Chapter 19: Liberty of Ryloth
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. This is the final part of the Ryloth trilogy. I had originally planned to add it in my last one, but I was too worn out to add it at the time, but I hope this was worth the wait. Please Review and Enjoy.
As the battles for Ryloth got more intense Anakin was up in space dealing with the fleet, Obi-Wan was rescuing villagers and now it was up to Jedi Master Mace Windu to take back the capital city of Lessu.
At a small canyon area, Mace and his troops were making their way through a narrow ledge while droid fire was raining down them.
Firing at the lead tank, the front leg broke bringing the Republic forces to a halt.
"Take cover." Climbing out of the tank, Mace and a few soldiers ran out.
Running to the gunner who was trapped inside, Mace uses his power to shatter the glass and pull the wounded clone to safety.
"We have stopped the enemy's advance." A droid declares looking through binoculars.
"Give me those." A droid commander said taking them so it could see. "Good. Now order our cannon to target their rear units. We'll box them in and blast them to pieces."
As the droids fired on them, the droids struggled to dodge fire.
"We're pinned down!" Commander Ponds said.
"Commander, bring out the Lightning squad." Mace orders.
"I want Lightning up here now!" Ponds orders into a commlink.
From the tanks, several clones on AT walkers emerged and raced to the front of the tanks.
"Get the injured back. I'm gonna clear the road." Mace said making his way to a downed tank.
Using the Force, Mace pushes the tank off the cliffs allowing them to advance.
"Sir, the enemy is advancing again." A droid said.
"Let me see." The droid commander said.
"Find some cover! Let's move!" Ponds yells as a clone on a runner stopped next to Mace.
"He's all yours General." Trading places, Mace lead the forward attack while Commander Ponds followed with the tanks behind.
"Now that Jedi is leading the attack. This doesn't look good." A droid said.
"Concentrate all your fire on those walkers!" The droid commander said as the droids fired at them, but the walkers were too fast.
"Should we run?" The droid asks.
"It would be better if we just surrendered." The commander said as they were all blasted away all the droids and their tanks.
Making his way up to Mace, Ponds walked alongside him.
"How many men did we lose?" Mace asks.
"32, I think, including command crews of 3 walkers. The good news is, General Kenobi's broken their lines. We have a clear path straight to the capital now." Ponds said unaware that a probe droid was listening in on them.
"This battle was costly. We're going to need help to take the city." Mace said.
At the capital, Wat Tambor was watching this.
"The Republic is advancing faster than I expected." Tambor said looking at his Tactical droid.
"I calculate they will reach the main gates by morning. I recommend we prepare our retreat." It said.
"I will not retreat. That Jedi does not have the troops to take this city. Bring our units inside the walls and secure the bridge." Tambor orders.
Back with Windu, he was talking with holograms of Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda, Palpatine and Senator Orn Free Taa.
"What's your progress, Skywalker?" Palpatine asks.
"My fighters have secured control of the space around Ryloth. We have the Separatist cruisers on the run." Anakin said.
"My forces have taken the Jixuan desert, so the southern hemisphere is ours." Obi-Wan said.
"So it's almost over." Senator Taa said relieved.
"Not yet. The key position is the capital of Lessu. Our spies are certain the Separatist leader Wat Tambor has his command center there." Mace explains.
"When taken the city we have capture Tambor we must." Yoda insists.
"It's not going to be easy, Master. Tambor has chosen his stronghold well. This plasma bridge is the only way in or out." Mace said showing them a hologram.
"Hmm, that's quite a gap." Obi-Wan said trying to think of something.
"I'm afraid a siege could drag on indefinitely." Palpatine said.
"My people have suffered so much already." Senator Taa said.
"A plan you have, to take the bridge, Master Windu?" Yoda asks.
"With my forces spread so thinly, I'm gonna enlist the help of the freedom fighters led by Cham Syndulla. His fight against the droids has made him a symbol of freedom for the people." Mace explains.
"Cham Syndulla was a radical long before the war." Palpatine points out. "He is very unpredictable."
"He cannot be trusted. I know Syndulla seeks to gain power. We were political rivals." Senator Taa points out.
"I'll leave the politics to you, Senator. I'm gonna do whatever I can to help these people." Mace said.
"Perhaps we could send you Republic reinforcements instead." Palpatine suggests.
"I can spare one small squad at best Chancellor." Obi-Wan shook his head.
"It's better than nothing, but we can't win without Syndulla's help. Send them my coordinates and hope they meet up soon." Mace orders.
Soon Mace and a few members of the Lightning Squadron arrived at a small battle site with several Twi'lek gravestones lined up.
"What makes you think the rebels are this way, General?" Razor asks.
Bending down Mace examined some tracks.
"The resistance fighters ride creatures native to this region. And these tracks are fresh. Which means they can't be that far." Mace explains.
"Isn't this the spot where they were massacred?" Stak asks.
"Looks like it was a hell of a fight." Razor said. "Wonder who put up these gravestones?"
Suddenly they heard a loud yelp.
"What was that?" Mace asks.
Coming up from over the ridge they saw Haya and two AT Walkers racing towards them.
"Whoa girl." Coming to a stop, Mace sees Shun and the Bad Batch arrive.
"The cavalry has arrived." Wrecker declares.
"Oh it's you." Shun deadpans.
"You? Where's my squad?" Mace asks.
"You're looking at it." Hunter said.
"We're all Master Obi-Wan could spare." Shun said.
"A Padawan and 4 clones." Mace mutters.
"Well you weren't my first choice either." Shun said.
"And just so you know the 4 are the equivalent of a whole army." Tech said.
"Fine. You'll do for now, but you have to follow my lead. No funny business." Mace said.
"No promises." Shun said almost immediately.
Suddenly they heard a soft roar causing Haya to lift her head up alerted.
"What was that?" A clone asks.
Back at the capital, Wat Tambor was speaking with Count Dooku.
"Your tactical droid has informed me of the pitiful job you have done protecting our investment on Ryloth." Dooku said.
"That droid exaggerates. I have not lost yet." Tambor assures.
"You're no match for Master Windu. Do not become greedy, Emir Tambor. Take what valuables you can and destroy everything else." Dooku suggests.
"Everything?" Tambor asks curiously.
"We can put this defeat to political use. The charred ruins of Ryloth will demonstrate to the galaxy the cost of a Republic victory." Dooku explains.
"As you wish." Tambor nods.
Back in the wasteland area, a squad of droids was making their way through it.
"Keep on the lookout for that lost patrol." A super battle droid said.
Little did they know in a crater nearby, Mace, Shun, Haya and their clones were hiding behind some wreckage.
"Easy girl." Shun mutters trying to calm Haya down.
Slowly moving back Haya scuffs some rocks.
"Did you hear that?" A droid asks turning in their direction.
"I don't see anything." Another said.
The clones were preparing their weapons to counterattack but Mace held up his hand stopping them.
"Look, it's RB-551." One said picking up a droid head.
"No wonder he got blasted. He's one of those older models programmed by a central computer. Not us. We're independent thinkers."
"Roger Roger." Multiple droids said as they turned around and walked away.
"Someone want to tell me why we didn't just go up there and bust some heads?" Wrecker asks annoyed.
"I have a feeling the rebels will do that for us." Mace hints.
Eyes widening Shun removes the metal plating from his shoes and feels the ground with his seismic sense.
"He's right. They're everywhere." Shun said as the sounds of blaster fire echoed.
"It's an ambush!" The droid yells as they were all blasted to pieces.
Signaling Mace gestures for all of them to follow.
Making their way out they see several Twi'leks aiming blasters at them.
"Well this is a fine welcome." Tech said.
"I was wondering when you'd find me, Master Jedi." Atop a destroyed ship we see an orange Twi'lek looking down at them. This was Cham Syndulla.
"General Syndulla, we've come for your help." Mace declares.
"What makes you think you'll get it?" Syndulla asks.
"Because we know how to save your planet." Shun said as Syndulla narrowed his eyes.
Following them, Cham led them to his secret base.
"Some hideout you have here." Mace said.
"It has its advantages." Cham said.
"We saw the graves of many of your people in that battlefield as well. Together, we can prevent that from happening again." Mace said.
"Do you know why we were massacred, Master Jedi? When the droids swept over Ryloth, the Republic was unable to help us. We were forced to surrender, and we came here unarmed. They brought tanks to exterminate us." Cham explains.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Shun said.
Behind them, Razor and Stank were looking at the Blurrgs in their cages.
"Come on. Easy boy." He said holding out his hand. "See nothing to be afraid of."
But just as the blurrg was about to bite Hunter and Tech pulled them back.
"Not a good idea." Hunter said.
"Blurrgs are very fierce. And loyal to their riders." Tech informs.
Looking at the blurrgs, Haya roars at them, telling them to stay away.
"Jigh-sen moof den ka." A Twi'lek laughs.
"He says his blurrg may be ill-tempered, but she's much faster than your riding machines." Cham translates.
"Not as fast as Haya. She'll leave you losers in the dust." Shun remarks.
"Is that a challenge young one?" Cham smirks.
"Only if you got the balls to accept it." Shun smirks back.
"Ooh." Wrecker, Razor and Stak said.
"There will be no contests. We're on a mission." Mace said stopping this.
Muttering Shun was liking this less and less.
Making their way to the base they see all kinds of Twi'leks inside. Not just Freedom Fighters but Women and Children too.
"What is this, a scratch?" Cham asks noticing one of his men holding his arm.
"It's nothing." He assures.
"Gobi, get better. I need you." Cham said before turning to Mace and Shun. "We have little food or drink, but it is our tradition to share what we do have with our guests."
They were about to go in when Mace pulls Shun in close.
"Let me do the talking. I've been informed of your little "outbursts" and I want you to know we do not need one of those." Mace said.
"I only snap at those who deserve it or need some sense knocked into them." Shun said.
"Well, this time you're going to keep it to yourself. We need their help and we don't need to give them another reason to say no." Mace said.
"Believe me I don't want them to say no." Shun said.
Meanwhile, at the capital, we see several Vulture droids being equipped with bombs before taking off into the sky.
"Target every Twi'lek village in range, the inhabited ones first." Tambor orders.
"Of course." His tactical droid nods.
At their waiting spot, Ponds and the rest of Mace's clones were approaching a village that was recently liberated.
"Our scouts reported in from the village up ahead. The enemy's already pulled out, sir. Friendlies are all that's left, mostly women and children." A clone said.
"See if we can spare some rations. They'll be hungry." Ponds orders when the machines went off.
"Sir enemy ships in our sector!" A clone said as the droids flew in and bombed the village.
"Damage report!" Ponds yells feeling the shock of that.
"No tactical damage sir. They didn't hit us. They bombed the village." The clone informs.
Climbing out Ponds looked to see the village in flames.
"Make contact with General Windu." Ponds orders.
Back at the hideout, Shun and Mace sat with Cham while the clones were watching the Twi'leks perform a dance.
Wrecker was about to grab some food when Hunter stops him.
"What? They offered?" Wrecker reminds.
"Take only the bare minimum Wrecker. They need this food more than we do." Hunter said.
"Besides you could stand to cut back." Crosshair mocks.
Mumbling Wrecker only took one piece of fruit.
"I hope you don't mind this. A little distraction goes far to ease the burden of the war on my men." Cham said.
"It shows you care about them." Shun said.
"You've done well to provide for your men. So why won't you help me free them from this occupation?" Mace asks.
"I don't trust Senator Taa. His plans for after the war…" Cham pauses.
"The Republic will help you rebuild. We won't abandon you." Mace points out.
"Your troops will stay for security?" Cham asks.
"For a while, to keep the peace." Mace nods.
"Another armed occupation is not a free Ryloth. How long before I am fighting you, Master Jedi?" Cham asks.
"Won't matter if your home is destroyed before that happens." Shun said.
"Excuse me?" Cham asks.
"What did I say?" Mace mutters.
"Sorry Master…guess that slipped out." Shun mutters.
Mace was about to reply when his commlink went off.
"Commander, what is it?" Mace answers.
"The droids have begun a firebombing campaign. Several villages in our sector have been destroyed sir." Ponds declares horrifying everyone.
Growling Shun turns to Cham. "Well Syndulla what do you say to that?" Shun asks as everyone turned to him.
"Make the arrangements. I will speak to Senator Taa." Cham declares.
At the capital, Wat Tambor was watching his ships being loaded with goods.
"Is that all of it?" Tambor asks as a droid approaches him.
"We are still awaiting two transports from our southern base. Should we depart without them?" It asks.
"No. I will have every valuable on this rock before I leave." Tambor demands when a hologram of Dooku approaches him.
"Tambor, why haven't you evacuated yet?" Dooku asks.
"Our exit strategy is taking time to implement." Tambor said.
"I want you out of the city before the Republic arrives." Dooku turns to the tactical droid. "Once Master Windu has invaded the capital, you will bomb it from afar. Am I understood?" Dooku asks.
"Yes Count Dooku." It nods.
Once he hangs up, Tambor approaches the droid.
"You will not do anything until I give the order." Tambor declares.
"We have our orders." The droid states.
Back at the hideout, we see Shun and Mace lead Cham into an isolated room where a hologram of Senator Taa joins them.
"Senator Taa, so glad you could join us from comfortable Coruscant. Our people have survived with only me." Cham said.
"I knew you would try to turn this into a campaign to take power. Need I remind you that it is I who leads our people in the Senate?" Senator Taa reminds.
"Yet it is I who leads our people now." Cham said.
"This was a waste of time Master Jedi." Senator Taa said.
"I knew you wouldn't listen to anything I said." Cham said.
"Oh will you two just shut the fuck up!" Shun snaps startling everyone. "Your people are in danger and you're worried about who's more popular?! Look I don't care what you both think you two are putting aside your bullshit and working together right now!"
"You have some nerve if you think you can threaten me young Jedi." Senator Taa said.
"Listen Senator if you don't agree to some kind of truce I swear to Spirits when I get back to Coruscant I'm gonna punch you so hard in the stomach you'll barf up 10 pounds." Shun threatens as Earth coated his fists to emphasize his point.
"My goodness." Senator Taa gasps while Cham just snickers.
"What are you laughing at Syndulla? I can kick your ass right now." Shun glares.
"May I have a word with you?" Mace asks pulling Shun away. "What the hell was that?"
"Oh I'm sorry did I not get them to stop arguing like babies for once?" Shun said.
"I'm saying there is a time and place to do that. This planet is hanging by a thread. We need to give them common ground." Mace said.
"And I'm not gonna let this whole planet suffer because they can't make up their minds. I'm gonna make them work together no matter what it takes." Shun said.
"Listen you can't just—wait hold on." Mace said realizing something. "We're both arguing for the same thing."
"What? No we're not." Shun said doubtfully.
"Yes we are." Mace said as both paused.
"Oh I guess we are." Shun realized.
"Is this the first time we've ever agreed on something?" Mace asks.
"I think it is. It's kinda weird." Shun said.
"Well let's go back over there and see if we can talk some sense into them." Mace said.
"Then I hope I can count on you." Shun said in an angry tone.
"Again. Same side Padawan." Mace said.
"I know! It just feels so weird!" Shun said as they made their way back.
"Forgive me for the delay you two." Mace said.
"I trust that one is under control?" Senator Taa asks.
"I am not his Master so I cannot speak for him. All I can say is despite his attitude he speaks the truth. There will be nothing left to lead if you two don't work together." Mace points out when his commlink beeped.
"Master Windu do you copy?" Anakin asks.
"We hear you Master Skywalker." Shun said.
"My fighters are taking out as many bombers as we can but there are too many of them. I suggest you evacuate the villages and fast." Anakin said.
"You must destroy those bombers. Then meet us at the capital." Mace said.
"I'll do what I can." Anakin said ending the message.
"What can the Separatists hope to gain by burning our homes?" Senator Taa asks.
"Nothing. Wat Tambor spoils for others what he cannot possess." Cham said.
"They're being sore losers. They know we're close to winning so they would rather destroy everything before running away." Shun growls.
"Then we must move quickly." Senator Taa said.
"Senator, your people are hesitant to join us because they're worried there'll be another military occupation." Mace said turning towards the Senator.
"The people have my promise that the clone army will leave once Ryloth is free of those droids." Senator Taa declares.
"Now for you." Shun said turning towards Cham. "What can say to the Senator so he thinks you won't try and steal his job?"
"I only want to see my people free, Young Jedi. I give my word. I believe in democracy." Cham said.
"Then we are in agreement?" Shun said.
"All of us." Mace said looking at Shun.
Making their way out they see everyone awaiting their answer.
"Men of Ryloth, the time has come to free ourselves!" Cham declares as everyone cheers ready for this.
The next day, the capital retracted the bridge so they couldn't be attacked.
"What about the city inhabitants?" The tactical droid asks.
"Drive them outside, but not too far. The Jedi will reconsider his attack when he sees them in his line of fire." Tambor orders.
As the droids forced the Twi'leks out we see the army approaching them.
"Haya make sure Crosshair gets all the shots he needs." Shun said climbing off her.
Yelping Haya nods as Crosshair remained onboard.
"I'm counting on you Crosshair. They might have hostages so we need every shot to count. Can you do that?" Shun asks.
"In my sleep." Crosshair said readying his rifle.
Making his way to the front, Shun crouches with Mace and Cham as they looked out at the city.
"Tambor is still in there." Mace said as Cham looked through some binoculars.
"How are we going to attack with my people so close?" Cham asks.
Pausing Mace finally realized something.
"This is why Master Kenobi sent you." Mace said turning to Shun. "You're our ticket into the city aren't you?"
"Wow Master, figure that out all by yourself?" Shun said giving him a sarcastic clap.
"What are you both talking about?" Cham asks confused.
"When you and I go out there I'll cover you while you get that bridge ready." Mace instructs.
"Now that I can get on board with." Shun nods.
"Syndulla, prepare the troops to follow. I want everyone ready." Mace said.
Nodding both Jedi sprinted towards the bridge.
"Sir, the Jedi are approaching." A droid said.
"No matter. They can't cross without a bridge." Tambor assures.
Using his earthbending Shun began making one for them to cross.
"They have a bridge sir." The droid said much to Tambor's shock.
"Charge!" Cham yells as the clones and Twi'leks race toward the capital.
As the droids fired on them, Mace ignited his purple lightsaber and deflected all shots coming at Shun.
One droid flies in at them but Mace leaps up and slashes it in half.
"Not bad Master." Shun smirks giving it one final push making them a new bridge.
"Hope you have the fighting skills to back up that mouth of yours." Mace said as Shun ignited his lightsaber.
"You bet I do." Shun said.
Opening the gate, battle droids open fired on them, but Shun made an Earth wall to protect them before launching it at the droids smashing them to pieces.
"Ha what do you think of that?" Shun smirks.
Using the Force, Mace rips a gate door off and brings it down on a tank destroying it.
"Not bad, for a Padawan." He smirks back.
As the army raced across the bridge, the Twi'leks cheered them on as they entered the capital city.
"Here comes the pain!" Jumping off a Walker, Wrecker slams down on a few droids crushing them.
"Hunter, you and Cham take care of the droids! We're going after Tambor!" Mace orders.
Nodding the two got to work taking out every droid in sight.
In the hangar, Wat Tambor tried to make his escape only to see his Tactical Droid flying away in his ship.
"My Ship!" Tambor gasps in horror.
Inside, the droid was speaking with Count Dooku.
"I am afraid Emir Tambor refused to retreat in time." It informs.
"That is…unfortunate. Order our bombers to attack the city immediately." Dooku orders.
As multiple Vulture droids changed course, Shun and Mace raced across the hangar towards Tambor.
Turning to them, two Super Battle Droids opened fire.
Deflecting the attacks, Shun redirected a blast making it hit the droid while Mace sliced the second one in half.
Releasing a blast of fire, Shun prevents Tambor from escaping.
"You lose." Shun glares as both aimed their lightsabers at him.
"General Windu, perhaps we can come to a compromise." Tambor offers.
"Not when we hold all the cards." Mace glares.
"It appears a surrender is unnecessary. We will all perish for the glory of the Separatist alliance." Tamor informs.
Nearing the capital, the Vulture droids were about to attack when two ships flown by Anakin and Ahsoka open fired destroying the bombers with ease.
"Whoa, that was close Master." Ahsoka said impressed.
"Isn't it always Snips?" Anakin smirks.
With the droids destroyed Tambor found himself surrounded on all sides by Twi'leks and clones.
"You were saying?" Shun smirks.
"What are your terms for surrender?" Tambor asks.
"They are unconditional." Cham declares.
Seeing that it was either this or death, Tambor knew he had no other choice.
"Agreed." Tambor said admitting defeat.
"I thank you Master Jedi. Today all of Ryloth thanks you both." Cham smiles.
"You've earned your freedom General. All of you." Mace said.
"And you Young Jedi. You are a fierce one. Fierce enough to stand up to a bitter rivalry like mine. I hope that this war won't break your spirit." Cham said.
"Not a chance." Shun smirks.
As everyone prepared to celebrate, Shun couldn't help but feel happy and relieved.
"We finally did it. We saved Ryloth." Shun smiles.
"We saved one planet, but there are many others out there who are in need of help." Mace said walking alongside him.
"Oh lighten up Master Windu. Just enjoy what we have for 5 minutes would ya?" Shun said.
"A little advice before we depart Padawan." Mace said stopping him. "You did help accomplish much today but a Jedi must keep a cool head no matter the circumstances."
"Someone had to knock some sense into them." Shun said.
"Whether they needed it or not threatening a Senator is not the way to do it." Mace said.
"I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but there are far too many people in this war who put their own self interests before the big picture. Sometimes people like that need someone to knock some sense into them." Shun said.
"Well I just hope that your own interests don't do the same to you. I'd hate for someone with your kind of potential to go to waste." Mace said walking away.
Gripping his pendant under his shirt, Shun watched as Mace walked away.
'Don't worry about me Master. It's Jedi like you that I worry about.' Shun thought.