I pulled back after that. The enemy was very much still there. But my sights were set on a bigger target. No more red Jedi had come out to engage me either. They'd sensed the fate of their comrades in the Force. It was an omen. I was coming for them next. I wanted their rage to be overcome by fear. I wanted them to feel what they made their victims feel. And that was before I destroyed them.
It was patience for now. And calculation. There was a time for everything. This would be it.
"Anakin; are you okay?" "I'm fine Amica." "I realize your power. Nonetheless, I was still worried." "It's all good. I sent the message I had to. A little patience will do the rest."
Our rendezvous took place on another rooftop. City authorities were locking down the target. They were also keeping things under wraps given what happened. The news was corrupt here too.
It was working. I could prove it. How? The darkness over the city had weakened quite a bit after taking down those commie clowns with laser swords. We were one step closer to truly liberating this area from evil's influence. We were one step closer to balance here. A little ruthlessness went a long way. That's what righting wrongs was all about.
"The enemy has pulled back on all fronts," she added. Indeed. "They know I'm here. They know I'm not limited by codes that don't work. The code of the gray is victory." "They fear you?" "Yes. As the Jedi council did. Grays are often misunderstood by the other Force factions. As I've always been misunderstood."
"That will be their undoing." "Yes. It will." "How do you want to approach this now?" I sighed in thought as to our next move. The temptation was to hit them right now. But that was what they expected. My job was to do what they didn't expect.
"Status of those pirates?" "Quiet. Especially since you hit the mayor." I nodded. "Call the Freedom group back here. Have them assume a blockade position over the city. Any ship that is a suspected or confirmed socialist is to be destroyed on sight." "Yes boss."
It would frighten the people here. But they were still unknowingly under the thrall of darkness. I had to exorcise its hold over them. Drawing the remnant enemy out here would be the best way to do it. I flushed the other vermin out. This time it would be the rest of them.
We stayed hidden until the Republic fleet arrived.
Xxx
"They've arrived Boss and have taken up position as ordered."
"Open a channel to the entire city through the fleet." "Done. You're on." "Daiyu City. This is Jedi master Anakin Skywalker. I'm here to liberate you from the socialists holding you hostage by a great power. A Republic fleet has arrived in orbit to help liberate you. But we need your help to accomplish this goal. We are here to win your hearts and minds. This is what Jedi do. Socialism doesn't work. Only freedom does. Only free markets do. Think for yourselves. Ignore the lies. Then the truth will follow. May the Force be with you all."
In the abandoned warehouse we hid in I sat on the floor and mediated. I reached out with the Force as I did so. The darkness was still there; but it was lessening. Slowly but surely. The speech itself wouldn't change them. It was a combination that would do it.
"Boss. The pirates have jumped into the system." I smiled at that; for the darkness was wavering even more. The enemy was growing afraid. They were getting desperate; and sloppy. Now they had to risk escape to survive. "Have the fleet destroy them if they violate the perimeter." "Copy that."
Moments passed… "Boss; the pirates have jumped away; with the enemy money no less." I nodded smiled. "Money talks and all else walks Amica." "Indeed."
"Have several squads of Republican commandos come down here to await further orders."
Xxx
Things played out as I expected. In an empty main square of the city the red Jedi remainder evacuated their underground base and approached us with hands in the air. Amica and I stood before some of the commandos; weapons ready.
"Stop right there!" I told them. They obeyed. "Now, disable your sword power cells." They shared uncertain looks. "Now!"
They did so. "Toss the power cells away." They did so.
I then took a few steps ahead of my men. "You are all guilty of war crimes against life forms. Your sentence is death." "Wait! We have rights. We have the right to a fair trial."
"Wrong." Via my earpiece: "Fire."
The Republic snipers opened up from all directions and cut the reds down in a fury of range laser fire. The enemy cried out as they were eliminated with professional speed.
They assumed they were dealing with an old Jedi code master they could manipulate. They were wrong there too. They didn't get the memo apparently. Oh well.
"501. This is the general. Good work. New orders. Liberate this city and raid and search that underground enemy base. Keep Command updated. That is all. Good hunting."
Amica joined me. "How is the darkness level now Boss?" "Receding. Fast. That's what happens when you fight to win. You do." She nodded.
Within a few hours the base was raided and searched; hardly any enemy was there and those that were faced death on sight.
The city was in turn liberated. Things were under control.
Some corrupt police approached with the goal of arresting me…but numerous 501 assault rifles pointed at them changed that outcome. This city had a long way to go, like the under city, but this wasn't Republic space. We would help here still; but home space was first. And getting the under city under control was still more important.
We returned to the Falcon returned to orbit and led the Freedom group back to Coruscant at light speed. Another battle in the eternal war had been won. Things were now more balanced on Daiyu. Now home needed the Balancer more. They were gonna get him and more.