Chapter 11. Reunions
Time and Date: 08:00am September 21, 2027 19BBY
Area: Outside TechCom Bunker. Los Angeles, California.
Overview.
Last night after the official meeting was over. John, Derek, Cameron, and Sarah discuss a team to send out. They decided that Ben, Gwen, John, Tanner Squad, and Cameron will head the exploration team with Tanner being support and armed escort. John thinks nothing will come of it. There is clones there and they seemed trustworthy to General Tennyson if they are still around him. Plus there is no evidence of a large invasion force with the clones so for now they will keep an eye on them. Tanner Squad was filled in on details on a potential base, but wasn't informed on the clones. It will be a surprise for them.
Ben and Gwen confessed for each other. They met Carl, his dad. Tears were shed that night. Stories were told of when the Jedi came for him and even about the supernatural ghost of time and timewalker. Carl had 20 years to prepare to see them, it wasn't enough to prepare him for reality. Ben and Gwen told him they are dating. He didn't care because for one its their life, 2 he knew well in advance from Clockwork, and 3 he didn't want to put a strain the relation between he and his new found son/niece. Goodbyes were exchanged and everyone went to bed.
Captain Kevin. 07:30am
Kevin spent the whole day yesterday memorizing and finding out which buttons of the XH1 Warbird went to. Mostly trial and error. Honestly, it wasn't bad. The pedal layout is the same and the ignition was where it would been on the shuttle or any other fighter. Some stuff was new, like the cloaking mechanism. The Co-Pilot seat had all the guns and missiles on it. The sliding doors had an additional machine gun on its side. The fuel situation wasn't an issue surprisingly. It ran off of a plasma battery which they can make in the factory.
Sublevel 1 had a side entrance. A hanger bay for fighters and other aircraft. The hanger was closed and they had to manually use a battery to reroute power to the doors. They moved the Nu-Class inside and set up a maintenance section. It will be repaired another time. For now they are taking 2 of Warbirds out to pick up the group. Kevin and Shepard taken one of them Wyatt and Dixon went to try and turn on the maintenance section of the factory but power is down and Nixon has to figure out to turn it on. Trevor spent the day after cleaning out the infected, getting the medical center and hospital running. Good thing most of this place is automated to help with the maintenance of facility. Sublevel 6 will no longer be for development of biological warfare. They will figure it out later to repurpose it for. Nixon is upgrading the security systems and learning to activate the Fusion generator on Sublevel 5 from the master control switch which is on sublevel 1 , which will power the facility entirely.
John Conner 07:59am.
John and team get set up outside in a clearing in front of the bunker. He's hoping that the building is all Ben says from his Captain. Anyway, its better than nothing. The bunker has so many blown out holes and bugs get everywhere. Living conditions then were terrible at best and at worst it was a nightmare. Now it was unbearable that Skynet knew of its location.
A few seconds later a slight sound was from the distance, to the east. Then it grew louder. He took his binocs to see a aircraft incoming to his position. He motions the gunners to be ready but not to fire. He get a ping from the comm link Ben gave him. "General Conner this is Captain Kevin requesting permission to land over."
"Permission granted Captain. Land in front the bunker in the clearing where we are at."
Kevin puts on his spotlight to mark his landing and easily set the Warbird down on the ground.
John can see one of the clones disconnect from his seat and get up to the door. The door open in 2 moving to the side. Out comes a clone in green stripes running down on his white armor and a black shade of color on his helmet. The clone comes to meet him.
"General I'm Lieutenant Shepard. Kevin is in the pilot seat keeping her ready to take off at moments notice. I understand we're in a hostile environment." Shepard yells above the engines of the Warbird.
John nods in informs the clone of recent events. Shepard understands and John motions him to the bunker. Shepard enter the bunker and General Tennyson is there to greet him and so was the commander.
"Is this the team sir?" Shepard asked Ben
"Not quite we're missing 4 others."
Just then the Captain of Tanner Squad enters the entrance and stops dead when he sees a clone next to Ben. The other commandos walked in and did the same. The same with Shepard who just stares with a blank face, not sure what to do.
"Shepard? That you." Allen asked.
Shepard looked at the clone commando and recognized his armor paint scheme.
"Sergeant Allen?"
"It's Captain Allen here actually."
"I'll be damned." Shepard started to chuckle. "It good to see you again vod." Shepard gives Allen a man hug. "I wonder why we weren't informed of meeting you here captain." Everyone stares and John and Ben even Gwen looking at him. Ben looks at Gwen and the rest with a sheepish smile, while John look at them like "my actions don't require reason." face.
"Anyway, we should get going, we have a whole base to explore." John cuts in.
Shepard leads the team out. In the horizon, he see scavengers taking the machines apart and taking their weapons. Cart full of items to TechCom. Kevin is staring at him, he gives no indication on seeing the commandos, if he did then he will keep it to himself. Shepard got to the entrance and motioned everyone in. He goes in last and shuts the door and gets in the co pilot seat. Everyone else stands with their hands on the support bar. The Warbird lifts off and takes off. Sarah watches from a distance as the Warbird activated its cloaking tech she, Derek, and Elias were left in charge of the remaining force.
08:45am
After the journey in stealth mode the Warbird makes it to the entrance where they notified ARC Trooper Wyatt ahead of time and upon their arrival, they see Dixon out front on guard as he informed Wyatt of the incoming aircraft. The hanger doors open, and Wyatt moves them to their designated landing platform. Kevin notices all the lights are on, and Wyatt informs him that Nixon got the fusion generator online and now the facility operating at full power.
"Ladies and gents, this is Captain Kevin, welcome to Alpha Base. Careful as you watch your step and enjoy your stay here." That earned a few chuckles and laugh. Even John couldn't keep a straight face. Cameron just shakes her head in amusement. She looks at John to see him smile. She couldn't imagine the alternate version of Future John smile as she searched her memory banks in a split second. But this John, her John, is nothing like the alternate John. John isn't cold hearted and doesn't sacrifice people in battle. This John genuinely cares for the troops. Keeping humanity alive. Now willing to go 50 miles out of the way to search for a new home for all.
She couldn't be happier, she calculated 100% chance of one of them dying in battle, and 65% of both of them. Then the Jedi showed up and helped defeat Skynet. She saw Gwen fiercely defended her John and herself in battle. She knows she is battle hardened, she can see the determination and focus in her, even as a machine you see things no human can. Now they are alive to check a new potential base for them and meet new clones.
ARC Trooper Wyatt and Lieutenant Dixon stood at attention when the doors open.
"At ease gents." Ben said hoping out to give both of them a handshake. "Quite the place you boys found Wyatt. Dixon, Wyatt praised your efforts in clearing the facility. You've made an impression on him and me."
"Thank you sir, just doing my duty." Dixon reported.
"I know and that is why you're getting promoted to ARC Trooper, provided you enter additional training supervised by Captain Kevin and Captain Allen." Ben stated.
Dixon was shocked, promotion and ARC trooper training and status. Every clone on Kamino idolized ARCs and now has the chance to train under one and a commando. "I'm honored sir, I accept this promotion and training." Dixon salutes Ben and returns the salute.
The rest of the team gets out and Wyatt immediately recognizes Tanner Squad.
"Oh my god, Sergeant Allen? That you?" Wyatt fast walks to Allen who gives him a bro hug.
"Heh its captain actually." Allen said. Wyatt sees Taylor, Smithy, and Number walk out as well. "Smithy, Taylor, Numbers. Its great to see you all again.
"Likewise vod. Its been a long time." Smithy greeted him with a shake.
Wyatt turned to face the group. "We'll start with introductions at the main entrance and we'll work are way down from there. Everyone follow me." Wyatt take them up a side steps that lead outside the mountain complex. He led them to the hidden entrance.
"Nixon got the security up in running here. Since we're clones all we needed was one scan of our hand to put in the system and all clones can access this place. Little bit of a security concern, but I trust my brothers. They know what not to do if they are told." Wyatt told Ben. Wyatt scans his hand and the door slides open to reveal a small passage way to the grassland. "Good we're 100 yards from the front entrance, there we'll link with Nixon who will fingerprint and scan your hands for entry here."
They got to the entrance with Nixon and Trevor waited.
"The one with the medical insignia is Trevor, he'll draw blood from you if you consent. If not then no big deal. Smithy has mentioned there hasn't been a proper check up or medical facility and has been running with mostly make shift items. So we want to check for any infections and diseases." Ben tells the group as he goes up to Nixon.
"Welcome General. I need you to speak into the speaker when I say, rank not included, first and last name." Ben nods. Nixon presses a button. "Please state your name for the accord."
"Benjamin Kirby Tennyson."
"Place your index finger on here and let it scan your print." Ben places his finger and lets the scanner do its work. "Now need a hand print." Hand gets scanned.
"Alright, let Trevor take your blood, he'll get a blood type and as well as genetic tester."
Ben walks over to Trevor as he takes 2 pints of blood from him, puts a bandage on him, and stands off to the side.
John Conner goes next. Finger and hand scanned and then blood drawn.
Cameron goes up. "State your name for the accord."
"Cameron Conner." She puts her hand out to the scanner. Nixon motions her to move to Trevor.
"I don't think the blood will do much on me Trevor." John and Ben just look over to see what she will say.
"Why's that ma'am?"
"My blood and skin are synthetic. I'm a terminator, Living tissue over metal endoskeleton TOK-715 model."
"Woah that's cool." Trevor says.
Ben moves closer to John. "Wait for it." Ben says smiling and John is left a confused look.
"Wait… Synthetic blood and skin? All this is man made." Cameron nods.
"I definitely need blood samples of skin, everything. Imagine the possibilities. The ability to create limbs for others that can grow back without the need for prosthetics." Trevor started to ramble to himself about all the types of stuff he could try to create. Until one got Ben's attention which sounded bad all in itself. "A synthetic clone army. Instead of relying on a genetic template for one like us. A real man-made clone army without a true genetic donor." Trevor gets cut off by Ben.
"Okay Trevor that enough actually, while I'm grateful for the clones, cloning synthetic material that's man-made has never happen before, even in the republic. It could be dangerous without a true template. Plus its bad enough that you all were created to serve without choice. I don't want to do it again."
Everyone gave pause to the underline meaning of that sentence. Slavery was outlawed but the Republic issues a clone army that was bred from birth to fight a war with no choice. Sounds like a Slave Army than a Clone Army.
Trevor looked down at his own words, he was grateful for being created, he also had mixed feeling for the war. Some say wished it never happened, but without it, he wouldn't exist. But he doesn't like the feeling of forcing another clone army. He thinks about his brothers now, most of them brainwashed and blindly following orders, just like they were bred for. He wants to fight to free the galaxy from Palpatine. It will have to wait.
"I'm sorry sir, I got wrapped up in my thoughts. About home." Trevor looks down sadly. The weight of the war setting in some.
"I know you want to free the galaxy just as much as I do. However it will not be won with clones alone Trevor. The people have to fight for it. Too long they let machines fight their battles and now clones. They need to make their choice. However, trying to experiment with regenerating limbs isn't a bad idea." Ben accepting the latter made Trevor perk up a bit, an assignment he can do.
"Another time perhaps. Lets get everyone signed it and get through the tour first. Obviously this is the senior level leadership so I'm setting clearance at the highest possible." Nixon interjects.
Gwen goes next. Lastly, Tanner Squad prints it and gets their blood drawn.
"Alright Trevor, head down to the labs and Nixon, get them in the security system."
The 2 clones nods and walk inside. The group follows along. The group beings their tour around the facility.
Wyatt shows the ground level where there administration sections were at and where records are held as well. A room where several rows of computers were sitting at where a large holotable of some sorts was set up and showed a detailed layout of the surrounding region with Kevin standing over the table. "This holotable was here long before we showed up. It's not a republic standard holotable but it shows potential for upgrades. This Atlas from what I gathered spearheaded the technological advancement on this planet as a PMC. They had no bureaucracy to hold them back and had free reign to do as they pleased." Kevin stated as he pressed a button. The hologram showed the very large complex they were in. It was bigger than John imagined. Cameron takes the moment to scan the view to map out the complex.
"We're here." Kevin points to the of the building. "There are stair levels to the sublevels. I'm not using the lifts yet because we haven't checked the supports or cables yet to be safe." He continues the screen. "The ground level is protected by large metal doors that magnetically sealed. You've made it to the command center as we're dubbing it. The other office rooms on this side can be converted to an officer's quarters. The mess hall is between the command center and office rooms." Wyatt points out along with Kevin.
Kevin clicks onto Sublevel 1.
"Sublevel 1 is the 2nd largest sublevel in this base. The left half is where the factory is located. 4 square miles that allow for construction of weapons and an place to test them at. If needed because the testing area is so large, it can be repurposed as a training center. As well on the far left is the hanger bay for the aircraft. Lot of equipment is old so we're currently getting the maintenance bay restarted and updated." Kevin paused. "On the right hand side has more of a wide range. Enough room to support 50,000 individuals. Each can separated for a division. One section can be soldier housing and the next can be for civilians. It has 3 different mess halls because of its size. We can go into the weapons another time."
Wyatt clicked on Sublevel 2.
"Sublevel 2 is the Advanced medical and research department. One of the smaller sections here. As the name suggest they looked into better medical practices and efficient way to treat other. Their research department specialized in robotics, more preferable prosthetics and electronic warfare."
"Sublevel 3 is a hospital wing. The entire floor is dedicated to the wellbeing of the patients to give them the most relaxing care."
"Sublevel 4 is the water treatment plant that runs into the nearby rivers, and also a hydroponics and aquaponics farm. It has a seed vault that holds every seed on this world in case of crop failure across the globe."
"Sublevel 5 is the Fusion Power Grid. Clean energy to last a 1000 years or more, with proper maintenance."
"Sublevel 6 is up in the air about. It was where the nerve toxin was made at and cause an outbreak that cause the deaths of hundreds and turned them into infected. All of the equipment was burned outside along with the bodies. We haven't yet to figure out what to repurpose the level for. That will be up to you General Conner."
The team finished the overview of the facility and began the great tour of the place. It took roughly 10 hours to get around every crook and clevis of the place and Cameron scanned it all down. She will let John know what she thought of the place and what upgrades can be made.
Johns eyes widened at the storage unit on Sublevel 1 it was massive but not enough was produced when the factory shut down. The large T-140 caught his eye. He promised to definitely come back for it later. Everyone exiting the storage facility when Shepard walked in with his clone armor but with a suit of sorts on. Turns out he got the M5 exoskeleton to link with his armor. An action that intrigued Numbers who immediately started asking questions and abilities of the suit. Which he demonstrated by jumping 20 foot onto a catawalk with the jetpack on him.
The rest of tour went well. They decided to end it by getting food from the mess hall. Good thing the food was all non perishables. They all had a good dinner and was even surprised that Cameron can eat as well. Mostly to keep her skin from deforming since its living tissue. They went to the officer quarters and now realized they were never cold.
Unlike out there due to the nuclear winter. It was always cold below 0 degrees. Lots of them forgot what heat felt like as they adapted to the cold hard summers and the winters it was brutal. Lots of people died in the winter more without heat.
John already made up his mind and Cameron already knew it. This base will be their new home. The group was made aware of a communications array sticking at the top of the mountain complex. Which in turn discover an Atlas Spy Satellite. Cloaked mind you. To be hidden in plain site from US forces and now Skynet Satellites was an overwhelming advantage. To spy without being noticed.
John contacted Sarah.
He told her that this place has everything. She was still hesitant about leaving the city until he mentioned the heating. That sold her immediately.
The next day John gave a list of names to Ben and Kevin. Those names we're list of names and ranks of Resistance Forces. They were to be inducted into the security clearance first. Then the civilians contractors that hold important staff jobs will have minimal clearance. Then the civilians themselves.
The clones managed to get another Warbird operational which now increased their numbers to 2.
They flew back to TechCom cloaked so Skynet can't find them and after speaking to Elias, Derek, and Sarah. John issued a mandatory meeting for everyone in the bunker.
John told them about the facility and promise of starting new. Many people were scare of Skynet finding them again, John tells them its possible they can but we're going well outside the city. A dense forest location with sunlight. Even heating. The heating sold the meeting and honestly he don't blame them.
John started off with the evacuation of civilians first, then the military leaving a skeleton force there. The equipment gets loaded with all the weapons and equipment and finally the General John and Ben leaving themselves. This in total took 3 months to complete with only 2 Warbirds. After those 3 months while settling in. A new command structure was formed.
John still being the head of the Resistance and rightfully so.
Ben dropped the general title and Gwen dropped the commander title referring to be called Jedi Knights instead. The Jedi had near autonomy when it came to their issues and the clones. If the general needed them however, then the clones would report to John.
Cameron Conner was still John's second in command and the commander of her own battalion with Condor and Brooklyn as her Major and Captain.
Elias Walker still held on the Commander role of Special Forces Commander. He expanded the amount of squads under him and placed a Lieutenant Gabriel T. Rorke as his second in command but to mostly direct more recon operations than the more high risk ones that Elias managed.
Sergeant Tennyson was inducted into the Special Forces of the New Republic. Yeah. After TechCom evacuated their bunker and the introduction of new clones and Jedi. The top brass decided they wanted to unofficially join the Republic. Since the Republic was no more they named themselves the New Republic. It was that name they chose that will undoubtedly be the future name of the Galactic Government decades later. He also trained the snipers and how to blend in.
Colonel Reese reorganized The New Republic Military. He himself got new training and himself an exo-suit. Recruitment restarted now with the current force been decimated months ago. Now the military was standing 500 strong with better training and better equipment than before. Captain Kevin was now promoted to Major and headed the training program under Derek Reese. During this time Kevin decided it was better to have a last name. His first group underneath him personally was Eleven recruits so he thought Eleven was good. He presented the idea to Ben who told him instead of a number how about Levin. With the E as a middle initial. Major Kevin E. Levin was his name now. No more CT-53846. He finally found a true name to have. As long with his security clearance was updated with a full name. The clones were happy for him and Ben and John decided to throw a large private gathering in the officers mess hall. He was truly happy now. With tradition of ranks. He was addressed as Major Levin now.
When the civilians showed up during those three months, few were actually factory workers. Some terminators that were not eligible for service due to extensive injuries were asked if they wanted to work with factory job or the power grid to keep maintenance, to keep a purpose in their life. They accepted as a continued service to TechCom or now the New Republic. Many of them had schematics downloaded into their hard drives of the fusion generator and even downloaded fusion and other nuclear energy formulas for the grid.
Some civilians were former researchers on medical expansion. Not doctors persay but developing medicine.
Even civilians with no experience in different work began apprenticing under others who had a better or slight idea on what to do.
The work ladder went from the project supervisor, to the site supervisor, foreman, and then workers. Different sections of workers formed a crew. There would be a lead worker that handled multitasking and laying out the job. The regular workers. And then the learners.
Sublevel 6 was repurposed as a school for the kids that had former teachers, and also a gym and track for activities for keeping the body healthy. Everyone was also encouraged to spend an hour in the each of the other sublevels large sun rooms. Large Solar lamps that give you vitamin D.
Criminals who did wrong even small theft were not tolerated, they worked in the fields on Sublevel 4 that was also under constant Sunlamp and UV light. They worked until there shift was over and stayed their for however long the severity of the crime was. If they voluntary stayed after, then they got privileges and better housing.
As such the sentries of the New Republic military were repurposed into a police force headed by a familiar FBI Agent James Ellison. He was head of security over at TechCom. Now he proudly wears the New Republic symbol on his right shoulder with a 6 pointed star as a symbol of police. He managed as a part time Head of Security as well as laying out the jobs for Police Work around the facility. Because its so large, many points had to covered. Also the potential for corruption was so high he had many recruits go through intense mental checks. Terminators supplements the ranks as they were off duty mostly.
Scavengers groups were redesignated Search and Recovery Squad. They were more like a subdivision of the Police. Military Training mandatory with squad tactics. They roll in squads of 6 since they weren't trained like the commandos that can go on long range missions.
Wyatt and Ben headed up the pilot school. Since there wasn't pilots to teach, Ben had to slow his Jedi duties leaving Gwen alone sometimes. Flying school took 5 months. At 2 months of learning the pretrip of the aircraft and what to look for in terms of maintenance small flights were done. After learning the controls, outside flight were strictly monitored by the command center. In 5 months the first crews were graduated and patrols and S&R pilots were designated and Ben was able to return to Jedi affairs.
Ben and Gwen discovered that John Conner was force sensitive. John explained how he's had visions of them and Tanner Squad coming here. How he's read his uncles thoughts sometimes and how he's able to assess a situation in battle. Due the current climate of events and the facy that's there is much work to be done. John was given limited mediation training. Cameron managed his schedule and reduced his work load by allowing more responsibility to his officers. Initially he refused but the stress and Camerons nagging got to him. While Ben was training pilots, Gwen has taught him meditation techniques to help the stress. However John isn't the one to sit still. John feels more at peace when he moves around. So Gwen suggest moving meditation to be at peace. Example working out while meditating. With Cameron and Gwen supervising.
The robotics division on sublevel 2 repurposed some tools to develop there own terminator parts to repair said terminator bodies, then place there chip back in. All 86 terminators would be rebuilt in 6 months.
2 Years Later
Alpha Base grew in terms in numbers exponentially. It's citizens grew to over 7,000. They worked hard, sending out encryption after encryption. Eventually people cracked it and found Alpha Base where they were properly vetted and screened, scanned and then cleared by Head of Security James Ellison. The soldier count rose to 2,000 and its special forces members rose to 200. Multiple squads of commandos and ARC troopers were formed.
Colonel Reese had to give promotions out to supplement the paper work. John promoted him Commander of the Army, Which in turn allowed Commander Reese to promote 4 others to Colonel. Each Colonel will have control of 500 soldiers under there command. Colonel Levin, Colonel Shepard, Colonel Dixon, and Colonel Tennyson supplemented those positions.
The factory produced a M5 Exo-Suit for every soldier there was. No one was going into battle without one. They got the assault variant. In addition every soldier was updated with experimental armor styled like the Phase 2 clone armor. The helmet was redesigned it resembled the classic Phase 2 but there was no eye ports. Except the helmet was fitted with tiny micro cameras that give a heads up display to the viewer screen. One person said just like Iron Man in 2008.
The commandos and ARCs were supplemented with the specialist exo variant that suited their needs. Cloak was always a must when they went out.
There was an air force which Commander Wyatt was in charge of. About a hundred of the XH1 Warbirds were made and produced here. That meant hundred pilots and copilots.
Only a few XS1 Goliaths were made. Mostly it went to the sentries out front on guard duty. Only 1 T-140 Hovertank was commissioned but was kept inside. For now they haven't had a reason nor the means to transport it. However, it has 200 trained tank crew in case they need to make some. Ben suggested Wyatt to perhaps design a magnetic lock XH1 Warbird like the LAAT variant had one to transport there AT-TEs. The New Republic still didn't have the capabilities of open warfare and didn't have any armored warfare experience even with 2 jedi and several clones on their side so they opted to experiment with the XS1 on a few mission in the future.
Nixon was the lead man in cyber warfare. During the 2 years, Nixon went under the wing of Numbers. In those 2 years, he learned the best method of hacking and attacking through cyber means.
However, while the New Republic advanced its forces. Skynet was doing the same. In 1 year and 5 months it recovered its army and secured its resources. However, its first mistaken was not redesigning there terminators, believing the Resistance not a threat anymore due to the battle last year. Skynet thinks its won but would prefer the humans to be wiped out completely. In that time however reports of aircraft were heard but never seen. At first it was chalked up to an audio error but more reports arrived. Skynet deduced it could be cloaked but, did everything but accept the humans could developed a cloaked crafted. Until one encounter last week.
December 18, 2029 10:00am 2 years and 3 months after Order 66
Ben and Gwen
Ben and Gwen were gearing up for a mission into Los Angeles for Search and Recovery or S&R. They were inserting in ruined southeast LA where some shops were discovered to be standing slightly. Mission is to insert ½ a mile out clear the area and recover anything valuable.
Ben has adopted a leaner version of the Republic Armor. After a mission his old armor was destroyed in an explosion while he was knocked out. Had to go on medical leave for 4 months with Gwen healing him in the process. What had happen was he walked in and a hunter(human scavenger) ambushed him with an IED. A small skirmish broke out between the New Republic Scout Force and a rogue element of human who loot kill and steal. The skirmish was broken in 5 minutes when a Warbird uncloaked and rained down blaster fire from its twin guns on the nose. Gwen had to lecture him about not casing the environment again.
Ben and Gwen also encountered a group using slug throwers or machine guns. Their lightsabers were useless and Ben was forced to use a fallen soldiers AEW-1 against the group only to find out he had no skill in firearms. Major Kevin at the time trained him and Gwen in marksmanship.
Ben's armament included his lightsaber, a newly made AE-4 Direct Energy Rifle on his back and a RE-02 plasma pistol on his side. Gwen's are a less armored only a chest plate and thigh plates for maneuverability. Also, a RE-02 plasma pistol and a small pouch.
2 Warbirds took off and both Ben and Gwen take a separate bird, each with 6 others and a squad leader. Normally Jedi wouldn't get involved but Gwen had felt a disturbance in the area and requested John to have them investigate SE LA. He said they should join the S&R teams the next day since they are going in the area.
Ben holocommed the other warbird. "Alright team, mission is to land ½ miles southeast of the supposed location. Gwen and I will be checking out a disturbance in one of the building in the area while Sergeant Johnson will take control of the recovery teams. Any situation comes up let one of us know and we'll assist." The rest of them go hoo-rah.
"5 minutes to land folks, bring me back a snickers Darrin." The pilot laughs, Darrin just gives a universal sign of peace while chuckling himself.
The 2 warbirds uncloak when they landed. Immediately the doors open and the 2 squads get into a defensive circle as the Warbirds take off and recloak. Everyone watching everywhere. Roof top, window, and alley were all covered. Even Ben had his saber on his hand ready in case. After a minute on guard Squad Leader Tyler Johnson or Sergeant Johnson motions everyone to form up. One of the original members US military left alive before Judgement Day and after, he joined TechCom before the Battle of TechCom when the machines pounded his outpost before reluctantly taking what remained of his squad to TechCom. Sergeant Johnson is battle hardened 50 year old male. Has turned down multiple promotions and rather be on the front with his squad mates. A note worthy mention is that he wouldn't order his troops to do something if he wouldn't do it himself.
Sergeant Johnson gets in the middle of the group of 14 including the Jedi.
"Here is the drill, Standard search and mark. Report something that can be of value. We've got 2 hours or less if we search the area. As always if you see metal, don't engage without reinforcements. Call it in. Understood?" "Yes sir." The men say. "Alright split up 3 squads of 4 men. Corporal Myers, Trenton, and Private Connelly you're with me." Ben lightly punches Johnsons shoulder "Good luck Sergeant. You got my contact, call when it's trouble." "You to Tennyson." They walk off in different directions.
In a different dimension a ghostly figure is watching. "All is as it should be."
Gwen
After a few minutes of walking Ben and Gwen split up between a few stores. Gwen took the restaurants and the clothing store. Ben took the wrecked out car shop and jewelry shop.
Gwen walked around the restaurants for a bit. Nothing in the force suggested a disturbance but just checking around. She gets an echo in the force in her spot. A memories flash as a toddler. She can see the bright summer sun. 2 families were there with 2 toddlers. She sees a younger version of her Uncle and what looks like her dad, she can defiantly make out her mom having the red hair. Then the other blonde of her aunt. Off to their right she can see herself playing with toddler Ben. They both were playing with there food. Despite constant no's from both their parents they gave up telling them. The next minute both toddlers fall asleep cuddling. It was a heart warming sight.
The echo ends and shes taken back to reality. Sometimes reality is disappointing. She makes her way through the clothing store. She feels a slight nudge in the force, a peace of sorts. This is the place. In the darkness of the store she sees a light flicker in the corner of her view. She turns to it but sees darkness. Then another flicker only half a second. Gwen walks to the flicker. Then the next flicker this time it last 5 seconds, but reveals a jacket. A green leather jacket. With 2 stripes running horizontally on the right arm and single stripe running down the left chest with a black circle and white 10 inside. She feels around in it, somehow out of all these ruined clothes this survives intact and not ransacked. She finds a letter envelope in it. Perfect condition. With a "C.W." seal on it.
She rips the seal and opens the letter which shocks her slightly, but the presence of the writer of it is familiar.
Dear Gwen,
I've watched you for years in this universe. You and Bens life have always been intertwined together. As you are approaching Christmas in a week, think of this as a present for young Tennyson. It's a trademark if you will. All the Ben's in the Multiverse have one. It would be a shame for this one not to. I know you think this is crazy in this moment but its not. There is a lot crazier things out there than you realized. You asked my years ago. Who I was, I said it wasn't relevant at the time. I can see you open your eyes in shock. Anyway my name is Clockwork Master of Time. Enjoy your Christmas. And tell John Conner his real training will begin soon after Christmas.
C.W.
Gwen held the jacket. She now knew the presence on it. It was Bens, but it wasn't her Ben. Clockwork must of taken the jacket from another Ben. "UGH the multiverse is so confusing I don't have time for that." She stuff the jacket in her pouch on her back. She hears an explosion in the distance.
Ben
After splitting with Gwen, he entered the garage of car parts and wrenches. He thought it could be useful so he marked them for supplies to take back. As Ben walks out he feels a disturbance in the Force. A Jedi just died. He feels through the force. Another of his close friends died. Jedi Knight Kento Marek. He was more an older brother figure. He knew him and Knight Mallie were married after accidentally dropping in on a holocall. Some things he wished he never heard. But he promised to never reveal it to anyone. If only Ana. "No stop. He's not him no more. He's Vader now. He tried to kill you, his best friend. He also tried to kill the love of your life." Ben shakes the thoughts of anger aside. Knowing what's done can't be undone.
2 years ago when the Force Vision with Yoda and Gwen. The latter and himself have tried to experiment with more dark side techniques. One of which accidentally had Gwen unleashed a torrent of Force Lightning at Ben. Both agreed to wait for a master like Yoda said there would be. Eventually.
Ben walked into a worn out jewelry story. He reached for the force but found nothing, but still felt a nudge to walk in the store and search.
For 10 minutes Ben looked over every table and corner but found nothing in here that would be interesting. As he began to walk out he turned around and found a small box and an envelope on it. Strange because he just cleared that area 5 times already. He reaches with the force one more and this time he finds this box is the disturbance. He opens up the box to find a small circle with a small diamond. "I saw this before, in a dream I had with Gwen. I was giving this to her."
He opened the letter.
Dear Ben,
I know your confused on this letter addressed to you. To make it simple. I know who you are, your past as a General, best friend of Anakin Skywalker, and boyfriend to Gwen Tennyson. I am known as Professor Paradox. I am a timewalker. Meaning I can go through time and space at will. Even across the multiverse. Yes the multiverse is real. Parallel dimensions. Multiple Ben's. Some force users, some heros, and even some villians. All infinite.
Anyway, the ring you hold in your hand is an engagement ring. I know your desire with Gwen to get married, however on this planet, its custom to do so with a ring. I'll show you how to propose.
As soon as he read that, flashes went through his head.
You're welcome by the way. Now you should be going soon, a battle is to as soon as your done reading this.
From Professor Paradox.
Right then. An explosion happened in the distance. He pocketed the ring and met with Gwen.
10 minutes earlier.
Sergeant Johnson and his team make way through the ruined streets cautiously. After a minute of watching the streets. The sergeant ordered 5 teams of 2 to search the buildings while he and another watch the road on lookout.
"All squads check in."
"Echo 1-1 and 1-2 reporting check in."
"Echo 1-5 and 1-6 checking in."
"Echo 1-3 and 1-4 acknowledging check in"
Echo 2-1 through 2-4 checked in as well. Sergeant Johnson is designated as Echo Actual. Private Dunn Jr is his squadmate. His father was involved in the Battle of TechCom 2 years earlier. His son turned 18 6 months ago and with New Republic law "All citizens who reach the age of 18 years or adults who become citizens at a later date must serve a minimum of 6 months of service not including the mandatory 3 month training." While green in some areas, he makes up for it with determination. Plus he promised his father he'd lookout for his son. To give him proper pointers.
The pair sat in silence for a few minutes. Both looking down the road behind some cover in the middle of the street. Even though their was no threats in the immediate area at the moment. It can change at anytime. Sergeant Johnson never liked the silence. When there was silence, there was a potential threat he's not aware of. Not after the death of his wife. One day it was silent. The first in a long time. He relaxed and welcomed it. Relaxed his guard. The the next moment he was ambushed by several machines that crept silently to the door. He got shot in the shoulder and was knocked out. Hours later he awoke to the building in ash. His wife burnt face was all that remained.
"You alright sir?" the young man asked him.
The sergeant realized he dozed off looking at the road ahead.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just unnerved by the silence is all." Johnson said with a slight hint of anxiety.
Johnson always taught Dunn Jr to be vigilant. Even in the most secure facility like Alpha Base. He can tell the Johnson went through some things. Things that no one should have to go through. He won't pry since it's his personal life. Dunn Jr can see the pain behind his eyes, even if they don't show physically.
"I understand sir." A few seconds of silence. "What was she like sir?"
Johnson raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean private?"
"You had a wedding ring on before. You were married. What was she like."
Johnson looked towards the horizon. He blew a puff of smoke from his cigar. They were quiet for another moment. As Dunn thought he wouldn't talk about it.
"She was the most beautiful woman I knew. Before Judgement Day, I joined the army. I was the normal I want to serve and protect my country from terrorist type. I went to Iraq in 2010. My sergeant at the time was Sergeant Gavin Roberts. Most called him Mickey. Apparently his nickname came from when he was caught talking like Mickey Mouse in boot camp. The name stuck since. Anyway. I met my wife. Corporal Karen Lynch. She was a hottie. The first time I met her, she kicked me in the balls because I was caught staring at her breast. It was love at first sight. She didn't like me until one mission in Baghdad the capital in Iraq. We were pinned down by machine gun fire. Al-Qaeda had a Russian RPD machine gun in one of the windows. She was shot in the leg while still returning fire. Our medic was killed in the line of duty. Sergeant Roberts was busy yelling into the radio. I took matters into my hands by bandaging up her thigh.
After the battle, I was giving a promotion to Corporal for my quick thinking and for saving a squadmate from bleeding out. Since then me and her became close. She finished her tour and chose not to reenlist. I ended up getting medically discharged when I was shot in the stomach and got some nerve damage to my left arm. It still works. It just has some pain in it. Even now. After the bombs dropped I reenlisted since now the threat to mankind was machine AI. My wife didn't join because one of her eye's lost eyesight. She died a few years after Judgement Day to machines." Johnson exhales deeply. The memories coming back however the pain had dulled and focused on the good memories. That kept him going.
"She must have been wonderful sir." Dunn answered.
"Sir this is Echo 2-2. We've spotted a company of metals coming our way northwest from here. Coming down the main road in 30 seconds sir. Hide!"
"Move it Dunn!" Johnson spoke roughly due to the new circumstances. They dove behind the car nearby and Johnson calls in support.
"Command we've spotted a large enemy patrol heading near our position. Asking for additional support." Sergeant Johnson asked on the radio.
"Hostiles entering main road with a T-900 leading. Supplemented with 70 T-850s. Looks like a new weapon. A heavy phased plasma rifle it seems. Lot bigger than the standard phased plasma rifle." 2-2 said
"Sergeant Johnson, this is Overlord, request receive and granted. Mark supplies and defend your position. Support on the way. Eta 10 minutes."
"Everyone get to the windows stealthy. We need to hold them for 10 minutes." A few seconds later all units get to the windows and wait. The scene is the terminators are marching down the road for a patrol. Audio sensors picked up an air craft but none could be seen. Skynet ordered a large force to check it out. There were 6 soldiers on the second floor of 2 different buildings and one per window. The other side was a 3 story building. There was 5 soldiers. 3 on the third floor and 2 on the second. Then Sergeant Johnson and Private Dunn Jr in the street behind a car. 5 minutes, the Machines got close enough. Sergeant Johnson preps his exo launcher on his right wrist and fire a fragmentation grenade at the leader.
At Alpha Base 5 minutes earlier.
"…. Eta 10 minutes."
"Commander Wyatt I suggest we start field testing the Goliath Battle suits in storage now that the mini gun was upgraded with plasma rounds." An officer said.
"I agree. Get the Warbird ready and provide 2 additional Warbirds for support." Wyatt turns to a Captain who's syncing up his exo suit to a XS1 Goliath. "You are for the Captain Baker."
"Yes sir I am. Ready to bring the pain to them and show that we are superior fighters." The captain stated as the sync was complete and he stepped in. The armor closed and he went through a pre fight check list. Armor check, lock on rockets check, unguided rocket launcher check, and Plasma mini gun check. "Sir I'm fully checked out and ready." The captain salutes. He get in the warbird and it lifts off at high speed with 2 others.
Back with the squad.
12 men opened fire on the advancing terminators. The T-900 survived the explosion but lost an arm. 2 T-850s lost their CPUs however. Lost of the heavy firing was directed at the windows where the ambush happened. The other were focusing fire on the 2 men hunkered behind a broken down car. Plasma fire breaking the car everyshot. It became clear that the car would no longer support them. Sergeant Johnson pulled his RE-02 pistol and activated his Exo-Shield along with Private Dunn Jr who did the same. The 2 Exo-Dashed with their jump packs with their shields up to the nearby building.
The energy in the shields ran out after being shot at a few dozen times and it needed recharge. Dunn shield still had 84% power to it. "Here the plan, you block with the shield and I fire. Do this every 5 seconds." So Dunn peaked the corner with the shield and immediately began taking fire. Johnson poked his AE4 Energy Rifle above the shield and opened fire taking out a terminator after a few shots. They both returned to cover.
Some of the plasma bolts hit a few troopers and the medics had to disengage to aid them leaving them with 7 of the 13 troopers combat effective. Then all sudden the fire began shifting towards a single point down the street as the familiar sound of 2 lightsabers ignited.
Ben and Gwen arrived but seeing how everything was turning out they decided to play defense.
"General, the terminators showed up nearly 10 minutes ago, we managed to ambush them and bring the numbers down but we got overwhelmed. Support is inbound in less than a minute." Sergeant Johnson informed them. Though Ben dropped the title of General. The troops didn't feel comfortable calling him Knight Tennyson as it can confuse the 2 jedi on who they are talking to. Plus its out of respect after the Battle of TechCom.
As he informed them of the situation the sound of the Warbird became known.
Immediately 3 Warbirds uncloaked and began to open fire on the Terminator forces below. One of them got close to the ground and the doors open to reveal a XS1 Goliath Suit.
Captain Baker POV
The doors open and jumped out. I activated my weapons system as the mini gun moved into firing mode. The terminators paused for a moment. I assume to analyze my suit and began to fire on me. My shields are holding steadily. I began to fire on them. One by one terminators fell. Soon my HUD picked up an HK Aerial and I locked on with my missile.
"Swarm Missiles Locked."
I gave the mental command to fire. 8 tiny missiles came out and advanced on the Aerial. The HK swerved to avoid impact but failed as they relocked on it. The HK immediately dropped a Spider Tank as the missiles hit the HK and exploded. The Spider Tank was my mission now.
I switched weapons to my rocket launcher. Unguided but straight shot. I thought about hitting the main body but that where the armor is at so I aimed at the legs. I stretched my arm out and used my targeting system to aim precisely at the leg and fired. The impact shattered the leg and the balance was lost. The spider tank fell but was still operable. The rocket reloaded itself and I fired another shot at the body. The explosion left a gaping hole but was still operable. I switched to my mini gun and finish it off. After 10 seconds firing, the tank gave in and exploded in a fire ball.
Overview.
"Test complete Overlord. Sending combat data." Captain Baker announced.
The SRS Team rushed to get their wounded out on the Warbirds. The medics and the wounded personnel left on one other Warbirds. It became clear that another bird was needed so they called another in. 2 hours they loaded supplies of machinery and mechanical equipment. The remaining 8 people and 2 jedi left on the other 2 Warbird. Unknown to them the T-900 was still active but its motor functions were disabled and had damaged to its CPU. It just transmitted everything it witnessed to Skynet. Then the CPU gave out and the machine knew no more.
19:35 pm
The search and recovery mission was a success. Vital machine components were found and secured. The testing of the XS1 Goliath was a huge success and high command debated on producing more and see about adding a cloaking feature to them and take out the trophy system since the machines don't use rockets. The Jedi said the disturbance found were taking care of and there was no threat.
Skynet Central
Skynet was enraged. The AI thought that the humans were weak now. It was not the case in the slightest.
The combat footage the T-900 sent was not something he wanted to happen. Not only the Human Resistance had new tech, they had shielded armored units and cloaked aircraft its radar couldn't detect. The AI yelled so loud in anger it reached the entire complex.
"I still got the numbers advantage. 10,000 terminators and 5,000 grey are still mine. 400 Aerials and 500 Tanks. I got several factories producing my servants. I have hundreds of thousands across the planet. They have their problems there. The biggest is here close to me."
The AI knew it had to find the new base of the Human Resistance and quickly wipe them out. Unknown to the AI, the war was turning for the last time.
One week later December 25 2029 17BBY
It was Christmas Day in the New Republic. People were cheerful and the sounds of holiday music flowed through the PA system. People exchanged gifts and feast were held all day. Nobody worked that day.
Ben and Gwen last year on their first Christmas felt weird by it at first. A holiday for gift exchange and a fat man by Santa Clause who delivered presents. They didn't know at first about the true spirit of Christmas.
Carl Tennyson went through trouble of telling them everything about Christmas. The birth of a savior Jesus Christ in a manger in Bethlehem and the story of Santa Clause. They knew Santa wasn't real but it was tradition. However Carl was a devoted Catholic before Judgment Day and still held those Christian beliefs. The couple were interested in the 10 commandments and Carl began to teach them the true meaning of the commandments.
At the end of the day Carl gifted the two with gifts. For Ben he gifted him a green metal watch and a picture of him and his parents with he was a toddler that he held onto after judgement day. For Gwen he gave her a picture of her parents that survived years in his pocket and a book he held on to Pride and Prejudice. Sandra loved that book. He kept it for her memory and passed it to Gwen.
The couple spent there day in their quarters and cuddled. They enjoyed there day talking about their gifts and their parents.
This time they had something for each other.
Gwen woke up to see Ben bring in breakfast. Eggs and potatoes and orange juice. "Morning my love." Ben kisses her forehead. Gwen blushes immensely and Ben is still glad after 2 years he has that effect on her. "Merry Christmas Ben." She gets up but Ben denies her.
"Breakfast in bed my sweet dweeb." Ben climbs back in with her with his own plate and orange juice. They both ate and enjoyed themselves and listened to the music playing on the PA.
"They got an old projector running and are playing these Christmas movies they found last week at what the call a movie theater. Wanna go watch?" Gwen nods her head and Ben gets up and lifts Gwen up off the bed as they both get in the shower. (Nothing was done in there.)
In 5 minutes they were dressed and teeth brushed and all walked out to the mess hall were the movies were played.
All day they watch movies, some on rerun. The Polar Express, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Christmas Story. Like last year they feast but since there was no ham and the chickens were still being raised. They feasted on the fruit and bread they grown here. Clone Colonel Kevin E. Levin was with his wife Helen Levin. She was a runner for TechCom. The fastest there was, almost superhuman.
Clone Commando Captain Allen Stuart and Field Medic Brittney Stuart were on one end, and Clone Commando Lieutenant Taylor Banner was with his fiancé Rachal Kia Green soon to be Rachal Kia Green Banner. Even John and Cameron Conner were there with Derek Reese and Sarah Conner Reese.
At the end of the day everyone went back to their room. Ben and Gwen enjoyed the movies and loved every minute of them. They start to enjoy the spirit of Christmas as well. For once they felt normal. No war, no jedi business or paper work.
Gwen got to her feet and went to her bag. She pulled out a green leather jacket.
"Merry Christmas Ben. Hope it fits." Ben puts on the leather jacket. It fits like a glove. For some reason he feels he should have a watch on his left wrist. He grabs the green watch that his father gave him last year and puts it on. "What do think Gwen?" Ben says smiling at his look. He wore tight worn out blue skinny jeans that were his size, A black shirt that clung to his frame that Gwen opening made clear she loved and now a watch and green jacket. His face was growing in a beard, side burns and mustache though it aint much for the 23 year old almost 24 year old. His and Gwen birthdays were in 2 days as Carl informed them they were both on the 27th 5 minutes apart.
"I love it Ben. The jacket and the watch really bring out your green eyes and honestly your hot." Gwen said walking up to him and kissing him. The make out lasted a minute before they had to break off for air.
"Close your eyes Gwen." She closed her eyes in anticipation of the gift. Ben grabs his gift and tell her to open them to find Ben on one knee. Not knowing the significance of it shes slightly confused but lets Ben go on.
"On this planet, it's a custom for this to occur I found out. You go down on one knee." Ben started to blush and get slightly embarrassed.
"Gwen ever since we've been together, our bond has never been stronger. We have fought and made up over the course of 2 years. It been scary as well. Both of us never seen or done something like this. Even Kevin got married before us. The past 2 years have been the happiest of my life and I want to strengthen out love more." Ben takes out the box and shows Gwen the ring. Gwen looks at him in shock and love. Shes speechless. Ben decided to do the last thing something else. He opens their force bond.
"Gwen Tennyson, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me." Ben speaks through their bond loud and 's heart is racing a million beats per second. Ben just proposed. Too many emotions run through her. Love being the most dominant. Long forgotten were the fear the old Jedi taught them of love and attachments though for a split second they surfaced but she pushed it down.
"YES YES YES I WILL BEN! I WILL MARRY YOU! I LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH BEN!" Gwen yells as she jumps in Bens arms and puts the ring on her finger then starts planting kisses everywhere on his face. Ben discreetly presses a button.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special announcement." John's voice is heard. "May we present a special shout out to Ben and Gwen Tennyson as they are now engaged." All around the door they hear shouts of praise come from the other side. Both Tennyson's blush profusely and the Gwen slightly glares at Ben for the commotion outside the door but he knows shes playing with him. Ben kisses Gwen to seal the deal and then Ben shouts at the door. Alright that enough everyone. We'll come out and talk tomorrow." Footsteps were heard walking away.
They both get into bed holding each other. Having a new sense of purpose for each other and for everyone.
.
Bracca
Captain Rex.
2 years have passed for the clones as well. Ahsoka rejoined Rex after defeating an Inquisitor and start to plant seeds on a rebellion. The past 2 years they built their forces. Rex and Jesse have freed 30,000 clones from various clone legions and recruited thousand of other rebel cells. Woffle, Cody, and Bly were amongst the rebellion now. Boil stunned and dechip Cody and a few other 212th before he had to escape. Senator Bail Organa secret funded the rebellion. Ahsoka led them as Fulcrum from the intelligence section. Admiral Yularen led the naval force. He despised the "New Regime" and was disgusted with the treatment of civilians. This was not what he signed up for. He eventually met Fulcrum and got out. Jedi Knight Etain Tur-Mukan, Jedi Master Quinlan Vos, and Jedi Knight Barriss Offee (Vos knighted her).
Mace died on Naboo when Vader killed him. the others are still in hiding.
A year before Rex and his Rebellion were able to commandeer 2 Venators and 1 Valiant Class Star Destroyers from the 29th Legion. Killing Admiral Ratton in the processes. They were able to lock the crew in place and spread an antiseptic to knock them out. It took them days to clear each ship as the crew began waking up and started to attack them. Then weeks to dechip the army. Also Clone Force 99 (With Crosshair), Delta, and Omega Squad were brought into the rebellion.
Still 3 warships fully staffed wasn't enough to wage a war with the Empire who's already phasing out clones for enlisted human recruits. The TK series Stormtroopers. Rumors are heard the Venator is being retired for the Imperial Class. Formerly the Imperator Class, that ship lack anti fighter weapons. Promptly Rex and Yularen discussed more fighter-based roles due to the Imperial Classes lacking anti fighter capabilities. They agreed that more carrier-based craft are needed. Yularen will notify Fulcrum on the need on more carriers.
.
.
A/N: This is now where I throw canon out and throw my version in. Most events will stay the same. Luke will remain in hiding but instead of hiding him for 19 years. He will be trained earlier.
Rex and Jesse had major success dechiping the clones. If Rex was by himself then I can see him having a hard time doing it all solo. Having another ARC next to him helps.
When Ahsoka went in as Ashla she wasn't hiding and the Empire already had a base there taking the farms and food from the people. So she stayed and gather intelligence. Eventually events will play out like the book. The Inquisitor comes. The people revolt and Ahsoka kills the Inquisitor. In this story she never gave up her saber but she still takes the Kyber Crystals out of the lightsaber and cleanse them
Also Mace Windu's death on Naboo was a nod to a certain Youtuber if you watch his content.
Now the most important Issue I know some may have trouble with.
In my story and definitely not canon is the creation of the New Republic on Earth. And if you can't figure it out now. They will join the Rebellion later on after a special event happens but that wont be for years.
Please leave a review and let me know way to improve the content. I actually never thought I could do something this big. I wont abandon this.