Hammerhead Cruiser; Lothal System
Leia POV...
Our three hammerhead class corvettes came out of hyperspace, slowly approaching Lothal, where an Imperial light-cruiser sat waiting for us. Our pilots continued forwards confidently at a steady pace, despite the TIE Fighters approaching.
"Well, seems a little lonely out here," the voice of my handmaiden and good friend spoke from beside me. She was dressed up in an Alderaan colored navy blue handmaiden's dress with the loose hood up, covering most of her head, signifying her status as one of my handmaidens, although I don't really have any other than her. She's always been one of my best friends, and one I've come to see as sort of a mentor as well.
"I'll say, although I've heard some good things about the rebel group here from Fulcrum and my father," I reply with a small smile.
"Oh I'm sure they're good, considering that a certain someone has taken a keen eye with them," she replies.
"You mean Jarik Shan?" I deduce with a knowing look at the Tholothian woman. She smiles wistfully, a look on her face that I recognized as one of longing and fondness. "Sorry if I brought up any bad memories," I quickly say in apology.
"No need to apologize Leia," she reassures with a smile. "Knowing that Jarik and Ahsoka have helped this group is... a wonder, to say the least. They're great mentors, and good friends of mine from the time that I knew them," she replies.
I smile lightly back at her before the intercom buzzes to life, as the Imperial cruiser establishes contact with us.
"Attention, this is Lieutenant Lyste," the officer introduces. "Lothal is now a restricted system by order of the Emperor. Identify yourselves immediately."
I guess its a good thing my father's status in the Imperial Senate lets us get into such places. Always helpful.
"Greetings Lieutenant," the pilot replies respectfully. "We come bearing relief supplies for the citizens of Lothal. Our mission is sanctioned by the Imperial Senate."
"I wasn't informed of your visit, nor do you have a landing permit," he replies suspiciously.
"Send the permit to him pilot," I tell him, and he nods, beaming the permit to the light-cruiser.
"Although something tells me that this is what Jarik or Ahsoka do on a daily basis," she mutters quietly to me, and I resist the urge to snort in laughter.
Moments later, the Imperial officer replies in confirmation of the permit. "Your landing has been granted, and fighters will escort you to the Jalath City Depot for processing. I'll see you there," he tells us.
I step forward to reply to the lieutenant. "This is Princess Leia Organa. I look forward to it Lieutenant," I announce, before glancing at the pilot. "End transmission," I tell him, and he swiftly does so.
"Well Katooni, there's no going back now," I remark.
"No there isn't Leia," Katooni replies.
Imperial Shipyard; Jalath City; Lothal
3rd person POV...
Kanan and Ezra both rode into the shipyard undetected on their speeder bike, while the three hammerhead cruisers came in for a landing. Stopping behind a large pile of crates, the two got off and made sure they were in uniform, before peeking out to get a look at the cruisers touching down on the ground. Ezra was appalled.
"Those, are our reinforcements? some old transports?!" he asks incredulously.
"In our position, you take what you can get kid," Kanan replies. "Besides, Hera once told me how she heard that Jarik, Ahsoka and Mara managed to find and steal a whole Separatist cruiser from the Clone Wars."
"Well then why don't we get that as our reinforcements?" he demands.
"You cant just land one of those warships here," Kanan retorts, rolling his eyes. "Besides, Senator Organa is supposedly keeping it secret until te rebellion needs it, as a last resort," he adds. Ezra sighs, but nods in understanding.
"If you say so," he says, although a little reluctantly.
Once the cruisers had all touched down, the two of them both rushed up towards the entrance ramp of the middle ship, keeping a wary lookout for anyone who might be watching. The door then opens to reveal a young girl around Ezra's age, along with a Tholothian woman clad in a navy blue dress, standing slightly behind the girl. Upon seeing the woman however, Kanan frowns slightly, feeling something off about her, but hidden.
"Excuse me, miss? Uh, where's your commander?" Ezra asks, lowering his helmets face mask.
However, Leia gave him an amused, but unimpressed look, while Katooni smiled softly to herself, sensing the boy to be a Jedi-in-training. Of course, she already knew this thanks to Senator Organa, as did Leia.
"Not much of a welcoming committee," she comments dryly.
"It would not seem so my lady," Katooni replies in amusement.
Leia steps past Ezra, who's face falls in light annoyance, and looks up at Kanan. "Trooper?" she asks.
Kanan takes off his helmet, and offers Leia a smile. "I'm Kanan, and this is Ezra. We're from Phoenix Squadron," he tells her.
"I know who you are," Leia says immediately, before raising an eyebrow at him. "And unless you want the deck officer to know too, I suggest you keep your mouths shut," she adds, making a zipping motion with her lips, before walking away, Katooni in tow.
"Excuse me?" Ezra questions in disbelief, irritated.
"I'd do what she says youngling," Katooni replies softly, smiling down at him before falling in line with the princess.
"Youngling?!" he exclaims incredulously, gawking at the two ladies.
Kanan grins to himself in amusement, and places his helmet back on his head, holding his blaster high. "You heard them, shut it! Youngling," he teases, walking past him.
Ezra frowns grumpily before covering his face again, and the two step in line formally behind Leia and Katooni.
"Deck Officer, I'd like to start distributing my relief aid," Leia asks the commanding Stormtrooper.
"Stand by. My orders are to inspect the cargo for contraband, and detain these vessels until the lieutenant arrives," he informs them, before turning to the troopers behind him. "Scanning crew, move out!" he orders.
The three stormtroopers walk off to the cruisers, leaving Leia and Katooni with Kanan and Ezra, who walk up behind them.
"Well, this plan's off to a good start," Kanan says sarcastically.
"As a matter of fact Kanan, the plan is going just how we want it too," Katooni reassures him.
"So... who are you?" Ezra asks, and Kanan glances at him in annoyance.
"She's a good friend of mine," Leia replies, before glancing at them. "Where's the rest of your team?"
"They'll be here, eventually," Kanan informs her.
Leia nods, a content smile forming on her face. "Good. Then you can steal my ships."
"What?!" Kanan and Ezra both ask in bewilderment.
An Imperial shuttle then comes down for a landing in front of them before they could ask any more.
"We'll explain later, but first I have to deal with the Lieutenant," Leia tells them firmly. "Follow my lead, and try and keep up with us."
"Do that, and the ships will be all yours," Katooni adds with a small smirk, before she and Leia walk off to greet the lieutenant.
"Why does she get to give orders? I don't get to give orders!" Ezra complains as they watch the two.
"Do you ever listen to yourself?" Kanan retorts, playfully nudging his helmet before following after the girls. Ezra crosses his arms in annoyance.
"Yes, and I happen to be very interesting!" Ezra protests grumpily.
The Imperial shuttle comes to a landing, and out walks Lieutenant Lyste at a brisk pace, flanked on either side by two stormtroopers. Both parties greet each other in a formal manner.
"You must be Leia Organa, princess of the royal house of Alderaan," he states.
"And aide to my father, Senator Bail Organa," she adds sternly.
Lyste regards her impassively before glancing at Katooni. "And you are?"
"Kaia, a handmaiden to Princess Leia sir," she tells him with an incline of her head.
"I come with relief supplies for Lothal's needy, who are suffering terribly as a result of the rebel insurgency here. Surely you don't want innocents to starve?" Leia questions rhetorically.
"No, of course not," Lyste replies with a smile, something Katooni can easily see through, sensing he doesn't care at all for the civilians. "Lothal has indeed suffered, as has Alderaan. From what I hear, your ships have an unfortunate habit of falling into rebel hands. I assure you, that will not happen on my watch."
From behind the shuttle, moving platforms head towards the hammerhead cruisers, transporting a large mechanism. The group of undercover rebels watch in surprise and wariness as the mechanisms are brought towards the ships, and then magnetically inserted against the feet, clamping down and locking them into place against the ground.
"Gravity locks? This is hardly necessary," Leia protests with a frown.
"I insist," Lyste replies firmly. "Plus, a trooper detachment, and for extra security..."
They then look over to see a Gozanti cruiser approach, and then drop off two AT-AT walkers, which slowly stomp towards the ship, keeping a close eye over everything. Ezra and Kanan are gaping in shock, while Katooni and Leia are more worried, a heavy sense of dread and uneasiness filling them, though they try to keep their expressions hidden from the imperials.
"...walkers, will guard your ships from the rebel insurgency," he finishes smugly. "All for your safety, miss."
Katooni and Leia both share a look, the former giving her a brief, encouraging nod. Leia steels her face into a determined frown, and then glances back at Lyste.
"It's 'your highness,'" she snaps at him, turning around. "As my ships are detained, I will require your shuttle to begin my work."
Lyste's confident expression falters, and he glances at her uneasily. "Oh, umm, my shuttle? Certainly I could arrange for other transportation-"
"With all due respect sir, I'm afraid the princess meant your shuttle," Katooni interrupts softly., causing Lyste to glance at her in annoyance.
"Yes, your shuttle," she agrees sternly. "I need to leave immediately," she says, glancing back at Kanan and Ezra, who stand at attention. "You two! Bring those supplies and escort me to the trauma area at once!"
"Yes ma'am! Right away!" Kanan replies, deepening his voice. He and Ezra then shuffle behind the two large crates and begin pushing them, following after Leia and Katooni. They all board the lieutenant's shuttle and quickly take off, heading for a rendezvous point with the rest of the Spectres.
Kanan sat in the pilot's seat of the shuttle, directing them towards their hideout, while Leia sat in the copilot's seat. Ezra and Katooni both sat in the chairs behind them, and the latter had now pulled down her hood.
"I hate to say it, but whoever came up with this plan severely underestimated the Empire's security," Kanan remarks.
Leia glances down for a moment with a sad, guilt ridden look on her face. "I'm sorry," she apologizes.
"Don't be," Kanan replies.
"It wasn't your fault Leia, we couldn't have expected this to happen," Katooni reassures her.
"Yes it was," she insists. "This was my plan."
"Our plan," Katooni reminds her softly with a smile.
"We need those ships," Ezra speaks up. "Why didn't you just hand them off to us in deep space?"
Leia and Katooni both turn around in their seats to look at him. "You don't understand, it's not that simple," Leia says. "If the Empire could prove Alderaan provided ships to the rebels, we'd lose our seat in the Senate, and be charged with treason."
"But, if we had it so the ships were stolen on an Imperial controlled world," Katooni adds.
"Alderaan would be blameless," Kanan finishes in realization. "Have to admit, that was a good plan."
"Well, now we need a new one," Leia decides.
Frowning thoughtfully to himself, Kanan turns around in his seat to look at Katooni.
"Say, Kaia..." he starts, before she interrupts him.
"Katooni. My real name is Katooni," she admits.
"Really?" he asks in confusion. "Uhh, why the need for secrecy?"
"It's a long story, but it would be a good idea if the Empire didn't know my real identity," she explains.
Kanan nods, still confused but accepting it. "Alright. Well, Katooni, should I know you from somewhere? You feel a little bit... familiar, I don't know."
"What do you mean?" Ezra asks, while Leia watches, a little concerned, but not worried.
"No Kanan, I don't believe we do know each other," she replies calmly. "Although, we do share a mutual acquaintance."
"A mutual acquaintance? Who?" he asks.
Before they could continue, Ezra's comlink starts to beep, and moments later, the beeping voice of Chopper comes through the transmission.
"Yeah, what is it Chopper?" he asks.
Chopper beeps back urgently in reply, causing the group to frown in worry.
"Stormtroopers?" Ezra replies in surprise.
As the shuttle flies over towards the rocky areas to come in for a landing, they notice a platoon of stormtroopers with at least three troop transports in their landing area.
"Well this looks interesting," Katooni says.
"Friends of yours?" Leia asks the two.
"Not for much longer by the look of things," Kanan replies with a frown.
"What are we going to do?" she asks in concern.
"This time, you follow my lead," he says firmly, getting up from his seat and heading for the exit.
Leia glances at him in a small amount of surprise, before looking over at Katooni, who shrugs casually in response. After a moment, they all get up and follow after Kanan, getting into character as Ezra puts his helmet back on, and Katooni raises her hood.
Leaving the shuttle, they walk calmly over towards the commanding stormtrooper, alarmed at seeing Governor Azadi being held captive by more troopers behind him. Several feet away, Chopper waves at them from behind another stormtrooper.
"This is a secure site. State your business," the commanding stormtrooper demands.
"I'm taking the princess, ambassador here, on a, uh scouting mission for possible refugee relocation," Kanan stutters.
'I'm thinking R5 did a better job,' Katooni thinks to herself.
"This is not a safe area for you," the commander replies firmly. "There's a lot of rebel activity here at the moment."
"Well, we're finishing our survey, so we can take these prisoners back to Jagath for you," he suggests in reply.
"That won't be necessary. We have orders to terminate one of them immediately," the commander informs them, much to their alarm.
"Hold on trooper!" Leia speaks out in concern, stepping forwards. Katooni follows, stepping in line behind her. "As a representative of the Senate, I demand to know what this man has done."
"He's a fugitive from an Imperial prison. Now depart immediately for you own safety," the commander orders. "Where you find one rebel, there are usually more."
Nearby, Chopper suddenly rolls forwards with urgent beeps, and starts to spin around crazily. Everyone looks at him in confusion, but Kanan and Ezra both get what's going on instantly.
"Chopper's receiving a signal. And you know what that means," Kanan mutters.
"Hera's here!" Ezra finishes eagerly.
A shadow then covers the whole group, followed by the sound of engines, causing everyone to look up. Hovering above them is the Ghost, which opens fire on the stormtroopers, causing everyone to scatter. Katooni quickly shoves Leia out of harms way as a transport is blown up, spewing dust into the air, and Kanan and Ezra follow them.
"More friends of yours?" Leia exclaims.
"Yeah, I'm a likable guy!" Karan replies.
"Too likable," Katooni retorts.
"Hey!"
"Now go get that man, who I'm sure is a part of your group!" she exclaims, ignoring him.
Karan grumbles to himself but quickly rushes over to Ryder, who is crouched beside the destroyed transport. He roughly grabs him by the arm and pulls him to his feet.
"You're coming with me!" he exclaims with a fake growl, rushing him back towards where the rest of the group is taking cover.
Taking cover behind a destroyed transport, the group watches as the Ghost comes to a landing, and the ramp lowers to allow Sabine and Zeb to charge out, firing at the squad of stormtroopers, who quickly attempt to retaliate.
"Huh, your friends are pretty good," Katooni remarks, and then as an afterthought: "I've seen better."
"How could a princess's handmaiden like you have seen a battle plan better than this?" Ezra exclaims in bewilderment.
Katooni only smirks mischievously in response.
"Zip it Ezra, it's not that important right now," Kanan tells him.
"You know, your friends might shoot you wearing that armor," Ryder points out.
"Not a bad idea governor," Kanan replies, an idea popping into his head. "Take the princess hostage!"
"What?!" Ryder replies in bewilderment.
"If I'm seen escaping with you, I'll be labeled a traitor. You have to take me prisoner!" Leia realizes.
"Wait, but what about Katooni? I doubt it'd be believable that Ryder could drag two people, no offense," Ezra points out.
"I'm not weak y'know," he retorts with a frown.
"But he does have a point," Kanan reminds him.
"Don't worry, I can make it seem believable for myself," Katooni says.
"You sure Katooni?" Leia asks in concern.
"You know me Leia, besides, I've been through worse," she reassures her with a smile.
"Ok seriously, are you even a handmaiden?!" Ezra exclaims incredulously.
"Later Ezra!" Karan replies in exasperation.
"Alright, we'll you better make it look good then. I'll warn Sabine!" he says, stepping out for Sabine to see.
He then makes a hand gesture, signaling to her that the plan is going into effect. After a nod from Kanan, Ryder then shoves him onto Ezra, sending them sprawling across the ground. He then grabs Leia by the wrist and starts pulling her with him towards the Ghost.
"Help! commander!" Leia calls out in false terror.
The commanding stormtrooper takes notice and aims his blaster at Ryder, only to be stopped by Kanan and Katooni.
"Don't shoot, he has the princess!" Katooni yells, running after Ryder.
"Hold your fire! She's my responsibility! I'll get her back!" Karan exclaims, stepping in front of the commander before charging after them, Ezra following.
As Ryder boards the ship with Leia in tow, Katooni, Kanan and Ezra dash for them, before Zeb steps forwards with a smirk on his face, and brings out his bo-rifle.
"No, Zeb wait, easy!" Karan exclaims in alarm, sensing his intention, however he was bashed in the gut and chest, knocking him unconscious.
"Web, that's Kanan!" Ezra yells in bewilderment, before also being knocked out cold with a blow to the head.
"I know," Zeb says in amusement.
He was then shoved away harshly by Katooni, knocking him against the wall with a growl.
"Release the Princess!" she declares, before adding in a quieter voice. "Take me captive!"
Zeb growls, before stopping for a moment in confusion. "What?!"
Underneath her helmet, Sabine rolls her eyes and then aims her pistol at Katooni, shooting a stun blast in her direction. The wave of blue energy hits her, and she collapses to the ground.
"Come on Zeb!" she exclaims, dragging Katooni's arm and pulling her inside. Zen grumbles to himself but then grabs Kanan and Ezra's arms, pulling them into the ship.
Back outside, two of the stormtroopers were very confused.
"They're taking prisoners?" one of them asks.
"They do that now?!" his partner replies in bewilderment.
The Ghost's ramp then closes, and the ship takes off into the air, blowing up Lieutenant Lyste's shuttle for good measure, and the Phantom follows after it. Both ships then blast off into the sky, home free.
"Karan, wake up! Kanan!" Zeb says, crouched beside Kanan, who was laying on the ground. Ezra was sitting up, wincing in pain as he rubbed his jaw. With a pained groan, Kanan slowly wakes up and rubs the back of his head.
"How's your face?" Zen asks with a grin.
Kanan glares angrily at him. "Why did you hit me?!" he demands.
"Well, you had a helmet on," he replies casually.
Ezra groans in pain. "Did you have to hit us so hard?" he complains.
"Hey, you wanted it to look good," he defends himself, still grinning.
"Where's the princess?!" Karan demands angrily, getting to his feet alongside Ezra.
"In the cockpit with Hera," he replies.
Karan moves to head in that direction, before he and Ezra both notice Katooni lying still on the ground nearby. He widens his eyes in alarm, before whipping around the glare at Zeb.
"Please tell me you didn't hit her too!" he exclaims.
"Oh she's fine, Sabine shot her with a stun blast!" Zen tells them. "She'll wake up in another few minutes."
"I'm actually awake," Katooni suddenly says, leaping to her feet calmly, and brushing off her dress.
Zen yelps in surprise, while Kanan sighs in relief.
"What?! How are you already awake?" Zen asks in bewilderment.
"I was never fully knocked out," she replies with a casual shrug, flicking a piece of dirt off her shoulder.
"But you were stunned!" Ezra adds.
"Believe it or not, this is far from being my first fire fight," she says, before walking off. "I'll be with the princess in the cockpit if you need me!"
The three all watch her go in mixed expressions of confusion and bewilderment, although Kanan's eyes are narrowed, still unable to figure out why she feels strange whenever he tries to sense her.
"Are you sure she's just a handmaiden?" Ezra asks him.
"I don't know Ezra," he replies warily.
Katooni POV…
Leia and I followed Hera and Ryder out of the cockpit after a brief discussion.
"I owe you my life. You have my gratitude," he was saying.
"It's the least we could do after leading the Empire right to you," she replies warmly.
We look around the interior of the Ghost for a few moments, before another conversation close by gets our attention.
"We heard what happened. Sorry kid," Zeb was telling Ezra.
"At least now you know," Sabine adds, patting him gently on the shoulder. Karan was with them to, and Ezra's back was to us.
"Yeah. I guess I just need some time," he says glumly, and I sense sadness and longing from him. I look at him sadly, knowing the feeling all too well, and it stayed with me for a long time after I lost my clan…
The group then separates, and we watch Ezra walk quietly into the cockpit, sharing a sad look with each other. Karan then approaches us, and we turn to him in concern.
"Is he alright?" Leia asks him.
"He'll be okay. He just lost some people close to him," Kanan explains sadly.
I nod my head in understanding. "He's mourning them. I know that feeling all too well," I admit, and Leia gives me a look of sympathy, to which I smile at her reassuringly.
"It's a challenge being his age and having so much responsibility." Karan continues.
"I know that feeling," Leia replies with some exasperation.
"Maybe he could use a friend," he suggests, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I think it would be a wonderful idea," I add in agreement.
Leia looks at the both of us for a few moments, and in that gaze, I remember just how young she really is, still just a young girl. She'll always be that young, innocent girl with a pure heart in my eyes, something I've strived to keep in her for as long as possible. Sadly, with the responsibility she has, there's only so much you can do for young kids. I lost the privilege of innocence when I watched my clan mates die at the Temple… and when Petro was impaled through the heart at the end of a blue lightsaber.
Leia looks at the cockpit door, contemplating, before moving forwards to enter, going to talk to Ezra. I watch her go proudly, and once the door closes, I turn towards Kanan, sensing he had questions.
"You're close to her," he states.
"I've watched out for her, protected her, and been her friend for as long as she could remember," I say softly, glancing back at the door she just walked through.
"You must be proud of who she's managed to become then," he continues.
"So proud, just like her father," I say in agreement. "And sad. Someone so young should not have to be fighting in a war against the Empire."
"I've felt the same way about Ezra," he replies sadly. "I was only fourteen when my master was killed at the end of the Clone War. It took my a long time to get past that… and now Ezra's in a similar position."
"He has you to help him through it though," I point out encouragingly. "I can tell that you mean a lot to him. Like family."
He nods, staying quiet for a few moments before looking inquisitively at me. "Ever since we met, I've felt like something is different about you. But I can't figure it out."
I stay silent, contemplating on whether or not it was worth the risk to tell him. Eventually, my honesty overcomes the risks.
"I was once like you Kanan… I'm the sole survivor of my clan," I tell him softly, and he widens his eyes in realization. "If I wasn't rescued from the Temple, I'd have died at the hands of Darth Vader too."
"I… I'm sorry to hear about that," he says sadly, giving me a sympathetic look.
I smile at him reassuringly. "Don't be. I've learned to move past it now. I may no longer live that life, but I have found a new purpose," I say, looking back at the door to the cockpit. "And I plan on protecting her until the end of my days."
After me and Kanan had our talk, where I revealed what I once was to him, we headed towards the ship's common room, where a hologram of the shipyard was up, displaying the three cruisers and the Empire's security. Leia and Ezra soon joined us, as we were discussing possible scenarios, which were slim.
"We did a scan of the landing field, and looking at the imperial security, I just don't see us living long enough to get near those ships," Sabine says grimly.
"Two walkers are a big problem," Zeb adds.
Karan sighs in frustration. "Even if we reach the ships, they're not going anywhere unless we can disable those gravity locks."
"Would be nice to have a certain slicer here right now," Zeb remarks with a hidden meaning, and I have a pretty good idea of who he's referring too.
"Three extra Jedi wouldn't hurt either," Ezra replies with a shrug.
"Focus you two. We can't rely on them for help all the time," Hera scolds.
"Those defenses are formidable," Leia speaks up, walking towards the hologram. "Why? Because the Empire doesn't underestimate you. They know how good you are!"
"She's right. According the Fulcrum's intel, your rebel cell has one of the highest rewards for your capture," I tell them.
"Well, that's reassuring," Zeb says sarcastically.
"We might be able to get one out, but we'll never get all three," Kanan says grimly, sharing a defeated look with Hera. "It's impossible."
I frown at them in disapproval, shaking my head. "Old friends of mine used to do the impossible on a daily basis, and I was even a part of one of their plans. I know you guys are just the same."
"You sound like you've been through a lot for a handmaiden," Sabine says suspiciously.
"She has, which is why I have her," Leia says with a fond smile. "I know you need those ships, so don't tell me why we can't get them. Tell me how we will."
There's the fire in her that I find so amazing.
"Well, Kanan and I still have our disguises so, we can get onto the platform," Ezra suggests. "But to get close to the ships, we'll need a distraction."
"Me and Katooni can handle that," Leia says confidently, crossing her arms.
"The Ghost can act as air support," Hera adds.
"And, I can use detonators to blast off the gravity locks," Sabine suggests.
"Won't work. You can't forcibly remove the locks," Ryder interrupts.
"You, know this how?" Hera questions.
"In prison I put those locks together, so I know how to take 'em apart," he says firmly.
"Ryder Azadi, does that mean you're getting involved?" Karan asks with a smirk.
"Just this once," he replies. "It's clear I can't stay on Lothal so, I'll help you. If you get me out of here."
After the plan was set, Ezra, Kanan, Leia and I all boarded their smaller ship the Phantom, and flew back towards the Imperial shipyard. There, we could see out three cruisers still right where we left them, with the Empire's security looking a lot more formidable in person.
"To be honest, I haven't been in action this big for quite a while," I admit.
"And it's a first for me," Leia adds in amusement.
"In the action? Seriously?" Ezra asks incredulously.
"Agh, I'll tell you later Ezra, just focus on the mission." Karan says, putting on his helmet after landing the ship.
Ezra does the same, and we move for the door, opening it and stepping outside, with me and Leia walking in front. We move around the ship to find Lieutenant Lyste and a few stormtroopers with their blasters raised, although he was very surprised.
"I'd think you'd be pleased to see me and my handmaiden safe and sound Lieutenant," Leia says sarcastically with a frown on her face.
"O-of course, your highness, very pleased!" Lyste stammers, shoving the stormtroopers blasters down. "Just, um… surprised."
"This brave trooper saved all three of us fro those rebels," she continues, striding forwards professionally, while the Imperials look on in slight bewilderment. "He deserves a medal. Kaia, please make a note of that."
"Yes my lady," I reply respectfully.
She walks forwards to take a good look at the cruisers, and I can sense Sabine inside the bridge of the first one already, and I hide a smile. So far, the plan was going perfectly. Lyste and two stormtroopers move forwards in front of us to present the cruisers.
"Yes, well, as you can see, your ships are safe and sound, right where you left them," he says proudly, gesturing towards the cruiser.
The fact that it was currently lifting off into the air was one of the most comical things I've seen, contesting with R5 sneaking past droids into Hondo's base on Florrum with a tank, way back in the day.
"If you're trying to impress me lieutenant, you're doing a miserable job at it," Leia states angrily in disapproval, although I can sense she's trying hard not to grin at the sight as well.
"What do you mean?" he asks in confusion.
"You don't know?!" Leia exclaims in mock disbelief, gesturing towards the hovering cruiser.
Lyste turns around and gapes in shock at the sight of the ship rising further into the air. "I didn't authorize this! who's piloting that ship?!" he exclaims.
"Sir, rebels!" the commander yells, pointing at Chopper and Ryder.
"Blast them!" Lyste cries out.
The stormtroopers open fire on the pair, and they try to take cover from the lasers heading in their direction, while Sabine continues to rise into the air. We watch in concern, but know that we can't do anything without blowing our cover, as it's all up to the Specters now.
The turrets on the cruiser then spring to life and open fire, impacting in small explosions against the ground close to our group that send some of the Imperials scattering or falling to the ground. Unfortunately, one of the AT-AT walkers starts to fire on the hammerhead cruiser, damaging the back end near its engines, causing it to shake a little. Me and Leia share a worried glance, afraid that the plan was going to fail with those walkers firing.
Luckily for us, Hera then swoops in with the Ghost and fires torpedoes at the walkers, which slam into its side with large explosions, causing the walker to groan and kneel on the ground.
List and the stormtroopers continue to fire at Ryder however, so Kanan springs into action, slamming one stormtrooper aside, and then bashing Lyste in the face when he whirls around to fire at him. Ezra then jumps over him and onto the last stormtrooper, repeatedly hitting him in the head. His helmet was knocked off in the process, but we watch as they spin around until the stormtrooper falls to the ground, and Ezra gives him one last punch for good measure.
"Way to commit," I mutter to Leia, who nods in agreement.
"Sabine's away, now let's get out of here," Kanan says.
"I'm not so sure we're going anywhere," Ezra replies nervously.
Through the smoke, we can see the Imperial walker slowly getting back to its feet with loud creaks and groans, its headlights shining through the smoke.
"I thought I'd hate them when they were first introduced to the military," I say with a sigh.
"Secure the third ship! I'll handle the walker!" Karan yells determinedly, rushing off.
"Handle the walker? How?!" Leia calls after him in bewilderment.
"Just trust us! Go!" Ezra says, rushing forwards.
"I think I know how," I comment, noticing how he was headed straight for the walker, rushing past Ryder.
A blue lightsaber blade then springs out by his side as he makes a beeline for the walker's legs. I watch in awe as he jumps up, slicing through the first leg and then leaping towards the second, slicing it as well. He flips through the air to land on the ground, and the walker tumbles down to the side, its support now all but gone.
"Did you see that?!" Leia exclaims in excited awe.
"If you like that, watch this!" Ezra says confidently.
We watch as he rushes over to where two stormtroopers were aiming their blasters at Ryder. As he closes his eyes, I can feel him focus on the force before he whips his hands back, and the blasters are yanked away from the stormtroopers, headed for him. He catches one blaster with a smile, but fails to see the second one, and it clonks him straight in the helmet.
Both stormtroopers take notice and run over to us, so Leia picks up one of the fallen blasters.
"Get down!" she tells us, and starts firing.
Red laser bolts spew out of her gun and over to the stormtroopers, who weave around in an attempt to get closer. She struggles, not used to the high recoil of the blaster, but eventually manages to take the troopers out. I smile at her.
"That's my girl Leia," I say quietly, and she grins shyly at me, and moves back over to Ezra, who was still rubbing his head.
"That is impressive," she admits, handing him the blaster. "Well, mostly."
"Eh, I've seen better," I remark casually, unable to help myself.
Ezra rolls his eyes. "Oh I'm sure- look out!" he yells in alarm.
Already having sensed the threat, I whip around to face a charging stormtrooper, and raise a hand. He was thrown against the side of a nearby wall, and I used the Force to rip his blaster from his grasp and into my hands, which I then used to shoot him.
Leia smiles happily, while Ezra gapes at me in complete shock.
"You're a Jedi?!" he exclaims in bewilderment.
I shoulder the blaster, smirking at him. "I was," I say, before noticing a troop transport coming in, and drop my blaster. "We've got incoming."
They both look over to see the approaching transport, and Leia gives Ezra a reassuring look. "I'll handle this," she says.
Ezra pulls himself out of his shock and gives her a nod, casting us one last glance before rushing off to join the rest of his team. Getting into character, me and Leia then dash towards the transport, which was depositing a commander and several more stormtroopers.
"Thank goodness you've arrived. The rebels are stealing my ships!" Leia says worriedly, with a hint of false anger.
The commander moves forwards with his squad, and regards the scene as the remaining walker continues to fire shots against the cruisers backside. He then raises a hand to his com link.
"AT-AT 36, you have new orders, shoot to kill. Repeat, shoot to kill!" he orders.
We widen our eyes in alarm, and Leia dashes forwards, grabbing his arm. "No, you can't!" she protests.
"I'm sorry your highness, but we can't let you ships fall into rebel hands," the commander replies firmly, although he does sound slightly apologetic.
"Destroy that ship, now!"
We share a worried look with each other before watching in concern as the walker's blasts against the cruiser start doing heavy damage. Luckily, the Ghost swoops by to fire on the walker more, causing a distraction. This continues on for longer, but the walker was now more focused on the Ghost, allowing the cruisers to get further away.
Soon though, the third one lifts off the ground, and I hide a smile of relief, Leia no doubt doing the same. The Ghost then soars close by on its side, kicking up a lot of dirt and blowing us down to the ground. Recovering, I help Leia get back to her feet, and we notice Ezra boarding the last cruiser off in the distance. She glances at me, and I give her a nod.
"Go on, I'll make sure it looks good from over here," I tell her.
"Oh I know you will," she replies with a smirk.
I watch her rush over to Ezra, who stops to share a quick word with her. They then start shoving each other in a pretend struggle, while I notice Lyste slowly getting to his feet, rubbing his head. Seeing the perfect opportunity, I pretend to look worried for Leia, and start running in her direction as Era aims his blaster at her.
"Mr lady!" I call out in mock terror.
Ezra then shoots Leia with a stun blast, and she collapses to the ground as the door to the ship closes.
"The princess!" Lyste calls out behind me in alarm.
The last of the ships take off into the air by the time we reach her, and I kneel beside Leia in concern. "Are you alright my lady?" I ask her, helping her get to her feet.
"I'm ok Kaia," she says nervously, pretending to be afraid. That quickly turns to fake anger as Lyste stops before us, looking nervous.
"My ships… you lost my ships!" Leia accuses angrily.
"I'm afraid so," he replies uneasily.
"You should be afraid! Just wait until I tell the Senate that the Imperial presence on Lothal is helpless against the rebels!" Leia snaps at him.
Lyste widens his eyes in alarm and raises his arms placatingly. "No no no, that won't be necessary!" he stammers. "I- I assure you, Alderaan will be fully compensated for your lost ships!"
"Fine," Leia says with a grumble. "And I'll need your shuttle so we can return home," she adds.
"My shuttle?" he breathes in horror, glancing around uneasily. "Right… where is it?"
Leia gasps in mock disbelief. "Lieutenant! Did you lose your ship too?" she asks, barely containing her amusement. I swear, trying not to laugh at the lieutenant's sheer embarrassment was like trying to fight a Sith Lord.
"I'll, summon another right away!" he stammers, face going red in embarrassment as he walks away.
Me and Leia watch him go before sharing amused looks with each other, grins on our faces. I may have wished for a more peaceful life when I decided to stay on Alderaan, but I have to admit, it's fun to be in a battle like this, where the Imperials are just humiliated and embarrassed.
I didn't get to see Jarik or Ahsoka again, but I'm sure there'll be another opportunity in the future.
Well, I'm sure you guys were pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of Katooni in this chapter, and I hope you enjoy it! It's actually kind of fun having her and Leia as a partnered pair, and I'm sure it makes perfect sense too, if you remember the ending of Revenge of the Sith. Also, if you guys noticed, I haven't forgotten about the Separatist cruiser that was stolen way earlier in the story, I just haven't found a place for it to fit yet, and am mainly keeping it for when the Rebellion becomes large
Also, side story announcement! I have a new one called "Galactic Civil War," and based on the title I'm sure you can guess what it is. I already have a summary of it posted, but basically its the events of the Original Trilogy with Mara added to the mix, and as you can guess from this chapter, Katooni as well!
Thank you guys so much for your continued support of my stories! You're the best! :D
