Right, I hope everyone is staying safe out there. And those of you in Quarantine, like myself, stay strong, we'll get through this together.
This chapter will deal with the Holocron Arc. And I also have a side story in the works for this. Which will follow the events of the Republic Heroes game, and timeline wise for that, is during or after the Ryloth Campaign.
Also, do any of you have any ideas for a name I can give for Ahsoka and Beta Squad? It will be greatly appreciated.
I hope you all enjoy this.
Holocron Arc
After the Ryloth Campaign, and dealing with a potential Separatist Super weapon, elements of the 501st and 212th were soon ordered to rearm and replenish and head to the planet Felucia to defend it from a possible Separatist attack.
And attack they did. Unfortunately the size of the attack force forced their ships to retreat, and have General Plo Koon, who was assigned to assist them when needed, to pick up the remaining forces on the ground while General Koon and his Squadron provided cover.
Tessa right now, was with her squad and Ahsoka on a jungle patrol, while General Skywalker and Kenobi held their positions at the designated landing zone for extraction.
Unfortunately for them, they ran into some trouble, and were now busy defending themselves from a whole lot of droids.
She was on top of a Juggernaut Turbo Tank, along with Ahsoka, while the rest of the squad was on the ground. Despite the situation they were in, Tessa found it highly amusing with how Attie was mowing down droids with his Z-6, and wasn't yelling out like she normally saw other clones who specialized in Heavy Weapons did. That was his personality, but she had once seen him fire his Z-6 in the Gun Range without a helmet, it was secret between them. And they knew if Zeer found out, he would've reprimanded him, and sent him to do a very boring job.
And the look he had while on the Range was quite slightly terrifying.
Zeer was leading the troops on the ground, and they were pretty much holding their ground. But, Tessa couldn't help but think this was too easy. When she tried to tell Ahsoka, she brushed it off, and told them to continue on.
She wanted to push further the issue, but she wasn't keen on questioning her superior officer, even though she was her closet friend, and sister figure.
Ahsoka's commlink started to beep, and then General Kenobi's voice was heard.
"Ahsoka, come in. Where is your location?"
"About 6 clicks east, Master. We've engaged the enemy and we've got them on the run." She responded.
"They're here to extract us. We're leaving!"
"What… we can't retreat now, Master. I've broken through."
"Not to doubt you Commander, but I've been having the bad feeling we haven't. I talked to Zeer, and he and the others thought so too. I think it's a good idea that we retreat." Tessa said.
Ahsoka gave her a look and said," Tess, I don't think we should. Can't you see the droids on the run?"
"I hate to butt in on the conversation sir, but the rest of the squad believes so too. And I'm not disobeying you, but I think we should listen to General Kenobi." Zeer said through the comms.
"Yeah, let's evac and fight another day, sir. We can think about our next move." Fives said.
"I would've thought you guys had my back. And Master Skywalker told me to never let up when the tinnies are on the run." Ahsoka crossly said.
"Believe us sir, we do, but… sorry for this, but the General's have the experience. And General Skywalker's advice isn't' sound." Echo said.
"Yeah, kick the kid's confidence, and make General Skywalker sound like an idiot. That will get her to see reason." Del sarcastically said.
"Well how would you say it? I think saying it full on is better than dancing around it. Even though personally we can hold our own until reinforcements come." Attie said.
Coric added his two cents and said," And also I think General Koon and his troops wouldn't be here to extract us we did have the lead in this. And also I would've used the band-aid metaphor."
"How is that last part relevant? We're trying to get the Commander to see reason, not explain metaphors." Cutup said.
"Well, I see this line of conversation is for true academics." Nax sarcastically said.
"Shut it Nax!" Everyone yelled.
Tessa sighed irritably, how they were all alive while fighting the droids was beyond her. And she then said," I wish we can get overrun now, so I won't have to hear you di'kut's talk!"
Both Generals and their clone officers were staring at each other in disbelief in the Gunship. Wondering how any of what they are saying was making sense. Rex and Cody in particular were starting to get headaches.
Obi-Wan felt a growing headache as well and said, "Will you all please cease your squabbling. Ahsoka, you are putting your troops' lives in danger. And you should also listen to them, they are right. So you will get on the gunship when we arrive."
He then ended the call, looked at Anakin, and said," I can see your student is following your teachings."
Anakin sighed, looked at Rex and said," You handle the troops, I'll handle Ahsoka."
"Oh joy." Rex grumbled.
"Pretty sure you're regretting putting all of them together, huh?" Cody joked.
Even though he couldn't see his face, Cody knew Rex was glaring at him.
Tessa, even through the loud sounds of the battle, heard the gunships approaching. The Gunships arrived, and soon landed in front of the patrol.
"Alright you sorry sacks! Let's move it! Our rides are here!" Zeer ordered.
"What are you doing?!" Ahsoka yelled at Anakin.
Anakin ran out of the Gunship as everyone else got into the Gunships.
"Get in the ship, now!" Anakin ordered.
"Can't you see their retreating!?" Ahsoka said.
"They're about to overrun you Ahsoka. You can't just see. Now follow orders and get into the ship."
"Commander, we have to go now. And considering he's a General, he outranks the both of us." Tessa said.
Ahsoka reluctantly nodded, and used the Force to bring them down to the ground, and they ran to the Gunship General Skywalker was on, which had the rest of the squad and got on. As they got airborne, Tessa saw the size of the rest of the main force of droids, and she was glad the others got to them in time.
"Jeeze, overkill don't you think?" Cutup said.
"Forget that, two Walkers and a Tank are gone. Man, they could've been used to do some serious damage." Attie sadly said.
Del patted him on the back and said," There's more where those came from my explosive loving brother."
Zeer looked at Ahsoka and said," Are you alright, Commander? About earlier, we were just trying to help."
"Its okay, Zeer. I'll probably talk more once we get onto the ship." Ahsoka said.
The squad looked at each other, they would've pressed more, but they knew it wasn't the time.
Later, they were in their temporary bunks on General Koon's Flag Ship. The reason they weren't on the Resolute, was due to it and the few other ships that survived the first space battle defending Felucia had to retreat.
"I just hope the Resolute survived, I mean, I had stuff in my bunk." Attie said.
Cutup raised a brow and said," And kind of stuff do you have? Anything good?"
"Oh yeah, spice. Got it from Nax."
Nax looked around and said," I've got 400 credits from my last sale. I've got some left."
Everyone laughed, feeling the tension of the battle leaving them. And they then heard a knock on the door.
Tessa got up from the bed, and walked to the door and opened it. She was surprised to see Ahsoka there, looking nervous.
The others saw her as well, and got up, and stood at attention.
"Commander, good to see you." Zeer said.
Ahsoka looked slightly amused and said, "I told you guys you don't have to be too formal with me."
Everyone looked at each other, and relaxed. There was an awkward silence for a moment, but Ahsoka soon broke it.
"I wanted to drop by to say that I'm sorry. I could've gotten you all killed for my arrogance. I was too caught up in everything that I didn't see the full picture." Ahsoka apologized.
Zeer walked over to her, placed a hand on her shoulder and said," Don't worry, Commander. It happens to the best us. I mean, leaders can't be perfect, we have to have some failures in order to learn."
"And it brings us back to when we were all training together. I still find it funny how you almost cut Del in half because how quiet he is sometimes and you didn't realize he was behind you." Cutup said with a chuckle.
Del gave his brother a glare and said," I did tell her. She just jumped because I startled her."
That made everyone laugh, and Ahsoka then said," Thanks guys, I appreciate it. How big a verbal thrashing did Rex give you all?"
"Oh he didn't, all he said was that to be more serious in any type of situation, especially when talking to superiors. How bad was your talk with the General's?" Zeer asked.
"They basically told me about how I was arrogant, and needed to fix things. I should be more worried once we get back to Coruscant. I am so dead once I talk to the Council."
"Then we'll remember you fondly, Commander. We'll even hold a service." Tessa teased.
"Yeah, your tombstone will read 'Here lies Commander Ahsoka Tano. Mascot of the 501st and an ok Jedi. '" Nax said with a chuckle.
Ahsoka's response was to use the Force, and throw a pillow at his face hard. And he ended up sprawled on the ground in a daze, while everyone busted out laughing.
They only stayed on Coruscant for a couple of days. After that, General Skywalker ordered everyone to get ready, and prepare for their next assignment.
Apparently get ready meant to literally drop what you were doing, and get back on the Resolute, and then jump into Hyperspace. While everyone was getting everything on board, no one got the chance to ask what was going on.
But as soon as they got into Hyperspace, Captain Rex explained the situation.
A bounty hunter, who was employed the Separatists, had infiltrated the Jedi Temple, and stole a Holocron, which was some type of data drive for the Jedi. it contained the names of Force Sensitive children, and it could only be open with a certain Kyber Crystal, and a Jedi. The Crystal was located on the planet Devaron, and was in the hands of a Jedi Master.
The bounty hunter was going to kidnap the Jedi, and they were going to intercept them.
"Well, at least it gives us a chance to smash more clankers. Sorta like payback for Felucia." Attie said, as he prepared his weapons.
"Yeah, I mean, why would the Seppies kidnap kids? That's just wrong." Tessa grumbled.
Her thoughts went to Numa, even though Tessa knew she wasn't Force Sensitive, she didn't know what to think if she was ever kidnapped.
"Don't worry, sister. We'll stop this before any kids are taken. We know how much you have a soft spot for them." Echo reassured.
Zeer's comlink then started to go off, and then answered it.
"This is Zeer."
"Sergeant, its Captain Rex. You and your squad report to the hanger bay. We're about to exit hyperspace soon. Out."
"Yes, sir. Alright, let's move it." Zeer said.
"Another day, another battle." Tessa quipped as they went to the hanger bay.
Once they got there, the intercom had already relayed that they broke through the fleet. The other squads were there, along with the Captain, the generals and also Admiral Yularen.
"Ah, Beta Squad, glad to see you again." General Skywalker said as he saw them.
"Same, General. Commander, glad to see you're still alive." Zeer said, and the rest of the squad hid their laughs.
Anakin gave Ahsoka a slightly confused look, with her saying," It's nothing, Master, it's an inside joke. We've got a change of plans, apparently we're going to board a Separatist frigate to rescue Master Ropal."
"Not to question anything, sir. But how are we going to do that?" Tessa asked.
"As I was going to tell the Admiral here, we're going to need to activate those walkers." The General said, and pointed to the ones in the corner.
'Another one of the General's unorthodox plans.' Tessa thought with slight amusement.
"You are not thinking about using those to transport the clones to that frigate." The Admiral said, skeptical.
Both the Captain, and Commander voiced their approval, and the General gave the Captain the order to start loading up.
"Execute Battalion, take AT-AT 300! Carnivore Battalion, Walker 773! Let's go! Beta, you're riding with the General, Commander, and me." Rex ordered.
"And yet another special assignment for us." Fives said.
Denal, who was in the same Battalion as Beta, which was Carnivore Battalion, ran up beside them and said to Tessa," Another assignment together, huh sister?"
Tessa snorted and said," Apparently."
Tessa and the others got themselves strapped into their seats, once they got into the tanks. They were also told to wear their Binoculars, due to the possibility of the light failing on the enemy ship.
"All troops hang on tight. We're disembarking onto the clankers ship in a moment." The Tank Driver said in the intercom.
"Uh, I'm not the only one worried about doing this, right?" Tessa said.
"No… you're not the only one." Echo said.
One of the Tank Operators cleared his throat loudly and as soon as he got everyone's attention, he said," Prepare for dismemberment from the tank once the red light is shown. Check weapons, your seals, your gravity, and get ready to fight some clankers. Good luck."
Tessa and the others did so. She lowered her binoculars to check to see if they were working properly.
The sounds and shaking of the battle was heard from inside. A few minutes later, the red light turned on. Everyone unstrapped themselves from their seats, and the light then turned green. The backdoor to the walker opened, and everyone disembarked.
Tessa found herself in slight awe. It was one thing to see space from behind a window, but to actually be out in it was a different experience entirely. But she knew she didn't have time to sight-see, and followed everyone to the nearest airlock.
Although walking in space, and feeling weightless was pretty cool.
She saw remains of Vulture Droids, and was thankful that the General and the Commander took them out. There was only a couple of droids firing at them, but they took care of them quickly.
General Skywalker's droid opened up the airlock, and luckily for them, it was close by to the bridge. And they all climbed down, and started to fight their way to the bridge.
Tessa was actually one of the first to attack the bridge along with the Captain, and took out a couple droids.
"Don't shoot! I'm not the Commander. He's the commander!" One of the droids shouted.
Tessa glanced at Nax, who shrugged, and they both took out the one who spoke, and the other next to him.
"It's hard to take them seriously sometimes when they talk." Tessa said.
"It's sorta refreshing in the way. Adds a bit of humor." Nax said.
"Artoo, see if you can find Master Ropal." The general said.
R2 linked up with one of the computers, and a message showed who appeared to Cad Bane, and he said he had both pieces to the holocron now.
General Skywalker ordered R2 to find Master Ropal, and ordered the Captain to sabotage the escape pods. Before they could do any of that, the ship started to shake, and the sound of an explosion went off.
"Attie, did you leave some explosives around?" Tessa asked.
"Hmm, I wish."
Apparently, one of the engines of the ship exploded. This meant that they were on limited time. R2 found out that Master Ropal was in the cell bay, and they all raced to it. And started to look for him in each of the cells.
Tessa and Ahsoka opened up a cell, and they were greeted with the body of Master Ropal. Tessa waved Coric over, who went over to him, and checked his pulse.
"He's gone." He sadly said.
General Skywalker looked at Rex and said," Rex, have some men take Master Ropal back to the Resolute."
Rex looked at Zeer, and said," Think you and the squad can take him back?"
"Yes sir, we'll be honored. And take out some clankers for us. Fives and Coric, you carry his body. The rest of us will provide security, and find a way to the hanger bay. Huntress and Nax, you cover the front and rear. Think you can find the fastest route to the hanger, Del?"
"Yes, sir." They all said.
Zeer looked at the General and said," Do you want us to wait for you in the hanger bay once we find transportation, sir?"
"You go on ahead, we'll find our own." Anakin said.
"Yes sir, let's go."
Fives and Coric picked up Master Ropal's body, while Tessa stood at the front, and Nax in the rear. And the others stood around the body, and started head out.
Anakin found more respect for the squad, looked at Ahsoka and said," You've done well with them. And I have noticed how well you work with Huntress."
Ahsoka beamed a little at the praise and said," Thank you, Master. I guess we just work well together."
The squad had placed their binoculars on, and set them on night vision once the lights went out.
Tessa always checked every corner and hallway, while Del said the directions of the hanger. The ship had two hangers, but they were going to the closets one to the cells. They had only came into contact with a couple of droids, and they had to move faster, due to more explosions rocking the ship.
"I can see only a couple of droids in this hanger sir. " Del said.
"We don't have time. Nax, Huntress, and Attie, you lead the way. Cutup, you hang on to General's Ropal body. The rest of us will take the back."
Everyone nodded; Attie was in the middle, while Huntress and Nax were to the left and right of him. While everyone else were behind them, or inside the hallway.
"Open it." Zeer said.
Del opened the door, and the group went to work on taking care of the droids. Once they did, Zeer motioned for Cutup and Coric bring in Ropal's body to the shuttle.
Attie shut the door, and used his Z-6 to destroy the door controls.
Del then got the controls and turned on the shuttle.
"Everyone aboard?" Zeer asked.
After he got a confirmation from everyone, he nodded at Del, who then flew the ship out of the hanger.
"Captain Rex, we commandeered a shuttle, and are heading back to the Resolute." Zeer said into the comms.
"Copy, Sergeant. We'll be there shortly. We're heading to another hanger and waiting for General Skywalker and Commander Tano."
Zeer was about to say something, but stopped after thinking of something, and then said," Uh, sir. Permission for us to watch over General Ropal's body in the Med Bay, once we get back to the Resolute? We were tasked with watching his body, and I think it's a good idea."
Rex was silent for a moment, and then said," Permission granted. I'll let General Skywalker know. Rex out."
Zeer looked at everyone, but he could tell they approved of it as well.
"Don't worry, Sarge. We agree as well. As long as you buy us drinks." Nax said.
"Oh no, you're the one who suggested it. You'll get us drinks." Zeer countered.
There were a couple of chuckles from everyone in the shuttle.
"Unidentified shuttle, state your business." A voice said into the comms.
Del answered it and said," Resolute, we're friendlies. General Skywalker told us to take General Ropal's body back the Resolute. And we're sending you clearance codes now."
There was a moment, and the technician said, "Codes are accepted, you are clear to land. We'll have a pod for General Ropal's body ready when you arrive. Out."
"Alright, we're in the clear. Get everything ready once we disembark. Coric, you'll push the pod, while the rest of us flank you."
Everyone nodded, and waited for the ship to land. As it did, everyone got up, and Coric went to retrieve the pod. Tessa and Cutup picked up Master Ropal's body, and placed him in it.
Coric started to push, while everyone else flanked him. Admiral Yularen met them near the ramp.
"I take it the General is still on the ship." He stated.
"Yes sir. I spoke to Captain Rex. He was ok with us guarding General Ropal's body, sir."
"Very well, Sergeant. Good work."
Zeer, and the others saluted him, and marched to the Medbay.
Tessa felt a sense of pride as they walked down the corridors. The troopers that passed them would stand to the side, and salute the dead Jedi Master. Even though they couldn't save him, it felt like they were treating him with respect, and dignity. She thought this was the Coruscant Guard Clones felt when they escorted and protected high ranking officials for the Rupublic.
She then got a funny thought where she and the rest of Beta would had been part of the Coruscant Guard. Then they would've been protecting the heart of the Republic, Government officials, possibly Senator Amidala. Or maybe the Chancellor, now that would be interesting.
They would soon later find out that they lost the Holocron. Unfortunately the Bounty Hunter, Cad Bane, had disguised himself as a clone, sadly it was Denal, and had taken off in a fighter after his cover was blown. This led to chase to find him, the Holocron, and any missing children he kidnapped for who knows what kind of reason.
And after a couple of days, with the Jedi getting the Holocron back, and saving the kidnapped children, they were able to hold a funeral for Master Ropal.
Tessa and the others were surprised when they were told by Commander Tano they were invited to be there. They thought that something like that would personal for Jedi. But apparently it wasn't, and the squad found out that along with fellow Jedi, a couple of Senators, heads of the military, and the Chancellor himself, also attended the funerals at the Jedi Temple.
And the reason why their squad was going to be there, was because General Skywalker had suggested them to be, due to them being the ones who guarded Master Ropal's body.
Before the funeral, the squad was pretty amazed by what they saw. They had to give the Jedi credit, due to how nice the place looked, and how comforting it felt. Before they set foot inside the temple, Ahsoka had told them they didn't have to salute everyone Jedi they came across.
They were guests, and Ahsoka would let them know when to do it.
But it didn't stop their uneasiness, especially Tessa, who felt like they all stuck out like sore thumbs. And were trying not to mess up in anyway. It was actually one of the few times Cutup or Nax didn't crack a joke. And Tessa wasn't amused by how Ahsoka found their nervousness to be funny. She was sure the others didn't find it amusing either, due to being in the presence of other Jedi, Politicians, and military leaders.
Tessa moved her collar, due to it itching a bit. During special ceremonies, clones were given Dress Uniforms. She was glad she was given hers with pants, cause she wasn't interested in wearing a dress or a skirt that would go with the uniform. And also the fact the squad would tease her later on, and she wasn't planning being the gossip of the GAR, besides for obvious reasons.
The politicians were dressed in dark clothing, while the Jedi wore brown robes, and had their hoods up. The only exception was for General Yoda, and he was giving the eulogy.
"His life, cut short, Master Ropal's was. But fret or feel sad, we should not. One with the Force, he is, as we all shall, when our time comes. A moment of silence I ask. For we shall remember his time amongst the living, and hope he finds peace wherever his spirit may be."
Everyone did so for a few moments. And then Master Yoda banged his cane onto the floor a couple of times. The body was then lowered into the floor, and floor panels closed shut, and a bright beam of light shot out. Tessa actually found herself sniffing a little, and then felt Echo place a comforting hand on her shoulder, and smile. She nodded in thanks, and then looked at where Commander Tano was, who was standing across from them with General Skywalker. She gave them, and she had feeling the rest of the squad gave them a nod of thanks, for letting them be a part of this. And they nodded back.
Beta squad were honored to be a part of something like this. And they also felt their respect for the Jedi, and the ones that led them to grow larger.
And they all hoped to make them proud.
