Hello all. Yes, I am alive with the second chapter of this story. The reasons this took so long to come out was a combination of me not having a solid writing schedule, and one lengthy combat sequence. Probably wasn't a good idea for the second chapter of my first story. Still, I powered through it and I now have a schedule which I am determined to stick to in order to try and make updates a bit more consistent.
Before we get to the story, I shall be responding to reviews from the previous chapter.
Bia1230: Glad I left an impression.
Dojoyoyo: Don't worry, you'll see them in action here.
Theoldblood98: Thanks.
Morriganus: Well, here is the continuation. Hope you enjoy it.
TW: Here it is. Sorry it took a while.
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars or anything related to it. All rights go to the original creators. I'd also like to thank my Mum for not only Beta reading my work, but for providing helpful tips to help improve my writing.
Chapter 2: Campaign for Christophsis
Coruscant
While the war raged on across most of the Galaxy, Chancellor Palpatine, leader of the Republic, was currently in conference with the few remaining members of the Jedi High Council, including the two senior members, Masters Yoda and Mace Windu. A message had been broadcast by the infamous crime lord, Jabba the Hutt, calling out to anyone who could provide information about his recently kidnapped son, Rotta.
The Chancellor knew that if the Republic could find and rescue Jabba's son, they could use the hyperspace lanes controlled by the Hutt Cartel to manoeuvre their troops. However, the Jedi were not too pleased with the idea of having to deal with a crime lord, though Palpatine reminded them that they had little choice.
Deciding that Obi-wan and Anakin were in the best position to carry out the mission, they had contacted Admiral Yularen, who was currently at a supply post.
"I'm afraid there is a communication black-out preventing us from making contact."
"A messenger we are sending," said Yoda, "with important orders for General Kenobi."
"See to it that she gets there, as soon as possible," said Mace.
Yoda noted that Yularen looked hesitant before composing himself. The Admiral cleared his throat before stating, "I'm afraid that is not going to be a simple task."
"Are Kenobi and Skywalker still trying to break the orbital blockade?" said Mace.
"No, they are on the planet, but the situation has changed drastically." Yularen then brought up a holo-image of Christophsis, which left both Jedi speechless.
"This fleet appeared out of nowhere, smashed the Separatist blockade, and proceeded to blockade the planet themselves. They've directed their own relief efforts to the people on the surface but have stated that they intend to fight both the Separatists and us."
"Impossible," said Mace. "How could a fleet of this scale have been hidden from the Republic?"
"Answers are the least of our worries," said Yularen. "They gave us an ultimatum which we were unable to meet. I fear that they will proceed to engage our forces on the planet's surface."
"Identify themselves, did they?" said Yoda.
"They did. They call themselves… the Eternal Alliance."
Wild Space: Odessen
The Supreme Commander stood before a large holo-projector in the centre of the Alliance War room. Around him, Alliance personnel were monitoring everything to do with their campaign of Christophsis.
They had chosen the planet as their first target for several reasons. It was on the edge of their territory, making it an ideal staging point. The deadlock between both the Republic and Confederacy provided a good opportunity to demonstrate their might to both factions. And for the Commander himself, he felt a strong pull from the Force, as if it were drawing his attention here. For what purpose, he did not yet know.
Right now, his focus was on the recent skirmish between Republic and Confederacy forces. "Unbelievable. I gave them a clear deadline to evacuate the planet and they're still throwing themselves at one another."
"We can blame that on the C.I.S." A man in the grey trench coat and grey boots walked over to the Commander. He wore his dark brown hair combed up so the cybernetic implants by his left eye could be clearly seen. "It seems they had a mole within the Republic army who succeeded in sabotaging most of their heavy artillery. The C.I.S decided that would give them enough of an advantage to trounce the Republic."
"But this latest skirmish ended with the C.I.S retreating Theron," the Commander responded.
"I said most of their heavy artillery. The Republic still has access to about half a dozen cannons that can attack their enemies at range, which means the C.I.S can't get close. So, now they're at an impasse."
Just then an alarm went off. Turning back to the projector, the Commander saw the cause. "I see that the Republic's cruiser is back." He pressed a button on the projector's console. "Eternal Fleet, engage."
As the Eternal Fleet moved to intercept the cruiser, he noticed a shuttle had launched from it, making its way to the planet's surface.
Christophsis
After the Separatist army retreated, both Anakin and Obi-wan saw the shuttle making its descent. They hoped this meant that their cruiser was back with the reinforcements they needed to beat the C.I.S army, though they still had the orbiting fleet to worry about.
"I hope these reinforcements can help us get out of this mess," said Anakin.
Obi-wan was still trying to maintain an upbeat attitude. "Well, we'll have fresh troops, new supplies, and perhaps they brought my new padawan with them."
"Do you really think it's wise to bring a padawan learner into all this?"
"I spoke to Master Yoda about it." Obi-wan turned to Anakin. "You should put in a request for one. You'd make a fine teacher."
Though Anakin scoffed at the idea Obi-wan wasn't prepared to back down on the subject. "Anakin, teaching is a privilege, and it is a Jedi's responsibility to help train the next generation."
"A padawan would just slow me down."
The shuttle's front ramp opened and out stepped a young female wearing a dark red tube top, white trousers, dark brown gauntlets, and boots and a lightsaber strapped to her belt. Her orange skin, blue and white montrals and head tails marked her as a Togruta. However, what took the Jedi and the clones by surprise was her age.
"A youngling?" said Obi-wan.
"And who are you exactly?" said Anakin.
The youngling came up to the two Jedi. "I'm Ahsoka. Master Yoda sent me. I was told to tell you both to return to the Jedi Temple immediately, there's an emergency."
"Well, I don't know if you've noticed," said Anakin, "but we're in a bit of an emergency right here. Unless you somehow missed that massive fleet in orbit."
"They've been blocking our communications so our requests for help haven't been getting through," Obi-wan explained.
Ahsoka shifted awkwardly. "Master Yoda hadn't heard from you, so he sent me to deliver the message."
"Oh great, they don't even know we're in trouble." Anakin threw up his hands and half-turned away.
Ahsoka then suggested trying to relay a signal through the Republic cruiser to cut through the interference. The clone they contacted said they'd try. Despite the beating they were taking from the enemy ships, an image of Master Yoda appeared.
"Master Kenobi. Glad Ahsoka found you, I am. Informed us of this new enemy, your Admiral has."
"Then you must be aware, Master Yoda, that between the Separatists and this so-called Eternal Alliance, we are vastly outnumbered and trapped here. We are in no position to go anywhere or do anything. Our support ships have all been destroyed."
"Send reinforcements to you, we will-CCRRRKK"
Yoda's transmission suddenly got cut off and was replaced with the clone from earlier. "We've lost the transmission, sir. The enemy fleet is hitting us hard. We need to leave orbit immediately. We'll get back to you as soon as we can."
"I guess we'll have to hold out a little longer," said Anakin after the transmission ended.
Obi-wan then turned his attention back to Ahsoka. "Apologies young one, it's time for a proper introduction."
"I'm a new Padawan learner, my name is Ahsoka Tano."
"I am Obi-wan Kenobi, your new master."
Ahsoka looked a little puzzled. "I'm at your service Master Kenobi, but I'm afraid I've actually been assigned to Master Skywalker."
Eye's wide, Anakin's hands came up as he stepped back. "What? No, there must be some mistake." Pointing to Obi-wan he said, "He's the one who wanted a new Padawan
Ahsoka stood firm. "No, Master Yoda was very specific. I am assigned to Anakin Skywalker, and he is to supervise my Jedi training."
Obi-wan shot an amused look Anakin's way.
Still trying to wrap his head around this new revelation Anakin said, "But that doesn't make any sense."
"We'll have to sort this out later." said Obi-wan. "It won't be long before those droids figure out a way around our cannons, and we still need to deal with that fleet."
"I'll go check on Rex and the lookout post," said Anakin.
At Obi-wan's suggestion, he reluctantly agreed to take Ahsoka with him.
Odessan
After the Republic cruiser left the Christophsis system, a fleet of Separatist ships arrived and were immediately attacked by the Eternal Fleet.
"I'm guessing they're here to try and rescue their forces on the ground," said Theron.
"They're welcome to try," said the Supreme Commander. "But we've waited long enough. Eternal Fleet units 4273, 0589, 7031 and 3260 prepare to land and deploy ground forces against the Republic and C.I.S."
Christophsis
Anakin and Ahsoka arrived at Rex's position, where the clones were keeping an eye on enemy activity.
"What's the status, Rex?" said Anakin.
"All quiet, sir. They're gearing up for another assault," Rex said, before noticing Ahsoka. "Who's the youngling?"
"I'm Master Skywalker's Padawan. The name's Ahsoka Tano."
Rex looked at Anakin with a raised eyebrow. "Sir, I thought you said you'd never have a Padawan?"
"There's been a mix-up. The youngling isn't with me."
Ahsoka didn't seem to agree. "Stop calling me that. You're going to have to get used to me…Skyguy."
Rex burst out laughing while Anakin raised his eyebrows at the nickname. "What did you just call me? Don't get snippy with me little one. You know, I don't think you're old enough to be a Padawan."
"Well, maybe I'm not. But Master Yoda thinks I am," she grinned.
"You're not with Master Yoda now," Anakin countered. "So, if you're ready, you'd better start proving it. Captain Rex will show you how a little respect can go a long way."
Republic Encampment
Rex decided it wasn't best to argue and led Ahsoka while discussing potential battle plans. Noticing the placement of the cannons, Ahsoka suggested moving them back, so they had better cover, but Rex responded by saying Anakin felt they were fine where they were.
"So, if you're a captain and I'm a Jedi, then technically I outrank you, right?"
"In my book, experience outranks everything," Rex said.
"Well, if experience outranks everything, then I'd better start getting some," said Ahsoka, before a distant noise caught her attention. "What's that?"
A clone trooper came running over to them. "Captain look!" he said pointing up.
Ahsoka and Rex did and were met with the sight of four of the blockading cruisers making their way down to the planet.
"We need to get back to the command post, it looks like the Eternal Alliance is finally ready to go on the offensive." said Rex. "If you want experience little one, it looks like you're about to get plenty."
C.I.S Camp
General Loathsom, a male Kerkoiden in charge of the Separatist ground forces, was having an argument with the fleet commander over the holo. "Four of those cruisers are heading down to the planet, we need evac now!"
"Unfortunately, General, you didn't specify the exact scale of the fleet that was blockading the planet." said the Neimoidian. "I'm afraid we are woefully unprepared to take on a fleet of this magnitude and must retreat. My apologies."
The transmission cut out, leaving the General fuming while a pair of battle droids observed.
"Start setting up defences." he said. "I want to make certain that those ships can't touch us."
Republic Camp
Rex and Ahsoka had made it back to the command post. Anakin and Obi-wan were now trying to estimate their odds against the new enemy.
"Those warships aren't as big as our Star Destroyers, but I bet they're loaded with enough fire-power to reduce our position to slag," said Rex.
"And if they deploy ground forces, we don't know whether or not their troops will be living soldiers or droids," said Cody.
"For now, get the cannons fully recharged," said Obi-wan. "When they attack us, they'll only be able to do so from the bridge. That gives us the advantage of a chokepoint. Set up squads in these buildings, and we can try to catch them off guard."
"That seems rather desperate, if you don't mind me saying, Master," said Ahsoka.
"Well," said Anakin. "we're in a desperate situation."
Suddenly the ground shook from an explosion. The five of them looked in the direction of the Separatist camp. The Eternal Alliance warships had commenced bombardment, but an energy shield managed to repel the blaster-fire.
"Just putting this out there." said Rex. "I'm glad they haven't gone for us first."
Odessan
As the warships of the Eternal Fleet bombarded the Separatist camp, the Commander started to relay his orders to the fleet captains. "Deploy a full regiment of Skytroopers, alongside a company of walkers and two wings of fighters. Have the Scouts use their cloaks to get into the centre of the camp and destroy the shield generator."
The holo of a droid with a sleek feminine design acknowledged the order. Theron then spoke up. "You aren't sending the Knights in?"
"They'll get their chance. The Republic is used to fighting droids, so we'll test their fortitude against a more unconventional opponent."
Theron nodded. "I see. You know, I did wonder if you'd be able to go against the Republic, but I should've remembered who you are and what you've been through."
"Remember Theron." he said, turning to face him. "We both cut our ties to them a long time ago."
Chrsitophsis, C.I.S Camp
General Loathsom was trying his best to steady his heartbeat, as the enemy had stopped their bombardment, and were now landing ground troops. From the canopy of his tank, he could make out gold-coloured droids that appeared more sophisticated than C.I.S battle droids, tri-legged assault droids, and bipedal walkers equipped with heavy weaponry. He guessed that the enemy was aware of his shield's one weakness, that slow moving metallic objects could pass right through.
He was snapped out of his thoughts when the enemy droids started advancing. He brought up his holo-communicator and contacted his second-in-command. "Open fire as soon as they breach the shield."
"Roger Roger," the droid replied.
As soon the first line of droids passed through the shield, both sides opened fire. To the General's horror, some droids took to the air; too late he saw the jet boosters on their torso's as they began dropping thermal detonators.
He ordered his tanks to start firing salvos right into the enemies' ranks. The ground shook as enemy walkers, firing rockets and blasts from heavy blaster cannons entered through the shield.
A bigger explosion told the General that the shield generator had been destroyed. As the barrier over his position dissipated, he fumbled with the communicator before getting through to the guard post. "Captain! Captain, the shield generator, how-it's destroyed."
"The enemy droids, sir. Some of them are equipped with some sort of cloaking device. They bypassed the defences we set up around the gene-" The droid was cut off as a vibro-blade pierced its chassis.
It slumped to the ground revealing a more lightly armoured variant of the enemy droids. It glanced towards the holo, before destroying it.
With the shield down, the enemy force was now free to attack unimpeded. Now attack fighters joined the assault, from above, while the droids and walkers continued to press their new advantage.
With his control over the battlefield lost, Loathsom decided it was time to make a hasty retreat. He started to move his tank away from the battle, an enemy walker fired twin energy beams, hitting the ground in front of the tank. It crashed onto its side.
Loathsom crawled out of the cockpit coughing and trying to regain his balance. As he tried to stand up, he felt the ground shake. Looking up he saw one of the walkers approach, stopping just in front of him with its weapons pointed in his direction.
The hatch on top of the walker opened and a human pilot dressed in a black uniform with gold trim popped up. "I take it you're the commander here. Considering your fleet abandoned you, and your last line of defence is gone, you might want to surrender."
Loathsom growled in frustration as he was surrounded by enemy droids ready to take him into custody.
The Eternal Alliance forces started to turn the Separatist camp into their own base of operations. As droids and military personnel moved about the camp, General Loathsom was being watched by four of the Alliance droids, and the walker pilot.
"I don't know who you people are, but don't think this victory will last. The Separatist Alliance won't be deterred so easily."
The pilot looked at the General as though he was mad. "Tell that to your fleet who turned tail and ran as soon as soon as they engaged our blockade. Trust me, you're going to spend the rest of this war in a cell."
Loathsom grunted, before his attention was drawn to three approaching figures. Two were dressed in gold armour, carried shields, and had polearms strapped to their backs. The third wore white armour with gold trim and a grey helmet with a red vizor. Their presence seemed to make the pilot stand straighter.
"This is him?" asked the centre figure.
"Yes, Exarch."
The white armoured figure evaluated the general silently before speaking to his two companions. "Escort him to the shuttle. I'll notify the Supreme Commander that we have a prisoner."
The other two individuals nodded, dragged Loathsom to his feet and escorted him away. After dismissing the walker pilot, the Exarch pulled out his holo-communicator and contacted the Supreme Commander.
"Commander we've secured the Separatist camp and have taken the general hostage. He'll be delivered to Odessan once the campaign has ended. In the meantime, we'll keep him secure aboard the Eternal Fleet."
"Well done, Exarch Darek. Start making the necessary preparations for assaulting the Republic position. Have the Knights form the vanguard of this next assault."
"Understood, Commander."
Republic Camp
The three Jedi were waiting at the command post for Rex and his scouts to return. Presently they heard several scout walkers approaching. Rex dismounted from his and gave his report.
"The situation is every bit as dire as we imagined. The Eternal Alliance droids appear to have a couple of variants, including one type equipped with stealth field generators."
Standing with one arm across his chest, Obi-wan stroked his beard and said, "So theoretically, those droids could bypass our defences and sabotage our cannons."
"Precisely, sir. If that's the case, we can have our own droids scan for electromagnetic signatures that could give away their location. It'll be harder for them to sneak up on us."
Anakin spoke up. "That's the least of our worries, they can attack us from the air as well as the ground. Our original plan might not work."
"But we can't run," said Ahsoka. "We have to fight them off somehow."
Obi-wan came up with a plan. "Once the Admiral returns with our reinforcements, we should use that opportunity to retreat."
"What?" said Anakin.
"The Eternal Alliance has a fleet that dwarfs any known fleet in galactic history. If each of those ships has the same amount of military assets between them, no number of reinforcements we can muster will be enough. We are no longer fighting to win Anakin; we are fighting to survive."
In the end, Anakin, clearly reluctant, had to agree.
The Jedi, Rex and Cody started making the preparations needed for the upcoming battle.
Several hours later
The Republic had dug themselves in as best as they could. Anakin, Ahsoka and Rex along with the rest of the 501st legion troops were up on the buildings nearest to the bridge, ready to ambush the Eternal Alliance forces.
Obi-wan and Cody, meanwhile, were leading the 212th battalion soldiers in preparation to attack the enemy head-on. The plan was for the 212th to attack the Alliance forces with the 501st ambushing them from behind, in hopes that would throw the enemy into confusion.
Their heavy cannons would lay down support fire right into the centre of the enemies ranks. Ultimately the Republic hoped that this would be enough to last until their fleet returned.
It wasn't long before they heard the tell-tale signs of an approaching army. Just like before, the Alliance forces was mostly made up of droids and walkers. However, spearheading the army was a battalion of living soldiers clad in gold armour carrying shields strapped in their left hands and polearms in their right.
Anakin looked to Rex. "Were they part of the battle against the Separatists?"
"No, sir. They landed after the battle was finished."
Anakin regarded the new soldiers. He could sense something about them. He then noticed a unique individual dressed in white with a grey helmet make his way to the front of the Alliance army.
"Forces of the Republic," said the figure in white, clearly the commander. "Know that today, you will be shown just how ignorant your so-called Jedi protectors truly are. They claim to protect this Galaxy yet did nothing to stop this war from starting. They condemn those who do not follow their code yet refuse to acknowledge the true nature of the Force."
"Wait, he knows the ways of the Force?" said Ahsoka.
"I've got a bad feeling about this," Anakin now had a pretty good idea as to what he was sensing.
The Commander then drew something from his belt. It didn't take the pair of Jedi long to recognize it as a lightsaber.
He ignited his yellow lightsaber. "Prepare to face the might of the Eternal Alliance and the Knights of Zakuul!"
The soldiers behind him igniting their own weapons now revealed to be lightsaber pikes.
Anakin and Ahsoka were floored by this display. Stunned, Anakin and Ahsoka could only stare as the young Padawan said, her voice little more than a whisper, "They all have lightsabers? They can't all be Force-users? Right?".
The commander pointed his lightsaber at the Republic army. "For the Eternal Alliance!"
The Knights let out a war cry then charged.
As the Clone Army, opened fire, the charging Knights slowed and brought their shields forward to block the incoming blaster-fire. While the front line defended their brethren, the ones behind sheathed their weapons and stretched their arms out around them.
The 501st soldiers and the pair of Jedi could only watch in disbelief as several pieces of rubble were lifted into the air by the knights, who were clearly using the Force, and then hurled towards the 212th's position.
Obi-wan had just enough time to register what was happening before giving the order to dodge the incoming rubble. As he and Cody tried to run a piece crashed next to them, the impact knocking them down.
His head spinning from the impact, Obi-wan tried to clear his vision before he heard the knights resuming their charge. "Cody?"
The clone was also shaken. "I'm here, sir."
"Give the cannons the order to fire now. We need to break them up if we want a chance here."
Cody acknowledged and gave the order to the cannon unit. The four cannons started firing.
Some of the Knights hung back with their weapons sheathed. As soon as they saw the projectiles heading for their advancing brethren, they extended their arms and created a Force-powered barrier, that lasted long enough to absorb the blasts.
"They can do that?" said Cody.
"Performing a stunt like that would be suicide for one of them," said Obi-wan. "As a group they bolster each other's strength."
The unexpected defensive measure gave the charging Knights the extra time they needed and soon the two armies clashed.
Exarch Darek had seen a few battles in his time as a leader among the Knights of Zakuul, but they were minor skirmishes compared to the all-out war he was witnessing now. His knights were working together near perfectly and the clone army was ill-prepared to face such an unconventional opponent.
His lightsaber cut through the armour of a clone soldier before he spied his true target. The only individual not wearing clone armour and wielding a lightsaber. He stepped towards the man who noticed him quickly.
"You must be the Jedi General. I am Darek, among the Knights I hold the rank of Exarch. I challenge you here on the field of battle."
"Quite the romantic, aren't you? I am Obi-wan Kenobi, and I accept your challenge."
As soon as his challenge was answered, Darek leapt at Kenobi, bringing the yellow blade down but Kenobi blocked it with his own lightsaber.
Darek backflipped and lunged at the Jedi. Kenobi sidestepped and batted the lightsaber away with his own.
Darek continued to press his offensive, driving Obi-wan back, before the Jedi Force-pushed him back a couple of feet.
Cody tried to distract the Knight with a couple of shots, who easily deflected them with his lightsaber.
Darek then surprised both the clone and the Jedi by hurling his weapon in a spinning throw. Cody had to dive out of the way, while Obi-wan was able to use his own weapon to deflect it, though the force behind the throw still knocked him off balance.
Momentarily distracted as his second-in-command went down, Obi-wan was caught off-guard as Darek resumed his attack. Falling back into his Soresu form of combat, Obi-wan was able to fend off Darek's attacks, but the Knight was quick to recognize the Jedi's fighting style, and in few quick moves, trapped Obi-wan in a saber-lock, before twisting the Jedi's lightsaber out of his hand.
"You are beaten, Jedi," Darek said pointing his saber at Obi-wan's throat.
An explosion rang out across the battlefield and Darek was surprised to see it had come from the rear-guard section of his forces.
Obi-wan took the opportunity to Force-pull his lightsaber back to his hand and knock back Darek. "Looks like you spoke too soon."
The Zakuul knight grimaced behind his helmet before re-engaging the Jedi.
A few minutes earlier
With Obi-wan's forces being hard-pressed with the unexpected coordination and brutality of the Force-wielding knights, Anakin knew that he and his men would need to act quickly before his master's forces were wiped out. Noting that most of the rear guard was hanging back, Anakin knew their best chance was to thin their numbers before they decided to join the fray.
"Alright men, listen up. Those Knights may have taken us by surprise but that doesn't change the plan. Rex, is everything ready to go?"
"Yessir. We're ready whenever you give the order."
Anakin turned his attention to Ahsoka. "You stay close to me, understand? This is going to get dangerous."
"I'll be fine. I know what I'm doing."
"Yeah… that's what worries me. Okay Rex, blow it!"
At Anakin's command, Rex pushed the button on the detonator he was holding, setting off the bombs the clones had set up in the buildings across them on the other side of the bridge. The buildings came crashing down on the Alliance's rear guard, crushing the droids before they could move.
The remaining droids and walkers turned around to try and find the enemy ambush force. They soon had their answer when the clones started firing from their vantage point onto the remaining Alliance forces. The skytroopers immediately engaged their jet boosters as the walkers returned fire
"Get ready, we've got incoming!" Rex said.
As the droids landed, Anakin and Ahsoka ignited their lightsabers, taking out any droid within range, while their use of Form V blocked any incoming fire from the enemy.
But more skytroopers kept landing, just what the Jedi and clones wanted.
"Rex, now!" said Anakin.
"Droid poppers!"
The clones threw their electro-grenades. All the skytroopers were caught in the blasts, causing them to fall to the ground, the volts from the grenades frying their circuits.
A blast from the walkers cut short the clones' cheers. Anakin ordered his forces to start moving out now that they had successfully thinned the Eternal Alliances rear guard.
The Front Lines
Obi-wan and Darek continued to trade blows. The Exarch had gotten over his surprise at the enemy's ambush on his forces. and was now focused on pushing back the Republic's front-line position.
Obi-wan fought alone. As planned, Cody had run off when the explosion sounded. He just hoped the clone commander wouldn't take too long to set up the next stage off the plan.
The clone troopers were hopelessly outmatched against the Knights of Zakuul. Their training proved near useless against the close combat tactics of the Knights.
Obi-wan parried a blow from his opponent, then noticed a green light flashing on his wrist communicator; finally, the signal. He knocked back Darek's saber and force-pushed him again. "All troops, fall back!"
Immediately, the clones responded.
Darek ordered his Knights to pursue. Leading the charge, he passed the abandoned cannons. His helmet's auditory sensors picked up a ping off to the side, and he glanced down. His eyes widened at the sight of several grenades had been set to go off next to the remaining ammunition.
"Fall back. It's a trap!"
The blast from the explosives set off a chain reaction, and the cannons went up in flames. Thrown back by the blast, Darek and some of his Knights landed hard on the ground.
The other Knights quickly began to tend to the wounded, including Darek. As he propped himself up his communicator went off. Pulling it out, he was met with the image of the Supreme Commander.
"I was going to ask how the campaign was proceeding, Exarch Darek, though judging from your appearance I think I can hazard a guess."
"Apologies Commander, but the Republic has proved to be more tenacious than I expected. They ambushed my rear guard and caught me and my Knights in a trap."
The Commander didn't respond right away. Darek knew he was letting him stew over his blunder in underestimating his enemy just because he had superior numbers on his side.
"I hope you will learn from this mistake, Exarch. Keep the pressure on them. We have already won the planet, but I want them to know they are on borrowed time."
The Commander's attention was drawn away for a moment before he continued. "Their reinforcements have arrived. I will have the fleet run interference, but I suspect they'll get some ships down to the surface. If they do, deal with them."
The call ended, and Darek knew he would have to rework his strategy if he wanted to avoid irking the Commander any more than he already had. Activating his communicator, he contacted the Eternal Fleet vessel's commanders. "Have all fighters ready to deploy on my command. The Republic's reinforcements are here."
In Orbit
The Republic's fleet comprised of twelve ships: one Venator-class Star Destroyer, six Acclamator-class assault ships and five Pelta-class frigates.
From the bridge of his command vessel, Admiral Yularen directed the Republic's efforts against the Eternal Alliance's fleet.
A clone navigator delivered an update to the Admiral. "We're approaching Christophsis, sir. The Alliance blockade is holding position."
"Deploy the fleet," said Yularen. "Have the cruisers protect the transports."
They were joined on the bridge by Master Yoda, who had met up with the Admiral's fleet after he'd dispatched Ahsoka. "Admiral, hurry we must, if we are to aid General Kenobi."
"It will not be easy to breach the blockade, Master Yoda. This fleet has us outgunned and outnumbered. I'm afraid we'll only be able to get so close before we run the risk of being gunned down completely," said Yularen.
Yoda walked past the Admiral to gaze at the fleet between them and the planet's surface, a grim expression on his wrinkled face. Seeing what was akin to a wall of ships was daunting even for a Jedi Master, but they still had to get through it to rescue their allies. "Then, trust that the transports will be able to make it past and rescue our allies, we must."
The Admiral acknowledged the Jedi before relaying the command to the fleet. "All transports, prepare to make a run for the surface on my signal. Fighters and gunships will provide cover both in orbit and on the planet's surface. No theatrics. Get down there, grab our people and get back here as fast as you can. Launch!"
Five frigates along with the escorts of LAATs and V-19 Torrent starfighters, started to make a run for the surface of Christophsis, right towards the massive blockade.
"Look at that fleet," muttered one pilot.
The Republic pilots, already battling to avoid the laser fire of the enemy cruisers, suddenly had to contend with starfighters launching from those cruisers. The relentless barrage from the cruisers and starfighters forced the clone pilots to push their skills to the limit.
The frigates and escorts got closer to the blockade, the oncoming fire increased in intensity. Inevitably one transport became trapped between an enemy cruiser's cannons and a squadron of fighters. It's escort craft circled to chase down the transport's pursuers. But the enemy fighters loosed their torpedoes, landing a critical hit to the transport's engine. The enemy cruisers then finished it off.
The rest of the transports made it to the surface, closely followed by their escorts, diminished in number.
Christophsis
Obi-wan and his troops were trading fire with the Alliances droids when he caught sight of the transports flying in from orbit. "Anakin, our transports have arrived, but they are going to get shot down if we can't secure any landing zones for them."
"Because just getting picked up was going to be too easy," replied Anakin. "But meeting up might be a bad idea. I'll lead the 501st to the city park and get picked up there."
"Copy that. I'll lead the 212th to our old command centre. Once you get in position, contact me and we'll send up flares at the same time."
Obi-wan gave Cody the signal, who ordered the troops to fall back.
Elsewhere
The 501st found their situation hadn't improved. They continued to be pursued by enemy droids whose thruster packs gave them superior manoeuvrability.
In the thick of the action, the two Jedi cut through any droids they could get to, using the Force to drag in any that attempted to fly out of reach.
As the droids were getting whittled down, they started to fall back. Ahsoka took this as a sign that they were in retreat. "We've got them on the run! We can finish them."
But Anakin suspected that there was something else going on; why would the droids retreat when they had superior numbers? Realising his young charge was being reckless, that she hadn't assessed the situation properly, he cried out, "No, wait."
At that moment, a buzzing sound filled the air. A new group of droids de-activated their cloaking devices and charged at Ahsoka, she had been lured into a trap.
Thinking fast, Anakin leapt in front of Ahsoka using the Force to push her back to safety, except now he was the one surrounded.
"General!" Rex turned to his men. "We need to lay down suppressive fire."
"I'm sorry, Captain," a clone said as he gunned down another droid. "But we're a little busy right now!"
Maintaining his guard posture while facing several droids, Anakin's mind raced, trying to work out a possible escape.
"Sky-guy, don't move." Ahsoka said.
"What?" said Anakin, about to turn then stopped as a smattering of dust drifted down. Hearing a crunching scraping sound, he realised the wall behind him was coming down. He crouched, arms over his head, believing he was about to get crushed.
The wall had crushed the droids. With the dust settling around him, it occurred to Anakin he was still in one piece. Getting to his feet, he realised the wall had had a strategically placed hole. Turning to the obviously relieved Ahsoka and Rex, he jabbed his finger in her direction. "You could've gotten me killed."
"I knew what I was doing," Ahsoka said, looking away and crossing her arms.
Before the pair could argue any further, Rex interjected. "General, with all due respect, perhaps we should signal for our extraction?"
His face flushed Anakin agreed and sent the signal to Obi-wan that they were in position. A minute later the flares went up.
Christophsis Airspace
Having spotted the flares, the Republic transports headed towards the two destinations, hotly pursued by Alliance fighter craft. Splitting up, the transports and their escorts proceeded to the rendezvous points.
One pair arrived at Kenobi's location and he and his troops boarded. As they took off, enemy craft bombed their second transport. Anakin's forces were slightly luckier as they managed to get away in their transports.
Now the Republic put their all into escaping the planet. Pushing their ships to the limit, the Republic pilots breached the atmosphere, racing through the blockade to reach their fleet, losing yet another transport. As the surviving ships re-joined the fleet, Admiral Yularen gave the order to retreat from the system.
Odessen
The Supreme Commander and Theron watched as the Republic fleet fled from Christophsis. This battle had ended in their victory, but the Commander seemed lost in thought.
"What's wrong?" said Theron.
"The Republic proved more tenacious than we expected. That they were able to survive against such odds is a testament to whoever led them."
Theron had to admit he agreed. He personally knew only a handful of individuals, one of which was the man stood next to him, who could have pulled that kind of strategy off.
"Contact our spies in the Republic. See if they can provide information on who was leading the Republic forces on Christophsis. Any future battles involving them will require specific strategies."
Theron acknowledged the command and started to work on his assignment, while the Commander continued to ponder whether the commanders of the Republic on Christophsis was the reason the Force had directed his attention here.
Republic Fleet
Aboard their transport, Anakin finished talking with some of his troops. About to walk away, he noticed Ahsoka sat on her own. He wondered if her dejected expression might be tied to possibly endangering him earlier. Making his way over, he sat beside her. "You're reckless little one. You never would have made it as Obi-wan's Padawan."
Shamefaced, Ahsoka hung her head.
"But you might make it as mine," he finished.
She looked up, her eyes wide and filled with hope.
Anakin's smile widened, hinting that he would certainly try to be a good teacher.
An announcement came over the comm telling the passengers that they were about to board the capital ship. On their way to the airlock, they met Rex, who congratulated them both for efforts.
Once on the cruiser, the pair made their way to the bridge and found Obi-wan already there with Yoda.
After Anakin greeted them, Yoda started to speak. "Trouble, you have with your new Padawan, I hear."
Anakin and Ahsoka exchanged looks as Obi-wan explained. "I was explaining the situation to Master Yoda."
"Really?" said Anakin.
"If, not ready for a Padawan you are," Yoda continued, "then perhaps Obi-wan, we can-"
"No, wait a minute," Anakin said. "I admit Ahsoka is a little rough around the edges. But, with a great deal of training and patience, she might amount to something." He glanced down to see Ahsoka beaming at him.
"Then go with you she will," said Yoda. "To the Teth system."
"Teth?" Anakin asked. "That's Wild Space, the droid army isn't even in that sector."
Yoda explained. "Kidnapped Jabba the Hutt's son has been."
Blinking slowly, Anakin stared at the Jedi Master. "You want me to rescue Jabba's son?"
"Anakin," said Obi-wan. "We'll need the Hutt Cartel's allegiance to give us an advantage over Dooku, and this new Eternal Alliance."
"Negotiate the treaty with Jabba, Obi-wan will," said Yoda. "Find the renegades who hold Jabba's son, your mission will be, Skywalker."
"C'mon, Master," said Ahsoka. "It doesn't sound that hard. I'll contact Rex and get the troops organized."
As she left the bridge, Obi-wan said, "Don't worry, Anakin. Just teach her everything I taught you and she'll turn out fine."
"You know," said Anakin. "something tells me that this was your idea from the start. But is this a good idea, what about the Eternal Alliance? Shouldn't we be addressing that?"
"Address the threat, this new enemy poses, we will when your mission is complete," said Yoda. "Been altered, the course of the war has. About to change, everything is."
The three Jedi knew that the war would only escalate from here. For now, they would work to secure an alliance with the Hutt Cartel. Afterwards, they would contemplate the new faction that had entered this conflict.
I'm glad that's finished. Hopefully it will be a while before I have to write a battle sequence that involved again.
As for what is going to happen next, I won't be covering the rest of the Clone Wars movie. The reason mainly being: I don't want the Eternal Alliance turning up everywhere and nabbing victories left and right or they'll come across as being OP. I still need the Republic and C.I.S to gain victories of their own.
To this end the next chapter will cover the aftermath of the Eternal Alliance's victory on Christophsis, and how some of the major characters view the situation.
Now that I've worked out a writing schedule for myself, I should get the next chapter out quicker. (I hope)
Until then, May the Force be with you. Always.