Across The Stars
Chapter 14 of my story.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Walking Dead, Star Wars or their characters.
Chapter 14: War Council
The tension was palpable as all the Invisibles stood or sat within the Council Chamber, an even larger meeting room, where they had been informed of the situation on Ientor. Taking a moment to try and calm them down, Tripp spoke up.
"I know this isn't the most ideal situation; they know we're coming, they've set up an obvious trap with bait we can't refuse." He said. "This can only mean one of two things. They have something else planned, or they're overconfident. Regardless so long as we have a plan of our own and make careful use of our forces, we can overcome. Remember, we're not going there to start a war. We are going to rescue Javier's niece and sister in law and to recover the contents of the vault. After that, no matter what is happening with the Imperials, we will depart, understood."
There were a few murmurs before Eleanor stood up.
"Remember we still have one advantage, based on intercepted transmissions and the layout of what Shel and Becca were able to find for us, they don't expect us to have new members or to adopt any strategy other than to try and force our way onto the planet and attack their base." She told them. "Which is why we've come up with a different plan, it's risky, but it will be our best chance."
Everybody prepared to listen now, wondering exactly what this plan was and how it would affect their chances.
Conrad then began his part of the speech.
"Alright, it's risky, but it's a gamble we have to take, splitting into teams for this mission. Each will have their own objective and before any of you get your hopes up, there are now safe spots, each team carries its own dangers." He paused and then revealed the first team. "First, Tripp and I will be taking a crew with our ship The Liberty and we'll be backed up by Paul in his ship, The Dauntless."
Paul nodded. "Don't worry, I already have my crew set."
"Good." Conrad confirmed. "Our task is to distract the Impulse and ensure it cannot launch any attacks on our ground forces...even if that means taking the risk of drawing its fire."
"Meanwhile, The Eclipse and her crew will take our new recruits and land on the planet itself." Tripp revealed. "Your task is to draw the attention of the Imperial ground forces, draw them away from the base and the vault and keep them pinned down."
They all nodded although instantly Clementine noticed a change in expression come over Carlos and most of the Ericsons crew. She had a sneaking suspicion she knew what that was about.
"Javier, you and Gabe are being entrusted to go with the Eclipse and, once they've drawn the Imperials away, you will infiltrate the base and rescue your family." Tripp advised.
"You got it." Javi confirmed.
Finally, with a heavy sigh, Tripp turned to Clementine and she tensed, already aware that she wouldn't like where this was gong.
Tripp then spoke, his voice slightly softer as if trying to placate her.
"I understand that you feel you can't help us, that us asking you to aid in restoring the Jedi and Republic is too much. But you are the only one who can open the vault." He explained. "I am asking you, please, to aid us in this mission, to help us retrieve the contents of the vault and bring them back here for safe keeping, before the Empire claims them. That is all."
Clem sighed but nodded. "Alright, that I can do."
Tripp seemed to relax hearing that. "Thank you, then that is what we need you to do. Go with the Eclipse down to the planet's surface and, once the Imperials are distracted, make your way to the shrine, find the vault entrance and find out what's inside. We will need to make sure to salvage anything important."
Clementine nodded in agreement and Tripp turned to address the whole room again.
"Very well, then our plan is set, let us prepare to leave and may the Force be with us all."
They all stood up and began to file out, ready to make their preparations, Eleanor would be in charge while Tripp and Conrad were gone and would ensure those remaining kept things running smoothly. But Clem was more concerned upon seeing Carlos ushering Sarah away from the crowd, with the Ericsons crew doing the same for Tenn and Willy.
However Clem found herself caught up in preparations and was unable to find out what that was about, until they were in the hanger, doing their final checks.
"Um, guys, what's going on, where's Sarah, what about Tenn and Willy?" She asked.
"They're not coming." Carlos explained firmly.
Brody bit her lip and, in a softer tone explained. "It's too dangerous Clem, we can't risk Tenn and Willy's safety, especially after what happened to Marlon, and Mitch."
"Ah, I see...they wouldn't have liked that." Clem mused. 'Makes sense for Tenn and Willy. Sarah, well, I did always see Carlos as overprotective, so this is just yet another case of that.'
Louis shook his head. "No, they didn't, but they'll understand in the end it was for their own good."
Unseen by any of them however, Sarah, Tenn and Willy were quickly able to sneak aboard the Eclipse and take shelter in one of the hidden compartments near the back of the ship.
Shrugging her shoulders Clem merely replied. "I hope you're right, okay, let's do this."
They agreed and soon had everything on board and strapped themselves in as Pete set things up and they took off, along with the Liberty and Dauntless, Shel and Becca's smuggler craft also took off, they had surprised everyone by agreeing to help and would even join the ground assault forces to distract the Imperials, all without expectation of repayment for once. With everything set the four ships set their coordinates for Ientor and took off into hyperspace.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.
Alright, throughout the next week there will be a hiatus with no new uploads for this story as I want to properly work out the next part, which is of course that Star Wars staple, the big set-piece battle.