Chapter 36 - Operation Anvil (1/2)
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Interlude
GR: ”Second Geonosis? Yes, that name brings back some memories. It was a trap. Just like Ryloth, at least that was the Sep's plan. Even before the Skywalker Affair, the CIS had placed bait we couldn't refuse on that world. A massive factory complex to produce an experimental class of war droids was nearing completion there. For our enemies, it was a way to leverage one of their strengths – the mass production of troops. Once online, that single site could shift the balance of power even further in the CIS' favour.
Further, in the months since the war began, the Separatists fortified the whole world to a such a degree that any attack would bleed us dry. Defence belts that incorporated kilometres thick trench lines, thousands of heavily armoured and sometimes shielded bunkers, extensive minefields ... Whole mountains turned into veritable fortresses...Not to mention strong theatre shields over all critical locations...
All that and more, was manned by three whole army groups in addition to the natives forces. The conservative estimate was that at least two million plus droids waited for us down there. That is, if the Navy could actually fight its way through the CIS space forces and get us into that meat-grinder.”
TL: ”While a lot was said and written about the Geonosis Campaign, I would like to know about something that was missed by the spotlight during the war. Many people saw attacking Geonosis as a fools' errand. Something that the Republic armed forces simply couldn't pull off at the time and as you said yourself, the place was set up as a trap. Do you know how the powers that be reached the decision to attack, General Rex? How the Skywalker Affair affected that decision if at all?”
GR: ”How Veil and Valentra convinced the Chancellor to green-light the operation you mean? Yes Geonosis was a trap, one that even in the best case scenario would cost us too much in men and equipment. Though let me say something else first. What happened with the Skywalkers had no bearing on the decision to attack. The plans and necessary forces were already in place before that debackle. If anything, it just moved the timetable up a bit.”
TL: ”So Operation Anvil would have gone down anyway?”
GR: ”Yes. The reason is simple. Where most people saw a lethal enemy stronghold, one that would prove too costly to take, General Veil saw an opportunity. Every enemy advantage I spoke about, well he saw that too... However, he had a different point of view. Those massive enemy forces? Three whole army groups, conveniently gathered in one place to be destroyed. Most of those heavily defended places all around Geonosis? Heh...”
Excerpt from interview given by General Rex
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Part 1
Temporary Chancellor's Office
Location Classified
”Absolutely not! It's too dangerous!” Skywalker snapped.
Palpatine smiled at the people in his office in a grandfatherly way. ”I agree with Anakin, my Jedi friends. Risking a Senator's life in such a way...” he trailed off, sadly shaking his head.
At the same time, behind his mental shields and gentle mask, Sidious was almost cackling with glee. He had some problems that might just solve themselves with a bit of improvisation. As a bonus, he could create a permanent rift between Anakin and the Jedi... Perhaps between the boy and Veil as well.
All the while, removing someone who had been a long time thorn in his side. The most amusing part was, that all he had to do was let his ”friends” be themselves.
”That's not for any of you to decide!” Padme snapped at them both.
Just as expected.
”Senator Amidala... Padme. I've been your friend for many years. Please trust me in this. The stunt proposed by the Jedi Council, while having good intentions at its core, is less than wise. Granted, the negotiations on Cato Neimodia are important...”
”If there is any chance to prevent the further use of biological weapons in this war it is worth it! Even the Intelligence agencies agree, after the outcry the Separatist's Council want to stop this madness from repeating itself!”
”That doesn't mean that you should be going, Senator!” Anakin pleaded.
Sidious almost sneered at Skywalker's display of weakness. That woman was holding back his potential next apprentice and Sidious would relish disposing off her when her demise would have the greatest impact. Which, if everything went well would be soon.
”Skywalker! Don't give me this! Not after everything that happened on Naboo and even here on Coruscant! Besides, if Clovis used to support the Separatists we need to know! If he still has contacts there, it could prove invaluable!”
That was the second reason she would want to go. Thanks to her misguided principles, Palpatine was convinced that Amidala would try to bring her old friend back to the side of the Republic. Such a naïve girl. After the bio-weapon's attack, Clovis' support for the CIS was a death sentence if it went public, which with little blackmail and manipulation made sure that the man would serve one last purpose. After all, Palpatine couldn't allow one of his pawns to walk away when he had a change of heart.
”Unless I place you under house arrest, you would be going, aren't you?” Palpatine spoke, letting a tinge of resignation enter his voice.
Padme fixed him with her piercing gaze.
”Fine! At least take some precautions!” he seemingly capitulated.
”Chancellor!” Skywalker exclaimed.
”What? You should know this young lady well enough by now, my friend. When she set's her mind on something, there is no stopping her.”
”Men!” Padme grumbled.
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GAR Special Operations Command C&C
Location Classified
Coruscant
”No rest for us, eh?” Fixer mumbled.
”Boss! That can't be right! We aren't babysitters!” Sev whɨnėd.
”I'm not amused either, brothers. Nevertheless, our orders stand. We are to make a covert insertion at Cato Neimodia, and provide over-watch on one particular senator from the delegation which is there to sign a treaty banning the further use of biological agents for the duration of the war.”
”Who's the lucky guy?” Scorch asked.
”Gal. Senator Amidala.”
Fixer whistled. ”That's one tough girl.”
”Oh, great. The danger magnet...” Sev mȯȧnėd. ”She's always on the news after getting in some kind of scrap! How are we supposed to keep her out of trouble?!”
”We aren't. Delta squad and as yet unnamed ȧssets will be there in case everything gets kriffed beyond any hope, in General Veil's words. In such a case we are to grab her and get the hell out at any cost. Those orders are straight from the General.”
”Is she his girlfriend or something?” Scorch asked.
”It doesn't matter. We have our orders. Now finish checking your gear. We are heading for the shooting range in five!” Boss ordered.
”Yes, sir!” three voices snapped in unison.
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”Emerald Light” Restaurant
Atton' Tower
Corellia
”General Veil, it's my honour to introduce you to Diktat Shyla Merricope!” Bel Iblis declared with a flourish.
I gave a respectful bow to the leader of Corellia's people.
”Governor-General Merricope, it is pŀėȧsurė to meet you. I've heard a lot of good things about you from this reprobate!” I smiled and nodded towards Iblis who chuckled in turn.
The Diktat answered with a well practised smile of her own, continuing the little performance for the media we were all performing. It was the way the game was played and we all had to walk through the motions, to reassure the populace that all was as well as could be expected and we all were a bunch of good friends.
Which meant that we spent about twenty minutes making small talk, mingling with Corellia's dignitaries and making the newsies' day; all while, the stern faced men and women from CorSec who were responsible for the gala's protection had to wonder who if any of the guests, restaurant's personnel or mingling reporters might be enemy spies or ȧssassins.
While the locals were some of the better security forces in the galaxy, if I actually needed protection (heh with my luck what were the odds of that?!), the role of my bodyguard would fall to the gleaming black droid which was spending the evening behind me.
Yeah. I had brought an Assassin droid among Corellia's elite and none was the wiser. Sue me.
To be honest, right then and there I was temped to let HK go on a little killing spree. We, and by that I mean, the Diktat, Iblis and me, were surrounded by a bunch of Corellian corporate sharks, who were bombarding us with hints how their respective mega-corps could prove invaluable ȧssistance to the Republic in her hour of need. With a pair of clowns actually dropping none too subtle hints that if any lucrative contracts went their way I might find myself considerably richer.
If the imbeciles weren't so blunt and making such an offer in public, I might have considered it. If they could actually prove useful for my Army and Navy, then that would be great. Besides, I could always use more funds for my black ops budget. That's why I made a mental note to meet later with the corporation representatives who appeared to know what they were doing.
”I hear you ran into some kind of trouble at the Spaceport, General?” the Diktat inquired, after we managed to ex-filtrate ourselves from the corporate flunkies' clutches.
”All things considered, it was a fortunate accident, I admit.” I chuckled.
”A little rascal trying to pickpocket you? How's that fortunate, Delkatar?” Gram asked.
”Well, you see...”
=RK=
Flashback
Earlier that day
”Lacrisca” Spaceport
Corellia
I've arrived on Corellia a few hours before the rest of my party, something that pissed off Commodore Pellaeon and my security detail. However, that wasn't particularly big concern right now. I was reasonably sure that I could finish what I came to do and be back by the time my official visit started.
”Let's go, HK,” I said.
The pitch black droid which accompanied me turned his head towards me and nodded once. While he could be mistaken for an archaic looking protocol droid, an actually competent counterpart of C-3PO, my oldest surviving friend was anything but. He was a lethal machine created by the best Empire engineers...and then, once I stumbled upon him below the Jedi Temple, upgraded with what passed for cutting edge technology in this day and age.
”Its been a long time, master. Do you think there's anything left?” HK asked.
”There is a monument for those fallen in the war near the site of our last battle here. It will have to do.”
”I still can't believe that we lost that war!” HK whɨnėd, his head dropping down.
”We really didn't. Not exactly. By the time the Empire collapsed into civil war, the Old Republic had been all but defeated.”
”So they got lucky.”
I finished shuttling down and securing the shuttle before heading back outside, followed by the quiet Assassin droid.
Setting my feet back on Corellian soil was strange. The last time I was here, during the war, I was leading my forces into capturing this world. Successfully at that. That particular information wasn't something I wanted spread far and wide. It would create some political troubles I didn't need.
The spaceport itself was what I was expecting. A busy place making even the most heavily used airport on earth look like a calm lake in comparison. The place was packed with people, and while it had heavy CorSec presence, I could move virtually unnoticed. Just another traveller minding his own business and his droid. No sire, nothing to see here!
My outfit, which was a plain grey cloak, and with its hood hiding my face probably helped in that regard.
Everything was going so well, I believed for a moment that I just might be able to reach the memorial site of those fallen during The War without incident.
Silly me.
What happened was certainly unexpected. As one could guess, no one was dumb enough to try it ever since I became a Sith, while before that I had nothing to be stolen from me. So when a kid, no older than twelve, ”accidentally” bumped into me and deftly tried to swipe the contents of my pockets, I was one very surprised Force Adept.
My first reaction was to grab his shoulder before the little reprobate could try getting away and then to slap him upon the head for being this foolish. Before I could do anything but catch him, the boy looked up, giving me fierce glare.
”The Force really works in mysterious ways, youngling.” I laughed.
The kid's features were unmistakable, especially when not too long ago I had met Captain Jolee Solo in person.
”Don't even think about it!” I ordered and the kid flinched, but remained still. I was sure that the little menace was contemplating kicking me in the shins and running away. ”I'll make an educated guess. Your name is Han.”
The way his eyes widened was all the answer I needed.
”What seems to be the problem, sir?” a CorSec officer with sergeant's stripes walked towards us and asked.
”This one tried to pickpocket me. Quite deftly too.”
”Ah. Another one of those. Well take care of the problem, sir.”
”That won't be necessary officer. I'll handle it.” I said, reinforcing my voice with the Force.
”That won't be necessary. You'll handle it,” he repeated like a broken recorder, shook his head and walked away.
Han's eyes narrowed at me and he suddenly went limp in my hand. ”You are a Jedi, right?” he mȯȧnėd. ”Stupid, stupid, stupid!” he started chanting.
”The only fool here is whoever put you to this stunt. Your place is at school and you'll be going there soon enough.”
”What?!” Han exclaimed, with a horrified expression on his face. As if I just declared that I was going to kill him or something. Kids...
Flashback End
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”Emerald Light” Restaurant
Atton' Tower
Corellia
”What do you intend to do with the kid?” asked a new voice. It belonged to someone quite powerful in the Force. A local Jedi who had been lurking around the restaurant and remained far away from me until now.
”Reunite him with his uncle, once Jolee arrives here and make arrangements that he goes back to school. So you are one of the infamous Green Jedi. I haven't yet the honour of meeting one of your kind. It's a pŀėȧsurė, my lady.” I smiled at the woman.
She was looking great in her form fitting green robes, which were actually designed by someone who knew what he was doing in contrast to what most of the Jedi I knew wore. Her short black hair was tastefully framing her face, giving the illusion of a halo of all things. Further, from what I could sense, she wasn't attempting to suppress her emotions. Oh, she was shielding her mind and feelings as well as she could, but it was obvious. Yet, she wasn't letting her emotions to control her, just the opposite. She was in complete control of them, at least for now.
Just moments after actually meeting one of the local Jedi, and paying attention to her, they had got my attention. A Jedi who might be actually competent!
”I'm afraid I'm at disadvantage, my lady. General Delkatar Veil at your services.”
”Jedi Knight Scerra Halcyon,” her voice was calm, betraying nothing of what she felt. Her soft brown eyes were fixed on my face, studying me in return.
My eyes widened at that. I had to deal with a few people bearing that name in the past, during the war. Needless to say, they were major pains in my ȧss. Let's hope she wont be the same.
”It's a pŀėȧsurė, Knight Halcyon. Pray tell, would it be possible for me to visit the Green Temple during this trip?” I asked, showing none of the eagerness I felt at the prospect. If she was anything to judge her fellows by, they were people I wanted to meet.
”It's not up to me,” Scerra shrugged. ”I will rely your wish to the Jedi Masters and we'll see.”
”Fair enough,” I beamed. It was better that what I had any right to expect.
”I believe that Delkatar meeting our own Jedi would be a splendid idea!” the Dictat exclaimed. ”On that note, now that Corellia is officially in the war, would you ȧssist us?”
”That much I can confirm, yes,” Halcyon said. ”However, most of us aren't trained as leaders of troops. We would do better leading small strike teams or acting as advisers and diplomats.”
My smile widened at that. The Green Jedi were also well aware of their capabilities and weakness. That immediately made me even more interested in them while I raised the potential threat level they represented.
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Senator Lott Dod Residence
Cato Neimodia
In the biggest ballroom in Dod's residence, five Republic representatives mingled with some of their CIS counterparts. Even in those perilous times, diplomacy had its own pace and rules. The Grand Gala the politicians were attending was something that was more or less inevitable. They had to show to the media and the masses that they could actually act civilized towards each other at the party.
The host, Senator Dod was staying near one of the walls, from where he could see all of his Republic guests. Lott's eyes were fixed on one particular woman, who was wearing a stunning white gown. Neither the way he looked at her or his carefully blank expression betrayed his true feelings. He respected and loathed Amidala in equal measures. The way she had turned the tables during that ill thought invasion of Naboo had consequences with which he had to deal with up until the start of the war. On the other hand, it was rare to meet political opponents who not only had principles but stood by them, come fire or high tide.
He almost regretted what was about to happen. Almost.
Meanwhile, Padme was dancing with Rush Clovis, laughing dutifully at one of his jokes. Under different circumstances she might have even enjoyed herself, but knowing that the man in whose arms she currently was had supported the monsters who poisoned Naboo was making her sick. Yet, for the sake of their old friendship, she was willing to give him a chance to make it right.
Still, in order to do that she needed to talk with him face to face, without unfriendly ears around. Padme believed that she had recreated their old friendship to a good enough degree for a frank conversation to work. And if not, well it wasn't like Rush was dumb enough to try anything during such a high level meeting.
At the same time, Anakin was seething inside. He was sealed within a clone trooper armor, pretending to be one of the honour guard present for the negotiations. That kriffing hutspawn was laying his hands on his Angel! All he could do was grit his teeth and hope that the bastard would give him an excuse, any excuse to go after him.
That and to blame the Jedi Council for placing his wife in such a position! She shouldn't be on Neimodia of all places!
Anakin had a very bad feeling about this stunt they were forced to participate in...
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Commercial building near Senator Dod's residence
Cato Neimodia
”Boss, Spectre Actual, we have a problem. At least a platoon of commando droids is moving on the floor above the ballroom,” Sev said in his comm.
”Copy that. We are ready to provide ȧssistance,” If Boss felt any apprehension, his voice didn't show it.
”Affirmative. Our ride out is ready and my men are in position. Just give the word and we will deploy.”
”Do you have eyes on the Senator?” Boss asked.
”Just a moment. She is in the far eastern corner of the ballroom. Kriff. Enemies confirmed! Deploy, deploy, deploy!” Sev shouted.
By the time he acquired his first target and pressed the trigger, all hell was already breaking loose within Dod's residence.
Part 2
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Senator Dod's Residence
Cato Neimodia
Senator Lott looked over the ȧssembled guests, anticipation shining in his eyes. It was almost time. Soon, very soon his ballroom would be a site of a tragic slaughter. One that will claim certain members of the CIS Council. The weak minded fools who plotted the Confederation's downfall!
Even now, when he had seen certain proof of their treason, he could scarcely believe it. Those beings had to be insane! Couldn't they think about the big picture?! They planned not only a treaty to ban the further use of bio-weapons for the duration of the war, something he could agree with, but to eventually try for a peaceful settlement.
Damned idiots! Didn't they comprehend that after everything that had happened, the Republic wouldn't settle for anything less than death sentences or lifetime imprisonment for all of the current CIS leadership? That was pure madness, even if they were responsible for the debacles on Naboo or Coruscant, the rightful leaders of the Confederacy wouldn't surrender themselves to the enemy's mercy. Considering that they were not to blame for those atrocities, the CIS leaders were not going to take the fall. They now knew that there was a third, shadow player in the galactic war so that was who would be blamed for tonight's massacre.
Besides, at least this way the Council's soon to be vacant seats would be filled with people who knew that the CIS and its leadership had only two choices. Victory or Death.
Dod's train of thought came to a screeching halt when he saw one of the clone honor guards dart through the crowd. Before he could react, one of the ballroom's doors splintered, showering the guests with pieces of carved wood.
”Padme!” someone screamed.
The shout was drowned out by the distinct roar of concussion grenades. Lott was thrown down by a nearby detonation. He hit the ground hard, the overpressure wave driving the air of his lungs. The Senator gasped for air and ġrȯȧnėd when he felt sharp pain in his ribs. He cursed quietly and decided that it would be safer to remain down and looked around. Many of the guests were on the ground, stunned or worse, others were paralyzed with shock, while some were trying to escape.
Meanwhile, the Republic Honor Guards and his own security detail, consisting of few Super Battle droids and B1's started shooting at each other and the attackers. The sudden battle looked surreal, a feeling strengthened by the ringing in his ears, which robbed him of all other sounds for the time being.
Pure madness, just as planned!
Dod had a few more moments to stare at the deadly spectacle, before one Commando droid pointed its gun his way. The Senator's eyes widened. He opened his mouth to shout, but his scream didn't have time to manifest. Three rapid energy bolts silenced him forever.
=RK=
If a Force Adept laid eyes upon Anakin Skywalker during the Gala, she would have seen a pillar of smoldering, bȧrėly controlled anger. All evening the Jedi had fought against his rising hatred towards Rush Clovis, all the while his heart was being undermined by jealousy. The way that huttspawned bastard was looking at his wife, the way he held her during their latest, slow and sensual dance... It made Anakin see red. The worst of all, was that Padme appeared to enjoy herself. She was constantly smiling, laughing at that kriffing traitors jokes...
A part of Anakin's psyche was whispering that Padme was just playing a role, just as she did countless times as a politician. Yet, there was something else. A darker, alluring presence that was gaining strength within him. Some times he could almost hear it whispering too, though right now he didn't need to know the words it would say in his ears. The dealing coming from the darkness gathering around him were clear. It was pure, undiluted hatred and anger. It would be so easy to stretch himself through the Force and snap Clovis' neck. Though that would be too easy...
Anakin shook his head in attempt to clear his mind. The darkness surrounding him subsided a bit. To Skywalker it looked like it was disappointed that he didn't grasp the Force and obliterate Clovis.
Then everything stilled. Anakin could feel the Force tensing, as if preparing for something. The world around him appeared to slow down, the guests moving like through thick syrup. He could sense approaching danger, though not it precise bearing or target.
Skywalker cursed, while the shadows surrounding his very being appeared to be laughing at him. He had lost his situational awareness while moping under his armor. The darkness had distracted him. Deceived him.
Anakin's eyes few on his wife, who was still dancing with Clovis, though by now they were almost at the other side of the huge room. Skywalker cursed again and strode towards his wife, using the Force to somewhat gently part the crowd blocking his path.
He couldn't believe how foolish he had been. Veil had warned him that while the Dark Side offered great power, to flirt with it brought equally great danger. Especially for someone who had been trained as a Jedi all his life. Yet, Anakin simply couldn't help it. There were dark places in his heart born from his childhood as a slave. More often than not, the anger came to him uncalled and the Dark Side and its temptation followed suit.
At least now, he had some concept of what was happening when his emotions ran amok as it was happening that evening. So he had a better chance to resist the darkness within himself and not let it rule him.
All those thoughts came to a screeching halt, when the Force screamed with warning. Whatever was going to go down was happening right now and he was still far away from Padme!
The heavy doors at the far end of the ballroom splintered, wood shards racing on the heels of a raging shock wave. Skywalker had a great view of his wife. Of the way the explosion picked her and Clovis up and threw them on the floor under a rain of smoking debris.
”Padme!” Anakin shouted and raced forward.
The Force and the warning she sent his way was the only reason Skywalker survived in the next few seconds. He found himself charging straight into a killing field. The initial explosion had thrown the nearby guests on the ground, leaving him like a beacon for the attacking droids. Moments after retrieving his lightsaber from a secret compartment on his armor and igniting it, Anakin stepped amidst a barrage of concussion grenades.
In the last moment before their detonations, the Republic General used the Force to shove the explosives away. Instant later they detonated, bracketing him with the edges of their explosions. Even that would have been enough to stun a normal sentient being, however as a Jedi, Skywalker was made of sterner stuff.
He merely stumbled, nearly tripping over a downed Bith couple, before regaining sure footing and continuing his charge.
Straight into the sights of a whole platoon of Commando droids.
Anakin Skywalker was good with his lightsaber. One of the best the Jedi Order had. So it wasn't inconceivable that he could meet the odds stacked against him and live to tell the tale.
On the other hand, it wasn't the first time when the CIS droids had faced Jedi or Skywalker himself. The planners of the attack had known that he might be present and they had planned accordingly.
Mere seconds after the attack began, another Commando platoon entered the ballroom, by rappelling from the floor above, straight through the huge open windows of the ballroom. Ten of them few on Dod's security droids and the just reacting Republic Honour guard.
The rest concentrated on a single target and let loose with their blasters.
Skywalker saw the tide of crimson death heading his way a moment before the new droids opened fire. He had a split second to decide his course of action before being shot to pieces. For an instant he entertained the thought of vaulting forward and trying to reach Padme who was still down. However, even if he managed that, such an action would leave him with his back to the new enemies. Yet, to do anything but, would let the first contingent of attackers to reach her first.
Anakin snarled in frustration. The dark cloud which had surrounded him the whole evening flared with new intensity. The closest Commando droids crumbled like tin cans struck by war-hammer, when the Force eagerly responded to Anakin's dėsɨrė to see those machines erased from existence.
Yet their fellows were undeterred. Time was up. With a shout of anguish, Skywalker jumped backwards, avoiding the first shots of the droids behind him. He turned in such a way, that he could deflect the attacks from both forces.
A black painted droid towered over Padme. The machine knelt next to her and slammed a small device in her arm just before an invisible force hurled him away with enough strength to shatter it onto nearby wall.
Too far any to be of any more help, Anakin stiffened. He could feel it. Liquid agony racing through Padme's veins. Her body convulsing.
The pain seared all traces of dizziness she still felt and brought her back to the world of the living. Something she didn't appreciate. Her eyes opened wide and she screamed like a tortured soul.
The backslash shook Anakin to his very core. While he was aware of what was happening, it was a cold comfort. Somehow he was able to sense what she was feeling. It was agony beyond measure. Whatever that kriffing machine did to her, all her nerve endings were on fire, shooting pain signals to her brain.
It was pure torture.
”PADME!” Anakin screamed again and charged to her side, despite the droids targeting him.
It didn't matter. He deflected the shots from those near his wife, counting on the shields and the laminated armor he was wearing to tide him through.
That worked. Somewhat. The shields held long enough for him to cover half the distance, before blaster bolts struck his back and started carving up the medium armor he was encased in.
He was not going to make it.
That single thought cut its way through his clouded mind. It infuriated him beyond anything he had felt before. Padme laid over there, just beyond reach! Too far for him to help her... He snarled, the fury coiling around him and exploding outwards. It became corporeal, a manifestation of his raw emotions.
Then few things happened simultaneously. The back plate of his armor finally gave away under the onslaught, a weakened shot biting into his back. Anakin stumbled forward, but immediately straightened up and charged forward. Crimson tendrils of Darkness clung to his figure, absorbing the few shots that managed to hit him. For now he was moving much faster than humanly possible, throwing off the droids aim.
He screamed like a man possessed and struck the Commando droids like a whirlwind. His blade was azure blur, leaving scrapped machines in its wake.
Skywalker himself was exhilarated, revelling in the sudden sense of power. He was an untouchable! The damn droids fell under his onslaught as easy as practice targets! He laughed as he bisected a hapless Commando, deflected the shots of another back at it and decapitated a third.
Just like that, it was over. No one was shooting at him, something that felt rather disappointing. Skywalker frowned. He wasn't finished! He wanted, needed to destroy, to revel at the destruction of his enemies. He turned around, his eyes wildly looking for another victim.
As suddenly as it began, the power trip was over. The tendrils of ruby darkness surrounding him faded away and Anakin felt tired. So very tired. Unnatural cold seeped into his body and he felt chilled to the bones. Then what strength he had left, drained out of his body and he collapsed into a boneless heap.
=RK=
Boss and the rest of Delta squad were on the same floor as the ballroom. When Sev gave his warning, they shouldered their weapons and sprinted forward. Few seconds later, the Commandos turned a corner. They faced a quartet of SB droids, which had opened the door they were supposed to guard and were making their way in the chaotic mess that was the ballroom. Without pausing the Clones lit up the four machines, their new carbines chewing through the armour of the droids even easier than expected.
”The primary is down. I have eyes on a Jedi masking as a honor guard fighting to her position. The enemy platoon is rappelling down.”
”We are moving to ȧssist,” Boss said. ”Scorch, Ion grenades.”
”With a pŀėȧsurė, Boss!” Delta's commander could clearly hear the glee in his subordinates voice.
When the Republic Commandos entered the ballroom, they found a scene of pandemonium. Many of the guests were on the ground, either stunned or dead. Others were scrambling for the exits, obscuring the soldiers fire lanes. Meanwhile, the droids guarding the residence, the Republic Honor guard and a ten or so Commando droids were shooting at each other, while the rest of the enemy platoon that Sev had spotted, were too busy unloading their weapons at the Jedi.
Boss and Fixer opened fire on their enemy counterparts, while Scorch started lobbing his limited ȧssortment of Ion grenades.
”Our ride out will be here in two minutes,” Sev transmitted a message from their backup.
”Good. Any sight of enemy reinforcements?”
”None that I can see from here,” Sev answered after a moment's pause, ”Though that doesn't mean much.”
While that chat was taking place, the firefight was going to its sad conclusion. All sides were in the open, with scarce cover to be had, beyond the stray, panicked civilian who ran straight between the combatants. With predictable results.
A Super Battle droid unloaded its blasters in the side of an Honor Guard. Another mowed down a pair of Commando droids, before succumbing to concentrated fire from their friends. Boss and Fixer were systematically shooting up the CIS special forces, glad that only a burst from the new blasters was enough to put them down for good. Scorch lobed his last Ion grenade and raised his own weapon seeking target.
Across the street, Sev marked his sixth kill for the evening and moved his cross-hair onto another droid, when he heard the distinct whɨnė of repulsors. Not just any odd engines at that, but those of LAAT's. He chanced a glance upwards and saw a pair of gunships racing towards Dod's residence at almost perpendicular angle from the sky. The Clone frowned wondering where did they come from, before shrugging and returning to his sniping. He could ask them later.
Thirty seconds, and four Ionic detonations after Delta entered the ballroom, the short but vicious fight was over. The three Commandos were the only troopers still standing.
”Check the Senator and the Jedi. We need to get out of here ASAP.”
”Wilco, Sir!” Fixer answered and sprinted towards the far end of the ballroom with Scorch moving on his heels.
”Boss, our ride home will be here momentarily.”
”Roger that. Get your ȧss here.”
”No need for that,” a new voice, which sounded just like that of the rest of Delta squad interjected on their comms. ”One of the gunships will pick up your sniper. Please do hurry up. We need to get out of here before the whole defence grid and fleet are aware that something is happening.”
”Who are you?” Boss asked calmly, not letting any of his surprise be heard.
”Commander Tripton of the Shadow Before Dawn. Now move your ȧsses, soldier!”
”Kriff! This is General Skywalker!” Scorch exclaimed after removing the helmet from the head of the collapsed Jedi.
”Pick him up. We are taking him with us. The Senator?”
”In a bad way,” Fixer muttered.
Boss looked their way, engaging the zoom function of his helmet. He could see her thrashing on the floor, screaming soundlessly.
”Knock her out. We are leaving.”
=RK=
ONI Frigate Shadow Before Dawn
Five kilometres above Dod's residence
Cato Neimodia
”Delta squad and the VIPs are boarding the LAATs. They will be docked in two minutes top,” his XO said.
Commander Tripton gave him a nod of acknowledgement.
”Navigation, spin the hyperdrive. We are heading to location Alpha the moment we can safely jump.”
”Aye, aye, sir.”
”Weapons, I want firing solution on the defensive platforms and that Munificent hanging out in orbit. I want them nailed the moment our cloak is down.”
”I have their locations locked on passive, sir. All missile tubes full, the birds are armed and ready for launch!”
”Good work Weapons. Engineering, redline the reactor once we lose stealth. I want every possible drop of speed when we need it.”
The Wookie chief engineer roared in response.
=RK=
”Emerald Light” Restaurant
Atton' Tower
Corellia
I found Scerra Halcyon to be much more pleasant company than most of the Jedi I've met since coming to this time. The fact that she didn't act as if she had a double bladed lightsaber shoved up her buŧŧ like most of the Force Adepts I've met in this era sure helped.
We were amiably chatting about the differences between the Green Jedi and their counterparts on Coruscant, something that both the Dictat and Senator Iblis found interesting. It should be noted that both of then, especially Gram had a lot of dealing with Jedi, the Coruscanti type, during their careers, so they were more familiar than most with some differences.
”If it wasn't for the damn politics, we would have gladly dealt with it!” Scerra glared at me.
”Unfortunately, as Dictat of Corellia and political leader of this whole sector, neither I nor my predecessors could really do much to allow our Jedi to take missions beyond our boundaries,” Merricope shrugged.
”Indeed. As you well know, the Council on Coruscant has nominal dominion over all Force Sensitives in the Republic... and all Jedi. While the Green Temple and its Jedi do have autonomy, that will only last as long as they confine their actions to our sector of space,” Merricope said.
”Despite that, many of our members had done what they could do help with the slavery situation. While we aren't as free to act as our cousins on Coruscant...” Halcyon huffed.
I snorted at that. It wasn't like they did anything with some rare exceptions. Like Skywalker, though even then they had practically stumbled on him. By accident at that.
The Jedi. The supposed guardians of Justice and Freedom across the galaxy. They did nothing about the slavery beyond the Republic's borders. Because it was outside their mandate. I shook my head in frustration. Sometimes they made me sick.
”...we at least could facilitate routes for extraction of escaped slaves in the Outer Rim, and help them start a new life. Though that is much less than we could do if our hands weren't tied, ” added the Jedi.
”Let me guess. If you intervened and acted against the slavers, it would be perceived as aggressive action from the Council. Perhaps even a sign that your way has failed and you are all on the verge of failing.”
”Not to mention, that there would be a lot of people in the Senate that would use such a thing to Censure Corellia, spinning it as expansionist actions from our side. That is if I'm able to get sufficient backing to declare open support for such a cause. Fighting slavery outside the Republic, while a great thing in theory wouldn't be as popular once the cost of dealing with the hutts becomes apparent. It simply isn't something we can do alone, not without leaving us open for political and economic attacks from our rivals,” the Dictat interjected.
”Well, the situation right now is quite different. After Ryloth, we are in undeclared war with the Hutt cartels,” I smirked.
”I was wondering when someone would mention that,” the Senator muttered. Small vicious smile was hugging the corners of his mouth.
”While right now we aren't in a position for direct offensive actions against them...” I was interrupted by a sudden tremor in the Force. Its very essence shifted, dropped even further into darkness. Next to me Scerra gasped and stumbled.
”Excuse me. I need to check something,” I said and made a hasty retreat.
That rising darkness was familiar. It felt like Skywalker just after Padme was wounded, though so much worse.
I cursed quietly while making my way out of the restaurant. I knew that Padme going to kriffing Neimodia wouldn't end well.
=RK=
Kenobi's Quarters
Jedi Temple
Coruscant
Fear. Rage. Hatred. Darkness rising to choke everything. The screams of man and woman.
Obi-Wan shook awake with a gasp. He shuddered remembering what he just sensed through his bond with his former apprentice. Anakin had felt so much hatred, fear and pain before the connection clamped shut, that it scared Obi-Wan. Something had gone terribly wrong...
Kenobi threw away his blanket and surged to his feet. He needed to find out what had happened with Anakin.
=RK=
Chancellor's Office
Senate Building
Coruscant
Palpatine was sitting in his rebuild office, dealing with his daily paperwork, something even he couldn't get away from, when he felt the Force tremble.
”So it begins,” he whispered quietly.
Soon enough Skywalker will be faced with a terrible choice and the Jedi would act as their typical selves, alienating him once and for all. Unless he missed his guess, even Veil's actions couldn't really help the boy. After all, the good General was a competent strategist and tactician. He simply couldn't, wouldn't make the necessary sacrifices to save one single Senator.
Veil was a Sith after all. Sidious was sure that he would grasp the chance to get himself rid of the troublesome Senator.
He smiled. If he guessed right, Veil would make sure that she never got the antidote and blame it on the Jedi, even if he made some effort to retrieve it in the first place.
Part 3
=RK=
Medical Wing
Green Site
Somewhere in the inner rim
”You did a good job, doc. Keep her stable.”
”We can do that much, General. Unfortunately, it will take some time to fully analyze the compound in her blood and create an antidote.”
”I expected that much. How's your other patient?”
”General Skywalker? His wounds are healed but we are keeping him under just as you instructed.”
”Splendid. I was relieved when at my arrival I found this facility standing. You don't want to deal with a grief maddened Jedi of Anakin's temperament and power.”
”That bad? I've heard some interesting stories about him, yet...” the Duros doctor shrugged.
”Well, his wife has been getting herself into a lot of trouble lately. That combined with the strain of leading troops in the war and balancing it all with his duties as a Jedi…” I shook my head. ”No matter. It's time to wake him. I need to have a chat with our young Jedi friend.”
”Ah. Of course, General. I'll see to it.”
=RK=
A medical droid that looked like an overgrown floating spider made its way to the bed where Skywalker was slumbering. Its servos whɨnėd softly as it extended one of its manipulators and administered a mild stimulant to the sleeping Jedi.
A few moments passed with no apparent change. Then I could feel the Force in the room stirring, slowly gathering around Anakin. He then grasped it, using its endless energies to revitalize his body. Suddenly Skywalker gasped.
”Padme!” Anakin bolted upright with a shout. His wide eyes were scanning the room for his wife.
”Try again.”
His eyes focused and he glared at me. Skywalker tried getting off the bed only to stumble and fall to the ground. Obviously the sedatives were still strong in his system, despite his Jedi resilience.
I grimaced at his antics and grabbed him with the Force, returning him to the bed none too gently.
”We need to talk. That daredevil wife of yours placed us in a tough position.”
Well, that's new. He actually growled at me. His eyes even flashed yellow for a moment.
”Padme. I need to see her. I can feel her pain!”
”She'll live. For now. Keeping her that way may prove complicated.”
His glare intensified, but at least I had his undivided attention.
=RK=