Shadow of Malevolence
[Play Star Wars Attack of The Clones OST The Senate Scene 0:00 - 1:45]
Onboard the Negotiator, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Orion Dusk, Commander Cody, and Admiral Block stood around the holotable at the command bridge. On the holotable transmission was Anakin Skywalker, speaking to Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin was in the process of trying to acquire new prototype bombers to combat The Malevolence, the new Separatist Subjugator Class dreadnaught that was responsible for wiping out Master most of Plo Koon's forces, and the entirety of other battle groups and convoys that carried the Republic sigil. "...In short, your excellency, those bombers may be exactly what we need in order to stop this Separatist weapon." Skywalker stated.
"I am sorry, Anakin, but once again, our hands are tied by procedure." The Chancellor replied. "My colleague can better elaborate."
A Gran senator who seemed to be in charge of developing the bombers then appeared on the holo transmission and spoke up. "Those ships are not ready, General Skywalker. They still require at least another three weeks of testing before being declared safe."
"I could field test them for you, Senator, and get you valuable results." Anakin offered.
"Such a reallocation would need to be decided in committee, General. We determine the flow of such supplies." The Senator stated.
"Yes, for now." Palpatine agreed.
"Then this discussion is over." The Jedi Knight responded.
"I'm afraid so, Anakin. But you do understand that I would do everything in my power to expedite you getting these vessels from the testing facility on Bormus." The Chancellor assured him.
Obi-Wan saw Anakin's facial expression slightly change, as the Jedi Knight responded to that. "Yes, your excellency, I understand."
As the transmission ended, Kenobi sighed, then spoke up. "Be ready to hear from General Skywalker soon."
"Yes General," Admiral Block and Commander Cody replied, with the clone leaving to monitor communications.
"Soon?" Orion asked.
The Jedi Master then elaborated. "I saw that look on Anakin's face. And it's no coincidence that the Chancellor gave him the location of the testing site nearest to his location."
It took Dusk a second, but then he figured it out. "Oh...Ohhhhh." Obi-Wan nodded when he heard his new Padawan understand what was about to happen. "Should we inform the Council? Or contact the test site?"
"That won't stop him." Kenobi stated. "Watch. In about an hour, he'll come up with some reckless plan that'll end up being the best strategy to take out The Malevolence."
"Does he always do this?" Orion asked.
"Whenever he can get away with it." Obi-Wan answered.
"How often does he get away with this?" Dusk wondered.
"Too often, I'm afraid." Kenobi stated.
At that, Orion hesitantly asked one more question. "He didn't learn that from you, did he?"
"I did not teach him that, nor do I intend to teach or encourage you to do that, at least to the degree that Anakin does it." Obi-Wan told him.
"Okay then." Dusk understood. "So, what do we do now?"
"We might as well look at all the places that the Republic holds near the sections that the Malevolence has been at, and hopefully predict where it will strike next." Kenobi stated, as a holomap of the Outer Rim appeared on the holotable. "So, when Anakin comes in with his plan, we'll at least be able to tell him where to go, so he can do it."
"So, we're planning around Master Skywalker's actions, that will not be stopped, in spite of him lacking the proper authority to do said actions?" The Padawan summarized.
"Correct." The Jedi Master confirmed, seeing his pupil pinch his nose in slight frustration. "It gets annoying, but you'll get used to it."
[Play Star Wars A New Hope OST Binary Sunset (Alternate) 1:13 - 2:14]
It took them a while to get the information they needed, but once they had every known location that Republic forces were completely decimated at, as well as narrowing them down to losing communication, before being destroyed, then narrowing it down further by including the kill to death ratio being 100 to 0 in the Separatist's favor, they had enough of a layout to work with. Unfortunately, the problems they had when originally trying to find The Malevolence in the first place reared their heads once more. The attacks were still random. Sometimes, it would attack battle groups. Other times, it would strike civilian transports, ranging from cruisers to frigates.
"Wait a second." Orion pondered something. "This isn't the full picture."
"What do you mean, Commander Dusk?" Admiral Block wondered.
"We're only looking at one side of the carnage. Our side specifically." The Padawan pointed out. "In order for a ship as massive as a Subjugator Class to remain secret, it would have to leave no survivors throughout its entire path. That would mean that it would attack any non Separatist faction indiscriminately. Pirates, Neutral parties, anything that was capable of sending a transmission or could travel through space. What if we factor those in as well?"
Both Obi-Wan and Block saw his point, and it did make sense. Just looking at the Republic's losses would make the attacks seem random and out of place, but if they add in reports of destroyed ships from other parties, then they could maybe get something.
[Play Lego Star Wars III The Clone Wars OST The Invisible Hand 0:00 - 0:55]
"General Kenobi." Commander Cody approached the two Jedi and the Admiral with something to report. "We just lost contact with the Outer Rim escort unit. They were protecting a convoy of transports that were en route to the Kaliida Shoals Medical Station."
"How far did they get? Do they know of the station's location?" Obi-Wan questioned
"Unknown, sir." Cody answered. "The transports were just a few sectors outside the Mid Rim defense group's territories when we lost contact. There was no distress beacon either."
"Meaning The Malevolence must have run into them." Orion noted, as he added that to the map on the holotable, while also going through the reports of debris from destroyed non Separatist ships found. Admiral Block assisted Dusk with this, and helped him round the near countless number of reports down, by factoring in the dates that each Republic unit was destroyed, and then factoring in the hyperspace lanes that crossed and intersected one another. Once that was finished, Orion and the others looked at the map and could see a clear trail.
"So that's how it's been able to get around us. It cut through neutral and wild space and even the Hutts' territories to move around and strike us." Admiral Block stated.
"They most likely tested this weapon in neutral space. Primarily the Hutts' Trade routes, since we have permission to use them, while they don't." Kenobi pointed out, before looking at his apprentice. "Good call, my young Padawan. Adding in the reports of debris from other parties has given us a trail to follow."
"Oh. Well...thank you, Master." Dusk humbly said to his mentor. Just then, they were receiving a transmission on a Republic frequency. "Hm? Master, We're being hailed by Master Skywalker's fleet."
"I'll bet that's Anakin himself, ready to report on how he's ready to attack The Malevolence." Obi-Wan said, as he put the transmission through.
[Play Lego Star Wars III The Clone Wars OST Weapons Factory Part 2 (Calm) 0:00 - 1:58]
On the Holotable, Skywalker appeared, along with his Padawan, who were in the process of working on what was clearly a prototype bomber that they weren't supposed to be in possession of right now. "Hey, Obi-Wan."
"Anakin." Kenobi looked at his former Padawan's actions. "I see you managed to 'acquire' those bombers."
"What can I say? I'm persuasive." The Jedi Knight commented. "Just doing some finishing touches on this last one, before I start looking for The Malevolence."
"Well, fortunately for you, you won't have to look for very long." Obi-Wan stated.
"Did you manage to find a lead?" Skywalker asked.
"My Padawan, Orion Dusk, had managed to solve this puzzle of how The Malevolence seemingly was attacking us at random." Kenobi told him. "By factoring in all non Separatist parties that were also affected by this ship, he managed to piece together a trail."
"That's good to hear." Anakin was impressed. "So then, where's The Malevolence going to attack next?"
"Judging by the most recent attack..." Orion spoke up, looking at his trail and seeing what could be potential targets. "...There's two targets it could choose from. It could either start blitzing our Mid Rim Defense fleet, or could target the unguarded Kaliida Shoals Medical Station."
"The medical station? Isn't that one under the radar?" Ahsoka questioned.
"So was The Malevolence, until now." Skywalker pointed out. "The Separatist hold most of the Outer Rim territories anyway. It wouldn't be too hard to discover a Republic station of any kind out there. And considering that the station is unguarded, it would be the perfect target for Grievous to attack. Admiral Yularen will send out a warning to them, while I prepare Shadow Squadron."
"I'll have the Negotiator, as well as another Venator go to the station." Obi-Wan stated. "I'll contact the Naboo as well. They're close enough to the station to send transports for evacuation."
"Good call." Anakin agreed with that. "Rendezvous with the Resolute at these coordinates, and we'll be on our way to destroy The Malevolence."
With that the transmission ended and the group knew what to do. "Admiral Block, take a shuttle and stay here to manage the defense fleet. Commander Cody, contact the Venator Paladin and tell them to accompany us as we rendezvous with General Skywalker's Resolute. Orion, contact the Naboo, and tell them to send transports to assist in evacuating the Kaliida Shoals Medical Station." All three of them did as they instructed.
Block entered the elevator to make his way to another Venator and manage the forces here, while Cody used his wrist communicator to contact the venator Paladin. Dusk then hailed the planet of Naboo, and soon a Naboo guard appeared on the holotable. "This is Captain Typho of the Naboo guard. State your business."
"This is Jedi Commander Orion Dusk, of the Republic Venator Cruiser Negotiator. I am hailing you with an urgent request to send evacuation transport to the Kaliida Shoals Medical Station. We believe that the Separatists plan to attack the unguarded station, and we are unable to reach it in time to evacuate." The Padawan spoke to him.
Just as Typho was about to speak, a female voice was heard. "How many are stationed aboard that medical station?"
"Over 60,000 wounded are being treated there at the moment, and there's at least 10,000 medical personnel stationed there at all times." Orion stated.
Just then the current sovereign of Naboo appeared on the holo transmission. "This is Queen Neeyutnee. We do not have many to spare, but we will send transports to assist with the evacuation of the Kaliida Shoals Medical Station."
"Thank you, your highness." Dusk appreciated their help. "You will be saving many lives with these actions."
"I only wish that we could do more." Neeyutnee solemnly said.
"What you're doing now is more than enough, your highness." Obi-Wan told her. "Those onboard the medical station will be forever grateful for your actions."
"Thank you, master Jedi." The Queen replied, before the transmission ended.
"Contact the medical station. Nala Se should have been warned by Anakin by now." Kenobi instructed.
"Yes, Master." Orion did as instructed and hailed the medical station.
Once a connection was made, Admiral Yularen and the Kaminoan, Nale Se were seen on the holotable. Obi-Wan then spoke up. "Nala Se, I only just received word. I've contacted the Naboo. They are sending ships to help you, and I am on my way as well."
"Thank you, Master Jedi." Nala Se said to him, before the transmission ended.
[Play Star Wars The Clone Wars (2008) OST Skydive to the Station 0:43 - 0:56]
Commander Cody then approached the Jedi Master. "General Kenobi. Admiral Block has vacated the ship and is on his way to another cruiser. The Paladin and Negotiator are ready to rendezvous with General Skywalker."
"Then let's get underway, Commander." Obi-Wan ordered.
"Yes, General." Cody responded, before signaling the go ahead to make the jump. The crew on the Command Bridge then saw the stars in front of them stretch, as they made the jump into hyperspace, and now all that could be seen from the windows was the blue and black void of hyperspace.
[Silence]
"Contact Anakin, once more. We'll need to be briefed on his plan of attack, if we're to be of any help." Kenobi instructed.
"Yes, Master." Dusk did as instructed and contacted the Venator Resolute. Admiral Yularen appeared on the holotable, The Padawan spoke to him. "Admiral, I was instructed by General Kenobi to contact General Skywalker, to get a briefing of his plan of attack."
"Understood commander Dusk." Wullf responded. "I'll put him through."
After a brief moment, The Jedi Knight in question appeared on the holotable. "I'm guessing you're on your way."
"Indeed, Anakin." Kenobi confirmed. "But if we're gonna be of any help on this mission, we're going to need to know your plan of attack."
[Play Star Wars The Clone Wars (2008) OST Anakin and R3 Leave 0:00 - 1:18]
"Understood. I already briefed Shadow Squadron, and they're preparing as we speak, but I'll give you a quick rundown of the plan." Skywalker stated. "I'll be taking the bombers and going through a little 'shortcut' to the station. When we arrive, we'll blitz the ship and bomb the command bridge, destroying Grievous and the ship with him."
"A rather aggressive plan, wouldn't you say?" Obi-Wan commented.
"Master Plo said the same thing, and offered to join as an escort in his starfighter." Anakin added. "Personally, I think Snips, Artoo, the boys and I are more than capable, but I won't deny the extra help."
"Well that's reassuring." Kenobi sarcastically replied. "Is that all I need to know?"
"Pretty much." Skywalker confirmed.
Obi-Wan sighed, before speaking again. "Well then, we'll contact you when we arrive at the rendezvous."
"Got it." Anakin replied before the transmission ended.
"That man is going to be the death of me, one of these days." Kenobi said out loud, before turning his attention to Orion. "We weren't stationed too far from Anakin's fleet, so we should arrive soon. Be ready to contact them again once we reach the coordinates."
"Yes, Master." Dusk replied, keeping himself at the holotable, ready to do as he was told at the appropriate time.
A little over 30 minutes passed, but once the two Venators reached the coordinates, they exited hyperspace and saw Anakin's Venator, the Resolute, as well as two other Venators ready and waiting for them. As Orion was about to contact them, he was instead hailed by the Resolute, to which he put the transmission through. He saw Admiral Yullaren appear and he spoke to the two Jedi. "We appreciate you coming along to help us with our mission, General Kenobi. General Skywalker already has his fighters ready in the hangar bay. Once you get into position, we will launch the fighters."
"Understood, Admiral." Obi-Wan replied. As he ordered the Negotiator and the Paladin to form up with Anakin's fleet, he saw his Padawan observe him, watching how he commanded his troops and seeing how said troops responded to those orders. Instead of giving his Padawan a command, Kenobi decided to let him observe. The boy would need to learn how to be a leader to a large force of soldiers, as he was a commander in this war. For now, Obi-Wan decided that while Skywalkers forces focus on the attack, he'll prioritize the evacuation efforts, and making sure that the Medical Station will be completely evacuated, as well as being prepared to support Anakin, should he need it.
[Play Star Wars The Clone Wars (2008) OST Sneaking Under the Shield 0:00 - 1:33]
Once everyone was in position, The Resolute opened up its hangar bay doors and out of it came the new Y-Wing bombers, all piloted by Shadow Squadron. Kenobi contacted his former Padawan. "I hope you know what you're doing, Anakin."
"Well if I don't, I won't be around to hear the 'I told you so'." Skywalker commented.
"That's reassuring." Obi-Wan replied. "Well, take your shortcut, and I'll take the long way. But you better be there, before I arrive."
"I'll be there Obi-Wan." Anakin assured his master, before addressing his fighter squadron. "Shadow Squadron, tighten formation. Call in."
"Shadow 2, standing by." "Shadow 3, standing by." "Shadow 4, standing by." The pilots spoke up, one after another.
As the clone pilots continued to sound off, Artoo beeped something to Tano, who was in Skywalker's gunner seat. "I know Artooie. This is gonna be a tough one."
"Cut the chatter, Ahsoka." Anakin told her.
Once all members of Shadow Squadron called in, Plo Koon's Jedi Starfighter emerged from the Hangar bay and accompanied the bombers. "Fighter escort ready." Plo said on the comm lines.
"This is Admiral Yullaren." The Admiral spoke up on the comm lines. "You are cleared for hyperspace jump. Good hunting, sir."
"Thanks Admiral." Skywalker replied. "Alright, boys, let's go."
"Broadside, if we make it through this one, drinks are on me." Shadow 11 said to Shadow 12.
"I can already taste it." Broadside replied, before the squadron made3 the jump to hyperspace.
With the squadron making their jump, The Resolute took point and the other 4 Venators, including Kenobi's, prepared to make the jump into hyperspace as well. As the small fleet prepped the coordinates, Orion looked at their route and looked slightly concerned, prompting the Jedi master to speak to his current apprentice. "Something the matter, Padawan?"
"Hm?" Dusk saw his master address him. "Oh, well...I'm looking at our course to get to the Medical Station and...I have a bad feeling that I know what Master Skywalker's 'shortcut' is." He then pointed to the map and highlighted the nearby nebula. "Our ships' course will take us around this rather large nebula that is near the station. The only way I see Master Skywalker getting there before us, is if he decided to just go through that, which is just...very well beyond risky and hazardous."
"That sounds just like all of Anakin's other plans." Kenobi stated.
"And he's able to get away with these kinds of plans?" Orion questioned.
"Mostly because he manages to make them somehow work out perfectly." Obi-Wan said.
"So...he just gets lucky?" Dusk replied.
"There's no such thing as luck, Orion." Kenobi told him. "Anakin just makes things work for him, regardless of how bad the circumstances are."
"So...he keeps a level head and plans as he goes along?" Dusk wondered.
"More like he makes it up as he does, but essentially, yes." Obi-Wan confirmed.
"How do people manage to work with him?" Orion asked.
"They just tolerate him." Kenobi answered. "That's all anyone can do, really."
"Hhhaaaa." Dusk sighed, feeling like this was going to be the new normal for him for a while.
The Jedi Master let out a small chuckle. "Welcome to my life, Padawan. You'll get used to it."
[Silence]
Over at the edge of the nebula, Anakin and his strike team exited hyperspace and flew straight towards it. "Okay, if we can just manage to navigate through my shortcut, we'll be alright."
"A nebula can be very unpredictable." Plo Koon stated. "I advise caution."
"Don't worry about us, Master Jedi. We can hold our own." Shadow 2 responded. "Right, Shadow Squadron?"
"Copy that, Shadow 2." Shadow 4 agreed.
"Does anyone care what the Padawan thinks?" Ahsoka asked.
"Of course we care, Snips." Skywalker told her. "But we're still going through that nebula."
As Artoo beeped something to Tano, she responded to the droid. "Thanks, Artooie."
As the strike team entered the nebula, they mentally prepared themselves for anything.
[Play SWTOR OST Corellia Unreleased Music 1:00 - 1:40]
Meanwhile, at the Medical Station, the Naboo transport that had been requested had arrived and docked with the station. Nala Se oversaw the evacuation but soon a clone naval commander contacted her. "The evacuation is proceeding slowly, madam."
"We will have to move the patients in stable condition, first." Nala Se instructed. "The more critically injured will have to wait."
"What about the bacta tanks?" The commander pointed out. "Many of those men can't be moved at all."
"I know, commander." Nala Se said, knowing that those men will have to be left behind. "Guide the patients that can be moved onto transports, as quickly as you can."
"At once, madam." The naval commander complied with her orders.
[Silence]
Back with Anakin's team, they were making their way through the nebula, at a pretty decent pace, all things considered. Though it was still taking them a bit. "This soup is thick. Can you see anything?" Shadow 2 asked Skywalker.
"Just keep your eyes on my thruster, Shadow 2." The Jedi Knight instructed.
"They'll have to. The scanners are useless." Ahsoka pointed out, as she tried and failed to use her scanner in the gunner seat of the Y-Wing.
"This is old fashioned flying." Anakin stated. "You have to feel your way through to stay on course."
"Skywalker is right, Ahsoka." Plo Koon agreed. "Clear your mind, young one, and you will see the path."
"Right now, I can't see anything at all." Tano replied. Her master just smirked at that comment, finding it a bit amusing.
"I always know where I'm going." Broadside spoke up.
"Yeah, where's that Broadside?" Matchstick wondered.
"I'm going to blow up that battleship." Broadside answered.
"A clear path if ever there was one." Plo commented.
As the squad continued through the nebula, Ahsoka was curious about something. "So, Skyguy, how did you know about this shortcut?"
"It's an old smuggler's route." Anakin answered. "The pilots used to talk about it on Tatooine."
"Smuggler's route?" Tano repeated with some concern in her voice. "Huh! That makes me feel better."
"They call it The Balmorra Run." Skywalker stated.
"Balmorra Run?" Plo Koon spoke up, sounding even more concerned that Ahsoka did.
[Play Star Wars The Clone Wars (2008) OST Giant Neebray Mantas 0:00 - 2:52]
"I think I'm picking up a contact." Tano said, as her scanner seemed to be detecting something.
"Skywalker! Listen to me. We need to turn around." Plo urged.
"We can't." Anakin replied. "Not if we're going to catch Grievous."
"Another contact." Ahsoka stated, looking concerned. "This one is much larger."
"Skywalker! Balmora is the nesting ground for the giant Neebray Mantas!" Plo informed the Jedi Knight.
"Another. Another!" Tano's scanner flared up with dozens of large blips, until she sensed something approaching them and turned her gun towards a massive Neebray Mantas that was flying directly towards them.
"Take evasive action!" Anakin ordered as he flew his ship out of the way of the creature, the rest of Shadow Squadron and Plo Koon following suit.
As they flew past the one Mantas, they then looked ahead and saw at least a dozen more around the area, some of them approaching the squadron. Artoo was understandably beeping in a small panic, while Ahsoka was taken aback by how big these things were. "Those gas gulpers are huge!"
"Don't shoot, or they'll panic!" Plo ordered.
"They'll panic!? I'm about to panic!?" Tano spoke up.
"There are so many of them!" Shadow 3 pointed out, as the clone pilots were doing their damndest to fly around these creatures. Unfortunately, not all of them could avoid the Mantas, as Matchstick's ship grazed one of the creatures, causing damage to the engine.
"I'm hit!" Matchstick grunted as he tried to regain control of his ship, and avoid any more damage. "My stabilizer's out."
"Pull it together, Matchstick." Skywalker told the clone.
After a moment of focus, Matchstick managed to regain full control of his ship. "I'm okay. I got it." The timing couldn't be better for him, as more Neebray Mantas flew towards the group, and everyone was going to need to focus their attention on that.
"These things are gonna make a meal out of us!" Ahsoka said, with Atroo beeping in agreement.
"All wings, line up behind me." Anakin ordered.
"Roger that, boss." Shadow 4 replied, as the other members of Shadow Squadron quickly lined up and followed their leader, with Plo Koon taking position in the back of the line.
Anakin then proceeded to fly his way through the group of Mantas that were approaching them, though keeping his flying to an easily followable pace, so that his clones could keep up behind him. It didn't stop one Y-Wing from getting struck by a stray tail and losing its astromech from the impact, but it did keep the fighters from getting lost and destroyed in the chaos.
"Hurry! They will not follow us beyond the nebula!" Plo informed the group.
One Mantas opened its mouth in front of Skywalker's Y-Wing. "That one looks hungry." The Padawan said.
"Nah, it's just smiling at you." Anakin joked, as he maneuvered around it, as well as the other Mantas that were behind it. Shadow Squadron was able to keep pace with their Jedi General's flying, even though the group was dangerously close to the Neebray Mantas.
"We're coming out of it." Tano noticed that the gasses of the Nebula were significantly less dense here and could even see clear space not too far ahead. Soon enough, Shadow Squadron and Plo Koon had finally exited the nebula. "Let's hope your shortcut paid off."
"We're not far behind Grievous now." Skywalker said, confident in his success.
Meanwhile, with Obi-Wan's forces, he and Orion were in contact with Admiral Yularen, who was keeping tabs on the progress of the evacuation. "The medical station reports 50% of patients evacuated."
"That's not good enough. They'll never be finished before the enemy arrives." Kenobi stated.
"General Skywalker still has a chance to catch Grievous." Wullf pointed out.
"If he does, we have to be ready." Obi-Wan told the Admiral.
"Yes sir." Yularen replied, before they ended their transmission.
"Orion, go to the hangar bay and be ready to deploy in your starfighter." Kenobi instructed his Padawan. "If there is even the slightest chance that Anakin doesn't succeed, then you will need to escape and protect the medical transports that have fled the station."
Even though that would be the worst case scenario, Dusk knew what his master was asking of him, and was willing to follow through with that. "Yes, Master." He replied, before leaving the bridge to go to the Hangar Bay.
Back with Anakin's group, they were close to the medical station, but Plo Koon took notice of Matchstick's damaged engine. "Shadow 2, what is the damage to your ship?"
"Just a scratch, sir." The clone pilot responded.
"We must not take any more unnecessary risks." The Jedi Master stated. "If we lose even a single ship, our mission is that much closer to failure."
"Understood, Master Plo." Anakin agreed with that first half of the logic. "But we didn't lose any ships, and I didn't..." He got interrupted by one of the clones.
"Sir, another contact." The pilot informed him.
"I thought those things wouldn't follow us." Ahsoka commented.
"Not following. Coming out of hyperspace." The clone corrected her as he explained what was on his scanner. "It's a ship. It's The Malevolence."
[Play Star Wars The Clone Wars (2008) OST Malevolence Attacks 0:00 - 2:05]
At the medical station, there were multiple transports, loaded with hundreds of wounded, leaving the station to try and save the lives of the clones on board, but then The Malevolence appeared, coming out of hyperspace right in front of the station. Some transports were leaving, but as the Malevolence approached, a droid in the bridge noticed something on their scanner. "A squadron of Republic fighters is approaching." The droid informed its commander.
The commander on the bridge was none other than Grievous. A Kaleesh warrior General, molded into a terrifying cybernetic metal body, who's legendary exploits were renowned and feared throughout the galaxy. His most notable accomplishment as of now being his massacre of multiple Jedi at Hypori, where he displayed his lack of mercy and hatred of the Jedi. But right now, he was commanding The Malevolence to kill the wounded, at the orders of Count Dooku. When he heard the news from the droid, he knew who was coming. "Skywalker." He then began to order his troops. "Launch Fighters and bring the ship around."
"There are several medical transports surrounding the station." A droid informed the general.
As the rest of the transports detached and made a break for it away from the dreadnought, Grievous gave his orders. "Target the transports first. I want every single ship destroyed."
"Roger roger." The droid complied with the order, and in just a moment after, the ion cannon was charged and fired its EMP blast at the medical transports, shutting them down, before they were immediately struck by multiple turbolasers.
"Ha! This is too easy." Grievous commented, getting satisfaction from the carnage he was inflicting.
The Vulture Droids that Grievous sent out were in formation and quickly moved to intercept Anakin's strike team. Ahsoka saw them coming and spoke up. "We've got fighter's coming in."
The two squadrons met head on and traded blaster bolts with one another. Now the Clone gunners were up. They needed to keep their ships, as well as their allies' ships protected. "Steady, come on. Hold it steady." Skywalker told his squadron, as they attempted to break through.
Back on the bridge, Grievous gave out new orders. "Charge the ion cannon and prepare to fire."
"But sir, our fighters will be caught in the blast." A droid pointed out.
"Fire at my command!" The general did not care about the Vulture Droids.
Back outside, Anakin continued to fly through the chaos, but he was forced to fly at an extreme pace to do so. "Get those fighters off of us." He instructed his Padawan.
"Your fancy flying is making it difficult!" Tano replied as she kept trying to shoot down the Vulture Droids around them.
As the Malevolence charged up its ion cannon, Grievous gave the command to the bridge crew. "Fire!"
The EMP blast came out and went directly towards Shadow Squadron and the Vulture Droids. "Incoming!" Ashoka exclaimed.
"Make towards the edge of the ray, now!" The Jedi Knight ordered his squadron. Shadow Squadron immediately began ascending upwards. "Give it everything you've got!"
As they went up, Tano noticed Matchstick's Y-Wing slowing down. "Shadow 2, your speed is dropping. What's wrong?"
"Nothing sir." The clone told her. "Just trying to...keep it together." An alarm began to blare in his cockpit.
"You can make it, Matchstick. Just hang on." Anakin said, but then they heard the clone scream in pain, before the engine of Shadow 2 burst into flames and the ship began to spiral out of control. "Look out!" The Jedi Knight told the rest of his troops. While some Y-Wings were able to avoid the out of control Y-Wing, one other Y-Wing wasn't so lucky and it crashed into Shadow 2, blowing both of them to pieces, killing the four clones. As Anakin managed to get over the EMP blast, the Y-Wings close to him were also able to, however the three in the back of the formation weren't so lucky, and were struck by the EMP wave, making them lose power, along with all the Vulture Droids that were attacking the squadron. "Shadow Squadron, check in." Skywalker spoke up.
"We lost...Matchstick and Tag." Tano told her master. "Shadows 6, 7 and 10 were caught in the ray." Basically, just under half of his ships were destroyed
[Silence]
Inside the Medical station, Nala Se and a clone officer looked at the battle through a holotable that was recording the struggle outside. "It looks as though Skywalker has failed. He's lost almost half of his ships. We should go Madam." The officer suggested.
"I will stay." Nale Se told him.
[Play Star Wars The Clone Wars (2008) OST Assault on The Malevolence 0:00 - 2:17]
The remaining Y-Wings began their attack, however all turbolasers on the upper deck of The Malevolence were shooting at Shadow Squadron. "Stay on course." Plo Koon told the clones.
"This flack is heavy." One of the clones pointed out.
"All deflectors, double front." Anakin instructed, going in full force.
"Master, we need a new plan." Ahsoka told him, seeing that a full frontal push would be near suicide.
"We can make it, Ahsoka." Skywalker assured her, though the stress in his voice showed that even he was skeptical about his chances. "Hang in there."
As the bombers continued to push forward, a droid on Grievous' bridge spoke to the general. "Sir, the enemy fighters are closing."
"Let them come." Grievous told the droid, confident that Republic fighter Squadron would be wiped out doing this suicide charge towards the bridge. "Prepare the ion cannon. First we will destroy the medical station. Then we will finish off Skywalker."
"I have a bad feeling about this." The droid commented, as it followed the general's orders.
As the Y-Wings kept pushing forward, the flack got even more heavy. "Watch those towers, boys." Anakin told his men.
As the Y-Wings kept going, the fire got even more heavy, making some Y-Wings fly closer to each other than recommended. "We're too close! Loosen up!" A pilot pointed out, but then one of his engine's got shot and he was sent down in a blaze, crashing on to the hull of The Malevolence.
Back in the bridge of the Dreadnaught, a droid spoke to Grievous. "Ion Cannon ready."
Inside the medical station, an officer saw where the ship was aiming the cannon. "They're targeting this station. We're running out of time."
Back outside, Tano spoke to Skywalker again. "Master, YOU can make it, but everyone else is getting shot down." She got no response from him. "Master!"
Inside the bridge, another droid spoke to the general. "Station has been targeted."
"Start the ion cannon acceleration." Grievous ordered.
Back outside, Plo Koon offered another strategy to Anakin. "If we can do enough damage, the weapon may overload when Grievous tries to fire."
The Jedi Knight heard that plan, and with the knowledge that the clones wouldn't be able to survive if he continued towards the bridge, he changed the objective. "Shadow Squadron, new target. We're taking out the starboard ion cannon." The Y-Wings changed course and quickly made a beeline towards their new target.
"Ion cannon 75% charged." A droid on the bridge spoke up.
"Hurry!" Grievous demanded.
The Ion cannon was almost fully charged up, as the Y-Wings reached the target, they dived down as close as they could, and then Anakin gave the order. "Torpedos away!" As he said that, all Y-Wings launched their proton torpedoes and struck at the inner section of the ion cannon, before pulling out to avoid crashing into the ion cannon, as well as escape to a minimum safe distance.
"FIRE!" Grievous ordered from inside the bridge, knowing that he couldn't wait any longer for the cannon to charge, but as the cannon attempted to fire, the damage caused it to backfire, and implode on itself, destroying the starboard cannon, but the backlash went through the ship and also crippled the port ion cannon to the point were it was useless as well.
[Play SWTOR OST Justice, The Jedi Knight 0:00 - 1:25]
As The Malevolence was now out of commission, the people inside the medical station could breathe a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Shadow Squadron made for the station. "Good work, Shadow Squadron." Master Plo told the surviving clones.
"Nice job, Ahsoka." Anakin told his Padawan.
The damaged Malevolence began to fly away, while Grievous spoke to his droids. "Damage report."
"We've lost both primary weapons." A droid stated, confusing Grievous on how that could happen, when he last remembered seeing Skywalker's squadron aiming for the bridge of the ship. "The hyperdrive has been disabled."
"Impossible!" The general couldn't believe it.
"General, we are picking up three Republic warships entering the system." Another droid informed him.
Just then, The three Venators that Kenobi and Yularen were leading had arrived, and could clearly see that The Malevolence was mostly out of commission, though it was trying to retreat. Just to be sure though, Obi-Wan hailed his former apprentice. "Anakin, do you copy?"
Orion, who was in his starfighter, had his comms line open, and he heard his master say that, he then heard Skywalker respond to him. "I'm here."
"Congratulations." Kenobi told the Jedi Knight. "It looks like your mission was a success."
"Partially, but Grievous is still alive." Anakin told his former master. "The battle was pretty rough on my men. We're heading for the medical station."
"We'll take it from here." The Jedi Master said. "But don't worry. We'll call when we need you."
"I'll be waiting, Obi-Wan." The Chosen One replied as Shadow Squadron flew past them.
"Alright. Let's finish what Anakin started." Kenobi told his troops. "Ahead full." The Venators then flew forward and once they were in range, they began to open fire on the dreadnought.
Inside the bridge of The Malevolence, Grievous begrudgingly gave out new orders. "Full retreat. Make for Separatist space."
As the Venators' began to rain down turbolasers on the dreadnaught, Obi-Wan contacted his Padawan. "Orion."
"I heard from my starfighter, Master." Dusk told him. "Should I come back to the bridge?"
"Indeed. I wouldn't want you to miss all the fireworks." Kenobi said to him.
"I'll be up there soon." Orion replied, as he exited his starfighter, while Arnine followed him out of the hangar bay. He was thankful that Skywalker's team had won the day, and saved those lives.
[Play Star Wars The Clone Wars (2008) OST The Medical Center 0:00 - 1:13]
Back with Anakin's group, Shadow Squadron entered the medical station's hangar bays and exited their ships. As Anakin exited his ship, Plo Koon was there, wishing to speak with him. "Great job, Master Skywalker. Your leadership skills are most impressive."
"You didn't do so bad yourself." Anakin replied.
"Uh, excuse me?" Ahsoka felt a bit left out. "I believe it was MY suggestion to change the plan."
"That's kind of true snips." The Jedi Knight admitted.
"From a certain point of view." The Jedi Master agreed, as they walked off, with the Padawan following shortly behind them.
The Jedi made their way to the bridge of the station, where Nala Se and her staff were there. Anakin spoke to a clone engineer before entering the bridge though. "Make sure our ships are ready. We'll only have a short time before Obi-Wan calls us for support."
"Yes sir." The engineer replied before moving out.
The Jedi then entered the bridge, and Nala Se spoke up. "General Skywalker, I wanted to thank you for your valiant effort today." She could see him looking not as happy as she expected him to be. "Do not take the lives you saved lightly."
"I don't." Anakin told her. "But I also can't take the lives I lost lightly."
Nala Se could see the sincerity in his tone and expression, and could tell his compassion for the clones was genuine. "I see."
"If you will excuse me, I must prepare for the coming battle." The Jedi Knight told her, before he left.
"Your master is a very curious Jedi." Nala Se told Ahsoka.
"He is one of a kind." Tano responded, before following her master back to the hangar bay.
Anakin stood next to Artoo, while Ahsoka soon stood next to him, the two of them waiting to be called on by Kenobi.
I'M ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE! I'M NOT DEAD! So yeah, It has been a while, since I have uploaded anything. You can thank my niece for that, as she has decided that out of everyone in the house, I am the favorite. Meaning that I am the one that she wants to see and she will be upset when I'm not around or if she can't hear me. It makes me want to constantly check up on her now too, which makes writing a lot harder. I also finished the KHxMHA fic chapter before this, but I wanted to post both at once, to tell all my readers that I'm still active.
So yeah. The Malevolence space battle portion has now been covered. However, I have now come to realize a problem that will arise in the next chapter. Orion doesn't have anything to do. What do I mean by this, you may ask? Well, the next chapter would be the Episode 'Destroy Malevolence.' But that episode has Anakin and Obi-Wan enter the ship, to rescue Padme, who was taken hostage on the ship. Ahsoka does not go with Anakin, so logically, Orion would not go with Obi-Wan. So then what? I just write in extra scenes of the Padawans and Plo Koon talking about how The Malevolence is getting shot at, or how its repairs are going? It's basically going to just be a copy paste of the Clone Wars episode, but I don't want to just skip it, because it would be weird to do that. So, what do I do to include that part, but not just copy paste the episode? Maybe Mlat or whoever else is reading this story can give me an idea in a DM. If not, then the next chapter will be pretty hard for me to write and justify keeping. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and until I decide to upload again. ;)