Welcome back all. We're onto part two of the Malevolence arc, and a team up featuring our first major interaction between the characters of the Clone Wars and one from SWTOR.

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Chapter 5: Shadow of Malevolence

Resolute bridge

Anakin was speechless. He had been ready to plan out his mission to destroy the Separatist's new weapon when the Eternal Alliance showed up, and this Kira woman claiming she had a proposition for them. "And what would that be?"

"A truce," said Kira. "Between the Republic and the Eternal Alliance to deal with a mutual threat. The Separatist's super weapon."

That told the Jedi more than was apparent. If the Eternal Alliance was asking for a truce, it meant that Grievous had turned his ship against them and had left enough of a mark to cause concern.

"Given that our forces are at war, what is stopping us letting the Separatists remove the Eternal Fleet from the picture?" said Anakin. He could sense Ahsoka's confusion as he chanced a quick glance at Plo Koon. The older Jedi's nod gave the impression he approved of Anakin's question.

"True," said Kira, resting her hand on her hip, "you could just sit back and watch Grievous destroy our forces. However, you are aware of how many ships are in the Eternal Fleet, right? It would take a while for a sizable dent to be made in our forces. But the Supreme Commander has ordered most of the Eternal Fleet to cease activity until the matter is dealt with."

Plo spoke up. "Surely you haven't lost so many ships in a relatively short span of time to warrant such a response?"

"It was a decision made in response to what we were losing, not the quantity. Grievous wasn't just attacking ships that were engaged in military operations, he was targeting the ships assigned to relief missions as well."

That statement gave the Jedi pause. It was a well-known fact that Grievous wasn't above attacking non-military targets without mercy. Anakin also realized another fact regarding the momentary disabling of the Eternal Fleet. "With the Eternal Fleet largely out of the picture for the time being, Grievous is going to start attacking Republic forces again."

Plo Koon voiced his agreement in the assessment. "Perhaps your Commander paused your fleet's operations to force our hand?"

"Perhaps." Kira's face remained neutral.

Anakin decided to continue entertaining the High Justice's proposal. "So, how long would this arrangement last?"

"Only as long as it remains mutually beneficial. In this case it would last until the ship is destroyed."

"But what exactly could we offer the Eternal Alliance?" said Plo. "You seem to be quite well equipped."

"What we need, Master Jedi, is something outside the realm of our command. The best star pilot in the Galaxy. 'The Hero with no Fear' as I've heard him referred to. Isn't that correct, Anakin Skywalker?"

Anakin's brow creased. "So, it's me you want specifically?"

"You and whatever forces you can afford. It seems you made quite the impression at Christophsis. With the range and firepower of our Eternal Fleet and your piloting skills, I'm sure we can come up with an effective strategy."

After a moment of contemplation, Anakin said, "I am willing to agree to this truce, High Justice. I'll gather my strike team together and inform our High Command of this development."

"I'll be waiting to hear from you soon." Kira's image faded.

"Is this wise, Master?" said Ahsoka.

Plo placed his hand on the padawan's shoulder. "I doubt she means to deceive us. They clearly want this threat dealt with as quickly as we do."

"Yeah," Anakin rubbed his brow. "I just hope the council sees it that way."

Ryndellia system

General Grievous was quite pleased with the current situation, all things considered. Though the Eternal Alliance had seemingly retreated from the front lines for the time being, he felt confident in the fact that their infamous fleet was no match for the Malevolence should they choose to become active again. In the meantime, he'd been ordered by Count Dooku to resume attacks on Republic forces. He had successfully ambushed a small Republic fleet consisting of star destroyers and medical frigates. The subjugator-class heavy cruiser made short work of the enemy as its cannons ripped them to shreds.

Up on the bridge, the cyborg general overlooked the carnage with satisfaction. "So much for the Jedi escort." He failed to stifle a coughing fit.

"The last transport is fleeing, General," said one of the droids. "You've got them on the run."

"They won't get far," said Grievous. "Charge the plasma rotors."

The ship's crew manoeuvred themselves into attack position as the port side cannon began to charge. Grievous gave the command to fire the ion cannon. The blast shot through space, striking the transport, rendering it vulnerable. A volley of turbolaser fire all but destroyed the transport and its occupants.

"This is a lot more fun when they're not shooting back," said one of the gunner droids.

"I still can't seem to hit anything," another droid said, before losing its head to a rather irritated Grievous.

"Grievous," said Count Dooku via holo. "Those battle droids are expensive. The Jedi aren't ever that harsh with their clones."

Grievous scoffed. "The care these Jedi show for their troops is a weakness."

"A weakness we shall continue to exploit." The Count held up a projector which displayed a space station. "I have the coordinates for a new target. The Republic's secret outer rim medical station. It is unprotected and treating over 60,000 wounded clones. We will do them a favour and put them out of their misery." Dooku switched off the display. "Once you have destroyed it, there will be nowhere for the Jedi to send their wounded. And they will die."

"It will be a pleasure, my lord."

"I feel very confident leaving the ship in your command, General." Dooku's image faded.

Grievous was then alerted to several escape pods fleeing from the doomed transport. "Target those escape pods. I have a reputation to uphold."

Bith system, Alliance warship bridge

Kira was back on holo-call, not just with the commanding officers of the Resolute, but the Republic's war council as well. At first the three Jedi masters came across as being like the Jedi she remembered from her time, but she could tell that there was something off about them. The Supreme Chancellor seemed rather mild-mannered for a politician, especially for someone whose term should have ended years ago. Kira suspected it was possibly his strategy to remain in power. It wouldn't be the first time an elected leader of the Republic refused to step down.

The Chancellor also seemed more curious about aspects of the Alliance than he was with the reason for her being here in the first place. "You call yourself the High Justice," said Palpatine. "What is the significance of that rank, if you don't mind me asking?"

Kira knew there was no harm in answering. "It is the rank given to the leader of the Knights of Zakuul. They all report to me, and I decide how they are deployed, though the Supreme Commander has the final say."

One of the Jedi, Kenobi as she recalled, stroked his beard. "Then your Alliance is taking the threat of the new Separatist ship rather seriously, if they've sent you."

"Yes, speaking of which, perhaps we should get back to the matter at hand? Commander Skywalker was quite favourable about my proposition."

"Confident, you are, that your strategy will work?" said the Jedi master called Yoda.

"Based on what Master Plo, myself and my padawan witnessed, I do agree with the High Justice's assessment that a bomber squadron would have the best chance of disabling the enemy ship," said Anakin.

"Your exemplary skills as a pilot make your insight quite welcome on this matter, Anakin," Palpatine said. "However, I'm afraid that I cannot agree to this truce with the Alliance."

While the Jedi all directed questioning looks towards the Chancellor, Kira felt as though the leader of the Republic just took complete leave of his senses. "Why is that, if you don't mind me asking?" She could tell, from the look he shot her, her slightly mocking tone hadn't been lost on the Chancellor.

"Forgive my lack of trust, I just have legitimate concerns about your intentions."

Kira spent a moment considering the Chancellor's words and realized what he was alluding to. "So, your reluctance is not about the mission itself, but what would happen after? You think that once the Separatist ship is destroyed, I'll take Skywalker and his squadron hostage."

"Precisely. The loss of one of our best star pilots would be a severe blow to the Republic. That is something we cannot risk."

Kira got the impression that there was more going on here than was apparent. The Jedi seemed to reluctantly agree with the Chancellor's words, while knowing this truce could reduce their own casualties. This only reinforced the thought that the Chancellor wasn't taking this threat as seriously as he should.

After mentally searching for a solution to secure their assistance, the only thing she could come up with was something she knew was not going to go down well with the knights. "Commander Skywalker, how many personnel would your squadron be comprised of?"

Anakin answered with twenty-four before the Kel Dor Jedi, Plo Koon interjected. "Twenty-five actually. I will be accompanying as a fighter escort."

Kira mulled it over. "Then what say you to an exchange of personnel? While Commander Skywalker and his men are aboard my ship, I shall send over an equivalent number of knights to remain on your ship, until we've achieved our objective."

That seemed to throw them for a loop. Then again, the idea that she was willing to make such an offer really didn't leave much room for arguing.

"Your suggestion isn't an unusual one as far as securing our cooperation is concerned. Will your knights agree to this, though?" asked Obi-wan.

"Oh, they won't be happy. But they also know when to put personal matters to one side for the sake of the mission."

As the Republic council was about to respond, the Resolute's admiral gave a rather bleak update. A medical convoy in the Ryndellia system had just been attacked by Grievous with no survivors.

While Ahsoka voiced her anger at Grievous attacking a helpless medical convoy, Anakin was more focused on the system. "The Ryndellia system… near Naboo? Isn't that where our medical base is? I'll bet that will be his next target."

"Skywalker is right," said Mace. "If Grievous is already in the region he won't miss an opportunity to deal a massive blow to our forces."

"The loss of that station would be quite severe for us in the long run if we don't have anywhere to send our wounded," Obi-wan added.

"There are many star clusters in that area," said Plo. "With a ship that big he will be unable to chart a course that's less than ten parsecs."

"Which means we'll either need to take a shortcut, or use ships that can outpace Grievous," said Anakin.

They all turned to Kira, who was trying not to look too smug. That information couldn't have been better timed. "It seems we know where to find Grievous. My fleet is ready to go, I just need your answer."

Their attention switched to the Chancellor. Between Kira's offer of a personnel exchange and the location of Grievous' ship, it was obvious he no longer had any reason to refuse her.

"Very well. We cannot afford to lose that medical station. I agree to this truce, High Justice." He turned to Anakin. "We're counting on you, my boy."

"Me and my men won't fail, Excellency. We'll join you shortly, High Justice." He addressed his Admiral. "Warn that station what's coming."

"May the Force be with you," said Yoda, before the holo-call ended.

Kira breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't a fan of negotiations, being more a woman of action, a trait she shared with her husband. But she still had more work to do before the mission could begin. "Inform the knights I wish to address them in the hanger," she said to the GEMINI unit before leaving the bridge.

Alliance warship hanger

The gathered knights, a company of one hundred as per standard deployment, were all stood at attention as Kira entered. Though she held the rank of High Justice, she still felt a slight pang of nervousness about what she was about to ask of them. Facing them, she brought them up to date with their plan.

"The Republic has agreed to ally with us to destroy the Separatist warship. We also know where it intends to strike next, so as soon as they arrive, we shall proceed to those coordinates."

The knights all had enthusiastic responses to the news, but Kira then proceeded to explain one part of the arrangement that she knew was going to cause issues. "However, to gain their cooperation, I made an offer they couldn't refuse. They've agreed to a personnel exchange. While the Republic bomber squadron is aboard this vessel, until our objective is met, the agreement requires that an equivalent number of you must remain aboard the Republic capital ship."

One knight spoke up. "How many of us are required, High Justice?"

After Kira answered with the number, any enthusiasm coming from the knights all but evaporated. She knew this was going to take some convincing on their part to accept, but they didn't have the luxury of discussing this. While she never liked to use her position to force her knights to agree to anything, Kira knew she'd have to consider doing so.

However, another knight, dressed in the white armour of a captain, asked where the ship was going to strike next. Kira explained about the Republic's medical facility, and that seemed to cause the knight to stand straighter, before she stepped forward.

Facing the rest of her brethren she spoke. "My brothers and sisters in arms, this agreement that has been made between us and the Republic may not have been how we envisioned serving the Eternal Alliance. But our role in this war will be ended if this warship isn't destroyed." She turned back to Kira. "I'll gladly volunteer for this exchange if it means ending this threat."

Kira nodded before looking back to the assembled knights. Soon another knight stepped forward, then another and another. After the twenty-five volunteers had gathered, Kira addressed them. "I thank you for volunteering for this endeavour. Please, for your sake, cooperate with the Republic and don't cause trouble. Now, go prep your shuttles. The rest of you are dismissed."

As the Knights went back to their assigned posts, Kira breathed a sigh of relief.

Resolute Hanger

Anakin went over the systems of his BTL-B Y-wing one last time. The starfighter/bomber hybrid had two seated positions, one for the pilot where he was sat now, and a gunner seat placed behind him. He had selected Ahsoka to be his gunner, much to her dismay. Apparently, her opinions about his flying matched Obi-wan's.

With a slight rumble, the hanger bay doors that ran the length of the Resolute's bow opened. The twelve Y-wings and Plo Koon's Delta-7B Aethersprite fighter all launched from the hanger on their way to dock with the lead ship of the Eternal Fleet.

As the squadron sounded off, R2 nervously beeped to Ahsoka. "I know, Artooey. This is going to be a tough one."

After all members of Shadow Squadron had checked in, Anakin refocused on steering towards the Eternal Fleet. As they approached, he spotted a pair of shuttles carrying the knights pass them by, towards his flagship. Drawing near to the Eternal Fleet, he took a moment to appreciate the design. Something made easier by the fact that they weren't shooting at them. Spotting the hanger bay entrance, he guided his squadron into the ship.

After they landed, Anakin spotted the High Justice waiting for them. She spoke into her wrist comm, and Anakin heard the ship start up its hyperdrive. The hunt for the Separatist weapon was now underway.

Back on the Resolute

After witnessing the departure of the Eternal Fleet, Admiral Yularen told the bridge crew to prepare to follow. The plan was for both the Admiral's fleet and General Kenobi's to meet up at Ryndellia. If the plan went well, the enemy ship would be crippled upon their arrival, allowing them to finish it and Grievous off for good. In the meantime, he had another matter to attend to.

Departing the bridge, he made his way to the hanger where his 'guests' were waiting. He was somewhat relieved to see no major altercations had occurred between the knights and the clones, even though the latter had their weapons pointed at the former. While he knew that the knights wouldn't be armed, he was slightly surprised that the knights were helmetless. While a good portion were human, there were a few aliens present as well. Recalling the intel the Republic had on the knights he approached the knight in white armour, reasoning that she was the highest rank.

"Welcome aboard the Resolute. I am Admiral Wullf Yularen, the commanding officer of this vessel."

"Well met, Admiral. I am Captain Nataliz Coupar," she said.

"I do apologize for the clones' unease, but they haven't had many peaceful interactions with your people."

"No offense taken. Now, I believe we won't just be standing around in the hanger while the mission is underway, correct?"

Yularen confirmed as much and asked that the knights follow him. As they filed out of the hanger a contingent of clones kept their weapons trained on the knights.

Nataliz kept her wits about her as they navigated through the ship. While she and her comrades had no intention of escalating things, she hardly trusted the Republic to be so restrained. Even though many of the clone soldiers were wearing helmets, she could sense their wariness, and in some cases, fear, through the Force. They wouldn't need much to try and claim she and the knights were causing issues.

Their escort halted outside an area that could only be the brig of the ship. It made sense in all honesty. This way the knights could be monitored without interfering with the Republic's operations. Nataliz heard a couple of the knights grumbling but they wisely kept it to a minimum. The knights split up into groups of five as they were led into the cells, the laser gates keeping them secure.

Admiral Yularen bid them farewell, issued orders to the troopers guarding them, then made his way back to the bridge. As her cellmates got settled, she noticed one of the knights in the cell opposite them make a sudden move towards the gate, as though he was going to try something, causing the guards to raise their weapons and order him to stay back.

As he laughed at their reaction, Nataliz said. "Don't antagonize the clones. We promised the High Justice that we'd be on our best behaviour."

After seeing him settle down, she decided to spend her time meditating, while they waited for news on the operation's outcome.

Alliance warship hanger

Anakin disembarked from his Y-wing as the High Justice, Kira Iviss, approached, flanked by a pair of knights.

"Welcome aboard. I'd offer to show you around, but for the sake of security, and the fact you'll need to launch as soon as we arrive in the Ryndellia system, I'm afraid you and your squadron will need to remain in the hanger."

"Don't worry. That will give me and my squadron time to give our bombers a final check before the attack," said Anakin.

Kira nodded. "It is a pleasure to meet you in person, General Skywalker. The Supreme Commander was quite impressed with your performance back on Christophsis. He's the kind of man to show respect to his opponents."

"Glad I didn't disappoint." Anakin still remembered how tough their first battle against the Eternal Alliance had been. The Supreme Commander sounded like he was a little more reasonable than any of the Separatist leaders, but not above pulling punches when it came to warfare. He proceeded to introduce Kira to both Master Plo Koon and his padawan.

When the High Justice laid eyes on Ahsoka, her expression darkened. But before Anakin could question it, she spoke. "So, this plan for the Separatist weapon, do you think you and your men can pull it off?"

"Well, let's ask them. Matchstick," he called, summoning one of the pilots. "You think our boys can pull this mission off?"

"Yes, sir," he said. "There hasn't been a mission Shadow Squadron couldn't complete."

"That's right," said another pilot. "Minimal casualties, maximum effectiveness. That's us."

"Your men get points for confidence, Skywalker, but minimal casualties might be all it takes to prevent you from breaking Grievous' defences," said Kira.

"The High Justice has a point, Skywalker," said Plo. "That ship will be well protected. But I do confess that a bomber squadron has a better chance of evading the ion cannon than our cruisers do."

"Don't worry, we will destroy that bridge, and Grievous along with it," said Anakin.

As he turned back to face Kira, he spotted a ship in one of the adjacent docking bays, which caught his attention.

Intrigued by his behaviour, Kira turned to look at what he was staring at. "Ah, that's my personal starship."

"Yours?" said Anakin. "But if I'm not mistaken that's a Defender-class corvette."

Kira raised an eyebrow. "You know your starships well, Skywalker."

Plo Koon was now equally astonished. "How did you come by a ship like that?"

"What's so special about it?" said Ahsoka.

"You should brush up on your history when you have the opportunity, my Padawan. That starship was used extensively by the Jedi Order during the Great Galactic Wars."

Ahsoka mulled over the information before realization struck. "Didn't those conflicts occur over three thousand years ago?"

"Yes," said Plo. "Which again, begs the question; how did you come by it?"

"It's something that's been with my family through the millennia. Though the vessel looks the same as it did back then, it's received an extensive number of upgrades to the point that none of the original internal components remain."

"I never thought I'd get the chance to see one in person," said Anakin.

Kira scratched her cheek. "I… could let you on board for a few minutes, before we reach our destination."

"Really?" Anakin was aware he probably sounded a little too enthusiastic.

Kira told her knights to keep an eye on things while she escorted the three Jedi and R2 over to the ship.

As she led the way, Kira couldn't help thinking how easily she'd been swayed by Skywalker's enthusiasm. But she felt privileged letting these Jedi see a physical part of their history.

Standing in the hall of the ship, the Jedi took in their surroundings, when a series of beeps caught their attention. Within the central area, just in front of the holo-projector, a bronze and silver coloured astromech seemed perplexed about the unfamiliar faces on board.

"Don't worry, T7," said Kira. "I'm just giving them a quick tour of the ship."

"Does your family have a thing for antiques or something?" said Anakin. "That droid's almost as old as the ship."

"So that explains why it looks different from Artooey," said Ahsoka.

"T7-01 is a long-time friend of the family. If he could speak basic, he'd have quite the stories to tell."

Kira watched R2 roll up to T7 and the two astromechs started having a rather animated conversation, if all the beeping was any indication.

"They appear to get along," said Plo.

"There aren't many other droids with T7's spirit. Your R2 unit is the first droid he's encountered in a while that he can have a lengthy conversation with. Come, I'll show you the cockpit."

Upon entering, Kira saw Anakin's face light up a little at the sight. There were three seats, two for the pilots and a third positioned behind them for the ship's captain. Approaching the pilot seat, Anakin glanced at Kira, silently asking permission. At her nod of affirmation, he sat down and started going over the controls.

"I noticed what appeared to be a library of sorts in the ship's main area," said Plo. "Would you mind if I took a quick look?"

"By all means, Master Jedi. Just don't expect to find any valuable info regarding the Eternal Alliance. That sort of thing stays off the ship."

"I thought that would be the case." He placed a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. "Come, little Soka, this will be a good opportunity to learn about our history."

Kira noted that Ahsoka seemed a little hesitant. The High Justice silently chuckled, it seemed that the young Togruta was of a more action-oriented mindset, like her master. And that reminded Kira of herself and her husband. Turning back to Anakin, she went over and sat in the co-pilot seat.

After a moment she said. "Do all Padawans start field duty that young these days?"

Anakin glanced at her. "So, you did have a problem when you met Ahsoka, then?"

"I was just surprised by how young she is. Hence my question."

Anakin shifted in his seat. "If I'm being honest, her age was also a surprise for me when I first met her. But Master Yoda seemed confident that she was ready to begin her apprenticeship."

"Even though he must have known that assigning her to you would put her on the front lines?" Kira was starting to sound incensed. "I question the reliability of your Master Yoda's judgement if that's the case."

Anakin seemed hesitant to continue.

Kira sighed, calming herself. It appeared that this was bothering her more than she thought, and she knew why. "I have a daughter who's about the same age as your Padawan."

Anakin's shock was obvious.

"She's currently training to become a Knight of Zakuul. Both her father and I are extremely proud of her. She's gifted in both the Force and her ability to learn. But it is my hope that she and the other trainees will not have to set foot on the battlefield until after this war has ended."

Anakin seemed to regard her words, understanding her issue with Ahsoka being present in a situation like this at all. A sound from Kira's communicator got their attention.

"Tour's over," said Kira. "You and your men better get ready for battle."

As Anakin started to leave, she said. "I know attachments are forbidden for the Jedi. But I would hope that you understand the weight of responsibility when it comes to your young charge."

"Trust me," said Anakin. "I am aware."

After the three Jedi and their droid departed, T7 rolled up and delivered a series of happy beeps and whistles.

"Glad to know you got on well with their R2 unit."

T7 seemed puzzled by her quiet response.

"Don't worry, little guy. I'm just concerned the Jedi might have lost a certain amount of rationale over three thousand years."

Malevolence

General Grievous was growing impatient as his ship travelled through hyperspace. According to the pilot droid, the ship's navicomputer had to calculate a complex course around a large nebula that was near the medical station. But the droid had just informed him that they were about one parsec away from the target, making him eager to deliver a crushing blow to the Republic.

"General," said another droid. "There's an incoming transmission from Count Dooku."

Grievous moved to the holo-console to receive the message.

"General Grievous, I have received intelligence from Lord Sidious," said Dooku. "The Republic and Eternal Alliance have formed a truce in order to attack the 'Malevolence'. A detachment of the Eternal Fleet is transporting a small Republic strike force."

"So, the cowardly Alliance have shown themselves again? Let them come. We've already proven that their fleet is no match for this ship."

"Skywalker is leading the Republic force," Dooku cautioned. "Do not underestimate him."

"Ha, I assure you Count, if anything it is Skywalker who will underestimate this ship and its power." Grievous' confidence in the Malevolence was so strong that the possibility of it being destroyed did not even occur to him.

Ryndellia system

The Eternal Fleet emerged from hyperspace and set up position. Kira was on the bridge of her ship with an open comm channel to Skywalker's squadron. "We'll hold our position here. Once you've taken out the bridge, we'll move in and finish the job."

"Understood, High Justice," said Anakin. "Shadow Squadron, moving out."

"Good hunting, and may the Force be with you." Kira shut off the comm channel.

She watched the squadron depart the ship, heading for their staging area. All they had to do now was wait. Soon enough, the GEMINI droid alerted Kira to a massive vessel emerging from hyperspace, and the High Justice got her first look at the Separatist super-weapon.

"Well, that's not overt or anything."

Malevolence

As Grievous arrived in the system, prepared for the ambush that lay in wait, the pilot droid informed him of the Eternal Fleet and approaching Republic squadron.

"Skywalker," said Grievous. "Launch fighters and bring the ship around. The Eternal Fleet will be of no concern as long as this ship remains at full power."

"There are several medical transports surrounding the station," said one of the bridge crew.

Grievous spotted the fleeing transports, even from their current distance. "Target the transports first. I want every single ship destroyed."

The crew started the firing procedure, aiming the ion cannon at the escaping ships. The cannon fired, the blast swiftly reaching the ships and disabling them. As the Malevolence followed up with a barrage of blaster fire, Grievous was all too pleased with the way things were going. "This is too easy."

As the Malevolence's squadrons of fighters were launched to intercept the Republic, Grievous manoeuvred his vessel to counterattack. "Charge the ion cannon and prepare to fire."

"But, Sir," said one of the droids. "Our fighters will be caught in the blast."

Grievous was unconcerned. "Fire at my command!"

Ahsoka spotted the approaching fighters as Shadow Squadron prepared for their attack run on the Malevolence. A combination of blaster fire from the battleship and the fighters made it difficult for the pilots to keep themselves on a straight course towards their target.

"Come on, keep it steady," said Anakin.

Ahsoka bit her tongue over that comment, as her master's flying was throwing off her aim in the turret.

"Keep those fighters off of us," he said.

Ahsoka lost her patience. "Your fancy flying is making it difficult." She turned just in time to spot a familiar blast being fired from the side of the Malevolence. "Incoming!"

"Make towards the edge of the ray, now!" said Anakin.

Shadow Squadron flew upwards as the ray approached, but the droids were unconcerned about the situation and continued to pursue the Republic fighters. Ahsoka spotted one headed for Matchstick.

"Shadow two, you've got a fighter coming in," she said.

Matchstick was doing what he could to avoid enemy fire while his gunner shot back. Just as a hit was scored on the droid, a stray blast from it clipped Matchstick's engine.

Ahsoka could feel her heart thudding painfully in her chest as Matchstick's ship slowed. "Shadow two, are you alright?"

"Yeah, just trying to hold it together," he responded.

"You can make it, Matchstick," said Anakin. "Just hang on."

Suddenly the damaged engine burst into flame; Shadow two spun out of control. Shocked, Ahsoka could only watch as the ship plummeted, crashing into a second, forcing three others to veer off course to avoid getting hit. Anakin ordered the rest of the squadron to check in.

"We lost Matchstick and Tag," said Ahsoka. "Shadow six, seven, and ten were caught in the ray." Shaken by the enormity of their loss, Ahsoka struggled to regain control of her emotions.

Alliance warship

Kira didn't like what she was seeing. The first attack run had gone terribly wrong, and the Malevolence continued its advance towards the medical station. The GEMINI droid behind her gave an update on the battle.

"Over half of General Skywalker's ships have been lost. This will greatly reduce the chances of success."

Kira considered the situation. The Separatist ship was coming into firing range of the station and Skywalker needed to disable it before it fired the ion cannon. Suddenly an idea struck her. "GEMINI, if Skywalker's forces were to switch their target to another part of the ship other than the bridge, would that improve their chances?"

"Depending on the target, yes. But only marginally, given the Malevolence's defences."

That was all she needed to hear. Kira left the bridge, commanding the droid to await her order to attack.

Activating her commlink, she said. "T7, fire up the Defender's engines."

Not wanting to dwell on their losses, Anakin gave the order to resume the attack. The remaining bombers of Shadow Squadron charged towards the Malevolence, evading the torrent of turret fire coming their way.

"Stay on course!" said Plo.

"All deflectors, double front," said Anakin.

"Master," said Ahsoka. "We need a new plan."

Anakin knew that she was anxious after what happened to the others, but they were so close now, and with the ion cannon being prepped for an attack on the station, they didn't have the time to come up with a new strategy. "We can make it, Ahsoka. Hang in there."

As the squadron came closer, the blaster fire from the Malevolence became more intense. Anakin tried to ignore the beating his shields were taking, determined to see this through.

Suddenly, a torpedo sped past, destroying one the turrets. Several more followed.

"Where did that come from?" said one of the pilots.

Glancing at his cockpit's hub, Anakin noticed a new group of ships had flown in behind them.

"It's the Alliance," said Ahsoka.

Anakin peered back, spotting a handful of the same fighters that he witnessed back on Christophsis, led by Kira's Defender. "Decided to join the fun, High Justice?"

"Well, I figured you could use a little more help after the losses you took. We'll open a path for you, but might I suggest a somewhat easier target than the bridge?"

Anakin was about to question Kira's statement when Plo Koon interjected. "Are you suggesting that if we can do enough damage, the weapon may overload when Grievous tries to fire?"

"Precisely. With the ion cannon disabled, the Eternal fleet will be free to move in, destroy the ship, and Grievous with it."

Anakin quickly weighed up her words. The bridge was still far enough away; a quick change in course would get them to a much closer target. "Shadow Squadron, new target. We're going to take out the starboard ion cannon."

Shadow Squadron and the Alliance fighters veered off from their original target. Kira's forces kept firing torpedoes, ensuring the remaining bombers had a relatively safe route to the cannon.

Anakin led the way, up and over the hull, into a gap between the ship and its primary weapon, almost fully charged, ready to fire.

"Bombs away," Anakin said.

The five Y-wings fired their ordnance. The bombs found their mark. The ion cannon exploded.

As the ships flew back towards the Eternal Fleet, Anakin couldn't help but smile at the surprise Grievous was about to get.

Malevolence

The cyborg general had assumed Skywalker had broken off his attack. When he'd felt the ship shudder, he'd put it down to the Republic bombers, so focused was he on destroying the medical station.

He gave the command to fire the ion cannon. The weapon backfired, causing a chain reaction throughout the ship. The explosions threw the bridge crew to the floor.

Grievous pulled himself up. "Damage report?"

"We've lost both primary weapons," said one droid. "The hyperdrive has also been disabled."

"Impossible." Grievous could hardly believe that one attack could cause this much damage.

"General," said another droid. "The Eternal Fleet is starting to make an approach and we're detecting three Republic warships entering the system."

Grievous growled. Reluctantly, he ordered the retreat to Separatist space.

Republic warship bridge

Obi-wan could see the damage billowing from the Malevolence, but his immediate concern was on Anakin's status. "Anakin, do you copy?"

"I'm here."

"Congratulations. It looks like your mission was a success."

"Partially. But Grievous is still alive. The battle was a little rough on my men. The High Justice has agreed to provide medical attention and repairs aboard her ship."

"We'll join the Eternal Fleet's pursuit. Notify me when you're ready to return and we'll have her knights ready to go."

After Anakin acknowledged, Obi-wan gave the order to proceed with the pursuit of the enemy.

Alliance warship hanger

Kira and T7 disembarked from the Defender as medics and engineers entered the hanger. The three Jedi and their R2 unit met her halfway.

"Well done, General Skywalker," said Kira. "Your leadership skills are admirable. I can see now why the Supreme Commander was so impressed with you on Christophsis."

Anakin cracked a smile. "You weren't so bad yourself, High Justice."

"Well, all I did was suggest that you change the plan ever so slightly to achieve victory."

"Skywalker," said Plo. "The medical station is contacting us."

The group walked to Plo's starfighter, where his astro unit projected a hologram of the station's overseer, a female Kaminoan. This was Kira's first time seeing one.

"General Skywalker, on behalf of all the medical staff of this facility, I want to thank you for your valiant effort. As well as to the allies who aided you." The Kaminoan turned her attention to Kira.

"We only did what we had to," said Kira. "Our factions may be at war, but we will not hesitate to aid a humanitarian cause. Nor would we resort to such barbaric tactics."

"Again, I express gratitude," said the Overseer. "Do not take the lives you saved lightly."

"We don't," said Anakin. "But I also can't take the lives I lost lightly either. If you'll excuse us, we need to prepare for the coming battle."

The overseer nodded before the hologram faded. As Anakin, Plo and R2 walked away, Kira glanced at Ahsoka.

"Your master is not a typical Jedi. I think I like him."

"Really?" said Ahsoka. "Well, I suppose he is one of a kind."

Kira chuckled. "He reminds me of my husband when he was younger. He's got a similar spirit to him."

Ahsoka expressed surprise that the High Justice was married, before she went to join her fellow Jedi.

"As for you, Padawan," Kira said to herself. "You certainly remind me of myself."

And that's a wrap. We have one more chapter to go for this current arc. One thing to look forward to will be this story's first lightsaber duel between a SWTOR character and a CW/Prequel character.

I'll see then and remember, the Force will be with you. Always.