A/N 1: I do not own Harry Potter nor do I own Star Wars.
A/N 2: I ask everyone to excuse the incredible coincidence I introduce at the beginning of this chapter.
Spells or Force Powers
------- Perspective change
Chapter 20: Escalating Conflict
November 6th, 2007
N.O.R.A.D., Cheyenne Mountain USA
General Edward Martin was sitting in his office reviewing the latest reports. Ever since the end of the cold war, Cheyenne Mountain had lost most of its purpose. You didn't need a sentry on the constant lookout for nuclear attack the way you did back then. Now days, it seemed like they spent most of their time monitoring old satellites that were still in orbit or assessing the impact threat levels of near earth objects, namely asteroids.
The phone on his desk rang, sounding particularly loud in the quiet office. Rather than pick up the receiver, he pressed the button to turn on the speaker. "What?"
"Sir, Colonel Maxwell is asking to speak with you." His aide said.
"Very well send him in." The meeting request was unusual enough to pique the general's curiosity. He met with the colonel once a week; their next meeting wasn't schedule for a few days yet.
Seconds later, there was a hard, crisp knock on his door. "Come in." He called out.
The door swung open and his aide announced the colonel. The colonel walked in and stood at attention before the general's desk while the aide stepped out of the office once again and closed the door.
"Colonel, take a seat." Once the man had sat down in one of the two available chairs.
The colonel handed over a folder to the general before sitting down. After flipping open the blue file folder, the general glanced through the photos stacked in the folder. He wasn't entirely sure what he was looking at. At first glance, they looked to be nothing more than standard shots of the asteroid belt but the photos were dotted with was looked like small flashes. "What exactly should I be looking for colonel?"
"Sir these photos were taken yesterday by the Hubble Telescope. You are looking at a portion of the asteroid belt near the current position of Jupiter."
"Is there a problem with the Hubble? What are these flashes, they almost look like explosions?" The general asked.
Nervously clearing his throat, the colonel answered "Well, based on our analysis that's what we think they were. This is going to sound insane but the only explanation some of our best scientists have come up with is that there was a battle out beyond the asteroid belt."
The general smiled, thinking that the man was joking until he saw him grimace. "We weren't able to get any visuals, but the Herschel Space Observatory was targeted at the same area for a coordinated survey with Hubble. As you know, the Herschel is designed to pick up infrared radiation and it was able to capture a number of heat plumes." The colonel handed over a second folder.
The general looked through the photos. This time, the explosions were joined by heat signatures that were moving too quickly and erratically from photo to photo to be natural. "This is for real?"
"Yes it is. The heat plumes are not of natural origin. Something is out there general and by all appearances, they were fighting against someone else."
The general's mind was reeling. The implications of this were immense. Not only were they not alone in the universe but someone was hanging out right on their doorstep. To make matters worse, they were at conflict with another party or at least they had to assume so given the evidence. "Thank you colonel. You're dismissed."
The colonel stood and saluted before leaving the office, closing the door behind him. The general leafed through the photos once again, dreading the call he was about to make. Sighing, he picked up his phone and said "This is General Martin from N.O.R.A.D. Cheyenne Mountain; I need an emergency meeting with Joint Chiefs tomorrow morning."
After getting confirmation from the Pentagon scheduler, he hung up the phone and exited his office stopping long enough to have his aide set up transportation. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to be bringing something like this to the Joint Chiefs. Ruefully shaking his head, one thought kept running over and over; he knew he should have taken that early retirement.
Potter Manor, Godric's Hollow UK
Lily and James were eating lunch. Lately, James had taken to eating lunch at home rather than at work. Now that Lily was aware of his real job at the Ministry, he relished spending as much time as possible with her. There was no longer any tension between them before there had always been a gulf between them. It had at times put a strain on their relationship.
After taking another swallow of ale, James asked "Why are you so quiet today?"
"I wish Revan were back. At least we know he is ok and wasn't injured but why is he still up there?"
James had been wondering the same thing. It was amazing how fast he had gotten used to having his son back. "I'm not sure; I don't think Bastila knows either. She seems a little nervous lately. I do know that when he gets back I'm going to make sure we get that tour of his ship he has promised us."
Lily smiled. James was still like an excited first year at times. But she had to admit she was pretty damn curious herself. To think that her son had spent the majority of his life visiting different planets throughout the galaxy, even if much of that time was during a war it was still amazing. "Hopefully he remembers that the Hogsmeade weekend is this week and he promised to go."
"If not, we'll have Bastila remind him next time he checks in." James remarked.
Lily put her napkin on the plate and began to clear the table. James finished his sandwich and brought his dish over to the sink. "I still don't understand why you don't use magic to clear everything."
"It's not the same as doing it by hand. Magic is not for everything." Lily explained for the thousandth time.
"Whatever you say dear." If there was one thing that James had learned over their many years of marriage, it was that you didn't argue with Lily unless you absolutely had to. She was both incredibly stubborn and hot tempered given the right stimulus.
Lily didn't bother turning around but a knowing smile graced her face. James had been trained well not to argue about silly things like doing the dishes with magic. He had just leaned over her shoulder to give Lily a kiss when Bastila burst into the kitchen.
"James, we have to leave. The Ministry is under attack by Death Eaters."
James and Lily paled. "Do you know how many?" James asked as he took off his robe. It would only get in the way.
"No, the message was cut off. We received a second message from agents out side of the Ministry; there are anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards up. We will need to come in through the main entrance."
James gave Lily a hard kiss before turning to leave with Bastila. "Has Revan been notified?"
"I was going to do that now." Bastila answered. On their way out of the manor, Bastila pulled out a small communicator. "Decimator, this is Bastila I need to speak with Revan."
A clear voice answered back "It will be a moment Jedi Bastila."
Less than a minute later, Revan's voice came through "Bastila what is it?"
"Revan, you're needed planet side. There is a Death Eater attack at the Ministry. You will need to come in through the main entrance; all other forms of access have been cut off."
"I'm on my way; I'll bring a squad with me. We will have to land in Diagon Alley though. Not my first choice, but there is little option." Revan turned to issue the orders while he finished up with Bastila.
"James and I are about to port key to Diagon Alley. We will enter with the other Unspeakable agents on site and try to contain them." Bastila said crisply.
"Our ETA is 15 minutes. Try and keep things under control." Revan closed the channel and made his way down to the hanger bay. The troops were already gathered by the time he reached the shuttle.
Ministry of Magic, London UK
Voldemort had arrived in the main entry hall of the Ministry of Magic with Kael and 20 of his Death Eaters. It represented a good portion of his experienced forces; the Unspeakables had been inflicting significant losses in the last few months. However, by taking out the Ministry of Magic, they should be able to make an organized defense extremely difficult and it would deal a significant blow to public confidence.
At his command, the Death Eaters spread out and began shooting spells at anything that moved. Kael stepped back into the shadows to watch and wait for the Jedi to arrive. He smiled when he noticed that none of the Death Eaters were using the Unforgivables. They were currently sticking to blasting curses and other radius spells.
Screams and explosions echoed off the walls of the large chamber. The Auror guards assigned to security were downed in the first seconds of the attack. One of the Ministry of Magic workers had the presence of mind to activate the intruder alarm. Klaxons rang on every level of the Ministry signaling an attack.
Aurors began to arrive via a specialized portkey that only worked in the Ministry. They were programmed to go wherever the alarm had been triggered. Sirius and all Aurors in the building began to arrive. The nearest Death Eaters opened fire on them immediately.
Sirius' orders could barely be heard over the explosions as they dove out of the way. "Break into teams of three. Take them down! Do whatever way you half to!" Two Aurors joined Sirius as the dashed away from their arrival point and searched for cover as they threw spells back at the Death Eaters.
For the briefest of moments, Sirius thought they might push the Death Eaters back until he saw Voldemort enter the battle. Like his Death Eaters, he seemed to be avoiding the Unforgivables but Sirius almost wished he was. One blasting hex from Voldemort blew apart three Ministry workers that were hiding behind a small pile of rubble.
Outside the Ministry of Magic
By the time that James and Bastila arrived, there was already a group of 10 Unspeakables working on breaking down the wards that had been raised. Martin was pacing back and forth, occasionally yelling out for an update. James and Bastila approached him, while they waited for the wards to fall.
Martin turned to James and asked "James where is Revan?"
"He's on his way; he should be here in 15 minutes."
"Hopefully he isn't needed sooner than that."
After another good five minutes, Martin was about to bark out another demand for an update when the air in front of the Ministry shimmered and wavered like water before falling with a flash of pale blue light.
Now that the wards were down, Martin prepared his team. "Ok, with the wards down, we need to expect that they will be waiting for us. Break into two teams. We are not looking for prisoners in this one, there is too much at risk if they manage to take the Ministry."
"Everybody go!"
Inside the Ministry of Magic
The damage in the few short minutes that Voldemort and his Death Eaters had been attacking was immense. The main hall was in shambles. The lifts were disabled, only the Aurors were able to move between the floors now, it would take even Voldemort some time to work his way through the wards that now separated each of the floors.
When the wards he had setup outside the Ministry fell, he felt the pulse of magic. "Kael, we are about to have company. Do you plan on doing anything in this battle?" Voldemort called out caustically.
Kael was barely able to conceal his snarl of annoyance at Voldemort's arrogance. Still, he straightened from where he was leaning against the wall, having sensed the approach of a Jedi. He didn't have to wait for long. The main entry doors disintegrated in a loud explosion, debris raining down.
Kael drew his force blade and prepared to face the Jedi. He was disappointed when he saw the Jedi whore rather than her master. Then a sinister grin spread across his face, perhaps this was better. Now, he could make the other Jedi suffer the loss of his whore the way he suffered the loss of his apprentice.
Golden eyes glowing with a hard malevolent light, Kael thrust his free hand forward and midnight blue almost black lightning reached out seeking targets in a desire to cause pain and death.
Bastila sensed the attack at the last second but was not quick enough to intercept it with her staff. She felt he body stiffen as the lightning coursed through her causing her muscles to spasm. A scream was forced from her lips as the pain overwhelmed even her Jedi conditioning.
Two Unspeakables peeled off the main body and began attacking Kael in an effort to distract him. Neither man was able to get past Kael's defenses but it was enough to distract him.
Bastila gasped for air as the lightning and pain dissipated. She lifted her head in time to see the Sith swing his blade deflecting another set of spells before spinning and reaching out with his force blade. Like a hot knife through butter, the force blade sheared one of the Unspeakables' head off just above the shoulders. Blood fountained from the wound as the body collapsed to floor, the head rolled some distance away.
The man's partner growled at the death and attacked with renewed vigor. Bastila regained her feet and once again switched on her saber staff and prepared to face off against the Sith Master.
From the onset, it was clear that the Sith was toying with her. None of her attacks ever came near him as he blocked or dodged. Bastila struggled and felt her frustration growing, unlike the Sith, she was covered in small slashes and nicks from his force blade. Her only hope was that Revan would arrive in time.
Voldemort/Martin/James
Martin and James had been moving towards Bastila's side when they caught sight of Voldemort attacking a group of Aurors that had been cornered. Sharing a quick glance, they positioned themselves to attack Voldemort. As much as they wanted to check on Bastila, this was a battle.
The two old friends separated to make it more difficult for Voldemort to take them out. Once in position, both James and Martin yelled out the same spell. Avada Kedavra and twin beams of sickly emerald light shot towards Voldemort.
Voldemort, lost in the pleasure of the battle did not notice the attack until he was struck by both spells in the back. A shimmering energy field seemed to absorb both spells. But Voldemort still screamed in pain as the device given to him by Kael shorted out burning through his robes and searing the skin on his right hip. A slight limp showed his injury as he spun to face his attackers.
A deep purple spell hurtled from his hand and a similar spell shot forth from his wand. Each spell zeroed in on Martin and James. Neither of the men was willing to take a chance with something cast by Voldemort. Shields were cast and both men dodged the incoming spells. Unlike the normal explosive hex, this one just caused matter to break apart into its base elements.
James paled when the debris that had been shielding him shimmered and fell apart into a shower of dust. Even as he regained his feet, his wand was moving in a complicated pattern as he cast a string of spells one after another.
Voldemort smiled as he deflected the spells effortlessly into the Aurors that were nearby. Two of the three Aurors were ripped apart, limbs torn from their bodies, blood spraying over the floor by the force of the spells. "Impressive Potter, I didn't think you had it in you to pull something like that off."
Martin took advantage of Voldemort's distraction and cast a similar string of spells. The first two were absorbed by the shield Voldemort raised, the last made it through forcing Voldemort to his knees.
After casting another shield, Voldemort turned his blood red eyes toward Martin and slammed his palm down onto the floor while chanting softly. Red and yellow energy began pouring from his hand into the floor until it built up a critical mass. When it did a line of fire flared into existence and moved inexorably towards Martin.
James could feel the heat from the flames even from his position on the opposite side of Voldemort. None of his spells had made it through the shield but it was flaring now, a sure sign that it was nearing collapse. Raising his wand above his head, he began chanting his own spell, something he learned as an Unspeakable. Brownish green energy began gathering at the tip of his wand. It was being gathered from all around him. The spell he was casting was too powerful for any single wizard; it needed to pull in ambient magic from the environment. James only prayed that the wards separating the floors would protect everyone else as he pointed his wand down at floor by Voldemort's feet.
The swirling ball of brownish green magic sprang from his wand and sailed towards Voldemort, impacting the floor by his feet. Rather than an explosion, the magic created a small swirling black vortex that began sucking in matter and free magic. Spells swerved towards it and were sucked in. With each spell and piece of stone, the vortex grew larger.
Voldemort released his fire spell and moved away from the vortex with great difficulty, struggling for each step against the pull. When he was just than 10 feet away, the vortex collapsed in on itself before exploding outward with a blinding flash of white light. Voldemort's body flew into a nearby pillar and collapsed to the ground stunned.
Even his position did not insulate James, the explosion caused the entire building to quake, shaking damaged tiles and stones loose from ceiling. Not realizing his danger, James failed to dodge a piece of stone masonry that fell and struck him in the shoulder, driving him to the floor under its weight.
Martin unable to escape the fire from Voldemort's spell had suffered extreme burns over half his body before the spell dissipated. He was in no position to dodge the aftereffects of James' spell. His wounded body escaped the worst of the blast but like James he was caught by the aftereffects. A large piece of masonry fell on his chest, staving in his ribs. Struggling to breathe as his lungs filled with blood, Martin died a short while later, bloody foam on his lips a testament to his final moments.
Revan
Revan and his men arrived in Diagon Alley. Their shuttle causing a panic to the wizards and witches that were going about their business oblivious to the attack underway in the Ministry. Issuing orders quickly, Revan and the detachment of troops entered the Ministry.
Revan scanned the interior for any sign of James or Bastila while his men fanned out and began shooting at the remaining Death Eaters. James and Voldemort were the first that he spotted. The noise from his troops' blasters made it useless to call out.
Voldemort had shaken off the blast and was standing again and leaning slightly against the pillar for support. He was about to move when he heard the noise of the blasters echoing above the few explosions and incantations still going on around him. Turning his head, he eyes found Revan approaching him and he caught sight of more than 10 uniformed soldiers attacking his Death Eaters. Grimacing in disgust, Voldemort issued a retreat command and portkeyed away, but not without leaving Revan with a parting gift.
James hadn't moved since collapsing to the floor so he never even saw Voldemort's final spell. It sliced into his right leg searing through flesh and bone severing it just above his knee. He screamed once in pain before passing out.
Revan was about to move towards James when Bastila's scream caught his attention. He turned and raced towards her as he saw the Sith stab his force blade through her forearm between the two bones. She screamed again and dropped her staff as he twisted the blade and forced the bones apart and sliced through arteries and veins.
Kael grinned as he pulled his blade free and prepared to face the other Jedi. "Come to save your whore Jedi?"
"No, Bastila can take care of herself. I just wanted to see if the Master was as pathetic as the apprentice." Revan said easily while he slid his light saber from his belt and clicked it on. The blade was casting an eerie red glow over his face in the dim light of the entrance high.
"Why are you wasting your time on this pathetic world? It will be your final resting place Jedi if you don't leave." Kael taunted, dropping his free hand to his side, the black lightning begin to arc between his fingers.
"I already killed your apprentice, once you're dead, there won't be any Sith left on this planet." His saber held at a ready position in front of him.
"This planet will be crushed beneath the heel of the Sith Empire and I will make sure you are there to see it happen."
"I hope you aren't counting on help from your Massassi warriors." Revan taunted again, enjoying the look of surprise and hate on the Sith's face. "Did I forget to mention we intercepted your message? Sadly for you, it was never received. You are all on your own little Sith."
Power flared from Kael's eyes. The black lightning exploded from his hand and screamed towards Revan.
Revan was already moving; he spun out of the way and reached out with the force. Knowing that the Sith's armor protected him from many attacks, he focused on his unshielded hand, the one shooting lightning at him. He gathered the force around the Sith's hand, increasing the pressure exponentially.
The Sith's attack faltered as the bones in his protested against the increasing pressure. Nerves were screaming at him as he clutched his ruined hand to his chest, the bones splintered and crushed.
Both opponents used the force to enhance their strength and speed as they faced off against each other. Their bodies were a blur as both struggled to get the upper hand. Blades clashed against each other, warring for dominance and position. The pair danced back and forth, Revan's saber leaving numerous scorch marks on the Sith's armor, but none of his blows was more than glancing. His own armor showed nicks and gouges from the thrusts and slashes of the Sith's blade.
Again the two blades locked together. Revan looked at the Sith calmly across their blades. Power was radiating from his body. "You can't win."
For a brief moment, fear flashed across Kael's eyes, and then it was gone replace by anger and hate once more. He surprised Revan with a burst of strength, forcing him back a couple of steps. "It's just a matter of time before I kill you Jedi." With that, he turned and fled towards the entrance.
Revan knew he would never catch the man so he threw his light saber at him using the force to guide it and speed it up. Kael sensed the incoming blade and moved to the side. Revan adjust the blade but only caught the Sith in the arm slicing through it just below the elbow.
The Sith staggered for a moment, clutching at his elbow with his crushed hand before racing through the entrance. By the time Revan reached the outside, the Sith was gone. Still, he it wasn't a total loss. He looked down and grinned maliciously at the severed arm and force blade that were on the ground near his light saber.
Moving back inside Revan walked over to Bastila. She was unconscious and her face was pale and she had tied a strip of fabric torn from her robe tightly around her injured arm. The damage must have been too severe for her to heal with the force. Revan was about to call for his men when he was approached by an Unspeakable.
"Revan, your father…" The Unspeakable cut off, unsure how to proceed.
"What about my father? Is he dead?" Revan asked.
"No, but before he fled Voldemort cast a spell that severed your father's leg."
"Ok, but I thought you could regrow lost limbs?" He asked confused.
"Normally yes, but the spell cauterized the wound so we won't be able to do anything for him." The Unspeakable said apologetically.
"Fine…" Revan turned away and waved his men over.
The commander jogged over to Revan "My Lord, the area is secure. We lost 2 men and 3 others are injured."
Revan nodded and ordered "Commander, we will need to bring my father and Bastila aboard with us. Both require immediate medical attention."
"Yes my Lord." The man turned away to begin issuing the orders to have everyone returned to the Decimator.
"Commander, have a shuttle sent to Potter Manor to retrieve Lily. She will undoubtedly want to be aboard to be with James. I will be with you shortly." His men began moving about like a well oiled machine, gathering the dead and wounded and bringing them to the shuttle. Revan was preparing to leave for the shuttle when another Unspeakable approached him.
"Revan; please keep us informed of James' condition."
"Why?" He asked bluntly.
"We just found Martin's body. He's dead. James is now the senior Unspeakable so for the time being, until a new head is chosen he will be in charge." The Unspeakable explained.
"Very well." He handed the Unspeakable his communicator and explained its use to the man. "I will radio you with his condition."
"Thank you Revan."
Potter Manor, Godric's Hollow UK
Lily was frantic as she waited for news. Her mood was made worse when the shuttle came roaring down. She left the safety of the manor to approach, curious to see what it was doing here when the battle was in London. She waited as patiently as she could while the ramp lowered and a man walked down to greet her.
"Lily Potter?"
A cold pit opened up in her stomach at the question "Yes I'm Lily. What's happened?"
"Ma'am I need you to come with us."
"What? Why?"
"I don't know the details ma'am. I only know that there were some injuries and Lord Revan felt you would want to be present during the medical treatment."
"Revan? Who was injured? Did anyone die?"
The man looked at her apologetically "I'm sorry ma'am but I really don't have any more information. All I know is that someone was injured but not who or how bad. Please, come with me, we will have you on board in less than 15 minutes."
Anguish filled her voice "Yes, please take me with you." She was listless for the journey, worry overwhelming her.
November 7th, 2007
Decimator, High Earth Orbit
Revan, Kalia, and Lily had just entered the medical bay after eating a short breakfast. There had been little sleep the previous night for Revan and Lily as they waited for word on James' and Bastila's condition. On entering the bay, the Chief Medical Officer, an aging man of medium height with thinning hair and a noticeable paunch walked over to them. "Lord Revan, General it is good to see you."
"Save the pleasantries doctor, how are James and Bastila doing?" Revan asked tightly, partly from worry and partly because Lily was clutching his arm so tightly he thought she was going to cut off the blood flow.
"Both patients have been stabilized and are currently in Kolto tanks. They should be out later today." There was something about his expression that told the three visitors that something was wrong.
Lily was the one to break the silence "But? What aren't you telling us?"
Clearing his throat a little nervously, the doctor glanced at Revan before turning his attention back to Lily. "Yes, well both have suffered some injuries that we were not able to repair. Unfortunately, we were unable to save your husband's right leg."
Lily started to cry and she grabbed onto Revan to keep from collapsing. Revan however was not as upset because he knew that there were options available. "Was there any nerve damage that would prevent the use of an artificial limb?"
The doctor was grateful for Revan's question. He had been worried about his reaction to the news. He shook his hand and quickly read over the report on James he had on the data pad. "No, there is nothing to prevent it. In fact, before we put him in the Kolto tank, we took all the necessary readings and measurements. The medical droids are preparing the leg now and it should be ready by the time he is removed from the tank."
Revan nodded and turned to Lily "Lily, I know it sounds awful but you don't need to worry. There was no permanent damage…"
Revan didn't get to finish his sentence because Lily cut him off angrily "No permanent damage, he lost his leg. I would call that permanent damage. Wasn't it enough that we lost you for 25 years and now this?"
Kalia tried to step in "Lily, the doctor said that there was nothing to prevent James from using an artificial leg. Now while I'm sure that such options are not very desirable on your planet, in the Republic artificial limbs are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. After some time to adjust, James will be walking and running just like he used to."
Lily turned her tear filled eyes to the doctor "Really, is what she said true?"
"Yes it is."
Before Lily could say anything else Revan asked about Bastila. "Is there anything else wrong with Bastila were you able to save her arm?"
"No, I'm afraid not. The tourniquet she had applied when the artery was severed starved the tissue of oxygen for too long, there was nothing we could do. So, like James, she will be fitted with an artificial replacement."
"She won't be happy about that, but unless she wants to go around with only one arm she won't have a choice." Kalia muttered under her breath. The amused look from Revan told her that she hadn't said it as softly as she thought.
"Their other injuries were not life threatening so I am confident that they will make a full and speedy recovery. I suggest you come back around dinner time, which is when I expect to remove them both from the tanks."
"Thank you doctor. I think Lily would like to stay but unfortunately I have matters to attend to." Revan and Kalia left the medical bay leaving Lily to sit in silent vigil by the tank that James was floating in.