Shadow of the Jedi
Chapter 5: I hate flying
The three Republic Venator Class Cruisers, the Resolute, Defender and Redeemer, had just come out of hyperspace over the planet Ryloth, three Jedi cruisers ready to take on the Separatist blockade of Two Separatist frigates and a Trade Federation battleship.
In the hanger of the lead cruiser, the Resolute, Nico Di Angelo was in the cockpit of his Starfighter prepping it for launch, while having the annoying voice of Admiral Yularen going over and over again saying "All units prepare for launch!"
"We get it already," Nico muttered "shut up." He then turned his attention back to his ships controls, and sighed, I hate flying. "R5, is everything ready for launch?" R5 beeped an acknowledgement.
Nico then looked at where Ahsoka was, only to see her staring back at him with a worried expression, Nico smiled reassuringly at her just as he was given the go ahead to leave the hanger, Blue squadron started to lift off in there V-19 Torrent Starfighters as well as Ahsoka in her, red and green, Jedi Starfighter, Nico started lifting off as well while shaking his head, I've got a bad feeling about this.
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In the Trade Federation battleship, a huge ring-shaped cruiser, Separatist leader Watt Tambor was on the holo transmitter speaking with the blockades Neimoidian Captain, Mar Tuuk.
"Captain, are you prepared?" Watt Tambor asks in his usual robotically deep voice.
"Of course," The captain scoffs. "Our blockade is impenetrable. When the Republic attacks, they will get quite a surprise." The Captain boasts.
"I'm counting on you captain," Tambor says, "We cannot allow the Republic to invade this planet." With that being said the hologram winked off.
"Oh, don't you worry," Mar Tuuk says to himself, a large smirk forming on his face "I've got a few surprises for our Jedi friends."
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"Okay, you boys ready?" Ahsoka asks as her fighter prepares for launch.
"This is 2 Axe, ready when you are Skipper." Axe reports.
"Ready on 3, this is Slammer, over." Slammer reports.
"Ready on 4, Kickback checking in, over." Kickback reports.
"Swoop to Blue leader, group 2 is standing by, over." Swoop reports.
"Tucker on 5, waiting for mother bird, over." Tucker reports.
"Nico on 6, ready and waiting princess, over." Nico reports.
Ahsoka rolled her eyes at Nico's report but started out of the hanger with the rest of her squad and Nico trailing behind her. I've really got to think of a nickname that'll get under his skin.
As Blue squadron was heading toward the Separatist blockade, dozens of Vulture droids started heading straight towards them.
On the Resolute Anakin was walking up to the viewport of his flagship to stand next to Admiral Yularen, "Tell Ahsoka the fleet is ready." Skywalker ordered the Admiral.
The Admiral nodded and activated the comm unit, "Commander, you're all clear."
"Thank you, Admiral." Ahsoka said. Just as the first Vulture droid came into targeting range.
"Here we go." Nico said, and the battle commenced.
Ahsoka swerved past Vulture droids all the while blasting them to pieces, doing swerves and barrel roles to stay out of the line of fire.
As for Nico, well he was just glad that he added those upgrades, 'cause if he didn't, he was sure that he would already be a flaming ball of metal.
"6, you've got two on your tail!" Slammer reported, Nico blinked, and looked at his scanners.
"I got it, don't worry." Nico said, as calmly as he usually is when in battle. "R5 disengage thrusters." And just like that he stopped, watching as two Vulture droids flew right past him, and he fired his laser cannons blowing the droids away. "Re-engage thrusters now." With that being said, he was off once again.
"Nice one sir," the voice of Axe complimented.
On the Trade Federation battleship, Mar Tuuk was studying a hologram of the Resolute, and came to a realization.
"That is General Skywalker's Flagship! He is leading this attack." The Captain said with awe and respect. Just then a droid interrupted his musing.
"Sir, there fighters are closing fast."
"Patience, let's see what trickery the Jedi have planned for us." The Captain said with amusement in his voice.
Back with Blue Squadron things were less cheery for Nico as a blaster bolt hit R5
"Damn it all to Hades, I hate flying!" Nico exclaimed, "I've lost R5." Nico reported.
"We've got there fighters occupied," Ahsoka reported, ignoring Nico's strange cussing. "Nico it's time for us to make a run for the battleship." Ahsoka smirked.
"Ready when you are princess." Nico said, while flying right next to her.
"Come on you whiners let's get dirty." Axe said to his squad, as they formed a phalanx formation behind there two commanders.
On the Separatist Flagship a droid was giving an update to his captain, "Sir, a squadron of fighters are attacking, they have a clear path right to us."
"Now is the time to bring in our reinforcements!" The captain ordered the droid, the droid nodded and headed towards the comm unit.
"Battlecruiser-15 Battlecruiser-16 Battlecruiser-18 Battlecruiser-19 attack position." The droid ordered.
In the battle outside, four Separatist Frigates suddenly came out of hyperspace and joined the fight.
On the Resolute, a clone officer reported the predicament. "Admiral, four more enemy cruisers have joined the blockade."
"We've got to warn those fighters," The Admiral stated to Skywalker, before Anakin could say anything Yularen was at the comm unit. "Commander we've been caught in a trap."
Back with Ahsoka, she was busy swerving passed vulture droids while responding, "You're overreacting Admiral I can get us through."
"I don't know Ahsoka, we're pretty much outnumbered." Nico said, for once while in battle, sounding unsure.
"Trust me Nico. Blue squadron stay the course."
"We're all set Blue leader." Axe said, determined.
"I'm ordering you to return to the ship." The Admiral ordered. "We're going to need your help."
"Ahsoka it's too risky." Nico warned.
"Get your pilots out of there." Skywalker ordered from the comm, but Ahsoka didn't listen.
As Nico was dodging a blast from a Vulture droid a different one came to close and clipped his thrusters damaging them slightly.
"Nico, Axe, you still there?" asked Ahsoka, a tinge of worry in her voice.
"I've just got a couple of scratches." Nico said, as smoke started billowing out of his thrusters.
"I've got two on my tale, I can't shake them." Axe stated, as he swerved to the right just in time to not get hit.
"I can't help ya Axe, I've got my own problem." Slammer said while a fighter was tailing him. It started to open fire and Slammer tried to avoid the blasts but his fighter was eventually hit and destroyed.
Back on the Resolute Vulture droids had reached the cruisers. "They're breaking our lines." The Admiral stated.
"Ahsoka, we are in trouble. I order you back here. Now." Anakin said in an angry voice.
"Alright, alright," Ahsoka said in a voice of defeat, "let's go squad, pull back to the command ship."
"Why are we retreating?" Axe asked, but before Ahsoka could say a word Nico decided to but in.
"We're not retreating, we're following orders." Nico said in a calm yet firm voice, Ahsoka nearly forgot, with all of the light heartedness he has displayed recently, that Nico had a voice of a true leader, and it shut Axe up pretty quickly.
All the fighters turned around and started heading toward the Resolute at top speed. But the Resolute was now being bombarded by suicidal Vulture droids ramming into the ship.
"Intensify forward deflector shields." The Admiral ordered as he saw one of the Vultures heading towards the bridge.
"There are too many, we can't shoot them all down." A clone officer said in a worried tone.
"Fighter squadron, where are you?" The Admiral questioned as he started to get a look of panic
"We're almost there." Ahsoka said through the comm.
"It's too late!" The Admiral exclaimed as one of the Vultures made a beeline for the bridge.
"Run for it!" Skywalker shouted as the vulture hit the bridge. The Resolute started to gain explosions all over its hull.
"Admiral, come in. Admiral!" Ahsoka exclaimed through the comm.
The Admiral was lying on the ground of the bridge, badly injured. Skywalker was kneeling beside him trying to help.
"Hang on Admiral." He ordered.
But the Admiral grabbed his arm and said in a weak voice, "Get us out of here." And fell back, unconscious. Skywalker nodded.
"Get those fighters on board and prepare for lightspeed." Anakin ordered, but just as he said that one of the cruisers started to fall apart, the Redeemer, and eventually blew up.
"All fighters return, we are preparing for lightspeed." A clone ordered Ahsoka on the comm.
"Uhh, right," Ahsoka said, clearly taken back. "Nico, Axe stand on it, we only have a few seconds to get on board." Ahsoka warned.
"Don't worry about me Skipper," Axe said as he dodged blaster fire.
"Or me princess," Nico said, as he heard another rattle go through his thrusters.
On the Separatist flagship a droid commander reported to his Captain. "Captain, the Republic space forces are in full retreat, shall we pursue?" The Commander questioned.
"No, do not break our formation, let those cowards run!" Mar Tuuk said with a self-satisfied smirk.
Back with Blue squad things were looking bleaker by the minute. "Ahh, my power converters, they're failing!" Nico exclaimed.
"Just stay with me Nico." Ahsoka said getting more and more worried for her friend's wellbeing as she fired her way toward the Resolute.
"I've been hit!" Axe said, as flashing red warning lights started beeping all around him, "Overload! Overload!" Axe exclaimed before his fighter was blown up.
"Axe!" Ahsoka exclaimed with wide eyes as she watched her friend die.
"My power converters are nearly dead." Nico stated with resignation, as if he was ready for whatever happens to him, I don't think so, I just lost Axe, I am not losing you as well, idiot.
"We're nearly there Nico, just hang in there." Ahsoka said, as they reached the Resolute, and entered through the hanger doors. "Close up the hanger doors, we're home." Ahsoka said in a depressed tone of voice.
Unfortunately, the action hadn't stopped yet, because as the hanger doors closed, Nico's fighter couldn't stop thanks to the damage that it took on its power converters, so instead of landing it went full speed into a wall and caught fire.
"Nico!" Ahsoka exclaimed, she landed and ran straight to the downed Starfighter as Clones tried to put the fire out, Ahsoka could see Nico in the cockpit unconscious, she ran toward the cockpit and smashed it open with the Force and pulled Nico out and laid his head on her lap as the Clones went to get a medic.
Nico opened his eyes blearily, "I hate flying." And fell back unconscious once again.
Back on the bridge, Skywalker said the one sentence everyone wanted to hear, "Jump to lightspeed." And with that being said the stars in the viewport began to blur until they were straight lines.
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As the two remaining Republic cruisers came out of hyperspace, the Defender being heavily damaged, Skywalker was in the hanger talking to two pilots of Blue squadron that had survived the assault.
"Get you're squad together, we need a head count, we need to know how many we lost today." Skywalker ordered the two tired pilots, they both saluted and walked off to find what's left of Blue squad.
As for Skywalker, he turned around only to see Ahsoka sitting on the edge of her Starfighter, her back was hunched over in a depressed way and her head was bowed in shame. Skywalker narrowed his eyes slightly in anger and walked toward his Padawan.
"Ahsoka, I am very disappointed in you," Skywalker said angrily as Ahsoka raised her head showing barely concealed tears, "you not only disobeyed the Admiral and not listen to Nico's advice, you disobeyed me."
"I-I thought, I could knock out those Battleships so when Master Obi-Wan arrived he could get through," Ahsoka said, once again bowing her head.
"I know you meant well Snips," Anakin sighed as he shook his head in exasperation, "but there's a bigger picture that you're not aware of. First rule of war: Listen and obey your superiors." At that Ahsoka got a slightly angry expression and stood up.
"But sometimes you get carried away." Ahsoka accused, not liking the fact that her Master was being hypocritical.
Anakin softened slightly and rested a hand on her shoulder, "All that means is that I understand what you're going through." Anakin told her gently.
Ahsoka looked back down to the floor, "But I failed." She said as a lone tear crept out of her eye and down her cheek.
"It was a trap Snips," Anakin tried to comfort, "it wasn't your fault."
"I lost so many of my pilots, even Nico is in the infirmary as we speak." Ahsoka said in an even more depressed state as she mentions Nico, What's he going to say when he wakes up? Ahsoka asks herself.
"Take heart little one," Anakin comforts as he removes his hand from her shoulder, "that's the reality of command. And as for Nico, he's been through tougher scrapes than that." Skywalker says as he looks down on Ahsoka, but Ahsoka couldn't look into his eyes, making him sigh, before he could continue though, Captain Rex interrupted their conversation.
"General we're approaching our staging area." Rex stated. Skywalker turned his head slightly but kept his eyes on Ahsoka.
"Very good Captain."
"Master Windu is requesting a report on our progress." Now this got Skywalker's full attention as he turned around fully giving Rex his full attention.
"Our progress, huh?" Skywalker asked in mild amusement. "Well we haven't made any progress yet."
Rex nodded and said, "I'll tell him sir," And started to turn around before Skywalker stopped him, slightly panicked.
"No Rex," He said calming slightly, "I'll tell him myself, thank you. As soon as we tend to our wounded, get me a Damage report."
"Right away sir." Rex said as he turned to leave.
"Now Snips, I'm going to need you to…" Skywalker trailed off, as he realised that Ahsoka was no longer there. He sighed, where's Nico when you need him, he could cheer her up even if he just stands in the damn room. Skywalker thought to himself as he goes back to the bridge to give the report to Windu.
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In the Trade Federation Battleship, a very arrogantly satisfied Captain was giving his report to Tambor.
"Captain," Tambor says, "What is the status of the enemy attack?"
"The Jedi were crushed of course," Mar Tuuk says casually, "they fled the system, there ships in flames, I assure you Sir, our blockade is very much intact."
"Congratulations are in order Captain," Tambor say, clearly impressed, "But do not underestimate the Jedi, especially Skywalker, remember, he is the one that tricked Reaper into joining the Republic." That being said the hologram winked of.
Mar Tuuk rubs his chin thoughtfully, Reaper, eh? I always looked up to him ever since I joined the Separatists, I wonder what Skywalker had over Reaper? Then he started to think more about his adversary.
"Commander," Mar Tuuk said, gaining the attention of the yellow Commander droid. "bring me the archive data on General Skywalker, I need to learn more about our opponent."
"roger roger."
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Back on the Resolute on the bridge, Skywalker was giving his report to Master Windu and Kenobi.
"They caught us by surprise master," Skywalker reported, "we were, outnumbered."
The hologram of Kenobi rubbed his beard thoughtfully, "How many men did you lose?" He asked in a worried voice.
"We lost a cruiser, the Redeemer, plus, an entire squadron of fighters," Anakin sighed, as if it was painful to admit this.
"What about Ahsoka and Nico?" Kenobi asked.
"Nico is in the infirmary right now, unfortunately as he was entering the hanger his fighters power converters failed and he crashed into a wall, as for Ahsoka, she's fine, she's just recovering from the battle, losing her squadron was hard to take." Skywalker said, not really liking the fact that both his Padawan and the Ghost King were in no way to fight.
"Give her time," Kenobi sighed, "but Anakin, you will need her help if you are going to get through this." Kenobi said, stating the obvious.
Anakin sighed, "I know," Windu decided to intervene.
"You're forces have been cut in half Skywalker, if you can't break that blockade before the next planetary rotation, we will have to postpone the invasion." Windu says seriously.
Anakin was quick to protest, "The Twi'leks on that planet can't wait forever master the longer the Techno Union keeps control of Ryloth the more difficult it will be to free them." Skywalker stated.
"I agree," Windu agreed (obviously), "We don't have much time." Skywalker looked down and glared at the floor, not seeing anything he can do, as the holograms of Windu and Kenobi winked of.
Skywalker turned to his Captain, "Rex, see if you can find Ahsoka, the most likely place she would be would either be in her quarters or the infirmary.
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The infirmary was completely empty with a few medical droids walking/floating/rolling around aimlessly, the only living beings in the infirmary was a teary eyed teenage Togruta, and an unconscious Ghost King, who is going to have a major headache when he wakes up.
A 2-1B medical droid walked up to the two teenagers and looked at Nico, then at Ahsoka, "He is stable for now," It said in a comforting tone that was designed into its speakers, instead of the emotionless robotic voice you hear in battle droids.
"T-thank you," Ahsoka said, as the droid walked of, she looked back at the form of Nico and more tears came to her eyes. "Nico," Ahsoka paused, "I am so sorry," she grabbed his hand, "I let you down, if I had listened to you and the Admiral you wouldn't be in this state, and most of the squadron would still be alive." She said as she rubbed the tears of off her cheek.
Suddenly the doors to the infirmary opened and in walked Captain Rex, "Commander Ahsoka." He greeted, "General Skywalker is looking for you."
Ahsoka nodded and got up to leave, but hesitated a second, before shaking her head, obviously going against what her thoughts told her to do, and headed towards the door "Get better soon," She whispered.
And as she closed the door she didn't notice the Ghost King's eyes opened wide, as he groaned, "My bloody head hurts."
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As Ahsoka walked into the hanger she noticed that, much to her annoyance, her Master was underneath her fighter, is you're fighter too good to have upgrades? As she walked closer she heard him ask Artoo something.
"…Could you pass me that spark-plug R2," the astromech beeped an acknowledgement as he picked up a seemingly random object, "No, the other one." Apparently it was random. As R2 picked another one up and beeped questioningly, Anakin looked at it and smiled "Yeah, that's the one." He grabbed it out of R2's grasp, "Yeah this'll do nicely," he said as he went back under the fighter.
Ahsoka was now standing next to R2 and put her hand on his dome, "You wanted to see me Master?" She questioned, her voice getting depressed once again.
"Ahsoka," Anakin said sternly, then he grew a smile, "hand me that socket plug." At first Ahsoka was confused, what socket plug? But then, in one of R2's secret little gadget things on his dome, popped out a socket plug, she handed it down to her Master.
"Here," she said.
"Thanks Snips," Skywalker said, as he examined the little piece of technology, then he looked up at Ahsoka, "How are you feeling?"
"Oh, I'm fine Master," She said, "just fine." Anakin didn't look convinced, but let the subject drop.
"Well, that's good to hear," Skywalker said as he went back under the fighter, "We're going to need you level headed if we're going to pull this thing off." Ahsoka blinked in confusion.
"Pull this off?" Ahsoka repeated, "Pull what off?"
"I talked to Master Windu," Anakin grunted, as he screwed the socket plug in place, "we are to proceed with the attack on the blockade."
"What?!" Ahsoka exclaimed, "I-we can't I-I mean," Ahsoka stammered as Anakin came from under the fighter and stood up, interrupting her.
"Ahsoka," Skywalker interrupted, "we have to break through that blockade, the Twi'leks on Ryloth are depending on us," Skywalker said as he turned back to the fighter.
"I understand that Master," Ahsoka said, "but we've lost so many men! Did we get more support?" Ahsoka asked hopefully.
"No, we have to make do with the forces we have," Skywalker said, crushing Ahsoka's hope, "And I have to come up with a plan." At this Ahsoka grew incredulous.
"You don't even have a plan?" Ahsoka asked incredulously, but Skywalker seemed completely at ease.
"Don't worry Ahsoka," At those words Ahsoka grew angry, and pointed an accusing finger at him.
"No!" She shouted, "That's what you said last time, and now everyone's gone, my whole squadron."
Skywalker turned around, "Ahsoka!" He snapped, but Ahsoka wasn't done.
"We can't just smash through that blockade," she said, before Skywalker could come up with something to say, his wrist communicator started beeping, Ahsoka crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow (or tattoo) while looking at him.
Skywalker raised the communicator to his mouth, still looking at Ahsoka through narrowed eyes. "Skywalker, here."
"General," The voice of Rex came through the comm, "The Defender is contacting us, there seems to be a problem." Rex reported, oblivious to the fact that Anakin and Ahsoka were having a staring contest.
"Alright Rex, I'll be right there," Skywalker said then he lowered his wrist comm, and his expression turned angry as he gave Ahsoka a stern look, "Go back to your quarters, and cool off, we'll finish this talk later." Ahsoka glared at her Master, but turned around and headed out of the hanger.
As for Skywalker, when Ahsoka left his expression turned tired and he all but collapsed on the edge of Ahsoka's fighter.
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On the Separatist flagship, Captain Mar Tuuk had just finished reading the files on his opponent.
"Not a conventional Jedi to say the least it would seem," The Captain mused, "hmm…Commander!"
"Yes Captain?" The droid asked.
"Prepare all cannons, and send the droids to their battle stations." Mar Tuuk ordered.
The droid Commander saluted, "Yes Sir," but as it began to walk away, it stopped as if confused. "Ummm, Captain? Are we under attack?"
"No," The Captain said, "but if Skywalker's record indicates anything, he'll be back." He said with a sinister smile.
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Ahsoka was woken up by the sound of an alarm, she quickly got out of her bed and ran to her door only to see Clones running down the corridor.
"Trooper, what's going on?" Ahsoka asked one of the Clones, as he slowed down to answer.
"The Starship Defender is being evacuated sir." He answered in a rush.
Ahsoka seemed confused, "Evacuated? Why?"
"I'm not sure Commander," The Clone said with a little shrug, "We're on our way now to help General Skywalker in the hanger." And before Ahsoka could say anything the Clone was off again she decided to follow the Clones to see what exactly her Master was doing.
In the hanger, everything was chaotic, soldiers from the Defender were off loading from transports, and anything that's of any use from the Defender was moved onto the Resolute and Ahsoka could see her Master on top of a crate giving directions to Clones on where to go.
"Alright men, alright, come on this way, move it, move it!" Skywalker shouted, as Ahsoka walked up to him. "Let's go, no time to waste!"
"Master?" Ahsoka asked, looking completely perplexed, "I'm almost afraid to ask."
Skywalker rolled his eyes, "I ordered the Defender evacuated." Anakin answered.
Ahsoka folded her arms, "I can see that. Why?" She asked.
Anakin glanced at her, "Well, actually, I got the idea from you," Anakin answered with a smirk.
"Oh," Ahsoka said with a raised eyebrow, "Great." She finished sarcastically.
"Rex," Anakin said to his Captain, "Takeover will you?" Anakin asked, as he jumped from the crate and started walking, Ahsoka following him. "You said we couldn't just smash through the blockade. I decided that's partly true. You also implied that my plans put a lot of people at risk, and I agree with you on that one."
"That's a first," Ahsoka interrupted, but Skywalker carried on as if not hearing her.
"I decided that the only way to break the blockade, is if I pilot the Defender right into their battleship, and take out the Commander." Anakin said, thinking his plan was fool proof.
"What!?" Ahsoka exclaimed.
"This way I'm the only one at risk," Anakin said as they reached a transport that will send Anakin to the Defender. "Besides, the Defender is damaged already."
"You can't be serious Master! You'll die!" Ahsoka exclaimed worriedly.
"No I won't." Anakin said casually, at her perplexed look he explained. "That's where you come in. The enemy can't stop that ship from taking them out," Anakin explained as he went up the ramp of the transport, "R2 and I will get in an escape pod, and jettison right before impact."
"But the enemy fleet is right there," Ahsoka said, pointing in a random direction for emphasis.
Anakin sighed, "I know, and I'll pretty much be defenceless in an escape pod. So, I'm depending on you to engage the remaining fleet with the combined forces we have here."
"Master, I-" Ahsoka sighed, "I can't, if something goes wrong, I-I can't be responsible for-" Before she could finish Anakin cut her off.
"You are responsible, Ahsoka." He said sternly, "These men are depending on you, and this time, so am I."
"But Master," Ahsoka said her voice filled with fear, "last time I thought-" She was once again cut off by her Master, who started shouting.
"Attention! Attention! Everyone, Attention!" Skywalker shouted, gaining the Clones undivided attention. "Alright men, listen up, I'm taking over the Defender, and I'm leaving Commander Ahsoka in charge, she'll lead the second half of the mission when we engage what's remaining of the blockade." Skywalker said, gesturing to his Padawan, who looked like she wanted to crawl in a hole. "Now, Commander Ahsoka will fill you in on the full plan."
"Master wait!" Ahsoka whisper shouted.
"Good luck." Skywalker said with a smile and a wink at Ahsoka, who was getting more and more irritated.
"Master," She growled lowly, but it was too late as the transports doors closed.
"Awaiting orders, Commander." Rex said from behind her.
"I'll…be on…the bridge." Ahsoka said, utterly confused on what to do next, as she walked out of the hanger.
Rex looked around at all the Clones, "Well, you heard her boys, back to work, come on, move it, move it!"
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In the infirmary Nico was trying to get dressed into his Jedi robes, but the stupid medical droids wouldn't let him move until they had done a full bio scan to see if anything else was wrong, and in all honesty, Nico was about to snap.
"Look, I'm fine alright," Nico said to the medical droid for the seventh time. "Now get out of my way, I need to find out what has happened since I've been knocked out."
"I am sorry sir, but this will only take a moment." Nico's eyes darkened at that.
"You said that, two hours ago!" He exclaimed, but the droid would not budge.
"Yes, but you would not stop moving, now hold still, sir." The droid said in its comforting voice. That voice is really starting to irritate the crap out of me.
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Ahsoka walked onto the bridge, where a hologram of the enemies battle formation was put up, Rex and a random Clone officer was standing around the table. When Ahsoka walked in all the attention went to her.
"Commander on deck." Rex stated, and all the Clones stood at attention.
"At ease," Ahsoka said, somewhat unsurely, as she walked up to the holo-table.
"General Skywalker is contacting you," As soon as Rex says this, a hologram of Anakin comes up on the other side of the table.
"Alright Ahsoka," Anakin says, "We're ready to get under way."
"Master, are you sure you won't reconsider this?" Ahsoka asks desperately.
"This is the only way," Skywalker smiles reassuringly, "trust me." With that being said the hologram of Anakin winked off, and the cruiser, Defender, made the jump to hyperspace.
Ahsoka sighed, Damn it.
"Better fill us in Commander." Rex says, as he turns his head away from the viewport.
"Right,"
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On the Trade Federation battleship, Mar Tuuk was given a report by Watt Tambor about the Republic fleet
"Count Dooku has assured me, that Republic forces are stretched fin in our sector." Tambor states, "They should be unable to mount a counterattack, any attempt to do so would be suicide."
"Still," Mar Tuuk mused, "I am certain this Skywalker will return, his ultimate defeat shall be my greatest victory." He said with relish in his voice.
"You admire, Skywalker?" Tambor asked incredulously.
"As a General, yes," The Captain concedes, "his record shows that he is a great warrior, and I want him to know, that it was I who has beaten him." Tuuk says as he gestures to himself.
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After Ahsoka had explained Anakin's plan to Rex and the officer, they both looked uncertain.
"Well, I have to say that this plan is questionable." Rex says doubtfully.
"Yeah," Ahsoka concedes, "but with their General destroyed, along with their battleship, the droid Commanders will be in chaos."
"Only temporarily," Rex says, "and there's still General Skywalker to find in all that mess."
"I know, But-" Ahsoka was cut off by the Clone officer.
"In our first attack, we had three fully armed cruisers, and we failed." The Officer stated, obviously showing his doubts about the plan.
"I wish General Skywalker had discussed this plan with us," Rex groaned, "the odds are very much against us."
"They always are," Ahsoka sighed.
"Yes, but normally we have General Skywalker to lead us and-" The Officer cut himself off as his eyes went wide, realising he just offended his commander, his expression turned apologetic as he turned to Ahsoka, "I meant no offense Commander."
Ahsoka, once again, sighed "Non-taken."
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The Defender had just come out of hyperspace over Ryloth, directly in front of the blockade, once the scanners of the Trade Federation battleship picked this up a droid Commander reported it to his Captain.
"Sir, and enemy ship is emerging from hyperspace."
A knowing smile formed on the Captains face, "I knew he'd return."
"There is an incoming transmission sir." The droid Commander says. Mar Tuuk smiles, stands up from his Captains chair and walks to the door where a video transmission was being formed. (You know, like that transmitter you see on the Phantom Menace where Viceroy is speaking with the queen).
"Put it through," That being said, the face of a smiling Anakin Skywalker formed in the video transmitter.
"Greetings Captain," Skywalker said formally, "I am Anakin Skywalker, General of the Grand army of the Repub-" He was interrupted when the Captain raised his hand.
"I know who you are Skywalker," Anakin seemed especially pleased with this info.
"Well, my reputation precedes me then." He stated, then grew serious once again, "I have been ordered to surrender myself, the entire crew of this vessel, and my ship, In exchange for safe passage of food and medical supplies to the people of Ryloth." The Captain rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"A noble gesture Jedi, and you're capture would make me the envy of the Separatist fleet." Mar Tuuk stated, looking very pleased on how things were looking up for him.
Line Break
Back on the Resolute, the plan of attack was still underway.
"Sir, even if Skywalker is successful, and destroys the battleship, how are we to stand up to the combined firepower of the remaining frigates?" The Clone Officer questioned the Togruta Jedi.
"I've thought about that," Ahsoka says somewhat unsurely, "And-and well, I have an idea."
"Go ahead, Commader." Rex says offering Ahsoka some support.
"If we took the Resolute and angled her hull against the incoming frigates, the bridge and hanger deck would be relatively safe from there attack," Ahsoka explained, as she shows her plan on the holo table, "we could draw them in, and then use the bombers to outflank them. The bombers would be too fast and they would be trapped." Ahsoka finished confidently, though the Officer didn't look convinced.
"Hmm, I'm not sure about this Commander."
"I-I think-" Ahsoka stuttered, her newly found confidence slowly crumbling away.
"If we were certain," Rex says, "the shields would hold."
"Perhaps a different strategy," The Clone Officer says, "we need to take more time to plan." At this Ahsoka grew angry, and she snapped.
"No!" She said, as her eyes gained a steely glint, ""We don't have anymore time!" She says angrily, so angrily that she doesn't notice the bridge doors opening, "Master Skywalker, needs me now! He needs us now." Before anyone could say anything, a familiar voice came from behind Ahsoka.
"Ahsoka is right," All attention turned to the new comer, and when Ahsoka turned around her eyes widened in shock, there, was Nico Di Angelo with a sling around his neck holding his right arm up, as it was broken, walking to stand next to her, he then looked at the two Clones around the table, "I know this strategy is very bold, but these circumstances call for drastic measures." He then looked at the strategy laid out on the holo table and nodded, as if in acceptance.
"So the strategy will work, sir?" The Clone Officer asked the Ghost King, knowing full well on what he used to be and that his strategies gave the Separatists a lot of wins.
Nico turned his head to Ahsoka and raised an eyebrow, "Well? Will it?"
Ahsoka's face hardened and her eyes lit up with determination, "Yes, it will." She states with confidence.
Nico smiled, "Then you better get those bombers ready." He then turned to the Officer, "Jump to lightspeed as soon as possible, to the planet Ryloth." He ordered, then he turned to Rex, "Inform the pilots of the plan."
Both the Clones saluted, "Yes, sir." and turned away to do their assigned jobs.
Nico then turned to Ahsoka, "Come on, let's head to the hanger." Ahsoka nodded and they both turned to the door.
Once they were both on the lift that would take them down to the hanger, Ahsoka immediately crushed Nico in a hug.
At first Nico was to shocked to respond, what in the name of Hades? But slowly he hugged her back, a blush slowly forming on his cheeks.
"It's alright Ahsoka, I'm fine. Though you might want to get another medical droid cause Imight have blew that on up." Nico says, Ahsoka laughs slightly, but doesn't let go.
After about a minute passed, Asoka let go and punched him in his good arm.
"Ow, what was that for?" Nico asks, a bit angrily.
"Scare me, like that again, and I'll show you how scary I can be," Ahsoka warned. Nico gulped, I'm sure you will.
Line break
Back on the Trade Federation Battleship, a droid Commander walked up to Captain Mar Tuuk, after finishing a scan on the Defender.
"Sir, we have finished the scan of the enemy ship." It states.
"And?" Mar Tuuk drawls, as he rubs his chin.
"The sip is heavily damaged, all power is diverted to the forward shields, their is only one life form on board." The droid finished, at the last part the Captains eyes widened.
"Whaa?" The Captain guffaws.
"The ship is heavily damaged, all power is diverted t-"
"No you insolent scrap heap," The Captain snapped, interrupting the droid mid-sentence, he then turned toward the video transmitter, only to see the mischievously smirking face of Anakin, "Skywalker, what treachery is this, you have nothing to bargain with." The Captain states angrily.
Anakins eyebrow shot up, as if only just noticing this fact, "Huh, in that case I'll be going, oh," Skywalker says, as his face darkened slightly. "You can still have my ship."
The Captain frowned and turned to the viewport, only to see the Republic cruiser picking up speed, heading straight toward him. A droid walked up to him.
"Umm, sir, there's a second Republic ship entering the system." The Captain gaped as realisation struck him, A trap.
With Skywalker, he was on the scanners getting exactly the same news, and smirked.
"She made it," He then turned to R2, who had accompanied him, "boost the engines and let's get out of here." R2 beeped an acknowledgement, and used the terminal to control the ship.
On the Resolute, Ahsoka, Nico, Rex and a newly awakened Admiral Yularen, were going through the plan one more time.
"When those two ships collide there'll be chaos," Ahsoka gestures toward the hologram, "we need that time to get General Skywalker's pod into the tractor beam."
"You got it, Princess." Nico grins, Ahsoka smiles back and turns to head toward the hanger, but pauses for a second, and turns her head slightly, "Wait for my signal to begin our attack."
"Yes sir," Rex says.
As the doors close Nico looks back at the holo table and closed his eyes, May the Force be with you, Ahsoka.
On the bridge of the Trade Federation Battleship, droids were running about in panic and the Captain was giving out panicked orders.
"All batteries! Fire! Fire!"
All the frigates started to fire on the Defender, but it seemed to have no effect on it, as the ship went full speed toward the Battleship. As this was going on, no one noticed a lone escape pod jettison from the Defender.
Back on the Battleships bridge, the Defender was about to crash into the battleship.
"We can't stop it," The Commander droid said, slightly panicked. "What should we do?"
The Captain, seeing how he had obviously lost the battle, decided that he would rather live then die, so he pointed at the Commander droid, "You stay here, I'll be back."
If a droid could roll its eyes, you would be damn sure that this one was doing so right now, "Oh, that's great." It said sarcastically.
Just then the Defender, hit the Trade Federation Battleship, and tore right through the middle, and blew it up.
Just as the Battleship blew up, Ahsoka's plan was put into action, angling the Resolute so the hanger and bridge were protected, though the Separatist frigates wouldn't move to attack.
"I don't think they're going to attack, Commander" Yularen said through the comlink.
"We'll have to retreat," Rex said, but Ahsoka was quick to protest.
"No! Wait! Remember, they are droids, they're just a little slow, they'll figure it out."
On one of the frigates, the droid Commander of each frigate were having a little discussion.
"I think the Captain left," One of them said.
"Who's in charge?" A different one questioned.
A chorus of, "Not me." Could be heard.
There was a small pause, "What are we going to do?"
Then the one that wasn't a hologram decided to take command, "Begin attack."
That being said, all six frigates began firing, moving closer and closer toward the Resolute.
Back on the bridge of the Resolute, a Clone Officer gave a report on the situation, "The droids are attacking sir."
The Admiral nodded, and reached for the comm, "Commander, on your order, commence flanking manoeuvre."
Ahsoka was leaving the hanger in her Y-wing bomber, a Clone as her gunner. "Okay boys, lets go, follow my lead." Ahsoka said to her squad.
Y-wings and V-19 Torrent starfighters left the hanger and started opening fire upon the Separatist frigates, Ahsoka leading the bombing run. One after one each frigate started blowing up.
On one of the less damaged frigates, a droid was speaking with Watt Tambor.
"Where is the Captain?! What is going on?!" Tambor exclaimed.
"He's in…and escape pod." The Commander droid said, somewhat unsurely.
"Idiots!" Tambor exclaimed, "The blockade had been broken!"
The droid was about to respond when it saw a Y-wing making a beeline for the bridge, it opened fire, and the bridge was blown to bits.
Ahsoka had just finished her attack run when she got a message from Nico.
"Princess, the invasion fleet is coming out of hyperspace."
As soon as Nico said that, three Republic, Acclamator drop ships came out of hyperspace, Obi-Wan was on the comm immediately, "Ahsoka, this is Obi-Wan, may we begin our landing?"
"Yes Master, you're cleared for ground assault." Ahsoka stated.
Obi-Wan sighed as he watched the battle, "I won't even ask where the rest of Anakin's fleet is," then he squinted his eyes out the viewport, "Or why he's in an escape pod."
"That's probably for the best," Ahsoka said with amusement playing in her voice, "Nico, that reminds me, send a shuttle to pick up Master Skywalker." She heard Nico groan in disappointment.
"But it's so quiet." Ahsoka rolled her eyes.
"Just do it."
Nico sighed, "Fine, but if he says anything about my flying, I'll tear him a new one."
Not my best chapter, but it sure as hell is my longest one. Sorry if you were expecting more from Nico, but the episode itself was about Ahsoka learning a lesson, I promise there will be more of Nico in the next chapter.
So what did you think of it? Was it good? Bad?
And yes I know my explanation on the space battles were short and crap, but to be fair I did tell you that I am crap at those, so don't expect me to do any more space battles any time soon.
Now onto the reviews.
HiddenHero220 chapter 6 . Jan 21
Oops. I SUCK at spelling. Can't wait for next chapter! I wonder how Ashoka will react to Nico's creative-Greek-related cursing.
Its alright, you made me laugh, which in all honesty, is hard to do. Ahsoka didn't react to Nico's cussing (even though it was his own father) on this chapter because she was trying to lead her squad, but I 'll have her have a reaction next time.
The death of me chapter 6 . Jan 20
The doctor confronted you in the parking lot... Omg much drama! Haaaaayyyyy... Tell us the story.. And I'lll tell you mine...lol
I love the fact that you want to know more about my life then my updating. Alright fine, I'll humour you, I was walking to the bus stop when he came out of bloody nowhere, he questioned me on why I got him fired, I told him the obvious answer, he just said that it was an accident, so I just carried on walking, he grabbed my shoulder, now let me tell you, going to a boxing club can help you in a lot of situations, he was on the ground holding his stomach in a second, and I carried on toward the bus stop. Now please don't question me on this topic again.
alex chapter 6 . Jan 21
Okay so the sith will team up with kronos or some other pjo villan and apollo will be an idiot! also when you have cad bane appear have nico or ahsoka kick him between the legs! it would be funny!
Correct, the Sith will team up with a mythological villain, but not Kronos, I'm not that cliché, and as for Apollo, he may hate Nico but he doesn't hate the galaxy so no. And kicking Bane between the legs eh? It'll be tough to get Nico in a position to do that, but sure, why not.
PadmeEponine24601 chapter 6 . Jan 21
Love you and this story! It's really good, update soon please, 'Ponine
Thanks for the compliments. Hope this update was quick enough, its been like two days I think.
Arrowhead1996 chapter 6 . Jan 24
That was cute! Nico, that "disease" is called a crush. And it is so cute!
I'm smirking right now. Do you want to know why? Cause you have given me an idea. I'll give you a couple of clues, it involves Ahsoka's dreams, and Aphrodite.
Clefspear chapter 6 . Jan 25
Sweet job, as ever, and I know what life is like, as far as updating goes.
Thanks for the compliments and understanding about the updates.
Thank you all on your reviews.
Also, can anyone come up with a nickname for Nico from Ahsoka? If you can, remember, Ahsoka doesn't know that he is the son of a God so she can't call him stuff like 'Death Breath' or 'Zombie boy'.
If you have any questions just ask in the reviewers box or PM me, and I'll try my best to answer them. Please review.