Yeah I know, this chapter is long overdue, considering May 4th has passed. Also may Peter Mayhew, the original actor for Chewbacca Rest In Peace, along with Carrie Fisher and Kenneth Baker. But, there is good news as well. Considering the new Star Wars trailer came out, and I am hyped for it. Also, if any of you are Marvel fans, then I hope you've seen Endgame already, because it's pretty awesome.
And I'm finally done with my finals! Even though I have a summer class coming up in a couple of weeks. But I have a couple of weeks to relax for a bit, which is nice.
I own none of the content, except Tessa. And I hope you enjoy!
Storm over Ryloth
The rest of their leave was fun, but nothing too exciting that would break the peace and quiet of being on leave. But they were still soldiers, and they couldn't just hang around and do nothing. So besides free time, they would train, workout and continue to work on their skills.
The highlight of training was the training with Commander Tano. At first, everyone was pretty nervous, which had to do with the fact they would be working directly under one of their Commanding Officers, when the time called for it. But luckily, due to how Tessa and Ahsoka knew each other, they broke the ice. With everyone talking, cracking jokes, and giving each other tips.
Zeer was the one who told the Commander what everyone was like. And Ahsoka took it all in, she was still learning things, even though she had been General Skywalker's Padawan for almost half a year now. This meant the remaining members of Domino Squad had arrived three months after she had arrived.
There was some kinks here and there, but they managed to learn each other's fighting styles, and found themselves working together in synch in no time.
Tessa had to say she was impressed by Commander Tano's leadership, and she had her complete loyalty. And a good friend, due to how much time they spent together talking, joking, and playing card games when they had the time.
This made Tessa come to a decision. She didn't know how it would play out, but she was confident it would work out. Since painting her armor, she still hadn't made a personal touch for her helmet. And she had a pretty good idea of what to paint now.
The next time the squad trained together, she had already painted it. And she had showed everyone in Beta, and they voiced their approval of it. But, they had also been nervous of the Commander's reaction.
When they all stood at attention, and the Commander came in, she didn't notice at first. But when they put their helmets on, Ahsoka immediately saw something new.
"Tessa, is that?" She asked.
Tessa nodded, and she bit her lip.
Ahsoka's face broke out into a huge grin, and said," I love it! That's looks so good! Can I see it?"
The trepidation that seemed to be in the air seemed to leave and everyone blew out a breath that they held.
Tessa took off her helmet and had a small smile, and she handed it to her.
She had painted the Commander's facial marking on her helmet in 501st blue. She had gotten a picture of her from the Holo-news (And had slapped Cutup and Nax on the head for the comment of having a crush on her) and spent like an hour making sure she got the painting right.
They spent 15 minutes talking about it, and the reasons why Tessa chose it. Ahsoka was touched, and she gave it her seal of approval.
It wasn't too long until they would have to report back to active duty. And it showed by the way of how the base seemed to get a feeling of seriousness, that would only show when a battle would happen. 3 days before leave would officially end; General Skywalker had informed the Legion they would head to Ryloth next.
Zeer had everyone prep by reading more about the planet itself. And Tessa took it a bit further by trying to learn the language along with Del and Echo. Besides prepping, shinies, vehicles and new ships would come in as well.
Tessa was hoping if some of them would be female, but none were. But the shinies were pretty much in awe at seeing their only sister. But she treated them like any of her brothers, but in a shiny brother sort of way before they would earn their stripes so to speak.
So now the Resolute, along with two other ships were spearheading the invasion. General's Kenobi and Windu were leading the ground attack, with the 212th Attack Battalion and the 91st Mobile Reconnaissance Corps, respectively. While General Skywalker and the 501st Legion was leading the Air Assault, and would only fight on the ground when they were called.
The arrival time would take 2 days through Hyperspace. This gave everyone plenty of time to prep. Between that time, Tessa was the ears to hearing what Ahsoka had to say about her being assigned to lead the air assault.
"Well, sir, I think you'll do good, with the way you lead us on the ground, the Seppies should be scared." Tessa praised.
Ahsoka smiled a little and said," Thanks Tess, and we're both off duty, you don't have to be so formal."
Tessa blushed under helmet and said," Sorry sir… Ahsoka, it a force of habit, I have to be formal and respectful of my superiors, sir."
Ahsoka rolled her eyes at her and said," Since when are you so formal?"
Tessa took off her helmet, shrugged and said," I may be sorta laidback, but I do still gotta be formal, sir."
Ahsoka lightly pushed her and said," Well at least your more fun than Rex. He's getting there, but he's still stuck up."
Both girls laughed at that for a second, but it soon stopped with Ahsoka saying.
"So, do you have any advice. In all honesty, I am sorta doubting myself. I talked to my Master and Rex. And they said I'll do fine, and they have their full confidence in me. But there's a possibility I might make mistakes, and cost the invasion."
Tessa let the words sink in, and then said," Well, sometimes mistakes can help you learn. But think about it, the General and the Captain wouldn't have given you this if they thought you weren't ready. This level of responsibility shows that you are ready, and they think so as well."
Ahsoka nodded, starting to feel better, but said," What about the pilots, there are my responsibility as well."
"Hey they've been trained far more extensively for this. So they'll know what to do. But, you're going to have to lead them, and one thing you have to do is to not make rash decisions, and you have to listen to them. They and you rely on one another, and being on the same page is a good idea. And it's also a good idea to not ignore anything.
Because, there will be a possibility of a retreat, and you can't ignore it and keep fighting. This type of stuff comes with experience."
Ahsoka nodded letting the information sink in.
"Thanks, I needed that. Who knew you were good at giving advice."
Tessa grinned and said," Don't mention it."
It would be a day later that the Resolute, Redeemer and Defender jump out of hyperspace, and everyone watching would find the Separatist Blockade around Ryloth. Beta Squad would once again be watching from the Mess Hall.
"Jeez, they have more ships than us. How come we only get three?" Cutup asked.
"Labor, they have droids, while we have real people doing it." Del said with a shrug.
Tessa watched as Commander Tano's Squadron fly out of the Hanger Bay, and started their run.
Needless to say, they all walked into a trap. The battle was going well at first, Commander Tano was clearing a path, the squad of V-19's were right behind her, and they had a clear path to the Flagship.
Tessa basically squeezed Cutup's arm when four more enemy ships jumped out of Hyperspace, and flanked the flagship. A string of curses resonated throughout the small crowd, but Cutup's was slight hissing in pain.
"Tess, please let go." Cutup said.
Tessa blushed under her helmet, they had to have their buckets on in case something happened. It was standard protocol.
"Right sorry." She said. 'C'mon Commander, don't do anything stupid.' She thought.
Things started to get sketchy when Vulture Droids started to get closer to the Strike Fleet. While Commander Tano and her men were busy avoiding the heavy fire, and other Vulture Droids.
Tessa thought they wouldn't turn back at first, but she was proven wrong when Commander Tano soon did a sharp turn, along with the others, boosted back to the Cruisers and started to help defend them.
The ship was shaking a couple of times from the explosions outside, but it was nothing serious.
"Yes!" She cheered, as she saw Commander Tano and the pilots defending the ships, slapping Cutup on his back in excitement.
"I share the sentiment sister, but will you please stop trying to give me bodily harm?" Cutup said, sounding annoyed.
"She's excited that her gal pal is defending the ships." Echo jokingly said.
He then yelped in pain when Tessa smacked him behind the head. That got a couple of chuckles from the people around her.
Things turned serious again, due to how close the fighting was happening, and also a friendly fighter bursts into flames, and explodes. Not only that, but it looked like the enemy Cruisers were starting to approach.
Tessa gasped in horror when the enemy ships manage to maneuver themselves, and get close enough to the nearest ship The Redeemer, and start to blast it. The Resolute and Defender tried to help, but they had their hands tied with the Vulture Droids.
Tessa barely felt when the Resolute started to move. Tessa at first thought the ship was going to help, but then realized they were moving away from them. She then heard the familiar alarms that signaled they were preparing to go into Hyperspace.
"Wait, what's going on? Are we retreating?" Tessa incredulously asked.
"I don't like it either, sister. But if it means to fight another day, then it's the only option." Zeer said.
Tessa wanted to argue, but she knew he was right. And the fact she didn't think it wouldn't be good if she argued with her superior. But she knew Zeer wouldn't think of it, he said that it's good to call out someone when they think their wrong. When it was within reason though.
Once all the friendly ships returned to the ships, a few seconds later, the familiar signs of going into Hyperspace start going into effect. And the blackness of space then turned into the familiar blue of Hyperspace.
Tessa lets what happened sink in, she heard others start to talk, and then she realizes something.
"Oh shit." She said.
The others in her squad look at he with surprised looks.
"Something wrong?" Attie asked.
"The Commander, I-I need to talk to her. I gave her advice before the battle. Kriff, this could be all my fault." Tessa worriedly said.
"Hang on, kid. Don't think like that. None of us knew something like this was going to happen. In war, we have to expect the unexpected. And I'm sure the Commander took your advice when she was fighting out there. For all we know, what you told her, probably saved the fleet." Zeer said.
The others in the squad nodded at what he said. Tessa felt better, but stress would be gone after she needed to do something.
Zeer seemed to know what she was thinking and said," Go ahead and go look for her. We would come with, considering she would need the reassurance from her Squad. But I have a feeling this between the two of you. If she needs us, just call."
Tessa gave her a grateful nod and said, "Thank, Sarge."
She then took off, and went to look for her. She went to the Hanger Bay, but didn't find her there. She did see the remains of the Fire Crew putting out a burning Fighter. She asked one who was close by, and he said that he saw her head to the Med Bay along with the remaining men in her Squadron, after they landed.
She thanked him, and sprinted as fast as she could. She turned the corner, and saw Commander Tano. She was leaning against a wall, with worried look on her face. A couple of pilots were near her, and they had the same looks.
"Commander Tano!" Tessa yelled, and sprinted to her.
"Whoa there, Trooper. Calm down." One of the pilots said as he got in front of her. "What's going on?"
"Tessa? Don't worry guys, she fine. Is something wrong?" Ahsoka said, and Tessa could hear her voice waver slightly.
Tessa took off her helmet, and said, "Yeah, I wanted to see if you're ok. The others would've come, but they said I should see you first. I can't help think I may have something to do with this."
Ahsoka gave her a surprised look, and said," What do you mean? The advice you gave me probably saved the Fleet."
"Say what now?"
"Yeah, I mean, I know taking out the Flagship would've helped us tremendously. But, as I was flying, and hearing my Master and the Admiral telling me to pull back, and help defend the fleet. I remember what you told me about not taking any unnecessary risks. I played what could happen in my head, and then I realized we needed to pull off."
One of the pilots, whose name was Kickback nodded at her, and then looked at Tessa and said," If what the Commander is saying is true, sister. Then you're alright in my book, and the others. I know we lost Tucker, and Axe is in the Med Bay, but things could've been a whole lot worst."
The other pilots, who were Slammer and Kickback nodded as well. And Tessa felt more relieved, and happy to know that her superior and her pilots didn't hold it against her.
The door to the Medbay opened, and a Medic came out. Everyone looked at him, waiting for what he had to say.
"Axe will be fine, he didn't have anything too serious. But he's going to be out of action for a bit, but he's going to be alright."
Everyone sighed in relief. Tessa was relieved that none of what she said jeopardized the invasion. Except now, she had think about what will happen now.
Needless to say, Tessa had learned to expect the unexpected when being under the command of General Anakin Skywalker. She knew he was unorthodox, and had crazy plans, which always worked out in the end. She had talked to enough veterans of the 501st to know that, including the original members of Beta.
The plan to take out the blockade, was one of them.
It turned out the Redeemer didn't get destroyed, and it managed to jump into Hyperspace, and made it to the rendezvous point, where the fleet was supposed to meet if they had to retreat. It was heavily damaged, and it looked like it wouldn't be able to last in another fight.
Somehow General Skywalker got an idea that involved the ship in question.
He had it evacuated, and planned to use it as a battering ram against the enemy flagship, to destroy it. While Commander Tano had control over the Resolute and Defender, and would lead a bombing run against the other enemy ships.
She had the plan to have both ships on their sides, while the Bombers would flank and destroy the enemy ships.
When Tessa heard it, she thought it was crazy. But during the whole second battle, it did.
She missed most of it, due to when the ship was on its side, but once in a while, she and the others saw big explosions. And everyone led a collective cheer when they saw the invasion fleet arrive, which meant everything worked out.
Zeer allowed her to meet up with Commander Tano, and the Bombers when they returned. She had a feeling he knew she needed to talk to her again. So she was waiting at the entrance to the Hanger Bay, and congratulated the pilots as they walked by.
She finally saw Commander Tano walking out of the hanger, along with General Skywalker, and the Captain. She saluted them as soon as they walked closer. No one else came through the doors, which meant they were the last to walk out.
"Huntress, what brings you here?" Rex asked.
"I came to talk to Commander Tano, sir. Also job well done with taking out the Flagship, sir." Tessa said the last part to Anakin.
Ahsoka smirked and said," Yep, another one of Skyguy's crazy plans worked."
Anakin shrugged and said," Well they always do. We'll leave you two alone. Also Snips, meet me in the bridge once your done. And good job today."
"Yeah, great job Commander." Rex praised.
The General and Captain left, which led to Tessa and Ahsoka by themselves.
"So, how did you get Zeer to let you come down here?" Ahsoka asked.
"He actually let me. But, I told him I will do a double-shift for both times I came to see how your doing." Tessa explained. "The General and Captain are right though, sir, you did good. Your idea helped saved the invasion."
"I don't think I can take all the credit. You were one who helped me with having doubts about flying my first mission by myself. and for that, we came out pretty ok. We, or I couldn't have done it without you, sister."
Tessa was about to respond, but realized what Ahsoka said, and it looked like she was realizing what she said as well.
"I-I'm sorry, Tess, I shouldn't have said that. You can just forget about it." Ahsoka said regretfully.
Tessa sighed, and place her hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. Ahsoka looked at her, and saw a look of compassion on her features.
"No it wasn't sir... Ahsoka. I feel the same way. We've been spending a lot of time together, and became close friends since I joined the 501st. And I feel that we've gotten closer as well. Why do you think I decided to paint your facial markings on my helmet. Because I respect you, and I felt we were getting closer." Tessa sincerely said.
Ahsoka smiled and said," That's a relief. I started to feel like we were getting closer sometime after our mission where we first met Grevious, and it went from there. I guess you add something different."
"Mainly because it's a ship full of men, and we're the only women on board?"
Ahsoka sorted in amusement and said," Well I guess that, but you know what I am getting at."
"Yeah, I do." Tessa said.
The both of them then hugged. Ahsoka then lets go and said.
"As much as I want to hang out with you, which I do. You should probably do that double shift you promised Zeer. So we can have the time to hang out later."
Tessa nodded, placed her helmet on and said," Sure thing, sir."
Tessa then left, feeling great about her new relationship with Ahsoka.
She had someone who she call a sister.
The last part was hard to write, I had trouble figuring out what to write.
But yeah, Tessa and Ahsoka are closer now. I felt it was a good idea, and it looked like it was. I also got the idea for Tessa's helmet from another story called Dominoes, and the credit goes to the author of it. It's pretty good, and you should all check it out.
Now I would like to ask you guys a question. Should I add Tessa and possibly Beta to the Innocents of Ryloth episode, or go straight to the Holocron Heist arc? Because for the former, I got an idea for it, but not sure if I should do it. What do you guys think?
Till next time.
