Chapter 14: The Fortress
Rusk knew when he accepted this position that it was going to test his patience. Working with a bunch of criminals who held no regard for the rules and regulations with which they were supposed to uphold was taxing. He never realized it would wear on his nerves this much though.
"You'll be in solitary confinement until you can recite every regulation by heart!" Rusk ordered to the disobedient trooper stood in front of him right now.
"Oh yeah?" the trooper responded challengingly, getting up in Rusk's face.
Rusk pulled out his side arm and pushed the barrel against the seam where the upper stomach and lower torso plate of the armor met.
"Your next violation will earn you a firing squad… Do I make myself clear?"
The trooper backed off, seemingly lost his will to rebel.
"Okay, okay! I get you!" he said spinelessly.
Rusk took solace in the fact that now with their mission here complete on Nar Shaddaa he would at least have a few days of not having to deal with the rift raft as they travelled to where their next mission took them.
"Contacts!" screamed out one of the lookout guards. Rusk grabbed his rifle and ran for the gate. His men had taken up firing positions and we're waiting for his order on what to do.
Looking out over the top of the makeshift ramparts, he saw two individuals walking up towards them one. One male and one female, but he couldn't see their faces as they had hoods covering them.
"You are currently walking into a restricted area of a current Republic investigation. By article six twenty-three, section four, I have full authority to fire upon any who walk in here. Leave now! This is your only warning."
The two individuals stopped and looked at each other. Rusk thought he could make out them smirking underneath their hoods.
"Now now Rusk, is that any way to treat your old commander?" came a familiar voice out of the male.
"Yeah Rusk, I thought we were friends," said the female voice jokingly. The two of them lowered their hoods in unison.
"Stars!" gasped out Rusk. "Lower your weapons! Friendlies incoming!"
The troops obeyed and dropped their guards. Rusk came down from the ramparts and went to meet the two by the gate.
"I can't believe it's really you," Rusk said as way of greeting. "It's been so long, I assumed you were dead."
"Not quite dead, but I was frozen in carbonite for the past five years. It's good to see you. Guess you're back to leading your own squad huh?"
"There are very few people who would choose this command, but I'm honored to shoulder this burden for the good of the Republic."
"Five years and you really haven't changed," Kira said shaking her head, but she held a smile on her face. "Nice to see you again."
"Likewise, Ma'am. So Master Jedi you said you were frozen in carbonite?"
Kal nodded his head in confirmation.
"Master Jedi, I still haven't been able to forget about the last time we failed to strike at the Emperor… Are you sure that hasn't happened again?"
"Believe me Rusk… I can't forget about it either," Kal answered sadly. "But this time I really was frozen in carbonite. I'm not going to lie to you though, the Sith Emperor has been stuck in my head. Arcann imprisoned us both."
"Well, if he was able to imprison both you and the Emperor then it makes sense I guess that he was able to conquer the galaxy. So Master Jedi, not to be rude, but why come to me? What can I do to help you?"
"Well, you've got useful skills, experience leading troops, and have soldiers at your side. All things I desperately need in my Alliance to stop Arcann." Kal paused for a few moments before carrying on.
"But truthfully, I showed up just because you're here. I'm doing my best to get the old crew back together. We already have T7 and well," Kal stopped and motioned to Kira. "Doc's still MIA and Scourge… well Scourge has made his decision. That just leaves you."
"The Dead Man's Legion and I have just finished up our mission to suppress a gang war for our Hutt allies. I would be honored to come back and work for you again sir," Rusk said extending his hand out.
Kal grabbed it with his own and gave it a firm shake.
"The honor is all mine Sergeant."
"It's actually Provost Marshal now, sir."
Kal broke off the handshake and retracted his hand. "I see. Congratulations."
"Thank you, sir!"
"Alright, gather up your men and grab some shuttles. We'll need to fly back-"
Kal stopped as his holocom began beeping.
Kal put a finger up. "Sorry, one moment."
He answered the call and saw Lana's form come over the holocom.
"Hey, Lana, what's going on?"
"Have you recruited your companion and his squad yet?" she asked with her straight business tone.
"Yeah, we just finished. Why?" Kal asked a little concerned as he realized this wasn't a social call.
"I've just received new intel from one of my contacts on Nar Shaddaa that needs to be acted upon immediately… How do you feel about taking down Nar Shaddaa's star fortress?" she asked with an uneasy smile.
"What's the contacts name again?" asked Kira as Kal, Rusk, and herself moved to rendezvous with Lana's contact.
The Dead Man's Legion had been left behind for the time being as they thought an entire Legion's worth of troops moving would be too conspicuous and draw too much attention from the Eternal Empire.
"Her name is Veeroa Denz," answered Kal. "She's a Nautolan. Lana says she has vital information that could lead to the destruction of the star base overhead."
Kira stopped and looked above her, seeing the massive space station sitting in orbit. It was ready to annihilate the planet if the need called for it.
"Taking down the base would be a huge win for the Alliance," continued Kal. "With Nar Shaddaa free we could have access to the black market, trade alliances with the Hutts, contact with merc groups. This would be a huge win for us."
"Understood Master Jedi, let's hope this contacts information is good then."
As they reached the rendezvous coordinates, they saw a Nautolan standing there.
"Commander, a pleasure to meet you! I'm glad Lana Beniko could get us in touch so quick," said Veeroa.
"It's nice to meet you too." Kal noticed the lightsaber clipped to her belt and felt her dark presence alluding from her. "You're a Sith," he said in realization.
"I've made no effort to conceal my nature. I was led to believe you were open minded Commander. After all, aren't you dating one?"
"Yeah, apologies I didn't mean to offend. I was just surprised is all, didn't expect Lana's contact to be a Sith. Especially out here on Nar Shaddaa. What are you doing out here?"
"It's not much of a unique story," she answered crossing her arms and leaning back against the wall. "I was an acolyte on Korriban when the Eternal Empire attacked. After I learned it was Arcann and his forces who attacked I wanted revenge. With my overseer dead, I fled. I ended up here."
"The Eternal Empire's attacks have displaced a lot of people, I'm sorry. But why do I get the feeling you're not telling me the whole story."
Veeroa smirked. "Good intuition Commander. I'm not, but the rest of it isn't your concern. All that matters is that we share a common interest. I have the information needed to take down the star fortress and you have the manpower. So… you interested?"
"Alpha in position sir."
"Omega in position."
"Echo in position."
"Copy that. All squads have reported in Master Jedi."
Kal nodded his head in acknowledgement and subtly looked towards the bunker entrance from underneath his hood.
Kal, Kira, Rusk, and Veeroa we're sitting on a bench not far from the bunker trying to act inconspicuous.
"Just to make sure we're all on the same page, can we go over the plan one more time?" asked Kal.
"Sure Commander. You see those two turrets over there," Veeroa said subtly nodding towards them.
"Yeah, I see them."
"Those are very high powered turbolasers. Could probably cut straight through the plating on a capital ship."
Kal thought back to him and Marr trapped on Marr's ship as laser fire rained down upon them. The impacts rocking the ship before the drive core blew and Kal was knocked out.
"But those aren't really the problem," Veeroa said drawing Kal back out of his thoughts. "With your troops we can make short work of the turrets. The problem is that in the event of an attack the bunker goes into lock down. Ray shields go up, elevators get locked down, and the whole base goes on alert. Now, there is a master override code to get past all of that, but it changes every day."
"Which is where you come in?"
"Yup. Thanks to a lucky break and a… 'willing' captive, we have todays master code."
"Which is why we need to do this now, correct?"
"Got it in one, Commander. Now I do believe it is best to get this show on the road, wouldn't you agree? The longer we sit here the more suspicious we will look."
Kal nodded in agreement and signaled to Rusk to begin the attack.
Rusk nodded in understanding and spoke into his communicator. "Legion, Operation Hammer Fall is a go. Repeat, Operation Hammer Fall is a go."
"Understood, sir!" came back from Rusk's communicator.
Kal and the rest of them watched as attacks rained down simultaneously on the two turrets guarding the bunker exited. Rockets, thermal detonators, and cannon fire rained down upon the turrets. The turrets managed to get a few retaliatory strikes off but were ultimately destroyed.
"Looks like your Legion works well Marshal. Let's hope the rest of the assault goes as smoothly as well," commented Veeroa as she stood up from the bench.
Kal and the rest followed suit. They began walking over to the bunker entrance. Kira strode up next to Kal.
"Now it's really like old times, isn't it? Unfavorable odds, high chance of death, and yet fearlessly we charge headfirst. Once more into the breach huh?" Kira asked Kal.
Kal gave a light snort.
"The way our lives have panned out it won't just be once more. There will be a lot more 'into the breaches' before we can ever consider our job well and truly finished."
"Well," Kira said seriously. "At least we'll be together for each and every one of them."
Kal stopped his stride and turned to look at Kira.
"From now on nothing keeps us apart. You're stuck with me until my dying breath."
"And that's why I'm here. To make sure that day doesn't come for a long time," she said gently resting a hand over his. "Come on tough guy, still got a galaxy to save and all that."
Kal gave her a smirk. "Right behind you!"
Kal, Kira, Rusk, and Veeroa were waiting in the inside of the bunker, near the entrance, for the rest of the Dead Man's Legion to reconvene on their position.
"Rusk, you're to stay here and make sure the Legion keeps this exit clear!" ordered Kal. "When I blow this shield generator, we're going to need a quick escape, and I'd rather not get fried because someone let them take our flank."
Rusk gave Kal a salute.
"I'll make sure our Flank is free and clear Master Jedi."
"Good." Kal turned to Kira and Veeroa. "You two, with me."
He marched further into the bunker, not even needing to check if the two had heeded his command. Kira, he knew would follow suit with no hesitation… which she did. As for Veeroa, she didn't take long to get with the program and fall in line.
The trio made their way through the bunker, cutting down Skytroopers and officers alike as they got in their way. As they reached the end of the bunker, and subsequently the shield generator controls, they came across one of the fancy black Skytroopers.
"Oh great, another one," complained Kal.
"Something we should know about?" asked Kira.
Kal gave out a light sigh. "No, hold on. I'll take care of this."
Kal walked up towards the Skytrooper, not even bothering to reach for his lightsaber. The Skytrooper, noticing Kal, flew off into the sky and prepared to fire a rocket salvo at Kal.
Kal lazily waited where he stood, tapping his foot along the floor as he waited for the first shot. As the first rocket fired Kal grabbed it with the force and immediately flung it back. It impacted with the next rocket as it left the Skytroopers wrist, and the resulting explosion sent Skytrooper parts flying everywhere.
Kira looked around at the parts strewn across the room. "You took care of that easily enough."
"I've had some experience with their kind before. Let's finish this up. Still have a whole star fortress to assault after all."
Kal walked over to the shield generator controls and pulled up the commands to initiate the overload. Before he did though he contacted Rusk.
"Rusk, come in. I'm set to blow this place sky high, is the exit secured?"
The sound of blaster fire and few explosions came back through over the comm.
"Objective is not secure, Master Jedi! Enemy pushed back with more force then initially expected."
"Damn it. We don't have all day Rusk. The longer we stay here the more entrenched we're going to get. And once I set this thing to blow, we'll have very little spare time to make our escape."
"Understood sir! I'll make sure the exit is clear by the time you arrive."
"Good, just make sure that exit doesn't cost you your life. Didn't come all the way out here just to have you die on me now."
"No greater honor then to die in a fight for a worthy cause but as you order sir. I'll be here waiting with your escape route. Rusk out."
Kal turned to Kira and Veeroa behind him.
"I'm about to start the overload. Get ready to run like hell."
Getting two affirmative nods Kal turned back around and activated the overload switch. Afterwards alarms started blaring all throughout the bunker. A massive quake ran throughout the place as minor explosions started happening.
"Move! Go, go!" yelled Kal as they all ran for the exit.
As they reached the entrance Kal noticed they were passing over a few more Republic trooper corpses then he would have liked. Standing a decent distance away with the surviving members of his Legion was Rusk.
"Come on!" yelled Rusk as he waved them over.
Right as they passed through the doorway the bunker finally exploded. Kal reached out and as quick as he could and pushed Veeroa and Kira as far away as he could.
Eventually though the explosion caught up with him and Kal was sent flying by the blast, while the heat of the explosion seared his back.
Kal tumbled and rolled along the ground for a while before coming to a stop.
Kira lifted her head off the ground after the unexpected push she received. "Kal!" she exclaimed upon seeing his prone form lying there.
She quickly stumbled to her feet and ran over to check on him. As she got to him, he was already trying to push himself back off the ground.
"Here, let me help you," she said as she reached down and grabbed one of his arms, yanking him upright.
"Are you alright?" she asked as she gently ran her hands down his back, checking for signs of damage.
"I'm alrig-" he stopped to wince as she ran her hand over a particularly sensitive patch of skin at the moment.
"Alright my ass you jerk! What about this seems alright to you?" she said angry at him for lying to her.
"It'll be fine. Just slap an ice pack on it, and some bacta later and things will be alright."
"No later, we're getting you to a medbay right now." She started to try and drag him off, but he had planted his feet and was committed to not moving.
"There's not time. We have to take down that star fortress while the shields are down. Who knows how long it will take Zakuul to get another shield generator up and running or if they bring reinforcements to defend the station. This is our shot and I'm not about to throw it away over some little injury."
"You're going to get yourself killed," she said crossing her arms over her chest.
"Then I guess it's a good thing I've got you here to prevent that from happening."
She stood there tapping her feet for a few moments before she blew a loose strand of her disheveled hair out of her face.
"Fine! You're lucky I'm more in love with you then I am angry with you at the moment."
"Master Jedi!" interrupted Rusk as he jogged over. "We just finished checking on Veeroa and she'll be fine. Nothing major. Are you injured sir?"
"I'm fine, Rusk," he said trying to wave him off, but Kira wasn't having any of it.
"He's not fine, the liar," she said elbowing Kal in his side. "He has minor burns on his back."
Rusk nodded in understanding and called for a medic.
The medic rushed over and began doing a quick preliminary scan of Kal.
"Kira is this really necessary? We could-" he stopped when he saw the glare she was giving him. Kal sighed and shut up letting the medic do his check.
The medic ended up giving him a shot of bacta with a recommendation he take it easy for a bit as soon as he could.
"There! Now was that so hard to wait for the medic's all clear?" Kira asked rhetorically. "Now let's go blow up that star fortress so you can get some rest." She stalked off to go check on Veeroa and the rest of the Legion.
Kal let out a sigh once more and turned to Rusk. "Gather up the rest of your men and grab some shuttles, we have a star fortress to assault."
"Right away Master Jedi!" he said with a salute. He then turned and walked over to his men.
"Everyone hold on! It's gonna be a wild ride!" shouted the pilot as he began evasive maneuverers to avoid the incoming turbolaser fire.
"Do we know who's in charge of this star fortress?" asked Kal, looking for input from either Rusk or Veeroa.
"His name is Lesin Tyn," answered Veeroa. "Don't really know much about him, but it doesn't really matter. All you need to know is he is not going to let you have this station while he still breathes."
"So, we'll stop him from breathing then."
Kal turned and looked out of the cockpit windows to see them pulling into the hangar bay.
"The hangar's swarming with hostiles! You need to take them out quick or we're going to be toast!" yelled the pilot. "Opening the ramp bay door in 3…"
"You ready Kira?" Kal asked igniting his lightsaber.
"2…"
Kira ignited her double-bladed lightsaber too. "Always, tough guy," she answered with a smirk.
"1…"
The ramp lowered and immediately a barrage of blaster fire began raining down on the shuttle. Kal took a running jump and leaped off the ramp before doing a force ground pound in the middle of a group of Skytroopers as he landed.
Their parts went flying and Kal raised his lightsaber, deflecting lasers as he began advancing upon the hangar's defenders.
Kal heard Kira catch up to him as they leapt together into the fray. Rusk combat rolled off the ship with a few troopers of his and they rained down covering fire for the Jedi.
Meanwhile Veeroa, with her two crimson red lightsabers, was having a field day as she easily cut down all the Skytroopers in her path.
Soon there was nothing put smoking parts left lying around the hangar bay.
"Rusk! Report!" called out Kal.
"All shuttles successfully landed sir! No casualties on our end. The other squads have secured their hangars, but they weren't as successful as we were."
"I still don't think it was a good idea to split up our forces," said Kira.
"I know but with our forces split up they have to split up their defenders. It'll give us an easier time when trying to reach the sun generator."
"You know as well as I do that most of those other troops aren't going to make it without us their to help them," she whispered to him.
Kal looked away and hardened his face. "Unfortunately, that's the cost of war of sometimes."
"I know," she said sadly as she also looked away. "Doesn't make it any easier though."
"It never does."
Kal looked back and signaled over Rusk and Veeroa.
"We have to keep moving," he said as they arrived. "Won't be long until reinforcements start showing up."
"My men and I are ready to go Master Jedi."
"Ready when you are, Commander."
Kal nodded and motioned for them to follow. They began their assault through the base.
Kal and the rest of them we're making good time as they progressed through the base. They we're now standing outside a locked door and on the other side laid their objective. The Sun Generator.
"Vasir, get to work on the door," ordered Rusk.
"Right away sir," he said as he pulled out some tools and attempted to hack his way through the door.
As they were standing there, waiting for Vasir to finish his work, Kal and Rusk's comms crackled to life.
"This is Echo, we're getting torn up out here trying to reach you!"
"Same here with Alpha sir! We're pinned and going nowhere fast."
"This is Omega, we're down over half the squad. I don't think we're going to make it to you! You need to sound the retreat!"
"Can it soldier. I know you're in tough, but this mission is too important. There is no retreat. Push forward at all costs," responded Rusk.
"But sir, this is madness!"
"Kal," Kira said resting a hand on Kal's right arm. "Please," she implored with her eyes.
Kal met her eyes for a second. It only took a second for her to make him falter.
"Rusk, sound the retreat."
"Sir?"
"We'll keep going on our own, get your men out of there."
"Understood sir."
Rusk raised his wrist communicator back up to his mouth.
"New orders from the Commander. All squads, full retreat immediately. Get back to your shuttles and await further orders."
"Finally," said some poor solider who didn't know his communicator was on.
"What was that?" asked Rusk.
"Uhh nothing sir. We'll begin retreating immediately. Over and out."
Kira gave Kal's arm a light squeeze. "Thank you."
"Door's good to go Commander," said Vasir.
"Everyone get ready," said Kal as he grabbed his lightsaber and walked up to the door controls.
Kal waited for them all to stack up. Once he confirmed they were in position he pushed the button, and the group ran into the room.
They were surprised however when there was no waiting for them on the other side. Kal took in his surroundings. In front of him, surrounded by glass was the miniature star, shining in all its glory. It pulsed evenly showing off its life.
The group was standing in the middle of a large circular platform. Computers were placed in the four quadrants of the circle, evenly spread out. There were walkways extending out on both sides of them that went in a circle around the star, the safety glass following along the entire way. Across the way but elevated higher then where they currently were was a similar circular platform.
"Somethings not right," said Kira.
"Yeah… I feel it too."
Suddenly the holographic form of Lesin Tyn appeared at the end of their platform, nearest to the star.
"Ahh Outlander, how nice of you to deliver yourself to me," said Lesin. "Our Emperor will be made about the loss of the bunker but I'm sure hand delivering you will more then make up for that."
"Yeah? Then why don't you stop being a coward and show yourself? Or do you realize you can't take me on by yourself."
"I could easily take on your little rebel group, but a competent leader doesn't just give up an advantage now does he?"
As he said this Skytroopers began jetpacking up from underneath the platform where they had been waiting. A group of Knights also rushed out from the doorway the group had come in from.
No one had begun firing yet, but the group was pushed back and huddled back-to-back in a circle. The Skytroopers and Knights having spread themselves out in a circle around them. The Skytroopers had their guns ready and aimed at the group.
Kal and his group had their weapons at the ready and we're posed not to go down without a fight.
Kal turned back to the holo of Tyn.
"You would do well to surrender Outlander. You're surrounded with no way out. You and your… what do you people call them… padawan? Whatever the case, the Emperor wants you two alive. As for the rest of you I promise your deaths will be quick and painless.
Kal, seeing that they were surrounded deactivated his lightsaber and reattached it back to his hip.
"I don't suppose I could convince you to surrender now, could I?" Kal asked. All the while he was subtly tapping on Kira and Rusk. It was an old code they had developed back in the day to inform them of a plan even if they couldn't speak.
Tyn gave a hearty laugh at that. "I don't think you understand the position you're in." His face then morphed into one of anger. "You have no rights to be making demands of me!"
"Shame, this could have been less messy. Oh well." Saying that Kal force pushed two of the Knights standing in front of them really hard. The two went flying, shattered through the glass, and immediately burned up due to the intensity of the sun.
Rusk reacted quickly and bent over as Kal, trusting his old partner, flipped to roll over Rusk's back without checking if he was in position. He grabbed his lightsaber mid roll and ignited it.
"Kill them!" snarled out Tyn before cutting off the holo.
Blaster bolts began flying as both sides began shooting. Veeroa charged two of the Knights, while Kira charged at the remaining two. Kal stood there guarding the troops and deflecting blaster bolts back at the Skytroopers.
Kira was caught in a deadlock with one of the Knights when the other tried to attack from behind her. Knowing he was there, Kira struck out with a mighty kick behind her and landed her foot straight into the Knights chest. The Knight stumbled backwards and inadvertently crossed into the part of the platform where the glass had been broken.
The sun rays, which were so intense without the shielding, caught his body on fire instantly.
"Stay out of the light!" screamed Kira, warning the rest of the group, as she twisted her lightsaber around and brought the Knight's lightsaber along with hers. Leaving an opening which she took with the other end of her double-sided blade.
Kira turned and saw Veeroa finish off her last Knight too. Meanwhile Kal and the remaining troopers had just finished off the last remaining Skytroopers.
Kal looked over to the other platform and saw Tyn standing there with more Skytroopers. He was barking orders and pointing over to their platform.
"Rusk have you and your men begin overloading this generator. And find me a way to cross over to the other side without being burnt to a crisp."
"Yes sir! You heard the Commander, get to work on the generator."
"Ah Commander, I think I found something that might help," interjected Veeroa.
Kal walked over to her.
"What do you have for me?"
"Emergency shield generators meant to protect against the harsh rays of the sun. Unfortunately, there is only two of them left," she said holding up the last two generators.
"We'll be taking those," Kira said as she took them from Veeroa hands.
Kal raised an eyebrow at her.
Kira rolled her eyes. "You're obviously going and where you go, I go."
Kal nodded his head in acceptance.
"Veeroa, help guard the troops until they're done with their work."
"As you wish, Commander. Good luck," she said with a bow.
Kal and Kira strapped the shield generators on around them. Clicking the button, Kal watched as the shield flared to life around him for a moment before it went back to being invisible.
"Once more into the breach huh?" asked Kal.
"You know it," she responded.
The two ran through the sun's rays and were relieved when they didn't burst into flames. They ran across the walkway when Skytroopers on the higher platform started dropping down to block their path.
Kal threw his lightsaber and bisected a few of them. Kira meanwhile picked one up with the force and threw it into the others, knocking the ones who survived off the walkway. The two of them leaped up and landed on the platform above them.
Lesin Tyn was standing there in the middle of the platform alone. His lightsaber pike ignited and in one hand, while a shield was in the other.
"You have ruined everything!" he screamed pointing the pike at Kal.
An alarm started blaring throughout the base.
"Warning. Warning. Generator coolant system has been disabled. Generator will overheat in 15 minutes."
"Base is ready to go. See you on the evac shuttle sir," came Rusk's voice of Kal's earpiece.
"Arcann will have my head for this but maybe this fiasco can still be salvaged. I might be spared if I bring him your head!"
"Lucky for you, you won't have to worry about any of that soon." Kal grabbed and ignited his lightsaber.
Tyn lowered his pike and got into a combat ready stance. Kal looked to his left and met Kira's eye. The two exchanged a nod and then charged at Tyn.
Kira leapt at him first, but he blocked her with his shield before punching her back with it. Kal came in right after her, but Tyn was quick enough to pivot and block Kal's attack with his shield too.
Kira stumbled back, dazed for a second after being punched.
Kal relentlessly attacked, but Tyn kept blocking with his shield. Kal feigned a strike from the right but swung from the left. For the first time Tyn blocked the swing with his pike, forcing the two into a deadlock.
"Is this the best you have Outlander? How you killed our Immortal Emperor I'll never know. But I'll take pleasure in giving you to Arcann. You think he'd mind if you were missing a few parts when you arrived?" he asked with a sinister grin.
"Ahh!" Kira screamed as leapt at Tyn once again. Tyn shoulder checked Kal backwards and turned himself in time to stab his pike out at Kira. Kira was forced to do an aerial roll to block his pike with her lightsaber without getting hit.
She landed gracefully next to Kal and split her focus between him and Tyn.
"Any ideas tough guy?"
"Just one. When I signal you to, break the glass behind me."
Kira nodded in affirmation and began walking around Tyn but kept her distance.
"What? Your little pet has had too much?"
Kal didn't respond and charged Tyn once more, keeping him under a barrage of attacks. Kal managed to push him back a bit until they were near one of the glass walls. Kal again feigned a right strike only to come from the left.
Tyn blocked the blow and the two were once again in a deadlock.
"Don't you ever learn? This didn't work so well for you last time?"
"I think it's working just perfectly," Kal said with a smirk. "Kira now!"
Kira, who had been waiting, charging a force push, unleashed it on the glass walls behind Kal. The glass shattered send pieces flying everywhere.
As the sun's rays passed over them, Kal heard his shields start taking the hit. Lesin Tyn wasn't as lucky however.
"Ahhh!" he screamed as his body caught fire. Kal backed off and watched as Tyn flailed around for a few seconds before falling over and becoming nothing but a burning corpse.
Kira walked over and stood next to him, bending over, and putting her hands on her knees as she panted.
"Well, that was something. How much time do you think we-" She was cut off by another warning from the base.
"Warning. Warning. Generator will overheat in four minutes. All personnel should evacuate immediately."
"Well, I guess that answers that question," she said.
"Yeah and we don't have enough time to get back to the hangar."
Bringing up his wrist communicator he contacted Rusk.
"Rusk, we're done here but we don't have enough time to get back to the hangar. I need options."
"Understood sir! Schematics show there's an elevator near you that connects you the Exarch's personal hangar. It's locked down but you should be able to lift it from the inside and allow us to land."
"Perfect, we'll be there in a moment, be ready."
"Aye aye sir!"
"Come on," Kal said running off towards the nearby elevator. "We don't have a moment to waste."
Stepping of the elevator Kira and Kal were running through the corridor.
"Warning. Warning. Sun generator will overheat in two minutes. Evacuate immediately."
"This is going to be closer than I'd like, dear," said Kira.
"I'm sorry, next time we blow up a star fortress I'll try to make it more convenient for you," Kal said sarcastically.
"I'm just saying, a little more planning next time would be appreciated."
The two of the entered the hangar to see the Exarch's ship standing there… in ruins as a beam had fallen from the ceiling and collapsed on the ship.
Running over to the controls, Kal lowered the blast doors on the hangar. The two of them watched as a shuttle flew in and without landing turned around in the hangar.
The ramp lowered and Rusk was there, hanging on to one of the extension poles.
"Come on!" he yelled waving them over.
The two rushed over and Kira leapt onto the ramp first. She landed, with Rusk grabbing her to make sure she didn't fall, and grabbed onto the other extension pole.
Kal leapt right after her. He landed but began to fall backwards when explosions started rocketing throughout the base, and subsequently the shuttle.
"I got you!" Kira said as she grabbed on Kal's hand. She pulled him back onto the ramp and the three entered the shuttle as Kal heard, "Warning. Warning. Sun generator will overheat in thirty seconds. Evacuate immediately."
"Get us out here!" yelled Kal to the pilot.
"Hold on everyone! Strap in! Gonna be a close one!" responded the pilot.
Kal ran up to the cockpit and took the copilot's chair. He watched as they raced out of the star fortress trying to gain as much distance as possible. Using the rear-view cameras, he watched as the star fortress imploded on itself before sending out a massive shockwave across space.
The shockwave hit the shuttle, shaking it, but it was otherwise alright.
"We did it!" one of the troopers onboard cheered.
The rest of the troops followed through with celebratory cheers and jests of their own.
Across the planet people celebrated as they saw the oppressive star fortress above them explode.
"Sir the star fortress overhead has exploded."
"Someone managed to take down the star fortress?" the Hutt asked rhetorically. "Find me whoever did it and get me in contact with them."
"Right away sir."
When Kal arrived back on Odessen the last thing he expected to see was a line of people cheering and screaming his name in celebration.
Stepping off the shuttle he saw Lana and Theron there to greet him.
"Welcome back Commander," greeted Theron. "Hell of a thing you just pulled off."
"I see the Alliance has been told of what we accomplished."
"Not just the Alliance," said Lana. "The entire galaxy is talking about how one of the Eternal Empire's star fortresses were destroyed and we've been sure to let the galaxy know that you were the one to pull it off."
"Why?"
"Because of what you've done. We're already receiving calls from the Hutt Cartel about a partnership. Access to the black market, underground dealers, and safe houses if we need it. And you've provided people something they've been sorely missing. Hope," Lana finished beaming at him.
"I'm receiving intel about rebel groups growing on core worlds across the galaxy," continued Theron. "You're inspiring the galaxy to take a stand, and with these newfound rebels, we're having no trouble finding allies, troops, supplies, or whatever we need for the Alliance. I'll say it again, hell of a thing you just pulled off."
"And with that fact we figured we should some time to celebrate. There'll be a party in the cantina in a few hours time," said Lana.
"Wow that's… just wow," Kal said flabbergasted. "I didn't think this would have this much of an impact across the galaxy. I'm surprised you're all for a party Lana, I thought you would have wanted to get back to work?"
Lana looked away slightly sheepishly. "I admit I may have voted against the party but was overruled by the other heads of the Alliance." She turned back and met his eyes. "And since this party is happening, I figure I may as well enjoy the time I'll get to spend with you."
"A party sounds great," said Kira making her presence known as she stepped up next to Kal. "But first someone is going to a medbay," she said staring at Kal.
"What happened?" Lana asked concerned as she stepped up to overlook Kal.
"I'm fine," said Kal waving her off.
"Oh really?" Kira then slapped him on his back. Kal couldn't stop himself from wincing in pain at the impact.
"Cause that doesn't look fine to me."
"Medbay… now…" said Lana as she began to clear a path through the crowd for the Commander.
Kal looked to Kira for help, but he was met with her standing there with her arms crossed, just daring him to say something.
He next tried to turn to Theron for help, but Theron wasn't having it. "Sometimes it's better to fall on your saber Commander," he said with a smirk.
Kal sighed. "Fine, take me to the stupid medbay."
"Glad you see it my way," Kira said as she began dragging him off.
"The meds should help alleviate any pain you're feeling Commander, but you will need a skin graft."
"We can do that later," Kal said trying to rise from the bed when two hands pushed down on his chest, preventing him from rising.
"Stay," came the simultaneous voice of Kira and Lana.
"We can do the surgery later, I'm sure there's still a lot of work to be done."
"Doctor can you give us a few minutes?" asked Lana.
"Of course, Mistress Beniko," the doctor said with a bow before leaving the room.
"I'll do the surgery later but-"
"Okay," said Lana simply.
"Okay?" asked both Kal and Kira.
"Okay," she affirmed. "I'm just glad you're back safe and sound. That's all that matters to me." She leant down and gave Kal a sweet kiss running her hand along his cheek. As they were kissing Kal felt a prick on his neck. Breaking apart Lana looked down on Kal.
"Lana, you didn't?" asked Kal with a hurt look in his eyes.
"Sorry love, but I did," she said as his eyes began closing against his will. "Sweet dreams my love."
Lana placed the sedative back down on the table and looked over and saw Kira sitting there with her mouth agape.
"What?" she asked simply.
"That was devious, manipulative, and… amazing," she said ending with a laugh.
"Well, I figured we could sit here and argue with him until he relented and did what we said, or we could skip all of that and give him more time to recover. I chose the latter."
"Haha I love you Lana," Kira said continuing to laugh.
Lana smiled at her. "Let's see if we can get that doctor back in here, shall we?"
"After you Master," Kira said with an exaggerated bow.
Lana merely rolled her eyes at her good naturedly as the two exited to grab the doctor.
A.N: Hello everyone! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next one is gonna be the party/small interlude. I don't expect it to be a very long chapter, but we'll see.
As always, any questions, comments, or if you just want to talk, then shoot me a p.m… no seriously you can, cause no one has lol… sad life :( Or you can also leave a review.
Anyways until the next one,
Magician
Published 8/30/21