章節 25: The Defender
The Venator-class ship Defendor was hidden within the dense nebula of a nearby star system, its hull showing scars from recent battles. Alongside it were two other Venator-class ships and two surviving Acclamator-class assault ships, all in even worse condition despite weeks of repairs. Hull breaches, exposed wiring, and damaged turrets marred their exteriors.
Admiral Novak sat in his dimly lit office, sifting through reports from various departments. He cursed as he reviewed the state of their deflectors, noting their barely operational status. Just as he took a deep breath, an alarm blared. "Novak to engineering, what the fuck is going on?"
"The coolant tank exploded, Admiral," one of the engineers replied.
Novak gritted his teeth. "Cause?" he asked.
"We didn't account for what would happen when we fixed the broken relays. The influx of energy was too much, and they burst, rupturing the coolant tanks," the engineer explained.
"Repair time?" Novak demanded.
There was a pause. "A week maybe, if we can acquire the parts from the other cruisers."
"See to it... Novak out," he replied, leaning back and rubbing his temples. Reaching into a drawer, he pulled out a bottle of sunset liqueur and poured himself a drink. He savoured the brief moment of solace, but his communicator buzzed again just as a small smile crept onto his face. Sighing heavily, he finished his drink and returned to work." Admiral, the captains of the other ships are here and waiting in the conference room," an officer reported.
"On my way," Novak replied. He stood up, adjusted his uniform, and walked out of his office. The corridor was a mess, with damaged hull panels and exposed wiring being attended to by engineers and maintenance droids. Alarm lights flashed intermittently, casting a red glow over everything.
As he walked, clones stopped their work to salute him. Novak acknowledged their salutes with a nod, moving briskly through the chaos. He passed a group of engineers working on a large breach in the hull, sparks flying as they welded a new plate into place. The conference room was just ahead. He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and entered. Inside, the captains of the other Venator-class ships and the Acclamator-class ships were already seated, their faces lined with fatigue and stress. Admiral Novak entered the conference room and greeted the assembled captains.
"Captain Typho, good to see you," Novak said, shaking hands with a stern-faced man in his forties, his hair cropped short.
"Admiral," Typho responded with a nod.
"Captain Nalar," Novak continued, turning to a Twi'lek woman with bright blue skin and lekku wrapped in protective fabric.
"Admiral Novak," Nalar replied with a respectful bow.
"Captain Jaro," Novak acknowledged a burly, bearded man with a scar running down his left cheek.
"Admiral," Jaro said, his voice gravelly.
"Captain Voss," Novak greeted a tall, thin Rodian whose green skin glistened under the room's lights.
"Admiral," Voss responded, his eyes attentive.
Admiral Novak sighed heavily, rubbing his temples for a moment before addressing the room. "I hope I'll hear better news in this meeting than I did the last."
The captains around the table looked exhausted. Captain Typho had dark circles under his eyes and a bandage on his arm. Captain Nalar's blue skin looked duller than usual, and her lekku had several fresh scars. Captain Jaro's scarred face was a picture of weariness, and he sported a large plasma scar on his face. Captain Voss's usually bright eyes were dimmed with fatigue, a cut above his left eye barely healing.
Admiral Novak looked around the table, his expression tense. "I need each of you to report on the state of your vessels."
Captain Typho leaned forward, rubbing his bandaged arm. "Admiral, the Resolute has sustained heavy damage. The deflector shields are down to 20%, and we've lost two main turbo laser batteries. Hull integrity is compromised in multiple sections, but we've managed to stabilize for now."
Novak nodded, turning to the next captain. "Captain Nalar?"
Nalar's lekku twitched as she spoke. "The Valor is in rough shape, Admiral. Our hyperdrive motivator is offline, and the main reactor is unstable. We're patching up the primary conduits, but it's slow without the proper parts."
"Understood. Captain Jaro?" Novak asked.
Jaro sighed, his face weary. "The Fortitude isn't faring much better. Multiple hull breaches, and the starboard engine is completely offline. We've restored some power to the weapons systems, but it's not enough to hold off another attack."
"Thank you, Jaro. Captain Voss?" Novak prompted.
Voss's eyes flickered with fatigue. "The Defiance is barely holding together, Admiral. We've lost our sensor array and most of our long-range communications. Life support is failing in several sections, and our medical bay is overwhelmed with injured personnel."
Admiral Novak sighed deeply. "I was hoping for some better news."
Captain Typho leaned forward, a hint of a smile on his face. "Actually, Admiral, I do have some good news."
Novak and the other captains turned to him, their expressions curious.
"Our ship's communications system is undamaged, and earlier today, we received a transmission from high command," Typho said. "They issued orders that any surviving ships in the Phelleem sector are to retreat back into Republic space for reassignment."
A collective sigh of relief filled the room. Some captains even broke into smiles. Novak, however, frowned deeply.
"What about the forces still planetside?" Novak asked, his voice tense.
The room fell silent. Captain Typho replied slowly, "High command deemed it too high a risk to devote any more forces to the war efforts on the planet."
Novak slammed his hand on the table. "TOO HIGH A RISK! There are over a thousand soldiers on that planet, and over a dozen Jedi."
"There's nothing we can do, Admiral. Any attempt at rescuing them would lead to thousands more dying," Voss replied, frustration evident in his voice.
"And what about the millions of Jabiimi who have pledged loyalty to the Republic for millennia?" Novak shot back. "Are we to abandon them too?"
The room erupted in heated arguments. The captains voiced their concerns, frustration, and anger. Captain Jaro, his face red, said, "We're sitting ducks out here. We need to follow orders."
Captain Voss added, "We have to think about the bigger picture. Sacrificing more lives won't help anyone."
Novak, fists clenched, glared at them. "I refuse to believe there's nothing we can do. We can't just leave them to die."
The arguments continued until Captain Typho, the original bearer of the news, stood up. "Orders are orders, Admiral. We have to retreat once our hyperdrives are online."
A bitter look crossed Novak's face. He sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the decision heavy on him. Finally, he stood up. "You're all dismissed. Focus on preparing as many of our systems as you can." The captains nodded, their faces sombre as they filed out of the room. Novak remained behind, staring at the empty chairs.
Novak sat in the room alone in complete silence. "Deemed too high a risk," he muttered to himself before laughing bitterly.
He leaned back in his seat, thinking about the Republic and how much it had changed since he was a navigational officer fresh out of the academy. Or perhaps it had always been this way, and he had just been too naive to see it. He had been involved in skirmishes and civil wars, but nothing on the scale of this war with the Confederacy. The likes of which hadn't been seen for thousands of years. His old CO had once told him that it was in moments of desperation where someone's true nature is revealed. Maybe this was the true nature of the Republic.
He sat there a moment longer, contemplating his next move. Follow orders and abandon the troops on Jabiim, or be branded a traitor. He laughed again, this time louder and more bitterly.
Reaching for his communicator, he contacted Captain Corvo, his first officer. "Captain Corvo, report on the state of the hyperdrive."
"It's holding together, Admiral, but using it will strain the ship," Corvo replied.
"Focus all manpower on bringing weapons and deflectors to full strength, as well as the thrusters," Novak instructed.
Corvo sounded confused. "Why, Admiral? Are we not—"
"You have your orders," Novak cut him off and ended the communication. He took a deep breath, his mind racing. In his life, he had far too many moments where he had to justify his actions by saying he was following orders. "Not anymore," he said to himself. He was old now and wouldn't let himself be known for leaving his men behind, clones or not.
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Jaden sat cross-legged on a large rock atop a cliff, the rain pouring down around him. The terrain was rugged and wet, with jagged rocks and dense foliage. The sky was dark, filled with storm clouds that occasionally flashed with lightning. Around Jaden, several large rocks floated, suspended by his concentration. His eyes were closed, his face calm despite the intensity of his focus. The rainwater trickled down his face and soaked his robes, but he remained still, meditating deeply.
Walking around him was the holographic form of Satele Shan, shimmering in the stormy air. Her presence was guiding and reassuring. "Good, Jaden," she said, her voice calm and clear despite the rain. "Now, focus on breaking each rock in half. Once you achieve that, double the amount you are holding."
Jaden's brow furrowed slightly as he concentrated harder. The floating rocks began to tremble, and with a soft crack, they started splitting. Satele watched closely, her form flickering slightly with each flash of lightning. "Precision is key, Jaden," she instructed. "Control each fragment as they separate. This exercise will enhance your precision and control over the Force."
Jaden nodded subtly, his mind fully immersed in the task. Jaden focused on the task at hand, beads of sweat forming on his brow despite the rain. The large rocks floated around him, trembling as his concentration intensified. Slowly, cracks began to form, spreading through each stone until they split open with a resounding crack. But as the rocks doubled, his concentration faltered. He tried to maintain control, but the additional strain was too much. The rocks fell, crashing to the ground around him. Jaden exhaled sharply, his energy depleted, the rain continuing to beat down on him.
Satele's holographic form flickered as she watched. "Take a break, Jaden," she instructed. He let the boulders drop, uncrossed his legs, and sat down heavily. Satele sat beside him, her expression calm yet concerned. "Will you finally talk to me about everything that's happened? The moment I saw you, I knew it had been a while. Despite not looking older, you were different."
Jaden remained silent, gazing out at the camp a few miles away. "I've acquiesced to your wishes to continue training, but I would like an explanation," she said, her tone firm.
Jaden turned to her and gave a soft smile. "You're right. Thank you for being patient with me."
Satele's eyes widened slightly, surprised by his response. She had expected stubbornness, but his mature reply was unexpected. She remembered when Jaden had reactivated her Holocron. He looked different, tired. When she had tried to ask what had happened since she was last activated, he deflected the question, simply asking to continue his training. It had been almost a week, and he had not answered a single question, just training until he exhausted himself and thanked her.
Jaden took a deep breath and began. "It all started at Choal, everything went wrong. We were outmanoeuvred by the enemy and buried in rubble... I accepted my death. But then, somehow, I got out and tried to save as many people as I could. The sight... it was horrific. Mutilated bodies, dead children... it was like a nightmare."
He paused, his voice shaking slightly. "I transported the survivors to another base. We set up camp and tried to hold on. Before that I somehow formed a Master-Padawan bond with Aubrie... it feels wrong to be responsible for someone a year younger than myself, I've been trying to figure out how to sever the bond but I don't know where to start, Aubrie is unhelpful as she seems to actively want the bond."
Jaden's eyes grew distant. "I decided to stay and try to stop this war after we learned the Republic had abandoned us. No reinforcements, no supplies. We have been left to fend for ourselves."
Jaden sighed deeply, his eyes staring off into the distance. "So often, I feel lost, unsure of what to do," he began. "Sometimes the weight of the lives of the people I command feels so heavy I can't move. I want to stop this war, but I know in my heart that I'm leading us all to our deaths."
He paused, looking out at the rain-soaked landscape. "Every decision I make feels like it could be the last, and the fear of failing them is overwhelming." His voice trembled with the raw emotion he had been holding back.
Satele wished she could hug her student to comfort him, but her hand would simply pass through him. She settled on placing it on his shoulder, an illusion of touch. "You've been through so much, Jaden," she said softly. "I knew you were destined for greatness the moment I saw you, but I hadn't expected this." Her voice was filled with empathy
Jaden laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "Is this what greatness is? It doesn't seem like it."
Satele hummed softly. "The life of a Jedi is often a tragic one. When I was a Padawan, the Sith Empire attacked... we were not ready. So many deaths, millions within the first day."
She paused, her holographic form shimmering. "People often misunderstand the Jedi's moniker of Peacekeepers. Very rarely shall a Jedi know peace. It's simply their task to ensure everyone else does."
Jaden looked at Satele, pain in his eyes. "I can accept that... but leading so many people to their deaths?"
Satele stood and knelt in front of Jaden, her gaze steady. "I won't lie to you, in war, the sacrifices will be many."
"But remember this a single spark of courage can ignite the fires of hope."
"What do you mean?" Jaden asked, searching her face for answers.
Satele smiled gently. "I'm sure you'll find out."
...
Jaden walked back to camp, the rain still pouring down around him. He kept his head low, lost in thought after his conversation with Satele. As he approached the camp, he could see the dim lights of their makeshift shelters and the silhouettes of people moving about.
Aubrie was the first to spot him, rushing over with a look of concern. "Master! Where have you been?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Jaden offered a small, reassuring smile. "I wanted to meditate somewhere," he replied. "Needed some space to clear my head." He placed a hand on her shoulder briefly, appreciating her concern. Aubrie nodded, understanding, but she didn't look entirely convinced.
As they walked back to camp, Jaden turned to Aubrie. "How have things been here?"
Aubrie sighed and began to give him a rundown. "The training of the Jabiimi civilians is progressing, but slowly. They're eager to fight, but it's clear they lack proper military discipline. Our men have been acclimating to the separatist weapons and tanks we've managed to capture. It's been a challenge, but they're adapting well."
She paused for a moment, then added with a hint of frustration, "Scout took one of the speeders on a joyride today."
Jaden couldn't help but laugh a bit at that. "Was the speeder damaged?" he asked, trying to suppress his amusement. Aubrie shook her head. "No, they're fine. But she gave us all a scare. It's hard enough trying to keep everyone focused without her causing a ruckus."
Jaden nodded, appreciating her efforts. "I'm glad things are holding together, thank you for keeping it all running," he said with a smile.
Aubrie smiled back and nodded "Of course Master, it's the least I can do considering everything you've done," She replied.
Are you really going to keep calling me Master?" Jaden asked, a little exasperated.
Aubrie smirked at him. "Yes, I will."
Jaden rolled his eyes and continued walking toward the Hammer, the command centre situated in the middle of the camp. As they approached, he noticed Zule sitting outside on a box, meticulously cleaning her weapon.
"You're late," she said, glancing up at Jaden.
"I didn't know I was expected," Jaden replied.
Zule gestured toward the Hammer. "Lock has news, says it's urgent."
Jaden nodded and moved to enter. "You not joining?"
"Nope, I'm not the General," she replied, hopping off the box and heading off.
Jaden shook his head, wishing he could do the same, but Aubrie took him by the arm and dragged him inside. Jaden walked into the command room of the Hammer, noting the tense atmosphere. Scout was perched on a metal beam near the ceiling, while Lock, a few Clone Sergeants, and a Jabiimi named Orion, who had recently received a field promotion, were gathered around a holotable.
"I hear you have urgent news, Lieutenant," Jaden said, stepping into the room.
Lock looked up, nodding respectfully. "General." He handed Jaden a datapad. "We intercepted a separatist transmission."
Jaden scanned the pad. "Master Leska has retreated the main forces to Cobalt Station," he said with a frown. The room grew even tenser, though Scout seemed puzzled.
"What's wrong with that? They should be better protected there, right?" Scout asked from her high vantage point.
"They will be," Jaden replied, looking up at her. "But it means they have nowhere left to run. Cobalt Station is the last base before Monsoon Mesa. If they lose, the war is over. The separatists win."
"They're pushing for the last major offensive?" Aubrie asked.
Jaden nodded. "They'll likely throw everything they have to wipe Cobalt Station off the map."
"What does that mean for us?" Orion asked, his voice filled with concern.
"It means we're out of time. We need to attack their main base now, or we'll be doing this all for nothing," Lock replied.
"Are we ready?" Jaden asked.
Lock shrugged. "It could be worse, but we could be in a better position. The AATs are all functional, but the crews haven't had much practice."
"As long as they can fire the weapons, I can live with that," Jaden said.
"So, what's the plan then?" Orion asked, leaning forward.
All eyes turned to Jaden, who took a deep breath. "Here's what we're going to do," he began
(AN: so more battles coming soon, and Jaden becoming better at using the force. What's Novak up to, what's going to happen in the war. Will they all make it or will they die. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.)
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