Act I
THE GALAXY AFTER PALPATINE
Two and a half months After the Battle of Courscant (ABC)
Courscant
It had taken two months, two long months of politicking, waiting, and political maneuvering, but somehow a peace was signed between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. In those months, the Republic had reconsolidated its forces, reestablished trade, and dispatched relief efforts to hundreds of beleaguered worlds across the galaxy, as the CIS had done the same for planets within its territories. It had been a tense time, with both sides of the galaxy wondering if or when the peace talks would collapse, and the ensuing offensives and campaigns that would ravage their homes. But by some miracles, the diplomats came to an agreement; involving the returning of territory, war reparations, and prisoner transfers. There had been one major request from the Republic that had been difficult to attain; the arrest of numerous Separatist generals for war crimes against the Republic and the galaxy at large. That last point had taken the final two weeks of debate, but in the end, at the behest of Count Dooku, the CIS negotiators had granted the Republic their concession.
As soon as the peace treaty, known as the Raxus Peace Accords, was ratified, a large Republic fleet was sent to arrest the Separatist leaders, now war criminals and renegades to the Confederacy. They were supposed to be gathered at Raxus Prime; a large junk world that held no strategic value other than the scrap metal in processed, but when the Republic fleet arrived, they found a lone communications satellite that broadcasted a single message: We will not go quietly, we will not come peacefully, and you will not force us to submit. The renegades had fled, scattering across the galaxy as the Republic began a massive manhunt within its borders. After two weeks, nothing had surfaced…yet; Republic High Command and the Jedi could both feel something brewing deep in their bones. Something was going to give, and soon.
On this day, Obi-Wan felt it more keenly than most days; a constant knot in his stomach that refused to go away. It had been there since he had awoken, through his meditations, and through his practice sparring with Anakin, but at least misery was enjoying company. Anakin was feeling it too, and as Master Plo Koon watched the pair dueling, he called for a halt.
"My friends, I have seen the heights of your abilities, but today I see the lows; you are distracted, unfocused, and off-balance. What troubles the both of you?" Plo Koon asked.
"I dunno, Master Plo, I just…it just feels like something's wrong, like something's about to happen and its looming over my head." Anakin said, scratching his head.
"I feel the same; like a disturbance in the Force that has yet to occur." Obi-Wan agreed. "I fear that we may be called to action soon."
"I'd rather be in action than sitting here with my stomach flipped upside down a dozen times." Anakin grumbled.
"Indeed, but a Jedi must remember that we do not seek conflict, merely resolve it, young Skywalker." Plo Koon counseled. Anakin nodded in agreement as the doors to the sparring rooms slide open and a clone commander walked in. Obi-Wan took stock of the man; he was broad, strong, and tall, even for a Fett clone, with an angry burn scar going diagonally across his face. His armor was colored a dark gray and it was composed of more armor plating than what most clones had, making him appear bulkier, and it was pock-marked and scarred in numerous places. He came to a stop before the three Jedi and snapped a salute.
"Gentlemen, Commander Prizefighter of the 83rd Heavy Legion, reporting." The announced.
"At ease, commander, what can we do for you?" Anakin said, eager to speak with someone who wasn't going to curb his desire for action.
"I'm here for General Kenobi, sir, but you might as well hear the news as well." Prizefighter stated. Obi-Wan noted that the professional veneer that the commander wore seemed, unnatural.
"Before we continue commander, when my former padawan says 'at ease' around us it means to be yourself." Obi-Wan said gently. Prizefighter stopped for a moment before visibly untensing.
"Thank you, sir. I'm reporting to you because you've been called up for a mission; one of the renegades has been spotted." And the feeling in Obi-Wan and Anakin's guts suddenly deepened.
"Who?"
"General Count Carcus Vork; one of the most pretentious and spoiled bastards the Seps ever let in." Prizefighter said bluntly, then realized what he had just said.
"It appears you and this General Vork have a history, commander." Plo Koon spoke before Prizefighter could apologize. "What's the situation?"
"General Vork and his forces appeared in the Derylon system a week ago; taking control of the system and jamming any communications to and from the system. A Republic patrol ship was sent to investigate and barely escaped being destroyed by the droid fleet, bringing us the data as well as a brief planetary scan."
"What is the significance of the Derylon system?" Obi-Wan asked.
"In terms of raw resources, next to none; Derylon Prime, the sole inhabitable planet, is a tundra covered rock that produces the most basic of mineral ores for nearby less developed systems. Its real value is in the Derylon Banking Affiliates; which transfers billions of credits between the developing systems and the rest of the Republic. Honestly gents, this is Vork's MO right here; fulfilling personal vanity." Prizefighter spat out the last sentence with undisguised hatred and disgust.
"Calm yourself, commander, do not let whatever personal vendetta on Vork cloud your judgement." Plo Koon cautioned.
"Apologies, sir." Prizefighter said quickly, coming to a more relaxed and resting standing position.
"So, I've been called to bring in the good general then, have I?" Obi-Wan asked the commander.
"Yes, sir; the 83rd Heavy Legion is at your disposal, as is our transport fleet." Prizefighter stated.
"Well then, it appears we have work to do. Anakin?"
"Yes, Master?"
"Rally the troops; we have a runaway to catch."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Two months, three weeks ABC
It had unfortunately taken longer than Obi-Wan had hoped to rally the desired forces; Anakin had been required to pull some…shenanigans as his former apprentice so aptly put it, in order to get what they needed. And while he had not been able to obtain all the forces he had wanted, he got the most important bits; Anakin's 501st Legion and his own 7th Sky Corps under Commander Cody, in addition to the more experienced vessels of the Open Circle Fleet. Now, they were underway, entering hyperspace for a three-day trip into the Mid-Rim Derylon System. Aboard the Obi-Wan's flagship, the Resolute, the Jedi held a conference to discuss the task before them. Assembled in the conference room were Anakin and Obi-Wan, Captain Rex, Commander Cody, and Commander Prizefighter.
The Jedi and their subordinates had quickly found out why the 83rd was referred to as the Heavy Legion; Prizefighter's unit was comprised of heavy infantry and armored vehicles. Their purpose on the battlefield could be either to take a position, hold it, or break an enemy line through sheer volume of direct fire. The clones of the 83rd were some of the most raucous, bawdy, and candid soldiers the Jedi had ever seen, and, when not around them, Prizefighter was the chief exemplar of that behavior. His men were relaxed around him, loyal, and did whatever was asked of them by their commander and officers. Typically seen following Prizefighter were two clones; Major Lance, his Executive Officer (XO) and second in commander, and the other being Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Mule. Lance was more like his commander, free, relaxed, and with an easy smile, whilst Mule lived up to his name; silent, reserved, watchful, and utterly stubborn and persistent when it was needed. Together, the command trio formed the beating heart and working mind of the 83rd.
However, standing in the conference room, they saw none of the relaxed, carefree attitude that was typically of them. Instead, they saw consummate professionals, ready to conduct their business. Prizefighter, having been assigned the mission first, took the lead in the war conference.
"Gentlemen, this is the planet of Derylon Prime," Prizefighter began, summoning the holoimage of Derylon Prime, "the sole inhabitable planet of the Derylon System. It is a rocky, windswept planet with tundra and evergreen forests, broken only by plains, rivers, mountain ranges, and the occasional body of water. In spite of the harsh terrain, this is a major financial and transportation hub for nearby systems, many of whom are little more than developing colonies and corporate mining facilities. As such, Derylon Banking Affiliates have access to a credit flow that reaches into the billions, making it a ripe target for pirates and the like. In this case, it has drawn the interest of General Carcus Vork, former Count of Serenno, homeworld of Count Dooku."
The commander pressed another button, changing the image from Derylon to General Vork. Before the assembled leaders stood a well-dressed nobleman, wearing a form fitting general's uniform with gold trim. His face was hawkish and smug, his eyes a bright and cruel green, and his mouth was wide. Prizefighter's fist involuntarily curled into a fist as he continued. "General Vork and I have had previous interactions on the planet of Rhen Var, back when I was in company command, and then at the battle of Vavasor in the Guido system, shortly after I had been placed in command of the 83rd. On both counts, Vork has proven himself to be a schemer, a murderer, and an escape artist. On Rhen Var, he held our sister company captive until he escaped, then executed the company with no survivors. On Vavasor, he held several towns at gunpoint until he withdrew his forces, then destroyed them with planted charges as we entered." Prizefighter took a deep breath, beating down the anger that was rising; Major Lance noted this and stepped forward.
"In the time General Vork has spent on the planet of Derylon, there is no doubt that he has had his forces dug into the existing population centers, prepared traps along major routes, and, knowing his tactics, rounded up the civilian population into makeshift prison camps near and around the major routes and population centers as….incentives to hold off our attacks."
"What is your suggestion then, Major?" Obi-Wan inquired. Lance sighed heavily.
"Direct assault on the droid positions; it means inserting troopers and heavy armor directly into enemy anti-air fire using our gunships. Casualties are expected to be forty percent or higher." The major said in a low tone.
"That's the plan?!" Anakin said incredulously. "I'm all for risky plans, it's what I do, but that's tantamount to suicide."
"This is what we're built for, sir," CSM Mule interjected, "hard combat in the most difficult situations possible. I understand if you don't want to commit the 501st to this situation." Anakin blinked; that was an insult to his clone legion if he ever heard one.
"Mule!" Prizefighter snapped; Mule merely nodded but seemed uncowed. Obi-Wan could tell he was proud of his legion…perhaps too proud.
"While I'm certain the 83rd would perform admirably in such a battle plan, Sergeant Mule, 7th Sky Corps and the 501st Legion, while not adverse to hard fought battles, do not share your sensibilities. Commander Cody, have you looked over the data Prizefighter forwarded you?" Obi-Wan said. Cody stepped forward.
"Yes sir; my command staff also pulled information from the Republic's databanks on General Vork; at last count, he was in possession of thirty ships; five Lucrehulks, twelve Recusants and Munificents, and his flagship, The Cunning Count. Total number of droid ground forces is estimated to be around one million, armor included. The patrol ship that entered the Derylon system was unable to confirm these estimates."
"How fresh is this?" Prizefighter asked.
"He was last seen a month before Courscant; so in all due likelihood these numbers have increased." Cody answered. "The Open Circle Fleet is well equipped to counter Vork's forces in space; on the ground, however, we cannot defeat through lengthy ground engagements."
"Huh, says you." Mule scoffed.
"If you would care to conduct wargaming scenarios with us, Command Sergeant Major Mule, I would value your input, but as of now you appear to be too busy brooding after your commander to assist my staff." Cody retorted. Prizefighter couldn't help but grin at Cody as Mule's eyes darkened. Anakin, Lance, and Rex joined Prizefighter in grinning at Mule's displeasure.
"Cody, your focus would be appreciated." Obi-Wan said firmly, putting an end to any further jabs between the two.
"My apologies sir; as stated, lengthy engagements against the droid forces would be ill-advised; there are too many of them to fight at once, and their numbers would overwhelm us. Instead, once we have landed on the planet, we draw the droid army out and destroy them on our terms." Cody said. Captain Rex stepped forward as Cody finished speaking.
"According to personal accounts from members of the 83rd and others in the GAR, General Vork appears to enjoy proving his "tactical superiority" over clones. What I, the 501st command staff, our opposite numbers in the 7th and 83rd believe is that the good general will attempt to outmaneuver us or face us in a pitched battle at one of the major city centers. We put forward the suggestion that we give the appearance of committing to a pitched battle, entertain the enemy for a good duration of time, then fall back. The droids will pursue and fall directly into killzones; designated positions sighted in by artillery, bomber support, and ringed with heavy armor. We'll break them apart there, then continue back to other killzones until the droids are destroyed, or General Vork retreats from the battle. I also recommend that we place the 83rd at the front of these engagements; your history with Vork may entice him further." Rex finished and looked to the Jedi for approval.
"How do we know that Vork will fall for our trap?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Master, if I may; what are the odds I would fall for those traps?" Anakin asked. Obi-Wan smiled.
"Captain Rex, do tell, did you use my former padawan as the template for your plan?" He asked.
"With respect sir, the clones of this task force would prefer to have our planning methods remain on a need-to-know basis." Rex said, not even allowing a hint of a grin nor a twitch of his lips crack on his face, nor did Cody.
"Hey hey hey, I made ONE joke about me, there's no need to pile on." Anakin said defensively. "Especially from my own legion!"
"I've never said an unfair word about you, sir." Rex said.
"You do know I can read your mind?"
"Do you say that to every clone captain under your command, sir, or just me?" Obi-Wan groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Cody, why are we the adults in here?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I assume it's the command nature General Skywalker creates, sir."
"Are you saying I'm boring, Cody?"
"I'm saying you win more than General Skywalker does sir."
"Okay, fun time's over," Anakin said, "what about after we trap Vork, what happens if we still have a large number of droids to deal with?"
"The 83rd's commander and staff correctly assume that General Vork will emplace his forces around major population centers and routes throughout the planet. While the terrain of Derylon is difficult to traverse, it is nowhere near impassible in most places. We'll send scouts in advance of our main drives to identify droid positions along the major routes, then have platoons use the terrain around the main roads to flank and destroy the enemy. Once we arrive at the major population centers, the 501st and the 7th shall support the 83rd in besieging the enemy." Cody explained. "While they are skilled, our legions do pale in comparison to the 83rd's ability to break an enemy position." Mule nodded, accepting the compliment.
"Then it appears our first duty is to defeat Vork's forces in orbit." Obi-Wan stated. "Anakin, shall we do it the normal way?"
"You lead the cruisers and I take the fighters?"
"Precisely."
"Don't want to join in this time, Master?"
"Anakin, the last time I flew, my interceptor was covered in buzz droids which you cleared out by almost blowing me to pieces, and then nearly having R2 cut apart by the droids. So no, thank you, I'll make sure Admiral Yularen has company." Obi-Wan said firmly. At this point, seeing the opportunity for a good joke, Prizefighter proceeded to instigate.
"General Kenobi, I have to ask for the sake of my legion; how often does General Skywalker get into trouble?"
"Rex?"
"About as many times as I've killed droids, sir."
"I hate both of you." Anakin said, throwing his hands in the air and leaving the briefing room.
"Meeting adjourned, arrival at Derylon in three days." Obi-Wan said, following Anakin as the clones snapped briefly to attention, waiting until the Jedi left to relax.
"Cody," Prizefighter said, "if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to run through a few of those scenarios with you; Mule and Lance will be joining me." Mule grunted; recognizing the peace deal his commander was making, but not fully accepting it. Cody nodded.
"I hear the 83rd doesn't fight like a normal heavy legion; perhaps Mule could teach us how you do business." Cody said, extending the metaphorical olive branch to Mule.
"Aye, I could; maybe you 501st and 7th boys can show us how to brawl without heavy support." Mule said, accepting the branch.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"What do you think, Master?" Anakin asked as they entered the bridge together.
"It will be a difficult fight, to be sure, but with the addition of the 83rd, it should be easier." Obi-Wan answered as a clone aide approached.
"Gentlemen, a message was just received; we have an additional legion joining us at the edge of the Derylon system; the 10th Legion under Commander Cortex." The aide said.
"The 10th Legion? What are their specialties?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Light infantry, recon, difficult terrain fighting, things of that nature. Commander Cortex said, that, and I quote "Prize wouldn't mind me running circles around his head some more."
"I like the sound of this Cortex already." Anakin said.
"The last thing I need is more clones acting like junior officers around you." Obi-Wan said in despair. "Very well, adjust our heading for the edge of the system, and inform the commanders to adjust their planning for a legion such as the 10th."
"Shall I not tell them who the commander is?"
"I'm feeling like Anakin today; keep it a surprise."
