A/N: Yeah, it's been a while. I'll explain more at the bottom. Character guide is gone for now, pending edits and revisions. Enjoy and please review...
Riot's Dream
He walked, ever so slowly, towards the balcony; blaster fire hailing down all around him. Lightsabers humming and clashing in the distance. Men screaming in pain. This was war after all but at that moment none of it mattered. His entire being centered on just one goal, one singular purpose. Never in his life had he ever seen anything so beautiful or sad as this.
He had shed so many tears, crying for everything he'd lost. His brothers, his best friends, but more importantly, his future life. What could have been; everything he'd hoped and worked for. A future with the woman he loved. Now, that future was lost, becoming as dark and dangerous as the man who had instrumented it.
He stopped, he had reached the balcony, over which he could see pure and utter chaos throughout the massive building chamber. He didn't notice any of it; he only focused on the one person that had made his life worth living. He knelt beside the body; it pained him to see her strong and elegant features so still and lifeless. He blamed himself; he hadn't been quick enough, he had failed her. It was his fault.
He gathered her into his arms, hot tears gliding off his face and onto her cold still one. He had cherished that face once, he had discovered so much with it, and with her. He remembered how they used to laugh, to feel each others bodies, how wonderful that past life had been, but now, nothing would ever be the same. He looked at the cut, the cut only one type of weapon could leave. Anger, rage and pure hatred filled him for the man who'd done this. He swore from that moment he would avenge her death.
So absorbed he was in holding her one last time, he hadn't noticed him, a brother, in slow motion rushing to his side. The brother yelled something, but he didn't hear it. A cold conviction swept over him like a wave on Kamino; he had a final mission to complete and it would be completed, he'd see to it.
Leaving her body with the brother, a medic if only he remembered, he looked down upon his enemy far below. The dark figure so ominous and filled with hate and rage it was palpable. A creature that fed off his own hate, and need for revenge.
But for him it wouldn't have mattered had he known; only one goal remained.
Blue, green, purple and red, these colors danced and swirled around one another, they danced around his sole objective. After a long decent, he reached for his blaster; he would have to be close to do it. Walking forward with purpose the image of his dead lover burned into his memory.
Ignoring the hundreds of armored bodies lying still around the dueling men, he continued forward. Suddenly two blaster bolts hit into his side and he screamed out in pain, but he didn't stop. No the pain only fueled the agony and rage he already felt. Looking to their source, he watched as the two red guards fell; killed by two gravely injured brothers lying amongst the hundreds of dead only a few meters away. Even in death brotherhood lasted.
Looking back to his goal, he was surprised to find himself closer to his target than he'd thought; the cloaked figure saw him and he froze. It was holding its own against the three Jedi; it had killed so many already. It laughed, it was a horrid, numbing laugh, so maniacal, it froze his hands in place. That's when the hideous monster, the one that had caused so much pain and suffering, the one that had killed his lover, shot blue lighting from its fingers.
He tried screaming, pain the only feeling left in his body, but he couldn't, instead he was thrown back against a wall. The hit cracked his armor like an egg. As the world started to grow dark, he could hear someone yelling his name, if only he could respond, but no matter how hard he tried, the darkness wouldn't let him. His last thoughts found him in his lover's arms, her smile and laugh subduing his fear of death. So sweet a sleep and feeling as that which he found himself in, he died with her smile across his face.
Darkness and pure emptiness; a coldness he couldn't explain, far more than he'd ever experienced before, but something or someone was calling to him, Riot! Riot!... it continued over and over. He couldn't understand, he couldn't comprehend what it was, before suddenly bright light was all he knew….
"How many times do I have to say your name before you wake up?"
Riot slowly opened his eyes, he was confused, "Where am I?" he asked still adjusting to the sudden light. He shivered a little, the dream fresh in his memory.
Jumps chuckled and gave his brother a hard punch to the shoulder, "Where do you think, you di'kut! You were having a nightmare, besides the seppies have broken through. Go get Tens and Right'eye."
Riot got up, looking around he realized where he'd fallen asleep at after his discussion with Jumps. The top of a Jersey barrier wasn't the most comfortable sleeping place in the galaxy, far from it.
Looking over at the rest of Delta and Julia, he cursed under his breath, Aww kriff! Riot, you're not supposed to have nightmares….
Location: The Negotiators Ventricle Hangar Bay, 3:06 pm EST May 25th
"Remember, our job is simple. We secure the Consular Cruiser while Captain Rex leads the 501st into their capital to protect its citizens. The United States military is large but inexperienced in fighting droids, they will need our assistance. Cody," Obi-wan stepped aside to allow his commander to take control of his troops.
"Okay boys, the friendlies here use projectile ammo, not bolts, their fire is near impossible to see. So when fighting alongside them, use caution and make sure they know where you are. I don't want to lose any of you to friendly fire. The droids are progressing rapidly towards the cruiser and may reach that location before were able to assist. If that's the case we'll be going in hot. I hope to see every one of you back here, I expect no less. Now let's go scrap some clankers!"
With woops and yells, the 212th loaded into their respective Larty's.
"Well, you gave them your trust, Cody; I expect they'll return it all the same. Let's get into position."
With that the General and Commander stepped into an awaiting Larty, it wouldn't be long now, they were nearing the planet.
Location: Coruscant, Jedi Temple, 41 days ABG
Yoda sat meditating, the force flowing fluidly around him. Like every other time he'd meditated in the past century, the force was clouded. It was like an incredibly thick fog; thicker and more dense than any found on Teth. It was evil; the dark side had its hold on the galaxy, which was obvious. But Yoda still sought out the good; he could sense almost everything in the galaxy if he focused enough. And then, for the first time he glimpsed something he hadn't sensed for a long time, it was just a glimmer, quick and fleeting, ridding on a disturbance in the force, but it was clear, it was hope.
Yoda tried to find the source but before he could, it faded and like everything else became a distant and distorted object, a shadow in a sea of mist. War had that effect on things, it fed the dark side.
Getting up, Yoda hobbled out of the meditating room. Outside, he came upon Mace Windu hurrying to the Jedi Council Chambers.
"Grand Master, I was expecting to see you with the council," Mace noticing Yoda's contemplative concern, continued, "Is there something wrong?"
"No, nothing wrong there is. Come with me, to the council chambers we will go."
Walking at a considerably slower pace along side the grand master, Mace Windu thought about the Chancellors earlier promise and now his abrupt denial of ever having stated such a promise. It was concerning, but not unprecedented for a politician.
"Something on you mind is there, Master Windu? Hmmm…"
"Yes Master, it's the Chancellor; he's gone back on his promise to send help for Masters Kenobi and Skywalker. He says we cannot afford to divert the resources at this moment. I don't think that's the whole truth on the matter, what do you think?"
"Not agree with the chancellor on this, I do. Masters Kenobi and Skywalker, in danger they are, sense it in the force I can. Send out help we must if the Chancellor will not."
Mace looked at his master with an upturned eyebrow, "But who should we send? We have no Jedi Masters available; all are busy leading the war effort. You don't suggest sending a Padawan, do you?"
"I do, more than ready she is. Send her at once to meet her new master you will."
Mace surprise slowly faded, "I'm not sure she's ready, she's still too young."
"Hmmm…. Determine whether she's ready or not only she can. Come, let us meet with the council, discuss this in more detail we will."
Location: Marine Base Quantico, Orange Defense Fuller Road Blockade, 41 days ABG, Earth year 2035, May, 25th, 3:06 pm:
"You boys are lucky to be alive, made quite an entrance," stated a Marine Captain who'd just ran up to Roy and Speed as they exited their Humvee, "What command post you from, Marines?"
Both Roy and Speed saluted their commanding officer, "Private Roy and Private C-16, reporting for duty, sir! We are from Quantico Creek Command, sir, under direct orders from Colonel Gregson to find Captain Damon and to find out what happened to the CCC, sir!"
The Captain, giving both Marines an appraising look through his helmet, chuckled a little.
"So you're a clone, huh? Surprised the Colonel trusted you to complete a mission of such... importance. I know I'd never trust cannon fodder, even if it was the last unit in my squad…"
At this comment, Roy moved a little closer to his companion before stating with a stern voice, "With all due respect, sir, I don't like your tone."
The Captain cocked his head to the side, regarding the other Marine, "And what exactly are you implying, Private?"
Roy heard Speed whisper something like 'don't do it' but Roy didn't care, he would say what this Captain needed to hear.
"What am I implying, sir? Well, I really don't know sir. Why don't you ask my friend; you know, the perfect human soldier bred to be far better than you or me; he's also a hell of a lot more intelligent than you I might add. So maybe what I'm implying, sir, is that you should show some respect to those you command, cause if you do, you might just get some back…"
That was all the Captain could take before loosing it and bringing his helmet within inches of Roy's face.
"Do you want to die, boy? Well, do you? You and you're little lab experiment friend wouldn't be sorely missed. In case you haven't noticed, we are at war!" then pointing to Speed he continued yelling, "I've seen his kind, they were at the air-field, they brought these droids here! You want to know what happened to the Triple-C son? Well do you?"
Roy didn't avert his eyes from the unambiguously dark helmet just inches from his face. He wasn't sure but he could swear the Captain was spitting on the inside of his visor. With silence from the two Marines the Captain continued.
"I was in charge of the Triple-C, I'm Captain Damon! Those droids snuck up on us, they killed almost every one of my men. I barely escaped with my life. It's because of clones that my men are dead. So no, I do not trust C-16 or any of his kind, you would be wise to do the same, Private!"
Roy would have started pummeling the Captain to a pulp after the 'lab experiment' bit but Speed had quickly grabbed his hand to dissuade him from that course of action. After quickly glancing at Speed, who gave him a look of assurance, Roy replied carefully.
"I am truly sorry, Captain Damon, for what occurred to your men. However, have you ever thought; a hard thing for you I'm sure, that it was your orders, your actions, and your decisions that caused your men to die? Oh and let me remind you, sir, that we are here under the direct and explicit orders of Colonel Gregson. Until we complete the mission he gave us, neither I nor my friend, recognize your authority over our previous orders."
Speed gave his friend a look of utter shock, 'Is he insane, does he wish death upon us both? Though I'll admit, I chose a good friend; he hasn't let me down yet.'
The Captain, needless to say, did not appreciate Roy's sincerity. He threw open his visor so both Marines could see his livid red face, "How dare you, private! You and your pet will be court marshaled for…."
"Ah-ten-shun!"
All three Marines, without thinking, swiveled around and stood at attention as a Marine Major, identified by the golden Majors insignia on his Pauldron, walked swiftly up to their positions.
"That is quite enough, Captain!" he declared with an impressive amount of authority.
Turning to the two Marines he softened his tone, "I'm Major Ireton. Sorry you had to listen to that; I should have come over myself."
Turning once again to Damon who was an even darker shade of red at being caught, the Major continued.
"If you want to know Captain why I heard you, try muting your general comm channel next time, the entire unit heard you... I'd watch you back Captain, we have some C-units in Orange command," after giving the Captain an incredibly long stare through his matte black helmet, the Major continued in an unimpressed tone, "You know, Private Roy has a point, maybe you should listen to him, dismissed."
Captain Damon saluted before sulking away towards the makeshift command center for Orange command. He was livid.
As soon as the Captain was out of ear shot Ireton continued, "You have a name, kid, besides C-16?"
"Yes, sir! It's Speed, sir," the clone stated.
The Major chuckled slightly; he could hear the pride in the young clone's voice, the pride of having a name.
"That is a very interesting name son, no doubt there is a story behind that, if we had time, I'd like to hear it. But we don't…."
The Major was cut off as one of the Railguns let loose a volley, quickly followed by the explosions of the projectile hitting its target. At the same time the sound of more blaster and assault rifle fire filed the air as more droids arrived.
Looking back to the two Marines, he continued, "Anyways, it's a good name. As you can see, we're in a bit of a situation. I hope you live up to your name, Speed, because we've lost all communication with the Commander. I'm afraid the remaining Marines along Red Defense haven't received the order to retreat. I need you two to get to Atkinson, right away; we need our communications back up. Can you do this?"
"Yes, sir!" they echoed back in unison.
Both Roy and Speed however, still had more to say and promptly briefed the Major on everything they had seen, and on who they suspected for breaking through, the Commando droids.
"Thank you, all of that is good to know. I'm afraid we don't have the forces here to hold off that many droids, we all need to regroup at Yellow Defense, but the only way we can do that is to get communications back up. So go now, tell the Commander everything you just told me, tell him what needs to be done, we'll hold them here as long as we can. Go!"
With that the two Marines got back into their Humvee and sped off down Fuller Road towards their Commander at Green Defense.
Location: Washington D.C. Air Space, May, 25th, 3:06 pm:
It seems Mother Nature has a cruel sense of humor. At least, anyone around D.C would think so. Above the skies of the nation's capital, storm clouds were brewing. The sun was fueling some very strong thunderstorms for the once beautiful day. A particularly nasty cell was starting to track over the city. A city whose skies and streets echoed the sounds of full-out war.
Echo Squadron found themselves fighting not only for their country but for their very lives above Washington. Hundreds of more droid fighters had joined the air battle while only a few handfuls of Jet fighters had arrived to aid their dwindling forces. It was clear the battle had turned in the favor of the Separatists; it would take a miracle to change that fact.
"Rookie! What did I say about watchin' your six? Look out!" Squad leader watched as three Vulture droids zeroed in on the young pilot. It didn't look good.
"Sorry sir…" Not good, "I can't shake them, I need help, sir!" The pilot tried several maneuvers and counter measure including flares but none proved effective.
"Don't worry Echo 2, I've got your back," stated Echo 8, another one of the fourteen pilots in Echo Squadron.
Swerving severely to fall in behind the fighters that were targeting the Rookie, Echo 8 let loose the last of his air-to-air missiles. In a flash, all three missiles hit their targets, downing the Vultures in three quick colorful explosions.
"Thanks Echo 8, I owe you one," the Rookie stated with relief while the other pilot leveled out next to his own jet, wing tip to wing tip.
"You got the tab when we get back to base, I'll say that makes us even," the other pilot chuckled, before both pilots veered in opposite directions to avoid and oncoming tri-fighter.
"Whoa, that was close, better pay attention, hay kid, 4 o'clock, that ones yours, wait what is it targeting…."
The Vulture Droid in question was approaching the northern part D.C. low to the ground from the east. It became apparent quite quickly to both pilots what it was targeting. A high-speed train, filled with over 2,000 evacuees and one of the last allowed to leave the city, was exiting a metro tunnel at breakneck speeds to the north.
"I don't think so!" the Rookie quickly throttled forward chasing after the droid fighter. Echo 8 followed behind, someone had to watch the kids back; if he didn't succeed there would be a lot of blood on both of their hands.
The droid, realizing it had been spotted, accelerated forward, it was only a few klicks from what its mission programming deemed as a high priority target. High casualties were what the Admiral wanted, so that was what the Admiral would get.
As soon as the Rookie's targeting system locked onto the fighter, he pressed the trigger. It was his last air-to-air missile, and he'd make it count.
But, instead of the screeching hiss he would normally hear as the missile speeds away from the aircraft, all he heard was the clinking and grinding of the missile release clasps malfunctioning. It was at moments like this that the Rookie was glad his comm had a mute button. He had less than elegant things to say about his aircraft or his luck in general. As if to add insult to injury, just then the storm decided to let loose its rain and lighting.
"Echo 2, what are you waiting for, take the shot!"
Another bolt of lightning streaked between the pilots before a response came.
"Umm, sorry Echo 8, the release is jammed up, don't think I'll be taking it down, you have any missiles left?"
"Afraid not, used the last saving you and Squad leader is busy on the other side of the city… There's only one thing left to do…"
"What do you mean, Echo 8? Echo Eight what are y…"
Echo 8 accelerated past Echo 2 silencing the young pilot. Approaching Mach, he sped through the rain towards the droid. It was do or die and with his finger on the trigger he fired his front Rotary Canon destroying the droid just before it reached the tracks. The train and its passengers, oblivious to the near miss, continued their northward advance, accelerating faster and faster to safety.
"What did you think? That I was going Kamikaze?"
The Rookie, releasing a sigh of relief replied, "Uhh, no, that's not what I was thinking at all… It's just, uhh, good shot."
"I'm not stupid kid, just had to use the old canon. Missiles only go so far, now let's…."
Suddenly, a Vulture droid going well over Mach 3 shot out of a nearby cloud bank and slammed into Echo 8's jet, destroying both in a large fireball.
The Rookie watched with horror as the burning remains of droid and jet fell in slow motion to the ground. He wanted to scream, he really did, but before he could utter a sound Squad Leader called in.
"Rookie, Echo Eight's feed is dead, what's wrong?"
"Sir, he's... he's… dead…" even through the jets filtered comm's there was no hiding the sadness in the young inexperienced pilot's voice.
Squad Leader sighed, this was the third member they'd lost so far, and unfortunately there was no end in sight, there were just too many droid fighters left.
"Its okay kid, he did his duty now let's finish ours… Whoa! I'm picking up about four-dozen bogeys on my long-range radar… Rookie they're coming from the north right to you, you have visual?"
The young pilot veered his jet to the north; according to his own radar, the bogeys were right in front of him, but due to clouds and rain he couldn't see a thing.
Suddenly a warning flashed up on his jets HUD, someone was hacking into their comms. Before he could figure out what was happening, forty-nine bogeys each grouped into four Squadrons shot out of the clouds in front of him. The Rookie was speechless as a heavily accented voice filled his comm.
"It is a fine afternoon for a fight; you could use the help, no? What do you say, ehh comrades?"
Location: ISA Secure Underground Bunker, 3:06 pm:
"I won't lie, General, I am very disappointed," Adrian said with a frown while glaring across the table at the UN General.
They were in one of the deepest and safest underground bunkers in the massive ISA underground complex. The largest facility of its kind in the world. It stretched from Atlanta in the south to Augustus in the north connecting every major city in between. A literal maze of road/rail tunnels, bunkers, government agency headquarters, data centers, military command centers, UN facilities and much, much more. It took just over twenty years to build in secret. A massive undertaking, costing billions, which was still in progress in some sections. The ultimate purpose though, the reason the facility and tunnels were built was for one purpose and one only; to keep the world running in case of nuclear war or massive natural disaster.
The General, watching updates of the invasion on large screens, was too busy to return the glare the Chairman was giving him. While he was in charge of all UN forces, including those in the ISA facility, almost all were overseas and not involved with defending the city above. So the General was forced to sit and watch the US take care of the Invasion.
Adrian sighed before continuing, "General, I respect your beliefs on this issue, but you need to be open-minded, we need to all be working together, and your stubbornness is getting in the way."
The General laughed off that remark before replying, "My stubbornness? Really Chairman, you flatter me. No, you're the ones making the mistake here, you're putting too much trust in them and I'll be the one to say I told you so when they turn on us. My only regret my dear Chairman was supporting you when you ran in front of the general assembly."
That was the last straw for Adrian, the General noticing the flash of anger in the Chairman's eyes continued, "Aww, looks like someone's angry. You're too young, you're inexperienced, and you're a…."
"Enough!" Adrian yelled before pointing to the screens showing the carnage of the invasion, "Do you see what is happening General! Well do you? Our world is getting invaded by droids, the very things we grew up thinking were just fiction! But today we learned they aren't, they pose a very real threat, unless your blind General, people are dying, Lisa's soldiers are dying, we've lost contact with half of our defenses at Quantico and the majority of our Air Forces, both UN and US are shot down! I do not need your conceited views on who to trust to tell me what to do! If this Republic will help us, I will not stop them. We need the help, now more than ever! Besides, you got what you wanted at the meeting anyways."
The General smiled, it was about time the Chairman defended his views.
"Very well Chairman, I will not impede you any further. Just one question though, where is the President?"
Location: Marine Base Quantico, Orange Defense Fuller Road Blockade, 41 days ABG, Earth year 2035, May, 25th, 3:08 pm:
The Major of Orange Defense grasped his chair again as the Railguns fired more projectiles, vibrating the ground around him. His HUD was a canvas of data; live video feed, fatality statistics and ammunition supplies all showed in it. On the table in front of him a data pad was streaming live enemy movements from one of the Marine drones, the RQ-10 Storm. It was strange, he had to admit, the video feed wasn't being blocked by the enemy but their radio was? He couldn't figure it out.
Ireton sighed; it wasn't looking good. They would be overrun any minute, the majority of the droid forces were practically on top of them. Suddenly, the Major caught movement in his peripheral vision.
Looking up, Ireton smiled; Captain Damon had just entered the command tent.
"Captain, I'm sure you're aware as to why you're here?"
The Captain, helmet still on, tilted his head at his commanding officer.
"Yes, sir, I do."
"Well then, I'll cut to the chase. You've been temporarily demoted to Lance Corporal until a Marine disciplinary committee can decide what to do about your… issues."
The Major was sure this came as a major shock to the Marine, one who, while ruthless to his men, was highly efficient, normally.
"Sir? Pardon me but… I… I don't…"
"There will be time to discuss this later, Corporal," Ireton interrupted, "For now, I need you to get the men ready, I'm ordering a retreat to Yellow defense, we can't hold back the Droids, there's too many, we need to regroup. You're dismissed."
Swiveling back around in his chair, the Major went back to assessing the best strategic retreat options on his data pad.
Captain, now Lance Corporal Damon, slowly got up from his chair. He was shaking. Looking at the back of the major's helmet, a sudden steely resolve gripped the disillusioned Marine.
'It's their fault! The clones did this to me, they ruined everything!'
With this new-found blood lust, Damon focused in on the back of his oblivious commanding officer's head; there was something he needed to do.
Slowly walking up behind Major Ireton, Damon quietly unsheathed a small battle knife, there was only one weakness on their amour, and he was in the perfect position to exploit it.
"Corporal, I thought I sai…."
With a swift movement, he ended the Major's life. Turning around he smiled, he was one step closer to revenge. He would leave Orange Defense leaderless, all the Marines including a couple of the C-units would never get the order to retreat; they wouldn't live to bother him again. Maybe he felt bad about the non-clone casualties he would cause, but he thought, 'It's worth every life to rid this army of those abominations'
After wiping the blood from his knife, the traitor snuck down Fuller Road to some Humvee's. Smiling he opened a comm channel to the Fuller Road Blockade. He gave his orders as he made his own retreat down the road.
"Marines, Major Ireton has been informed we will be receiving reinforcements from the Commander. Orders are to stay put and hold out until they arrive. Make this country proud, Marines, Semper Fi!"
A/N: Well, as I said, it's been a while, funny how three weeks turns into a month and a half. Some authors call it Darth Real Life? An evil SOB if there ever was one.
So in case you're wondering, I haven't been doing nothing; college takes up the majority of my time, originally this chapter was going to be over 8,000 words strong, but I decided to split the chapter in two. The other half will be posted next weekend. Come to think of it, I literally wrote this a paragraph at a time.
I think its important to note that this chapter has been beta'ed. By whom I've been asked not to say, however a tremendous amount of my gratitude and respect goes to that particular person. The Beta and I are also going through all earlier chapters and revising/re-writing them. I'll re-post them all when we're done, and I'll let you guys know when I do. The entire story will be worth re-reading when done, there will be small plot changes, slightly different story line. Making the story more coherent and all that.
I really do hope you all like this chapter, sorry for the wait, next weekend Ch 18, thanks and please review.
For old times sake, because it wouldn't be a story by me if there wasn't a disclaimer, I don't own Star Wars...