Greetings to all. Here is the next chapter of the Prove Your Worth story. This chapter will be slightly longer compared to the last one, so please let me know what you think. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who commented on the first chapter, thanks it meant a lot.
This chapter will use characters from the Star Wars expanded universe, so again I disclaim all ownership to them but the events in this story along with a few other characters (the clone and allied commanders) are of my own creation. From now on I intend to try and post a chapter every two to three weeks. I would still prefer to have someone Beta Read each chapter though, so if anyone wants to volunteer or knows anyone who would be interested, please PM me.
Anyway I have said enough on with the story.
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars
Chapter 2: The Battlefield is Chosen
The Planet Kalee, the Kadok Regions, in the Outer Rim territories.
As the LAAT gunships flew overhead, and some clone soldiers led the Kaleesh natives away from the buildings with their hands raised in surrender, a few lone figures watched from the cover of the native forests. Only one dared to stick his head out from the low shrubs. His name was Bentilais san Sk'ar, he was a khan, entrusted leader of the planet Oben Kaleesh tribes.
Until recently all had been peaceful on the planet, but that had all changed. Not long ago Sk'ar had received word that the Kaleesh's old enemies the Yam'rii (or Huk as they were more commonly known) had been advancing on a campaign of conquest across the Kadok regions. Securing their old colony worlds in earnest, the reports had suggested that the insects were heading straight towards Kalee with all speed.
Sk'ar had not hesitated. Gathering over one thousand hand-picked Kolkpravis to his side, he made all haste to his home world leaving the rest of his army on Oben to defend the planet. His plan was simple: come to aid his people in the defence of Kalee. For all his speed however the gargantuan Kaleesh had no idea that the transmission he had received was days old, and that he would arrive too late to do anything.
After slipping past the Star Destroyer Blockade, (a miracle in its own right) Sk'ar and his army found the situation worse than they had expected. Aided by a Republic army of heavily equipped clone soldiers that numbered in the thousands and five Jedi, legions of Huk had made planet fall. By the time Sk'ar's reinforcement's arrived, only a few remnants of the eastern tribes were left standing. The rest of the Kaleesh population (civilian and militia alike) had either gone into hiding on world where they linked up with Sk'ar and his forces, retreated to Oben or worse been captured.
The warriors of the western hemisphere had made a valiant stand but ultimately been overcome by technological superiority, and sheer weight of numbers. Scouting missions, told Sk'ar and his allies that whilst a good number of their warriors were still being held by the Republic military on world, millions of their people had already been shipped off world to territories now occupied by the Yam'rii.
Sk'ar growled, as he continued to watch. The last few chieftains and holy men, the Kaleesh elite, were forced to their knees hands held up in the air. It was over, the Kaleesh of Kalee had surrendered. Around these seven or eight figures, the clones pumped their fists into the air cheering with triumph, the four Jedi deactivated their lightsabers and the Yam'rii released loud piercing shrieks from their mandibles that rent the air like an alarm. Their version of a cheer. Damn those soulless ones Sk'ar thought to himself, his jaw clenched even tighter as he ground his teeth with rage.
Around him the five scouts also vocalised their displeasure at what they had just seen. Fingers traced the hilts of weapons and their eyes were lit by a fire that could only be quenched by blood. But in the present situation there was nothing any of them could do. They were outmanned and outgunned, Sk'ar knew this and though he was outraged by what was transpiring, he understood that they had no chance and that revenge for his people was not the priority at the moment.
"No" he hissed, as one of the warriors clearly not sharing this realisation aimed his rifle at the enemy forces. Reaching out Sk'ar seized the barrel of the weapon forcing it downwards. "We cannot beat the soulless ones nor these faceless ones here. We are outnumbered and outmatched". With a sigh he gestured over his shoulder, and barked "Fall back". With that, the five Kolkpavris and their Khan shrank into the landscape, with so little noise that the one clone trooper who looked in their direct failed to notice them.
The Shrupak Temple, Main base for the Republic and Yam'rii forces, near the Ausez Steppes, Kalee.
The command base for the Republic forces was a hive of activity. Conditions were very cramped in the fields around the temple. When the base had been set up the Yam'rii had refused point blank to use the place of worship as a base because it was 'tainted by the blood of their warriors and the souls of their enemies'. As such the Republic troops had been forced to use spare parts from their ships armoury to build a temporary bunker house. The job had taken several hours forestalling the planets conquest.
Right now though this was but a distant memory. The clones and few Yam'rii present were all carrying out a variety of chores and other activates. From transporting cargo, to guiding landing craft down safely on the makeshift landing platforms. By far the biggest problem though was caring for the wounded. The Kaleesh had proved tough enemies at every encounter but the Kalee campaign had been particularly difficult and gory.
When the Republic had received a plea for help at the behest of the Yam'rii senators a few weeks ago, the clones and Jedi generals had come to aid the defending Huk against what they were told was a Kaleesh uprising. According to the evidence presented within the senatorial chambers following an attack on Tovarski by General Grievous earlier in the Clone Wars, some Kaleesh had launched an attack on the planet Oben, taking it from its "rightful colonists". This as the Yam'rii stated was merely: 'The latest in a series of attacks and other degradations, which violated the treaty that this noble Republic had established to prevent such an incursion from befalling the innocent citizens and other peoples of planet Huk at the end of their war with the Kaleesh'.
This testimony proved to be compelling, and in the end the Senate had voted to send a small army to aid the Huk in securing the Kadok regions. It would as the Yam'rii had put it 'deprive the Separatists of a potential ally and secure a vital trading route for the Republic loyalists'.
Upon rendezvoused with the waiting insectoids on Huk, the clone forces had found some evidence of Kaleesh incursions right across the colony worlds. It mainly took the form of old battlegrounds and damaged Yam'rii settlements. Kaleesh weaponry and bodies were also present this supporting the claim. With this and their numbers bolstered by an army of ten thousand vengeful insectoids, the clone forces along with their five Jedi commanders had set out from Huk to secure the region in the name of the Chancellor.
At first the armada meet with little opposition. There was the occasional skirmish here and there across the colony worlds but nothing to major for the Grand Army and its allies. Within days eight worlds had been secured and were under total Huk control. Things were going so well in fact that on the fifth day of the conquest, the Republic forces made the decision to bring this conflict to an end by attacking the enemies home base.
So it was that they came to Kalee and it was here that the conflict took a whole new turn. Refusing to let their home world fall Kaleesh armies in the thousands had assembled on mass to fight off their would be conquerors. Just making planet fall had proved troublesome for the invaders, but tired of easy victories and small skirmishes frankly the clones were just happy to have a large force shooting at them again.
That had been four days ago though. During that time span many clone and Yam'rii soldiers had been killed, and a number of the survivors were injured in some form or another. But finally as the sun was beginning to set in a reddening sky the Republic commanders received the news they had been waiting for.
The battle for Kalee, was over and it had ended in their victory.
"We did it general" the clone captain told his superiors over the hologram, as he concluded his battle report. "The last of the enemy chieftains have given up. Kalee is ours". These words were met with a cry of jubilation by everyone all within ear shot of the message. Clone troopers and officers cheered and pounded the air, whilst the Yam'rii added their sickening and frightening chant to the chorus.
Somehow over the din, the Jedi master in command of the fleet managed to get his message across. "Very good captain, make sure that the prisoners are treated fairly in preparation for their shipment off world. Also please tell the knights I shall expect them to rendezvous with me in the next two hours. I shall need to speak to them about Oben. Report back in when all is sorted." On the other end of the line the clone nodded, and the transmission ended.
"Well then Jedi general, Master" a rasping hissy voice spoke. The Jedi turned to his right as one of the Huk approached. A gold wreath was wrapped around the thin piece of armour that covered his chest, marking him out as a general in the Huk ranks. "All seems to be going well doesn't it?"
"As well as can be expected in these troubled times" Master Koth agreed with a slight nod, though he sounded rather sad. "This battle marks nine successful conquests within this sector. One more victory and the region will be ours". The Zarbak paused looking over a planetary image of Kalee and then sighed, shaking his head with remorse. "It is a shame when neighbouring systems turn on each other in a galactic conflict like this. I really wish this sort of situation could have been avoided".
The Huk clearly did not share his sentiment. A low hiss escaped his jaws and he then said. "Like you said general, this is war. All of us aaahh sentient's have to choose which side we are on. Some like us choose the right and winning side, others like our foes here today are not so wise".
"He's right sir" another voice piped up, This one was human and came from the commander of the clone forces that Eeth Koth commanded. Clone Commander HY-S0428 of the Clone 42nd legion of the 204th Battle fleet, though he preferred to be known as Willis. "Everyone in this galaxy has to decide where their loyalties lie sir. As tragic as this is the Kaleesh brought it upon themselves. They were given a choice and they didn't make the right one. Therefore as much as it pains me, it is up to us to sort them out and help them see the error of their ways".
Eeth Koth said nothing, but for some reason these words seemed to amuse the Huk general. He opened his mouth and emitted a series of cough like noises that someone makes when their choking. The other two eyed him curiously. After he had recovered the Huk said "Yes, quite right Commander. I find it fortunate to have such wise noble warriors at our side, and I can honestly say that our people will be eternally grateful to you for this. You have secured our worlds for us and helped put this uh rebellion down before it gets out of control".
"Yes ..." Willis said cautiously. "Maybe so but they are tough ones these Kaleesh. I mean they have killed about half our brothers and over three thousand of your warriors general. Compared to this their own losses were minimal. Still like you said their rebellion has been put down now. I can see why you needed our help in this matter too and I can't say I blame you for it."
Willis had meant this as a compliment of sorts but these simple words seemed to anger the Yam'rii. He growled in a clearly angered tone and marched closer to the clone, so that his face was mere inches from the humans. "Are you implying that we are weak, huh clone? Are you seeking to gain some sense of superiority by insulting the Yam'rii?!" he roared darkly.
"No that – that wasn't what I was saying at all" Commander Willis replied sounding pretty confused. The Yam'rii growled at him again revealing pointed tooth like extensions from his jaws but Eeth Koth stepped in between the two soldiers. Resting a hand on each of their chests, Koth nodded to the clone, in an indication that everything would be alright before turning to the Huk.
"I think what the commander meant general was that it was wise of your people to call us in before, this situation got too much out of control. Otherwise it could have resulted in a prolonged war and nothing good can come from that. Only a total massacre on both sides and great unnecessary blood-shed."
"Oh", the Huk's jaws chattered as he comprehended the Jedi's words. His carapace clicked slightly as he nodded "Yes – yes. That is quite right. Un, ha, ha unnecessary bloodshed avoided of course. But uh, ha, lets not worry about past events and what may have been aye?" His armour buzzed like a beetles at the last word, and as it subsided he tried to change the subject. "You will uh, still uhm, still be intrusting the care of the prisoners to us won't you, once this conflict is over?"
"Of course we will, that was part of our agreement" Willis confirmed, although under his breath he quietly added, "As long as you agree to hold up your end of the bargain by sending them to the re-education camps". The Huk eyed him curiously but before he could even begin to comprehend what the clone had said Koth interrupted them.
"That will do for now. Let us not get ahead of ourselves here gentlemen. Remember, we still have one more planet to take before the conflict in this sector is over. Once Oben has been liberated then we can worry about the necessities. For now, I think it is time for us to contact Coruscant and fill them in on what is happening".
Unoccupied space near the Kadok Regions. The Fleet of Rightful Conquest.
It had been nearly twelve hours now since the fleet set out from Serenno. All commands had been alerted and a ripple of excitement now gripped everyone. Within the command bridge of the Vengeful Star, Grievous had called a council of war. The commanders of each ship were speaking to him via hologram, and with B1 Battle droid AG79 (who served as the cyborgs immediate lieutenant in the field) by Grievous' side they were going through a list of planets within a thousand light years of their current position. Everyone throughout the fleet knew that once this session ended a target would have been chosen, and this division of the Separatist war machine would move on the path to war!
It was TS-192 that was standing next to the holo-projector offering up all available intel on each system as it came. The list was long and arduous. Currently, barely one tenth of it had been covered but it had offered up everything, from vital republic outposts to important refuelling and space stations. A list of Republic ally systems had also been provided and included such species as the Hutt's. Right now the system up for suggestion was Malastare.
"… which is why this vital fuel resource should not be ignored. Its capture would mean a huge success for the CIS forces" TS-192 concluded.
A storm of nods and choruses from the battle droids followed this announcement. Grievous alone did not move, he stood, one arm crossed over his chest as he tapped his chin with his other hand. Around him the soldiers shouted things like. "Hear, hear!"
"He is right. Let us head up and onward to glory!"
"Of course. If we take Malastare that is sure to win the favour of Count Dooku".
Yet these words had been repeated over and over again (at each suggested target) and it had now gotten to the point that it was annoying. And for once it wasn't just the cyborg general who was becoming frustrated.
"Oh be quiet the lot of you! Sometimes I wonder if you use the brains you were created with" AG79 cried shaking his head at his subordinates. Turning to Grievous the droid spoke openly, "I apologise my Lord but I really must protest against this system as our selected battle zone. I do not doubt your skills and tactics for one second but we cannot forget that our previous attempt to conquer Malastare was a complete disaster. An army more than four times this size was wiped out in a single skirmish and the Republic are sure to have entrenched themselves even deeper into the planets surface this time. Based on this hypothesis against our available forces I would like to suggest that we look for an alternate battle zone."
Grievous stared back at AG79, completely silent except for a few deep rasping breathes. The fact that the droid had spoken out so openly in a way that could potentially challenged the opinion of his overlord was enough to make the other droids nervous. More than a few vocalised their concern, whispering things like, "Uh-oh".
"Did he just say what I thought he said?"
"Who does he think he is to challenge the might of General Grievous?"
"Oh boy, he's gonna get it now".
"SILENCE" Grievous shouted and the rest of the droids stood rigidly to attention. A low hiss escaped Grievous' ventilators not out of frustration but consideration. "At least someone within this fleet has some form of sense. It is nice to meet a droid that actually thinks with his head for once. You are quite right AG79. Malastare is too well-defended, if we are to win this conflict we need a better target. Therefore I suggest you keep looking captain".
"Yes my lord" the tactical droid nodded, before turning to the data pad it held in one hand and examined it closely. Scanning it with a speed not capable for an organic, he turned to the main terminal, punched in a series of codes and waited for the data to run. Seconds later the image of Malastare vanished and was replaced by the image of another system. "In that case might I suggest this planet sir", TS-192 gestured at the projection of a lush tropical planet covered in green jungle. "Felucia has proven a key strategical outpost between the outer and mid rim worlds sir and its natives are an important ally to the Republic. Taking this system would demonstrate just how much …"
So the rambling went on with the T series droid, providing a list of key factors that would benefit the CIS in the taking of Felucia. Meanwhile just behind the fleets high command, two of the Vengeful Stars pilot droids were talking to each other. The pair, stood in front of a terminal, were picking up a frequency on the radar. Up until now all had been quiet on the monitors, the suddenly this signal had appeared from a location, behind the fleet. Scans confirmed it was a transmission of some kind and was aimed to be long range. Now the two droids were arguing quietly as to who should be the one to tell Grievous about it, for if it turned out to be nothing important the messenger would surely suffer.
In the end the droid on the far end gave his counterpart a sharper nudge. Staggering the loser, looked between his partner and Grievous. "Uh, uh" the droid stuttered for Grievous was now shouting, again. Clearly TS-192 had not done a good job at convincing him to attack Felucia. "Oh boy" the droid whispered to itself. Then with as much confidence as he could muster the droid said "Uhm Sir …".
The droid flinched as Grievous span around to face him. In fact the entirety of the fleets command turned to look at him, making the droid even more uncomfortable. Grievous clearly angered for being interrupted narrowed his eyes malevolently at the robot. "What is it droid? Can't you see that we are in the middle of a meeting?" Grievous snarled. Ok, he wasn't just angry, he was fuming.
"Uh begging your pardon sir" the droid said nervously, "But you told us to let you know if anything happened. We are uhm, we're picking up a weird transmission of some sort. The wave lengths don't match any of our known signals, so we think it could be a Republican code."
This news caught the attention of the commanders now. A republic transmission, here? They were in a remote empty section of space, the code couldn't be a stray could it? "Have you been able to trace the point of origin?" AG79 inquired pointing at the terminal.
The pilot shook his head, "Still working on it sir, but the wave lengths and matching to previous records indicate that of a long range transmission. If it, if it is a Republic transmission it is likely that this is a message aimed at somewhere deep within the Galactic core worlds."
It was an interesting conjecture, but there was only one way to confirm the hypothesis. TS-192, AG79 and the rest of the commanders turned to Grievous, he was the overall commander and the decision of what to do lay with him. The cyborg's eyes flickered from one direction to another as he considered the possibility. Deciding there was nothing to lose from this but a lot of potential for resource gain, Grievous nodded. "Very well".
He pointed at the pilots terminal, and then behind him at the holo-terminal. "Intercept the message and patch it through. If it is a Republic transmission it could provide valuable intel for us!" He turned his back on the pilot to the screen.
"Yes sir" the droid acknowledged. Returning to his terminal he and his partner started typing quickly, so as to filter and intercept transmission and make it translatable. A few loud beeps rang out as they did this. They had no problem with intercepting the transmission, and a few seconds later the image of Felucia vanished and was replaced by a small picture of a male Zarbak standing in the epicentre of the terminal.
"… an anyone hear me" the man in the hologram was saying. "Repeat this is Master Koth, calling the Jedi Temple can anyone hear me?"
Grievous' eyes narrowed, "Koth!" he growled. He was not sure how to feel upon seeing the Jedi foe that had escaped him, earlier in the Clone Wars. A second later however a series of other images popped up around the figure of Eeth Koth. At least eleven individuals from a multitude of species, all seated in the same furnished metal chairs.
Grievous drew in a deep breath, he had heard tell of this group but never seen them together before, the Jedi High Council. He recognised a few of the individual's, for he had engaged them at some point during over this year long conflict. Aside from Eeth Koth, he saw Masters Adi Galia, and Plo Koon. Also present was his arch rival Obi Wan Kenobi. There were images of other would be victims as well, Shaak Ti and Aayla Secura. Yet it was the human male on the right side of his other victim Ki Adi Mundi that responded to Eeth Koth's message.
"This is Mace Windu of the Jedi Council, we are receiving you loud and clear Master Koth". The serious tone of the voice faded, and the man nodded towards the Zarbak. "It is good to hear from you again old friend".
"You too, Master Windu" Koth bowed his head, the smallest of smiles appeared on his face. A few seconds later a clone soldier entered the fray and stood next to the alien. His helmet had been removed, allowing everyone to his face which was identical to the late Jango Fett's. He greeted the Jedi Masters, "Greetings to you too commander. I take it that since you are contacting us all is going well on your front?"
"As good as can be expected Masters" Eeth Koth replied, "What is the status on the Republic forces."
It was Obi Wan who replied "They are as good as can be expected at the moment I am afraid."
"Or at least as good as can be expected in the middle of a galactic conflict in which virtually every system is divided up by war" Master Plo Koon voiced.
"But for the moment all is well on the battlefield" Shaak Ti added.
"Holding their own, our forces are but no sign of ending to this conflict there is" the small diminutive form of Master Yoda added.
Grievous watched each figure carefully on the hologram, so as to follow the trail of talk. He gave each being within this projection a look of pure hatred. Although he had never met some of them in person he resented each and every one of these figures for what the were. "Ha! Stinking Jedi" he spat coldly.
Commander Willis was nodding. "Well I guess that this is as good as can be expected at the moment sirs."
"Yes commander, but progress is still to slow. We need to start achieving some key victories if our forces are to have any hope of winning this war" Aayla Sakura stated.
Most of the Jedi Council nodded in response to her claim. "Then it is important for us to take every victory where we find it" Master Koth stated. "It may not be an entirely key victory but it's a start. I am certain that the conflict in the Kadok Regions will soon be over. I have just received word that the last of the chieftains on the Eastern hemisphere have surrendered. I am happy to report that Kalee has fallen and is now under Republic control".
Grievous caught his breath, and flinched visibly. "What?!" he gasped in a strangled tone. AG79 and the other droids who heard this turned to look at Grievous. He was standing very rigid and staring transfixed at the hologram. His eyes were wide open, not with anger but ... shock.
Unaware that their transmission was being intercepted, Master Windu proceeded to offer his blessings. "This is welcoming news Master Koth."
"Thank you Master Windu but I feel that your gratitude should go to our soldiers …", even on the pale hologram it was impossible to mistake the clone flush a little with embarrassment. Koth continued to speak "Without their sacrifice and skill victory would have been impossible. Or at least a lot more difficult without the assistance of our allies". He turned to look off screen, and a second later another alien popped on screen. Taller than the other two and hunched over slightly the Yam'rii's jaws were hanging open in what the council assumed to be a smile, but looked a lot more like an nasty snarl.
A few of the Jedi had to work to keep their faces straight. Grievous on the other hand, made no such effort. His face transformed in a second, changing from shock to anger and then rage. "Yam'rii?!" he hissed dangerously, and everyone on the bridge of the Vengeful Star (and quite a few on the other ships who heard him via the hologram) turned to look at their commander. Whether in the flesh or via projection it was impossible to miss the dangerous level in Grievous' tone.
"I agree" Master Windu concurred, "This really is welcome news, good work all of you. And of course we must extend our gratitude to you and your people General Mal."
"Oh ha, ha, it was nothing Master Windu, nuh ni" Mal said in his clicking raspy voice. Grievous growled as he gave the insectoid a particularly nasty glare. "We are just doing what we can to help our dear Republic allies. It is our way of saying thanks for the help you provided for us at the end of the Huk War".
At the mention of that conflict Grievous started to tremble; such was the intensity of his anger. How dare that … that … creature, how dare he! Of all possible things ... he had brought that accursed thing, that nightmare into the conversation. How dare that soulless one!
In his anger Grievous had missed part of the conversation. By the time he came back to reality it was Willis who was talking "… killed over half of our brothers and three thousand of the Generals troops here" the clone was saying. "In the end we got the chieftains cornered just outside their capital city. With them captured the few remaining forces surrendered."
"So the war in Kadok is over then?" Shaak Ti enquired.
"Not yet, first we have to secure Kalee. A few of the natives still escaped into the wilds but our forces are working on rounding them up. In the meantime our forces are going to regroup and rest. Then tomorrow morning we shall move on to the planet Oben. Once that system has been taken the war will be over in this sector" Eeth Koth explained.
"Yes, yes. Rest assured, master Jedi, once the system is ours, the area will have been secured. Then once we are established we shall repay your kindness by ensuring that all of the resources that we Huk have to offer will be open to you for use in this war."
"Grateful for this, we are, General Mal. Helpful every resource is" Master Yoda said thankfully. The Yam'rii bowed its head a long raspy purr emanating from its carapace. It was a sickening sound.
"What about the Kaleesh?" Master Plo Koon chipped in. "Do not forget that they are just as much victims in this as any other force that fights against the Republic. It is vital that we ensure that they are treated fairly so that they will not rise up like this again."
The clone shook his head. "Don't worry, Master. All of that has been sorted. As soon as this conflict is over, we will ship out to the next conflict zone, and the Yam'rii will be left in charge of the Kaleesh."
"Wha!"
"Yes, yes" the insectoid said slyly. "We are uhm intending to establish a permanent settlement on all of the worlds in this region" Mal explained. "We recognise that these worlds are of vital strategic importance due to their proximity to trading routes. Therefore we shall defend them for you and uhm see to it that the Kaleesh are put to good use."
"AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHH!" Grievous was bent over so that his body was at a right angle, and emitting a roar so loud it seemed to shake the entirety of the Vengeful Star's bridge, making the thick glass windows rattle. His six fingered hands were balled into fists like a boxer as he glared shaking with rage at the hologram with a look of absolute furry. Every Separatist, droid and organic alike jumped and took several steps away from him. Even those who had served under Grievous before had never seen him this angry before and even the Magna Guards appeared to be rattled.
"Yes that does sound like the best course of action" Ki Adi Mundi nodded. "As soon as the Kaleesh have been defeated, we should send the clone forces elsewhere and leave the Yam'rii in charge. We can then focus our efforts on winning this war".
Most of the Councillor's nodded. "Agreed. A great tragedy this conflict is but a necessary step on the path to victory, this act is" Master Yoda said.
"Oh, ho, ho. Don't worry my dear Jedi friends, ho, ho, ho" the Huk general chuckled, his mouth opening and closing rapidly in a disgusting manner. "Peace will soon reign across Kadok thanks to you, and we have already made a start to ensure that it stays that way. We have started shipping the Kaleesh off world, so as to distribute them over the colony worlds. There they are being re-educated and put to work with the purpose of aiding our people. We shall ship more off at dawn tomorrow just before we leave. Once Oben is ours, we shall take good care of this sector for you and help the Kaleesh to see the error of their ways. Just as soon as, the sector is completely ours we shal -"
The rest of the transmission was cut off however, Grievous had snapped. At the mention of what the Jedi had done and were allowing to happen to the Kaleesh his anger could take no more.
"RRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE YYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH" with a fire burning in his heart, Grievous lunged at the terminal and in an absolute fit of rage smashed it with both of his fists. The image died immediately but simply smashing the equipment wasn't enough. The cyborg laid blow after blow on the device with his fists, holding nothing back and when he could no longer reach it easily with his hands he used his feet instead, stomping on it with all his might.
He kept on screaming the whole time and he did not stop either punching or screaming until he had reduced what had been a working terminal mere moments ago into a twisted heap of scrap metal. Grievous drew deep heavy breaths which echoed throughout the silent bridge. Everyone was staring at him but he ignored them, though those within Grievous' eye line cowered fearing he might attack them next.
Grievous had not felt this depth of anger in a long time. Not since he was whole, before that terrible ordeal which left what remained of his body being bound to metal just to keep him alive. Since the death of his beloved at the Huk's hand during the time of the Huk war, or the anger he felt when the Jedi imposed those harsh crippling treaties on Kalee. Or the pain and anger he had felt at the death and starvation that followed this, the depredation that had befallen his family, his wives, his children. Images of these events flashed before his mind. Blood pounded in his head as Grievous stood straight with a deep hiss. His mind was made up and he knew what he had to do!
"Captains" he barked commandingly, and everyone flinched at the sound of his voice. A few of the command droids actually did back away from him. Even AG79 took a few steps back as Grievous stepped out of the rubble towards him. Sweeping his hand over each of them and then clenching his hand into a fist Grievous gave a declaration, "Alert all commands and set all stations ready for battle. We have our objective. We are to liberate Kalee from the Republics hands."
"But sir -" AG79 protested, "Our objective is to conquer a system of vital use to the Republic. Kalee is nothing more than a backwater system. Unless we were to capture the rest of Kadok, it is of little strategical use to us. Count Dooku would never -"
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT!" Grievous shouted and he smacked the droid across the head with his fist. In typical fashion his punch was so strong that it took the droids head clean off. AG79 crashed to the ground dead, and all of the other droids backed even further away looking at the remains of their leader. At least until Grievous spoke again, then their attention returned to him.
"Our priorities have changed" he told the rest of his shaken crew. "This mission is still a campaign of conquest. Now though we have a new motivation: vengeance. It is time for me to settle an old score". He looked over his shoulder and stared briefly at the terminal. Then he gave his instructions.
"Captains prepare to move out! Tell all units that we are heading for Kalee. Send out Vulture and Tri droids ahead of us to act as scouts so that we know what we are dealing with. THAT IS AN ORDER!"
Nobody dared to argue with him. As one the droids saluted and acknowledged. "Roger, roger" came the series of responses and as one the machines turned to their pilots to set about carrying out their masters orders. This did not take long and within a minute the four ships within the Fleet of Rightful conquest began to list to port so as to make an accurate jump. Outside Grievous saw several Droid star fighters returning to base so as to ready for the hyperspace jump. Others fighter units that had hyperdrive capabilities flew overhead and started making jumps ahead of the main cruisers, to scout out Kalee.
"Good" Grievous hissed darkly as he watched this. "Captain" the T series droid approached and stood ready for orders. "How long will it take us to reach Kalee from here?"
It only took a few seconds for the droids to calculate the answer. "It will take three Galactic standard hours for us to reach the planet sir. If you wish it my Lord, I will make all necessary calculations to see if we cannot reach Kalee faster"
Grievous considered the possibility, but then reluctantly decided against it. "Aagh. No do not bother yet!" he said slashing the air with his right hand. "If the Republics forces stick to the schedule they relayed in that transmission we have a minimum of eleven hours before they next act. Besides, we do not know what we are dealing with at the moment and must proceed cautiously. I will not risk the safety of my planet nor my peoples without a strategical advantage!"
TS-192 looked at him. "Your - your people my Lord?" but Grievous did not answer him. Indeed he had turned away from the captain and was once again barking orders at the other commanders.
"Captains exit hyperspace twelve parsecs from Kalee and then wait for instructions before you deploy any further. As soon as the scouts report in let me know. Make sure you gather every piece of information and present it to me. Now do as I command and you …" Grievous pointed to a B1 battle droid on board the Vengeful Star, whose red paint marked him out as sergeant.
The droid looked around nervously as Grievous lowered his arms. With a quick glance at the now destroyed AG79 he nervously fixed his gaze on Grievous. "Uh –uhm, yes, yes sir?" the droid stuttered noticing how his four companions were backing away from him, so as to be out of the reach of Grievous' furry. However it was not words of anger that the cyborg had to say.
"Congratulations, you have just been promoted!" The cyborg then gestured at the remains of AG79. "Now get some units to clean up this mess and then prep all of your troops for battle. You are now the acting fleet commander of battle droids!"
"Uh, uh. Thank– uhm thank you sir" the droid stuttered, not quite sure what to make of his sudden promotion to Grievous' chief lieutenant. Grievous ignored him and with a swish of his cloak stalked out of the room, accompanied by his Magna Guards. Behind him the droid pilots were ready and spoke over an intercom "Ok, all systems set. All units standby!" and with the Vengeful Star at its head the fleet of Rightful Conquest jumped into hyperspace.
End of Chapter 2.
Well that is the second chapter of this story done. Please let me know what you thought about it.
Once again thanks to all who commented on the last chapter and I promise Chapter 3 will be coming out soon.