A secret assault!, with bounty hunter Aurra Sing ready to make her strike against Kashyyyk's royal family Jedi Master Rahm Kota, with the help of Militia Captain Ace, quickly form a plan to save the wookiee family from assassination. Meanwhile, well out of range from the wookiee home world, Separatist leader Count Dooku receives an urgent message from his Sith lord Darth Sidious.
Chapter 20: A New Destiny
Separatist Dreadnaught, galactic coordinates: classified
Dooku stepped onto the bridge of his star destroyer and immediately nodded to the droid setting in the Captains chair, the droid rose from its seat and walked away without so much as a word needed in explanation. Hitting the controls in front of him with a wave of his hand Dooku fell to one knee as the projection of Lord Sidious flickered to life "what is thy bidding?, my Master".
Sidious' coarse voice echoed throughout the small bridge "it has come to my attention that Skywalker's padawan is well on her way to destroying my plan for the clone wars, she is recently on a mission on the wookiee home world that if successful will force the Jedi to consider changing their code entirely. For my plan to succeed the Jedi code must not change, Skywalker's padawan must be killed before her mission is complete!".
Dooku nodded as he stood to his feet "what course of action would you have us take Master?, a planetary wide invasion will take some time to plan?".
Lord Sidious quickly shook his head "the wookiee's will fall to my power one day, but not today. Both padawans Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee are on Kashyyyk's capital with Jedi Master Rahm Kota investigating attacks on the royal families. I've made sure all three Jedi have more than enough trouble to keep them busy until you arrive, you will send General Grievous to wipe them all out before this problem escalates".
Dooku cautiously raised an eyebrow, being sure to avoid Sidious' eyes as he spoke "Master if this matter is of such importance perhaps I should lead the assault?, Grievous has proven himself to be rather unreliable over the years".
Sidious raised his fist into the air, forcing Dooku to take a quick step back "That scrap piles usefulness is at an end!, whether he lives or dies is no longer an issue. Give him whatever orders you must, just make sure he gets the job done". A grin crossing his lips Lord Sidious tapped the controls of whatever was in front of him "I want you to meet me at these coordinates, the final steps of my plan are falling into place".
Grinning himself Dooku bowed heavily to the projection in front of him "as you wish, my Master".
^0^0^0^
Kashyyyk's capital, entrance to the swamplands
Barriss willed the giant weaver underneath her to stop just short of the beach, the eight legged monster had fought her a tad bit more than the rancor on Felucia but the same conclusion had eventually been drawn. Her mind once again completely in sync with Ahsoka's both padawans hopped off the weavers back, causing two small splashes of water as the high tide crept to their knees. Barriss rose a hand to gently float Chewbacca off the weavers back before willing the creature to disappear back into the darkness. Waiting till the creature's loud steps could no longer be heard she turned to face her friends "a bad time to realize you're afraid of spiders".
Ahsoka gave her a simple pat on the back before looking to the sky "if we hurry we may still be able to help Master Kota". After a quick nod from both of her friends the young Togruta took off at a run across the white sanded beach towards the nearest root of the wroshyr tree where both speeders still sat idle. Hopping on her speeder Ahsoka looked back as both Chewbacca and Barriss climbed on the speeder behind her "I'm gonna need some help to reach the top, when the time comes give me a little push okay".
Barriss wrapped her arms around Chewbacca's waist as the speeder's engine roared to life "no problem, I'll go with Chewbacca to the Eclipse and get a ship to assist". A slight nod of Ahsoka's head was all she got in reply before both speeders started back up the giant trees side, gaining speed with every inch as their engines were pushed to their limits. Almost losing her nerve at a few loose sputters from the engine Barriss tightened her grip on Chewie's waist as the hood was blown down from her head. Blowing her bangs from her eyes she got a clear view just in time to see the beginning of a brown walkway close in ahead of them "keep it steady Chewie!".
With a strong knot forming in her stomach Barriss loosened her grip on the wookiee warrior and brought one open palm off the side of the speeder. Not wanting to risk closing her eyes the girl instead tried her hardest to block out the situation at hand, instead focusing intently on the speeder in front of her. In a matter of seconds a strong blue aura had materialized in her hand, as Ahsoka gunned the throttle and sent her speeder off the side of the tree and into the air Barriss thrust her arm forward. The charged force push hit Ahsoka's speeder the moment it started to drop to the ground, sending it soaring skyward once again straight towards the top of the wroshyr tree.
A strong lurch forcing her gaze back to her own speeder Barriss felt her boots touch solid ground once again as Chewbacca brought the speeder to a sudden stop at the edge of the wooden walkway. After taking a minute for both to get their bearings Chewie pulled back on the throttle and steered the speeder down the long walkway leading to the docked Eclipse.
^0^0^0^
Master Kota pulled his lightsaber into his hand, watching from the huts porch as the T-6 shuttle containing both Captain Ace and the royal family slowly rose into the air. Clenching his fist as a swift silence enveloped the area around him "come on Aurra, be a good girl and take the bait". Watching the sun finally set in the distance Kota reluctantly clipped his saber to his back as the T-6 dove down the night sky and disappeared from view. Bringing his com-link to his mouth he had just enough to switch the device on before a series of red blaster bolts ran towards the sky from the side of the wroshyr tree.
Kota steeled himself as the T-6 shuttle once again rose above him, sailing by overhead as it swerved back and forth to dodge the never ending bolts racing towards it. His eyes finally adjusting to the darkness Kota instantly recognized the ship flying right behind the T-6 as the Slave One, although the metallic ship seemed a bit worse for the wear it still managed to trail extremely close as it chased its target through the night sky. The incessant blaster fire ringing in his ears Kota brought two hands up and aimed his gaze towards Aurra's ship, but before he had the chance to concentrate his thoughts an orange blur ahead forced his focus away from the two ships.
Ahsoka wearily took her hands off the throttle as her speeder finally cleared the tree's top, soaring several feet above the small forest as the young Togruta stood to her feet on the back of the falling speeder. Taking only a split second to prepare herself Ahsoka dove forward, igniting both her green and gold sabers as she began to fall through the darkness. The crisp night air sending a cold chill through her body as she fell she turned her stance in the air, aiming for the ground feet first as she slowed her descent with help from the force. Before she could hit the ground the Slave One dove down towards her, taking a few rather close shots to the falling Jedi as it soared passed.
Having turned the tide of the resulting dogfight the T-6 quickly gave chase to the bounty hunters ship, only veering off its path long enough to dive under Ahsoka's falling form. Ahsoka hit the roof of the T-6 with a loud thud, her boots struggling to find grip on it's metallic surface as she quickly used the ships top wing to sturdy herself. Master Kota watched the scene unfold from the huts porch, wide eyed at the padawans grace as she continued to ride on top of the speeding ship mid dogfight. Having to shake his thoughts back towards the situation at hand as his earlier plan once again filled his mind.
After a few deep breaths the Jedi Master brought both arms upward, aiming two clenched fists towards the Slave One is it veered by overhead. It's engines sputtering in protest the Slave One came to a sudden stop in the air, stopped dead by an invisible force. As Kota prepared to send the ship plummeting towards the ground Ahsoka's voice rang in his com-link "wait Master!, I can take her alive!".
Kota chanced a glance at the T-6 as it approached the rival ship, slowing down significantly as Ahsoka jumped to the roof of the Slave One and slid down towards the front view port. Sighing reluctantly the Jedi Master relaxed his stance a bit "alright Commander, I'll keep the ship steady as long as I can".
"Be ready to set it down when I give you the order Master" not waiting for an answer Ahsoka slashed her sabers at the ships view port, causing the entire thing to shatter with a small force push. Both lightsabers drawn she jumped inside the ships cockpit, her eye just catching sight of a brown boot before it kicked her main saber from her hand. Ahsoka stepped backwards as Aurra brought a fist up towards her chin, only to have the attack knock the remaining saber from her grasp. With both sabers hitting the metal floor and deactivating on contact the young Togruta ducked to avoid another of Aurra's strikes, bringing her own fist up and connecting with the bounty hunters jaw in a satisfying crack.
Aurra jumped back and quickly shook the attack off "I should of killed you when I had the chance you little bitch!". Before Ahsoka had a chance to react Aurra leaped forward, bringing her booted foot up and knocking Ahsoka on her back with a hard blow to the head "I never make the same mistake twice". Ahsoka shook her head as her vision blurred, fighting through the pain long enough to silently call her main saber to her hand from across the floor. Laughing to herself Aurra smiled devilishly down at the young Togruta before bringing her foot into the air and aiming her boot towards Ahsoka's neck.
Ahsoka brought both hands up and grabbed the boot seconds before it would of touched her skin, activating her saber as a wide spin kick sent her to her feet and Aurra into the air simultaneously. With one swing of the green blade her saber cut the antenna from Aurra's head as she hit the floor with a loud thud. Quickly calling her other saber to her hand Ahsoka strapped both weapons to her waist before raising Aurra's body into the air and almost carelessly sending it flying out the front view port "call me a bitch the tree can break your fall".
As though it was an after thought Ahsoka reluctantly stretched an arm forward, Aurra's body slowed significantly before hitting the royal families porch only a few feet beside Master Kota. The fall still more than enough to knock the bounty hunter unconscious Ahsoka couldn't help but giggle to herself before hitting the switch in front of her and killing the Slave One's engines "alright Master, bring it down".
^0^0^0^
By the time Barriss and Chewbacca landed their T-6 shuttle beside an idle Slave One at the top of the wroshyr tree all seemed to be fairly quiet. After telling Chewie to stay with the ship she ran up the steps leading to the huts porch, only to be met with the warm smiles of both Ahsoka and Master Kota. The two Jedi sat across a round table talking with a rather large wookiee she guessed to be the father of the royal family. Relaxing her stance Barriss walked up to the table "i couldn't reach anyone on my com-link, I take it the situation has been handled?".
"Not only handled" Kota corrected, patting Ahsoka gently on the back as he spoke "but handled with a grace and skill I've never seen from someone so young".
Ahsoka turned her face away from the conversation as her Lekku began to brighten "I just did what any Jedi would Master".
Kota nodded "exactly young one, you both performed precisely as a Jedi should. I have a feeling I'm speaking to two soon-to-be Jedi Knights".
A short silence followed before Barriss took a seat at the table, nodding politely as the wookiee slid a warm cup in front of her. After taking a small sip of the rather sweet tasting liquid Barriss let out a short sigh "Master, I believe we've done something you should know about".
Master Kota cast a sly grin across the table "about you reforming the force meld, I could sense it the second you arrived miss Offee". Taking a drink from the cup in front of him Kota raised a hand to silence both girls as they opened their mouths to reply "relax, this decision is yours to make. The council will not way this against you when the time comes, they broke the meld simply to ensure you were both kept safe. If you two are willing to risk the affects of a strong force meld than the council will accept your decision, as will I".
Ahsoka cleared her throat before asking the question on both girls minds "uh Master, what affects are we talking about exactly".
Kota took a moment to think, obviously wondering just how much he should tell both girls. "Well as you both know the meld can no longer be broken, even attempting to break it again would no doubt result in both of you becoming one with the force. But the main thing you must understand is that this a force meld this strong means your force presence are so strongly entwined that should one of you cease to exist the other may not be strong enough to continue on her own".
Barriss swallowed a lump forming in her throat "so if one of us die...we both die". A strong knot in her stomach quickly dissipated as she met Ahsoka's eyes "if something ever happened to Ahsoka...maybe it's better this way".
"Your right" stretching her arm across the table Ahsoka took Barriss' hand in her own "without you I'd be no help to anyone anyway".
"Well" Kota quickly finished off the contents of his cup before standing to his feet. "It's been a pleasure and an honor Sombarr but I believe our business is finished here". With a wave of his hand Kota began to lead the way off the wookiee's porch as Ahsoka and Barriss followed close behind. Mostly aimed to himself Kota let a sly grin cross his face "guess I'll take my new ship".
As Kota took the first step up the metal ramp leading to the Slave One both Barriss and Ahsoka stopped at the base of the ramp, offering a silent nod for the Jedi Master to continue into the ship. Once they were alone Barriss turned to the young Togruta with a smile wide on her face "we did it, after all these years we finally earned our right to face the trials".
Ahsoka matched her friends smile before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around Barriss waist. A number of seconds passed as the young Togruta buried her head in the other girls neck "I've dreamed of this day since my hands first touched a training saber, I can't believe it's almost here".
"I know exactly what you..." Barriss cut her own sentence short when a short hiss rang through on her com-link.
Captain Ace's voice struggled to be heard from the garbled transmission "Command...can you hear...".
Barriss shared a worried look with Ahsoka before bringing the com-link to her mouth "say again Captain you're breaking up".
A few seconds of silence followed before Ace's voice came in crystal clear "Commander two Separatists star destroyers just came out of hyperspace and are nearing our position as we speak. What are your orders?".
Before either girl could answer Master Kota came running back out of the ship beside them "we have to get the Eclipse air born before those star destroyers tear it to pieces!".
Ahsoka nodded in confirmation as she rose her com-link to her mouth "Captain get the Eclipse into the air as quickly as possible. I want to meet those star destroyers head on before they can reach this village".
^0^0^0^
Stepping onto the Eclipse's bridge both Barriss and Ahsoka stepped to the side as Master Kota surveyed the sight ahead of them. High in Kashyyyk's night sky two menacing Separatists star destroyers shot a barrage of red laser shots towards the Eclipse. All the while hundreds of ships both droid and Republic fought a seemingly endless battle in between the three larger vessels, blasting in every conceivable direction as small explosions filled the dark sky. A mix of confusion and determination in his eyes Kota turned back to face the girls "this makes no sense, if the Separatists planned to attack after the royal families assassination why only send two star destroyers?".
"Maybe they have more on the way?" Ahsoka guessed.
Barriss slowly shook her head "no if this was a planetary invasion it'd be much quicker, they'd want to get as many troops on the ground as possible to take control of the major villages before Republic reinforcements arrived. There has to be more to this, something we're not seeing".
Master Kota turned his gaze back to the view outside "none of this matters right now, we need to deal with the problem at hand. Those star destroyers are blocking all attempts to call for reinforcements so we're on our own".
"Uh Master" after a slight nod from Kota Ahsoka stepped forward "we have an entire planet of wookiee's underneath us. Technically the Separatists are attacking their home planet right now, I'm sure the wookiee's would be willing to help us".
Before Kota could answer a loud explosion rocked the bridge, causing all three Jedi and the many militia soldiers working nearby to either stumble or fall to the ground. After regaining his balance Kota shook his head in protest "I won't risk so many innocent lives unless the situation cannot be solved any other way, besides, I have a plan".
Ahsoka rolled her eyes on instinct "oh lord". Her action gaining a raised eyebrow from Kota the young Togruta quickly looked away "sorry Master, force of habit when I hear those words. Master Skywalker's plans usually involve some over the top exploit or a giant explosion".
A sly grin crossed Master Kota's "well good news young one, my plan involves both". Pointing a finger out the view port he looked to both padawans "see how those star destroyers are stationed directly across from one another?".
The look on Kota's face forced both Barriss and Ahsoka to take a few steps back "yes".
^0^0^0^
"Red leader we are approaching your position, ready to assist" Captain Ace nodded from the cockpit of his Y-wing to the voice ringing in his headset. Although truth be told he barely heard a word of his fellow militia's chatter, with his focus so heavily diverted to the moment at hand. The two Separatists star destroyers filled the view in front as he piloted his ship through the many dogfights going on around him, being thrown off course more than once from a nearby explosion. Bringing a hand to his ear Captain Ace watched as a number of fighters formed a small circle around his ship "General Kota wants the engines disabled on one of those ships, think you boys can get me there?".
"Just worry about keeping up Captain" despite himself Ace felt a small grin cross his lips as he pushed forward on the controls, sending his ship forward along with the circle of fighters. Blaster fire rained down on their position the second they began to skim under the nearest star destroyer, from the readings on his ship Ace counted six vulture droids trailing just behind the group of ships. Much as he would of liked to break formation and help his men take out the droids Ace forced himself to stay in position, with his men outnumbered and outgunned General Kota's plan was the only hope he had of ending this attack quickly.
Well aware of a few shots breaking through the circle surrounding him Captain Ace pushed his ships to its limits to keep up with the fighters. Chancing a look back to his radar he felt his hear leap "Red six watch your ass you got two right on top of you!".
At the last of his words a single fighter pulled aside from the circle, performing a perfect barrel roll to the side and slowing down so that the two vulture droids flew directly passed him. Before either droid had a chance to react Red six let loose with both his ships turrets, reducing both droids to scrap metal in a matter of seconds. Ace couldn't help but smile as Red six rejoined the group "you were saying Captain?".
"Alright Red six not bad, just try and keep an..." Ace cut his sentence short as they finally reached the rear of the star destroyer, pulling hard on the controls of his ship to travel up towards the three giant engines emitting a blue energy that slowly pushed the looming ship through the pitch black sky. "We'll only get one shot at this!, soon as I blow the engines pull back to the Eclipse!". Piloting around the first two massive tubes Ace led his team straight out and away from the star destroyer. A strong knot formed in his stomach as he pulled the ship back around and headed directly for the engines, priming three proton torpedoes as he set eye on his target.
^0^0^0^
Bridge of the Separatists star destroyer
General Grievous' robotic feet almost lost their hold on the metal floor as a thunderous explosion rocked the entire ship, ignoring the fact that every battle droid around him had fallen from their seats and onto the floor he took a few steps backwards. "Status report now!".
The first battle droid to regain its balance climbed the few steps between them "we seem to have lost all power to the engines General".
"Ah!" lashing out with a closed fist Grievous separated the droids head from its shoulders, turning his back as the droid fell to the ground. Rather than call attention to the incident a second battle droid simply stepped over the remains of his comrade to face the General "we have an incoming signal from Count Dooku General, should I tell him you're busy or...". The droid visibly buckled as Grievous turned his intense gaze to him "I'll just patch it through".
As the battle droid descended back down the stairs Grievous fell to one knee in front of the holo-projector in the middle of the bridge. Dooku's static filled form emerged with a wide scowl on his face "Grievous, has your mission proved successful?".
Grievous kept his head held low "unfortunately sir, Rahm Kota's strategic capabilities have proved far superior to what our records...".
"Those Jedi must not leave Kashyyyk alive!" Dooku's raised voice forced every droid on the bridge to stop what they were doing and look in his direction. "If your troops prove incapable of this task than see to it yourself!, there is no room for failure this time General!. If any of those Jedi escape it will be the end of you!, understood?".
"Of course Count" turning from the projection Grievous pulled his robe from his body "I will not fail you".
^0^0^0^
Ahsoka rubbed her back Lekku nervously as she felt a incredibly strong gust of wind hit her face, stepping out the elevator and onto the Eclipse's reinforced base with Barriss and Kota directly behind. Looking down the ships nose she easily spotted the lasting effects of Ace's bombing, while one of the Separatists ships continued towards them in a devastating assault its comrade floated helplessly with a giant plume of smoke rising from its rear. A strong chill rising up her body Ahsoka turned to her friends "I really don't like this plan".
Barriss took a few cautious steps away from the elevator as her gaze studied the two ships ahead of them "I agree with Ahsoka, we'll never be able to move something that massive".
With a determined look on his face Kota pushed passed both girls "we're Jedi, size means nothing. Without the engines to fight us this should be easy, just follow my lead". Taking his place in the middle of the two girls Master Kota closed his eyes, allowing a moment for Barriss and Ahsoka to do the same as he slowly brought both hands up towards the crippled star destroyer. For the first time since their meld was re-formed Barriss felt her abilities pushed to their limits, her legs buckling under her the second she focused her energy on the task at hand. The process of pushing the ship across the stars felt as though someone had dropped a building into her arms, plan or no she knew she could not take more than a minute of this pain.
Ahsoka did no better, the young Togruta let out a series of loud moans as she struggled to move her arms in unison with Master Kota. Just when both girls felt the power drained from their bodies the ear shattering sound of scraping metal filled their ears, with a loud sigh Barriss and Ahsoka feel to their knees as they looked at Master Kota's plan in action. The star destroyer that had been heading towards them now found itself encased in one giant explosion, slowly reduced to nothing more than falling debris as the damaged star destroyer plowed directly through it. Before long both ships began to fall out of the sky, making their way to Kashyyyk's ocean underneath them.
Fighting to regain her strength Barriss raised an eyebrow when Ahsoka started to laugh "what's so funny?".
"Grievous, big brave tinnie always runs away before we can get him". Sharing a small smile with her friend Barriss followed Ahsoka's gaze, sure enough Grievous' signature ship soared out of the falling ships docking bay and into the night sky. Blazing a trail through the few fighters still in the sky Grievous neglected what was an obvious escape route around the ships, instead barreling straight towards the Eclipse.
As the ship neared its target Master Kota narrowed his gaze "he's not running away, he's attacking. But why?, attacking a entire Jedi flagship by yourself. It's suicide".
"Master" her weak voice gaining the Jedi's attention immediately Barriss struggled to rise to her feet "I...don't think I have a fight in me Master...moving the star destroyer...it...it took all I had".
With a compassionate nod Kota turned his attention to Ahsoka, placing a hand on the girls shoulder when it was clear she was also in no condition to fight. "You two stay back, I don't know why Grievous is risking his life to attack but we can't take this situation lightly". Kota watched as both Barriss and Ahsoka slowly got to their feet and headed for the elevator, only activating his com-link when the doors of the elevator shut behind him. "Captain Ace, pull everyone back to the Eclipse. Barriss and Ahsoka are heading to the bridge as we speak, protect them at all costs".
"You got it sir, but what should we do about Grievous?". At the last of the Captains words Grievous' ship finally stopped directly above Master Kota.
Shielding his eyes from the wind Kota cast his glance upward, pulling the lightsaber from his back and igniting its green blade "you leave him to me, just keep the girls safe!". Before Ace could say anything more Kota switched off his com-link, taking a few steps back to prepare himself for the fight to come. With his eyes closed he heard Grievous' robotic feet slam against the Eclipses base, only opening them when the snap hiss of several lightsabers filled his ears. Forming a defensive stance Master Kota felt the stillness of the now silent night envelope him "Grievous, a shame we've just now had the chance to meet. I've heard so much about you, I imagine introductions won't be necessary?".
Grievous immediately found his grip against the fierce wind, taking a few steps closer to Kota as two arms separated into four. Pulling another pair of blue and green sabers from his waist Grievous ignited both blades "foolish Jedi!, you will not protect the padawans from their fate!".
A light grin crossed Kota's lips "droids, always so quick to divulge their mission. I won't let you harm them Grievous". Simply emitting a low growl in response Grievous began to spin his main set of sabers, sending a high pitch whine through the air as he slowly walked towards the Jedi Master. Kota took a few steps backward as the heat from the spinning blades neared ever closer, only jumping forward when a opening in the attack allowed him to block all four blades at once. The combined strength of Grievous' blades quickly overcoming his own Kota felt the sharp pain of a robotic foot hitting his chest.
Kota slammed against the elevator doors behind him, hitting the controls with his back as he slid to the ground. Fighting the darkness threatening to fill his vision the Jedi Master pulled himself to his feet as Grievous started for the open elevator, a strong force push sent the cyborg flying back as Kota regained his composure. "You're stronger than I expected, but I can't let you win droid" his words only resulting in a mad glare from General Grievous Kota deactivated his saber, placing the weapon back in its holster as he raised both arms into the air. Grievous seemed taken back by the strange action, letting his guard down for a split second before a loud lurch sent his gaze upward.
Grievous' ship dropped out of the sky before the cyborg had a chance to blink, a savage explosion filling Kota's view as the ship made contact with the nose of the Eclipse. Grievous quickly disappeared as the explosion engulfed his body, forcing Master Kota to sturdy his footing against the resulting shock wave. Before anymore time could pass Kota forced the smoke away with a wave of his hand, walking cautiously to the small crater where the ship had made contact. Sure he would see a pile of scrap in the epicenter what he instead found brought his heart to his throat, a freshly cut circle was sliced straight through the already weakened metal.
Cursing to himself Kota brought his com-link to his mouth "Grievous is in the ship!, I repeat General Grievous is in the ship!. Spread out and find him before he reaches the bridge!".
^0^0^0^
Barriss and Ahsoka entered the bridge practically at a limp, their legs barely strong enough to drag them to the front of the large room. Both girls promptly sat down in front of the ships view port, throwing the entire room into an uncomfortable silence as they slowly recovered their strength. A number of minutes went by before a fearful yet familiar growl broke the silence, still not strong to enough to stand Ahsoka simply turned her head to find the source of the noise, a thin smile spreading over her lips as she did so. Chewbacca ran up the mostly empty bridge, causing the heads of the few militia still at their terminals to rise.
Chewbacca fell to one knee beside both girls, letting out a low growl as he put a furry hand on Ahsoka's forehead. Ahsoka's weak smile fought to widen at the expression on the wookiee's face "it's okay Chewie, we're not hurt, just exhausted".
Fighting the tiredness in her bones enough to prop her back against the nearest wall Barriss turned to face Chewbacca "it was sweet of you to want to check on us Chewbacca but you really shouldn't be here, your injuries need more time to heal". Chewbacca swiftly shook his head as he looked at the bandages wrapped around his chest, insisting he was fine in a low growl before standing back to his feet. As both girls continued to rest Kota's hectic voice rang through the intercom overhead "Grievous is in the ship!, I repeat General Grievous is in the ship!. Spread out and find him before he reaches the bridge!".
"That's not good" Ahsoka said as she looked around the room, as Kota's voice continued to shout orders to almost every soldier in his militia several fully armed militia ran into the bridge, the first easily recognizable as Captain Ace.
Ace made his way to a weary Chewbacca, a light bow eased the wookiee enough to allow him passed. After a salute to both girls the militia Captain pulled the blaster rifle from his back "nothing to worry about Commanders, as we speak the entire ship is being searched, we'll find Grievous before he reaches the bridge". Turning back to the rest of the soldiers Ace stretched an arm towards the door leading out to the hall "seal that door!, no one else gets in until Grievous has been found!".
"Yes sir!" two soldiers broke off from the line and started down the bridge, only making it a few steps before the door met them half way. A loud crack resulted as the two soldiers flew backwards, slamming hard against the reinforced view port as Chewbacca ran forward. The wookiee warrior jumped over the line of soldiers and caught the flying door, digging his feet deep against the metal floor as he stopped just inches from the soldiers. Without missing a beat Chewbacca threw the door back to it's source, only to have it sliced in half as it disappeared into the smoke pouring into the room.
"What are you waiting for?, open fire!" at Ace's command the group of militia spread out across the bridge, each taking cover either behind a crate or against a wall before sending a line of blaster fire trailing into the receding smoke. As the smoke finally cleared Grievous ignited all four of his sabers, expertly blocking each incoming shot with the same demeanor a wookiee would swat flies.
The scene unfolding in front of her Ahsoka attempted to stand, only to have her legs fail her and Barriss Pull her back down "no Ahsoka, you're still too weak, we both are".
"We can't just sit here and do nothing!" once again Ahsoka pushed herself up, managing a single step before she fell back to the floor.
With a sympathetic look Barriss helped her friend back beside her "I don't like it either Ahsoka but we don't have a choice". Her eyes meeting Ahsoka's both girls nodded to one another before turning their attention back in front of them, huddling close together as a few of the militia's shots hit there mark, knocking two of Grievous' sabers from his hand. Grievous growled as he collapsed his arms back into two, eyes squinting in frustration as he swung his two remaining sabers at the incoming blaster shots, sending them back to their source. Barriss clenched her fist as the militia fell one by one, with only Captain Ace and Chewbacca left standing between the cyborg and his targets.
Captain Ace shared a short look with the wookiee warrior, a silent conversation taking place between the two combat veterans. As Chewbacca clipped his bowcaster to the back of his bandolier Ace kicked forward the crate he was using for cover, Grievous slashed at the crate coming at him from the left, only to be met with a powerful blow from his right as Chewbacca jumped forward. Both Grievous and Chewbacca flew backward, the cyborg hitting the ground with Chewbacca already forcing the sabers from both of his hands and snapping them into four useless pieces. Grievous struggled under the wookiee's tremendous force for a moment, long enough for Ace to throw his empty rifle to the ground and pull the pistol from his waist, before he managed to free a hand and strike Chewbacca with a strong blow to the stomach, directly on the bandages covering his wound.
A pain filled growl echoed through the bridge before Grievous tossed Chewbacca off of him, the wookiee warrior trying to fight through the pain as he helplessly watched the cyborg rise to his feet. Grievous took a few steps up the bridge when a blaster shot hit against the plate protecting his face, Ace walked out onto the middle of the bridge and pulled back on the trigger of his pistol, sending another shot straight at the cyborgs head. Grievous took a quick step back, a small crack began to spread on his face plate "look around you soldier!. You've lost!. Stand aside and I may spare your life!".
Captain Ace lowered his pistol for a moment "you attack my men, kill, my men!, and ask me to stand aside!". Once again raising his pistol Ace looked back at Barriss and Ahsoka, a range of emotions flashing through his eyes, before turning back to Grievous. Around his back Ace pulled a small item from his belt, wrapping it in his free hand as he took off at a run straight towards the surprised cyborg. As he neared Grievous raised a hand forward, grabbing the militia Captain by the neck and pulling his body into the air.
Grievous let out a triumphant laugh, reveling in his victory as he tightened his grip on Ace's neck. Ace made no attempt to fight back, didn't even struggle when he felt the wind ripped from his lungs, instead he simply cast his glance downward, mouthing four simple words as both he and Grievous looked at the thermal detonator in his hand "long live the Republic". Grievous' eyes widened as the explosion knocked him backwards, both him and Captain Ace flew across the bridge and slammed against the metal wall on either side. Ace's body hit the floor completely limp as both Barriss and Ahsoka looked on in horror, the bridges floor was now covered with bodies, a handful of militia soldiers, one wookiee knocked unconscious from the pain of his wound, and two still painfully weak girls.
As the smoke from the explosion cleared both girls hands instinctively went to their waists as they watched Grievous wearily pull himself back to his feet. Barriss felt her heart stop as she looked at the approaching cyborg, Grievous' face plate was cracked in half, barely covering the top portion of his face while his chest plate was completely exposed, showing a beating heart hard at work in his chest. Grievous moved forward, limping but still very much alive as he walked to the girls at the end of the bridge. Wasting no time he forced Ahsoka into the air by her neck and pulled one of the sabers from her waist.
"NO!" summoning what little strength she had Barriss jumped to her feet and pulled her lightsabers from her waist. Before she had a chance to retaliate Grievous ignited the green blade he had taken from Ahsoka, sending Barriss backward with one swipe, already blacked out from the pain as she hit the ground. With no change in his eyes as he looked at the girls limp body Grievous turned his attention back to Ahsoka, pulling the hidden blaster pistol from his waist and pushing its barrel against the girls stomach. Two blaster shots echoed through the empty bridge as Grievous dropped Ahsoka's body, carelessly letting it fall to the ground as he dropped the girls saber beside her body.
"Ahsoka!, Barriss!" already igniting his green blade Master Kota sprinted into the bridge, not even giving Grievous enough time to turn around before he plunged the weapons blade into the cyborgs back. Blood splattered against the ships view port as Kota's saber punctured Grievous' exposed heart, killing him almost instantly. Before the cyborgs body even had time to hit the ground Kota forced it to the side of the room, kneeling beside the bodies of both Barriss and Ahsoka as his militia began to pile into the room behind him. "Medic!, I need a medic over here now!".
^0^0^0^
Location Unknown
Dooku walked the pitch black hall leading to the small base his Sith lord used to meet with him, for him to be called here he knew something big was about to happen. Rarely did Lord Sidious risk his reputation as supreme Chancellor to meet with him, thinking back he was somewhat surprised to think it had been almost a year since their last face to face encounter. He had said before his plan for the clone wars was nearing its completion, perhaps he wished Dooku to finally lead an assault against the temple?. Just the thought forced a thin smile on Dooku's face, to finally show the Jedi the true power of the dark side, nothing would please him more.
As he neared the end of the long hallway Dooku opened the door ahead of him with a wave of his hand, somewhat confused as he entered yet another pitch black room, nothing but the shine of a holo-projector to catch his eye in the middle of the room. Taking a few steps forward he felt a blue light warm his face as Palpatine's hologrammed form appeared ahead of him "Darth Tyranus".
"Master" after a light bow Dooku looked around the small room "I thought we'd be meeting in person".
Sidious' face showed no sign of emotion "part of me did want to be there for this, unfortunately other matters have arisen that prevent me from witnessing the final step of my plan in person". Before Dooku could question his Masters words another presence in the room forced him to turn back to the door, in one fluid motion the saber was pulled from his belt and it's red blade ignited as it was plunged deep into his chest. Dooku's entire body went stiff as his mouth was covered by a gloved hand emerging from the darkness, all that was visible was the sheer hatred in his eyes as the life was drained from his body.
A hooded figure stepped out of the darkness as Dooku's lifeless body fell to the ground, bowing to the smiling face of Lord Sidious as it clicked Dooku's saber to its waist. "What is thy bidding?, my Master".
Sidious cast a quick glance down to his fallen apprentice, a wicked smile spreading on his face. "With Dooku out of the way my plan for the clone wars is nearing its conclusion, for now I want you to return to Corusant. Continue sending me what information you can from the Jedi temple, a few preparations are needed before your next mission".
"As you wish, Master" the hooded figure bowed once more as it turned back to the door, a flash of light from the holo-projector illuminating one completely scarred arm before it was quickly shoved back under the figures robe.