Chapter 137: Archives(3/4)
“Wow, you can move pretty quickly when you want to.” Grand Admiral Lash's voice called through the holographic communication line.
“I was warned about you! You will not break my line!” Mar Tuuk shouted back through he hall as security droids raced to his position. “Shut down all inner holographic relays on the ship, do it now!” Tuuk whispered to his security.
Lash's holographic visage appeared in front of Tuuk who pulled out his side arm and shot the projector. Just in time as he felt a squeeze around his heart. He gasped as he dropped to his knees, but felt the attack leave him. The security droids began to shoot all of the projectors in quick time. As the command and communication link allowed them near instan... Oh no! Tuuk looked up as he saw one of his command droids stutter in place. Then the holo communicator in its hand activated. Tuuk never shot his blaster so fast.
“Shut down all holographic communications to the ship! Do it now!” Tuuk shouted at his droids.
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(Ryloth's nearest moon.)
“Tch, so much for an easy win.” Lash complained as he imputed the next target lock.
“Have I ever told you how much I love big guns!?” Vi'Lon the Mandalorian warrior said with glee as he pressed the trigger and a triumphant boom! Cracked like thunder across the moon's surface.
“Once or twice.” Lash replied with a chuckle. Thankfully they were in a control room that blocked a majority of the sound.
With each trigger squeeze a synthetic kyber crystal was shot through the focused lens. Lash had created a mini-death star laser. He had to key down the power levels so the beam wouldn't shoot through the ships and impact the surface of the planet. But the effect was fantastic! Above the surface of the moon was a star fighter battle scene. The republic navy had deployed all of its ships to defend the platform as they took out the blockade. While an Acclamator cruiser landed nearby and deployed clone troops to create a makeshift defense as hordes of battle droids swarmed towards the platforms position.
The Venator cruisers flew into turbo laser range and began to engage the blockade. One by one the Separatist frigates fell to ruin. Another resounding boom from the cannon woke Lash up from his reprieve as he watched the battle unfold. They took one last shot at Mar Tuuk's ship, but in the end they couldn't destroy his subjugator cruiser. As he pulled it out of line of sight. Regretfully the moon's rotation was faster than Lash would have liked, another hour and they would be out of sight.
Dozens of hyena bombers dropped their ordnance onto the platform but a makeshift shield that was plugged into Lash kept them safe. According to his tech-spirit Mar Tuuk was making an emergency hyper space jump. He sent communications down to the surface of the planet informing Tambor of the republics arrival. As his ship pulled away, Lash's tech-spirit overloaded his drive core. Just as he was about to jump into hyper space his core exploded.
Now why didn't Lash do this before? Well the exposed debris and radiation would have negative effects on Ryloth. Even now portions of the CIS frigates were falling into the atmosphere. As far as Lash could tell they wouldn't hit any population centers. But they would need to clean up the mess in hopes the radiation wouldn't poison the environment. Lash received a holographic communication from the fleet. Admiral Yularen holo image showed up.
“Admiral Yularen, how can I help you?” Lash said to the tiny holo man.
“Grand Admiral Lash, the separatist fleet is in full retreat. We are deploying additional forces to mop up the ground forces on the moon. We request your presence back aboard the command ship, sir.” Yularen said with composed smile on his face.
“I'll be here in thirty minutes or less.” Lash replied, maybe he'd bring a pizza.
“Understood, Grand Admiral.” Yularen said and closed the communication.
“Alright Vi'Lon that's enough, please go get the ship.” Lash told the Mandalorian warrior.
“But...But.... The BFG!?” Vi'Lon said in a whinny voice. All the same he stood up and went to the door. Lash pressed the shut down sequence for the platform and head out as well. The whole thing was converted into ambient magical energy that midis ate up like candy.
Several Clone trooper walkers were firing from an optimal position as the incoming battle droids dwindled to remnant forces. It seemed the droids received new orders and they started to scatter across the moon. Great, something for his militia to handle. Lash pulled up the duty assignments and requested some droid hunters to be deployed. Then he watched as the last world engine was anchored to the surface. He gave it a quick magical energy battery booster and moved to the Kom'rk transport.
Clone troopers, and militia cheered as the battle was won. Casualties were at a minimum. Even the star fighter corp loss less then 10% of their total amount. As the Kom'rk transport broke from the moons gravity, Lash caught Anakin chasing a few persistent droids with his own star fighter. While Ahsoka veered away from the battle and played escort for his ship.
“I don't suppose you would be willing to unite the Mandalorian clans and lead us to glory, Chieftain Lash?” Mil'Gix asked him from her pilot seat, a bit of sarcasm laced in her voice. Lash didn't answer right away which made her look around at him.
“Not for this war, but maybe the next one.” Lash replied at last.
That was clearly not a sarcastic remark which made both pilots stop in thought. Then Vi'Lon went back to his duties and brought the transport into a landing approach with the command ship. As the transport went through the atmospheric shield and landed in its designated spot. Ahsoka's Jedi fighter landed next to it. Lash stepped out to resounding applause and cheers. As the clone troopers praised him. He looked around at all of them.
“Ib'tuur jatne tuur ash'ad kyr'amur.” Lash shouted in Mando'a, the clone troopers laughed in delight and eventually got back to work. Ahsoka came over to his side.
“What does that mean?” Ahsoka asked.
“Today is a good day for someone else to die.” Lash replied with a chuckle, and Ahsoka grinned up at him.
Lash and Ahsoka walked through the halls and were saluted by every clone they came across. Lash nodded in greeting back, said a few hellos in Mando'a to some of the officers. As a majority of the clones were trained my Mandalorian warriors, and had retained the culture. Which gave them a sense of identity. Which was why so many clone troopers decorated their armor. It was also something that his persona Wraith their instructor at Kamino had encouraged as well.
They reached the bridge just in time to see Obi-Wan talking to a holographic projection of Chancellor Palpatine, and Master Yoda. Both of them glanced up at Lash, and Ahsoka as they came in. Obi-Wan gave them both a smile, as he rolled his eyes. Thankfully he did it away from Palpatine's perception. Obi-Wan was not a fan of politicians. Lash stopped in front of the projector and bowed.
“Welcome back, Grand Admiral Lash. Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was just telling us of the successful strike against the separatist blockade. I have to say I am curious about this platform you built, capable of such destruction from a great range.” Palpatine asked with a smile. Ya, Lash was sure he was interested in a death star laser.
“It's a force sensitive weapon, and still in the experimentation phase. But we can discuss it length next time I'm in the core worlds, Chancellor.” Lash said as he bowed from his waist once more. Palpatine seemed mollified for now.
“The separatist is moving to attack you from behind reports from the front tell. Believe they know that the blockade has failed I do not.” Master Yoda said next.
“Quite right, which will allow us to attack them as well. Master Windu is leading his fleet down the Corellian run as we speak. If all goes well we'll be putting them in the same pincer move they hoped to trap us in.” Palpatine said with a benevolent expression.
“That is wonderful to hear, Supreme Chancellor. Our own forces will be landing shortly once we receive the required intelligence on the ground. Is Senator Taa available? He could give us a lay out of the area.” Obi-Wan asked, and then the chancellor, and Yoda both looked conflicted.
“Senator Taa is missing. We suspect separatist involvement in order to push a treaty onto Ryloth.” Palpatine replied, though his eyes did glance at Lash who shook his head.
“I'll ask Militia HQ to look around. But I believe the Jedi would be better suit for this task.” Lash suggested to them.
“Yes, have an established network in the criminal underworld we do. But may we ask the militia's help all the same?” Master Yoda asked.
“Of course, we are all working together to end this war as safely as possible.” Lash said with genuine emotion... Well mostly... Kinda...
“Agreed.” Obi-Wan said with a look of reassurance towards Lash.
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(Coruscant's surface.)
Senator Orn Free Taa scurried from shadow to shadow in the alleyways of the republic capital. He wrapped his corpulent body in a dirty rag so no one would give him a second thought. He was out of breath, sweating profusely, and his eyes were blood shot. He had to get away. They were coming for him. He tripped and fell flat on his face. He scrambled to his feet as the citizens he passed gave him a wide berth. The smell of rot emanated from him.
'this way.... over here....' -a voice called to him. Taa ran towards the voice, but he could never find it.
'He's over there! Hurry! Run him down!' -a voice called out from down the walk way. Taa let out a shriek! They'd found him! He ran at a full sprint through the crowd. He pushed them aside and threatened to push a few people off the railing to the abyss below.
“Out of my way! There coming!” Taa shouted at them, the people made way for him and looked behind him to see absolutely no one. No one was following him.
'This way senator, your ship is ready for you.' -the same voice from before called to him. Taa looked around and saw a republic security transport ready for him.
“Oh thank you! Thank you! I'll make sure the chancellor hears of this! You will be rewarded!” Taa screamed out as he raced towards the transport.
'Stop him! He can't leave here alive!' -the other voice called, and blaster bolts zipped past Taa's head. He screamed in fright, he was almost there.
“Sir! Sir, stop! What are you doing!?” A man called out to Taa right as the senator stepped off the ledge into the city streets below.
“I'm safe! They'll never catch me now!” Taa screamed in glee. As he never saw the pavement rushing to meet him.
The body Senator of Ryloth, Orn Free Taa was identified by Coruscant security several hours later. Witnesses reported that the Senator was scene talking to himself. He seemed to think someone was chasing him. Video cameras captured his 'escape' from his embassy residence, through the city, and finally his mad leap for freedom to the city streets below. An autopsy would later report absolutely nothing wrong with him, aside from his excessive weight he was in perfect health.
All the same the Jedi, and republic security investigated the possibility he was being chased. Perhaps there were alternate methods to his apparent madness. But no trace of Force energy was found, or drugs in his system. They tracked his life going back weeks looking for any irregularities. It was a well known fact that his system was under attack by the CIS. Perhaps they were responsible? But how? His staff, his aids, and personal attendants all said he was perfectly fine. So what compelled him to flee, and meet his death?
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(Ryloth system, Republic Navy command ship.)
“There are only four major cities on Ryloth, while the rest of the population is in scattered towns, and villages across the entire surface. Ryll spice is mined from an ore on the planet and often the entire mining company acts as both refinery, and living space for the workers.” Lash informed his militia teams who were taking notes.
It had been a day since the successful blockade break. Arc Clone Troopers had been sent on recon to the surface to scout out possible landing locations. Several Sub-Commander Jedi, and Jensaarai went with them. While orbital scans showed the city of Nabat was empty of its populace. The citizens had been taken prisoner by the local tactical droid and used them as shields against bombardment at their base.
The spaceport, and city of Kala'uun was in ruins. But they saw what appeared to be gorilla fighting tactics between Twi'lek freedom fighters, and the battle droids still taking place in the city streets. Though more than half of the city was underground to hide from the wind storms that plagued Ryloth. The spaceport wasn't large enough to support any Accalamator class cruisers. But it would benefit the militia to take it. That was Lash's first stop.
While the city of Rhovari was more or less in tact, but under separatist rule. Anything of value had been stripped from the city including food, water, and medicine. Along with Ryll spice. All of it was being shipped towards the capital of Lessu. Where Tambor had set up shop. The capital also continued to house its civilian population, once again has shields. So that meant an urban conflict.
“One of the hazards of setting up a mantle tapper on the surface of Ryloth is the fauna. The Gutkurrs are a carnivorous predatory species that hunt in packs. They range from two feet tall as younglings to the size of a all terrain tank as adults. They have scythe like claws. And thick chitin armor. They are resistant to blaster fire, but can be temporarily pacified with a sonic emitter at a set frequency. We have that frequency already so setting up those dishes need to be a priority.” Lash said, and produced another set of holographic pictures.
“Next we have Lyleks who are a species of large insectoid predators native to the equatorial forest of the planet. With their spiked pincers and powerful mandibles with a pair of tentacles near them, the Lyleks are the only Rylothian life form more dangerous than the predatory Gutkurrs. Their ridged, spiked carapaces can deflect blaster bolts. Although the Lyleks lived in hordes, the bigger individuals often dismembered the smaller members of their kind. These hordes were led by a Lylek queen, and their elaborate underground nests could cover up to five square miles. They communicate by hissing, clicking, and chittering. A precisely aimed shot to the head can put one down.” (Wookieepedia!) Lash said next, and showed a detailed image of the creature and a size comparison. Almost dwarfed the AT-TE walker the clone troopers used.
“Any and all attempts to dig through the ground is often met with fierce resistance from the local queens. We will make a mantle tapper before we leave, at least one. But I guarantee we'll come under attack. When we do, we'll track their movements and destroy their queen.” Lash said as he continued the briefing. Behind the militia were several clone troopers were relaying the information about the predators on the planet.
Lash then went over some of the more friendly, and domesticated animals they could find on the planet. Along with common pests, and plant life. A Bibfort was an insect that they could extract an anti-toxin from if needed in a pinch. He went over the language used on Ryloth, and how every militia, and clone trooper should have them in their hand terminals. Type in what you want to say, and the synthesized voice should speak back. While any replies should be translated...Hopefully.
“Sir, are we placing any tappers on the moons?” An officer asked when Lash paused for questions.
“No, most of their cores are dormant. We'll have to jump start them. So we'll be prioritizing food production on the moons. But that is only if we can fix their rotations. If needed we'll plant bio-luminescent plant life, and maybe try and grow power conductive plant life.” Lash replied, as he looked for more questions.
“Biome change on the planet?” Another officer asked.
“Unfortunately no, that is incredibly expensive. I know it may seem like I'm made of credits. But I assure you, I do have a limit.” Lash said with a bit of sarcasm as the room chuckled.
“Space station?” A clone trooper officer asked.
“Good question, and yes. The city of Kala'uun will continue to act as the planets spaceport. But we plan to build a defensive station above the planet. Full array of turbo lasers, long range missiles, and fast response star fighters. Hopefully they'll be piloted by the Rylothian's one day. But for now it will be us.” Lash replied, and nodded towards the clone in thanks as the militia officers made another note.
“Do the people of Ryloth know we are doing this?” One last officer asked.
“It was approved by the Republic, but the planets populace at large has no idea. In an ideal situation we could make these changes gradually. But we need to do a rapid revitalization of this planets infrastructure. In many ways this is a beta test for the militia. The bread basket worlds, and moons for the refugee programs was our alpha test.” Lash answered and they understood.
“Alright break up to your assigned teams. We'll move for the spaceport as soon as we get the all clear. Make all of your people aware that we are moving into an active combat zone.” Lash said, and the officers finished up and made way.
“Grand Admiral?” A clone trooper office came over.
“Yes trooper?” Lash asked, as he closed down the holographic projector in the briefing room.
“A brigade of clone troopers have been assigned under you with the siege of Kala'uun spaceport. CT-0346 will be the commander.” The trooper said much to the surprise of Lash.
“I see, what's the commanders name?” Lash asked, and the trooper's features softened just a bit.
“Commander Omen, sir.” The trooper replied.
“Wonderful! Anything else trooper?” Lash asked.
“No, sir!” The clone trooper said, they saluted one another and they left to prepare.
As Lash walked across the room towards the door. It opened before he got to it to reveal Ahsoka, along with another Jedi Padawan learner. The Padawan was a female Mirialan with olive green skin, black hair tied back into a tail, and wrapped with a leather string. Like most Mirialan she had geometric tattoos, specifically under her blue eyes, and along the bridge of her nose. She wore a form fitting set of Jedi robes in gray, and black tones. With the traditional hooded coat. She stood at approximately 4'8', with an athletic figure that a majority of trained Jedi tend to have. This was Barriss Offee.
“Padawan Ahsoka, Padawan Barriss, how may I help you?” Lash asked them both. Barriss looked up, and up at Lash.
“Hello Master Lash! We've been assigned to help with the liberation of Kala'uun.” Ahsoka said with a brilliant smile.
“Wonderful! You must missed the briefing however, I assume your assignment was last minute?” Lash asked, as he gently stepped around them to head towards the hanger bay.
“Ah! Yes, sorry Master Lash that was my fault. I had specifically asked Master Luminara Unduli if I could attend.” Barriss said as she jogged to catch up with him. Lash adjusted his stride for their shorter legs.
“Once she did, I couldn't let her go alone. So Master Skywalker told me to tag along.” Ahsoka said with a bit of mischief in her eyes.
“Padawan Barriss if I remember correctly you are training to be a Force-Healer?” Lash asked, Barriss perked up.
“Yes, Master Lash. Master Luminara spoke highly of your talents in the art of healing at the battle of Geonosis.” Barriss said softly, but clearly now that she didn't have to run.
“Wonderful, if we have some time we'll talk shop. Since Ahsoka has access to Shatterpoint you can help one another.” Lash replied next, as he retrieved two data pads with the briefing and handed it to them both.
“Yes, Master Windu told me Shatterpoint has medical applications. Just takes practice.” Ahsoka said in a chipper mood.
“How many types of healing do you know, Master Lash?” Barriss asked, her eyes zeroed in on him.
“Basic revitalization, healing, regeneration, limb attachment, limb and organ regrowth. Along with corpse repair, and resurrection within an hour after death.” Lash listed off a few of his spell abilities that could easily be explained through the Force.
“Y...You can bring the dead back to life!?” Barriss asked in shock.
“Depends on how long they've been dead, the condition of their body. How strong they were in the Force. The stronger the Force-User the longer their spirit sticks around. I can even recreate a Force-Ghost's body and pull them in.” Lash replied like it wasn't that big a deal. The Living Force grew agitated around him when he said that out loud.
Ahsoka had an almost smug look on her face when Barriss started to have follow up questions. Lash indulged her as they walked towards the Venator's hangar bay. The Kom'rk ship was waiting for him, and the two additional Padawans. That was when Lash met Commander Omen, a clone trooper like the rest of his brothers. But his left eye had been replaced with a cybernetic implant. It was pretty streamlined, only slight scarring around the cheek, and temple. While the eye itself had tiny gears, and widgets in the iris.
“Commander Omen, good to meet you.” Lash said as he came over to shake the commanders hand. Omen saluted first, then shook his hand.
“Grand Admiral Lash, good to finally meet you. I've looked over the briefing. Me and the boys will get your people down easily enough. I'm told we are watching our fire, people still live in the city.” Omen asked.
“That's correct. Oh, where are my manners. This is sub-commander Ahsoka Tano, and sub-commander Barriss Offee.” Lash introduced his two companions.
“Hello!” Ahsoka said with a wave.
“Commander Omen.” Barriss said with a bow.
“Ladies...” Omen said with a slight forced smiled. Lash tilted his head slightly at that expression. Lash quickly pulled up Omen's records. Turned out he was part of the initial battle of Geonosis. Hundreds of his brothers were killed due a bad call made by a Jedi.
“Admiral Yularen, has given us a single Acclamator use as a mobile base. We'll be landing right outside of Kala'uun and moving in on foot. We'll have minimal aerial support as the rest of the ground force works to establish a foothold near the capital of Lessu.” Omen turned his attention back to Lash. But Ashoka, and Barriss both noticed how Omen subtly dismissed them.
“I understand, I am landing ahead of the ship. There is a forest near the city we'll be landing the Acclamator in. I'm going to be making room for it.” Lash said, and brought up a holographic display of the map.
“That's dense forest, sir. We won't be able to fit a Acclamator in there.” Omen said.
“Leave that to me.” Lash said.
“Yes sir.” Omen said, as he ground his molars.
“Your dismissed Commander. Be safe and good luck.” Lash said, and saluted Omen who saluted back and left briskly.
“Master Lash did we do something wrong?” Ahsoka asked, as she watched the commander walk away.
“Not either of you specifically. A jedi made a bad call on Geonosis and got hundreds of his brothers killed. In a normal military the jedi in question would have been brought up on charges for dereliction of duty. Instead absolutely nothing happened.” Lash replied to her, and Ahsoka looked sad to hear the news.
“A lot of clones died that day. Surely he can't hold the jedi responsible for it?” Barriss asked, as she bit her lip softly.
“In a way he can. On Kamino the Jedi were considered tactical geniuses that would lead the clones with brilliant precision, and grace. When it came to their first mission, the jedi were unprepared for what it was like to fight in a real battle.” Lash replied, then gently nudged them towards the transport.
“Master Luminara doesn't speak about Geonosis very much. All she would say about it was that it was a mistake on the Jedi's part.” Barriss said softly.
“We are ready to leave, Chieftain” Mil'Gix asked when they loaded up into the transport. Several recon militia soldiers were sitting on the loading crane sitting. They looked up at Lash when he entered with the two Padawans.
“Alright, let's go liberate a city.” Lash replied and moved to the cockpit. He had Ahsoka, and Barriss stay in the back and have them go over the briefing they missed with an officer....
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One by one the different Acclamator 1st class cruisers broke off from the fleet and started their approach towards their designated objectives. The spaceport of Kala'uun, and Lessu were on the same continent just on different parts. Dozens of Militia ships flew down ahead towards a specific forest that surrounded the spaceport which was situated inside a mountain/cliff side canyon. Lagging behind them was one Acclamator cruiser. Hundreds of republic clone trooper gunships flew side by side with the militia.
Ryloth was an arid, savanna planet. Hot days, bone chilling cold nights. What few forests on the planet were giant behemoths not found on other planets. They had an almost calcified look to them, as their varies branches would collect sediment from the wind storms. While their roots reached, deep, deep into the ground to drink the available water in the earth. The people of Ryloth had figured out a way to spike the trees for water without killing them. While most Lylek hordes dug deep enough to find their own source of water.
Lash's Kom'rk vessel was one of the first to make planet fall. The separatist armies were either busy with the spaceport. Or fending off the main invasion force. What few anti-air emplacements by the droids were focused on clear ground. Not the forest, which was the point. The transport's cargo/crew seating opened up and lowered its crane down. A little over twenty militia recon soldiers propelled down. While Lash, Ahsoka, and Barriss just jumped out.
Lash landed on a solid branch of a tree. Then jumped to another one. Each one lower and lower as he moved to its roots. Ahsoka, and Barriss waited with the militia recon. While the Kom'rk transport retracted its crane and moved to escort the more vulnerable ships inbound. Lash eventually reached the ground and marveled at the giant trees covered in sand, dirt, and stone. He placed his hand to one and felt it humming with life.
“Alright, let's begin.” Lash said as he knelt down and created a ritual circle that spread out from his as the focus point. Celtic knots were etched into the ground, and crawled up the different trees within the circle.
First he used Nature's Supplement, Growth, Druid Grove, and Elemental Manipulation as a form of payment to the trees. Each tree within the circle glowed and brilliant green then washed the rest of the forest in light. With the morning sun rising it creature a combination of rich orange, reds, pinks, and green. Then he used Fabrication, and Alteration. Along with Animancy. Each designated tree's branches grew up, and up into the air. Then furled them out to create a platform. Each tree was a support beam.
By the time the Acclamator ship came into sight there was a sizable land spot for it. Along with several other auxiliary spots for the militia. Then several other trees moved to the side to clear a road. As each platform had a main loading ramp that connected to it. Once Lash was finished the midi-chlorians fed on the access energy and all the living plant matter in the area grew stronger for it. Little less than an hour he was done. They had their beach head.
“This is Grand Admiral Lash, you have your landing site.” Lash said over their communication line.
“Grand Admiral, this Admiral Ronti Jedree. We see it, and will be down momentarily.” Jedree's voice hid a bit of astonishment. But was quick to respond.
Spotlights came down from the ship and Lash gave him a mental facepalm. He forgot to add lights to the platforms. An easy fix, and altered it accordingly. Solar powered lights, with a temporary charge from himself. Now each platform was glowing for the ships to land. The trees let out an audible groan as the cruiser land, but held. Lash spent sometime reinforcing them. Just as he finished the padawans found him.
“So, what do you think?” Lash asked them both, as he let them pick their jaws up off the floor.
“Y-you... You... I-I.” Barriss tried to speak but eventually just stuttered.
“Alright, while we let Barriss restart her mind. Ahsoka?” Lash asked, Ahsoka was running her hands along the trees.
“So their still alive? You just adjusted their structure?” Ahsoka asked.
“Yes, the platform is just another extension of the tree. I'll have to retu-->>