Chapter Four: Twilight of the Jedi
"So Grievous has made it to Utapau." Master Windu sighed. "Even without Dooku, the war cannot end until he his destroyed or captured."
"Reality, unfortunately this is." Master Yoda replied. Artus looked across at the hologram of the Jedi Grandmaster and recalled his days as youngling under his tutelage. That felt like a lifetime ago. Yoda smiled at him, sensing his discomfort. Artus had been to military briefings before but never attended a meeting of the entire Jedi War Council. It was difficult not to be overwhelmed by the powerful presence of the full assembly.
"We should push forward with the Outer Rim Sieges, so Grievous has flewer places to turn." said Master Topal. Just as Yoda, the Lasat Jedi appeared as a hologram. "And what of Maul? If he escapes the Siege of Mandalore he may align with the Separatists."
"Hmm." Yoda scratched his chin. "A possibility this is. Secure Dathomir, we should." Artus shuddered at the thought of Dathomir. He had heard of the witches rumoured to live there. He felt Barran's hand on his shoulder, and looked to see his master give him a look of assurance. "Master Malicos," Yoda continued, "to Dathomir, you will go."
"Yes master." Master Malicos replied. "But we still must find the Separatist leadership. Even with the military defeated, the political leadership will be hard to pacify."
"Agreed." Master Windu turned to face Artus and Barran. "Master Zendak, take Tau Squad and prepare to head to Serenno. With Dooku gone, a successor may try and claim his position as leader to the Separatist Senate. Artus, go with him. However, await confirmation that from General Kenobi that Grievous has been engaged before departing. We don't want to be presumptuous."
"Yes Master." Replied Barran. "I'll prep the squad and wait for your signal."
The days spent awaiting orders were restless. Artus tried to mediate, but his thoughts were fraught with a sense of an oncoming darkness. He knew that the Separatists were weakening and peace could come soon. Barran passed the time with rigorous study of Republic Intelligence briefings. The Rodian had kept a close eye on the Outer Rim Sieges, desperately waiting for confirmation that General Kenobi had reached Utapau. Sarge had recovered, although he now sported a cybernetic eye and ear amongst the scarring to his face. Bridge modified the squad's armour to include booster packs for space combat. Ryth and Parsec kept to themselves; despite the death of Count Dooku the squad were cautious about approaching Serenno. Finally, after what seemed like a mundane eternity of preparation, the long awaiting transmission.
"General Zendak." A crackly voice came from the commlink on the Jedi's belt. Barran lifted it to his mouth. "Come in, General Barran."
"This is General Zendak. Report?"
"Thank you sir. This is Commander Cody of the two-twelfth. I have just informed General Windu of the situation on Utapau. General Kenobi has engaged General Grievous and we have begun our attack."
"Thank you Commander." The hologram deactivated with a flicker and a buzz. Barran turned to his comrades. "It is time. Gear up and move out." A sense of relief flooded Artus's mind; a mission provided an ironic calm amongst the chaos of the war. He reached out with the Force and pulled his lightsaber to his belt. R9 plugged into a nearby LAAT gunship, and Tau Squad departed Coruscant.
The gunship hurtled into the upper atmosphere. Despite the carnage of the Separatist attack, the skies above Coruscant were remarkably clear. The silence as the ship breached the boundaries of space reminded Artus of a time before the Clone Wars. A time of peace and tranquillity. Little had he known of the conflict bubbling under the surface.
"LAAT transport, this is the Avenger. We will be your support." R9 projected a hologram of a Star Destroyer as a voice emitted from the comms.
"Acknowledged." Replied Barran. He turned to the squad leader. "Sarge, plug your helmet into the comms system so we can listen for any reports from Utapau."
"Yes General." The commando removed his helmet. Despite his injuries, Artus was amazed at how Sarge could hold his stoic stance. Sarge noticed his gaze. "Don't worry commander! I only look like half a clanker!" Artus smiled.
"I don't know cap," said Ryth with a chuckle, "I think you got uglier."
"Hey! We all share a face. And I think I look rather dashing." Exclaimed Parsec. Despite the laughter and comradery, Artus felt a sense of unease come across him. He looked to his master.
"I know Artus. I sense it too." Barran spoke calmly, but Artus could sense the tension in his master. Something felt wrong. He closed his eyes to focus; the dark side of the Force felt like a river coursing all around him. It ebbed and flowed in a way he could not truly comprehend. A jolt from the ship snapped him from his thoughts. Artus opened his eyes to see his master raise his hand to his face. The comms crackled as thousands of messages were beamed across the Galaxy. R9 whirred as the ship was guided closer to the Avenger. But all of a sudden, the comms went silent. The frenzy of information dissipated. Suddenly, a sinister voice cut through the quiet across all Republic frequencies.
"Execute Order 66."