Chapter 8: The Battle of Kashyyyk Part 1
Jim was in his quarters, sitting at his desk. There was a picture of him and Robert Archer. Archer was one of the thirty-two crewmen who were killed on the Enterprise's reconnaissance mission. A tear came to Jim's eye as he thought about his friend. He had done so much for Jim.
He had taken several shots for Jim, he had always watched his back during space battles, and he even helped Jim develop a relationship with Kara. Robert Archer was Kara's third cousin. Kara was an only child and she considered Robert the closest thing to a brother she had. She told him everything, and when she and Jim started falling for each other, she immediately went to Robert for advice.
He knew that Jim liked Kara and he was immediately in favor of a relationship between the two of them. Jim took a liking to Kara on his first day. All three of them were assigned to the USS Farragut. Though he never really showed it, Jim really liked Kara. Robert was the only one who knew about it. He then devised a little plan to bring Jim and Kara together, which was a brilliant success. The day Archer died was terrible for both of them.
While Jim was reflecting on his friendship with Archer, he heard his door slide open. He looked behind him and his beautiful girlfriend was standing in the doorway.
"Come in, Kara." Jim said with a smile. Kara stepped in and Jim went back to reminiscing. Kara sighed and wrapped her arms around Jim's neck.
"Are you alright?" Kara asked.
"It's just…I just wish that there is more I could have done to save his life."
Kara looked at the photograph and a tear came to her eye. However, Kara seemed to be handling Archer's death a little better than Jim. Jim was more affected because he felt so much guilt. He was the commander of the ship. The Enterprise was in his control and he was, in essence, responsible for everything the crew and ship did. For that reason, he felt responsible for every single one of those thirty-two deaths.
"Listen to me Jim. There was nothing you could have done. You did your best, but the sad truth is that people die in war. I know that you feel responsible but it wasn't your fault." Kara said softly.
Jim was silent for a moment and then nodded his head. He stood up and hugged Kara tightly.
"If there's one thing I can thank Robert for that would be getting us together."
Kara giggled at his remark. The two of them began to share a passionate kiss. They stood there with their lips locked for several minutes, neither of them pulling away. Their kiss was broken when they were called to the bridge.
"You stay here, Jim. You need some rest. I'm sure it's nothing too big."
"Alright. When you get up there, go ahead and take the Conn."
"Okay, Jim. I love you."
"I love you too, Kara." Jim gave Kara one last kiss as she left for the bridge, leaving Jim to fall asleep in his quarters.
The next morning, Jim woke up very early and made his way to the bridge. Data was already there and at his post.
"Data, what's our current condition?" asked Jim.
"Admiral, the ship is running low on supplies. I have directed the ship to the planet of Kashyyyk. We should be able to resupply there."
"Right. Wake the rest of the crew up."
"Aye, sir."
Data sounded the wake-up call and the crew was up and going. When Fox got up, he immediately went to the hangar to check on his Arwing. It had taken a few dents during the Separatist raid on Corneria. Slippy had already beaten him there and was working on repairs. Fox decided to go ask Jim what the next plan was. While he was on his way, he ran into Krystal, who had again beaten him. She already knew the plans for the day.
"Apparently, we're going to Kashyyyk to resupply. This should be good. A chance to finally get at least a little rest."
Fox laughed and was about to lean in to give Krystal a small peck on the lips but was stopped when he heard Jim call him to the bridge, and he sounded pretty serious. Fox got to the bridge and everyone was in distress.
"Jim, what's going on?" Fox asked.
"A little change in plans. The CIS has landed on Kashyyyk. We're going down to support the wookies."
"Oh, Hell."
"I've already informed the rest of the fleet. Briefing should be in a few minutes."
"Got it. I'll go tell the others."
Fox found Falco, Slippy, and Krystal in the hangar and he explained the situation. Falco and Slippy groaned about the fact that they had to fight and Krystal scolded them for being so selfish, telling them that they should think about how scared a lot of the wookies on the surface were.
"They must feel so helpless. Wouldn't you feel the same way if your planet was attacked?"
Slippy took Krystal's words into consideration but Falco still groaned. Data's voice was heard on the intercom as he called everyone to the assembly room for briefing. This time, instead of Data, it was Ayel giving the mission overview.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated." Ayel began. "Now, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that this mission should be more straightforward than Kamino. It is a simple beach defense. The bad news is that the Separatists seem to really want this planet. Ensign, lights." The lights then went dark and Ayel pulled up a hologram of the planet. "The Separatists have set up a blockade around the planet and have landed 1.5 million droids on the surface. The wookies are strong but the number of droids is just too much. Our first task is to eliminate the blockade. The Separatist fleet numbers at least three hundred starships, including their newest flagship, Invisible Hand. In order to achieve full victory, we are going to send in the entire all of our starships. They will be split into three separate task forces. Task Force A will be led by the USS Gettysburg, Task Force B will be led by the USS Enterprise, and Task Force C will be led by the USS Yorktown. After we clear out the enemy ships, we'll be able to land our troops. We are tasked with defending the beaches of the Kashyyykian city of Kachirho. We are not very sure how long this conflict will last, but we are to remain there until the separatists are completely wiped out. That is all. As you were."
The meeting was dismissed and everyone prepared for the upcoming battle. Many of the pilots were prepping their ships and the troops were making sure that their weapons were in good condition. This time, it sounded like they were really going to be in for a fight. That night, everyone was talking about the battle to come. Everyone was on their toes. But many people reasoned that it was probably best to forget about it and try to calm down. This included Fox, Krystal, Jim and Kara. That night in the lounge, they were just sitting and talking. They were reflecting on the past, Fox and Jim's time at the academy, Fox's first time with the Star Fox Team, Jim's first time in Starfleet. Krystal and Kara talked about their experiences with the two vulpines as well. Kara talked quite a bit about first meeting Jim and Krystal spent a while talking about her recent experiences with Fox and the crew.
It was getting late and they reasoned that they were going to need their rest. As usual, Fox and Jim walked Krystal and Kara to their chambers and kissed them goodnight before retiring themselves.
The next morning, Fox walked Krystal to the hangar to get ready for the opening moves of the battle. When they got there, the hangar was packed. Every pilot was gearing up, bombers were being loaded, and fighters were being prepped. This was going to be the biggest space battle the Star Fox team would ever be in so far (Their biggest would be over Naboo at the end of the war). Jim had already ordered that their Arwings be prepared. Fox was shocked to find that Jim was in the hangar.
"Jim, what are you doing here?" he asked.
"Getting ready for a fight."
"You're going in with the rest of us?" Krystal asked in astonishment.
"I started out as a pilot and it's what I love to do." Jim replied.
Fox smiled and shook his hand. "Good luck then."
"I don't need any luck. I was born lucky."
"Attention. This is the lieutenant speaking. The fleet has reached Kashyyyk. All pilots prepare to engage the enemy." Ayel said over the intercom.
"Alright. Let's get ready." Fox said. Falco and Slippy had already beaten them to the Arwings and were ready to go. Fox helped Krystal into her Arwing and they took a minute to look into each other's eyes.
"Be careful out there, Fox. I don't want to lose you." Krystal said.
"Don't worry, Krys. I'll be fine." replied Fox as he gave her a quick peck on the lips.
"I hate to break up this moment but we have a job to do." Falco butted in.
Fox smiled and shook his head as he left for his own Arwing. He climbed into the cockpit and closed the canopy. The minute the canopy sealed itself, all the instruments were activated. As soon as every pilot was ready, the hangar doors opened and the ships exited the hangar. Outside, all ships were ordered to assume their attack formations. As the assembled, they got their first glimpse at the Separatist fleet. It was enormous. Even though Starfleet completely dwarfed it, they were all pretty impressed by the size of the enemy fleet.
"Alright, Star Fox, we're going to form up with Rogue Squadron to take out the Invisible Hand's communications relay. Once the flagship is cut off from the rest of the fleet, it'll be a sitting duck." Fox said.
"Alright, Fox. Uh…is the Invisible Hand the ship crawling with Vulture fighters?" Falco said.
"Unfortunately, yes? That's why we're forming up with Rogue Squadron. Rouge Leader?"
"Yes, sir?" replied the leader.
"Is your squadron complete?"
"Yes, sir. We're ready and waiting."
"Alright. Form your squadron behind us. Get ready for battle."
"We'll follow you in. All wings report in."
"Rogue 10, standing by."
"Rogue 7, standing by."
"Rogue 3, standing by."
"Rogue 6, standing by."
"Rogue 9, standing by."
"Rogue 2, standing by."
"Rogue 11, standing by."
"Rogue 5, standing by."
"Lock s-foils in attack position." All of the ARC-170s then opened their s-foils and prepared for the assault.
"Star Fox, arm all weapons and prepare for the attack." Fox said.
Back on the Enterprise, Kara was in command of Task Force B. Jim decided to give Kara command of the Enterprise for this battle. Usually, he would give the Conn to either Ayel or Data as Ayel was a Romulan and war was in his very nature and Data was an android, which made him an excellent leader. But this time, Jim had reasoned that Kara had learned enough about his own tactics and decided to leave the ship in her command.
"What are your orders, captain?" Data asked.
"All ahead one half." Kara replied. The ship began to advance toward the enemy fleet, along with the rest of the task force.
Jim was with his squadron who was also advancing toward the fleet. About halfway there, Jim spotted several little dots in the distance. As the quickly neared, he saw that they were enemy fighters.
"All craft pull up!" he shouted the squadron followed Jim and just barely avoided being shot down. The droids were coming at them with guns blazing. The same thing happened to Fox's squadron and the dogfight began. The crew witnessed this on the Enterprise.
"Do we fire, captain?" Ayel asked.
"No. Not yet. We might hit our own fighters. Arm phasers anyway. We need to keep the enemy fighters off of us. All ships raise shields."
"Aye, captain."
All ships in the task force raised their shields and armed their phasers. In "no-man's-land," the fighting raged on. Star Fox was fighting valiantly with Rogue Squadron. Fox had already downed seven droids, Krystal six, Falco ten, and Slippy five. Not a single fighter from Rogue Squadron had been shot down yet. But soon the fighters began to swarm the task force.
"Gold Squadron, form up. We need to protect the Enterprise." Jim said over the intercom.
The squadron formed up and made a beeline for the Enterprise. Kara had ordered all guns to fire on the enemy ships. By the time Jim's squadron had reached the Enterprise, all enemy ships had been shot down. Jim smiled as he looked out his cockpit at the command bridge. That's my girl, he thought.
He then ordered the rest of the squadron back to the fight. After a few more minutes of fighting, the droids retreated to the fleet.
"Alright squadron, let's go get 'em." Jim ordered.
"Good job Star Fox. Time to hit 'em hard." Fox said to his squadron.
The fighters began to advance toward the fleet and Kara gave the order for the task force to advance as well and engage the Separatists. The fighters entered the fray first and began to pummel the enemy forces. Fox and his squadron began to make their assault on the Invisible Hand.
"Fox, their shields are still up." Krystal said.
"Don't worry. I've already taken that into consideration. Rogue Group, take out the shield generator. It should be on the ship's undercarriage near the bow."
"Yes, sir. All wings move to engage the ship." With that, Rogue squadron broke off and began to fire on the shield generator. Star Fox concentrated on keeping the fighters off their backs. After several shots, the shields were down and the squadron began to attack the communications relay. It was a large dish on the top of the ship. However, it was well protected by a grid of auto turrets and the enemy fighters didn't make the job any easier either.
"Fox, I've got one on my tail! I can't get rid of him!" Krystal shouted.
"I'm on my way! Hold on!" Fox replied.
Krystal kept trying to outmaneuver the fighters and while she was flying, all the enemy ships were suddenly destroyed.
"Thanks, Fox."
"That wasn't me."
Fox and Krystal looked to the left and saw what shot down the droids. It was the USS Voyager, an Intrepid-class starship. Task Force B had engaged the enemy fleet. As the rest of the fleet advanced, the Voyager descended on the Invisible Hand and fired a photon torpedo which struck the communications relay. The enemy flagship was now cut off from the rest of the fleet. Star Fox and Rogue Squadron then began to assault the rest of the ship. They received help from the USS Farragut and the USS Odyssey. The ships opened fire on the Invisible Hand with every gun they had. Fox and Krystal then followed each other in and launched two nova bombs at the ship's center mass, striking the main reactor and the Invisible Hand exploded right down the middle. Starfleet quickly dealt with the rest of the fleet. Soon all ships were destroyed and the landings could proceed. All fighters then returned to their designated starships.
When Fox entered the hangar, everyone was cheering over the victory they had won over the CIS. Falco and Slippy were pretty happy about the victory too. As soon as Fox got out of the cockpit, Krystal ran up and threw his arms around him. Fox swept her off her feet and spun her around a few times. This was a huge victory for the Federation and now they were halfway done. Little did they know, though, the second half would be the hardest.
Jim returned to the bridge and Kara did the same as Krystal, running up to Jim and throwing her arms around him. Jim then gave Kara a passionate kiss. Many of the younger crewmen snickered at the sight but Jim just blew them off and reassumed command of the Enterprise. Fox was back in his quarters with Krystal. Both of them were winding down from the battle.
"Well, we're halfway done." Krystal said.
"Yep. That was one hell of a fight." Fox replied.
"Yes it was. You were an excellent leader Fox."
"Well, Starfleet did most of the work."
"Don't be so modest, Foxie. You're a great leader." Krystal leaned up and kissed Fox passionately. Their lips remain locked for a few minutes until they received the order for all troops to prepare to land on the surface of Kashyyyk.
"We'd better get going, Krys. Let's hope that this won't be as bad as Kashyyyk." Fox said.
"From what the fleet looked like, it just might be more difficult." Krystal said.
"Well, it's a beach defense. How simple could you get?"
"Just because it's simple, doesn't mean it'll be easy."
A look of concern came over Fox's face. He could tell that Krystal knew what they were in for.
"How many Separatists are down there? Can you tell?"
"I'm sensing a very large enemy presence. I fear that there may be more than previously estimated."
"The Separatists were estimated at 1.5 million. You're saying that there could be more?"
Krystal gave Fox a slow head nod. "Honestly Fox, I'm really scared."
Fox held Krystal tightly as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "It's going to be fine, Krystal. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. You'll be fine."
"I'm not just scared for my own life. I'm scared for you. I can't bear to lose you."
"Nothing's gonna happen to me either." Fox continued to hold Krystal in his arms until they final call was heard over the intercom for the landing. "We'd better get going Krystal." Fox gave the vixen a quick peck on the lips. "Don't worry Krys." The vixen smiled at the vulpine as they walked out the door and headed to the landing craft.
In the hangar, the first shuttles were already taking off and heading for the surface of the planet. They boarded their shuttle and prepared to head out. The shuttle then separated from the hooks with a jolt and took off for the planet. As they entered the planet's atmosphere, they got their first glimpse at the city of Kachirho. It was a pretty impressive looking settlement and there were already several thousand troops on the beach, accompanied by thousands of wookies, ready to defend their homeworld. The shuttle landed and Fox and Krystal stepped onto the surface of Kashyyyk for the first time. Jim was already on the surface, still in his Starfleet uniform.
"Ah, you made it. Welcome to Kashyyyk." Jim said.
"This is pretty impressive." Fox replied. "So, have the Separatist tried anything funny yet?"
"Not yet. We'll be sending out probe droids to check on them soon. I'll be monitoring that operation in a bit. I'm just down here to make sure everything goes as planned." Suddenly, his communicator beeped.
"Kavannagh here."
"Admiral, this is Lieutenant Ayel. We're about to launch the probe droids, sir."
"Alright, I'll be right up." He then turned back to Fox and Krystal. "Well, this is it. Good luck. Enterprise, this is Admiral Kavannagh. Ready to beam up." The transporter was energized and Jim was beamed back aboard the vessel. He then proceeded to make his way to the bridge to survey the probe droid operation.
"Kara, how's Tom doing?"
"He's just about to launch, Jim."
Thomas Buchanan was a crew member who was notorious for wrecking probe droids but was, ironically, the only one who knew how to properly operate them. However, because of his recklessness, Jim had been teaching Kara how to operate them.
"Alright, launch the droid." There was a sound of a rocket burst and a small capsule was launched toward the planet. On the beaches of Kachirho, the troops watched the probe droid enter the atmosphere. It then collided with the planet with a loud boom.
Back on the Enterprise, droid's camera view was brought up on the bridge's screen as Tom Buchanan began to search for the enemy base.
"Let's just hope Tom doesn't mess it up this time." Kara said.
"He's actually doing pretty well." Jim replied as the droid maneuvered through the archipelago. However, it would appear that Jim had spoken too soon as the droid smashed into the side of one of the islands at a great speed. Jim then let his face fall into his open palm.
"Kara." Jim said in a calm voice.
"Yes, Jim."
"Could you please go down to the engineering bay and relieve Mr. Buchanan of his position?"
"Yes, Jim."
"Thank you, sweetheart." As Kara left for the engineering bay, Jim got on the intercom. "Thomas Buchanan?"
Tom went over to the intercom and replied. "Yes, sir?"
"Well, congratulations Tom. Five in one week. A new record. Guess who's paying for them this time."
"…Me, sir?"
"Damn straight. I am not going to pay for another droid. Now First Officer Kara Williams should be arriving soon. Are you there Kara?"
"Yes, Jim. I'm here."
"Good. Now Kara, relieve Mr. Buchanan. Tom, get your ass out of that seat and do something a little more productive than wrecking our probe droids! We are trying to win this goddamn war!"
"Yes, sir."
A second probe droid was launched and Kara began to pilot it toward the Separatist base. As she neared, she activated the cloaking device. They were able to get their first glimpse at the Separatist army. When Jim, Kara, and Ayel saw this, their jaws hit the floor. It was enormous. Only a fraction of this army could give the Federation a challenge and this was the army that would be hitting the beaches of Kachirho.
Down on the planet's surface, Fox and Krystal managed to find Falco and Slippy in one of the bunkers near the seawall. While they were talking, Jim got on the com link and informed them of the size of the enemy army.
"You sure you aren't exaggerating?" Falco said in a skeptical tone. A holographic image of the Separatist then emitted from Fox's wrist communicator. "Okay then. That's big."
"Exactly." Jim replied. "We might be on this planet a while. Hopefully we can leave successful. I'll be down there soon." Jim was then interrupted. "Wait one minute." There was a pause on the other end before he got back on. "Guys, the droids are starting up their main power generators. It looks like I won't be down there for the first wave. We'll have probe droids down there to send video feedback to the rest of Starfleet. Good luck." And with that, James Kavannagh went silent.
"Okay guys, let's get ready. Falco and Slippy, make sure those droids don't breach the seawall." Fox said.
"You got it, Fox." Slippy answered. Fox and Krystal made there way to their positions on the beach while Falco and Slippy geared up for the oncoming battle. As Fox and Krystal arrived, the first wave of droids appeared out of the archipelago.
"This is it. Ready Krystal?" Fox said. Krystal said nothing but just nodded her head. Fox could tell that she was scared. He put his arm around her and rubbed her shoulder. "It'll be fine. We'll make it." The wookies on the beach then got out of their foxholes and began to shake their weapons above their heads as the shouted their war cries. The shore guns began to fire on the Separatist forces. The rest of the troops began to take their positions as the Separatist fired back. Shells began to land everywhere on the beach. With every explosion, Krystal grimaced. Fox took her hand and offered her a reassuring smile. "I love you."
"I love you too, Fox." As Krystal said that, the Separatists hit the beach and the troops opened fire.
The battle's opening moves were very violent, with neither side showing any signs of surrender. The droids managed to claim a beachhead, forcing the Federation back to the seawall. As they were running, Fox was shot in the leg by a Super Battle Droid. His face cringed as he fell to the ground. he pulled out his blaster pistol and destroyed the droid that shot him and began to limp back to the seawall. Krystal kept running, but soon realized that she was alone. She looked back to see Fox limping back to the wall, and the Separatists were catching up to him.
"FOX!" she screamed as she ran back to help him. She ran over to his side and emptied a magazine on the droids. She helped him back to the seawall, but got there just as the gates closed.
"Open the door!" Fox shouted.
"There's someone still out there!" the commanding officer said. "Open the gates! Quickly!" As the gates opened, the bunkers let out a wall of bullets on the droids.
"We need a medic!" Krystal shouted.
"Krystal, it's okay. It's not that bad." Fox protested. Krystal didn't listen to him and called for a medic again. The medic arrived and began to patch up Fox's leg. As this was happening, the wookies leaped over the wall and began to fight back. Falco and Slippy watched with amazement from their bunker as the wookies began to literally tear the droids apart. The first wave of Separatists was defeated, but there was still more to come.
Jim beamed down to the surface for the second wave, along with several thousand reinforcements. Starfleet began to send down more troops and ammunition, V-190 bombers, ARC-170 fighters, tanks, artillery, etc. For days it was the same thing over and over: the Separatists would attack, the Federation would defend, the Federation would counterattack and the Separatists would defend. Days began to blur into weeks. It seemed like the Separatists would never give up. Finally, Jim and Fox had had enough. and began to devise a plan that might just mean the end of the battle for Kashyyyk.