Alright, everybody. Back with another chapter.
This chapter will feature a bit of the ASAT team's training, a certain holiday, and something else important. The story is about to kick into high gear.
Let's get to it.
CMac54: I think I already alluded to this in the story summary, but I'll confirm this. The Republic will still be turned into the Empire. The last part of this story will deal with Earth's response to that.
RandomFanAuthor: First off, I want to confirm this once for all for all my readers. Yes, I am a guy. And second, I'd almost agree with you on Iran. But given Iraq's decision to abstain (basically declaring their intention to join the Separatists), at this point in time, I figured that would be incentive enough for Iran to not do likewise. Although, Iran was one of the countries to vote to remain neutral and not participate in the war unless attacked directly. As for Libya, I think that under Gaddafi, it's not too much of a stretch to think they'd join the Separatists.
Clone Wars Fan: After the end of the battles for Earth, this story will shift into Earth being involved in the events of the Clone Wars, and I will include some episodes from the show.
AJ: For Iran, look at the answer above. For Tunisia, they voted neutral.
Chapter 7- Christmas with a Hitch
Anakin smiles as he blocks Lieutenant Wilson's attack. Captain Rommel tries to strike him, but Anakin steps back and blocks the blow.
It's been a week and a half since the ASAT team was assembled, and began their training under him and Master Windu. At first, the practiced with sticks, and graduated to actually practicing with the lightsabers four days ago.
Anakin leaps back, keeping his eyes on his two opponents. Wilson and Rommell slowly stalk around him, trying to divide his attention, both holding their lightsabers in front of them.
Anakin shifts his grip on his lightsaber and shifts his stance a bit. Rommell takes the chance and lunges towards Anakin, slashing at his leg. Anakin blocks the strike, only to have go back on the defensive as Wilson attacks him.
The three continue fighting for several more tense moments before Anakin clashes blades with Wilson and twists his saber out of his hand before kicking him in the chest. Rommell tries to attack him, but Anakin manages to get under his guard and bring his saber right up to Rommel's neck. Anakin holds that position for a moment before stepping away and chuckling.
"Good job, you two. You've both come a long way. Give it a little more practice, and I think you could hold your own against Ventress or even Dooku, maybe," Anakin says. Both men, and the rest of the ASAT Team, know who Ventress and Dooku are by this point.
"Thank you, General," Wilson says, who has reclaimed his lightsaber and clipped it to his belt.
"Skywalker." Anakin turns to see Mace walking towards him.
"How did it go, Master Windu?" he asks.
"Lieutenant Adams and Lieutenant Mofaz are both making great progress," Mace responds with a slight smile.
"Good. I think they'll be ready to take on Ventress or Dooku soon enough," Anakin says.
"Agreed," Mace says.
"Excuse me. Master Windu. Skyguy."
Mace and Anakin both turn to see Ahsoka walking into the room. "What is it, Snips?" Anakin asks.
"Sorry, to interrupt, Master. But if we don't leave now, we'll be late for the party," she says.
Anakin smiles. Today is December 24. Around the time of the UN meetings, President Bush had told them about a Terran holiday called Christmas. The Jedi and others from the Republic had found the reason for the holiday intriguing, but respected it given how important the individual known as Jesus Christ was in Terran culture. They also found the traditions surrounding the holiday very interesting.
A few days ago, President Bush had officially invited all the Jedi, Senator Organa (who was still on Terra), and some of the important military figures to attend a Christmas dinner and celebration at the White House the day before Christmas, known as Christmas Eve.
"Of course, Ahsoka. We'll be right out," Anakin says. He then turns to look at Rommell and Wilson and says, "You two are dismissed." The two nod and leave the room.
"Alright, Master Windu. Let's go," Anakin says.
"I still do not particularly approve of this," Mace says.
"Ahh, come on, Master Windu. We need to respect the Terran's traditions. And what's wrong with having a little fun?" Anakin says with a smile. Mace just sighs a bit, but follows Anakin out.
Ahsoka is waiting for them, and as they leave, follows them out of the building. The sun has just dipped below the horizon, and the sky is darkening, as they see a helicopter is waiting for them outside. The trio board the chopper, which smoothly lifts off and heads for D.C.
It's not long before the helicopter is landing on the lawn of the White House. The trio step out of the helicopter, and immediately spot Obi-Wan, Yoda, Rex, Cody, Admiral Yularen, and Senator Organa waiting for them about ten yards away.
"At last. You're almost late," Obi-Wan says.
"Sorry. We were just finishing up some training with the ASAT boys," Anakin says.
"Well, President Bushy is waiting for us. We don't want to keep him waiting," Obi-Wan says.
"Of course not," Mace says, and the group makes their war into the White House.
As they enter the White House, they find First Lady Barbara Bush waiting for them. "We've been waiting for you, friends. Follow me," she says. She then starts leading them through the White House.
After a few minutes, they reach the dining room, where a massive table is set with various dishes that they've been told are traditional Christmas dishes. Turkey. Stuffing. Mashed potatoes. Cranberry Sauce. Various vegetables. And some apple pie and fruitcake for desert. President Bush is at the head of the table, and surrounding it are his children, various aides and government officials, and some of the President's other family.
"Welcome to our friends from the Republic!" President Bush says as they enter. Obi-Wan bows slightly to President Bush in acknowledgement.
"Well, now that we're all here. I think we can get started," President Bush says, motioning for everyone to sit down.
President Bush says a quick greeting for everyone, then a quick prayer, before getting up and starting to carve one of the turkeys.
The room is soon full of chatter. The Jedi and others from the Republic are spread around the table, and engaging in pleasant conversation while enjoying the food.
As Anakin is talking with one of the Chiefs of Staff who is in attendance, he looks around the table and says, "You know, I kinda wish we had holidays like this in the Republic."
"You don't really have times to just get together and just celebrate, do you? Leave all your worries aside for a little while?" the man, General Gordon Sullivan, asks Anakin.
"No," Anakin says.
"Well, maybe that's one thing you guys can learn from us Terrans," General Sullivan says with a grin.
"Maybe," Anakin says with a smile.
The dinner lasts for a little over an hour. Finally, a little after 9, President Bush stands and says they will be moving into one of the living rooms. The whole table stands up and follows President Bush into the living room, where a massive Christmas tree is standing. The visitors from the Republic found the tradition of the Christmas tree a very intriguing one, yet some found it one of their favorites.
President Bush gives a few remarks, welcoming everyone to their Christmas party. The gathered guests share some Christmas stories, then President Bush reads the story of Christmas from a book called the Bible.
After President Bush sets down the Bible, he looks up and says, "Now, I think it's time for some Christmas carols." Mrs. Bush stands up and passes out some sheets of music.
"I think we should start with Silent Night," President Bush says, getting some nods.
The Republic guests feel a little uncomfortable, not knowing any of these songs their hosts intend to sin, and many not being really used to music at all. Bail Organa moves to sit beside Vice President Dan Quayle, who holds out his sheet music for Bail to see.
A guest starts to play the piano. And after a few notes, President Bush, the rest of the guests, and Bail begin to sing.
Silent Night, Holy Night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy Infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
As the Jedi, two clones, and Admiral Yularen listen, they begin to feel a sense of peace they can't explain.
Silent night, Holy Night
Shepherds Quake, At the Sight
As those singing get through the first two lines of the second verse, Obi-Wan suddenly stands up a bit and shuffles over to where General Sullivan is sitting. Obi-Wan looks down at the sheet music, finding the line they're on, then, as best he can, joins in.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!
As the second verse ends, Anakin smiles, and moves over to General Sullivan as well, followed by Ahsoka. They also glance down at the sheet music, and join in the third verse.
Silent Night, Holy Night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
Jesus, Lord at thy birth
As the song ends, once again, the visitors from Republic again get a nice feeling. Finally, Rex says, "That was a beautiful song."
"Thank you. But, for this next one, perhaps you would all like to join us?" President Bush asks.
Slowly, the other nod. Mrs. Bush passes out more sheet music, and more Christmas songs follow. Both slower carols, and more upbeat songs. Even Master Windu joins in eventually. Yoda, not really one to sing, simply sits and smiles through the songs.
They sing songs until almost 10. Then, President Bush ends the festivities, allowing the visitors to return to their homes if they want. The others, including the visitors from the Republic, all make their way to their rooms.
(The following morning)
Anakin smiles as he watches President Bush's youngest daughter, Doro, opens a gift from her father.
"Thank you, Dad," the woman says with a smile.
The Jedi and Bail (Rex, Cody, and Yularen had returned to the fleet after the end of the previous night's festivities) were invited to join the morning's festivities, which involved opening presents, a Christmas tradition they thought was a very nice one.
"Alright. I think that's it for gifts. Well, except for our guests," President Bush says. He and Mrs. Bush then gather up several wrapped gifts and bring them over, handing one to each of the Jedi and Bail.
"Wait, what?" Anakin asks.
"We had to get our new friends some gifts for Christmas," President Bush says.
"Why, thank you, Mr. President," Obi-Wan says.
"You didn't have to," Mace says in slight protest.
"You're right. We didn't have to. But we wanted to. That's the spirit of Christmas," Mrs. Bush says.
Mace doesn't seem to have a response for that. And slightly to their surprise, Mace actually smiles slightly before beginning to unwrap his gift.
As Anakin and the rest join Mace in unwrapping their gifts, Anakin smiles. Terrans may be less advanced, and have many problems and divisions amongst themselves, but they seemed to have discovered some secrets to happiness that people across the galaxy hadn't yet found.
(Earth orbit)
In the outer solar system, a formation of 8 Y-Wing bombers is flying a routine patrol near Saturn. Their gunners are also mapping the outer solar system for Republic records.
Suddenly, an alarm starts to blare in the cockpit of one of the Y-Wings. The clone pilot immediately calls up his flight lead and says, "Uh, sir. I'm detecting something emerging from hyperspace. Are we expecting anybody?"
"No. Everyone on alert, now!" the lead pilot calls.
The pilots swivel their heads, waiting for the ship to drop out of hyperspace. Then, suddenly, a Separatist Munificent class frigate appears out of hyperspace.
"S***!" the lead pilot says. He then gets on his commlink back to the fleet and shouts over the connection, "The Separatists have found this place! A Munificent class frigate just dropped out hyperspace near the sixth planet of this system!"
On board the bridge of the Resolute, Admiral Yularen reacts immediately. "You are clear to attack! Do all you can to disable it immediately, but particularly it's ability to send a transmission!" he says over the commlink. He then turns to his commanders and says, "Scramble more forces to reinforce them!"
The 8 Y-Wings immediately bank to intercept the Separatist ship. Meanwhile back at the fleet, 30 more Y-Wings and 40 ARC-170s are launched and head at high speed towards Saturn.
On board the Separatist ship, the Neimoidian captain sees the Y-Wings approaching. "Scramble all fighters! And alert the General at once! We have found the system, and the Republic beat us here!"
The droids begin transmitting the message, as a squadron of Vulture Droids is launched from the ship.
The Y-Wings press their attack, firing proton torpedoes at the ship. None hit the bridge, but all of the weapons hit the ship, causing some extensive damage. The Y-Wings are then forced to engage the Vulture Droids. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Y-Wings are able to destroy 10 Vulture Droids before they are all shot down.
However, by that point, the reinforcements are beginning to arrive. ARC-170s come blazing in, firing their laser cannons, taking out any Vulture Droids in their path. As the Vultures are distracted, the Y-Wings press ahead and begin firing more proton torpedoes. A swarm of about sixty torpedoes slams into the frigate, finally destroying the ship's bridge and causing very heavy damage.
The Y-Wings now begin to assist the ARCs in destroying the few remaining Vultures. Once they have done so, all 70 fighters begin attacking the Separatist ship, blasting it again and again. Thanks to the damage it has already taken, it only takes two more attack runs before the ship begins to explode.
As the ship explodes, the lead ARC-170 pilot calls back to the Resolute, saying, "Admiral! We've destroyed the ship!"
"Good work, pilot. Return to the fleet," Admiral Yularen says.
What he doesn't mention is that the Resolute picked up a transmission from the Separatist ship, reporting its position, that it had found the planet, and that Republic forces had already found it.
The Clone Wars are about to come to Terra in full.
And, I'll end there.
I hope you don't mind that I included Christmas so heavily. Given the time that this chapter takes place, and that Christmas is my favorite holiday, I figured "Why not?" I also included Silent Night because it's my favorite Christmas song.
So, the Separatists have finally found Terra. It's not going to be long before the Separatist fleet arrives, and the battle for Earth begins.
Next chapter should be up soon. Until then, leave a review, and stay tuned!