Chapter 11: Before the Battle

Anakin stood in the turbo lift as it ascended, it was like traveling in the inside of a speeding bullet, a sensation that takes time for one to get used to. Anakin was already, he had been riding turbo lifts practically all his life so naturally he stepped towards the door when the lift chimed. He stepped out into the lobby before the Jedi council chamber. The door was open as usual and he could clearly see Yoda conversing with Qui-gon and Xen on the opposite side of the room, cybernetic legs crossed wanting nothing to do with the two Jedi that were responsible for her lack of limbs, though she could hardly avoid training sessions with Yoda, she seemed then to hate Qui-gon most.

Anakin entered and all heads turned in his direction. Qui-gon smiled.

"It says on the HoloNet that you are going to lead a full scale attack on Carida, correct?"

"The HoloNet doesn't lie. But since you already know then I am only here to get Xen. She is after all captain of one of my ships."

"Thank the Force!" Xen cried standing up. "I finally get a break from all this cryptic talk! I don't know how Mara stands that Kreia woman, she's go to be worse than Yoda. Well at least we finally get to go to battle, I need a little action."

"Aware are you that I am still in the room?" Yoda asked. Xen turned to face him.

"Yes, and I hope you have learned no one likes all your cryptic talk."

"Mm, well learn you should that a Jedi craves not excitement, and adventure."

"Oh come on! Its like you don't even have an identity when you are a Jedi."

"I think that will be quite enough." Kreia said from behind them. She walked into the room. "Jedi have identities captain but if imbeciles such as yourself refuse to see it there is nothing we can do."

"What?" Xen asked.

"I do not have the years required, nor patience to explain it to you."

"Well then I guess you never will, because you are old. Looks like your face got scratched up by a couple of crazed Ewoks with vibroblades."

"Keep your narrow sighted opinions to yourself and do not judge people by their appearances, it is a fatal flaw, one that you would have just made had we been about to fight."

"Are you saying you can beat me in a fight?"

"Well actually yes, and perhaps next time you will be smart enough to figure this out on your own, without me having to explain it to you."

"I could kill you with one stroke of a lightsaber! A vibroblade."

"Then explain dear Xen, why I was defeated by her in the training room today." Mara said as she entered the room wearing an assassin suit today instead of Jedi robes.

"How should I know?" Xen asked. "Though I have heard red heads are slow."

"Are you attempting to provoke my student into an unnecessary duel that would end up in you losing your last flesh arm?"

"Excuse me?" Xen asked.

"Unless your hearing is damaged I doubt you did not hear me. Perhaps it was merely a matter of understanding."

Xen was speechless at this. Her face had turned completely red in fury.

"But alas I did not come here to get caught up in a verbal battle with a woman who hasn't enough intelligence to comprehend anything I say, I came here because I wish to accompany Master Skywalker on this battle and so does my apprentice."

"I see no problem with that." Qui-gon said.

"I wanted all of you to come." Anakin said.

"Wise." Kreia said. "Many eyes can see what one alone can not."

"Sure, we can put it that way." Anakin said.

"Come to I will." Yoda said.

"Unfortunately I cannot." Qui-gon said with a hint of sorrow in his voice. "I must train my apprentice."

"Then it is settled, all of you are coming with me except Qui-gon and Ki-Adi-Mundi's son."

"I don't know why you don't just call him Padawan Mundi Anakin." Qui-gon whispered somewhat angry.

XxX

Sion sat in the middle of his white sterile suite meditating. He legs were crossed, arms on them with the middle finger and thumb connected. He calmed himself and sensed his master's presence approach. She was calling to him. He answered.

"Hello master." He said in the Force.

"Silence Lord Sion, we haven't the time for greetings. Listen closely and do not forget this. The Republic fleet led by Anakin Skywalker is going to attempt to wipe out the last Imperial military base on the planet Carida. Now is the perfect chance to convince Admiral Daala to attack Mon Calamari, it is defenseless and will cause an echo that will not go ignored. Simply bombard the planet, if anyone contacts you tell them who you are but do not tell them about me. Run if when you have caused enough damage, do not lose much Sion or I will be greatly displeased."

"I will do what you ask. Admiral Daala will not give up this chance."

"See to it, we will proceed from there."

Without a farewell Traya's presence disappeared. Silence. Sion opened his sightless eyes to see nothing. He sensed his way out of the room and headed for the bridge to alert Admiral Daala.

XxX

Admiral Daala stood aboard the bridge of her flagship Gorgon staring out of the triangular viewports into space. He ship orbited the small asteroid facility code named the Maw Installation, three other star destroyers that made up her fleet flew behind her also orbiting the scientist filled installation. The Basilisk, the Manticore, and the Hydra. All of her fleet given to her by Grand Moff Tarkin himself.

She saw commander Kratas's reflection in the viewport flanked by the Sith Lord. She turned and smiled at them.

"Hello Lord Sion, Commander Kratas, what is it?" She asked.

"Now is the perfect time to strike Admiral." Kratas said. "The Sith Lord says his master told him the New Republic army will be trying to wipe out an Imperial base on Carida, the planet Mon Calamari will be defenseless."

"In the future commander, let the Sith Lord speak for himself." Daala said. "But Mon Calamari, yes. They are major ship producers. Destroying their ship yards will be a major blow to this New Republic. Excellent. Commander alert the star destroyers to set a course out of the Maw cluster and for the planet Mon Calamari."

"What of the scientist, we were assigned to protect them."

"This installation is secret and Moff Tarkin is dead, we must go. He needn't baby it the scientists."

"Alright," Kratas said. "But if I know Tol Sivron he won't like it."

"The devil with Tol Sivron, he's totally incompetent. Now set a course."

"Very well." Kratas said.

"Officer!" He barked.

"Yes commander?"

"Set a course out of the Maw installation and alert the fleet to do the same. Then set a course for the planet Mon Calamari, we are going to attack."

"As you wish commander."

"Now," Daala said smiling, she turned to Sion. "I am sure you will fill me in on your battle plans."

"Of course."

Next Chapter: Carida Siege pt. 1: The Sewers