for him. However as they open fire, Elita jumps through the air to pass in front of Ironhide, swiping her wrist blades to block two laser bolts while Ironhide easily evades the rest.
Meanwhile, Chromia dashes out into the open as well in a straight charge for the next walker, ramming against one of its legs. It buckles slightly with a groan of protest, and Chromia scowls as she adds more force to her shoving, pushing into it with all of her strength. Eventually the walker's leg gives into the pressure, the knee joint snapping, and Chromia jumps back out of the way as the walker tumbles to the ground. The groups of stormtroopers all scatter in surprise and confusion, a few of them firing at the Autobots in their panic.
"Woah!" Ezra says with wide eyes. "Glad they're on our side!"
"Are we really seeing this?" Cal asks in amazement. "Merrin, are you messing with me or something?"
"I'm not magicking you," Merrin replies, smacking his arm.
"Statement: I suppose it is impressive," HK-47 comments.
With the support of the Autobots, the fleeing rebels turn back around and enter a firefight with the Imperial forces, red laser bolts arcing across the battlefield between them and the stormtroopers. With a standoff ensuing between both sides, Cal, Jarik, and Ezra all ignite their lightsabers, deflecting blaster fire and providing cover for their allies while Merrin adds her own form of support, throwing ichor blasts at nearby stormtroopers. The other two walkers fire on the Autobots, who swiftly move out of the way without much effort, being much faster and more maneuverable than the slow AT-AT's.
"Having fun yet?" Jarik asks HK.
HK fires off a few shots with his blasters, scoring direct headshots on several stormtroopers before ducking to avoid a bolt that streaks past him.
"Statement: It is acceptable," he replies dismissively.
"Maybe we should've brought this guy with us on Geonosis," Rex mutters to Boil, who rolls his eyes.
Meanwhile, a squad of a-wings led by Wedge come soaring out of the sky, firing their laser cannons inn a strafing run against Imperial forces. Although they do little against the AT-AT walkers, they do manage to destroy a troop transport and catch several stormtroopers in the crossfire, swooping up afterwards.
"Hobbie, follow me," Wedge says.
Thrawn lowers his binoculars with a deep frown on his face, growing slightly irritated at the sudden shift of momentum in the rebels favor, thanks to the support of the transformers. Beside him, the Second Sister was more visible frustrated.
"They said it was just one transformer, not three!" she snaps. "Where are the Decepticons?"
"Their cruiser is still in orbit, so I imagine they will come. But if not, we will handle it," Thrawn replies with a cold stare, activating his comlink. "Air groups, clear the skies of those fighters. Bombers, focus your attacks on the transformers. Second wave heavy battalion, move in."
Elita runs underneath the head of one of the walkers and fires at the weak spot under its neck with her energon blasters. She blasts the cockpit clean off of the walker while Ironhide and Chromia both jump up to ram their shoulders against the side of the main body. Despite even Ironhide only being half the size of the walkers in terms of height, the two still have more than enough strength to knock it over with the force of their ramming, and it collapses to the ground with a whine.
"Hmph. Even Trypticon move faster than these walkers by comparison," Ironhide scoffs.
"No kidding," Chromia replies in amusement.
Before the three of them could change their focus to the final walker, green laser fire from the sky has them ducking to avoid it, Ironhide grunting as he blocks several blasts with his forearm. Up in the sky, several squads of TIE Fighters and bombers come screaming down, firing at the Autobots and the a-wing starfighters.
"Hostiles incoming!" Wedge warns his pilots.
They break off from their strafing run, and a dozen TIE Fighters give chase while the rest of them and the bombers assault the Autobots. At the same time, several scout walkers outfitted with anti-tank missile attachments move forward, with another group of AT-AT walkers behind to reinforce them. A few missiles are shot out, and Ironhide grunts in pain as one strikes his shoulder, causing a bit of damage.
"Cybertron below me," he grumbles in annoyance.
He fires a few shots from his cannon, destroying one scout walker easily while Elita and Chromia shoot at the TIE's in the air with their energon blasters. A pair of bombers swoop down to drop their payload, and the two sisters jump out of the way to avoid the resulting explosions. Meanwhile, with the last surviving AT-AT of the first wave free to continue without interference from the Autobots, it stomps its way after the rebels, forcing them to fall back to avoid being blasted. Rex, Zeb, and Boil try firing their blasters at the cockpit to slow it down, but have no affect on it.
"Well this is definitely a problem!" Boil exclaims.
"Obvious statement: Of course it is! It's too heavily shielded!" HK-47 replies.
The rebels duck behind the cover of a few coralline formations and boulders, flinching away from explosive laser bolts that hit the ground beside them. Just then, Kanan comes sprinting forward into the battle with his lightsaber activated and leaps into the air at the walker. Landing onto the back leg of the walker, he cuts through it before jumping to the next, cutting through that one as well. Landing on the ground in a roll, he continues on while a pair of stormtroopers attempt to give chase, but as the walker collapses it inadvertently crushes them underneath it.
"Kanan!" Ezra calls out in relief. "Is he coming to help us out?"
"Maybe! Maybe not!" Kanan shouts in response.
Deflecting another blaster bolt with his lightsaber, Jarik narrows his eyes at the Imperial reinforcements making their way over in their direction, as well as seeing the Autobots struggling a little bit with so much enemy attacks. Glancing up to see a TIE Bomber swooping in without them noticing, he sprints over in their direction and jumps up into the air.
Landing on top of a coral branch, he pushes off even higher with a Force enhanced leap and pulls out his second lightsaber, throwing them both into the air. The two sabers twirl around to cut through one wing of the bomber as it swoops in, slicing it clean off so it spirals off course to crash into the cliff wall instead. Elita looks over at the crashed bomber in surprise while Jarik rolls across the ground to soften his landing, calling his lightsabers back to him.
"Thanks!" she says, still slightly stunned at the move he pulled off.
"No problem!" he calls out with a grin.
"Got a lot more coming our way!" Zeb calls out, gesturing to the next wave of AT-AT walkers as they start passing through the shield.
Ironhide rams his shoulder into one of the scout walkers, slamming it to the ground while Chromia jumps up to deliver a spinning kick to another to take it out. Just then however, the TIE Fighters in the air break away from their strafing runs against the Autobots, confusing them and the rebels, before a different sound fills the air, sounding like jet propulsion.
"I know that sound," Elita murmurs.
Glancing up at the sky, she widens her optics in alarm at the sight of a lone aircraft screaming through the sky in their direction.
"Jarik, you and the others should fall back to the base," she advises worriedly.
Frowning, Jarik looks up at the sky to spot the aircraft speeding towards them while Ironhide and Chromia do the same. After a few moments Jarik recognizes it as well with a stunned expression, which quickly falls to worry and frustration.
"You gotta be kriffing me," he mutters, moving over to the rest of the rebels. "Everyone, into the tunnels!"
Before he could join them however, the starfighter unleashes a heavy payload of missiles, which explode on impact with the ground. Elita, Ironhide and Chromia all move to avoid the missiles while Jarik is blown back with a startled cry, rolling across the ground next to Elita with a grimace on his face. The group of rebels pull back to avoid the explosion, looking up in bewilderment. The starfighter in question suddenly transforms midair as it shoots past the Autobots, twisting around to face them as it comes to a harsh landing between them and the rebels at the tunnel, dragging a hand through the dirt to slow down. The cybertronian stands up to his full height, glaring at the Autobots with one glowing red optic.
~ TRACK ONE: Cybertron - Brian Tyler (0:43 - 1:28) ~
"Onslaught?" Elita asks incredulously.
"So surprised to see me Autobot?" Onslaught sneers.
Jarik gets to his feet with a grimace, looking up at Onslaught to see he's separated from the others, who are shocked and unsure of what to do.
"Keep going to the base, all of you!" Jarik calls out to them.
Although reluctant, Rex nods his head and gestures for everyone to keep going into the tunnels, which lead back to the base. Onslaught spares them a brief glance of contempt before facing the Autobots once more, a smirk on his face.
"I imagine the Empire will take care of them shortly," he comments dismissively. "You should've gone with them, Jedi. You would have a better chance of survival that way."
"You're the one who'll be turned into scrap, slaghead," Ironhide retorts with a hardened glare.
"For a burnout like you, your arrogance is amusing," Onslaught taunts.
"Says the punk who thinks he can take us on all himself," Chromia retorts.
If possible, Onslaught's grin became even wider and more self-assured.
"What makes you think I'm alone, Autobot?" he says.
Jarik and the Autobots hesitate in brief confusion, before a loud sound behind them gets their attention, and they all turn their heads to see swirling green portal emerge out of thin air, the silhouette of a large figure forming in the center of the vortex.
~ TRACK ONE: (1:10 - 1:28) ~
Loud stomping can be heard as the figure moves forward with heavy footsteps, becoming more visible as it steps out of the portal and onto Atollon's surface. Standing before them all is a towering silver figure, easily taller than Ironhide and by far the largest cybertronian that Jarik has seen yet. His chassis is a gleaming silver, a purple Decepticon logo displayed proudly in the center. His design is sharp and angular in a way that only be described as menacing, with a giant cannon attached to his right arm to top it off. Large pikes adorn both his shoulders to give him a regal, but frightening appearance, completed by a battle-scarred face with two glaring red optics.
Elita, Ironhide and Chromia stare at him with shocked looks on their faces, a hint of fear and alarm running through them as they tense up anxiously, and Elita steps in front of Jarik almost instinctively. Jarik looks at the warlord with growing realization, tightening his grip on both lightsaber hilts held in his hands. The Decepticon warlord takes a moment to gaze at them before a sinister smirk crosses his face.
"Elita One," he chuckles coldly. "Your time spent avoiding death, has long since expired."
~ TRACK ONE ENDS ~
Author's Note: The third part will be released within the next 24 hours, so stay tuned! :D
Also, normally I would reserve this for a Volume 2 upload but... it was so amazing and emotional that I just couldn't wait, so I'll say it here
(SPOILERS FOR CLONE WARS SEASON 7 EPISODE 11 UP AHEAD)
We all knew it was coming, but seeing Order 66 happen in the show was super intense to watch. The entire first act of the episode that led up to it had such an eerie soundtrack in the background, it was haunting. Everyone watching knew what was happening, which made it even more intense. And the Revenge of the Sith tie-ins... the voices that Ahsoka and Maul heard, wow, that was awesome. And then seeing the Emperor himself giving Order 66 to Rex was cool too.
Something I noticed however when Sidious gave the Order (other people pointed it out in YT comments) is that there seemed to be an implication happening during that scene. Whenever Darth Sidious gave the Order to all the other clones, they would refer to him as "my Lord," but in this episode Rex referred to him as "Lord Sidious," which is a key difference: nobody is supposed to know his name. You could see Sidious pause for a second, lingering on the hologram for just a moment longer before disappearing just before Ahsoka walked into the room. I could be overthinking things, but I think that is such an epic, subtle detail that adds even more depth to Rex and Order 66.
Funny enough, this episode also retcons the Ahsoka novel in some ways (mainly with its Siege of Mandalore and Order 66 references), so that's something that I'll have to account for in Volume 4 of my stories lol.