Chapter 22: The Battle of Var

The Imperial vessels in orbit of the Kentarian colony world of Var were still in the process of enslaving the planet. Grand Admiral Grant was enjoying enslaving the race that Vice Admiral Thrawn and that blasted half-breed Grand Inquisitor Kael talked about.

Then suddenly things changed.

Two Kentarian Warspheres, ten Kentarian battlespheres, and then the bulk of the Rebel fleet jumped out of hyperspace near the edge of the system. The Kentarian leader, Justicar Chrom'well, sent out a wide signal for all of the Imperial ships to hear.

"Imperial vessels, you have attacked the sovereign colony world of Var, an act of war. We the Kentarian people deny your claims to our people. Release your prisoners, and leave our space, or be destroyed."

Grand Admiral Grant was an arrogant, yet practical man. He counted the number of vessels the Rebels and Kentarians had brought, and then calculated how his ten Star Destroyers would fair. He had yet to receive his promised Super Star Destroyer, so he didn't have his flag-ship yet, but he knew a possible losing battle when he saw one.

He knew when to cut and run.

"All ships, you are to engage the Rebels. Leave no survivors." He said into his comm. He watched as his fleet turned to face the Rebel/Kentarian fleet… then turned to his captain. "Prepare for jump to hyperspace. Set your course for Kuat."

"My lord?" Captain Nethanial asked. "What about the battle here?"

"To be taken care of by my trusted captains. I'm sure they can handle the situation. Nine Star Destroyers are more than a match for these… rabble." He said. Inside he knew that it was tough to call the outcome of the battle… but he wasn't going to risk his neck in case he was wrong.

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Admiral Ackbar watched as the Imperial vessels launched every one of their fighters. This was going to be a tough fight. "Launch all fighters, shields up. Continue to jam all outgoing transmissions. Bring our ships alongside the Kentarian vessels and extend shields. Even though their armor is strong, let's give them a chance to get into firing range for their M.A.Cs. All fighters, Engage at will, I repeat, engage at will! Lets give the Kentarians time to get their dropships to the surface. May the Force be with us!"

Rebel fighters, alongside Kentarian Razor-fighters, flew in waves towards the approaching TIE fighters.

It was going to be a bloody battle.

----

Grey Knight Pil'lar walked before his company of Grey Knights. Being in charge of this specific company of soldiers was his honor and his duty, and now, he spoke to them to encourage them to battle.

"My fellow Grey Knights, we go forth to free our people from the tyranny of the Empire. They thought that the Kentarians would be an easy target, it is up to us to convince them it was a wrong decision. Remember the Litany of Honor, brothers…"

The Grey Knights all started to speak together the Litany of Honor.

"The warrior who acts out of honor cannot fail. His duty is honor itself. Even his death, if it is honorable, is a reward and can be no failure, for it has come through duty. Seek honor as you act, and you will know no fear. At battle's end, speak the litany in a clear voice. Respect the bravery of the living. Give the Rite of Passage to the fallen. Honor the battle gear of the dead. To do all this with reverence even when exhausted by battle and weary from the field is the duty of all Grey Knights. It is his burden and his satisfaction."

Pil'lar smiled at his brothers as they all clashed their gauntleted fists to armored chest with a loud 'HO!"

Pil'lar nodded to them. "My brothers, as our bodies are armored with Kentarium, our souls are protected with loyalty. As our weapons are charged with death for the Primarch's enemies, our thoughts are charged with wisdom. As our ranks advance, so does our devotion, for are we not Grey Knights? Are we not the chosen of the Primarch, his loyal servants unto death?"

His warriors all cheered at these words. "Death to our enemies!"

Pil'lar knew they were ready. "Brothers, the enemies of the Primarch fear many things, they fear discovery, defeat, despair and death, and yet there is one thing they will learn to fear above all others…"

The moment of silence before his next words were charged with expectant energies.

"They will fear the wrath of the Grey Knights!" He roared, then turned towards their drop-ships. His forces charged behind him, roaring their battlecries as they prepared to fight for the freedom of their people.

The Grey Knights were going to war.

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Grand Admiral Zaarin smiled at the news. This colony planet skirmish would be another perfect distraction.

Emperor Palpatine had returned to Coruscant, his forces were in place, and everything was ready.

He flicked a simple switch that connected him to all of his forces. "It is time. Execute Order 57."

The Imperial Civil War had begun.