Author's Note: Dearest readers, I'd like to take a moment and thank you all for your kindness. Thank you for your patience during these two-week postings. All I want to do is deliver the best story I can. We have officially hit some new milestones! "The Frozen Force" has officially hit 50,000 views on this site, and we're now halfway through Season 4! I couldn't have come this far without you awesome people, so thank you all.
Today, we spark up our lightsabers and have review shoutouts for:
DarthDracul and CJG98
My friends, this week's chapter comes with a very important announcement. One that is for the betterment of both this story and my life. My personal situation has taken many drastic turns. Over the last few months, I've had to become more of a leader at home and at work. I've had to challenge extremely toxic family members and step into my power to protect the ones I love. The responsibilities are rising and I must rise to meet them. So what is to become of this story? I ask you to please hear me out.
"The Frozen Force" is the greatest story I have ever written and I have many plans for it. To best preserve it, this will be the first ever MID-SEASON FINALE. Many shows have these during pinnacle moments. I will use the intermission to work towards getting my personal affairs in order, at least to the best of my abilities. And then the story will resume with Chapter: 106 on Friday, May 27th. I know the wait is long. The longest I've ever asked you to wait. It breaks my heart to do this. But life has thrown me some curveballs and this is our best shot at getting back to weekly chapters. Plus, "The Frozen Force" will return on the same day Disney+ releases the Obi-wan Kenobi Series.
When you see me again, we will be stronger and better than ever before. Never complete, but always a growing work in progress. Today is the day I leave my old life last name behind. When we return to this story, I will have adopted my new pen name. Thank you all for your patience and understanding.
Long Live Imagination,
~ Michael
GOLDENHEART STORIES PRESENTS...
THE FROZEN FORCE MID-SEASON 4 FINALE
Chapter: 105 Daze of Our Fives
"A dictatorship cannot succeed without a misinformed populace."
Tragedy on Ringo Vinda! The Republic's effort to reclaim the lost world has come to a drastic halt. As investigations delve into the cause of a Jedi General's death, rumors circulate that she was murdered by a clone trooper. Unrest and disorder continue as the Jedi Order desperately tries to get a hold on the situation. Now, a key witness from the Ringo Vinda Incident arrives on Coruscant to plead his case...
The Grand Republic Medical Center served as a beacon of hope to the people of Coruscant. As mistrust in the Jedi continued to grow, more citizens found faith in everyday heroes instead. Doctors and nurses were hard at work, tending to the city's ailments beyond the war. For those seeking refuge, the Grand Medical Center was easy to find. The needle-like, towering structure stretched higher than some of Coruscant's tallest skyscrapers. While the needs of most citizens were handled on its lower levels, prioritized cases were reserved for the upper spire.
Coruscant's afternoon showers subsided to a brilliant, evening sky. And as a distinct calmness fell across the skylanes, a single shuttle entered the planet's atmosphere. Its broad wings glided along the fiery clouds as it prepared to land at the medical center. Der Sheparr, Jedi Healer, observed the shuttle from a lower level window.
"Dr. Sheparr," a woman beckoned through his daze. "Dr.Sheparr," she intoned once more and snapped him from his daze.
Sheparr shook his head and brought himself back into the moment. His hands tautly gripped a Wookiee's furry arm as he glanced at his partner. Dr. Mardeth Grey helped him keep a firm hold on their patient while a medical droid assisted from behind. "Are you ready?" Mardeth asked.
"Are you asking me or our patient?" he quipped.
Mardeth smirked at the Wookiee, whose brown fur bobbed with each nod. "Gwobwo will be just fine," she teased.
That's what they all think, Sheparr told himself before addressing Mardeth. "On three," he said and winked at her. "One-"
In that instant, both doctors heaved to pop Gwobwo's dislocated arm back into place. The brief snap was mild compared to the Wookiee's ear-splitting roar. Mardeth and Der hunched over, covering their ears as the Gwobwo bellowed. "Hey," Mardeth spoke calmly as the Wookiee's glower deepened. "It's alright," she assured.
"All done," Der added and gently patted his hand.
"You were so brave," Mardeth concluded as Gwobwo flashed a subtle grin. "Now get some rest," she said as the medical droid applied a bacta supplement. "And we'll be back to check on you in a little while."
As soon as Der and Mardeth stepped out of the patient's room, they immediately tended to their ears. "Goodness," Mardeth winced. "I'd hate to be on a Wookiee's bad side if they roar like that."
"You can forget about dislocations," Der remarked. "Angry Wookiees pull entire arms off."
While Mardeth found his comment amusing, she couldn't help but ponder over his behavior. "So what was that back there?" she asked. "With the shuttle?"
"Oh I just got a little distracted," Der confessed.
"Distracted? Or focused?"
Der's eyes swayed to check their surroundings. With so many staff around them, he chose a different approach. "Want to grab dinner?" he asked.
"We still have patients," Mardeth replied.
"Just a quick pickup from the cafeteria downstairs," Der insisted. "We can't continue helping others if we don't keep our strength up."
"Fair," Mardeth answered as they entered an elevator.
Once the doors had sealed them in, Der decided to speak up. "I get focused," he admitted. Mardeth nodded, as if she knew what his response would be. "Sometimes, the Force calls me to search for answers in different directions. It lets me feel pulls around me. Like an ongoing field of varying energy."
"It must come in handy," Mardeth considered. "Being a Jedi and a doctor."
"The Force guides me to help others, yes." Der replied. "But I never wanted it to come off as an advantage over others. After all, just look at how the public has been viewing the Jedi Order lately." He lifted his doctor's coat and revealed the lightsaber hilt he'd tucked away. "There's a reason I don't just tote this out in the open. People don't need to know that I'm a Jedi."
"Did you ever think that it might give them hope?" Mardeth proposed. "That it might show them a side to the Jedi that they haven't seen?"
"I'm afraid the war has done away with any chance of redeeming our image," Der sighed. "And that image goes far beyond a Jedi's weapon. Especially considering that people look at Jedi themselves as weapons these days." Der shook his head. "No," he declared. "Medicine gives people hope. We give people hope." Der turned to Mardeth and let his gaze rest on hers. "And every day is a beautiful day to save lives." Der's voice fell to a whisper as Mardeth offered a gentle smile. The elevator's rumble was as calming as their stares on one another. And as they lost themselves in a brief moment of calmness, the elevator finally dinged. The doctors smiled to each other before exiting out into the lower lobby.
"So what were you sensing with that shuttle?" Mardeth queried.
"I couldn't quite place it," Der admitted. "I sensed an essence of...negative energy, if you will."
"Oh?"
"The Force can move darkly near aggressive creatures," Der explained. "Beings with hurtful intent...even if that means the desire to kill. Whatever was coming in on that shuttle wasn't good."
Suddenly, the adjacent doors hissed open and a man came bolting out. Personnel hardly got a glimpse of his plastoid armor as he barreled through crowds. Screams rang out as a chiming security probe chased after the armored man.
"Is that a...clone?" Mardeth wondered and squinted for a closer look. Acting on instinct, Der put himself in front of her and reached into his coat pocket. While he didn't want to spark up his lightsaber, he'd do so to defend his colleague.
Der's eyes widened as another Jedi emerged from the same set of doors. Master Shaak Ti? he thought.
Panting but far from winded, the Togruta dashed onward. "Close the blast doors!" Shaak Ti ordered. At her command, a doctor pattered away at the nearest dashboard. Alerts blared as a pair of angular blast doors started sealing.
"Wait here," Der told Mardeth and rushed to aid his fellow Jedi. Before he could get any closer, he watched the clone dive through the closing blast doors. Shaak Ti slid to a halt and pressed her arm against the durasteel plating. Catching her breath, the master observed the frightened populace around her.
"Master Ti?" Der called as he cautiously approached her.
"Dr. Sheparr," she huffed and straightened her posture.
"Who was that?" he asked. "What's going on?"
Shaak Ti closed in and dropped her voice to a whisper, for she was unwilling to cause greater panic. "A trooper just attempted to assassinate Chancellor Palpatine." Sheparr's heart sank at such news. "I must report my findings to the council before this situation escalates further." As the Togruta departed, Der was left to stare at the blast doors in astonishment.
"This is Belle O'Har with the The Coruscant Rose. Shocking events in Galactic City this evening. I'm being told that an assassination attempt has been made on Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's life. While this heinous act was foiled by the Jedi Order, the would-be assassin remains at large. The perpetrator has been identified as ARC Trooper-5555. Those closest to this soldier referred to him as Fives. The suspect has a shaved head with a distinct number '5' tattooed on his right temple. If you have any information regarding this trooper's whereabouts, please contact authorities immediately. Should you see this man, do not approach him. He is considered extremely dangerous and-"
"Can someone please turn that crap off?" Sergeant Blazer scoffed in the Legacy's crew quarters.
While Anna didn't fully oblige, she respectfully muted the datascreen. "This doesn't make any sense," she muttered. "Why would Fives try to assassinate the chancellor?"
"Why was Fives even back on Coruscant?" Speedy added. "What happened to the 501st on Ringo Vinda?"
"A Jedi General was killed," Sparx answered.
"Yeah, but two more were left in charge." Anna disputed. "It's terrible that anyone died, but we witnessed Anakin's tenacity firsthand. Something really kriffed up had to happen for them completely pull out of Ringo Vinda."
A brief chime had the group peering up. "Deathchasers to the bridge," Admiral Shang announced over the intercom. "Deathchasers to the bridge."
Anna and Blazer exchanged curious stares before gearing up alongside their squadmates. As Anna clipped her utility belt, she noticed a flickering notification on her communicator. She flipped it over and saw a message from Kristoff.
Just checking in. How are you feeling?
Anna huffed at the message while Blazer beckoned, "General! You coming?"
"Yeah!" she hollered. Anna ignored the text, tucked the communicator away, and caught up with her team.
Belle's report was only the beginning as they reached the Legacy's command bridge. A hologram of a very distraught Fives could be seen barreling through several patrons. Watcher's projection loomed over the display as she nodded to the Deathchasers.
"Watcher," Anna saluted. "What the hell's going on?"
"Chaos, General Dellian." Watcher was quick to answer. "And without teams like yours, that chaos will only continue to flourish. Units are mobilizing for a full-scale manhunt on ARC-5555. You're being rerouted to Coruscant."
"To find Fives, right?" Anna inquired.
"Negative," Watcher answered to the young Dellian's dismay. "Your squad has been called under special recommendation from Master Shaak Ti herself. This assassination attempt has everyone on edge. The chancellor's been relocated to his Senate quarters. Deathchasers, you're been given the honor of personally protecting the supreme chancellor. I can't say I'm not jealous."
"We'll gladly switch with you," Anna jeered. "Please, Watcher. I'm sure the Coruscant Guard has a tight enough perimeter. Let us track down Fives. We know him."
"I'm merely delivering these orders," Watcher intoned. "You're coming highly recommended by Master Shaak Ti. However, Jedi involvement has not been requested for the manhunt."
"Why?" Anna muttered.
"Perhaps they feel that Jedi judgement would be clouded by emotion in this affair," Watcher considered.
"Emotion?" Anna scoffed. "Fives is a man, not some dog to be hunted down."
"And yet our orders still stand," Watcher asserted. "And as good soldiers, you will follow them."
Anna clenched her fists and sighed to relax them. "Can you at least give us the full story?" she asked as the Deathchasers nodded behind her. "What happened on Ringo Vinda? What is the Republic up against here and don't tell me it's classified. We risked our lives alongside General Skywalker enough to know the truth."
Watcher pursed her lips while one of her clone officers approached. Spenz whispered something in her ear and she ultimately professed the facts. "There was...an incident," she lamented. "Both the 501st and 62nd had launched a powerful offensive against Admiral Trench's forces. They had the advantage, until a trooper from the 501st executed Jedi General Tiplar at point blank range. With their momentum lost...Skywalker and her sister, Tiplee, were forced to retreat."
Blazer impulsively stepped forward. "Wait," he grumbled. "Fives just murdered his general?"
"Not Fives," Watcher corrected. "Another trooper." She read over a datapad as Spenz held it for her. "Designation CT-5385. You might've known him as Tup."
"Tup," Anna muttered and tried to place the name. "The dizzied trooper from Teth? This doesn't add up. And how does Fives fall in with all of this?"
"No one receives quicker nor more accurate intel than I," Watcher warned. "So when I tell you that the following came directly from Tipoca City, I trust that you'll take it seriously. Those in the Kaminoan capital conducted a thorough investigation on Tup. They believe his mind might've been corrupted after some form of virus."
"Great," Anna huffed. "Another virus."
"It is the Kaminoans' belief that ARC-55-" Watcher noticed Anna's glower and reluctantly switched to his nickname. "That Fives has also been infected by the virus. The sooner he's found, the safer all of us will be. You have your assignment. Get it done, Deathchasers."
As Watcher's hologram powered down, Anna pensively rubbed her chin. "What's on your mind, sister?" Blazer questioned while walking up to her.
"Something still feels wrong about this mess," Anna answered. "Tup was acting strange before Ringo Vinda."
"He was," Speedy concurred and nudged Sparx. "He had an episode by the campfire, didn't he?"
The lieutenant nodded eerily. "His behavior was...bizarre...that's for sure."
"Well," Shang interjected. "You'll have an audience with the Republic's highest authority soon. Maybe he'll listen to reason."
"He'd better," Anna grumbled. "Plus he'd better have some answers of his own for this mess."
Those dwelling in level 1313 never seemed to catch a break. Coruscant's underworld was infamous for its squalor, but 1313 was surreal. So much so, that many in the Senate refused to believe things were 'that bad' down there. Then again, members of the Senate wouldn't be caught dead in 1313. As for former members...
Dia Veritaz had seen many a marketplace in her travels. Growing up on Corellia, her parents would take her to Coronet's Grand Square every morning. They'd purchase the finest pastries and chow down while watching speeders pass by. Those simple memories tugged at Dia's resolve. 1313's excuse for a marketplace was more like an unchecked nuclear facility. Haggard merchants loomed over rickety booths and offered repulsive substances. Dia was almost positive that one of the mucky orbs in a Trandoshan's hand actually moved. Any smokey or grilled scent was quickly brutalized by the overwhelming odor of sellers who hadn't bathed in weeks. If Dia had a sliver of respect for herself left, it collapsed when her stomach growled.
She hated starving, let alone feeling any desire to consume filth. The flashbacks were haunting her in full force, as she imagined her younger self on Corellia. How innocent she'd been, tautly gripping her parents' hands. Wide-grinned, bright-eyed, and spoiled rotten. "Pick anything you want," her parents used to say. "It's yours." Dia got used to the sound a heavy stack of credits made on a counter. And yet no matter how wealthy her noble parents were, they still respected their wealth. If only Dia could say the same. Her older self cringed, imagining what her parents thought of her now. They'd undoubtedly seen the HoloNews after all of this time. It shook Dia to her core, recalling how excited her parents were after learning she was on the Ethics Committee. After learning the truth, they'd likely disowned her by now.
I wonder if they know I'm alive, Dia thought. Or if they even care. They're probably better off not knowing. To learn that their criminal daughter lives like a rat in the gutters.
"Second chances," Dia whispered out loud. "That bounty hunter was out of her mind. The only chance I get to make is my own."
Dia's aching stomach had her eyeing potential targets. She'd learn to never hit the same market twice, but 1313's food sources weren't exactly abundant. Dia grimaced as her eyes narrowed and scanned nearby booths. A morbidly obese Snivvian just finished picking his nose before continuing to chop up meat. Dia gagged at the grotesque display and then eyed another vendor. A tired, green-feathered Avinarian leaned against her counter. Her heavy eyes fluttered while she toiled away, setting poorly-shaped bread loaves out for consumption.
Dia's heart sank as she slowly approached the vendor. She avoided eye contact, yet kept up a stealthy pace. Her breaths quickened and fingers twitched as the Avinarian set out loaf after loaf. The feathery baker yawned and stretched her wings, accidentally knocking over a filthy cup in the process. Its previous dents proved that this had been a recurring issue. "I'll move it one of these days," the Avinarian groaned while bending over. Dia didn't waste another second assessing her situation. She lunged at the table, snatched up several loaves, and bolted. Her momentum rattled the booth and its vendor raised her head. "What the-...hey!" she cawed. The Avinarian snatched a pry bar from behind her counter and dared to give chase. Thinking only in the moment, she abandoned her cart for others to rob her blind.
Dia underestimated the Avinarian's speed. She could hear her taloned feet scraping against the rusted ground as she rounded a corner. Dia was already weak and malnourished. Outrunning the Avinarian wasn't an option as she slipped into an alley. The vendor angrily flailed her pry bar in the air. "I'll bash your kriffing skull in, street rat!" Her winged silhouette emerged in the alley, only to find a dead end. Enraged, the Avinarian swung her pry bar at trash cans. The cacophonous clamor merely startled a few tooka cats as she caught her breath. "Where did you-" Aggravated, the Avinarian lunged out of the alley and checked other corners. Little did she realize, a narrow window had just sealed in the alleyway's darkness.
Dia dropped into an abandoned warehouse. The stomp of her landing boots sent an echo traveling across the expanse of crates. While the majority of compartments were outmoded, Dia had made due with her discovery. One of the larger, overturned crates had served as her 'humble abode' for the last few weeks. The vacant, yet compact space provided a sense of safety in a treacherous district. Dia was earnestly surprised that no one else had chosen the warehouse as a hideout. She never spoke such wonder out loud for fear of jinxing herself. It looked like whichever corporation once laid claim to the edifice hadn't returned in months. Its doors were rusting over and any substantial supplies had been removed. Still, Dia had made use of what little equipment had been left behind.
The stolen bread loaves crunched in her embrace as she settled into her 'home'. Dia activated a power cell and let its dim glow flicker against her face. Resting under a stained and tattered blanket, Dia finally caught her breath. She let herself relax in the warehouse's shadowy isolation. Every subtle crack and creak had become a welcomed source of comfort. Breathing a deep sigh of relief, Dia brought one of the loaves to her face. While the first whiff wasn't the most appealing, any food in 1313 was a privilege. The loaf crunched with Dia's savage chomp. Giving in to her starvation, she feasted on her spoils like a ravenous scavenger. She barely gave herself time to breathe between bites and emitted animalistic grunts. Chunky crumbs plummeted from her chapped lips and pattered against her lap. Desperate to leave no piece wasted, she plucked each crumb and greedily shoved them into her mouth.
"Kriff," Dia whispered, having inhaled the first loaf. It took every ounce of strength to keep her from attacking the next pieces, knowing she'd have to save some for later. Dia had only started to unwind when a tumultuous crash echoed outside of her crate. Wide-eyed and on the defensive, Dia bit back a curse. Her head snapped towards the crate's opening and she gingerly leaned out of it. A series of heavy footsteps had Dia's heart sinking as she ducked back down. Over the weeks of her residency, Dia had overhead the occasional drunk stumble outside of the warehouse. But these footsteps were far too clear. This stranger...was inside.
Keeping quiet, Dia slipped out of the crate and reached into the back of her belt. With a heavy yet discreet tug, she drew her DL-44. The heavy blaster's bulky frame shifted in the darkness as Dia inched her way towards the stranger. The closer she got, the more dazed grumbles she heard. That's it, Dia thought once she realized where the stranger was. A little more to the right.
The moaning figure kept stumbling rightward as Dia prepared herself. She let her hand hover over a buzzing switch and slammed it once her adversary was in position. Within seconds, a powerful ray shield generator pulsed from above. Waves of raw, white beams darted down and entrapped the intruder. The device's pulsating light illuminated a belligerent man in plastoid armor. "No...no!" he bellowed and flailed his arms. His dizzied eyes swayed across the ray shield. "L-let me out," he grunted. "I'll-...I'll-"
As Dia watched exhaustion claim the man, she got a better look at his face. He wore armor she'd seen more times than she could recall. When it came to his face, she'd typically seen clones with calmer dispositions. Dia stepped into the ray shield's glow and raised her blaster. Her appearance had the clone shuddering. "Wh-who are you?" he sputtered.
"I could ask you the same question, clone." Dia answered. She squinted towards his shaved head and noticed the '5' tattooed on his temple. "Wait," she whispered. "You're him."
"What?" Fives murmured.
"The clone who tried to assassinate the chancellor," Dia replied. Her explanation caused the stressed trooper to break down. "You're all over the HoloNews."
"No," he mumbled and dropped to his knees. "No no no no..."
"ARC-5555..."
"It's Fives!" he snapped and caused Dia to steady her blaster. Noticing her defensiveness, the clone lowered his voice. "The name's...Fives. We're more than those numbers."
"Says the guy who has numbers in his nickname," Dia snarked and Fives leered at her.
"You're not with them," Fives grumbled as Dia tilted her head. "You would've killed me already."
"I'm not with anyone," Dia intoned. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Fives' glare intensified as he rose to his feet. He stumbled and struggled to keep himself level. "Why are you here?" he asked.
"So we're answering questions with questions..." Dia scoffed and started lowering her pistol. "Right then. I-...um...live here," she confessed. "Thought you were moving in on my turf and was ready to defend myself. You stumbled right into my ray shield trap."
Fives glanced up at the continuously pulsing beams. He let their glow shed light on Dia's dirtied face and squinted. "You look...familiar," he mumbled before the dizziness returned. He could hardly keep himself standing upright. A stinging pain combined with a dull ringing in his ears. As he dropped to his knees, Dia frustratedly bit her lip. Her tired gaze alternated between the ray shield's switch and her ailing prisoner. With a heavy sigh, she dared to release him.
As the ray shield powered down, Fives collapsed into darkness. He flinched when Dia gripped his shoulders. "Don't touch me!"
"Fine!" Dia snapped. "You want to hit the floor? Hit the floor."
"I-" Fives panted and fell back against a nearby crate. "I'm sorry." His eyes fluttered as he struggled to maintain eye contact. "They...they drugged me."
"They this. Them that," Dia babbled. "What are you going on about? Did the chancellor do this to you?"
"He's in on it," Fives assured. "They all-...it's bigger than-..." Feeling woozier, Fives winced and tried taking deep breaths.
"I caught one of the bulletins during my walk," Dia explained. "It said you've been potentially exposed to a virus."
"Lies..."
"Is this drug just medicine?"
"LIES!" Fives roared and Dia aimed her pistol again. She steadied the DL-44's daunting muzzle towards Fives' head. "You don't believe me," he uttered, almost breaking down. His shoulders relaxed and he clunked against another crate. "No one will."
Dia thought about Fives' words and flipped them. If she was part of whatever conspiracy Fives believed in, she would've killed him already. And if Fives was infected by whatever violent virus the news was referring to, he would've attacked already. Keeping her blaster on him, Dia spoke up. "You're an Advanced Recon Commando. Surely there has to be someone you can trust."
"I don't know," Fives whispered and rubbed his weary temples. "This conspiracy goes all the way to the top. Anyone could be involved. But not-" Fives' brows twitched as an idea sparked within. "The general," he realized. "If I could talk to General Skywalker directly, he could help me."
"I'm not sure if you've realized, but you're Coruscant's most wanted." Dia scoffed. "How the hell are you gonna get a message to a high profile Jedi like Anakin Skywalker?"
"79's," Fives concluded.
"Is that another clone?" Dia asked. "For people who don't want to be referred to as numbers, you sure do pick interesting nicknames-"
"Not a clone," Fives corrected. "A bar where I can find one." He rose to his feet and started speaking frantically. "I-I-I'll get a message through someone I trust. They can meet me at...um...blast it!"
Dia's heart sank as she rolled her eyes. "I must be out of my damn mind," she huffed. "Here," she said as Fives turned confusedly. "Here!" she snarked when he didn't understand. "You're the first maniac to stumble into this warehouse since I've been living in it. Get your message out and tell Skywalker to meet you here." She frustratedly rummaged through one of the crates and pulled out a piece of battered tech. "This datapad barely works, but its enough to track coordinates. Can you still read through your...drugs?"
Fives pinched the bridge of his nose and shook off his daze. "Yeah...yeah I'm good."
"And if anyone gives you trouble-" Dia mentioned and gestured to a switch behind one of the stacks. "This powers the ray shield trap. Use it wisely as it doesn't have much energy left in it. I wasted most of it trapping you."
"Wait," Fives beckoned. "But what about you? This...is your home."
"Home," Dia sighed and chuckled to herself. "I haven't had one of those in a long time, soldier. Keep the place...ramble about your conspiracy...stick it to the higher-ups. Oh-" Dia added while stowing her pistol. "And there's a loaf of crappy bread or two in that crate on your left. Good luck, Fives. You're gonna need it."
Dia was almost out of the warehouse when the clone whispered, "Thank you."
Although the phrase got her to stop in her tracks, Dia didn't look back. She simply shook her head and continued on her way. As she departed from the safety of the warehouse, it was as if her inner voice had come to mock her.
"Well well. Dia Veritaz does have a heart."
The voice came to her in many forms, sounding like anything from her parents...to that persistent Jedi, Elsa.
1313's harsh coldness came upon Dia the second she left the warehouse. Whether Fives was right or absolutely insane, she hoped he'd at least find closure. Dia would be lying if she said she'd never received a second chance. Contrary to her instance of charity, Dia proceeded to scold herself. Way to go, genius, she thought. You just gave that lunatic your food and shelter. You could've at least stuck it out with him. He could've been a warm body to sleep next to.
A sudden clamor snapped Dia free of her thoughts. She furrowed her brows and searched down the alley. "Fives?" she asked while retrieving her blaster. One of the trashcans rattled from across the way and she aimed directly at it. Relief took hold when a scraggly tooka cat emerged. Its beady eyes narrowed on Dia as she sighed. "Stupid cat," she mumbled as something shifted from the opposite direction.
Dia turned just in time to take a black-gloved punch to the gut. The assailant was a blur as she still registered the stifling pain in her abdomen. Dia staggered back and immediately raised her pistol. As she did so, a second attacker emerged from the shadows and kicked her arm down. Her pistol clacked against the duracrete and she felt hands snatching at her arms. Before she could scream, one of the attackers fired a stun blast from their concealed pistol. The blue-ringed projectile zipped across Dia's body and instantly incapacitated her. As soon as her body went limp, another assailant secured a bulky bag over her head. Dia was then dragged out of the alley and thrown into a black airspeeder with completely tinted windows. Once Dia and her kidnappers were inside, the unmarked vehicle sped off into the shadows without a trace.
The sun set over Coruscant as the Senate Building remained under lockdown. The scarlet-armored clones of the Coruscant Guard yielded to no force until a gunship carrying the Deathchasers arrived. Anna and her squadmates disembarked and boldly stomped towards the massive structure. As they ascended the senatorial stairs, Anna could hear a plethora of gunships whirring in the distance. Searchlights briefly flashed between skyscrapers as the city stayed on high alert. A closer engine sounded overhead as Commander Fox's personal gunship soared out of the upper platform.
"What a mess," Anna whispered.
"Fives is an ARC trooper," Blazer remarked. "Whether he's innocent or not, it'll take all hands on deck to find him in this city."
"We should be out there," Anna replied. "Not guarding the-" She snapped her head forwards as a trio of clones approached her squad. The Coruscant Guard stood at attention and let their captain lead the conversation.
"Deathchasers," he welcomed with a salute. "We're glad you could make it. A perimeter has been secured for the chancellor."
"We'll look it over," Anna assured, only to be stopped by the clone. "Captain?" she stammered.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," he confessed. "We were told that you wouldn't be joining us."
Anna raised a brow and answered, "I'm the leader of this squad."
"And respectfully, Jedi involvement has not been requested."
"With Fives' search," Anna corrected. "They didn't say anything about not guarding the chancellor. My orders come from Master Shaak Ti."
"Respectfully-"
"If our general isn't with us-" Blazer growled. "-then we won't enter either. Simple as that."
Anna raised a hand to quell her sergeant. "I'd rather take this up with the chancellor myself," she told the captain. "Now let me through."
Although the captain's face was invisible behind his helmet, Anna imagined that he was working things out. He cautiously nodded and said, "I will take you all before the chancellor. But if he disapproves of your presence, you could face disciplinary action."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Anna scoffed and proceeded with the reluctant captain.
The Senate lockdown was as surprising as it was hypocritical. Anna had witnessed the city's reaction to both a hostage crisis and bombing. In both instances, the majority of Coruscant's security response had been directed towards Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. While Anna understood that he was the Republic's active leader, she loathed how so many resources neglected the masses in favor of one politician. She still didn't understand what Watcher saw in Palpatine. To swear blind loyalty to a man who saw her and every soldier as a statistic on a chart. With a snap of his fingers, he could send thousands to victory or a deathtrap...and still only get credit for the former.
The Senate Building had been evacuated of all staff. Even politicians and their aides dwelling in the attached suites were forced to relocate. With so many clones around, the building looked like the Republic's newest military base. As Anna stepped through the eerie stillness of it all, Blazer noticed her unease. "What's on your mind?" the sergeant asked.
"It just boggles my mind," Anna confessed. "How easily our chancellor just gets what he wants. Especially in emergencies."
"He does have emergency powers," Sparx added. "Not to say that those excuse his actions."
"But this goes beyond his actions," Anna continued. "It just feels like no one in this Senate has a backbone. He just kicked everyone out and they willingly obliged?"
"A threat was made against the chancellor's life," the captain intoned.
Boo-kriffing-hoo, Anna thought to herself. As if no one's tried to kill me or countless others in the last week. You don't see us relocating people and hiding away.
The doors to the chancellor's suite opened, and Anna spotted Palpatine himself peering across the city's skyline. "Chancellor," the captain announced. "I tried to deny her entry, but she refused the directive. She claims that you requested the Deathchasers in their entirety."
Palpatine kept to himself at first. He took his time observing the city and let the captain's words sink in. He eyed his guests through the window's reflection and slowly turned. "That'll be all, captain." Palpatine spoke through his simper. "While the Jedi General's arrival is surely a surprise, I consider it a welcome one." He stepped closer and offered a respectful nod. "Especially a general as valiant as Anna Dellian." His benevolent demeanor transitioned flawlessly as he glared at the captain. "Leave us."
The clone saluted before marching out of the room. "I'll have my men secure each of your rooms," Anna said and guided the Deathchasers with swift hand gestures. "Believe me-" she sighed. "I'd rather be out there than in here."
Palpatine appeared perplexed. "And why do you say that?" he asked.
"Because you didn't ask for a Jedi bodyguard. Although I must disagree with you declining Jedi aid for the search. My men and I served with Fives during several campaigns. We could help."
Palpatine sighed. "I don't doubt your abilities for a second, master Jedi."
"My-" Anna bit back her own snark. "With all due respect, chancellor...you don't know a thing about me."
"Oh on the contrary," Palpatine insisted. "I make it a point to familiarize myself with the true heroes of the Republic." He chuckled at Anna's raised brows. "Come now. Did you really think I was as pompous as the HoloNews makes me out to be? Strength is as much about portrayal as it is about prowess. I am just a symbol of this Republic. But our soldiers-" Palpatine said and nodded to the Deathchasers. "The Jedi-" he added and gestured to Anna. "You are the real participants in this war. And I have seen how far your reputation has carried you."
"Care to enlighten me?" Anna dared to ask.
"You don't give yourself enough credit, my dear," Palpatine quipped. "Not just anyone could escape the clutches of the wicked Count Dooku. At least not with their resolve intact."
Anna shrugged off her rising smile. "Well, it hasn't been easy."
"And yet you persisted," Palpatine said. "Because you've always been stronger than you believe. You continued to fight in this war, lead your own troops, and have turned the tide in many battles. This Republic and I...would never be the same without you."
"Oh now you're just flattering me," Anna groaned. "Are you trying to get my vote or something?"
"You mistake my encouragement for flattery," Palpatine continued. "Something I've noticed your Order greatly lacks." He stepped towards the window and tempted Anna to follow him. "This city and countless others across the galaxy still stand because of you. And yet all of the fanfare...the honor you deserve...stems from our media. I can only make so many speeches of praise, but tell me...does the Order grant such recognition?"
Anna bit back a laugh. "What? Like an 'ice cream night' if we achieve something? Jedi don't need rewards, chancellor."
"Perhaps not," Palpatine concurred. "But you do deserve to be recognized for your actions. Not rejected by society."
"Agreed," Anna confessed. "So make a speech or something. Public opinion is tanking."
"If only it were so easy," Palpatine lamented while staring out the window. His old gaze fell to a holoboard hovering across the skylanes. It was advertising for hyperspace fueling and featured a cartoonish Ithorian leaning out of his speeder. The words 'LAST STOP?' flickered in bright neon while a subheading detailed how someone could refuel at a discount.
"You see, the reason for such discourse stems from your Order's actions. Even inaction at times. But I digress," Palpatine huffed and forced a smile. "I value those who serve on the frontlines despite ongoing controversy. Thank you for your willingness to go above and beyond, master Jedi."
"General Dellian is fine," Anna corrected. "But speaking of controversy, there is something I must express to you."
"By all means," Palpatine welcomed. "I have nothing to hide, so you shouldn't feel the need to either. Speak freely, General Dellian."
"I'm not buying this Fives assassination attempt," she declared and the chancellor's grin faltered.
"You do realize it was me he tried to kill?" Palpatine jested.
"I get that," Anna replied and paced across the office. "I just don't understand why. I don't even know why the other trooper murdered his general on Ringo Vinda."
Palpatine swallowed hard. "I know it can be...difficult to comprehend the magnitude of betrayal. Even more so when the betrayer doesn't even know what they've done." Palpatine's words had the Deathchasers listening in from the nearby rooms. "I was just as shocked as I'm sure you all were. When the trooper was brought before me, everything changed. Like something in him had suddenly snapped without warning, and all he could do was try to kill me. Luckily, Master Shaak Ti was able to save me in time."
"I've heard the virus theory," Anna pondered. "But even if that's true, I don't think it originated on Ringo Vinda."
Palpatine raised a pale brow. "Oh?" he inquired.
"The clone that executed his general and allegedly infected Fives was already acting odd on Teth," Anna explained. "My men and I saw it firsthand."
Palpatine's cold stare listed towards Anna's squadmates. Within seconds, his eyes softened as he said, "Perhaps the clone was already in a weakened state and this virus effected him further. Only time and science will tell as we-" Palpatine paused as something chimed on his person. He retrieved his personal holocomm and projected an image of Commander Fox.
"Chancellor," the commander greeted. "We found the fugitive clone."
Anna's eyes lit up as her team swiftly re-entered the room. "Excellent work, commander." Palpatine lauded, yet Anna's excitement was short-lived. She pursed her lips as Fox's tone deepened.
"Unfortunately-" the commander continued and Anna held her breath. "-he's no longer with us."
"What?" Anna blurted as both Palpatine and the hologram turned.
"What happened?" Blazer demanded.
"We cornered the ARC trooper in an undercity warehouse," Fox explained. "He'd taken General Skywalker and Captain Rex hostage by the time we arrived. I issued my warnings, but he still reached for a stolen weapon. He didn't give me a choice," Fox professed. "I had to fire."
"Why didn't you stun?" Anna uttered. "There was...you could've-"
"Bolts travel faster than stun rings at such a distance," Fox answered. "He didn't give me a choice," he repeated.
Anna and her clones were left frozen in disbelief. "I understand that this couldn't have been easy for you," Palpatine told the commander. "Please get some much needed rest and report for a debriefing." As the call ended, Palpatine nodded to the Deathchasers. "I suppose that concludes our lockdown." His nonchalantness was infuriating.
"He's just...dead?" Speedy stuttered. "How could they do that?"
"There has to be more to this!" Blazer snapped.
"I'm certain that the Republic's finest investigative teams will get to the bottom of this crisis," Palpatine assured and made Anna scoff.
"This shouldn't have happened," she growled and stomped out of the room. "We should've been there."
Palpatine sighed deeply and examined the departing squad. He watched Anna, a lone Jedi as she was flanked by three dutiful clone troopers. Soldiers loyal to her every endeavor...and any order they'd receive. Outside, the hovering holoboard switched locations to advertise in another skylane. As it did so, the 'LAST STOP' sign floated just over Palpatine's shoulder. "General Dellian," the chancellor whispered to himself. "You're all exactly where you need to be."
From the moment Dia regained consciousness, her body couldn't decide which feeling to prioritize. Her ears were ringing nonstop while a throbbing ache persisted from her abdomen. When she attempted to breathe deeply, a thick fabric pressed against her nose. It was almost suffocating as she gasped and cautiously opened her eyes. Dia was in total darkness, yet she could feel the world moving. Her knees and ankles burned from being dragged at different elevations. She felt firm grips on her biceps that only tightened as she came to. Her muffled growls intensified as she was thrown into a seat. Her swift attempt to rise was immediately met with a harsh shove. Her arms were then thrown behind her back and restrained with taut rope.
Once Dia was bound to the chair, she listened as her assailant's footsteps lessened. Their heavy boots shifted towards the back of the room and succumbed to a pair of heels. Each heavy clack was as irksome as it was unsettling. A woman's disturbing hum followed the heel-toting figure as she stepped in front of Dia. "You're a hard woman to find, Miss Veritaz." The woman teased in a sultry tone. "And even harder to kill by the looks of it."
"Who are you?" Dia hissed through her bag.
"Who do you think?" the woman questioned.
"Not Crimson Dawn," Dia said. "You would've killed me in that alley. If this is about the bread I stole-"
The woman chuckled. "Oh Dia, Dia...Bread? You poor thing. You really have no idea." She snapped her fingers. "Can we please get that miserable thing off of her?" At her command, one of the attackers removed Dia's bag. Given her harsh predicament, Dia had imagined that she'd been brought to a grimy garage, or possibly some abandoned cellar. Instead she found herself in a luxurious, upper city manor. Before her stood a tall and fair-skinned woman, whose stature would make anyone think she was a supermodel by trade. Her hourglass figure was bound only by a finely-pressed, violet bathrobe. Her long, vanilla blonde tresses were still damp from bathing. The unique aroma of rare and expensive hair products slowly made their way to Dia's nose. "Where are my manners?" the woman muttered and played classical tunes on her lounge's speaker. Dia sat with furrowed and bewildered brows as her kidnapper proceeded to grab a pitcher. "Thirsty?" she asked. Before Dia could answer, she realized the woman was talking to her plant.
Red-leafed fauna with sharp branches extended from a nearby vase. "Don't let its appearance fool you," the woman chuckled while watering her plant. "The Shin'yah tree will only grow stronger with each passing day. Do you have any idea how much I paid to get one of these from Vardos? They're a symbol of dedication, you know." She continued while thoroughly emptying the pitcher. "The Vardosians believe that the first Shin'yah tree was a woman. One who, when forbidden from living her dream, slashed her wrists in defiance."
Just hearing those words made Dia twitch as long-suppressed memories returned. She glanced at her forearms and was grateful for wearing long sleeves.
"And so the tree's leaves bloom a bloody red," the woman declared. "As a symbol of devotion."
"So what..." Dia muttered and glanced behind her. She observed a pair of Mirialan men guarding the door. "You had your goons kidnap me so you could give me a lecture on botany?"
"Always a pistol," the woman snickered. "Speaking of which-" She waved Dia's DL-44 and ran her fingers across its barrel. "You know how to pack a punch."
"Untie me and I'll show you what it really does," Dia hissed. "And what do you mean I was always a pistol? D-...do I know you?"
"Not personally, no," her kidnapper admitted. "But I listened to many of your speeches. I took it upon myself to get familiar with other committees whenever I could."
"You're a senator?" Dia deduced.
The woman's beauty mark rose against her cheek as she smirked. "Senator Sofi Pru," she declared. "Finance Committee."
"Finance Committee..." Dia reiterated while glancing around the lounge. "How many taxpayers funded this house of yours?"
"Oh please," Sofi jeered. "I just fished you out of a gutter, Veritaz. You were as dirty as they came in the Ethics Committee and have no place judging me."
"Then why bring me here?" Dia asked.
"Tell me," Sofi queried while retrieving a tabac stick from her desk. "Do you believe in second chances?" she asked while igniting and smoking it.
"I seem to be getting a lot of them lately," Dia murmured.
Sophie's piercing blue eyes didn't waver, even as she puffed smoke in Dia's direction. "Do you even realize how lucky you are? Not only did you escape a maximum security prison, but you've been living in the undercity for months!"
"Cut the flattery," Dia groaned. "What is it you want, Sofi?"
She leaned against her desk and smoked the stick once more. "To give you another shot at glory," Sofi answered. "Corruption or not, Senator Veritaz got the job done. You were an inspiration to me and-"
"Don't you kriffing call me an inspiration!" Dia snapped. The Mirialan bodyguards were about to rush over when Sofi stopped them. "I was a young and stupid girl," Dia ranted. "Just like you are now. Pretty and bright-eyed...thinking that you can play the system like a seven-string hallikset, Well you can't. They'll always be someone bigger pulling the strings who never gave a damn about you."
"See that's where you're wrong, Dia." Sofi said and huffed her tabac. "The galaxy's changing and no one is pulling my strings."
"Banthacrap," Dia retorted. "What are you, like eighteen? You don't get a house like this or a seat in finances by yourself."
"First of all, I'm twenty-four." Sofi quipped. "Secondly, that's the thing about being a young lady in politics. Everyone underestimates you." Sofi squinted at Dia's glower. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Because that's what the last generation did to you. And you let them break you." Dia glared at Sofi, yet the youthful blonde didn't back down. "Tell me I'm wrong!" Her lips curled in Dia's silence. "That's what I thought. But please...don't presume I'm here to mock you. I'm here to get even."
"What did I ever do to you?" Dia asked.
"Not even with you," Sofi grumbled and strutted up to the nearest window. "Them," she asserted and pointed towards the distant Senate Building. "Every condescending suit we've been putting up with for years. The kind I've had to charm, bargain, and steal my way through to make it this far. You think I answer to Crimson Dawn or Black Sun? Have you seen the HoloNews? The crime syndicates are collapsing...going dark. This endless Clone War is tearing the Republic apart and giving us the perfect chance to rebuild."
"Us..." Dia whispered.
"That's right," Sofi tempted while slowly approaching her. "No syndicates. No grooming suits. I'm advancing in the Finance Committee and not stopping anytime soon. But I need...help."
"There's the catch," Dia scoffed.
"Now calm down," Sofi was quick to respond. "After all that you've been through, the last thing you want is to work for anyone. But if you help me-"
"Look-"
"If you help me..." Sofi doubled down and raised a finger. "I'll get you back in the Senate."
Any ensuing, awkward pause was broken by Dia's boisterous cackle. Her laughter was so maniacal, that Sofi couldn't tell if the older woman was breaking down. "You must be out of your damn mind," Dia spat. "I was arrested on charges of trafficking, extortion, racketeering, murder...In what star system do you think the Republic would pardon me for all of that?"
Sofi didn't waver. "Dia, I need you to trust me."
"The person who had me kidnapped?" she snapped.
Keeping her composure, Sofi motioned for one of her Mirialans to untie Dia. As she rubbed her freed wrists, Sofi leaned in. "You never would've come here otherwise," she explained. "It doesn't matter what you've been through, you can't tell me that you don't miss it. The power of it all. To send and receive credits wherever you'd like. To feel the fear in an opponent's eyes just because you entered the room. You know you're more than this street rat you've become. Stop surviving and start thriving. Help me and I'll help you. Once I'm an executive advisor on the committee, I swear I'll get you a seat in the Senate."
"I applaud your hustle," Dia answered. "But you forget that you're talking to a fellow politician. Former anyway. We lie to get votes all of the time and this is no different. 'Vote for me and I'll make it so Rodians have more job opportunities. And then I'll kick Rodians to the curb once I'm in office'."
Sofi shook her head. "You're not wrong," she said. "But you're also out of options. What's your alternative if you don't work with me? You go back to the undercity and keep living hand to mouth? Stealing moldy bread from filthy vendors?"
"How did you-"
"I've been trying to track you down for quite some time," Sofi admitted. "And that warehouse of yours is now swarming with law enforcement." Although Dia tried to remain emotionless, her gaze worriedly trailed across the floor. "HoloNews says they killed that renegade clone."
"That's-..." Dia bit her lip and sucked on her teeth. "-rough."
"Pretty sad what happens to those without power," Sofi lamented. "They eventually end up cornered and shot like animals."
"I suppose we all get shot eventually," Dia whispered before leering at Sofi. "What is it you'd have me do?"
The young senator started to grin as she approached her desk. "I knew you'd see things my way," she said. "The Republic is changing and we're going to rise from this mess of ignorance and strife. While I hustle in the light-" Sofi placed something heavy, yet familiar into Dia's hands. "-you will strike from the shadows." Dia peered down and observed her DL-44. Sofi smiled and said, "Let's get to work."
"This is Belle O'Har with the Coruscant Rose. It's been one week since the manhunt for ARC-5555 came to a harrowing conclusion. The question as to whether we can or cannot trust our troops has become a major debate across the Republic. But after an official statement from Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, there is hope that we may return to some sliver of normalcy. Three days ago, Palpatine spoke at a press conference regarding his assassination attempt and the renegade clone."
'People of the Republic, we cannot abandon science and logic in a time of crisis. My top doctors have analyzed the bodies of both ARC-5555 and CT-5385. During their extensive examinations, they uncovered a link between the death of Jedi Master Tiplar and the attempt on my life. A rare parasite native to Ringo Vinda was found within each of them. Once it reached their brains, this insidious creature provoked unstable aggression in both troopers. While we believe the parasite traveled through canteen water on Ringo Vinda, we have prepared an inoculation for ever clone trooper in the Grand Army. We value our brave soldiers and also the safety of those they've sworn to protect. We will emerge...We will prevail.'
"Since his speech, the supreme chancellor's medical personnel have been working around the clock to produce a vaccine against this parasite. Today, the mandatory supplement is being administered to soldiers across the galaxy. Belle O'Har, Coruscant Rose."
"Ow...ow-OW!" Rip hollered from a bed in the Deliverance's medical station.
"Oh quit you're crying," Doubles groused from the adjacent bed. "The needle didn't even go-" The clone winced as a medical droid administered the vaccine into his bicep. "-in yet."
"I'd like to see that parasite try and get me," Rip taunted. "I'd squash it before-" Another droid injected him as well. "OW!" he yelped. "Can't you just give us a pill?" he whined as the droid marched over to another clone. "Lousy clanker," Rip mumbled and rubbed his bicep. As soon as he noticed young Stel with a bandage on his arm, he immediately feigned relaxation. "As if that needle even hurt," Rip boasted. "I bet you were scared, kid."
The youngling crossed his arms and glared at the trooper. "Was not!"
Elsa and Frost observed the squabble along with countless rows of clones being vaccinated. "You know-" the commander began and stared at Elsa's bandage. "-it was only mandatory for clones to receive the vaccine."
"True," Elsa admitted. "But what's to stop that parasite from infecting a Jedi? It doesn't matter what an organic being looks like. A brain is a brain. I spoke with Anna and she agreed with me too."
"You two?...Agreeing?" Frost teased and Elsa playfully nudged him.
"Oh ha-ha," the Jedi answered. Her jovial smile faltered as she considered the vaccination's purpose. "Anna was almost on Ringo Vinda," she lamented. "If she hadn't had that falling out with Anakin, Masters Tiplee and Tiplar never would've gone instead." Elsa's breaths shortened at a chilling thought. "She could've been the Jedi that the infected clone-" She shook off the disturbing image of her sister being gunned down. "And I would be the mourning sister...Not Tiplee. Anna and I may butt heads and disagree...but I couldn't fathom losing her. Nor any of you, for that matter. I couldn't imagine turning on one another like that. Not even being in control of my actions."
Noticing her anxiety, Frost sought to quell the situation. "Well," he sighed while leaning against the medbay's upper railing. "Thanks to this vaccine, that nightmare will never come to pass."
Elsa faintly smiled and found comfort in the commander's calm gaze. As they peered back down at the lower medbay, Elsa took a moment to sense her environment. She let herself embrace the amount of life around her and rejoiced in the overwhelming presence. "Frost," she whispered while watching her Padawan bicker with Rip.
"Hm?" Frost inquired.
"I'm glad you're here."
Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this week's chapter of "The Frozen Force!" Your love and support of this story is always greatly appreciated.
My friends, this week's chapter comes with a very important announcement. One that is for the betterment of both this story and my life. My personal situation has taken many drastic turns. Over the last few months, I've had to become more of a leader at home and at work. I've had to challenge extremely toxic family members and step into my power to protect the ones I love. The responsibilities are rising and I must rise to meet them. So what is to become of this story? I ask you to please hear me out.
"The Frozen Force" is the greatest story I have ever written and I have many plans for it. To best preserve it, this will be the first ever MID-SEASON FINALE. Many shows have these during pinnacle moments. I will use the intermission to work towards getting my personal affairs in order, at least to the best of my abilities. And then the story will resume with Chapter: 106 on Friday, May 27th. I know the wait is long. The longest I've ever asked you to wait. It breaks my heart me to do this. But life has thrown me some curveballs and this is our best shot at getting back to weekly chapters. Plus, "The Frozen Force" will return on the same day Disney+ releases the Obi-wan Kenobi Series.
When you see me again, we will be stronger and better than ever before. Never complete, but always a growing work in progress. Today is the day I leave my old life last name behind. When we return to this story, I will have adopted my new pen name. Thank you all for your patience and understanding.
Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with You,
~ Michael