Well, I certainly learned a lesson in the last two months:

Don't begin posting a story when you know there are rewrites to be made, because you never know if you'll have the time, energy, or focus to get those rewrites done.

It's been a busy and rough few months, and I let my writing get away from me.

I'm not presumptuous enough to believe that I have "fans," and that I've let down said fans with my hiatus. However, if anyone reading this was, on the off chance, slightly perturbed with the long break, I apologize. Sincerely.

Book Two is completed. There are not more rewrites to do. I'll be posting regularly all the way to the conclusion.

Enjoy. And may the force be with you.

Chapter Twenty

The view from the top floor of the command center was not enjoyable for Kyra this morning. Typically, the horizon held a nice sunrise, reds, oranges, and purples highlighting the sky. But today it was bronze. Approaching Shadow Outpost from three sides were dozens of Separatist Multi Troop Transports, all painted in a rusty, bronze hue.

"Give me numbers, Hoppie."

The commando lowered his binoculars, "I count eight transports to the North, eight to the South, and twelve to the East."

"Just over three thousand," Kyra said, "That's...actually not as many as I'd thought."

Hoppie nodded, "I'd wager this is only the first wave. I'm also going to say those three-hundred troops up top are going to have a tough time."

Kyra gazed up at the top of the rock face two hundred meters above them. "I don't think so. Getting to the top of that cliff is going to be much harder. There's a very narrow pass to get to the spot above us, so the troopers will have the advantage, plus they have all the best weapons and gear, from rocket launches to portable turbolasers. I actually hope the droids focus their attack there. Voolvif and his soldiers will have a lovely time picking droids off as they pass through the bottlenecked trail."

Hoppie stared at her, facial expression unreadable under the mask, but Kyra saw him through the force, and he was once again looking at her with admiration and respect. "General, if I may. You've done an excellent job here. We've lost very few troopers, you've taught us and trained us, and have fought alongside us every step of the way. It's been an honor. "

She put her hand on his shoulder plate. "The honor is mine, Lieutenant," she said.

Hoppie turned his gaze back out to the approaching troop carriers, "Think we have a shot?" he asked.

"I do," she said confidently, "Were the emergency transmissions sent out?"

Hoppie nodded, "They were sent out the moment the separatist dreadnoughts appeared on our scans. Whether they were received is the better question."

Neeja Halcyon stepped up next to the two. "I think they were received. It's a matter of our cruisers getting here in time," he turned to Kyra. "What do you sense? Picking up anything?"

Kyra nodded distractedly, "But not from this mission, or regarding this battle. Something else is brewing, pulling at me, and it's making me feel uneasy."

The middle-aged master closed his eyes and sank into the force. Seconds later he resurfaced, and shook his head, "I don't sense anything, but that doesn't mean much. And I've learned to trust your hunches. Stay attuned."

"I will, Master."

Kyra lifted the binoculars to her eyes and gazed out at the droid carriers just as the large circular hatch opened upward, and the rows of battle droids extended out of that vehicle. She also noticed that a few of the carriers were carrying the Super Battle droids, but only a dozen could fit into a carrier. A poor tactic against this outpost. Only overwhelming numbers would win this battle for the separatists.

The thousands of droids approached Shadow Outpost from three sides. Commander Cosmo walked up alongside the three on the balcony. "It's all yours, Commander." Kyra said.

"We'll do this together, General," the commander said. "I'll lead from the command post; you lead from the frontlines."

Kyra nodded, "Sounds like a plan to me."

Lively jazz music could be heard just above the assortment of sounds coming from the event hall of the Luminance, adding even more to the already vivacious atmosphere. Aedan walked among the maze of slot machines and card tables and view screens that lined the immense open space that had been transformed into a casino floor. He looked up, seeing the second and third level balconies that wrapped all the way around the event hall, a massive gold and silver adorned glass chandelier hanging down from the ceiling. Cin Drallig was up there now, still disguised as an elderly man with a cane and long gray beard. Aedan couldn't help but laugh remembering the way they boarded the ship.

Wanting to remain completely incognito, he and Quix played the part of newlyweds, and pulled Yoda, along with all their lightsabers, in their rolling suitcase through the security checkpoint. In a separate line, Master Drallig with his geriatric getup walked through with one other SecOps agent named Riggs, while Master Fisto came through in a finely tailored black suit, dark sunglasses, and his tendrils all bundled together in a braid that fell down the middle of his back, making him look nothing like a Jedi Master. He was flanked by the final two SecOps agents, Barden and Xavier, that wheeled in two big suitcases carrying all of the agents' weapons.

A simple mind trick on the security guards inspecting the three suitcases containing weapons and a little green troll was all that was needed to smuggle their contraband onto the ship.

As Aedan passed by large viewscreens showing the Vinta Harvest Classic he felt a familiar presence coming up behind him. He had grown fond of Quix Caladan and her sharp wit. She was a striking woman, and sure Aedan even deemed her attractive, but there was no room for anyone else in his heart. It was completely full of love for Kyra Dawnstar. Kriff, does my own heart even belong to me anymore?

It's hers as far as I'm concerned.

But he did care for Quix and was thankful for the unexpected friendship that had blossomed over the past few months.

"Fifty credits says they show up today," she said.

Aedan smiled, "And what makes you say that?"

"A hunch," she said and then leaned closer. "Speaking of hunches, where is Master Yoda? I haven't seen him since we boarded."

"That little monster is undoubtedly in a Jedi hibernation and just waiting for the right time to awaken," Aedan said, and continued moving through the lines of machines and card tables and finally stopped in front of one that was drawing quite the crowd. There the disguised Nautolan Jedi Master was sitting at a Sabacc table with five other individuals, a sizeable pile of chips sitting in front of him, and a wide smile filled his face.

"He is having too much fun," Quix said, then grabbed his arm suddenly. "Wait, is he using the Force to win?"

Aedan laughed, "Probably is."

Quix narrowed her eyes at Master Fisto, then looked back at Aedan. She pursed her lips and then smirked, "Nice. You crazy wizards continue to impress."

"Hey, you're the one that got Dyat Agni on board."

Quix stopped midstride, "Alright, what's your obsession with her?"

Aedan shrugged, "I saw her in person. It's where I took my...um." He had no idea how to refer to Kyra in this regard. And the word that almost came out stunned him. "It's where I took Kyra."

"Like, on a date?"

He nodded, memories of that night, and how absolutely breathtaking Kyra looked assaulted him. Once more his hand went to his chest, absentmindedly massaging the ache that never seemed to go away.

Quix beamed, "How romantic."

Aedan eyed her for a moment, then shook his head. It confused him how tough, focused, and gruff she could be one moment, then sentimental and kind the next. Yea, he liked Quix Caladan, no doubt about that. And he knew Kyra would absolutely adore her too. Aedan was about to tell her this very thing, when he felt the ship come out of hyperspace slowly.

"We weren't supposed to make it to Praesitlyn for another four hours," Quix said, scanning the room for anything amiss.

Aedan nodded and reached out with the Force.

"But that was a controlled stop, we weren't forcefully pulled out of hyperspace," Quix said.

"Which means someone on the bridge navigated us out."

Nodding, Quix put in her earpiece. "Barden, Xavier, Riggs, you guys up?" She communicated to her team. Apparently satisfied with their response she turned back to Aedan. "How could they be on board already?"

Aedan still reaching out, found what he was looking for. He turned back to Quix and shrugged, "They must have really good shields, or we just missed them."

"You just...missed them?"

"It happens," he said, then reached out further and found another presence on the bridge that just revealed itself. "It's just one of them. But he's about to have a real bad day."

Quix raised her eyebrow with a scar through it. "Why is that?"

"Our fearless leader is on the bridge as well."

Quix laughed, and shook her head. "Jedi for the win again."

Aedan put his own earpiece in. "You on your way up to overwatch?"

"Yep. I promise I won't let them touch you."

Aedan ignored the comment, and held her gaze, "Be careful. If you see the big Bothan, don't, you know, lose it."

"He killed my teammates, Aedan-my partner. He has to die."

Aedan shook his head. They'd had this same conversation a dozen times. "I'm aware, QC. But we can't have you break formation or stray from the plan."

Her nostrils flared and her eyes narrowed as she spoke through clenched teeth. "I'm not a fracking padawan, Aedan."

Aedan sighed, knowing he had overstepped. He held up his hands in a clear sign of apology. "I know. I'm sorry. That was wrong of me. I know you are more than capable. I'm just..." He let out a breath. "Just be careful, okay?"

Quix's eyes softened. "You too, AK," she said with a smile, then turned and headed for the lift, while Aedan walked towards Kit Fisto's table. The Nautolan had taken off his jacket and was rolling up his white sleeves. Then he pulled his lightsaber from where it had been strapped to his ankle. Those around him gasped, taking a step back.

Aedan then leapt onto the Sabacc table getting the attention of pretty much everyone in the event hall.

"This ship is under attack. Terrorists are preparing to board," and just as he said it a laser blast rocked the starship, and the lights flickered. The hundreds in the room gasped and yelled and screamed. Three more blasts hit in quick succession and the lights went completely out. Screams and whimpers permeated the darkness, and fear washed over the occupants. Dozens began panicking and yelling, and dozens more seemed to just curl up into a ball and cower in the dark.

Aedan brought out his lightsaber, held it high above his head, and ignited it. The room was bathed in blue light, and the panic ceased. "Everyone stay calm," Aedan said. "There are Jedi on board, and none of you are in danger."

He pointed to one of the deck officers of the ship dressed in a marron uniform. "Lead them to the galley and lock the door. We'll handle it from here."

The officer stared wide eyed at Aedan, and slowly nodded, choking out an affirmative.

The lights flickered back on as the backup power system came online. Aedan spoke again to the crowd, "Everyone follow this deck officer down to the galley, stay there and stay quiet. This will be over soon."

Those in the event hall merely stared at him, jaws slack, eyes blinking. "Go!" he shouted. "Now!"

People began moving towards the flustered deck officer, but he seemed to be getting his faculties under control, speaking in a loud voice, and doing his best to calm everyone down.

After only two minutes the event hall was clear. "Everyone up?" Aedan said into his earpiece.

A chorus of replies echoed back except for one. "Where's Master Yoda?" Cin asked.

"He is currently dealing with the one that infiltrated the bridge, but I believe he's letting him carry out his part of the mission."

"Why?" Cin asked, stepping onto the

"If that infiltrator doesn't respond or he doesn't let in the Dark Jedi that are obviously about to board, the gig is up. They'll know something is amiss, hit hyperspace in a second, and we'll miss our chance," Aedan responded.

"And the rest of the passengers?"

Aedan was about to answer when Master Yoda's voice came over the intercom. "This is Master Yoda of the Jedi Order. Under attack the ship is. Boarded we are about to be. All passengers must stay in their cabins. May the force be with us."

"Well, there you go," Aedan said, and alongside Cin and Kit, they began moving the slot machines around, sometimes having to use the Force. After a few minutes there was a distinct aisle leading from one end of the event hall to the other. On either side of the aisle was a convoluted pathway of slot machines, tables, and viewscreens. Aedan glanced up and saw the four SecOps agents setting up their overwatch sniper positions on the third level Each of them put on standard issue light armor—moderately effective against blaster fire, but did nothing against lightsabers. They affixed cables from their tactical vests to the durasteel railing in order to keep them secure should a force sensitive adversary attempt to move them telekinetically. They also attached their weapon to their tac vest so it couldn't be ripped away. Their primary weapon being a modified A-280 blaster rifles, which would be extremely effective from their vantage point, but a fifteen-meter jump from the hall floor to the third flood wasn't that difficult to manage for any jedi. And if any of the Dark Jedi got up there, Quix and her agents would be torn to pieces. Not to mention his last battle didn't go so well for him. What if he screwed up again?

"Work the plan will, Aedan," Master Yoda said from behind him, causing him to jump.

How the frak does he do that?

"They provide ranged attacks and concentrated fire on any dark jedi trying to climb or jump up. Hang back I will to provide secondary protection. Focus on your own task you must."

Aedan hung his head, "I know, Master. I just don't think I can handle losing any more troops."

Yoda blinked up at him staring at him intently. Then the little master hopped up onto the Sabacc table that Aedan had just repositioned, bringing him eye to eye with Aedan. He then reached out and put his three fingered hand on Aedan's shoulder.

"Thank you."

Aedan's mouth dropped. He tried working it several times, but nothing came out.

"For not becoming calloused. For not losing your humanity. And for still caring about your troops. Fear I do that you may be in the minority with those sentiments."

Aedan still couldn't say anything. He didn't think Yoda had ever thanked him for anything.

"Proud of you I am, Master Kahl," Yoda said. "Fear not, protect Quix and her troops I will. And strong you will be today. A powerful jedi you are." Aedan blinked several times.

By the Force, I swear he can read minds.

And then the diminutive master called out to the others, and soon the four Jedi were huddled together under the big chandelier.

"Brought the ship out of hyperspace the infiltrator did. Two starfighters and a freighter were waiting for us. Powered down the shields, sent a transmission, and then opened the main hangar bay, he did. Boarded just after I made the announcement. Be here any minute they will."

"I'm assuming you took care of the infiltrator," Aedan said.

"No longer a problem that one is."

"How many do you think are coming?"

"I don't know," the grandmaster said.

"And what if they see us here and just retreat back to their ship and leave?"

Yoda grunted. "Locked down the hangar bay, I did. Unable to escape they are."

Aedan laughed, "Nice one, Master."

"All set we are?" Yoda asked.

Aedan glanced back up, locking eyes with Quix. "Good to go, Caladan?" Aedan said into his earpiece.

She nodded at him. "Good to go, Kahl."

"Remember, when they cross the center unleash hell."

He heard her sneer through the comms. "For the last time, I know the plan and stop worrying about us. We got this. You do your thing and we'll do ours."

Aedan let out a long breath. She was right. He needed to trust her to do her part. He turned back to Yoda.

"We're all set, Master," Aedan said.

Yoda grunted. "Then may the Force be with us.'

Within seconds they could feel the Dark Jedi drawing closer. But as they neared, Aedan sensed a serious complication. That serious complication was confirmed as the double doors at the other side of the room slid open and the invaders stepped onto the event hall floor.

There wasn't six of them. Or eight. Or even ten. No. Seventeen Dark Jedi stood on the other side of the long aisle that the Jedi had created. Seventeen Dark Jedi dressed in black and gray, with cowls covering their faces, extended their lightsabers to the side, and a series of snap-hisses reverberated across the room.

Droid after droid was taken down by the excellent marksmanship of the clones atop the tall walls of Shadow Outpost. There had been few republic casualties—they had the far superior tactical advantage. But the Separatists just kept coming. The first wave had been decimated before they got even fifty meters away from the walls. The second wave got within twenty meters. But now this third wave was at the base of the walls, and while droids couldn't climb very well, their numbers were accumulating, and some were starting to climb on top of each other. While some were attempting to use cutting lasers at the base of the fortress walls. Both tactics were failing miserably. The droids stacking themselves on top of one another made for easy target practice. The cutting lasers were just too slow, the walls too thick. The disciplined shooting of the troopers took them out before they made a dent in the duracrete walls.

The fighting had been going on for hours, but the clones were staying fresh as only about 700 were deployed at one time, which was enough with the turbolasers firing continuously. The other 1400 troopers were resting, eating, or cleaning gear. Kyra and Master Halcyon had stayed near the front gate turbolasers, where the fighting was always the toughest, and they did their absolute best to protect the gunners, but a handful had fallen already.

Kyra had been fighting non-stop. Had not taken a single break, and was still perfectly fine, however she didn't know how long she could keep this up. She looked over to Master Halcyon, who was not doing as well. "They're getting desperate," he said in between deep breaths. "They're going to change tactics. Be ready."

"Yes, Master," she said, then spoke into her commlink, "Voolvif, status report from the ridge."

"All good, General," he growled back.

"Roger that. Keep up the good work."

Voolvif gave a short bark back.

"Rather loquacious, isn't he?" she asked Neeja with a smile.

"Quite."

The force slapped Kyra in the face. She spun around.

"Get away from the Northwest corner!" she screamed. "Clear the area." The clones near her frantically yelled into their commlinks. Kyra dashed across the top of the rampart, yelling for the clones to get away. She made it half way across the wall when a bright green laser streaked down at an angle from up to her left down to the corner of the wall where the turbolaser was. The world flashed green, and then a concussion blast sent her flying backward, skidding against the ground.

Dust and dirt were everywhere. She coughed as she clambered to her feet, and brushed off her now dirty tunic. "Report," she choked out into her commlink. "Northwest tower, report." She sank into the force and let it guide her through the tan mist that was shrouding the entire outpost. She cautiously walked forward, unnerved by the silence around her. Finally, the dust started to clear. Her stomach dropped. The entire corner section of the outpost wall had been obliterated. There was nothing but smoking, scorched rubble.

The separatists had gambled, and it had paid off. The laser must have come from a star cruiser, and it was shot at such an angle that the blast would be directed away from the mountainside. There was now a hole in the wall wide enough for a tank to go through.

Twenty to thirty clone troopers littered the area, all bloodied and broken, some blown to bits. She felt her heart lurch. Felt the familiar tendrils of despair creeping in. Tendrils that began wrapping around her limbs, her torso, her heart. They squeezed tight, constricting around her hope and cutting off the avenues of logical thought. She couldn't get air to her lungs, and she could hear her own blood pumping in her ears. Darkness was creeping in and no one was here to save her.

Save me?

How can I be this great Jedi if I'm always in need of saving?

Aedan is not always going to be around.

She blinked several times, and some clarity seemed to seep in. She saw clone troopers rushing forward, firing at the encroaching horde. Brave and fearless they stood their ground.

I don't need Aedan to fight. But my troops need me to lead.

She drew in a deep breath, letting the Force rush in, and the dread was washed away.

I can do this.

Kyra leapt down off the wall, once again using the force to soften her landing, and sprinted for the broken section. Droids were already starting to pour through the opening, mechanical menaces stepping out of the swirling mist into the outpost. Kyra yelled into her commlink, "B Group, break time is over. Get to the Northwest corner and set up a firing line. C group, begin moving anything that can be used as a barricade to the hole. A group stay on the wall, and hold the line."

With another quick breath, Kyra was Alight instantly, glowing a furious blue, and charging towards the intruding battle droids. She let out a massive force push that sent dozens tumbling backwards. She made it to right where the tower had stood, bodies in white armor and smoking pieces of duracrete lay all around her. She let out another huge force blast in frustration and anger at the loss. Sending the next wave of droids careening backwards. Then the barrage of blasterfire came towards her and she effortlessly deflected the hundreds of shots back into the horde of droids. Machine after machine fell to her impenetrable defense. She was a blue, shimmering blur of elegance, grace and speed. After a few minutes of this, she felt her clones setting up rank upon rank behind her. They had positioned a number of M3 Bulwark blast shields creating a semi-circle concaving away from the hole. Four z-6 Rotary cannons were placed on stands. And then dozens upon dozens of clones formed several lines of fire behind and to the side of the blast shields. Kyra swelled with pride at the alacrity and efficiency of her clones.

"Anytime you want to get out of the way, General. You're holding up the party," Hoppie yelled out.

"Okay fine," she said, "I guess I'll let you take over," and then she leapt backwards, completing several back handsprings, and then backflipped over the shield wall, landing next to Hoppie.

His masked gaze froze on her, "The date invitation still stands, General."

Kyra laughed, "Let's get out of this first, Lieutenant."

Hoppie made a dramatic fist pump, and yelled out, "Open fire!"

The incoming droids were easily stopped by the onslaught of blaster fire. "Well, that was a close one," Kyra said.

"Thanks to you plugging the hole as quickly as you did, we made it through okay."

Kyra nodded, eyes still surveying the compromised corner. "Get every available RPS-6 launcher to the top of the wall. Any vehicle they bring through there will roll right over our troops."

"Commander Cosmo just made the order," Hoppie said.

Kyra glanced back up at the command tower where their Commander stood with his binoculars in hand. He noticed Kyra's gaze, and nodded towards her. She respectfully returned the gesture. "Also, tell the mortar team to increase frequency of bombardment."

"Roger that, General."

Kyra nodded and then made her way up to the command center to convene with Cosmo. She needed a quick break, knowing full well the enemy's schemes were only going to become more cunning. This was just the beginning.