Across The Stars
Chapter 34 of my crossover story, enjoy.
Reviews
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks, yeah, it's about to get a lot deeper.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks, glad you liked it :)
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Walking Dead, Star Wars or their characters.
Chapter 34: Tense Negotiations
Tensions were high amongst the Invisibles high command as Clementine delivered her warning. They were debating what to do.
"We need to evacuate, if they'll actually be here any time we'll be slaughtered." Nick remarked worriedly.
Conrad shook his head. "We don't even know how far away they are. We could get caught the moment we leave the planet."
Eleanor sighed. "But, don't we have allies...I…"
"They'll take too long to get here to help us. Standing and fighting isn't an option." Tripp explained firmly. "But now it seems like fleeing is also going to be a problem."
Clementine looked around at everyone, trying to think what to say, to read the room and figure out the best course of action. All members of the Ericsons crew met her gaze, they looked anxious but determined, it was clear no matter what happened, they'd be sure to go down fighting. Pete and Nick sat at the opposite end of the table from Conrad, Eleanor and Tripp, all still debating things as Javi stood to the side with Gabe, Mari and Kate. They all looked grim, as did Shel, Becca and their fellow smugglers.
'Everybody is so sure we've reached the end, that we're staring death in the face, but they're still not giving up.' She noted to herself.
Even Sarah and AJ, who stayed by her, along with Rebecca wore similar anxious expressions but did not betray their fear. Clementine couldn't help but wonder, how bad things were going to get and would these allies be able to make any difference even if they were able to arrive in time.
Shaking his head Tripp turned to Clementine.
"You're absolutely sure it was Eli who betrayed us?"
Clementine nodded. "Yes...and he's paid for it with his life. I guess they got all they wanted out of him."
Tripp bowed his head. "I still can't believe he'd let himself get into this sort of situation. Now we're...Well, we'll have to decide what to do, but regardless I'll send word to some friends of ours. Hopefully we'll find something-"
At that moment the door opened and Paul rushed in, followed by Max.
"We've got a transmission...not intercepted, it was sent straight to us...It's Vader's Fist." Paul revealed.
There were gasps at this and Tripp leapt to his feet. "What, how…?"
Max shook his head. "I don't know, but they're demanding to speak to you, boss."
Tripp sighed heavily but nodded and they hurried to the communications room. Once they entered they realized it wasn't just some communication, it was an actual broadcast, this was happening right now.
"So, do I have the pleasure of addressing the leader of the Invisibles?" The man standing before them on the monitor spoke.
Tripp swallowed. "You do...Tarkin."
That sent a ripple through the room, very few people present didn't recognize the name.
"You should be aware by now that the reason I am contacting you is-"
"Is to gloat about how you've found us and are coming to destroy us." Tripp interrupted.
Tarkin didn't even seem fazed. "So you already know, good, that'll save us time. We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
Clem watched carefully, unsure what to say right now, or if she should even risk talking.
Tarkin continued however, leaving her not having to worry about it.
"We are on our way to deal with you. Before long we will have the entire planet of Valunt under watch from our fleet." He explained. "If you hand over the three Jedi Holocrons in your possession, I will spare your life. If not, then all of you will die, simple as that."
Tripp grimaced, looking around at everyone else, his gaze lingering on Clem, who seemed deep in thought. Suddenly her eyes widened and she nodded to him.
Tripp looked back to the monitor. "I request time to discuss this matter with my people."
"You have until we arrive. If we do not receive confirmation by then, we will take it as a refusal." Tarkin confirmed.
Tripp nodded and signalled Max who closed the comms so Tarkin couldn't hear them.
"Clementine, we can't just give them-"
"Trust me, we can make use of this." She said. "We're buying time, time for your allies to arrive."
Max looked up at that. "I already sent word to them and they replied, they're on their way."
Tripp nodded and signalled for the comms to be put back up.
"Alright Tarkin, you have a deal, we'll hand them over." He said.
Tarkin nodded. "I'm glad we have an understanding."
With that things were cut off and all eyes turned to Clementine.
"Okay, everybody here, needs to be ready to meet them when they arrive...the rest of the Invisibles, need to lie in wait, ready to act at a moments notice." She explained.
Tripp smiled. "I think I see what you're getting at, we'll do that. Shel, I know you and your smugglers aren't involved in this, I-"
"Don't worry, we'll help out. We'll stay with the others and keep watch." Shel confirmed.
Becca nodded in agreement and the other smugglers voiced their approval.
"Sarah, go to the shrine, I'll meet you there soon." Clementine said. "When they land, tell them to send Violet and Minerva to the shrine, they'll get the Holocrons there."
She glared at Carlos as she finished, expecting him to argue. But, to her surprise, after a moment's eye contact, Carlos breathed deeply and nodded, seemingly giving up arguing. They had to hurry and get to work setting up their plan.
A short while later, Clementine exited her room, holding a sack, almost running into AJ.
"Clem!" AJ cried.
She smiled. "AJ, there you are. Your mom keeping an eye on things with the others?"
AJ nodded. "Yeah, she's making sure her blaster is ready. Clem, you never told me what to do, shouldn't I be with you and Sarah, I-"
"No AJ, I...I actually have a task for you." Clem said. "I need you to take this bag and hide on the Eclipse."
AJ narrowed his eyes. "What, Clem, I-"
"Please, AJ." Clem insisted, handing the sack to him. "This is very important, you have to hide with this sack."
Seeing her seriousness, AJ sighed and took the sack, biting his lip he looked up at her.
"Alright, I trust you...But what's in this?"
Clementine looked around and then spoke, revealing the truth about her plan to AJ. "It's the real Holocrons."
AJ's eyes widened and then, understanding, he hurried to the Eclipse at once and Clem, praying this gamble would work, made her way to the shrine.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.