Author's Note: Dearest readers, today we start celebrating a momentous occasion. Two years ago, I began a journey unlike anything I've ever created. "The Frozen Force" was meant to be a love letter to Star Wars, a universe I love so dearly. The characters of Frozen, Anna and Elsa, have seen me through the darkest of times. Uniting Frozen and Star Wars has been a wonderful endeavor. Two years later, and this has become the longest fanfiction that I have ever written. We've reached 300 reviews, over 40,000 views, and over 940,000 words! With weekly-updated chapters, it's been so nice delivering content and meeting so many new readers. Seriously, you are all so amazing and I thank you for your ongoing support. This story has gone on for an entire four seasons! It feels like I was just writing about Padawan Elsa and Anna yesterday. I have so many plans for this adventure and I'm excited to share them with you all. I want you to know that your reviews go straight to my heart and I appreciate them dearly. While I won't get too personal, I will say that this story and you brilliant people bring such a smile to my face. It doesn't matter whether you're a veteran to this story or just getting started...If you're reading this, you're part of the Frozen Force Family.
During this momentous occasion, I want to shoutout the members of this family. Every single reviewer who has made what we've built possible.
0x15, Krieg Schnee, CJG, Starpottergeek, Coconut Colonoy, Soumia-oldms, grimmouse197, Jake, The Hooded, oMeGa1904, Regina007, DialgaRyuma, Bauers374, StrangerEyes, Random65, Darth Sith'ari, Dunc4, FanfictionReader29, LegosForever01, n Nguyn, LindsayDanville, agin81, sithporgonline, Enigma Infinite, Lilianne Lei, Amerdism, Egylynx, TatianoRules555, MarvelousManiac. And of course all of those wonderful guest reviewers out there.
Many of you have expressed what "The Frozen Force" means to you as a story on its own and on this site. You've told me how its characters, chapters, and storylines have made you feel. I want you to know, that your reviews have always been read and never ignored. And I keep them with me. They all go straight to my heart and have helped me to write this ongoing journey. In the words of the brilliant Steve Martin: "If I have entertained you, then I have done my job."
Long Live Your Imagination and May the Force be with You,
~ Michael
GOLDENHEART STORIES PRESENTS
A MICHAEL J. PINEDA PRODUCTION
THE FROZEN FORCE 2nd ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
Chapter: 96 The Rules of War (Part I)
"Today's victims are tomorrow's killers."
Outer Rim under siege! In retaliation against the Republic's advances, General Grievous has launched the ultimate counteroffensive! Striking multiple planets across the stars, Grievous plans to push his adversaries to the brink. As the Separatists invade countless worlds, the Jedi Order takes swift action...
"It's now time to restore the traditions of Mandalore. No one will ever threaten us again!"
The words from Pre Vizsla's speech remained fresh in Mulan's mind. She couldn't remember the last time she'd actually set foot in the planet's capital without being labeled as a terrorist. The city of Sundari was eerily still that morning. Mulan had jetpacked to one of the political district's highest skyscrapers for an empowering vantage point. She sat along the building's edge and removed her helmet to take in some fresh air.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" a voice said. Mulan glanced to her right as Vala Ketra took a seat. She too removed her helmet and revealed a bob of spiky, blonde hair. Her usual sneer had relaxed as they looked over the city. "A free Mandalore, finally united under us." Vala scoffed when Mulan's only response was a mild-mannered murmur. "What?"
"We've won," Mulan answered while watching several Death Watch warriors fly by. "But at what cost?"
"Any cost," Vala asserted. "This is the way."
"But think about it," Mulan insisted. "Sure, we allied with these syndicates to trick the populace and appear as saviors. But how many of our own people, the very Mandalorians we sought to lead, died in the process?"
Vala shook her head in denial. "Duchess Satine's rule weakened the people's resolve. They forgot their true Mandalorian heritage. Think of those who died as mere products of culling the weak."
"Is that what Evrus would've thought?" Mulan asked.
Despite the passing months, her fellow warrior's death was still fresh in her mind. Vala sucked her teeth and scowled. "Yes," she told herself. "He was a true hero to the cause and you shouldn't disrespect his name. Pre Vizsla always had a plan to safeguard Mandalore for us. That Maul monster was only a means to an end. Now he and his brother will rot in our prison, just as all weaklings do. For only the strong dictate what happens next. Such is-"
"-the way," Mulan grumbled. "I know." She sighed heavily while observing the cityscape. "Things just feel...wrong. I always believed in our goal to retake Mandalore, I just never thought we'd throw in with scum and villainy to do it."
In that instant, a powerful jetpack rocketed from below. One of their fellow Nite Owls soared up to their level and let her yellow markings gleam with the sunrise. Vala and Mulan rose from the edge, equipped their helmets, and stood at attention as Ursa Wren hovered closer.
"I figured that I'd find you two up here," Ursa said. "Always taking the high ground."
"Sorry for my absence, ma'am." Mulan accounted for herself. "I just needed to clear my head."
"The last few days have been challenging on all of us-" Ursa lamented. "-but a new day dawns for Mandalore and only our unity can see it through. Lieutenant Bo-Katan has called us back to the palace. Pre Vizsla is ready to move forward."
At Ursa's command, Mulan and Vala jetpacked off of the skyscraper. The trio soared over damaged streets and broken edifices. As Mulan peered down, she didn't find the cheery populace she'd envisioned many a night. Instead, the pathways were practically deserted. If anyone did emerge, it was to salvage what scraps they could find to keep their family safe.
Is this it? Mulan couldn't help but ask herself. Is this the free Mandalore that we fought for?
The idea of entering the royal palace so casually was still surreal to her. The Duchess' steadfast, royal guard had been replaced by clusters of Death Watch warriors. All of their helmeted heads turned to Pre Vizsla, who now occupied Satine's throne. His scarred visage was stern and calculating as he examined his subjects. His lieutenant, Bo-Katan, stood at his right alongside several other Nite Owls.
"I see you found the strays," Bo-Katan whispered to Ursa while eyeing their young fighters. "They look up to you, you know."
"Honestly, my lady." Ursa quipped. "Don't people tend to listen to their role models?"
"You listen to me, don't you?" Bo-Katan jested.
Ursa gestured to the hilt clipped on her lieutenant's belt. "You're the one carrying that monster's lightsaber. How could I not?"
Their banter was cut short as Pre Vizsla spoke up. "Like the rising sun, so too does Mandalore ascend from these ashes. With the duchess dethroned and syndicates in chains, we can forge a new order. Just as our ancestors did in the days of old. True sons and daughters of Mandalore, we-"
In that instant, Vizsla's primary holocomm emitted an urgent strobe. Without wasting a moment, he activated the projection and saw one of his men. "Sir!" the warrior called out and aimed his blaster at an unknown assailant. "They're attacking-"
Mulan's blood ran cold as the soldier was suddenly lifted into the air. His blaster fell and he desperately clawed at his neck to breathe. Within moments, the hologram became a grim and very real scene. The palace doors were flung open as the warrior's wriggling legs hovered in. He desperately wheezed for oxygen as Maul's sibling kept him suspended with the Force.
"Is that?" Vala uttered.
"They're free," Mulan dreaded.
Maul strolled in behind Savage, letting his brutish brother finish off the warrior. The Zabrak were accompanied by none other than Mandalore's former prime minister, Almec.
Before the Death Watch could make any further comprehensions, Savage flung his victim's corpse across the floor to Vizsla's feet. His warriors didn't need orders to take aim. Enraged, Mulan and Vala joined their fellow Nite Owls and trained their weapons on Maul.
"I challenge you!" Maul growled towards Vizsla. "One warrior to another!" He beat his chest like a creature marking his territory. "And only the strongest shall rule Mandalore."
Maul's call for single combat was met with mixed feelings. While some warriors looked to Vizsla for his response, others kept aiming at Maul. "What are you doing?" Vala whispered when Mulan kept her gun up. "You know the way."
"Our way," Mulan intoned. "Not his."
"So be it," Vizsla declared to Mulan's shock. He nodded to his lieutenant and said, "Give him his weapon."
At her leader's command, Bo-Katan reluctantly tossed Maul his lightsaber. The scarlet-skinned Zabrak grasped it with venomous vigor. Gritting his yellow teeth and snarling like an uncaged beast, Maul ignited his blade. Vizsla descended from his throne and sparked up his own hilt. A unique beam of dark plasma swayed at his command. Raising the legendary Darksaber, Vizsla declared, "For Mandalore!"
The warriors lowered their weapons and backed away as Vizsla charged forward. His shadowy blade collided with Maul's red saber. Sparks flared across the chamber, forcing both combatants to the brink. Their intensity was unparalleled, each fighting for the soul of an entire planet. Vala's heart raced, watching each spin and jab between the duelists. Mulan swallowed hard as Vizsla took to the air and utilized his other weapons. Many of the tools equipped in a Mandalorian's vambraces had been created to combat Force users, yet Maul still endured. Their chaotic duel returned to the ground once more, only this time...Maul was learning. The Sith had adapted to Vizsla's attacks and timed any incoming strikes. Thrice he blocked the Mandalorian's fierce elbows and forced Vizsla to take flight once more. But doing so played right into Maul's hand, and the Zabrak leapt to meet him in midair. With a powerful kick, Maul sent Vizsla crashing against the translucent tiles. Bolts crackled from his malfunctioning jetpack and forced Vizsla to remove it.
Death Watch's leader was relentless and quickly drew his blaster. With a well-placed shot, he was able to blast Maul's saber out of his hands. Mulan wanted to rejoice as Vizsla ran at his unarmed opponent, but something felt wrong. Maul was too calm...too steady...for things to be alright. Timing Vizsla's incoming attack, Maul snagged his enemy's wrist. He furiously pulled Vizsla towards him and endured two swift punches. Maul didn't yield as his nostrils flared. Mulan bit back a gasp when the Zabrak uppercutted Vizsla. And with a daunting grip on his wrist and forearm, Maul quickly spun. His spin brought a pulse-pounding ache to Vizsla's nerves, but nothing could prepare him for the sudden twist...and crack.
The sound of Vizsla's arm breaking made Bo-Katan's eye twitch. For even though warriors remained loyal to their leader, a crucial and broken limb almost guaranteed his demise. The Darksaber deactivated and clacked against the floor. Maul flipped Vizsla over, slamming him to the ground. He let him crawl for a moment, almost to allow his warriors to observe their ravaged superior. Maul loomed closer...kicking, punching, and kneeing the dazed Vizsla into submission. Shock and horror claimed Mulan as her leader fell beneath the throne. Maul extended a hand amidst the dreadful silence and called the Darksaber to him. He sparked up the inky blade and gazed into its bold plasma.
"Like you said," Vizsla panted, barely able to rise on his hands and knees. "Only the strongest...shall rule."
Vizsla shut his eyes as if coming to terms with his code. Bo-Katan's breath left her as Maul brought the saber swinging down. And with his vicious beheading complete, Maul raised the blade and declared, "I claim this sword...and my rightful place as leader of Death Watch!"
With his proclamation, multiple warriors stepped forth to pledge their allegiance. The young and old knelt before their new leader, swearing to follow him. Mulan gasped as her friend followed suit. "Vala?" she blurted. "What are you-"
"This is the way," her fellow Nite Owl said. "As it has been for centuries." Vala knelt before Maul and whispered, "Come on, Mulan."
"Never!" Bo-Katan suddenly brayed. "No outsider will ever rule Mandalore!" Her words prompted several warriors, including Ursa, to rally at her sides.
"If you will not join me-" Maul began. "-you will all die."
It was as if a switch had been flipped inside the minds of those loyal to him. Bo-Katan watched in disbelief as the warriors turned. Men and women she'd fought alongside for years easily raised their weapons against her. All in the name of the Mandalorian code.
"Mulan," Vala whispered, still aiming her gun at the opposite side. "Don't be a fool. Join us. Bring honor to your mother's beskar and uphold our code."
Refusing to back down, Bo-Katan berated the turned group. "You're all traitors!" she yelled.
"Unfortunately for you," Maul murmured. "History will not see it that way." Thrusting his new Darksaber forward, he gave his first true command. "Execute them!"
Bo-Katan threw her helmet back on and immediately opened fire. Those loyal to Maul engaged her forces while Mulan froze up. "Make the right choice here," Vala asserted as the blaster shook in her hands. "Mulan?" Thinking of what Mandalore had become and who had chosen to stand against Maul, Mulan made her choice. She jetpacked away alongside Ursa and Bo-Katan. "Mulan!" Vala screeched and lost all respect for her former friend. Siding with Maul's followers, Vala furiously fired at Mulan until she was out of range.
Maul's forces were dreadfully overwhelming. Bo-Katan's supporters only solidified their escape with a plethora of grenades before leaping from the verandah. Their jetpacks became distant flickers as they darted across the cityscape. At Bo-Katan's command, they sought shelter in a shadowy industrial district. Helmets were flung off, revealing the exhausted faces of shocked Mandalorians. Mulan dropped to her knees, coming to terms with what had just occurred.
"How could this happen?" Ursa asked, still catching her breath. "We should've executed that horned creature when we captured him!" Her suggestion was met with an assortment of hollers.
"Quiet!" Bo-Katan barked, silencing those loyal to her. "It doesn't matter how it happened. What matters is what we're going to do about it. Finish catching your breath and gear up. We are not letting Mandalore fall to him." Bo-Katan stormed off to formulate her own plan.
Ursa used the moment to kneel beside Mulan. "Hey," she whispered and gently reached for her shoulder. Mulan flinched at first, still reeling from the events in the palace. "It's alright," Ursa assured.
"N-none of this is alright," Mulan stuttered. "They all just turned on us...Even Vala just-"
"She made her choice just as you made yours," Ursa asserted. "There comes a time when a warrior must see beyond doctrine and pick the path of righteousness. Following Maul will only lead to ruin, and now we're Mandalore's only hope for salvation. Our mission isn't over yet."
"It's not," Mulan concurred and steadied herself. "We can't abandon our people to his rule. Nor can we leave those taken as slaves to his will."
"You speak of the Crimson Dawn maidens," Ursa realized.
"It's the right thing to do," Mulan replied. "It's what my mother would've done."
During the stressful bustle of the Clone Wars, it was difficult to actually find a moment of silence in the Jedi Temple. Even its grandiose meditation halls had become breeding grounds for boisterous discussions about the war. Seeking fresh air and a space to clear her head, Anna Dellian stepped out onto a grandiose verandah. She tuned out the sounds of raucous airspeeder traffic and leaned against the balcony. The midday sun cast a golden shimmer against her kyber necklace. And as Anna took a deep breath to ease herself into the moment, the necklace's previous owner found her.
"It's a beautiful day today, isn't it?" Kristoff asked.
His voice both shook Anna's tranquility and piqued her interest. "Fancy seeing you here," she said and turned to meet him.
Kristoff walked out onto the verandah and relaxed his blaster rifle. "I don't know what's so fancy about patrolling," he chuckled awkwardly. "But it's nice to see you too."
"It's just an expression," Anna huffed. "Nevermind." Breaking through the awkwardness, Anna asked "How's guard life treating you?"
"Sven and I are loving it," Kristoff replied. "We're happy to help sway public opinion in the Order's favor as much as we can. Plus, they're letting me fly more!"
"That's right up your alley," Anna remarked.
"They've designated a Jedi corvette to Sven and I," Kristoff said. "So if you ever need to be ferried from here to your flagship, just holler."
"I will," Anna replied as a burly figure barged out from inside.
Lyn Ferix's face was as stern as ever. The creases in her uniform were hardly visible atop her toned and titanic physique. "Blondie!" Lyn roared.
Kristoff winced and swiftly stood at attention. "Yes, Officer Ferix?" he responded.
"You call this a patrol?" she scolded and stomped over to him. "All temple verandahs need to be thoroughly scanned under the appropriate and allotted time. I come out here and see you harassing this Jedi."
"I wasn't-" was all Kristoff could say before Lyn kept talking over him.
"What'd you think? That you were gonna get her holonumber? Karabast, blondie! Get your mind set right and move!"
"That wasn't the case at all," Kristoff pleaded.
"It really wasn't," Anna backed him up.
"I know better than that," Kristoff nervously assured. "Besides, she's already-"
Anna's heart sank at his words while he realized what he was about blurt. Either way, Lyn shut him up with her own tirade. "I don't care what excuses you're making up for yourself," she barked. "Your incompetence reflects on me, and then I can kiss my security rank goodbye. So get back to guarding! That's an order!" Lyn rushed back inside to scold the next hapless guard to cross her path.
"Sorry about that," Kristoff sighed. "Officer Ferix can be a handful and-"
"Kristoff," Anna uttered. "What did you mean back there?"
"Huh?" he questioned as her worrisome look became an intensified stare.
"You were about to say I was 'already' something. What was it?"
Kristoff pursed his lips as a single drop of sweat ran down his temple. "Oh that," he stammered and scratched at his security cap. "Well...I was just saying that...you were...are...Already-...aware!"
"Oh?" Anna inquired.
"Yes," Kristoff panted. "Already aware of the rules concerning attachments. It's like you told me in the cafeteria a while back..." Kristoff sighed and peered out towards the city. "Jedi aren't allowed to love. So-...it was silly for Officer Ferix to think we were 'a thing'. Because I mean, I completely understand that a Jedi hero such as yourself would have to be crazy to be with-"
"Crazy?" Anna queried and Kristoff gulped. "You think I'm crazy?"
"Of course not," he assured as Anna shifted back towards the balcony. "It's just that...wouldn't it be wrong if you-"
"I feel like you're passing a lot of judgement here," Anna commented. "You think I'm wrong?"
"No!" Kristoff blurted.
"I get the feeling that there's something here that you're not telling me," Anna urged as Kristoff stiffened. "Fine," she spoke over his prolonged silence. "But let's just get one thing clear. I'm not 'already' anything. Jedi shouldn't be forming attachments, and if you're beating around the bush that I'm involved with someone, you need to stop."
"I never said that," Kristoff answered and stepped away from her.
"Good," Anna declared, although several memories were still fresh in Kristoff's mind. He recalled patrolling the temple's upper levels and seeing how close Anna was with Hans. Combining what he'd witnessed with how Hans had threatened him left enough to his own reasoning. Still, Kristoff obliged and backed off. Anna was left feeling uneasy until a sudden clamor caught her attention. "What was that?" she inquired while Kristoff cautiously gripped his blaster.
"Stel..." a familiar voice desperately tried not to yell.
"Elsa?" Anna queried. She and Kristoff peered across the opposite side of the verandah to see her sister on the lower level. A young Theelin had just toppled over several planters and Elsa was working to realign them.
"I thought I could make it," the youngling whined.
"There's a saying," Elsa sighed while helping him up. "It's called look before you-" She sensed a familiar presence and glanced towards the upper verandah. "Anna..."
"Look before you Anna?" Stel asked. "I don't get it."
He dusted himself off and followed his master's gaze to the upper floor. "Sister," Elsa greeted. "Kristoff..."
Anna knitted her brows, unsure how to best approach talking to her sister. Their last encounter aboard the Republic medical station hadn't ended on the best of terms. "You-" Anna barely squeezed the word out. "You...look good. Did you change your hair?"
Elsa sighed. "You were never the best at smalltalk, sister. What is it that you want?"
The eldest Dellian's sharp and bitter reaction put Anna on the defensive. "Well for starters, I wanted to make sure we weren't under attack after a racket like that," she jeered.
"Apologies," Elsa lamented. "My apprentice still has much to learn."
"Apprentice?" Anna blurted while Kristoff looked on with curiosity.
Elsa had to keep her emotions in check. As much as she still cared for Anna, just looking at her prompted feelings of frustration. She was reminded of succumbing to Anna's wiles back on Bespin, but had to see beyond them. Choosing to find the light in her situation, Elsa realized that she may never have found Stel if she hadn't broken her arm. Whether that was a blessing or a curse remained to be seen.
"Anna," Elsa said. "Kristoff...This is my Padawan, Stel Sovan."
The jittery Theelin gulped and slowly waved. "H-hi," he greeted.
Suddenly, a series of chimes rang out across the verandah. Both Anna and Elsa's comlinks started blipping simultaneously. Perplexed by the spontaneity, Elsa hastily answered. "Hello?" she inquired.
"Elsa," Admiral Taka called in. "Your presence is requested on the Deliverance immediately. The Outer Rim is under siege and the 213th has been called to action in the Carida System."
Elsa's heart raced upon receiving the news. She'd let herself get so lost in temple life that she'd quieted the concept of war in her mind. But that bitter reality was knocking on her doorstep. Only this time, Stel would be with her if she was to accept. She couldn't abandon the 213th...not again. But could she really drag this innocent youngling into a potential war zone? She'd taken him into apprenticeship to become a Jedi Knight, not a soldier. Then again, was there even a difference anymore? Elsa had to believe there was. She wouldn't abandon her duty to the Republic, nor would she leave Stel at the temple just as Yelena left her for weeks. By the will of the Force, Elsa told herself. I'll keep him close. I'll keep him safe.
"Copy that, admiral." Elsa replied. "We'll be there."
"We'll?" Taka questioned.
"I'll explain once aboard," Elsa insisted while swatting Stel's hand down. It was the only way to keep him from fidgeting with his Padawan braid.
"What was your call about?" Anna hollered from above.
"I've been summoned to the Carida System," Elsa shouted back.
"It must be all hands on deck," Anna said and had Elsa tilting her head. "That's where Watcher's sending Admiral Shang and my team too."
Kristoff dared to break the ensuing, awkward silence. "So..." he coughed. "Who needs a ride to their ship?"
With his Jedi studies in Brith Clan, Stel hardly had enough time to focus on the war. He'd never heard of a Venator, and if he had...he'd forgotten. Either way, setting foot on one of the colossal battleships was unreal for the youngling. Its corridors seemed to stretch on forever as turquoise-armored clones patrolled each pathway. Stel followed Elsa into the Deliverance's massive command bridge. A narrow path stretched towards the primary viewport and revealed the vortex of lightspeed. Frost and Taka stood at the very end, letting the void cast indigo streaks against them. Both braced themselves when Stel almost fell into the rightward pit of officers. Elsa caught her student just in time and pulled him back up.
"Sorry," the youngling said and looked back at where he fell. "Why isn't there a railing there? Seems kinda hazardous to me."
"That's a good question," Elsa admitted. "But please try to be more aware of your surroundings. And-"
"Look before I Anna?"
"Leap," she corrected.
"Elsa," Commander Frost greeted. "It's good to see you again. You're looking well." She smiled and nodded as he knelt before her apprentice. "You must be Stel. I've heard a lot about you." He was quick to add more when he noticed the child's widening eyes. "All good things! All good things!"
"The briefing's about to start," Taka asserted and beckoned the group to her holotable. After activating the apparatus, Watcher's face projected into view. Holograms of Anna, Admiral Shang, and the Deathchasers emerged as they watched from the Legacy.
"Woah!" Stel gasped until Elsa politely shushed him.
"Time is of the essence," Watcher said while adjusting her glasses. "So I'll get right to it." Elsa's stomach dropped as multiple, planetary holograms projected across the table. Each Outer Rim planet flashed red as Separatist dreadnoughts pierced their perimeters. "The Senate is calling it the most devastating offensive in the history of the war. I call it just another day at the office. Make no mistake, we are dealing with a serious threat here. But we will put a stop to it. General Grievous has launched an all-out attack on the Outer Rim Worlds. He's trying to force the Republic into submission, but all he'll get is the full taste of our military supremacy."
"All of these worlds under siege," Elsa remarked.
"And we will preserve liberty on each of them," Watcher declared. "The Grand Army is in the process of launching its own, full-scale counteroffensive on multiple battlefronts. Never have so many Jedi generals led the charge across so many planets."
"How could this happen so quickly?" Elsa questioned. "Doesn't such a counteroffensive need senatorial approval? Some of those planets are neutral in this war."
"We aren't here to debate moralities," Watcher rebuked. "But if you must know, the chancellor can override senatorial approval through the Emergency Powers Act. During this most desperate time, the Grand Army is at his full disposal." Elsa scowled at the concept, yet understood the reality. Watcher's head swiveled as she managed several monitors. "I'm overseeing multiple engagements as we speak, but you Dellians are needed on Carida. The Separatist are hammering our fleet and it's only a matter of time before they get troops on the ground. We need you to stop the bleeding." Watcher pulled up a holofile of an elongated, cliffside compound. "Carida is home to one of the Republic's biggest military academies. This will be your rendezvous point when you get planetside. Knight Dellian, you and the 213th will be running evacuation procedures on the nearby city of Quobos. The populace knows their designated routes, but you need to get them to the academy for full safeguard. It's surrounded by enough built-in bunkers to house thousands of civilians."
"Consider it done," Elsa replied.
As Frost listened to the briefing, he couldn't help but keep an eye on Stel. The youngling slipped into his own little world, playing with his braid and shuffling his boots. He traced circles on the holotable's edge and occasionally dipped back into the briefing. It wouldn't be long before his mind would wander again and he'd observe the clone officers around him.
"General Dellian," Watcher continued and turned to Anna. "You and your squad are to reinforce a regiment of the 41st Elite Corps."
"Master Luminara Unduli's unit?" Anna realized.
"The very same," Watcher confirmed. "You'll meet Unduli and her apprentice at the academy. Gear up once you're together, as you'll be serving as our first line of defense once the Separatist breach our fleet."
"The space battle is that lost?" Shang asked.
Watcher nodded. "I've sent for a fleet of reinforcements, but this offensive has our units spread thin. It's clear that the Separatists want the Republic pushed to the brink."
"So why play into their hand then?" Elsa asked.
"Because we aren't afraid to get our hands dirty, Knight Dellian." Watcher scoffed. "I would've thought that you'd learned all you needed to know about Republic supremacy when we defeated the Revenant at Scarif. Anyone who pushes us will be pushed back tenfold. We will strike with what we have and we will win. Now you have your assignments. Dismissed."
The transmission concluded as Elsa shook her head. "I have a bad feeling about this," she said while departing with Stel and Frost. "All of these planets under attack, pushing the Jedi outward."
"Do you think we can win these battles?" Frost asked.
"While Watcher's arrogance irks me, I have faith in the Republic's success. However-" Elsa scratched at her chin. "Something just doesn't add up."
"What do you mean, master?" Stel wondered.
"Why wouldn't Grievous focus on a select number of worlds? It can't be easy to manage so many campaigns. What if the goal isn't to win, but to cripple our forces somehow?" Elsa turned to Frost. "There has to be another attack of some sort. One that we're not seeing." Elsa noticed Stel plucking at his braid and set his hand down. "Please stop," she instructed.
Noticing how stressed she seemed, Frost cautiously voiced his thoughts. "Elsa," he began. "Might I have a word...just between us?"
Although concerned, Elsa obliged as they stepped towards the Venator's hangar. "Stel," she told her apprentice. "Can you wait right here for me? I'm just going to have a quick word." The young Theelin nodded as Elsa stepped away with Frost. He was left to lean against the wall and observe the hangar's grandiose vehicles. As Stel zoned out, he almost fidgeted with his braid...but ultimately stopped himself.
"Hah!" he declared triumphantly...and bit his nails instead.
"So," a grizzly clone jested from atop a maintenance crate. "You must be the 'Mini Dellian' we heard about."
"Hey!" Doubles scolded and smacked him upside the head. "Elsa said no name-calling. Lay off 'em." The heavy trooper slid down and offered a wave. "Hello kid. The name's Doubles. Don't mind Rip here. He had a leak in his vat during incubation. So he's a little-"
"Little what?" Rip blurted.
"I don't know," Doubles quipped. "What would you call someone who stands outside IN THE SUNto try and dry their sweat?"
"That was one time," Rip grumbled and crossed his arms.
Doubles found comfort in making the youngling snicker. "I'm Stel," he said.
"Welcome to the 213th, Stel." Doubles answered and rigorously patted his back.
Elsa glanced over and saw her apprentice mingling with the clones. "Are you sure this was a good idea?" Frost questioned.
"What do you mean?" Elsa asked, only to infer he meant Stel. "Taking him into a war zone wasn't ideal, but I couldn't leave him behind. Nor could I leave the 213th."
"I understand that," Frost insisted. "It's just that-...Look, I'll always support you and your decisions. But I can also make observations."
"Commander," Elsa asserted in a tone Frost seldom enjoyed. "Whatever you've got to say, please just say it."
Frost sighed and gestured to Stel across the hangar. "He's just a kid. What is he, fourteen?"
"Twelve," Elsa answered and Frost almost choked.
"I saw him during the briefing. He was hardly paying attention to what was going on."
"Stel can get distracted from time to time," Elsa confessed.
"It's one thing for that to happen on a command bridge, but imagine on a battlefield. He's not ready."
"I need you to trust me," Elsa said.
"I do trust you. But-" Elsa's frown was enough to bring Frost to silence.
"If you trust me, why is there even a 'but' to it?"
"Forgive me," Frost grieved. "I know this is what you wanted, but I feel as though-" Frost clenched his fists, unsure whether or not say his next statement. Fighting through every urge to shut down, he spoke up. "You're being arrogant again," he spat out the words. "Respectfully, I think you're acting without proper evaluation."
Elsa's eyes widened and her body went rigid. "I just want to get something clear with you, Frost. Anna goaded me into pursuing Maul. Taking Stel as an apprentice was my choice. Because I know I can be a responsible mentor and still fulfill my duties to the Republic."
Frost sighed. "I never meant to negate your choices nor willpower. I just-" Elsa raised a brow as Frost relaxed his shoulders. "Whether it was almost losing you in that Lucrehulk elevator or holding you after Maul's attack, I've been...scared. And no amount of combat stress resistance flowing through my genes could prepare me for other emotions. What I'm trying to say is...I don't want to see the kid or you get hurt."
Elsa nodded, taking in each of his words. "Then you have to trust me with this as much as I trust you with my life." She made her way back to Stel, but not before adding, "Wholeheartedly."
Frost sulked, watching as Elsa returned to her young apprentice. "Commander," a gritty voice called from one of the gunships. Frost turned to see Donz leaning out from one of the hatches. The older clone beckoned him over with a wave of his hand. As Frost approached, Donz shouted to his co-pilot. "Toto!" The younger clone was busy buffing out scratches on LAAT-5's hull. "Can you run down to storage and restock us on power cells?"
Toto raised his brows. "But I did that an hour ago," he contested. "We couldn't have possibly run out already-" One sharp look from Donz said everything and Toto was quick to concur. "I'm on it," he said and dashed off.
As the co-pilot departed, Frost stepped aboard Donz's gunship. Once inside, the pilot sealed the hatches altogether, giving them total privacy. "What's going on?" Frost worried.
"To everyone else, we're just performing an interior gunship inspection." Donz explained. "But for us..." He sat in the hold and glared at Frost. "Are you alright, sir?"
Frost looked elsewhere and observed Donz's new open-faced helmet. "I see your Phase II gear arrived," he complimented. "Now everyone in the galaxy can see your glorious mustache."
"It is legendary," Donz replied while stroking his facial hair. "But stop avoiding my question. I saw you out there with Elsa and that looked anything but pleasant."
"It's...complicated," Frost admitted.
"Brother," Donz intoned. "I'm a first-generation clone. I've been flying missions for the Republic from the first battle of Geonosis. And ever since we landed in that hellish arena, my fighting's never stopped. I served in units until they were decimated, watching my brothers die one by one. And after so many transfers, I've finally made a home here in the 213th. You are all my family, so please let me help you. Un-complicate whatever this complicated thing is...and just talk to me."
Frost took a deep breath and removed his helmet. He wanted to look upon his older brother unhindered in the gunship's seclusion. "Do you ever think about the end of this war?" he asked. Donz was about to lecture him when Frost raised a hand. "It's related, I swear."
"Then yes," the old clone responded. "More often than you'd believe."
"Do you think about what you'd do?"
Donz chuckled briefly. "I don't think about it," he said as Frost hung his head. "I know exactly what I'd want." Frost leaned closer while Donz lounged about. The pilot closed his eyes as if envisioning something he'd seen hundreds of times before. "After we win this war, I'm going to retire LAAT-5. This poor girl's been through enough. And in her place, I'll get myself a true starcruiser. And oh how I'll travel the galaxy just because I can. I'll chart the unknown, searching for the most marvelous vistas in this universe." A gentle, soothing smile formed on Donz's lips. His bushy mustache curled upward as he whispered. "And then I'll find it. The most beautiful network of constellations that anyone's ever seen. Stars so bright, you'd think they were crystals igniting across the void. And that's where I'll find myself all over again. Soaring through a symphony of stars, calling me home."
"Wow," Frost remarked as Donz opened his eyes. "You really have put a lot of thought into retirement."
"Sometimes, it's the only thing that keeps me going." Donz said. "And what about you, commander?" Frost pursed his lips as his eyes nervously darted across the hold. "Hey," Donz spoke calmly. "You and I are the only ones here. It's okay, soldier. Let it go."
"I like to believe that the end of this war will usher in a new era of peace," Frost responded. "And in that peace, I'd want to settle down. Find a quiet, distant place away from all of the debating. Free from all of the moral tightrope walking, where I can bask in silence and earnest company."
"Company?" Donz queried as Frost winced.
"Yes," the commander whispered. "But just because some of my wishes can't come true, doesn't mean I won't stop caring for those around me."
Donz slowly nodded while understanding Frost's reasoning. "You're a good man, commander," he said. "You always have been. And I'm sure Elsa knows that as much as the rest of us."
"Mhm," Frost barely uttered and slowed his breaths.
"Do you love her?" Donz asked and Frost almost fell over.
"Do I...do we even know what love is?" Frost responded.
"Clones were bred for combat," Donz said. "But if I cared to imagine what love was. What it was capable of being...I would think of you. I would consider every act of kindness you've shown that woman in the best and worst of circumstances. Think of it what you will, but that is love to me."
"Thank you, Donz." Frost whispered and worked to compose himself. "We-...we shouldn't take much longer in here. We'll be coming up on Carida soon." The commander opened the hatch himself and stepped out into the hangar. As Donz watched his superior depart, a hopeful thought crossed his mind. He could only wish for a swift end to the war for all of his brothers. He longed for each of them to know peace.
Carida's mountainous terrain was considered perilous to foreigners. Still, even the strangest of spacers dared to brave the temperate world. A caravan of travelers stayed bunched together. Mostly made up of humans, they moved close to a collection of Caridan refugees. They were dense beings with lanky legs to support their flabby hide. Caridan anatomy disgusted some, but perplexed a small boy, no older than six. His curious, brown eyes observed the huddled creatures until a bearded man tugged at his collar.
"Hey," he growled, snapping the boy out of his inquisitive daze. He knelt before the child and secured a cap to his head. "Focus," the man said. "We're almost there." The child's hasty nod didn't fool him for a second. "Are you alright? Don't lie to me, boy."
"I miss Mama," the youth whispered.
His elder sighed and caressed the child's face. "I miss her too," he said. "But that's why we have to be stronger than ever, son. Take a deep breath...and think of her. She will give you courage."
"Yes, Papa," his son answered and held his satchel close. They rejoined the rest of their caravan and continued along the ridge. The whir of Republic gunships echoed overhead. The boy watched as each ship descended from the heavens and darted towards the Carida Academy.
LAAT-5's hatch opened as Donz decreased altitude. "Standby for landing!" the pilot announced. Stel peeked over the edge and observed the crowd of refugees traveling along the ridge. Curiosity got the best of him as he suddenly slipped forward. Stel's shock was short-lived as Frost caught him by his collar. While the youngling was happily relieved, Frost shook his head with concern. Elsa merely sighed and was eager to land.
Master Luminara Unduli and her Padawan, Barriss Offee, patiently awaited their reinforcements. The Jedi duo was accompanied by a uniquely-armored clone. The commander's green asthetics contrasted strongly against Frost's icy blues. As Anna and her Deathchasers disembarked from an adjacent gunship, Luminara welcomed them all.
"Thank you for joining us," the master said as several booms echoed in the distance. "As you've seen, the battle for atmospheric supremacy is well underway."
"We barely found an opening to get planetside," Anna remarked. "It's only a matter of time before that line breaks further."
"Which is precisely why you're all here," Luminara said. "Elsa, take your unit and commence evacuation procedures. Barriss will give you the coordinates to Quobos City's evacuation zone. Anna, your squad will join Commander Gree and I. The Separatist ground assault is inevitable. Quobos is situated in a valley directly under the space battle. Most of the 41st is already in position."
"What about this academy?" Elsa asked. "If this is our command post and sanctuary, who will stay here to manage operations?"
"I can try," Stel said and was met with confused silence. "I mean...you need someone to do it right?"
"Who is this?" Luminara asked.
"Stel is my apprentice," Elsa explained to Barriss' surprise. She then leaned in and whispered to her student. "Let me handle this."
"I will be overseeing the academy foothold," Barriss asserted in a surprisingly stern manner. Her cold stare fell upon Elsa and left her feeling unsettled.
"Right then," Luminara decreed. "We have our orders. All that-"
Suddenly, a series of daunting blasts rang out from beyond. The faded silhouette of a Republic starship fell to the surface like a metallic fireball. Its passing paved the way for a squadron of vulture droids and enemy landing craft. "We're out of time," Anna realized. "They've broken through!"
"Get to your stations!" Luminara brayed as sirens sounded across the academy. Republic naval cadets and their mentors worked to usher civilians into the shelters. Meanwhile, the clones of the 213th and 41st rallied into position. AT-RT walkers dashed across the cliffside while clunky, AT-TEs stomped behind them.
As Republic units scrambled, the caravan of strangers looked to one another. The hooded humans exchanged nods before pushing past refugees and charging towards the academy. Screams emerged and the newfound commotion caught the Republic off guard.
"What the?" Anna stammered and spun around. "Who are these guys?"
"Liberty!" the group chanted and brought troop movements to a halt. "Liberty! LIBERTY!"
"Citizens of Carida!" the bearded man spoke up and raised his hands for all to see. "The Separatists are not here for you! They've come for the Republic!" He shook his fists, hoping to further incite the crowd around him. "This is their fault! Not yours!"
"Ma'am," Gree told Luminara. "We already have an invasion to deal with. The last thing we need is a full-scale riot."
"I'll shut him down," Anna asserted.
"No," Elsa intoned. "Let me try reasoning with him." She rushed over to the crowd, until she heard Stel's footsteps behind her. "Apprentice, stay with Frost."
The Theelin shook his head. "But I-"
"Stay with Frost!" Elsa ordered and closed in on the instigator. "Sir!" she called out, hoping to reach him amid the crowd. He turned with wild eyes as she said, "On behalf of the Jedi Order, we are here to protect you from-"
"The Jedi are nothing more than Republic puppets!" he screamed. "You have forsaken your oaths, even as the galaxy burns around you." Barriss hung her head at the instigator's words. "Do not be deceived by Republic propaganda!" he told the refugees. "They will tell you that this war is a Separatist plot, when it is their expansion that causes others to fight back. Now we have to fight back!"
"We can work together!" Elsa insisted, raising her empty hands as a sign of peace. Her breaths hastened while destruction thundered in the distance. "Please," she said.
The man slowly shook his head. "My wife...the mother of my child, believed in your filthy Republic. And when the war came to our world. A war that none of us asked for...It took her life all the same."
"And I am so very sorry for your-" was all Elsa could say before the crowd grew restless. "Please," she tried again. "If we can just-"
"How long before your loved ones are next?" the bearded man roared to the panicking people. "If we drive the Republic from this world, we shall be spared!" Desperation and fear combined into the ultimate form of mass hysteria. Elsa braced herself as the group of refugees became a riotous mob. The instigator scooped up a stone and tossed it through one of the academy's windows. The ensuing shatter spurred the crowd forward.
"Kriff it," Anna growled. "Push them back!" she ordered the Deathchasers while the 213th advanced to Elsa.
"Hold the line!" Elsa demanded. "Blasters on stun!" She emphasized. "Stun!"
"Master?" Stel worried amidst the chaos while Frost held him back.
"Frost," Elsa shouted in the heat of the moment. "Get him out of here!"
"No!" the youngling called out as Frost dragged him back.
"Get him inside, now!" Elsa yelled before getting shoved by a protestor. The sight stopped Frost in his tracks. His attachment to Elsa had only grown and seeing someone push her to the ground made his blood boil.
Instead of bringing Stel inside, Frost motioned for him stay near a gunship. "Keep your head down," he ordered and then rushed towards Elsa. Before she could placate the protestor, Frost was impulsively aiming his blaster at him. "Get away from her!" he growled. Frightened, the man raised his hands in surrender and backed up. He tried to help Elsa to her feet, but she angrily lifted herself up.
"What are you doing?" she scolded. "I had it under control. Where's Stel?"
"He's right over-" Frost's heart sank as the Padawan was no longer by the gunship. In fact, protesters were rocking Republic vehicles back and forth.
The instigator's son retrieved a collection of stones and bottles from his satchel. He threw them at clones while his father pushed forward. One of the stray bottles smashed against Sparx's helmet, making him grunt.
"You alright, lieutenant?" Speedy worried.
"I'll live," Sparx insisted and kept shoving protestors back.
Luminara Force-pushed a civilian while Barriss tried to contact Watcher. "Hello?" the Mirialan called over comms. "The Carida Academy is overrun. Evacuations are going to be delayed until we can get-" She had to duck as an empty bottle smashed inches from her face.
Meanwhile, Stel crawled through the riot in an effort to find his mentor. "Master Dellian!" he cried out. "Master Dell-" In that instant, a gloved hand snatched him by the wrist. Stel was frozen in fear as a sneering protestor dragged him closer. Tears filled her eyes as she spilled her traumas. "I had three boys!" she sobbed. "Three boys when the bombs dropped. And what did the Jedi do?" Her face reddened until it look like blood would seep from her haggard skin. "Nothing. NOTHING!"
She rigorously shook Stel as he pleaded, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
"That's it!" the instigator cheered as he climbed atop a smashed walker. Reaching into his bulky coat, the instigator revealed a banner for the Confederacy of Independent Systems. "Drive them out! Rid this world of the Republic scourge! Liberty! Libert-"
A sharp, high-pitched blast rang out across the courtyard. It was enough to coax the entire crowd into silence as the instigator fell forward. His eyes quivered as he dropped to his knees. The Separatist banner still swayed in his trembling hands, only there was a sizzling blaster hole in its center. The first shot might've garnered silence, but the second ignited screams. It sent the instigator tumbling over the walker while the crowd lost all momentum.
Blazer stepped into view, smoke still departing from the Onasi pistol's barrel. His finger remained nestled on the trigger, prepared to fire a third time if need be. For while stun blasts had been ordered of the 213th, the Deathchaser sergeant believed only one deterrent would work. Only one deterrent would be feared.
Suddenly, the threat of death was real for those rallying against the Republic. Stones, bottles, and metal shards fell from shivering hands. Order had been established. Not from common ground, but from intimidation. Anna sparked up her lightsaber, making the crowd flinch as she stood beside Blazer. "Disperse," she commanded in an ominous tone. "Get to your bunkers...NOW!" All Blazer had to do was aim his smoking pistol again and it was enough to make rioters back off.
The hysterical woman dropped Stel and fled with the others. Noticing the effectiveness of Anna's method, Luminara ordered Gree and her troops to fire live rounds into the air. The laser bursts startled civilians just enough to get them into their bunkers. Barriss' jaw dropped, watching in horror as her master went through with such a concept. "M-master?" she uttered.
"They've held us up long enough," Luminara intoned. "Those in Quobos us, so resume operations."
Those in Quobos need us? Barriss thought. As in part of the same that populace we just shot into submission? The Padawan sneered in disgust as a dreaded numbness took hold of her. The Jedi Order she once knew was truly no more.
"Stel!" Elsa called out until she found her shaken Padawan. Sliding to his aid, she was overwhelmed as the Theelin leapt into her arms. "Are you hurt?" she asked.
"I'm sorry!" he wept, burying his face in her robes. "I'm sorry!"
"Why are you-...what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry!" he continued to sob, still thinking of the frightening woman who had grabbed him.
"Shhh," Elsa whispered and patted his head. "You're safe. I have you." She couldn't help but notice Frost watching her. As she cradled her startled apprentice, the commander's concerns seemed all too real.
While the crowds dispersed, the young protestor dashed towards his father. Seeing two sizzling blaster wounds in his torso made the boy drop to his knees. "P-Papa?" he cried.
Barely conscious, the instigator tilted his head to face him. "My boy," he said breathily. "It's...alright."
"No!" the child refuted, hardly breathing. "It's not alright! I-...you-...this is-." He frantically pulled at his brown locks and grimaced.
"You're in shock," his father murmured. "B-...breathe. You have to...breathe."
His son obliged and steadied himself. "We shouldn't have come here," he whimpered and clutched his father's hand.
"We had to," the instigator coughed. "Someone has to stand and fight...Has to keep hope...alive. Rebellions-" his father's eyes listed towards the cloudy sky. "-are built on hope." He spoke his beliefs into that final breath and lay motionless in his son's arms.
"Papa?" the boy pleaded. "Papa!" Tears rolled down his cheeks as he shook his father's body. "Please get up!"
The sounds of approaching clone troopers sounded from behind the walker. An elderly member of the insurrectionists dashed to the boy's aid. "We have to go," she said. "Cassian?" the old woman beckoned. "Cassian!" she shook the child until he raised his head. "Your father is gone," she spoke sternly. "You hear me? He's gone! We have to go now!"
Scrubbing the tears from his eyes, Cassian Andor rose with a stern visage. Orphaned at six years of age, war was suddenly real for him. He fled alongside his fellow insurrectionists, knowing he'd never stop fighting in his parents' names.
It wasn't long before Elsa noticed the instigator's corpse. Her adrenaline was wearing off as she came to terms with how the crowd had dispersed. And in her efforts to keep track of Stel, she was unable to stop the shooting. Releasing her Padawan, she stormed up to Blazer and jabbed a finger. "Sergeant!" she scolded. "Were the orders to stun not unanimous?"
Before he could even respond, Anna stepped in to defend her soldier. "Not when the Deathchasers answer to me," she retorted. "The crowd wasn't stopping!"
"Did you learn nothing from Coruscant and those Mirialans?" Elsa carried on.
Furious, Anna fired back with double the intensity. "This is nothing like that! I had to chase that mother and child. That man incited a crowd to violently attack us. My sergeant saved us all with those shots, including your Padawan there. You should be thanking him."
"No one had to die," Elsa said.
"Kriffing hell, sis. Enough!" Anna snapped. "You're in a damn war zone. People are gonna die! In fact, people are dying right now because we aren't there to do our jobs. So do you want to argue with me, or do what we actually came here for?" Anna angrily jabbed a hand towards the battle in the distance. Impatient and frustrated, Anna said, "I don't have time for this." She shoved past Elsa and added, "Deathchasers...on me."
Anna's squad formed up while Elsa was left pinch the bridge of her nose. It broke the eldest Dellian's heart to see 41st troopers shoving civilians into bunkers for their safety. The academy felt more like a prison camp instead of a designated sanctuary.
"Behold," Barriss scoffed at Elsa's side. "The noble Republic our ancestors fought and died for."
Unwilling to indulge in the Mirialan's cynicism, Elsa stormed off. She couldn't even take a moment to herself, as evacuation procedures were already underway. With Separatist forces descending on multiple towns, the battle for Carida had only just begun.
Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading Part I of the 2nd Frozen Force Anniversary Special! I have so many plans on this ongoing journey, and I'm honored to share them with you all. I'll see you next Friday for Chapter: 97 - The Rules of War (Part II)!
Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with You,
~ Michael