Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Well here we are the beginning of the Ryloth Ark. I hope you all enjoy it and will see it to the end. So without any more disturbances let us begin.
(Start Separatist Dreadnaught)
The Nemoidian captain, Mar Tuuk sat in his control chair as the hologram of the Techno Union Foreman, Wat Tambor, recently made Emir of Ryloth, appeared before him. "Captain are you prepared?" Wat Tambor asked as he knew an invasion was coming.
Captain Tuuk, feeling confident the Nemodian smirked to the Emir. "Our blockade is impenetrable." He said before he leaned to the side. "When the Republic attacks they will get quite a surprise." Mar added with an arrogant smirk on his face.
"I'm counting on you, Captain. We cannot allow the Republic to invade this planet." Tambor reminded, before ending communications with the blockade captain.
Mar Tuuk sneered a bit, knowing exactly the meaning behind Tambor's adamant behavior. And people say that Nemodians were greedy. Then again now that they had the Dark Falz Collectives aid he was most confident they would make it out of this in one piece. After all Elder was on the planet and one wrong move from would see Elder unleashed.
(Scene Break Hyper Lane Resolute Hanger)
From inside the hanger, Ahsoka Tano was prepping her personal Starfighter in response of hearing Admiral Yularen's orders to prepare to launch. All around them ARK's operatives were preparing to take part in this battle as many AIS were brought into this fight. Added to this ARK's had also brought in some of their own battleships to aid in this battle to liberate Ryloth. This was going to be a huge battle and they needed all the help they could get. Ashoka's astromech droid, an R7, was currently inserted into the craft's body while whistling.
"This is my first time commanding a squadron, R7." Ahsoka said as she sat in her fighter ready for battle. "Let's make a good impression." She added ready to move out.
Turning his head to look to the Padawan, R7 beeped something to her causing her to glare at the Droid. "Of course I'm not nervous!" Ahsoka defended and thus Yuvel was then heard.
"I guess that makes one of us." Yuvel said as he walked in with what looked to be a helmet in his hands. "I guess we're both commanding a squadron into battle." Yuvel said to which Ahsoka nodded to him.
"Yeah." She said before looking over to the AIS that were being prepped for launch by ARK's crews. "So those are AIS things you guys talked about?" Ahsoka asked as she looked to the AIS.
"Yeah not gonna lie I thought we had to get a crowbar to separate Anakin from one of them." Yuvel said with a small smile on his face. "The AIS have been and still our ARK's best machines for both terrestrial and space combat." Yuvel said as he looked over to one of the AIS.
"Master." Came a new voice and thus to Ahsoka's surprise she saw a small Newman girl in what appeared to be a maid outfit with small bat wings on her back. Yuvel was wide eyed at this as he almost forgot he needed to get his Auxiliaries outfit changed out. The small person bowed to Yuvel before she proceeded to speak. "We are just about ready for deployment information on your squad has been sent to your mag already." The small girl said to which Ahsoka finally had to ask.
"Who is that?" Ahsoka asked and in turn the girl spoke.
"I am Auxiliary unit M1-R8 I'm owned by my master. He likes to call me Mira." M1-R8 or Mira said to which Ahsoka was confused and a bit concerned.
"Dude seriously you still haven't changed out her outfit?!" Reggie was heard as he walked in with the rest of the squad.
"Shut up." Yuvel countered blushing over the fact he used Mira when he first made her way back when for his maid girl fetish.
"What the heck is an Auxiliary?" Ahsoka asked and thus Reggie asked.
"Long story short actual droids, they were made by ARK's to assist their Operatives in whatever they may need. It's rare that two of these things are ever the same. Think of her like R7 there." Reggie explained to the Togruta and as she looked to the girl who looked and sounded like an adult it was clear the proportions would not work for one her size if she was fully grown.
Just then the voice of Anakin was heard getting everyone's attention. "Hey snips, this is it, your first command." Anakin Skywalker said, approaching his Padawan as he was accompanied by Arthur the Rank of 1 of the Council of Six.
"There is no need for either of you to be nervous but its ok if you are." Arthur said as he knew that both Ahsoka and Yuvel were in no doubt nervous about this mission.
"I wish everyone would stop saying that!" Ahsoka said in frustration while looking away. It gets annoying after a while of being mistaken as nervous.
The two shared a brief look of confusion before Anakin opted to convey some words of wisdom to his nervous Padawan. "The men you're commanding are depending on you with their lives. As are our allies, who you will need to keep an eye out for, in case they got bogues on their six." Anakin said to which both Yuvel and Ahsoka gave Anakin a dry look.
"Thanks. That takes the pressure off." Ahsoka added dryly before turning to look straight out of her fighter. "If I wasn't nervous before, I sure am now." Ahsoka sad as Yuvel nodded in agreement with Ahsoka on this information.
"Hey, I have faith in you. I wouldn't be sending you out there if I didn't think you could handle it." Anakin assured her knowing she will be able to pull off this mission.
"He's right you both can handle it, Yuvel you've had the highest ranking in the AIS simulators and Ahsoka from what I understand you've more than handled yourself well as a field commander." Arthur said as the leader of the Council of Six had faith in them both.
"So before we go mind me asking about the midget?" Anakin asked revering to Yuvel's Auxiliary, Mara.
"I'll explain later." Arthur said with a chuckle to this knowing Anakin had a lot to learn about ARK's itself.
Anakin sighed and in turn the two began to take their leave. Arthur would be heading to the ARK's battleship they brought thanks to the tele-pipe hooked up to the Resolute. But before they left Anakin stopped and looked over to Ahsoka.
"May, the force be with you." Anakin said and thus Ahsoka smiled to this.
"I won't let you down." Ahsoka said ready for takeoff. "I hope." Ahsoka added ready to move out before looking to Yuvel.
"I got to head to my AIS so I'll see you out there." Yuvel said and in turn took his own leave to meet up with his AIS squadron for this battle.
(Ahsoka)
As Ahsoka saw the signal to launch she began to call in on the teams for what came next. "Okay, you boys ready?" Ahsoka asked ready for lift off.
"This is Two Axe. Ready when you are, skipper." A clone pilot, Axe, announced ready to move in.
"Ready on three. Tis is Slammer, over." Slammer said showing he was ready to move out.
"Ready on Four. Kickback checking in, over." Kickback said from his fighter.
"Swoop to Blue Leader, Group Two is standing by, over." Swoop announced ready for the plan.
"Tucker on five. Waiting for Mother Bird and the Nest, over." Tucker said as Ahsoka now had to wait on the Tenno team going in.
(Yuvel)
Yuvel was loaded into his AIS as he prepared for battle. He began activating the needed systems as his AIS activated. Once he was ready he swallowed his nervousness and put on his helmet. The front face was clear before tinting over to cover his actual face. The Helmet itself was made by ARK's for situations like this. It's been given a compute of sorts that uses something akin to Halo and other first person shooters hubs to allow the players to monitor their ammo count, icon maps for enemies and allies, and their health.
But this hub was modeled after the one seen in PSO2 and thus allowed Yuvel to keep a close eye on what he can and cannot do while also keeping an eye on both his own state of health and his AIS state during this. It also had the added spots for his allies which was limited to four despite 12 AIS launching into this battle. For Yuvel this meant that there was a grand total of three parties that would be going into this battle on AIS which meant Yuvel was one of three party leaders. As Yuvel looked around his controls it was just like the simulator with basic controls in front of him, a combat map to his left, and a keyboard to his right. The Pedals at his feet no doubt for thrust, breaks, and general movement. The Keyboard was to better communicate with other AIS as well as give general orders none-verbally.
With a sigh he got ready to move out because despite there being three Party Leaders Yuvel was the Squadron leader for this oncoming mission. When he saw the signal to launch he took the lead and launched his AIS into battle with the other ones following close behind him. "Awaiting combat approval all leaders and parties call in." Yuvel ordered as he knew it was time to move out.
"Beta Team here we hear you loud and clear." Came the leader of one Party, a Deuman when his face appeared on the screen much like chats did in PSO2 but who looked ready to liberate Ryloth.
"Delta ready to move out." Came a Female CAST when her face appeared next as she looked ready to roll out into battle.
(ARK's Ship Xilos Command Deck)
Arthur walked into the command bridge as the crew all saw him and were ready to commence the Ryloth operation. "Beginning final check." Came a bridge tech from her station.
"Photon Shielding are operational. Weapons are primed and ready." One tech said as she worked on her station.
"Medical and Repair Crews are on standby. All Primary Personnel are awaiting orders." Another tech announced as she typed on her station's keypad.
"Photonic Field Generator charged and prepped for Combat venue." A tech said from his station while he continued working.
"Enemy units identified. All systems operational. We are Green to begin." The final tech crew member said and thus Arthur nodded ready to move out.
Seeing that they were ready for battle Arthur stood at the helm with the entire crew watching him awaiting orders. "ARK's fleet begin the operation!" Arthur ordered and thus everyone got to battle stations ready to move out and liberate Ryloth from both the Separatist and the Dark Falz.
(Separatist Command Ship)
"Commander!" Tuuk called, once he got the report that the Republic fighters were heading his way.
"Yes, captain?" The Battle droid with the commander paint job asked.
"Launch all fighter." Tuuk ordered to which the Droid followed.
"Rodger-Rodger." The Droid responded before it sent the signal, telling the Vulture droids that were clamped on the outer hull of the Trade Federation battle ship to convert into flight mode and flew towards the incoming enemy fighters.
(Space)
Both the Republic and ARK's ships move in to the Blockade as soon enough the Separatists sent out their Vulture Droids to intercept them. Soon enough more Starfighters and AIS joined the charge as the battle began for both side. Blasts were exchange and ships were exploding and Jedi fighter were out and about with the AIS providing aid.
The AIS commanded by Yuvel was firing its rifle at the Vulture Droids as they came in to attack them. Soon laser fire shot at them opting the AIS pilots to use their energy shields to block the attack. The ARK's pilots then proceeded to return fire against their foes taking out a few more vulture droids with their rifles.
Nearby another AIS flew by and fired off homing missiles on multiple Vulture Droids taking many of them out at once. More Vulture Droids flew in but it was clear that the Republic and ARK's combined effort held the upper hand. Nearby an AIS that Reggie was commanding was flying through as he fired his ranged weapons at the foes. Nearby Laura's AIS was seen as she put up a barrier before flying close to the others releasing a repair pulse to the damaged AIS.
Next up came Zurna as she flew in with her AIS Melee weapon drawn before slashing through several Vulture Droids at once. "This is too easy!" Zurna called out as she flew through the Droids.
"That's what's worrying me." Yuvel added as he saw how this was going. There should have been more of a defense then just what they got. In fact they hardly even picked up any Falspawn or Dark Falz signals during this entire fight.
"Maybe we're just that good!" Reggie called out as he flew by firing another group of Vulture Droids.
"Maybe… or maybe not." Yuvel said as he then went to his keyboard and sent an alert to the other squad leaders. "Keep your eyes open I think we're flying into a trap." Yuvel said as he got the alert out.
"Yes sir/got it!" Came the two leaders as they in turn informed their parties of what was going on right now.
(Separatist Command ship)
During the battle Tuuk wanted to know more about his enemy as the battle continued outside. He then ordered the identification of the ship leading the assault against him. Once the hologram and information appeared Mar Tuuk rubbed his finger against his chin as he recognized the name. "That is General Skywalker's flagship." He said as he recognized the infamous man with no fear had quite a reputation. "He is leading this attack." Tuuk said knowing full well how unpredictable Skywalker can be.
"Sir! Their fighters are closing in." A droid reported as Tuuk didn't at all seemed worried about this.
"Patience, let's see what trickery the Jedi have planned for us." Tuuk told his droids as he was oddly calm about all of that was happening.
(Back to the space battle)
"We got their fighters occupied." Ahsoka reported to her squadron, allies, and the bridge. "Axe, time for us to make a run for the battleship. Yuvel you and your team give us some cover!" Ahsoka called out as she focused on the mission.
Nearby Yuvel's AIS flew by and launched more rockets at the Vulture Droids to help clear the path. "Already on it Ahsoka!" Yuvel called out as he and his squadron of AIS were taking out many Vulture Droids with ease. Things appeared to be going well, for them but then it went all downhill from there. The two squadrons were continuing the fight until four more frigates came out of Hyperspace near the battle ship. Accompanying them was a large number of Falspawn and leading them was what looked to be a… Jedi Starfighter.
The Falspawn and the droids with them changed and flew over to destroy the enemies in front of them. The Jedi Starfighter led the charge and from closer inspection this was a corrupted fighter. The Astrodroid slot was where it was centered as the entire Starfighter itself was covered in Falspawn growths. The Droid Slot itself had the Falspawn core on it and with this information there must have been a pilot inside it. From closer inspection it was clear that Dark Falz Persona was the pilot here.
(ARK's Bridge)
As Arthur oversaw the battle he heard reports coming in from all over. Clone Troopers and ARK's Operatives were keeping each other and the bridge crew up to date as said Bridge Crew was delivering information to each other and to Arthur as it came.
Just then an alert flared off and thus Arthur looked to it. "Report!" He ordered and thus the bridge crew looked. "Falspawn signal detected no wait a Dark Falz signal!" The bridge crew called out causing everyone to go wide eyed to this information.
"There's more enemy reinforcements inbound!" Another crew member called out making Arthur go wide eyed.
(Resolute Bridge)
"Admiral, four more cruisers have joined the blockade, and two of them have Falspawn signatures with them." A clone bridge ops reported, seeing the energy signatures of the Falspawn onboard the enemy cruisers.
"We've got to warn those fighters." Admiral Yularen called out as he looked over to Anakin who agreed with the Admiral.
(Ahsoka)
"Commander, we've been caught in a trap!" Yularen warned Ahsoka through the communications.
"You're overreacting, Admiral. I can get us through." Ahsoka said, clearly listening more to her confidence than heeding the warning. "Blue squadron, stay on course." Ahsoka ordered no doubt to many making a huge mistake here.
"We're all set, Blue Leader." Axe radio, back. Putting his trust in the Jedi Padawan's judgement.
"Ahsoka listen there are Falspawn with them!" Yuvel radioed in trying to talk her into falling back while fighting off Vulture Droids and Falspawn alike. At the same time he was trying to protect the Troopers hoping to get them back safely.
"I'm ordering you back to the ship. We're going to need your help." Yularen called through the comm. to get Ahsoka to listen to reason as the battle continued around her.
"Ahsoka, it's too risky! Get your pilots out of there!" Anakin called to his padawan. She however ignored her master's orders and kept flying despite everyone from both groups warning the Togruta Jedi Padawan. Just then Ahsoka flight was thrown off when she was hit by laser fire. Luckily her shields held as she looked to who shot her.
(Persona)
Persona flew at Ahsoka taking aim at her while flying in his Corrupted Starfighter. As Persona flew he was of course fired upon by both ARK's and Clone Fighters for it. Luckily Persona knew what to do and easily avoided the opposing fighter pilots. The AIS proved to be a bit more difficult but in the end she managed to maneuver her way through. She focused her fire on Ahsoka's Starfighter as he had a plan of attack here.
"I'm sorry Ahsoka Tano, but this is the only way to draw him out." Persona said as he focused his attack on Ahsoka.
(Battle)
Persona's Starfighter was right on Ahsoka's tail as her squadron was forced to scatter from the attack on her. As the battle continued it was clear Ahsoka was trying to shake Persona but this Dark Falz was an expert pilot here. The chase continued for a tad bit long as it was evident Ahsoka was starting to get worried now.
(Ahsoka)
"Ahsoka get out of there!" Anakin ordered as Ahsoka was trying.
"I'm trying but I can't shake him!" Ahsoka called out as she narrowly avoided another volley of laser fire.
(Persona)
As Persona focused on the targeting system he saw how close he was to getting a clear shot at Ahsoka. "This is getting me nowhere." Persona said as he weighed his options. He would have to consider taking drastic measures but if it drew Anakin Skywalker out then he had a shot. "Forgive me Ahsoka Tano but if I wish to draw him out… you must die." Persona said as she then got a clear shot on the Togruta.
Just then photon shots nearly hit Persona forcing him to avoid and losing his clear shot. "What?!" Persona cursed as he looked to the source.
(Battle)
Yuvel and his AIS were seen flying in upon Persona while firing down on him saving Ahsoka. As he fired his rifle down on Persona he managed to get room made between Ahsoka and Persona's fighters. Once that was done Yuvel had his AIS prime its rockets on Persona before letting them off again. The rockets flew after Persona who was in turn forced to fly away and avoid them. But it seems Persona was five moves ahead of them as he managed to release flares and spare parts to avoid the rockets.
As Persona flew on he then looked ahead only to go wide eyed to find Reggie and his AIS in his way. Reggie then fired off his AIS' Photonic Laser and managed to graze Persona's ship causing it to spiral out. Persona saw his ship was totaled and in turn growled before vanishing through a portal. Making his escape was his intent for the time being but he would have to take out Anakin the next time they were to meet. In turn just before Persona's ship exploded he vanished into a red portal to safety to try again later.
Once this happened the battle of Ryloth continued yet despite Persona being forced to fall back they were not winning this first confrontation. Her initial assault was ruined and thus Ahsoka as well as the rest of her squadron with Yuvel's own squadron was also forced to fallback from the battle.
(Ahsoka)
"Did you get him" Ahsoka asked as she flew with the two squadrons.
(Reggie)
"No I don't think so that was way too easy." Reggie said until he noticed something. "Wait hold on look." Reggie said and in turn his AIS zoomed in on the destroyed fighter.
(Space)
The Fighter had the Falspawn corruption fade away and in its place was to their shock Anakin's own Fighter. But what was noticed about it was that it was old and damaged like it had been in one to many battles. In all likely hood it should have fallen apart already but the Falspawn corruption must have preserved it.
Despite this the battle continued as the fighter exploded joining the other destroyed ships building up the battlefield around Ryloth upper orbit. As Ahsoka and her squadron with Yuvel and his squadron made their way back to the Resolute fleet it was clear Ahsoka had taken too long to follow orders and Persona didn't help matters either. As they flew the enemy fighters and Falspawn had already made it to the Republic Fleet ready to annihilate them right out of space.
(Resolute)
Bridge crews were shouting orders left and right as they tried to regain control of the situation. "Ahsoka where are you?" Anakin asked as he knew now that Ahsoka was freed from Persona's attack she should be on the way now.
(Ahsoka)
"I'm almost there master." Ahsoka said as she had her Starfighter move as fast as the thrusters are able to take it.
(Resolute)
"Too late look!" Yularen called out as a Vulture Droid was spinning out of control torts them.
"Move out of the way now!" Anakin called out to the crew and in turn everyone ducked and cover from the oncoming impact.
Alas not everyone made it out of the crash as while the bridges pressure held firm the same could not be said for the crew. Yularen was down from being close to the sparks and small explosions that went off from the impact.
Anakin in turn held Yularen after he himself got up to make sure he is still breathing. "Get us out of here." Yularen said through ragged breathing.
"Get those men on this ship and get us into hyperspace now!" Anakin ordered as he looked to the bridge crew knowing they had to leave now or they were all going to be dead.
(Arthur)
Arthur was thankful for the Photonic shielding but that didn't mean it would last long against a continued Falspawn assault. "Commander!" Came a bridge member handling communications. "The Republic Fleet has issued the order to fall back!" The bridge tech called and in turn Arthur nodded to the tech.
"Get our Operatives on board now!" Arthur ordered and thus the tech nodded and issued the fallback order to the ARK's Operatives fighting out there.
"All ARK's Operatives a fallback order has been issued I repeat all ARK's Operatives and AIS' units return to the ship now." The Communication tech ordered and in turn confirmations of receiving were heard from all the ARK's Field Operatives.
(Zurna)
Zurna saw the fleet beginning to turn around which meant they were trying to escape from this first confrontation. "Guys we need to book it once they enter hyperspace we're sitting ducks." Zurna said as she chased after the ARK's and Republic fleets.
(Laura)
"We need to hurry." Laura said as she put the pedal to the metal.
(Yuvel)
"Ahsoka we need to hurry!" Yuvel called out knowing if they didn't they'd be left behind by the fleet. If that happened then they were as good as dead.
"I can see that!" Ahsoka responded knowing what would happen if they didn't get back to the fleet before it jumps into hyperspace to escape.
(Battle)
The ships were seen turning around as fires escaped the Republic cruisers. As this happened the combined squadrons continued to fly torts the fleet to dock and escape with them. This continued for a bit longer as the ships flew with laser turrets from both Republic ships and ARK's ships firing upon the Falspawn. During this it was clear that the groups began to grow worried as the AID provided as much cover as they could for the squadron.
(Ahsoka)
"All fighters return. We're preparing for lightspeed." Rex ordered as they kept moving.
"Uh, right. Axe, stand on it." Ahsoka ordered sounding unsure now as she continued flying. "We only have a few seconds to get on board." Ahsoka said as she looked to where Axe was with enemy fire continuing around the squadrons.
(Axe)
"Don't worry about me, Skipper." Axe responded as he didn't seem worried about this.
(Yuvel)
"AIS teams return to the fleet a fallback order is in effect!" Arthur ordered as they continued to fly away.
"On it, everyone stay in tight formation and cover each other we need to get on those ships now." Yuvel said as he led the group.
"Got it, mate!" Came one of the party leaders as they continued to fly.
"We got this!" Another called out but Yuvel wasn't too sure about this.
(Separatist Ship)
"Captain, the Republic Space forces are in full retreat." A commander droid reported as he walked up the blockade commander. "Shall we pursue?" The battle Droid asked as he looked to his Commanding Officer.
"No, do not break our formation." He responded before returning his attention to the fleeing fleet. "Let those cowards rot." He said almost taunting the combined fleets of ARK's and the Republic flee from battle.
(Axe)
As Axe continued to escape he started to notice a major problem with his systems. "Ah, my power converters, they're failing." Axe said as he saw this was bad for him.
Just then Axe felt something hit and grab his fighter to which he looked and saw an AIS had grabbed it. "Hold on we got you!" Reggie called out as he made sure to cover for Axe. "I drive you shoot!" Reggie added and thus Axe saw what Reggie was doing for him.
"Gotta love those mech suits." Axe said seeing the benefits of ARK's AIS to a fleet.
(Reggie)
"Reggie be careful!" Yuvel called out as he knew how this could turn out of Reggie didn't exercise caution.
"Don't worry brother, I got this." Reggie responded showing he was not one to make such simple mistakes like that.
"We're almost to the fleet." Laura called out as Yuvel saw what was happening.
(Yuvel)
"AIS we don't have time to dock with the ARK's ships go to the nearest available cruiser and dock there!" Yuvel called out and in turn they all got moving. "Resolute prepare to close up the hanger doors. We're home." Yuvel said as he didn't sound too happy about this initial battle with their AIS.
(Resolute)
The AID and the fighters began to load up into the Resolute as the hanger doors began to close up behind the squadrons. As they did so they all came in for a landing with the AIS's kneeling down as part of their landing. Once they landed ARK's operatives on board ran over to get the AIS's repaired and refueled for their next attempt at breaking the blockade.
(Anakin)
Anakin heard the alarms going off as he saw that the squadrons were back and safe. "Jump to Lightspeed." Anakin ordered and in turn the Resolute entered hyperspace once more.
(Meanwhile with Arthur ARK's ship)
"Start the phase shift." Arthur ordered and in turn the tech nodded in response.
(Space)
The ARK's ship opened a portal for them to enter as the Resolute entered hyperspace. Once the ship entered the Resolute and its remaining ship entered hyperspace and in turn both fleets made their escape. During this Persona stood in one of the Separatist Dreadnaughts glaring at the escaping fleet knowing he needed a new plan to eliminate Skywalker.
For now Persona had to bide his time and thus vanished through a crimson portal. He was running out of time and despite his unique gifts time was NOT on his side to stop what's coming.
(Scene Break ARK's/Republic Combined Fleet)
The crews were getting to work on the AIS and fighters after they had made their successful escape from the battle. Nearby Yuvel and his party was currently going over the combat data after they flew into that obvious trap.
"GRAUGH!" Reggie roared as he punched his metal fist into the ship denting the wall. "I can't believe we flew dicks first into a trap!" Reggie raged as he was clearly not happy with the results of that prior confrontation.
"That's the point of a trap or an ambush it's not supposed to be expected." Zurna scolded as she sat down cross legged on a crate with obvious supplies.
"Well if any of you have an idea now is the time to share it." Reggie said as Yuvel was currently going over the data from that battle.
"Yuvel?" Laura asked concerned as to why Yuvel was quiet during Reggie's raging.
"Just thinking how we can approach this." Yuvel said as he had their Mission log opened to his eyes. The Mission or Client Request log had remained the same but oddly enough its function changed to match up to that of the famous Chinese Comic series called The Gamer. This comic had set the ground work for many famous video game based Isekai's as did Sword Art Online when it had first released in Japan. Anyway currently their primary objective shows that they needed to break through the blockade liberate Ryloth. It was labeled under Urgent Quests as they would take part in Stage 1 according to their mission.
Most of their mission alerts came from ARK's Command via the Council of Six. Yuvel felt the Overseer for ARK's was also playing a role in this but he or she had yet to make themselves known to the fleet. Regardless they did have a job to do right now and Yuvel was not one to give up the mission so easily. "I need a head count of how many we lost, after that I think I have a plan to give to Arthur." Yuvel said and thus Laura heard him.
"We can't bust through with our ships alone, but maybe we need something smaller." Yuvel said and in turn Laura went wide eyed to this.
"Wait you don't mean." Reggie said pointing at Yuvel shocked to see where he was going with this.
"But what if the system doesn't work?" Zurna asked as she looked to Yuvel.
"It will have to work, otherwise we're all going to be dead anyway." Yuvel said showing that he was now afraid to do what was needed. As Yuvel began to walk away he stopped for a moment and looked to the group. "Any idea how Ahsoka is holding up?" Yuvel asked as he was worried for the Togruta.
"Not that great." Laura confessed as she was also worried about the young Padawan's wellbeing.
"She's just a kid, we all were like that thinking we were invincible and we can take on the world on our own." Reggie said knowing how it was for each of them out there.
"That's the thing about failure, it's one of the greatest teachers anyone can ask for. It's blunt, cold, and straight to the point and to not learn from it is to invite suffering." Zurna said as she held her Katana, which was sheathed in in her right hand by its scabbard, ready in case of any dangers lurking around them.
"Alright Samurai Horns." Reggie quipped to which Laura pushed the CAST for his comment there. Yuvel rolled his eyes over his closest friends antics and began to walk away to check on Ahsoka wanting to make sure she was ok.
(During this over with Ahsoka)
Ahsoka was sitting on her ship, thinking about what had happen back there as she lost some of her squad. Nearby was Anakin who was currently talking to some of the clone troopers who made it back, asking them to get a head count of how many men they lost.
"Ahsoka, I am very disappointed in you." Anakin scolded as he looked to Ahsoka who looked up at her master as he then said to her, "You not only disobeyed the Admiral you disobeyed me."
"I thought I could knock out those battleships so when master Obi-wan arrived, he could get through." Ahsoka reasoned but by the tone she knew she was wrong in her assumption at the time.
"I know you meant well, snips, but there's a bigger picture that you're not aware of. First rule of war, listen and obey your superiors." Anakin said as he understood what Ahsoka was going through.
"But sometimes you get carried away," Ahsoka tries to argue as it was true but there was more to it for him as he said, "All that means is that I understand what you're going through."
"But I failed." Ahsoka responded to which Anakin knew his scolding wasn't going to help unless he balanced it with patience and understanding from his own persona experience.
"It was a trap, Snips. It wasn't your fault." Anakin said but something was bothering her and in turn so was Anakin.
"Why did Persona target me and leave everyone else to his Falspawn?" Ahsoka asked to which Anakin had noticed it also.
"I don't know Ahsoka." Anakin said as a part of him didn't seem to want to find out. If Persona had some sort of grudge against Anakin he was unaware of it… but maybe ARK's might know something.
"I could have lost so many of my pilots if ARK's wasn't there." Ahsoka said as she realized her own folly.
"Take heart, little one. That's the reality of command." Anakin said as he too was thankful that ARK's was here to help them when they could.
Just then Captain Rex walked up to Anakin as he said to him, "General, we're approaching our staging area."
"Very good, captain," Anakin said to rex while the clone captain went on saying, "Master Windu is requesting a report on our progress."
"Our progress, huh?" Anakin said as he turn to the clone as he thought of what to say as right now they barely made any. "Well, we haven't made much progress yet." Anakin added knowing they had reached a bit of a complication.
"I'll tell him, sir," Rex said with Anakin raise his hand to him to say, "No, rex, I'll tell him myself. Thank you. As soon as we tend to our wounded, get me a damage report."
Ahsoka didn't stay around for long as she began to walk away. Just then Anakin turned back to her about to say something but saw her already gone. As Anakin saw this he wondered what he could do as nothing prepared him for this.
(Separatist Command Ship over Ryloth)
Back in the orbit of Ryloth, the Emir, Wat Tambor, made a call to Tuuk wanting an update. "Captain what is the status of the enemy attack?" Wat Tambor asked as he looked to Tuuk.
"The Jedi were crushed, of course." Tuuk began as he gave his report. "They fled the system, their ships in flame." He added almost taunting his defeated foes who fled. "I assure you, Emir. Our blockade is very much intact thanks to the Falspawn and the Dark Falz leading them." Tuuk boasted as he sat on the ships command seat.
"Congratulations are in order then Captain, but do not underestimate the Jedi." Wat said before the communication ended between them.
For a moment it seemed like Tuuk was about to disregard him until he really gave Wat's words a thought. Thinking about what was said previously, Tuuk looked towards his commander battle droid and ordered, "Commander, bring me the archive data on General Skywalker. I need to learn more about our opponent."
"Roger, roger." The droid stated before heading off.
(Later in the Command Deck)
Anakin and Rex were seen as they were currently contacting Mace and Obi-Wan to update them on their assault. With them for this mission update was a hologram of Arthur who was in the ARK's fleet accompanying the Republic Fleet. Anakin was not having a good time with this at the moment. Ahsoka's failure to follow orders at the time had cost them big.
Anakin of course knew what Ahsoka was going through, he knew he was reckless but even Anakin knew when to follow orders. After all Anakin was a Padawan himself at one point in his career so he knew what Ahsoka was currently going through. Still that didn't excuse her for disobeying orders and now Yularen was in the medical bay and they had lost a ship with another one heavily damaged. It was a miracle they didn't lose any of the ARK's ships during the attack but even they had taken some damage during the battle.
"They caught us by surprise, master." Anakin reported as he looked to Obi-Wan and Windu. "We were outnumbered." Anakin confessed as Obi-Wan began to rub his shin in response looking over the battle.
"How many men did you lose?" Obi-Wan asked as he looked to Anakin worried for both Anakin and the men he lead into battle.
"We lost a cruiser, the Redeemer, and we lost half a squadron of fighters." Anakin reported as he looked to the Generals.
"ARK's had taken some heavy damages from this." Arthur chimed in as he looked to the Generals from his end of the communication link. "We are working on repairs as we speak." Arthur said as he looked to the Jedi Generals. "And you're Padawan?" Obi-Wan asked with concern over Ahsoka.
"No, uh, Ahsoka is fine. She's just recovering from the battle." Anakin said while trying to cover for her. "Losing her squadron was hard to take more so Persona was actively targeting her." Anakin said to which Obi-Wan had a theory while Arthur was also concerned.
"Is it possible Persona was trying to draw you out?" Obi-Wan asked to which Arthur spoke up.
"It's plausible." Arthur said as he looked to the group. "Dark Falz tend to be obsessive with their goals or desires it would not be outside the reason this Dark Falz may be related to Anakin somehow." Arthur said as this may narrow down their list to any ARK's operative who may or may not be romantically involved with Anakin or at the very least close to him.
"You're forces have been cut in half, Skywalker. If you can't break the blockade before the next planetary rotation, we will have to postpone the invasion." Windu said knowing that if that happens a lot of innocent people will die or worse.
"The Twi'leks on that planet can't wait forever master." Anakin argued knowing that innocent lives were in danger. "The longer the Techno Union keeps control of Ryloth, the more difficult it will be to free them." Anakin defended as he wanted to save those people at all costs.
"I agree. We don't have much time." Windu agreed and in turn the communication ended leaving Arthur and Anakin in the room.
Arthur looked to be thinking on something and in turn looked to Anakin. "General Skywalker I think I may have a plan." Arthur said to which Anakin looked to Arthur and nodded.
Anakin then directed his attention over to Rex before speaking to the Clone Captain directly. "Rex, see if you can find Ahsoka." Anakin ordered while looking over to the Clone who then nodded in response.
(Scene Break Medical Bay Ahsoka)
Ahsoka was looking over Yularen as she saw the Admiral was currently resting with gauss wrapped around his head. This was her fault if she had just obeyed orders and returned to the fleet then they wouldn't be short a cruiser with one heavily damaged. Ahsoka had come to med bay to check up on the Admiral feeling responsible for his current condition right now.
The young Padawan asking the medical droid to keep quiet of her being there, as she look down at the Admiral, and said, "Admiral, I am so sorry. They're all gone."
The Medical Droid had already informed her that he was stable but still the guilt was there for the Togruta. Just then Yuvel opened the door and began to enter the room. "Hey Ahsoka." Yuvel asked as he looked to the Togruta Jedi "How are things holding up?" Yuvel asked when he saw both the Jedi Padawan and the current patient one Admiral Yularen.
Taking note to this Ahsoka simply nodded. "Yeah." Ahsoka said as he looked to Yularen.
"It's not your fault Ahsoka." Yuvel said as he proceeded to put a comforting hand on the Jedi Padawans shoulder. "Just remember I was there too and the enemy blindsided us while Persona went straight for you." Yuvel said as he tried comforting the Togruta.
"I know it's just." Ahsoka began as she tried to say it but it was hard.
"Zurna once said that failure is the greatest teacher one can ask for." Yuvel said as he looked to Ahsoka who looked confused. "Said something about it being cold, direct, and blunt but being excellent to learn from." Yuvel added as he looked to Ahsoka helping her bounce back. "Sure we got out asses kicked but we can learn from this see where we went wrong and improve." Yuvel said as he then turned around to take his leave. "Anyway Anakin and Arthur are currently discussing their next plan of attack against the Separatists just in case you're interested in taking part." Yuvel said and in turn he took his leave leaving Ahsoka there.
(Later at the Resolute Hanger)
Anakin was working on the Jedi fighter hoping to see Ahsoka soon, as he fix up the ship the best he can as he was talking with R2-D2 as he said, "No R2, the other one." R2 beep out as the small droid gotten another tool out of its hidden compartments and hand it over to his master. "Yeah that one." Anakin said as he then takes the tool and continued working on the ship. "This'll do it." Anakin said as he continued to work on the fighter.
After Yuvel had left Ahsoka in the medical room Rex had showed up informing her Anakin was looking for her. "So you wanted to see me, Master?" Ahsoka asked as she looked to Anakin.
"Ahsoka, hand me that socket plug." Anakin said and in turn R2 gave the plug to Ahsoka.
"Here." Ahsoka said handing the plug over to Anakin.
"Thanks Snips." Anakin said as he took the part in question.
"How are you feeling?" Anakin asked as he still worried for Ahsoka.
"Oh, I'm fine, Master, just fine." Ahsoka said trying to get her mind off the previous battle.
"Ah, that's good to hear." Anakin said as he knew Ahsoka was lying no doubt to try and hide her own turmoil. "I'm gonna need you levelheaded if we're going to pull this thing off." Anakin said and in turn Ahsoka was confused.
"Pull this off? Pull what off?" Ahsoka asked clearly confused as to what Anakin could mean by this.
"I've been talking with Arthur and he said he had an idea. We're going to forgo the use of fighters in favor of ARK's method." Anakin said as Ahsoka was confused.
"In open space, I guess ARK's has a way for us to breath out there?" Ahsoka asked and in turn Anakin gave Ahsoka a lost look that also showed she was on point. "Wait ARK's DOES have a way to breath in space?!" Ahsoka asked in shock to the concept.
"So they claim." Anakin said as he then went back to working on the fighter.
"But how?!" Ahsoka asked as she looked to Anakin.
"Arthur will be explaining it to us in the debriefing." Anakin said as he wondered just how they can pull of space combat.
"But how?!" Ahsoka asked again and in turn Anakin sighed.
"Honestly I'm not too sure something about ARK's technology." Anakin said as so far ARK's have proven to be reliable but even this was pretty out there. After all how was one supposed to fight in space without a proper protective space suit? Anakin then took his leave as Ahsoka was trying to make sense of what she had just heard from Anakin.
(Scene Break Separatist Command Ship)
Back on the Separatist ship Tuuk was going over the data on Anakin that was downloaded into the data pad. "Not a conventional Jedi, to say the least, it would seem." Tuuk said as he went over the data they had on Anakin. After a moment of thought Tuuk knew what to do next. "Commander." Tuuk called to the Battle Droid with him.
"Yes, Captain?" The Droid asked as he awaited orders from Tuuk.
"Prepare all cannons and send the droids to their battle station." Tuuk ordered and thus the Droid understood.
"Yes sir." The Droid said and in turn began to head out before noticing something. "Um, Captain, are we under attack?" The Droid asked clearly confused about this plan of action.
"No, but if Skywalkers record indicates anything, he'll be back." Tuuk said as he was expecting Anakin's second attack to begin soon.
(Later the Resolute Strategy room)
*Insert Phantasy Star Online 2 OST Divide Quest Waiting Area
"Ok here is the plan. "We will employ the use of a killing thrust maneuver." Arthur said as he had images of their remaining fleet on screen. He was in the room via hologram with the ARK's ops who were on the Resolute at the moment as well as Rex, Anakin, and Ahsoka. "As you know the Defender has taken a great deal of damage prior to this, but we can use this to our advantage." Arthur said as he had the image of the Resolute taking the front row. "We'll use the Defender to act as a flying shield for the rest of the remaining fleet our goal isn't to save it but to make it last long enough to get the main attack going which will need our fleet to get in close." Arthur said as he then showed the rest of the fleet.
From the ARK's aspect he zoomed in on one of their ships as he produced the images for it. "All ARK's battleships are equipped with powerful Photonic cannons good for one shot before having to cool down hence why we have multiples in any battle fleet from ARK's." Arthur said as he looked to those in the room. The image of the ship then shrunk down to show two more just like it.
"The last ship will take the back row to act as support via any fighters they can send and act as an AIS' repair spot." Arthur explained as he already had crews heading to the remaining ship to provide the crew aid in handling the AIS'. "Once we get close enough our ARK's ships will open fire and blast a hole through the blockade." Arthur said as Rex then raised his hand.
"No offense sir but this sounds really reckless." Rex said and in turn Arthur nodded.
"And it is, the AIS squadrons will focus on the Vulture Droids, seeing our ships will act as drawing points for the Falspawn to converge on us." Arthur explained which basically meant one things. "The AIS will have to keep the Droids off us and provide aid when they can against the Falspawn." Arthur explained to the gathered crew.
"It's a good idea, we eliminate the commander and blast a huge hole through the blockade at the same time, larger than originally intended." Anakin said to which Arthur nodded.
"Yes and while the Falspawn converge on our ARK's ships ARK's Operatives will be on top of it fighting them off." Arthur added and thus Ahsoka had to ask, Arthur.
"Yeah one problem how are they supposed to keep from being blasted away or even be able to breath?!" Ahsoka asked knowing full well how crazy this sounded for them.
"With the Photon Field." Arthur said as he showed a simulated image of the aforementioned technology that ARK's would utilize. "The Photonic Fields is what ARK's use for specific space based combat bar AIS." Arthur began as he looked to the group. "We also use it to perform outward repairs to our ships but that is not what we are using it for here." Arthur explained as he looked to the group. "It what allows us to combat a Dark Falz but here we shall be using it to combat the Separatists and the Falspawn." Arthur added before he finally got to the end of the explanation. "The Photonic Fields allows for Gravity and life support to be provided to the Operatives which allows us to take the fight to enemy vessels and the Dark Falz without losing any of our AIS. Though the only risk is if the Operative ever gets beyond the borders of the Photonic Field." Arthur finished and thus everyone was whispering among themselves over this.
"So what this means is that while the ARK's Operatives are fighting the Falspawn in the Photonic Fields a squadron of AIS and fighters will take the fight to the Droids and any other flyers in the immediate combat venue." Arthur said and in turn he looked to the crew. "Any further questions?" Arthur asked as he looked to everyone.
"Yeah I have one." One of the clones called out as he raised his hand. "So while the ARK's operatives are in the field who's going in those AIS things?" He asked and in turn Arthur smirked to the group or would have if he had a mouth to smirk.
"That depends how quick learners are you?" Arthur asked as it was a risky move but it was worth a shot in their current situation. Hearing this everyone had a pretty good idea what Arthur was thinking of doing here. "Now I'll take volunteers for this and I'd prefer a mixed group for fighters and AIS for this. Reason I bring this up is because once the ship is rammed into the Separatist ship we'll need someone to retrieve the escape pod for its single pilot." Arthur said and in turn the Clones looked to each other and thus a brave few all began to step forward one by one.
But what shocked many was Ahsoka as she began to step up. For Ahsoka she was debating on taking part in this mission or not. She was clearly still hung up on the initial attack but something Yuvel said really got to her even if he got it from Zurna. 'Failure was the greatest of teachers,' His words echoed within. With this in mind Ahsoka figured that she can learn from her failure and make up for it in their second confrontation with the Separatists who currently control Ryloth Space.
"Good then crews prepare for battle." Arthur said and in turn they all got ready to head out to try again in breaking the Blockade and retaking Ryloth.
(Scene Break Later in the Ships Hanger)
Ahsoka was currently being given a run down on the AIS controls as she was being given instructions by an ARK's operative. For Ahsoka it seemed simple enough in fact it was similar to piloting a star fighter. The only major difference was that the fighter had arms and legs and few more controls available. As she repeated what the techie told her on the controls the mentioned techie nodded and headed down to prepare for the launch.
Just then Anakin began to climb up the ladder and in turn went to meet with Ahsoka. "How are you holding up Ahsoka?" Anakin asked as he looked to Ahsoka.
"Oh you know about to fly into battle inside a giant suit to face off against droids and monsters to break a blockade while you smash a busted up ship into said blockade while ARK's lets loose powerful lasers on the blockade." Ahsoka summarized the mission as Anakin smirked to this.
"Well I'm not going to lie I was hoping to pilot one of these things myself." Anakin said as he was a bit jealous of Ahsoka.
"Maybe next time Skyguy." Ahsoka responded to which Anakin smirked to his young Padawan Learner.
"Look Ahsoka I know you probably don't want to hear this after last time but." Anakin began but Ahsoka knew what he was going to say.
"All these men are counting on me, and this time so are you." Ahsoka finished for Anakin making him go wide eye to this.
"Seems I'm teaching you well." Anakin boasted a bit with a cocky smirk to her.
"Yeah let's just hope an AIS can do as good as a fighter." Ahsoka said as everyone got ready to move out and free Ryloth
(Later ARK's Ship Command Deck)
Arthur entered the command deck as he stepped forth and saw the bridge crew all awaiting him once more. "Statues report." Arthur ordered as he stood at the ships helm.
"All crews are awaiting your orders, repairs are complete, and AIS awaiting approval for deployment." A tech called out as she was going over the data.
"Medical teams are already securing those seriously injured and those with less severe injuries are awaiting the ok for deployment." Another tech called out as she was seen going over the data in question.
"Photonic Field generator is ready for the combat venue, emergency life support modules are set up for ARK's operatives, and all troops are prepped for combat." Another called out as Arthur nodded to her. "We are ready when you are Councilman Arthur." The techie confirmed as she looked directly at Arthur.
"Are the republic ships in position?" Arthur asked and thus another spoke up.
"Yes sir." Another said and in turn Arthur nodded and was ready to move out.
"Good." Arthur said and in turn was ready to move out. "ARK'S MOVE OUT!" Arthur ordered and thus the crew understood.
"ROGER!" The crew called out and thus they all got ready for combat once more to free Ryloth
*End OST
(Scene Break Separatist Command Ship)
Back on the Separatist Command Ship Tuuk was speaking with Watt over what he had discovered about Anakin. So far the Techno Union foreman did not believe that the Jedi would attempt a counterattack with our without ARK's aiding him. "Count Dooku has assured me the Republic forces are stretched thin in our sector. They should be unable to mount a counterattack. Any attempt to do so would be suicide." Wat said with a tone suggesting he had little to fear over this.
Tuuk wasn't convinced as from the information he read on Skywalker showed this was not the last he would hear from him. "Still, I am certain this Skywalker will return. He's ultimate defeat shall be my greatest victory." Tuuk said as the way he said it was in a way that confused the foreman.
"You admire Skywalker?" Tambor asked, surprised by the tone in the Neimodian's words.
"As a general, yes; his record shows he is a great warrior." Tuuk stated, not really disclaiming the accusation given to him by his superior. "And I want him to know it is I who has beaten him." He finished showing he was going to use this victory to push his career to its upper limits.
*Insert Phantasy Star Online 2 OST Divine Quest: As One mix
Just then the Republic and ARK's combined fleet appeared on screen with a new combat formation a very unorthodox formation. "Sir, an enemy ship is emerging from hyperspace." A battle droid reported to Tuuk, pointing to the inflamed ship.
"See, I knew he'd return." Mar Tuuk said with a cocky smirk on his face when he saw them arrive.
But as they saw the fleet approaching it was clear the fleet had no intention of stopping. But it was odd that they had their most damaged ship leading the charge despite it being on fire after its last attempt. "There is an incoming transmission, sir." The droid said pointing to the communications
"Put it through." Tuuk ordered and thus to his shock it was not Anakin who showed up but Arthur who appeared.
"Greetings, Captain. I am Arthur Rank of 1 on the ARK's Council of Six." The CAST greeted as he looked to the Captain. "As you may or may not be aware Skywalker and I are leading this assault on this blockade." Arthur said as he sounded calm and confident in victory being in his favor here.
"Well then Councilman Arthur I do wonder what is the curtesy of this call from the illustrious leader of ARK's?" Tuuk asked as he was prepared to deploy his squadron.
"A curtesy call, I'm offering you the chance to surrender and be tried fairly otherwise you'll find yourself on the receiving end of your blockades destruction." Arthur said as he held the sealed Yozora in his hands before him with the blade pointing to the ground and his hand resting on the Cosmogenic Arms pommel.
"After the last confrontation I highly doubt this will be any different." Tuuk said as Arthur smirked to the foe.
"Last time we were blindsided this time we have the advantage over you my friend." Arthur said with great confidence and thus he gave Arthur a deeper look. "I assume you are turning down my kind offer then?" Arthur asked and thus Tuuk scoffed to the CAST who threatened him.
"You assume correctly, Sir Arthur." Tuuk said and thus Arthur nodded to the opposing leader.
"Don't say I did not warn you." Arthur said before he ended the communication line.
"Deploy fighters!" Tuuk called out and in turn the Droids understood the order well enough.
(ARK Ship the Command deck)
"Activate the Photonic Field!" Arthur ordered and in turn the crew got working.
"Got it! Photonic Field!" The tech girl began as she typed in the commands on her console. "ERADIATE!" She cried out and in turn slammed her hand on to the big button on the techie's controls to activate the Photon Field.
(Space)
In turn the ARK's ships all began to glow before releasing azure blue particles into the vacuums of space. From there the particles spread around the combat venue and in turn the entire fleet both ally and enemy alike was inside the area for combat.
Atop of one of the battleships from ARK's Yuvel and his group of 12 all came out ready for combat. Once he took off his helmet he breathed in and found that the Field was working as intended. "It works!" Yuvel called out as the group removed their helms and found that the field did in fact work.
(ARK's ship)
"Photon distribution completed, Life Support operational; all systems are green!" A bridge tech called out as she was just happy to see their Photonic field was working as they hoped.
"In that case." Arthur began before addressing the entire crew. "ARKS BEGIN OUR COUNTER ATTACK!" He ordered and thus the crew all understood.
"Roger!" They all called and thus the battle began for them.
(Space)
Already Falspawn were heading to the three battle ships as laser fire was being sent off to any Vulture or Falspawn flyers floating about. Yuvel lead the charge as he began to hack and slash at the Falspawn who landed on the ships haul intent to keep them off their aces for this second assault.
Following it up was some of the Falspawn being frozen solid curtest of Laura who had her Rod held out against the foes. Following her up was Zurna as the Braver Deuman jumped n and slashed down the frozen Falspawn with her Katana. Once she sheathed the weapon the Falspawn fell apart and died before more showed up. Once this happened Zurna blocked the first few attacks from them before she was knocked back by them.
As Zurna rolled on the ground she managed to maneuver herself and get back on her feet to which her feet slid against the ship. Zurna She then had her bow out and in turn looked ready to fire off her arrows. But before this happened her body glowed green and she felt less pain before looking to Laura. Laura had casted a healing Technique and in turn the Deuman was able to fight further thanks to this. Smirking to Laura Zurna proceeded to aim her bow upward and fired it off before it changed and multiply ending it with a rain of Photonic arrows down upon the Falspawn.
Yuvel rejoined them and slashed through the Falspawn with his sword while the monsters were trying to regain their bearings. Nearby Reggie was seen hovering around as he fired off his rifle upon any incoming. As this happened he was then met with a wall of Falspawn in his way. But before he could growl a second CAST a female one hovered in with a cannon equipped to which she fired it off. The explosion sent the Falspawn all flying from it and from it the two stopped.
"Thanks." Reggie nodded as the female CAST nodded as she almost looked human.
"Your welcome." The female CAST responded and thus Reggie was grateful for her aid in this fight. She was blond and had a ponytail attachment of sorts. But her limbs showed that she was in fact a CAST just like Reggie. But just then a new voice was heard as someone charged in.
"Oi up front!" A Newman Gunner called out as he used Reggie as a spring board and began to fire his guns at the Falspawn. As the shots hit the Falspawn he landed on the ground and tipped his hat a bit like a cowboy of some sort. "Piece of cake." He boasted as he had an accent to his voice. Possibly Australian or British from the Newman. Nearby another CAST a skinny male one came in as he wielded a Glaive which he spun in his arms clearly ready to fight. The CAST then proceeded to attack the foe with his weapon doing some damage to the Falspawn as more kept showing up to fight. He then jumped back and threw his Glaive and saw how it spun around taking out multiple Falspawn as it did so. Once he caught it he stood with the Newman Gunner and smirked to this.
"You ok?" He asked looking to the Newman.
"Don't worry 'bout me mate, we still got a ways to go." The Gunner said and thus the CAST smirked.
"Whatever you say Lon." The CAST said taking a battle stance.
"Hey get down!" Came a new voice and in turn the male Newman and CAST quickly jumped away from the Falspawn attack on them. During this what looked to be a Photon based card flew past them and hit the Falspawn with an Explosive Technique. As the Falspawn were hit by it the duo looked and saw another Newman standing there with a Talis ready.
"Thanks Kaz." The CAST called out as he smiled to their friend. The Newman was dressed in an outfit that made him look similar to Casra II from Phantasy Star Online 2. Despite this he joined his allies smirking to them.
"Don't make me have to cover for you and Lon, Zion." Kaz said as Zion and Lon glared at him.
"Hey wow!" They both said until they saw another one. But before the boys could respond a female ARK's human came in with twin daggers and spun down with them. Once she took down the foe she smirked to the boys who got distracted.
"Jeez boys will be boys." She said and in turn she and her party regrouped.
"Chiyo!" The boys called out and regrouped with their party-mate.
Nearby the female CAST who fought alongside Reggie earlier had her cannon ready as she fired it off at some of the thicker Falspawn that appeared on this ARK's ship. AS she fired the Falspawn began to get to close for comfort and before she could respond another Newman female jumped in with a Gunblade equipped and slashed through them. Once she was done she fired at the few remaining ones with the same weapon now as a ranged weapon to give her friend some breathing room to continue fighting.
"Yuna." The CAST girl greeted to the Newman before her.
"Lana." Yuna greeted to her CAST friend with a nod. Just then another Falspawn was about to attack them but before they could respond to this a dog like creature came in and attacked the Falspawn attacking the monster while snarling and growling at it. Once this was done the group looked and saw a Deuman wielding a wand like weapon in his hand clearly the one ordering the creature.
"Dominique!" The two girls called out as the Deuman smiled to the two.
"Bonjour." Dominique greeted as he had a French accent to his voice.
"What am I chopped liver?!" Came a female voice that had an accent belonging to somewhere in the Asian Continent. From behind Dominique came a young woman in violet combat armor as she jumped over him torts a larger Falspawn. She had her Jet Boots active to which she used to produce and kick a fireball of Photons into the Falspawns face hitting said face. The Falspawn roared in pain as the girl landed before switching to a pair of Soaring Blades that she proceeded to use to cause damage to the foes surrounding her. Once she did this she smirked at her skills before and her party regrouped again.
"Must you show off like this, Houki?" Lana asked as she looked to the girl now known as Houki who smirked in response to Lana.
"Sorry I can't help if I always make an entrance when I show up." Houki smiled as she and her party gathered up once more.
"Ma chare's." Dominique began getting the girls attention. "We best, how you say, focus on the Falspawn." The French sounding Deuman said as he pointed his wand at the Falspawn like a rapier with his pet standing ready to attack.
"Got it!" The three girls said as they were ready for battle once more.
In turn the Three Parties began to regroup as all 12 of them were ready to take on the Falspawn that continued their attack on them. "Let's move!" Yuvel ordered and thus they all charged into battle to cause some damage. Each member of the group began to attack the Falspawn dealing major damage to them in their own unique ways fighting in unison and using combos in their attacks patterns when they could to stack effects off of each other.
Their combined strength was doing major damage to the Falspawn as they continued on with their attack on the monsters. Despite being three groups of four their combined might was showing the might ARK's possessed. As they continued Falspawn kept showing up but they were continuously fought off by ARKs and their strength.
(Space Battle)
The AIS commanded by Republic Troops were faring just as well as Ahsoka this time knew what to expect. She also knew what to do and was surprisingly figuring the AIS out quiet quickly here. Using the Force she let it guide her actions as she used the suit while she was fortunate that the Clones could retain short term memory so well for this.
The AIS were shooting their way through the Vulture Droids and slashing through the few that got to close for comfort in this confrontation. They flew through space taking out multiple Vulture Droids with missile volleys from the borrowed AIS's. As they continued to battle clearly the battle was going their way right now.
(Axe)
"Wow these AIS things run like a dream!" Axe called out honestly impressed with these ARK's based combat machines.
(Ahsoka)
"Careful Axe don't get cocky. My own cocky attitude is what got us in a bad spot last time!" Ahsoka called back as she led the squadron into battle from Yuvel's AIS that she borrowed.
"Understood Skipper." Axe responded and in turn Ahsoka saw multiple enemies converging on the ARK's ship.
"Yuvel you got Vultures closing in!" Ahsoka called out to warn the teams on the ARK's ship.
(ARK's Operatives)
"Incoming!" Reggie called out and in turn they were met with Vulture Droids coming down on the teams to attack. The droids went on and fired down and in turn they all either blocked the attacks as best they could or got out of the way of said attack.
"I got it!" Lana called out as she hovered in and fired her cannon at one of the Vultures using a homing rocket for the shot. Once the rocket fired off the Vulture found itself being chased by the rocket and was unable to counter it. The Vulture Droid was in turn hit by the rocket and destroyed as the mass of 12 cheered for the bullseye hit from Lana.
Just then more Vulture Droids showed up with several Falspawn accompanying them in this battle. The Falspawn landed and roared out before going for the attack on ARK's operatives. They went on the attack but they were of course deterred by the Vulture Droids raining down fire on the ships forcing them to duck and cover from the enemy attack.
"Ahsoka we need cover fire!" Yuvel called into his communicator before he slashed at one Falspawn with his sword before he stabbed another Falspawn.
(Ahsoka)
"We're trying but this thing is no Starfighter!" Ahsoka called out as she was still figuring a few things out on this combat unit. But before she could even fire another attack the Vulture Droids were hit by the Republic Cruiser making Ahsoka turn her head to the ship.
"Then allow us to provide you with assistance Commander." The Voice of Yularen was heard and thus Ahsoka smiled happy to see the Admiral was awake.
"Admiral!" Ahsoka called out as she was surprised to see Yularen was awake and clearly sounding quiet well now.
(Resolute)
Yularen was helming the ship as he saw how Ahsoka was adapting to the use of the AIS with the Clone Troopers in the battle. "Provide support fire we need to get those ships within firing range." Yularen ordered and thus the Bridge Clone nodded.
"Yes sir." The Clone said and in turn made sure the order was followed.
(Arthur)
"Ships are almost within firing range!" A Bridge tech called out as he saw how close they were to the enemy fleet.
"Keep it up, once we're close enough beginning charging procedures and get our Operatives." Arthur ordered and thus the Bridge crew nodded.
"Drop Ships are ready with medical crews on standby." Another Bridge technician called out and thus they continued with the operation to break the blockade.
(Anakin)
As his ship grew closer to the Separatist Command ship Anakin could hear alarms blaring in his face as he looked to the chaos going on. Seeing this he saw now was as good as time as any to jump so in turn he and R2 ran out of the command deck to an escape pod. While they ran the ship shook every now and again from the laser blasts from the enemy ships.
R2 blared as the Droids and Anakin took their leave fully aware it was time to go. As they ran for it the fact was clear that this ship had served its purpose to them.
(Later)
Anakin and R2 were both in the escape pod as they flew away from the scene. During this they saw how the Republic dreadnaught crashed into the Separatist Command Ship. "Well not what I would have done but close enough." Anakin said as he remembered how Arthur shot down his original plan before they had that strategy meeting before then. He never thought he'd see anyone passionate about honor in a warzone like that.
(Battle)
The ARK's Operatives all cheered as they saw the Separatist Command Ship explode from the collision. Just then the ARK's ship began to glow showing it was time to fire the weapon. "Time to go!" Yuvel called out as they were about to see some fireworks go off in this battle here.
In turn the groups all began to enter the ship and began to take their leave of the battle to get ready for the rest of the battle for Ryloth. During this the ships primary weapons were charged and ready to fire. The top of the ship began to curl up a bit to become like a gun barrel. Once it was done the Photon shot went off one by one hitting many of the blockade ships with its power.
With each ship that was hit the result left the Separatist Dreadnaughts exploding from the shots. As this happened the AIS and Republic bombers came in and began to finish the job against their foes. Their combined strength as well as their firepower began to tear through the blockade and soon enough they're combined strength broke through.
*End OST
(Ahsoka)
"Alright!" Ahsoka cheered to herself as she saw the event from inside the AIS she was borrowing from Yuvel. Through the communications she could even here Yuvel and his group all cheering in victory over breaking through the blockade that surrounded Ryloth.
Just then Rex was heard over the communications with an update for Ahsoka. "Commander, the invasion fleet is coming out of hyperspace." Rex said to which Ahsoka understood.
The Togruta then turned her attention in the direction that her master's fleet came from and saw Obi-wan's landing fleet arrive from hyperspace. "Ahsoka, this is Obi-Wan, may we begin our landing?" Jedi Master said from the Communications while announcing his arrival.
"Yes, Master. You're cleared for ground assault." Ahsoka stated as she was glad to have broken through the blockade before they had arrived.
"I won't even ask where the rest of Anakin's fleet is, or why he's in an escape pod." Obi-wan said in a voice that made it clear he honestly didn't want to know till later over what reckless plan Anakin had employed here.
"That's probably for the best." Ahsoka responded knowing it was going to be up there in stories to tell. "Rex, that reminds me, send a shuttle to pick up Master Skywalker." Ahsoka said, sheepishly, as she and her squadron continued to destroy the frigates.
(Anakin)
Anakin and R2 saw Rex, piloting a shuttle exited out of the Resolute's hanger and flew peacefully towards the escape pod where his Jedi general was awaiting. All the while Anakin was watching the scenery from his seat enjoying the show as it were.
"General, are you still there?" Rex asked as he picked up Anakin.
"Yep. I'm just sitting here watching the show." Anakin said as his escape pod was then magnetized to the bottom of the shuttle. They then began to fly back to the Resolute so to begin the next phase of the mission on Ryloth. Despite the previous hiccup ARKs and the Republic were now on the right track of taking back the planet and saving her people from oppression. But only the progress of this liberation will decide the fate of Ryloth and her people whom call it home.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well this took me a while but I'm glad I got it done. Now then you know the drill leave a review before leaving and as always folk's ja-ne.