Author's Note:Dearest readers, we've finally made it to the beginning of the end of Season 4. Thank you for your love and support of this ongoing story. Together, you've helped this story reach over 66,000 reads! Also, this website is experiencing issues with notifications on for chapters and reviews. I am just now seeing all of your reviews because of it. This being said, make sure to check your alert settings. Otherwise, I will also post updates on my Twitter.
I won't sugarcoat it, friends. We're traveling into dangerous territory. As of this chapter, we are officially entering the events of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The ensuing events have been plotted and planned since the drafting of Season 1. Things may or may not go the way you believe. Everything is on the table for this emotional, five-part finale. Please take the time to read the advisory before moving forward.
ADVISORY: The five-part Season 4 Finale contains dramatic events including major character death. The following chapter contains sensitive material relating to: Mass murder, intense trauma, and terrorism. Remember to practice self care before, during, and after reading.
GOLDENHEART STORIES PRESENTS...
A MICHAEL GAVILÁN PRODUCTION...
THE FROZEN FORCE SEASON 4: FIVE - CHAPTER FINALE
Chapter: 116 The Beginning of the End (Part I)
"Safety is an illusion. Prepared or ignorant of the truth, reality will come for you either way."
A Republic divided! As Chancellor Palpatine uses his emergency powers to forge a safe and securer society, his policies form questionable opinions. While many citizens embrace his call for thoroughly identifying chain codes, others oppose this invasion of privacy. In an effort to make their voices heard, members of the Senate hold a public assembly in the name of social justice. As the Republic struggles to stay united, the safety of its foundation remains a constant topic...
For outsiders, being born and raised on Coruscant meant one of two things. Either you were privileged enough to enjoy the luxuries of upper city life, or you were desperate to leave the ecumenopolis because you'd grown up in its undercity. Still, there were those who pushed through these black and white views to create a world of their own. A bridge between classes, both satisfied with Coruscant and still yearning for more. CoCo Town had seen an increase in dilapidation over the years, but its residents never seemed to falter. Their haughty demeanors are what kept tourists flocking to their area for a raucous time. Dex's Diner never had a dull moment, and numerous vendors had taken to lining the sidewalks leading up to it. For many Coruscanti in CoCo Town, they just felt fortunate enough to have a job.
The sun was only starting to crest over skyscrapers in the distance when a lower apartment alarm went off. Its high-pitched beep echoed across the windows before a dainty hand saw to the device. Tired yet eager to start her day, an older woman rolled over in bed. Silver locks crept between her brown strands, and she gladly embraced them as a testament to her legacy. Smiling at the snoring man beside her, she leaned closer. His bushy mustache rose with his smirk as her shadow shrouded his body. "I knowyou're awake," she teased.
"Can't-" the man joked between snores. "-hear...you..."
She sat upright, crossing her arms and wrinkling her freckled nose. "Deski," she intoned before grinning coyly. "Fine. I suppose I'll have to eat the last meiloorun myself."
As if under a spell, Deski's eyes shot open. "You wouldn't dare," he declared ever so dramatically. "Without me?" His spouse chuckled as he scooped up her hand. "My dear, Sil. You wound me."
His wavy hair might've been thinning, but Deski hadn't lost his charm over the years. Humoring his efforts, Sil took his hand and helped pull him out of bed. "Come on then! We're going to be late for work!"
"Late by your standards," Deski jested while slinking out of the covers. "Stars forbid we're theretwo hours in advance instead of three."
"Oh honestly, love." Sil quipped. "You know how dreadful traffic to Starpoint can be."
Deski washed his face in the refresher's sink, basking in the water's chilling embrace. "It's Coruscant," he chuckled. "Traffic to the grocery store is dreadful and it's five minutes from our complex."
As a new day dawned for Coruscant, countless citizens mirrored Deski and Sil's routine. Rising from their beds, they prepared for a hard day's work in the name of the Republic and a brighter future. At least, that's what they kept telling themselves. While some found motivation in just making it to the next rent payment, others were on a different mission. For older couples like Deski and Sil, their hopes and dreams had shifted over the years. Their company had become more than enough for one another and raising funds to get their child a proper education meant everything. Showered and groomed, Deski finished zipping up his maintenance uniform. The Republic's black, cog-like emblem almost gleamed against the navy blue fabric.
Despite wearing the exact same outfit, Sil always loved seeing her man in uniform. Knowing how self-conscious he was about his thinning hair, she'd plant a gentle kiss on his cheek every morning. And that gesture alone would make Deski feel like a million credits. As they split the last meiloorun for breakfast, the couple glanced at a holoframe on their wall. Seeing their precious, well-dressed boy brought smiles to their faces. It was costing them everything to have him studying at the finest private school on Coruscant. So much so, that Deski and Sil had given up their upper city home in exchange for a CoCo Town apartment.
"This is for him," Sil affirmed as she had many a morning.
"Always and forever," Deski answered, putting his arm around her.
Like many a time in their marriage, Sil had been right. Morning skylane traffic was positively atrocious. Horns blared across the air as each hovering vehicle inched between an intricate network. "I swear it's getting worse every day," Deski griped while honking their speeder's horn.
"Relax, dear." Sil assured. "This is why we leave early. Although I must agree that traffic is particularly congested today. It must have to do with the assembly in Walroy Plaza this morning. Several senators are gathering to voice concerns about the new chain code system."
Deski's mustache twitched as he merged out of traffic. "Well couldn't they have had their little convention on one of our days off?" he joked, rejoicing when he got a laugh out of Sil. Flying their airspeeder upward after sitting in over an hour of traffic brought relief to Deski. A familiar sense of safety took hold as common ships were soon replaced by Republic starfighters and gunships. "See?" Deski lauded. "Why can't everything function like a military lane? No hard stops. No honking. Everyone knows how to fly."
One of the Star Destroyers overhead hailed their speeder, prompting Sil to activate a special frequency. The Republic-issued code permitted employees at Starpoint to pass through efficiently without a lengthy and interrogative process. Because their civilian speeder wasn't built for space travel, they had to land aboard a Republic frigate before being taken above the atmosphere. Exiting their vehicle, Deski and Sil joined a cluster of other Coruscanti as they were elevated over the city. Maintenance workers and medical personnel alike watched as they approached Starpoint Station. The colossal spire continued to hover directly over Galactic City and served as the biggest, most historical eyesore the capital had ever seen. Yet it stayed true as a testament to the chancellor's promise of security. And while many disagreed with his safety policies, they couldn't deny that he'd created multiple job opportunities with Starpoint. The Republic could've easily used clones or even droids to keep the massive station functioning. But true to his initiative, Palpatine said Starpoint would be the most inclusive station for a better Coruscant. In one senatorial meeting, he was quoted with calling Starpoint his 'gift to the people'...even though it was likely funded by their taxpayer credits.
Regardless of its controversial existence, Starpoint hit crucial marks for the people of Coruscant during wartime. It provided job security with livable wages and its imposing presence made those on the surface feel safe. The station's tremendous spire and multi-level rings could be seen from anyone on street level. As the frigate docked on one of Starpoint's lower rings, Deski felt his communicator buzz. He sighed upon checking the corresponding data and Sil checked in. "Everything alright?" she asked.
"Just my father," he lamented. "He picks the worst times to call right when we're about to clock in." Deski shook his head in frustration. "I'm sure everything's fine and he'll want to lecture me about Milo's future. I'll call him back when we're on lunch."
Deski's words had Sil thinking about their son. "He means well," she assured. "Just cares about his grandson."
"I know," Deski mumbled. "Dad just needs to...'mean well' when we're not about to start working."
"He just wants to be included," Sil considered. "You know how much he loves our son."
Deski flashed a sympathetic smile as they disembarked from the frigate. The vast array of multi-species workers dispersed to their designated stations. While some reported to that level directly, others were already darting for the elevators. Having been punctual, Deski and Sil took their time getting to Starpoint's central command. Situated at the spire's fifth level, they took the scenic elevator past the fueling stations. A cacophony of gyrating whirs echoed throughout the lower-locked rings as multiple ships arrived for resupply. A tremendous surplus of rhydonium canisters clung to Starpoint like freshly grown bundles of fruit. Highly-skilled technicians maneuvered cranes under the rings, plucking canisters to refuel incoming ships. Everything from starfighters to entire Star Destroyers received full service treatment while the upper levels helped monitor Coruscant's daily happenings. Communication arrays sent signals planetwide, strengthening HoloNet service throughout the capital and surrounding Core Worlds.
As Deski and Sil reached the fifth level, they were surprised to see a congregation of clone troopers and maintenance workers alike. While Deski raised a curious brow, Sil approached a Rodian she'd fixed many a conduit with. "Quoboz," she beckoned. "What's all the commotion for?"
The Rodian turned with an eager grin across her snout. "We've got a special visitor from up top today," she said. "Colonel Roze himself."
Gasping in unison, Deski and Sil peered beyond the massing crowd to glimpse the esteemed military man. Flanked by two clone troopers, Colonel Semaj Roze was anything but intimidating. He truly was the man of the people that those on Naboo had always known him for. He carried that charisma into his Coruscant assignment well and merrily waved to Starpoint's workers. "Every night-" Semaj began. "-millions of Coruscanti sleep soundly knowing that we are here to protect them. That they can look up in the sky and see not an eyesore-" He chuckled when his comment garnered laughter. "-but a symbol. The likes of which represents the promise of a safer Republic. But symbols don't rise without having brave people to carry them." Semaj swayed his kind, dark palms towards the crowd. "Each and every one of you is vital to this station's success. We're all here to help each other. If there's anything you need, please let me know."
"A million credits!" a boisterous, Besalisk mechanic hollered.
The colonel laughed along with him. "Friend, if I had a million credits...I'd be long gone." With a firm clap of his hands, Semaj's grin widened. "Let's have a great day, folks. To your stations!"
As the maintenance workers dispersed, the colonel returned to the uppermost level. Still early for their shift, Deski and Sil took a seat at one of the nearby workbenches. "He is as nice as they say," Deski admired.
"Well it's because the colonel's a family man," Sil remarked. "I believe he has a daughter. As a parent himself, he understands what it means to put this job before anything. All for the sake of giving them a better life one day."
While Deski nodded along with her, a notification chimed on a supervisor's datapad. The Togruta huffed and frustratedly shook her head. "Seriously? Again?"
Her reaction had Deski leaning over as he asked, "What's going on?"
"Morning, Deski...Sil," the Togruta lamented. "Middle ring has a faulty solar panel. Same one...Third time since last night."
Sil glanced at her husband before answering. "Well respectfully, that's because you've got the wrong people on it." The Togruta sighed as Sil doubled down. "You don't want to hear it, Risha. But you know I'm right. If Deski and I refastened that panel, you wouldn't get a single malfunction notice for at least two years."
"With my new tools?" Deski boasted. "That thing will hold for five." Risha knew how desperate employees were for money, especially when the majority of military-related occupations were being handled by droids or clones. Acting on her pensiveness, Deski added extra input. "Or you could keep sending these new kids out there until that solar panel breaks clean off."
"Fine," Risha sighed while tapping on her datapad. "I'm clocking you both in early. Suit up and get that panel fixed."
"Yes ma'am!" Deski rejoiced while scooping up his tool box. "I can't wait to try out my new welder."
"Like a kid in a toy store," Sil teased while following him to the airlock's catwalk.
"And hey..." Risha added before they were out of earshot. Smiling past her frustration, the Togruta nodded and said, "Thanks."
It mattered not how many times they did it nor how old they grew, suiting up in enviro-suits was always fun for Deski and Sil. The couple secured high pressure oxygen tanks to each other's backs. They then turned and smiled at each other through domelike, glass helmets. The reinforced surfaces were illuminated by bulbs lighting the internal trim. After hooking up comlinks to their suits, they gave one another a heavy-gloved thumbs up. Their magnetized boots clanged down the airlock chamber's corridor as Deski called in. "All set, Risha. Depressurize and release."
"Copy that," her voice crackled through in response. "Hold on tight, you two."
They gladly held each other's bulky hand as the airlock's gears cranked. Pressure hissed and fused through until the couple was staring down space's starry void. "Here we go," Deski said as they took their first, slow steps outside. Their moderately magnetic boots kept them stable as they walked across one of Starpoint's middle rings. Traversing the ring on foot was like crossing a massive bridge. The likes of which was suspended over two vastly different vistas. While Coruscant's vibrant and bustling surface lay faded from below, the couple proceeded towards the darkness of space.
"It's always so tranquil out here," Sil commented. "Could you imagine if life was always like this?"
"Sounds like the life," Deski rejoiced. "I suppose that means we should plan on retiring in space," he jested. "I hear the Halcyon is quite a luxury vessel."
"If someone can afford a voyage it," Sil mumbled.
"Good point. Then I suppose we'll have to spend our retirement working on that ship. I'm sure you wouldn't mind."
Sil shook her head at his playful remark as they reached the downed panel. Unlike the other solar contraptions, this portion had become partially unfastened. Its underside was also emitting a particularly irksome fizzing sound. "Hear that?" Sil inquired. She knelt down and lifted the panel as Deski nodded along. "Sure enough. The wiring's been redone completely."
Deski rolled his eyes and unbuckled his toolbox. "This is what happens when they assign rookies to ring maintenance. No attention to procedure."
"Can you pass me the grip and clamp, love?" Sil asked as Deski handed the tools over. She twisted and plugged away, rerouting the wires to their proper locations. As she did so, Deski peered over the ring's edge and observed the colossal planet below.
"How full scale everything seems from this high up," he professed. "We spend so much time traveling across this galaxy. Making this law and that law...that we forget just how small we people really are in this vast universe. There's still so much wonder to it all if we just take a breath...and see."
"That was...very inspirational." Sil confessed.
"Really?"
"I'm serious! If politics weren't so dirty, I'd say you should run for chancellor. Or at least senator."
"Senator?" Deski laughed at her remark. "I'll stick with welding, thank you very much."
As Sil backed away from the panel, Deski got to work resealing it into place. Sparks flickered from his device, and Sil found herself just watching her husband work. She admired his simple humility, just as he adored her desire to keep striving. He could feel her eyes on him, even as he finished welding. "Good as new," he said. "That panel isn't going anywhere...just like your gaze."
Sil snickered. "Is it wrong for me to stare at my husband?"
Deski's mustache curved along with his kindly smile. Raising his head from the panel, he blissfully looked her in the eyes and said, "Never." He wished he could stay in that silent space she loved so much. Age had only deepened their love and understanding for one another. Being thousands of feet above the planet's surface had always helped him gain greater perspective as he'd come to appreciate her more. With a sincere grin and calm gaze, Deski prepared to recount those timeless words. The likes of which had only gained meaning with each repetition over the years. And as his lips started to part, a sudden twinkle came to her eye.
This spontaneous, blue streak reflected against Sil's helmet, perplexing Deski at first. By the time he noticed the intricate markings of a needle-shaped vessel in the reflection, a thunderous boom had already sounded. The earsplitting burst had both Deski and Sil dropping to their knees. Deski's toolbox struck the ring, splitting open and spilling tools into open space. It was so loud, that the sound seemed to travel through their bodies and rattle their very bones. As they clung to one another for balance, more of the blue-hued reflections appeared in their helmets. And with each arriving reflection came an unfathomable, deafening burst of sound. As shock and terror gripped the couple, they turned towards the void before them. Deski's empty toolbox floated into nothingness as its contents drifted towards an inconceivable sight.
What started as a dozen Separatist dreadnoughts was quickly amassing into over a hundred. As more warships continued to rocket out of hyperspace, they flooded the stars with metal. Their numbers were expanding beyond hundreds, sending any Republic scanners screeching out of control in an effort to keep up. While hundreds more joined the horrific sight, the frontmost warships targeted Starpoint itself. Heavy turbolaser cannons launched scorching red lasers into vital components. Meanwhile, entire swarms of droid fighters launched from their hangars. They attacked indiscriminately, releasing missiles into docked and refueling ships. While some exploded in place, others crashed into the lower rings.
The turbolaser barrage was so overwhelming, that Starpoint's shield generator was practically obliterated on impact. A pair of hyena bombers then soared towards the command bridge and launched their torpedoes directly into the viewport. By the time Colonel Roze had been notified about the shield generator, the torpedoes were already making impact. All he could do was stand tall and accept the coming inferno with his crew.
The command bridge was blown to pieces, sending shockwaves rippling throughout the station. As it was torn apart from the inside, the next group of bombers targeted the rhydonium canisters in the fueling station. Realizing that one hit to the fuel reserves would decimate the rest of Starpoint, Deski averted his gaze. Disbelief gripped him and Sil as they remained knelt outside of their burning station. Trapped in space on the last, unscathed ring, all they had left was each other. There was no time to ponder how hundreds...if not thousands of Separatist warships had invaded Coruscant. There was no time to think about who would find them or how they'd survive. They knew the inevitable was coming, and they could only hope their loved ones would be safe.
For a brief moment, Sil cared to imagine a galaxy where the Republic somehow defeated this insurmountable force. That the day was somehow saved and that her son grew up to be all that she wanted him to be. The thought had her sobbing beneath her helmet while Deski pulled her into an embrace. He gripped her as tightly as he could, longing to reach her beyond the enviro-suit's bulky build. And as the hyena bombers fired their torpedoes into the fuel depot, Deski spoke with whatever breath he could still muster. "I love you," he wept.
"I love you," Sil answered as the canisters exploded beneath them. The rest of Starpoint succumbed to the Separatist barrage. Pointless sirens faded into the vacuum of space along with the screams of those still trapped inside. And as the station fell from the stars, Sil and Deski's huddled silhouettes were engulfed in flames.
THREE HOURS EARLIER
Morning skylane traffic was positively atrocious. Horns blared across the air as each hovering vehicle inched between an intricate network. A bulky news speeder changed lanes as its driver kept frantically checking the time. Belle O'Har was never one for being late, but she was a glutton for multitasking. As she advanced through the airspeeder congestion, she used her vehicle's comm systems to call her father.
"Is that my star reporter?" Maurice was quick to answer. "Big day today!"
"Big day indeed, Papa. How are you?"
"Oh you know?" Maurice chuckled. "Tinkering as always. If I keep up my pace, I should have a new protocol unit prepared for next month's droid convention!"
"I believe in you," Belle assured.
"Just as I do you, my dear." Maurice replied. "Best of luck with the senators today. I look forward to seeing your live report! Give it your all."
"Always do," Belle answered. "Love you, Papa." As the call concluded, she thought to investigate one of her leads. If Belle was to be stuck in traffic enroute to the assembly, she could at least look into another potential story. Inputing Tan Divo's frequency, she waited patiently until the lawman responded.
"Lieutenant Divo," he spoke.
"Greetings inspector," Belle said while passing into the next district. "Belle O'Har with The Coruscant Rose."
"I remember you," Divo answered. "What can I do for you, miss?"
Choosing her words wisely, Belle kept a calm yet curious resolve. "I wanted to see if you had any updates for me regarding the Industrial District murder. Witnesses? Clues? A lead?"
Divo's heavy sigh had Belle subtly biting her lip. "The situation is...developing," he said. "We've already released the most relevant details to the press."
"Come on, inspector." Belle pushed and immediately winced in her seat. "You've...got to have something else for me," she barely uttered, having committed to her inquiry already. "You know I'm the straightest shooter when it comes to reporting the facts in this city. If you don't want something getting twisted, I need to get it out there now."
Divo paused, but ultimately provided a sliver of intel. "I have teams investigating air traffic cameras in the area. If anything comes up in those hours of feed, it'll give us a potential lead on our killer. Or at least the middle man who dumped that woman's body in the silo."
"Thank you, inspector." Belle replied. "As always, your information is in good hands."
"I surely hope so. I take it that you're going to this morning's assembly?"
"That's right," Belle affirmed. "Anything I should be aware of?"
"No," Divo said. "I just find the whole concept intriguing. These senators fight for change and implore more safety. Then they get more security measures and fight against them. It just doesn't make sense. But I suppose that's politics. Take care of yourself, Miss O'Har." The call ended as Belle flew off to her exit. She smiled, for she could see the sunlit Walroy Plaza glistening in the distance.
For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Temple had served as both a sanctuary and fertile place for young warriors to flourish. It was not uncommon for Jedi to test their might in the dojo, but such had typically been done with silent order. There was always a balance between tranquility and intensity, further serving as a testament to the wonders of the Jedi Path. This made things all the more controversial to have non-Force sensitive security guards training in the temple dojos as well. While some Jedi admired their diverse training style, others found the unorthodox methods irritating. Either way, Cadet Officer Lyn Ferix had no intention of letting judgmental stares get in her way.
"Again!" she roared while leading by example. She stood before the other guards, flexing her bulky biceps as she stood ready to fight. "Jab!" she directed while throwing a punch. The line of guards mirrored her as she punched again. "Jab! Now cross! Hook! Jab! Uppercut!" She repeated the drill more times than Kristoff and Sven could count. Neither was a stranger to the routine and had built up an endurance to her methods. Glancing over her shoulder, Lyn noticed that one of her guards was slowing down. "Pick up the pace, Maku! Don't you dare quit on me!" Despite the thick coat of sweat on his bulbous blue head, the Duros persisted after being called out. "Jab! Cross! Hook! Jab! Uppercut!"
As Battlemaster and Head of Temple Security, Master Cin Drallig kept a keen eye on Lyn's training. Even as he remained fixated on the guards, his Force senses helped him detect an approaching presence from behind. "Mattias," he greeted with a gentle nod. "Good morning."
"Morning Cin," Mattias answered before leaning on the upper railing with him. "How are the guards this morning?"
"An intriguing blend," Cin remarked while observing the group. "While some remain dutiful, others are but hollow shells struggling to find purpose in this. And frankly, I don't blame them."
"Oh?" Mattias inquired.
Cin squinted, pondering deeply. "The chancellor sought to mend trust between the public and the Jedi Order. In an effort to do so, he created an initiative that would allow these civilians to come and guard within our walls. But after all of this time, some of them are understanding that they are just that."
The realization dawned on Mattias as he sighed. "A political stunt."
"Precisely. We have a legion of sentinels...temple guards. These people are only here to make the public and its politicians feel accomplished. And it makes you wonder if we as Jedi have forsaken our ideals to appease the public."
"We serve the public," Mattias intoned. "Traditions or not, their needs are ours to carry as well."
"Perhaps," Cin considered. "But we must be wary. Each of those security guards below us has a reason to be here. And not many of them have embraced the teachings of the Force, making their motives questionable."
Mattias motioned to Kristoff and Sven. "Those two came as refugees. They want nothing more than to serve and protect the innocent. To give hope to those who have none."
"That may be so," Cin said. "But even then, look at their leader." Mattias directed his focus to Lyn as Cin continued. "I appointed Miss Ferix because she presented herself as a natural leader, prepared to do whatever she had to in order to achieve success. However, I acknowledge that she is also a survivor. Having come from the undercity, she's likely never had this much power in her hands as she does right now. So this begs the question...will she come to be grateful for this authority?" Cin crossed his arms and huffed. "Or will she abuse the title against her peers?"
"Switching to pushups!" Lyn brayed and dropped to the floor. She glanced up at the Jedi masters observing her and strengthened her voice to rush the others. "Today, people! Today!"
Beneath the temple's dojos and grandiose halls, Master Yelena had grown increasingly fond of the quiet and hidden sanctuary. She took her time tending to its private garden by watering the freshly growing blueblossoms. A series of babbles brought a smile to Yelena's face as she spun to meet her apprentice. "Good morning Grogu," she greeted with a spin. The longer she'd spent with such a youthful apprentice, the more she'd felt her heart soften. While Yelena still found herself worrying about Elsa on Aren, training Grogu at least helped ease such anxieties. Much to the elder's surprise, her little student was clutching a single flower. He giggled at its vibrant, magenta petals. "Grogu," Yelena gasped. "Did you pluck that from one of the pots?" The child swiftly shook his head in denial, causing Yelena to raise a brow. Kneeling down to her student's level, she also noticed a cluster of dust on his baggy little sleeves. Brushing the dust bunnies off, Yelena simpered. "Well wherever you got it from, let's make sure it gets water before we start meditation and-" Yelena had merely reached for the flower when Grogu's pointy ears drooped. "Padawan?" she worried as his eyes slowly shut. His pudgy, green nose wrinkled along with his furrowing brows. "Grogu?" In that split second, Yelena felt a brief pulse within. The likes of which garnered a similar sensation of discomfort. There was a coldness to her feelings. But by the time she could try to make sense of it all, that sense had faded away. Passing like a fleeting shadow and nothing more. As Yelena opened her eyes, she noticed that Grogu was also recovering from the odd disturbance. "What was that about?" she whispered.
Mon Mothma took a long look at herself in the mirror. Having finished her makeup, she swept a rogue strand back to its fellow waves of auburn. Gazing into her solemn reflection, she spoke to herself. "Build a legacy...leave a legacy." She reached into her bronzium jewelry box and withdrew a series of metal rings. Three bold chains lay intertwined to a single, decorated clasp. As she fastened the jewelry to her pale dress, an intricate medallion fell into place across her chest. While those unaware of her custom might've viewed it as a flashy piece, wiser minds knew the truth. The Hanna pendant was a symbol to all of Chandrila. Uniquely stylized to each recipient, it was to be worn with honor as a symbol of freedom. As Mon observed her pendant, she recalled all of which it stood for. She reminded herself that she had to speak against chain codes in the name of freedom, even if it meant being called a Separatist sympathizer to some. Liberty was a right, and she would make it known to those who had come to ignore it. Mon was just finishing up when her husband strutted in unannounced. "I'm just about ready," she told him.
Caring little for her update, Perrin followed through with his commentary. "You didn't tell me that our home was being converted into a training facility."
Ignoring his snark, Mon brushed past him to investigate for herself. "General-" The senator corrected herself while stepping into the lounge. "Anna?"
"Morning senator," Anna grunted while stretching out her back. Meanwhile, all three of her ARF troopers were performing exercises by the door. Blazer was concluding a rigorous round of pushups while Sparx and Speedy were stretching their legs. "We're just finishing our warmups for the day."
"I...see that," Mon jested nervously. "Well, I am all set for you."
"Then we are moving out!" Anna declared as the Deathchasers fell in line. "Right this way, Senator Mothma." Mon felt like some sort of war hero with clone troopers and a Jedi escorting her. While Speedy watched her back, Sparx and Blazer flanked her sides. Anna led the way out of the senatorial suites and out onto a landing platform. A finely-polished, turquoise limousine glided in for a landing.
"Prompt as always," Mon admired while a window lowered from the passenger seat. "Deathchasers, I'd like you to meet Garm and Bavetta. They were my personal drivers back on Chandrila. Since the incident, I had them contacted to be my chauffeurs once more."
"We should've been here the whole time," Garm grumbled from the controls. His slicked back hair made his green eyes all the more piercing. Enough to briefly remind Anna of Hans and have her hoping he was doing well. In spite of his gripe, Garm still smiled through his black scruff and unlocked the limo's back doors.
"Hop in," Bavetta insisted. While her and Garm donned identical blue suits for the event, she had her hair tied into a bun. Her narrow brows knitted against her ebony skin as she asked. "You did tell your clone squad that we're armed, right ma'am? The last thing we need is them freaking out while we're in the air."
Mon bit back a chuckle and turned to Anna. "Garm and Bavetta won't be taking any chances. Each has a blaster pistol concealed beneath their suit jacket."
"I don't think anyone in their right mind is making an attempt on your life today," Anna mumbled while boarding the limo. With everyone seated aboard the luxury vehicle, Garm piloted them towards the plaza.
"My friends-" Mon told her chauffeurs. "This is Jedi General Anna Dellian. And her troopers...Sergeant Blazer, Lieutenant Sparx, and Speedy."
"A pleasure," Bavetta saluted with a swish of her hand.
"Friends of Mon's are friends of mine," Garm quipped. With their expressions hidden beneath their helmets, the Deathchasers were sincerely impressed by Mon Mothma's willingness to remember their names and introduce them.
Anna sank into her cushioned seat. While she understood that she was armored and on duty, she did her best to savor traveling with such class for as long as she could. Chandrilan aesthetics and smooth flying made the Coruscant traffic all the more bearable. Sunlight streaked between the skyscrapers and reached the limo's windows, leaving bright shimmers across each passenger's face as they neared their destination. The last time Anna had been to Walroy Plaza, the entire area had been repurposed to house the Miss Coruscant Beauty Pageant. She could only hope that her morning would be far less eventful than that life-threatening shootout with Crimson Dawn traffickers.
Plaza security was tight, and clones from the Coruscant Guard had paired off to patrol each corner of the event. Several police officers from the CSF were present, helping to direct speeder parking and welcome citizens into the event. One such officer swung his arms, leading Garm to park his limo in a designated speaker's section.
"Same formation," Anna told her team. "Keep it tight and put your heads on a swivel. Something looks suspicious...no matter how small, call it in." Mon Mothma watched with intrigue as Anna knocked on each clone's helmet. This pre-mission ritual had the Deathchasers prepped for action as the doors opened. "Right this way, ma'am," Anna directed and helped Mon out of the vehicle. As the Deathchasers escorted her out, Garm and Bavetta trailed behind to serve as extra sets of eyes. On their way to an expansive stage, they noticed a crowd of Coruscanti watching from behind a barricade. "Wave if you'd like," Anna suggested. "But keep moving."
"Senator Mothma," a young Zeltron called from the crowd. "Senator Mothma!" Her shouts and flailing hand caught enough of Mon's attention to make her stop. "You're amazing!"
Mon smiled at the teen and bowed her head. Before Anna could usher her onward, the Zeltron started reaching into her pocket. The Deathchasers tensed up, almost reacting until they saw a rectangular holocam in the Zeltron's hand. "Can we get a holo?" she asked.
Mon glanced at Anna, as if wondering if she could. "Your call," the young Dellian said. "But we should keep moving and get you to the other senators."
"This is a pinnacle moment for that young lady," Mon deduced. "I'm earnestly grateful to see someone her age taking an interest in politics. This holo could only encourage her further." With Mon's mind made up, she nodded to the teen and approached the barricade. The Deathchasers might've let her near civilians, but they stood by to keep her in a tight bubble. Excited beyond belief, the Zeltron raised her device and snapped a holoimage of her and Mon. "Thank you, senator!" she rejoiced.
"Of course," Mon replied before turning back to Anna. "Well that wasn't so difficult," she whispered under her breath. As if on cue, several other Coruscanti from the crowd suddenly raised their devices.
"Senator Mothma!" one praised.
"Thank you for standing up for us!" blurted another. He swayed a massive bouquet of peace roses. Pale petals blended beautifully with pink counterparts to make for a bliss-inducing display.
"Can I get a holo too?"
"Oh me too! I want a holo!"
Anna put a playful arm around Mon and continued towards the stage. "And now everyone and their mother wants a holopic," she groaned. After getting Mon back behind the stage, the group was greeted by a pair of familiar faces. Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan and Riyo Chuchi of Pantora were joyed by Mon's presence.
"Senator Mothma," the young Chuchi greeted. "It's so nice to see you here."
"And with such an empowering security detail," Bail remarked and nodded to Anna.
"Yes well-" Mon sighed. "In an age of assassination attempts, one cannot be overly cautious."
"Agreed," Bail replied while eyeing his own guards. "With your arrival, our trio is complete."
Mon's eyes fluttered in astonishment. "Trio?" she inquired. "I thought Padmé was to join us?"
"I'm afraid she wasn't feeling well this morning," Bail lamented. "We're all the people of Coruscant have to stand against these chain codes. So we'll need to coordinate our speeches strategically."
"Senator Mothma," Chuchi proposed. "You should go first."
Bail gave his beard an inquisitive scratch as Mon considered the plan. "Senator Chuchi makes a good point. It's no secret, friends. The attempt on my life and assassination of Senator Ranassa was undoubtedly related to our stance on the vote. While I don't have proof, it's enough to spur those favoring our cause. I can present as a survivor, taking a stand after such an attack. Then Senator Chuchi can bolster my words with her own thoughts on Pantora's stance."
"And I shall speak on behalf of Senator Amidala and myself," Bail assured. "Concluding with how enhanced oversight is not protection, but instead a threat to the rights of every citizen."
Even with the rising political tensions around them, Mon found comfort in being accompanied by likeminded idealists. And while no senator with opposing views had come to even humor hearing them out, she found Palpatine's absence very telling. "It's now or never," Bail declared as his companions moved into position.
"Blazer," Anna ordered. "You'll go centerstage with me. Sparx, that left side is all you. Speedy, watch the right." The Deathchasers dispersed while Garm and Bavetta pulled the curtains back for Mon. The Chandrilan senator was met with as much applause as there was sunlight. Cameras zoomed while holorecorders snapped away at Mon Mothma herself. Amid the uproarious fanfare, Anna and her team observed the crowd. She double-checked each recording device, making sure it wasn't a hidden firearm. Any person's swift hand motion was enough to briefly put her on edge. Betwixt her searches, Anna noticed a familiar face in the front row. Belle and her C1-P camera droid had positioned themselves for an excellent view of the stage.
"Ready Chip?" Belle confirmed as the droid started broadcasting. "Good morning, Coruscant. Belle O'Har with The Coruscant Rose. I'm live in Walroy Plaza where a few senators have gathered to speak out against the chancellor's chain code bill. The proposal would require every citizen to register everything from personal histories to biometric scans, allowing law enforcement to easily track down individuals. Quite the eager crowd has gathered here. And just in time too, as it looks like Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila is about to speak."
For those looking from the outside in, Mon had always been a naturally gifted speaker. But all the talent in the galaxy didn't negate the mind games prying at her from within. She loathed how part of her worried that the flashing holocams were actually blaster bolts, but she reminded herself about her diligent bodyguards. The audience before her was just like any other. If anything, it was more important and needed to hear the truth. Standing tall at her podium, Mon took a deep breath and let the words flow. She chose to speak by means worthy of her pendant.
"Citizens of Coruscant...of the Galactic Republic. Long have I represented Chandrila in the Senate. And through my years of service, I have done all that I can to uphold my oath. Not to our flag or to whomever holds the position of chancellor...but to you. To the very people every senator has been called to serve and represent across the stars. And with those duties come some of our greatest sacrifices, especially in wartime. But people of the Republic, I believe in our resolve even under pressure. This democracy has withstood trials for thousands of years, and this war should be no different. Even in our fear...even in our desperation...we cannot forfeit reason. By surrendering our privacy in favor of these chain codes, yet another one of our freedoms shall be stripped away." Mon hung her head as her words were met with mixed emotions. "I know there are those who believe that had we possessed chain code technology, my would-be assassin..." Mon cleared her throat as memories of her friend's corpse flickered with the flash of a holocam. "-Senator Ranassa's killer..." she clarified. "-would be found. But we need to ask ourselves about the prices we are willing to pay for safety. How many freedoms are we willing to sacrifice in the name of a glorified oversight? If we-" It sounded as though thunder was booming overhead. Mon's perplexed pause was enough to have Anna glancing back in bewilderment.
It was odd enough that the forecast called for clear skies, but the persistent thundering was unsettling. It carried on for a surreal amount of time and seemed to be echoing from all across the clouds. "What the hell is that?" Blazer asked.
"I'm not sure," Anna uttered. All eyes were on the sky as even locals not attending the event peered up. Bail and Riyo emerged from behind the curtain, perplexed by the ominous thunder.
Belle was redirecting Chip when a civilian yelled, "Look!"
Confusion turned into a storm of gasps and frightened shouts. Fingers darted upward as faded ships darted into view. Although they were high above Coruscant's atmosphere, Anna would recognize a Separatist dreadnought anywhere. "Sister," Blazer murmured. "Are those-"
"Yep," she spoke swiftly before leaping up onstage. Her adrenaline was pumping as a seemingly endless amount of warships appeared in the upper atmosphere. "Senator," Anna said before mass hysteria could take full effect. "We need to get you out of here now. N-"
In that instant, a monumental explosion lit up the sky in broad daylight. Thousands of Coruscanti watched in horror as Starpoint blew up directly above them. The very base that was meant to represent a triumph in security for Coruscant and the Republic, was obliterated in a matter of seconds. No one had any time to process the loss, as the station's flaming remnants came crashing down through the atmosphere. Screams filled the air and Starpoint's ravaged pieces plummeted to Coruscant like metallic asteroids. A base that was once meant to protect the Republic now had its scorched pieces smashing into streets and skyscrapers in the distance. The duracrete quaked, even from the assembly's distance as numerous shockwaves rippled from impact. And as a wave of droid dropships descended on the city, Anna's fears of mass hysteria became a reality.
"Everybody down!" Anna shouted, as if her voice was even audible over the shrieks of droid fighter engines. A line of vulture droids zipped over the district and launched their missiles into nearby skyscrapers. Explosions lined the edifices while other fighters unloaded lasers into passing traffic. Skylane speeders dispersed, causing sheer chaos as vehicles crashed into one another. While droid ships strafed Coruscant's surface with lasers and bombs, a variety of flaming ships plummeted for greater destruction. The collective screams of civilians across the city were beyond horrific as Republic forces scrambled to launch a counterstrike.
A wave of droid tri-fighters set up for a strafe over the plaza. "Down! Down!" Anna yelled again, praying her words would reach anyone in the madness. The fighter droids had no desire for lingering in one area, but did fire a devastating spray of lasers across the plaza first. The scorching projectiles tattered across the duracrete and stage, setting the curtains ablaze while beams collapsed from behind. Anna had been no stranger to the deafening sounds of battle before, but this attack brought a noise she couldn't quite place. A series of disturbing thuds filled the gaps between people's screams, making Anna glance back over her shoulder. As she shielded Mon with her body, she watched as countless civilians were gunned down in the strafing run. The stage curtains fell into a fiery heap as tremendous funnels of smoke climbed between the buildings.
"General!" Blazer alerted as a trio of droid dropships emerged from the rising smoke. Each set down in the razed plaza as an all too familiar stomping filled the air. Battle droids were on the march, pouring out from their vessels and immediately opening fire. B1s and super battle droids alike fired indiscriminately into crowds of fleeing civilians and dazed clones. They marched on, without any clear reasoning to their devastating tactics. As the droids pushed their attack, they marched directly over fallen civilians. A B1's metal heel stomped on a fallen bouquet of peace roses, sending crunched petals blowing everywhere.
Belle awakened from her dizzied state and observed the clouds above. The overwhelming sound of marching droids had her rising to her feet, only to be shoved by scattering bystanders. Betwixt the panic, another volley of lasers struck the crowd. Time seemed to slow as several bodies fell, and Belle found herself staring into a B1's soulless eyes. Stuck in shock and acting on impulse, Belle raised her hands in surrender. The droid's dark slits briefly brightened as a red bolt fired from its rifle...and Belle's body hit the ground.
Fury pulsed within Anna as she clutched her lightsaber. The Senate's fears had finally come to pass, and Separatist forces had launched a full-scale assault on Coruscant. The surprise attack had caught everyone off guard, and all Anna wanted to do was launch herself into the droid battalion and put a stop to it all. But she couldn't on her own...No one could. They were beyond outnumbered in the plaza alone, so she couldn't imagine throughout the rest of Coruscant. And as the grievousness of her situation took hold, all Anna could do was try and focus on protecting Mon Mothma. "Senator!" she yelled over the laserfire. "You still with me?" Mon hardly had a moment to process her emotions. Experiencing a single, triggering blastershot was nothing compared to the sensory overload of the droid invasion. She kept her head down and covered her ears until Anna tapped her shoulder. "Senator!"
"Uh?" Mon bleated amid the battle. Her wide, blue eyes frantically darted towards the dead civilians before Anna reeled her back in.
"We're gonna get you out of here!" the Jedi kept yelling, treating her environment like the war zone it had become. "Just stay with me and keep you head down!" Snapping herself into the situation, Anna stood tall and ignited her lightsaber. The green plasma immediately drew several droids to shoot as Anna blocked their blasts. "Deathchasers!" she called in while defending. "Anyone have a visual on the limo?"
"I got eyes!" Speedy hollered while returning fire. "Straight shot to the left of us. Looks operational! Just a lot of clankers between us and that ride!"
"Okay listen up," Anna spoke quickly. "The Deathchasers and I will lay down cover for the rest of you to get to the speeders. Then we'll fall back one at a time. If the zone gets too hot but the senator is already aboard, you take off and go. Understood?" Garm and Bavetta nodded and flanked Mon. "Here we go! Deathchasers, take it to 'em!"
"For the Republic!" Blazer roared as they dashed out from behind the stage. Upon emerging, he immediately blasted one of the B1's heads clean off. Sparx and Speedy set up alongside him, laying down enough fire to keep the advancing droids occupied. As the enemy returned fire, Anna moved to intercept.
"Sword and shield!" she called out her maneuver, blocking their blasts while the clones fired away. Finding a gap in the blasterfire, Anna hollered to the senators and their personnel. "Get to your speeders!"
Both Senator Organa and Chuchi's bodyguards guided them across the gap Anna's team had created. Escaping to their vehicles, they sped off in different directions and vanished into the rising smoke clouds.
A heavy barrage from the droid offensive had Anna staggering. She retaliated with a Force push, sending droids toppling over while the Deathchasers returned fire. "Thermal going out!" Blazer bellowed and flung a grenade. The ensuing blast sent metal limbs spiraling through the air and created a thick cloud across the plaza. "New opening!" Anna called out. "Get the senator out of here!" Red lasers zipped through the darkness as the droid advance recuperated. "Hurry!" Anna said, pushing up to buy Mon time. She furiously swung her saber, hacking down multiple units as they stepped through the smoke.
"Come on!" Bavetta urged as she and Garm blocked Mon with their bodies. Huddled together, the trio scrambled across the wreckage and bolted for the limo. In spite of the Deathchaser's best efforts, four fighters could not repel an entire battalion. A group of super battle droids barged through and took aim with their wrist-mounted blasters. "Look out!" Bavetta warned as she and Garm pulled Mon behind the limo. Desperation pried at their pounding hearts, for they were pinned down inches from the limo doors. The longer they remained hidden, the greater damage the vehicle sustained from incoming lasers. Realizing the Deathchasers were overwhelmed with the rest of the attackers, Garm took a deep breath.
"I'm gonna get you another window," he said and firmly clasped his pistol.
Bavetta's eyes widened as her partner started to rise. "Garm?"
"Garm!" Mon called.
"One chance!" he growled. "Now go!" Without wasting another moment, Garm lunged out of cover. He fired sporadically, knowing his low-powered pistol would do little against the enforced casings of super battle droids. But Garm kept running into the open, drawing their attention as far from the limo as possible. Bavetta rushed into the driver's seat and quickly unlocked the doors. As Mon leapt into the back, both women heard a painful bellow amid the blasterfire. Peering up through her rearview mirror, Bavetta watched as a droid's heavy laser struck Garm in the chest. The scorching blast seared his heart on impact, killing him instantly. His body struck the pavement with a tumultuous thud, causing tears to swell in Bavetta's eyes.
Mon clutched her seat cushions as her surviving chauffeur had no time to mourn. "Hold on, ma'am!" Bavetta yelled while sending the limo in full reverse. The ship's repulsors screeched under such sporadic pressure. Bavetta quickly swerved the vehicle at an angle, opening its rightmost doors for Anna and the Deathchasers. "Get in!" she shouted over the intensifying blasts. "Come on!" Unwilling to lose anyone else, Bavetta tried drifting the limo even closer.
"Go!" Anna ordered her men as they backed out one by one. Each trooper covered the other until only Anna was left batting away lasers in the smoke.
"We're good!" Blazer shouted while firing from an open door. "Run for it, general!"
"Kriffing-" Anna cursed and bolted back. Blaster bolts darted overhead and ricocheted against the pavement. The battle had only begun and it felt like her arms could fall off from so many deflections. Deactivating her lightsaber, Anna dove headfirst into the seats while Sparx slammed the door behind her.
"Fly!" Blazer shouted as lasers struck the doors. "Fly! Fly!" Bavetta had no planned direction. Instead she merely floored it upward, launching the limo into Coruscant's ensuing chaos.
The attack at Walroy Plaza was only the beginning. From what the limo's occupants could see, it was as if the entire city was under attack. Droid fighters and dropships were descending across every district in sight while Republic forces were racing to respond. Skylane control was nonexistent and speeders were buzzing about like lost insects. If they miraculously didn't crash into one another, many were shot to pieces by Separatist invaders. Hundreds upon thousands of civilians fled the streets. They darted into bombarded buildings, taking their chances if it meant avoided being strafed on an open sidewalk.
"I don't understand," Bavetta panted while weaving through the air. "How could this happen? How could they get through?"
"No idea," Anna huffed. "But now's no time to play detective." After recollecting herself, Anna's military side returned in full force. "Don't even bother with the Senate Building and surrounding area. They'll likely be the first targets in this attack."
"Perrin," Mon uttered. "My husband is still-"
"Respectfully, ma'am-" Anna asserted. "My priority is you right now. And I must trust that the Coruscant Guard is doing it's job like I am doing mine. I want you to move to the middle seat, tighten your seatbelt as much as you can, and stay down. Cover your ears if you must because it's gonna get noisy." The limo took a sharp turn as several explosions shook a nearby skyscraper. Clinging to her seat, Anna steadied herself. "Bavetta, get us to the nearest security bunker. Keep heading towards a pair of chromium skyscrapers in this district and you'll find it." If it's still standing, Anna dreadfully thought to herself. But she had to remain mentally sound in front of her peers. They were counting on her to lead them out of the madness, even as she tried to make sense of it. "Brothers," she told her troopers. "Smash out the windows and provide defensive fire." She turned to Mon and mumbled, "Sorry, senator." As if the countless blaster holes weren't already enough damage in her limo, the Deathchasers proceeded to break the windows nearest to them. By doing so, they turned the vehicle into a makeshift war transport. Each trooper blasted away at any droids who dared to take a shot at the limo. That was...if they could even line up a shot.
Due to the ongoing insanity, Bavetta had to keep swerving and spiraling while she kept the chromium buildings in sight. "I can get us there!" she grunted. "Hold on!" Bavetta dodged every incoming threat, banking hard when an airspeeder frantically changed lanes. Moments later, an ARC-170 was seen chasing droid fighters dangerously close to street level. The sight was tame compared to what resided just ahead. For as Bavetta guided the limo onward, she found herself shrouded in darkness. In fact, the entire street was quickly getting engulfed by a massive shadow. Emerging from the clouds, the pointed tip of a flaming Venator came diving towards the city. One of too many casualties from the space battle above, the entire Star Destroyer had become a flaming projectile in Coruscant's atmosphere.
"Karabast!" Bavetta yelled while pulling a hard left. Her maneuver had unbuckled passengers swishing across the back while Mon death-gripped her seat. One crash was good enough, and hearing out of control engines warped her back to her assassination attempt. Any attempt for the senator to focus on deep breathing was skewered by the gigantic explosion beside them. It was enough to have her hunching forward as the Star Destroyer collided with a skyscraper. No scream permeated the sounds of toppling edifices and blasterfire. With that collision alone, Mon couldn't fathom how high the death toll would skyrocket to.
Bavetta's sharp turn proved fruitful to avoid the crash, but her evasion had put her in range of an elevated walkway. The likes of which had already been taken over by a battalion of droids. While the majority of its forces descended from an incline, several units took it upon themselves to fire at the limo. With the droids aiming at the front, Anna and the Deathchasers were powerless from their positions. Several lasers blasted through the windscreen, startling Mon as she kept her head down. But while most lasers left a trail across the glass and cushions, the final trio landed hits on Bavetta. The chauffeur grunted and collapsed against the controls.
Altitude warnings blared as the limo took a complete nosedive towards the street. "Brace!" Anna warned and shifted across the seats. While the Deathchasers and Mon held on for dear life, Anna unleashed a brief Force pull on the controls. While she didn't have enough focus to maintain a grip on them, Anna managed to take the limo out of a nosedive. Instead it skidded across the duracrete pavement, jostling those onboard until it ultimately struck a parked vehicle's edge. The final hit had the limo flipping over with repulsors fully damaged.
Even a sacred and mighty structure like the Jedi Temple wasn't free of collateral damage. The sanctuary's outer foundations quaked, sending tremors rattling within. Jedi of all ages dashed across its sacred halls while droid ships zipped by the windows. Temple guards established perimeters, guiding younger Jedi to safety. Clan masters led their younglings to the lower levels while knights rallied to defend. An overwhelming hiss filled the air as a plethora of lightsabers sparked throughout the atrium.
In the temple's hidden sanctuary, Master Yelena secured her Padawan in the gardens and sealed the doors behind them. Gripping her saber, she glanced back at the worried child and said, "Don't worry, Grogu...I have you."
"Guards!" Cin Drallig commanded from the temple's courtyard entrance. With a swish of his green blade, he gathered his non-Force sensitive security forces. "To me!"
"That was an order!" Lyn barked. "Not a suggestion. Move it!" Thrusting her arm towards the courtyard, she ushered the rest of the guards into formation. Kristoff and Sven gripped their rifles tightly before falling in line. "Now or never!" Lyn shouted. "Fight for Coruscant! Fight for your home!"
"Master Drallig!" Mattias beckoned while exiting the courtyard. With his saber at the ready, he was flanked by Tori Vica and Vedkan Nublar. "Need some extra sabers?"
Cin's eyes narrowed on the trio before observing the ravaged cityscape. "The people need our help," he said. "But our temple's defenses must hold."
"Stay with your sentinels here," Mattias assured. "We can lead the guards into the city."
"May the Force be with you," Cin affirmed. "Master Yoda and Master Windu are leading a defense in the upper city."
"Then we'd best help the Commerce District," Mattias said and dipped his saber towards the flaming buildings beyond the courtyard.
Anna stirred to the darkness of her mind's eye. She felt her face plastered against a seat cushion as she slowly twisted her body.
"-a!"
The ringing in her ears was unsettling, and accompanied by a cluster of muffled bursts. As she tried getting up, her armor pinched her folded limbs.
"An-a!"
As she opened her eyes, she found herself cramped against a dented portion of the smashed limousine. Flames crackled outside while shards of glass still dropped from the windows. Explosions thundered down the street, shaking the vehicle's fragile remnants. As her sound and vision returned, she felt a gloved hand snatch her arm from the door.
"Anna!" Blazer shouted again as she snapped out of her daze. "Get up! Hurry!" Shaking her head, she pushed up as Blazer pulled her out of the wreckage. "We've got more droids inbound!" Once they climbed out, Anna was exposed to the full sounds of open warfare in the streets. She looked up as a wrist rocket collided with one of the skyscrapers, sending rubble spewing downward.
"Senator Mothma," Speedy pleaded while Sparx climbed off of the limo. "Senator, we have to go!"
"No," Mon uttered while leaning into the destroyed driver's seat. "No no no..." Realizing she wouldn't budge, Anna took it upon herself to crawl over and grab the senator's arm. She was about to pull when she noticed what exactly Mon was looking at. Bavetta lay pinned against the broken dashboard. Her aching, wheezy breaths were torturous to the ears as she succumbed to her blaster wounds. Blood trickled from each glass fragment embedded in her face as Mon desperately reached for her. "No," Mon croaked and held Bavetta's hand, all the way until her final breath. The senator's eyes reddened as she uttered, "She shouldn't have been here. She and Garm came...because of me."
"Hey-" Anna intervened.
"They could've stayed on Chandrila-"
"Hey!" Anna snapped, regaining Mon's attention. "They gave their lives for you," she asserted. "Do you want it all to be for nothing?" Mon slowly shook her head as Anna continued. "Then keep it together, senator. Now is not the time to fall apart."
"Here they come!" Sparx warned as another wave of battle droids marched in from around the corner.
"Bavetta's gone," Anna implored to Mon. "She's gone. Now I'd like to very much keep you alive...but that's only gonna happen if we get off the street. Do you understand?" Mon's brief nod was good enough for her. "Right then," Anna said and helped Mon off of the crashed limo. "Deathchasers, bring the smoke!"
"Popping smoke!" Speedy reiterated while unclipping a smoke grenade. His brothers followed suit as they tossed the explosives and blanketed the area in a powdery mist. Being hardly effected by the smoke, the battle droids pressed on and fired their lasers straight through. As the firefight intensified, Anna led Mon Mothma and her team into the nearest alley...hoping it wasn't a dead end.
Watcher was no stranger to a rapid flow of information. Over the years, she'd trained herself to feel less pressured as more notifications came in from across the galaxy. Having positioned the Guardian in an undisturbed portion of Republic space, Watcher could operate with a sound mind while her and her team received intelligence. As she glared at readouts from the Outer Rim on her holotable, a scarlet blip reflected off of her glasses. Watcher's dark brows furrowed and she squinted towards the blip as it suddenly multiplied. Contrary to most alerts, this cluster emanated from the Core Worlds. So much so, that Watcher called up her most trusted clone officer.
"Spenz," she beckoned and the clone was quick to rise from his computer. "We may have a glitch on the primary holotable," she murmured. "Because if that's accurate, over a thousand alerts have just ignited from the capital."
Even Spenz narrowed his skeptical eyes. "I can run a diagnostic, because the numbers are only climbing," he said. Watcher stared down the table as a swarm of red filled the area. Before Spenz could begin his analysis, a call suddenly came through to one of the Guardian's listening posts.
"Ma'am!" a clone hollered. "We have a distress signal from Coruscant!" Watcher couldn't even respond before multiple clones were suddenly flooded with calls.
"Got one over here!"
"Urgent call!"
"What-" Watcher whispered as her gaze darted back to the holotable. Her heart sank, as the reality of those red blips dawned upon her. "Forget the diagnostic, Spenz. Patch me in to Colonel Roze at Starpoint."
"On it," Spenz calculated while even more calls spewed across the computers.
It almost felt as though the Guardian would burst with such a frantic input of information. Its radio dishes whirred, processing the mass of calls coming in. Voices were so loud, that Watcher could hear both panic and blasterfire through the headsets. "Today, Spenz!" she snapped. "Today!"
"I can't reach him!" the clone shouted back. "In fact, we've lost contact with Starpoint altogether!"
Impatience got the best of Watcher as she stormed up to the nearest computer. Without warning, she yanked off an officer's headset and put it on herself. "Who is this?" she asked.
"Captain Fordo," a stern clone answered over the sounds of laserfire. "Active leader of the Sector Four defense."
"Sector Four def-" Watcher stammered. "What is going on down there?"
"The droids are pushing their advance-" Fordo explained before breaking to return fire. "-can't see how far back this goes from here. Looking at several battalions making their way downtown. Marching fast. Starpoint has fallen, we're on our own." Watcher's eyes widened as Fordo's voice intensified. "Sector Four needs reinforcements! We are being overrun! Repeat! We are being over-"
"Captain?" Watcher called back. "Captain!" The ensuing static had her slamming the headset down and approaching the holotable to reassess. While part of her wanted to break down the logistical improbability of Coruscant being invaded, her reality proved otherwise. Endless hours of sleep deprived scanning and listening for threats seemed meaningless. For somehow...Separatist forces had managed to do the one thing Watcher and countless others had been trying to prevent.
There had to have been a mole, she thought. Someone to divulge hyperspace routes and get them in close. There's no way they could've taken our capital by surprise. As much as she couldn't resist trying to wrap her head around it, the people of Coruscant needed her. Most of all, the Supreme Chancellor needed her. And if she didn't act quickly to get the situation under control, this would be the beginning of the end.
Author's Note:Thank you so much for reading this week's installment of "The Frozen Force!" It is my honor and joy to entertain you all as always. And so begins our five-part finale for Season:4. Thank you for your continued support and I'll see you next Friday, December 2nd for Chapter: 117 - The Beginning of the End (Part II)!
Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with You!
~ Michael Gavilán