The coup
Jedi Padawan Dashia Xiphos read the news on her holotablet. Clone wars begins. She read the words over and over again mulling it over in her mind. It was an odd phrase clone wars. Implying one was fighting clones. Yet according to the article the Jedi were placed in charge of a vast clone army and were given explicit orders from the Chancellor to defend the Galactic Republic from the aggressive advances of the Separatist Alliance. So shouldn't it have been called the Separatist war or the Separatist crisis? She pondered to herself regardless there were more concerning implications from the news. The Jedi were placed in charge of clone soldiers. That meant Dashia herself would be trusted to lead soldiers into battle. She prided herself on her skill with lightsaber practice and drilled with it endlessly. She was also good at healing. Both those qualities were useful in war but that didn't qualify her to be a military officer. The thought filled her being with anxiety. Having soldiers look to her for orders while everything was exploding around them.
"Dashia," Master Taizong's firm yet calm voice called over, "I can sense much turmoil within you. What concerns you."
"The Galaxy's at war master and we're going to have to lead troops. Why us? And why are people fighting?"
"Tensions have been brewing for quite some time between the Separatist Alliance and the Galactic Republic. Dooku is a Sith Lord, there was never going to be a situation in which two galactic governments sat in the Galaxy. As for leading troops, Jedi have done so on many occasions our duty is to defend the Galactic Republic and serve the light side." Taizong said with great conviction, "But non of that should concern you now. What you should focus on is the task the council gave us before any one fanthomed galactic war. Ending the Askarian planetary war."
Dashia nodded and put the datapad down. She remembered why they were on a shuttle and the mission they had been requested by the senate to complete. The world of Askaria was embroiled in a brutal fifteen year long civil war. Both sides had committed atrocities: the Askarian Central Authority, the government of Askaria, had ordered massacres of civilians, used nerve gas people,killed journalists and was accused of operating concentration camps. The Federalists, the insurgents, had committed acts of terror and had ties to various criminal organizations throughout the Galaxy.
And yet Dashia Xiphos sympathized with the Federalists despite what the file said. The ACA was a virtual dictatorship after the Prime minister rewrote the constitution so he could reign for life and concentrated all of the planet's wealth and resources towards the central region, Aysner. The terrorism was the result of the abuse they had to endure as far as Dashia was concerned.
"Remember our mission is to bring peace to Askaria . It's to end the violence. And we will first, attempt diplomacy." Taizong affirmed looking at his Padawan, "We are, impartial, arbiters."
"Even if one side is nothing more than a cruel and corrupt dictatorship." Dashia said, "I don't agree master. How can we support such a piece of shev…."
"We will support niether side," Taizong said strongly, "Dashia, war is among the most awful things we sentient beings do to one another. Good people kill other good people. Innocent people get caught up in it. And bad people tend to find ways to profit from the whole bloody venture."
Taizong froze in his lecture. Dashia could sense the man's dismay. And from the look in his eyes he'd seen it too many times in the past. Dashia had never seen a war on any scale. She had grown up on Coruscant in the Jedi temple. Read about the Jedi warriors of old. Trained to fight for the light side. Surely there could be nothing more noble than to strike down the unjust?
Yet Master Taizong didn't seem to agree. And Master Taizong was rarely wrong. Dashia had great respect for her master. He was her second, the first gave up on her and had it not been for Taizong, Dashia may have lost any hope of becoming a Jedi knight. Yet Taizong was a patient and kind master.
"Master, how do you intend to resolve the fighting?" Dashia asked.
"The two sides have already agreed to a ceasefire. I believe they've both grown exhausted of the fighting. It may be possible to get both sides to come to a peaceful compromise to end the war, but first we will need to know all we can about the two sides and will meet a Republic Intelligence operative who will brief us on the situation before the scheduled meeting between representatives from both sides."
"But master what if you're wrong. All it'll take is for one side to be unwilling to negotiate and the peace talks will be over." Dashia responded. Her tendency to question things got her in arguments regularly with her first master.
Taizong on the other hand seemed to contemplate the possibility. The man who was usually right always considered other answers. He then nodded seemingly acknowledging that very could happen.
"If one side is entirely unwilling to compromise and seeks only war, they will need to be destroyed." He concluded, "If they'd rather continue this foolish onslaught then work together to rebuild their planet. They can not be trusted to rule a world."
Dashia respected the objective and pragmatic reasoning Taizong brought to the galaxy. He held no prejudice towards any species, philosophy, or political ideology. Save for of course the Sith, but the dark side craved only destruction and greed so it was a natural threat to peace and order. He viewed his role as a Jedi to bring order and law to the Galaxy. An arbiter or both the light side and Galactic law. He knew his place in the Galaxy and became attuned to the Galaxy through the force. The man's mind was always clear and focused. Dashia admired that about her master and wanted to achieve the same connection to the galaxy he had. The same serenity he seemed to live with.
And yet on this matter she disagreed. In her mind the CA (Central Authority) had started this conflict. And they had committed horrid crimes. Ruled by an iron fisted dictator. The Jedi were warriors of the light side patrons of Justice. If it were up to her, diplomacy would have been completely off the table. She would bring down such a cruel, corrupt, and autocratic regime with out hesitation.
Yet she respected Master Taizong enough that she would abide by his wishes. As much as every ounce in her body wanted to side with the rebels. She would help Taizong attempt to find a diplomatic resolution first.
The shuttle landed on a small platform. There, sat a Republic Intelligence Station established before the Askarian planetary war to monitor criminal activity. Since it had been a base of operations for covert action as the Jedi were briefed on before arriving.
The two Jedi exited their shuttle walking on to the strip. They could see the plain two story square building that was the intelligence station. Men in black uniforms stood on the roof clutching blaster rifles.
Before them walked three humans. The one in the lead wore a gray jacket with a small black durasteel plate tucked underneath. He had sunglasses over the eyes of his boldly shaped square face. He flashed a sharp charismatic looking smile over to the two Jedi as he extended his hand towards them.
"Hi, call me Cyrus, I'm the intelligence Chief over Askaria station. Welcome to this wonderful little part of the expansion region."
The man had a very friendly demeanor on the outside. But the Dashia could feel his presence, it was quite cold and stressed, suggesting he was constantly on the edge and felt under threat.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Agent. Tell me about the situation."
"Right, straight to work," Cyrus said, "We'll discuss it more inside. It's an active war zone Master Jedi, it's not exactly safe to stand out in the open."
Dashia took careful notice over Cyrus's other two accomplices. One was a woman who dressed in a black jacket with a more nimble durasteel plate underneath. She had an olive hue to her skin that complemented a pair of brown eyes and a round face. All that sat under a sharp black cap. Yet her most notable feature was a sleek black and smooth robotic right arm. Dashia staired a bit too long at it and got a slight frown and suspicious look for the woman. She shifted her gaze towards Cyrus's other accomplice, a man dressed in full dark forest green. His body hidden behind durasteel like the others. His head had a dark green mask wrapped around it with a pair of black goggles covering his eyes. Then his head had a dark green army helmet on it. He scanned over the horizon. Dashia briefly looked back to see the rest of Kheshig. They were on a mountain and she could see rows of lower mountains and hills beneath them. And then the lowlands bellow. There was plenty of greenery and flowing rivers. She could then make out cities neatly tucked away within all of it. The place looked serene. It was difficult to imagine there was a planetary war waging on the very same world.
Cyrus led them to a meeting room within the HQ. A holo board sat in the center of the room. Another man sat comfortably in a chair with his feet propped up against the table, his hands behind his head. His aura was cool and collected. He had a pair of hard gray eyes on a square face. He wore dark blue armor and had a dark blue cloak. On the table sat a dark blue helmet with a black visor. It was a senate commando helmet. Dashia stared at him, surprised they were involved.
"Senate Commandos?" She asked and raised an eyebrow.
"That's a real sharp incite," The senate commando replied sarcastically, "Tell me was it the blue armor or helmet that tipped you off."
"Ignore the Colonel's tone," Cyrus said as he removed his sunglasses, "Yes we have senate commandos here. They serve two functions. Security for our bases. Two, they train and coordinate Federalist forces."
"Train and coordinate?" Dashia asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, we've involved ourselves in the fighting. I helped coordinate a massive offensive here in Kheshig. Of course we're not wearing the blue when it's happening. After all, if the cents could prove our involvement it would be very troublesome for the Chancellor."
"Cents?" Questioned Dashia.
"Short for Centrals. It's slang for the Central Authority. The Cents, it's what the locals use." The senate commando Colonel said.
"So we're not impartial." Taizong asked.
"The senate appears to be impartial. But the Chancellor approved an intelligence operation to assist the insurgents against the Central Authority." The colonel said.
"Which brings us to my briefing. Thank you Colonel Diadochi." Cyrus said and seemed very annoyed with the man's intrusion into his briefing, "R9?"
A small astromech rolled over across the floor. It plugged itself into the holo table. Immediately a map of the world with battle lines appeared.
"Here's what you need to know before the meeting. This conflict began 15 years ago after Prime Minister Usharok refused to step down from power after a popular election put a Federalist candidate in power. Who that candidate was doesn't matter. Usharok had him killed. He may be called Prime Minister but he's a despot," Cyrus said and the Prime Minister's hard aged face appeared off to the right, "Immediately insurgencies broke out in the regions farthest from the Aesnyr the capital region. Keep that in mind these were regional insurgencies. They were fighting for regional autonomy, they identify with their region. In Kheshig they are Kheshigan. In the Eastern region of Ty' Xian they are the Xian. In the desert lands of Sohar they are Soharan. This isn't like Naboo, Aldeeran, Corellia, or any other world where every one on the planet has a strong sense of being a citizen of that planet. No, regional identities come before, the planetary identity. Keep that in mind in every thing you do here."
Master Taizong had an easy time simply accepting that idea. Dashia squinted, finding it difficult to believe. How could people be so divided? She'd never heard of a situation where regional identities were so strong they didn't see someone else on the very same planet as culturally and ethnically different. It struck her as very odd.
"That said, when we showed up here five years ago, we spent a long time just getting the insurgents to see they wanted the same thing. Regional autonomy with a limited central government that simply ensures rules they vote on are respected planet wide and protects them from foreign aggression, unlike the CA which favors the Trade federation." Cyrus said and Dashia could feel the stress and frustration he felt while doing it rising up in his aura, "Keep that in mind too. The Federalists want a Federation of Askaria . They do not want the unitary government the CA currently has set up where all the officials come from Aesnyr and it's incredibly difficult for the individual regions to get any representation."
Dashia understood that part. If all the leadership came from a single part of a planet then surely other parts would be neglected. And from the sounds of it that single part extorted the other regions. She found herself sympathizing with the Federalist cause even more.
"Why doesn't the CA just give them what they want?" Dashia asked that being the obvious question.
"People don't like giving up power they've been enjoying," Cyrus replied, "Aesnyr has the lowest cost of living on the planet. If Federalization happens well let's just say with fair policies designed to improve every one else's living standard would mean they have to pay more. That's not what they're leaders tell them. The Aesnyri believe they're fighting terrorism, criminality, and anarchy." Cyrus said, "And then there's the trade federation whom the CA allows to operate freely on their planet and before the planetary war, they had direct control over the resources of non Aesnyri The Trade Federation wants control back and are using their contact in Aesnyr whose bank accounts they were filling to control CA policy. If it wasn't for the fact Usharok made the CA a galactic pariah by using nerve gas on civilians and he got caught using labor camps they'd send their droid army."
Taizong had been silent, simply nodding. That meant all this made sense to him. Dashia on the other hand was very much disturbed by just how cruel people were over profit. Surely the lives of individuals mattered more than credits.
"The Federalists have been able to seize control over huge swaths of lands with support from republic intelligence. What started as guerrilla warfare has become more conventional and more coordinated in nature. As Colonel Diadochi pointed out, the northern region of Kheshigan is under federalist control. Soon Ty'Xian will also fall. Fightings heavy and indecisive everywhere else." Cyrus said, "The war could easily continue for another fifteen years. Hell I could see it going for one hundred years or never really ending at all. Now the Askarian parliament, the legislative body of the CA, wants the war to end. They've gotten tired of it and they don't have faith they can reclaim lost territory. Usharok has made no comments about negotiations as of late. The Federalists won't accept a situation where lost territory is reintegrated but they're tiring of the conflict as well."
"Diplomacy might work if facilitated by a seemingly neutral party." Taizong said confidently and nodded.
"Possibly," Cyrus said, "There's also the Askarian Central Guard. ACG they're the military, the police, and the intelligence service all in one package. They hate the Federalists. They're over paid and they're the reason the parliament can't depose Usharok. They want this thing to keep going. Federalization would be the death of their organization."
Taizong nodded again, "Are they the only thing you believe is a threat to peace in this world?"
"The only obvious thing," Cyrus said, "Watch out for them. Lastly we've got an intelligence base in the capital. It's a covert base under the appearance of a night club. We use it for signals intelligence mostly. Anything goes wrong, you run down there and they'll smuggle you back here. Code words Correlian Moonlight."
"Understood, thank you Chief Cyrus." Taizong said, "You've done excellent work. If diplomacy fails I'm sure you and I will be most effective in resolving the situation by other means."
"If the republic loans me a few more Jedi and a brigade of those new clone soldiers I've been hearing about I could have this thing over within a month."
Taizong allowed himself to smile amused by the notion. Dashia wanted to hear Cyrus's grand plan. The man may have had the coldest presents she'd ever felt in the man. But he impressed the padawan. Clearly hard working and clearly very capable.
"That'll be our back up plan." Taizong concluded.
The meeting had been arranged to happen in Aesnyr. Already not a great sign the Federalists were hesitant to send anyone significant into the den of the enemy. And yet with the announcement that two Jedi would watch over the meeting they agreed. It seemed the reputation of Jedi had reached Askaria even in its bleak civil war, the warriors of the light seemed to represent justice, power, and strength.
Dashia wasn't sure how she felt about that kind of a reputation. People looking to her as if she were one of the Jedi of old who'd vanquished the Sith empire. Taizong as usual remained content. Even as they stood upon the footsteps of the Central Chamber, the capital building of the CA. The soldiers placed on guard eyed them. Dashia could sense the awe that struck them upon seeing two Jedi. As well as their nerves which quivered. They don't seem power hungry or aggressive. She thought knowing those were troops under the ACG which Chief Cyrus had made sound like an malevolent entity that sought to crush those who defied them.
And yet the soldiers seemed almost friendly in the way they carried themselves. A few laughed as they conversed among themselves.They walked along clad in their green uniforms packing their carbines carrying out their patrol duties.
A shuttle hovered in above landing At platform off to the right. The soldiers tensed up as they looked over at it. It was the Federalist craft. Dashia imagined the ACG troops didn't trust the Federalists and feared it would be an attack. That the ship would explode or shock troops would burst out of it shooting. She could feel the fear rising from a few of them as the shuttle doors opened and steam rose out.
Two men and one woman emerged. Cyrus had given them files on Federalist leadership. So Dashia recognized them immediately. The one that stood off to the right was the tallest. And had a wide and bold build to him including his bolder round face. He had hard brown eyes and a bushy black beard running under his chin. A sharp green billed hat sat over his head. And a sharp well kept green uniform embroiled his body including gold trimmings around his cuffs and in his shoulders. He was the most successful Federalist General. Pileser Borjid, he was both the Secretary Marshal of Kheshigan meaning he was the politically recognized leader of that region as well as High General of Federalist Northern Army (FNA). The mixed powers concerned Dashia a great deal. From the man himself he was mixed. She could sense from him a suspicious fellow as he looked around. And at first he was very cold. Yet as he formed a smile upon seeing the Jedi his presented warmed up and lightened genuinely relieved to see the Jedi. Jedi could sense the presents of the dark side in even non force users. Sith granted, had the darkest presence. But typically most beings had a little flowing around in them from time to time. So Pileser Borjid's intent here seemed genuine. The man to the right was cold. He didn't smile as he looked around. His hair was cut short and combed perfectly straight. His ice blue eyes were narrowed. And his presence was absent of even a hint of joy or relief. That man Masayuki Dao had begun life in ACG special forces before speaking against the regime and refusing to carry out extrajudicial killings of his own people, the Ti'Xian. He switched sides and waged guerrilla war not because he fully agreed with the Federalist because he wanted to survive. He was a gangster having smuggled spice, counterfeit goods, stolen parts, performed contract killings, and running protection rackets to keep the guerrillas well funded and supplied. Yet what kept him stable was he was deathly loyal to the woman in the center named Persia, the leader of Sohran revolutionary guard SRG. She was a strategist and shrewd politician. who'd built the SRG and established contacts both on and off world. She knew when to attack and when to disappear, preventing the ACG from controlling the region. Persia had then proceeded to gain influence among the overall Federalist faction and was de facto leader. Her rank, Commander in Chief. All Federalist military forces were in theory under her but in practice it was very different. Seperated from her people most of the time and making big sweeping decisions that affected the whole planetary war. Three powerful feelings came from the woman. Her anxiety was the biggest, yet her ambition was also strong, and with that there was hope within her.
The three strolled a long and tension was ripe in the air as they eyed the ACG troops and the ACG troops eyed them. Taizong scanned everyone. The man seemed ready to act in an instance to resolve any act of violence. Dashia wasn't sure if she was ready to actually kill anyone now that the situation seemed possible. The weight that decision carried. The ACG troops around her all had light within them just as much as the Federalists. Could she put it out so easily?
Luckily no one fired a shot as the Federalists strolled up the steps towards the entrance of the central chamber. All of them were led by attendants into the building and towards the central meeting room.
There a long black m table sat. On one end sat the Prime Minister. An old bitter man with frail gray hair and cruel blue eyes. Usharok wore a black well pressed business suit and tie. He was flanked by men clad in dark matte black armor clutching sophisticated blaster carbines. Personal guards.
Dashia disliked him almost immediately. The displeasure and hatred that fumed off of him towards everyone in the room. Everyone took a seat.
"Let's start this meeting then," Usharok said, "Why have you come?"
"Why have we come?" Borjid said immediately and hostile, "Why have we come you ask? You invited us here, meaning you want something."
"Borjid please calm down. You're here representing the North. Don't represent them as an angry unreasonable people," Persia snapped quickly, "We're here because you want an end to this conflict."
"You don't?" Usharok boasted with a heavy chuckle.
"I'm winning," Said Persia coldly.
"And yet my troops occupy your home region," Usharok barked, "You call that winning?"
"Ten of your troops died every ten minutes before the cease fire. That's a soldier, a minute prime minister rather unsustainable if you ask me. We have the upper hand. And you should be offering terms for your surrender."
Usharok formed an angered look on his face. He clearly didn't like that. Even if it were true. His body gaurds were growing nervous. For a moment it seemed like Usharok would draw his blaster pistol and shoot everyone. Dashia could feel that desire with him and kept fingertips near the hilt of her lightsaber.
"We're all here for peace," Taizong said, "To end the suffering on both sides. Is that not what we want? Is that not what the very people whose loyalty you command want."
No one said anything but Usharok seemed to relax a little. He sat back in his chair resuming the frown on his face. Perhaps knowing the civilians whose favor he used to get power no longer favored the conflict. That soon he'd be no more than a butcher no one liked and his days would be numbered.
"Then let's talk terms. Starting with non-negotiables," Usharok began, "The political composition must remain in place. You will not tear up the parliament. You will not split the planet into multiple nation states!"
"This conflict started because parliament only had members from Aesnyr. How do you expect us to accept that?" Borjid said, "We want federalization of the planet that doesn't mean the end of Askaria as one unified nation state, but if you insist we have to maintain the old political structure……"
"It may be possible. If amendments are introduced into the Askarian constitution to maintain the political structures while also federalizing Askaria. The CA can still remain the unifying governing entity. The parliament can still exist. However their will be one PM per Askaria an region as opposed to a council of twenty all from Aesnyr." Persia proposed very sensibly and dryly.
"Your other terms as I'm sure you have many." Replied Usharok seemingly open to the idea.
"The ACG has to go!" Borjid said out right, "Regional forces will defend their lands. And a small expeditionary force will form a planetary defense force to fend off foreign aggression. But the Central Police and the Central Intelligence Group will be liquidated."
"And the trade federation will be barred from any and all businesses on Askaria ," Masayuki said the first thing the man had actually said in the whole meeting, "Askarians shall control Askarian production and distribution."
Usharok went silent as he thought about their requests. He seemed in short defeated. Knowing he couldn't win and his only real edge was he could prolong the suffering.
"And you will step down from power the absolute second this meeting is adjourned." Persia said.
That part Usharok didn't like. Yet did he really think he'd be able to remain in power. Was he so obsessed with it he wouldn't give it up even if it meant his own life was on the line?
"Now Prime Minister," Taizong said, "Nothing they've asked for is unreasonable. The end of the war means everyone can return to normal life. And once you rebuild there will be prosperity. You will surrender power sure, but gain immeasurably more prosperity in the long run from doing so. I understand your family own several factories in Aesnyr."
"Yes." Usharok admitted.
"Business must be bad due to the war. There's no raw materials flowing from other parts of Askaria ."
Usharok didn't answer immediately. He went silent and still pondered around his mind. Dashia focused on his presence and there was one overwhelming feeling around him.Fear, from what? That could have been a number of things. Yet the more Dashia thought about it, the more she wondered if it were the fear of losing power.
"Prime Minister if you fear what will happen to you once you step down. Remember we are negotiating."
"Yes Master Jedi we are," Usharok said finally, "I want it on record the heads of the ACG were responsible for the nerve gas attacks, concentration camps, forced disappearances,extrajudicial killings, all organized slaughters of civilians, and forced relocations the last two of which I'm sure you will call genocide. And I want it on record the prime minister played no significant role in any of those actions."
"You want immunity from any post war trials," Said Persia nodding her head, "Just testify against your colleagues and I'm sure the you'll be cleared of any wrongdoing." She had a cold and menacing smile on her face as the sentence rolled off her tongue.
A part of Dashia couldn't believe what she was hearing. The man who was most certainly responsible for some of the most atrocious crimes the padawan had ever heard of happening in her own life time would walk away free. She tried not to show any reaction to that. Was it justified? Sure that would bring an end to the whole conflict and people would stop dying but at the cost of true justice. Taizong notably said nothing meaning he had no issue with it.
"Then I think we have a deal. I know you want me to step down after this meeting but parliament has to ratify the a physical treaty which needs to be written up-"
"You will do it with the Jedi present and if you do not step down right after parliament ratifies the new laws and constitutional amendments and announce the end of the ACG, they will cut off your head right then and there." Borjid said firmly and his anger boiled. Maybe he didn't like they were just letting Usharok go free after all was said and done even if he acknowledged the necessity of it.
"We will ensure it," Taizong said and he seemed satisfied that they were going to get this done with out further bloodshed.
Dashia should have relaxed in the moment that peace had been achieved. But she couldn't. She felt something in the force. It was aggressive and approaching fast. Boom!
Everyone launched from their seats at the sound of an explosion. Blaster fire erupted from outside. The blasts screeched as another loud bang followed by an explosion cracked. There were screams. Dashia could feel the terror of the soldiers she'd encountered outside strongly in the force. They were being attacked savagely and they feared their deaths. Then in an instance they disappeared entirely.
"What are you doing!" Usharok shouted.
"You think this is us?" Persia responded, "Why would we…."
"Then who is it?"
One of the guards then whispered into Usharok's ear. All the color drained instantly from his face. Fear was all that remained in the old man as blaster fire continued to ring outside.
"Colonel Ashon," He said smally as he shook his head, "But how could he have known I was?"
"Sir we need to go now." Shouted the other guard, "ACG SF have seized the parliament. The tenth armored division is in the courtyard. If we do not evacuate you right now they will catch you."
"Right right," Usharok said, getting himself back together, "I trust the Jedi will….."
Usharok was cut off as the bodyguard to his left flipped the blaster carbine on him. He squeezed the trigger. The rounds shouted out in the room as blue bolts zipped in front of him. Usharok was shot five times through the chest as he collapsed. Then the man shot his fellow bodyguard with the same bursts, his finger held tightly against the trigger as the weapon fired on rapid.
"FOR Askaria !" He shouted as he flipped the carbine on the Federalists. Dashia hesitated, Taizong didn't, his vibrant green blade ignited the room as it was quickly driven through the guard's chest.
Taizong swiftly drew the blade back and the man crashed to the ground dead. Footsteps pounded, voices shouted and blaster fire wailed. Taizong stood still turned to the door blade still held.
The door swung open, a flash grenade was thrown and then stopped mid air.Taizong felt it in the force and held it in suspension. Then with a simple wave casting it back outside the room.
"Shevick."a soldier outside cursed as the stun grenade burst.
Taizong charged outside with his blade. A squad of four commandos stumbled around. He waved his hands again sending a burst of force energy surging towards them and they flew down the hall smashing hard into adjacent walls. They stayed down unconscious but not dead.
"Padawan Xiphos, why isn't your blade out? We are at war with ACG it seems."
Dashia shook her head trying to focus on the moment. She averted her eyes from the three bodies that laid on the floor. And wrapped her fingers around the hilt of her blade. The noble blue shined in her face as she held it up and strolled outside.
"Lead the federalist leadership to the Intelligence station. I will draw the ACG's attention away from them while you do so."
Dashia looked at him ready to question his decision. However, once Master Taizong made up his mind. He could not be swayed. The Jedi master charged down the hallway sensing more hostiles. Several blasters fired, the blade swung, two more men dropped. Dashia turned back to the three federalists. They all had personal blasters out as they looked at her. All of them were uncertain and afraid.
"Come on," She huffed, "There's a back exit."
Colonel Sylor Ashon was incharge of the ACG 38th Special Forces regiment. And he'd fought this conflict from the very beginning. The damn insurgents threatened the very fabric of Askaria . And the Prime Minister was going to give them the planet. He knew because his friends in intelligence bugged the place well he wouldn't have it.
No man stood with an AAT tank. Provided by the CIS whom he'd secretly made contact with months prior. The vehicle made short work of the guards in the grand chamber's front entrance. He had two battalions of infantry now. His own regiment had breached the building and he was confident they would bring the traitorous Prime Minister to him soon. He would try the man for treason and have him executed. Then declare a state of martial law. For his heroism the heads of the ACG would elect him Director of the ACG over the military, the police, and intelligence. He knew all this because he'd discussed it with them last week when the nice Separatist agent promised them tanks and Star fighters that would grant them such an overwhelming advantage they could win the planetary war on the condition Askaria became a Separatist world and the trade federation could keep its properties. Such an easy deal Sylor chuckled to himself. He hated Prime Minister Usharok, such a fool.
The entrance burst open as four of his commandos flew out. They slammed hard against the concrete ground out cold. Sylor narrowed his gaze as he saw a green blade emerging from the dust. Then a man in brown robes with both hands clutched around it standing before him.
A kriffing Jedi. He thought. Of all the places and all the times. Then he always suspected republic meddling, he never had concrete evidence but he nevertheless suspected. "Fire!" He orders his tank.
The tank gun barked with a boom as the round flew forward. In a split second an explosion cracked where the Jedi was. What had happened, happened faster than Sylor could process somehow the Jedi was a good meter away from the blast. Somehow he moved before the round hit him.
Damn Jedi and they're stupid kriffing super natural reflexes. He thought to himself. He looked at his soldiers who seemed to shiver seeing the supernatural warrior elegantly holding his green blade.
"Fire! All of you! At once! He can't possibly…."
Before Sylor could finish the thermal detonator on a man's belt had come loose. And then clinked against the ground as it rolled. Once the soldiers had noticed and jumped it was too late. The white hit blast consumed six soldiers. Everyone else flinched. Taizong used the moment of choas to charge. Blade held forward. He drove it through a riflemen. The blade pierced his heart, the soldier was dead instantly. Taizong was within breathing space of four other soldiers. He drew the blade out and cut them down in quick succession.
He feel men moving around him about to fire. He turned fast his blade meeting three bolts he deflected into the shooters. Then he waved his hand, seizing blasters from dead soldiers and shoving them hard like missiles into another group of soldiers. He turned towards the AAT tank. With its main gun aimed at him and its twin mini cannons. He narrowed his gaze on the colonel.
Blaster fire roared. Taizong deflected as more rifle men fell. He then took a risk and threw the light saber. The blade plunged into the belly of the tank. Taizong pulled a blaster carbine towards him and caught it. Then turned towards a squad of soldiers and fired on rapid setting using the force to guide the bolts. He cast the weapon aside as another squadron collapsed. He caught another thermal detonator this time from a deceased soldier and cast it over towards another squad.
Sylor jumped out of the tank as the Jedi charged forward. He got on his comlink "All units to the courtyard! There's a Jedi!"
He drew his heavy blaster pistol knowing it couldn't possibly stop a Jedi. He could only watch as the Jedi grabbed the hilt of his blade and drove further through the tank. The vehicle was torn in two almost effortlessly. Sylor's heart pounded as he aimed the pistol.
"Stay back!" He shouted not firing knowing the bolt would be deflected, "You core world imperialist dog you have no right to come here!" The pistol was torn from his hand by the Jedi using the force to pull it away.
Sylor was cornered. The surviving infantry soldiers all hesitated, no one daring to fire. The Jedi froze where he stood and snapped around as Special forces soldiers charged outside to help Sylor. They opened fire. The bolts were deflected effortlessly. One fell, three thermal detonators rolled underneath him ringing. The Jedi hadn't time to react and tried to leap back and away from the blast.
The grenades went off a huge white bull of hot energy pulsed in the courtyard. The shock wave caught Taizong and threw him back towards a concrete wall. Metal, bits of cements, and other shrapnel flying towards him. As he pounded into the wall he could feel pain shoot from every part of his body. Clever bastard. He thought in regards to the commando that gave his life his to get close to the Jedi. Honorable man. He thought knowing the man sacrificed himself for a cause he believed was just. Taizong couldn't help but wonder what the planet of Askaria would have been like if the selfless soldier who willingly gave his life for his people was in charge instead of the selfish bastards who only cared about their own power.
Three tanks rumbled in the distance and locked their guns on Taizong's positions. He looked up at them and knew what was about to happen was the will of the force.
"Ha!ha! Ha!" Sylor chuckled as he watched three tanks fire in perfect sinc. The rounds smashed the Jedi's position in some guard house. The explosion consumed the whole building. Flame rose where the Jedi once was.
"Search the building for Federalist filth!" Sylor then ordered as his soldier resumed sweeping the main building.
Sylor then approached the remains of the building the Jedi died in The man himself had been pummeled into oblivion by the force of the tank guns. But within the crumbled remains of the building Sylor could make out a silver object. He looked down and picked it up. Sylor Ashon smiled. Then clicked a button and watched as a magnificent green blade emerged before him.
"The weapon is stronger than the man!" He said allowed surprised it had survived when the Jedi Master hadn't. He waved the blade around a little as he continued to chuckle.
Dashia led the three Federalists out of the Central chambers and into a market. They needed to get to the nightclub. They lingered in an alleyway. The building across the street. A police cruiser swept by them and stopped.
An officer stepped out and looked right at them. He drew a pistol his partner had a carbine. There wasn't much choice. Dashia moved her lightsaber drawn. She plunged the blade through his chest. She swiftly drew the blade back and deflected two bolts from the other police offer who shouted as the blade went across his chest.
Dashia could feel her heart racing as the two men dropped dead. She frowned, never having killed before. Persia and Masayuki were quick to brush past her heading straight for the night club. Borjid stopped placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Never kill before?" He asked.
"No," she admitted.
"Feel horrid."
"Yes."
Borjid nodded as he looked at her softly. He'd clearly killed many people before and it didn't phase him as much more. Yet somehow he had sympathy for Dashia.
"Then there's nothing to be concerned about," Borjid replied, "It's not a bad thing to feel uncomfortable doing something vile."
It was the man's strange way of saying. You're not a horrible person. Dashia nodded out on a fake smile as she sighed and put it in the back of her mind for a moment. Don't think about who they were or what they thought they were doing.
"Let's go." She said,
As they entered the intelligence station. A man wearing a t- shirt and jeans approached. Dashia looked at him, recalling the code word. "Correlian moonlight." She said,
"Right figured you'd show up." The man said, "Or you were dead. Already got everything ready, just wait ten more minutes."
Dashia sat down and she couldn't feel Taizong in the force. She looked towards the door as if the man would walk through. But she knew Master Li Taizong had passed and became one with the force. She frowned, dismayed.
"Madam Jedi," Borjid said approaching.
Dashia looked over and formed a straight look. The High General of the Northern Army had a seemingly sympathetic look on his face.
"What shall you do next? I hear war wages among the stars. Will this be the end of your time on Askaria ."
Dashia thought to herself for a moment. The look in her eyes hardened as she stood up. Taizong's death must lead to something. She thought to herself.
"I was sent here on a mission to end this war. And I won't leave until I have brought it to an end." Dashia replied, "Diplomacy didn't work. So it looks like we'll have to use other means."
"Ha! Ha!" Borjid chuckled heartily, "A Jedi warrior among us, how can we lose!"
Dashia then returned the smile as the High General padded her on the back of her shoulder. The man's bright confidence filled the whole room. She felt as if she could really lead these people to victory and topple Sylor Ashon despite whatever support the separatists had given him. But Dashia wasn't sure she couldn't be certain if that were possible. The twenty year old Jedi padawan didn't even know if she'd be alive in a week's time. And yet she could feel the force pulling her towards this planet and it's war. And knew that she had to fight the cruel tyranny of the Central authority and break its hold over all Askarians. Even if she herself was ultimately killed in the process.