Post 10
Ryloth
"Guards! Stop them before they kill us all!"
Piggy froze at the sound of the shrill Devaronian voice and watched as the main detachment of soldiers began tracking for targets. His fellow Gamorrean guards just opened fire, as usual illustrating their lack of intelligence. Ducking behind one of the crates, Piggy looked around for the cause of the break in the tense negotiations. Then he saw the Wookiee Sirra standing near a crate whose contents could not be mistaken for medical supplies.
Why did you not leave when you had the chance? It was because he was needed to help the delegation out if they were unable to pin down evidence on the illegal activities of the Diversity Alliance. He knew Cracken would let him know if his mission was completed.Now with nothing but a flimsy wood box between him and the blasters of the very people he was working for, things had gotten dicier. Whatever you do, don't get shot again. Piggy grinned; sometimes the annoying voice of his commander bossed him around subconsciously. Shut up Face. At least this way, he could stop Loran from talking.
The smell of scorched wood and a ping on the box he was using as shelter reminded Piggy of his predicament. He watched as Luke Skywalker and Cilghal, the Mon Calamari Ambassador pulled out their lightsabers in defense, and shook his head at the stupidity of the small Chadra Fan, a senator who kept squeaking for everyone to stop shooting. From his vantage point, Piggy was aware of some interchange between the Jedi and the members of the Alliance, but became distracted as a small skimmer holding three Abyssin exploded after the Wookiee hit a fuel tank.
He could feel the shrapnel impacting his skin, and winced inwardly. His thick skin and body fat would protect his internal organs, but he wasn't going to save himself by staying behind this crate. It was obvious that the New Republic forces were outnumbered, and Piggy knew if he recognized the situation, the Jedi had to as well. Pulling out his blaster, he began carefully shooting those that got too close to any of the Republic representatives, doing what he could to not blow his cover, but also help out those he could.
Then things got worse. First Kambrea, that stupid Devaronian sidekick of Nolaa Tarkona, ordered the Diversity Alliance soldiers to focus their firepower on Sirra, the Jedi Wookiee's sister, and a centaur female named Lusa. As Ambassador Cilghal and Master Skywalker ran to their aid a ton of crates behind Kambrea began teetering on the verge of collapse. Before anyone could do anything, the heavy boxes fell on top of the provisional leader of the Diversity Alliance, killing her. Instead of forcing the Diversity Alliance to take stock of their situation they surged forward with violence, white anger and blind blaster fire all the while calling in more reinforcements.
In the confusion, Piggy inched forward, moving along the side of the wall towards the New Republic side of the fray, getting ready to come to their defense more openly if needed. It was obvious at this point that the Diversity Alliance's secret was out no matter what. At the sound of a high pitch squeak behind him, Piggy turned towards the backside of the chamber. He watched as the small Chadra Fan crawled from under cover, squealing, "We surrender! We surrender! It's the only way!"
He's going to get himself killed. Piggy began to wave his hands to get the small aliens attention, trying to distract him enough to be quiet. Unfortunately, two Gamorrean guards turned naturally towards the piglike noises, and seeing an enemy shot the senator dead in his tracks. Little Trubor's Sullustan guards cried out in anger, and dragged the body into shelter. The mathematical probability of anyone surviving now is next to nil, unless some new variable can come into play.
Out of nowhere a strong voice came out of the crowd, urging everyone to stand down and look at the horrors. Craning his neck, Piggy recognized the Twi'lek as being one of the Republic delegation. He moved silently closer as the blaster fire tapered off to listen to what this unknown quantity had to say.
"Aliens have shed alien blood! But for what? Did you gain peace? Freedom from tyranny? No! The search for revenge has only brought you death and given you cause to distrust each other. Isn't this exactly what the Diversity Alliance promised to prevent?"
"Look around you. This time there is no scapegoat--no excuse to blame the killing on one species or another. All races must stop trying to place the blame for injustices of centuries gone by--and begin working together," The Twi'lek raised a fist, "As equals. We must build from the present, not resort to savagery because of the past."
Watching silently, Piggy watched as the Jedi switched off their lightsabers and stood in the open next to the brave Twi'lek. "We must talk together," he said, "only that way can we find peace."
As it became clear that the fight was over, Piggy released his breath letting go of the tension that had been building up. Excellent; next stop a medbay, and then Hawk-bat station. Piggy sighed; it appeared that this assignment was now complete.
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Hawk-bat Station
"Grey Twelve, this is Control-there's a priority one message for you from Coruscant."
"Transmit it to my R2 unit--I'll read it in hyperspace."
"Acknowledged--prepare for transmission-" Mara's new R2 unit, who answered to the name Dhruv, beeped when the message reached him.
"Control, this is Twelve. Transmission received successfully. Twelve out."
"Control out."
Face's voice came over the squadron frequency. "Grey Twelve, all set?"
"Everything is green on my end."
"All right--let's go see what this fight is all about. "
Checking to make sure her lightsaber was secure, Mara rested her hand on the hyperdrive lever, waiting for the signal.
"Wraiths, on my mark 1…2…3…" In unison the squadron followed their commander's voice and surged into hyperspace, embracing the twists and turns in a galactic symphony that only hyperspace could compose. For a few moments she watched the dizzying, yet cathartic shift of light flashing by, but then moved on to more practical matters. The jump wasn't long, so Mara quickly reviewed the mission--to aid New Republic forces in destroying an old Imperial depot on an asteroid. An asteroid, which was believed to contain disease agents, created by the Emperor. Apparently, the Young Jedi had provided information on Nolaa Tarkona's main intentions for the galaxy, information also backed up by an undercover NRI agent named Piggy. No big surprise there.
Taking a deep breath she prepared to rest, because whatever awaited the Wraiths, now Gray Squadron, at the depot, it was not predetermined and Mara was determined not to let this day be the day that anything happened. At least not because she didn't rest enough. Face had said that NRI could only confirm that a team of Jedi had infiltrated the Depot, not whether they were Han and Leia's children, although Mara was still sure that's who it was. He also told her that General Solo would be in charge of the New Republic Strike team.
A beep on her console caught her attention, "Yes Dhurv?"
"No, that's all right…" Glancing at the translation scrolling across the screen Mara nodded--"Yes I know, I didn't' forget. Sure, patch it through." She was sure that the priority one message was from Cracken. He had been forwarding her information during this mission from Luke, Kam and Tionne so that she could keep abreast of any problems.
The console beeped again. Needs Encryption Code.
" Alpha, Blue Two Four."
A moment later the text appeared on screen.
"Mara-This message was sent to Yavin IV. Due to the nature of the message; we felt it was necessary to ask what you and Master Skywalker would like done. I am forwarding it along the prescribed lines.--Kam Soulsar."
Data Source: X2157-Valdet-Danshitie System by way of
1138-ENCRYPTED
and Imperial City/Coruscant
Sender Key: Tristan Romani
'Master Jade-Skywalker and Master Skywalker, I am writing to you with hope that the Jedi may be able to help us. As you are aware, Elbereth and I had hoped with our marriage and the peaceful coalition that resulted from the revolution that our two peoples could live together without strife. Unfortunately, it appears that six months is enough to see that perhaps our situation is best for all if it is kept separate.
We require help, once again. I fear that if a resolution to our differences cannot be found--Civil War will prevail. Elbereth and I feel that perhaps our euphoria after Bran's death caused a misinterpretation of the people's will.
As I write, two separatist factions are preparing an army, led by a man we trusted--and there is no power left in my hands to save us. Elbereth's condition is such that to choose between our dream and her life has put me in limbo. As it stands, she is in no condition to rule, which makes me an usurper in the eyes of the Danshitie.
Forgive me, I feel that I am being torn apart by forces I cannot control. In my rush to explain the situation I neglected to state the most important.
Elbereth is dying.
At this juncture, our doctors cannot aid her, mysterious as this illness is, we do not know how or when she acquired it. We have consult medical experts on Coruscant who can only give her a few more weeks, maybe a month. Perhaps if there had been more time a Jedi healer could have been requested, but we have accepted what shall come.
I only hope, that the New Republic or the Jedi, despite our lack of admittance can help us find peace--before more lives are lost. Do not feel that your participation is necessary--what will come, will come. I trust that the Force shall bring us balance, but as my last role as ruler of Valdet-Danshitie, maybe this will do some good.
May the Force Be With You
Tristan Romani '
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Her mind reeling with questions, Mara scrolled down to find an addition by General Cracken.
"Having this message scanned as per protocol I thought it would help to read the current intel regarding Valdet-Danshitie. A New Republic Observer in the area has indicated a tense situation. The day after this message was timestamped, approximately one week ago, the body of separatist leader Iker Rafagr was found, sparking a counter-revolution to the one you witnessed. The New Republic Observer took some images of the first Danshitie bombs, which took out the royal living quarters in Valdet, as well as part of the Capitol building. There was no word of survivors, though witnesses say they saw someone carrying a body away from the scene. NRI suggests that if someone is sent, perhaps a diplomatic envoy could come along. Once again though, the New Republic has no official jurisdiction in this conflict as Valdet-Danshitie is no longer a petitioner for admittance into the New Republic.
General Cracken."
Mara let out a deep breath. She was in a corner, boxed in, and there was nothing she could do about it. Hurtling through hyperspace in a snubfighter to a battle where the outcome was never predetermined, and someone needed help--as usual.
Luke had told her how the Force had led him to her at Nirauan. While meditating he had seen her, in death, surrounded by craggy rock, but had seen himself somewhere else. It was there that a sequence of events led him to Talon, just in time to hear of her predicament. Maybe the reason she had the message now was to prevent hasty decisions.
So Mara did the only thing she could do: She meditated.
The Force was warmth, life, love-- a boundless energy. It opened doorways--past, present, future. As if it had been waiting for her to tap into its raw wisdom, it sucked Mara into its embrace, its gentle rhythm and spoke.
She heard a voice; deep, cultured. "Anakin Skywalker may be the shatterpoint of our war against the jungle. If he is-- if Anakin is the being born to win that war--it doesn't matter if every other Jedi in the galaxy dies. As long as Anakin lives, we have hope. No matter how dark it gets, or how lost our cause may seem. He is our new hope for a Jedi Future."
She felt the steam, the heat of overwhelming death and violence, and she felt the silence, suffocating and empty, devoid of life energy.
"….My ally is the Force. And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. It's energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we...not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you."
Yoda? Mara reached to see if she could sense the Jedi Master, but instead a new voice, strangely hushed, caused Mara to strain her ears to hear the whisperings of the Force…"I wasn't strong enough to save you. I wasn't
strong enough. But I promise I won't fail again..."
Delving deeper into her meditative trance, the jungle suddenly faded through mist to become choking smoke from enflamed debris. Almost immediately Mara understood that she had left the past, and was now on Valdet. Through the smoke she could see a figure in the shadows, standing upon ruins of what must have been the royal living quarters. He was searching for something and she could feel his anger grow as the seconds passed. Revenge is of the darkside. It will consume.
And almost as an afterthought. He will lead them. Mara started as the echo of the voice from before overwhelmed the soft message…I wasn't strong enough, strong enough, strong enough…I won't fail again..again..again…
And again, softly. He will lead them.
Then she saw herself walking to her ship a completed temple rising out of the background, the unmistakable sound of a heartbeat matching her steps slowing until they marched in counter rhythm.
It was understood. It was her heart, Elbereth's life, fading away, and in that moment Mara felt what he felt. She felt the grief, the determination to save their planets from ruin. Then she felt the shock, the thirst for vengeance, and the raw anger that permeated Tristan Romani's soul. Again, she saw herself walking away from the newly reconstructed temple, something that was not going to occur for at least the next few months. She understood--now was not the time. Now was not the time for her to go.
She and Tristan would meet again, but not until he had walked his path. For now the battle awaited. Her role in the Valdet-Danshitie revolution would come later.
The smoke from the bombs that clouded her vision began to shift, grow red, and began to clear again. The Force had shown her the past, the present, and some of her future--what could there be left for her to find out….
And she was jolted awake by proximity alarms.
Pressing her hand to her chest in a steadying gesture, she licked her lips and swallowed before answering her droids concerned query. "Thanks for the warning Dhruv, I'm awake. How long do we have?"
"Two minutes..all right, hang on. You ready Dhruv?" Mara laid her hand on the hyperdrive lever. "Let's do it."
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"All right, prepare for sublight. Remember come out on high alert and watch out for the Lightening Rod and Rock Dragon. I'm going down to the Falcon; we'll be launching as soon as we're clear." Han tugged on his belt while checking the safety on his blaster. Noting the silence he looked up. "What?!"
"General, maybe you should stay with the battlegroup; we'll be able to protect you." The dark hared, baby faced Lieutenant licked his lips. The General had a reputation for outbursts and insane maneuvering, but all rank aside, leaving the battlegroup to fly a civilian ship was not the way to win a battle.
Han's face twisted into a scowl, "Listen junior, Lieutenant. I would not finish that thought, you should have taken the advice of your fellow men and kept your mouth shut. In a dogfight I always try to avoid issuing orders from a bridge. It's the easiest way to get killed. All you need is one lucky shot, and pfffst, the whole thing falls apart. "
He reached over and patted the officer on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I know they call me Crazy Solo, but I'll tell you this. If I can bring down Zinj, this group will be easy." Halfway to the corridor, he yelled back, "And don't worry, overconfidence is one of my strengths!" Laughing to himself, Han made his way to the main docking bay. I'm sure he's getting razzed by the rest of the bridge crew. Crazy-Solo…always good for new intitates…they'll explain the plan to him. Rounding the corner he stood and inhaled the recycled air. The Millennium Falcon was sitting by herself away from the preparations on the fighters, and as usual managed to look ancient and majestic at the same time. Like an old building, that appeared to crumble and fall apart with time, the exterior of the Falcon was deceptive, hiding the many positive and personalized modifications that made her smooth as fine Corellian wine to a pilot's sense. But only two people ever could fly her to perfection. "Chewbacca!" Han yelled, as he ran his hand on the underside of the ship.
There's my girl. No matter how much he loved Leia, the twins and Anakin, the Falcon and Chewie had a special place in his heart. "You're still the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy." If ever a ship was perfect, the Millennium Falcon was it. Built to the specifications of one of the pickiest pilots in the business, it held masses of storage space, weaponry, and two of its own gunwells. To an outsider, and many of the newer officers on the bridge of the New Republic cruiser, she didn't look like much, but as Han had said that one fateful day, she definitely had it where it counted. There was no way he was going to a battle without her, and no way he was going to remain on the bridge of a cruiser that lacked mobility when his children were stuck on a plague-storing asteroid.
"Chewbacca!"
A low growl came from inside the ship. "Yea, we're about to drop out. We ready?"
Chewbacca roared an affirmative.
"Lets get to it then." Running up the ramp, Han pulled up the loading ramp as Chewie initiated the start up sequences. He reached the cockpit just as the comm flared to life.
"General Solo, this is Lieutenant Merwa. Dropping from sublight, in three..two..one.----" The larger ship rattled as it dropped out of hyperspace, and was quickly followed by the flashes of other New Republic ships. Almost instantly the fleet began to maneuver into attack formation, responding to something outside of Han's view. "General Solo--you are free to go. We have identified the Rock Dragon, it is currently under attack by what is assumed to be an unknown armada…correction…a fleet bearing the markings of the Diversity Alliance."
"Thanks Lieutenant." Han nodded to Chewie, and in a silent dance that they had practiced for over two decades, the Falcon slipped from her berth and into a firefight already in session.
For a moment Han's blood ran cold. Forty odd ships were firing on the Hapan passenger cruiser. One that he assumed carried at least some of his children and their friends. His sensors were telling him that the Rock Dragon's shields were quickly failing, and that they were in need of help--fast. Chewbacca turned towards him and sent him a fanged grin, toggling the open comm switch while Han called out orders to the two New Republic members manning the quad lasers.
In classic Solo fashion, Han twisted the ship into a corkscrew, and shot at the Diversity Alliance armada. Twisting his face up into a grin he let out an undulating yell, taunting those who were listening on the open channel. Chewbacca let out a deafening roar of challenge. Han slapped the receivers to the Rock Dragon's frequency, and flipped the Falcon again as one of the Alliance ships continued to fire, something that was quickly regretted as the Falcon's shots hit true.
All the while, Jaina kept juking the ship in anticipation of the laser fire, successfully protecting the ship from further injury. Chewbacca growled something under his breath as the Rock Dragon narrowly missed a stray bolt.
Han looked at him in surprise and nodded. "I agree, give her a few years, and I may have to polish up some of my skills." Opening the comm, he raised his voice, "I suggest you kids get to safety while we handle the heavy artillery out here."
"But Dad--Lowie and Zekk and Raynar are still on the asteroid! We're just heading back there." Han winced as he heard the concentration in Jaina's voice, watching the sleek ship do a 180 as a burst of turbolaser fire nearly hit the port shields.
Chewbacca's reply was so loud that Han nearly had to cover his ears. After years of knowing the Wookiee, he was like a second father to the children, and he understood his concern. But based on what he knew of Jaina's skill and the Young Jedi's competence, he had to trust them. "Just stay clear of the crossfire, wait for an opening, but until then stick close to the Falcon." Moments later he heard a determined whoop, and smiled as Jaina began paralleling his moves bringing the Rock Dragon in line with the Millennium Falcon.
Han moved back to the command frequency and began issuing orders. "All right, commence Operation B-52. Remember the rules of engagement. Red, Green, Gold flights--you have your orders. "
He watched as a New Republic X-wing burst into flames, and then spun the ship around in a tight turn as one of the Corellian Corvette's hit a mid-sized transport. And then, as happens in space fights, time slowed and instinct prevailed. Mindful of the fact that his daughter was beneath his shields, the impromptu choreography of survival kicked in, and the Falcon dodged fire looping around larger ships and knocking smaller one's off kilter.
Then all of a sudden, as if they had finally recognized a losing battle, the Diversity Alliance began retreating, drawing some fire…but moving away from the asteroid.
From the cockpit of the Rock Dragon, Jaina continued in the shadow of her father's ship, moving clear from the miscellaneous fire that still came from the broken armada.
"Jaina-"
"Yes, Dad?"
"Do you have any communication with the others on the depot?"
"No, umm there was an explosion where Tenel Ka, Jacen and I were setting up detonators, I think it destroyed communications."
"Nice." There was silence for a moment. "Ok, I think you may be clear to go back to the asteroid now, but make sure you let us know the minute everyone is clear."
Jaina's Jedi senses flared suddenly and Tenel Ka leaned towards the comm, "General Solo, "
"I see them, I see them--" In a split second, the entire remaining section of the Diversity Alliance turned in a overt and barely coordinated move and seemingly lunged back towards the approaching New Republic fleet.
Han groaned, "Why me? Why me?"
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The starlines turned to beacons of single points and twelve New Republic X-wings with freshly painted gray stripes dropped out of hyperspace. Almost immediately Mara sensed her niece and nephew through the Force.
"Gray Twelve to Lead--"
"Yes?"
"The Falcon and Rock Dragon are at the following coordinates." Mara shot off a short transmission towards Face's X-wing.
"Captain, Five." Kell's voice was hesitant.
"Yes?"
"Looks, like they're pulling back, maybe we're not needed." Sure enough what appeared to be the more ragtag group of ships was pulling away from the coordinates that marked the Emperor's plague depot.
Mara's danger sense kicked in. "Captain, Twelve--I don't think they're going to stay that way in fact---I think we should move closer. "
"Jedi thing?"
"Yes--"
"All right gang, you heard her, let's get in there. Keep it tight, and turn to standard frequency. Remember to tag the civilian freighters as friendlies, I'll take care of the rest."
Mara reached over, the prickling at the back of her neck growing stronger, and turned the comm channel over the military frequency.
Face's voice came up as Wraith Squadron neared the fray, "This is Gray Squadron identification code 8325 --uploading targeting data."
"Gray Lead, this is Lieutenant Merwa, sending IFF codes now, General Solo and the rest of the New Republic Fleet welcome you to the party, such as it is. "
"Thank You, we're happy to serve." Face toggled back to the squadron frequency, "Ok guys, bring it about--it looks like we're to take position--"
"Emperor's black bones! " Mara's head snapped around as the prickling turned into a full-fledged attack. The Diversity Alliance had suddenly turned around and was surging towards the New Republic Forces with a new found frenzy. Almost immediately they were engaged by lasers and shots. "Shields up, Dhruv."
From the comm, there was a burst of static, and then Han's familiar voice burst out, "Blue and green groups--attack formation delta. Remember your training."
Mara watched in fascination as four squadrons wound their around the Alliance ships, which were composed of a combination of modified light freighters, ragtag TIE and X-wing Freighters, and a whole contingent of Uglies. Inspired by something, they were coming at full force without formation, or tactical organization.
"Ok, Gray flight, form up--we'll go in easy, but watch out--they seem to be moving unpredictably, so watch your scopes. One flight follow me, two flight five and Three flight keep with nine--"
Mara brought her ship into line with Wes and glanced over to make sure she was even with Myn. Together the three flights formed up into a loose triangle, roaring towards the quickly approaching alliance fighters. A group of six varied ships came towards the group in a similar formation, but only with the appearance of unity, as moments later two of the leading Tie-Ugly combinations broke to port in an attempt to come down behind the Wraith formation.
Wes's voice came over the comm, "Break!" Three flight moved in one fluid motion coming around perpendicular to the enemy fighters while two flight dealt with the two rogue ships. It really was an uneven match up, but the reduction of numbers in the Diversity Alliance armada was made up by their madness and continual disregard for their squadron mates or their own lives. The alarms on Mara's console started blinking as one of the ships gained a torpedo lock. Narrowing her vision, Mara slapped the alarm and flew by instinct juking the X-wing around just in time to launch one of her own to intercept it.
"Twelve, you clear? " Myn's voice was strained, but fully in control of his situation.
"I'm swinging around to meet you, Eleven." Mara spotted her wingman, and then saw a rundown X-wing flashing green lasers approaching from just above Myn who along with Hobbie and Janson were now up against a midsize transport with reinforced lasers.
"Ten, there's a wing coming in right above you all, I'm going to draw its fire, just watch out." Mara melted into the Force, and gently pressed down on her sights, taking care not to damage the ship in front of her. Out of nowhere a loose shot destroyed the Diversity Alliance X-wing, causing Mara to wince at the sudden loss of life in front of her, all the while trying to avoid the extra debris. She swung her scopes around saw that the shot had come from an Alliance ship attempting to hit Hobbie, and in their hasty judgement had mis-directed their fire. Shavit.
Dampening the effects, she tucked the pain to the back of her mind, adjusting her internal compensators, and glanced at the board. So far none of the Wraiths had been hurt. She had minimal damage, and it looked like the rest of three flight was still steady.
Wes's called out, "Lead this is nine--need help?"
Face answered tightly, "No, I think that we're just about finished--whoa I think that reinforcements just arrived."
Mara blinked, and glanced at the horizon where a huge battle fleet arrived from the folds of hyperspace. Sleek merchant vessels, Mara knew she had seen the lead ship somewhere, but couldn't place the symbol. Then it hit her. "It's the Bornaryn trading fleet, "
The voice of Aryn Dro Thul crackled over the comm, "This is the Bornaryn fleet offering our assistance to the New Republic. I understand my husband and my son are down there."
A older man's voice, slightly pompous followed on a more open channel, "If you Diversity Alliance troops know what's good for you, you'll give up right now."
Mara sighed, this battle was over, it was only a matter of time before the remaining enemy ships realized it. She glanced at her display and tried to sense Han and the Young Jedi as part of the New Republic Fleet followed the retreating Alliance ships. After a heavily armored cruiser exploded, she sensed her niece and nephew drawing away. In fact they were going back towards the asteroid---which in Mara's senses was a ticking time bomb just waiting for the fuse to count down.
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Nolaa Tarkona struggled to breathe, as the Rising Star rose from the plague depot. Feverish, almost manic in glee, she fingered the vials in her grasp. Looking at Raabakayshk, the Wookiee friend of that traitor Jedi, she smiled inwardly…At least there is one loyal member left to finish our task.
Ignoring the twitching in her other arm, she reached up to wipe the sweat from her forehead, and then rubbed the oily residue on her tunic. Rasping she caught Raaba's eyes--"Hurry, " she said, "we must get back to the armada. Our time of triumph is at hand. Don't hesitate now." Look at how far we've come, the human Bornan Thul has been destroyed, so easily, so close. An almost vision of herself as the center of a non-human empire rose tantalizingly to her mind.
The Wookiee seemed to think while adjusting the controls, the growled a question about how many plagues had been released in the chamber.
Why does it matter, we only need the one! The Twi'lek woman looked surprised. "Three, four, perhaps a dozen. What does it matter? Many of the canisters were destroyed." Nolaa reached inside her cloak and pulled out a fistful of vials labeled Human, Fast Acting. "Don't you see?" she said. "We have what we came for. The means to destroy our enemies for all time!"
Feeling the heat now, Nolaa knew she had been infected, but she had the power. Antidotes could be found, once all humans were destroyed. If Raaba would not do it, she would--tucking the vials into her cloak, Nolaa reached forward for the co-pilot controls.
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Mara and the rest of Gray flight stayed behind while half the New Republic fleet followed the scattered Diversity Alliance. Slipping into the embrace of the Force, she let her hands guide her as the squadron reformed up for docking on one of the Frigates. She then reached to get a more tangible understanding of the situation her niece and nephew were in.
Almost telepathically, she sensed an internal timeclock countdown as they pushed off the asteroid fifteen minutes after re-docking. She recognized that they would not have enough time. Push!
10…9..8…7…6..
5…4…3..2...1...0
Mara blinked as she saw the secondary dome explode in her mind's eye. The Rock Dragon was still not far enough away and was pelted by debris. She sensed the Young Jedi tapping into the force to push the ship away, all the while being jolted around. And then she could see them clearly, rising almost unnaturally away from the depot.
Zekk's voice came over the comm speakers. "New Republic fleet, this is Zekk in the Lightening Rod. Once the Rock Dragon is clear, feel free to use the asteroid for target practice."
Han replied. "We copy, Zekk. You're cleared to come aboard one of the escort frigates. Red and silver leaders, bring your squadrons after the Falcon. You're with me. We're going in."
Mara ignored the rest of the orders, and frowned. Almost caty-corner to the Rock Dragon, which was now steadily coming towards the fleet, was a small ship whose transponder tagged it as The Rising Star. Waves of danger were rolling off the ship through the Force.
Jacen called out, "Raaba, is that you? If you need our help, we can take you aboard." Almost immediately there was a distinct split in emotions rising from the ship. There was an outrage, directed not towards the New Republic fleet, but rather to another life form inside the ship, one that bled hostility, but was slowly fading within the living force. There was a battle of wills going on, and the outcome would decide what happened next.
There was no audible answer from the ship, which began to move away, almost drifting aimlessly in indecision. "Hey, Raaba, are you there? Are you all right? Do you need our help?"
Frowning, Mara directed her last proton torpedo towards the ship, just in case. Something was not right--
Then, as if a clear decision had been made the Rising Star launched towards the Diversity Alliance fleet, disappearing into hyperspace before reaching them. Minutes later, in a spectacular display of fireworks, the Emperor's weapons depot succumbed to the New Republic onslaught, evaporating and disappearing in the vacuum of space.
End Post 10
Credit: First part with Piggy is a POV change with Piggy's point of view...all the dialogue and occurrences are from YJK. Dhruv, the name of Mara's droid is the name of my cousins son. He is really cute, and I was about to go visit him when I wrote this portion.
The Dialogue in Mara's vision: Mathew Woodring Stover's Shatterpoint and Attack of the ClonesThe entire battle scene is based on the sequence in YJK, but anything involving Gray flight is my additions to make it fit in with the larger storyline. In the book the battle is done through the YJK perspective. Consequently, the first part of the battle, in Han's POV is mine with the exception of the dialogue between Han and the YJK . Some of Han's commands (as overheard by Gray flight) and the Aryn Dro Thul/Tyko Thul's lines are also from YJK.
The section on the Rising Star with Nolaa and Raaba is a POV change (in the book it is from Raaba's POV, here its from Nolaa's) as is the events that Mara witnesses in the last section (just another POV change). So Dialogue is from the YJK in both instances—descriptions and internal thoughts are all mine.
Changed the elusive section separators that disappeared to repeating x's.