A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
LAST MAN STANDING
Season 1, Episode 11
40 years passed since
Emperor Palpatine was defeated.
For years and years chaos remained as
the remnants of the Empire tried to maintain control
of the galaxy and the leaders of the Rebel Alliance tried to unite
the people in an organized democracy. Such attempts failed on both sides,
and the galaxy fell back to the political structure it had known before the creation of
the Old Republic. Small systems, bigger systems, coalition of planets, yet some planets are still
divided and self-regulated countries. Democracies, monarchies, empires, warlords, anarchies, even
the Hutts control a few systems, and still some parts of the universe have not been explored or heard of.
As confrontations escalade and the war intensifies, Coruscant intelligence has traced a convoy of Ambulian ships escorting a cargo full of weaponry to assist in the occupation of the Seroftian system.
##
– We'll be there in a few minutes.
Livan was piloting the Candlebox, who served as the transport for a small task force of four Relian soldiers and Amirah Lozof, all five of them wearing spacesuits.
– So here we go again: as we get out of hyperspace Livan will land us on the hull of the cargo ship. We get out, open their hatch and access their reactor, plant our explosives, and get out in less than 90 seconds. Understood?
– Yes sir.
– Get ready then, we'll be right there.
##
The battle was already engaged. Squadrons of Relian ships accompanied by two X2 wings manned by Brett Ho-Xin and by Obu, against a convoy of Ambulian vessels.
– Master, we struck gold! There isn't one cargo ship but two! That is a lot of weaponry.
– Right. Livan, Amirah and their team will handle one, let's try to get the other.
However, the Ambulian forces had reacted to the ambush and were organizing. Despite splitting their defences in two squads, it was quite obvious that they were protecting one cargo more than the other who was drifting away from the battle. Brett took the lead
– they're offering one as bait and protecting the other… It must be the consolation prize.
The Relian Cmdr. replied
– the left one is unprotected and almost exactly where the Candlebox should come out of hyperspace, we'll leave this one to them. Let's concentrate on the first one and try to see if we can damage it enough, preventing it from reaching its destination.
The conversation was cut short by the appearance of the Candlebox. Brett immediately felt the panic. They had cut their jump too close; the unprotected cargo ship was straight in the Candlebox's path with too short a distance between them for Livan to do anything about it. The two ships collided.
##
- What was that?
Amirah, like all the crew on the ship, was rocked.
– The ship was right there when we dropped out of hyperspace. Literally in my face. I've lost my starboard engine… Looks like were going to crash. Brace for impact!
The Candlebox was spinning out of control, and so was the Ambulian cargo ship.
The impact was worse than she expected, even with Amirah using the force to lower the brutality of it. Livan got her senses back. The cockpit was black, and she could smell smoke coming from her engines. She choked a little, then got up.
– Is everybody alright?
– I'm fine ma'am. It appears major Yoner is seriously hurt, he's not moving nor breathing.
The Relian military officers moved towards their leader. She turned her attention to Amirah, who had yet to move nor say anything.
– Amirah, how about you?
– I can't move. The console fell on my legs. I must have broken an… Make that both ankles. But I can handle it for now.
Jedi pain relieving techniques were more effective than most drugs, but that still hurt pretty bad.
As Livan approached Yoner, she understood from the look on the other officers faces that the news weren't good. She took a deep breath.
– I'm sorry for your loss.
The lights came back on, and the sensor started to beep. Livan couldn't believe her eyes.
– They're here, just a few kilometres away. Scanners won't tell us much more.
Great, another potential source of trouble, like they were not already in deep trouble.
Amirah asked:
– can you get us out of here?
– Not without a new set of engine relays. I say we're stuck here for a while. Maybe they are as well. However, if I'm right, a ship like this would have about 6 engines like ours, with relays we could remove to repair the Candlebox and leave.
– Then we've got to get to them, pick up the parts you need, and destroy the ship before they get to us.
– You're in no condition to go anywhere, Jedi painkiller or not.
– You're right. I'll stay here and guard your ship.
Livan bit her lip. Jedi or not, there was no one she trusted with her ship. But she had to.
– You better take care of her!
The officers interfered to bring them back to the mission.
– Scanner show the atmosphere is extremely high in dioxide. We'll need the suits if we're to stay outside more than a few minutes. You'll have to stay here as well.
– I know that's creepy, but I'll wear the major's suit. You will need as many bodies as we can gather. Because that also means that life-support in here will be overloaded at some point, a few hours, a day at best, so we can't just stay here and wait for a ride.
She turned to Amirah
– life-support will drain a lot of power. Whatever is left of the sensors will need to be shut down. You'll be on your own.
– That's fine, the force will act as my sensor. You guys must go, now.
##
The young Ambulian soldier was looking at his readings.
– Capt., I think this atmosphere is toxic.
– Scan the samples, and in the meantime let's see if that ship that hit us is still in one piece.
Capt. Dodd was older and more experienced than most of his Ambulian counterparts, let alone his subordinates. His team recognized that and followed his lead even when they questionned his decisions.
– Can we fix the reactor?
– No sir, it was fried on impact.
Another's officer jumped in
– the other ship is here sir, just a few clicks to the south. They sustained damage for sure, but all that interference makes it hard to scan.
– Before we fell, did we get a technical analysis of their ship?
– Yes sir… But I doubt it would be useful now, with all due respect.
Dodd smiled
– it looked an awful lot like a Basmilian regatta to me. Was it?
– Yes sir.
– What if we're lucky one of their reactors is still in good shape. You see they're the same as the reactors on this ship, both out of the same facility on Basmili. They can provide parts for our repairs. This we won't have to stay here too long, which, considering the poisonous atmosphere, we need to avoid. Anatomy
– Scans are complete, the air is full of dioxide. We'll need full spacesuits.
– Alright assemble a team, we're leaving for the enemy ship, we leave only one man behind.
##
The Relian's and X2 wing fleet was gaining on the Ambulians.
– Master, they're focusing on the cruiser to starboard. I suggest we make a run to free them.
Brett's didn't even reply and redirected in order to follow Obu's suggestion…the two X2 wings easily got rid of whatever enemy fighters they were engaged with and liberated the Relian cruiser from a concentrated effort of the enemy. Obu was impressed
– At this rate, there will be little else than the cargo ship left behind fairly soon, let's focus on limiting our casualties.
##
Livan and the three officers, with their spacesuits, were walking towards the enemy ship. It was a relatively easy surface to walk on, dry and dusty, but with significant abrupt landscape. This was indeed a great terrain to mount an attack without being noticed. They stopped and looked up with their binocular's, there was no one in sight.
– They must be busy repairing the ship. Once we get there, we should have the element of surprise, but could be outnumbered so we'll need it.
They walked and walked then some kind of dust storm intensified and affected their speed.
– We should stay in that little alcove, just for shelter.
– We can't afford that. For all we know this storm could be permanent, or last hours or days.
Before they could continue their argument one of their officers interrupted
– I can see them, right there on top of the ridge.
Livan took charge:
– Let's get ready for them.
##
Brett was in full command, his ship responding to every impulse from the force flowing through him.
– Admiral, start pounding the cargo ship. We'll handle the remaining fighters.
– Agreed master Ho-Xin, that cargo ship will not survive very long.
His X2 wing looked like it was flying through a whirlwind, but it brought him directly behind a single man Ambulia fighter, which he destroyed at point-blank.
– Nice shot master!
Before he could reply, Brett felt the tide change. As he looked to his left, he saw two new cruisers come out of lightspeed and release a complete squadron of fighters as reinforcements against the coalition forces.
– Trouble ahead!
Obu was already on it. But there were now greatly outnumbered. In a few seconds they went from predator to prey. The Ambulian reinforcements were well-timed and well positioned. Brett opened a channel.
– Admiral, we should consider aborting the mission.
– I have to disagree master Ho-Xin. We might not have another shot at this cargo ship, so even if we're outnumbered, I think our odds are as good as they will ever get.
– Very well Admiral. I hope you realize you're going to lose some ships and some people.
– I know. What we are at war.
The battle raged on and Brett wondered what the real odds were.
##
– What do you think they've done?
The young officer was walking besides .
– Either they're trying to repair their ship and digging in their heels to protect it until the comrades come and pick them up, or they're doing exactly what we are, trying to get to us and to our ship. There's no way of telling so stay on your toes.
They walked slowly as the storm was quite intense. They had left one soldier to do the repairs and guard the ship. The five of them were heading towards the Candlebox.
– Look sir, in the crease below.
Between two dunes laid a backpack, by the look of it it had not been there for long, especially in a storm like this.
– Be careful it means they're not far. It also means they've decided to head for our ship. They must've realized the storm was slowing them and left some heavy baggage behind.
He pointed to one of the young officers
– get back to the ship as soon as you can, and expect some trouble.
The officer did so, and Capt. Dodd turned his attention back to the backpack. When they reached it, he paused.
– Let's see what's in there.
He gestured to one of his colleagues as the rest of the group circled the bag.
– Wait, wait, wait…
Livan said over her Comlink. She had positioned one of the officers in a sniper position to shoot the backpack full of explosives as soon as a group was close enough. A direct hit would probably mean they would all be gone in one swift stroke.
– Don't worry ma'am, if anybody can make that shot it's him. It's an extremely difficult one in these conditions but he can pull it off.
– He better… Okay now shoot!
The sniper rifle beamed.
Capt. Dodd saw the beam coming.
– Take cover!
His entire team jumped away. The blaster shots missed the backpack.
Livan signaled the other officers to attack.
– Dammit, we had them!
They had missed their one-shot to get rid of the entire enemy team easily. But at least they had them circled, so she started firing and the Relian officers with her did the same.
The enemy returned fire. One of them moved out, trying to get out of the range of the sniper. But as he did he presented a clean target to Livan who took him out with a straight shot to the chest.
Livan and his two colleagues were closing in on the three enemies, protected by covering fire from the sniper. One of the enemies was backing up to the original spot of the backpack as he tried to avoid the different bolts fired at him by Livan and the Relians. Livan took the opportunity and shot the backpack.
– No need for sniper rifles and fancy military titles…
She thought to herself, although she had to admit it was an easier shot for her now being this close to the bag, than it was for their sniper. The explosion took care of one of the Ambulians. It also expanded the storm with additional bursts of sand that made everybody lose sight for a minute.
When the swirling calmed down, there was no visible sign of the Ambulians.
– We lost them dammit, they could be anywhere. Stay on your toes.
There was little doubt in her mind that the enemy was out to get to the Candlebox, and simply ran into them.
– We should get back to your ship ma'am, they're after it.
Livan never thought she'd say this but she said so anyway.
– Well, there's no point in protecting the Candlebox if we don't get these parts. And I trust Amirah can hold them off. These Jedi, even with broken ankles, can handle two attackers with their eyes closed. Let's keep going.
##
The explosion had created the chaos that Dodd was looking for. He had managed to hide behind a rock besides the dune. When he got back to his senses, it almost seemed like the rock had been buried in sand. It took him some time to crawl his way out. To his surprise and relief, there was nobody waiting for him with a point-blank shot. Where had they gone? Did his colleagues survive? It was now a chess match. Where the enemies out to get them, or out to their ship and just ran into them? The way the explosive bag was set up as bait, they could have been just defending their ship. Maybe it could be repaired. In this case, he had to get there before they left, for he needed the parts to get himself and his crew away from this rock. He picked up the pace towards the marker he had of the Candlebox's position. On top of the hill was a small rocky structure, maybe leftovers from a meteor crash. He decided this was his best approach, as he crouched behind the rocks to avoid being seen, he circled the structure and oversaw the Candlebox 's landing site. He also saw footsteps on the ground. After a storm like this, it meant someone had walked here just minutes ago. He tightened his grip on his weapon and turned the corner. As soon as he revealed himself, a crouched figure started shooting at him, he fired back. The firing stopped and the crouched figure got up, 10 m in front of him.
– Capt., it's me.
He was relieved to find out that at least one of his soldiers had survived. From their position they could see the Candlebox, half buried in sand. It was in no condition to leave soon. They also couldn't see anybody making repairs on the outside.
– This means there out to our ship now. Let's hope the guys can defend it long enough for us to get back with the parts we need to scavenge.
##
Despite the odds they weren't doing that bad. Obu and Brett were basically covering and protecting the Coruscant army as they were getting engaged by Ambulian fighters. They had lost a few, and had very little access to fire at the cargo ship who was moving away from the battle. In a few minutes it would be able to jump to lightspeed and flee.
– Obu, enough of this. I'll keep it up but you make a run for the cargo ship and disable it.
Obu's X2 wing broke away from the pack and went straight in the cargo ship's direction. Several enemy fighters broke ranks, following her to prevent her from reaching her target.
– You've got company!
Brett couldn't really abandon his position to try to cover for his former apprentice. He would leave the Relian's way too exposed to severe casualties. An enemy ship almost took him out as the belly of the X2 wing was exposed for an instant, but Brett took his ship out of danger at the last second.
Obu ran over the cargo ship and shot point-blank as much as she could, trying to disable systems, especially navigational ones. Her pursuants organized their defence pattern and pretty soon she was circled. Concentrating on the cargo ship was going to be difficult.
She was hit by cannon shot.
– Oh oh, I just lost one thruster master. There's nothing more I can do here.
Her ship was spinning out of control.
– Get outta here, lightspeed, now!
– I'll try, I mean, yes master, I will.
Her ship was still spinning but it all seemed to slow down in her mind. She managed to move just outside the net of enemy fighters, and pulled the lever. Stars became lines, and she was gone.
The admiral's voice came to Brett's ears right after.
– We should do the same. Abort mission, all hands.
Within a few minutes, they all got away, leaving the second cargo ship damaged but functional. They hadn't been able to achieve their goal.
##
Amirah could feel both enemy soldiers approaching the ship. Strong minded individuals that he could not control or influence. He also had remotely activated the turret on top of the ship and could use the force to pull the trigger when he felt that the enemies were in range.
– Capt., I think the gun on the turret just moved.
– Either it's automated and movement detector operated, or they left someone behind. Be careful.
Before Capt. Dodd at finished his sentence however, his colleague was hit straight in the head. No movement detector could shoot that precisely…there was someone in there. Once he had regained his emotions, Dodd realized that he was alone, and that he'd have to face someone inside the enemy ship. He had one chance to reach the ship, and it was to shoot down the turret. Only if he disabled it could he approach and board the ship. If he missed, he would reveal his position and be an easy target as soon as he would get out of his hiding spot. He took a deep breath, got out and shot. The perfect precision of the blast took out the gun on the turret. Dodd rolled over to avoid getting hit by the lasers if he had missed, but he hadn't, and now had a clear path to the ship. He headed for the hatch.
##
Livan and the Relian soldiers were in position around the enemy ship.
– Is it just me, or is breathing becoming more and more difficult?
– Same for me. I guess our suits and filters can't keep all the dioxide away.
– That's one more reason to get this done quickly. Any sign of soldiers here guarding the ship?
– No ma'am, not yet.
– Alright sniper blast the door commands for us, will you?
– My pleasure, this will be a much easier shot than the last one.
But the other officer chimed in,
– I'm quite certain blasting the controls will not open the door. We need to pound it into oblivion…
– Okay, you're the expert. Plus that won't reveal the position of our sniper.
Livan and his partner were facing the ship's hatch. The other soldier was positioned behind them, but with a sharp angle and protected by a small dune. The soldiers started shooting relentlessly at the hatch, hoping to break it open. After a few seconds, as they had revealed their positions, blaster shots came from the upper portion of the ship towards one of them. He avoided them and looked for cover, blaster shots were exchanged before he could position himself to start shooting at the door again. The snipers voice came into the comm.
– Should I take him out?
– No, do not reveal your position until we know at least where the others, if any, are.
The enemy on top of the ship was moving and shooting at the third officer, who had to take cover. As he got up to shoot what might have been the last blast required to open the hatch, the shot coming from the enemy hit them straight in the rifle, which he dropped out of pain. His suit was burned opened. As a dioxide started to fill out, he had a last reflex take a charged grenade and throw it on top of the ship, where his killer had been. The detonation sent the enemy flying downwards to the ground, where he laid motionless.
Livan and her partner stepped out of their cover and ran towards the ship, firing again at the hatch. The door finally surrendered and opened.
Before they could enter, Livan heard a blaster shot and saw her colleague collapse to the ground, shot from above. The enemy jumped and Livan barely had time to avoid him. On impact, they both lost their rifles and quickly the confrontation turned into a wrestling match between two spacesuits, exchanging punches and grabs. Finally, the enemy rolled over Livan who was lying on her back. As he straightened his chest, he pulled out a knife from the front of his suit ready to pierce a hole in Livan's suit and send her to a certain death by dioxane suffocation. But at the last instant as his torso was straight up, a distant beam from the sniper hit Livan's assailant straight behind the neck. He dropped the knife before falling right on top of Livan, where he took his last breath.
– Are you all right ma'am?
The answer took a few seconds.
– Yes, I guess I am. I owe you one, great shot!
She wrestled the dead body lying on top of her, and slowly got up. They had killed two enemy guards. Considering how many they had encountered in the open field, the normal staffing of a ship like that, it was quite possible that there was no one left. « I hope Amirah can handle them » she thought to herself.
– Keep a close eye, I am going in.
She entered the ship and found it to be empty, aside from the cargo full of weaponry and explosives. And, more importantly, they had plenty of workable relays to repair the Candlebox.
##
Amirah was sitting on the floor still with the console that fell on his legs in the same spot. He could feel the enemy opening the hatch and entering the Candlebox, which he had deliberately left unlocked. The Ambulian walked slowly, weapon raised, and he was diligent in his approach. Strong-minded experienced individual, perhaps a little older, not that this would serve as an advantage since Amirah couldn't stand on his legs.
Capt. Dodd had a motion detector on his weapon. There was someone in here, but it was immobile. He expected that his host was armed to the teeth just waiting for him to expose himself. As he turned the corner and saw Amirah, he blindly shot and took cover. He couldn't see that Amirah used the force to alter the bolt's trajectory. Then Capt. Dodd heard his opponent speak up.
– There is no need for that. I am unarmed with two broken legs, I'm not going anywhere.
He got out of his hiding spot with his rifle first, ready to shoot if this was a trick. But there he was, Twi'lek male, sitting on the floor immobile. Dodd said as he got a little closer.
– No funny business. Raise your hands where I can see them.
Amirah complied. What Dodd couldn't see was that when Amirah raised his right hand, a small cylinder was raised from the floor at the same rate. Amirah then closed his fist and the weapon ignited itself, a quick snap hiss sound was heard behind Dodd's back. When he reacted and turned around, the blade pierced his chest. He fell to the floor as the weapon flew towards Amirah's hand. His last words were:
– Jedi… I should have known…
– You fought bravely Capt., but you gave me no choice.
##
Livan and the sniper came back with the relays to repair the engine on the Candlebox, along with some power cells.
– When you're done with the repairs, we think we can fly by to pick up some of the supplies?
– Yeah, my cargo hold can fit a small portion of what they carried. We'll destroy the rest.
She turned to Amirah
– how are your legs?
– Bad but I'm in much better shape than the three men we lost. May the force be with them.
##