Time for some air-to-air combat action. That's right it's the one with Hardcase makes a heroic sacrifice. Will he do it in my story? Just read and find out.

Disclaimers are the same as before. Enjoy.

Chapter 16: Plan of Dissent

September 25th 2018, 21BBY

Captured Umbaran airbase

1500 hours

Normal point of view

The tension in the air circled like a skunk's stench.

After several flawed and suicidal strategies by Krell, the morale of the men dropped significantly. All of the of the recon missions sent out ended badly and many troopers were wounded. Even with the assistance of Kota's militia, the Umbarans were still fighting back ferociously.

As a squad of AT-RT's were about to begin their recon mission, Krell walked past several idle Umbaran fighters as Appo explained that the enemy had begun to step up their attacks on the men. "They want their base back. We cannot let our guard down for a moment, I want all Umbaran security reconfigured and locked down. Interrogate the prisoners if you have too, but I want this base under our complete control and I don't want excuses." Krell ordered.

"It would be better for you to show an ounce of gratitude towards Skywalker's men." Kota spoke as he walked over to the general with two members of his militia. "I have been talking with the troopers and you have yet to thank them for securing this airbase. Even Erik and the others have yet to receive any sign of gratitude from you for the efforts they displayed to take this airbase." He added.

"Gratitude will only cause the men to slack off and when they do, the enemy will catch us off guard and will attempt to retake this airbase." Krell explained gruffly to Kota as Barney walked over. "This coming from the coward who only observes the fighting instead of fighting by his men." Barney said as he loaded his M29. "A good leader leads by example and is willing to take the same risks as his men and you aren't a great leader." He added spinning his revolvers cylinder around.

"Are you insulting my style of command? I find it amusing that a mercenary like you even knows anything about leadership, considering you only work for money." Krell mocked the leader of the Expendables. Barney was about to pull one of his guns when he looked towards Kota, who shock his head no. "I don't care what you say four-arms, but you hurt my nephew. Normally I would kill anyone who does that, but I don't need to waste the ammo on your fat ass." Barney retorted as Rex walked over to the two of them.

"Sir's there a transmission from General Kenobi." Rex stated. "I'll take it in the tower." Krell said, pushing past Barney and walking past Fives who was working on fixing one of the Umbaran fighters. Both he, Jesse, Hardcase and the other members of Torrent Company were still waiting for a thank you from the general but haven't gotten it.

"Well it looks like my part on the ground is coming to an end." Robert said as he walked over to Fives and Hardcase. "With the airbase taken, its time for me to blow some more fighters out of the sky. Especially since the enemy still has those T.I.E Fighters." He added.

"I thought the plans for those ugly fighters were in our hands." Hardcase said confused. "So, did I but apparently the traitor in the military sent those plans to the seppies and now we are seeing those Stuka's a lot lately." Robert said as he looked towards the sky. "I just hope Ahsoka and Barriss are doing ok up there."

Meanwhile on Serrano, Dooku sat in the center of his office meditating. After attending to his own personal matters, he began to feel a strong shift in the dark side of the force and is seemed to center around Umbara.

As he listened to the force, he was soon met with a terrible vison. The sounds of blaster fire, men screaming, lightsabers clashing a roaring soon echoed through his head. "He is to strong for you. You must leave. No don't attack. NO!" Dooku shouted as he opened his eyes and saw that he was still in his home. "Robert, please be careful. A traitor is in your mists and closer than you think." He said to himself.

Back on Umbara the situation had taken a turn for the worse. While the airbase was taken the enemy was now launching missile strikes at the positions of Obi-Wans battalion, forcing his forces to retreat as each strike became more and more accurate. Apparently, they were receiving more weapons from a supply ship in orbit and the republic fleet was vastly outnumbered. Krell however decided to continue with the plan and was ready to move his forces to the rendezvous point and assist Obi-Wans forces.

Obi-Wan had a better idea. If their missile strikes were getting more and more accurate, then it was time for Robert to join the air battle. His bloodhound missiles, being able to split apart and separate into smaller missiles were the answer to eliminate the enemy fighters and clear a path for the bombers to attack the supply ship.

But Krell then did the unthinkable, he lied to Obi-Wan and told him the Robert was killed in the battle for the air base and all that was left was his dog tags. He even said that he won't be missed. Obi-Wan would have said more but the transmission was jammed and they couldn't reach him

During the entire conversation, Rex's distrust of the general and his confusion grew. That's twice now Obi-Wan had referred to Krell as Anakin when Obi-Wan a member of the Jedi council, the same council that was ordered by the chancellor to call Anakin back to Coruscant still had no idea that Krell was in charge of the operation. Lying about Robert being killed, that was taking it a step to far.

Once again, he tried reason with Krell and suggested that they send a message to Obi-Wan and coordinate their attacks, but Krell dismissed this idea and told the captain to prepare the battalion to move out in twelve hours. Rex remined him that they would be marching into the blast zone as an enemy air strike exploded in the nearby distance. Krell didn't listen and even had the gal to punch Rex in the chest and sent him to the ground.

Cassie was furious. She had seen everything and was tempted to put a couple of .357 Magnum rounds into the bastards back but stopped herself and helped her boyfriend to his feet. Rex explained what had happened in the communications tower and Cassie's blood began to boil. "My Nephew isn't dead. He is alive and why is Obi-Wan addressing Krell like he is Anakin?" She asked. "I don't know general, but I am beginning to think that Krell is up to something and he isn't telling us." Rex stated as the two spotted a familiar modified Jedi Starfighter touch down on the runway.

"Glad you made it R4." Robert said as he made his way over to his fighter. R4 beeped and gave him the readout of the fighter's systems. "Problem with the missile systems? Damn, its always one thing or another." Robert cursed as R4 ejected from his slot and opened up a panel that contained the missile firing systems while Robert grabbed a wrench. One of the bolts for the blood hound launcher was to tight and the missiles couldn't deploy properly.

As he set to work on his fighter another series of explosions occurred in the forest near the base. "It's a good thing those missiles have a hundred megaton yield and not a nuclear payload, otherwise we would all be burnt to a crisp." He said as he loosened the bolt for the launcher. "That should do it." he said before he suddenly pulled out from underneath his fighter.

"All right asshole, what's the big fucking idea. I am trying to preform maintenance on my fighter and if this is a joke then it isn't funny." He said as he got back to his feet and looked to see Krell standing in front of him. "Oh great, it's you" he said sarcastically as R4 continued the repairs to the Angel. "If you don't mind I am trying to be ready so I can follow my orders. Ahsoka and Barriss need some assistance up there and my orders are to assist them." he added trying to return to the work on his fighter before Krell stopped him.

"I am afraid Master Kenobi has altered your orders. You are to stay behind and protect the airbase from enemy attack. Commander's Tano and Offee have it covered." Krell said waving his hand across Roberts face. "Are you trying to use the old Jedi mind trick on me? Sorry to spoil your amusement, but I can't be affected by such a technique. Now get out of my way, I have work to do, my squadron needs me." He said before Krell just laughed.

"You are no pilot, you only got this far because you are lucky. You still think that you can achieve fame and glory by fighting in all areas of battle. The skills you displayed in the simulator when it was set to the highest level prove that you are no ace." He stated. This made Robert turn around and face the general. "It was you, you're the one who set the simulators level to ten all so you could keep me from getting my wings. I should have known someone as ugly as you would be behind it. Well now that I know, you are going to get an ear full from the council when we get back." Robert said angrily as Kota walked over.

"What's going on here?" he asked. "The Staff Sergeant here claimed that he supplied the Umbaran's our locations during the attacks on the main road and the gorge. He is a traitor and must be dealt with." Krell lied. "LIAR! I never said those things." Robert shouted before Kota got in-between them. "Enough! Master Krell, you should go get some rest. You must be 'exhausted' from 'leading' the men in battle over the last few days." Kota suggested. Krell nodded in agreement and left the two alone.

"Master I swear I didn't…" Robert began to say before Kota stopped him. "I know you are no traitor. I heard everything and intervened when it was necessary. I have notice that you have been giving in to the dark side more and more with every day we spend on this world. I am concerned for you. You need to control your emotions." Kota said sympathetically to Robert.

"Krell just reminds me of someone from my past, someone who always said he was right and did whatever he wanted and didn't care who got hurt." Robert admitted, thinking back to a time where someone else he cared for was hurt. "I see that you don't want to talk about it, but I have heard that Fives and the others are training with Fenrir on how to use those Umbaran fighters. Once they have mastered flying those things, they can provide air-support for us if we follow another one of Krell's plans. I need you to get your fighter up and running and be ready to join the air battle." Kota stated.

"Are those your orders?" Robert asked curiously. "These are the orders that were given to you at the beginning of the campaign." Kota remined him who then went back to work on his fighter.

Rex's point of view

1645 hours

No matter how much I argued with him, the General ordered me to prepare the men to move out.

I still couldn't understand it. First General Skywalker is called back to Coruscant in the middle of the battle and instead of being placed under the command of Generals Ross and Cage, we were placed under Krell's command. At first, I thought things would go more smoothly under his command, but after he ordered us to march towards the main road for twelve hours and then launch a full-frontal assault on the capital started to make me question his plans.

Then came the attack on the airbase. I knew it would be better for us to find a more secure route in attacking the base rather then marching headlong towards the base, but he gave me the order and there wasn't anything I could do to change his mind. Fortunately, General Kota gave Fives and the others the task of helping Commander Bralor acquire one of the enemy fighters and gave us an advantage when we were attacked by those enemy tanks. Sure, Robert helped but if it weren't for Fenrir we wouldn't be alive.

Now, Krell was ordering us to attack the capital despite the enemy missile strikes and what's more confusing was that General Kenobi still called Krell as if he was General Skywalker. If the Jedi council called him back, then Kenobi would have known about the order since he is on the council. We already lost a lot of men so far and now it looked like none of us would make it off the planet alive.

"I think your all overreacting. Obviously, the General knows what he's doing. Do you really think he doesn't care if he loses men?" Dogma asked Jesse and the others as I was deep in thought.

"I'm not saying that. But I think his desire for victory has blinded him to the fact that there are lives at stake. I've never seen a general with these kinds of casualties." Jesse stated. "He's out of control! He's not acting like the other Jedi. He has no respect for us." Fives added as Cassie, Echo and Hevy entered the hanger.

"I got to agree with Fives. Krell has not shown a single ounce of gratitude for the efforts all of us have taken to complete his orders. Anakin's plan was better, surprise attacks would have made things easier for us, clone and non-clone alike. Instead he is acting like one of the generals in world war 1." Cassie said.

"How so?" Hardcase asked. Cassie then explained that despite the new weapons of war, like the machine gun and tank most earth generals still used the tactics for the wars of the 19th century and before. Many men died before even firing a shot.

"I know Commander Bralor has been teaching Five, Jesse and Hardcase in flying these fighters, but I don't think General Krell will allow us to even use them." I said before remembering that Krell isn't the only general on the base. "General Kota on the other hand, while he doesn't use clones in his Militia, he does treat us with more respect than Krell. So, he may be able to help us." I added.

"Help you with what, Captain?" I heard a voice from behind. Turning around I saw the general himself with Robert walking towards us. I quickly explained the situation to him and he thought for a few moments. "I agree that we need to take the capital, but to march straight into the enemy missile strikes is suicide. I think that the enemy fighters could allow us to destroy the supply ship. You were able to crack the could I assume?" Kota asked Fives.

"Yes General, we can use them to sneak past the enemy blockade, get where are ships can't and take out the supply ship there by cutting off arms to the capital." Fives stated. "It is true that none of you are pilots." Kota began. "But from my experience of working alongside you brave troopers, you can adept to any situation and no matter how difficult the task is, complete your objective." He said impressively. "Captain I suggest we see what General Krell has to say about this plan, we need his approval." Dogma said to me.

Later, General Kota and I met Krell at the communications tower and explained the plan that Fives had come up with. "I'm afraid I can't allow to waste any clones on frivolous adventures. We're going to need everyone to take the capital." Krell stated. "Listen to yourself. You are sending both my men and yours into the meat grinder. By the time any of our forces reach the capital, we will have lost over sixty percent of our fighting strength. Even with air support, we can't risk the lives of these men on some damn suicide mission. Captain Rex is right, the only way we are going to take the capital is if that supply ship is destroyed." Kota stated furiously.

"I never thought I would see the day, when you agree with a clone Master Kota. After all, you claim them to be unfit for battle." Krell said impressively, before another missile strike impacted the area outside the base.

I returned to the hanger and gave the bad news to the others. Despite what I said, Fives was still onboard for the plan and didn't care about the consequences. I mentioned that they would be court-martialed for disobeying a direct order, but Five's said that Fenrir had giving him, Hardcase and Jesse flying lessons and they have gotten the hand of flying. All they needed to do was practice using the weapons systems. He would have said more, but Dogma entered the barracks and due to his trust to General Krell would have told the plan to him. None of us knew it then, but soon the famed general that was leading us would force us to take him down for good.

Fenrir's point of view

1655 hours.

In about nine hours we would be marching into the jaws of death. A good leader would find a way to avoid sending his men into the range of enemy attacks, but Krell isn't a good leader. Every option that Rex and the others gave to him fell on deaf ears, stating that his plan was the only way to succeed.

What, does he think that clones are just like droids? They aren't machines, they are flesh and blood just like me and their lives have meaning whether he admitted it or not. To me they aren't numbers but living beings.

As I sat with Lycan on the hanger floor, I pulled out my communicator and contacted Riyo. I missed the date I was to take her on and knowing her she would probably think I stood her up. Soon she appeared on my commlink wearing a beautiful long black open back V-neck dress revealing a little cleavage, fingerless black gloves and a black choker around her neck. "Riyo you are as beautiful as the night we spent at the opera." I complimented her making her cheeks blush dark blue. "When are you coming back love? We missed our date and I am hearing all these awful things coming from Umbara. The campaign should have ended by now." She said concerned.

I soon explained to her the situation about Anakin being called back to Coruscant and Krell having taken command over his battalion, his reckless strategy's and his attitude towards Robert and the others. "I can ask Padme if she knows why master Skywalker was called back, but she is currently dealing with a situation on her home world right now. That takes priority, but once she returns I will ask her if she knows anything." She assured me.

"That's all I can ask for Riyo and I promise when I return, I will take you on a date. I give you my honor." I said gratefully as the door to the hanger opened and Fives, Hardcase and Jesse walked in. "Stay safe my love." Riyo said before blowing me a kiss as the transmission ended.

Getting back to my feet I walked over towards the three troopers. "Alright boys, you know how to fly these birds. Now let's see you handle the weapons on these things. I have set up targets for us outside the base, just follow me and we will begin shooting 101." I said as we entered our fighters and made our way towards the designated area.

Once we arrived over the delta I contacted R2 to activate the holoprojectors and soon a swarm of holographic Daggers, Dianoga's, Morning Stars and droid fighters appeared in front of us. "Ok boys, watch how I shoot down the enemy." I called over the commlink and pushed my fighter towards a group of four holographic vulture droids getting behind them on their six o'clock. I then pushed my hands forward and my ships cannon, downing the fighters before pulling away from them. "Ok, now you've seen how it's done, now let's see you guys give it a go." I instructed the troopers who each selected a target of their own and attacked.

Fives downed a group of Dianoga's before he came in from three o'clock and strafed a group of Daggers with his fighter's cannons. He then lined his fighter up behind a single vulture and launched a missile at it destroying the hologram. "Not bad shooting Fives." I complimented the ARC as I turned towards Jesse.

"Pull your hands back and let them pass you. Then you can gun them down." I said to Jesse who did so and downed the group of Morning Stars that were tailing him as soon as they came into view. "I think I am getting the hang of this Commander." Jesse stated as he then launched one of his own missiles at a group of Tri-fighters and blew them to holographic bits. "You're a natural at this Jesse." I stated before turning towards Hardcase's direction.

"You're relying to much on the missiles. Missiles are good, but cannons are the best way to take down an enemy unit in front of you. Get to close and the wreckage from the enemy fighter may cause you to crash and burn." I called to the hyperactive trooper who was using only his missiles to down the enemy fighters.

"I am trying, but I keep launching missiles at these guys." Hardcase stated before his cannon came to life and downed the three Daggers that were in front of him. "Never mind." He replied as he then downed another three vultures with his fighter's cannon.

"All targets destroyed. R2 pick up the holoprojecters. Let's bring it back to base boys." I instructed my droid and students as he veered back towards the airbase. Looks like we would be able to take out the supply ship after all.

But when we arrived back at the base and brought our fighters into the hanger, it happened. Hardcase couldn't exit his fighter and then his fighter began to go out of control, knocking supplies all over the hanger and causing the troopers that were in the hanger with us to dive for cover. "HARDCASE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Fives shouted.

"If I knew I wouldn't be doing it." he replied just as General Kota entered the hanger. No sooner had he arrived he brought his hand up and stopped the fighter from making anymore of a mess. "I think I am going to vomit." I heard the hyperactive member of Torrent Company say as his fighter's cockpit came to the ground and its pilot looking very dizzy.

"What happened here?" General Kota asked. "I don't know what to tell you sir. I was doing everything that Commander Bralor taught us when we were first learning how to fly and land these things when somehow my fighter went out of control. Luckily, he didn't fire a missile, but Krell then entered the hanger followed by Rex, Cassie and the other Expendable Generals that were with us.

"Explain this, now!" Krell demanded as he entered the hanger. "Hardcase was landing his fighter after we completed the weapons test of the fighter when he suddenly lost control. It must have been booby-trapped and had General Kota not stopped the fighter, a lot of us could have been killed." I stated.

"Looks like I was right Captain Rex, these fighters are much to dangerous and not fit to fly." Krell said, I could swear I saw a smile on his face when he stated this. "I am not so sure, I had one of my technicians run a scan of the fighters and there was no sign of any kind of booby-trap." Kota stated.

"Regardless, I want these fighters locked down. No one is to even pilot them." The Besalisk stated before exiting the hanger. "There was no booby-trap, was there?" Robert asked me. "No, I even had R2 double check the systems and he confirmed there wasn't any signs of tampering. I don't know what happened." I stated.

"Whatever happened doesn't change the fact that the mission is a go and I know exactly how you are going to take out the supply ship." Rahm said as he pulled up a crate and sat down on it. "I was told that General Skywalker blew up a droid control ship when he was a kid. From he told me, he accidently hit the main reactor from the inside. That's how you are going to take it out." Kota stated as Robert removed his helmet and looked towards the fighters.

"If you guys are going to do this, then the enemy airpower needs to be weakened. The four of you are to wait until I send you a signal before you get in the cockpit of these fighters." Robert stated before looking at me. "You have experience with these things, so it is only natural that you assist these guys in taking down the enemy supply ship." He added.

"Sounds like a plan." I said, but little did I know our success would almost cost us our lives.

Normal point of view

September 26th

0300 hours

While most of the battalion along with Master Kota's militia went on a reconnaissance mission that Kota authorized, Robert continued to prep his fighter for battle. He knew that Krell gave him a direct order to stay behind guard the airbase, but he was given new orders from Kota to follow with the original plan given to him by Obi-Wan. Erik had informed him that Barriss contacted him and asked why Robert wasn't up there with them now. Once Erik had explained the situation about Krell, Barriss was shocked to hear that the plan they had laid out was starting to fall apart. Even from up in the air she could sense the deaths of numerous Clone troopers marching blindly to their deaths because of many reckless strategies.

But Robert informed her that he would be up there shortly and would be able to turn the tide of battle and give Fenrir and his pilots the opening they needed to attack the enemy supply ship.

As he finished checking the weapons systems, Krell walked over to the earth-born looking very furious. "I thought I told you that you are to protect the base while the assault on the capital continues as planned." Krell stated.

"And I told you that you take your orders and shove it up your ass. Obi-Wan and Anakin gave me a direct order to assist the air battle once our objective on the ground was completed. Well, look around you. We have taken the airbase and now my orders are to assist Ahsoka and Barriss in taking down the enemy fleet." Robert stated and prepared to get into his fighter, but Krell activated his lightsabers and held them to the back of his throat. "You are committing insubordination. My orders stand, you are to stay and protect the base while…" Krell began before Robert moved towards his fighter and turned around. "LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING PONG KRELL, TEMPORARY JEDI GENERAL INCHARGE OF THE 501st! I WAS GIVEN MY ORDERS BY OBI-WAN AND ANAKIN! I TAKE ORDERS FROM THEM AND NOT YOU! YOU TRY TO THREATEN MY LIFE AND I WILL REPORT YOU TO THE JEDI COUNCIL AFTER I RIP OUT YOUR SPINE AND USE IT TO FLOSS MY TEETH! SO, FUCK YOU!" Robert shouted before he jumped into his cockpit and sped away from the airbase leaving a very angry Krell behind.

Above the clouds of the shadow world ten banking clan frigates, two separatist dreadnoughts, two separatist destroyers, a half a dozen Umbaran support ships and a single DH-Omni Support Vessel were engaging several Republic cruisers whose fighter and bomber squads were attempting to create an opening to take out the supply ship. "HOLY SHIT!" Robert shouted as he burst through the clouds and saw the ongoing battle. "Maybe if Krell hadn't lost much of his fleet during the supply mission, we wouldn't have to deal with this shit." He cursed as he spotted Viper and Lockon with several droid fighters on their tail. "Red leader to Reds 3 and 5, you have multiple boogies on your tail, bank left and I can get into position." He called to his squad mates, but it was too late. He watched helplessly as both of their ARC-170s exploded in mid-air killing them.

"YOU MOTHERFUCKERS!" Robert shouted angrily and sped towards the enemy fighters that had just killed his numbers three and five. "Eat laser you scrapheads." He spat firing his four cannons at the droid fighters destroying all six of them before he veered away. "That's for my squad." he declared as he spotted Barriss with two Umbaran fighters on her tail.

(Mighty Wings by Cheap Trick begins)

Barriss weaved in and out her effort to shake the enemy fighters but their high maneuverability and unique design kept them on her tail. "Green Leader to Green squad, I have to hostile fighters on my tail and I can't shake them. I need support." She exclaimed into the commlink but only heard static. Her transmitter was still being jammed and she couldn't keep dodging their cannon fire for much longer.

R8-M2, her astromech copilot beeped as a new contact came into view directly ahead of her. At first, she thought it was another enemy fighter, but were thoughts were false as directly ahead of her was Robert in the Azure Angel. "Barriss, push your fighter down." He called over the commlink as his cannons soon blazed to life. Pushing her controls forward she ducked the cannon fire just in time and her pursuers were vanquished. "Thank you, Robert. I am glad you got here. But Viper and Lockon…" she began until Robert stopped her. "Don't worry. They knew the risks, but I am going to give them some payback." Robert stated firing six of his fighter's concussion missiles at six more Umbaran fighters downing them each with a direct hit to their engine units.

"These guys might have more advanced fighters then us, but we have better fighters and I feel the need, The Need for Speed." Robert exclaimed as Ahsoka and the remaining Red, Blue and Green squad pilots formed up on his wing. "So, what kept you?" Ahsoka asked.

"Blame four-arms down below. He kept changing my orders and tried to use a mind trick on me." Robert explained as they watched an entire squad of Y-Wings get gunned down by several T.I.E fighters. "We need to mop up some of these damn fighters and clear a path for the bombers. Those ships need to be taken down before Fenrir and his squad arrive." Robert added and filled the others in on the plan Fenrir and Fives came up with.

A squadron of T.I.E fighters soon appeared from zoomed past us, but strangely they weren't targeting any of the republic fighters but were heading for the surface. "Those fighters are heading for our troops. Maverick, take the rest of Red Squad and intercept them. No doubt they are going to try and soften up the ground forces for an incoming bomber squad." Robert shouted as Maverick and the other Red Squad pilots veered away and began to pursue the enemy fighters. "All right, Barriss take your squad and target that enemy frigate, aim for the engines and then call in a squad of bombers to take it down. Ahsoka, take out that destroyer. We need to knock out a few of their fighter transports or else the bombers will keep getting shot down. I'll act as a decoy while you all set up for your attack runs." He explained to his allies.

"Copy that." Barriss replied over the commlink as she and her squad headed for the frigate he had designated as their target. "Fox 12." He called out and launched a salvo of twelve proton torpedoes towards the enemy frigate. Each torpedo hit the shields but did nothing to damage the ship. The fighters it launched targeted Robert who turned one-hundred-eighty degrees and made a beeline for one of the Umbaran support ships. "Follow the leader asswipes." He said as the droids continued to follow him their cannons blazing. "R4, cut the engines." He instructed his copilot. R4 did so and the enemy fighters flew past him and collided with the enemy ship taking themselves and the ship down. "That takes care of that problem. Barriss what's the status of your target?" Robert asked as he turned around made his way back towards the ongoing battle.

"Enemy frigate has been destroyed and Ahsoka's target is down as well." Barriss replied.

"Copy that. We need to knock out two more ships before Fenrir can get his ass up here." Robert said as he picked out another destroyer and frigate. This time, he launched his remaining torpedoes the second frigates engines destroying them and attracting the attention of several Tri-fighters. Quickly he pulled a sharp left turn, his aircraft straining from the force of g's as he circled around the enemy fighters and gunned all five down with a burst of cannon fire. "Splash five." He chuckled before he turned his attention towards another frigate.

Speeding in at almost 1,300 miles per hour, he strafed the ship with a combined barrage of guns and missiles. Knocking the shields of the ship out, he pulled up from his run and heard over his commlink that Maverick and the others had eliminated the threat to the ground forces and were returning to the battle.

"Fighters coming in at point three-five." Ahsoka called out. Robert spotted the incoming fighters, a swarm of both T.I.E, Droid and Umbaran aircraft approaching at full speed and targeting a formation of Y-Wings making an attack run on one of the dreadnoughts. "I see them. Firing two bloodhounds." Robert said as he pressed the fire button on his control. As the missiles streaked towards the fighters he pressed a button on his gauntlet and the bloodhounds split apart and over two hundred smaller missiles streamed towards the enemy fighters.

"Missile impact in four seconds." Robert said as he turned his ship and sped towards the other destroyer and activated his targeting computer. "I got to target that things reactor, Ahsoka and her squad are to occupied with the enemy units." He said to himself as he prepared his remaining torpedoes and watched the targeting computer count down the distance between him and the ship.

Anti-aircraft fire bracketed his ship and his shields began to drop rapidly. As he drew nearer and nearer to the ship he heard a voice. 'Use the force Robert. Trust me.' The voice said. "Dooku." Robert exclaimed and shutdown his targeting computer and fired his torpedoes even before he was in range. The torpedoes hit the destroyer and the enemy ship exploded into a large fireball. "Enemy forces dealt a severe blow." Robert said as he pressed a button on his gauntlet and signaled Fenrir and the others it was time.

(Mighty Wings ends)

At the airbase, Fenrir had just received the signal and soon he, Fives, Jesse and Hardcase boarded their fighters and made their way towards the air battle. When they arrived, they had to maneuver through the wreckage of enemy ships and avoid detection by the enemy. "There's the supply ship, we're going in." Fives said as Robert pulled up right behind them.

As they entered the hanger they knocked over a few droids but soon the alarm was sounded the droids attempted to seal the bulkheads, but Hardcase fired a missile and destroyed the door but damaged his own fighter in the process. As they neared the reactor, Five's Jesse and Fenrir fired their missiles but the ray shields around the reactor were activated and the missiles failed to hit their target.

"Ray shields, hit the deck." Fives shouted as the five of them turned their fighters around and began to fire their cannons at the droids. "Ray shields are online and the missiles can't get through." Fenrir said as Hardcase noticed his fighter's shields were nearly depleted. Quickly he contacted Robert. "Sarge can you use the force and detach my missile pod? The damage I sustained has made it difficult for me to fire. There's an opening over there and its large enough for the pod to get through." Hardcase explained.

Robert agreed and as soon as he detached the missile pod and sent it towards the reactor, the five of them exited the hanger as quickly as possible. As the missile hit the reactor the ship began to implode on itself and once they were clear the ship blew apart and ended the enemy missile strikes. "Lets head home boys." Fenrir said as Barriss and Ahsoka got alongside them and followed them to the surface as the remaining separatist forces were either destroyed or began to retreat.

As they landed, the pilots were greeted with the cheers of the men, both clone and militia alike as Kota and Rex walked over to them. "You guys did it." Tup said. "Wasn't so hard." Hardcase said. "If it weren't for Hardcase's idea he would be dead." Robert admitted as Appo and two other troopers arrived and informed them that Krell would like to see them in the tower. "Not you Sergeant. General Ross wants to see you." Appo said and Robert went to see his uncle.

While Robert went to see his uncle, Rex and Kota were shocked to hear the Krell had placed the four pilots under arrest for their 'unwillingness' to follow Krell's orders, court-martialed and the executed. "You can't do this." Kota protested. "I can and I will." Krell said.

Meanwhile, on Coruscant Anakin had just returned to the temple and was now about to question Master Yoda about his sudden return from the frontlines. "I sense a disturbance in the force." He said to himself as he looked towards the window and wondered how his men were doing under Krell's command not knowing he would find out soon enough.

Three down, one to go.

So instead of Hardcase dying I had two of Red Squad killed instead and believe me it was hard for me to do it, but people die in war no matter what happens and it wouldn't be as realistic as possible if all of Red squad survived the war, would it.

Next time, the carnage of Krell and one of the Expendables will lose a part of themselves at the hands of Krell like Yang did at the hands of Adam Taurus. Please rate and review and I will see you all next time and before you all ask, Waxer is not going to die.