It's show time!
Thanks to new followers: rtms, Fredrick Mars, Starlight-Rebel, Fanfictionfan1004.
Chapter 45: The Battle Is Joined
Felucia, 0 ABY, 11 months, 20 days
Three weeks passed. Shaak Ti rose early and summoned both Ahsoka and Maris to her home. When they arrived, Frehya greeted them and they entered to see their master wearing an elegant black and pink robe that was covered in sequins that reflected the morning sunshine.
"Good morning, Mother … how sparkly you are," Ahsoka laughed, and Maris somewhat nervously joined her.
Shaak smiled and nodded to them. "You will see why I am, once we get to our destination."
She then asked them to accompany her as her private speeder had pulled up outside the house. They jumped in and were quickly taken to a landing pad, where the GM's ship Intrepid V was waiting. The three of them boarded it and Shaak's astromech, who had made the ship ready for lift off, proceeded to fly them off of Felucia and soon they made the jump to hyperspace.
"Where are we going, Master?" Maris asked. She had been planning on some additional training with Leia, who was starting to show some promise and was starting to call Maris her master.
"I think you both will recall this place. I had sent you there for me a couple of months ago, and I wanted you to see what we've done with it."
Avalonia (formerly Malachor), 0 ABY, 11 months, 20 days
After about 90 minutes, the ship dropped out of hyperspace and they went to the bridge to observe, as a green planet came into view. Soon they were in orbit around it and Ahsoka could spot various small bodies of water scattered around the surface. As they landed, a large building could be seen on the ground. When the three of them debarked from the ship, Maris and Ahsoka looked around in all directions, marveling at the peaceful sky, with its pinkish tint. They could see lush vegetation in all directions, though most of the growth was clearly rather new. Shaak stood proudly, taking deep breaths of the fresh air and beaming as if she were a mother watching her children.
"OK, Mother," Ahsoka said, breaking the silence at last. "Where are we?"
Shaak chuckled. "I cannot believe you do not recognize this place. The two of you were both here not so long ago. I wanted you to see what has become of it."
Ahsoka then suddenly came to a realization, and snapped her fingers. "This is Malachor? I'm stunned."
Maris felt similar. "I remember us doing some clearing work with Circle of Light. But nothing like this."
Shaak smiled. "I simply took it from there. Witness a whole new Malachor. Except I have renamed this world as it now is the property of the Order."
Ahsoka laughed. "Okay, Mother. What is the new name?"
Shaak spread her arms expansively. "I give you … the planet Avalonia. A brand new world that will be an inspiration to the Second Empire. Over the months to come, my vision for its redevelopment and settlement will be realized. You two – my most trusted assistants and fellow Masters – are the first to see it."
She then led them inside the structure they had landed in front of. It was a cleanly designed entity, somewhat resembling a palace or perhaps a corporate office suite. The outside was mostly in white while the inside reflected accents in the pink and green that were the new basic colors of Avalonia. Running water was everywhere, as the ground floor contained pools and streams that were interconnected. As they walked around inside, Ahsoka and Maris realized the building was entirely empty and they started to wonder how it was built and who was involved in this project. Before they could ask any questions, Shaak broke the silence.
"More will be explained in the weeks to come about my plans for Avalonia. But know this – it will be a world unlike any in the Galaxy."
Maris was mostly keeping to herself, but finally had a question. "Master, how many planets are we going to own?"
Shaak chuckled. "Indeterminate. But there will likely be more. It will depend on our objectives. I see this almost as a form of art – taking a place and then recasting it for a new purpose. At some point, this world will be suitable for habitation, just as the remaking of Felucia is bringing about."
For the time being, Ahsoka and Maris followed Shaak around the building they were in, which had five floors. They went up to the top level and then walked out onto the roof and took in the view. For km in every direction, there were expanses of greenery, punctuated by various colored flowers, with pink being the most common shade. In the distance, larger bodies of water could be seen and these sparkled as the sunlight reflected off the surface.
"It's really beautiful, Mother," Ahsoka remarked. "And to think this was not too long ago a barren rock that I almost was trapped on. Still, it seems rather lonely. Where are all the people?"
"There are mostly technicians and other staffers here at this time, but they are mostly out of sight. We are constructing more buildings like this one and also various structures to live in. Soon we will have the beginnings of the space port completed. But the one requirement for the early development is to keep everything in architectural harmony so that the development fits with the natural aspects of this world. We are going for a feeling here, to create an emotional response. Avalonia will someday be a place renowned for rest and relaxation."
With that, Shaak led them out of the building and back to her ship, the Intrepid V. "Now we have to get back. Things are going to start moving."
Maris and Ahsoka nodded, both with serious expressions on their faces.
Coruscant, Imperial Command, 0 ABY, 11 months, 22 days, 8 hours
Imperial Fleet Admiral Gallius Rax pondered the latest transmission he had received from Admiral Rae Sloane, who had just reported the presence of what appeared to be a rebel base in the Hoth System, along with the sighting of three cruisers that looked like Imperial ships but were also belonging to the rebels. He decided to order two more ISD to back up the Devastator in case the rebels decided to attack. There were very few reports on what type of firepower they could muster at this point and it had been months since there was any large scale offensive by the Alliance. Rax engaged Sloane in a conference call:
"Admiral – do any of you have any idea what the rebels' plans might be?"
"Negative, sir. They have yet to make a move. A scan of the planet shows they have significant assets in place, including formidable ground defensive capability."
"Rae, I'm sending the Demolisher and the Extirpator your way. You will be in command of the group."
"Very good, sir. I will keep you apprised of the situation."
Felucia, The Order Control bunker, 0 ABY, 11 months, 22 days, 10 hours
Within about two hours, these additional ISD had arrived and the rebel command on Felucia was made aware. Shaak, Ahsoka and Maris had returned and had gone to the new underground headquarters. Inside, they were looking over various screens that were sending the images back. Shaak called in Vader.
"Anakin, time for you to go to Hoth. You will command two cruisers – Rebel 4 and 5. Once you arrive, get in position and be ready to deploy both the TIE Defenders and the mobile satellites. The Imperials will not be expecting the welcome they are about to receive."
"Affirmative, Grand Master. We are deploying now."
Shaak then turned to Maris and Ahsoka. "You two will go in Corvala Dawn. Ahsoka, dear, you are the overall theater commander. Anakin will be reporting to you. Once the battle has begun, you and Maris will target one of the ISD. When you have compromised the reactor, contain the spread as long as you can. I want you to broadcast directly onto that ship's bridge from your ship. You will offer to help them evacuate to the surface or their ship will be completely destroyed before they can."
"Yes, Mother, we understand. Let's go, my friend."
Maris nodded and smiled. "We will get it done, Master."
Felucia, Shaak's home, 0 ABY, 11 months, 22 days, 11 hours
After they left, Shaak returned to her home and called over the com for Tri'ku Je'har. When he arrived at the house, Shaak greeted him at the door and showed him inside.
"Commodore, I'd like for you to command one of the cruisers, Rebel 6, and head for Hoth. Ahsoka will be overall theater commander. When you arrive in-system, report in to her on Corvala Dawn and also to the other commanders including Lord Vader, then fall into orbit. Currently there are three Star Destroyers on site. Our ships are fully outfitted and staffed. I'm counting on your experience here. May the Force be with you," she closed solemnly.
Tri'ku nodded. "Thank you, Grand Master. I will not fail you – or the Order." He gave her a quick salute, turned and started to walk out of her house as Frehya, who was there as usual, waiting on her master, smiled at him. As he started to head for the speeder lot and a waiting shuttle to take him up to his assigned cruiser, Frehya caught up to him and stopped him. The two smiled at each other for a minute.
"So," she said, "How does it feel to command a ship again? And to be about to go into battle in the biggest day for the Galaxy in twenty years … How, Tri?"
He stopped and turned toward her, then took her hands. For a fleeting moment, the old lovers understood each other and the years flooded away. He sighed, looked into her eyes, and, for a second, wanted to kiss her. It had been so long, but, for some reason, she looked as beautiful as ever. Even more so when she let her emotions show, which was rare.
"Like old times. Freh, you shouldn't need to ask me that."
She sniffed a second, feeling the emotion welling up inside. "Damn it, you fool. Do you really love her?"
His heart ached for a split-second, but his resolve quickly returned. "Yes. I do. You shouldn't have to ask me that."
She stared at him for what seemed like an hour, but was really only three seconds. "Well, then. Do your duty, sailor. You've always been good at that, at least. I don't need you getting all mushy on me. I would say may the Force be with you, but of course it is. With you – and Ahsoka. Kiss her for me, okay?"
Frehya stifled a tear, then turned and went back into the house. Shaak, having felt the emotion, came up to her, and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Can I help?" The Grand Master asked her now-cherished assistant and apprentice.
Frehya laughed slightly. "I'm all right, Master. No need to trouble yourself over little old me. I guess we will be making the trip soon, correct?"
Shaak soothed her and rubbed Frehya's arms gently. "That we will. I need you to handle the Intrepid."
Frehya sniffed again, then tilted her head back so as if to swallow her tears and keep them from falling. "Just tell me what I have to do, Shaak." She took a deep breath and forced a smile. "I'm more than a little curious about what's going to happen."
Shaak continued to soothe her, then took Frehya's shoulders and turned the woman around to face her, then took her hands gently and proceeded to inject a mild dose of energy into her that cleared her head. She then let go of Frehya's hands and caressed her long, dark hair, smoothing it gently. When she finished, she walked out of the house and summoned her speeder. As they got in, she turned to Frehya and spoke softly.
"My dear, what you are about to witness is history being made. Rarely do we get the chance to have a front-row seat for something like this. I've been working toward this day for a very long time."
As Tri'ku boarded the shuttle that would take him up to the battle cruiser, he exchanged salutes with various rebel officers. But as he entered the craft, his memories of Frehya and their all-too-brief courtship were now fresh on his mind. Of all times, why now? Yes, I loved you, silly girl. And yes, I should have gone after you. You were too good to give up on but that's history now. We're not going to change it.
In hyperspace on the way to Hoth, 0 ABY, 11 months, 22 days, 21 hours
Ten hours had passed. Luke Skywalker strode to the bridge of the battle cruiser Rebel 4 as it made its way through hyperspace on its way to Hoth. He wanted to speak to his father, who had been placed in command of the ship, plus the other similar vessel, Rebel 5, that was making the journey with them.
"Lord Vader … Father, do you have a minute?"
"Yes, son. We have a big day ahead of us."
"I just want to say I will be proud to be serving under your command, alongside General Syndulla."
"She is a fine pilot and squad leader. Do your best to support her. The Force is with you, young Skywalker. Soon you will be a Member of the Order."
"Father, will you be joining us formally?" Luke asked, quizzically.
"That is still under consideration by the Grand Master. First, she has another plan for me."
"But you can't tell us what it is, right?
"I think it is too early. Master Ti and I will keep this to ourselves for now. But it is time for you to prepare. I want you to get ready with your squadron and General Syndulla. I've seen what you can do. Now it is time for others to see."
Vader put his hand on his son's shoulder and gave him a reassuring pat. Luke nodded and left the bridge to head for the hangars. When he got there, the other pilots were meeting and waiting for Hera to join them. A few minutes later, she did.
"Everyone!" Hera called. "Just a few words. Lord Vader wants us in our ships and in ready position. We will be dropping out of hyperspace soon. There are now three Imperial ships waiting for us. I don't know yet whether the battle has begun, but we must be ready to join it as soon as we arrive."
The seven pilots in her squad – dubbed Blue Squadron, with the colors shown by wing and tail trim on each TIE Defender – formed a circle around Hera, who then stepped into the circle with the others. As one, each pilot thrust his or her right arm into the center and touched hands, creating a bond of unity.
"On three!" Hera shouted. "1 … 2 … 3!"
At that instant, all of the pilots raised their hands and shouted, "u-AH, ka-BAH" – the ceremonial Togruta chant that had become the salute of The Order. Then everyone got into his or her Starfighter and awaited instructions.
Hoth system, Javin sector, South Outer Rim, 0 ABY, 11 months, 22 days, 23 hours
Two hours elapsed. Tri'ku and his cruiser Rebel 6 and its TIE squadrons had arrived at Hoth. They fell into orbit quickly around the planet, following the two cruisers commanded by Darth Vader that arrived about 15 minutes prior. Their orders were to await the arrival of Corvala Dawn.
Soon after that, Ahsoka and Maris arrived in Corvala Dawn. Master Tano immediately patched herself in to all six of the rebel cruisers. It was time. She turned to Maris and stated a maxim that Shaak had placed in her head early in her time with the Order.
"My friend, remember what Shaak always says … in any armed conflict, the aggressor sets the rules."
Maris nodded. "That's right. Let's take it to 'em. They've positioned those star destroyers in a triangular setup. How do you want to handle this?"
Ahsoka started to say something, then thought better of it.
"Let's have Anakin's two cruisers lead us to one of the destroyers. Once they are close enough to hit them with cannon, you and I will approach in stealth mode. We will start our Force attack and also have Anakin's ship deploy their TIE's."
"I like it." Maris said, and gave her head a sharp downward motion as she gazed at Ahsoka.
Ahsoka opened her com. "Lord Vader, your group will proceed to the center destroyer … now!"
Vader responded. "Yes, Master Tano. That would be the Extirpator."
Ahsoka figured at this point that the firepower between the two sides was about even. Her side had six cruisers, while the Imperials had deployed three destroyers. She wondered exactly why the enemy seemed to be holding back. Could it be they are afraid of us? We haven't used Circle of Light in months. She chuckled to herself. But we're going to use it now.
Hoth system, Aboard ISD Extirpator, 0 ABY, 11 months, 23 days, 0 hours
As the rebels' strategy started to unfold, Admiral Sloane felt conflicted. She wanted to engage them, but really wanted them to make the first move as she – being a fine boxer from her younger days in the Navy – appreciated the effectiveness of a good counter-punching attack. When your opponent extends himself, he also opens himself up. But two rebel cruisers had broken from their formation with the others and started to approach the Extirpator. The officer in command of that boat asked for his orders.
"Admiral, what is our response? The enemy approaches …"
Sloane replied. "When they get in range, open fire with the cannon. Prepare to deploy your fighters."
Hoth system, Aboard Corvala Dawn, 0 ABY, 11 months, 23 days, 0 hours
Vader made the first move, however. He ordered two TIE Defender squadrons to launch, including Blue Squadron, commanded by Hera Syndulla. As they did, Corvala Dawn slid in behind them, fully cloaked, then veered up and over the Extirpator. Ahsoka then ordered her astromech R8-ND to keep her ship in its current position.
"Are you ready?" She asked Maris.
"Born ready," the Zabrak replied.
The two of them then clasped hands and concentrated. Below, aboard the Extirpator, in the vicinity of the ship's main reactor, the bulkheads suddenly opened and massive amounts of radiation began leaking into that area of the ship. As the officers in the immediate area detected what had taken place, they frantically were attempting to shut down the reactor and seal the area. To some degree they were successful and were able to stabilize the situation temporarily.
At the same time, both Blue and Green Squadrons from the rebel cruisers attacked the stricken Imperial vessel, their Kyber-powered lasers doing far more damage than these ships were expected to inflict. Hunks of the destroyer were being blasted, and as its fighters tried to get into the battle and engage the rebels, at least half of them were destroyed as they launched. Soon Vader's pilots had things under control. Luke and the other pilots in Blue Squadron were excitedly reporting their progress back to their command ships.
Around this time, Ahsoka and Maris aimed another Force attack on the Extirpator. The reactor, as it turned out, was not entirely shut down and Masters Tano and Brood succeeded in getting it going again. Soon after that, Ahsoka engaged the com and broadcast her demands to the bridge of the Extirpator:
"Attention, Imperial vessel. This is Master Ahsoka Tano of the Rebel high command. Commence evacuation of your ship now to the planet below. We are initiating destruction sequence. You have five minutes to evacuate. Repeat: five minutes to evacuate."
Hoth system, Aboard ISD Devastator, 0 ABY, 11 months, 23 days, 1 hour
Admiral Sloane heard Ahsoka's transmission to the Extirpator from the bridge of her ship, the Devastator. She contacted them:
"Extirpator, what is your status?"
"Devastator, our main reactor is under assault. We cannot determine how it happened but it is creating massive leakage on the ship. We have several casualties at this point."
Sloane thought it over. What if they're not bluffing? I need to gain some time.
Hoth system, Aboard Corvala Dawn, 0 ABY, 11 months, 23 days, 1 hour
Soon after she had transmitted her evacuation demand to the Extirpator, Ahsoka then ordered two of the remaining four rebel cruisers to launch their attack on the Demolisher, the third of the three ISD currently in the Hoth system. Soon that area of the battlefield was ablaze as both sets of fighter squadrons went at it. However, again the rebels showed superiority as their craft outperformed the standard TIE Starfighters the Imperials threw at them, and soon their Kyber-based lasers were inflicting severe damage.
At this time, Corvala Dawn decided to play another card. Ahsoka deployed about fifty of her droid satellites into action around the command ship Devastator. Soon after this, she decided enough time had elapsed and the Imperials were not heeding her warnings. She and Maris then cranked up the pressure on Extirpator's main reactor and the situation had become critical. Sloane attempted to reach out to the rebels.
"Attention, Rebel command. This is Admiral Rae Sloane. We will comply with your demands. Please allow us time to man our shuttle craft and deliver our crew to safety."
Ahsoka decided to make Sloane wait. She and Maris saw the shuttles start to leave the stricken Extirpator, then contacted her commanders.
"Allow the Imperial shuttles to land below. Do not – repeat, do not – allow them to leave the system. All personnel will be taken to detention facilities on the planet, and shuttle craft will be impounded after landing. Our ground forces will take it from there."
Meanwhile, the rebels' droid satellites were whacking the ISD's with severe impact. The Imperials had never seen such a system before and at first had great difficulty in pinpointing exactly what was happening. The damage on the Extirpatorwas such at this time that Ahsoka ordered her ships away from its immediate vicinity. Vader had recalled all of his fighter squadrons and had lost only one pilot thus far, from Green Squadron. The Corvala Dawn then proceeded to the vicinity of the Demolisher and gave a similar warning to that ship that they must begin evacuation procedures immediately. To drive home the point, Ahsoka and Maris launched another Force attack on the reactor of that ship. As the effects of that were being felt, the two Masters then launched a Circle of Light attack on the Extirpator's hyperdrive column, which soon finished off that ship entirely. The commanders of that ship were able to board the Devastator, while about 75% of their remaining crew was safely transported to the planet below.
As the remains of the Extirpator were being propelled in various directions, the crew of the Demolisher started to evacuate their ship. Ahsoka then contacted Sloane.
"Admiral Sloane. We are now calling for your complete and unconditional surrender. One of your ships is lost and soon another one will join it. The next move is yours. I must have your answer in five minutes."
Sloane knew her options were limited. She turned to her bridge officers.
"Can we retreat? How much damage have we taken?"
"Mostly to the outside of the ship, madam. One of our hangar bays has been compromised. Those rebel satellites are doing a job on us. They are fast and elusive, with incredible fire power for objects of that size. We've destroyed several, but more keep coming. Meanwhile, our reactors remain operative, and we have hyperdrive capability still intact."
Sloane nodded. She then contacted the Demolisher and ordered them to complete evacuation. At least the rebels are allowing our people to land safely. Who knows how long that will be the case? She did not want to find out what Master Tano and her forces would do next. She had feared of just such an outcome that had already taken place. She had to get her people out of this situation before Tano ordered their complete destruction as well.
Maris looked at Ahsoka. "What now, friend? You know they must be considering whether they can make a run for it. I say we finish them off."
Ahsoka returned the look and seemed to shake her head slightly. "Maris, that's exactly what I'm counting on. Master Shaak expects them to return and try to use greater force levels to subjugate us."
Sloane wasn't in the mood to wait much longer. She had no way of knowing what Tano and the rebels had in store for them next. Once everything had checked out, she gave the retreat order. The Demolisher's command group had already been taken aboard. Within seconds, the Devastator had made the jump to hyperspace. Sloane had ordered them to head for the Endor system, where other ships had also recently been deployed. They were to await further orders after the three hour trip to Endor.
As the Imperial ship disappeared, Ahsoka and Maris finished off the Demolisher with another Circle of Light attack, then uncloaked Corvala Dawn. As the debris and wreckage of that ship started dissipating, Grand Master Ti arrived in-system with the Intrepid V, being piloted by Knight Lumoxa. Shaak immediately contacted Ahsoka.
"Intrepid, calling Corvala Dawn. Ahsoka, what is your status?"
"Dawn here, Master Shaak. We have destroyed two ISD and taken their crew to the planet below. The third Imperial ship has retreated and is no longer in the system."
"Very good, my dear. We are going to dock with you. Stand by to receive us."
After the dock had been effected, Shaak and Frehya both came aboard Corvala Dawn. As the four women sat down together in the ship's lounge, Ahsoka offered beverages and then they assessed the situation.
"What now, Mother?" Ahsoka asked, as Maris also gazed at Shaak.
"We wait. The bait has been taken. Soon we will see phase two of this battle. But I am pleased with how our forces performed today. How many casualties did we suffer?"
"Minimal. We lost one TIE pilot and a few crew members on the cruisers. We have taken 35,000 prisoners into our facilities. You were correct about the need to build these as large as we did. Our rations will last for at least a week."
"I don't want to hold them that long," Shaak stated firmly. "This whole operation will be over before that time."
(to be continued …)
