Chapter 12:

"So, General, once we are out of hyperspace, enemy lines are staged here, here and here". Says Rock.

"Okay, so when we come out of hyperspace it's going to be weapons ready. For the first wave, of the enemy line". I say, as I point towards the first 3 cruisers.

"General, Admiral?"

"Yes Tuck?" I say with a smile on my face.

"I would like to lead this mission, to help the General". Tuck says.

I turn to face Sharpe,

"Sorry, Commander, but Captain Rock will this battle - you can be his second in command". Sharpe says sternly.

"I disagree, Admiral. I would feel that Tuck would be a better candidate due to the Captain just coming back from Mandalore with myself. It would increase our chances". I say.

"General a word?" Sharpe says. I nod, Rock, Tuck and Sam leave the room.

"I don't want him leading this battle, something has changed within Tuck". Sharpe says.

"Look, Tuck is ready. Adam, I believe he is ready to take this. If this fails then I'll take the fall – but I've grew up with Tuck, he is fully capable of doing this" I say.

"Fraser, I trust you. So, Commander Tucker will lead this mission with Captain Rock being his second, and Sam leading the air battle". Sharpe says.

"Of course, sir". I say.

I was out of the meeting room, and head towards Tuck's room. As I get closer to the room, I hear things being thrown about the room. I knock on the door,

"Tuck it's me". I say as I knock on the door louder.

"What?!" Tuck says as he opens the door, I see that his face is red, and he is sweating.

"You are leading the mission – so I suggest that you tidy this up, and get to the hanger to inform your men". I say as I point to his room.

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"Are you ready?" I say standing on the bridge.

"Ready General". Sam says.

"Ready General". Rock says.

"I'm ready Fraser". Tuck says.

"We will stay in contact with you through the whole mission. We believe that reinforcements are coming within 5 hours – so we need to hold out for 5 hours". I say.

"Good luck men". Sharpe says.

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"General, we have just lost the Keeper, we can't take another hit like this. Sir we have to leave". I heard to clone shout.

"Tuck, how long?" I say.

"We are just heading back up the now". Tuck says through the commlink.

"Sam pull back we are leaving". I say.

"Yes, General".

"Right once the last fighter is in, turn Dauntless around and get us out of here". I say as I head down to the hanger.

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"Stop it!" I heard a clone shout.

I start running towards the hanger, I look to see Tuck is on top of Rock, punching him.

"Break it up!" I say as I run towards them, I push my men out of the way, I grab hold of Tuck and yank him off Rock.

"Stop it!" I sat as I push Tuck to the floor.

"Someone, take Rock to the med bay. Tuck come with me. I want every man here on parade within 5 minutes". I say, as I walk away.

"Hard to control your men?" I heard a voice.

I turn around to see Jane,

"And lock her up". I say as I grab Tuck and pull him into my room.

"What the HELL was that Tuck?!" I shout.

"Fraser, look I can explain, it happened so fast. We were so close and, and the ship detached itself and it went off to hyperspace". Tuck says.

"What do you mean "hyperspace"?! I say as I grit my teeth.

"The General, something happened and her ship went into hyperspace". Tuck says.

"Right okay, I'll speak to the Admiral. But what has gotten into you?" I say.

"Fraser, she's left me and she's taken my kids! MY KIDS!"

"Right okay, do you want leave? I don't know what you are going through but I don't want to imagine the pain you are going through, Tuck. I'm visiting Satine after this if you want – you can come with me and take your mind off it? It can be a chill weekend for you, go and grab a few beers? Hey what do you say?" I say as I put my hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah, thanks Fraser". Tuck says.

"Right you just stay in here until things calm down, I'll report to the Admiral". I say as I walk out of my room and head to the bridge.

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"Right so you are telling me that the General's ship has went off to hyperspace and we don't know where there are?". Sharpe says.

"Yes, but I have faith that the General will contact us as soon as she can for now we sit back and let the men relax it's been a stressful mission". I say.

"What happened in the hanger?"

"Um, Tuck and Rock were in a fight – Tuck is going through a tough time so I'm taking him away for a bit just to take his mind off it". I say.

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"Patch, how is he?" I say as I approach Rock's bed.

"Well, he'll live. But whatever, happened between them I suggest that they stay far away from each other, General that's my medical opinion. Do you want my personal?" Patch says.

"Yes, Patch I want it". I say with a bit of dread coming though my voice.

"Whatever, Tuck is going through I suggest that he be removed from duty – Fraser I know he is your best friend, but what he done to Rock is not on, and Fraser, you know that". Patch says.

"Patch, he is going through a tough time right now and I completely agree that what he did to Rock was and is inexcusable. But he is my friend and I will look after – but Patch I will get both sides of this story". I say.

"Of course, sir". Patch says.

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I head down to the cells, I see 2 clones at her cell. I straight my uniform and check my hair, I walk with a purpose. As I reach her cell,

"Leave us". I say to the guards in a dark tone.

As the guards leave, I open the cell door. I step in to see Jane looking at me up and down.

"So, who was John fighting?" Jane says laughing.

"None of your concern, Jane. But I need to ask you something, what happened that made Tuck snap?" I ask, as I sit down opposite to her.

"Why? Is nobody telling you?". Jane smirks.

"Jane, I can easily turn you over to the Republic but if you give me this information you can go back to Frankie. Understand?" I say.

"Right, well I was standing…."

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Jane's POV

"Captain, get the men position to repel the enemy! I'll be in the hanger". I scream as I start running towards the hanger.

"Rodger, rodger".

As I approach the hanger, I see Frankie – fighting. I quickly run up to him and peck him on the lips.

"Do you know who is leading this?" I say as I crouch down dodging blaster fire.

"Jane, it's not Fraser, it's Tuck and some clone, but something's wrong. Look!" Frankie says.

I look up, to see Tuck arguing with the clone. Tuck starts pushing him,

"I'M LEADING THIS ATTACK!" Tuck screams and punches the clone in the face.

I see that the troops have stopped shooting and they have gone over to Tuck.

"Stop shooting!" I shout and the droids stop.

"Frankie, I need to go over there, I've known Tuck since he was 5, so I need to go over there, and stop this. Plus, I need to tell Fraser" I say.

"No, I'm not losing you! You don't know what Fraser will do". Frankie says as he takes my hand.

"Frankie, he's my brother. I know him better than anyone". I say as I kiss him.

I quickly run up to the clone and run in between them, I manage to reach Tuck,

"Tuck stop it!" I shout as I push him off the clone.

"Seize her!" Tuck screams down.

Before I know it, I'm on the ground with my hands behind my back.

"Tuck, how long?" I hear Fraser's voice speak through the commlink.

Tuck looks at me and smirks,

"We are just heading back up the now" Tuck replies.

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Normal POV:

"Right so they were fighting even during the battle?" I ask.

"Fraser, it was weird. Tuck just kept on shouting that he was leading the attack". Jane says.

I stand there with my hands on my hips, I'm staring at the wall,

"Jane, they want me to dismiss Tuck, but I can't I've known him for years – Jesus he's my best friend!". I say.

"What are you going to do?" Jane asks as she approaches me,

"I've said that he can come with me and just take his mind off whatever he is dealing with. but I can't leave him behind he is my best friend". I say as I sigh.

"Fraser, just watch him". Jane says.

"I will, Jane. Don't worry about that. Right I'll take you to a ship and get you on your way". I say.

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"Right do you have everything?" I ask.

"Yes, I do. Please, Fraser, please be careful with Tuck". Jane says as she hugs me. I'm stunned but I quickly hug her back.

"Um, stay safe. I'm you need me I'll be on Mandalore". I say quickly.

Jane nods and quickly boards a ship, and leaves Dauntless.

"What did you just do?!" I hear someone say, I turn around to see Tuck.

"I let her go, she didn't have any information that I needed. Plus, it's not your concern, what I do" I say.

"Do you know how many men I lost just to get her, and, and you just come in here and just destroy my chance of a promotion!" Tuck says with sheer anger.

"I suggest you calm down and think carefully what you are going to say next brother". I say.

"Well? What are you gonna say?" I say as I watch up to him.

"Nothing". Tuck says quietly.

"Good, now, I'm heading to Mandalore right now so if you want to come then you come if you don't then you don't". I say as I board the ship. Tuck is quick to follow behind me.

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"General Broadfoot, this is an unexpected pleasure, please do come in. I will inform the Duchess that you are here". A guard says.

I nod, I look at Tuck. He is looking around the hall,

"A lot of pictures of the Duchess don't you think?" Tuck says.

"No, I think there's enough". I say as I walk up towards him.

"General Broadfoot and Commander Tucker this is an unexpected pleasure – what brings you to Mandalore?" Satine says, as Amanda comes out of the room.

"We are here just to get away from the war". I say as I bow and kiss Satine's hand.

I see Amanda is hiding behind Satine, I smile at Satine.

"Of course General, we will prepare two rooms for the both of you. Amanda why are you hiding?" Satine says,

I quickly run behind Satine and grab Amanda,

"Well, where's my special girl?" I say as I spin her around.

Amanda just smiles and cuddies into me.

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"But Adam- "I start.

"Look, Fraser, I understand that you have just left but the Separatists have launched another attack on Alderaan. We have been called to go and help". Sharpe says.

"I understand, I'll leave immediately". I say as I turn off the holo.

"You are not leaving Fraser, you've just got here!". I hear Satine say.

"Satine, please, I've had one hell of a day". I say.

"What happened?" Satine says as she pecks me on the cheek.

I tell her about Tuck and Rock and about everything.

"Wow, um, at least it's over now, Fraser". Satine says as she cuddies into my chest.

"Satine, I need to go but, I may have some time for". I say as I move my hands to Satine's waist.

"Well, I know a few things we can do". Satine says smirking, as she sits on my lap.

"Mum, Dad?" Amanda walks in.

"Yeah kiddo?" I say as Satine gets off my lap and I walk towards her.

"I had a nightmare". Amanda said.

"A nightmare?" I say as I lift her up.

"Well, we need to stay together, tonight don't we?" I say as I turn and look at Satine.

Satine smiles, and takes Amanda off of me and we head into bed, I cuddle up next to Amanda and wrap my arms around her.

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"Well, General for the short time that you stayed it's been lovely having you". Satine says bowing.

"Thank you Duchess for your hospitality". I say as I bow my head and kiss her hand.

I turn and look at Amanda, I bow and give her a hug,

"And thank you, miss for the most amazing trip". I say as I give her a quick kiss on the forehead".

"Thank you, Ma'am, for this trip". Tuck says as he bows and kisses Satine's hand.

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"General, I'm sorry for short trip away". The Admiral says.

"It's fine, Admiral let's just get going". I say with a smile.

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"Right so we will attack in two groups to help Senator Organa. Tuck you are with me, we will lead group one, and Sam will lead Group two due to Rock being out". I say.

"Yes, sir".

"Let's get going". I say.

"General, what Group am I in?"

"Rock, you shouldn't be up on your feet so soon". I say.

"General, I'm fine". He says.

"Right, you'll be in Group two helping Sam, but be careful". I say.

"I will, don't worry". Rock says.

I quick jump on the transport and we head down to the surface.

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We reach the ground, I quickly jump down and head to cover, I cover fire to help my men get to cover. I crouch down behind cover, Tuck comes up to me. He hands me a hand grenade, I pop the pin and throw it towards the enemy.

As the droids are struggling to regain their position, I tell my men to attack. We swiftly take down the droids and move closer to the Senator's location.

My men quickly find cover being undetected by the droids. We quickly take out the droids closest to us. I see that Rock and Sam have reached to location as well. We launch a full-scale attack on the location.

We quickly take out the droids outside the Senator's location, Sam, bursts into the location and starts taking out the droids on the inside. I quickly run in behind Sam's team and help them take out the rest of the droids – as more of my men come in the droids start to retreat. I tell my men to hold back, to save ammo.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Tuck comes flying in shooting the droids.

"Tuck enough!" I shout.

"Why are you stopping?!" Tuck screams at me, still shooting droids.

I start walking towards him,

"Tuck enough!" I scream.

"They killed people, why are you stopping? Huh?"

"Tuck we are saving ammo, so I suggest you do the same". I say, as I yank his gun out of his hand.

"General Broadfoot?"

"Senator, I'm glad that you are safe". I say as I walk towards him,

BANG

I fall to the ground holding my shoulder,

"Fraser!"

"Get me a medic!" I hear Tuck shout, as he comes running up to me,

"Fraser, look at me man your gonna be okay brother just hang in there!".

My vision starts to go blurry

"C'mon man stay with me, stay with me, where is this medic?!" Tuck screams.

Before I black out.

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"Commander Tucker, what a surprise again". Satine says.

"Duchess, may I speak with you. It's personal". Tuck says.

"Of course, leave us". Satine says.

Satine's guards leave as well as her council,

"What happened?" Satine asks in shock.

"Um, we were clearly a building, and um, Fraser told us to stop and um, someone didn't clear the room properly and and and Fraser got shot. But, but he's in surgery so, um I just thought you should know". Tuck says as he holds onto his hat.

"Mum?" Amanda comes in,

"I'll be there in a minute sweetheart". Satine says not facing her,

As Amanda leaves the room,

"How am I supposed to tell my daughter that her father has been shot?" Satine says crying,

"Satine, you don't need to do it alone". Tuck says holding Satine's hand. Satine turns in and hugs Tuck crying.