I would like to start by thanking everyone that reviewed, and/or liked or favorited this story. This was one of the best responses I've had (though, admittedly, I haven't been on here very long). Now I was asked a few questions. No, humans won't be extra force sensitive. However, I will go deeper into that as the story goes on. I figure we're good enough fighters as it is. Second, yes this is Earth is the Human home world in this story. How that will all work I don't know yet.
Finally I want to make this quite clear: The Star Wars Franchise DOES NOT EXIST is this story. However ALL OTHER Science Fiction, and other works do. So, watch for references.
So, without further ado, here's the next chapter. Enjoy and please review.
P.S.: After about the third review, I couldn't see any new ones. So, please PM them to me. I would love to hear what you all have to say, and will respond promptly.
(White House: USA)
President Damian sat, listening as the Director of NASA briefed him, and the other officials in the room.
"Currently the signals we have intercepted are intensifying. They are still to far for Hubble to get a clear look. However, based on the images I passed out, there is definitely something or somethings out there," the Director explained.
"Now you're sure this isn't something natural," asked the Vice President with skepticism that failed to reach her eyes.
"Yes, these signals are to intentional… To orderly to be natural," the man answered.
"Ok. So, what about that robot that crashed last month? Have techs gotten anywhere?" Damian asked.
"No. When the guard shot it, he did something that fried the entire inside," the Director answered reluctantly.
"Didn't know an M4 could do that," he commented under his breath.
It was clear that the President wasn't buying it.
"It can't," confirmed the Secretary of Defense.
"We believe that he triggered a self destruct of some kind. All of the internal components are fried," stated the NASA Director.
"Ok. Well, that's lovely. Is there anything salvageable?" Damian asked.
"No. Also, I just got updated on that second set of signals we picked up. They've backed off quite a ways," the man stated.
As if on cue, an aid came rushing into the room.
"Mr. President. You're needed in the situation room immediately," she stated.
Taken back by her abruptness, the President rose and nodded for the three men to follow him.
"Do you know why?" He asked as he followed her down the hall.
"No, sir. Just that Director Bates is waiting for you," she answered.
Stopping at the door to the situation room, she nodded as the three entered. Sitting at a row of computers where four techs working rapidly with headphones in. Damian had seen this before, and knew that the techs weren't working to music. They were trying to do something with a signal.
Standing at attention was Director Baits. Standing at five feet, ten inches, the balding man looked tired with his greying hair and weathered features. However, that all hide a deceptively sharp mind, hence why Damian had given him the reigns of the NSA. Damian noticed that the man's confident demeanor had totally left him today. He was sweating and his left foot refused to stop tapping. Damian hadn't seen this much nervousness since he first talked in length with the head of NASA.
"Good morning gentlemen, and ma'am," he said with a surprisingly steady voice.
"Morning. What's the problem?" Damian asked bluntly.
"Well, as you we've just had a major development with possible ETs," Director Baits started.
Given his position, he was one of the people on a very short list that knew what was actually going on.
"One hour ago, signal set two spiked in intensity. In fact possible encryption is the only reason we didn't know what exactly was being said. Anyway, fifteen minutes ago, Astronauts on the International Space Station captured these images," he explained as he passed out the pictures.
What Damian saw took his breath away. Against the moon backdrop was a massive rectangular object. Due to the totally geometric structure and blue glows coming from the back, it was obvious that this was an artificial object.
"Damn she's big," commented the Secretary of Defense.
"Yes. Our guys put her at about a hundred feet longer than an aircraft carrier," Director Baits answered.
"We're going to need to move fast to keep this info contained," Coleman stated.
"Already started calling embassies of the three countries that were on board the station," he answered.
"Good."
"So, I have to ask, why did this warrant the situation room instead of my desk?" quizzed Damian.
"Because, ten minutes ago, we started receiving a signal from that ship that was directed straight at us. People here and at Fort Meade are trying to totally dial in the signal. The good news is that this one doesn't seem to be encrypted," Director Baits answered.
"I see," answered Damian as he started to get very uneasy, "Well if they are contacting us, then that kind of blows any kind of preplanned greeting to hell."
"Got it!" triumphantly yelled one of the techs as he peeled off his headphones.
"Up on line one, and you're going to want to hear it," stated the another tech urgently.
Vice President Coleman watched as Damian strode over to the phone. Despite looking like the phone might blow up in his hand, Damian picked it up, left hand subtly shaking.
"Hel-" he started before falling silent.
There was thirty seconds of silence as he listened intently through the phone. Finally, his eyes widened, as he yanked out a small notebook and a pen. Damian immediately began scribbling notes down so quickly there were a couple smalls holes in the paper, now. He had just started to relax when he slammed the phone down.
"Director Smith. I want a radio signal ready to go to that ship ASAP," he ordered the NASA director.
Smith began to stutter, "S- Sir, g-getting one o-on the frequency that they will get it could take a while without full on-"
"Here's what you need. Make it happen," he stated as he shoved the paper at the man.
"On it. Is there anything else?" the man asked as he regained his composure.
"No. Just get it done," Damian concluded with the man.
When the Director had left, President Damian turned to the others.
"Two things. First they somehow know english. Second, they want to talk with us," he stated as he adjusted his sleeves.
(GRS Resolute: Sol System)
Obi Wan found himself staring at the planet, while Anakin paced the deck. They had sent the introduction on a loop a few minutes ago. Now all the could do is wait for an answer.
"General, the rest of the fleet has taken up station at the far edge of the solar system," Admiral Yularen reported.
"Sir, incoming radio traffic from the surface," called out a crewman.
"Good. Let's go meet them," Obi Wan replied.
Being near the holoboard, Anakin called Ahsoka to come to the bridge as the two came over. Due to the nature of the meeting, Anakin had her put on an actual set of Jedi Robes. At least until later.
Pressing the "audio only" button, Obi Wan began, "Greetings. I am Jedi Master Kenobi. To whom am I speaking?"
"President Damian of the United States. It's nice to finally talk to you," answered a crisp voice.
"As with you. Perhaps there's a place on the surface that we could speak?" Obi Wan enquired.
"I can arrange it. However, under one condition," the President answered.
"What would that be?"
"I understand what you said in the message. However, I would like assurance from something other than a looped recording, that my people will be safe," he answered bluntly.
"Very well. I can give you my personal word. Plus, I will order the cruiser to retreat back to the moon after we depart," Obi Wan stated.
There was a seemingly long pause, before the President replied, "Ok. That seems fair enough."
Anakin, Ahsoka, and the Admiral listened as the finer details were ironed out. It was decided that the three Jedi would fly a ship into Andrews Air Force Base. From there they would meet the President and be quietly escorted to the White House.
Deciding that a moderate display of strength would be appropriate, Anakin pushed for using the Consular-class cruiser instead of a shuttle. It took him some work, but Obi Wan finally agreed.
On the way down, Obi Wan reached into the force. Anakin was right that it held a darker undercurrent. Not that he was surprised, the Holocaust alone would've been enough to leave a mark in the force, let alone all of the other problems this planet had. However, he did notice that something felt off about the planet… Not bad, just like off.
He shook it off as they entered the atmosphere.
"This is Overwatch to Consular, reduce speed and stand by for further instructions," ordered a voice through the comm.
"Understood," acknowledged the pilot.
No sooner had he said that, then everyone heard a dull roar from behind them.
"Consular, this is Eagle 1. Stay present course. Do not deviate from your present course and do not fire any weapons," ordered another voice.
"Copy that… Getting ready for final approach," answered the pilot.
No one missed the "or else" left in the air after Eagle 1's statement.
"Boy talk about a warm welcome," commented Ahsoka.
"Hmm. Yes, but I suspect there's more going on here than we know," Obi Wan answered.
At that moment, the ship set down with a thump.
"Well let's go meet the locals," commented Anakin as he pulled on his outer robe.
With that, he lead the way down the ramp. Waiting for them was an average height man with salt and pepper hair and a short, well kept beard and mustache. Next to him was a blue eyed woman with medium length brown hair. While attractive, she gave off the air of someone who knew what she was doing and always had her next step planned ahead. Flanking them were four men in black suits. The expressions on their faces identified them as guards of some kind.
Despite their neutral expressions, Anakin could sense the surprise radiating off of everyone.
Apparently not expecting a non human. Or is it humans they weren't expecting? Anakin thought.
"Hello, I'm President Damian," introduced the man, "and this is Vice President Coleman. On behalf of the people of Earth, welcome to Earth."
"Our thanks," Obi Wan answered diplomatically, "I'm Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi, next to me is Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, and his Padawan Ahsoka Tano."
I'm sorry. What's a Padawan?" Asked Coleman.
"A knight in training," Anakin answered quickly.
"Ok," she acknowledged before turning to Ahsoka, "Pleasure to meet you."
"Shall we get to the we get to the White House? There is much to discuss," Anakin pressed.
Next to him Obi Wan gave him a brief glance.
Patience.
"Of course. Right this way," President Damian answered.
Despite his tone, it was clear in the force that Anakin's abruptness had startled him.
However, with that, Damian spun on his heels and strode for the line of black vehicles behind him. In front was his limousine, followed by a large, black SUV, another limousine, and a black SUV behind it. As they went to get in, a loud roar could be heard as three F-18s prepared to come in for a landing.
"That must have been our escort," commented Ahsoka.
Her comment went unanswered, as everyone climbed into their respective limousines. As the convoy moved through town, Anakin took in the sights. As far as capitals went, this was definitely one of the more humble ones he'd seen. However, it was nice all the same with its many monuments, and well kept lawns. He was reminded just how fragmented this planet was when he saw how small the capital was. However, like with everything else, it was still an impressive sight with it's unique architecture.
After parking in an underground garage, the group was lead into a much more inviting room with seven men in either suits or military uniforms. However, unlike before, it was obvious that they weren't guards but politicians.
After getting over the shocks of humans from a different part of space, and the fact that an alien was in the room (though everyone in the room had sense not to call Ahsoka that) they got down to business. Obi Wan tried to quickly explain what the Republic was. However, he was frequently stopped by one or more questions. However, he quickly noticed that the President, nor the Vice President ever asked any. Despite the occasional note writing, they seemed to be content with just listening.
Finally, after about a half hour, he was able to get to the clones. Now if anything peaked the military leader's attention, this was it. They quickly shot off questions about how it worked, what the survival rate was, how they performed.
This continued until Anakin finally cut in,"Gentlemen. I understand you are curious about this. However, we are not the ones to try and explain the specifics. However, we do need to move on, so if you would please…"
Reluctantly they quit asking.
"... It was two days later that the battle of Geonosis happened as a result of a mission to rescue Anakin and I. However, it failed to achieve its other goals, ensuring that the battle of Geonosis marked the beginning of the war," Obi Wan explained.
"Now hold on. You're telling me that they went from no army to a massive, multi million person army in forty-eight hours?" interjected Coleman in obvious disbelief.
"Unfortunately, Sifo Dyas was murdered, ensuring that the cloning operation happened without our knowledge," Obi Wan answered, annoyance radiating off him.
"I see. Sounds convenient if you ask me," commented President Damian.
"How so?" asked Ahsoka, curious to see if they reached the same conclusion as the order did.
"Master Dyas goes off the rails- in theory-, disappears, starts creation of an army, and then dies. However, that army still has a smooth production process and just so happens to finish getting ready literally within hours of when you just so happen to need it. On top of the that the Separatists happen to be simultaneously raising their own army in secret which gets ready at the exact same moment in time. I'll be blunt. I have my own opinions on some of your policies but someone is still definitely playing you guys," he answered, "I don't know about you but I would be looking for leaks and double agents."
"Yes, we've noticed, however, with the state of the Senate, those are a dime a dozen. Unfortunately with all of the other monsters that this war has spawned, finding on specific instigator has been difficult," Obi Wan answered.
"In fact one of those monsters is why we came to talk to you," Anakin stated.
"What do you mean?" asked the Secretary of Defense.
There was a pause as Obi Wan tried to find the right words.
"We came to warn you that the war is coming to you," Obi Wan stated.
Again the room erupted with questions, until President Damian quickly shut them up.
"Quiet," Damian called to the people, before turning to the Jedi, "We didn't ask to join anyone's war."
"No, but it doesn't matter, you're in General Grievous's war path. That means you either surrender your world to him and accept a puppet government, or you dig in and fight. It is with regret that I must state that your time of staying out is gone," Obi Wan answered.
As he did this, Anakin produced a data pad with a tactical map of the galaxy, and sent it around the room.
"Red is Separatist space, blue is Republic. The black arrow is General Grievous's campaign and the star is you," Anakin stated.
It was at that point that it sunk in how screwed they were. However, Haley Coleman decided to cover one last base, "Now, this is a great theory, but there are hundreds of systems in front of that arrow. How do we know that ours is the target?"
"I have the intel reports right here," Anakin stated as he held up the data pad.
No one could read basic, but judging by the layout and seal, it definitely seemed like one.
"Fine. Then fight we will," Damian resolved.
"Very well. I have an offer. Currently we have two legions available. I am offering to exchange what technology we have, and helping defend your planet," Obi Wan stated.
Damian nodded, as his mind raced over what had just been said. However, before he could speak, Director Baits spoke instead.
"Now I saw that map well. We are a good strategic point for both sides. How do we know we won't trade one invader for another," he asked suspiciously.
"Simple. If Grievous gets killed, we won't have reason to stay up here. Most of the war is going on down here to the south," Anakin stated.
There was a moment of silence.
"How big's the his force?" Damian asked.
"Well over a few million, most- except the B1's- are armored like that probe droid," Obi Wan answered, "I will be honest. Even with our fleet, we may not be enough."
This sent tremors through the crowd.
"Well then. I suppose we have a war to fight than," President Damian stated.