The Backdrafts (Book 4)

[Akirapryde]

Discoveries (Part Two)
Core World of Darjum VI
System of Darjum
Galactic Republic

"Stay in formation Padawan and keep those turns tight!" Preena heard Master Noor bark as they entered a tight turning maneuver. Blaster fire light up the canopy of her cockpit as the Republic fighters continued to pursue the two Jedi Starfighters. Preena fought hard with her controls while trying to follow her master through the turn. Twelve hours ago, they arrived to the Darjum system in search of Quee's secret cloning facility. After searching the system from shadow to shadow, they thought they had found something worthy of reporting back. Master Noor had thought that this information once brought to light would cost Quee his position as Chancellor or at least weaken his political influence within the Republic. Neither had ever dreamed what horrors they would uncover during their investigations. It was proof that Quee had completely lost his mind and had to be stopped at all costs! However, now they were racing for their lives just to flee the system.

What they found was a nightmare waiting to be unleashed upon the Republic itself. It was not just one facility which they found, there were hundreds of them. The entire operation had spanned across the entire system. They entire native inhabitance of the system had been long whipped out and replaced with armies of, of creatures loyal only to the Quee. Using the stealth capabilities of their Jedi fighters, they landed outside of what seemed to be a large command and control complex. The pair of sleuths managed to sneak their way in to the facility and gathered some vital information about entire operation. Hacking the computer system was easy enough from the inside. They downloaded so much data that it filled all of their data disks and datapads. Preena more than proved herself as a cunning little spy as she showed off her stealth and search skills. Little did Master Noor know it was all part of her Crusade training that gave her these remarkable traits.

While moving silently through the base, they had uncovered that it was Trosia and five other core worlds that had secretly helped build this massive army for the Chancellor. They were able to overhear a conversation between who seemed to be the complex commander and a high ranking Trosian official. They learned that this force was meant to secure the Republic for the Chancellor while at the same time crush Azgards and the Crusade. Both were surprised that the Crusade had been mentioned so openly. This troubled Preena greatly as she knew she had to warn the Puppet Master of the plot. Despite Preena's urgings to leave the systems now, Master Noor wanted to investigate the shipyards before leaving. They had to find out how many ships this new force held. It would allow the Jedi a chance to gage when this force would be ready to move and strike. The risk was well worth it, they uncovered an extremely large automated shipyard that was pumping out ships. They were able to identify over four thousand ships. Master Noor noted that while the number of ships was great, it was not enough to move the entire force at once time. This gave the Order a chance to act before they could be unleashed. Just as they finished a near prefect stealthy flight of the shipyards, the two Jedi starfighters were discovered by a patrol shuttle.

While they easily lost the shuttle, the alarm had be triggered across the system. As if they had kicked a hornet's nest, within minutes Republic marked fighters swarmed the two fighters. Now as they race their way to safety, as nearly twenty Republic fighters followed in hot pursuit. While not as fast, but just as dangerous, a corvette brought up the rear. As a means to stop the warning, the Republic forces started jamming going on all communication frequencies. The only way to get the signal out was to reach the hyperspace rings and leave the system. The jamming was so heavy that the two Jedi were hardly able to talk to each other let alone warn the outside world of what they had discovered. The two Jedi Starfighters were now in a life or death race to to reach safety. They had been trying to out fly the fighters while avoiding laser fire from the hostile fighters. The idea of turning to fight them would have been suicide once that Corvette came in to firing range. The race had been set and each Jedi had push their fighters, their own experience levels and piloting skills to the limits. Safety meant exiting the system and making it to their hyerspace rings. Preena was sweating as she worked the controls once more as more fire lit up her cockpit canopy. 'This is madding' she thought as she turned the fighter once more following another set of tight turns. Their lighter fighters were twice as maneuverable as those chasing them and slightly faster. Still this was a dance that could only last for so long. Sensors were picking up more fighters racing to flank them.

Preena worked her controls as she tried to follow her Master through a series of tight turns and dodges. Still blaster fire ripped passed her fighter as she pushed her throttle forward more. "Master wouldn't be better to just make a break for it. I am only slowing you down. You can out fly them better than I can." Preena hated the idea but she felt that she was right. If Master Noor could escape the system and warn Master Visst, then the Puppet Master would find out through his other channels. It was the most sensible thing to do if she was to warn the Crusade. She had to find a way to warn them of the coming plot and if that meant sacrificing her own life. 'So be it' she thought as she nodded. "Master please consider this idea" Preena urged as she dodge more in coming fire. It wasn't the first time she suggested it and she was sure that Master Noor was going to deny it again. However, in her heart, she knew that Master Noor what Preena said was right.

Indeed, Master Noor knew her Padawan was right but Preena was her Padawan and she was not about to abandon Preena to certain death. "Padawan, you just stay in tight formation with me and we'll both get out of this.” She paused as she turned her fighter once more. “Together" Master Noor said as she did her own calculations regarding the situation. She hated admitting it but Preena was right, unless they gain some distance on the fighters they would be shot to pieces once they slowed to dock with the rings. 'who ever came up with such a stupid idea, hyperspace rings' Master Noor thought as she reflected on the simple fact that they only had one real chance of escaping this system alive.

She activated her command control system and plugged in a set of commands. She waited carefully for the system to respond as she continued to dodge more incoming fire from their pursuers. "Stix, upload the following command to my Hyperspace ring" she spoke as she led Preena in to another set of tight turns designed to ensure that the fighters couldn't get a clean shot on them. She heard her Astromech droid complain about the commands. She didn't have time to think let alone explain every detail, "don't argue back, just do it" she demanded as they entered another set of turns.

Preena tried to follow Master Noor's turn but the speed and angles were just beyond her piloting levels. She heard Master Noor open a link through the heavy static from the enemy jamming. Even being a few meters apart it was hard for them to communicate. "Padawan, you are correct. So here is what we're going to do. I am going to slid back and slow them down while you make a break for the Rings. Don't turn or slow down, just fly straight for the rings." Preena's eyes started to water up as her Master continued. "I can dog fight them and make an opening for you to escape. You must carry the warning out. Don't worry about me. Transfer all your power to your engines and get out of here. Is this clear Padawan?"

Preena lowered her head as the tears fell, "Yes Master." Master Noor was the second person to ever really see anything of value in her. The first person was the Puppet Master, to whom she owed her complete loyalty to. He was the only to not only save her, but save her family. He showed her a world filled with love and compassion. The second was Master Noor, whom she hoped one day to turn to the Crusade. Master Noor was that friend and mentor that she had always hoped for. With Master Noor working for the Crusade, they could easily stop the Chancellor. Preena felt as if she was losing a mother, mentor and friend. "I understand Master. I will not fail you Master." Preena lifted her head and pushed her throttle forward and aimed for the rings.

Master Noor nodded as she jammed her throttle back and the force of the fighter coming to a near stop slammed her against her harness. Master Noor pulled the nose of the fighter up which with the engines in reverse pulled the fighter back and down. She watched Preena's fighter dart away in to the darkness of space. She then saw the lead fighter attempting to avoid the trap before him. Master Noor pulled the trigger and lit space up with a heavy barrage of blaster fire. She didn't land any solid hits, however her fire did manage to spread them out enough to give Preena enough distance to flee. On that sight Master Noor slammed the throttle forward once more and let loss her own blasters. Her blaster fire ripped through two trialling fighters causing them both to erupt in to flames. The remaining fighters broke formation to avoid more incoming fire. Master Noor watched as a pair of Republic fighters continued to follow Preena. She smiled as she knew that as long as Preena did as she was told their heavier fighters wouldn't be able to catch the young Padawan.

Master pulled her control stick over sending her fighter in to a barrel roll as she lit up two more fighters. One got caught with light damage the other pulled away sharply while his wingman paid the price. As the other fighters were now pulling their own tight maneuvers to get behind Master Noor, she was already lining up her next kill. She knew that her daring maneuver wouldn't win this battle and she was okay with that. This was only a delaying action so that Preena could get away. She knew that their higher numbers would give them an advantage in this combat. However, she had a few more tricks left up her sleeve. Master Noor followed the fighter she had wounded as he continued his tight turn to avoid more of her fire. Her fighter was smaller and faster than his heavier fighter which allowed her to pull her turn tighter. It was only a matter of time till she had him back in her sights. His death lit up the space in a fiery blast as the smaller Jedi starfighter zipped under the fireball.

Master Noor's eyes widened as she flew around the fireball and ended up nose to nose with what had slipped her mind, the corvette. At optimal firing range and angle, it had her dead to rights and in that moment it fired. Master Noor's last act was to send a telepathic message to her Padawan, Preena, 'run!' Noor saw the first turbolaser bolt rain down at her small fighter. The bolt ripped through the nose of her fighter. Nearly at the same time a second shot narrowly missed the right side of her fighter. Even as the fires from the first hit was consuming her fighter the third massive laser hit the fighter in the cockpit. The fireball was not enough for the commander of the corvette, as he ordered to continue firing on the fire ball that was once Master Noor's fighter. Two other Republic fighters had been caught in the hail of fire. One exploded while the other had to limp back to its base. All that remained of the Master Noor's fighter had been blasted to space dust. There was still one more intruder to kill and they were not going to allow it to get away. The remaining fighters turned and sped off after Preena.

"Dats, transfer all power to the engines." She commanded as she followed the beacon to her hyerspace ring as her own astromech droid replied. "Yes all power even from life support. If we don't make it to the ring we're dead anyway."

Preena checked her scope and saw the pair of fighters coming up behind her. "They have to be pushing themselves beyond their specs. Dats what's the range to the ring?" She said as she double checked her fighter's controls. The center console changed to a range that was decreasing rapidly. "Dats range on those fighters." A second number came up and she compared the two. Her heart sank as she realized the fighters were going to catch up to her nearly a kilometer away from her ring. There wouldn't be enough time to dock with the ring. "Dats we need more power!"

She closed her eyes and focused on the force. Trying to clear her mind she thought of her piloting classes and all that she knew about her fighter. "Dats jettison the storage compartments" she could her the doors opening up behind her as her droid questioned her actions. "Yes I know weight doesn't matter in space but space junk does." She said as she watched to two fighters maneuver to avoid hitting the junk she dumped. The numbers on the screen changed. It slowed them down. Not much, but just enough to buy her time. Now they would be in firing range just as she reached her ring. Still she had to reach the ring.

As Preena reached the rings, she noticed that Master Noor's ring was out of place. "Why aren't they side by side" she question then returned to the task at hand. She slowed her craft down as she approached her ring. Behind her she saw Master Noor's ring starting to spin and bleeding off hot plasma that powered the hyperspace ring. The burning plasma became a cloak that masked Preena's fighter while she was docking. It was a clever plan that give Preena just enough time to do what she had to do. However, one pilot would not be tricked. He gunned his fighter and opened fired through the burning plasma. Even as Preena docked with the ring fire was raining in on her. It was a matter of fate now.

Preena was in no position to fight as she turned her fighter, "Dats, GO!" She yelled and her Astromech droid engaged the hyperspace ring. Laser blasts shot passed Preena's fighter as the engines engaged. A consent wave of laser fire ripped pasted her cockpit as it seemed to take a life time for the engines to engage. Preena closed her eyes and prayed for God to save her as she felt the engines spring to life. The loud explosion from her left told the story of her failure. The Jedi Fighter ripped in to Hyperspace leaving behind a massive flaming trail off the left hyperspace engine. The two fighters couldn't follow but the Corvette moved in to position and followed her in to hyperspace.

Preena's fighter exited hyperspace spinning wildly out of control as she screamed out it terror. She could hear the whinnying of the engines and the snapping of metals as she fought to regain control of the fighter. Her droid let out a horrific scream of its own as a chunk of metal ripped through its dome. Her body tossed about the cockpit like a rag doll while the fighter continued to toss and roll out of control. Had it not been for her harness, she would easily had been killed. She fought hard against the controls as smoke started to fill the cockpit. Her vision became blurred as she saw the ring around her fighter continue to break up. Another loud crash jolted the fighter as she slammed her head against the side of the cockpit sending her in to unconsciousness.

Jedi Padawan Preena's fighter continued to spin and tumble slowly out of control just under a light year from one of the most heavily traveled shipping lines in the Republic, the Corellian Trade Spine. Much of the momentum gone as the last bit of energy bleed from her dying fighter the fighter's speed slowed a bit as it tumbled. As Preena laid unconsciousness in her dying fighter, one of the most massive fleets slipped slightly along the Trade Route. Just out of reach and barely out of sight, not one of the ships paid notice to the small pieces of junk floating dead in space. The little derbies field looked nothing like a fighter anymore. No one at the sensors considered the life slowly fading or the vital information that was fading with it. The fleet made their turns and slipped back in to hyperspace as the little craft continued to drift lifelessly in space.

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Admiral Schmitt was one of the most highly skilled and respected Admirals within the Trosia Navy. These as well as his political connections were the reasons why he got this position. However today, he felt like his entire career had come to an end. He was over all in charge of Security of the system and a pair of fighters had not only slipped through but landed and did god knows what. The entire operation was now at risk. He had to notify the Chancellor of what happened. However he had to know just what had been compromised and what hadn't.

"Admiral, report from the Vixen." One of his aides said softly handing him a data pad.

The old Admiral sighed deeply, "just read it."

The aide nodded and opened the file, "we located what we believe to be the second fighter or what remains of it. We have positivity identified the right hyperspace engine, a wing section, and part of a nose section. All parts match those belonging to a jedi star fighter. We can assume that the fighter broke up in hyperspace and these are all that remains. We stopped our search two light years short Corellian Trade Spine. We dare not get any closer and risk detection. Judging by what we did find, we can safely assume that the pilot died.”

“Inform them to continue searching. We have to ensure that the pilot is dead and that what ever they found here does not reach the outside world.” Admiral Schmitt ordered as he turned and walked away. He had to inform the Chancellor of what had happened. For years that had hidden the truth from the Republic and they needed more time to prepare for what was to come. Now was not the time for war.


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Sacrifices
Republic City
Coruscant, The Galactic Republic

The anger in the crowds was clear for all to see. Many waved signs of protest against what they saw as threats to the Republic. Others just yelled out in favor of the Chancellor and echoed his own hate that he was speaking. Looking from the crowds, the two cloaked figures saw and heard all they needed. The hate brewing in the crowds and across the Core Worlds was maddening as the voices continued to rise while the speech continued. As they finished looking around they turned their heads to each other and nodded. There was no telling how long this has been strewing just under the surface but it was clear by this point that the heart of the hate was the Chancellor. He had to be stopped at all costs if the Republic was to survive. It was just a matter of commitment to the act. The pair moved closer to the balcony and looked up at the Chancellor one last time. Fate had sealed everyone in to the moment. And now, history was about to be made.

Great events in history are marked by moments of realizations. This was no different for everyone involved. Each could feel the moment closing in on them. Even the Chancellor felt this as he looked down from his high balcony and saw the two cloaked figures. As horror crossed his face he realized what was about to unfold. He saw the face of the man who would take his life. The cold hand of death rested on the Chancellor's shoulder as he looked in to the eyes of that man below him. The Chancellor let out a cry for his Rangers as the two cloaked figures leap up from the crowds casting off their cloaks. Aided by jump packs, they easily cleared the tall balcony and landed just off to the side of where the Chancellor stood. The crowds let out a loud gasp as they all clearly saw the flaming blade of who could only be, the Tiger Prince, Prince Biggs Saar. The Rangers on the balcony moved between Biggs and the Chancellor as a woman dressed in red wielding a pair of strange melee weapons stood behind him.

Standing behind two Rangers the Chancellor smiled as he buried his fear. "Prince Saar, I see you have a new woman. Glad she is here to see your execution." He knew that he had to buy time for the rest of his security to reach the balcony. It was only a mater of seconds that would decide this moment in history.

Biggs didn't need to look behind him as he knew Shalla Heartman had his back. "Chancellor, you have betrayed the Republic and those who you claim to serve. Step down or I shall remove you!"

The Chancellor smiled as he noticed from the corner of his eye his men rushed to his aid, "I don't think so young Prince Saar.” he said as he stepped back some and pointed at the Tiger Prince, “Seize him!" He yelled moving back from the conflict.

On the note the two Rangers before the Chancellor moved forward to engage Biggs. This was all part of Biggs' over all plan. He knew the Rangers and how they would react in this situation. Before the Jedi Civil War ended, he had worked closely with the Chancellor to help form their training protocols. Long before their was Daz, the once more Hero of the Republic again, the position of Ranger One had been offered to Biggs. Had the offer came just a few weeks before, he would have accepted. However it didn't and Biggs knew he was on a different path. He had turned it down flatly because of what he saw in them. He didn't need anyone to explain the dangers of what he helped created. He could see it plan as day. If anyone knew how to defeat Rangers in combat, it was the Tiger Prince. His moment in history had come. As the two Rangers moved forward, Biggs leaped up in to the air twisting and spinning over their heads.

As the two Rangers turned watching Biggs and readied to engage him once he landed, Shalla rushed in taking her held action. She rushed from her position behind Biggs and at the two Rangers. She ignored the other Rangers behind her as they would soon not be of concern. Using her fork like melee weapons, she hooked their weapon arms and prevented them from stopping Biggs. Her speed, strength and skills reflected her Azgardian training as both warrior and priestess. Her double grapple was prefect in execution and forced their actions. They were locked in to combat with her. Biggs landed beyond them safely and rushed to complete his date with history.

As the two Rangers were now forced to face Shalla, Biggs had a clear shot at the Chancellor and moved on it. There was nothing they could do to stop Biggs without surrendering their own lives to Shalla behind them. Her attacks on them were perfectly planned to active the goal of keeping them occupied long enough for Biggs to complete his attack. It was clear her intentions by watching how she blocked their attacks and forced their attention on her. They had to face her now, which left the Chancellor open to Biggs. Biggs activated Lysire's own lightsaber as he pulled both sabers wide and apart. Biggs was setting up for his final attack while the Chancellor realized his mistake. Before Biggs had only seconds to pull off this attack, now seconds seemed like days as all sound died away. The moment was unfolding right before everyone's eyes. The Tiger was loose on his pray and eating was going to be a feast.

With the Chancellor within striking distance, Biggs moved his arms out wide as he recalled the events of the past ten hours. When he and Shalla first landed on Coruscant, they had to get close to the Chancellor. Shalla despite being a recognized Priestess of Thor, she was also a member of the ultra secret Azgardian, Order of the Long Daggers. She was able to put Biggs in contact with a cat like creature that knew enough contacts on Coruscant to make this moment possible. Biggs had to face his past to make this moment possible. Facing her was one of the hardest things he had ever done. To learn about the son he never knew existed, was simply painful. However, he knew it was the right thing to do. He stood there and listened to what she had to say. He accepted what he had done and even offered his apology for what had happened. So much of his past he had simply wasted. Having tied up that loss end was both emotionally liberating as well as cleansing for his soul. He remembered the remarks of the cat like creature after Biggs explained the plan.

“I like it!” it said coldly, “If you succeed, the Chancellor is removed from power and you get sentenced to death. If you fail, nothing changes and you still die. Whats not to love about this plan.” The hate for Biggs was clear, but even among enemies, allies will band together to face a larger evil.

Biggs knew that facing his past was going to be much harder than he ever dreamed possible. But even before that, he had to escape Carissa and Visst. He knew that Visst would stop him once he found out what was going to happen. He needed someone close to Visst to aid in the escape. He talked with Talon and simply asked for her assistance. He was surprised how easily she went along with her part of the plan. When asked she replied with, “I think its something that even Visst would do if he had such visions.” He needed help to achieve this. But he had to make this moment possible and for that he would endure anything. Shalla and Biggs had been building a close relationship since Biggs was 'captured' by Visst and held aboard Carissa. Even with that relationship, it took allot of convincing to get her to go along with this fool's hearty mission. Biggs had explained in detail about his visions of what was unfolding and how it effected everyone in the Republic. It was clearly a suicide mission, but once she was able to realize what was at stake, she finally agreed.

All of them had agreed to help Biggs reach this single moment in his life. And now, fate had given him a chance to make the Galaxy a much better place. He embraced what was to come afterwards and focused on the moment. With a mighty scream of determination, Biggs yelled out, “You will not burn the Galaxy!” As he brought both of his lightsabers forward and across his body. With all the force and might given to him, Biggs brought the lightsabers together across the Chancellor's midsection.

This moment in time didn't only belong to the Chancellor and Biggs. It also belong to the forth runner up. Ranger Saper had always been the Chancellor's go to man for anything he needed. When the Chancellor had dirty laundry that needed taken care of, he didn't call on Biggs or Daz. He called on Ranger Saper. And for his loyalty, he was passed over not once, not twice, but three times for the lead role of the Rangers. When the Chancellor knew he couldn't get Biggs, he leveled his sight on Lysire. But Biggs ensured that the opportunity never presented its self for her to be drawn in to the Rangers. Then there was Jedi Daz. But Daz was protected by Master Visst. Master Visst had painstakingly ensured that Daz would never have a career with the Rangers. With those three out of the running for the position, the Star finally fell on to Saper. Saper loved the idea that the Chancellor trusted him with such an important role in the future Republic. Now Biggs was about to undo all that they had worked so hard for. Saper rushed forward up the stairs and drew up on the Force with all his might. He reached out and could feel the Chancellor's body in his grip. He pulled back and the Chancellor flew backwards from the attack.

The crowd let out a loud scream of panic as they saw the blades cross across the Chancellor's body. They could hear the sound of flesh burning. They watched helpless as the attack happened and as the Rangers rushed to save their Chancellor. They could see the Chancellor fly backwards as the attack was taking place. It was unclear of if the attack had landed or not. What was clear was that Saper had caught the Chancellor and passed him over to another Ranger. Saper activated his own lightsaber as he closed on Biggs. Now the balcony was filled with Rangers and the moment was lost. Saper had been waiting for this moment for the past five years. He knew that he was better then Prince Saar and now was a chance to prove it once and for all. He smiled as his other Rangers activated their lightsabers. The Chancellor was rushed off the balcony to the waiting medics. Saper nodded, “Time to die traitor!”

Biggs looked at Shalla who had subdued her two Rangers and shook his head. They did what they set out to do. He deactivated his lightsabers and tossed them off the balcony. Shalla rose and did the same with her weapons. It was part of the plan to never shed more blood than need be. The cat like creature would be waiting to receive the weapons. Saper was shocked, “NO!” he said half forgetting his place. He wanted Biggs dead, but now he couldn't just kill him before all of the media. Once he realized what was going on, he acted more like what the public expected of him. “Seize them both.” he commanded as he stepped forward and in to Biggs' face and whispered, “Don't think this is over.” The Rangers encircled the two assassins and started to place them in to custody.

Biggs just shook his head, “it was over when you dawned that Star. Saper, look at what you have become. Turn back before its too late for you.”

Saper didn't reply as he turned his back and walked away. “Take them away” he commanded as he followed the same path the Chancellor took. Just like that, a moment in history started and ended. What happened before all those witnesses was the seeds of what would ultimately be known as the first steps towards the down fall of the Republic. No one could be able to foresee what events has been triggered by this moment. Or how far these events will go to reshape the Galaxy as everyone knows it. One thing if for sure, in this moment, Biggs Saar had proven his loyalty to the light. History will not forget what he did on that balcony.


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The calm before the Storm
Azgardian Dreadnought Karissa
Bespin Space, Outer Rim

Visst set silently in the large briefing room alone lost in his own thoughts. With the lights dimmed as they were, it was hard even for him to make out Talon's form on the far side of the room. He knew she was there, he knew that she would always be there for him. He smiled as he thought about her. Clone or separate life form it didn't matter. The talks he managed to have with her reflected that this woman was without a doubt Fiolla Heartman. He had asked her one day why she held on to that identity. Her answer didn't surprise him, but did help him understand her better. She replied with, “it is all I know. It is who I am. How would you answer if someone asked you to stop being Visst?” At this point the idea of no longer being Visst seemed somewhat comforting. As the clock moves closer to 'H' hour, he could feel the heavy weight of Destiny's hand on his shoulder. He turned his chair as he leaned back and closed his eyes. He took a heavy breath and held it as he cleared his mind. He needed to clear his mind before the coming battle. He knew that this battle would be his last great act and wanted to be ready for it.

It wasn't the fact that he accepted that fate but he understood that the likelihood of it would be very high. For the past few weeks since they left Azgard, he had been plagued by horrific dreams and visions of his death. More than just his own death, the deaths of millions in the coming battle. Visst recalled one of the Admiral noting that, “Never before had the Galaxy ever seen such a fleet formed to oppose one enemy. Surely we can not fail with such numbers.” The Admiral was right, they had managed to summon more than half of a million ships to the Alliance. With over half of them being capital warships, defeat seemed so unlikely. Still the battle wouldn't be like anything the Admirals and Generals were planning on. There was still what the Alliance Leaders didn't understand about the Chaos ships. Visst felt that the enemy's number would far exceed what they had estimated. He thought of revealing this information to the Alliance Leaders. However he felt that the alliance was far too weak within some groups. This kind of information would only serve to fracture the fleet he and Warlord Ton had worked so hard to build. He also knew that the information would come out before the battle. He didn't want to add more issues that threatened the Alliance.

Distrust among former enemies as well as political tensions were but a few issues that threaten the alliance already. However the most recent one nearly destroyed the Alliance all together. That was the attempted assassination of the Chancellor at the hands of Prince Saar and Priestess Shalla Heartman. Visst watched in horror at the vids of the assassination plot while it unfolded. As he watched the assassination take place, Visst felt a sense of disgust come over him. However, it was something that the young prince said during it which drew Visst's attention. It was Biggs' words about the burning of the galaxy. The look in the Prince's eyes told Visst that there was something deeper at work behind this action. The Prince's next action proved what Visst had suspected. Once the attempt was over, the pair of assassins surrendered without further harm or action. Unlike what the media was casting the pair like, they were hardly mad with greed and nor power hungry. This was not a coup as the mass medias have been portraying this as. No, Visst felt that there was something else that drove Biggs to that point. He had seen Biggs in combat before in the Market place. Visst has seen the hate in Biggs' eyes before. This was different. There was no hate or anger.

Visst recalled a vision that Daz had told him about sometime ago. The vision was during what Visst called 'Daz's darker times' and seemed at the time to reflect Daz's actions. Now Visst was starting to second guess that assumption. Daz detailed the vision for Visst. Within the vision, Daz saw flames burning throughout the galaxy for as far as the eyes could see. Entire worlds caught up in the flames and burned till there were nothing left of them. Daz also talked about how he saw Jedi moving in to the Outer Rim. Visst thought a bit about that statement and why Jedi would move in to the Outer Rim. Were they rushing to join the Sith, or were they fleeing the Core Worlds. Daz also talked about a set of eyes watching over the Galaxy as it burned. Daz said he knew the eyes but couldn't identify them. Visst pondered the thought of those eyes as well as if Biggs too had had the same vision. 'What drove you, Biggs.' Visst thought as he turned his chair and looked out in to deep space. They were one jump from entering the Hothie System. 'Why couldn't you speak to me about it, Biggs? What did you fear about the Chancellor that drove you to this act?' These were but a few questions that Visst allowed occupy his mind.

Other thoughts that occupied his mind were on his friend, Daz and his all too fast of a trail. The Sages on Dorin had ensured that Daz was found guilty. A political statement against the Order and the Corruption they saw within the Republic. For this Visst was sure. They had sentenced Daz to be executed for his crimes. The statement from the sages was loud and clear for all to understand. In one swoop, they ensured that the Jedi would no longer have any hold over Dorin or Kel Dor. Daz was going to be the end of the relationship between Dorin and the Order. Visst shook his head at the thought of what was taking place on Dorin. Holding Daz as a sacrificial lamb to send a political statement was unworthy of the history of the sages. He had sent a personal message to the Sages pleading for mercy in Daz's case. They had agreed not to execute Daz but refused to address Visst's second request. Visst had wanted Daz to be part of this battle. He needed Daz, he wanted his friend back. Still, Dorin was silent of this critical issue. They had delivered an answer one way or the other to every one of his request, but this one. Visst looked down, 'there might still be hope' he thought hoping to see his friend one last time before the end. He had been trying to get a answer one way or the other for days only to not get anywhere. He was disappointing to say the least. It also was noticed by many of the other Commanders that the only Kel Dor ships were under the command of the Jedi fleet. Dorin had refused to send any of their own private navy to aid in the coming battle. Once more corruption and self interests won over the greater good. 'Such dark times for the Republic and beyond' Visst thought as he leaned forward on his chair to look at the warship next to Ka-riss-ah.

He had read in detail about the Republic of his own universe as well as the Order. Both too suffered from corruption and inaction when the Galaxy was in great need. Yet, nothing like what he has seen on the scale here in this universe. Here each world had been aloud to maintain their own militaries and disputes within the senate were settled by bribes or blackmail or a measure of both. He had been watching the vids of the Chancellor's speech before the assassination attempt took place. He could see all too clearly that the hate was being fueled. However that was only the tip of the problem. Hearing what senator Nabrina was facing actually horrified Visst. Even before she was arrested, the Republic was imploding from deep within. Visst actually considered if it was time for the Jedi to act. He though of leading the Jedi to take charge of the Republic. He knew he could gain the support of Warlord Ton. 'No' he thought as he closed his eyes while leaning back. He knew that the Jedi had no place in such dealings. They had to serve the Republic, for better or worse. However there were things he could do. Cards still left to be played. Visst opened his eyes and smiled, 'the Republic is not done yet. I still have time to save it.'

The sound of a door opening broke Visst's concentration. Visst turned to look at the door and saw Warlord Ton walking in alone. Beyond the open door, he saw his two guards standing in the hall. The look on the seasoned Azgardian leader was as always grim and determined. "Reports are back from our scouts, Master Visst." He said walking up to where Visst was sitting.

It was what Visst had expected. Nothing of what the Warlord was about to reveal would be a surprise. "Yes Warlord, what did they find" Visst said flatly as he turned in his chair to become face to face with the Warlord.

"I sent ten of our fastest scouts to Hothie and none survived this mission. Each entered the system from different angle to ensure that we got something back. On the sixth planet is a terrestrial world with vasts oceans and a population on the northern continent. The star has changed from our records. No longer the healthy vibrant star of our records. The star has somehow started to die. This is consistent with Chaos actions. The sixth world is already seemingly starting to freeze over. We found your structure on the seventh planet. Some kind of large solid structure that our sensors can not penetrate. However, the bad news is, the enemy's numbers has grown. From what we could tell, they number in the tens of thousands in not higher than that. The ratios is much lower then what we had expected. We need at least ten to one odds in favor of our capital ships judging by what your reports have shown. If we don't have those odds, we will loss this battle.”

Visst listened carefully then asked, “What are our odds at now?”

Warlord Ton took a seat next to Visst, “IF we over estimated the enemies true numbers, eight to one, but not much higher than that.”

Visst nodded, “Warlord, I must ask you to trust me. We will do fine.” Visst knew that there was still one last fleet to take their place on the battlefield. That fleet was the warships of the Crusade. He didn't trust the Puppet Master, but he knew that they would show up for this battle. He was not sure if it was the force that drove that or just his higher understanding of the human mind that gave him this feeling. “Please Warlord, all will be fine.”

Warlord Ton nodded, “Warlord Raynar trusted you, and so shall I. The battle shall begin tomorrow morning just as we had planned it.” On that note, Ton rose up from his chair and walked out sharply. The fleet was about to go to war and there was sill much to be down.


***********************************************************

Prelude: To All or Nothing
Bridge, Thor's Chariot
Bespin Space, Outer Rim

T-4 Hours, 10 Minutes.......

Warlord Ton walked along the center path of the large bridge. Thor's Chariot was one of the most advanced warships to walk the stars. It was classed as a Azgardian Dreadnought Class Carrier due to its unique capabilities. It boasted over two thousand fighters of mixed classes. Nearly double the number of any other ship close to its class. Its main weapon was specially designed to punch through any planetary shield in a matter of minutes. With a massive number of anti-ship and anti-fighter weapons laid out across the haul, by its self is a tide turning weapon system. In terms of protection, the ship is one of few warships that does not rely completely on shields for protection. Its armor is nearly five feet think in most locations. Other areas, it can be as much as twice as thick. With a set of shield generators that could put many smaller worlds to shame, protecting this massive warship was well considered. There was not a ship in the entire Galaxy that dared stand toe to toe with such an Azgardian Dreadnought Class Carrier.

When the Warlord of Azgard wanted to send a political message to its neighbors. All he needs do is park one of the three of these massive ships within system. Five times in Azgard history had close neighbors threaten local stability due to unrest. The Warlord of Azgard, deployed one of these ships and their supporting warships in to the system where the instability was an issue. Within days of arrival, the unrest vanished and local sector stability was restored. While these ships cast their shadows down on the worlds below, it was what was carried within its hauls of these massive ships is what caused many worlds to cave. Each of these Dreadnought Class Carriers carried within it five fully mechanized Azgardian Divisions. The entire support fleet could add another five divisions to those numbers. This allowed the Fleet to deploy over two hundred thousand Azgardian Warriors within a matter of hours. It was no question why having on of these Dreadnought Fleets arrive in system forced cooler heads to prevail. Since they were first launched nearly a hundred years ago, not one of these massive warships saw combat. That was till the Jedi Civil War.

It was during the Jedi Civil War where these massive Dreadnought Fleets showed what devastation they could unleash. Baklid VI was a prime example of these ships capabilities. Under the command of Warlord Raynar and his elite Black Dragons, the Thor's Chariot preformed a near prefect sweeping action that pushed the supply and support lines nearly a sector away while smashing the Rebel Forces on the world of Baklid VI. The entire operation spanned four systems within the sector and within a week apart. And while many can state that the measure of success had more to do with the elite Black Dragons rather then the capabilities of such a large ship. The Azgardian Dreadnought Class Carrier, Odin's Pride, operated by the Warrior House Heartman was able to match the success of the Black Dragons under similar ranges of battlefields. Fárbauti Strike, the last ship in this line operated by the Warrior House of Fury, managed to out shine both of her sister ships during the Jedi Civil War. Regardless of these debates, all agree that these massive warships have made their mark on history. And with luck they will make that mark again.

Warlord Ton finished his slow walk around the bridge, ending back at the command chair. He frowned as he took the seat once more. So many other Warlords before him had set here and lead Azgard to great victories. Despite this massive ship and all its wonders, he doubted that they could win against the Chaos. The math simply was not there. He ran the numbers over and over again. His best strategists had double checked every detail that he had laid out for this operation. They each agreed what ratio was needed for victory. The scouts had reported back with an estimate of the enemy's numbers. It was much higher than they had expected. He had under the advisement of Visst and against all his Walords and Admirals pleadings, sent all of their ground forces back to Azgard. Originally, they had planned boarding actions during the battle. However, the Grand Master had advised that such action would be foolish. He had given up on what strategy, he was able to bolster another. Without the huge numbers of landing craft, he was able to bring aboard a much larger number of fighters with him. The fate of the Galaxy now rested within their ability to defeat the Chaos.

Warlord Ton looked over the sensor information of the space about Thor's Chariot. Never before had so many ships ever been assembled in one area. Nearly seven hundred thousand warships from factions across the entire galaxy had come to join the fight. With well over two million fighters and support craft, this single battle would become one of the most epic battles ever to be fought in history. As a House Warlord, Ton had lead the Warriors of House Fury in to many grand battles. They had fought and died for him because he ordered to be so. However, now he lead Warriors from across the Galaxy in a battle he himself didn't have faith in. He took a deep breath as he leaned back in his chair. Closing his eyes, he remembered his late friend, Warlord Raynar. He slowly let out his breath as he lifted up his battle axe by the neck of the weapon. Once his air left his lungs he slammed the handle of the massive weapon on the deck of the bridge sending a loud echoing thud across the large bridge. “Right!” he commanded in his native language, “Communications, One M C, to fleet” He commanded.

Slowly standing up he looked at his communication's officer who nodded back to him. Warlord Ton switch his language to basic, “Brothers, Sisters from far and wide. In less than ten minutes we will be entering hyperspace and history. Many thousands of years from now, others will look back at this moment. They will see how we faced our truest test of all times. That is, if we don't fail our future. Many of you have seen the reports of what we are about to face. It is important that every last one of you understands what kind of enemy we are about to engage. The Chaos has not here to conquer us. They have not come here for peace. They have come to this galaxy to eradicate us. They feed on the very stars that give us all life. When they move through a system, all life in that system dies including its very star. They have already as far as we know destroyed all life in at least one galaxy.”

“Because of this, there can be no peace, there can be no surrender, there can be no retreat. Failure by us here today means the death of our own galaxy. This coming battle shall be a battle of annihilation. Not one of them can be allowed to survive this battle. Task Force Commanders have been assigned our most powerful gravity well ships. Once in system, the approaches and escapes will be sealed. Like I said, we can not allow even one of them to survive this battle. Before this month, many of you have fought among yourselves for a verity of reasons. Today does not mark a surrender or victory within those battle. Today each of you have come together to battle and save the galaxy as a whole. The warship next to your might have been an enemy. Tomorrow it might be again. However today, they fight along side of you to defend your home as much as their own. Today, we all fight together to protect our homes, family, worlds. Today we fight to protect Our galaxy! We can not, we must not fail. Task Force Commander have your orders. This is Warlord Ton, We shall be victorious! All fighters, all commands, the order is given. In to the battle!”

Within moments, one of the largest fleets ever assembled vanished from Bespin space. History was in the making.