Shadow of the Jedi
Chapter 6: I hate Politics
As Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano fight from the skies and Obi-Wan Kenobi, with his Clone platoon, free villages from the evil Watt Tambor, Nico Di Angelo, who's arm had recently been healed, and Mace Windu are leading the attack on enemy lines, on the final offensive to liberate Ryloth's capital city of Lessu.
Nico and Windu were leading there forces along a cliff-side in one of their AT-TE walkers.
"Do you really think this is the best idea Master?" Nico asked Windu, not exactly liking the fact that the only thing stopping him from falling into the chasm below was a small cliff-edge that could barely fit there AT-TEs.
Windu looked at Nico with no emotion, "I do not like this idea as much as you Di Angelo, but there are no other ways to get to the capital."
Nico sighed, he knew that Windu was right, all the other entrances to get to the capital are either to heavily defended, or are blocked off, and they couldn't just send gunships in to take the capital, because the anti-air defences will just shoot them all down.
Suddenly a small explosion hit the side of the tank shaking it slightly, Nico blinked, What the Ha-? Another explosion, but this one was lower, all of a sudden the walker went stumbling down to the ground, its robotic legs giving out to the damage.
As quick as a flash, Nico was outside, lightsaber in hand the black as night blade looking quite obvious to spot in the orange desert landscape.
Nico looked to the other side of the chasm to see Separatist AAT hover tanks firing upon the walkers, he knew exactly what they were doing, stop the lead tank and then stop the rear tank, they were trying to box them in.
Nico narrowed his eyes and held his hand out.
Line break
On the other side of the chasm the droids were having a field day blowing up the Republic tanks (Even if they have only hit one).
"We have stopped the enemy advance," A droid with binoculars reported to his commander.
But apparently, the Commander wasn't inclined to believe it, "Give me those." The Commander snapped, as he took the binoculars and raised them to his eyes (Or whatever they are.) Only to see what the other droid had reported, "Good, now order our tanks to target there rear units, we'll box them in and blast them to pieces." The Commander ordered.
Before the other droid could give a single 'roger roger' the two droids noticed something was off with one of their tanks, when they both turned around too look at it fully, they both reared back in surprise.
Stunningly, the tail end of one of the AAT tanks was lifted off the ground. Before long the rest of the tank rose with it.
"What?! What's going on?! Whose doing this?!" The droid pilot exclaimed.
Strangely enough, the war machine slowly, mystically levitated towards the chasm.
"Help!" The droid cried, as it waved its skinny arms frantically. "Should I jump or stay?! Jump or stay?! Help!"
When the AAT floated over the tanks and droids, each robotic head would follow it, like it was a cat watching a fish. The tank's long barrel smacked one of the pilot droids, that hadn't seen it yet, in the back of the head.
"Ow! Hey!" The battle droid complained, rubbing its scalpel, but stopped when it saw what hit it. "Uhhhh?"
The tank came to an unexpected halt when it was just a few feet over the chasm.
The sounds of metal groaning and bending echoed from the tank. Without warning, different parts of the AAT started to compress in itself, and bend.
"Ahhh!" The pilot droid screamed when it was swallowed whole inside the tank as it squeezed itself together.
It went on for a few seconds, until the AAT was in a crude ball shape.
Every droid glanced between each other, confused on what to do. All of them knew whatever came next would bite them in their dull metal posteriors.
"Uh oh."
"This can't be good."
"I hate Jedi." Some of the droids said between themselves.
FWOOSH!
The AAT ball abruptly hurled towards the droids.
Each bot screamed in terror and brought their skinny arms up to shield themselves, for only a mere second until the ball came into contact. It smashed through the wave of mechs that weren't in tanks, like a bowling ball hitting the pins. Droid parts and remains flew all around on the ground. The number of droid's, were reduced dramatically when the ball plowed through their forces.
The droid Commanders eyes would have gone wide if they could. The tank ball didn't stop as it headed in a straight line towards him. The Commander cried out, and tried to run away before the collision; but fortune did not favour him.
After taking out the Commander, the tank ball still didn't stop, instead, heading towards the closest AAT.
BOOM!
Line break
Nico smiled in satisfaction as he watched the small explosion from the other side of the chasm, bringing his arm back to his side he turned around, only to see Windu looking at him with an eyebrow raised.
"If you are quite finished, I could use some help moving this tank out of the way." Windu stated, Nico smirked and nodded, and with the help of Windu, they both Force pushed the tank down the chasm to allow the second AT-TE to lead the way.
"You've given us some time to get rid of those Separatist tanks Di Angelo, use it wisely." Windu said, at first Nico was confused, then realisation hit him. An open invitation, this is going to be fun. Nico thought to himself gleefully, as he sprinted to the other side of the chasm, with the help of the Force.
Line break
The droids were just getting themselves ready to attack the rear of the Republic lines, The Commander may have been destroyed, but the droid he had given his last order to hadn't been.
"Who the heck did that?" One of the droid sergeants asked no one in-particular.
As if answering a prayer, The Ghost King leaped from a rock close to the entrance of the cliff-side and slammed his fist to the ground in the middle of the remaining battle droids that were standing. Force energy pulsed from the person, causing the droids to fly up in mid-air. Finally the Prince of Death jumped up, curled himself up and let out a mighty Force Repulse. The droids were shattered to pieces from the powerful move.
One of the droids looked at the sergeant that had just spoken, "You had to ask didn't you?" Before it was melted into nothing by black fire.
"Gah!" The sergeant exclaimed, it then looked at the Jedi in front of him. "Squad two. Get him! GET HIM!" The sergeant cried.
The last forty battle droids and twelve Super battle droids stormed ahead. Each unit fired from their respective blaster or guns, creating a blizzard of bolts jetting toward Nico Di Angelo.
The Ghost King reeled back and let the Force energy build up in his hands.
With the droids drawing dangerously close, and the Force bolstered to near its peak, Nico thrust his hands out.
THROOM!
A large dynamic Force push, bashed right into the droids. The attack was devastating to the droids, the push was strong enough to break apart all the bots in the front. Their broken parts sprinkled across the ground. The rest of the Separatist forces were thrown back, and smashed into the tanks.
As the dust settled the ten droid tanks had their cannons aimed at the nonchalant Ghost King.
"All batteries fi-" The sergeant wasn't able to finish that sentence as he was suddenly flung across the landscape of Ryloth by a small Force push.
But the droids got his meaning and started opening fire. Nico had his lightsaber lit, and a small smirk on his face.
Nico advanced upon the tanks all the while dodging cannon fire, as Nico went in front of one of the tanks he stuck his tongue out, as the tank opened fire Nico jumped out of the way so the cannon hit the tank behind him.
Three down, nine to go. Nico thought to himself, but just then cannon fire came from behind him and hit the AATs that were aiming at him. Turning around, Nico saw the AT-TE walkers had made it across the cliff-side and were now destroying each AAT.
When all the AATs were destroyed Nico walked over to Windu and Clone Commander Ponds, overhearing part of their conversation. "How many men did we lose?" Windu questioned Ponds.
The Commander takes his helmet off and rests it on his hip, "Thirty-two I think, including Command crews of three walkers." Nico blinked, I guess we lost more than I thought. He mused. The Commander continued, "The good news is that General Kenobi has broken their lines. We have a clear path straight to the capital now."
"This battle was costly," Windu said, "We're going to need help to take the city." Unbeknownst to the Jedi, a recon droid was spying on them, relaying information back to Watt Tambor.
Line break
Watt Tambor and Asajj Ventress, Count Dooku's assassin, were watching the hologram recording that the recon droid had given them
Tambor's skin was a pale greenish. He had to rely on a bulky pressurised suit to breath. He wore a blue cloak around the bottom part of the suit and goggles.
Ventress was, to put it simply, bald. Her skin was pale, as white as paper. She had purple tattoos on her head, and two lightsabers strapped to her waist.
"The Republic is advancing faster than I expected," Tambor says, despite the deep robotic voice he spoke with, he could not keep out the nervousness in it.
The assassin looked at Tambor, "I believe they will reach the main gates by morning." she say's. "I recommend a hasty retreat."
"I will not retreat!" Tambor snaps, "Those Jedi do not have the troops to take this city. Bring our units inside the walls, and secure the main bridge." He orders.
Line break
As the Republic forces began there trek towards the Capital of Ryloth, a meeting was going on in the lead AT-TE walker between, Mace Windu, Nico, and the holograms of, Chancellor Palpatine, Admiral Yularen, Anakin Skywalker, Yoda and Senator Orn Free Taa, a rather large (fat) Twi'lek with blue skin, and Senator of Ryloth.
"What's you're progress, Skywalker?" The Chancellor asks Anakin.
"My fighters have secured control of space around Ryloth, we have the Separatist cruisers on the run." Anakin reports, with a small smirk, Nico just rolled his eyes, I'd run as well, when there's a giant Republic cruiser about to smash into me.
"Very good, General Skywalker." The Chancellor praised as the hologram of Anakin winked off, only to be replaced by a hologram of the planet itself.
"Master Kenobi has taken the Jixuan desert," Windu points out. "So the southern hemisphere is ours." Windu gestures toward the hologram.
"Then, it's almost over." Senator Taa says with relief.
"Not yet," Windu says, as the hologram changes into an image of the Capital. "The key position is the Capital of Lessu. Our spies are certain that the Separatist leader, Watt Tambor, has his Command Centre there."
"When taken the city we have, capture Tambor, we must." Yoda says firmly.
"It's not going to be easy Master," Nico says, while shaking his head. "Tambor has chosen his stronghold well. This plasma bridge is the only way in or out." Nico says, as he gestures to the tiny bridge that goes over the moat like chasm.
"I'm afraid a siege, could drag on indefinitely." Palpatine sighed.
The Senator was quick to interject. "My people have suffered so much already."
"A plan you have to take the bridge, Master Windu? Hmm?" Yoda asks.
Windu shakes his head, "No, I don't, but I believe Nico does." With that being said all attention turned to Nico, who was looking at Windu with a raised eyebrow. So you read my thoughts, eh? Well read this, GET THE HADES OUT OF MY HEAD! Windu flinched slightly and looked at Nico through narrowed eyes, but Nico only smiled innocently. They were both taken away from their glaring contest when someone cleared their throat.
"Right, sorry, the plan," Nico cleared his throat, "With our forces stretched so fin I say we enlist the help of the freedom fighters," Nico says as a hologram of an orange Twi'lek came up, "led by Cham Syndulla, his fight against the droids have made him a symbol of freedom for the people."
"Cham Syndulla," Palpatine said in a thoughtful tone, "was a radical before the war." The Chancellor sighed, "He is very unpredictable."
"He can't be trusted," Senator Taa says fiercely. "I know Syndulla seeks to gain power, we were political rivals." The Senator says, his head held high.
Nico's jaw tensed, This is why I hate politics, such an arrogant idiot. "I'll leave the politics to you Senator." Nico said as respectfully as he could, "I'm going to do whatever I can to help these people."
"Perhaps, we could send you Republic reinforcements instead." The Chancellor said, breaking the upcoming argument. Though the Admiral quickly dwindled any hopes of that happening.
"There are no reinforcements available, Chancellor."
"We can't win, without Syndulla's help." Nico said firmly, and he glared at the Senator as he tried to object, and his mouth was suddenly clamped shut. That's right Senator, I may be a Jedi, but that doesn't change a fact that I am probably the scariest being you'll ever set your eyes on.
"Well then, seeing how it is you're plan Di Angelo, you can take an AT-RT and two members from Lightning squadron to try and find the Freedom fighters and convince them to join us." Windu states. "I'll stay with the main attack force, if you do convince Syndulla to help us, meet us at the gates of the capital. Understood?" Windu asked, Nico nodded and started to walk out of the Tank while thinking, what kind of name is Lightning squadron? It should be something way cooler than that, like Skeleton squadron, or something like that.
Line break
Nico and two members of Lightning squadron were heading towards the flatlands of Cazne, (I'm just making these names up, so don't judge me if they are innacurate.) in their AT-RTs.
An AT-RT is a recon transport with an open cockpit, with a saddle like seat. It had two hind legs. It was also equipped with a nose-mounted repeating blaster cannon and mortar launcher.
Once the three arrive in the flatlands they find a massacre. Millions of droid bodies were lying all over the place, discarded tanks and destroyed troop transports.
Nico jumps off of his AT-RT when he notices something in front of him, gravestones.
"What makes you think the rebels are this way, Commander?" One of the Clones, Rake, asked.
Nico didn't answer, instead he kneeled down to check the dirt noticing a print from an animal.
"What is it sir?" The other Clone, Cage, asked.
"The Resistance fighters ride creatures native to this region," Nico says thoughtfully. "and these tracks, are fresh."
Both of the Clones got off of there AT-RTs to look at the track Nico had found.
"Which means they can't have gone far," Cage says, Rake moves closer to the gravestones.
"Isn't this the spot where they were massacred?" He asked, but still Nico didn't answer, as his gaze was stuck on the gravestone in front of him.
"It looks like it was quite a fight." Cage said.
"Hmm," Rake acknowledged, "I wonder who put up these gravestones." He wondered.
Suddenly, the roar of an animal came from their far left, and they quickly turned, but saw nothing.
"Is that them-?" Cage was cut off by Nico, who raised his hand for silence, he then made hand gesture, telling the Clones to get back on their rides. As the clones got back on their AT-RTs, Nico looked back at the gravestones, May you're souls rest in Elysium.
Line break
Back in the Capital city of Ryloth, Tambor was speaking with Count Dooku, his Ventress by his side.
"Ventress has informed me of the pitiful job you have done protecting our investment on Ryloth." Dooku said in a dangerously calm tone.
Tambor looks at the assassin in frustration, before turning back to Dooku, "She exaggerates, I have not lost yet." Tambor said firmly.
"You are no match for Master Windu, let alone Reaper," Dooku said this as if Tambor was an idiot. "Do not become greedy Watt Tambor, take what valuables you can and destroy everything else." Dooku ordered.
"Everything?" Tambor asks incredulously.
"We can put this defeat to political use," Dooku says with a slight smirk. "The charred ruins of Ryloth will demonstrate to the galaxy the cost of a…Republic victory."
Tambor nods respectfully, "As you wish."
Line break
Back on the flatlands of Cazne, a patrol of eight battle droids and two Super battle droids were walking through the ruins of the Separatist army.
"Keep your eyes out for that lost patrol," One of the Super battle droids, obviously the leader, says to his squad. As they pass a damaged MTT, a Separatist troop transport, they didn't notice the three figures behind it.
Nico and the two clones were off of there AT-RTs and were getting ready to blast the droids away with a surprise attack, until Cage accidently kicked a rock into the hull of the MTT making a loud banging sound.
"Did you hear that?" One of the battle droids asked, as the rest of the squad aimed there weapons at the MTT, and looked at it closely.
Nico backed away from the side of the MTT and pushed the Clones back as well. The Clones were about to attack until Nico held a hand up, signalling them to stand down.
"I don't see anything," The lead droid said, with a little shrug, and started walking away.
The two Clones looked at their Commander, confused expressions under their helmets. "Why didn't we take them out sir?" Rake asked.
Nico just smirked, he held up three fingers, confusing the clones, then two, then one, until he made a fist. All of a sudden blaster fire could be heard, with droids shouting.
"Look out!"
"It's an ambush!"
"It's the resistance!"
Nico lit his lightsaber holding it in Reverse-Shien grip, nodded to the two Clones to follow him. He ran up from where his cover was, but as he looked around in the clearing there was nothing in sight, only droid parts and one lone MTT.
Nico deactivated his lightsaber, and looked around with a frown. Where are you? He suddenly looked up to see a familiar orange skinned Twi'lek on top of the MTT, Cham Syndulla.
Then out of nowhere, Twi'lek's came from all over the place, aiming their weapons at the two Clones and Prince of the Underworld. As this was all happening Nico just looked up at the leader of the freedom fighters calmly.
"I was wondering when you would find me," Syndula said, his expression saying everything, he was not happy. "Young Jedi."
"General Syndulla," Nico said, trying to act as respectful as possible, which wasn't hard, he was highly impressed by the stealth that his soldiers possessed, "I've come for your help."
"What makes you think, you'll get it." Syndulla says with a small smirk.
Nico narrowed his eyes, and sighed, I really, really hate politics.
Line break
Back in the capital of Ryloth, Watt Tambor walked onto his balcony to see Ventress waiting for him.
"Emir Tambor, our bombers are nearly ready for launch." The assassin reported, Tambor looked down from the balcony to see dozens of Hyena bombers ready for deployment.
Hyena bombers look like Vulture droids, apart from the fact that the middle part where you put the head on is bigger, so you can fit bombs into it. It is also heavier and bulkier than a Vulture droid.
"And now," Ventress says, "I shall ready you're ship, for evacuation."
"No!" Tambor snaps, "I am not yet ready to leave." Tambor says like a child. (Seriously, in the episode he actually sounds like my little brother, apart from all the formal stuff, if my brother spoke like that I would freak out.)
"In any case," The assassin concedes with a frown, "we have a schedule to keep, the ship will be ready."
Line break
Night was slowly approaching on the flatlands, and it was getting increasingly cold, Nico and the two Clones followed Syndulla and his band of merry men to a downed Separatist transport ship, which was being used as a secret refuge for the Resistance.
Nico was walking next to Syndulla down the halls.
"Some hideout you have here," Nico complimented, Syndulla smirked.
"It has advantages."
The next hall that they walked through had animals in cages, Blurrgs, they were two-legged reptilian beasts. These must be their mounts.
He then turned his attention back to Syndulla, "We saw the graves of many of your people in that battlefield, together, we can prevent that from happening again." Nico tried to reason.
Syndulla slowly stopped, and only turning his head slightly, said, "Do you know why we were massacred, young Jedi?" He questions, but before Nico could give his answer, which was a blunt 'No', Syndulla carried on, "When the droids swept over Ryloth, the Republic was unable to help us, we were forced to surrender, and we came here unarmed, the Separatists bought tanks to exterminate us." There was a small growling sound going on behind them and both Nico and Syndulla turned around to see Cage trying to pet one of the Blurrgs.
"Come here boy, I'm not gonna hurt ya" Cage says gently, "Don't be afraid." As the creature moved forward, Cage put his hand on the snout. "See there's nothing to be afraid of here." Cage says triumphantly, until the Blurrg rears back and tries to take his hand off, Cage jumps back in fear, and turns around to be greeted by two chuckling Twi'lek's.
The purple Twi'lek says something in his native tongue that has Nico and the Clones confused, luckily Syndulla translates.
"He says his Blurrg may be ill tempered, but she is much faster than your riding machine."
Cage snorts, and slowly walks up to the Blurrg, "I don't know about that."
Syndulla keeps escorting the two Clones and Jedi until they reach the main room of the hideout where Twi'leks were eating and sleeping, and children were playing games.
Syndulla crouched down as a young Twi'lek girl ran into his arms, her skin colour was the same as Syndulla's, probably his daughter. Nico thought to himself, a different Twi'lek, this one being an adult blue male, walks up to Syndulla while holding his arm, indicating that he had been wounded.
"What is this?" Syndulla asks the wounded Twi'lek, "A scratch? Goebbie, get better, I need you." Syndulla says sincerely.
The Twi'lek, now identified as Goebbie, spoke to Syndulla in his native tongue, but from what Nico could guess was, he said, 'Don't worry, I'll get better Syndulla.'
"We have little food or drink," Syndulla says as he turns back to Nico. "But it is our tradition to share what we do have with our guests."
Nico smiled, "Thank you." He then noticed the little girl in Syndulla's arms was staring at him, "Hello." As soon as he said that the little girl jumped from her fathers arms and onto him, knocking him to the floor.
Nico groaned and looked at the little girl who was sitting on his chest with an innocent smile, he could vaguely hear Syndulla chuckling, Great, a peppy alien who likes strangers, just my luck.
Line break
Back at the capital, the Hyena bombers were just lifting off, and raced away to find their first target.
"Target every Twi'lek village in range, the inhabited ones first." Tambor ordered a droid.
"Of course." It replies, and sets of to follow his orders.
Line break
Nico and Syndulla were eating a small dinner while watching some entertainment, dancing Twi'lek's.
Syndulla glanced at Nico, who was watching the dancing with no trace of emotion.
"I hope you don't mind." Syndulla says, "This," Syndulla gestures toward the dancers "A little distraction goes far to ease the burden of the war on my men."
Nico smiled slightly, "I know what you mean," he said as his thoughts went to certain teenage Togruta padawan, but immediately stopped, remembering why he was here, he tried negotiating again. "You have provided well for your men, all your people." Nico compliments, then he turns his head to Syndulla, giving him his full attention. "So why won't you help me free them from this occupation?"
Syndulla's face darkened slightly, "I don't trust Senator Taa, his plans for our world after the war-" Nico interrupts him, wanting to try and reassure him.
"The Republic will help you rebuild, we won't abandon you." Nico said reassuringly, but weirdly enough that just made him more angry.
"You're troops will stay for security?" He questions.
Nico looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "For a while, to keep the peace."
Syndulla frowned, "Another armed occupation is not a free Ryloth, how long before I am fighting you, young Jedi." Nico sighed, this wasn't exactly going as planned. But suddenly, Nico's wrist communicator went off.
Nico clicked the communicator and watched as a hologram of Commander Ponds came to view.
"What is it Commander?" Nico questioned, slightly irritated about his intrusion.
"Sir," The Commander saluted, "the droids have begun a fire bombing campaign. Several villages in our sector have been destroyed." Nico frowned and glanced at Syndulla, who had his head in his hands, Nico also noticed that everyone around him were listening in on the comm, waiting for what Syndula says.
After what felt like hours Syndulla finally looked up at Nico, "Make the arrangements, I will speak to Senator Taa."
Line break
Back at the capital, on the landing pad a Separatist shuttle was being loaded by slaves with the riches of Ryloth.
"Is this all of it?" Tambor questions the battle droid.
"Yes, but we're still awaiting two transports from our southern base. Should we depart without them?" The droid questioned.
"No!" Tambor exclaimed, "I will have every valuable on this rock before I leave." The droid nodded but then looked over Tambors shoulder, Tambor, noticing this, turns around only to be greeted by Ventress holding a holo device with a communication from Count Dooku.
"Emir Tambor, Why haven't you evacuated?" Dooku asked angrily.
"Our, um, exit strategy is taking more time to implement." Tambor said, knowing that it was a very rubbish excuse.
"I want you out of the city before the Republic arrives, once Master Windu has invaded the capitol," Dooku says turning to his assassin. "You will bomb it from afar. Am I understood?" The Count questions the droid.
"Yes, Count Dooku." The Ventress acknowledges, and the hologram of Dooku winks off.
As soon as the hologram was gone Tambor pointed at the assassin, "You will not do anything until I give the order."
Ventress narrowed her eyes and smirked slightly, "We already have our orders, sir."
Line break
Syndulla lead Nico to a private spot where they can talk without any spectators and Nico put down a holo transmitter and turned it on, revealing Senator Taa.
"Senator Taa," Syndulla greets respectfully, and Nico smiles slightly, this might actually work. "So glad you could join us from comfortable Coruscant." Nico then frowns, maybe not. "Our people have survived, with only me."
"I knew you would try to turn this into a campaign to take power." Senator Taa states angrily, "May I remind you, that it is I, who leads our people in the Senate." Nico rolled his eyes, Gods, this isn't getting us anywhere.
"And it is I, who lead our people here and now." Syndulla said fiercely, Nico put a hand on Syndulla's shoulder, silently telling him to calm down.
"There won't be anything left to lead if you two refuse to work together." Nico states, then his wrist comm goes off again.
Nico lifts it to his mouth, and said in an overly angry tone, "What!"
"Nico," It was Skywalker, and he sounded strained. "My fighters are taking out the bombers as fast as they can Nico, but there are just too many. I doubt we can stop them all. I suggest you get the people away from the cities."
"You must destroy those bombers, then meet me at the capital." Nico said.
Anakin sighed on the other end, "I'll do what I can."
There was a tense silence between the three of them, one that the Senator broke.
"What can the Separatists hope to gain by burning our homes?" He questions, clearly depressed.
"Nothing." Syndulla states, "Watt Tambor spoils for others, what he cannot possess."
"Then we must act quickly," Senator Taa says firmly, before Syndulla could say anything, Nico decided to intervene.
"Senator, you're people are hesitant to join us because they're worried there will be another military occupation." Nico states.
"The people have my promise, that the Clone army will leave, once Ryloth is free, of those droids!" The Senator says with conviction in his voice, Syndulla frowned but nodded.
"General," Nico said, gaining the attention of Syndulla, "what assurance can you give Senator Taa you will not try to assume power?" Nico questions.
"I only want to see my people free, young Jedi." Syndulla says sadly, but then his face hardened. "I give my word, I believe in democracy."
Nico nodded, and looked at the Senator, who also nodded. Nico smiled, "Then we are together in this."
The hologram of the Senator winks off, and both Jedi and general walked out of the private they were in.
Syndulla looks around at all the faces of his Freedom fighters, "Men of Ryloth!" Syndula shouts, "The time has come! To free ourselves!" There were cheers all over the base and Nico couldn't stop grinning.
Line break
The army of Republic soldiers and Freedom fighters marched toward the capital, Nico, Windu and Syndulla were at the very front looking at the capital through binoculars, and there was a problem, the Separatists were using the remaining Twi'leks as shields.
"Tambor is still there." Windu said, sensing his presence.
"How are we going to attack with my people so close?" Syndulla questioned worriedly.
"You're people will never be in danger, if our walkers can cross the bridge into the city," Windu said, "Key: is getting control of that bridge."
Nico looked to his right, and noticed on a cliff-side that a couple of MTTs were coming up to the capital, guarded by several STAPS, "I think I've found a way in." He says, Windu and Syndulla both look at where Nico is pointing at.
"My spies have told me that those transports carry treasure," Syndulla says with a frown.
"Do you think we can use them to get us across the bridge?" Windu questioned Nico.
Nico just shrugged, "It's risky, these kind of transports are usually scanned before heading into a major Separatist capital. So who's the one that's sneaking onto one of those things?" Seeing the looks he was getting, Nico rolled his eyes, "Fine, I'll go."
Nico had gathered his two favourite Clones, Cage and Rake, and brought them with him to get inside one of the MTTs, as they were passing Nico raised his communicator to speak into.
"As soon as I gain control of the bridge, you must start the attack." That being said Nico leaped down and activated his lightsaber landing on one of the rear STAPS and cut the head of the droid clean off, he then quickly leaped on the top of the rear MTT, the two clones looked at each other before they both jumped down onto the MTT, with Cage landing on his head.
Nico grinned at them both, "I think I was a little more graceful then you." He then cut a hole into the MTT and jumped into it, the Clones right behind him.
As the MTTs carried on as if nothing happened Nico raised his wrist-comm, "Master Windu, I'll need you to create a diversion."
"Very well Di Angelo." Was the reply.
Line break
Watt Tambor was looking out the window of his Command Centre as Asajj Ventress walked up to him.
"It's time to leave," The assassin said, "The Republic walkers are holding at twelve hundred metres."
Tambor looked down, as if in sadness, until a battle droid came out of nowhere to give a report.
"Sir, the last shipments of treasure are approaching." And with that one sentence, Tambors spirits are high.
"Just in time. Activate the bridge get them across immediately." Tambor ordered.
As the plasma bridge was activated, the MTTs started to go across, unknowingly carrying more precious cargo, than treasure. As the MTTs were half-way across the bridge they suddenly stopped getting ready for the inspection.
Two droids started walking across the bridge, with scanners in hand. As soon as they reached the first MTT they immediately started scanning once they reached the end they both nodded to each other signalling it was all clear, they then moved onto the second MTT.
The reading started to go high, "I'm picking up an anomaly in there, stay alert." As the two droids got to the back, the same one that talked before said, "Open the cargo hatch."
When the hatch was fully opened standing there was a smirking Nico, lightsaber activated, with two clones standing either side of him.
"Oh no!" one of them exclaimed.
The other one however went for the direct approach, "You're under arrest," After it said that they were both flung off the bridge by a Force push.
After that, Republic AT-TEs started firing upon the STAPS guarding the MTTs, giving Nico the diversion he needed. As Staps were heading towards him he deflected there blaster fire right back to the source.
Suddenly the bridge started flashing warningly, meaning that it was shutting down. "Run for it!" Nico shouted to the two Clones, "They're turning the bridge off!" Nico knew that the Clones wouldn't make it on their own, so he used the Force to push them over to the other side of the bridge just in time for them to grab hold of the ledge.
As for Nico, he grabbed onto the falling MTT and started climbing to the top, and without breaking stride he jumped onto one of the STAPS that were still standing, he looked the droid square in the face and grabbed the handles so he was driving backwards toward the capital.
He looked behind the droid only to see another STAP, heading towards them, Nico smirked as he turned the STAP he was on around so both STAPS were facing each other, he quickly jumped off of it and landed next to the still hanging Clones, and watched as both of the STAPS crashed into each other.
Nico used the Force to lift up both of the Clones from where they were hanging. He then activated his lightsaber as droids came out from the main gate of the capital.
"I'll hold them off," Nico said to the two Clones, "Get that bridge back up!"
"Sir yes Sir!"
Nico charged forward blocking all blaster fire that would head towards the two Clones until they reached a door that they could go through to get out of the fray, and look for the bridge controls.
Nico quickly curled himself up and let out a Force repulse, the Separatist were now having a hard time picking themselves up, but once they did they were all divided.
Nico smirked to himself, This is going to be fun.
Nico reeled his arm back, and threw his black as night lightsaber. The saber spun like a blur heading towards three battle droids. The sword sliced through the puny necks of each droid, and it came spiralling back to its owner.
Nico then Force gripped a Super battle droid and had it hurtling toward a squad of normal battle droid, knocking them all down like bowling pins.
Nico could just make out Rake speaking on his communicator. "The bridge is up Commander." Nico smiled as he grabbed one of the battle droids and smashed it into the ground with his bare hands.
But then a wave of droidekas came out of nowhere getting ready to fire upon the Ghsot Kng, Nico got in a ready position but before the first droid could fire a single shot, the gun of an AT-TE walker saved Nico blowing the droidekas up.
Nico turned to see Windu and Syndulla coming up from behind him with the rest of the Republic army.
"You take care of these," Nico said, "I'll find Tambor." And he went off, running toward the landing pads.
Line break
As Tambor was walking toward his ship, his guard of two Super battle droids with him, he noticed that Asajj Ventress was boarding it without him, and the ship started to take off.
"My ship!" Tambor gasped, as he watched the ship take off into space.
On the ship, the assassin was reporting to Dooku.
"I am afraid, Emir Tambor refused to retreat in time." the Ventress reported to Dooku with a slight smirk.
"That is…" Dooku paused trying to find the right words, "Unfortunate." His eyes then darkened, "Order our bombers to destroy the capital immediately
Back on the ground Nico was running toward Tambor, who was trying to get away, while blocking the blaster shots from the Super battle droids, as soon as he got close enough he chopped both droids in half and leaped over Tambor his lightsaber aimed at his throat.
"Surrender!" Nico said darkly.
"L-lord Reaper, perhaps we could come to a compromise?" Tambor questioned, Nico's eyes narrowed at that name.
"Not when I hold all the cards," Nico said with a slight smirk.
Tambor glanced up and his eyes widened behind his goggles, "It would appear a surrender is unnecessary, we will all perish for the glory of the Separatist alliance." Nico looked at him with an eyebrow raised, but suddenly his eyes widened and he glanced up, only to see four Hyena bombers heading his way, but then smirked at what else he could sense.
Out of nowhere one of the bombers blew up,the same happened with the other three, when the smoke cleared, the Starfighters of Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano could be seen.
Nico's smirk got even wider as he looked at Tambor with raised eyebrows, "You were saying?"
Tambor then looked at Syndulla, who had just arrived, along with Mace Windu. "What are your terms for surrender?" Tambor questioned.
"They are unconditional." Syndulla states.
Tambor looked down, "agreed." He said reluctantly.
Line break
Everyone was celebrating in the small parade at the Capital, Nico didn't take part in the parade instead decided to just rest up and hang out with Ahsoka.
"So what happens now?" Nico questioned, the two were lying on Ahsoka's fighter.
"What do you mean?" Ahsoka asked.
"I mean, what do we do now that the battle is over?"
Ahsoka shrugged, "We're probably going to head back to the temple until we get another mission, I can't wait to get back in my comfortable bed." Ahsoka sighed as she stretched her back.
Nico glanced at her only to quickly look away with a blush forming on his cheeks, as she was arching her back, allowing her tight clothes to get even tighter around her chest.
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat, both Ahsoka and Nico looked up to see the mischievously smirking face of Anakin.
"You know, its a well known fact that you shouldn't leave two teenagers of the opposite sex alone together." Anakin said mischievously, both Ahsoka and Nico's faces turned bright red.
"Master!"
"Skywalker!"
Anakin just chuckled, "You two can talk on the Resolute, we've got to go, until then please don't flirt until you are at least in a fifty foot radius away from me." Skywalker joked, but the two teenagers faces were heating up like a bomb fire.
"Shut up, Skywalker." Nico growled, as he jumped from Ahsoka's fighter, he then turned to Ahsoka, "I'll see you on the Resolute Princess." With that being said Nico sprinted off.
"Master! What was that!?" Ahsoka exclaimed once Nico was out of sight.
"What do you mean?" Anakin asked innocently.
"You know exactly what I mean."
Anakin just rolled his eyes, "Get in you're fighter Snips, we're headed back to the Resolute." Skywalker said, and as Skywalker walked off he said, "Oh yeah, I nearly forgot, I don't want to be an Uncle anytime soon so-" Anakin was cut off when R2 rolled over to him and zapped him, "Ow! What was that for?" The astromech droid beeped a response, "What do you mean I don't have any tact!"
I'm sorry, I just had to write that last part down, cause my older brother had a similar conversation with me today when he found me kissing my girlfriend in the front room, its so much more fun when it happens to other people, even if those people are fictional. (My older brother is Anakin, his friend is R2)
Anyway, I'm going to be taking a little break from my story for a little bit maybe like three weeks, cause I need some me time.
Lightningscar, I'm going to be honest with you, the nickname you gave me for Nico kind of made me cringe, no offense, but I just don't want people getting the wrong idea of me.
Onto the reviews.
HiddenHero220 chapter 7 . Jan 26
Glad that my bad spelling was amusing to you. I think that Ashoka should call Nick Death Breath. It would be hilarious watching/reading him stammer trying (and failing) to come up with a comeback. I also think it would be funny if Ashoka "borrowed" some of Nico's curses. Can't wait fir next chapter!
Ummm, you know when I said come up with a nick name? I asked if youcould come up with one that doesn't relate to Nico being a son of Hades, so if you could give me one of those it would be great. Hmmm, maybe Ahsoka could say some of Nico's cuss words.
Clefspear chapter 7 . Jan 27
Sweet, good chapter!
Thank you, oh so much!
Guest chapter 7 . Jan 27
How about niki also why does nico say his bloody head hurt.
Eh, Niki is a little too cliché. As for Nico's head hurting, it hurts cause he just crashed his starfighter into a wall, I'm pretty sure he probably banged his head on something in that small cockpit.
alex chapter 7 . Jan 27
Please dont have gaeah or chaos be the myth villan also who the heck is chaos ive seen 12 fanfics about him and i have no clue who he is!
I'm not that cliché, no neither Gaia or Chaos is going to be the myth villain, and that's all I'm saying, so I don't spoil it for anyone. And as for Chaos, hmmm, well he/she is the first being, the one who created the Universe, Chaos is neither male nor female, it is a void, the fics on this sight are flawed cause Chaos does not have a body, Chaos is nothing and everything. The beginning and the end.
RequiemoftheMind chapter 6 . Jan 31
I loved that last line. 'I'm infected with something', just great! Love this series, hope it keeps updating.
Thank you for the compliments!
I'm still looking for a nickname that doesn't revolve around Nico being the child of Hades people. Please if you have any ideas tell me.
If you have any questions just ask me in the reviewers box or PM me, and I'll try my best to answer them. Please review.