A wave of euphoria swept over Jesse when he saw Cody appear on the holoprojector. He had hoped the great general would overcome the odds, but after seeing the Vong for himself, doubt had seeped into his mind over whether anyone could truly best them. "How're you holding up?" Jesse asked the general, with Ahsoka coming to his side as Cody prepared to speak.

"I'm fine, relatively speaking," the general reported. "But we took heavy losses. A third of my fleet lies in ruins above Ryloth. My forces on the ground were taken by surprise, and I lost many good soldiers." His head tilted away from the pair for a moment. "I lost a very good lieutenant down there." He was quick to shake himself out of the grief; he had lost many brothers before, and this was no different. At least, it wasn't supposed to be. When people live long enough together, they grow accustomed to one another's survival, trusting that even if others fall, they will not. Boil and him had fought a war together, seen conflict on many worlds during the Republic's time of supposed peace, and survived it all. To lose such a valuable soldier was a reminder that death was random. Sometimes, by mere chance, people were lost to the wind.

"What's the plan moving forward?" Jesse asked.

"The fear right now is the enemy will try using the Corellian Run to invade the core," Cody stated, arms crossing as his always-thinking mind tried to fit every strategy together in his head. "My fleet has repairs to make, and it's the only thing keeping the Vong from invading the core worlds, though I suspect they haven't figured that out yet."

"I take it you won't be joining us on Naboo then?"

"Unfortunately not," Cody admitted. "I've already sent word to the Chancellor about our situation. I trust reinforcements will be headed your way soon."

"Much appreciated," Jesse replied. "May the Force be with you, General."

Cody gave a final nod of the head. "And with you." He cut transmissions a moment later.

Jesse gave a deep sigh as he looked over at Ahsoka. "Well," he groaned out, "what now?"

Ahsoka gave him a half-smile in return. "I thought you were in charge."

The general gave a gentle laugh, his head shaking slightly as he turned to face her. "Well, even a leader needs advice sometimes." He then pulled up a map of the galaxy, and the pair began marking regions that had become dark zones because of the Yuuzhan Vong. They discussed the fall of Utapau, Tatooine, and most recently, Ryloth. Jesse was quick to remark how much territory had been taken in such a small window of time. Ahsoka suggested the Vong were spreading themselves thin, but Jesse knew better. He had seen the thousands of ships enter their galaxy, they both had, and he knew they could gain much more before running thin on troops.

"What do you think their next move will be?" Ahsoka asked, intrigued by what was going on inside Jesse's head.

"Not sure," the man admitted. "There's a lot of ways this could go. With Ryloth and Tatooine under their control, they have a staging base that could be used to send troops through the Corellian Run, but Cody's fleet is holding position along the route. He won't be caught by surprise a second time."

"What else could happen?"

"Well," Jesse began to say, and pointed south of Christophsis to where Naboo sat on the map. "It's possible they'll try smashing past Naboo, though it's not the most strategic route." He then pointed to another planet southwest of Naboo. "It's also possible they'll swing south to Sullust and the Rimma Trade Route, but that would lead them to Fondor."

Ahsoka completed his thought for him. "We have shipyards there, right?"

"And three fleets standing by," Jesse added. "I doubt any of them will come to our aid, however. Fondor stands as a gateway to the core for any ships coming up from the south. Its shipyards and drydocks make it a key asset, and one the Chancellor will not risk leaving vulnerable."

Ahsoka frowned. There was a chance the Vong would send a detachment their way, and if the enemy found Naboo lightly defended, they were sure to strike. She knew the only outcome that could result, no matter the resolve of their men. She only hoped it would not come to that. "I suppose we have one advantage," Ahsoka finally said, which caused Jesse to tilt his head in curiosity. "They don't know the galaxy like we do." She pointed to the map for reference. "We have starmaps, but they're plotting random courses and learning as they go. Who knows how many ships they've lost from miscalculations."

"It's possible," Jesse admitted. "But I doubt they made it all this way without picking up a few space-faring tricks."

It was then an officer from the front of the bridge called for the general. "Sir, we've picked up ships on the edge of the system."

Both Jesse and Ahsoka felt chills run along their spines. Neither dared ask the question that needed saying, as both feared they knew the answer. It wasn't until Ahsoka finally got up the courage to face the officer that she asked whose ships they were.

"You already know," the officer answered grimly. "The Yuuzhan Vong."

"How many?" Jesse asked.

"Appears to be a scout fleet," the officer reported before looking back at his terminal. "Half a dozen corvettes."

Ahsoka's eyes narrowed. "We can take them."

"Yes," Jesse begrudgingly admitted. "But how long before more arrive? We don't want to be in open space when reinforcements jump in."

Ahsoka's gaze turned to the floor, her heart pounding as she thought of the consequences for abandoning Naboo. It was the right decision; keeping their fleet intact meant keeping the navy's strength up. It kept their fleet in the fight, and it kept the 501st alive. "Fine," she reluctantly said. "It's your call, general."

Jesse was about to give the order when he noticed the woman frown. He could see there was something that unsettled the woman, and came to stand by her side. He knew she had a good heart, but likewise understood good intentions did not always yield good results. Still, he had to ask. "This is about your husband, isn't it?"

Ahsoka glanced over at him. "Master Skywalker's family is down there too."

Jesse scratched the back of his neck, rattled by the thought of what could happen to those below if he did nothing. "Well… that changes things." He ordered to fleet to remain on standby while he ran through their options.

"We're staying?" Ahsoka asked, eyes widening.

"Skywalker would never forgive me if I let something happen to his family," Jesse replied, and came to stand over the holoprojector. "We'll send a message to Theed, warn people of the attack. We'll stay behind long enough for the city to evacuate."

A smile returned to Ahsoka's face. "I'll contact Lux, then we'll figure out a plan for the enemy."

"I look forward to it," Jesse said, a grin almost forming on his face, when he heard the officer report additional ships on their scanners. They were outnumbered, and racing against time.

#

News of impending war spread fast through the Jedi Order. The halls filled with knights discussing what these galactic events could mean for them, though many conversations came to an end with the presence of two notorious men. The masters Skywalker and Kenobi were always a sight to behold, like brothers who had a hard time leaving each other's side. Both appeared deep in thought, with silent acceptance passing between them about what the future held.

"You hear about Ryloth?" Anakin asked, tilting his head to the weathered master with a look of caution, as if discussing the matter was a sensitive subject.

"Everyone heard about it," Obi-Wan replied. "Word is traveling fast through the core worlds. It won't be long until panic breaks out."

"Then we should do something," Anakin stated in a tone that would have made anyone believe in the miracle of a hero.

"Do what?" Obi-Wan asked. "These aren't some pirates or Children of the Watch. These are creatures we've never faced before, and have no experience fighting." He then pulled Anakin aside, and watched his friend sigh upon realizing he was about to give a lesson. "Would you jump blindly into a rancor pit without knowing the creature's abilities?"

Anakin rolled his eyes. "No."

"Then we mustn't rush into this," Obi-Wan said, and gestured for Anakin to follow him once again. "Besides, this is a military matter. If they have need of us, they will ask."

It was then Anakin felt his holoprojector rattle, and held up a finger to Obi-Wan as he answered the device. An image of Padme displayed before him, and the man could not help but smile. "Padme, how are you and the kids doing?"

The woman had a pained look on her face. "We're returning to Coruscant."

Anakin thought it good news, and his smile grew wider. "That's great!" he initially said, but the woman's expression never changed, and his turned from one of excitement to something of concern. "What's wrong?"

"Those creatures have entered the Naboo System," she stated. "Ahsoka is staying behind while the planet evacuates."

Anakin's eyes grew large as he watched the face of his wife grow colder. "Is the 501st with her?"

"Of course," Padme replied, when she fell back from the display for a second, her mind deep in thought as she weighed the chances in her mind. "Our situation is bad." Her pupils dilated with emotion as she stared up at Anakin. "I fear they won't make it."

Anakin's body froze for a moment, his face devoid of expression as he looked toward his wife. It was as if some part of him had shut down, when he abruptly nodded. "I understand," he finally said, "just get the kids out of there."

"Of course," Padme gave a faint smile, and outstretched a hand as if to reach him. "I love you."

"I love you too," Anakin replied, extending his own hand to meet hers. "I'll see you soon." He ended communications shortly after, and stepped past Obi-Wan on his way to the hangar.

"Where are you going?" Obi-Wan asked, arms crossing over his chest while he looked to Anakin like a teacher would a misbehaving student.

"You already know." With that, Anakin disappeared inside the hangar, leaving Obi-Wan to sigh at the thought of him doing something rash. Yet, that was who he was: someone whose mind lingered on those closest to him.

Anakin took one of the temple's many speeders on a short journey to the Senate Office Building, where he was welcomed with open arms to the office of the Chancellor. On stepping inside, he witnessed a soldier covered in red armor having words with Noramu.

Noramu was quick to notice Anakin, and turned to the soldier. "You may go, Commander Thire."

"As you wish," the clone acknowledged, and took to the exit while Anakin brushed past him.

Noramu had the sort of smile only a politician could have as he welcomed Master Skywalker into the room; it was the sort that appeared friendly, but could have had any number of connotations lying beneath its surface. "A surprise, to be sure, my friend, but a welcome one." He then gestured for Anakin to take a sit across from him while he fell back into his lavish throne of a chair. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Naboo's under attack," Anakin stated matter-of-factly, his eyes empty as he looked toward the man.

"Yes, I heard," Noramu admitted. "The general informed me of their situation. I thought it best for them to retreat, but he seemed to feel differently on the matter." The man's head oscillated for a moment as he pondered the situation. "They're a small fleet. While the 501st are our very best, we have many more to spare. If they want to die saving the people of Naboo, so be it."

Anakin leaned forward. "What if we could save both? The people and the legion?"

Noramu cocked his head. "How would we do that?" He then threw up a registry that showed, in orange print, the list of active units within the Republic Army. "We have few armies available, and fewer that could arrive in time." He then divided the registry by location, and noted the largest of their forces. "Bacara's Nova Corps is on Raxus Prime dealing with civil unrest, Gree's Elite Corps is finishing up the siege of Trandosha, and Bly's Star Corps is quelling insurrection on Felucia."

"What about the 104th?" Anakin asked.

"Returning to Coruscant after handling humanitarian efforts on Taris," Noramu informed him. "They're still thousands of parsecs away."

"Do we really have no one we can send?" Anakin asked, a pained look on his face as he stared into the Chancellor's eyes.

Noramu flipped back to the full list of armies, a finger to his chin as he thought. He began to shake his head. "I need the Guard here, and Aang's 117th is stationed at Fondor."

Anakin perked up at the realization of another unit. "What about the 87th?"

"The Sentinel Corps?" Noramu raised an eyebrow, then proceeded to check the registry. He tilted his head at the data. "They're on Anaxes."

"Do we need them there?" Anakin questioned.

Noramu's eyes were motionless as he looked at the screen. Anaxes was a vital Republic artery, standing as the gateway to Coruscant through the Perlimian Trade Route. However, the enemy was far from reaching that route. "No," he finally answered. "In fact, they're on standby, awaiting further orders."

"Then we have to send them," Anakin said, his voice stern.

"What would that accomplish?" Noramu asked in a hushed tone, his voice almost coming across as dark. "What if enemy reinforcements jump in and annihilate them? Then that's an entire corps lost!" His voice grew in volume as he spoke. "I will not waste thirty thousand lives like that!"

"Battles always have a risk to them," Anakin responded, and raised an eyebrow. "What if we win?"

"We won't," Noramu shook his head, as if giving up.

Anakin rose from his seat. "If you believe our cause is lost, then just hand them Coruscant!" He gestured to the outside world as he lost his level-headed demeanor. "Give up the Republic! If you feel so strongly that our soldiers aren't good enough, then give up." He could see Noramu beginning to backpedal, and his tone relaxed. "Or," he began to say, his shoulders loosening as he spoke. "We could send in the Sentinels, save the 501st, and save Naboo."

Noramu sighed. "We still have problems within our own republic, problems that will swell if we divert our attention elsewhere." He then leaned forward, hands crossed over one another as he looked up at Anakin. "We cannot win a war with insurrection boiling under our feet."

"I'm not asking for the whole army," Anakin stated. "Just one corps. A single fleet."

Noramu's eyes failed to blink for a few seconds as he stared into the man's eyes, until he finally leaned back in his seat after breaking eye contact. "Fine," he relinquished. "I'll get word to the Sentinel Fleet."

Anakin breathed a sigh of relief, when he caught the curious look in Noramu's eyes.

"You want this, don't you?" Noramu asked, and rolled his eyes. "Always the hero you are, jumping in to save others."

Anakin gave a faint smile, and nodded his head. However, his smile faded when Noramu drew closer.

"What happens when you're the one who needs saving?" Noramu asked, not as a threat, but rather as an inquiry. Anakin replied with a blank stare, and Noramu shrugged his shoulders. "I'll inform Commander Dagger of your presence." He then gave a gentle nod to Anakin. "Happy hunting."

#

The Vong commander looked on in disbelief at the sight of Naboo. It appeared like a flourishing, vibrant world ripe for the picking, yet it had the smallest defense fleet possible. "This is it?!" the commander stammered, as if disappointed by the prospect of an easy victory. A single star destroyer and lightly armored cruiser were all that stood in his way. "Why defend the planet at all?" he asked himself, when his hand went up. The invasion commenced.

Coralskippers shot from the decks of frigates, and the fleet's corvettes raced to meet the enemy head-on. The frigates stayed behind, allowing their weapons to warm as they prepared to blow past the enemy in a single volley. Troop carriers were already undocking, ready to head for the surface, when lasers struck against the hulls of the fleet's ships. Republic fighters scrambled to counter the coralskippers, and the space over Naboo erupted in conflict as the Vong moved in. The hulls of their ships held together, with only their outmost shells being scratched.

The commander smiled to himself as he watched the shields of the Republic's fleet shimmer. It would not be long until they collapsed entirely. He had the frigates advance, and ordered an immediate salvo of plasma to be fired on the Venator. His vessel rumbled as plasma spewed from is organic cannons, and he watched their beams soar toward the Venator's bridge. He watched shields flicker, yet the bridge did not erupt. Instead, he noticed violet hues of light intercept his projectiles. Torpedoes. He searched the war zone for any sign of disturbance, and noticed a squadron of yellow fighters racing up from Naboo's surface to join the fight.

They were N-1 starfighters, sent at the queen's orders.

The Vong commander ordered every coralskipper to be launched, and watched in frustration as the enemy's overwhelming number of starfighters targeted his troop carriers. Whole regiments were blasted from their ships, causing his manpower to diminish. Then his second wave of coralskippers joined the fray, and the battle quickly turned in his favor. He saw the Republic's cruiser catch fire, and watched as an explosion at the core sent its hull flying in all directions. Only the Venator remained, and once it succumbed to his fleet, the conflict was over. He had nearly begun to preemptively congratulate himself when he heard an intendent suddenly speak up.

"Commander, we've spotted activity on the planet's third moon," the intendent blurted out, his voice shaky.

"What is it?!" the commander snapped.

"A warship," the intendant replied.

The commander turned his head, and saw a second Venator shooting out from behind the dark side of the moon, its cannons opening up as it threw itself into the fight. He quickly ordered his ships to change formation, but the damage was done. A frigate to his right collapsed inward before splattering like a fruit.

The Vanquisher made its charge, with fighters launching from its hangars in droves to take the enemy by storm. From its main hangar came another sight as well, one far different from the starfighters taking to the wide expanses of space. It was a sea of troopers, jetpacks strapped to their backs at they took to the battle.

Soaring ahead of the rest came Ahsoka, her bright blue lightsabers igniting as she made for the enemy's flagship. Jesse came shooting up alongside her, with the rest of Dogma Division at their backs. The hundreds of clones opened fire, their lasers making short work of several coralskippers that happened to fly past. More of the enemy fighters took to face them, but they were small targets to hit, and the first of the enemy's volleys missed them entirely.

Jesse scored a lucky hit to the cockpit of a coralskipper before looking to Ahsoka. "This is one of the craziest plans I've ever seen, and I served with Skywalker."

"Who do you think taught me?" Ahsoka laughed, her lightsabers coming about when she spotted a coralskipper racing toward her. She arched her back, allowing her sabers to slide forward as the ship approached. It missed her by a hair, its wing severed by her sabers. Ahsoka then ignited her jetpack, allowing herself to shoot closer to the colossal ships ahead.

Jesse followed close behind, about to reach the woman when he felt the heat of plasma whiz past him. He tilted his head to see one of the coralskippers on a collision course with him, but hadn't the time to move. He felt his body jerk, and before he could make sense of the situation, saw that he was spinning wildly through space. It was only when he felt a hand grab his helmet that he realized what had happened. Kix was by his side, arm and arm with him as the two hurdled toward Ahsoka.

"Let's not make a habit of jetpacks in space," Kix remarked before pushing away from the general, whom he had barely managed to move out of the coralskipper's path.

"I'm with you," Jesse agreed, and the pair shot forward with the rest of Dogma Division. The group landed on their first frigate a moment later, and from there the chaos began. They were quick to tear holes in the armor of the creature, and seeped through their makeshift entrances to slaughter those within. Once a few hundred men were inside, the rest leapt to the next ship, with Ahsoka leading the way as Jesse and Kix followed. All the while starfighters zipped past, explosions rattling the space around them as they tried to move ever forward. Ahsoka carved across another coralskipper before hitting the deck of the next frigate, where she began to make her incisions. She rammed her lightsabers into the creature's armor, when a sudden blast shook her to her core. She turned back to see the frigate they had come from erupting. Hundreds of soldiers had been inside when it detonated. She was blindsided by the sight, unable to say anything, when she heard Jesse call out over comms.

"Enemy must've blown the thing sky high," he uttered, a hint of shock in his voice.

Kix shook his head, now understanding the mentality of their enemy. "Death's preferable to surrender," he said, as if impersonating the thoughts of the Vong.

"What do we do?" Ahsoka asked, knowing the Vong would try to detonate the next frigate if they appeared to be gaining ground.

Jesse shook his head. "I don't know." Explosions rippled through space around them, and they looked out to see the Venator over Naboo trailing smoke. The Vanquisher was in poor condition as well, with its shields having failed on the last volley. It continued to unload on the enemy, scrapping two corvettes when its secondary bridge caught fire. Jesse leaned back as he took in the sight. "Without fighter control, our squadrons will be left in disarray."

Kix looked to the man, reading his mind in a heartbeat. "And they'll be crushed."

Ahsoka looked to the rear of the frigate they were on, her eyes growing in size when she figured it out. "Then we hit their engines," she said. When she saw the men raise their weapons, she took it as her queue to lead the way. She took off toward the back of the ship, with the rest of Dogma Division following. She reached the rear of the frigate to find pockets of neuroengines. Ahsoka struck the nearest, only for a strange, organic creature to spurt forth, causing her to recoil in disgust. The creature was pitch black, with arms of pulsing red and blue. It appeared to be a sort of plant, which Ahsoka quickly dispatched by carving it in two. Dogma Division followed suit, blasting through what they believed to be the frigate's engines. Whatever they had done, it caused the ship to slow in speed before having its midsection caved in by the laser fire of the Vanquisher. The explosion was enough to send the division flying backwards into open space.

Jesse's head was spinning, and he desperately tried to regain stability. He ignited his jetpack, his body slowing in speed, and just when he believed his mind had quit shaking, he heard Commander Ridge's voice enter his helmet.

"General, they've made planetfall!" Ridge said. "They've breached the city's outer defenses, and we're barely holding the spaceport."

Jesse put a finger to his helmet. "Hold out as long as you can, commander. Those civilians are counting on you." Static followed, when he heard Ridge's voice pop back in for a second.

"Copy."

Jesse looked out on the battle to see where everyone was rallying, hoping to find Ahsoka waving her lightsabers about in a triumphant move to boost morale, when instead he spotted Kix a short distance away with a hand to his shoulder. Jesse moved closer, at first only curious, when his eyes slowly grew wider. He knew before even arriving at Kix's side what had happened.

Upon looking into the general's visor, Kix groaned. "My suit tore." He held a hand to the hole, trying to keep pressure within his suit, but it was no use. His oxygen began rapidly depleting.

"No…" Jesse uttered, and released his blaster in order to help. "No, you're not dying out here."

Kix almost laughed. "I think we knew what was going to happen when we chose to stay, Jesse."

"No!" Jesse blurted out. "This is not how it ends." He tightened his grip as much as he could, only for Kix to let out a groan of pain.

"You trying to strangle my arm there?" he asked, as if amused, yet his breaths were becoming heavier. "I knew I'd bite the dust in some bizarre way one of these days."

"Save your breath," Jesse replied, his gaze on the man's arm as he tried to keep oxygen inside his suit. It didn't matter.

"You know," Kix finally said, eyes locking on Jesse's helmet as he spoke. "I don't regret joining the army again. Rex made a tempting offer and all, but I knew my fate rested here, with my brothers."

"Stop," Jesse tried to argue, when he found himself staring back at Kix.

Though they could not see each other's eyes, there was a shared understanding of what they were thinking. Kix smiled. "You're the best of us, Jesse."

The general's eyes watered, when he felt the presence of another beside them. He tilted his head to see Ahsoka by his side, and for a second her presence calmed him. "Kix's suit ripped," he quickly said. "Can you help?"

Ahsoka looked between the men, eyes full of worry, when she relinquished her lightsabers in order to do what she could. She outstretched her hands, allowing the Force to flow through her as she tried to keep the vacuum of space from pulling at Kix's oxygen. It appeared to be working, when the woman sighed. "I don't know how long I can do this for."

Jesse looked out on the Vanquisher. "We need to get him back to the ship."

Ahsoka's lips tightened as she put all her concentration toward saving Kix's life. "It's too far," she groaned out.

"I'll get a gunship," Jesse was quick to say.

Kix shook his head. "They're planetside." As the three floated amidst a field of lifeless ships, Kix took a moment to place a hand on Jesse's shoulder. "It's alright, brother."

Jesse's empty helmet seemed to convey emotion when his shoulder's slumped. "No…"

Another explosion took the group by surprise, and they looked out expecting to see the Vanquisher crack apart. To their amazement, it was not the Vanquisher but an enemy frigate that splintered at the seams. Then they saw it. Like a bright light piercing the darkest of veils, a fleet of ten Venators and four Arquitens cruisers dropped out of hyperspace on the edge of the battlefield.

Jesse was quick to switch comm channels. "This is General Jesse of the 501st Legion, requesting gunship assistance on my position!" His eyes were wide, frantic even as he looked to the last spark of hope in the galaxy. A part of him expected no response to follow, when the static of an answering response suddenly came through. His ears were ready to hear the words of a clone declining his request, when instead the voice of another sent shockwaves across his body.

"On my way, Jesse."

The man's eyes dilated with excitement, his heart racing as he looking toward the fleet of shining, fresh ships. A smile formed on his lips, when he caught the curious gaze of Kix. He turned his head to the others, barely able to contain himself. "It's the general!" he exclaimed.

Kix rolled his head. "There's a lot of them these days."

"No, no," Jesse shook his head. "Not just any general." The rumbling of engines could be felt from a mile away, and Jesse knew what was coming. He saw Vong corvettes splinter and crack, watched coralskippers dissipate, and felt the heat of a burning frigate as the enemy's fleet buckled under the weight of the Republic's might. A moment later the trio of warriors saw the framework of a gunship come into view, and watched its side doors open to reveal a squad of clones whose armor was adorned with stripes of dark red.

Commander Dagger, who wore a white pauldron and blood red kama, stood beside another, much taller figure. Standing before them was Anakin Skywalker, his figure unmistakable to those who had known him in years prior.

"Oh," Kix blurted out. "that general."

Kix and the others were quickly pulled inside the gunship while other vessels arrived to pick up the remains of Dogma Division. Gratitude was shared between those aboard the gunship, but their work was not yet over. While the tide of battle turned in space, Theed was still under siege. Anakin ordered their pilot to the surface, where the rest of the 87th was rallying. While en route, Commander Dagger handed Jesse a spare rifle, which the general gladly took hold of.

Once on the ground, they arrived to a city on fire. The Yuuzhan Vong had secured the main roads leading up to the palace, but were so preoccupied with resistance ahead of them that they left their read undefended. Anakin ripped away the helmet of his space suit as he leapt from their gunship, lightsaber fuming with blue light as he charged into the fray. Ahsoka raced out alongside him, with Dagger and Jesse joining them while Kix stayed behind for medical treatment.

The Jedi caught their enemy by surprise, lopping off heads as they flew forward, sabers swinging faster than their foes could anticipate. By the time Vong troops turned their attention to the Jedi, they had bigger problems. Thousands of soldiers from the 87th Sentinel Corps flooded onto the streets, rifles downing hundreds of Vong who had left their backside undefended. The army moved fast through the streets, weaving in and around buildings as they clashed with pockets of Vong resistance. Though many clones fell, their numbers were too great to be slowed. Out ahead of it all were the fabled Jedi, their lightsabers carving away enemies on all sides of them as they pushed for the palace. They were like dancers that could not be touched when paired together, with each countering amphistaffs that could have been the other's undoing. They reached the palace before long, where Commander Ridge stood atop grand steps, firing down on scores of Vong that were moments away from conquering the last of the 501st. Alongside the commander stood Scion Squad and Gage, all wounded but still in the fight. Hope appeared to be lost when they spotted blades of light toppling Vong at the rear of enemy lines.

Gage's eyes lit up. "It's the Jedi!"

Karma was quick to snap at the man. "Focus on the battle!"

Commander Ridge rallied his men for a desperate offensive, and managed to push the enemy back several steps. With the Vong being countered on two sides, they quickly lost ground, and Ridge was able to force them back even further. He and the 501st continued to push, lasers shooting in all directions as they tried to meet up with the Jedi. After a few more minutes, they did just that. Ridge met Anakin at the base of the steps to the palace, where Ahsoka and the 87th stood alongside the rest of Dogma Division. They were forced to step over lifeless Vong in order to shake hands. Not a single enemy was left standing.

When the skies were clear, soldiers gathered on the streets with hearts of fire. Fists were thrown into the sky, with hundreds crowding around the Jedi, who exchanged looks of pride toward one another.

"For the Republic!" every soldier roared in triumph. "For the Republic!"

#

Author's Note

I will try to upload on Saturdays from here on out, though the time of day may vary. The following chapter is going to be a little more unique, as it will divert from the main plot of the story to introduce some new characters. My goal with this is to show the war from various perspectives.