Victory Quest I: Rain

Prologue

Holonet News Update-7 Weeks After The Battle of Geonosis (TBoG)

Palpatine addresses the Jedi
Yesterday, at a ceremony in the Jedi Temple, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine announced that the Jedi are the best Protectors the Republic could have ever asked for in this time of great need. He then declared that all Jedi who fought in the Clone Wars would be placed in the Republic Archives.
Later that day the Supreme Chancellor awarded General Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker with medals for their bravery at several recent battles. CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

No News on Dooku`s Whereabouts
In a recent Senate meeting The Supreme Chancellor stated that Republic Intelligence is working very hard to locate the Separatist Leader Dooku. Unfortunately he also reported that Dooku could be on any of the main Separatist planets. CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

Republic States That Separatists Are moving in on Ylesia
In a news conference this morning General Cambini announced that Separatist forces have begun to invade Ylesia. He was able to provide no other information except that at the moment the Separatists forces have only begun their onslaught. CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

Part 1: Assault In Orbit of Ylesia-7 weeks after TBoG

"This is Red 5, I'm taking heavy damage by Droid Starfighters."
"Understood, 5" piped in 6.
Jedi Knight Rince Vunian looked over at Red 5 and replied, "Coming in to help you 5, leader out."
The Jedi Starfighter Vunian was at the controls of dived down towards Red 5 at a rapid rate. Vunian brought his fighter slightly to the right and fired several shots at the Droid Fighter. The Green energy lasers grazed the fighter's right wing. The rather flat and brown fighter suddenly swung back around at Vunian, its wing ablaze, and opened fire. Vunian rolled to the right to avoid the sudden surprise attack and once again shot out.. The lasers completely missed the enemy starfighter. It flew up and opened fire on Vunian yet again. The lasers peppered Vunian`s shields but did not break through them. The Jedi Knight reacted to this quicker then the Droid had expected by charging at the fighter causing the Droid fighter to barrel roll to the right. With this distraction Rince Vunian had that extra second to align himself at an appropriate angle in which to fire at the ship. He pressed down hard on his fire button on his control stick. The lasers ripped the enemy craft apart.
This constant dog fighting had begun once the Separatists had arrived above Ylesia. Rince Vunian and his squad had been sent up to hold back the fighters while it gave the General at the Republic base below time to breath and act. Vunian, who was Red Squadrons leader, immediately decided to take on the Starfighters first, then take care of the larger ships next. Unfortunately the Separatist landing craft were approaching Ylesia`s surface faster than was calculated.
"We need to engage the landing craft immediately," he spoke into his comm. "2,3 and 6 you're with me. The rest of you take down those fighters and fast. Then come assist us." With that he pushed his control stick forward and dived down through Ylesia`s atmosphere. "Let's engage the Landing Craft closest to the base."
All of the others gave an affirmative click to Vunian. They were ready.
"Take out the crafts engines first," spoke Vunian. The landing craft had two wings on its top and had a rectangular shape to the rest of it. The ship was a light brown all over and had twin engines near the bottom aft. Vunian was already roaring towards them and opening fire at the rather large craft. In fact its size was many times greater than a Jedi Starfighter`s. Nevertheless it's shields did not hold out against the combined power of four starfighters. One of the engines blew apart sending debris all over. At this point the landing craft opened fire upon the starfighters. Vunian quickly barrel rolled to avoid the barrage of fire yet some of it still tested his shield strength. Luckily Vunian did not panic and his shields kept sturdy. Without a moments hesitation he locked onto one of the other engines with his missiles and let it loose. The missile did not miss. In a huge explosion the final engine was ripped off of the Separatist ship.
"Nice job folks let's go to the next one!" As Vunian spoke the landing craft plummeted to the hazy ground of Ylesia. Yet the pilots paid little attention to that event which they knew was inevitable as the engines also held the thrusters to help keep the ship aloft. Without them the ship would plummet. And that it did.
"This is Red 7 to red leader! We can't hold out these fighters. There are too many!!!!"
"Break off!!!!," hollered Vunian.
"Attempting to brea.....Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!"
"Red 7, do you copy? Red 8,5,4?"
"None of them survived," moaned Red 2, a female Bothan.
Vunian felt tears forming in his eyes. "Break off and head to the base Red Flight. We have no cover."
With that Vunian once again dived towards the surface of Ylesia. He slowly began to pull up and head towards the makeshift Republic base. Inside of him he felt guilty. He knew those deaths were his fault. He should have realized it sooner that they couldn't hold out. Yet he was to tied up in his own attack to notice. A Jedi should not feel guilty because of the pass. Guilt helps nothing. Yet this old Jedi lesson did not help Vunian in the least. To take it off of his mind he contacted the base to report.
"General Kenobi, this is General Vunian, come in."
"I copy you," spoke the Jedi Knight.
"Red Flight is returning. We have heavy casualties."

Coruscant-Palpatine's Office

General Cambini passed around Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's office. The office walls were a blood red and a huge window was behind Palpatine's desk. Outside it revealed Coruscant and its huge cities. At the moment the the Chancellor sat there at the very moment, thinking over about what he had just been revealed.
"Ylesia is a lost hope, then?," asked the Chancellor.
The General nodded. He was an older man but not yet balding, a human whose looks always said "importance". "Our forces are being pushed back into the Republic base. Within a few hours Ylesia will fall."
Palpatine rose and his long robes hit the floor. "Then order a full retreat. I will have no more loss of life."
"Immediately, Chancellor."

Ylesia

Rince Vunian carefully landed his starfighter at the Republic port near the base. He hopped out and revealed himself as a young handsome male human with a ponytail that went just a little bit below his shoulders. His Jedi robes flew up in the wind as he jumped down. Rince jogged forward towards the base when he saw it explode in a huge ball of fire. Pieces of metal flew away from the base creating mass destruction near the outskirts of the base.
Rince grabbed his comlink and tried to contact General Kenobi. "Kenobi, do you read?"
"Yes. I survived the explosion easily. You know the tricks."
"All to well, General. Should I get my folks to the Evac ships?"
"At once. May the Force be With You."
"And you, General."
Rince looked back at the Jedi Knights that were with him. "All right, let's head to the Evac ships!" They didn't argue. They would be insane to, Vunian thought. We have no chances here.
At that moment the ground in front of him exploded.

Ord Mantell

Jedi Knight Zair Dashin glanced around the downtrodden Cantina. Actually, it is rather "uptrodden" compared to the others, he thought. Zair was a Zabrak male, humanoid, with several blunt horns on top of his head. "Bartenddddddddder, "he managed to slur out. "Another Corrrrrrrrellian Allllle. And makkkke ittt faster damn it!!!!"
The bartender gave him a weird look but got the drink anyhow. And he did it fast.
Zair glanced around the room again. He was dressed in a smugglers outfit as a disguise for his undercover mission which was to seek out Separatist information on there new bases. One, which was rumored to be on Ord Mantell itself. The planet of Ord Mantell was beautiful in some areas and dirty in others. Unfortunately information was always in the dirty section.
"Get up." Zair turned to look at the speaker. A female human stood behind him with a blaster pistol in hand.
"Cannnnnnnnnnn I hhhelppp...p...p you," he managed.
"Outside. NOW."
Zair stood. "I don't think so." With that he removed his lightsaber and activated it. "Bad move assuming I was drunk, dear." With that he cut the blaster neatly in two and gave the woman a hard shove in the stomach. He picked her up and dragged her out onto the empty street just outside of the Cantina. "Now, what seems to be the problem?" The woman tried to struggle out of his grip and failed. "Who are you working for and how did they know who I was, huh? C'mon spill it."
"Dooku. He is here. On Ord Mantell. I received an order to capture you and kill you only if necessary.. That is all."
"Great. People like you make my job so enjoyable. I appreciate it. Oh, and give Dooku my regards, Tell him I'll call him up the next time I'm in the area." With that he let her go and he stood back up. Now that he knew that there was indeed a base here it was time to inform the Jedi Council of it. He walked causally down the streets to his ship waiting in Docking Bay 12. Zair glanced back and saw that the Bounty Hunter had left. No doubt she would leave the plant as soon as possible fearing the wrath of the Separatist leader Dooku. Zair shook his head in disgust. Some people...

Ylesia

Rince went flying forward and prepared himself for the hard landing. He curled up into a ball and rolled once he hit the ground.
"A droid bomber," said one of the Jedi, "Red 2" from behind him. She hurried up next to him. "The others are all dead." A sick feeling grew in Vunian's stomach.
"The Evac ships aren't far. Let's hurry!," he said as they both hurried off to the Escape Ships.

Ord Mantell

Jedi Master Yoda appeared in Zair Dashin's cockpit, via a hologram. The squat, green Jedi Master looked grim in response to Dashin's news that a Separatist base was on Ord Mantell.
"Getting closer to the core they are," stated Yoda. "Dangerous this can be."
"Without a doubt," replied Dashin. "I will infiltrate it if you like but I will need help."
Master Yoda nodded. "This I can give you."

It was with great amusement that Rince Vunian walked down the streets of Ord Mantell to meet Zair Dashin. He had paired up with Zair not more than a year or so ago to arrest several pirates that were raiding ships on the Outer Rim. To stay the least it was non stop fooling around on Zair's part. He had seen Zair quite often around the Jedi Temple after that mission. Zair was a definite example of a Jedi on the edge.
Ahead of Vunian stood Zair waving his hands to get his (or some woman's) attention. Vunian ran up to him and greeted him with a "hello" and a broad smile.
"Vunian!! How are you?, asked Zair loudly.
"You know that I prefer be called "Rince"."
"So Vunian it is!"
Vunian just rolled his eyes in response. "So what are we up against?"
"Well, to be quite truthful I don't really know. All that I know is that a Separatist base is here. Are mission is to infiltrate it and figure out the threat. Oh and aren't you supposed to be at Ylesia?"
Vunian frowned. "Well the Separatists attacked Ylesia. We lost. After we evacuated I was informed that I should meet you here. Master Yoda didn't want us to attack yet. He felt that we should get information on surrounding info on other Separatist bases in the area. Once we obtain this info the Republic will attack."
"Well I'm excited," replied Zair.
Vunian just sighed.

It was late in the evening when the two Jedi headed to their hotel rooms. Vunian and Dashin had tried to get information on the Separatist outpost during the course of the day. Unfortunately they had discovered nothing.
Vunian sighed as he slid into bed later that night. "Well at least we know it is probably not around here."
Zair nodded. "Without a doubt we have made some progress. I mean an entire outpost can't go unnoticed unless it is really small. In that case it may not be much of a threat. Besides who can lie to a face like mine, eh?"
"I think your face would make them tell the truth but it wouldn't be from good looks. More like sheer terror. Poor folks."
"Perhaps. Or maybe your just jealous."
Vunian rolled his eyes. "Oh, bang on. Now head to bed."
"No goodnight kiss?," he chuckled.
"Errrr..."
"I'll take that as a no."
"Good. Now I must SLEEP!!!!!"
"Yes, sir."
"Thank you. We will start our search a little later in the morning than usually."
"Why?"
"For two reasons. Anyone with decent info will still be asleep and two, I'm tired."
"That is not very Jedi like of you."
"Many of my friends were murdered today. I am quite exhausted."
"I'm quite sorry about that," Zair said truthfully.
"Besides," continued Vunian, "who are you to talk about being like a Jedi?"
Zair just laughed.
"Indeed." And with that Vunian went to sleep.

Ylesia

Ezzan, a Dark Jedi Knight, surveyed the wreckage of the Republic base. He smiled. Sweet victory, he thought. With the amount of Jedi dead it would make his job much easier.
"This is Ezzan to Defera, do you copy?" He paced back and forth waiting for her reply. His short dark hair blew in the wind but his harsh face showed no emotion whatsoever.
"What is it, Ezzan?," Defera answered crisply.
"I count ten Jedi dead. Unfortunately Vunian is not among them."
"Did you really expect him to be. He is too good to die easily."
"You'd be surprised at how many well trained Jedi meet a swift end."
"I didn't say it wouldn't be swift," she retorted. "Just not...easy. Nevertheless Dooku will be happy at the progress we made. This is exactly what he wanted. We are set to dig, correct?"
"Yes. Send down the machines." Ezzan clicked off the comlink and approached OHH-8, the commanding droid. OHH-8 was skinny looking and had a snouted face plate. Only the gold markings on him distinguished him from the other Battle Droids. "The diggers are under your command OHH-8. Be careful."
"Yes, sir," his mechanical voice responded.
Ezzan just nodded in response and hurried back to his transport.

Part Two: Infiltration Ord Mantell

Early the next morning(much to Vunian's dissatisfaction) the two Jedi headed out once again to seek out information. They visited each of the Cantinas near their hotel yet found out little to no information. Just vague rumors and the such. As they started to head out of the area though the information began to get a little more useful. At first just little things. Like "Yes, I am pretty sure there is a base in the Northern hemisphere, thought the government has denied it." Then later on: "I've seen strange things near Guhad City. Many strange things." This rumor they heard many times.
"Take us to Guhad City, please," Zair asked the Taxi driver after they stood waiting for one for awhile.
"That is a long ways from here, sir," said the Taxi Driver, a female Rodian. "I cannot take you that far. You will need to take the hover train."
The two Jedi stayed on the hover train for about three hours and they then got off and found themselves in Guhad City.
"I don't see the city," commented Zair. Nor was there much of a city to speak of. The "City" was rural and had large farms and mansions yet only a little of industry and business. About ten or so kilometers away loomed extraordinarily tall mountains. When the Jedi looked up at them the couldn't even see the tops.
"Well, I rather like it," stated Zair.
"As do I," replied Vunian. "Yet it doesn't seem as if the Separatists will be in the cities. It is likely we will have to head to the mountains."
Zair nodded In agreement. "Fun, fun, fun hiking. Y'know this is were the adventure is. Straining our legs and such. It really doesn't get..."
"Oh, do shut up."
"By your command, my lord."
Vunian nodded. "Just keep that up. I like that attitude."
"Don't get used to it."
"Oh here we go."
"You started it."
"Now really, SHUT UP!!!"
There bickering continued as they walked down the streets to find a store where they could get hiking gear. The streets were empty of people and up ahead was a small little store that looked as if it could supply them with there needs. They then turned to approach the store. As they walked in they were still bickering.
"Zair, there is no need for this! We are Jedi. We should be at peace."
"Oh you know I'm only kidding," responded Zair. With that he walked up to the cashier. "Hello I'm wondering if you have any excellent hiking gear."
The cashier, a female Gran, looked up and noticed Zair's lightsaber hanging from his belt. "Oh, your one of them. Why should I help you?"
Zair smiled. "Because I have a lightsaber and can cut off your head. I would then proceed to march around town with it and scream "Bring out ya heads!" good enough for you?"
The cashier mumbled a curse but brought them out the gear they requested. The two Jedi thanked the cashier and left.
"You always handle things so well," chuckled Vunian to Zair as the two left.
"Thanks!"

Coruscant-Palpatine's Office

It was nearing nightfall on Coruscant. Many of the cities skyscrapers had already turned on their lights. Most people were returning home. They did not include the Supreme Chancellor and his staff. They all sat in his red colored office in a briefing that would decide the course of actions that would decide what types of action would be taken over the next few days.
"Another strike? That I can understand. But this attack that you are proposing could take out civilians," General Cambini was explaining to the Supreme Chancellor, himself. "I realize that you and the Senate want to strike back quickly but an attack on the factories on Garqi? The civilians of that planet are near the factories. Many of them can be harmed if we let an all out attack."
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine turned away from looking out the window, his face neutral yet Cambini knew that he had to have been frustrated at the losses that the Republic had been taken. But rash action helped nothing.
Palpatine looked straight at the General. "Did innocent lives ever stop the Separatists before. Need I name the battles? General, we are not attacking Civilians. Some of them may get hurt but nevertheless that should not halt our progression into Separatist space."
General Kit Fisto, a Jedi, unlike Cambini stood up his, green tentacles waving. "Sir," he began, "should we not concentrate on defense? If the Separatists launch another assault it may be difficult to fend them off if our forces are elsewhere. Besides, the factories on Garqi are not the only ones the Separatists had. It would not make a difference overall."
"I disagree," replied the Chancellor. "it would show that we are not afraid to take the battle right to them."
Cambini shot back up. "Garqi is not that close to Zeneb, the Separatists HQ. It would hurt them but not badly enough that it would change the course of the war, as General Fisto has already said."
The Chancellor turned back to look out the window. "Nevertheless, give the order to attack Garqi."
"What of the Civilians," asked Fisto, from his seat.
"We are not going out of our way to hurt them, General yet some maybe hurt or killed anyhow. This is war after all."
Cambini shook his head. "Sir, we can face heavy losses there and if..."
"Give the order," interrupted Palpatine.
"Sir, you have to understand that..."
"Do it."
"With all do..."
"STAND DOWN, GENERAL!!! If I have to, I'll give the order myself. Is that understood, General Cambini?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then give the order."
"No, sir."
"Get out of my office, Cambini!," yelled the Chancellor. "you are henceforth to report to General Fisto. There is no longer any need for you to come here. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."

Ord Mantell

The Jedi had been hiking up the mountain trail for several hours. The trail was often hard to navigate due to the immense amounts of plant life.
Nevertheless the two Jedi continued there hike even if they were forced to make a long detour.
"Y'know what is bothering me," asked Vunian as he walked.
"You forgot to shave, again?!," Zair replied pretending to sound shocked.
"What do you mean "again"?"
"Never mind. So what is it?"
"Well the shopkeeper back in the town. There seems to be hatred towards the Jedi or the Republic or both. It may be that the Separatists are sending false information around." Vunian sighed. "It never ends does it? These damn political ideas getting sent around. And then from politics to war. It makes so little sense. I see little hope that the Confederacy will be eager to join back up at the end of the war. Join up with the Republic that is."
Zair kept silent as they continued to walk, pondering what Vunian had said. Finally he spoke. "There is more to this than we think. There has to be. Even the Council knows. Something big is happening, Vunian. Something VERY big."

Ylesia The Following Day

Ezzan stood before the holographic figure of Defera. She was transmitting from Zeneb, the capitol of the Separatists.
Defera was, like Ezzan, a Jedi Padawan who had been turned to the dark side by Count Dooku either shortly before or after the before the Battle of Geonosis. Yet Defera was the more powerful of the two and Ezzan and Defera both knew it. She was, on top of that, a beautiful woman with long black hair. Her face always neutral unless she was extremely angry. She wore a black cape around her clothes which concealed her lightsaber.
Ezzan wore an almost identical outfit and it made him look like he was gliding when he walked.
"We have dug down twenty-five kilometers!," he was saying. "Does Dooku want us to go deeper still?"
"Yes," replied Defera. "Another ten should be fine."
Ezzan shook his head. "It will take a very long time to get down another ten kilometers. It gets harder to dig the farther we go down."
Defera smiled. "But you can do it, can you not?"
"Yes."
"Excellent."

Ord Mantell

Rince Vunian reached the top of the mountains only a few seconds after Zair McDashin did.
"Ha! Beat ya!," bragged Zair.
"Yes you did. Your ego is quite bigger than mine. Congratulations."
"I take this award with great honor and would like to say that it was all ME. No one else."
"Oh, here we go."
"What?"
Vunian just ignored him and looked down the opposite side of the mountain that they had climbed up on. All that he could see was more green life. Nothing even remotely dangerous looking. Yet something still felt wrong.
"Something is definitely wrong here," spoke Vunian. "Something dark is here Zair. Do you sense it too."
"Yes. There is a disturbance in the Force. No doubt about that." Zair moved forward to look down. "Wait. A disturbance in the bushes. Right th..."
Zair was cut off by a blaster bolt that flew towards them. Then the shooter revealed it self: a Super Battle Droid. It was tall, about the size of a human male. On each arm was a repeating blaster. The Droid was green unlike most of the Super Battle Droids which were usually blue. This one was green no doubt to camouflage itself. Nevertheless the Jedi reacted swiftly. The both ignited there green lightsabers, ready to deflect any bolts shot at them. As they ignited their blades they ran down towards the droid. It continued to fire rapidly at them as they approached. Both Jed easily deflected the bolts that were sent towards them. With Vunian's free hand he Force pushed the droid forward. The Droid landed on the ground with a thump and Vunian plunged his lightsaber right in the middle of it.
"No doubt they know we are hear now," said Zair.
"Let's move forward," replied Vunian, "and hopefully get them off our tracks. At the same time let us see if we can locate the Separatist Base." With that the two Jedi hurried forward.

Jork Hinnk was quite drunk when his aide, a Gran like himself, came in.
The aide, shocked at Jork's state ran over too him. Like most Gran Jork had three eyes protruding from his face and his skin was a brownish color. The aide shook Jork. "Sir, we are at Ord Mantell we are scheduled to meet with the Separatist leader here! It wouldn't look good if we were late!" The aide then gave Jork some water to drink. "Come sir we most hurry and go!" The aide grabbed Jork and began to help him up when Jork came out of his drunken stupor.
"To the Separatist Base!," Jork declared. "But first, one more drink."
"But, sir!!!"

"A ship!," declared Zair. Over there."
"Where," asked Vunian as they descended the mountain.
"There!!"
"Where is there?!"
"There is over there!!!"
Vunian put a hand to his head and sighed. "Point to it," he ordered. "And not vaguely." Zair complied. "Oh," responded Vunian. "That small craft down at the base of the mountain."
"Well I don't see another," replied Zair.
"That is it! From now on you can't talk!"
"What if it is an emergency."
"Only then." Vunian then began to jog down the mountain towards the craft. "Let's approach it from the back. I'm sure there is a back entrance. At least I'm pretty sure."
Zair shook his head mockingly.
"Oh be quiet, you," Vunian mocked back.

A few minutes later the Jedi duo crawled behind the rather bland craft. Both Vunian and Zair ignited their lightsabers and sliced through the back of the ship.
The two climbed throw the hole into a dimly lit room where two Gran stood.
"Who are you?," asked one of the Gran.
"A person with a lightsaber," responded Zair. "Now who are you?"
The Gran laughed. "And why should I tell you?" Zair brought up his lightsaber and the Gran took two steps back. Vunian just smiled.
"I'd talk," Vunian said after a moment of tense silence.
The Gran finally spoke. "I am Jork Hinnk, a representative of the Gran colony of Uhj IV."
"Why are you here?," asked Vunian.
"To talk with the Separatist leader here about an alliance."
Zair beamed. "Oh really? Perhaps, if you would just step into the bridge and activate your recording unit, we'll let you live."

The Commander of the Separatist forces on Ord Mantell was Fugh Wirs, a rather heavy Munn. Like all Munn he had a thin face compared to humans yet heavy to his own race. His skin was a dirty brown and he had little hair to speak of. Fugh Wirs had been assigned to Command Ord Mantell after leading a successful assault on Woik II. Count Dooku thought him good enough a commander to be able to lead the forces hidden on Ord Mantell.
Or at least that is what Fugh bragged. In fact Count Dooku, the leader of the Separatists thought Fugh incompetent and that the only reason he succeeded at Woik II was due to overwhelming forces on the side of the Separatists. He then place Fugh on Ord Mantell as it was a job any military Commander could do. Then once the forces of Ord Mantell were needed Dooku would assign another commander.

Yet there was something Fugh was good at: he was an excellent diplomat. Thus he had been asked to organize a treaty with the Gran from Uhj IV. Therefore when one of the guards stated that two men, one a human the other a Zabrak, were coming up, he was quite surprised. The Munn immediately started hollering that there was no report of any humans coming, just Gran and that this could be a breach of security. The guard then responded that the humans were the diplomats from Uhj IV as the Gran diplomats had become rather ill. They even had a recording to show that they were who they said they were. Fugh nodded to himself thinking he had done a fine job in a situation that had almost become a crisis.
A few seconds later two men dressed in Gran robes stepped out of the turbolift that brought them up to Fugh's chambers. His chambers were rather large with a huge table in the middle for feasting and several rather comfortable looking sofas. Fugh proceeded to invite the two men to take a seat at the table.
"A feast!," said the Zabrak in delight. "Oh, I'm so hungry, too! Thank you so much."

Fugh cleared his throat to call attention to himself(which was not unusual). "So I gather that you would like to feast. Excellent. I will call for the food at once." With that he hurried over to the comlink and asked his butler to bring up the main course at once.
"Nice place you have here," said the human.
"The only thing nice here is the food," responded the Zabrak rudely. "The place certainly needs some decorating. So why are we her Foo?"
"It's, Fugh," Fugh said.
"Uh huh. Sure."
"We are here so we don't alert ourselves to any Republic forces in the area. Once we are ready we can strike at some of the worlds closer to the core from here. The Republic would never suspect it. Hell, we can even hit Bimmiel from here. The Republic has a nice stronghold there." Fugh leaned closer to the two "diplomats". "Actually rumor has it that we plant strike at Bimmiel next!"
The Zabrak shrugged. "Old news really. The Republic has figured that out for awhile now."
"Oh."
The human leaned forward. "But let's start bargaining."
"But the food is just arriving," complained Fugh as the butler came in and placed the food down. "Must we start so soon?"
"Yes."
Fugh sighed. "If you insist. We, as in the Separatists, are willing to give you protection from the Republic by pacing several fortresses on your Colony world. But not only that, you will receive all that you need from us unlike what you got from the Republic. All your needs will be supplied to you."
The Zabrak laughed. "What a load of..."
The human cut him off with a glare and then returned his gaze back to Fugh. "And what is it that you want in return?"
Fugh leaned back in his chair. "Loyalty. Some of your resources. Here is the exact agreement," he answered as he pushed several papers toward the human. The human then looked them over and pushed them back to Fugh.
"No deal," said the human as he stood up. "Oh, and one more thing. You're under arrest." With that both of the Jedi stood and ignited their lightsabers.

Coruscant-Palpatine's Office

Master Yoda sat as he listened to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine speak about the planning of the defense of Bimmiel.
"Where," the Chancellor was saying, "is Rince Vunian? I believe he could be of use to us. He is an excellent General. Unlike some Jedi Knights he knows how to Command."
Master Yoda straightened. "Made to be Commanders, Jedi are not."
The Chancellor nodded. "But may you call him back to Coruscant as soon as possible. In the mean time General Fisto will be on Bimmiel until Vunian arrives. Can you do that for me Master Yoda?"
"No."
"What? What do you mean?" Palpatine was quite surprised but managed not to show it.
"On a more important mission he is."
"But Bimmiel is more important."
"Few live on Bimmiel. Evacuated they can be. The people of Ord Mantell, evacuated they cannot be."
"Very well. But do not let him stay there longer than is necessary. We need him as soon as is possible."

Ord Mantell

Rince Vunian could tell that Fugh had believed their lies with no suspicion. It was a wonder that he was still in command. Yet this was not the time to examine the Confederacy's reasons for it's actions. Vunian went forward and lifted Fugh from his seat.
"All right, Fugh, I need you to destroy this facility. Immediately. Then I need you to send out a false message to Zeneb saying that there was an overload in one of your larger war machines and that several chain reactions completely obliterated the entire facility. Then, of course I'm sure you will find the time to kiss up to them, I've no doubt of that. Unless of course you blow up this facility and come with us back to Coruscant and make it look like you were a traitor. Now before you decide just remember how much of a forgiving man Count Dooku is before you make your decision, all right?"
Fugh looked like he was ready to vomit. He eventually managed to gather up the strength to nod his head and say, "I'll do as you say. But I will not return with you to Coruscant, I will stay here. None of you damn Force users we pull me away from my duty. Count Dooku will have his revenge on the people of Ord Mantell. Mark my words on that."
Vunian smiled. "I doubt that." He turned to Zair. "Zair, issue a message to the Republic that we need a fleet to come to Ord Mantell to protect it from a Separatist attack. It doesn't have to be a big one. There are plenty of other Republic planets near here that can come and help push back the Separatists." He turned back to Fugh. "Now, go and issue the self destruct." Fugh nodded and entered in a few codes on his computers.
"Done," he muttered.
"Excellent," smiled Vunian. "Now let's wait for the boom."
Zair, back from sending the message, slowly crept behind Fugh. "BOOM!," he screamed. Fugh jumped and Zair chuckled. Vunian just smiled and shook his head.
A few seconds later the ground shook. "That was it," said Fugh in defeat. "Now please leave."
Vunian smiled. "There is no escape. The Republic will be here soon. Oh, and if you don't transmit that message I can't promise you much hospitality when the Republic gets you."
With that the two Jedi left.

Part Three: Error Coruscant-Palpatine's Office-Night

General Kit Fisto hurried into the Chancellors office, something he did not usually do. "Sir, I have urgent news."
The Chancellor looked up. "What is it, General? A problem?"
Fisto took a seat and began his story. "Only a few minutes ago we received a transmission from Ord Mantell. It was from Jedi Knights McDashin and Vunian. They informed us to send a fleet to Ord Mantell as they had destroyed the base there but fear that retribution might come swiftly from the Separatists."
The Chancellor nodded. "Very well. Send two assault ships."
"That is the problem, sir. Before the message reached us. A Separatist fleet intercepted it. They are at Ord Mantell already. The Separatists have blocked it." Fisto sighed. "If we send a fleet there we can face heavy loses. The Separatists can face those loses yet we can't."
The Chancellor stood. "I see. Ord Mantell will receive no help I'm afraid. We cannot spare the resources. You may announce that to the public in the morning."

Ord Mantell

The Jedi had reached the city that evening and were prepared to head back to Coruscant when several things went wrong.
"Oh, Sithspit!," yelled Vunian. Above the city loomed a huge Separatist space craft. It was donut shaped with a large Control Bridge in the middle forming a sphere. From the hangers on the craft., the Jedi could see Droid Starfighters depart the ship. "We gotta get out of here and fast. If they find us here no telling what they will do to Ord Mantell."
"Vunian." Zair had stopped in the middle of the street. "It's too late."
The lone Separatist craft was joined by many others like it. With those came landing crafts filled with droids ready to conquer Ord Mantell. Then came the Ion Cannons.
Giant blue energy shot down from the sky and destroyed the nearby mountains so to destroy any hidden Republic station that was not discovered by the incompetent Fugh. Then the energy hit the Separatist base. No doubt to kill Fugh and the others in league with him due to their failure. The base exploded in a huge fireball that seemed to engulf the entire mountain.
"By the Force," muttered Vunian. "They are destroying everything near here. They hope to kill us and in doing so killing thousands of innocents."
Zair was to horrified to respond.
"We have to turn ourselves in," said Vunian. "It is the only way to stop this massacre."
"I agree," replied Zair. "Let's contact them from our ship." With that they hurried down the streets trying to get to their ships before the Ion blasts reached the city.

"Separatist Command Ship, this is Jedi Knight Rince Vunian. Do you copy?" Rince leaned towards the comlink apprehensively. Giving himself up to the Separatists was quite nerve-racking. Yet his thoughts traveled elsewhere a second later.
"Hello, Rince. What a pleasant, surprise," replied a female voice.
"I know you. Who?"
"I was once a Jedi. You know me as Padawan Durin. But know I am Dark Lady Defera of the Separatists."
Zair stepped forward. "You are not transmitting from the Command Ship. You have a separate craft. Why are you landing it here? A little risky isn't it?"
Vunian sighed. "You've never seen her fight."
Defera laughed. "Once we got word that you were on Ord Mantell, I didn't waste a moment coming here. Now come greet me."

Defera's shuttle settled down only a few seconds later but the Jedi were already there, waiting for her. The ramp on her shuttle slowly descended onto the circular platform which was seventy meters above ground with only a two meter high railing to prevent one from falling off.
"We don't want to fight you Defera," spoke Vunian. "We are here to surrender." The two Jedi placed their sabers on the ground. Defera smiled.
"I don't want you as my prisoners. I want you dead." With that she activated her double sided lightsaber. Both sides shone red energy blades. She twirled it and charged at the Jedi.
Both Rince and Zair called upon the Force and their lightsabers came to them and they activated the blades. With no words they went into a defensive stance ready to take on Defera. Words were now useless. No words the two Jedi said could stop Defera.
The three meet and both Jedi blocked her swing. As the blades hit a crackle filled the air. Rince jumped up and behind Defera but she swung one part of her blade behind her back to block his swings. There was no doubt that Defera was the one on the offensive. Rince tried to change this. He hit the ground rolling and swung at Defera's legs as Zair swung at her head. Defera easily placed her blade in a position to block both strikes.
Soon the three were nearing the edge of the platform and Defera was still on the offensive. Rince swung at her head from above yet she easily blocked the attack. Then it began to rain. The rain caused the lightsabers to crackle even more yet the Jedi and Defera did not seem to notice. The fighting did not slow in the least bit. Both Zair and Rince had their backs to the railings as Defera kept pushing them forward. Her attacks were swift and powerful. The Jedi blocked all of her attacks yet were not able to slash at her.
With a jump and a kick she sent Zair flying into the rail. Yet Zair hopped back up and regained his position. He slashed at her legs and caught her off balance. The Dark Jedi had to jump back and she suddenly found herself on the defensive. Then the rain came down harder. Soon visibility was terrible but yet again the Jedi and the Dark Jedi were not affected. The battle still raged on. A constant blocking and parrying as they crossed to the other side of the platform. Rince and Zair continued to push Defera farther back. Rince slid onto the ground and chopped at her legs. She blocked the attack, but only barely. A worried expression crossed her face, for only a moment. She was beginning to lose. She had to do something.
But Rince did something first. He launched himself at her and kicked her to the ground. As she feel she Force pushed him back and he stumbled. Defera quickly regained her balance but Zair kicked her in the face and she smashed into the railing. Zair ran forward but she kicked him and he went flying over the railing.
He grabbed onto part of it and jumped back onto the other side. Rince and her were already sparing when he regained his balance.
Rince feinted to the left and then slashed at Defera from the right. She quickly blocked but he was already attacking again. The lightsabers hit each other again and again in a beautiful display of green and red.

Suddenly Defera smiled and began to laugh. "You cannot win. Not with so may others on my side." At that moment she put all of her strength into a slash that pushed Vunian to the ground. She smiled again and then slashed at him. He rolled but not before the blade sliced into his arm and blood poured out. Defera laughed yet again.

To be continued...