PART EIGHT: DESTRUCTION
Two days later.
The planet of Coruscant was covered in grey clouds and flashes of light from space. The lone starfighter checked into clearance and entered the atmosphere. It was met with the constant shaking and rattling of the sky as it cleared the cloud coverage to the city-filled planet. It brought a shock to Obi-Wan.
For the first time, in over centuries, it was raining. But it wasn't just rain, it was a huge downpour. It went for miles, and visibility was hard from the view of his cockpit. There weren't even that many airspeeders in the sky.
It seems like it's been raining for hours now. If not days. Obi-Wan thought to himself.
Obi-Wan came over the horizon into the Old District. His body shook, his arms were stiff, from the destruction in the distance. The Jedi Temple. Clouds of black smoke escaped from the gaping holes of the battle. Two spires rocked, aimlessly.
Obi-Wan felt a tear run down his cheek, but wiped it away, quickly. He had to be strong. No. Anything but the children. They can't be gone. Why? How? What are you trying to prove?
He made another circle around the Temple before landing on the lone launching pad, waiting for him. He stepped out, only to feel a strong burden of pain on his shoulders. He never felt so alone in a place that always welcomed him.
Other starfighers and speeders laid tousled all over the place, acting as defense shields for anyone who needed it. Smoke filled the room and smelt of gasoline and transportation fuel. Figures, troops, and droids laid everywhere on the floor, motionless.
Obi-Wan knelt down next to a dead Jedi, beside him. One who did not accept his death like many Jedi were suppose to. He didn't want to die any way that involved battling, but of a painless one, sleeping. It was a male human, only three years younger than him. His hair was black and cropped short like most Padawans. His skin was also a tint of brown, much like Mace's skin color and had a thin mustache. Today, he was dressed in his Jedi robes, never to see his jumpsuit used by the high ranking militants or his lightsaber, again. It wasn't just another Jedi, but one Obi-Wan knew quite well. He was a dear friend to him. It was Rai'mon. Rai'mon stuck by Obi-Wan since they became clan members early on in their training. They always got into bad situations that Rai would drag them into, but Obi-Wan was capable of getting them out of. They were always joking about getting involved in the downtrodden life of the lowlifes who causes problems every where they went.
Obi-Wan turned away, a few tears streaked down his face. But the real pain and sorrow came from the ache in his heart. "Go in peace, my friend. May the Force be with you always," he said, quietly.
Voices could be heard in the distance. Footsteps echoed through the halls. Blasters were held up for intruders, he sensed, but Obi-Wan didn't seem to care. If it was an enemy, he wasn't afraid to die. He'd die with honor. Two figures came into the hangar, calling out to the lone Jedi.
"General Kenobi. General Kenobi." a voice called out.
Obi-Wan got to his feet and cleared his tears. They saluted him, but he waved the gesture away. "At eases, gentlemen."
"Reporting status, sir. I am Commander Rain of the R651-JD unit, General Kenobi," he introduced himself.
"Captain Titolon of the Y548-JD unit, sir," the other officer proclaimed.
"Of course, Commander Rain and Captain Titolon. Report your status," General Kenobi nodded.
"It seems a battle raged on within the confides of the Jedi Temple," Commander Rain addressed. "My troops got hold of the distress call, but were unable to get access into the Temple due to the automated defenses around the compound. However, we got word by the time we were capable of coming in, most Jedi fled. But the numbers are climbing in casualties, sir. Many droids and stormtroopers entered the Temple in great numbers."
General Kenobi silenced him for a minute, recollecting what the Commander told him. Rain continued to give his report, in immense detail of the damage in the halls, and throughout nearly every corridor of the Jedi Temple. Obi-Wan could see every second of it play in his head as it was reported.
"Were there any survivors?" he asked.
"Only a few, sir." Captain Titolon reported. "However, the numbers aren't in about the survivors or the casualties. Troops are scanning the area on low guard in hopes not to cause another uncalled battle on the streets."
Obi-Wan nodded, again. "Make sure any survivors find a safe way off this planet. Go with Code Thirty-Five--X225-CP--set by the Council upon fleeing the planet and do it quickly. We can't risk staying here any longer."
"Yes, sir, General Kenobi," Captain Titolan confirmed, and ran off.
Obi-Wan turned to the commander. "The damages?"
"Still under investigation, General. As far as I could tell, the stormtroopers will be coming back for survivors, so I believe you are in as much threat as any of us here at the Temple."
"Of course, Commander. Thank you for your concern. But the numbers are still not confirmed?"
"No, sir. As far as I could tell, most of the Jedi were capable of getting out in time. All except one underground transport heading to the Senatorial District. It got involved in a bomb raid, a few miles from the Temple. No word on any survivors."
Obi-Wan nodded, letting out a disappointed sigh. His lungs felt like they were going to collapse. Stop, please. I've heard enough of this. How many more people must have to die to ease this pain and anger I have inside? This anger shouldn't even be inside me.
The commander touched the general's shoulder, snapping him back into reality.
"What was that, Commander?" Obi-Wan asked, quietly.
"What should I do with the bodies, sir?" he asked again, cautiously.
Obi-Wan looked down. He closed his eyes, taking in several cleansing breaths. He looked back at the commander. Though, he couldn't see the man's face, he could sense his sympathy and mourning.
"I know it is hard for you, General," the commander commented. "My troops did all they could, but the army was just too strong. I lost many soldiers today. Many I had considered friends as much as these Jedi were to the Republic. But most of them died, fighting. They stuck up for their beliefs and fought to protect the one thing that they believe still existed in this galaxy."
"What was that, Commander?"
"Hope. Peace. Justice. Everything any Jedi would stick up for no matter what the situation was. You've done so much for the Republic, General Kenobi. And I am grateful to have worked for such a wonderful team of peacemakers and fighters."
"Thank you, Commander, but the Republic wouldn't have made it this far into these past two years without you as well."
The commander nodded his acknowledgment for the comment. "Thank you, sir. But, I can't help but worry about your safety, General. There are reports leading to the cause of the failing Republic was started by the Jedi. I know, though, that is not true. But the Empire is rising, and in great numbers against the Jedi. They are sending out rewards for anyone who is capable of killing or capturing a Jedi for the Empire."
"I am aware of the threat, Commander," General Kenobi confirmed. "But, I do not wish to lower my ranks of a Jedi. I was born a Jedi and I will die as one."
The commander nodded, agreeing. "Anymore requests you would like to make to me or my troops?"
Obi-Wan looked about the room. Those Jedi fought for more than the Republic. They fought for preserving peace and justice. They fought for their lives. We must remember them for what they have done, if not teach others what they have done. "I want you to clear this place up as best as possible. Pile up the enemies here in the hangar. As for the troops and Jedi, take them to the Room of a Thousand Fountains. I would like to present them will a proper burial."
"Yes, sir." he nodded, and quickly left the room, directing the waiting soldiers to follow the request of the General/Jedi.
Obi-Wan left the room, and saw the scattered bodies in the hall. His soul felt cold, but his exterior was burning. He felt like he was getting deprived of energy. He felt like nothing, now.
To be continued....
Two days later.
The planet of Coruscant was covered in grey clouds and flashes of light from space. The lone starfighter checked into clearance and entered the atmosphere. It was met with the constant shaking and rattling of the sky as it cleared the cloud coverage to the city-filled planet. It brought a shock to Obi-Wan.
For the first time, in over centuries, it was raining. But it wasn't just rain, it was a huge downpour. It went for miles, and visibility was hard from the view of his cockpit. There weren't even that many airspeeders in the sky.
It seems like it's been raining for hours now. If not days. Obi-Wan thought to himself.
Obi-Wan came over the horizon into the Old District. His body shook, his arms were stiff, from the destruction in the distance. The Jedi Temple. Clouds of black smoke escaped from the gaping holes of the battle. Two spires rocked, aimlessly.
Obi-Wan felt a tear run down his cheek, but wiped it away, quickly. He had to be strong. No. Anything but the children. They can't be gone. Why? How? What are you trying to prove?
He made another circle around the Temple before landing on the lone launching pad, waiting for him. He stepped out, only to feel a strong burden of pain on his shoulders. He never felt so alone in a place that always welcomed him.
Other starfighers and speeders laid tousled all over the place, acting as defense shields for anyone who needed it. Smoke filled the room and smelt of gasoline and transportation fuel. Figures, troops, and droids laid everywhere on the floor, motionless.
Obi-Wan knelt down next to a dead Jedi, beside him. One who did not accept his death like many Jedi were suppose to. He didn't want to die any way that involved battling, but of a painless one, sleeping. It was a male human, only three years younger than him. His hair was black and cropped short like most Padawans. His skin was also a tint of brown, much like Mace's skin color and had a thin mustache. Today, he was dressed in his Jedi robes, never to see his jumpsuit used by the high ranking militants or his lightsaber, again. It wasn't just another Jedi, but one Obi-Wan knew quite well. He was a dear friend to him. It was Rai'mon. Rai'mon stuck by Obi-Wan since they became clan members early on in their training. They always got into bad situations that Rai would drag them into, but Obi-Wan was capable of getting them out of. They were always joking about getting involved in the downtrodden life of the lowlifes who causes problems every where they went.
Obi-Wan turned away, a few tears streaked down his face. But the real pain and sorrow came from the ache in his heart. "Go in peace, my friend. May the Force be with you always," he said, quietly.
Voices could be heard in the distance. Footsteps echoed through the halls. Blasters were held up for intruders, he sensed, but Obi-Wan didn't seem to care. If it was an enemy, he wasn't afraid to die. He'd die with honor. Two figures came into the hangar, calling out to the lone Jedi.
"General Kenobi. General Kenobi." a voice called out.
Obi-Wan got to his feet and cleared his tears. They saluted him, but he waved the gesture away. "At eases, gentlemen."
"Reporting status, sir. I am Commander Rain of the R651-JD unit, General Kenobi," he introduced himself.
"Captain Titolon of the Y548-JD unit, sir," the other officer proclaimed.
"Of course, Commander Rain and Captain Titolon. Report your status," General Kenobi nodded.
"It seems a battle raged on within the confides of the Jedi Temple," Commander Rain addressed. "My troops got hold of the distress call, but were unable to get access into the Temple due to the automated defenses around the compound. However, we got word by the time we were capable of coming in, most Jedi fled. But the numbers are climbing in casualties, sir. Many droids and stormtroopers entered the Temple in great numbers."
General Kenobi silenced him for a minute, recollecting what the Commander told him. Rain continued to give his report, in immense detail of the damage in the halls, and throughout nearly every corridor of the Jedi Temple. Obi-Wan could see every second of it play in his head as it was reported.
"Were there any survivors?" he asked.
"Only a few, sir." Captain Titolon reported. "However, the numbers aren't in about the survivors or the casualties. Troops are scanning the area on low guard in hopes not to cause another uncalled battle on the streets."
Obi-Wan nodded, again. "Make sure any survivors find a safe way off this planet. Go with Code Thirty-Five--X225-CP--set by the Council upon fleeing the planet and do it quickly. We can't risk staying here any longer."
"Yes, sir, General Kenobi," Captain Titolan confirmed, and ran off.
Obi-Wan turned to the commander. "The damages?"
"Still under investigation, General. As far as I could tell, the stormtroopers will be coming back for survivors, so I believe you are in as much threat as any of us here at the Temple."
"Of course, Commander. Thank you for your concern. But the numbers are still not confirmed?"
"No, sir. As far as I could tell, most of the Jedi were capable of getting out in time. All except one underground transport heading to the Senatorial District. It got involved in a bomb raid, a few miles from the Temple. No word on any survivors."
Obi-Wan nodded, letting out a disappointed sigh. His lungs felt like they were going to collapse. Stop, please. I've heard enough of this. How many more people must have to die to ease this pain and anger I have inside? This anger shouldn't even be inside me.
The commander touched the general's shoulder, snapping him back into reality.
"What was that, Commander?" Obi-Wan asked, quietly.
"What should I do with the bodies, sir?" he asked again, cautiously.
Obi-Wan looked down. He closed his eyes, taking in several cleansing breaths. He looked back at the commander. Though, he couldn't see the man's face, he could sense his sympathy and mourning.
"I know it is hard for you, General," the commander commented. "My troops did all they could, but the army was just too strong. I lost many soldiers today. Many I had considered friends as much as these Jedi were to the Republic. But most of them died, fighting. They stuck up for their beliefs and fought to protect the one thing that they believe still existed in this galaxy."
"What was that, Commander?"
"Hope. Peace. Justice. Everything any Jedi would stick up for no matter what the situation was. You've done so much for the Republic, General Kenobi. And I am grateful to have worked for such a wonderful team of peacemakers and fighters."
"Thank you, Commander, but the Republic wouldn't have made it this far into these past two years without you as well."
The commander nodded his acknowledgment for the comment. "Thank you, sir. But, I can't help but worry about your safety, General. There are reports leading to the cause of the failing Republic was started by the Jedi. I know, though, that is not true. But the Empire is rising, and in great numbers against the Jedi. They are sending out rewards for anyone who is capable of killing or capturing a Jedi for the Empire."
"I am aware of the threat, Commander," General Kenobi confirmed. "But, I do not wish to lower my ranks of a Jedi. I was born a Jedi and I will die as one."
The commander nodded, agreeing. "Anymore requests you would like to make to me or my troops?"
Obi-Wan looked about the room. Those Jedi fought for more than the Republic. They fought for preserving peace and justice. They fought for their lives. We must remember them for what they have done, if not teach others what they have done. "I want you to clear this place up as best as possible. Pile up the enemies here in the hangar. As for the troops and Jedi, take them to the Room of a Thousand Fountains. I would like to present them will a proper burial."
"Yes, sir." he nodded, and quickly left the room, directing the waiting soldiers to follow the request of the General/Jedi.
Obi-Wan left the room, and saw the scattered bodies in the hall. His soul felt cold, but his exterior was burning. He felt like he was getting deprived of energy. He felt like nothing, now.
To be continued....