"That is a big ship," remarked Kendra. She was standing right next to Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, and Admiral Yularen on the bridge of the Resolute as they all stared out the view screen at the Separatist Dreadnought Malevolence. The ship was probably the largest Kendra had ever seen in her life, easily dwarfing a Republic Venator class Battleship. Commanded by General Grievous, the Malevolence had been on warpath destroying every Republic ship in its path. It had already destroyed numerous battle groups including one commanded by Master Plo Koon. The Jedi Council member barely escaped the encounter with his life.
Grievous then began attacking medical convoys like the coward he was and had been on his way to attack the Outer Rim Medical Station in the Ryndellia System. Master Anakin Skywalker learned of the attack and led a squadron of fighters to attack the massive warship. He managed to inflict heavy damage on the ship's ion cannons, causing a cascade of damage throughout the rest of the ship. Now the once unstoppable behemoth was fleeing, pursued by Master Kenobi's battle group.
"Well the bigger they are, the harder they are to miss," quipped Kenobi.
He turned to the Bridge Commander. "What is the damage level to the enemy ship?" Kenobi inquired.
"She's lost her primary shield and stabilizers but the ship is so massive it can take all the fire our cannons can give it," the commander answered.
"We must summon reinforcements," suggested Koon.
"That's why I'm here Master Plo," a familiar voice spoke behind them. Kendra turned to see Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano entering the bridge.
"Anakin were you able to contact Master Luminara?" asked Kenobi as the two newcomers joined them.
"Yes Master," replied Anakin. "She's busy with a fleet of Separatist reinforcements nearby. She won't be able to give support until she's turned them away."
"Then we'll have to make do with what we have," sighed Kenobi.
"Shouldn't Grievous be trying to jump into hyperspace by now," pondered Kendra. With the amount of damage it was taking, even someone as crazy as General Grievous would know it was time to run yet he was only attempting to escape via sub-light engines.
"Their hyperdrive must be damaged," surmised Yularen.
"This is our chance," smiled Kenobi. "All ships target the bridge. Maximum firepower."
Kendra's master was aiming to cut the head off the beast. With Grievous dead, the Separatists would lose their most successful general and make it that much easier for a Republic victory. The turbo cannons began to shift their focus onto the neck-like bridge of the Malevolence. Several shots went wide but enough hit their targets that the structure began leaking flames and smoke. Grievous wouldn't last long against such a barrage.
"Sir. I'm picking up a signal near the enemy vessel. Something just came out of hyperspace," reported a clone sensors officer.
"Enemy reinforcements?" suggested Anakin.
"Negative. Its transponder identifies it as a Naboo transport with consular privileges," answered the officer. Consular privileges meant someone of senatorial or ambassadorial rank. Kendra and Ahsoka shared a confused look. What politician would be crazy enough to jump right into the middle of a battle?
"Gunners stand down," ordered Kenobi. "What in the blazes are they doing here?"
"Contact that ship," demanded Anakin.
"Naboo cruiser identify yourself," the officer transmitted.
A hologram appeared on the communications console, revealing a young human woman. "This is Senator Amidala," she spoke.
Kendra instantly recognized the name. She could only count the number of senators she could name off the top of her head on her hand and Amidala was one of them. The Naboo Senator was one of the most vocal and outspoken member in the legislative body. She spearheaded numerous mercy missions and relief legislations for the destitute all over the galaxy. She was also the most ardent proponent against raising an army for the Republic but changed her mind after the Separatists made it clear that peace wasn't their goal.
"Padme? What are you doing here?" gasped a stunned Anakin.
"I was sent on a special mission," explained Padme. "The Senate was told the Banking Clan wanted to negotiate a treaty."
"Get out of there as fast as you can," said a frantic Anakin.
The hologram simmered and Padme shook in her pilot's chair.
"Padme what's happening?" asked Anakin.
"I'm being pulled inside the droid cruiser by a tractor beam," answered Padme. "I will not be a Separatist bargaining chip. Continue your attack. You must destroy this monstrous ship."
The hologram simmered and then vanished. "We've lost the transmission sir," reported the communications officer.
Kendra understood the Senator's reasoning. The Malevolence might be crippled now but given enough time, the crew onboard might fix the hyperdrive and escape back to Separatist space. After being fully repaired, the behemoth would be sent back out into the front lines and cause even more bloodshed then it already has. Kendra doubted the same trick Anakin used to disable it would work again. From what she heard, Grievous tended not to make the same mistake twice.
Anakin clenched his fists, clearly torn. He turned to Yularen and said, "Admiral order our ships to stop firing."
Yularen didn't hesitate to carry out the command and soon the turbolasers of the Republic battle group ceased fire.
Anakin turned and headed towards the exit.
"Where do you think you're going?" asked Kenobi.
"Somebody has to save her skin," Anakin said without slowing down.
"I thought you might say that," remarked Kenobi. He followed his former Padawan off the bridge, probably to join him.
Kendra turned to Ahsoka. "Uhh…shouldn't we be going with them?" the Falleen asked.
"Well they didn't tell us to join them…" remarked Ahsoka. She turned to Master Plo who simply gave her a nod. "…but they technically didn't tell us not to either."
Kendra smiled and the two Padawans quickly chased after their Masters.
"Absolutely not," Anakin stated once the Padawans caught up with him and insisted they join the rescue.
"But you're going to need our help," argued Ahsoka as everyone entered the hangar bay.
"It's too dangerous," Anakin remarked, heading towards his personal freighter Twilight. Skywalker said that he would get that hunk of junk back into working order and he spent hours of his own free time repairing it. His hard work paid off as it was flight capable again but was even better than ever as Anakin installed a few upgrades on it including better turbolasers.
"That ship is massive with who knows how many droids onboard. If you have to search for the senator, the two of you can't cover the whole ship by yourselves," protested Kendra.
Anakin glared at Obi-Wan who had been suspiciously silent. "A little help here," he sighed.
Kenobi smiled, "Oh no you've got this well in hand." He was enjoying this.
Anakin shook his head in annoyance. "Look this mission will be more dangerous than anything you've ever been in before," he explained.
"All the more reason you need our help," insisted Ahsoka.
"Not to mention a detachment of clone troopers," added Kendra.
"Absolutely not!" snapped Anakin. "This mission is too dangerous to have so many people."
"As much as I agree on how dangerous this will be, I'm afraid I have to side with the Padawans. We stand a better chance of rescuing Padme if we have help," spoke Kenobi.
Anakin thought it over for a moment. "Fine. Get aboard Snips," he said.
Ahsoka smiled triumphantly and rushed off towards the Twilight.
"You know you didn't need to convince Anakin to take me with you guys. I'm your Padawan which means you decide which missions I go on," Kendra told her Master.
"That's true but I didn't want you feeling guilty leaving Ahsoka behind," quipped Kenobi.
"Now gentlemen. I won't lie that this will be a dangerous mission," Kenobi announced as he stood in front of Captain Rex and a squad consisting of the nine best clone troopers onboard the Resolute. Kendra stood next to him, studying the way he talked and how he communicated with his troops. Learning how to motivate your soldiers was essential especially when they were facing an almost hopeless situation.
"We're going to board the enemy dreadnought, rescue Senator Amidala, and get off as quickly as possible so our ships can finish it off," explained Kenobi. "We'll be heavily outnumbered by the droids onboard. However, if we move quickly and don't get bogged down in a firefight, we stand a good chance of getting through this alive. Any questions?"
"Will General Grievous be there sir? We'd love nothing more than to put a hole thorough that clanker's head," asked one of the troopers. The others all snickered and nodded in agreement. Didn't look like any of them were afraid.
"You may get your chance but remember that rescuing the Senator is our priority. Alright everyone get on board," stated Kenobi.
Rex and his soldiers headed up the loading ramp of the Twilight with Kenobi and Kendra right behind them. While the clones found some place to sit in the cargo hold, the two Jedi headed to the bridge where Anakin, Ahsoka, and R2-D2 were preparing the ship to launch.
"I trust you've already formulated a brilliant plan to rescue the Senator," Kenobi said.
"As a matter of fact I have," remarked Anakin.
"But do we have a plan B? Every operation needs a backup Anakin," Kenobi pointed out as he took a seat in the co-pilot's chair. Kendra joined Ahsoka at the tactical station.
"I don't have backup yet," admitted Anakin. "But I do have a plan for getting on that ship."
"It's not really a plan," stated Ahsoka, getting her an annoyed glare from her Master.
"The enemy sensors are obviously damaged so we'll sneak in behind them and dock at an emergency airlock," explained Anakin.
"That's your plan?" frowned Kenobi.
"I told you it wasn't a plan," quipped Ahsoka.
"So we'll just fly there, land, hope they don't spot us, and walk in the door?" asked Kenobi.
"Basically," shrugged Anakin.
"Oh brilliant," chuckled Kenobi. "Let's get going."
"And what if their sensors aren't damaged?" asked Kendra.
"We'll have nothing to worry about. Their weapon systems are damaged…mostly," said Anakin.
"Why does that not make me feel any better?" gulped Kendra.
The Twilight lifted off the floor and passed through the environmental shield into the vacuum of space. Kendra waited nervously as the Malevolence got bigger and bigger on the view screen.
"That's a really really big ship," commented a tense Ahsoka.
"But they're not shooting us," smiled Anakin. "Looks like I was right about their sensors."
"Anakin there are times you made me think the Jedi Code should have an additional line," sighed Kenobi. "There is no bragging, there is modesty."
"I am being modest about how good I am," chuckled Anakin. Everyone else rolled their eyes as Anakin brought the ship right next to the Malevolence and docked with an airlock on the neck-like structure containing the bridge.
The four Jedi met up with Rex and his squad outside the freighter airlock.
"Alright first order of business is to get R2 to an access port so he can sift the ship's computer records and see if there's anything about Padme and where she's being held," Anakin said.
"Hopefully the droids will be too busy to notice our presence. Stealth is critical here," remarked Kenobi.
The airlock opened, revealing two Trade Federation battle droids on the other side. "Ah I knew it. It's them!" shrieked one of the clankers.
Anakin and Kenobi quickly rushed forward and sliced the two droids into pieces. Kendra noticed the extensive amount of damage the hallway had as she stepped onboard. If it was this bad here, it was probably even worse on other parts of the ship.
Rex turned to two clones. "Kren, Skip, the two of you hold down this position. We can't let those clankers block our escape," he ordered.
"Sir yes sir," the two clones saluted.
Anakin and Kenobi took point with Ahsoka, Kendra, and R2 right behind them and the clones covering the flank. They didn't get far before Anakin's com link began to beep.
Skywalker tapped the response button to open a line. "Go ahead," he said.
"General. We're receiving a transmission from inside the Malevolence," reported Yularen. "I believe it is the Senator."
"Patch her through," ordered Skywalker. "Padme can you read me?"
"Anakin," replied the Senator's voice.
"Are you alright? Where are you?" asked a frantic Anakin.
"On the lower levels. I'm fine but I don't know for how long. Droids are everywhere," replied Amidala.
"I'm onboard with Obi-Wan and a few others," said Anakin.
"What? What are you doing here?" demanded Padme.
"We came to get your off the ship," argued Anakin.
Kendra and Ahsoka both exchanged a look.
"If you two are quite finished, I believe we should find a way to link up with the Senator," Obi-Wan suggested.
"Right," Anakin sighed, slightly embarrassed. He activated his com. "Admiral Yularen how can we get to the senator?"
"According our scans, there seems to be a large open area in the center of the ship. A vessel that size needs some kind of fast transport system to ferry personal and supplies from one end to the other. The open area must be a rail system of some sort," replied Yularen.
"Understood. Padme did you hear that?" Anakin said.
"I'll be there," acknowledge Padme.
The rescue team reached the interior section of the ship and Admiral Yularen had called it perfectly. A large rail line system ran in the center of the Malevolence with several different lines on multiple different levels. While this would make moving around the ship a lot easier, it did present a huge problem of where to find the Senator.
"I don't see her," commented Ahsoka.
"I suggest we wait here until the Senator contacts us again and gives us her location," suggested Kenobi.
"There!" called out Anakin. He pointed to an opening on the other side of the room where blaster fire could be seen. Two figures rushed out onto a walkway. That had to be the Senator.
"You two stay here with the clones," Kenobi ordered the Padawans before he and Anakin activated their lightsabers. They leaped through the air onto a platform below then leaped onto an incoming mag train and rode it towards the Senator.
Kendra instantly felt a threat approaching and raised her lightsaber to deflect an incoming blaster bolt. More soon followed, forcing the clones to take cover while the two Padawans swatted away what blaster fire they could.
Multiple droids were firing from an opening a few levels above on the opposite side of the room. Rex and his unit returned fire while Kendra and Ahsoka stood out in the open drawing the droid's attention.
"We've got company!" shouted one of the clones.
Kendra turned to see at least a dozen droids coming up behind them. She dashed forward and slashed at everything that moved, cutting the droids into scrap.
She didn't have long to feel good about herself as three Destroyer droids rolled around a corner and unfolded themselves into attack mode. They activated their shield generators and opened fire.
Kendra was forced to fall back and protect the clones with Ahsoka. The Destroyers slowly moved forward, their aim getting more precise and more difficult to deflect.
"R2! Plug into that port and call a train to pick us up!" shouted Ahsoka. The astromech acknowledged with a series of whistles then quickly plugged in.
As if things weren't bad enough, more battle droids could be heard marching down the corridor.
"R2 Hurry!" shouted Kendra.
A swarm of battle droids came around a corner. They started opening fire as a mag train arrived. R2 immediately rolled onto it and plug in it's control panel.
"Move!" Rex yelled. The clones moved onto the tram one by one, providing covering fire as they fell back. Ahsoka and Kendra were the last ones to board before the tram moved away.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the droids eventually disappeared from sight.
"Maybe next time we should just stay on the bridge and let our masters do the whole the suicide mission thing," Kendra sighed.
Ahsoka activated her com. "Master we were attacked by droids and had to escape onto a mag rail," she reported.
"Try to get back to the Twlight. I've got Padme so I'll meet you there," Anakin's voice replied.
"No we can't leave yet," Padme's voice protested. "I overheard Grievous. Their hyperdrive is almost repaired."
"We're heading towards the engineering sector now," Ahsoka said.
"Ahsoka, Kendra. Take the clones and head to the hyperdrive. I'll link up with you there," said Kenobi.
"Do we have any explosives?" Kendra asked Rex.
"Don't worry Commander. We came prepared," the captain replied as he pulled out a thermal detonator.
The two Padawans and Clones arrived at the hyperdrive. Anakin needed R2's help so the astormech took the mag train they arrived on towards the bridge as soon as he dropped off the others.
They entered the engine room. It was a multi level complex that housed the massive hyperdrive core. Two battle droids were working on a console situated an intersection of two balconies overlooking the core. With their backs turned, Kendra and Ahsoka tried to sneak up behind them.
Just as they were about to reach their targets, the blasts doors at both ends of the balconies opened up. Battle droids along with their newer version 2 models marched into the room.
"It's a trap! Fall back!" shouted Rex as he and his clones opened fire. The droids returned fire in kind as Kendra and Ahsoka were forced to retreat.
The two Padawans managed to deflect everything shot their way as they backed up with the clones to the entrance they just came in. Rex closed the blast doors and Ahsoka ran her lightsaber along the seams in between the two doors, cauterizing them together.
"That'll hold them for a while," commented Rex.
"Masters. The droids ambushed us when we entered the hyperdrive core. We were forced to fall back," Ahsoka reported into her com.
"Get back to the tram station. I'll be there shortly and link up with you there," replied Kenobi's voice.
"Got it," responded Ahsoka before ending the transmission.
The team had back to the mag train but instantly stopped in their tracks the moment they turned the first corner. General Grievious and numerous battle droids were marching down the corridor.
"I was afraid you'd escape before I'd arrive," laughed the droid general.
The clones and padawans backed up but there was nowhere to go except back to the hyperdrive core. The blast door that the team had sealed on their way out was now sparkling as a plasma torch was slowly cutting along the seams. The droids were trying to get out.
"I was hoping to find Kenobi here. I guess I'll have to settle for you two runts instead," spat Grievious.
"You forget about us clanker!" mocked Rex as he opened fire.
Grievious activated his lightsabers and spun his wrists rapidly in a buzz saw motion, allowing him to easily deflect any incoming blaster fire. He rushed forward, forcing Ahsoka and Kendra to jump in front of him and stop him from slaughtering the clones.
"Normally I'd just take your lightsabers but I think I'll take your heads as well," laughed Grievious as his lightsabers clashed with the Padawans.
Rex and his unit didn't want to risk hitting Ahsoka or Kendra while they engaged Grievous so they focused their fire on the droids the general brought with him.
Kendra deflected one strike and then parried another, her Soresu style better suited towards defending herself from Grievious's attacks then Ahsoka's Shien style. Her fellow padawan, however, wasn't having as much luck. Kendra tried her best to draw the general's attention while hoping that her Togruta companion could find an opening for a decisive strike.
Grievous swung both his lightsabers at Ashoka. The Togruta managed to block the blow but it had so much force behind it that she was knocked off her feet. Kendra just in front of Ahsoka as she struggled back to her feet. Grievious swung both blades at the Falleen, one coming in opposite angles. Kendra ducked one swipe and blocked the other.
Grievious pinned the Falleen's lightsaber with his own in a pincer swipe. Then the cyborg's right forearm snapped apart, forming into a second arm. Kendra was caught off guard as the new arm shot up right onto her neck, wrapping it's fingers around her throat.
Kendra grasped as she was lifted right off her feet. She dropped her lightsaber as she struggled to free herself.
"Let her go!" shouted Ahsoka.
Grievous simply held Kendra up in front of him like a human shield. He was toying with her.
"Come and get her little skug," mocked Grievious.
Kendra's vision grew dark as she felt herself starting to pass out. Falleen could hold their breath much longer then a human being but it didn't matter as the cyborg was slowly crushing her neck, including major arteries that supplied blood to her brain.
Ahsoka rushed in but Grievious blocked her attacks, even occassionaly holding up Kendra in the Togruta's path to force her to stop to avoid hitting her friend. Grievious took advange of her hesitation and attempted to slice her with the lightsabers on his free hands.
Kendra glanced down at her lightsaber that had dropped to the floor and concentrated. It began to vibrate and slowly lifted off the floor. She held out her hand and summoned the weapon. The lightsaber ignited, unleashing a blue energy blade. She swung at Grievious's wrist, severing it and freeing herself.
Kendra gasped for air as she dropped to the floor. Grievious furiously screamed as he glanced at his severed limb. Ahsoka tried to lunge at his chest but Grievious say it coming and kicked her away. The blow sent her flying into a wall. Ahsoka collapsed to the floor in obvious pain.
Kendra tried to slash at the cyborg's legs but he lifted one up, avoiding the strike and then brought it down on the Padawan's arm, pinning it to the floor.
"You Jedi filth!" Grievious screamed. He lifted up his lightsabers and Kendra braced herself for the end.
Suddenly he was thrown through the air and right into the blast door that led to the hyperdrive core. Kendra glanced up to see her Master rushing down the hallway and slicing what few droids remained.
"Are you alright?" Kenobi asked Kendra, leaning down to check up on her.
"Next time maybe I should stay on the bridge," the Falleen padawan chuckled.
The clones quickly met up with the Jedi and Padawans, keeping their weapons trained on Grievious who was getting to his feet. Rex helped Ahsoka to her feet while Kenobi helped Kendra.
"Sending children to do your fighting for you?" mocked Grievious who still had three arms with a lightsaber in each hand.
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" frowned Kenobi. He lifted up his lightsaber, challenging the general to attack.
Behind Grievious, the droids had finished cutting through the blast doors and were forcing them open. Battle droids began pouring through the opening.
"Kill them," ordered Grievious. Kenobi thrusted out his hands, sending a telekinetic wave that knocked the droids off their feet but barely managed to stagger Grievious whose legs were firmly magnetized to the floor.
Using the opportunity, the clones and the padawans made a run for it with Kenobi right behind them.
"Obi-Wan? Come in Obi-Wan," came Anakin's voice from the coms.
"Anakin. I'm afraid Grievious is onto us," replied Kenobi.
"Yeah we noticed," Anakin chuckled as his voice was accompanied by the sounds of blaster fire. Sounds like he was having his own problems.
"We'll rendezvous back at the Twilight. The fleet must engage the Malevence," Kenobi said.
He was answered with static.
The team reached the tram station and boarded a mag train.
"Anakin can you read me?" asked Kenobi as he hopped onboard.
"They're jamming our transmissions sir," reported Rex.
"Let's get back to the Twilight. I hope Anakin got our message," Kenobi sighed. One of the clones activated the tram system, moving them down the rail line.
"How's your arm?" Kenobi asked his Padawan.
"Nothing a little kolto won't heal," Kendra commented. She massaged her forearm that Grievious had pinned to the floor. It was throbbing but at least it wasn't broken.
"Ahsoka? Are you okay?" Kenobi asked Anakin's Padawan.
"I'm fine. Grievious kicks like a crippled womprat," joked Ahsoka. She was still clenching her ribs though so she must be in some sort of pain.
"Contact!" shouted Rex. He pointed towards a tram station on the other side of the room. It was connected to a different rail but that wasn't the problem. Rather it was the battledroid with a grenade launcher that was standing on platform. The droid pointed it's weapon and opened fire.
The projectile impacted further down the rail track the team's train was on and detonated, creating a massive hole that was threatened to drop them the moment they passed over it.
"Stop the tram!" shouted Kenobi.
Rex quickly hit the emergency shut button, causing the tram to come to a halt. The other clones opened fire at the battledroid with one of their shots hitting it in the chest. It short circuited and fell of the ledge into the depths below.
"Alright now what?" asked Rex.
"Stay here. I'll get us another tram," Kenobi ordered. He easily leaped from one support bar to the next as he made his way towards a tram station. Kendra could have followed him but Ahsoka wasn't in any condition to be jumping around and the clones wouldn't be able to leap the gaps.
"Take up positions along the tram and report any movement," ordered Rex. The clones spread out along the three cars, finding what cover they could and scanning the area for any threats.
"This a bad tactical spot Commander," commented Rex.
"I know," groaned Kendra. They were confined to a narrow space with minimal cover and countless directions the droids could attack from. A bad spot was an understatement.
"Incoming!" shouted one of the clones. Everyone turned to see another tram approaching one level above. It came to a halt directly above them followed by a cluster of circular objects was tossed off by the passengers.
"Grenades!" shouted Rex.
Kendra and Ahsoka both raised their hands and used the Force to telekinetically repel the explosives away. They exploded around the tram but not caused any damage.
Three MagnaGuards leaped off the upper tram and landed on the tram below. The clones opened fire but the droids already had their electrostaffs activated and began spinning them around deflecting every shot.
One MagnaGuard swiped it's weapon at a nearby trooper's legs, knocking the clone off his feet. Then it swung it's staff around to hit another clone in the helmet, knocking him to his hands and knees. The droid was about to stab one of the downed clones but then, Kendra had activated her lightsaber and rushed into the fray.
The Padawan blocked the MagnaGuard's strike. She could hear blaster fire behind her as well as the clashing sound of a lightsaber. Sounds like Rex and Ahsoka were dealing with the other two MagnaGuards but Kendra couldn't help them as long she handling this one.
The MagnaGuard thrusted it's staff at her face but Kendra deflected the blow aside then leaped over a swipe at her legs. The Padawan backed away, luring the droid away from the injured clones. One of the clones on the ground saw a clear shot and grabbed his weapon.
The MagnaGuard suddenly swung it's staff around, blocking the incoming shots. Kendra then rushed forward, raising her weapon above her head and bringing it down on the droid's head. She forced her weapon down the skull and through the torso chasis before pulling her blade out. The droid fizzled out and dropped to the floor lifeless.
"Good distraction Corporal," Kendra commented. The clone gave her a thumbs up before checking on his comrade.
She scanned around to see Ahsoka slicing up another MagnaGuard while Rex was blasting the third into pieces.
"All clear!" The clone captain called out.
"Assuming there's not more above us," remarked Ahsoka.
Kendra glanced up but while she couldn't see if there was any more droids on the upper tram, nothing else dropped down which meant they were probably good.
"Commander we've a problem!" shouted a clone corporal.
Kendra turned to see another tram approaching. This one was on the exact same track. Two Destroyer Droids unfold themselves in the front of the tram and activated their shields. They opened fire as the tram approached, forcing the clones and padawans to take cover.
"Uhh...that tram isn't slowing down," gulped Ahsoka.
Kendra realized her friend was right. The incoming tram was going to ram them.
"Brace for impact!" yelled Rex.
Everyone hit the floor and grabbed onto whatever they could. The resulting collision rocked the tram but thankfully didn't derail them or knock anyone off. Kendra activated her lightsaber and stood up, deflecting blaster bolts.
Behind the Destroyer Droids, General Grievious emerged cackling from behind a set of cargo crates along with at least a dozen battle droids.
"Tell me little ones. Can your Force help you fly?" he mocked.
Kendra expected him to leaped onto the tram to finish them off but instead he simply walked up to his tram controls and hit a button.
Kendra staggered as she realized the enemy tram was starting to push them down the track where the massive hole was waiting for them.
"Clanker's going to push off," said Rex.
"What do we sir?" A clone corporal asked.
They didn't have a lot of options. The Destroyers would mow down anyone that tried to rush onto the other tram and even if they could get around them, Grievious was waiting with numerous battle droids.
Kendra knew she would be able to leap over to the nearest support beam for safety. Ahsoka might be able to get over as well but they'd have to leave the clones behind. Using the Force to move them telekinetically was out of the question as Ahsoka and Kendra were just Padawans and not as adapt in the Force as their Masters. If they used telekinesis on the clones, it would be sluggish and they would be easy targets for Grievious and his droids.
"Captain can you use your ascension cables?" Ahsoka said, trying to block what blaster bolts she could.
"Those Destroyers will cut us down the moment we lift off the ground," Rex replied. "You and Commander Zor should get off now while you can."
"We're not abandoning you," argued Ahsoka.
"We're dead either way Commander. Just go. We'll take care of that clanker," Rex said, pulling out his thermal detonator. He was planning on blow himself up and taking General Grievious with him.
Kendra had to admit his courage but before she could argue, she noticed another tram coming up on the tram line beside them. "Look!" she pointed.
Everyone turned to see Master Kenobi arriving with another tram. Grievious shouted at his droids who turned their weapons on the Jedi Master. He casually deflect every shot in danger of hitting him aside with his lightsaber as he brought his tram right beside one containing the Republic strike team.
"Sorry I'm late," Kenobi called out.
"Better late then never," retorted Kendra.
"Everyone get across," ordered Rex.
While Kendra and Ahsoka provided cover while the clones leaped onto the next tram behind them. While the last of them were aboard, the Padawans quickly joined them.
"Here's a partying gift clanker!" shouted Rex as he and his clones threw their thermal detonators onto their old tram. The bombs blinking red lights quickened, indicating their countdown.
Kenobi hit the tram controls, sending them shooting down the tram tunnel. Kendra glanced behind to see Grievious had leaped off his own tram onto a support beam as the bombs detonated, destroying both the Jedi's former tram and Grievious's as well.
The droid general's screams could be heard echoing down the tunnel.
"Hold the ship!" Kenobi called out as he, the Padawans, and the clones came rushing down the corridor to the airlock containing the Twilight. Anakin, Padme, R2-D2, C-3PO, and the two clones left behind to guard the airlock were waiting for them.
Dozens of droids were pursuit, firing wildly as they tried to keep up with the intruders. Anakin used the Force to levitate numerous cargo crates in the path of the droids, blocking their shots long enough for the entire strike team to get inside the airlock.
Captain Rex and his men headed inside the cargo hold while the others went to the bridge.
"I'll contact the fleet," said Kenobi as he took a seat in the co-pilot's chair. Anakin took the helm while everyone else took a seat where they could. R2 released the docking clamps and the Twilight broke away from the Malevolence.
"Master Plo. We have the Senator and are clear of the Malevolence. You may fire at will," Kenobi transmitted.
The Venators resumed their bombardment of the massive Separtist ship.
"We've got company," reported Ahsoka from her console. "Five contacts on our tail."
"Kendra take control of the cannons and take them out," ordered Kenobi.
"On it," the Fallen Padawan nodded. She got up from her seat and grabbed the periscope-shaped device in the center of the room. With a tap of a few buttons, the device display footage from the gun turrets.
Kendra spun the turrets around to see at least four Vulture droids and a Belbullab-22 Heavy Starfighter in pursuit. She opened fire, taking out one droid fighter before they began taking evasive action.
"Nice shot Padawan," Senator Amidala commented.
"Thank you ma'am," replied Kendra.
"Pardon me sir but I'm afraid R2's scans of the enemy's ship indicates their hyperdrive is activating," reported C-3PO.
"Don't worry about it," chuckled Anakin.
"What?" frowned Kenobi.
"Master they're about to escape," protested Ahsoka.
"Escape isn't the right word," remarked Anakin.
To the surprise of everyone minus Anakin and Padme, the Malevolence turned towards a nearby moon and jumped into hyperspace, ramming directly into it. The resulting explosion mushroomed over a good chunk of the plantetoid.
"I imagine you had something to do with that," said Kenobi.
"All part of the plan Master," smiled Anakin.
"We had a plan?" frowned Ahsoka.
"A plan made up on the fly," Anakin retorted.
"That's not called a plan," argued Ahsoka.
"It's what we call an Anakin Plan," chuckled Padme.
"Hey," protested Anakin while the rest all chuckled.
"Incoming transmission from the Resolute," reported Ahsoka.
"Well done General. The enemy dreadnought has destroyed," transmitted Admiral Yularen.
"That's an understatement," remarked Kendra.
"Hangar Bay 2 is open and awaiting your arrival," reported Yularen.
"Let's go home," smiled Anakin.