SWtCW: Grievous Wounds pt. 6

Surface of Malastare

Captain Fordo watched as the pair of jedi starfighters set down in the landing zone. He'd made sure they'd landed well away from the main debarkation zones for his forces planetside. The last thing he needed was a pair of private fighters clogging things up down here. He had enough problems as it was! When he'd last seen Skywalker it had been right after the Dark Reaper crisis. Fordo had been working with General Kenobi since the start of the war, however after that incident he was detached for independent operations elsewhere while the General and Commander—now General—Skywalker had gone on to other battlefields. Seeing Skywalker again here was certainly surprising and if he hadn't changed at all since Fordo had seen him then potentially fortuitous.
He recalled with a good degree of fondness Skywalker's tendency towards recklessness and aggressiveness which had vexed General Kenobi to no end during their operations together. The cockpits on the fighters popped and Fordo walked up to greet the jedi. Skywalker's hair was longer than he remembered it being and he didn't know the togruta with him.
“It's good to see you again General.” Fordo said formally. “Will you be taking charge of the ground operations?”
“I intend to, much as I'd like to stay in my fighter I couldn't leave you down here by yourself.”
Fordo snorted. “The General is too kind,, I thought I was going to have to take care of them all by myself.”
Skywalker smiled and slapped him on the shoulderplate, directing him towards the female togruta.
“This is Ahsoka Tano, my padawan.”
Fordo inclined his head. “Commander.” before he turned back to Skywalker. “General, how familiar with the situation are you?”
“Just that we're in a stalemate in space and down here.”
“For the time being, yes, it's devolved into a tug of war with neither side giving much ground. That fight you just saw has been typical.”
“Why?” Commander Tano pressed. “We have the forces, why go on the offensive?”
“Because neither side wants to piss off the dugs.” Fordo replied with exasperation. “They're not sure which side to back, even after the Seps came in here and shot the kark out of them. They're worried about coming back under Gran control from what Commander Ponds has told me and so are sitting on the fence, waiting for the Seps and us to beat each other to a pulp before picking sides.” he jerked his head out over the battlefield. “Until then, it's a waiting game to see who makes the first mistake.”
“Why not just roll them over with the Seps? They can't be that well equipped.”
Forda glanced at Commander Ahsoka disdainfully, not that she would have seen it from behind his helmet.
“You've obviously never been through an occupation before. We're still having issues on Geonosis and we basically leveled the planet when we first attacked. We can't afford to do the same here. It's better to have the dugs on our side, which for all intents and purposes they are at the moment...nominally.”
“Still, Ahsoka has a point.” Skywalker said. “We can't just sit here and do nothing.”
“Are you suggesting something?” Fordo asked, knowing the answer already and relishing the prospect.
“Launch an offensive now, show the dugs that we're in command of the situation.”
Fordo shook his head. Skywalker hadn't changed at all.
“It isn't that simple sir, we've spread our forces out along the entire front to ensure we can block the Seps from moving. They don't have the forces to punch through our lines and we don't have the forces to punch through theirs.”
“What if we can convince the dugs to help us?” Skywalker pressed. “Couldn't they be convinced to help if it meant freeing their planet?”
“No one here has that kind of authority General.” Fordo said. “Otherwise we'd have done it.”
“Maybe not...but I know someone who does.” Skywalker said with a grin.

Courscant, Senate Building, Supreme Chancellor's Offices

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine sat at his desk reviewing the latest war reports. There were dozens of fronts to keep track of, and hundreds of battles. About the only positive thing about any of this was that he didn't need to worry about casualties! After all, clones could be replaced. The second generation of clone troops would be coming online by the end of the galactic cycle and the third and final generation of Kaminoan grown clones would come online the following year, bolstering the Republic's forces. That was in addition to all the local militias and private armies that had been raised by individuals and planets alike to help combat the Separatist threat. Ship production was no issue for the moment. While still not at its peak, ship construction was on a steady rise as the various yards around the Republic stepped onto a war footing and prepared themselves for the battles to come, he'd already rolled dozens of self-defense fleets into the revitalized Republic Navy which had stagnated for so long during peacetime.
All in all, it was quite the master stroke of logistics that now ran the Republic's military machine against the Separatists who in turn were proving remarkably effective at fighting a war against a force ten times their size. While the Republic had millions of member states and entities, the Separatist cause only had thousands. It wasn't exactly a fair fight. However the excess of bureaucracy that existed throughout the Republic created major issues with the pursuit and execution of the war. The emergency powers that the Senate had granted him certainly helped though, however there were still limits on what he could do...limits that would have to be removed eventually if he was to fight a war.
His holonet suit chimed and he sighed in exasperation. Now what?
Letting out a sigh, he keyed the holocom panel. When Anakin Skywalker's image appeared in the holotank he couldn't help but smile.
“Anakin, it's very good to see you are alright, I am sorry that I was unable to see you when last you were on Coruscant.”
“Chancellor, I have a request to make.”
Palpatine arched a well groomed eyebrow curiously. “Oh? And what might that be?”
As Anakin explained the predicament on Malastare, and his proposed to solution, Palpatine's smile spread across his features. My the boy was smart, rash perhaps, but smart. Very promising indeed.
“That will be fine Anakin, you have my permission to undertake this endeavor. Simply put me in contact with the dug leaders and I will arrange the rest.”
Anakin inclined his head. “Thank you Chancellor, this could mean tipping the balance on Malastare in our favor.”
The link died and Palpatine considered for a moment before chuckling. Well, why not? He did enjoy twisting the knife from time to time after all. He put in a holonet call and waited while the transmission was sent and received.

Orbit of Malastare, aboard the Republic star destroyer Adamant

“General Windu, communication from Coruscant...it's the Supreme Chancellor.”
Mace held back the sigh he felt coming on. Now what did Chancellor Palpatine want? He always seemed to call right in the midst of something and now was no different! Mace only hope that the Chancellor wasn't about to meddle in what Mace was trying to do here.
He answered the call. “Chancellor, how can I be of assistance?”
“Young Knight Skywalker has contacted me regarding your situation on Malastare.”
Mace twitched, not that anyone would notice. First the Supreme Chancellor and now Knight Skywalker, what next?
“He has proposed a plan of action which could mean turning the tide against the Separatist forces there and I have given him my blessing in the undertaking. I want you to support him in the endeavor.”
Mace frowned, stepping cautiously as he inquired. “What does Skywalker have in mind?”
“Granting the dug their planet, and a place in the Republic.” Palpatine smiled. “The Gran legation will protest of course, but I will take care of them.”
“With their irregulars firmly in our camp, that could help us break the deadlock...but that still leaves the enemy fleet.” Mace said dubiously.
“I trust in your leadership to see our forces to victory.” the Chancellor replied. “I will look into providing you with the forces you need to seal that victory. May the Force be with you Master Windu.”
The connection died and Mace let out the exasperated sigh he'd been holding in. He doubted that Skywalker meant to make him look like a fool, but the end result was the same.
“Ponds.”
“Yes sir.” his clone commander replied.
“Contact General Skywalker, let him know that I'm aware of his plan and will do what I can to support it...he'll need to get behind enemy lines if he's going to contact the dug.”
“Yes sir, I'll take care of it.”
Mace turned back to the holosphere and its dual imagery of the planet and surrounding space. Skywalker's plan might tip the battle planetside, but that still left the space battle to be fought.
He keyed his com and called the fleet commander. “Admiral, we're going to need to move soon. The battle on the planet may be shifting soon and we will need to be ready to support it.”
Admiral Haansi nodded, his dark sullustan eyes betraying nothing as he spoke.
“I understand General, we shall be ready.”
The link ended and Mace looked back to the battlespace. Now all that remained was for Anakin to enact his little scheme and they might finally have a resolution to this mess.

Orbit of Lackton IV, aboard the Republic assault ship Hesperos

Obi-Wan wished Anakin was here. It wasn't that he had no faith in Lana, Master Guo, or Captain Rex and Kil...it was just that he'd have felt much more secure with his former padawan there with him when facing the current situation. He looked at Lana who was talking with Guo-Jia animatedly and smiled. The girl had taken a shine to the Master and no wonder, Guo was something of an icon amidst the Jedi Order. She wasn't quite as unorthodox as Kahan or more radical members of the Order, but she was certainly a stand out amidst their number. Obi-Wan had known her for years now, along with Master Kahan she'd been one of the Knights who had pushed for his own knighthood following his defeat of the Sith at Naboo, and both had been acquaintances of Master Qui-Gon and by association Obi-Wan.
He still remembered how embarrassed he'd been when he'd been made a Master ahead of Kahan who had already been a Knight well before him. Guo had been a Master for nearly a year at that point herself. However Kahan had taken the perceived slight in stride, shrugging off any injury and saying that the Council would make its choices as to who was fit for advancement and it was not his place to question their decision on the matter. Guo had been far less polite about it and though she had not challenged the Council directly in her protest about the their continual disregard for Kahan, she had grumbled about it severely even as she congratulated Obi-Wan for his own accomplishment.
Looking at Guo and Lana now, he remembered the days when Guo had been someone he'd aspired to emulate. He'd never asked of course, but he hoped that Anakin's aspirations had been based on those like Guo and others rather than his own desire for advancement. Sometimes he wondered if someone like Guo or Kahan might have been better suited to handle his brash padawan...or for that matter, Master Qui-Gon.
He shook the grim thoughts from his mind. He had to focus on the task at hand.
“Cody, report.”
His commander's image appeared on his gauntlet’s projector.
“The 7th and 13th have both been withdrawn to the fleet with the exception of the remnants of General Guo-Jia's forces and the 501st Legion aboard the ship with you,” Cody hesitated. “Are you sure about this General?”
“No, but we don't have very many options. This isn't like Christophsis, we don't have a city to fortify and hold out for reinforcements in.” he smiled. “Besides, I don't know that there is anyone left to reinforce us at this point anyways.”
Cody nodded. “I understand sir...but there are other legions and corps available, surely one of them could be diverted to our aid.”
“I'm not going to be rescued twice in two battles Cody, what would you think of me then?”
Cody paused for a moment before speaking. “That you aren't as rash as Skywalker.”
It was Obi-Wan's turn to pause before he started laughing.
“Cody, one of these days I am going to look for you and you won't be there...and I will be very sad for the loss of your company.”
Cody nodded his head slightly. “I'm not gone yet sir, we'll be waiting for your signal.”
“Good, we're counting on you and Niklos both.”
“And Admiral Yularen.” Cody said dubiously.
“You complain about everyone don't you Cody?” Obi-Wan inquired with a sigh. “Anakin is too aggressive for you and Yularen too timid. Don't you admire any of your officers?”
“Three so far sir.” Cody replied.
“And who would they be?”
“General Yoda, General Windu, and you sir.”
Obi-Wan blinked, not sure what to say about his being placed alongside Master Yoda and Master Windu.
“I...thank you Cody, that means a lot...but what about Master Guo and Kahan? Or for that matter Hanabi and Lana?”
“Opinion is still out sir, but I...like Commander N'ahrr...and the Generals and Commander don't seem that bad either.”
Obi-Wan smiled and shook his head. “We'll be seeing you soon Cody.”
“Yes General, you will, don't finish the fight without us.”

Rex and Kil stood off to the side as General Guo and Commander N'ahrr spoke animatedly.
“They really seem to be getting along well.” Rex said.
Kil nodded. “So it would seem...why did you suggest my promotion Captain? My performance hardly inspires much faith in my abilities.”
Rex turned to look at his brother, he could understand what Kil was feeling, after all, he had witnessed the loss of nearly his entire legion until all that was left was a single over-strength battalion.
“Because despite the fact that your forces got slaughtered you took over what should have been a commander's position and kept the force together under the General's command. We were all trained the same Kil, but not all of us can do that though in theory we're supposed to...once this is over I'm going to recommend to the General that you be put up for battalion command.”
“Captain is already enough of a jump for me.” Kil said dubiously before he looked at Rex. “Why aren't you a regimental or battalion commander yourself?”
“I like being a captain.” Rex replied glibly.
Kil snorted. “And yet you want me to go on to battalion command.”
Rex shrugged. “No need for all of us to be stuck as captains.”
“Right.” Kil replied, looking at General Guo, Rex couldn't see it behind his brother's helmet, but all the newly minted Captain's reasons were plain to see on his face.

In the assault ship's bridge, the skeleton crew was making final preparations for the slingshot around the planet. The pilot and copilot for the vessel were a pair of clones who called themselves Dac and Pork.
“Final checks complete.” Dac reported as he activated the assault ship's engines.
“All power to engines, lower energy shields, maintain particle shielding.” Pork ordered.
The pair worked in concert to direct the ship—which was remarkably nimble when all of the walkers, gunships, and what not was removed—towards its intended target.
“Readings from the rest of the fleet are coming in clear.” Dac said as he checked the sensor station feeds. “Navigation is transmitting their solution.”
“Roger that.” Pork replied as he made the necessary adjustments. “We're picking up speed...full speed attained.”
“We're caught in the gravity well.” Dac said.
“Adjusting thrust output to maintain speed, boost reactor output.”
Dac sent the necessary commands. “Reactor at one hundred and twenty-five percent.”
“Speed increasing past safe limits.” Pork replied stoically, as if he were remarking on the weather “Increase reactor output.”
Dac paused and looked at his brother. “Pushing it further may overload it.”
“In a few minutes it won't matter.” Pork replied. “Increase output.”
Dac informed the engineers and waited as the reactor output rose.
“One-three-zero, one-three-five, one-three-four, one-four-zero.”
“Acceleration increasing, we're now at two hundred percent maximum velocity and climbing.”
Dac continued to read the numbers. “One-four-five, one hundred and fifty percent, engineering reports they cannot push the reactor further.”
“Doesn't matter,” Pork replied. “Target insight.”
They looked at the sensor feed and indeed the Separatist flotilla had come into view as it made its way towards the fleeing Republic ships. The cruiser still hung in the center of the formation.
“Target forward launchers on the enemy ship, prepare to fire on my mark.”
“Enemy fleet has spotted us, they're firing.” Dac reported. “Engaging energy shields.”
The shields came up, but even then the assault ship bucked and jerked wildly under the concentrated barrage. However the speed it had gained in its slingshot had done the trick and the small craft sailed past the outer ring of enemy ships and headed straight for the heavy cruiser which realized too late what the ship had planned.
“Enemy ship is maneuvering, adjusting heading.” Pork said.
“Ordnance launchers firing now.” Dac called out.
The ordnance launchers were designed to hit planetary targets, however with a ship the size of the heavy cruiser—over five thousand kilometers—there was no doubt about whether or not they'd hit, especially at this range. The heavy proton torpedoes sailed straight at the enemy ship and impacted, striking the shields and overwhelming them after the third strike, letting the fourth torpedo strike forwards of the ion pulse cannons amidships.
“Hope that didn't destroy them.” muttered Pork.
Dac shrugged. “Not going to matter in a moment.”
Pork allowed himself a grin. “Hangar in sight, shields at maximum, impact in three-two-one!”
The ship slammed into the heavy cruiser's hangar bay, driving its wedge shaped hull deep into the larger craft's interior as the engines drove it inwards. The sturdy assault ship stayed in one piece as its hull groaned and shook around its occupants. It sounded like the world was ending as far as Pork was concerned. The lights flickered for a moment, and then died, replaced a moment later by emergency lights. Then all was silent as the ship came to a screeching stop within the enemy vessel. Pork let out a sigh of relief and turned to smile at his copilot. The smile vanished however when he saw the blood all over Dac's console.
The clone's head had struck the console during the impact, cracking open his skull and it looked like the whiplash had broken his neck as well. Pork reached out and closed his brother's vacant eyes, standing up and joining the other survivors of the bridge crew as they made their way towards the hatch. There was no time to mourn, they had a ship to seize.

The ride in had been terrifying. Lana wasn't proud to admit that she'd wanted to scream the whole way in, but the calmness exuded by Master Guo and Master Kenobi had rubbed off on her and she'd refused to give into her fear in front of either of them. Now she stood in front of the landing hatch for the assault ship with Master Guo's battalion and the 501st Legion waiting for the ramp to fall.
“It's stuck!” the clone by the release mechanism shouted.
“Well then blow the damned emergency charges!” Lana heard Rex shout in annoyance. “We aren't riding back out on this kriffing thing!”
“Yes sir!”
The trooper hit the emergency release and the charges built into the ramp blew, blasting the seals and letting it fall loose and free of the hydraulics that had held it in place. It struck the deck with a jaw shattering bang and Lana felt the impact through the soles of her boots. The hangar beyond was a wreck, trashed droid starfighters were everywhere as were troop transports and shuttles. It looked like they'd achieved their objective at least.
“Well, those cannons aren't going to shoot themselves!” Master Guo shouted. “Get in there!”
There was a collective shout from the battalion and legion and the massed troops all charged forwards into the hangar. Lana was at the fore with the masters and several heavy troopers with their repeaters at the ready.
“Droids!” someone shouted.
And just like that, the firefight began. Lana ignited her saber, it's green hue matching Master Guo's and contrasting with Master Kenobi's blue as the three of them rushed towards the droid forces now pouring into the hangar from one of the access doors. The heavy troopers started to fire, their repeaters throwing out a blistering barrage of bolts as their brethren ducked behind the wreckage strewn across the hangar and engaged the growing number of droids.
“We can't afford to get bogged down here!” shouted Master Guo. “Take them!”
Lana leapt over the wreckage before her and landed amidst the droids, her saber flashing as she slashed at her opponents. The battledroids collapsed around her as the masters joined the fray and added their own sabers to the melee. Soon the hangar was cleared of enemy resistance.
“Alright!” Master Kenobi called. “You all know your missions, spread throughout the ship and cause as much damage as you can until we fire the ion pulse!”
Lana hurried after her Master and Master Guo as they entered one of the turbolifts along with Captains Rex and Kil. Master Guo was smiling though she didn't speak. Master Kenobi nodded and put a hand on her shoulder.
“You're doing well Lana, remember what I told you.”
She nodded in exasperation. “If the enemy commander shows up, I'm to stay away from him, got it.”
He nodded in agreement. “That is non-negotiable, if Master Guo and I get into a duel with him, you are to go on ahead with Rex and Kil and fire those cannons do you understand?”
Again she nodded, muttering a noncommittal: “Yes Master.”
Master Guo turned to look at her severely. “I've already lost one padawan here Lana, please don't make it two. We're all counting on you.”
Master Guo's chastisement sealed the affair and Lana nodded stiffly. She didn't like it, but she wasn't going to disobey both of them. She'd do her part. As they rode the lift upwards, she wondered what could possibly be so dangerous that it frightened Master Guo?
When the lift doors opened the passageway beyond was dark, lit with red emergency lighting only. A wheezing breath hissed towards them, followed by a malicious chuckling that seemed to vibrate through the deck plates.
“Welcome Jedi, to your doom.”
The familiar snap-hiss of a lightsaber sounded in the gloom and four sabers ignited in the darkness. The green and blue blades brought none of the reassurance they should have as Lana's chest tightened and her blood went cold. The voice alone would have told her how evil this being was, but the Force told her so much more and what it told her frightened her beyond the fear she'd felt during their ramming attack on the enemy ship.
“Lana, run.” Master Guo commanded as she and Master Kenobi stepped forwards, their own sabers snapping to life in the gloom.
Lana didn't argue, turning to charge after Rex and Kil who were already bolting the other direction. She'd never been so terrified in her entire life.