Chapter 137: Archives(2/4)
“Yes, please lead the way.” Qui-Gon replied to the Jensaarai defender.
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(New Hyperspace Route)
Twelve Venator 1st class star destroyer of the Galactic Republic Navy jumped into existence at the tail end of a star system. While another six Acclamator 1st class assault troop carriers jumped in behind them. Then a few dozen corvettes, frigates, freighters, and Gozanti-Class cruisers jumped in next. The fleet heading to Ryloth had taken their first unexpected jump into a new system.
The system in question had approximately three planets in it with one asteroid belt on the outer edge. Each planet was a standard 1g gravity in size. While only one was kept within the golden ratio limit of the sun. Unfortunately the sun was a red star and was slowly dying. Of course it would be another million or so years before that happened. This left the one planet in a sort of tundra state. With basic plant, and animal life along the equator and ice everywhere else. While the other two planets were barren rock.
One by one the different ships activated a light show thanks to their navigational shields that had been slightly modified before leaving. The shields gave off a blue-green light that shimmered as they moved. This was done as none aggressive action seen by the one true hazard in the system. The Purrgil semi-sentient space creatures in the system. Long range scanners counted nearly fifty different Purrgil here with them. One large male, several female, and the rest where all calfs.
The alpha, buck, or male of the group was almost as large as one of their Acclamator transport ships. While the smallest calf was approximately twenty feet long, and ten feet tall. The fleet gradually flew past the asteroid belt and pushed into the system. One by one the Purggil heard took notice of the new arrivals. Each of them glowed a bio-luminescent blue to green color. Then a song that could be felt more than heard pushed out from the alpha.
A Venator cruiser pulled forward ahead of the others. Along the top spine of the ship its ship bay pulled back and a single individual in a vacuum sealed suit floated into space. It flew towards the alpha who came to a gradual stop to look at the tiny figure. The whole fleet came to a gradual stop, as they continued to show the none aggression lights of their shields....
“Hello!” Lash called out through Telepathy/Beast Speak. The alpha blinked at him as his iris was larger than Lash.
“What are you?” The Alpha called, but as before it resonated through the Living Force. Gradually the females, and the calfs started for fly over, naturally curious about the new arrivals.
“I am a Navigator, I speak for this group.” Lash responded lightly in a submissive tone. The alpha looked past him at the fleet.
“No food for you here... Our place.” The Alpha responded, and Lash took notice that several of the females were guiding the calfs through the asteroid belt. There must be a deposit of Clouzon-36 in the belt. It was a type of gas that the Purrgil fed on.
“We are not staying. I must ask that your group be careful around mine. They are unhealthy, and weak.” Lash said next, and spoke into his communication line. Several of the cruisers cut the colored shields off and showed off their gray hull.
“We see...” The Alpha responded and said a soft song to its group. The females pulled the curious calfs away.
“May we pass in peace?” Lash asked the giant eye that had settled within touching distance.
“Yes you may...” The Alpha responded easily as it gradually pulled away.
One by one until the only the alpha remained did the Purrgil glide away through space. A few danced around in the asteroid belt away from the fleet. But more or less they would leave the fleet alone. Lash used Telekinesis to propel himself through space back to the Venator Cruiser. The loading bay opened partially to allow him to pass through then sealed behind him. Waiting for him on the deck with atmospheric shields in place was Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and the admiral Wullf Yularen who worked with Anakin as his vice-commander.
“Admiral Yularen please give the go ahead. We should leave the system rapidly.” Lash asked after he bowed to the man.
“Of course Grand Admiral!” Yularen saluted and did a swift about face and left for the bridge and relayed the orders to his bridge officer next to him.
“That was amazing!” Ahsoka said with a wild grin on her face.
“I must say, I have to agree with Padawan Ahsoka's assessment. That was rather impressive, Lash.” Obi-Wan said with a smile as he gestured for everyone to walk and talk.
“So you said that was just a form of animal bond right?” Anakin asked as they all walked in step.
“In combination with the navigational shields. Purrgils are naturally curious, and will often help one another more often than not. When they see a ship they often mistake it for another Purrgil that doesn't produce the same colors they tend think the ships are in trouble. So they brush against them in what they believe to be a modest hello. But to the ships it destroys their hull.” Lash replied as they left the hangar.
“I'll say! I remember stories back on Tatooine of smugglers losing their whole fleet of ships to Purrgils who just came over and brushed across them.” Anakin said as he suppressed a shudder from memories long gone.
“Do you think that's why no one has found this route?” Ahsoka asked, she skipped along trying to accommodate for her short legs.
“I'm sure plenty of found the route, just very few lived to tell the tale.” Obi-Wan said with a sly grin. While Ahsoka went a little stiff at the idea.
“So even without a Force-User. Ships could modify their shields to emulate the Purrgil. It's not a perfect solution but it would improve their life expectancy.” Anakin suggested another course of action.
“It would, now this is when many would suggest you create a algorithm of the different sounds Purrgil make to create a language template. But without the Force to create that link between them. It's just noise to them. That's not to say they still wont respond to it. Just not in the way one would hope.” Lash continued the subject.
Cosmic Awareness: Qui-Gon, Quilan Vos, and Pong Krell have left the Jedi Order to join the Jensaarai.
Lash paused mid step much to the surprise of the rest of them. He held up a hand to ask them to wait a moment. As he sent a holographic communication through...Oh crap they weren't in a registered system. No communication satellite was available. Lash then used Message to Nazvo to arrange transport. He wanted Qui-Gon and his crew to reach the temple of Venura.
“Master Lash, is everything alright?” Ahsoka asked.
“Qui-Gon just left the Jedi Order.” Lash replied to her.
“WHAT!?” Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka shouted. A few clones poked their heads around the corridors.
“Along with Quilan Vos, and Pong Krell.” Lash said next.
“WHAT!?” All three shouted again. A bridge office came to their side in a hurry. But before he could open his mouth Lash held up a hand for him to stop. He shut his mouth and waited.
“What? Why would they do that? How do you know this?” Obi-Wan asked, while Anakin started to pace in the hallway. While Ahsoka stood off to the side watching Lash intently.
“I have a Force-Bond with Qui-Gon. When important events happen that tend to jog his serenity I get a bit of feed back. I don't know much more than that. We have one more system to jump into before we hit the hyperlane route again. Once there we can figure it out.” Lash replied, he wasn't sure if Obi-Wan knew about the dark side hunters. But to stay on the sly for now.
“Why would Master Qui-Gon leave the order?” Ahsoka asked, both Anakin and Obi-Wan turned to her and didn't know what to say. Lash stepped over to the officer and spoke in hushed tones.
“Attention! This Admiral Yularen. We've reached the edge of the system and are preparing to jump to the next coordinates. All teams to your stations.” The Admiral's voice came over the ships intercom system.
“We can discuss this further once we get back to hyperlane route.” Lash said to them, and they agreed with uneasy expression on their faces...
The next system the fleet jumped into blissfully didn't have any Purrgils in it. It was a six planet system, with two planets in the golden ratio. Oddly enough both of them were barren worlds. Lash made a note of their location. Though he was sure the Republic fleet did the same. From this Map he knew that one of the planets was rich with minerals. He'd have to see if they could sell the rights to the planet to the Republic. Technically since the Jensaarai were the ones that found the route it was their find.
One of the Galactic Republic Militia ships drop a com buoy before they left the system. After that it was smooth sailing. They reconnected with the Corellian Run then made best possible speed towards Ryloth. Along the way Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka contacted Qui-Gon who was Ghost Industries HQ of all places as he waited for transport to Venura. After a long heated discussion it was proven that Qui-Gon would not be dissuaded from his choice.
Lash was hesitant about the others. From what understood about Quinlan Vos he was a strong supporter of the Jedi Order. He would even go under cover to join Count Dooku's side to relay information back to the republic under the secret orders of Master Windu, and Master Yoda. Lash couldn't help but feel like he was doing the same here. While Pong Krell was just another bag of cats. Half way through the war he betrays the republic and tries to get his clones killed in a suicide mission.
Lash was called to the bridge for the mission briefing. The different fleet admirals, and officers of the militia were present through holographic communications. While the rest of the Jedi were aboard a single cruiser. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka stood side by side. While a few other Jedi that would be assigned in supporting positions. This was a planetary invasion after all. Lash was one of the last to arrive but the briefing started as soon as he did.
“Generals, commanders, admirals, we have long briefing so let's get started.” Yularen said to everyone and started to pull up the available information.
“The planet Ryloth is the second planet in a three planet system. Ryloth is one of the last remaining stops at the end of the Corellian Run. It's primary trade is Ryll Spice, and regretfully Twi'lek slaves.... Yes, Commander Ahsoka?” Admiral Yularen called on the padawan who blushed a bit as the whole room focused on her.
“Isn't slavery banned by republic law?” Ahsoka said after a moment.
“Yes it is. Unfortunately Ryloth is so far from republic, as well as being on the edge of Hutt space that it makes it a prime target for smugglers, pirates, and slavers. Due to its poor economic infrastructure the resources required to maintain stability is... Not within the preview of the republic.” Admiral Yularen replied with a grimace.
“Which is what the militia is hear to fix.” Lash said next, and the militia officers in the holographic projectors nodded. Ahsoka, and several others smiled at that.
“The invasion is set in three stages. From our earlier reports there is a blockade around Ryloth. We will have break the armada around the planet. Then obtain a defensible position on the planets surface. Then push the CIS troops off world, or capture their leadership. Once that is complete we have been ordered to assist the militia in reestablishing order, and infrastructure on the planet until such time we are called away.” Admiral Yularen said simply. Then looked around at the room for questions before he broke each stage down in more detailed description.
“Stage One; will be destroying the blockade unfortunately we unaware of who commands the CIS Navy... Yes, Grand Admiral?” Yularen asked as Lash held up his hand. Lash stepped forward and put a data chip into the interface for the whole fleet to look through.
“Mar Tuuk is a male Neimoidian captain in the Navy of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. A shrewd tactician noted for his study of military history, he was charged by Emir Wat Tambor with overseeing the Separatist blockade. Emir Wat Tambor is the CIS general in charge of the ground assault. I also have information on him.” Lash said as he uploaded another data chip for the leaderships to look through.
“Mar Tuuk is a intelligent, and shrewd commander. But he is also a glory hound. With a bit of pride, and ego sprinkled in there. He'll preform his job as best as he can. But if he see's a moment to drive in a killing stroke on one of the more reputable generals.” Lash said as he gestured towards Anakin, and Obi-Wan who smiled at him. “Then it is likely we could pull him into a trap.
“Do we know their numbers?” Another commander asked, Lash shrugged and Yularen shook his head.
“Our first plan of action is to enter the system and get an idea of what we are facing. There are regretfully only two known hyper space lanes in and out of Ryloth.” Obi-Wan said and glanced at Lash who nodded in agreement. “Thankfully because of their moons we'll have plenty of cover. The Venators will deploy their ships and we'll take a sweep across their own fleet. Recon only.” Obi-Wan said as he looked at Anakin who grinned at him.
“The Militia will be checking the moons. Some of them have atmosphere, while others do not. It's possible that we'll have Twi'lek hiding on those moons. Or we'll encounter enemy camps. Either way it's going to a stress filled day.” Lash followed up, and the militia officers nodded in understanding.
“Do we know why the CIS attacked Ryloth?” One of the other Jedi's asked.
“Greed, they want to pull everything they can out of the planet. Specifically ryll spice, as it would help them supply their war effort. While also coordinate with the Pykes for routes through their space. Though they may as well take the Twi'leks as slaves.” Anakin said as he ground his molars in disgust.
“Stage Two; is finding a suitable landing site for our ships. The local fauna, and floral of the planet are of particularly dangerous to the residents, and us as well.” Yularen continued, and pulled up several examples of the local wild life.
“Most of the Twi'lek people live in either underground caverns, or along mountain passes. There is an environmental irregularity on the planet. Wind and dust storms due the five moons around the planet. They can experience winds up to 300-500 mph. Commanders ensure your troops know what to look for.” Yularen looked at the clone commanders. Specifically Commander Rex, and Commander Cody.
“Yes sir!” They both replied.
“The separatist emptied out several smaller towns and cities and moved the people into work camps. While they destroyed others as a form of fear mongering. The capital of Lessu gave up without firing a shot. Tambor has installed hundreds of artillery, and orbital defense cannons around the capital. So we'll have to land far enough away and proceed on foot.” Anakin jumped into the briefing and pointed out several holographic communications that were shared during the start of the invasion. The republic was only just now receiving them.
“Can the Twi'leks help us take back their planet?” Ahsoka asked.
“There is a freedom fighter on Ryloth named Cham Syndulla. He's been trying to overthrow Senator Taa for many years. But now with the separatist here he's rallied his people together to fight them off. If we can find him he may help us. Or he may think we are no better and attack us. We'll need some diplomats.” Lash supplied the answer, and the Jedi nodded in understanding.
“Why does he want to overthrow Senator Taa?” Ahsoka asked in youthful innocence.
“Taa is a corrupt politician that cares little for his home planet as long he stays in office, and keeps getting paid.” Lash replied before anyone else. Ahsoka gaped at him while the rest of the command council looked anywhere but at Lash.
“Ahem! We can discuss the politics of Ryloth after we have secured planet.” Obi-Wan said gestured for the briefing to continue.
“Stage Three; will be us securing their command, and liberating the capital of Lessu. This is when I must inform everyone that we are alone out here. The Separatist Navy is at our back, and we will not be getting reinforcements for some time. Even with the new hyper space route it would be dangerous for the republic to come to us. So think before you act, and be careful.” Yularen looked at every general, commander, and admiral in the briefing.
“Now... Let's break down duty assignments.” Yularen began again...
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The Galactic Republic Navy dropped out of hyperspace on the edge of the Ryloth system. One by one the Venator 1st class cruisers opened their spinal docking bay ports and hundreds of star fighters flew out. Flying behind them were the Galactic Republic Militia ships as they flew towards the five different moons. The nearest moon to the planet was a rock with a partial atmosphere enough for near-humans to breath. While the largest moon was also a rock with a partial atmosphere. The other three moons were rocks with little gravity, or atmosphere to speak of.
Lash was sitting on Mandalorian Clan Rahl's Kom'rk fighter/transport ship. Mil'Gix, and Vi'Lon were in the pilot seat. Lash watched as Anakin engaged in a brush fire with the Separatist blockade. The communication line blew up with information as one of Lash's Virtual Intelligence Tech-Spirits jumped from ship to ship to hide away in the CIS communication line.
The Militia ships took the slow, and safe way towards the moons. Always keeping the large mass of rock between them and the ships before they moved to land. Gozanti-class cruisers flew towards each moon and dropped off world engines. If it had at atmosphere they would start to build a biome. If it was airless they would start to build a new atmosphere. In a few weeks to a few months every moon on Ryloth would be livable.
“General Skywalker, pull your forces back I have an accurate count for their numbers.” Lash called across a secure line.
“Already? We've barely said hello.” Anakin said with a bit of humor.
“Thirty eight pilots are dead, Skywalker. Move back!” Lash said with a bit of a snarl.
“R-Right! All teams fall back to the fleet.” Anakin replied quickly and realized his mistake. Lash was not the right commander to treat the clones lives like nothing.
Vi'Lon piloted their Kom'rk ship to the nearest moon and landed on the far side of it away from prying eyes. Lash turned on his heel and left through the main cargo bay door onto a dreary rock of a moon. A world engine was in the process of drilling into the ground a few hundred feet from his position as militia troops poured out of the Gozanti ships.
Unlike the Clone Army who had nearly full coverage in armored plating. The Militia had more of informal uniform. They still wore full battle uniforms with rock camouflage. Pieces of plastoid plates covered their chests, and backs. While they wore gloves, vampraces, boots, greaves, a utility belt, utility backpack, and helmet. They were never meant to be front line fighters like the clones. But some armor was better than no armor. Lash had wanted to completely cover them, damn the expenses. But Nazvo, and several Mandalorians talked him down. Better to make it something they could earn through years of service.
The world engine finished drilling into the ground and a crystal pylon extended from its primary housing unit and started to vibrate. An almost high pitched keening noise went out before that to went silent. Then the housing unit inflated upwards and slammed down. A shock wave went through the whole moon. As the engine started to increase the magnetic sphere, and increased the overall gravity on the moon to standard 1 g. Millions of micro-droids were deployed from the sides as they began to scatter oxygen, and CO-2 cultivation plants across the surface. (Not actual science)
Lash jogged over to the world engine and poured magical energy into the available batteries. As always the midi-chlorians in the air surged forward to consume the available energy. But the by product created life on the moon. He watched plant life grow across the surface. He waited until the batteries in the engine were full before he pulled his connection from it. Then looked up to see new clouds form above gradually.
“That was quick!” Mil'Gix came to his side, as Vi'Lon stayed with the ship.
“We'll have to fix its rotation, and orbital ring in the future. That way the day and night cycle won't be to long. But that could have large effects on the environment on the planet. We'll have to do it gradually.” Lash replied, as he pulled up a holographic interface.
The star fighters had returned to the Venators. The fleet was making its way towards the very moon they stood on now. They planned to use it as a shield. Made sense. The militia engineering unit started to set up fabricated bunkers, anti-air, and ground turrets. Hopefully they wouldn't need it. Another Gozanti flew a few hundred feet off the surface and was flying towards the next world engine location. Their guns were on a swivel looking for.... The Vulture droids that headed straight towards them.
“Get back to your brother and shoot those down!” Lash said to Mil'Gix who shot into the air via jet pack and went back to the ship.
“Militia teams on first moon, we have vulture, and hyena ships inbound.” Lash called across the line and a yellow preparation alert went through their channel.
The world engine stopped its processing and retracted its crystal pylon. Then it deployed a shield to protect itself. The ground troops ran under the cover of the shield and watched as several automated turrets were deployed and started to take aim. Lash climbed up one particular ledge as the entire moon was rock, sheer cliffs, and canyons as far as they eye could see. He created several Rune – Destruction circles in the air. He continued to channel the energy so the midis wouldn't eat it all.
Hundreds of Vulture, and Hyena droid fighters flew in. The Hyenas started to drop energy bombs across the surface. Until Lash, and dozens of automated anti-air started firing at them. The Vulture droids did their job and flew into the line of energy to buy the Hyenas more time. So Lash just made more circles. Then low and behold several C-9979 landing craft appeared along the horizon. Those large four winged transport ships he fought against on Naboo. Lash grinned in malicious glee. As he reached out with Telekinesis.
Lash raked his hands through the link across the ships wings. Saving time, and energy as they couldn't stay aloft with only two wings on one side. The landing craft plummeted towards the surface in a glorious explosion. One by one they dropped until who ever was in command of landing troops on the moon got the message and deployed them further away. Then a little less than a hundred Republic Navy star fighters flew over head.
“Grand Admiral, Lash. This is Red Leader, we here to help out. But doesn't look like you need any, sir!” The Clone said over the communication line.
“All the same, thanks for the support. If you see any droid fighters destroy them, and mark any location with your IFF for land troops, please.” Lash replied.
“Copy that, Grand Admiral!” Red Leader said, then the ships buzzed across the surface.
Lash watched as the few militia star fighters joined in the flight path of the clones. It was a dog fight above the surface. Lash watched with a careful eye and swatted a few ships out of the sky. Eventually the world engines redeployed as the last of the droid fighters retreated. Vulture droids only had approximately 35 minutes worth of fuel. While the rest of the hyenas were destroyed minutes ago. Lash looked around and started to calculate until the moon rotated so that their face was in direct line of fire with the blockade. Time to build a defense platform.
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(Ryloth Separatist Blockade, Mar Tuuk's Command Ship)
Mar Tuuk was a male Neimoidian who stood at approximately 6'8” he had vibrant green skin that would change color depending on his mood. Unlike most of his race that held a high level position, Mar Tuuk took great care of his physical health and would actively participate in physical fitness. He had yellow to red compound eyes befitting of his race. But would often keep them behind augmented reality lenses that fed him information on the battle net. Mar Tuuk wore the traditional black, and gray sweeping robes of the Neimoidian people. But it was decorated with ribbons, and rank insignia of the Confederacy Navy.
Mar Tuuk sat on the bridge with his fellow Neimoidian officers, and droid commanders. A tactical droid stood by his side as they watched the battle take place on the nearest moon of Ryloth. Their landing craft and been literally pulled to pieces. It confused Mar Tuuk to no end. There was no strategic value to landing on the moon. Using it as a shield for their Navy made sense. But....
“Captain, we are receiving a message from Count Dooku.” A battle droid reported and Mar Tuuk jumped to his feet.
“Put it on the main view screen.” Mar Tuuk scurried over to a communication mirror that sat on the bridge. The mirror rippled with an almost mercury reflection before it showed Count Dooku sitting at his home world of Serenno.
“Count Dooku, I am most humbled by your communication. How may I be of service?” Mar Tuuk said with a lofty bow from his waist, and moved his hands in a intricate pattern.
“Captain, you've engaged the republic. What is your impression of their forces?” Count Dooku said as he kept a steely gaze on Tuuk.
“Cautious, but also confusing. General Skywalker led an attack of star fighters across the fleet but stayed for only a few minutes. While the rest of the fleet moved behind the nearest moon. They deployed ground troops on the surface. Very puzzling.” Tuuk replied, as he watched the report through his optic lenses.
“Those are not Republic Navy forces, but the Galactic Militia. Grand Admiral Lash is leading them. Captain, you must not take any form of holographic communication from Lash. He is a talented Force-User and can strangle you from afar as long as he can see you.” Count Dooku said, his expression remained unreadable.
“Yes! Of course, Count Dooku. Thank you for the council, I will do so. Are my orders unchanged?” Tuuk asked.
“Yes, remain in control of Ryloth. For now, this was never meant to be a prolonged engagement. But be ready to respond. We are sending forces to perform a pincer move behind them.” Count Dooku responded and a faint smile tugged on his lips.
“Yes, of course! I will be delighted to help crush these pitiful Jedi!” Tuuk responded with a genuine smile of his own.
“Good, carry on captain.” Count Dooku said and closed the transmission.
“TD-02, inform all our commanders in the ships, and on the surface not to take any holographic communications from Grand Admiral Lash. If they see him in a different comm line tell them to break it off immediately. Voice communication only!” Tuuk instructed his tactical droid.
“At once, captain.” TD-02 responded and relayed the information across the CIS battle network.
Mar Tuuk returned to his command chair and read through reports. The landing teams had landed and were surging towards the designated location. The moon's surface would be in sight soon. If he fully charged his ships cannons they could bombard the moons surface. Perhaps this would force the Jedi to come out. Yes, yes that was a workable plan.
“Captain, we are reading an energy surge on the moons surface.” A bridge officer called out.
“On screen.” Tuuk called, and a view screen amplified the moon surface to reveal...An defense platform? When did they build that?
A brilliant green glow bloomed into being for a short moment. As a lance of pure energy shot straight out from the moon and cut straight through a CIS frigate straight down the middle. The beam fizzled out before it hit the planets surface. But the damage was done as the frigate was gutted like a fish.
“All ships return fire immediately! Deploy all fighters, and bombers we have to destroy the platform as soon as possible!” Mar Tuuk shouted as his officers jumped into action.
“Sir! There is another energy surge!” The same officer called as the green beam of light gutted another frigate.
“Sir! We have an incoming communication...It's by passing our security software!” The communication officer shouted. As another beam of energy shot out.
A blue hologram of a humanoid in full armor towered over Mar Tuuk and the command deck. Mar Tuuk recognized the armor from his files and he did the smartest thing possible. He fled the command deck. Never in his life had he sprinted so fast. He thanked Count Dooku to no end as he heard people scream behind him. His jumped through the blast doors and-->>