Hello, again fellow readers!
I won't mince words, this one's one of the longer chapters but it has plenty of action and excitement. Not to mention a ton of Anakin and Luke being a generally awesome pair XD Also clones: lots of them. This will be the first update that goes in depth on them.
Side Note: Before anyone asks, Echo and Hardcase are alive in this timeline. When Luke went back in time it caused a ripple effect which means some things were different even before he arrived in 20 BBY.
Second Side Note: Don't judge me too harshly on Garang or Dantooine. There wasn't much to work with there in terms of describing the capital or political leadership. A lot of it was legends and 2003 CW series.
Last quick thing. I want to give a quick shout out to everyone who's supported this story so far. It means a lot to me. That being said, if you don't like it or have a problem with me using Luke in this way for the story, exit the page and read something else. At least have the common decency not to flame me. I had to delete one review already for that. At the end of the day just follow the golden rule lol.
Anyway, onwards with our story!
"Sons aspire to either become their fathers or vie to be his exact opposite."- Kilroy J. Oldster
Chapter 12. Like Father Like Son
With the Separatist Navy out of the way the Republic could send in their ground troops unimpeded. Anakin and Luke rode in the same LAAT gunship. As soon as the transport cruisers entered the atmosphere, the ship took off along with about twenty five AT-TE carriers.
"You do pretty well in space," Anakin told him over the roar of the gunship's engine. "Let's see how you do on land."
Luke snorted.
"You make it sound like a competition."
"It isn't...not yet at least," came his father's playful response.
"He likes to keep count of how many droids he kills with Commander Tano," Rex explained.
"No one's beaten him yet," another trooper commented.
"Is that so?"
"Well I always like to focus on the battle at hand," Anakin said, which caused several of the clones to snicker skeptically. "...but keep score if you think you can keep up."
"I'll do my best," Luke replied though he couldn't resist giving Rex a look, who promptly gave a small smile and shook his head.
The time for humor soon passed, however. Within five minutes the first enemy flak started to fall in. Another five minutes passed and the ride became quite bumpy.
"Criminy, how many reinforcements did those clankers send in?!"
"Steady, Tup. We're almost to the drop zone."
Rex nevertheless put on his helmet out of precaution. He'd bumped his head too many times in rides such as these.
The LAAT gave another almighty lurch, the drop so sudden Luke swore in Huttese, while his knees buckled.
"Hey, the General knows how to use those words too."
"Now I definitely know you're from Tatooine," Anakin said with a laugh as another black cloud of shrapnel passed them by.
There was a loud explosion. One of the tank transports went down to their right. The General's comlink activated.
"We've lost five tanks already, sir!"
"How close are we to the drop zones, pilot?" Anakin spoke into his arm.
"About three klicks."
"If we land now, we might not make it to General Windu's position until tomorrow at the earliest," Rex told him.
Anakin gave a hard look as he considered his options. Another transport blew up to their left.
"Pilot, begin the landing."
"Are you sure, sir?"
"We need the 501st intact if we want a chance at rescuing Master Windu. We can make up for the lost ground."
"Yes, sir. Beginning landing."
As the ship began its ascent, Rex debriefed his team.
"Stay as sharp as you can. This planet has virtually no trees, brush, or anything to hide behind. Use the tanks for cover and never stop moving. Understood?"
"Sir, yes sir!"
In no time at all the gunships landed and the doors opened wide straight into the line of fire.
"Go! Go! Go!" Rex shouted over the din. Anakin nodded at Luke, igniting his azure blade and motioning for him to follow.
"Permission to take point!" Luke shouted.
"You may be an aide to the General, commander. But I'm always first," Rex replied. "Let's move!"
Stepping out onto the grassy plains, what he saw rivaled even some of the most intense battles of the rebellion including Hoth. The sky was overcast, with little black specks of flak dotting the thick, puffy clouds of gray. But in front of them put Onderon to shame. Thousands of battle droids, along with tanks, artillery, and more; all their lasers aimed towards them.
"We must be outnumbered five to one!" Luke shouted out, igniting his own blade and deflecting away two blaster shots.
"Get used to it, Commander," Rex told him bluntly. "We're always outnumbered."
"But never outgunned!" shouted out another trooper carrying a Z-6 blast cannon. "Eat laserbolt clankers!"
"Make sure Hardcase doesn't get too carried away," Anakin said to Rex as a shell landed only twenty feet in front of them, kicking up a cloud of dirt and dust.
"Sergeant Appo, get our tanks to take out those cannons!"
"Yes, sir! Messaging all tanks. Concentrate all fire on the Sep heavy artillery. To the south at three point seven."
The AT-TEs did just that. In a matter of minutes, the CIS cannons were a smoking heap, clearing the way for the frontal assault.
Luke focused as best he could on the front lines. Blaster fire rained down from almost every direction save from behind. It took every ounce of concentration to deflect them while also minding his surroundings. This had an entirely different feel than a guerilla war against the Empire, no this was a bloodbath. A hard grueling campaign that could only be won through tenacity and grit.
Being a Jedi he stayed in front alongside his father playing defense while the clones picked their targets accordingly. Snipers on top of the tanks also thinned out the droid units, which were approaching fast.
"We got our first wave of clankers coming in," Rex said, peering through his binoculars. "Soon we'll be in range of their rockets and other missiles."
"I'll lead the way. Make sure all of our flanks are secure and in position."
"Copy that."
But as if on cue a problem arose.
"Captain Rex!"
"What is it, Lieutenant?" he answered from his communicator.
"One of our tanks is disabled. We've got spider droids laying down heavy fire. The left advance has stalled."
Anakin swore before consulting Rex.
"We always run into something, don't we?"
"The line needs to hold steady until we reach the outskirts of Garrang. Just my opinion, sir."
Needing to make a decision quickly, the Chosen One pulled Luke aside.
"I know it's your first major battle but I trust you. Our left flank has stalled. I need you to go over there and get the advance moving again."
Luke, though having no real idea what to do, nevertheless accepted immediately.
"I'm on it."
There were points he could barely see or breathe due to the acrid smoke and explosions from thermal detonators. But this did not phase him; he was a Jedi after all and used his broader senses through the Force as a guide. Dodging more blaster fire, he weaved and ducked his way under tanks and past platoons of soldiers over to the source of the problem which became apparent. The disabled tank was smoking from an overheated turret gun and the right leg was bent backwards, putting a disproportionate amount of weight in one area, rendering it unable to move.
"Commander, sir," greeted a clone with the insignia of the Republic etched on his front helmet. "Boy are we glad to see you."
"How can I help?"
The clone pointed about fifty yards away where a column of spider droids and a company of droids steadily moved against them. Luke turned around to see it.
"They've stalled us in this respective area. We've been holding them back but with the tank offline there's no way to break through the droid lines. Wave after wave keeps coming."
Luke assessed the situation briefly before turning back around.
"What's your name?"
"Lieutenant Jesse, sir."
"Jesse, if you have a team of engineers, get them up here to fix the damage. Have your men provide suppressing fire."
"Right away, Commander. And uh...what will you be doing?"
It was clear from the question the clone wanted to know how he'd react. He was about to find out.
"Just watch me."
The emerald blade reignited and before anyone could say so much as the word 'huh' Luke flipped thirty feet in the air and landed on top of one of the spider droids, stabbing it with his saver.
The other two spider droids in the column attempted to fire at him, instead hitting each other. Luke leapt to the next column of spiders, deflecting the blaster bolts back at one with his lightsaber and while deflecting another with his hand.
He then turned off his lightsaber, jumped in the air and upon landing hit the ground with his hand with a Force blast so powerful, every droid within ten feet of him was blown sideways for a good twenty yards. Luke switched on his blade and proceeded to cut through the rest of the droids like a knife through butter.
"Are you...sure we need to lay down suppressing fire, sir?"
"Just shut up and get that tank repaired, Ridge."
In a matter of minutes, Luke had successfully destroyed the company, paving the way for the repairs to finish.
"Did that buy you enough time, Jesse?" he asked upon his return.
"More than that, Commander. We're back up and running. We should be right on schedule-"
"Look out!"
A rocket launched from a B2 Super Battle Droid was hurtling straight towards their position, but Luke thankfully sliced it in half before it could do any damage. However, that was not the end of the danger.
"Enemy targets from the east!"
About a dozen commando droids suddenly entered from out of nowhere, taking out three of their men and bull rushing their position.
"Where did they come from!?" one clone asked.
"They must have been lying in ambush. Take em down!" Jesse yelled out.
Luke by now, really hated Commando Droids. With tough armor and a duro flexo skeleton they were notoriously hard to kill and equally as brutal to their victims.
He sprang into action, deflecting blaster bolts back at one, spinning around and slicing through it. Using the Force, he pulled another towards him and severed its head, avoiding a punch from a second and cutting in half. He managed to take down three more, but a lucky shot blasted his lightsaber out of his hand as he extended out.
Kriff I've got to stop doing that
Though prepared to use his Force powers to disable the remaining Commandos, he need not worry. A head shot from a blaster took out one. The second had its neck snapped off by an ARC trooper who snuck up on it from behind.
The threat over, Luke allowed himself to breathe and offered thanks to the men.
"Excellent shooting, Jesse. And your name?" he asked the ARC trooper.
"Fives, sir."
"An honor to be serving with you. Now let's get moving, we've got to keep the left flank steady."
"Yes, sir."
Luke realized for the first time just how gifted, brave, and intelligent these soldiers truly were...and how dangerous they also might be when turned on the Jedi.
Opening his comlink he reported to Anakin.
"The left flank has been stabilized and we're proceeding as scheduled."
"Good work, Luke. Keep the men upbeat and fresh. We'll need it for the final push."
Luke looked back at the men under his command, understanding his responsibility more than ever.
"The men are simply amazing, Anakin. Rest assured, they're in good hands."
Anakin had been correct and wrong at the same time. They had been able to make up for the lost ground by missing the dropzone. Unfortunately by nightfall they were still two miles from the capital. The city stood down below from one the rare hills that slopped across the Arissi Plain. Thankfully, the droid forces were driven back and retreated in order to recharge their power cells.
With daylight gone and a full day of combat behind them, the men were in need of a well deserved rest and set up camp. A watch was set and Master Windu reported in, seeking an update on their progress. They gathered around the light of a fire.
"Skywalker, how close are you to our position?"
"Two miles, Master. We would have been there sooner, but the flak from droid artillery forced us to land prematurely."
"Their resistance is proving stronger than I anticipated," Windu observed. "And I think I know why."
"What do you mean, sir?" Captain Rex asked.
The hologram flickered ever so slightly, but with the Separatist Navy no longer able to jam transmissions it came through without much trouble.
"I suspect that it's not a Tactical Droid leading the campaign. I'm receiving preliminary intel that a high ranking member of the Trade Federation is secretly in charge."
Luke didn't know much about the shipping conglomerate other than that they were like most corporations: power hungry, greedy, and without scruples. He said nothing, but made a mental note the situation could potentially become stickier.
"Do we know that for sure?" Anakin asked.
"No," Windu replied. "The intel comes from an informant inside the city. But it cannot be confirmed as of yet. Be prepared for anything."
He addressed the three of them as a whole.
"My forces are nearing exhaustion and I don't think we can hold out another day. You must break through to our lines by tomorrow."
"You can count on us, Master. Rest well."
The transmission ended and by now the clouds passed, revealing a galaxy of twinkling stars and two moons which shined down upon them. Captain Rex headed to bed but the two Jedi hung back.
"I've set up a tent for you next to mine," Anakin told him.
Luke bowed in thanks.
"You're too kind, General."
"Anakin, remember?" he said with the warmth of a father. "You did well today. For someone's first battle in the Clone Wars, I'm very impressed."
"Not my first battle to be honest," Luke replied frankly.
"Somehow I didn't think so. You're full of surprises aren't you? Lightsaber skill, piloting, even getting R2 to like you," Anakin laughed. "Those must have been some interesting adventures you went on years ago."
You have no idea
"Yeah, you could say that," he replied thinking wistfully of Leia, Han, Chewy, Wedge, Admiral Ackbar, and more.
"I also assume that's how you got that."
He pointed towards Luke's artificial arm, wrapped in its usual black glove.
"You could tell," he said evenly.
"Takes one to know one," Anakin said, lifting up his own mechanical arm, wiggling the fingers. "Plus I've never seen you take off that glove."
Luke was surprised the subject hadn't come up sooner but it made him highly uncomfortable considering the one responsible stood right in front of him.
No, remember the man in front of you is not Vader.
Anakin seemed to sense his apprehension.
"I'm sorry, if I pried a bit too much. I swear I'm a bit more tactful than Ahsoka….usually."
"It's alright," Luke said, waving off the offense, letting go of his fear. "I think you know what happened."
"It was that dark side user, wasn't it?" his father correctly guessed. "Scum. I hope you killed him. He deserved as much for murdering your master."
There it was. The first flicker of true darkness yet seen on the handsome face of Anakin Skywalker. It was only for a moment, a temporary flash in the pan born out of the desire to do good. But Luke could just as easily see how it could be twisted for evil purposes.
"I did defeat him in the end. But I also pitied him," he said, trying a different tactic.
"What do you mean?" Anakin asked, politely bewildered.
"His fall to the dark side was not entirely of his own making. The man fell prey to a monster who manipulated and corrupted him."
"You still deserved justice," Anakin insisted. "Any dark side user or Sith does."
"That may be true. We all must face consequences for our actions. But it was my compassion for this man that allowed me to overcome the evil within him. And in the end, he died gracefully, at peace."
Luke could see his father turning that over in his mind. They were coming upon something much deeper.
"Maybe that worked for you. But it's my destiny to destroy the Sith. I can't do that with compassion or love."
"You also can't defeat them using their own philosophy. That only leads to becoming the very thing you try to destroy."
Anakin glanced at him with those bright blue eyes, a sad, lonely look taking shape within them.
"I know. But this is my responsibility to take on alone. No one else understands. I have to do it in the best way I know how."
Whether due to them being alone or the natural flow of the conversation, the vulnerability displayed by his father was probably extraordinarily rare. Luke, for the first time, caught a glimpse not of cocky or angry Anakin Skywalker, but a burdened version cracking under the immense pressure placed on him.
Immense empathy welled up in his son.
"You are the Chosen One," Luke told him. "And you will bring balance just as everyone says."
I believe in you father. That will never change
The show of faith touched Anakin deeply.
"You mean that?"
"I do. And I'm here to support you. So are Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, even Master Yoda. Just don't lose yourself along the way."
"Thank you," Anakin replied, the two moons basking them both in silvery light
"What are friends for?"
Luke offered a raised hand, which his father took with gusto, shaking it in a show of camaraderie. He could sense the happiness, respect, and relief emanating from the Chosen One, knowing that he'd at least encouraged him to trust more in others.
"We'd best take our own advice about resting up," Anakin said once they'd broken their grip. "Sleep well, Luke."
"You as well."
Luke strangely enough, after a day of combat and sweat, did not feel tired. He felt in the mood for a walk, if nothing else for peace of mind. The exercise proved fruitful on many occasions. Besides, sleep didn't come easy. Not anymore at least.
Strolling around camp, he saw a variety of fires and tents spread out across the grasslands. Most of the men were eating rations or roasting some kind of meat over a spittle. They appeared to be in good spirits, many laughing, joking, or teasing each other in some form or fashion.
Luke couldn't help but reminiscence, even smile at the thought of how the Rebel Alliance used the same type of camaraderie. Of course in those days, most knew going against the power and might of the Empire would be suicidal at best, but no one seemed to mind much. The companionship and knowledge they were fighting for something greater than themselves spurred the Alliance and all participating to greater heights. Similarly, though the droids outnumbered the clones, one could never put a price on humanity and what it meant in a battle situation.
Up ahead, he saw the men he'd been serving with. Lieutenant Jesse's Republic insignia helmet was an easy identifier. A sudden urge overtook him to make their acquaintance. After all, the more he knew about his men, the better it would be for all involved,
Perhaps I can get a sense on how they really feel about this war
The Alliance never forced anyone to fight for it, but these men had no choice. They were designed and created for one purpose: to fight in a war with virtually no options outside of it.
That needs to change
"Lieutenant?"
A group of seven men looked up at him, clearly surprised at his presence.
"Sir?"
"May I join you?"
The clones glanced at each other, though no one looked offended. Luke supposed it was the first time a Jedi had ever asked to sit with them casually out of the blue. Under Republic Law and in the eyes the Council he wasn't technically part of the Order but he supposed it made no difference to men like these. Anyone who wielded a brightly colored sword and could move objects with their mind qualified.
"Of-Of course, sir. Dogma, make room."
Luke placed himself at the edge of the fire. With no trees around they all sat down on dry, yet firm earth covered in tall grass. Not the most comfortable, but if it's one thing he shared with the clones it was the experience of resting in less than ideal areas.
"It's Jesse, isn't it? We fought today side by side."
"Yes, sir. You were magnificent."
"As were you. And as such, I'd like to know all of your names," Luke said peering around the group.
"Well...you've already met, Fives," Jesse said slowly, gesturing towards the man next to him in ARC gear.
"I'm Echo," the next man said, a little thinner in build than the rest. He wore the same ARC Trooper armor as Fives, except a noticeable blue hand print marked the right center of the chest plate. "This is-"
"He's asking me, not you," the fourth cut across. "Name's Hardcase."
"I'm the team medic, Kix."
"I'm Tup."
"Private Dogma, reporting, sir."
The last of the bunch stood up and gave a crisp salute causing his brothers to roll their eyes and laugh. Luke took it with good humor.
"At ease, private. Technically you don't have to salute me."
"Eh, that's just Dogma for ya. Always has a stick up his arse whenever an officer is around," Hardcase cracked.
"Come on, show some respect," Echo lightly chided.
Jesse shook his head at the squabbling.
"It's like this all the time. I hope you don't mind."
Luke found himself chuckling.
"Not all, Jesse. I find it refreshing actually. I wanted to make a point of getting to know the men under my command."
"Well... there's not much to know, sir. We were created on Kamino inside growth chambers, trained to fight in service of the Republic. It's what we were bred for," Kix explained.
"I find that hard to believe," Luke replied evenly. "Look around. Though you may be cloned from the same person, in reality each one of you has key differences."
Admittedly, he stole the line from Master Yoda but the sentiment remained. Observing these men, he could see quite clearly that their Jedi commanders had imparted a certain brand of individuality on their soldiers, encouraging. There were numerous examples: Jesse's Republic tattoo, Kix's specialized lightning bolt through his hair, Fives's side tattoo, Tup's bun, etc. But they still held little sense of their lives and the value placed on them.
"Your nicknames for example, how did you come up with them?"
"It's not a perfect science, to be honest with you, sir. Sometimes we choose them randomly, other times they come about in the moment. Fives is so named because of his CT number- 5555," Jesse told him.
"You can probably guess with Echo," Hardcase joked. "By the way I stole your rations."
"You stole my rations?!"
"Case and point."
The rest of the man laughed, save for Dogma who Luke noticed seemed wound up tight.
"But it goes beyond that. Each one of you is a human being differentiated by something. Whether by tattoos, haircut, or personality. That is a gift."
"Well yeah, we're not droids," Tup pointed out.
"Droids don't have a choice. You do."
Luke decided to change tactics. They weren't understanding yet what he was trying to get across. They needed to know he had their backs.
"How do you all feel about the war?"
That question, the clones had not been expecting.
"I don't understand, sir."
"War is a terrible thing. Sometimes necessary, but it affects all who participate, especially those on the front lines," he explained.
They looked hesitant to say much more. Luke opted to put them at ease as much as possible.
"There's no need to be formal around me," he assured them with as much warmth as he could. "What's said at this campfire stays at this campfire."
At first, he wasn't sure anyone would speak up, but to his surprise, Hardcase spoke first.
"Well...sir," he added quickly. "It's not so simple with us clones. Putting our lives on the line can be difficult to do day after day. But without the war, we wouldn't exist either."
"Quite understandable," Luke said softly as the fire continued to crackle and spit. He used the Force to move one of the small sticks to prevent it from going out. "And none of you have ever contemplated a life outside the military?"
There was a murmur of nos, nevers, and 'I don't knows'' but Fives, who by now Luke could see had a penchant for speaking his mind, shot down their evasive answers.
"Oh, come off it. We've all thought about what our lives would be like if we weren't in the army."
"Fives, it's best not to think about that," Kix said quietly.
"I'm sorry, didn't Tup just point out we're not a bunch of unthinking droids? Is it not fair to question what happens to us when there's no more clankers to fight?"
"I think some of us might be good at doing other things, personally. I've always been interested in tech," Echo echoed.
"You all sound ridiculous," Dogma said bitterly. "We're soldiers first and foremost. All we do is follow orders. There's no sense in thinking about anything else."
Luke caught the venom in the private's tone and looked to Jesse who elaborated.
"It's not his fault. Less than a year ago during a campaign on Umbara, we were under the command of a Jedi named Pong Krell. He berated, overworked, and later betrayed us. He tricked the 501st and 212th into attacking each other. Rex managed to figure out what was going on, but by then we'd already lost a half dozen men, including Lieutenant Waxer."
There was no mistaking it, a deep seated darkness etched across the clone's faces illuminated eerily by the light of the fire. Luke had heard of General Krell and his betrayal through the lost archives found on Coruscant but had no idea the full extent of his treachery. He could sense their anger, even hatred...and despite his best efforts he found himself sharing in it too.
"I'm sorry. I can scarcely imagine anything more wicked. None of you deserved that."
"It's alright," Jesse said, trying to play it off. "We know he was the exception not the rule."
"And you hold no ill will towards the Jedi?"
Much to Luke's encouragement they all shook their heads emphatically.
"No, we love General Skywalker and Commander Tano. We love General Kenobi, General Koon, and all the ones who've risked their lives for us time and again. We'd do the same for them," Tup said passionately, to the agreement of his compatriots.
"And you'd never betray them under any circumstance?"
A chorus of 'nos' rang out again. Fives even stood up to punctuate the point.
"Never!"
A respect and affection welled up in Luke Skywalker so powerful he had to force a lump back down in his throat. His father had told him the clones were victims, but only now did he realize the true extent of their enslavement...and the implication of what was to come. These men, these upstanding, loyal soldiers who were thrown into the meat grinder nearly every day, in less than a year's time would be forced to gun down the only people that truly cared about them against their will.
And it's up to me to prevent it
"Permission to speak, sir."
Jesse, one of the more laid back of the bunch, had asked said permission, which Luke granted.
"Of course, Lieutenant."
"Why are you asking all these questions? About the Jedi, the war and our place in it?"
Nothing about what Jesse asked sounded accusatory but he did appear more than a bit curious. They all did.
"Because I've fought in many wars and seen many things. I can safely say you're the finest soldiers I've ever had the privilege of serving beside. But more than that you're human beings. Each one of you deserves the right to freedom and happiness as anyone else does. The Republic owes you a great debt."
He pulled out his lightsaber and placed two hands, on top and on the bottom, over it.
"And I swear to you all, I will see that debt repaid."
The look on the clones' faces could only be described as utter shock. No one, not even Anakin or Obi-Wan had placed such an emphasis on their well being. Not just as soldiers but as people. Luke, much to his delight, could sense how touched they all were by his gesture.
"Thank….thank you sir," Fives finally managed to say.
"Think nothing of it," he said to them.
They'd been talking for so long the fire had nearly died down.
"Hey Kix, give it a kick will ya."
"Very funny, Tup."
The conversation turned much lighter as Hardcase, ever the hyperactive soldier switched topics abruptly.
"Sir, is it true you once blew up a space station the size of a moon in the Unknown Regions?"
Luke couldn't resist indulging them.
"I see General Skywalker has been telling you stories."
"But is it true? The General said he blew one up when he was a kid too."
"Yes."
Fives whistled, Echo was practically on the edge of his seat.
"Do you mind telling us what happened?"
"Echo, it's getting late. I'm sure the commander wants to turn in."
But Luke couldn't resist indulging them.
"It's alright, Jesse. I don't mind."
"This is going to be great!" Hardcase said with a mad grin.
And so without getting into too much detail (he couldn't reveal too much after all) he told them tales of his exploits, sometimes using bits and pieces from various adventures he'd been on by himself, with the Rebellion, or even with Han, Leia, or Chewy. He and the men laughed, joked, and traded stories for hours, some Luke found just as compelling as his own journey in life. It was only until one of the other squadrons told them to 'shut the hell up' that they ceased and called it in.
It was one of the best nights he'd experienced in a long while. It came with an additional caveat.
Already after one day, he'd begun thinking of the clones as his own.
The morning came swiftly. Weather proved to be more of the same; the sky was overcast again and threatened rain. But time waited for no one and certainly not for General Windu's men.
Anakin, Luke, Rex, Jesse, and the rest of the non-coms were gathered on the edge of the hill leading down to the capital. Though not quite as impressive as Iziz or anything on Coruscant, high stone walls marked a metropolis under siege. Tall buildings were discernible through the smoke that rose from the battlefield. To the South of Garang was a large bay, marshes aligning its banks.
"Rex, note the time."
"0600, sir."
"And what do you see?"
Rex switched down the viser on top of his helmet.
"A sizable amount of clankers to the southwest. They have General Windu's forces surrounded on two sides. To their backs is the sea. It appears the Seps are trying to outflank and push them in. Our men are using broken down walkers as cover."
"Hmmm, not good. We'll have to move quickly."
Luke then noticed a clone scout running back to them as fast as he could.
"Sirs," he said, saluting. "The droids are sending tanks to our forward position."
Rex switched his viser to his right and indeed saw the scout was correct. NR-N99s, a new series of tanks issued recently by the Corporate Alliance, much tougher and more powerful than the fragile Hailfire Droids once made by the Banking Clan.
"Snailies," Jesse groaned. "I knew they'd have something like that up their sleeve."
"We can fight our way through."
"There's no time," Luke disagreed. It was the first time he'd done so in Anakin's presence but felt confident enough in his broad assessment of the situation to say so. "If we engage with their tanks directly it could take another half day to finally reach them."
Thankfully, his father agreed.
"You're right. We need to break through as quickly as possible. Contact Admiral Yularen."
In a matter of minutes the holographic image of the Admiral appeared.
"Yes, General? What is it?"
"Admiral. I need a bomber squadron here pronto. Coordinates are twenty eight north, ninety west."
"Right away."
They couldn't come soon enough. The droid column followed the N99s that were moving up the hill at a rapid pace. Soon they were less than a click away.
"General," Rex said slowly, pulling out his blasters.
"Hold your fire, everyone. Have a little faith in the Admiral."
Suddenly the sound of fighters roared overhead and the droid position went up in fiery plumes of smoke in a deafening explosion. The N99s may as well have been scrap metal.
"The cavalry has arrived!" Hardcase cheered. So did the other clones and the way forward appeared to be clear.
"Rex, what do we say we go relieve Master Windu?"
"I'd say with pleasure, sir."
Anakin signaled for the entire battalion to move forward, victory being at hand. Luke thought so as well. But before he could take so much as a step, their comlinks flashed blue.
"Master Windu," the twenty two year old said in a way one might receive congratulations. "The last of the main droid forces have been pulverized. Your entry into the capital should be simple."
"Belay that, Skywalker. Change of plans. I've just received complete confirmation that the Separatist leader holed up inside the city is Lok Durd."
Anakin's face hardened, though Luke had no idea who that name was. Knowledge of the past couldn't account for everything.
"He's threatening to murder the Mayor and the Dantooine Elders if we so much as take one step inside the city."
"That coward," Anakin snarled.
"No disagreemnt, but a coward trying to bargain his way out of punishment nonetheless. I need you to somehow infiltrate Garang and liberate them."
"I'm on it, Master. I'll give you word when we've succeeded."
"May the Force be with you."
"Who's Lok Durd?" Luke asked immediately when the transmission ended.
"A Trade Federation arms dealer. The Republic captured him in the early part of the war but he managed to escape somehow. I should have known something was up when we saw that ship. Now he's planning on using civilians as shields."
"It wouldn't be the first time the Seps tried that dirty trick," Jesse said with disgust.
"So what's our plan?" Rex asked.
This is where the brilliance of Anakin Skywalker rose to the occasion. There was no obstacle he couldn't overcome, no challenge too daunting for him to exceed. Luke could see his mind working like clockwork as he formulated a plan.
"Does anyone have schematics of the city?" he asked.
"Right here, General."
Dogma came in with a hologram projector and activated it.
"Alright, the center of the city should be there," Rex said pointing at it. "The clearest way is the Western gate but they'll be expecting that so we'll need to find another entry point. The main government building is tucked away in the center behind these two towers which are fortified by the droids."
A smile lit up on the young Jedi's face.
"How many of those walkers do we have?"
"About a dozen give or take. Why?"
"I have an idea."
Luke sensed excitement, thrill, and urgency which appeared infectious among everyone there, especially the clones. Rex had been right. There really was never a dull moment with Anakin Skywalker around.
"This is what being part of the 501st is all about," Hardcase said excitedly. "Getting the fun missions."
"I have to admit, these walkers are pretty cool," Echo agreed.
The ground cavalry had arrived in the form of AT-RTs. Anakin, Luke, Rex, Jesse, Echo, Fives, Tup, Dogma, and Hardcase were primed and ready to get moving.
"Alright listen up, men," Anakin announced. "Luke and I will be about a dozen paces ahead of you. When we get to the north wall, we'll help lift you over. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Let's go!"
Luke looked at Rex and gave a shifty grin.
"I thought you were always first, Captain."
"I am," he replied. "Except for General Skywalker."
"Then we best keep up."
Rex chuckled.
"Yes, sir."
They charged down the hill in full force, with Hardcase and Tup screeching like banshees. By now the droid forces were so scattered and depleted only a skeleton force stood in their way. Against two Jedi and the elite troopers of the 501st legion, they were no match.
Luke was a little wobbly at first, having never ridden a machine quite like this before. But using his mastery of the Force he learned the basics of steering, speed, and how to shoot the main cannon. In fact, shooting down the hapless droids even became rather enjoyable.
"What's your count?" Anakin asked as they sped along, crushing an unsuspecting spider droid with the walker's feet.
"You were serious about that?" Luke shouted back.
"I'm at sixty five!" his father said, as if he'd said something else.
"...sixty two," Luke finally acquiesced.
"Gotta catch up!"
Luke marveled at just how much fun Anakin could have in the midst of laser fire and droids aiming to kill them. But he didn't mind. In fact, his own spirits were lifted considerably. This was the father he loved in his full element.
They finally reached the wall, plan in place, the two Skywalkers nodded at each other as the clones approached.
"Ready when you are."
"Let's do this. Rex, you're first!"
Using the force combined with the walker going at full speed, Anakin and Luke lifted it into the air and over the wall.
"Fives! You're next!"
One by one they sent their comrades in arms over the wall until only two force wielders remained, looking at each other with large smirks.
"Should I do the honors?" Anakin asked.
"Oh no, I insist."
One by one, the two caused their walkers to leap into the air much higher than was humanly possible landing with gusto on top of two B1 battle droids.
"Hey you're not authorized-"
A simple crunch silenced it forever. The clones had already dispatched the patrol in the area. Involuntary twitching and sparks of electricity flew as the only signs of remaining life.
"Seems like General Skywalker has a knack for tossing things into the air," Jesse remarked dryly.
"Trust me, you get used to it," Rex muttered.
Luke chuckled but quickly turned his attention back to their surroundings. He could see the streets were empty and devoid of organic life or anything the Separatist could use as targets or payback.
"Looks like the civilians evacuated already," Hardcase observed.
"But the Council of Elders is still inside this building," Rex pointed out as he lit up the hollow map. The road is to the east and then south directly towards the towers. They will probably be crawling with clankers."
"Then we can't waste another minute. Let's move!"
Rex's guess turned out to be right. More droids were awaiting en route, no doubt at the orders of Lok Durd. But once more, the 501st made short work of them. The walkers ran so quickly the Separatist forces had virtually no chance of hitting them. It wasn't until they reached the main road south that they encountered trouble. Unlike in Iziz, the roads were considerably narrower and were made of cobblestone. To make matters worse, snipers and spider droids aligned the top of the buildings threatening to take out their heads at a moment's notice.
"That road is too narrow for us to charge through at the same time!"
"No shit, Echo!"
Anakin and Luke looked at each other, nodded and ignited their lightsabers. Within seconds, each of them knowing precisely what to do, they left their walkers and landed on the rooftops. Systematically, one by one, they began eliminating the fragile Separatists who stood little chance of shooting down two of the most powerful beings in the galaxy. Luke leapt in the air, brought his saber around and deflected the blaster bolt straight back at the offending droid. Running against the wind, he sliced another in half and crushed a spider with a simple clench of his fist.
Even so, Anakin still beat him to the front entrance of the Dantooine government building. It was a rectangular complex with thick steel doors
"Five seconds? Come on, Luke. I know you can do better than that."
"Let's save the people inside first before we count our numbers."
"Fair enough. Hardcase, you can do the honors."
The hyperactive clone whipped out a rocket launcher as if he were in a Western.
"With pleasure, sir."
But Luke held out a black, gloved hand. He could sense something was off and the distress of several life forms inside. Plus the door to the building lacked a ray shield or any other security.
"Wait, it could be a trap. Perhaps they already know we're here and are planning on us to come in blasters ablazing."
"What? Luke come on, we've come too far to stop now."
"It's in our best interest to infiltrate the building via stealth," Luke counseled. "And we don't want any of the civilians getting hurt."
"We've waited long enough as it is. Every second we wait, is one more they could be suffering or tortured. The time to act is now!"
The clones watched with interest, as the disagreement between the two Jedi accelerated. Luke had nothing but praise for the way his father discharged his duties, but for the first time since meeting his twenty two year old self, he saw the impatience, the recklessness that defined Anakin Skywalker. Never pausing to consider other options or what lay around him.
He can sense the same thing I can. What the kriff is he thinking?
"Anakin-"
"Hardcase, open the doors."
"Yes, sir."
The tone indicated finality and there was no method of belaying it. Luke watched as Hardcase fired the rocket launcher, smashing the doors to smithereens.
Anakin ignited his lightsaber and motioned for everyone to follow him.
"Come on, let's go!"
Sincerely hoping his father wasn't about to get himself killed, Luke reluctantly followed, his emerald blade flashing through the smoke.
Rushing through, the Jedi took the lead running down a series of steel hallways, narrow in width forcing the Republic troops to file in two at a time.
"Where's the Council chamber?" Anakin asked Rex as they continued running.
"To the left and the last door to the right."
However, just as they entered the final gauntlet about a dozen Super Battle Droids dropped from the ceiling, cutting off Anakin and Luke from their clone companions.
"Rex!"
"Don't worry about us, sir!" he shouted back as the men took cover around the corner. "The Dantooinains are more important. We'll catch up."
The brunette nodded and forged ahead but to Luke the presence of the battle droids only confirmed not all was as it seemed. They were probably running straight into a trap.
"Anakin, wait!"
"You sound way too much like Obi-Wan right now."
They took a right and stopped in front of their last barrier; a circular steel automatic door that had clearly been sealed shut. But that would not deter Anakin Skywalker.
"This is where the lightsabers come in," he said to Luke. "Help me open it."
Luke sighed, seeing there would be no point in arguing any longer. He and his father plunged their blades into the door like a knife into bantha meat, slowly carving a man sized circle big enough for them to both fit into. They used the Force to push it forward and Anakin rushed straight in.
They sensed the trap too late, a smoke bomb blocked their view. Luke desperately searched for his father, reaching out with the Force as he stepped into the room but suddenly felt a pain so intense it caused him to drop to his knees.
"GAHHHGHH!"
"Luke! Where are you?"
When the smoke cleared the grisly scene stood out in front of them. The space was modest with some decorative furniture, tapestries, and the like. But standing in the room were eight men and women all being held hostage by B2 Super Battle Droids. Anakin stood free for the moment, gazing around for his unknown son...until he saw the hostage crisis and its perpetrator.
"Ah, Master Jedi. I thought you would ignore my ultimatum" taunted a smug, bumbling voice.
Lok Durd stood in front of them looking quite smug, blaster pistol in hand. He was morbidly obese for a Nemoidian, but no less crafty or ruthless. The look in his red, bulging eyes spoke of greed and cowardice.
Luke, for his part, looked up to see two MagnaGuards standing over him, electrostaffs bearing down with their deadly purplish crackling, threatening to end his life a moments notice.
"Lok Durd," Anakin spat. "It was you behind this all along."
"So you are more than just a thuggish brute," Durd taunted. "Well perhaps you'll understand this. The Republic will leave this planet and its resources to the control of the Separatist Alliance. Or..."
He motioned his left hand causing the B2s to prime their wrist blasters.
"These people will die. As will your Jedi friend," he finished aiming his own blaster at Luke while the MagnaGuards lifted their staffs.
In truth, the Last Jedi had encountered trickier situations than this and had already devised a way to free himself. His lightsaber only lay a few feet away and he could pull a move quicker than the droids. Patience, the right moment to strike, was paramount.
However, Anakin being a young and impetuous Jedi Knight, did not recognize that fact. His next actions shocked Luke.
Skywalker's face twisted into an ugly, twisted, snarl as he forced Durd toward him with the Force.
"You think I'm going to bow down to a weak, cowardly insect like you?!" Anakin seethed with rage, grabbing what was left of the Nemoidian's neck and squeezing. "You let them go and how bout I let you live?!"
Luke sensed the overpowering sense of emotion radiating from his father. The toxic churning of fear, anger, and hate surged through his body like a lightning storm. Anger at knowing he'd been tricked, hatred of the vile Lok Durd, and fear...fear of losing the people around him. That's when it dawned on him.
He's terrified of losing me...Father please don't give into hate to save me
The circumstances could not have been more ironic. Another instance of his dad intervening on his behalf, except this time the situation was reversed. Darth Vader had let go of his inner demons to save him from Sidious, Anakin Skywalker now tapped into the dark side to do the same from a much lesser threat.
Durd choked and gasped but Anakin did not let up, if anything he tightened his grip.
"I'll give you about three more seconds to decide," he growled.
For a split second, Luke wondered if he might not have to save Durd from his father as opposed to the other way around. But luck was on his side. A blaster shot knocked the head off from one of the MagnaGuards, a second removed the pistol from Durd's hand.
Domino Squad and the 501st had arrived.
The opportunity now upon him, Luke quickly summoned his lightsaber, cutting the legs of the second guard. He stabbed it in the heart before barely dodging a strike from the one who was now headless.
Frak, these things still move after they lose their heads?!
Thankfully, he made short work of the second guard while the clones did the rest.
"Echo! Fives! Take out those Supers and secure the hostages!"
Each clone whipped out a pulse grenade (to avoid potentially hurting the civilians) and in a matter of seconds the droids dropped to the ground in a heap. The Council of Elders, though still badly shaken from their experience, began to realize they were out of danger.
"It's okay, you're safe now," Jesse said softly, taking off his helmet, and assisting an older woman. His companion did the same.
Rex approached his helmet now removed as well.
"Are you alright, sir?"
"Yes, Rex. Thank you. I'm fine."
Truth be told his chief concern now lay for their enemy and whether or not he still drew breath. Thankfully, he'd already dropped Durd onto the ground who became reduced to blithering, wheezing mess.
"Take this worthless lump into Republic custody," he ordered Tup and Dogma, who immediately placed him in binders, some disdain still left over in his voice. However, that all melted away upon seeing that Luke remained unharmed.
"You had me worried there," he admitted.
Luke wanted to reply with 'So did you' but held his tongue.
"Not to worry. Takes more than a few droids to do me in."
"Clearly," Anakin laughed. Privately, Luke marveled at how quickly his father could go from practically embracing the dark side back to his usual kind, compassionate self.
Is the Skywalker line truly that volatile? he thought, once more thinking of his nephew.
"You understand now why I don't wait to act in thwarting Separatist plots," he continued. "I've lost too many people already. I wasn't going to lose you either."
He gave a soft smile, one Luke tried to reciprocate without making it seem forced.
"Rex, good work. We won by the skin of our teeth."
"Isn't it always, sir?"
"Can't argue with that. Put me in line with Master Windu. Tell him we've secured the Capital and that Durd is now in custody."
"Right away, General."
Luke watched him leave the room while he and the clones continued assisting the Dantooine elders. But the image of his father embroiled in rage and vengeance, no matter how noble the motivation, continued to haunt him for some time after.
For the first time since arriving back in the past, he'd seen the man behind the mask and all the horrors he was capable of.
He'd seen Darth Vader.
You guys have made it thus far and I thank you :) This fic has moved a bit slowly thus far but the pace is going to pick up very quickly from here on out. And we'll be seeing more familiar faces as well ;) Until next time!
~The Wasp