Viceroy Gunray captured, Senator Padme Amidala has scored a victory against the Separatist alliance on the remote world of Rodia, securing the arrest of diabolical Confederate leader Nute Gunray. The Jedi Council has dispatched Master Luminara Unduli and Anakin Skywalker's Padawan, Ahsoka, and Ally Anubis Kruger to escort the Viceroy to Coruscant under heavy there, he will face trial for his many war crimes.
"Captain, have you made contact with the cruiser?"
"Yes, General. We'll patch you through now."
"Jedi Cruiser Tranquility, this is General Luminara Unduli requesting permission to land.
"You are cleared, General. We await your prisoner's arrival."
"Thank you, Captain Argyus. I look forward to delivering him to you."
"I am a man of great wealth, and I can be very generous to my allies." the Viceroy says trying to bribe Commander Gree.
"That is a very tempting offer, Viceroy. In the meantime, I have a gift for you." Commander Gree takes out a pair of handcuffs.
"Finally. It's been such a boring trip." Ahsoka says
"I kind of like it, it's a nice change of pace from being shot at by battle droids." Anubis replies
The Shuttle docks with the Tranquility and the Viceroy is escorted through the corridors of the ship.
"This is an outrageous miscarriage of justice! I demand my litigator!" Gunray shouts in protest.
"Keep moving." Commander Gree shoves the Viceroy.
"Greetings, General. We have the brig all ready for this traitor." Captain Argyus greets Luminara.
"Very good, Captain. Commander Gree, let's get underway.
"Right away, sir. Let's move!"
"Senate commandos? How does a money-grubbing worm like Gunray rate all this security? He doesn't look that dangerous."
Not Physically, but he has wealth and influence and that's a dangerous combination in the wrong hands.
"Kruger is right, Don't let your overconfidence give Gunray another advantage, Ahsoka. Even now, his allies may be conspiring against us."
Meanwhile news Gunray's capture reaches the Separatists. Count Dooku sends his best agent Asajj Ventress to infiltrate the Jedi ship
and either free Gunray or silence him. Back on the Tranquility Luminara interrogates the viceroy with Ahsoka and Anubis observing.
"How goes the interrogation? Has the Viceroy cracked?" Captain Argyus inquires.
"Not yet. Neimoidians are a slippery lot, but the Jedi will wear him down." Commander Gree reassures.
"Your thoughts betray you, Viceroy. I can sense your concern. The fear that you will lose the wealth and the power that the war has given you."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You hide a great many things. The names of your secret allies. The locations of their bases."
"I am an innocent pawn in all of this!"
"If you're merely a pawn, then who are you protecting?"
"No one! I... I know nothing!"
Suddenly Ahsoka slams her hand down on the table. "Liar! Liar! I'm tired of all this whining!" She ignites her lightsaber and holds it to his neck."Tell us what we want to know right now, or I will gut you like a Rokaria'n dirt fish!"
Luminara pulls Ahsoka aside. "Padawan! Terror is not a weapon the Jedi use."
"I wasn't serious! But the only way he'll talk is if he's scared enough."
"Perhaps I was too hasty. Let us negotiate." Gunray says changing his tune. Suddenly the ships rocks violently.
"Captain! Status report!" Commander Gree calls out.
"Droid fighters incoming! They've brought boarding ships!" The Captain reports
"Green Company, prepare to repel the enemy!"
The Green Company clones arm up and mobilize at the hanger just as the droid boarding ships pirece the ships hull. one by one the boarding ships release a wave of super battle droids. The clones attempt to fight them off but the overwelmings number prove to be too great and the clones fall back.
"Green Leader to Commander Gree! Super battle droids have breached our hull! They're headed for the detention level. We need reinforcements."
"Commander. I'll need your assistance. Kruger with me"
"Let's go." Ahsoka chimes in
"You will stay here with Captain Argyus. Guard the Viceroy."
"But..." Ahsoka goes to protest but earns a silent glare from Luminara. "As you wish, Master."
"It appears you are in no position to negotiate after all, Padawan. Perhaps after my rescue..." Gunray begins to taunt Ahsoka.
"Rescue? Maybe they're here to make sure you won't talk."
While the battle is ongoing Ventress jumps out of the boarding ship but is spotted by one of the clones who survived the intial battle. Ventress cuts him down before he can alert the ship to her presence.
"All units! There's a..."
"Trooper! What have you found? Come in, trooper! Do you copy?"
As Ventress sneaks through the ship she steal the dead clone's commlink to listen in on the battle.
"Super battle droids are everywhere. Fall back to the detention level! We have to protect the prisoner!"
Ventress makes her way to the ships engine room and plants several explosive charges all around before proceeding to the detention level. In the meantime the battle has spilled in the corridor just outside the detention level the clones are overwhelmed by the rapidly advancing droids. Lumniara and Anubis and Gree flank the droids and stats to cut them down until there are no more.
"There. Looks like the last of them, General."
"Yes, Commander. But I sense our troubles are not over."
[Detention Level]
"Sounds like your rescue didn't work out after all." Ahsoka taunts Gunray
"I am ready to discuss our bargain again."
"Padawan Tano. May I have a word?"
"Certainly, Captain. If I leave, you won't go anywhere, will you?"
"Oh ha ha"
"I've got the all-clear. The enemy has been repelled."
"And their attempt to free Gunray has...failed?" Ahsoka says before noticing a pair of red lightsabers cutting through the ceiling.
Ventress drops down taking out several guards before being confronted by Ahsoka.
"If it isn't the hairless harpy."
"If it isn't Skywalker's filthy, obnoxious little pet."
"How nice of you. Tell you what, I'll give you a merciful death."
The two engage each other. Luminara senses whats happening. "The Padawan! Come on!" Luminara and Anubis race back to the detention level.
"Shoot her!" Ahsoka orders. Captain Argyus and the senate guards open fire, but Ventress easily deflects it knocking out two and using the force sends the Captain across the room knocking him out.
Ahsoka re-engages Ventress
"Skywalker's not here to save you now." Ventress taunts Ahsoka
"Good thing I don't need saving."
"Over here! Open this door and I'll buy you a planet!" The Viceroy calls out. Ventress manages to slip pass Ahsoka and unlock the cell. Ahsoka charges at them but Ventress side steps and kicks the Padawan in the cell while Gunray reactivates the cell shields trapping her inside."
"Yes! Yes! Such delicious irony! How do you like your room now, youngling?"
Luminara and Anubis arrive just in time "Halt, assassin!" Luminara calls out. Ventress ignites her lightsabers ready to meet the two head on but Lumniara using the force unlocks the cell freeing Ahsoka and all three engage Ventress. With a 3 on 1 disadvantage Ventress deactivate her sabers and raises her hands. As she does her commlink starts to beep and the explosive charges she placed earlier detonate causing massive damage to the engine room crippling the ship. The Detonation causes the ship to rock violently and Ventress takes the opportunity to escape down the elevator shaft.
"What are we waiting for?" Ahsoka says about jump down.
"Ahsoka!" Luminara catches Ahsoka and pulls her back just as the elevator comes racing down the shaft.
"Thanks."
"Everything's running haywire. Doors, lifts. Communication's down, propulsion's dead. She's crippled the entire ship." Captain Argyus inspects the damage.
"Our attacker has come for Gunray. Stay here and guard him. I'll confront her myself."
"Master, all due respect, but Ventress is too powerful for any one Jedi to fight alone. Let me help you."
"I am more than capable of dealing with a lone assassin armed with undisciplined fighting skills."
"I can stay and guard Gunray I'm more than capable and it never hurts to have someone watching your back"
"I know your are Kruger, but we cannot take any chances that Ventress didn't come alone the Viceroy is our top priority"
"But... Ahsoka says
"Stay here, and keep a clear head."
Luminara jumps down the shaft in hot pursuit of Ventress.
[Back on the Detention Level]
"Luminara Unduli may be a Jedi Master, but she has no idea what that bogwitch is capable of. No idea. I can't let her face that lowlife alone. Wouldn't we have a better chance of stopping her if I helped?" Ahsoka says pacing back and forth.
"Sometimes being a good soldier means doing what you think is right. That's why we're superior to droids." Captain Argyus explains
Meanwhile Luminara has followed Ventress back to the Engine Room. Ventress hiding in the shadows tries to ambush her but she is ready and the two engage in a fierce duel. As the duel progresses Ventress gains the upper hand by cutting a nearby pipe the sudden release of steam temporarily blinds Luminara in one eye.
"Do you think you'll still be able to call on the Force after I've separated your head from your body?" Ventress taunts.
"Even with my vision clouded, I recognize the fighting style of Count Dooku. Your version is unrefined. Amateurish. Sloppy." Luminara counters. This enrages Ventress as she attacks.
"I can't disobey a direct order and leave my post, can I?" Ahsoka asks
"I wouldn't." Commander Gree chimes in
"But don't worry, we've got this under control, Master Jedi. Your friend won't be going anywhere." Captain Argyus reassures.
"Between me, the captain and the commander Gunray isn't going anywhere We'll be fine." Anubis Reassures.
"All I know is, I never risk my own skin if I don't have to." Gunray says earning him a look from everyone.
"What?"
"Watch him closely."
"You can trust us, Commander."
"Call us if you need help, sir!"
Meanwhile the duel between Luminara and Ventress intensifies with Ventress gaining the upper hand trapping Lumniara under debris.
"Now you fall, as all Jedi must." Ventress says about to deliver the killing blow, but Ahsoka appears just in time and force pushes Ventress away and freeing Luminara
"I know, I know. You told me to stay."
"Well, as long as you're here..."
Ventress recovers and makes her retreat.
"We have to find her. We can't let her get to Gunray."
"While the Jedi search for her Ventress while hiding activates a switch on her commlink which sends a signal to Captain Argyus commlink.
[Back on the Detention Level]
"What's that, Captain?" One of the Senate Guards asks.
"Oh, nothing to worry about." Captain Argyus assures before suddenly turning his blaster on the senate guards killing them.
The commotion catches the attention of Anubis and Gree.
"What are you doing?" Gree shouts before Captain Argyus shoots him, the blast knocking him out. Anubis manages to find cover with both of his blasters drawn he engages in a shootout with the Captain. All while Captain Argyus open the cell and uses Gunray as a shield.
"No. Please. Don't!"
"Oh, do shut up. Count Dooku is paying me a fortune to deliver your slimy carcass. So, please, try to stay alive."
[Engine Room]
Ahsoka... Luminara begins to speak
"What happened to "Padawan Tano?"
"This assassin, I've never faced an adversary like her. I should have listened to your advice."
"Master, I never meant to overstep my bounds, but..."
"General Unduli! We've been betrayed! Argyus has freed Gunray!" Anubis suddenly shouts over the commlink.
"I've been a fool! Let's get back there!" Luminara and Ahsoka begin to make their way back but Ventress reappears to engage the jedi.
"We'll take her together."
[Detention Level]
"Give it up Captain You're not getting through me!"
"Don't shoot! I am an innocent pawn!"
"He won't shoot. He doesn't want to damage the republic's prize."
Anubis hesitates for a moment then shoots the blaster out of Argyus hand. "Stand down, Captain."
"Come and get me!" Argyus says pushing Gunray into Anubis. Argyus takes advantage of the the momentary distraction and tackles Anubis to the floor knocking away his blasters. After a brief struggle Anubis manages to push him off and get back on his feet. The two circle each other in a stand off.
"So why'd you do it, Argyus?"
"A Royal like you would never understand. I wanted a life with more than empty servitude."
"And for that you'd betray the Republic?"
"Like I told the Padawan, sometimes being a good soldier means doing what you think is right." Argyus charges at Anubis to strike, but Anubis is ready he parries and follows up swiftly with a knee to gut and punch to the face.
"You and I disagree what the right thing is."
Gunray in the meantime has picked up a discarded blaster and sneaks up on Anubis intending to strike him from behind, but Anubis sees it coming and disarms the Viceroy aiming his blaster at him. But Argyus recovers and quickly sneaks up on Anubis before he can react and knocks him our with the butt of his blaster.
"You should have taken my offer when you had the chance, Boy" Gunray taunts.
[Engine Room]
Ahsoka and Luminara continue to engage Ventress while in the mist of the duel Ventress's commlink receives a signal from Argyus. With a smile she pushes both Jedi back and quickly makes her escape through a vent. Ahsoka attempts to follow but Ventress uses an explosive charge to cover her escape.
Captain Argyus takes Gunray to the Jedi Cruiser that is docked and flies away successfully escaping. Ventress takes one of the escape pods and rendezvous with the cruiser.
"The outer shields are still down, The ship is still in turmoil. We're home free. As successful a rescue as one could hope for, Viceroy.
I'll be a legend for this." Captain Argyus boast.
"I always had a good feeling about you, Captain."
Just then Ventress walks on to the bridge
"You see, assassin? Our plan went off without a hitch."
"Our plan?" Ventress is visibly annoyed.
"And I will, of course, make sure your contributions are noted in my report to Count Dooku."
Ventress takes one of her sabers and impales the captain through the back of his seat killing him. "I'll tell him myself."
"Greetings, Viceroy."
"I always had a good feeling about you, assassin."
[Back on the Bridge of the Tranquility]
Luminara, Ahsoka and Anubis brief Anakin and Master Yoda on the events that transpired.
"I'm sorry that despicable wealth-worm Gunray got away." Ahsoka begins to Apologize.
"It's okay, Snips. I know you did your best."
"Don't blame yourself Ahsoka it was on my watch Gunray got away" Anubis comforts.
"Troubling is the treachery of the Senate guard, Captain Argyus. Revealed all around us our enemies are." Master Yoda speaks
"I'm not sure all is lost. Gunray and his accomplices stole a Republic ship to make their getaway." Luminara adds/
"It could be tracked!"
"Indeed."
"A coward Viceroy Gunray is, but powerful allies he has. Swiftly we must move if we are to recapture him."
"Master Fisto's fleet was near Gunray's position. I've already contacted him to follow the signal."
"Ahsoka, Anubis I'll meet you at the rendezvous point."
"Yes, Master."
"Master Luminara, I guess this is goodbye for now."
"I owe you my life, Ahsoka."
"Protecting a Jedi Master is the role of a Padawan."
"And teaching is usually the role of the Master."
"Master Skywalker should be proud."
"Kruger, Do not not let this setback discourage you. You've shown great heart and skill today and you continue to do honor the memory of your people well."
"Thank You General, Until we meet again."
"Farewell to the both of you."
"Thank you, Master." Ahsoka and Anubis depart
"Commander, let's get underway."
"Yes, General. Ahead full!" The Cruiser departs in pursuit of Gunray.
The Republic has suffered a loss with the escape of the Viceroy, But they push forward still hopeful. The next adventure awaits as Anubis and Ahoska rendezvous with Anakin. Stay Tuned.
