Thix had no idea what to do. After all, he was a pilot, not a ground trooper. However, there were those in the Academy who DID know what to do in a situation like this one. Master Skywalker, for one, knew a fair amount of tactics, 'specially for Yavin IV. But they could defend themselves better if they knew the Dark Lord's objectives (which, of course, they did not know). So, a group of trainees and instructors had quickly worked an elimination list. Still, they had no idea what the Imps were doing here.
"I'm staying down here." Thix had said after a tally of the Imperial ships. The base's scanner had picked up transports landing on the opposite side of Yavin IV, and further sweeps recognized AT-AT walkers--and probably AT-STs as well, but they hadn't spotted them yet. They had taken a tally of their ground defenses, and came up (in the way of machinery) pitifully short. Weapons weren't a problem, but they had no speeders, no blaster cannons, few explosives, and a couple skyhoppers, unarmed. Still, they had the Force. And by golly they were going to need it!
Thix had on an old flight suit that was faded green (figured it would make for good camouflage) and worn loose and flexible. He had his blaster tucked in it's holster and light saber clipped to his belt. He tied a couple small utility pouches to his belt and filled them with spare energy packs. He wanted to put some extra supplies (his childhood philosophy was that one could never be too ready) in his backpack and neatly sort through it but there wasn't any time, so he simply tossed his grappling hook that he'd never learned to use and a flash heater into it. He retied his boot laces to make sure they were tight and weren't going to come loose any day soon. He then exited his room, heading for the jungle.
On the way he was flanked by a pair of trainees, then another. Once they got to the exit to the hangar of the Academy, they split up as if on a silent command and headed into the woods. It was game time.
Bahumut heard about the Imperial presence and immediately ran towards the Dragon Lord. Once on board, he ran through the pre-flight tests and waited for an indication on where the fleet was headed. He also waited to see if anyone was coming on board the Dragon Lord to act as a passenger/co-pilot.
Alia felt totally in shock when Master Skywalker's message rippled through the living quarters of the students. She had feared something like this was going to happen...but, so soon? Her first thought was that her father had come, trying to find her. But she pushed that idea out of her head. Not that it mattered anyway, there was a fleet here of ships that weren't friendly and intended to do her new home harm and darn if she wasn't going to do something about that situation! Alia rummaged through her pack and pulled out the clothes that were still packed away. She discarded her Jedi tunic with the pile and pulled on some fatigues that were stuffed away near the bottom. As she unballed the rest of her belongings from the pack, 2 silver shafts fell from the clothes. She recognized them immediately as the light saber and light dagger Kethren had made for her. How they had found their way into her packs, Alia'd never know. She stuffed the dagger under her mattress, believing the weapon was one employed by Dark lords, mostly Sith. The light saber didn't feel Dark, so she clipped it to her belt and packed everything else she would need in her pack: blaster, emergency rations, water, extra charges, fire starters, and first-aid kit. She threw in a few more items lying around and started out the door.
On her way out, she passed one of the trainees still perfectly calm, looking totally unaware of the danger brewing in the atmosphere. She felt the need to enlighten him before (all gods existent forbid!) the bombing began or the launch of whatever-attack-vehicles were in those ships. Knowing there really wasn't anything she could do because of her untrained talents and her ignorance of the land's layout. She just fell in with the large group of trainee's that seemed to know where they were going and followed them into the jungle.
"Sir," the stormtrooper reported to his commander. "Our orbiting forces have detected some commotion on the other side of the moon."
Jelvin Krith, a veteran of many galactic campaigns in the civil conflict, and a career stormtrooper, pondered the information for a moment. "Then Lord Domino was right to deploy us. We have been discovered. Put a call through to Alpha Battle Group. Have them begin preparations for sending reinforcements to our location. We may need more firepower to repel a group of Jedi." The stormtrooper saluted his commander, "Yes sir."
In the temple, Domino and his Sith archaeologists were looking for anything to lead them to what Domino was looking for. They would not leave empty handed."My Lord, I believe I've found something." the Sith adept known as Jindar Foyl announced.
Domino was at his disciple's side in seconds. "Ah yes, ancient Sith hieroglyphs. Can you read them, Jindar Foyl?" Afraid to answer, the man lowered his head. Domino chuckled. "Of course you can't. Only a Sith Lord, with deep Sith magiks could have the knowledge required to decipher the meaning of such writing."
The Dark Lord turned to the wall with the writing and began to speak. "It says, 'Behold, you stand on infernal ground. The Darkness of Naga Sadow's research will destroy all who are unworthy. Heed this warning, proceed no further'" Domino stifled a giggle, then commented on the writing. "I have obliterated Sadow. The power within this temple is mine to command! We will tread on this ground, and defile it when we have found the secrets to be discovered here!"
On the Pride of de Devastator, Darin de Devastator ordered a drop ship to be filled with Julayps to aid in the defense of the landing site on Yavin IV. Rayla boarded the drop ship, along with four of Domino's loyal Dark Jedi warriors.
As she watched the drop ship descend to the Jedi moon, Darin thought about the whole situation. 'Oh cousin. Why are you so eager to use such force on such an insignificant opposition? Yavin IV does not merit the strength of force we have arrived with'
She turned to stroll along the command deck of the Super Star Destroyer. 'It's just as well, though. How does that old saying go? 'You're better safe than sorry' It does make sense, when you think about it'
Aria sat in her room pensive. She could almost feel everyone's excitement about going down to Yavin, going down to her, her home. And they were gonna trash it and hurt innocent lives for a silly piece of Sith material. She had two choices, sit in the room and let Domino do as he pleased, calling on her only when he needed her skills. She would probably get paid really well for her trouble too. Or she could warn the only man she had any respect for in the entire universe, Luke Skywalker. Her mentor, her teacher and probably the man that she sees most like a father.
One thing this little gathering of Domino's did do was rattle some of her memory, more specifically her promise. She remembered promising to come back to the Academy to finish her training and becoming a full-fledged Jedi Knight. 'Jedi!' The thought of all that responsibility sent a shiver down her spine and Aria started pacing around the room to distract herself.
'How could there be only two options? There is always a third option, but what?' Aria stopped pacing as an idea came to her. She has lived on Yavin. She knows what Domino wants. Perhaps she can find it or at least keep the students away so he could work without anyone being hurt or killed. 'Not much of a plan, but it will do.' Quickly she pocketed the comlink Darin gave her and ran towards the docking bay.
"Hey, smuggler! Where do you think you are going?" The deck was bustling chaos but still the duty officer remained semi-alert.
'Damn!' Aria thought as she turned around. "Um, Mr....I mean Lieutenant. I was told to report to Bandork's Revenge. "Domin...I mean Lord de Devastator has need of my services on the surface of the moon."
"I received no such orders. That ship is to stay put until the Dark lord gives his personal okay."
"Look Lieutenant, I have orders from Domino to go to the surface. It is not my problem you cannot hear his commands."
"I-I have heard nothing from Lord Devastator."
"Of course you would not HEAR his commands." she said condescendingly. "You are only a Lieutenant with no Force skills. You couldn't possibly hear anything of import from High Command. Do you think Lord Domino has time to write down each and every instruction you need?" Aria saw she had flustered him and gave him a silent push with the Force to encourage his confusion. "If you would like you can radio down to the planet, allowing someone to trace your com-signal and attack your Lord, or you can just get out of my way so I can fulfill my orders. The Dark Lord awaits." Without waiting for his permission, Aria stalked off toward her ship hoping she'd be out of the tractor beam field before the Lieutenant figured out he'd been had.
It took a moment for the duty officer to collect himself and he pointedly ignored the warm-up and departure of Aria and her beloved ship. "If she isn't suppose to be down there, let Lord de Devastator deal with her. I have more important issues to deal with!' he thought. "Hey you!" he shouted, stalking towards another officer. "I was supposed to have the COMPLETE roster of ships on those cruisers decades ago. Lord de Devastator needs everything to go according to plan and executed precisely. Get that roster or else."
"Yes sir."
Meanwhile Bandork's Revenge lifted off its repulsors and jetted into the starry vacuum.
As he led the group further into the cavernous temple, Domino turned to the nearest Sith initiate. "Get word to the Pride of de Devastator. Have them send the smuggler, Aria Ka Djo, on her way to create her diversion."
The man bowed. "Yes, my Lord."
The man was only gone fifteen minutes by the time he caught up with the Dark Lord and the rest of the party. He was at a full run when he reached them. "Lord de Devastator!"
Domino turned to regard the man, amazed that he could be in such a panic. "What is it?"
"Lieutenant Rhiak, the duty officer in charge in the smuggler's landing bay claims she received personal orders from you only 30 minutes ago to come down here. Apparently she told him that you had contacted her through the use of the Force."
Domino looked mad enough to slaughter entire worlds, yet he did not lash out. At least not as far as the archeology team could see.
MEANWHILE...
In a hangar bay on the Pride of de Devastator, Lt. Rhiak was checking the manifest for the deployment of a squadron of TIE Interceptors, when his eyes began to bulge. He began to reach up to loosen the collar of his tunic, but found his arms unwilling, or too heavy, to move. He tried to cry out for help but his words came out in airless, stifled utterances. Before he fell over, he could hear a voice of evil in his head.
~Lieutenant Rhiak, you are being relieved of duty, and of your worthless life. I will not allow such contemptible filth as yourself to serve me. Now the smuggler will act a bit too soon. If my plans are hindered because of this, I shall hunt you down in the afterlife as well!~
....And on Bandork's Revenge
Aria was reaching the upper limits of Yavin IV's atmosphere when she felt the presence. 'I think someone is on to me and my handiwork'
~ARIA KA DJO!~ the voice boomed in her head, causing a slight headache. ~You have placed my entire operation at risk. I told you to wait on the command ship until I called for you.~
"Domino, I only wanted to get in on the action, and I figured out a good way to divert the Jedi from giving you any trouble."
~Very well. But let me remind you with this warning. I can find you wherever you are. If you are practicing a deception on me, I will find out and I will hunt you as my prey.~ The Dark Lord allowed those words to sink in before finishing. ~I trust you understand the language I've just spoken to you.~
"I understand, oh mighty Dark Lord." she replied.
After Jason warned Luke about the approaching danger, he went back to his quarters to prepare. He grabbed his tool belt (for starfighter repairs) and emptied the tools from it. He put in a grappling rope, his Heavy-blaster, a flash-heater and a first-aid kit. He then took out his backpack and removed two things from it: his comlink (set to his X-wing's frequency) and his good-luck charm: a Rebel Alliance symbol-shaped pendant with two light sabers clashing inside the symbol. He put on his backpack and pendant, put his comlink in his pocket and headed to the hanger bay.
When Jason reached the hanger, he went to his X-wing and put emergency rations in his backpack. Estoo did a sorrowful bleep. He said to Estoo. "Don't worry about me. If I call for you, home onto my comlink." He then left the temple and saw Thix walking off with some other students.
"Hey! Wait up!" Jason exclaimed and followed them.
After waiting for the location of the landing party to be transmitted to him, Bahumut took off and headed for the location.
'So what if I have to do everything, even the shooting with limited accuracy...I can still blast any vehicle and most starfighters out of the picture!' he thought, as he headed for the location roughly halfway across the jungle-covered moon.
Upon arriving, he found another drop ship approaching the soon-to-be battlefield, and started going after the AT-ATs, seeing as they posed the most (though still little) threat.
As he went between the nearest AT-AT's legs, then flew high, turned around and started pelting the abomination of machinery with lasers from his dorsal and ventral double laser cannons, he thought,'hey, I might even become wanted by the leader of the attackers, if they live long enough to find out my name!' As he finished the thought, the AT-AT blew up, and Bahumut flew up just in time, then went after another one.
Luke was prepared to lead his Jedi students into battle, he wore his robe with his light saber and a blaster hooked to his belt. Mara approached him, light saber on her belt, a blaster at her side, and one in her sleeve holster. "You sure you're ready for something like this? It's going to be quite dangerous."
Mara shook her head, "You forget who I am and what I'm capable of, Master Skywalker."
Luke nodded, "It was just a joke. Besides, I do need you out there. You have always been a cunning warrior."
Mara smiled, "I am ready, let's join the others."
Alia knew she was lost. The others had all but slipped into the forest like ghosts or something and she didn't have a clue as to where she was. "This is what I get for growing up in the city," she mumbled to herself, scratching her hand on yet another little prickly bush that seemed to jump out in front of her. She sucked the drops of blood from her hand and stumbled into a clearing, where she could see ships in the atmosphere, hovering over one of the more distant temples. Possessing at least a bit of common sense, she blended back into the trees before she could be seen. These weren't her father's men, to be sure, but they were as evil and cunning as the best of them. That much she could sense, but to their purpose, she hadn't a clue.
Alia slumped to the forest floor with her back against a tree. Here she was, alone, in a strange place, armed with only a blaster and a (maybe Dark) light saber, possibly surrounded by the enemy, and had no way of getting word to anyone of where she was or what was going on. What was she supposed to do? A small, indigenous bird landed near her foot and cocked his head as if trying to tell her something. That's right! The gift she had that had given her the opportunity for mischief earlier in life! She could communicate with him! Albeit she wasn't trained enough to discuss universal politics or religion, but maybe he could help her find out where the others were. "Need help?" he seemed to say, hopping back and forth at her feet.
"What going on?" she asked mentally, trying to be as simple as possibly.
"Me find out!" The bird hopped once, twice, and took flight, winging his way toward the enemy's lines.
"Wind to thy wings, brother, " she whispered, watching him soar off toward the horizon. "Wind to thy wings."
As Bahumut was scrapping another AT-AT, he noticed that 6 TIE Defenders were breaking formation to come and blast his ship to smithereens. Bahumut waited for the AT-AT to blow up before veering away from the battleground toward the Jedi Academy. The TIE's followed, easily catching up with the slower freighter.
'Those TIE Defenders are sure fast. I won't be able to outrun 'em, maybe I can out think 'em!'
The TIE's closed the distance between themselves and the Dragon Lord, and it wasn't long before they were able to start working on the freighter's shields.
Bahumut jinked his ship up on its starboard side to escape some treacherous ion cannon fire, then rotated it twice and pulled into a steep climb to evade two proton torpedoes. 'I'm either lucky, well skilled, or these boys are playing with me' Bahumut thought. 'Here's hopin it's one of the first two options'
The bounty hunter/Jedi student pulled into a full loop from the steep climb, veering as he looped, then proceeded to dive into a second loop as the ship flew parallel to the ground. "This series of maneuvers ought to give you boys something to think about."
As the Dragon Lord came to an upright position once again, Bahumut found himself directly behind a TIE Defender and his wing man. "Welcome to Yavin IV!" he called out as he fired a concussion missile at one and unleashed laser fire at the wing man.
The wing man evaded the lasers with significant ease, but the lead TIE had erupted in flames upon impact with the missile. Just as Bahumut was preparing to give chase to the wing man, he was shaken by laser fire from his port side. It was the other four Defenders, who had been surprised and confused by his earlier Juke & Jive flying, but were now preparing to make a grease stain of him. Desperately, he killed his throttle and they completely overshot him. He was able to give himself a slight head start from them as he cruised in the direction of the Academy. But the TIE's had disappeared from his scopes. They were gone.
Needless to say, anxiety was Bahumut's companion on his flight back to the academy as
paranoia of being outgunned by 11 TIE Defenders crept into his head.
Upon arriving, he touched down and started waiting until he could either: 1) Get some
passengers to man the guns, or 2) Go take down those TIE Defenders withseveral other vehicles and/or starfighters, or 3) Both.
Half an hour after Jason, Thix and the others in their group went into the jungle, Jason's comlink bleeped. After a minute, Jason spoke about the call. "Guys, I've got good news and some bad news."
"What's the good news?" one asked.
"I know where the landing party is." Jason replied.
"What's the bad news?" Thix asked, wondering.
"The bad news is, they're on the other side of the moon. It will take at least two days to get there and we don't have that amount of time."
So they all ran as fast as they could through the jungle back to the temple.
Luke watched as Jedi knights and students headed back toward the temple, "Get into the transports! The Imperials are on the other side of the planet!"
Mara was preparing a transport as Luke entered the cockpit and a group of 10 students filled the passenger compartment.
Alia sat with her back to the tree waiting for her "messenger" to return. The stolen speeder rested to the side with her pack and several others resting on the seat. She had realized the bike had come from the Academy when 2 other packs had been found on the back of it filled with supplies. Oh well, the lost owner wasn't missing any weapons, just some food, water, and several blaster refill packs. Hopefully this little incident wouldn't hurt her good standing with Skywalker anytime soon. Not that he would even care, what with everything else going on and all. Alia popped one of the rations into her mouth and wearily closed her eyes, figuring the bird would wake her when he returned. Where was that bird, anyway?
Neb had spent a great deal of the time en route to Yavin talking with Garm Bel Iblis. However, the past couple of hours had been spent with the members of Omega Squadron prepping for the inevitable conflict. Now he'd been summoned back into Bel Iblis' office.
"Yes, General?" he said as he entered.
"Well, Captain Calluna, we have news from Yavin, and it isn't good. What was your impression of the Academy from your stay there?"
"Well, sir, my stay was brief, and I didn't interact much with the students. However, it did seem a bit closed off. Almost like the students and even the teachers lived in a bubble that they thought was separated from the rest of the galaxy."
"That's been my impression too. Well, they haven't reacted well to their bubble being popped. On first word from anyone that Yavin was being attacked, the students either ran into hiding or rushed off into the jungles in every which way trying to find the invaders. It was complete chaos. It's taken hours for them to get any sort of order, but they're finally getting organized, hodge podge as it may be. The thing is the Imperials are on the opposite side of the moon from the academy. Any ideas what they could want there, Captain?"
"The other side of the moon, sir. The only thing there are Jungles and probably some abandoned temples . . . . Wait. I remember Tasha saying something about those temples being built by some Dark Jedi or another. Could there be something still valuable to a Dark Master in those?" Neb had drifted into conjecture, and no longer noticed General Bel Iblis across from him. The General, however, was interested in Neb's train of thought, and let him continue. "It could be that the Emperor has learned that there is something valuable in those ruins. That would explain the size of the force near Yavin."
"That's an interesting, thought, Captain. Can you think of anyone Palpatine would trust with this task?"
"Sir, with all due respect, I think that if I were the Emperor I wouldn't trust one of my lieutenants to go sifting through Sith Artifacts. I'd go after them myself. On the other hand, I doubt that he would get involved himself, after what happened at Endor. Drifting around disembodied for years can't be too much fun."
"Well, Captain, I appreciate you sharing your insights with me. I've got a lot to think on before we arrive. I'll make sure you know just before we leave hyperspace. That will be all."
Neb saluted, did a crisp about face, and left the General's office. As soon as the door closed he let himself relax, and thought again about the possibility of Dark Jedi running all over Yavin IV. That would certainly make things a lot more interesting. He supposed it was too bad that Bjiatocah had left Yavin: it sounded like the Academy could use her leadership skills right now.
Thix figured as he sprinted through the underbrush toward the Academy with Jason and the others that he had no choice but to fly or die, and he chose fly. Upon arrival to the Academy grounds, he checked his X-Wing's status (everything seemed in order) and tossed his backpack in the cockpit, then clambered in after it.
He started the engines and, after making sure nobody was in the engines exhaust area, taxied it out of the hangar bay. He ascended above the tree level and took off in the direction of the landing party, locking his s-foils in attack position and accelerating to get there sooner. He saw a ship flying against a bunch of Defenders, and spied a squadron of Advanced coming in.
Thix was aiming for those when he saw a larger ship, the Rock Dragon, coming in for a hover over a clearing. Doubtless Jaina was flying and they had a load of Jedi trainees and/or instructors to deploy there. Thix then noticed the tiny white dots beneath him in the woods. Stormtrooper! Shoot! I should have known!
He veered off from the TIE Advanced squadron, a couple of which saw him and pursued. Thix opened fire on the troopers, scattering them. He saw a group of them dashing toward the Rock Dragon's landing site and took out a couple of them as well. A green bolt flashed by his cockpit and he realized the TIEs were upon him.
"Man," He said as he twisted to fire at his enemies, "I was all geared up to fight on foot, too."
The afterburners of the Jedi transport roared, Luke and Mara sat in front as the others
sat in back. "Luke, what are we going to do if it's de Devastator?"
Luke turned
his head, "If it's him, he must be after something important. But we'll stop him from
getting it and whatever it is, we'll destroy it." The transpport lifted and headed
towards the other side.
As Mara flew the transport she said, "There are many bad memories Luke, maybe I
should have stayed stayed back."
Luke shook his head, "Mara, sometimes, you have to face your demons."
Mara nodded, "I'm ready for anything."
Alia had woken from her nap with a start, realizing that she had just done the most stupid thing she could have done in these circumstances- fall asleep. After mentally kicking herself several times, she began stretching to loosen up cramped joints that accumulated from sleeping propped against a tree. Tired muscles strained until she felt limber enough to wrap her legs around her head. She had just stopped for a sip water when the little bird hopped in to land beside her feet.
Domino stood alone in the hallway. He had sent his Sith archaeologists further down the hallway to survey the site. A Julayp approached Domino quickly. "Report, Julayp." the Dark Lord beckoned.
"Lord, the news from outside is that the Jedi Academy knows an Imperial force is here, but they have only reacted with confusion; students and trained knights alike are running around, unsure of what action to take. Only one, in a freighter, has thought to threaten our position, but the TIE squadron chased him off."
A low chuckle escaped Domino's belly. "Perfect. Just perfect. Obviously Master Skywalker was unprepared to face the effects of Battle Meditation used in such a passive manner."
Domino looked at the Julayp, then turned to gaze down the hallway. "We have searched every portion of this temple except this corridor and any rooms that lay at the far end. Our work has gone unmolested long enough. Soon we shall have what we are looking for. I shall release the minions of the Academy from their confused stupor. go back to the surface and inform Commander Krith that he should be prepared for any resistance."
"Yes, my Lord." The Julayp hurried away.
Just then, from the far end of the hallway, Domino heard a commotion.
"Sons of Sith! It's alive! Contain it.......Yeeeaaarrgh!"
'What in the Darkness is happening?' Domino thought as he drew his light dagger and began to run down the hallway with the other seven Julayps trailing him.
He was met by six of his archaeologists running the opposite direction. "What is happening down there?" he asked them.
Sith Lord Kylen spoke up quickly. "Lord de Devastator, we have found a great work of Sith magik. A mighty Sithspawn creature lurks down there, guarding whatever treasure might be found."
"Then we must capture or kill it." Domino said calmly.
Kylen shook his head. "We thought to contain it, my Lord. It crushed Lord Frystic under its mighty tail, and bit Sith Adept Joryel's torso in two. That was the cry you heard."
Domino placed his light dagger back on his arm and began to run toward the danger. "You may all join me now, or die a coward's death when I return!"
Reluctantly, the remaining Sith archaeologists followed their master.
The room was full of the stench of death, and all present, except Domino and the Julayps recoiled when they recognized the remains of their comrades. Domino gestured about the room. "Where is the beast? Where is its lair?"
Lord Kylen pointed to a large doorway across the room.
Domino nodded and motioned two Julayps to his side. "Go to the door and lure the creature from its hole."
"Yes, Lord de Devastator." they said in unison as they went to perform the task. The first Julayp stood to the side of the door as the second stepped inside. Immediately, the mysterious creature erupted from the cave, knocking the intruding Julayp down like a sabacc card in a hurricane. The other Julayp unleashed Force lightning upon the beast at once, causing it to cry out in pain and rage. As quick as thought, the monster whipped its tail around and squashed the Julayp between scaly flesh and rock wall.
Domino wasted no time thinking, acting only on instinct, with aggression. He conjured up a Ball of Hatred and threw the pure energy into the Sithspawn's eyes, as he drew his light dagger and engaged it. closing to within striking distance, the Dark Lord slashed into the creature's neck, and created a huge gash in its throat. With tempered reflexes and cat-like agility, Domino flipped out of the way, then tucked in his legs and rolled away further. At once he was upright, and found the creature just one meter from him, spitting blood at him and trying to bite him. Domino threw Force lightning at the monster, as the six remaining Julayps pounced on the Sithspawn dragon like a pack of wolves on their prey. It was over.
The final six Sith archaeologists were silent as Domino wiped blood from his face and inspected the carcass of the arcane monster. "Now, you men have work to do, no?"
The team began to survey the room immediately. Within minutes one of them called Domino to him. It was Lord Kylen.
"What is it?"
"Lord, I believe this is the door to a vault." Kylen answered.
Domino nodded. "Very good. Let's stand back and find out what is contained within."
The Dark Lord held out his hands and concentrated for a few moments. A loud click was heard from within the door, and Domino telekinetically pulled the vault open.
"Yes." he said, triumphantly. "This is what I have come for. Lord Kylen, would you be so kind as to retrieve that Sith sword and bring it to me so that I may carry it back to the surface myself, and carefully pack those scrolls yourself."
As Kylen entered the vault, he gasped. Domino stepped closer to the entrance. "What is it now?"
Kylen only pointed, but Domino saw only excitement on the Sith Lord's countenance. As he followed Kylen's pointing finger, Domino became excited as well. "By Naga Sadow's memory! It is a Sith Holocron!"
Domino called the artifact to his hand and concealed it within a satchel at his waist. "We have much work to do with these fabulous items. We shall withdraw to the Pride of de Devastator. All of you, come. We are done here."
The Sith archaeologists quickly finished with their survey of the room and found nothing more worth noting and obeyed Domino's orders.
Thirty Minutes Later...
Zaierra Kaveron's freighter landed on the Super Star Destroyer, and Domino was the first to exit. "Now comes the fun part."
He met immediately with General Tamar and his cousin, Grand Admiral Darin de Devastator. "The primary mission is complete. Now, my as yet unannounced objective can be placed into motion."
Darin stared at Domino in confusion. "Forgive me cousin, but you never consulted with me about a secondary mission."
Domino nodded to her and said, "I know. Forgive me cousin. I was not sure if I would want to go through with it until I had found the Sith sword of Naga Sadow, but now I know I must follow through." The Dark Lord turned to face General Tamar and said, "General, what have the scans of the surface of Yavin IV told you?"
General Tamar cleared his throat and recited his findings. "My Lord, we have found nothing to indicate that the Jedi Academy is ready to fend off a full scale assault. I am not gifted with your apparent ability to read thoughts, but I am guessing that you wish to initiate Base Delta Zero orders on the Academy. If so, I can only say that it would be a grotesque display of overkill."
Domino grinned. "Base Delta Zero? By the Force, that would be a waste of the Massassi temples. No, you are wrong, but you are close. I want an invasion force of infantry and armor to attack the Academy, with TIE Bombers giving support. Deploy another squadron of TIE Defenders to escort the bombers. In the jungles, 50 of my Dark Jedi and Sith initiates will lay waiting to ambush retreating students and Jedi. I want as many as possible to be taken alive. If any choose to flee into space, let them."
Darin stood up. "Domino! No! Let them flee?"
"It may sound strange, but yes. When they run, we can follow them through hyperspace, and possibly follow them to a major Rebel base."
Shortly After the Meeting...
The landing force loaded into the drop ships they came in and began to fly to the other side of the Jedi moon. Meanwhile, four more drop ships fell down through the atmosphere of Yavin four.
Bjiatocah had been on Kashyyyk for a few days now, catching up with people she had known as a child. It was hard seeing them, as it reminded her of the events leading to her departure from her home planet. Now, all these decades later, this place didn't feel like home: it was just another planet amongst hundreds she had been to. No place was home anymore, really.
She was beginning to wonder why her brother had brought her here in the first place. He had made it sound like it was so important that she come here, but now it seemed like she'd have done better to stay on Yavin. At least she'd be seeing some action right now. She hadn't been able to really rip into some Imperials since Dantooine.
All of this changed one stormy afternoon. Bjiatocah was walking toward her old home village, or whatever remained of it. She had been avoiding it so far this trip, and all the trips before it. She'd never returned since the slavers had decimated and destroyed it. Today, though, with the cold rain matting her gray fur against her body, it seemed like the right time. As she was approaching, an old Wookiee came up to her and blocked her path. Her hand immediately went to the Bowcaster slung over her shoulder. [You do not need your weapon, Bjiatocah. I am in the employ of your brother, Tashannoc. I have been expecting you for many days. Please, come with me.]
Since the Wookiee was willing to turn his back on her and have her follow, she was willing to oblige him. She kept her bowcaster ready. Soon they came to an overgrown portion of the trail, close to where her village had been. After ten minutes of pushing through the underbrush, she broke into the open, and was amazed. There was her village, exactly as she remembered it, reconstructed with every detail. [Do you like what your brother has done?] The old wookiee asked her.
Quickly snapping her jaw shut, she replied, [It's alright. Nice to know he isn't wasting all that money he makes.]
The older wookiee smiled wanly, and then continued on. There was something different that Bjiatocah couldn't quite place. As she listened to her footsteps, she realized what it was: the place was too quiet. Way too quiet. Until she started hearing the shouting.
As the ships came out of hyperspace, General Bel Iblis glanced at his intelligence officer. "What's the status on the Academy moon?"
"Well sir, there are 10 scepters situated in a defensive posture orbiting the Academy, however they are greatly outnumbered by the Imperial ships. The Imperial fleet seems to have been broken into two forces, one of which is on the opposite side of the moon from the academy. There are some troop movements on that side, but they seem to be moving off the moon: whatever they were there for, I'd say they gave up, or more likely that they found it. It looks like some of the troops are now being deployed to attack the Academy."
Bel Iblis paused for a moment, then began to outline his strategy. "All right, I want the battle group moved into position above the academy: have those scepters join into formation. Make sure they know who's in charge here now. I want 1/3 of all fighter units launched as soon as possible. Most of them are to fly cover for the capital ships, the rest are going to provide cover for our ground troops. The fighters will be rotated in 2 hour shifts, with new fighters leaving every hour. I want a frigate ready to take on refugees and casualties. Commando groups 1-4 should be ready for deployment within 15 minutes. I want them to set up a defensive barrier around the academy. Have them take Anti-Walker equipment, especially those new tanks. According to Major Bjiatocah's report they work well. Remind them to aim for the knees and ankles, and failing that the hips and neck. Anyone fleeing is NOT to go anywhere near Primary Ops. We'll have our first rendezvous point be Hoth. From there we can figure out where to go. Finally, I want this made clear: No one is to engage until we have been engaged. I want a minimum of casualties here. We're outnumbered, but we're used to that. May the force be with us all." The com unit on Bel Iblis' armrest beeped. "Yes?" he replied.
"General, it's Captain Calluna, sir. I just thought you should know, there are a lot of Dark Jedi out there. We could be in for a hard time."
"Understood Captain. Have your Squadron take off as soon as you can. I want you leading the escort of the ground troops."
"We're already in our ships sir, and we'll be out of here in minutes."
"What is it, Captain?"
The young officer stood at perfect attention as he revealed his information to Grand Admiral Darin de Devastator. "A Rebel Fleet has arrived to supplement the existing Black-scepters. They have taken up a defensive position in orbit over the Jedi Academy. They have transports moving, what I suspect to be, defensive troops for this situation."
Darin turned back to the view port. "Thank you. It should get interesting very
quickly. With new Alliance equipment in use, and the minions of the Academy, I'm certain
that this won't be as simple as my dear cousin believes."
'Of course, the Alliance starfighters out in space are in for a huge surprise
themselves' she thought with a smirk.
The four drop ships that had transported the first landing party had reached their destination with their escort of four TIE Defender squadrons just as the next four drop ships arrived with a squadron of TIE Bombers and another squadron of TIE Defenders. Deployment of a total of three AT-AT's, six AT-ST's, 10 repulsorlift tanks, 30 scout troopers on speeder bikes, 260 stormtroopers, 160 Army infantrymen, 50 of Domino's Dark warriors, and 7 Julayps began just 30 miles from the Academy. The Bomber squadron was already taking a protective position over the ground force, and the Defenders were holding back, waiting for an opportunity to begin strafing runs on any opposition.
On the Pride of de Devastator...
Domino was meditating in his private chamber. He loathed using the Force to lead his men into combat mentally, but he could feel the presence of strong Jedi minds. Analysis of the recent battle at Dantooine or Sullust showed the Dark Lord the possibility that a Rebel Force user could have the ancient ability of Jedi Battle Meditation, so he sat in meditation himself, not touching the minds about to go into battle, but placing a mental shield around them all. With his mind in synch with the occurrences on the Jedi moon, he would know if that Jedi did indeed have the ability of Battle Meditation and if he or she was using it. In that event, he could counter the effects so that his men would have the natural advantage that the Imperial military was meant to have.
As the troops and mobile units became organized, the TIE squadrons set themselves into formation. The Dark Jedi, Sith warriors, and Julayps had already disappeared into the wilderness to cut off any retreating foes as the stormtroopers and scout troopers created an offensive wedge to forge ahead to the Jedi Academy. Seemingly in unison, all Imperial eyes turned to the sky to watch as several transports descended through the sky to deploy the defensive force at the Academy.
"Com, get me General Tamar on the link." Commander Krith ordered.
~Lord de Devastator only requests that the temples be as unscathed as possible. He apparently respects their architectural beauty.~ There was a short pause before the general continued. ~Annihilate any forcible opposition, and capture any surrendering parties. The Dark Lord wants any and all prisoners to be held, no matter how unimportant they seem to be. The Dark Jedi and Julayps will assist in holding the stronger Force users. Tamar out.~
Commander Krith handed the com back to the com trooper and gave him the order to give the go ahead for the long march to the Academy.
'I've been needing to be involved in a large scale offensive for quite some time. However much honor being a Deominian Palace Guard can bring, it doesn't compare to the glory of battle. It feels so good to be commanding such a mighty assault force'
The Imperial force began to move forward, sweeping across the terrain like a flood of white, gray, and black through the jungles of Yavin IV.
Luke stretched out with the Force and his danger sense caused his heart to leap into his throat, "Mara, they're heading for the academy!" the transport performed a tight 180 degree turn and returned to the academy. Luke scanned the jungles for approaching troops. Luke looked at her, "Give the throttle everything you have! We must defend the academy. We must get there before they do." Luke's mind was also on his students, those who had entrusted their lives to him. He couldn't let them down. The transport raced to the academy. Luke turned his head to look out the viewport. "I've got a visual siting of the invasion force. We'll be at the academy a full 10 minutes before them! there are three or four fighters in the main academy hangar. We'll head out in X-Wings and drive those Imperials off."
~Howdy General!~ Yelled a voice on Bel Iblis' com.
"Hello, you must be one of the people in charge of The Black Scepters."
The voice chuckled, ~Yes, I am Nal Uther .~
"Look, Mr. Uther, I don't have time to chat right now. Just follow deployment like my men have outlined, and I'll do my best to keep us all alive. Bel Iblis out." Garm looked up as one of his men came running to his position on the bridge.
"Sir! Master Skywalker has ordered a few X-Wings to be prepped for battle so that he a few of his students can engage the Imperials approaching the Academy."
"WHAT! Has he lost his mind? Damn Jedi think they're unstoppable. If he were anyone else I'd have him court martialed for this; I specifically ordered that no one is to engage! Damn, they're still more than 20 kilometers from the perimeter." He turned to his com. "SKYWALKER! You'd better have a damn good reason for disobeying my orders. Do you want to die, boy?"
~Sorry General,~ the reply came, ~No time to chat. We just spotted the enemy. Oh my goodness, there are over 50 TIE defenders! Um, General we could need some hel-~ The transmission broke off.
From the Communications station a lieutenant looked up. "Sir, all communications from Skywalker's position are being jammed. I'm trying to break through, but whoever is doing this is very good."
"Keep trying. And deploy 20 A and B wings each to cover Luke's retreat. I have a feeling that's going to happen very soon."
As Bel Iblis walked over to Tactical, he opened a another line. "Captain, how are things coming?"
~Well sir, The commando teams are setting up position now. Squads 2 and 3 are set up to take the brunt of the Imperial attack, and we have 1 and 4 ready to repel any flanking movements. All 40 tanks have been deployed, and the academy's defense towers are all manned. We have cannons to disable ground troops and vehicles, as well as Proton Torpedoes to deal with any Bombers.~ There was a pause. ~Copy that Omega Two. Sir, Jeffy just told me what Luke is up to. Do you want me to bring Omega in to help him out?~
Iblis considered for a moment, then shook his head, even though Neb couldn't see it. "No, we need you covering the rest of deployment. Skywalker's on his own for the moment."
"Understood General. Omega Leader out."
"WADDAYAMEAN THEY'RE GOING TO THE ACADEMY?!!?!?" Alia screamed at the bird. He (of course) just looked at her and tilted his head. She had over blown her limited training in talking to him. OK, calm down. Talk to the bird quietly like a child. "What bird say?"
"Bad man go to good place, girl. Girl gotta' go back." Oh gee, that helped. Alia still had no idea where she was, but genius bird here seemed not to care. He couldn't help. So what was she supposed to do? Just get on the speeder and go back the way she came from? Good idea, but she hadn't taken a straight path to get to.....wherever she was. She decided to take a chance on her powers and try to sense her way back the Academy by following the trail the invaders had taken. She could still sense the evil, but it was getting fainter.
"Thanks, bird. Girl go now." "NO! Bird go with girl." "Uh....no..." "Yes! Bird name Teg. Teg go with girl." "Oh fine, geeze." Alia slipped Teg into her pack and slipped it onto her back so it wouldn't snag on any branches. She closed her eyes and relied on her Force sense to guide herself through the trees. "Hold on, guys. I can't be much help, but I'm coming."
After dropping Luke and the Jedi students Mara took off in the transport, which had enough firepower to be a threat to Imperial groundforces (though it would be outmatched by any Imperial fighter). Mara was able to pick off 4 speeder bikes, a repulsortank, and a squad of Army regulars before she met resistance from the escorting TIE's. Descending on her ship like a swarm of shredder bats, six TIE Defenders delivered a powerful salvo of lasers and proton torpedoes on Mara as she began to fly back to the Academy.
"Luke! I'm taking heavy fire from those TIE's!" Mara said.
Luke only grunted an acknowledgement as he pushed the throttle to its maximum output and put his fighter through twists and jinks that would make the ship's designer have nightmares. Luke just about had a lock on one of the lead TIE's just as another proton torpedo hit its mark.
"Luke! I'm hit bad. I'm going down hard!"
The TIE Defenders returned to their formation as the transport lost its maneuvering thrusters and began a long slow dive in the direction of the Academy. Even with all of Mara's experience and cunning behind the seat of various starships, she was unable to prevent the inevitable. Her transport landed hard, just twenty meters from the main temple.
Five Rebel troopers raced to the ship and prepared for the worst, when they saw Mara staggering out of the ship with a Jedi student holding on to her for support. He was hurt badly; blood covered his head. The troopers took him from Mara, but, feeling responsible, she wouldn't let the student out of her sight. A field medic looked her over quickly, making sure Mara was going to be fine as well.
Gore 7 through 12, this is Gore leader. That ship is going down. Get back into formation. We've got approaching A and B wings flying in to provide the Reb's with air support.
The 6 Defenders reformed with their squadron. The TIE squadrons moved in to provide more effective cover for the ground force, as the Imperials kept marching along steadily.
Commander Krith grabbed the com. "General Tamar, this is Krith. It is time to begin direct engagement. Prepare another wing of fighters to take part in these festivities if you would. We'll be needing reinforcements in just under twenty minutes."
~Understood Commander Krith. You will be joined in twenty minutes by another platoon of stormtroopers and twenty more repulsortanks. Tamar out.~
With all of her skill, Rayla was concealed quite nicely. She was wearing a special suit that redirected sensor signals, and she was using the Force to dim anyone's perception of her. She knew that she was only one of many Dark Jedi concealed in this fashion, but somehow she felt that this type of action was suited perfectly for her skills.
'Just one opportunity and I'm pouncing on it! I only hope I can meet up with a worthy adversary.'
Neb checked his sensors: with Mara's ship having gone down, the A and B wings had reentered their previous formations. However, the cover ships Neb had requested were coming in shortly. Neb had been granted the dubious honor of being in charge of all the fighters covering the surface troops. He kept his tight perimeter around the academy as he watched 3 A wing, 2 X wing and 2 B wing squadrons meet up with Omega. He signaled the squadron commanders, "All right, here's how we're playing it, Omega, the A and X wings are going to be keeping those Tie Defenders busy. Any lucky shots you can get in on a tank or a walker will be appreciated as well, I'm sure. The B wings are to give support to the ground troops, and take care of any bombers we run into. Does everyone understand?" All the squadrons reported in affirmative, and then Neb saw the first shots being fired. Over the horizon a dark swarm of TIE's was coming in hard and fast. "All right, boys and girls, here's where the fun starts."
On the private channel between their ships, Jeffy contacted Neb. "Sir, I have a question."
"Yes, Jeffy?"
"Isn't there some kind of hocus pocus or something that you can do to help us out?"
"I've already thought of that, Jeffy. I wanted to make sure that these weren't Dark Jedi we're flying against, so I probed the pilots. I don't think they're Jedi, but their minds are shielded. There's not much that I can do on a large scale, but I may be able to mess with them one on one. Failing that, I'll have to trust that we're as good as we say we are."
Jeffy's reply was as optimistic as ever. "No worries about that boss. These guys aren't going to know what hit them."
"Even so, I'm going to request some E wings to back us up as soon as I can."
MOVE ON TO PART III
RETURN TO THE
ARCHIVES
This page hosted by Geocities
Get your own Free Home Page