Chapter 18
(Eclipse)
A rocky-like world that was surrounded by an asteroid field that protected it; there was minimal atmosphere on the planet, which required inhabitants to wear a space suit or breather mask to walk on its surface.
One area of the planet was the location known as Eclipse Station. The secret base had various rooms connected by a tunnel system carved underneath the surface.
Inside the station's hanger bay, Lando Calrissian was busy overseeing the evacuation of the students, masters, and supplies. With him was Jedi Master Cilghalm, a Mon Calamari female, who was a skilled healer and medical scientist. Wearing his old General's uniform from the days of the Rebellion, Lando watched as the Jedi and their droids loaded up what they needed into the several shuttles on hand, in addition to preparing the X and Y-Wings.
"We're almost done," she said calmly.
"Yeah. But we will be in trouble if the Errant Venture doesn't get here soon," Lando replied with a concerned look.
"General Calrissian, our sensors have detected a fleet of ships entering the system!" C-3PO said as they hurried over.
Upon hearing this, both went to the control room with Threepio in tow.
Once inside, the three walked past the technicians and droids. They looked at the data screen showing about ten ships in orbit. One had four lines going along its surface; it almost looked like a fish of some kind. The others looked like giant shells and scorpions.
"Any ideas on what we should do?" one of the young Jedi in the room asked.
"As we don't have enough fighters. Our best plan is to stay put til help arrives," Lando answered.
"He's right; our base is disquieted to look like part of the surface. So we should be safe for now," Cilghal added.
Before anyone else could respond, vibrations rumbled through the room and echoed throughout the base.
"Sir, our sensors detect several asteroids coming down towards the surface," one of the droids said in alarm.
Looking at the screen, Lando saw a group of asteroids from the nearby belt being pulled away and sent toward the planet.
"Very smart; they're using the asteroids as cannon shells, hoping that will make us come out to fight."
"Not to mention, use them to smash our base to pieces," Threepio exclaimed in concern.
"Worry later, Threepio. Right now, I've got work to do," Lando said to the droid as they headed back toward the hanger with Cilghal following.
"I'll lead a group out through the side tunnels. We will take care of those asteroids and skips up there. Meantime, you finish up the evacuation. Be ready to leave when help comes."
Nodding to this, Cilghal returned to overseeing things while Lando gathered the pilots and explained the plan.
(Miid Ro'ik: Dynasty)
From the observation center of the lead warship, Commander Vak stood at attention as he watched the next of the asteroids hurl towards the planet. He stood 7 feet tall in dark blue armor, and the right side of his face was covered in tattoos representing his victories in the last two years of combat. If things went well today, he would get more for capturing the Jeedai students down on that planet.
"What is the status of our attack?" Vak asked one of his subordinates
"The Asteroids are causing damage to the surface in different areas," a female officer responded from her station.
"Sir, a group of the Jeedai's fighters are coming this way!" one of the crew members exclaimed.
"Release the Yorik-et's. Have the Yorik-vecs and A-vek liluunu hold their positions," Vak ordered.
"Today is a good day for death. The gods smile upon us," he said with a wicked look.
(Space)
Leading the attack in an X-Wing, Lando saw the first groups of Coralskippers approaching.
"Full power to shield everyone. Half of you take out those asteroids. Everyone else, keep those skips focused on us," ordered Lando.
The first group began attacking the asteroids, which blew into pieces from the laser fire. But as soon as they stopped one, another would come their way.
"We're getting nowhere with this!" one of the knights said into the comms as he blasted another of the asteroids.
"I agree, but we're doing our job, and Lando's group is handling theirs," Master Kirana Ti told him.
She was right, as Lando and the fighters with him were dealing with the Coralskippers, who came in fast as they fired their plasma shots at them, which destroyed three of the X-Wings.
"There's too many, were getting-" one of the pilots said before her ship was destroyed. This made Lando grit his teeth. He knew this would happen as the enemy outnumbered them.
'If anyone's out there, please help us,' he thought, hoping his prayer would be heard.
"Lando, our sensors are picking up a new group of ships entering the system," Cilghal said from the station.
Coming towards them was a fleet that included 3 Star Destroyers. 2 Nebula-B Frigates, 3 Mon Cala Cruisers, and others that looked like outdated models.
'Wonder who this is?' thought Lando as he told his droid to hail the fleet.
(Venator: Alpha)
When the fleet came out of Hyperspace, the time travelers and strike team survivors had hoped to arrive before the enemy arrived. But that wasn't the case, as their scanners picked up a fleet of Yuuzhan Vong warships. A few were near the planet, while the others were near the asteroid belt.
"Are we too late?" Juno asked over the shared comm line.
"Not yet; I sense a group of Jedi out there fighting the enemy," Kota responded from the Guardian.
"And it seems one of them is contacting us," Rex added as he accepted the call.
"This is Lando Calrissian; identify yourselves!"
Upon hearing his voice, Jaina went to the communication station and replied to her family's old friend.
"Lando, this is Jania Solo. Jacen is here with me, as are those who made it from Myrkr."
"I'm glad to hear that. But we're in the middle of a situation here," Lando answered, then told her about the Vong's current strategy.
"Our ships are taking a pounding. We could use some help out here!" added Lando.
"You will have it; leave the fleet to us," Jaina said to him, then turned towards the team. "Ahsoka, mind leading the others?"
"Of course, but aren't you coming?" Ahsoka asked.
Jaina shook her head in reply. "I'm going to stay, as I've got the most combat experience against the Vong in space. And after hearing how the fleet did at Myrkr, General Kota, Juno, and Rex will need my help."
"She's right; there's no one better than my sister!" Jacen added.
Rex agreed with the Solos. He would follow Jaina's lead in this battle.
"Okay then, everyone follows me," Ahsoka stated as they headed for the hangar while Jania and Rex called up Kota and Juno.
(Space)
"All ships report in!" Ahsoka ordered as she opened the comms from her fighter.
The others acknowledged this, along with Bo, Padme, and Starkiller. Then Jaina spoke to everyone.
"Jacen takes Bo, Ganner, Lowie, and Tekli to aid Lando's group. Ahsoka, Tesar, Zekk, Padme, and Starkiller cover our ships as we take on the Vong's fleet," she ordered.
During their travel to Eclipse, Ahsoka had a chance to read Rex's report, which included information about the enemy's ships. The smaller ones, which looked like moving asteroids, were called Coralskippers by the New Republic. Unlike standard ships, this living fighter moved through space using something called a Dovin Basal, which could manipulate gravity. This created micro black holes that would suck up enemy laser fire.
However, the New Republic devised a strategy to counteract this device. By switching a starfighter's weapons systems to autofire, the Dovin Basal on the skip became overwhelmed, resulting in its destruction.
Ahsoka wanted to see if this worked. As she fired her fighter's cannons repeatedly at the first skip, she engaged. It proved to be accurate as the ship exploded into pieces.
'One down, many more to go,' she thought, then moved on to the next target.
While Ahsoka's group engaged the skips, Jaina told Juno to focus on the Vong ships near the belt, as the Mon Cala Crusier would hold up against the enemy. But Jaina reminded Juno to keep a distance as the Dovin Basal could also rip off pieces of the hull from larger ships. Backing up Juno were three Lightcruisers and two Control Ships, who released waves of Droid Fighters to engage the Skips. As for Kota, he leads the charge against the lead warship and its support vessels, with Rex and Jaina acting as his backup in the Venators.
Streams of turbo lasers, plasma, and magma missiles streaked across space as it became thick with ships everywhere. Lando wondered who was helping them in those ships. But that would have to wait as he continued taking out the skips.
(Miid Ro'ik: Dynasty)
Vak watched as his forces engaged the infidel's warships. This was surprising as he had been told that Eclipse would not be defended by any ships. At least that's what the human Viqi Shesh told the Warmaster.
Like most of his race, Vak didn't trust the people of this galaxy as he looked down upon them, viewing them as nothing more than insects that should be squashed. If things went well today, he would get more tattoos for capturing the Jeedai students down on that planet. And also for destroying this fleet of mystery ships.
"Sir, the Warmaster wishes to speak with you!" one of the deck officers said.
Hearing that the leader of their military forces was contacting him filled Vak with a sense of honor and a feeling of dread. "Very well," he answered. "I shall accept it."
Walking over to the communication area, Vak found a villip that his people used to communicate; stroking it softly caused the soft-like creature to change into the face of a Vong with long hair strands, two pointed ears, and an open-looking nose.
"Commander Vak, what is the status of your mission?" Tsavong Lah asked in a commanding tone.
"Warmaster, my forces have located the planet. But as we started our attack, a fleet of warships arrived, some of which I don't recognize," Vak replied as he offered a bow.
"These ships you speak of, describe them," the Warmaster said with a look of curiosity. Vak told his superior about the Star Destroyers and the Cruisers, which were part of the New Republic's fleet. However, the other ships were unknown to the commander as neither he nor his people had encountered them.
"Hmm, interesting; these new ships you describe must be some new types that the infidels are using. This will require research," Tsavong Lah said with interest. "Commander, continue your attack on the Jeedai, but remember that they are to be captured. As so we can sacrifice them later!" Lah ordered as the communication ended.
(Author's Note)
This chapter seems short, but I've been busy with other projects. The next chapter will be longer and continue the battle at Eclipse.
Till then, May the Force be with You.