Chương 31: Battle at Cobalt Station
The battlefield at Cobalt Station was a nightmare. The ground was a mess of mud, blood, and wreckage. The air stank of burning metal and scorched flesh, and the sounds of war—blaster fire, explosions, and the screams of the wounded—filled the air. The Separatists were pressing hard, their numbers overwhelming the Republic forces. The clones, led by Master Leska, were doing their best to hold the line, but it was clear they were outnumbered. Thousands of battle droids marched forward, supported by Hellfire tanks, Spider tanks, and AATs. The droids' blasters cut through the air, mowing down anything in their path, while the tanks fired their cannons, tearing huge chunks out of the station's defenses.
The Republic forces fought back with everything they had. The three AT-ATs stomped through the battlefield, their massive legs crushing droids and debris underfoot. Their turbolasers fired, blowing apart tanks and droids, but even these powerful machines were struggling to keep up with the sheer number of enemies. The five AT-TEs added their firepower, their cannons blasting away at the droids, but it wasn't enough. The enemy just kept coming.
Anakin Skywalker and the Padawans—Elora Sund, Tae Dith, and Kass Tod—were in the thick of the fighting. Their lightsabers flashed as they cut through wave after wave of droids, but for every droid they destroyed, two more seemed to take its place. Anakin was relentless, his lightsaber a blur of blue as he deflected blaster bolts and cut down droids, but even he couldn't be everywhere at once.
Master Leska moved through the field, her green lightsaber deflecting blaster bolts. She shouted orders, her voice barely audible over the roar of battle. The clones fought fiercely, but the droids were closing in, their numbers overwhelming. Anakin's lightsaber cut through droids, each strike severing limbs and heads. But the droids kept coming. Tae Dith fought bravely at his side until a burst of blaster fire hit him square in the chest. He crumpled to the ground, dead before he hit the mud. Anakin's heart tightened, but he had no time to mourn. He pressed on, slashing through droids with brutality bordering on the dark side. Elora Sund and Kass Tod fought nearby, their lightsabers flashing through the rain. Elora took a hit to the shoulder, her flesh burning under the impact. She gritted her teeth and kept fighting, her blade spinning through the air. Kass was fighting desperately, her green blade deflecting shots, but the droids were too many. Their position was crumbling.
"Fall back!" Anakin shouted. The clones and Padawans began retreating, leaving Tae's body behind, buried in the mud. Their retreat was desperate, the droids pressing harder with every step they took.
Master Leska fought on, her lightsaber carving through droids as she guided the clones. But even her strength wasn't enough. A barrage of missiles slammed into one of the AT-ATs, tearing it apart. The massive walker toppled, crashing to the ground. The explosion tore through the battlefield, sending clones flying. Mud and debris rained down, coating Leska's robes. She barely managed to leap out of the way, her body crashing into the mud. She struggled to her feet, covered in mud. Blaster fire showered over her, forcing her to crawl into a trench. The trench was filled with water and blood, dead clones lying in the muck. Leska wiped the mud from her face, trying to steady her breath. The situation was dire, and she knew they couldn't hold out much longer.
The droids pressed their advantage, blasters firing, clones were cut down all around her, their bodies ripped apart by the relentless fire. Leska's heart pounded as she realized how close they were to being overrun. Another AT-AT exploded in the distance, the shockwave sending a spray of mud over the battlefield. Master Leska sat trembling in the trench, her hands clutching a simple necklace, the symbol of the Agricultural Corps dangling from the chain. Her once-steady breath was now shallow and ragged, the weight of the battle pressing down on her like a physical force. Around her, the ground shook with every explosion, dirt and debris raining down, coating her in the mud and blood. Each explosion reverberated through her, chipping away at her resolve, her once unshakable calm now fracturing.
She could hear the cries of the wounded, the shouts of the clones, and the relentless clanking of battle droids approaching. The force of each blast seemed to erode her inner peace, the serenity she had always clung to slipping away like sand through her fingers. The thunder of artillery was deafening, the ground beneath her shuddering with each impact, and yet she felt so small, so helpless. All she could focus on was the creeping despair gnawing at her mind. She was a Jedi Master, trained to resist fear, to embrace the Force in even the darkest times, but here, in this trench, surrounded by death and destruction, her faith wavered. The weight of every life lost, every failure, began to crush her spirit. The calmness she once found in the Force now seemed distant, unreachable. Leska could feel herself slipping, the darkness of despair encroaching upon her thoughts. She had led so many into battle, had seen so much death, but now it felt like too much.
More clones jumped into the trench, their armor caked with mud, faces set in grim determination. Leska barely noticed them as she clutched her necklace, drowning out the chaos around her. The screams, explosions, and blaster fire faded into a dull hum. A clone knelt beside her, his mouth moving, but she couldn't hear him. He shook her urgently, and suddenly, the noise rushed back in.
"General!"
Leska blinked, disoriented. "What are your orders?" the clone shouted, desperation in his voice.
Leska looked around, dazed, as another explosion rocked the trench, sending dirt flying over her. She ducked instinctively, covering her head. "Retreat back to the base," she ordered, her voice trembling. "Activate the shield generator... Tell the Padawans to head to Monsoon Mesa. Get them to safety."
"Yes, General!" the clone responded, turning to relay the orders.
Leska ignited her lightsaber, determination flickering back into her eyes as she strode forward. She deflected incoming blaster fire, trying to provide enough of a distraction to give the others a chance to escape. But the sheer volume of fire was overwhelming. A blaster bolt struck her shoulder, and she fell to the ground, gasping in pain, her lightsaber slipping from her grasp. She lay there, helpless, waiting for the end. Suddenly, the sky lit up with the glow of blue blaster cannon fire, slamming into the Separatist forces from behind. Leska stared in disbelief as the enemy artillery was targeted and destroyed.
"General!" a clone sergeant shouted as he slid into the trench beside her. "Lieutenant Lock is attacking the enemy from behind! He's requesting we push forward!"
Leska, still in shock, nodded, her mind racing. But she quickly recovered, her resolve hardening. "Push forward!" she ordered, igniting her lightsaber once more. The clones, emboldened by the turn of events, surged out of the trench.
…
Jaden led the charge, rushing into the fray as the clones and Jabiimi forces attacked from the rear. The Hammer's bombardment continued to pound the enemy artillery, while the rest of the ambush force tore into the Separatist ranks. Jaden's lightsaber cut through the droids with quick slashes. He leaped onto a nearby spider tank, his blade slicing through the thick metal legs, sending the massive vehicle crashing to the ground. The tank exploded behind him as he pushed forward, reaching out with the Force to yank battle droids into his path, cutting them down as they stumbled toward him.
Lock fought nearby, his rifle spitting bolts of energy that struck droids in their heads, dropping them in their tracks. He fired rapidly, his movements smooth as he took out one droid after another. When a group of Super Battle Droids advanced on his position, Lock ducked behind cover, tossing a thermal detonator over the top. He fired a shot into the air, hitting the detonator just before it landed among the droids, blowing them apart in a fiery explosion.
Lock rolled out from behind his cover, sliding under an AAT and slapping a mine onto its underside. He rolled out the other side just as the mine detonated, the tank bursting into flames. Lock grabbed a battle droid by the arm, using it as a shield against incoming blaster fire, before pulling out his blaster pistol and firing into the droids advancing toward him. The droid he was using as a shield took the brunt of the fire before crumpling to the ground, and Lock continued to fire, taking out the remaining enemies around him.
Aubries lightsaber moved swiftly as she cut through the battle droids in front of her. She deflected blaster bolts back at the enemy; a droid lunged at her from the side, but she twisted her body, bringing her blade down to cleave it in two. Another droid moved in from behind, but Aubrie ducked low, sweeping her lightsaber through its legs, severing them at the knees.
Scout darted through the battlefield, the force guiding her every move as she anticipated the droids' attacks. She dodged blaster fire with ease, her lightsaber flashing as she cut down her enemies. She vaulted over a piece of debris, spinning in midair to deflect a shot back at the droid that fired it, before landing and slicing through another droid that had closed in on her position.
Zule, on the other hand, fought with raw power, her lightsaber cutting through the droids. She swung her blade in wide arcs, cleaving through the enemy ranks with each strike. When a Super Battle Droid aimed its wrist rocket at her, Zule raised her hand, using the Force to redirect the rocket back at the droid, blowing it apart in a fiery explosion. She pressed forward, her lightsaber cutting down any droid that dared to stand in her way.
The clones and Jabiimi forces turned the tide, overwhelming the Separatists with their assault. The stolen AATs fired on the enemy artillery, their shots tearing through the Separatist lines, while the speeders weaved through the battlefield, gunning down droids and taking out tanks. Jaden leaped onto another tank, his lightsaber flashing as he sliced through its legs, bringing it crashing to the ground. He reached out with the Force, sending a wave of energy that toppled a group of droids. Lock moved in beside him, taking advantage of the situation. He fired shots into the downed droids, ensuring they wouldn't get back up. Beside them, Scout darted forward, her lightsaber flashing as she intercepted blaster bolts aimed at Lock, cutting down another wave of droids that tried to press their advantage.
Aubrie, not far behind, sensed a droid squad advancing on Jaden's left flank. Without hesitation, she extended her hand, using the Force to push the droids back, sending them crashing into the wreckage of the fallen tank. Zule, positioned on higher ground, saw an opportunity to eliminate a group of Super Battle Droids that were regrouping. She used her lightsaber to reflect their blaster fire back at them while calling out to Lock, who quickly pulled out his last thermal detonator. He lobbed it into the group, and Zule, with perfect timing, deflected the last shot, triggering the detonator in midair. The explosion ripped through the droids, scattering their remains across the battlefield.
Jaden noticed Scout getting pinned down by a group of AATs that were advancing quickly. He sprinted towards her, summoning the Force to lift one of the fallen droids and hurling it into the lead AAT, jamming its turret. The distraction was enough for Scout to leap into action. She used her lightsaber to slice through the tank's turret, causing it to explode, blowing up the droids near it. Lock, meanwhile, kept a steady stream of blaster fire on the remaining AATs, keeping them at bay as Jaden moved in to finish them off.
On the other side of the battle Master Leska led the charge through the battlefield, her body battered and bloodied from the intense fighting. She winced with every step, clutching her side where blaster fire had scorched her flesh. Her lightsaber moved steadily, deflecting the numerous bolts fired by the battle droids. A squad of Super Battle Droids closed in on her position, forcing her to duck behind the wreckage of a fallen AT-TE. The ground around her shook as explosions erupted from all sides. Leska gritted her teeth, determined to push through the pain. A blaster shot grazed her leg, searing the flesh and forcing her to drop to one knee.
Suddenly, a blue lightsaber flashed beside her. Anakin Skywalker had rejoined the battle, slicing through the droids. He reached down, helping Leska to her feet. "We can't let them push us back any further," he shouted over the deafening roar of battle.
Leska nodded, struggling to catch her breath. "We hold the line," she said, her voice hoarse. Anakin quickly turned to face another wave of droids, cutting them down as they advanced. Elora Sund and Kass Tod flanked him, their lightsabers moving in tandem as they deflected blaster fire and destroyed the advancing droids. The group pressed forward, carving a path through the enemy forces. Leska ignited her lightsaber once more, joining Anakin in the fight. She blocked a series of blaster bolts, the impact sending tremors up her wounded arm. A droid aimed for her head, but Anakin was there, cutting it down before it could fire. They moved together, step by step, pushing back the droids with every strike.
Elora fought valiantly, but a blaster bolt caught her in the chest, sending her crashing to the ground. "No!" Kass shouted, rushing to her side, but it was too late. Elora's body was lifeless, her eyes staring blankly at the sky. Kass gritted her teeth, her anger fueling her attacks as she fought on, tears streaming down her face. Anakin grabbed Leska by the shoulder, pulling her back as another barrage of missiles streaked toward them. The ground exploded in a shower of dirt and debris, knocking them both off their feet. Leska rolled onto her side, coughing as she tried to stand. Anakin was already up, deflecting more blaster fire as he reached down to help her.
...
The battle was slowly turning in favor of the Republic. Attacked from both sides, the droids struggled to adjust, their programming making them single-minded in choosing targets. With every coordinated attack, the Separatist numbers dwindled, leaving them vulnerable. Colonel Mazzi, however, fought on, his determination unwavering even as his forces were being systematically wiped out. Amidst the chaos, Mazzi found himself face-to-face with Jaden. Without hesitation, Mazzi fired his slugthrower, aiming directly at Jaden. Jaden sensed the danger before the shots were fired, feeling the unique threat that slugthrowers presented. He moved swiftly, dodging the slugs rather than attempting to block them, somehow knowing that his lightsaber wouldn't deflect the projectiles. Mazzi's eyes narrowed as he activated his rocket boots, gliding across the muddy terrain in a bid to gain the upper hand.
Jaden followed his movements closely, staying just out of reach of Mazzi's shots. As Mazzi circled him, Jaden closed the distance between them, his lightsaber ignited and ready. Mazzi fired again, but Jaden anticipated the trajectory, ducking and rolling to avoid the projectiles. Mazzi growled in frustration and increased his speed, zipping past Jaden and firing off more shots in quick succession. Jaden felt the force guiding him as he dodged each shot, moving in close. Mazzi, realizing that his distance attacks weren't working, switched tactics. He suddenly launched himself into the air with his rocket boots, raining down fire, as he switched his rifle to an automatic mode, on Jaden from above. Jaden leaped aside, rolling to avoid the onslaught before throwing his lightsaber, the blue blade slicing through the air and forcing Mazzi to change his position.
Mazzi landed heavily, his boots skidding on the mud as he tried to bring his slugthrower to bear on Jaden again. But Jaden was already moving, his hand outstretched as he pulled Mazzi's weapon from his grip with the Force. The colonel grunted in frustration but quickly adapted, launching himself toward Jaden with a small vibroblade drawn from his belt. Their fight became a close-quarters brawl, with Mazzi slashing at Jaden with his blade, trying to find an opening. Jaden parried with his lightsaber, the blade humming as it cut through the air, blocking Mazzi's strikes. Mazzi, however, was a seasoned warrior, and he used his rocket boots to glide around Jaden never staying in the same place for longer than a second.
Mazzi kicked off the ground, using his boots to propel himself into a spinning strike that forced Jaden to backpedal. The colonel landed a glancing blow on Jaden's arm, drawing blood as the vibroblade cut through his tunic. Jaden grimaced in pain but kept his focus, his lightsaber coming up to block the next strike. With a surge of the Force, Jaden sent a shockwave that pushed Mazzi back, but the colonel activated his boots mid-air, stabilizing himself before charging again. This time, he fired a small wrist-mounted rocket, forcing Jaden to dive aside as it exploded behind him, sending dirt and debris into the air.
Mazzi saw an opening and rushed in, but Jaden was ready. Using the Force, he sent a nearby piece of wreckage flying into Mazzi's path, knocking him off balance. Mazzi managed to stay upright, but the distraction was enough for Jaden to close the distance, his lightsaber slashing in a quick arc that forced Mazzi to retreat. Jaden pressed the attack, dodging the wild slashes from Mazzi's vibroblade. He could see the colonel tiring, his movements becoming more erratic as he tried to keep up with Jaden. Mazzi fired his wrist rocket again, but Jaden anticipated it, using the Force to redirect the rocket into the ground where it exploded harmlessly.
Jaden then reached out with the Force and crushed the mechanisms in Mazzi's rocket boots, causing the colonel to stumble and fall to his knees. Breathing heavily, Mazzi looked up at Jaden, who stood over him with his lightsaber poised at his neck.
"Looks like your commander has fallen for my trap," Jaden said, a grin spreading across his face.
Mazzi spat on the ground, glaring up at Jaden with hatred burning in his eyes. "This isn't over... Jabiim will have its freedom, and Alto will kill every last one of you."
Jaden's expression didn't change. "Maybe... now surrender."
"Never," Mazzi growled, reaching for a dagger hidden at his side. But Jaden was faster. With a swift motion, he sliced through Mazzi's arm, severing it cleanly before bringing his lightsaber back around and decapitating the colonel.
With Mazzi dead, the battle was all but over. The Republic forces moved quickly, rounding up the remaining Jabiimi soldiers and dismantling the last of the droids. The tide had fully turned, and victory was within their grasp. However, just as the dust was beginning to settle, a new complication arose. Master Leska and the remaining Jedi, including Anakin Skywalker, made their way through the battlefield, their eyes locked on Jaden.
"Jaden Katarn... by the order of the Galactic Republic, you're under arrest," Anakin declared, his voice firm as he ignited his lightsaber.
(AN: The battle of cobalt station is over now Jadens secret is about to be discovered by his own people what will they do. After this you'll see what Plan Jaden had for Alto since this was all a two step plan. Trick Alto into splitting his forces, ambush them from behind while alto goes to the city, what awaits him there. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.)
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