Author's Note: I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori and my other OCs.

Enjoy!

Threads of Destiny

Chapter 53: Tipping Points

War in the Inner Rim!

Rebel leader Steela Gerrera has joined forces with General Tandin after boldly rescuing Onderon's former king from execution, evading a trap set by Separatist ally King Rash and the droid General Kalani.

Amid growing public support and rising unrest, Ahsoka and Nadia continue to monitor the rebels efforts as they rally around Ramsis Dendup to restore his reign as the rightful king and finally put an end to the Separatist occupation of Onderon.

To prepare for the upcoming battle that was to come, Ahsoka and Nadia sneaked into the city of Iziz, where the two female Jedi deposited a holographic communicator in the midst of a market square.

Through the device, former King Ramsis addressed his people personally, telling them about King Sanjay and the Separatist's lies about him being the instigator of the 'terrorist movement' to solidify their hold on Onderon and convincing them that the rebels were true patriots striving to liberate them all.

"My fellow subjects, I appear not as your king but as a servant of Onderon."King Ramsis stated."We are in the midst of a great struggle, the Confederacy has used the recent attacks as an opportunity to tighten their hold on Onderon. They have accused me of leading these so-called terrorists. It is a lie they have engineered to further restrict your independence and use deadly force against our people. The truth is, I have never met them before now, I have come to know them as the true sons of Onderon. They are unwilling to surrender our freedom to those who conspire to take it from us. Our destiny is tied to them and this planet. We must all rise together to protect it."

This speech of the former King of Onderon immediately had the effect of stirring the people's resentments against the droid occupation forces, much to the misfortune of three unlucky battle droids who happened to witness the speech.

This event quickly sparks a movement among the citizens of Iziz, who all rise in revolt against King Rash's regime.

Once the people heard the hologram, Ahsoka and Nadia went at the top of a building, where Lux was waiting for them on a Ruping.

Then the three took off on the flying beast.

A while later, Lux, Ahsoka and Nadia returned to the new rebel camp in the Onderon highlands, where they have long since been joined by General Tandin and the loyal fractions of the Onderon military forces.

"The people are turning against the droids."Lux commented."There's rioting in the streets now."

"That's a beautiful thing."Saw admitted with a smile while placing his hand on the senator's shoulder.

"We need to keep the battle to the outskirts of the city."Steela explained.

"Less structures and people."Lux agreed.

"But less clankers."Saw admitted."Their main force is in Iziz. We should join the fight down there and take it straight to King Rash."

"We all want victory, but not at the cost of innocent lives."Steela reminded."If we fight door to door, no one is safe."

"This is war, Steela."Saw warned.

"She's right."King Ramsis replied.

"I agree."Ahsoka added.

"Me too."Nadia responded."The more you draw the droids from the city to the highlands, the safer the people will be."

"My men await your command, my Lord."General Tandin declared with a bow.

"I believe there's a new contender."King Ramsis stated and looked at Steela."You will lead our forces, including the Royal Army, Steela is now the commanding general."

"A great choice."Ahsoka remarked.

Nadia nodded in agreement.

"As you wish, my Lord."General Tandin replied.

"You and your rebels renewed my faith in myself."King Ramsis stated."Now I'm putting my faith in you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."Steela thanked and looked at her companions."Let's ride."

Lux then did a whistle causing two more Rupings to appear in front of them.

Ahsoka went on the second Ruping with Lux while Nadia went on the third one.

But before the group departed, Steela planted a kiss on Lux's lips.

"Just in case."Steela teased with a smile.

Lux gave Steela a loving expression.

Ahsoka secretly looked down with a frown before Lux joined her.

Nadia gives Ahsoka a soft smile before she, Lux, Ahsoka and Steela took off on their Rupings.

Afterwards...

Lux, Ahsoka, Nadia and Steela arrived on a hill and they got off their Rupings.

"The droid army is almost here."Steela stated."Everyone, get ready."

Beneath the hill, the Onderon rebels were getting ready to attack the droid army.

"Ready."General Tandin ordered.

"Saw, begin your attack."Steela commented in her comlink.

Saw flew off in his Ruping followed by his companions and he threw a detonator at the battle droids causing the rebels to begin their attack.

Then General Tandin and his guards charged while riding on horse-like creatures.

At the top, Steela used her blaster to fire at the droids.

Saw and his companions threw detonators at the Separatist tanks causing them to explode.

Few of the soldiers cheered at the sight.

But then the Gunships attacked and shoot one of the rebel tanks down.

"No!"Steela shouted in shock.

"Where did that come from?"Lux asked.

"There!"Ahsoka replied.

The small group spotted more gunships approaching their way.

But when they fired their own guns, the gunships activated their ray shields to protect themselves.

"Any ideas?"Steela asked.

"I have one!"Nadia declared."Run for it!"

The small group got out of the way as a Gunship tried to fire at them and they took off on their Rupings.

Then the rest of the rebels began to retreat as well.

Ahsoka and Nadia then contacted Obi-Wan and Anakin to inform them of the dramatic change of events.

"I take it the rebels have Dooku's full attention."Obi-Wan assumed.

"It's a full-scale war."Ahsoka informed."They need our help. Please talk to the Council."

"Even Master Windu would be wary at this point."Obi-Wan replied."The Council will not engage or involve the Republic in an internal affair."

This caused Nadia to become outraged of her Master's declaration.

"Master, can't you sense what's happening?! The Separatists have a new gunship with a powerful ray shield!"Nadia admitted with a hint of annoyance."Nothing's getting past it! The rebels will end up suffering if we don't acquire aid for them!"

"I am sorry, Ahsoka and Nadia."Obi-Wan apologised simply."They will have to find a way. Do not stay there if their failure is certain. Evacuate when you both can and return to Coruscant immediately, do you two understand?"

Nadia frowned. "Of course, we do."

"Yes, Master."Ahsoka answered.

Then the hologram of Anakin and Obi-Wan went off.

In Coruscant...

At the Jedi Temple, Anakin wasn't happy that Obi-Wan still expressed reluctance to let the Republic openly intervene on behalf of the Ondorians.

"We need to help them."Anakin suggested.

"We will do what we can to relocate the survivors."Obi-Wan replied.

"Before they lose their planet."Anakin reminded.

"We can't."Obi-Wan said simply.

Anakin frowned at Obi-Wan's respond.

"What difference does it make now?"Anakin questioned."The Separatists know we're involved."

"I don't disagree with you, Anakin, but to send in Republic gunships defeats our purpose."Obi-Wan commented slightly."We must stay true to our intentions. Learn our lessons."

Angry about this decision, Anakin finally hits upon another idea to informally send a third party to Onderon to aid the rebels in their plight.

"It doesn't have to look like we're the ones helping."Anakin admitted."What if another party was involved?"

"Another party?"Obi-Wan asked."Who in the galaxy would be running around with an extra batch of missiles?"

"Hondo."Anakin replied with a smirk.

Back in Onderon...

Ahsoka, Nadia, Steela, Lux and the Onderon rebels were firing against the battle droids.

"Is the Republic going to help us?"Steela asked.

"No."Nadia replied with a sad frown.

"What's it going to take?"Lux questioned.

"King Rash rules Onderon."Ahsoka commented."Unless that changes, the Republic can't do anything."

"They're pulling back."Steela stated."Cover them."

"At this rate, the clankers aren't going to need reinforcements."Saw commented.

"We have to regroup at the nest."General Tandin agreed.

The rebels then began to head back to their base.

In Space...

Anakin travelled to Hondo's base on Florrum in order to hire him for a delivery of heavy weapons to the rebels.

"Skywalker, my old friend."Hondo said with a smile."You come alone?"

"For your service."Anakin replied.

"Oh, business!"Hondo laughed."Good, good, good that I understand."

"I need you to make a delivery for me."Anakin commented.

This caused Hondo's men to point their blasters at them.

"And that all I am to you, Jedi?"Hondo asked."A delivery boy?"

"I know that if I need arms shipped illegally, you're the man I need to come to."Anakin admitted.

"Illegally?"Hondo asked."Now, why would a Jedi need to deliver arms illegally?"

"How about I pay you well enough that you just deliver the missiles for me and don't ask any questions?"Anakin suggested.

"Well, as long as you're not paying me in credits, I'm sure I could accommodate your wishes, Master Jedi."Hondo stated.

Back in the Rebel Base within Onderon...

Ahsoka, Nadia and Lux watched as Saw, Steela and the rest of the Onderon rebels were discussing about their next plan.

"The highlands may slow down the droids, but they won't stop the gunships."Saw explained.

"We have to move."Steela suggested.

Lux looked at Ahsoka and Nadia.

"Any word from Master Skywalker or Master Kenobi?"Lux asked.

"Not yet."Ahsoka replied.

Nadia frowned. "One can only hope."

"We're not giving up yet."Steela admitted."Stagger our defences to the camp. Secure the approach. Stay in small teams make use of our training."

"You really are the best leader among us."Saw remarked and smiled at his younger sister."Couldn't be more proud of you, my sister."

"I learned from the best, big brother."Steela responded with a smile.

"Let's go, General."Saw insisted.

Then Saw and General Tandin walked away from the group.

Lux glanced at Ahsoka and Nadia.

"You have to help us."Lux suggested.

"We'll do all we can to protect you, but we can't fight this war for you."Ahsoka answered.

Lux looked down in disappointment and walked away from his Jedi friends.

Steela brought her attention on Ahsoka and Nadia.

"We wouldn't have made it this far without you two."Steela admitted.

"I wish we could do more."Ahsoka replied.

"Unfortunately, the arrogant pricks can't see who needs help a lot these days."Nadia retorted with a hint of frustration.

Then a ship landing was heard outside.

"Wait."Ahsoka instructed."Looks like we have company."

Lux, Ahsoka and Nadia went outside their base and saw Hondo and his men take out a crate while the rebels pointed their guns at them after coming out of their Personal Luxury Yacht 3000 known as Fortune and Glory.

"Don't shoot!"Ahsoka ordered.

Hondo smirked at Steela.

"Well, you could be my new favorite spice."Hondo remarked.

"Yeah, I don't think so."Steela answered with a frown.

Lux pointed his blaster at Hondo while glaring at him.

"Careful, pirate."Lux warned coldly.

Nadia brought her attention on Hondo while folding her arms.

"Hondo, what are you doing here?"Nadia questioned suspiciously.

"Oh, no, no, no, you should thank me, Aomori."Hondo remarked."I have brought you and your friend a gift from Skywalker and Kenobi. The latest from Sienar."

Hondo's men opened up the crate revealing rocket launchers inside it.

"Rocket launchers?"Ahsoka asked.

"Shoulder fired."Hondo instructed."Very expensive."

"Thanks."Nadia answered simply."Were you paid?"

"Very handsomely-"Hondo started.

Then a shot was fired, earning everyone's attention.

"Oh! Oh, my, look at the time!"Hondo said, eager to leave Onderon."Well, my work here is done!"

The rebels began to fire at the battle droids while Hondo and his men took off on their Personal Luxury Yacht 3000.

Then Steela let out a whistle causing a Ruping to take out the last battle droids.

"Ugh, they must have seen Hondo's ship."Steela assumed.

"It was only a patrol."Ahsoka replied.

"We have to get these down to the others."Lux admitted before gesturing to the rocket launchers."Load them up."

"I hope they work."Steela complemented.

Ahsoka and Nadia both placed a rocket launcher on their shoulders.

"There's only one way to find out."Nadia responded.

A Whiler Later...

Steela, Ahsoka, Nadia and Lux arrive just in time to save the king from the droids.

"We've tried everything, but we're target practice for those gunships."Saw stated.

"Now it's their turn."Lux admitted.

Steela handed a rocket launcher to her brother.

"Thank the Jedi."Steela remarked.

Saw nodded before he used his rocket launcher to fire at a gun ship which caused it to go down in flames.

"I love this!"Saw laughed proudly.

The Onderon rebels cheered at what they just witnessed.

"Distribute the rocket launchers and take out those gunships."Steela ordered.

Steela then got a call in her comlink.

"Steela, they're attacking the nest."One of the female rebels reported."They're after the king!"

"Come on!"Steela instructed and then took off on her Ruping.

"She sure leads by example."Ahsoka praised.

"What good will that do us if she gets herself killed?"Lux questioned.

"Good point."Ahsoka commented.

"Let's go!"Nadia insisted.

Ahsoka, Lux and Nadia then took off on their Rupings and headed to the base.

Saw shoot down the last of the enemy gunships.

However, the damaged unit careens went out of control and right into the rebel camp.

Steela got trapped on a collapsing rock on the edge of a cliffside, broken loose by the droid's impact, and while trying to jump to safety, she was caught hanging from the cliff.

"Steela!"Saw called out.

Saw rushed to get to his sister as Lux reached out to get Steela's hand.

"Hang on."Lux stated.

But then Lux nearly falls off himself causing Ahsoka to use the Force to float him to safety.

Nadia then rushed forward and used the Force to lift Steela into safety.

"Don't worry!"Nadia assured."I got you!"

Nadia concentrated really hard to pull Steela up.

But as the raven haired girl focused on saving her friend, the not yet fully disabled gunship wounds Nadia by the arm with a laser blast causing her to inadvertently drop Steela to her death.

Lux fired down the disabled gunship as Ahsoka checked on Nadia upon witnessing the wound on her arm.

Lux, Ahsoka, Nadia and King Ramsis all paled in horror at seeing Steela dead on the ground.

"No..."Nadia murmured weakly with a shocked look.

Lux, Ahsoka and Nadia then flew down on a Ruping, where Saw held his dead younger sister while his rebel companions stood around him, watching him in sadness.

"It was my fault."Saw stated sadly."I shot that gunship down and it crashed into her position."

"Saw, it's not your fault."Lux admitted weakly and stroked Steela's cheek."She knew what the risks were, we all knew what it would take to free Onderon."

Nadia looked down in sorrow and regret while Ahsoka placed her hand on her best friend's shoulder to comfort her.

Later on the steps of the Royal Palace...

Steela was given a public memorial in full honour of her struggle for freedom.

Ahsoka, Nadia, Lux and Saw received medals for their bravery on freeing Onderon.

Ahsoka and Nadia looked at Steela's body that was covered with a white sheet with sad expressions.

"I was so close on saving her."Nadia whispered.

"It wasn't mean to be, Dia."Ahsoka declared softly.

Obi-Wan and Anakin were close by, watching Ahsoka and Nadia walk away from their deceased friend.

"This has been quite a journey for our Padawans."Obi-Wan admitted.

"Steela will be a powerful spirit in their lives."Anakin commented.

"Yes for all of us."Obi-Wan agreed.

Ahsoka, Nadia and Lux walked up to Saw.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Saw."Nadia apologised quietly."I know what it's like losing a sibling. I lost my older brother some years ago, but somehow I still feel his always with me. I'm sure Steela's spirit will always be with you."

"Thanks, Commander Aomori."Saw responded."But it's over now. Let's just leave it at that."

Saw then walked away from Lux, Ahsoka and Nadia.

"Steela would be glad."Lux admitted."Her sacrifice gave Onderon its freedom."

Ahsoka and Nadia looked at Lux.

"But at what cost?"Ahsoka asked in confusion."It's like you once said many lives get caught between the Republic and the Separatists."

"I did say that once."Lux replied, remembering the firs time he talked with Ahsoka and telling her his belief on the Jedi."After watching your heroics and the selflessness of the Jedi, I do believe the Republic is the right side to be on."

"What do you mean?"Nadia questioned.

"Dendup has appointed me the new Senator of Onderon."Lux answered."I will follow in my mother's footsteps and I will bring us back to the Republic."

Ahsoka and Nadia looked at Lux with small yet bright approved expressions that Onderon's king, had appointed him the official senator of Onderon and that he finally intends to lead its people back to the Republic.

"Remember this day, the day Onderon became free again!"King Ramsis announced.

The crowd cheered loudly in joy and their shouts were heard around the entire parts of Iziz.

And so the Battle of Onderon has ended.

See you all in the next chapter and hope you all had a May the 4th be with You day!