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Guest02957: He's Revan's descendant, which means he's also the descendant of Bastilla Shan and Satele Shan, so of course he will be pretty powerful in the Force. As for the Force Lightning... maybe.

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars: The Clone Wars. I only own the OC Jayden Shan.


Jayden's Lightsaber was a blur of vibrant crimson as it spun and wove through the air in his practiced hands, the hum alternatively even and comfortingly low or violent and purring as it slashed and cut through the air. The practice droids ultimately stood little chance against him.

Ever since Tatooine and his... defeat at the hands of the Togruta Jedi, he found out her name was Ahsoka Tano, Jayden had begun intensifying and working on his Lightsaber combat skills. He didn't want to let one loss define him. He vowed that anytime he loses to a Jedi, and he had no doubt that he will have several losses to Jedi before this war is done, he will hone his Lightsaber skills and continue to improve them, even practice more than just the Lightsaber Forms his Master has taught him, which was only Form II: Makashi.

Although Dooku did not agree with him attempting to learn more than one style of combat, believing that duelists who devoted themselves to the study of multiple combat forms would never attain the same level of mastery as ones who devoted themselves to a single style, he allowed his Apprentice to try and train in more than just Makashi, so he sent archives or footage of the seven Lightsaber combat forms to Jayden's ship, the Rogue Shadow.

Right now, he was in the midst of practicing Form III: Soresu, which he heard the infamous Obi-Wan Kenobi was a master of.

With a sound reminiscent of a snarl, he drew on the Dark Side as he spun and lunged, his Lightsaber becoming a veritable shield in his deft hands against the training droids. The live bolts hissed and burst against the crimson blade as he sent them ricocheting back to their source even as he reached out, one of the droids crumpling under an invisible grip as his hand fisted tightly.

A few more heartbeats and the session was ended.

Jayden inhaled then exhaled quietly before deactivating his Lightsaber as he sensed his Master approaching. He turned just as the door of the training room on the Rogue Shadow opened to reveal the Count standing there.

"I am quite pleased to see you didn't destroy all the probe droids this time." Dooku remarked dryly as he glanced at the crushed training droids on the floor.

Jayden said nothing, only falling to a knee. "Why is thy bidding, my Master?"

"I have a mission for you, my young Apprentice." Dooku said, giving Jayden a gesture to rise and he did so. "The world of Ryloth. Our forces have successfully blockaded the planet, but a remnant Republic garrison stubbornly entrenches themselves thanks to the aid of a local resistance. I want you to go rendezvous with Wat Tambor and help put an end to the Republic presence."

Jayden knew exactly to whom Dooku was referring to. The Skakoan Emir was the representative of the Techno Union on the Separatist Council and a figure of authority within the Techno Union itself.

"Yes, Master." Jayden nodded his head.


Later…

Located in the eponymous system of the Gaulus Sector in the Outer Rim territories, Ryloth did not spin on it's axis like most other worlds, but remained static in orbiting it's star, leaving one side of the world always facing the sun and the other side in perpetual darkness in a unique tidally-locked position. A thin band in the middle between the two extremes was the one-true habitable place on the entire world, becoming the sole home for the local fauna and flora to thrive to the best of its ability.

Chief among them were the exotic, galaxy-renown Twi'lek people.

A species made popular by a millennia-long slave trade, the women were highly prized for being meek, submissive and renown for their sexuality. So much so that to own a Twi'lek was seen as a status symbol, and the opportunity to enjoy a lay with an escort or consort was greatly sought-after.

Jayden, however, didn't dwell on such carnal thoughts, though his developing teenage hormones did try and make him lose focus on the idea of taking a Twi'lek to his bed. He wasn't here to experience the pleasures of sex, of losing his virginity, or getting praise for laying with a Twi'lek, he was here on a mission and was focused on that more than anything else. As a Sith Lord, he could not afford any distractions right now. His only interest was the world of Ryloth. Ryloth was the last stop in the Corellian Run, a major trading route the Republic used. Christophsis was also on this route, but the CIS had been unable to hold the planet. Securing Ryloth would be a suitable replacement in depriving the Republic of a trade route.

The Rogue Shadow shot out of Hyperspace and into the midst of an ongoing space battle. However, he activated his ship's cloaking device and flew to the planet without harm. Once he saw the capitcal city of Lessu, he deactivated the cloaking and made for the landing bay where he saw a garrison of battle droids awaiting him alongside Wat Tambor himself.

Landing the Rogue Shadow, Jayden grabbed Revan's mask and fit it over his entire head. He had redesigned it to fit his entire head rather than just cover his face. Once that was done, he lowered the ship's ramp and strode down with purpose, casting a two-second glance around the area before making a pace towards the main command centre, striding towards Wat Tambor as well.

"Lord Khan, Count Dooku informed me of your coming. I am honoured by your presence." The tall Skakoan started but Jayden waved his pleasantries off with a wave of his hand.

"Dispense with the pleasantries, Wat Tambor. In war, there is no room for it. My Master sent me here to aid in ensuring the Republic do not claim this world and victory." Jayden said without glancing at the Skakoan.

They entered the palace, going to the main command post and Tambor beckoned Jayden to a holo-table. The map contained a layout of an unfolding battle within a mountain range. "The Republic's Fourteenth Sector Army is holding a defensive line here, bolstered with additional numbers from the local Twi'lek resistance." Tambor said.

Jayden hummed quietly to himself as he studied the map, analysed it as his mask's HUD systems brought information to him, such as a battle profile on the Republic's forces in this battle. Jedi General Ima-Gun Di and Clone Captain CC-3388, also known as 'Keeli', of the Red Tails Command. Good, looks like Jayden may end up killing his first Jedi Master before the end of his time on this planet.

"Our forces have engaged them, and without a fleet to provide additional support, their potential dwindles the longer they stay engaged." Tambor said, bringing Jayden from his Jedi-killing thoughts as he glanced at him. He knew Tambor couldn't give him orders, due to him being Dooku's Apprentice and Dooku was a higher authority than Tambor, so Jayden would have to make his own plans and what he'll be doing.

"I will proceed to the frontlines and ensure they are dealt with." Jayden said before he turned swiftly and strode out of the room with purpose.


Jayden hitched a ride on one of the tanks going to the battlefield, memorizing his surroundings along the way and taking a little bit of the view that is Ryloth's landscape. The landscape was almost as erratic as the planet's two extremes; rocks and flat, dusty plateaus would give way to lush plains of grass before the blades fell away in the shadow of towering mountains. He had read about the presence of lush jungles and vibrant flora on the night-side of the planet, which seemed to add even more to Ryloth's natural inconsistencies. He marvelled at the terrain, noting how difficult it might be for battle droids to scale such massive rock outcrops. Although he might be able to use them to gain an advantage…

The tanks soon arrived in the valley, where the battle was ongoing as smoke rises from destroyed machinery or from explosions, or even the muzzle of fired cannons. The battle was raging hotly, and the Republic was doing their damn best to fight back and push the Separatists back.

It occurred to Jayden right now that this was him leading his first battle. On Teth, he had his mission and left most of the work to Asajj and the droids while he went after Ahsoka, Skywalker and Jabba's son. However, this wasn't Teth. This was him entering a true battle and taking command of troops. He steeled his nerves, forced any doubt or hesitation he had to the side. He couldn't afford to feel such things. It was not the way of the Sith to doubt, to hesitate.

Jumping off his ride, Jayden stared at the epicentre of the battle, looking at the approaching Republic frontline. He saw both Clone and Twi'leks attacking with rifles their position before the remains of a village that had been a victim of bombing runs. While Jayden understood that the Twi'leks weren't just going to let their world be taken, they were aiding the enemy and will die for it.

Activating his Lightsaber, Jayden jumped into the battle. He caught a Clone in a Force Grip before he clenched his fist tightly and the Clone's windpipe crushed like paper in someone's tight grip. Throwing the body away as some other Clones noticed him, Jayden ran for them as they fired on him. using the Force to increase his speed, he was on them in the blink of an eye as he sliced one diagonally, twirled and decapitated a second, stabbed a third through his helmet's visor, threw the Lightsaber to cut down the other three. Jayden was quickly becoming a focused attention in the battlefield as Clones and Twi'leks fired on him.

Force jumping over the remains of a B2 unit, Jayden fired Force Lightning from his hands at two Clones and listened to them screaming as he landed in a roll, activated his Lightsaber and deflected blaster shots back at the Clones and Twi'laks who shot them, some of them being gunned down by the shots deflected back at them.

He had reached the very border of the Republic's position, and he wasn't about to stop now.

Jayden beheaded a Clone as he passed him, then threw his Lightsaber which impaled itself through the chest of a green-skinned Twi'lek male. Force calling his Lightsaber to him, Jayden continued forward. He sliced and slashed his way through Republic and forces and Twi'lek resistance fighters, with shouts raging around him.

"They've broken through!"

"Imhalyehk! Vorcuban rarsa!"

"What is that thing?!"

"Do ohk nlikan! Fa'kan san!"

"Hold the line! Get some fire support on that thing!"

In the distance, Jayden could see a blue blade flashing back and forth, deflecting incoming salvos from the droids. The telltale hue of a Lightsaber. Soon enough, he spotted a real challenge rather than Clones and Twi'leks. The Jedi General leading this army for the Republic, Jedi Master Ima-Gun Di.

A male member of the Nikto species, Master Di was a long-serving member of the Order, having participated in the Initiate Tournamnet about the time Qui-Gon Jinn was seeking an apprentice. An accomplished master of combat and gifted with the Force, Ima-Gun might've been an average Jedi, but certainly not one to underestimate.

The Jedi sensed his approached and turned as Jayden stood a few feet away from him, standing in the opening stance of Form II: Makashi. "I see Dooku has sent his newest pawn to come and fight for him." The Jedi growled, assuming his own stance. "And a young one from the look of you."

"You will die underestimating me, Jedi." Jayden threatened as his grip on his Lightsaber tightened.

The two Force-wielders rushed and their blades met in a clash of red and blue in a saber lock. Jayden knew he had to be careful here. This was a Jedi Master, a far more experienced and skilled fighter than Ahsoka Tano is, given she is still a Padawan. However, Jayden was trained by Count Dooku, who was said to be the greatest swordsman in his time as a Jedi, one of the greatest duellists ever. Regardless, the Jedi will die at his hand.

Jayden leaned back, avoiding a stab attempt from Di before he parried the Jedi's next attack, twirling his Lightsaber and swinging it. Di blocked it and the two were in a brief saber lock again before breaking it. Jayden was on the offensive as he swung at the Jedi, who blocked and parried his attacks before their sabers clashed in another saber lock. Grinding his saber against Jayden's, Di struggled to overcome, his feet sliding back against the rocky ground as Jayden pushed onwards and forced him back.

Jayden then broke the lock and swung for the Jedi's legs, but he jumped and backflipped away, quickly raising his Lightsaber as Jayden was on him, not letting him get any sort of reprieve or brief breather from fighting. Jayden stayed in Form II: Makashi, and it was clear he was winning with the way he was putting the Jedi on the defensive. His attacks became faster, aggressive but not to the point it'll cost him.

"Dooku has taught you well." Di noted as he blocked one of Jayden's attacks and went for one of his own, but Jayden acrobatically leaned back so far to avoid being stabbed. He knocked Di's Lightsaber aside and swung, but Di quickly blocked the attack. "May I know the name of my opponent?"

"My name. Is. Darth Khan."

Di grunted before he Force pushed Jayden back a few feet.

"Captain Keeli! Focus fire on this Sith!" He ordered.

"Yes sir!" A Clone in Captain's armor with brown markings affirmed, drawing his twin DeeCee pistols and opening fire along with a dozen other Clones and Twi'leks close at hand. A hail of blue blaster rounds streaked through the air but were quickly blocked by Jayden's Lightsaber. The Sith spun and blocked the shots, deflecting some back as Republic forces closed in on him.

Which is exactly what he wanted.

With a growl, Jayden unleashed a massive blast of Force Lightning that struck Clones and Twi'leks trying to surround him, and they screamed in pain before Jayden threw his Lightsaber which sliced through every Clone and Twi'lek surrounding him and their bodies fell to the ground in two pieces as Jayden caught his Lightsaber without looking.

"By the Force..." Di muttered to himself in astonishment at the sight he just witnessed. Reaching out with a single hand and flexing his fingers as the Nikto unleashed a powerful Force push that sent Jayden flying through the air. All the ground he'd gained was lost and Jayden tumbled across the dusty ground. After a solid few seconds of recovering, the Sith Apprentice pushed himself to his feet as a nearby turret emplacement opened fire on him.

Jayden raised his hand and the shot stopped in mid-air thanks to the Force. Getting to his feet, Jayden sent the shot right back at the turret which blew up in an explosion. Looking around, Jayden narrowed his eyes as he looked at one of the Republic's AT-TE walkers before he reached out with both hands and the walker lifted into the air before it started to be crushed thanks to the Force.

"No!" Di shouted from where he stood, watching in horror as the walker was crushed into scrap metal before thrown into another, resulting in a bigger explosion that took out many Clones, Twi'leks and some of the Republic's machines.

Jayden's effort in the battle did not go unpunished as it allowed the droids to make good advances on the enemy now that most of the Republic's firepower was removed. The whine of incoming craft drew his attention skyward and Jayden watched as a pair of Hyena bombers dove low and dropped their bombs, taking out more Republic forces and vehicles.

"Master Jedi!" Master Di turned, the owner of the voice astride a native blurrg. "We're running out of food and water, and our heavy weapons systems are out of power." An orange-skinned Twi'lek, the leader of the Ryloth Resistance Militia, was right to be concerned. Cham Syndulla had been fighting this war since the Separatists made landfall. The Twi'leks only had so much to use after lightning raids by Separatists deprived of them of the majority of their supplies and resources.

"I'll contact our forces in orbit," The Nikto promised, lifting his commlink and powering up a holographic render of the fleet admiral above the planet. "Admiral Dao, this is General Di. We're in trouble down here, we need those supplies immediately!" The Jedi urged.

"I understand General, but I am in no position to help. We are critically low on both fuel and ammunition." The young Admiral responded worriedly. The Separatist blockade was not making life easy for the naval forces. General Di knew they were all in dire straights, but there was a slim chance they could beat this. That glimmer of hope kept him going and he trusted his optimism would be infectious.

"Contact the Jedi Council again. Tell them that reinforcements must be dispatched without delay!" Master Di urgently ordered, igniting his blade and returning to the battle at hand, leaving Admiral Dao to carry out the rest.


Admiral Dao was able to get in contact with the Jedi Council, as he stood before a hologram of Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Dao was in the midst of explaining the situation to the Jedi. "If help does not arrive soon, the entire Outer Rim garrison will be wiped out!"

The urgency was evident and Obi-Wan pondered future courses of action. "Surely there must be some-"

"The main reactor's been hit, sir! Systems are shutting down, we're dead in space!" A bridge crew called from outside the field of view, distracting them for a moment.

Admiral Dao paused, a grim expression coming onto his face before he looked at the Jedi. "With regret, I report that my fleet will no longer be able to provide protection for the troops on Ryloth." He stated in a quiet, stoic tone. He looked bravely towards his destiny and accepted it, the Jedi silently commending his stalwart nature. "I repeat my request that help be sent right away."

"The shields are gone! We have no-" The hologram cut out after a shudder, the transmission single lost, and through the Force the Jedi could sense countless deaths within the span of a few seconds. The Ryloth fleet was destroyed and Admiral Dao had been killed in action, one of countless casualties. The situation was grim and the Jedi knew it.

"Trapped on Ryloth, Master Di and his men are." Yoda stated with a frown.

"Indeed. And without aid and supplies, the Twi'leks will suffer more." Obi-Wan said, frowning as well as he crossed his arms.

"If not for the vast dispersal of our fleets, we would've sent aid by now. Unfortunately, with multiple attacks on multiple fronts, we've had to disperse our armies thinly across the Outer Rim." Windu determined.

"There must be a way for us to get necessary supplies through." Obi-Wan insisted and his comrades agreed.

"Seek other channels we must. Other means there are, apart from the military." Yoda said. The Republic had other allies who could be counted on to pitch in and offer aid, men and women of good hearts and souls who would use their talents and resources to help out however they could. Given the complexities facing them, the Jedi would have to call on the assistance of a senator.

The matter would have to be a political one.


Elsewhere, aboard Tantive IV…

"My trade mission was successful, thank you for asking. But what's the matter? You all look very somber." Bail Organa, the esteemed viceroy and seantor of Alderaan, had not been expecting a call from three leading Jedi Masters. He did however pick up on their muted expressions very quickly.

"Senator, the fleet protecting Ryloth has been destroyed and supply lines have been cut." Obi-Wan explained in a solemn tone. "The troops are out of fuel, food, ammunition, and the civilian population is starving." Bail nodded slowly.

"That is grim news." Bail concurred.

"Our blockade runners should be able to penetrate the Separatist lines and drop new supplies, but they do not have the range to reach Ryloth." Mace stated.

"The planet Toydaria is two-thousand parsecs closer than the nearest fleet." Obi-Wan continued. "If the blockade runners can supply from there, they might reach Ryloth in time."

Toydaria, home of the Toydarians, was a neutral system in the war. Neither part of the Republic or the Separatists and they wanted to keep it that way. Toydarians were stubborn, and may see this as the Republic trying to force them into the war that they wanted no part of.

"What would you have me do?" Bail asked, though he suspected he already knew what the Jedi wanted him to do.

"We've dispatched a ship loaded with relief supplies to meet you on Toydaria." Obi-Wan explained. "You are a more experienced diplomat than the representative from Naboo who is already there."

Bail frowned at the Jedi's words. "Senator Amidala is an excellent negotiator. I am sure-"

"Senator Amidala could not leave the Senate." Obi-Wan said, his expression turning different as he had to add on and reveal who actually went. "...representative Binks accompanied the shipment.

Bail paled. Oh no... why him?

"We need you to negotiate the treaty so that we can dispatch ships from Toydaria and get Ryloth the relief supplies it needs." Mace explained. Understanding the request, as well as the burden that came with it, Bail began to assemble a strategy.

"I understand perfectly." He quietly replied.


Meanwhile, with the Separatists home fleet..

On his personal flagship, Count Dooku sat in his meditation room, where he meditated without interruptions. With battles unfolding across the Outer Rim he needed peace and clarity more than ever now, as a figurehead and leader. Not every commanding officer could be counted on to be successful and certain situations required a very direct form of intervention. But Dooku needed to choose his battles carefully, or else he ran the risk of overtaxing himself and lessening his effectiveness.

The sound of the door opening caused the Count to open his eyes and he addressed the ones who entered without even looking. "This had better be important." He said, the warning clear in his words if this wasn't important at all. Dooku did not like to disturbed unless it was very important, something he made sure to inform the commander he left in charge while he meditated.

"Sir, we intercepted a coded transmission between Senator Organa and the Jedi Council. We were able to partially unscramble it." the tactical droid that entered with a B1 droid stated. This caught the Count's attention as his meditation chair swiveled so he could face the two droids, silently gesturing for the droid to continue. "The Jedi have sent Senator Organa to Toydaria to negotiate a treaty, which would allow them to send relief supplies to their forces on Ryloth."

This meant one thing to Dooku; the Republic was desperate to hold out a little longer and frustrate the Separatists until another proper army could arrive. This would be a war on two fronts and Dooku knew this called for decisive action and a little indirect intervention.

"Send a message to Senator Lott Dod of the Trade Federation." He ordered. "I wish to speak with him immediately."

The droids nodded and left to establish a connection to Lott Dod, leaving the Count to silently assess what he has been told and the situation. Dod could potentially handle the political aspect on Toydaria, but the Republic forces on Ryloth were a different matter. Fortunately, he had his Apprentice there to handle things.

Using the Force to bring his personal holocom into his hand, Dooku put out a call that didn't take too long to answer as the hologram of his Apprentice appeared. The distant sound of blaster fire and exploding cannon rounds managed to pierce the communicator's sensitive microphones.

"Master?" Jayden answered.

"Lord Khan, I have received word that the Republic is attempting to send supplies to bolster their forces on Ryloth. See to it that there is no one left to receive them." Dooku ordered simply.

Jayden nodded before the communication ended.

Dooku leaned back in his seat, deciding in advance what he would ask of Senator Dod. He could trust his Apprentice to have the planetary situation under control, but the issue of Seantor Organa needed a certain amount of skill and political savvy that only a Senator could bring to bear…


Back on Ryloth...

After ending his call with his Master, Jayden was on the move in moments and spearheading the droid army's assault. Diving into a trench, Jayden went toe-to-toe with Clones and Twi'leks alike. Swinging his Lightsaber, he cut through them easily, deflected their blaster shots, and used the Force to kill them quickly and instantly, either blasting them with Force Lightning, threw them away with Force Grip and a Force push, or simply crushed their windpipes with Force Choke. He jumped over a Clone, bringing his Lightsaber down on him without looking and the Clone fell into two pieces after being sliced from head to his waist. A blue-skinned Twi'lek female shot at him but he simply crushed her throat with the Force and moved on.

Several tank rounds pounded the trench, staggering the defenders long enough for the droids to make their move. Clones were gunned down mercilessly under heavy barrages as Separatist forces invaded the trench and filled them with crimson blasterfire. The Clones and Twi'leks did their best to push them back, but they could only do so much against relentless, merciless machines.

At the base camp for the Republic and Twi'lek forces, Ima-Gun Di and Captain Keeli conversed with Cham Syndulla and the other resistance leaders. Ill news filled Keeli's helmet as reports from his men on the frontlines began to filter in through his comms. The security of his helmet ensured no one but him heard that bad news, leaving the unfortunate task of passing it along to him.

"General Di, the right flank has collapsed. The droids will be closing in on our position." Keeli reported, getting a grim nod from the Jedi general. He didn't need to say a word, Keeli has known him long enough to see that expressions said more than words. The General was worried.

"What about reinforcements?" Cham demanded.

"Communication has been spotty." Di said simply. "I promise you, Cham, the Republic will not abandon Ryloth."

"I've heard enough of your promises, Jedi!" Cham cut him off, sounding irritated. Honestly, Di couldn't blame him. Every promise the Jedi made went up in smoke, literally. Hope was a mere thread now. Cham was worried for his people, and for his world. They had no supplies, no food or water to feed to the men, women and children. Di isn't surprised that in Cham's mind, it looks like the Republic wasn't helping. "The fact remains, if we stay here without reinforcements we're all gong to die." Cham turned to another Twi'lek. "Gobi, tell the people we're leaving."

The blue-skinned male nodded and moved to obey. Beneath his decorated helmet, Keeli frowned. The one aspect of Twi'leks he didn't like was their emotional behavior and how quick they were to swing from one feeling to another. It made them act irrationally, something none of his brothers ever did. He knew he needed to set the record straight.

"I don't think you understand. The right flank has collapsed." He reiterated with emphasis. "There's no leaving. We're stuck here together." Cham shot the Clone a frown, acknowledging his presence but ignoring his words as he rode off to make preparations for the resistance's departure. Keeli turned to Di, pulling off his helmet to reveal a close-shaven head and stubbly jaw, the markings cut into his hair as intricate as the ones marking his helmet. "Sir, you have to convince him to stop this. We break up now and we'll both be destroyed by the droid army."

Di understood, possibly even moreso than Keeli gave him credit for, but his sigh was one of resignation. "I have convinced him once before, Captain. My convincing gave him false hope." He said softly, wearily. "The Republic is either not coming or will be too late in coming. Cham Syndulla has every right to be angry at us."

"His desperation will make him reckless." Keeli cautioned. "Better some of us survive than none of us." Di nodded.

"Indeed. Perhaps we may find a solution in helping the Twi'leks evacuate. We will at least be fulfilling our mission to keep them safe." He proffered. With a nod of acceptance, Keeli moved to rally the base men to help the resistance pack and leave. Di remained standing where he was, alone, lost in his thoughts.


Jayden watched as the Clones and Twi'leks broke into retreat from the frontlines, most likely going back to wherever their base of operations was, somewhere hidden in the jungle and the rocks. The Sith Apprentice deactivated his Lightsaber as he watched the last Clone disappear into the jungle.

"We've got them on the run." A B1 droid commander reported to the Sith.

"For now." Jayden answered without looking at the droid. "Have the main force keep pressing and pushing the attack, force the Republic back to their base of operations. We will box them in there and they will have nowhere to escape."

"Roger roger."


Later...

General Di and Captain Keeli watched as the Twi'leks were getting set for leaving. The Jedi could see it on their faces. Morale was low. They were losing hope that they can return to a peaceful life. That their days will be spent as slaves to the enemy forces. Some rode on native blurrgs while the rest walked and carried their meagre possessions with them, mothers handling children while men bore the greater burdens. The small handful of surviving Clones still on hand did their best to help out.

Di turned to Keeli. "Captain, is the gunship ready?"

"Yes sir… but it's too small to evacuate all the refugees." Keeli quietly replied, gesturing to the sole LAAT they had on hand. Cham looked over in worry.

"No escape… but our families are with us!" He realized with a gasp, his thoughts drifting to his own family and his dear Eleni and Hera. They would never live to see another day let alone survive this, it felt like an extinction event in his mind.

With a grunt. Di picked up a stick. The Nikto started sketching a rough map of the area and their position. He knew this valley backwards and forwards, with every possible route in mind. Soon he had the complete shape outlined as well as their position marked properly in the centre. Then, he started sketching directions, "If we reconfigure the fuel system, we could turn the ship into a bomb big enough to collapse the pass… here." He marked one trench with a broad X. "The enemy will then only be able to engage us on the one front... through this valley." He continued, drawing arrows down a single line. "While we provide cover, the Twi'leks will be able to escape with their families over the mountain."

Keeli knelt and studied the plan, hanging onto his General's every word. The Clone understood the plan as well as what it would mean for him and his brothers.

General Di intended to use them all as a sacrifice, himself included. None of them would be leaving Ryloth alive.

"Brilliant strategy, General." He softly praised, rising to his feet. The reality weighed heavily upon him and Di could sense it. Keeli maintained a brave front, "I'll go tell the men." He walked off slowly, Di and Cham watching him. The Jedi took no pleasure in maneuvers like this, but it was all they could do in the face of such adversity. He cast a glance over at Cham and hoped the resistance leader understood exactly what he and his men were doing for them.

As his head fell, he had a feeling Cham did understand.

The Clones moved swiftly to reconfigure the LAAT and add a few extras to ensure the explosion would be big enough to drop a mountain on the droid army. Any fuel and explosive materials that could be spared were deposited into the gunship's crew bay as they slowly transformed the vessel into a giant, flying bomb. Another hour past as preparations continued, the Twi'leks now starting to move out across the mountain as Cham prepared to depart. His assistant, the blue-skinned Gobi, stayed with Master Di to ensure the rest of the plan moved along accordingly.

Keeli walked up to General Di. "General, we're loading the rest of the explosives onto the gunship." He reported.

"Very good, Captain." Di nodded. "Ready the men."

Keeli nodded and walked off to some of his men standing nearby. "All units! Prepare for attack!"

Di turned to Cham's aid, Gobi. "We won't be able to hold off the droids for long. You'll have to move quickly to get your families out of danger."

The two looked over to where they can see Cham standing, speaking to a blue-skinned Twi'lek. "Cham is still angry. He feels betrayed." Gobi said.

"He counted on Republic assistance, and it didn't come." Di said with a sigh. "war turns promises into hopes. I wish it wasn't so. Tell him."

Gobi nodded and the two shook hands. "I will."

Di soon moved on as Cham mounted up and left with Gobi hot on his heels. Steadying himself for the action to come, Di reached out to Keeli once more.

"Captain, tell the pilots to move the gunship into position and then clear out." He ordered and Keeli triggered his wrist comm.

"Command to Laaty One, have all the explosives been placed?"

"Roger that! We're all lit and in the green, the droid army's closing fast." An identical voice replied over the comms.

"As soon as they're in range, blow the ship and make your way back here. Let's make sure we give those clankers a fight they won't forget." Keeli ordered, signing off as he made to regroup with General Di and finish fortifying the valley defences.


The droid army advanced, marching relentlessly forward as they always did. B1 and B2 models clanked onwards to a rhythmic clamour that would drive any organic crazy. The same steps over and over again…

Jayden stood on one of the tanks, expression unknown due to the mask. His hood shadowed it a little, but not too much. Jayden was looking, his gaze sweeping the area, and the high cliffs in case the Republic planned an ambush with an attack from up high.

He came out of his thoughts when the droid commander called to him. "Sir! There's a gunship blocking our way."

Jayden looked and frowned as he saw a Republic gunship just sitting there. He jumped down from the tank, gesturing for two droids to follow him. He walked towards the gunship, narrowing his eyes with suspicion and a little unease as he spotted nothing. No sign of life. The Clones could be hiding within the gunship, since the side doors were closed.

Grabbing his Lightsaber, Jayden used the Force to rip the side doors of the gunship off, revealing... explosives.

"No Clones, only explosives." A droid reported to the droid commander.

"Explosives?!" The other screeched in shock.

Jayden quickly thrusted his palm out to Force push the gunship away, but it exploded just as he did that which sent him off of his feet. Jayden grunted at the landing and looked to see the explosion had resulted in collapsing the mountainside above him. Bits of metal and ore debris rained down all around him. Some even fell right for him but Jayden stopped them with the Force and casually let them drop behind them as he walked towards the droid army.

"Sir, we can't get through!" The droid commander said, rather station the obvious in Jayden's opinion.

"Then we'll have to find another way." Jayden said, his mask displaying a digital map in his HUD. "We'll take the northern pass. If the Republic wants to go out fighting, then we'll grant them their wish."


Later...

General Ima-Di-Gun could heard the marching of the droid army as he met up with his men, who were in positions and cover for attack. The mission was clear; hold the valley for as long as they can... until they die. The Jedi knew they would not be coming out of this one alive, but he wasn't going to run and be a coward. They had to give the Twi'leks time.

"Steady! Remember, we have to buy as much time for the Twi'leks as possible!" Di called out as he strode to the front, determined to lead by example and buy his men some extra defence with his lightsaber skills.

"Yes sir." Keeli nodded.

Taking his hilt from his belt, Di ignited his blue blade as the droids came into view, approaching steadily but not yet opening fire. At the head of the column was the Sith Lord from before, Darth Khan. Di's gaze narrowed, he would undoubtedly be tricky.

"For the Republic! For the Twi'leks!" He shouted with conviction, leveling his blade at the enemy.

Popping up from their cover, the 14th Sector Army's Red Tails Command opened fire on the droids, a hail of blue cannon bolts cutting down the first two lines of battle droids as the battle commenced.

The only one who didn't fall was Darth Khan.

Jayden activated his Lightsaber and deflected the Clones' shots that were fired at him. Looking at where the Clones and Jedi were hold up, he used the Force to rip trees out of the ground, shaking some Clones from their positions on tree branches, and used the trees as weapons as he slammed them into Clones or swatter them like flies.

Di growled, knowing the Sith had to be dealt with. He pointed his Lightsaber right at him, and Jayden dropped the trees as he pointed his own blade back, accepting the challenge. Jayden jumped down, and both Jedi and Sith charged at one another, meeting once again in battle with a saber clash and lock.

"The Separatists will not have Ryloth!" Di persisted.

"You delay the inevitable, Jedi." Jayden said, grunting as he went on the defensive, blocking Di's attacks. he leaned back, avoiding a side swing from the Jedi's Lightsaber, and swung his own, getting the Jedi in the side which caused him to let out a small yell of pain as he backed off, clutching his side. Di turned and used a Force blast to scatter a pack of droids to the wind before they closed in on the scant few of his remaining men. His focus returned to Jayden as the Sith Lord continued to duel him, forcing the Jedi to react to his blows and pushing for an opening.

The Jedi Master was skilled, however Jayden had an idea that may bring the Jedi down and allow him to end his miserable life.

Jayden saw the Jedi going for a Force push, and he dropped down quickly to avoid it before he stabbed Di through his right leg, causing the Jedi to yell in pain as Jayden ripped his Lightsaber out, spun it and then sliced off the hand holding the Lightsaber. Jayden grabbed Di's Lightsaber with the Force and levelled his own with the Jedi's neck as Di was on one knee, in serious pain. He looked up at the masked face of his soon-to-be killer.

Jayden said nothing, lifting his weapon for the final blow when he quickly had to deflect a blaster shot fired at him, allowing Di to use his only hand to push him back with a Force push but due to the pain he was in, it wasn't a strong one and merely made Jayden slide on his feet. The Nikto turned to find his dear Captain on his feet, winded but still ready to fight. "Captain Keeli!"

"I'm… not finished yet, sir!" The Clone coughed as the two quickly regrouped, the pair all alone against numerous droids, half a dozen incoming landing craft and one Sith. "We can still-AGH!"

Di's eyes widened as a red Lightsaber was thrown through Keeli's chest, forcing the Clone Captain to his knees as he gasped in pain. Di and the Captain looked to see Jayden approach, activating Di's own Lightsaber. he gave the weapon a look over before he scoffed and decapitated Keeli with it.

The Jedi was all alone. His men all dead. it was just him against the droid army and one Sith. However, he knew he was going to die. So he sat on his knees, despite the pain his right one was in due to being stabbed by a Lightsaber.

"Finish it." He told Jayden with a glare.

"As you wish." Jayden said, pulling his Lightsaber out of the dead Keeli's chest. Without another second, he plunged his Lightsaber through Di's chest and the Jedi gasped in pain, feeling the life drain from him as he stared into the expressionless visor of Darth Khan, yet he could feel the cold look the Sith was giving him.

But all of a sudden, his commlink crackled to life. "This is Republic Blockade Runner Oh-Niner-Niner, we have broken through. I repeat, we have broken through!" Eyes wide, pain pulsing through his body, Ima-Gun looked skyward and watched in awe as a trio of Republic vessels flew low lever the area… full with supplies.

"At least… the Twi'leks… will live to fight… another day…" He rasped between ragged breaths.

"But you won't." Jayden said, and he swung Di's Lightsaber, decapitating the Jedi in one swing. Watching the headless Jedi's body fall to the ground, Jayden deactivated both Lightsabers and clipped his to his belt while continuing to hold the dead Jedi's in his hand. He turned his gaze to the sky, watching the Republic transports, but it didn't matter.

Ryloth belonged to the Separatists now.

Miles away, the retreating Twi'leks scrambled to the escape pods that had been dropped along their travel route. Within each were crates of supplies; food, water, medical supplies, ammunition and more, enough to keep them going a little longer. Cham looked on with a small smile as his people gathered up the drop with gleeful elation. In the end, perhaps, promises could still be promises.


And that's it for this chapter. I was going to skip this one, but I think I should do the Clones Wars in chronological order, and the battle of Ryloth did come after the whole Jabba's son kidnapped plot.