Felucia
Upon their return to the main fleet, Vetris wasted no time in gathering his apprentice and allies for the next phase of their plans. In the war room, holographic displays of the galaxy flickered with various systems highlighted in different colors.
"Vader," Vetris began, his voice carrying a tone of importance, "I have a gift for you."
Vader looked at his master with curiosity as Vetris handed him the data pad containing details of his new command.
"You got me a Star Destroyer?" Vader asked, his tone betraying a mix of surprise and gratitude.
"It's called The Executor," Vetris confirmed. "Now, I want you and Padmé to take fifty ships and head to Kashyyyk. Your mission is to establish a second staging area there."
Vader absorbed the weight of the responsibility but remained composed. "What about you, master?"
"Ventress and I will be heading to Felucia," Vetris explained. "While you lead a campaign to take control of the Mid Rim, we will be focusing on securing the Outer Rim."
Vader nodded, understanding the importance of the division of their forces. With the plans laid out, they prepared to carry out their missions, the galaxy on the cusp of even greater conflict.
As Ventress and Vetris landed on Felucia, the vivid greenery immediately caught Ventress's attention. "It's so green," she remarked, her eyes scanning the lush jungle.
Vetris glanced at her with a knowing look. "That's right—you're from a desert planet."
Ventress nodded, still taking in the surroundings, while Vetris focused on the task at hand. "First thing's first: we need to find someone in charge to talk to."
It wasn't long before they encountered a local farmer who introduced himself as Casiss Midagatis. "Hello, I'm Vetris, and this is Ventress. And you are?"
"I'm Casiss Midagatis. I'm a farmer—in fact, we all are," Casiss said, gesturing toward the distant fields.
"What do you grow?" Vetris asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Nysillin and other crops," Casiss explained.
"What about the jungle?" Ventress asked, casting a wary glance toward the dense forest surrounding them.
Casiss shook his head. "I'd stay away if I were you. The jungle is not as friendly as we are."
Ventress was about to press further when a group of Felucian warriors suddenly appeared from the foliage, surrounding them. Instinctively, Ventress reached for her blade, but Vetris held up a hand, stopping her.
"We're on their territory," Vetris reminded her calmly. He then addressed the warriors. "Can you take us to your leader?"
The warriors led them deeper into the jungle, where they met with the chieftain. From their conversation, Vetris learned that the jungle was alive with the Force, feeding off it like a living entity. The chieftain explained that the dark presence of Vetris and Ventress would taint the jungle, threatening its delicate balance. However, if they stayed out of the jungle, the rest of the planet would remain safe.
"Very well then," Vetris said, respectful of their customs. "We will not meet again."
They left the jungle peacefully, and upon their return, Vetris contacted Commander Checker. "Checker, I'm officially making the jungle off-limits. Understand?"
"Yes, General," Checker responded promptly.
Ventress, however, seemed less satisfied. "What now? We've failed."
"We haven't failed," Vetris replied confidently. "We're standing on a planet full of farmers. What we need are supplies, not fighters."
Vetris sought out Casiss once more. "Vetris, was it? How did your visit go?" Casiss asked.
"No alliance with the jungle warriors, but that's fine. What we really need is supplies," Vetris explained.
Casiss nodded, understanding. "That explains your interest. I've talked to the other farmers, and if you can protect us and our world, we'd be happy to join your Alliance. Just remember, we're farmers, not warriors."
"Agreed," Vetris said, satisfied with the outcome. Felucia, while not a military asset, would be a valuable resource for the Alliance."Sir, I just got a report," one of the officers informed him. "It seems this world is on the Perlemian Trade Route, making it important to both the Separatists and the Republic." As soon as Vetris received the report about Felucia's location on the Perlemian Trade Route, he understood the strategic importance of the planet. Its position made it a valuable asset, not just for the Alliance but also for the Separatists and the Republic. He wasted no time.
"Then we need to defend it," Vetris responded without hesitation. "Send for backup immediately."
"Sir, we have Separatist ships incoming," another officer reported, his voice tense.
Vetris's expression remained calm. "Good. I'll deal with this," he said, heading to the communications console. He activated the broadcast on all channels, ensuring every ship in the system could hear him.
"I am Darth Vetris, and this world is under Alliance protection." Vetris's voice echoed with authority as he stood in his armor, reminiscent of the legendary Darth Revan, a symbol of power from the ancient Star Forge. "Separatist ships, I suggest you leave."
Aboard the lead Separatist ship, one of the tactical droids processed the transmission. "Sir, perhaps we should do as he says," the BB droid said cautiously.
But General Grievous, cold and unyielding, dismissed the warning with a wave of his clawed hand. "We were ordered to blockade this planet, and that is exactly what we will do," he growled, his voice a mechanical rasp.
The stage was set. Vetris stood ready to defend Felucia, knowing that the battle ahead would determine whether the Alliance could maintain control over this crucial world. Grievous's refusal to retreat meant conflict was calm of Felucia's orbit shattered as the Separatist fleet approached. Led by General Grievous, the droid-controlled ships glided menacingly into position, determined to blockade the Alliance fleet, commanded by Vetris, surged into view—Star Forge-manufactured ships bristling with weapons and shields of ancient and formidable design.
Vetris stood aboard his command ship, the Leviathan, its dark and sleek hull embodying the power of the Star Forge. The Alliance fleet was unlike anything the Separatists had faced before, with Star Destroyer-like vessels supported by sleek, smaller warships that emanated an ancient, menacing energy.
"All ships, prepare for engagement," Vetris ordered, his voice calm despite the looming battle.
The Alliance fleet moved into attack formation, with Leviathan at the head. Dozens of Star Forge ships flanked it, their designs a mix of sleek, predatory lines and angular, practical construction. As the fleets neared each other, the Separatist forces began deploying their Vulture droids, a swarm of them launching from the carriers, filling space like a cloud of angry hornets.
"Deploy all fighter squadrons," Vetris commanded.
Alliance starfighters, designed and produced by the Star Forge, shot out of the hangars of the larger ships, their engines burning a bright red as they accelerated into combat. The starfighters were smaller, faster, and more maneuverable than their Separatist counterparts. They sliced through the swarm of Vulture droids with surgical precision, lasers cutting through the thin hulls of the droids as explosions erupted across the battlefield.
The capital ships opened fire next. The Leviathan unleashed its broadside cannons, powerful bursts of red plasma streaking across the void toward the Separatist Munificent-class star frigates. The Separatist ships returned fire, green turbolaser bolts hammering toward the Alliance ships, but the Star Forge-designed vessels absorbed the initial barrage with their advanced shields.
"Focus fire on their lead ship," Vetris ordered.
The smaller Alliance warships moved with coordinated precision, flanking the Separatist frigates and unleashing devastating barrages of plasma. Star Forge ships had a certain ferocity in their design; their weapons fired faster, and their targeting systems were near perfect, slicing through the droid-controlled ships with ease.
On the bridge of his flagship, Grievous scowled, watching the Alliance fleet tear through his forces. "Press the attack! Deploy all reserves!"
More waves of Vulture droids poured out, accompanied by the massive bulk of Separatist carriers that began to move forward. The droid frigates concentrated their fire on the Leviathan, but Vetris's ship held its ground, its shields flaring under the bombardment.
"Launch our heavy fighters," Vetris said, his voice steady.
From the hangars of the Leviathan and other capital ships, heavy fighter bombers emerged. Larger and more heavily armed than the standard fighters, these ships carried powerful torpedoes designed to crack open even the toughest enemy ships. They targeted the Separatist carriers, weaving through the Vulture droid swarms and releasing their payloads. Massive explosions tore through the Separatist ships, sending debris scattering into space.
Grievous growled in frustration as one of his carriers was ripped apart by a barrage of torpedoes. "These ships… they're unlike anything we've seen!"
The battle began to shift. The Separatist fleet was buckling under the relentless assault from the Star Forge ships. One by one, the Separatist frigates fell, their hulls breaking apart under the concentrated fire of the Alliance vessels.
The Leviathan moved in for the final blow, its weapons focused on Grievous's flagship. Turbolasers and plasma cannons fired in perfect unison, battering the Separatist ship's shields until they flickered and failed. Grievous, seeing the inevitable, snarled and gave the order to retreat.
"Pull back! All ships, retreat!" he barked, his frustration palpable.
As the remaining Separatist ships turned and fled, the Alliance fleet held its position. Vetris watched the retreat with satisfaction, knowing the battle was won. Felucia was secure, and the Separatists had been dealt a crushing defeat.
"Cease fire," Vetris ordered. "We've made our point."
The debris of the battle floated through the space above Felucia, a testament to the power of the Alliance and the might of the Star Forge. The planet remained under their protection, and for now, the Separatists had been repelled."Alright, I want a perimeter established in this sector," Vetris commanded, surveying the aftermath of the battle. "Felucia is now part of the Alliance, and I want to make sure it's secure. No threats will go unnoticed."
His officers and commanders quickly moved to execute the order, positioning ships and patrols to guard Felucia and its surrounding space. The Alliance had gained another foothold, and Vetris intended to keep it secure at all costs."Ventress, come with me," Vetris commanded, turning away from the battlefield.
"Where are we going?" Ventress asked, her curiosity piqued.
"To see the commission guild," Vetris replied.
As they made their way, Vetris began outlining his plan. His intention was to give control and power back to the farmers of Felucia, ensuring that their economic future would be secured through the Alliance. By empowering the local population and securing their agricultural trade, Felucia would thrive under Alliance protection, not only as a strategic point but also as a key economic asset.
Vetris's focus on the farmers would ensure stability and prosperity for the planet while reinforcing the Alliance's influence across the galaxy.
As two Republic Star Destroyers dropped out of hyperspace near Felucia, General Obi-Wan Kenobi and Shaak Ti led their respective fleets, ready to deal with the Separatists. On the bridge of his ship, Obi-Wan was greeted by Captain Rex, who looked concerned.
"General, we have a problem."
"What is it, Rex? Have the Separatists blockaded the planet?" Obi-Wan asked, stepping toward the viewport.
"No, sir," Rex replied. "We have an unknown fleet in our way. Look at them—all of them."
Obi-Wan squinted at the sight of the massive fleet stationed over Felucia. The debris floating through space was a clear indication that a battle had already taken place.
"Given that wreckage, it seems the Separatists beat us here," Obi-Wan said, nodding toward the debris fields.
"Orders, sir?" Rex asked, awaiting a command.
Before Obi-Wan could answer, his comm crackled to life, and Shaak Ti's voice came through from her ship. "Obi-Wan, are you seeing this?" she asked, referring to the massive fleet stationed throughout the sector.
"I do," Obi-Wan responded, his tone concerned, but calm.
Suddenly, they were interrupted by an incoming transmission. "Republic ships, this is Darth Vetris. Felucia is under Alliance protection. State your intentions."
Rex raised an eyebrow at the unexpected message. Obi-Wan, though recognizing the voice immediately, kept his composure. "We heard there were Separatists in the area, and we came to help," Obi-Wan replied calmly.
"Obi-Wan, is that you?" Vetris's voice held a trace of familiarity.
"Yes, it's me," Obi-Wan responded.
"Come aboard my ship. The Jedi on the other Star Destroyer can join you as well. Don't worry, none of my ships will fire on you."
"Thanks. We're on our way," Obi-Wan replied.
Moments later, Obi-Wan and Shaak Ti boarded Vetris's flagship, the Leviathan. As they walked down the corridors of the massive warship, Shaak Ti leaned in close to Obi-Wan. "I hope you have a plan," she whispered, her eyes darting to the soldiers stationed along the way. "This isn't what I expected."
"Trust me," Obi-Wan said with a reassuring smile. "We go way back."
When they reached the main chamber, Vetris was waiting for them, dressed in armor that unmistakably resembled Darth Revan's from the Star Forge. It was an imposing sight, and Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised.
"Follow me," Vetris said, turning with a motion that indicated the conversation would continue deeper into the ship.
As they moved, Vetris gestured to Ventress, who stood silently at his side. "This is Ventress, my new acolyte."
Obi-Wan's gaze flickered toward Ventress, and then back to Vetris. "What happened to Anakin?" he asked, clearly curious.
"He's gone to secure Kashyyyk," Vetris replied.
Obi-Wan nodded, filing that information away for later. "I don't believe we've met before," Shaak Ti said, introducing herself. "I'm Master Shaak Ti."
"Pleasure," Vetris said, though his focus remained on the larger conversation.
"So," Vetris began, cutting to the point. "How can the Alliance help you?"
"We received word that Separatists were in the area," Obi-Wan explained. "We came to offer assistance."
"They were here," Vetris said with a slight smirk. "But we defeated them. I'm sure you noticed the debris."
Obi-Wan exchanged a look with Shaak Ti, who was trying to assess the situation.
Before they could leave, Vetris added, "Before you go, tell the Chancellor he no longer has to worry about the guild supporting the Separatists. The Alliance now has their support."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Thanks. We will deliver the message. And may the Force be with you, Vetris."
As Obi-Wan and Shaak Ti made their way back to their shuttle, Shaak Ti's concern remained evident. "Are you sure this is wise? Just leaving like this?"
"Like what?" Obi-Wan asked. "The Separatists are gone, Felucia is safe. It sounds like a win to me."
Shaak Ti sighed. "You know as well as I do that the Republic wants Felucia for its strategic importance. This might not be over."
"I know," Obi-Wan replied quietly. "But for now, we must trust the Force and the choices that have been made."