Chapter 12: Trespass
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Happy Star Wars Day! May the Fourth be with you! I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate this day then by updating this story for you all. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
After having lost contact with the Republic base on the bleak snow-covered planet of Orto Plutonia. Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Shun accompanied by dignitaries from the nearby moon of Pantora are sent to investigate.
As they land near the base, Shun, Obi-Wan and Anakin emerge first in thick winter wear.
"And this is the planet's tropical zone." Obi-Wan said.
"Seriously? It's colder than the North and South Poles." Shun said.
"It's not Tatooine, that's for sure. Captain Rex! Have your men survey the area. Place as many sensor beacons as you can before dark." Anakin orders.
"Right away, sir. Unload that gear! Let's move!" Rex said looking to the clones when R2, 3PO and BD walkout.
"Why would the Republic want an outpost way out here?" 3PO asks when R2 beeps. "The Chairman of Orto Plutonia requested it? But why?" BD beeps responding to him. "Because it is rude to just go up and ask."
On the last ship Senator Chuchi and Chairman Cho walkout.
"General Kenobi." Cho said acknowledging them.
"Chairman Cho, Senator Chuchi. I suggest you wait here until we can secure the area." Obi-Wan suggests.
"I respect your judgment, General Kenobi, but I will go where I choose. This is sovereign Pantora territory." Cho said.
"I thought this planet was uninhabited, and therefore it's not aligned." Anakin said.
"Our moon of Pantora is the only civilization in this system. I'm the one who asked the Senate to protect this planet. This wasteland belongs to us." Cho explains.
"But if you don't even live here why do you own it?" Shun asks.
"Technically speaking, padawan, the chairman is correct. Since the planet is uninhabited, the moon of Pantora reserves the right to continue as its protectorate." Chuchi explains.
"I see." Shun said not sure about that.
"Shun, you and Anakin stay with the Senator and the droids while we secure the base." Obi-Wan orders.
"Yes master." Anakin and Shun nod.
Entering the base, Obi-Wan, Cho and the Clones look to see several clone heads perched on sharp spikes all lined up.
"I don't get it." Rex said.
"It must be Separatists." Cho said.
"I'm not sure." Obi-Wan said.
Outside, Anakin and Shun look to see the droids coming over.
"Might we go inside sir, R2 and BD would like to get out of the cold." 3PO said but both Droids beep saying he was lying.
"What are you a Protocol Droid or a whining machine?" Shun said annoyed.
"We'll go inside as soon as Obi-Wan declares it safe." Anakin said.
Up above in the computer room, Obi-Wan's group enters to check the damages.
"Do you think the Separatists are building a forward base to attack Pantora?" Cho asks.
"I don't think we're dealing with Separatists. These computers haven't been touched." Obi-Wan said when Rex walks over.
"Sir! Our scouts have spotted a droid base on the other side of the ice ridge." Rex said.
Racing across the ice on speeders Anakin, Obi-Wan and some clones see the droid base but when they arrive they see Droid heads on spikes as well.
"I'd say whoever attacked our base took out the droids, also." Anakin said.
"Rex, help Anakin place the sensor beacons. You four, come with me." Obi-Wan said as they enter the base.
Looking in their area, Anakin and Rex notice several droids with their heads chopped off while in another area, Obi-Wan and other clones see the droid's heads on spikes.
Making their way to the upper level, Obi-Wan sees Anakin looking at something.
"Did you find anything?" Obi-Wan asks.
"I found some large footprints." Anakin said looking down at one.
"Have one of your men make a cast." Obi-Wan said
Making their way to the back, Obi-Wan sees the data log.
Walking over to examine, Anakin walks in.
"Sensors are in place." Anakin said.
"I think I found something." Obi-Wan said trying to get it to turn on.
"Let me try." Anakin hits the machine and a holographic message appears showing a battle droid.
"Six-eight-five to command. There are too many of them! They've overrun the base! We need reinforcements!" The droid yelled when a creature attacked it.
"What was that?" Anakin asks.
"Whatever it was, it's a good warrior." Obi-Wan said.
"The droids' log indicates they were investigating the southern canyon." Rex said.
"Sounds like a good place to start." Obi-Wan said.
"Should we go back for Shun?" Anakin asks.
"No, best he stays with the Chairman and Senator. Just in case." Obi-Wan said.
Back at the base, Shun held out his hand and a flame forms allowing a clone to warm up.
"Thank you sir, I needed a little warmth." He said.
"No problem." Shun said.
"Get back to your station. I want the weapons system back online and the shields operational. There's no telling what the Separatists have planned." Cho orders.
"Yes sir." The clone said going to the computer.
"Chairman, what makes you so certain the Separatists are behind this attack?" Riyo asks.
"Look around, Senator. Isn't this carnage proof enough?" Cho asks.
"I know, but there are no dead droids here, no blast marks. The clones' injuries were not consistent with what…" Riyo lists.
"So you think yourself an expert on war Senator?" Cho interrupts.
"Well I uh..."
"Let me tell you something, Senator. I have led our people since before you were born. I've seen a hundred planets rise and fall through force of arms. If it's not the Separatists out there, then it's a malevolent and aggressive enemy nonetheless, and I will not let whoever it is jeopardize the security of the people of Pantora." Cho interrupts.
"But if the Jedi discover that the Separatists aren't behind this, then perhaps there is a peaceful resolution." Riyo said.
"Senator, I am willing to fight and die for my people. It's time to ask yourself if you are brave enough to do the same." Cho declares.
"I'd hardly call that brave." Shun said walking over.
"Excuse me?" Cho glares.
"Chairman I'm sorry but saying you're willing to die for something isn't as brave as you think it is. This is not a situation where violence is the answer." Shun said.
"Listen young Jedi, I am your superior and you will do what I say and if I say we fight, then we fight." Cho points.
"No." Shun said crossing his arms surprising Cho and Riyo.
"Excuse me?" Cho growls.
"We are not mindless foot soldiers for you to throw around at your own choosing. Myself and every single Clone here is a living being. We're willing to fight for the Republic to protect this war, but don't think for a second I'll let them die just because of your ego." Shun glares.
"How dare you question my wisdom. I am the Chairman and you will not question me." Cho said.
"Wisdom and arrogance are not the same thing." Shun said when Cho shoves Shun into the wall before storming out.
"Are you alright?" Riyo asks walking over.
"Yeah, I'm fine. What a jerk." Shun said adjusting himself.
"The Chairman may be extreme but he only does it because he worries for Pantora." Riyo said.
"Well even so, he's letting his anger cloud his judgement. I won't let him endanger everyone because of his choices." Shun said.
"I saw, it was very brave to stand up for everyone like that." Riyo smiles.
"Thanks." Shun said.
"I wish I was brave like you were. I could never stand up to the chairman like you did." Riyo said.
"Of course, you can, Riyo you can't be afraid to speak your mind. It may be scary at first but if you know what you're saying is meaningful you have to let go of fear and say it." Shun said.
"Another Avatar Wisdom?" Riyo giggles.
"Air bending to be precise." Shun chuckles when a cold wind came in causing Riyo to shiver. "Hang on I got you." Holding out his hand Shun makes a flame.
"Aren't you handy to have around." Riyo smiles.
"I'm like a walking heater." Shun jokes.
Meanwhile, Anakin and Obi-Wan were at the Southern Canyon looking for any clues.
Taking out binoculars, both Jedi looked around when Obi-Wan sees something reflecting in the distance.
"There's some kind of reflection up there. Do you see it?" Obi-Wan asks as Anakin has a look.
"Yep." Anaki said when he sees another in the distance.
"Looks like they know we're coming." Obi-Wan said.
Getting on their speeders, both raced down the canyon as several white furred creatures looked down at them.
Following the signals, they arrive at a camp filled with Talz.
As the Talz slowly approach them Anakin reached for his lightsaber.
"Steady, Anakin. They're only curious. Let's not provoke them as the droids and our troops must have done." Obi-Wan said stopping him.
Walking forward, both are approached by one Talz who mutters something before gesturing to follow.
"Too bad we didn't bring 3PO along. How do you plan on communicating with these things?" Anakin asks.
"Patience, maybe they're smarter than we are." Obi-Wan said when as the Talz chieftain, Thi-Sen approaches them and says something in an unknown language.
"Well, say something." Anakin smirks.
"Shut up." Obi-Wan growls. "When will I learn, bring Shun, not Anakin?" He mutters.
Both Jedi bow to him before Thi-Sen lets them into his hut.
Sitting around a fire, Th-Sen is frustrated as they show a carving a battledroid.
Getting an idea, Anakin grabs a plate to make his own drawing.
"We come to you in peace. We will not bring harm." Obi-Wan said.
"Peace." Anakin shows a drawing of them and Talz shaking hands.
A few minutes later, they walk out of the hut, and when Obi-Wan holds out a hand to shake Thi-Sen instead pulls him into a hug much to Anakin's amusement.
As night came, Anakin and Obi-Wan arrive to see Shun and Rex waiting for them.
"Good to see you guys are back in one piece." Shun said.
"Good timing too, it's getting nasty out there." Rex said.
"You don't know the half of it." Anakin said when the Chairmen and Riyo walk in.
"What did you find?" Cho asks.
"It seems we've stumbled onto an inhabited planet." Obi-Wan said.
"Impossible. Our explorers have spent much time here over the long history of Pantora. No one lives here. They're trespassers." Cho declares.
"With respect, Chairman Cho, these creatures, the Talz, aren't advanced enough to master space travel. I think they may have been here longer than Pantora." Obi-Wan said.
"Whoever they are, they belong to us. This whole system belongs to us." Cho said.
"People aren't property, you don't own them." Shun glares causing Cho to glare back at him briefly.
"Master I think something while we were gone." Anakin mutters.
"Great." Obi-Wan mutters.
"Your Majesty, if there are life forms here, then the Senate must decide jurisdiction." Riyo said.
"Look at what they've done. They've slaughtered our troops." Cho points.
"They only want to be left alone. The droids attacked them, and I'm afraid our outpost got caught in the middle." Obi-Wan said.
"They must be subdued. They're dangerous. Captain Rex, prepare your troops for battle." Cho orders.
Before Rex could move, Anakin gestures for them to stop. "We promised their chief there would be no retaliation."
"We've arranged a meeting between their high council and you and the Senator. They want peace." Obi-Wan said.
"So if we bring our troopers, they'll think we lied." Shun realized.
"These creatures are little more than animals. You can't lie to an animal. They can't be trusted." Cho said.
"But your majesty—" Riyo steps in.
"No! It is obvious these creatures are not covered by the Convention of Civilized Systems. Their Council has no say in the matter." Cho declares when Shun steps in.
"Will you shut up for once and think! Why are you acting like such an idiot?!" Shun snaps.
"Shun calm down." Anakin said.
"This idiot is gonna get us all killed, they want peace and he wants to kill them! Why won't you let them just live here? You don't even live on this planet." Shun asks.
"This planet belongs to Pantora, they have no right to be here." Cho said.
"These are not savage animals, they want to live their lives why can't you respect that?" Shun asks.
"Listen here, you worthless little runt. You are a Jedi and I am the Chairman of this planet. You will do what I say or else." Cho threatens.
"Shun, that's enough." Obi-Wan orders.
Growling Shun steps back.
"I suggest you keep this one on a very short leash Kenobi." Cho said.
"If we are going to meet with Thi-Sen and his council at the arranged time, we will have to leave now." Obi-Wan said as Cho walks to his speeder.
Once he was gone, Obi-Wan looks to Shun.
"Okay talk, what is going on?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Master the man is insane, he doesn't even want to listen for one second. He wants to wipe out everyone and everything that stands in his way. He's willing all our lives to conquer this place. He doesn't want peace, he wants them out." Shun said causing both Masters to pause.
"Well, now the outburst makes sense." Anakin said.
"Shun trust us, we're not going to let this happen but you must control your emotions. A Jedi must always remain calm a Jedi doesn't let his emotions cloud his judgement." Obi-Wan said.
"My emotions aren't the ones you should be worried about and you know it." Shun points out.
"Fair enough, but I ask that you remain calm at least until the end of negotiations." Obi-Wan said.
"I'll try." Shun said.
"I'm sorry, I had my chance to stand up the Chairman and I panicked." Riyo apologizes.
"Don't beat yourself up Riyo. Right now we need you ready for negotiations." Shun said.
"Right." Riyo nods.
"Sir, the gunships can't take off in this storm. We don't have enough bikes for the entire platoon." Rex informs.
"Have the rest of the men standby here. No matter what the Chairman thinks, we're not going to war." Anakin declares.
At the droid base near the village, they arrive for the negotiations.
"Captain! Put your men on that ice ridge. We will attack as soon as the savages arrive." Cho orders.
"There will be no attack, Chairman." Obi-Wan said.
"You will do as I command! This planet is under my jurisdiction!" Cho snaps.
"Nothing is under your control, sir." Obi-Wan said when Shun sensed something.
"And it appears they're already here." Shun said as multiple scouts came out of hiding.
"It appears Thi-Sen doesn't trust you any more than you trust him." Obi-Wan smirks.
"Master." Shun said impressed.
"You really didn't think we'd let him do anything did you?" Obi-Wan smirks.
Out of the snow, multiple Talz surround them as the Jedi and Senators walked towards the base.
"Rex, tell your men to stand down. Stay here, and don't do anything to provoke them." Anakin orders.
"Yes sir." Rex nods relaying the message.
Beeping BD, hops onto Shun's back and attaches to his glider.
"Stay close little buddy." Shun said as BD beeps in understanding.
Entering the base, they see Thi-Sen and his council waiting for them.
"Your highness." Obi-Wan acknowledges as both he and Anakin bow in respect.
"We have returned, as promised." Anakin said as Shun walks up to Thi-Sen and bows.
"My humblest respects your highness." Shun said as Thi-Sen bows in respect back to him before 3PO walks up to him and begins translating Thi-Sen's words.
"Unbelievable, bowing to savages who do not belong here." Cho mutters.
"Chieftain Thi-Sen welcomes you to his home and hopes you come in peace. He wishes to be good neighbors, but he does not wish you to remain on his planet." 3PO translates.
"Listen, droid, translate everything I say, and exactly as I say it." Cho glares when Riyo steps in.
"Would you like me to represent Pantora in this matter?" Riyo asks.
"Not on your life, Senator. There will be no diplomacy this time." Cho said before pointing at Thi-Sen. "Listen here, you savage. This world belongs to the moon of Pantora, and as the Supreme Chairman and Exalted Ruler of Pantora, you will not command me to leave this planet, or do anything else."
Hearing this panicked expressions appeared on the Jedi's faces.
"Your majesty we can't!" Riyo said equally panicked but Cho pushes her away.
"Droid, tell him." Cho orders.
"Oh dear." 3PO said before turning to Thi-Sen to translate.
"I recommend a less confrontational discussion. The Talz are easily provoked." Obi-Wan said as Thi-Sen as if on cue pounded his chest in anger.
"That's not good." Anakin said.
"We don't need to resort to violence." Shun said.
"Shun's right, I promised we would leave in peace." Obi-Wan said.
"This is now an internal affair of Pantora." Cho glares not budging at all when Thi-Sen lets out a snarl.
"The great Thi-Sen, "Son of Suns", asks again that you leave, or it will mean war." 3PO translates.
"Then war it is." Cho declares as the Talz leave to prepare.
"Troopers, mount up and follow me." Cho orders before going to his speeder.
"What's up, General?" Rex asks looking to the Jedi.
"You're going to have to stay with the Chairman until we can work things out. Protect him at all costs." Anakin orders.
"But do not and I repeat do not fire first." Shun warns.
"Understood. Mount up! We're moving out!" Rex said gathering the clones.
"Senator, you know a preemptive strike is illegal. Isn't there anything you can do to stop it?" Anakin asks.
"I'm afraid not. He has proclaimed this conflict an internal affair." Riyo said.
"What? Isn't there anyone on Pantora who can help fix this?" Shun asks.
"Wait a minute. Yes, the Speaker of the Assembly. He has the power to overturn the declaration." Riyo smiles.
"Let's get back to the base, the storm is letting up." Obi-Wan said before looking to Shun. "You were right the whole time Padawan."
"As much as I wanna say I told you so, we're pressed for time." Shun said.
"Let's move." Anakin said as they raced to the base to get the message out.
On the Orto Plutonia plains, Cho and the clones were racing through it when they see the Talz up ahead.
"Here they are! Fire when you're in range!" Cho orders.
"Sir, with all due respect, we're only here to protect you." Rex said when the Talz went on the attack.
As sharp spikes rained down the clones scrambled to avoid them only to see more appear out of the snow.
"Ambush!" Rex gasps as they all came to a stop.
"It's a trap! Kill them!" Cho orders as they went on the attack but the Talz easily overwhelmed them and killed Cho's personal guards with ease.
"We've got to hold out! Fall back! First squad, cover the retreat!" Rex orders.
"Retreat? We can't retreat from these animals!" Cho said when a spike flew in and stabbed him in the back causing him to fall. "Savages." Cho mutters in pain.
Running over, Rex grabs him and yanks him onto his speeder with him as the remaining clones made their retreat.
At the Republican Gunship, they were standing in front of a hologram of the speaker.
"The assembly has decided that the actions of Chairman Cho are out of order. Senator Chuchi, you're given the authority to negotiate a peaceful settlement between the sovereign planet of Pantora and the Talz." He said.
"It is decided then." Obi-Wan said.
"Pilot, get us up." Anakin said as they took off to negotiate.
Meanwhile Rex and the other clones were struggling to shake off the Talz's forces as they gained on them.
"Senator, now that you have the authority, how do you plan on making peace with the Talz?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Actually, Master Jedi, since you are far more experienced, I was hoping that you could negotiate on Pantora's behalf." Riyo said.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, Senator." Obi-Wan said.
"But I don't understand. The Jedi serve the Senate. I must order you…" Riyo starts.
"Senator, it is your people the Talz are at war with. If the violence is to stop, it is you who must represent your people." Obi-Wan interrupts.
Pausing Riyo wasn't sure if she could when Shun puts a hand on her shoulder.
"Remember, it may seem scary at first, but you have to be brave and push through it." Shun reminds as Riyo nods in understanding.
Down below, the Talz chase the clones to a gourge.
Cornered they turn to see the entire army gaining on them.
"We need to stop them and fast!" Anakin gasps.
"I got an idea! Open the door!" Shun said as a clone swung the door open.
"Shun what are you doing?!" Obi-Wan asks.
"Calming them down." Shun said grabbing his glider and leaping out of the ship.
As Shun lands in front of the army he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.
"What's he doing?" Cho asks.
"He's gonna get crushed." Rex said.
Opening his eyes, a serious expression appeared on Shun's face.
Using his waterbending Shun made all the snow stop around the Talz army before he spun it around and around trapping them in a wall of snow.
Thrusting his hands in a wave manner the snow transformed into sharp icicle spears as they rained down stopping just in front of the army.
"No more fighting." Shun said bending an opening in the front so they could walk through it.
"Amazing." Riyo said in awe.
"What power." Obi-Wan said equally impressed as they landed.
"Good to see you, sir." Rex said as they ran over.
"You okay, Rex?" Anakin asks.
"It's just a scratch." Rex said as Shun returned to normal and walked over.
"That stopped them." Shun pants.
"Normally I scold reckless behavior but I'll allow it seeing as how you managed to stop the army." Obi-Wan
"How bad is it?" Anakin asks.
"We're in quite a mess, sir. Eleven dead, the rest wounded, including the Chairman." Rex said as Riyo walks to the Chairman.
"Chairman, can you hear me?" Riyo asks.
"Senator. Good. You must avenge me. As my final command as Chairman of Pantora, I order you to destroy the Talz." Cho orders but Riyo shook her head.
"I'm afraid I cannot do that Chairman. The Pantoran Assembly has called you out of order. I am to negotiate peace." Riyo declines.
"No. Impossible! Peace? Never! I died for our people." Cho said before dropping down dead.
Looking to the opening, Shun sees Thi-Sen walking through it to meet with them.
"Senator it's time." Shun said as Riyo took the chairman's helmet off and walked to meet him.
"Protocol droid come with me." Riyo said.
"3PO, get going." Anakin said.
"Yes Master." 3PO nods following her as she and Thi-Sen meet in the middle.
"Droid, translate for me." Riyo orders.
"Yes, mistress." 3PO said as Riyo raised a spike before stabbing it through the ground.
"To die for one's people is a great sacrifice. To live for one's people, an even greater sacrifice." Riyo said putting Cho's helmet on top the spike while 3PO translates. "I choose to live for my people. What do you choose?"
Pausing Thi-Shen raises his spike before stabbing it across from Riyo's.
"He chooses to live as well." 3Po translates.
"We will leave Orto Plutonia under the watchful eyes of the Talz from this day forth, and recognize your sovereignty as a free and equal people." Riyo declares.
Hearing this Thi-Sen bows along with the rest of the Talz before Riyo returns to her side.
"Well done, Senator." Obi-Wan said.
"Yes, very impressive." Anakin agrees.
"Thank you Master Jedi and thank you Padawan for helping me find the courage to make a stand of my own." Riyo smiles looking to Shun.
"Happy to help." Shun smiles.
"Now that you have created peace between your people and the Talz, remember one crucial thing." Obi-Wan said.
"What's that?" Riyo asks.
"Make it last, Senator. Make it last. And be an example to others, so not only this war, but every war waged may come to an end as well." Obi-Wan said.
"I will." Riyo nods as Obi-Wan and Anakin make their way back to the ships.
Shun was about to follow when a hand grabbed his.
Turning around he sees Riyo looking at him.
"Thank for everything. You had the courage to stand up the chairman, the courage to stop the fighting, and to inspire me. I am honored to stand alongside someone like you Shun." Riyo smiles.
"Thank you Senator, but is this really why you stopped me?" Shun asks.
"No, this is." Leaning in Riyo pecks Shun on the cheek causing him to blush while Riyo giggles.
"Come along Avatar." Riyo said walking to the ship leaving Shun all by himself.
"Wow." Shun said in awe before heading to the ships and leaving this frozen wasteland behind.