Today was the day. Either they would successfully attack a dangerous imperial superweapon, assassinate the imperial leadership, and live to tell the tale…
Or they would all die. It was as simple as that.
And Ahsoka was ready for whatever they face, being it Stormtroopers to Sith Lords.
Whatever the day brought, Ahsoka would storm through it, determined to reach her goal.
Clearly, everyone else felt the same.
The team had woken in bright spirits and immediately got to work, shifting crates full of weapons and other armaments onto the Ghost, as well as the explosives Sabine had prepared.
If all went to plan, the young Mandalorian's explosives would destabilize the crystal at the heart of the station, destroying everything around it.
And them as well, if they didn't get off the station before detonation.
This would all take careful precision, and Ahsoka was ready. If she had to think and plan on the spot, she would.
Because that was what she did best. Adapted to the situation at hand.
Watching from the cave entrance, Ahsoka observed as Rex and his brother shifted the last crate aboard the Ghost, under the direction of Hera.
From behind her, Ahsoka heard footsteps approaching.
Turning to greet the individual, Ahsoka spoke.
"I think we are ready Cassian. You sure you and the Lartes will be ok here whilst we are away?"
Cassian wasn't coming on the mission, and neither was K-2. They were to stay behind with the Lartes and watch over the assembled ships of the team for when they got back.
There was no one Ahsoka trusted more to do such a job.
"We'll be fine Commander, you just worry about yourself. I've given Captain Syndulla the information from Galen Erso and the location of the battle station. Give them hell for me would you?" Cassian replied, both humour and a tone of seriousness in his voice.
Ahsoka smiled and nodded, before beginning to move towards the Ghost. There was nothing left to say.
Then she felt an arm pull her back.
"What the?"
Ahsoka suddenly found herself wrapped in a tight embrace by Kaeden Larte, who looked beyond terrified, as if she was the one going on the suicide mission.
"No offense to the others, but maybe let them die first yeah?" Kaeden whispered, both in a joking manner, but with an underlying fear.
"I can't promise that Kaeden." Ahsoka replied, returning the embrace.
Kaeden pulled back, but kept her arms around the Togruta's waist.
"I know you can't, so instead just bring them back alive. You included."
Now that Ahsoka could try to do. No! She would do it.
She hoped.
"I'll do my best Kaeden." Ahsoka replied.
Kaeden nodded, an odd look in her eyes.
"Good."
Then the dark-skinned woman leaned forward and kissed Ahsoka, gently but with passion.
Despite herself, despite her prior thoughts. Despite everything that had gone wrong for her in the past, Ahsoka gave in and kissed Kaeden back.
A few seconds later, Kaeden pulled back, smiled once, and turned to walk back into the cave where her sister was.
Ahsoka watched Kaeden go, a feeling of loss within her.
She almost didn't want to go on the mission now.
But she had to.
Taking a breath and steeling herself for what was the come, Ahsoka turned back around, and headed for the Ghost.
With the sheer amount of people in the Ghost, the freighter was packed. Various team members went about their duties, whilst others either lounged around waiting, prepared weapons and explosives, or, if your name was Hondo, looked around the ship for something to steal once this was over.
Ahsoka had moved through the ship with ease, heading for the cockpit. She wanted a front seat for what was to come.
Entering into the cockpit, Ahsoka was surprised by just how many others were there as well.
Hera was in the pilot seat, as expected, and behind her sat Master Yoda, who looked far too small for a normal sized chair.
The co-pilot seat was empty, and Ahsoka presumed that would be her seat.
Behind the co-pilot seat was Kanan, who seemed to be mediating.
Kallus was off to one side, reading various terminals and making adjustments where necessary. He appeared to be in charge of the more technical aspects of the ship, such as the recent upgrades.
Chopper was also present, currently plugged into a terminal of his own, assisting Kallus.
In a way, it was good to see everyone come together.
On the other hand, this could be their last day. Ahsoka didn't want to think about what would happen if it all went wrong.
Taking her seat, Ahsoka glanced out of the cockpit window.
They were already in orbit above Raada, and Hera was currently plotting the hyperspace jump they would need. According to the data provided by Galen Erso, the battle station was currently stationary in the Abrion Sector.
Hopefully, they would be able to slip in undetected thanks to the Defender IFF.
If not, they would have to fight their way in.
Ahsoka was confident in Hera's abilities. If anyone could get them on board, it was the Twi-lek.
"We ready?" Ahsoka inquired, finality in her tone.
Hera keyed a few more controls on her dashboard, before turning to look at the Togruta with determination on her face.
"Yes. On your command Ahsoka."
Ahsoka turned her gaze back towards the dark void of space. Breathing deeply, Ahsoka opened her mouth to speak.
Only, another voice got there first.
"We've got a contact coming out of hyperspace before us." Kallus called from behind.
Looking out the window, Ahsoka braced herself.
Surely the empire had not found them? Not now!
A single ship emerged before them, and Ahsoka nearly gasped in surprise.
It was not the empire.
It was the Profundity, Admiral Raddus' flagship. What was that doing here?
"A bad feeling about this, I have!" Yoda croaked from behind, concern in his voice.
Ahsoka found herself agreeing.
Suddenly, the Ghost shuddered. Turning to Hera in worry, Ahsoka shot a questioning look at the pilot.
"They've got us in their tractor beam? What's going on?" Hera replied, equally confused.
Deep down, Ahsoka knew what was going on.
Mon Mothma had found out her plan, and had sent Raddus to stop her.
"That bitch!" Ahsoka mumbled under her breath, anger at the Senator growing.
Then, a transmission came through to the Ghost.
Before Ahsoka, a hologram of Raddus appeared, looking somewhat upset.
"Raddus! What the hell are you doing?" Ahsoka nearly yelled. Had the Mon Calamari gone insane?
"Raddus isn't in charge here Commander Tano, I am. And I'm bringing you in for treason!" Another hologram appeared, this time belonging the General Draven. Ahsoka had only met him once, and it had not been a very positive impression, for either of them.
"General, we are on an important mission. Release us immediately!" Ahsoka hissed through gritted teeth. She could tell this wasn't going to go her way.
"A mission against the orders of rebel high command. Prepare to be boarded and taken into custody." Draven snarled back, anger on his face.
Ahsoka almost wished she could punch him.
Then Kallus spoke again.
"More ships coming out of hyperspace!"
Ahsoka screamed internally. 'Now what?!'
She had been expecting the situation to get even worse, so when the ships emerged, she was even more surprised to see them than she was the Profundity.
Ahsoka watched as two large rebel vessels appeared, flanking the Profundity.
It took Ahsoka a second to recognize the ships.
Phoenix Home and Home One! What were they doing here?
Were they all out to collect some sort of bounty on her?
Then, two more holograms appeared before her, clearly visible to Raddus and Draven too, judging by their looks of surprise.
"Sato? Ackbar? What are you doing here?" Draven spoke, confusion and annoyance in his voice.
Ackbar spoke first. "Stopping your trap, General. Have you told Commander Tano what you are going to do when you catch her?"
Draven seemed to grow angry at that comment. What was he going to do?
It was Sato who spoke next, addressing the crew of the Ghost directly.
"Draven has orders from Mon Mothma to eliminate Ahsoka and stop the mission by capturing all of you. You have to get out of here!"
Ahsoka felt bile rise up within her. Now Mon Mothma wanted her dead as well?!
First the Jedi! Now the rebellion!
What did the universe have against her?!
Why did everyone inevitably betray her!
It was times like these that Ahsoka could see why her master had fallen.
Perhaps he had been right!
Snarling at the hologram of Draven, Ahsoka spoke.
"You want me you bastard, come and get me!"
Draven's face contorted in fury, before he shouted an order to the crew on the Profundity.
"Weapons, prepare firing solution!"
Panic fuelled Ahsoka. They were going to fire, going to shoot the Ghost down.
And there was nothing that they could do to escape. They were stuck in a tractor beam.
At this rate, they would all be killed before they even got a chance to launch the suicide mission.
In truth, they would need a miracle to escape this situation.
"Phoenix Leader, this is Lieutenant Antilles, we'll handle the tractor beam. Prepare for hyperspace jump."
Ahsoka released a breath she had been holding in unknowingly. It appeared the universe still had some hope for her and her friends.
"Wedge!" Hera called out in glee, grasping hold of the controls of the Ghost.
"Phoenix Leader, Iron Squadron is with you. We've got your back!" Another voice came through the comms, determination present.
Hera spoke again. "Mart, it's good to have you here."
Ahsoka leaned forward in her seat, glancing upwards at Phoenix Home. From the hanger bays of the captured imperial carrier, five ships flew out. One was clearly the Sato's Hammer, the freight that belonged to Sato's nephew.
The other four ships bore an intricate design.
They held an X like shape, and were clearly designed to be a better ship than the A-wing used for the most part.
'This must be the new X-wing prototype.' Ahsoka thought as she watched the ships move with tremendous speed towards the Profundity.
As the fighters and freighter neared the ship, they opened fire.
It was horrific to watch rebel on rebel violence, but Ahsoka knew they were not intending to destroy the ship, but merely take out the tractor beam holding the Ghost in position.
Seconds later, they succeeded.
The dish that emitted that tractor beam shattered in two, and the Ghost was free for Hera to pilot again.
The Twi-lek's hands raced over a series of controls before Draven could react to the sudden change of events.
Inputting a series of coordinates, Hera reached for the lever that controlled the hyperspace jump, and pulled it.
Ahsoka watched as the space around her distorted into a wondrous blue as the Ghost jumped away from Raada, and the unexpected conflict they had encountered there.
The rebellion had tried to assassinate her. And they had failed.
Ahsoka would deal with them later. Right now, she had an Emperor to assassinate, and a battle station to destroy.
And unlike rebel high command, she would succeed, no matter the cost.
General Davits Draven watched as the Ghost vanished before him, escaping the trap.
All thanks to the unauthorized intervention by Sato and Ackbar, who had promptly fled the system as well, along with their fighters.
Mon Mothma would not be pleased by this betrayal from within. Hopefully both Sato and Ackbar would be punished for their insubordination.
At least some good would come from this.
It was then that Draven heard a strange whine sound from behind him.
Turning, Draven was shocked to see Raddus, blaster in hand, aiming at him.
"Raddus, what are you doing?"
Draven didn't get the hear Raddus' response. All he saw was a flash of blue light emerge from the blaster, striking his body, before her slumped to the deck of the bridge unconscious.
Smirking at the sight of Draven knocked out, Raddus spoke.
"No one commandeers my ship from me General. Get some rest. I think you've gone insane."
Author's thoughts
So I'll be the first to admit that this chapter sucks, so feel free to say it. I just couldn't get it right in my head. One variation had an all out rebel vs. rebel battle that resulted in the destruction of the Profundity, and the deaths of Draven and Raddus. But when I tried to write it I just couldn't get it to sound good.
So I came to this instead. Draven is so sure he is going to succeed that he doesn't antipicate internal conflict from other rebel leaders, and thus he loses. So while this could of been an awesome space battle, instead it was a whimper. I let you guys down... sorry. I just wanted to get this chapter done with so we can get onto the main event.
That being said, I will address the fallout of this chapter in a one shot, so hopefully that will help to make this chapter a bit more credible.
Also, as for Ackbar showing up randomly, let me explain. Rather than get involved himself, Dodonna called in Ackbar to assist Sato, that way Dodonna looks innocent and can act as a man on the inside.
Anyway, in regards to the last chapter, I'm glad you all liked the surprise death of Krennic. I felt so bad doing it to him, but someone had to be the first to die, and Krennic drew the short straw.
Next chapter will focus on the team approaching the Death Star, and a rematch between two genius strategists, but with a twist!
As normal, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Travis Middleton: I'm glad you liked all the references to other secret projects. It was fun to include them for the fans.
And Krennic, poor Krennic. No one wants to be the first to die, but someone had to. :(
As for your questions:
1. Thrawn and Pryce (and Yularen) will no doubt begin to hunt down information regarding Operation Cinder... if they get the chance that is. Ahsoka and crew are coming after all.
2. For the sake of this story, only Palpy, Tarkin, Rax and Versio know what Cinder is. I imagine that each project is tightly controlled, and only those with direct influence regarding them know everything.
FossilQueen1984: Glad you loved the chapter. Poor Krennic though. Glad I was able to surprise you with the killer though.
Chiara Polairix Edelstein: Krennic did have potential, it was just wasted because of his ambitious nature.
Mogor: Palpatine is mad and crazy indeed. Then again, he is a Sith Lord!
The Emperor probably has Alderaan on his 'To Destroy' list at some point.
SWGoji2001: Yeah, Krennic was doomed from the inception of this story. Still, sad to see him go.
Your on the right tract regarding the Eighth Bro. He is merely waiting for the prime opportunity to strike.
I doubt that Mothma will hear about the plans before the empire had a chance to unleash the weapon against Chandrila. Have to wait and see.
jamese765: Yeah I did take away the irony of Krennic's canon death didn't I... oops. Still, as you said, that's what happens when you defy Palpatine.
Thrawn's possible defection may be coming... assuming he does defect that is!
Cranky Paws: Glad I was able to surprise you with Krennic's fate. It was fun to write and I wanted it to be a blink or you miss it moment.
Tarkin is such an arse... I hate his guts... but he sure is fun to write for.
ahsokaxtano: Here is an update... as requested. Hope you like despite this chapters flaws.
Mysterious Guest number one: The empire and it's leaders are not playing around at this point. Things are serious now.
Mysterious Guest number two: Don't kill Maul... I'll try. :)
SLE's fave guest: Ah see now you are expecting crazy plot twists... muahahahaha. Nice thinking though. It would be poetic (or as a certain Chiss might say, 'Artistically done'.
I did say at the start that no one was safe. Let's hope the ones you want to survive do.
And yes, I shall be doing 'In Memorium' for every killed off character.
ItsJustABook: Galen has already taken an enormous risk by contacting the rebellion in secret. Whether or not he tells Thrawn remains to be seen.
I agree that Krennic is no fool, but he is also very defensive over what his his. The Death Star, his pet project, had just been stolen from him and given to Tarkin of all people. So naturally, in a severe and costly lapse of judgement, he snaps, and pays the price.
In regards to your questions and PM's, I still have not received them (which is weird) and I don't know if you receieved mine. Let me know if you could via a review. I did answer you question in the PM though. :)