Hello again everyone!
Well, finally got the next chapter up! Have to say, it's been a nightmare to write this!
I won't say too much this time, only hope you'll enjoy it.
Without any delay, let's get straight into the next chapter . . .
(Three Hours Earlier)
Chuchi stirred on her bunk. She had managed to doze off about an hour into the nearly nine-hour hyperspace journey to Coruscant. It would probably be the most important diplomatic venture of her entire career as Senator for Pantora. The future of her home rested on the backing of the Galactic Senate and their willingness to come to the aid of an isolated moon in the galaxy's outer rims.
The memories of recent events made her cry out as she slept. The peace had been broken in her quarters after she was woken only to be informed of a massive Separatist fleet having entered Pantora's region. It was obvious that the imminent invasion was largely premeditated, and had been in the planning for some time. Furthermore, it was an attack that she had unfortunately somewhat been anticipating, yet no one in the Pantoran Assembly wished to hear what she had to say.
Her apprehensiveness had first risen following the issues that Pantora had suffered a few months previous with the Trade Federation blockade. Chuchi believed that following the lifting of the blockade, Pantora's unexpectedly drastic rise as an economic power and pursuit of military refinement had made it a target for the Confederacy of Independent Systems. There never would have been a more suitable moment for an invasion of the moon. Chuchi knew that if Pantora started to seek a deeper relationship with the Republic, enhancement of their weaponry and defences, and presence of Republican peacekeepers on the moon, then the Separatists would seek to convert their alliance by force if they deemed it necessary. Pantora's inclusion in the CIS would be viewed as a valuable asset in the eyes of the enemy. Chuchi believed the advanced military resources Pantora now possessed were the Separatist's top priority to equalling the battle against the Republic.
She turned again on her bunk. The memories were formatting themselves into nightmares. Without her knowledge, hot tears began to fall from her eyes and roll down her cheeks before landing on her pillow.
She'd witnessed the commencement of the invasion through the window of her office. The destroyers were darkening the sky over Pantoran City. Then, the bombs had begun to fall as the landing crafts descended from the mass of invading ships. First, on government buildings, before moving on to civilian targets. The skyline was ignited with fire and smoke as explosions erupted from all directions. Chuchi could only watch on in horror, feeling completely powerless with the knowledge of the perilous turmoil that all the families and their friends in the city were facing. Although, the one horrific moment that stuck with her was when she first heard the screams: the screams of those being slaughtered mercilessly below.
In her desperation, she, of course, had attempted to contact outside help. First, Chancellor Palpatine, then allied members of the Senate. Both attempts had failed.
Upon attendance of an emergency security council meeting, she learnt that the Separatists had positioned power signal jammers in the outer atmosphere of Pantora. Their communications had been severed. Additionally, the raging onslaught of the Separatist forces quickly managed to decimate the stationed Republican peacekeepers and Pantoran Forces. The assembly realised that this time Pantora was truly on its own.
Many choices were being considered amongst Pantoran politicians and military leaders. Yet, the first orders sent out by the Supreme Chairman and Speaker of the Assembly was for the evacuation of civilians from lesser heated zones with the assistance of the army. Otherwise, residents were ordered to stay indoors until the invading forces could be repelled far enough for that district of the city to be deemed safe.
Understanding that their hands were tied, the assembly decided on forming a diplomatic task force to travel to Coruscant and plea for the diversion of nearby Republic forces to Pantora. Chuchi, of course, was assigned to lead the mission, being Pantora's representative in the Senate. She had no issue with agreeing to her orders. Regardless of the obvious danger she would have to face to escape her own home.
So, within two hours, with Separatist tanks, ships and droids closing in on the government buildings, the assembled task force departed for Coruscant. A shuttle carrying Chuchi and her guards was to be escorted by a group of fighters through the thinnest estimated gap of the Separatist blockade surrounding the moon.
Upon finally reaching the blockade, Chuchi's ship began to take punishment as the pilots desperately tried to evade persistent laser fire from the stationed destroyers. Inevitably, they also lost a few fighters as they fought to defend the shuttle. Yet, by some miracle, they managed to pass through the blockade with a number of their fighters following.
Once clear of Separatist gunfire, the task force had used this short-lived gap as a chance to jump into hyperspace, leaving the stricken moon to continue fighting with whatever supplies it had left at its disposal.
However, regardless of their success in their escape from her war-torn home, Chuchi could only sit in her quarters and fear the worst for her people until help could arrive.
Having travelled this journey to Coruscant many times before in her career, Chuchi knew of the trip that lay ahead. She'd wanted to stay on the bridge, standing by in case of any developments, regardless of their importance. However, her guards had suggested that she try and rest until they reached Coruscant. After all, she needed to be in a fit state of mind when addressing all members of the Senate. So, reluctantly, she agreed and departed the bridge.
Chuchi was woken from her nightmare upon hearing the door to her quarters open. Rubbing her eyes, she sat herself up on her bunk. She saw two of her guards enter the room.
"Senator Chuchi," one of the guards said.
"Yes, what is it?" she replied sleepily.
"We don't want to sound alarmist, but something appears to have gone wrong. We were wondering if you would accompany us to the bridge. Captain Omosi will brief you on the situation. Plus, we'd feel better if we had you in our sights if the need for immediate action should arise."
Chuchi felt sick but refused to let her tension be displayed in front of the guards. Slowly, she stood herself up from her bunk.
"Yes, of course, I'll come right at once. Can you tell me what's happened? Is it serious?"
"Not all the details are exactly clear yet Senator," the guard answered. "Although, what I can tell you is that we're unexpectedly falling out of hyperspace with still a quarter of the way to go."
"Have we had a malfunction?" she asked.
"Not according to the pilots," the guard replied.
Chuchi composed herself and walked through the door of her room. Her guards followed her close down the corridor towards the bridge.
"I don't like the sound of this," she said. "No indication of a mechanical fault and our hyperdrive abruptly fails on us. Could it be Separatist related? Did they follow us?"
"The pilots haven't picked up anything as such on the radar Senator."
"How strange," she mumbled. "Things are calm enough for the moment. But something tells me that we aren't alone out here!"
Chuchi soon arrived at the bridge. The senior pilot, Captain Toloy Omosi was waiting for her.
"Captain Omosi, I'm told we have a problem?" she said.
"I think so Senator," he replied. "We're losing power from all engine thrusters, and rapidly!"
Chuchi began to rub her chin. "How far away are we from Coruscant?"
"We're currently passing the Colonies region, Senator. Although, we predict we'll probably lose all power on the hyperspace drive before we get anywhere near the Core."
"Have we any alternatives Captain?" Chuchi asked. "If we're unable to reach the Senate fast, then who knows how many more innocent lives will be lost back on Pantora. Have we any backup power? Anything?"
"I'm afraid we haven't had any luck, Senator. We've spent the past half hour trying to redirect what we considered the most unessential circuits to sustain the power needed to keep the engines alive. But, it keeps falling gradually, no matter what we do!"
"If that truly is the case, and we have no choice but to cut the hyper jump short, what're our options?"
Omosi recomposed his stature before clearing his throat.
"The way I see it Senator, we'll either have to send out a distress call with the hope of alerting allied planets or forces. However, our communication systems are still faulty. I think the Separatist's jammers must have fried something in the transmitters as we passed through the blockade."
"I see," Chuchi said. "Could we not send one of our fighters to Coruscant to raise the alarm? After all, the Republic shouldn't have a problem finding us if we hold our position."
"It is an option we've considered Senator. However, with the fighters we've already lost, that would only leave us more exposed should the Separatists succeed in tracking our party down. Leave ourselves defenceless, and we'd be killed for sure. And besides, we received a call from each of the pilots earlier. It appears their systems are failing as well."
"As well?" Chuchi gasped.
"Yes, and like us, with no apparent explanation."
"What other options do we have Captain?"
"Well, our other choice is that we cut the hyperjump now and divert to the nearest planet. Although, it could take us time to complete a radar scan and calculate whatever planets we can find would be our best option for landing."
"Regardless of wherever we land Captain, the advantage we'd have is potential access to functioning communications. I'd be able to contact the Republic and request they send a recovery force to take us to Coruscant."
Omosi sighed heavily.
"Patience Senator, we can't just make an impulsive decision like that. For starters, our damaged systems mean we haven't even currently got an accurate fix on our location. That is something we can only detail accurately once we come out of hyperspace. And I highly doubt that once we finish the jump, the hyperdrive won't have sufficient power left to fuel another. We could end up stranded too far away from the aid of any allied planets."
Chuchi stood there and listened. Of course, she understood Omosi's reasoning. However, she also knew she had a service to her people to fulfil. Nevertheless, the more he tried to dissuade her, the more she could feel her frustration rising. She eventually decided to counter the arguments.
"Captain, please listen. We can consider ourselves lucky that we escaped Pantora with our lives. The situation may be peaceful enough for us right now, but I needn't remind you that there is an entirely different story unfolding back on our home moon. Our people are being murdered as we speak, all because of a megalomaniacal power trip that the Separatists see as enough reasoning for an invasion. They're seeking to destroy everything our home and culture stand for. And that is enough justification for me to risk my own life if it can keep alive any hope to save theirs. We have a duty to take risks. It's why we're right here, right now. To uphold the survival of our world. And if you hold the true heart of a Pantoran, then I only hope that you can see things the way I do!"
Omosi raised an eyebrow. He then shook his head, remaining silent as he did so. Then, after a few moments, he spoke.
"You know something Senator, under all the young politicians I've served during my time in the forces, you have to be the most extraordinary I've ever had the privilege to work with. You may be just a Senator, but you speak with the heartfelt words of a leader!"
To say those words caught Chuchi off guard would be an understatement. She didn't know quite what to say. Nevertheless, she kept her demeanour calm and professional. She only allowed herself to smile.
"Thank you, Captain. But, I have to ask, would you be willing to take the chance?"
Omosi still looked uneasy, but with a sigh, he confirmed his inevitable loss over the debate.
"I may not deem it the safest decision Senator, but, after all, the Supreme Chairman specifically put you in charge of this task force. Your word is my command, Senator."
He turned to address the pilot who was still sitting in his seat.
"Upa, send out a communication to our escort, tell them to fall out of hyperspace in T-minus thirty seconds."
"Yes, sir," Upa replied.
Chuchi stood and watched as the blue-spiralled tunnel disappeared, only for an infinite array of stars to come shooting forward into the ship's vision.
"Shut down all engine power," Omosi said. "We need to preserve everything we have left."
"Shutting down," came Upa's response.
Chuchi watched from the window as their escorting fighters began to steadily align themselves next to the shuttle. The distinctive hum of the engines had softened significantly, and Chuchi could see the star patterns through the windows holding a stationary position, showing the effects of the speed reduction.
Omosi and Upa turned the craft to autopilot, then rose from their seats. They proceeded then to the nearby holotable located in the centre of the bridge. Chuchi and her guards followed.
Omosi opened the table's computer and began to type.
"This may take a few minutes Senator," he said. "It's not exactly the most common procedure, but I shouldn't have a problem working around it."
"And what procedure would this be Captain?" one of Chuchi's guards asked before she had the chance.
"Calculating our rough position using nothing but my brain soldier," Omosi responded. "You'll remember me mentioning that damage we'd sustained after our narrow escape from Pantora? Well, I think the Separatists must have hit something vital since I'm still struggling to access certain areas of the navigation system."
"So, do you think you can do it?" Chuchi said.
"As I said, it's not the most regular method of navigation, but I haven't spent the last twenty years of my spaceflight career without learning a few tricks. It'll involve the coordinates we saved from our initial hyper jump, time spent in hyperspace, planet positions, gravitational influence, etcetera."
"How long do you think it will take?" Chuchi enquired.
"If we don't hit any snags, I'd estimate we'll have a fairly accurate outcome in about half an hour."
"Well, that's better than nothing," the same guard muttered.
The time passed especially slowly for Chuchi. She'd sat herself down at a rounded table at the side of the room while the guards occupied themselves by listening to the two pilots working away at their mathematics over at the holotable.
She was lost in thought. The screams of her people would not stop echoing throughout her head. The massacre she'd seen through her office window. They were traumatic memories that couldn't be put aside for even one moment. She could only sit in her seat, arms crossed and stare blankly at the table. And unbeknownst to the other Pantorans in the room, she was desperately fighting to hold back tears once again.
Although, she didn't have to fight for much longer.
The peace was suddenly broken by the sound of radio interference. Hearing this, Chuchi's gaze shot up towards the control panels ahead of her.
Omosi walked forward and began his attempt to tune the frequency, trying to soften the hiss through the amplifiers. It was clear somebody was trying to talk, but it was currently too muffled to decipher.
"A Republican broadcast possibly, Captain?" one of the guards said.
"I'm not sure," Omosi replied. "I wouldn't have thought the damage would have abruptly overcome itself."
He and Upa continued searching through the variety of frequencies. The fuzzed transmission only seemed to get louder the deeper they tried to dig.
Suddenly, a voice cried through the amplifier.
"Captain Omosi. I repeat we're tracking incoming ships on our radars. We think they're about to jump out of hyperspace. I have a feeling we're about to face a Separatist ambush! I think we should prepare for combat! Keep the Senator safe!"
Chuchi felt nauseous upon hearing the transmission. Could the enemy really have tracked them down? Of course, they'd have a good assumption as to where they were going. She watched Omosi rush forward to check the radar. The look of panic on his face was all too noticeable.
He didn't have time to speak before the isolated task force finally got its confirmation. Chuchi watched as the familiar sight of a Separatist battleship appeared from nowhere in front of the shuttle. The group remained frozen in place as they watched the ship's hanger doors open. A sizable group of enemy fighters soon appeared from inside the ship and began to grow larger as they headed towards the Pantoran escort.
"AMBUSH!" Omosi cried. "We need to defend ourselves!"
He reopened the transmission with the escorting fighters, addressing the squadron leader.
"Kopal, do you think you can deal with the fighters? I fear our weapons will be insufficient defence for very long. We'll do our best to help, although I fear we won't be able to escape unless you and your men deal with them!"
Kopal's reply soon came through. "Yes, sir, we'll do our best to keep them away from your ship. Although, I'd advise you to immediately manoeuvre into a blind spot from the enemy's cannons. If the fighters don't get you, then those guns most probably will!"
"Thank you, Kopal. We'll move right away. Good luck out there!"
"You too, sir!"
With that, the transmission went blank. Chuchi saw the group of fighters speed into view as they prepared to engage the approaching enemies.
The battle was brutal and short-lived. Omosi positioned their craft below the Separatist battleship, yet, that didn't prevent the punishment they received. That being a barrage of cannon strikes, throwing those inside the shuttle around like rag dolls. It was now a question of how long the shields could hold out in their weakened state.
Furthermore, all but two of their escorting fighters were destroyed. It became clear that this was no spontaneous ambush brought about by a desperate pursuit. This was a prepared attack. The Separatists must have predicted Pantora would try and send their representative to the Republic. So they likely had anticipated the direction of their hyperspace journey. They were waiting to pounce all this time.
Chuchi cried out in fear as another blast from the enemy's cannons tortured the shuttle even more. She was thrown to the floor, hyperventilating in panic as she tried to crawl to the side of the bridge, desperate to find something to hold onto. She looked over to her guards. Both had been killed by the violent assault on the shuttle. Chuchi could feel the air drain from her lungs while she stared at the blank expressions on the faces of the deceased soldiers.
"It's no good Senator," Omosi called out from his seat. "We're completely overwhelmed. The ship's shields won't take much more. We'll be blown to pieces."
"How did they find us, Captain?" Chuchi managed to yell over the persistent cannon fire.
"I can only guess they managed to get a lock on us after we came out of hyperspace. They must have been pursuing us from the start," Omosi called back. "It all makes sense now why we were losing power. I can't believe I didn't realise it before. An advanced Separatist weapon. Electromagnetic pulsator. That's why our power kept declining. The closer they got, the weaker we got. I'm just surprised it hasn't knocked our systems out completely!"
"Maybe they're keeping the power low? Maybe they wanted to watch us squirm before killing us," Upa interjected. "Because that seems to be all we can do at the moment!"
Omosi closed his eyes and sighed.
"There's no hope for us," he said.
All of a sudden, however, he turned back to face Chuchi.
"But, there may be hope for you Senator."
"ME, WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" yelled Chuchi.
"This being a newly built shuttle, we, fortunately, have a couple of escape crafts incorporated into the design. And they've both been fitted with hyperdrives. The only problem is that they're currently dead, but if I shut down all systems and convert our remaining power into one of them, there may be a chance you can fire up the hyperdrive.
"But, you'd have nothing!" Chuchi cried. "You'd be a sitting target with no means of defence. You'd all be killed! I won't do it!"
"NO SENATOR, YOU WILL!" Omosi bellowed. "YOU TOLD ME EARLIER THAT WE MUST TAKE RISKS TO DEFEND OUR HOME! THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I'M PREPARED TO DO! YOU MUST GO. IF THERE'S ANY HOPE OF HELPING OUR PEOPLE, YOU'RE OUR LAST CHANCE!"
"But, how could I let you all die . . . "
"THAT'S THE OUTCOME WE'RE TRAINED FOR SENATOR, TO BE READY TO DIE FOR OUR PEOPLE! ESPECIALLY OUR LEADERS!"
His voice then softened as if he was preparing his final words to the young Senator.
"You'll find the hatches near the back of the ship. Climb the ladder on the left, and it'll lead you into one of the escape crafts Senator. You must go NOW! I'll transfer our approximate location to that craft's navigator, plus Coruscant's coordinates. Please, Senator, go!"
"Captain, I . . . "
"I SAID, GO!" he roared.
Chuchi, still lying on the floor, gaped at Omosi, still reluctant to follow through with his order. Her conscience was proving too strong. However, at that moment, another strike hit the shuttle. There was a loud creaking sound, and Chuchi saw more debris fly out into space through the cracking windows.
"SIR, THE SHIELDS HAVE GONE! SHE'S BREAKING APART!" Upa yelled.
"SENATOR!" Omosi yelled.
"I'LL GO," she cried. "I'LL GO! I want you both to know that I don't agree with this plan. This need never happened! But it's been an honour, Captain. For the sake of Pantora, I wish you both the best of luck! Whatever might happen next!"
"Don't worry about us Senator, just get out of here!" replied Omosi. "NOW!"
Without any further words, Chuchi was gone. She ran from the bridge and down the corridor, occasionally having to regain her balance throughout each new strike. Her only stop was at her quarters to retrieve the small satchel she'd brought with her. It contained what would be deemed essentials wherever she may end up.
After returning to her journey down the corridor, she soon found the ladders leading to the hatches at the top of the transporter. Hurrying forward, she grabbed the left ladder for support as yet another blast shook the ship even more aggressively. Again, she heard a loud creaking sound, indicating the likelihood that more debris had been blown into space.
Once the shaking had subsided enough, step by step, she climbed the ladder and unlocked the hatch. Clambering into the small craft's cockpit, she threw her satchel aside and sealed herself in. After strapping herself into the seat, she held up her comminutor to confirm her arrival to Omosi.
"Captain, I'm in the escape craft. Ready whenever you are . . ."
There was a crackle on the other end of the communicator. For a moment, Chuchi was afraid the device had failed. However, Omosi's voice suddenly came through.
"Okay, Senator, we're about to shut down the shuttle. Remember, you'll have to move fast once you get power. The enemy will likely notice what's going on."
Going through with this made Chuchi feel sick. The helplessness she felt over losing more lives was devastating to her.
"I understand," Chuchi answered, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "I promise I'll bring back the whole Republican military!"
"Don't make this an attempt in vain, Senator," Omosi replied. "But, I know you won't let us down! Throw everything the Republic has at those Separatist bastards!"
"I promise I won't let you or Pantora down Captain . . ."
With that, communication was severed. A small interval passed when all Chuchi could see through the canopy was the mass of the enemy ship and the flashes of its cannons firing down at her. She began to worry if something had gone wrong.
All of a sudden, the control panels of her craft began to light up. There was a small pattern of beeping as the systems were kickstarted back into life.
Knowing it was now or never, Chuchi reluctantly reached for the docking switch. After a few seconds of hesitation, she finally flicked it up. There was a bang, and she saw the shuttle begin to move away as her craft lifted away from the ship's structure.
It was now down to her.
Chuchi was not the most highly trained pilot, but she'd spent enough time being taught the basics. After all, she just needed to get as far away from the ambush as possible. So, as quickly as she could, she initiated the sequence to activate the craft's throttle. This caused the craft to shake as the engine sparked into life. As it shot forward, Chuchi felt herself being thrown back into her seat.
She did take a couple of hits from pursuing enemy fighters, but on the whole did a fairly swift job of avoiding the worst of the relentless attacks being thrown at her.
Once she'd gained a decent distance from the enemy's mothership, she activated the hyperspace computer. The screen was flickering rather severely, but it nevertheless managed to keep itself alive just enough to be operational. To her relief, Chuchi saw that the coordinates Omosi had promised were indeed logged into the system.
Without wasting any more time, she took the awaited gamble and initiated the jump into hyperspace. Before the mass of stars could disappear, Chuchi took one last look behind her. In the distance, she could see the shuttle still floating below the Separatist ship. That was her final glimmer of hope for the survival of Omosi and Upa before her craft was thrown into its hyperjump.
Her journey was unexpectedly extended after the logged coordinates were reached. She couldn't shut down the hyperdrive; something appeared to be jammed. Panicking, Chuchi attempted a system reboot and manual override of the autopilot. Nothing appeared to work. She ended up having no choice but to wait out the new journey.
But, Chuchi knew straight away that something was wrong when her craft finally finished its jump. That being that her navigator was blank when she attempted to home in on her exact position. The computer merely indicated a system error and displayed a blank map on its screen. She attempted another reboot, expecting it to be damaged from the ambush that was causing the problem.
After powering the computer up again, she could only hope that the system had set itself right. But, again, no recognisable data could be displayed.
Finally glancing out of the canopy, taking in her surrounding, she saw that the hyper jump had positioned her next to a lonely blue and green planet, enveloped in the cotton-like texture of clouds. Deciding to change tactics, Chuchi programmed an identification of the planet she appeared to be currently orbiting. There was no match amidst the vast list of known planets in the galaxy.
It was then that she also noticed that the altimeter had reactivated itself. It was dropping, and fast!
She initially debated whether or not to use the last of her power to keep herself in space and instead activate the portable distress beacon she'd brought in her satchel. Although, that decision would risk leaving her stranded in space if the transmitter was completely out of the range of any nearby ships.
Deciding against that idea for the moment, Chuchi now focused on the planet she was orbiting. A landing, of course, would depend on whether or not the surface was breathable or habitable.
Fortunately, after running an initial atmospheric scan she discovered that the atmosphere contained oxygen, and the temperature was safe. Additionally, it told her that the surface pressure levels were low enough to be harmless. It was then Chuchi's mind was made up. She would land her dying craft on this planet, whatever it may be. The only hope she had was that the power wouldn't give out on her before she reached the surface. Otherwise, she'd have no control and be left to plummet to her death.
So, after manoeuvring into the correct position for entry through the atmosphere, Chuchi fired up the engine one last time to break completely free of orbit.
It would now only be a matter of time before she would reach the surface.
Well, that's chapter two over and done with.
I'll update as soon as I get the chance. Leave a review to tell me what you're thinking of the story so far.
Hope to see you soon.
Until next time . . .