Shades of Gray
The Battle of Fury

"Der be a small cave-in back a piece. We clear it out somewhat but comin' back through der gonna be work."

"And most of the cave-in landed on Tenel Ka." Jacen gave a half cocked smile as he helped dust her off.

"Correct." she answered, missing the humor in Jacen's reply. Aria was quietly gazing down another corridor, trying her best to discriminate between the beings she was sensing. Two of them were nonhuman but she couldn't tell much more and that what was making her extremely uneasy. She'd barely spoke two word other than 'down' and 'don't step there' but Ganderson wasn't the reason she was so silent. Crawling around in that dark tunnel set off some memories and she could still smell the stinking breath of the sevrakarn that attacked her in the enclosed space. She seriously began to wonder whether she should have come at all. She could hear their growling and the memories were interfering with her concentration a lot. She tried to shake the feeling off but it was becoming overpowering.

"Did everything go okay?" Tenel Ka asked, looking at Aria sitting apart from the group.

"She hasn't said much but her and Ganderson gave each other space." Jacen answered.

"What be wrong with cher?"

"I do not know." Tenel Ka answered.

"I do." Pai interrupted. "She's dealing with some intense memories over there but I can't read what kind. They started bothering her when we went through that corridor."

"I will just ask her." Tenel Ka headed towards Aria. "Aria?"

Startled, Aria stood up. "Um, sorry. Are we ready to head out? I definitely sense something down that corridor."

"What is bothering you Aria?"

Aria thought about lying but that was futile, Tenel Ka would sense it. "I don't know. That corridor spooked something out of me and it started me worrying about those beings I am sensing. But I don't know why. I keep trying to sort it out but--" Her frustration finally worked itself to the surface.

"You are worried about a trap."

"I don't know. I think there maybe some miners that way but something is blocking our path to them. It doesn't help that I keep thinking about those Sithing sevrakarns of Lord Domino's."

"Then you are sure there are survivors."

"Yes, but are those survivors on our side?" She frowned, deep in thought. Suddenly a light bulb went off. "That is it! I am sensing a pack mentality where there should be individualized minds. In a pack, it is hard to sense out each mind but you pick up on one or two beings, the leaders or the strong minded part of the pack." Aria was talking excitedly, now all of these feelings were making sense.

"We will speak on your sensitivity in the Force and trusting your instincts later. You are doing much better at concentrating."

"Its a survival technique, let's try this exercise again when I don't feel threatened and it will go to pieces."

"It never dawned on me that they might be a hive or something." Ganderson said, awed. "They may not be human, there are several species with hive minded tendencies. For instance the Verpine species."

"Is she sure of this?" He looked straight at Aria who was too distracted to give the look any acknowledgment. The rest of the group had gathered around to hear out the orders.

"Very. After we talked she reached out toward the group of miners with Jacen's help. They both agree it is a hive mind or a pack mentality and that is why they can't sense more than two or three. It is definite there are more than three."

"Can they sense any bugs?"

"They are there. I can feel them and they may pick up on our position real soon."

"Okay, quick and dirty. Then I think we stick to the original plan."

Tenel Ka agreed. "Sounds like the only plan. Let's get moving then."

The way down the hall was pretty simple until one bug, obviously on guard duty, stumbled across their presence. They finished him off, leaving Cuntry with a couple of more scars, but the noise probably attracted the main group of bugs. Giving up on stealth the group ran towards the two open doors on the dead end corridor. It wasn't too hard to find the cafeteria and the big group of bugs, but the miners were no where in sight. Rolo and Cuntry stepped to the head of the group with a missile launcher. Taking careful aim, the first missile ignited in the center of the bugs. Parts and slime flew everywhere. The bugs were quickly scrambling away from the firezone but Cuntry and Rolo managed to pick off several more before they regrouped and began to attack.

Cuntry switched to a smaller missile launcher for more individualized attention whereas Rolo opted for his heavy blaster. The medic joined the fray taking a few careful pot shots at the already weakened bugs. Ganderson's rifle joined in with the chorus of blasts ricocheting off the shells of the bugs. Jacen and Tenel Ka were in the lead sneaking around to attack from the other door. The bugs were concentrating so much on the first assault that four were completely put out of commission on before they thought to cover their backs. A hard shove from one bug sent Jacen reeling into a wall and the pain caused him melt to the floor. Tenel Ka stepped in to defend him and disabled the bug.

With everyone distracted, Aria and Pai snuck past the bugs and into the next room. The place was obviously a kitchen but they still could find no miners. "Maybe they have freezer units." Pai suggested.

"Sure, watch my back will you." Aria snuck around the counter and ran smack into a row of freezers and one very large bug. "Trouble." She jumped out of the reach of the claw, slamming her shoulder into the counter. Rolling with the pain, Aria stumbled back to her feet and grabbed for her lightsaber. The movement was halted as a spiked tail came straight at her head and she had to fall back to avoid losing her head. The lightsaber rolled uselessly out of her reach. The creature's claws grabbed her ankle and began pulling her towards it. Aria reached around frantically for something to anchor her long enough to slip out of the beasts reach.

'Where is Pai?' Her hands wrapped around something big and metallic and she pulled with all her might. In her hand she had one big cooking pot. Putting all her strength into the swing, she banged the claw. Startled, the beasts grip loosened and Aria smashed the claw again. She tried to stand but her ankle was crushed. Fighting back tears of pain, Aria called her lightsaber back to her. Its smooth metallic feel cooled her and and with a snap hiss, she was ready for battle.

Cuntry and Rolo were making short work of the few bugs that continued to try and pummel them. At one point enough bugs were backed away from the duo for them to take another shot with the big missile launcher. But it was out of commission for good as a claw cleaved it, and almost them, in half. Still with Ganderson providing cover fire, they were able to scramble to safety.

Jacen managed to pull himself off the floor and with a little encouragement, namely a spiked tail right where he was standing a moment before, he was back in the swing of things. He swung his lightsaber in a retaliatory strike, and the Gray Death was decapitated. Shivering, he fought with even more spirit.

Stars were dancing in Aria's vision as tried to get her breath after that last shove by the bug. Still she fought to remain alert and circled the beast again. She'd lost a lot of blood and was fighting with dizziness constantly. She took a swing at the bug and it moved to duck away, at the last moment she switched up the motion and the bug had stepped directly into the lightsaber. With another slice Aria knew she would not have to deal with him again. Looking around for more danger she was never aware as her eyes rolled back and she passed out on the floor.

The first thing she felt was pain shooting up her leg as she came to. It took a while for her to realize someone was trying to shake her awake. It hurt too much to open her eyes but then she remembered where she was and sat up abruptly, ready for a fight.

"Whoa," Pai gently laid her back down on his robe. "I was able to do some healing but you are in no condition to move right now."
"What? Where? Nal Lam-ae? The bugs?" Her mind was not up to the task and it was hard to hear herself speak with the herd of Bantha dancing to a Mos Eisley jig in her head.

"We've met with no more resistance. Cuntry helped me move you into the next room and they are opening the freezers now. Apparently, that is where they were hiding and they sealed themselves in and away from the bugs. Ganderson and Tenel Ka are trying to convince them to open the door but they aren't getting much luck from them. It is a group of Verpine, like we thought, and they are very afraid and rather stubborn. There was also a wide band call over the com, the other groups are pulling back and they are going to blow this place." The rest of his sentence was drowned out by an explosion. "I think they got the door open now. Did you know one of your ribs were cracked? I can heal a couple of more things but that ankle has been wounded before, this time you may need a cybernetic replacement." Another blast rocked the room. "That is if we survive this thing. Cuntry and Tenel Ka are providing protection so sit back, relax and let me concentrate."

Aria closed her eyes and it felt like she'd slept an eternity when she woke again. Her body felt cool where as before it was smoldering. Someone had wrapped a bandage around her leg and saw to her arm too. She could feel the antibiotic patch working its magic. She struggled to open her eyes and saw Pai, slightly paled and with a nasty gash across his cheek to his chin.

He saw her looking and responded, "Got attacked from behind by another bug. I just about lost my hand trying to turn on that blasted lightsaber. All things considered, I am in better condition than that bug is." He took her temperature again, using the dead medic's equipment. "How are you feeling?"

Her tongue felt thick as she spoke but she croaked, "Better than that bug does."

"I really didn't think I would survive this far but now that those Verpines are willing to leave, I will be glad to get back to the Academy.

I have some serious studying to do if I want to become a full Jedi Knight."

"We all do." Aria struggled to sit up and Pai helped her up. He tried to stop her from standing but Aria was determined.

"Sit down, you will pass out again."

Her reply was cut off by a boisterous laugh. "Cher? Take it easy? Huh, you be talkin' to de wrong gal der Pie!" He offered an arm to Aria who took it and he helped her to hobble toward the rest of the group.

"Well, I guess I am done here then." Pai said, grinning sheepishly. There was a lot he had to learn about wounded people. He jogged to catch up with the duo.

"They're coming home!"

Master Skywalker looked up from his desk as Tyne burst into his room.

"What? Have you lost your mind?"

"No! I can tell, Master, they're coming home! They're ok!"

"Tyne... who?"

"THEM!!!! I just know! This is GREAT!"

"Tynidian, sit down..."

Tyne, of course, didn't hear him. The trainee was to wrapped up in his emotions to hear the Master. He was so excited he could hardly contain him...and he really didn't know why...

"I really wish you hadn't done that. If I didn't know you any better I'd have sworn you were severely out of your mind."

Ibran looked up innocently from his sitting position. "Why do you say that? I've already told all of you why I went in there alone, I couldn't risk any more lives..."

"Except your own." Alia shook her head, trying to will away the utter terror she had experienced when she had seen him lying on the floor, looking dead, already half-way knowing why he had done that to himself.

She sighed. "Gods save us all, Ibran, you're going to get yourself killed for somebody one of these days."

"How are ye' feeling, sir?" Gurney asked, popping up from the other side of Ibran, obviously trying to either stave Alia's anger or save the other Jedi from it.

Ibran smiled weakly. "Better than I look, I'm sure. Have you found any other life?"

"No, sir, none that would register as human or any known sentient species. A couple more bugs, but nothing I can pick up that anyone would want to come face-to-face with."

"I figured as much. We'll be moving out pretty soon, so you all may as well assemble, stabilize the wounded and get the supplies packed up. Remember to leave out a few grenades and heavy weapons, we don't want to be totally surprised."

The hustle of activity buzzed around him as he closed his eyes again. "Do you think you will be able to walk?" Alia asked, studying the wall beside of him, running her fingers across the uneven surface.

"Probably. I'll be fine, stop worrying."

"Who's worried?" she asked, turning away and busying herself with packing several wire-cutting and slicing supplies near her feet.

"Alia..."

"Please, Ibran, don't do that without telling me. Not again, I don't think I could take it." She stopped packing and studied the, her back towards him.

"I'm going to be fine!"

"You don't understand. I just...I mean....Look," she turned back to him with a false smile. "I'm ok, you're ok, we're all as ok as we're going to get. Let's blow this caf stand while we're all still ok."

Ibran sighed, watching Alia for a moment, then spoke. "Everything is not okay. If everything was okay, I wouldn't have felt fear from you a moment ago, nor would you have been trying to lie to me. It's difficult for Jedi to lie to one another, you know. What's wrong?"

Alia kept her back to him. "It's nothing, really. We'd better get going."

Ibran sighed, then stood, very slowly. At one point, he hissed as pain shot through one of his legs. "How I wish I could stop that..." he muttered and finished standing. "Alia... please tell me. I'd hate to think I was the cause of another's pain." "It's..." she shook her head. "It's nothing. Really. Now can we please stop talking about it?" she turned to look over her shoulder at him. "Are you going to need help walking?"

Ibran nodded. "Probably." "I'll see about getting a healer to help you out, then." She started to walk away. "Alia, wait."
She looked over her shoulder at him again. "What is it?"
"Please face me."
"Okay, I'll bite," she said, turning around. "Now give me your hand," Ibran said. She blinked and extended a hand. Ibran took it in one of his own bandaged hands. "I... I..." Ibran frowned. "This is hard to say, but it shouldn't be." He searched her face, for what he didn't know. "I won't endanger myself... without telling you first... I promise."

Alia regarded him for a moment, her expression softening. She nodded. "I'll find that healer for you," she said, and turned slowly away. Ibran watched her go with a sense of.... again, he wasn't sure. Relief? Pain? Confusion? he wondered. What am I feeling? It can't be happiness... can it? His emerald eyes gazed thoughtfully after Alia. He shook his head and winced. Blasted pain... gotta find some way to control that.

It wasn't long before someone came to assist him. Ibran made a few quick plans with some troops, figuring out the fastest way out of the dome. "All right... we're out of here people. Let's go. Nothing left in this place but death." And the group headed out.

There was little resistance as the last remnants of Tashannoc's group reached the hangar, only to find Bjiatocah and her commando's waiting for them. [Been a while, Jee.] Tasha said to her in Wookiee.

[Yeah, but we'll have plenty of time to get caught up once we're on this rock. I've already got some miners on your ship, so once everyone gets loaded up, we can blow this joint.]

[I'm sure Sammy will love to see that.] He and Bjiatocah glanced over to where Sammy Gavin and Sting were having an in depth conversation on the finer points of thermal detonators and plastique. Switching his translator back on, Tashannoc yelled to his troops. " Okay, let's move 'em out!"

Sammy and Sting loaded onto the Cat, Bjiatocah, the rest of her men, and Tashannoc got onto the Thunder, along with one more person.

As the Jedi and Rebel Troops were heading for their shuttle, all battle weary and worn, one green skinned girl broke for their ranks and headed for the Thunder. "Hey! Kimbrr!" one of her friends yelled, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going with Master Tashannoc," she replied. "I'm going to be studying with him for a while."

Her friend simply nodded. He would miss the purple eyed girl's enthusiasm, but he knew that the young pacifistic healer hadn't been happy on Dantooine, where much of the training was battle oriented. He simply waved, and silently wished his friend the best of luck. Minutes later, the transports were lifting off, and heading back into the fray.

"We should be well covered," Tashannoc signaled all of the transports as he lifted off, but I want all of you keeping the fighters and my ship in between you and the Carrack that just showed up. Got it." He received affirmatives from the rest of the pilots, and caught a flash as Bjiatocah's shuttle, containing the pilot and the infantryman in the bacta tank, lifted off. He knew that the evacuation might take a while, since not all the teams had reached their transports yet. He signaled the Cat.

"All right you two. Don't hit any triggers until we're sure that everyone has every chance to get out alive. Understood."

"Yes, sir," came Sammy's reply, with only a little regret.

"The Carrack Cruiser is launching modified shuttles, sir! They're headed for the factory!"

Good. Lance thought. He doesn't have bombers, so he uses shuttles. Slower, but with a heavier payload.. "ETA to Fury?"

"Fourteen minutes!"

Lance's mind was whirling as he thought of the different possibilities for this one. Best to keep the B-Wings on the Carrack and send Nemesis and Omega and whoever else volunteers to get rid of those transports before they start firing. "Tell the B-Wing squadron to keep on it's present target, and redirect Omega and Nemesis Squadrons to move in against those transports. No, send three squadrons in to fight the transports.."

Lance shook his head. He needed something hot to drink and some sleep. At least he wasn't making too poor of decisions yet.

"Receiving new orders, Lead!" Grant said, then was silent as he was downloaded the message. "There are transports launching from that Cruiser. We've gotta take them out before they reach the asteroid."

"How long will that be?"

"About thirteen minutes. I'd recommend we get right on it." Neb said.

"Yes, I got assigned the same orders."

"Hey, you just read my mind!" Grant said, invoking the age old saying.

"More than you know, Grant." Thix chuckled as the remainders of the squadrons swung around to get a clear angle on the approaching shuttles. An O-Wing that had been drifting away form the main group sighted them first. He fired a proton torpedo that buckled the frontal shielding of the lead transport. Subsequent laser blasts scarred the hull of the ship black. The stricken shuttle began to perform what qualified as evasive maneuvers, and succeeded. The pilot's next few shots were wide. Then he corrected his aim and fired a third salvo, perforating the bridge. The shuttle began to spin aimlessly in space.

"One down."

The others joined in the fray, firing and maneuvering. Two more shuttles went down, leaving seven and a couple smaller escort fighters to deal with.

"Tell command that there won't be much left of this rabble once they get to the asteroid, but there will be bombs falling. They better evacuate that asteroid, and soon!"

Far above, some of the shuttles had escaped the furious attacks from Omega and Nemesis squadrons. "All right, shuttles. There's our target. Commence bombing." "Right." said Toth Remall. A few seconds and several buttons later, a stream of bombs had been launched.

"All right, people, we're going to..." Beuller had started when the explosion rocked the whole asteroid. "What the...?" Beuller started. "What's going on?"

"They're bombing the domes, like they said they might back on the transport." Ibran said to Beuller, his voice still somewhat hacking. "We've got to get out now. No time to stop, unfortunately."

Beuller nodded and made the revised announcement. "We're going to have to hightail it out of here! They're bombing the dome! Let's move, but stay organized!" ~And stay organized! Remember, if we panic, we're as good as dead anyway.~ Ibran called out telepathically.

The group quickly picked up the small amount of stuff they'd dropped. They'd been expecting a rest, but that time wasn't now and they knew it. Once everything had been recovered, the group moved on at a significantly faster pace.

"All right, hold up." The Jedi and Rebels that were still in the main group slowed and stopped en masse. The more critically injured and the people still in good condition had gone ahead to get to the transports faster so that those in critical condition could get treatment fast and the others could safeguard them. The moderate to heavily injured were walking slowly, and recovering as they went. Some of the men were on point duty, though, and Ibran looked around for them. "Point report!" he called, or tried to. What came out of his mouth was something closer to a shout combined with a cough.

Two men came up. Ibran frowned. "Weren't there four of you?" "Yes, Sir, but two bit the big one. Bugs took them out." Ibran looked at the reporting trooper. "What's your name?" "Beuller, sir. Mitchell Beuller."

Ibran nodded. "Two more deaths on my head, I suppose," he sighed. "Anyway... I take it the pathway is clear, now?"

"Yes, sir! I lost my rocket launcher, but the Blister Blaster still turned 'em into bacon!" Beuller stated proudly.

Ibran laughed. "We just won't be eating this bacon. Anyway... any estimates on how much more time it'll take us to get out of here, based on what you've seen?" "I'd say... maybe half an hour. You're pretty much in the clear." Ibran nodded. "Very well. We can take this opportunity to rest." Beuller nodded and turned to make the announcement.

"You identified yourself as Lemon? What kind of a incompetent fool do you make yourself out to be?!"

Jadrek shrugged. "It worked at the time. That was all I was thinking about. I didn't want to sound terribly menacing."

The younger glared at his benefactor. "MENACING? You are talking to an Imperial Admiral who calls himself the Undertaker, and you are worried about being MENACING??!?"

"I was at a loss for words."

The dark haired young man sighed. "Where is Evan? Get me Evan." Another, even younger man, still a teenager probably, entered into the room, a groveling look upon his face. "Yes, Lord?"

"I like Evan, Jadrek. It would do you good to take notes on the way he handles himself when approached by one of power. Evan, I have coordinates and I wish you to direct us there as soon as possible. I have other people who wish to meet with me and I must be there at the appointed time."

Evan bowed even lower. "It will be done."

"Good lad. Just ask Lemon over there for them; he is the one who had to get us all into this mess in the first place."

Alia trailed at the back of her fleeing group, lightsaber drawn. She had finally convinced Ibran to go ahead of her, and even with his speed healing himself, she could see that he still had pain in his leg. She didn't want him falling and accidentally being left behind when the building collapsed. Speaking of collapsing, the constant thunder behind them was enough to speed even the most battle-seasoned warrior toward the closest exit. She really didn't like the fact that it sounded even closer than before.

At current, Blackhawk One was conferring with the Undertaker via tightbeam transmission. "What do you think of the current situation, One?" the Undertaker asked.

Grimo considered this. "Bombing the domes is tactically sound. While there is a low probability they'll be able to effectively damage the domes with those shuttles, they are going to hit them some, and there's always a possibility they'll kill someone inside the domes."
"I concur. Excellent analysis, One." Grimo felt slightly proud, but didn't let it get to his head. "By the way, sir... about 5. He's impatient."
"Yes, I know. He is a good pilot, though, and I have my own reasons for choosing him. I already have a replacement in mind, if it becomes necessary to redeploy him, but for now, I am content with his presence."

"Have you gotten any word from our new benefactor, sir?"
"I have not, and I am awaiting a reply most eagerly. Moreover, I have received word from someone I will call "The Lemon". Apparently, they picked up our transmission to our newest ally. They know a third party who wants to offer assistance."

Grimo blinked. "What will you do?" "Take them up on it, of course. They are not only willing to assist me, but this interested third party has knowledge of the Force which I can apply with my men, as well as a dislike of the Rebellion and the Jedi in particular. And finally," Bismarck stated with emphasis, causing Grimo to pay more attention. "This interested third party claims to hold intimate knowledge of the whereabouts of the Jedi training facility. Although I myself have no knowledge of such a place, my ally can provide me with enough information on it to suit my needs."

"What does he want in return?" The smile in Bismarck's voice was evident.

"It's not only that question, but also why he wants it that must be addressed, not to mention how he intends to use me to get it. I cannot allow myself to be used, however mutual assistance will be beneficial to both sides."

Grimo nodded. "I see. So what do we do?" "You deploy the I-Spy unit and return to me. We're not far, but you'd best use the preassigned departure point so the enemy can't track your vector."

"Understood, sir. One out." Grimo altered the comm frequency and used the short band/wide beam setting to talk with the Blackhawks. "Give me a moment to deploy the I-Spy and we're gone."

As the ceiling rained down on their heads, Ganderson and Jacen ran for their lives, barely escaping the main downpour. Ganderson grabbed Aria's limp form from Jacen as he was tiring and continued running. They barely squeezed through the doorway before the opening was sealed off.

Gently Aria was placed on the floor and the two men coughed their way back to fresh air, or what passed for fresh air in this dome filled with bodies. This part of the dome gave no appearance of fatigue so they rested here before moving on but their rest was cut short by a beep from the comlink.

"Ganderson here!"

"Lieutenant, is Aria and Cuntry safe?" Rolo asked.

"Cuntry is gone, Aria is stunned but alive. We were going to be moving forward in a few minutes."

Rolo's voice was strange, but controlled when he spoke again. "Sir, the dome is clear. All the injured are accounted for as well as survivors and the troops. We just got a report from command that they will be unable to stop some of the bombing Jarkov's men have planned. We need to clear out of Furies post haste."

Shrugging off his exhaustion, Ganderson stood up. "Understood. We are on the way."

Rendezvous in front of the Bandork's Revenge proceeded without a hitch. With a team of commandos covering the retreat with heavy blaster rifles and grenade and rocket launchers. Ganderson crouched inside the ship and looked at the darkened doorways of the hangar. Where in the name of Gurn is that woman and the Jedi?
Tensions rose. Suddenly, bedraggled shapes burst from one of the doors. Jacen, carrying an unconscious Aria Ka Djo, ran as fast as he could with his burden towards the Bandork's Revenge, followed by the others.

"Jaina! Get to the cockpit and start 'er up! We've gotta get out of here, pronto!"
"Got it!" Flipping switches as she sank into the pilot's chair, Jaina heard the engine rumble to life. The commandos outside jogged up the ramp into the ship, and Ganderson pulled it shut. The ramp sealed with the hiss of gasses and pressures equalizing.

"We're sealed! Punch it!" Jaina hit the accelerator, sending the Bandork's Revenge out of the hangar bay and away from Fury 27.

Neb came around after destroying another shuttle. He found himself skimming just a few hundred meters above the domes, and as he looked up and to starboard, he saw a proton bomb angling in. Estimating its trajectory, he saw where it was headed: right at one of the docking bays, full of evacuating Rebels.

Not on my watch, he swore, and poured all of the power off of his cannons and shields into his engines. His danger sense flared as the O-wing was set into a perfect intercept trajectory. As soon as he could be sure that the ship wouldn't alter its course enough to miss the bomb, he hit his eject button.

Moments later, his fighter exploded. He did his best using his small maneuvering thrusters to avoid the debris, but there was too much, and a large chunk hit him from behind in the head, and the shock sent through his helmet was enough to render him unconscious.

On board the Rolling Thunder, Tashannoc looked up in surprise from his instruments. He brought the ship around. In the cockpit with him was his sister and one of the miners. Bjiatocah spoke first. "What is it?"

"Neb. He's in trouble."

"What?" came the outraged response from the miner. "There are over thirty people on board here, and you'd risk their lives to save one man? Are you nuts?"

Tashannoc barely glanced at the man, with a short, low growl and a show of fang. Bjiatocah physically lifted the man up. "I'd better get you out of here."

At Tasha's signal, the five disk warships came away from the Cruiser they had been defending. One took Tashannoc's place guarding the transport, two came up to flank the Thunder and engage the shuttles, and the final two headed straight for the Carrack.

Tasha poured all possible speed into getting to Neb. Sending a quick feeler out with the force, Tasha found that Neb's life support had been damaged by debris, and he didn't have much time left. The Thunder was getting close, but an enemy fighter was getting closer.

[Don't even think about it] he growled to no one in particular, and keyed off a torpedo, which moments later destroyed the TIE-Wing ugly.

As he came up near Neb, he brought the ship to a standstill, putting the power from the engines to the shields. Some enemy ships started to come in, seeing a decent sized target sitting dead in the water. Tashannoc signaled back to the airlock, where he knew he'd find Jee. [Ready?] he asked.

[Just say the word, bro.]

As he brought the ship into position using the maneuvering thrusters, he said, [Consider the word given].

He watched as his sister floated out into space, connected to the ship by a thin wire. She maneuvered over to Neb, and clipped the wire on to him as well.

[The fish is hooked, reel us in] she joked.

The ship rocked with laser fire, and Tasha watched as his shields were decimated. Switching to top cannon control, he let out a slurry of fire, which was able to destroy many of those ships that were attacking him. He saw another pair explode as a torpedo took it out.

"I hope you don't mind, General," came Sammy Gavin's familiar voice. "You looked as if you could use a hand."

"Remind me to set you up for some sort of promotion, Sammy."

"Actually, General, I had another reward in mind, but we'll talk about that later."

[We're in.] came the signal from the airlock. Tashannoc powered up the engines and made for the cruiser full boar.

Wishing he had a copilot, Tasha had to content himself with his sister's reports. [He's got a little frostbite, and his vitals are a little low.

The med droid is taking a look at him, and he'll probably be in the bacta tank for a while, but I think he's going to be okay, Tasha.]

With a sigh of relief, Tashannoc acknowledged his landing clearance and set down in the bay of the Cruiser, and started to wait for the others to arrive.

Upon Blackhawk squadron's return, the Undertaker met with each of them personally, getting their accounts of the battle as well as their opinions on it. Once he was done, he sat, thinking about what he himself had seen.

Nodding, he ordered 19 ships into hyperspace for Neraka Prime. Remaining was the Scythe and an Interdictor Cruiser. These he ordered into a special position, just in case the chosen target should happen to appear. He'd give the target about a day or so, then he'd head for Neraka to meet with "Lemon"'s associate.

And as he pondered this, he received a transmission. "Patch it through," was the order and "Yes, Sir!" was the reply. He ran it through the usual encryption techniques.

At first, Bismarck stared at it. Encoded gibberish with my name on it. Pressing a button, he ran the message through the personal encrypting/decrypting program that he'd been given when he became an Admiral and the true message came up on the screen. "I look forward to meeting with you face to face. I have every confidence in you that you are as good as the Emperor has just informed me. We will meet at Shuma-Ikonn, the coordinates for this location will be attached. It will be a pleasure working with you, for the glory of the Empire." The signature was the main point of interest to him. Domino de Devastator... A momentary underestimation, which I won't be making again, he thought. After all, anyone with easy access to the Emperor would also have easy access to his file. And therefore, the Undertaker would now have to assume Domino knew everything that he had told the Empire about himself and more, as he knew Domino was skilled in the ways of the Force. He nodded and sent a quick transmission to Shuma-Ikonn, running it back through the encryption method Domino had transmitted it in. He wouldn't have sent it like that if he didn't want it kept a good secret.

"Transmission received and understood. I hear, and will obey once I have the necessary preliminary data, Lord de Devastator." And with that Admiral Rigel Bismarck, the Undertaker, prepared to meet his destiny.

Ibran moved post haste towards the exit. Alia was just about the only one behind him, and everyone else was quickly getting on the transport. The flicker in the sky of a fighter blowing to pieces attracted his attention for a moment.

And that moment was all the bug needed, leaping out of the shadows at the distracted Jedi, its' claws glistening with poison. Ibran turned and spotted it, but it was too late to draw his lightsabers. He tried stepping back, but the bug still caught his already injured left leg with one of its' needle sharp poison thorns. Ibran gasped and sank to the ground, watching as the bug towered over its' prey and wondering what he could do.

Ibran may very well have been killed if Alia hadn't been there. A shout from her brought the sharp eye and careful aim of Mitchell Bueller on the bug's case. His Blister Blaster, while not powerful enough to destroy the bug from his position, was enough to cause the bug to flinch and fall over. From it's vulnerable position, some choice hacking from Alia was enough to take it down. Beuller and Alia rushed over. Without saying a word, Mitchell hoisted Ibran to his feet and helped him onto the transport, nearly carrying him part of the way. With everyone on the transport, it lifted off, heading for the protection of space and the various other fighters.

"How is he?" someone asked the medics attending the fallen Jedi.

"Well, the bug really didn't get much poison into his system. In fact, we've already gotten all but trace amounts out. The problem lies in the fact that he's already got severe injuries, and the poison is exacerbating them." "Will he make it?" Alia, Bueller, Abic, and about 5 other people asked at once. "Hard to say. It'll be touch and go for a while. If any of you can help and aren't already busy, any assistance is welcome."

Several stepped forward.

Sammy saw the General back to the cruiser then turned and rejoined the fight against the bombing shuttles. "Wow," Sammy whistled as he watched the disk ships go to work. "Those things pack quite a punch for their size. The General must have some special modifications on them."

"Yeah," replied Sting, sitting next to Sammy. "I heard it's a new kind of technology that he has. I've been looking to get some of those launchers on our shuttle."

Sammy was lost in thought for a few seconds, but a comm call brought him about."Sammy, this is General Tashannoc. All the units have reported in, go ahead and do your stuff."

"Copy, General. Well," he said to the Zuu Shi, "Since it was your handiwork, you want the honors?"

Sting's three eyes lit up. "But of course," He smiled as he pushed the button. "It should take a few minutes for the reactors to go critical and blow."

"Looks like the enemy is in retreat. The shuttles are pulling back to that Carrack. I guess this is a victory."

"We rescued a lot of miners and beat them in space," Sting replied.

"Yeah, and lost a lot of good people."

An explosion interrupted their conversation as the mining colony started to break apart. Flames ignited only briefly in the escaping atmosphere shot out like miniature solar flares. A huge crack formed down the middle and the entire rock broke in two, explosions bursting all over. There never was one huge bang disintegrating it all, but small explosions continued for 5 minutes before all was silent. "Come on, let's get outta here." Sammy returned to the cruiser and landed in the hanger bay.

Sammy looked for General Tashannoc and found him in the med bay. He was standing in front of a bacta tank where a Twi'lek form was suspended in the liquid. "General, what happened to Neb?" Sammy asked in a worried tone.

"He drove his ship into a torpedo that was headed for a docking bay. He ejected but was hit by shrapnel. He should be fine, though. How are you doing?"

"Well, beyond a few nicks and scratches and absolute exhaustion not too bad, yourself?"

"I'll survive, always have." Tashannoc let out a Wookiee sigh. "Now, what did you have in mind for a promotion?"

"Well, actually I was wondering about those disk ships. They seemed a bit too powerful for their size. One of your sister's commandos told me that it's some kind of new technology. Is that so, and where can I get some?"

The General chuckled. "A few years ago, I discovered a race called the Minisculians. They offered their technology, including advanced weaponry, to me. Those disk ships use this technology. You want some of the missile launchers, hmm?"

"Well, if you don't mind, heck yes! I mean, you know how much I love bigger booms," Sammy gave off a sinister laugh that almost made the General shiver.

"Once again I'm glad you're on my side. I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, sir. Now, if anyone isn't too terribly offended, I think I'll pass out now." Sammy managed to make it to the only empty bed in the med bay before falling to sleep.

Alia paced the med bay for what seemed like the 27th time. And every time it looked the same. She had sent Mitchell and the others back to the main part of the ship to get some much needed rest; she was running on adrenaline and nothing else. She was trying to concentrate on walking, standing upright, which actually seemed a monumental task at the moment.

Left, yes step, shift your weight, pick up the other foot, steady now. She glanced at Ibran's bed for the 27th time. Just his body and the healer.

He's unconscious and maybe fatally injured and I can't do anything about it. I could have prevented it, but I didn't. Oh gods, it can't end like this!As the bug had been preparing to leap, she had been distracted by the rumbling of the surrounding buildings being blown apart by the bombers. She'd looked behind her for a moment and It's all my fault! I should have been watching out for him! Everything he's done for me and I had to let him down when it mattered the most.

Around the med bay again. The bacta tanks against the wall, one of which held a Twi'lek form that had been constantly guarded by a huge Wookiee from her first revolution. It looked like Neb. The presence around the tank felt like Neb's presence as well. Some little part in her mind refused to accept the injured, seemingly-lifeless body in the tank was Neb. It's not possible. Not both of them at the very last, it's just not possible. She passed Ibran's bed for the 28th time, refusing to accept anything any more. Left, yes step, shift your weight, pick up the other foot, steady now...

Alia almost screamed when a heavy, hairy paw settled on her shoulder. You need rest a soothing voice spoke into her mind. "Oh, General, it was you over by the tank. I'll be fine. I just have to make sure Ibran's okay."

As if he could read her mind (and perhaps he could), the huge Wookiee replied. It wasn't your fault. He made his own decisions. What is wrong with him?

"Well, part of it is the physical injuries, but there's also the poison. The healer's don't have much experience dealing with things that complex. They aren't sure if they can detox his system in time." She barely got the last words out in a choke.

In reply, Tashannoc walked over to where Ibran lay, and placed his hand over the wound on the young man's leg. The healer with Ibran nodded, as if the Master had said something to her. Tashannoc closed his eyes for a few moments, then stepped away. He turned once more to Alia.

He will be okay, now. His body just needs rest, and time to recover. As does yours.

"Okay, but what about you?" Alia had noticed the sag in the great Wookiee's shoulders as he had finished with Ibran, and knew that he had to be exhausted. he had a fresh scar running down his back where the fur had been cut away as well.

I appreciate the concern, but I will be fine. I have too much work yet to rest now. He glanced back over to the tank, and a young woman there with green skin gave him a thumbs up sign. If you'll excuse me, I have to speak with someone. Please, get some rest. Then the Wookiee exited, leaving Alia in the med lab with Ibran, the others, and her weariness.

Meanwhile, Admiral Bismarck perused the information from the I-Spy. He would wait until all the transports had gone. When one of them flickered into hyperspace, he nodded satisfactorily. One down, several to go.

It was hours before Ibran's brain finally regained its' ability to function consciously. His eyes opened, his mouth moved, and his brain thought. Or at least it tried to.

"Urgh..." he muttered. "Urgh, urgh, urgh. Not... fun..." The noises attracted attention. Ibran blinked as his eyes tried to focus. He was having trouble with it, so he just lay his head back on the pillow and tried to stare into space.

Alia's voice floated down to him. "Ibran! Ibran are you okay?" Ibran smiled. "As much as I can be, under the circumstances. Every particle of my body screams in pain like an abscessed tooth." At this, Ibran felt himself being hugged. "Easy... my clothes are pretty bloody... you may not want that all over you..." he warned. Apparently, the hugger didn't care.

Dimly, it came to Ibran that the hugger was exhausted. "Hey... you need sleep... get some. What've you been doing here all this time anyway?" The hugger said nothing, and instead continued to hug. Ibran wasn't sure if his vocal cords were actually working at this point, so he decided that the best course of action would be to give the hugger a return hug. Upon finding that he couldn't move his arms without extreme pain, he gave the hugger a kiss instead. He hoped that he'd been coordinated enough to kiss the hugger on the face. Kissing anywhere else would've been embarrassing.

"Please? It's my fault he's so badly injured!"
"I'm sorry, but we're out of bacta tanks. They're all full. That Calluna fellow got the last one.

General Tashannoc himself put him in there." "We've got more injuries than just Ibran, you know. A ton of people all in bad condition."
"Hey... here's an idea... let's stop off at Kashyyyk and deposit the more critically wounded there so they can use the facilities."
"Hmmm.. now that's a good idea! Order the transport into hyper right after letting General Tashannoc know where we're going."

And thus it was that Ibran found himself on a transport headed for Kashyyyk not long afterwards.

Alia sat glass-eyed in the Kashyyyk med ward as one of the harried, disinterested medics gave her a quick once over. He poked once too many times near her stomach and she finally registered a feeling- pain. "Ow."

He glanced up. "Looks like the cut got infected."

She nodded silently.

"Other than that everything seems to be fine. Healing by itself, at least. Here's salve for the infection, but other than that, you're checking out fine."

Alia nodded again, and stood slowly muttering some kind of thanks in the medic's general direction. He handed her the medication and took off in another direction. She hastily moved down the hallway to an unoccupied room, shut and locked the door and sat tentatively on the edge of the bed.

She tried to remember the last time she had slept. Those cat naps on the transport between worrying myself sick over Neb and Ibran, that's what, she reminded herself. They were fine, or at least were going to be at some point. She needed sleep, and a lot of it, maybe a mental healing trance or two for good measure. She stretched out on the bed, trying to clear her mind. Concentrate on letting yourself go, she thought. It's gotta be....simple.....

Jadrek sat in one of his oversized command chairs, watching the starlines of hyperspace streak across the broad front window of his prize ship, the Froinlavian Night. It's some sort of Star Destroyer. Evan must know.

"Evan?" "Yes sir?"

"Evan, what make is this ship?"

Evan reddened. "I'm....not exactly...sure, sir."

"Not sure, Evan?"

"I...I'll ask Master K-"

"No, no," Jadrek interrupted quickly. "That won't be necessary. He'll be along shortly I'm sure, Evan." Whether we like it or not, he added to himself.

Alia awoke in darkness, starting from one of the dreams that kept haunting her. That was odd, she thought. What did Jadrek do to be called Lemon? She shrugged, pushing aside the dream as an effect of the medication and immediately fell back into the peaceful state of slumber.

Battle-weary and sore, Thix was wholeheartedly glad when the enemy pulled out and left in the direction of their home base. "We've won the grand ol' Battle of Fury, Lead. Course you realize that we're not done yet, right?" Grant said.

"Xenomorph, this is Nemesis Leader. Requesting permission to dock. Yes, Grant, I know...they've still got a whole moon filled with nasty vertebrates and invertebrates. But it's all right."

"What?"

Thix shrugged in his cockpit, though Grant couldn't see the motion. "I dunno. I just get this feeling we came out..on top this time. I see it like this: if you can deal with Nasties like those they saw down there and return alive, then we sure as heck can take on some Stormtroopers and TIE pilots."

"YEEAHH!" Nemesis eleven yelled enthusiastically.

"Well, all three flight leaders got off okay, but we all lost flight members..we're down to seven craft." Idle chatter followed Thix's last as the ships began to dock with the Xenomorph, their home carrier and Lance's usual flagship, though now he was onboard the Lightbringer. Thix jumped out of his ship upon landing. Grant had landed ahead of him and clapped him on the back as he landed heavily on his feet.

"Easy there, Barkon, you're bound to break a leg after all that flawless flying. You're up to twenty-one kills, pal."

"And you're at eighteen. You're catching me. I must be getting slow in my old age, eh?" Grant's resulting hysterical laughter caused him to dash for a glass of water to keep him from choking. Grant considered it a miracle that he was still flying at his age of 32. Thix, 19, seemed a kid compared to him. Somehow, it was really, really, funny.

Thix shook his head in amazement. Grant wasn't known for his laughter, though he was an upbeat person. Ever since the Green Squadron of old had been all but annihilated by a hangar explosion, caused by an Rebel defector's bomb, Grant hadn't been the same person. Lately, though, he seemed to be becoming his old self.

"Thix! You made it too!" Becky, surprising Thix by flanking him from a tech station, tapped him lightly on the shoulder and grinned at him.

"Course I made it!" Thix feigned hurt. "You thought I'd go and buy the farm on you? The battle was all but over when you had to run, you know. I know you had to fight through a TIE or two, but I knew you'd be okay."

"How's that? No, don't answer that. You're a Jedi Knight, Thix Barkon, you probably just sensed me." She smiled.

"See? You know a lot already. Like right now, you're...elated. Elated? For me?" Thix really was surprised.

"Riiight. If you're such a genius, what am I thinking?"

"Uh-uh. Can't do that trick well enough yet. I almost got it, though. see, if I tried reading your brain, and you were thinking, 'Bantha Burger with fries, and a chocolate shake' I'd probably say 'Jawa Souffle with Green Turnips and a glass of superheated lum mixed with ranat ears'."

"Ugh."

"Which reminds me..I'm due to be getting a paycheck for hazard duty after this, so I've got some money to spare. Want to join me for one of the aforementioned delicacies? I'll take the Bantha Burger, and you can have the...." He stopped at the look she gave him. "Okay, we can both have burgers, fries, and a beverage of choice. How about it?"

".....Okay. Fine. This time!"

"Great!" Thix smiled at her. "I'll see if we can get a half-day's leave from Hendrikson and we can jet somewhere classy but nearby."

"Sounds nice! Sorry to cut you off, but, I'm fatigued, and dirty. I need a shower and about twelve hours of sleep. I'll see you at Kashyyyk. That's the regroup point, right?"

Thix nodded and waved as she walked off.

"Blast those Rebels to whatever hell you believe in!" Gregor Jarkov stormed around his office. In front of his desk every monitor showing lead creature transmissions were static-covered and all the status lights red.

"We've lost the mining facility." He calmed down somewhat and continued talking to himself."Ah, but that was only a test. Now I know what my creatures can do. The loss of Yan was unfortunate. I could do something so incredibly diabolic that my own scientists would shy away from me, but, no, making a half Yan half Gray Death would be too much." He chuckled.

I want to kill those Jedi. Ever since three of them destroyed my faux planet of Alderaan I've wanted to kill all of them...I will get my chance...I will.

I need to mobilize things. Viruses? Risky, yes... Species-specific disease? A true masterpiece. Send down a fish-killer to Mon Calamari? No, no, I respect their carnivores too much, and the like with Kashyyyk's jungles. Where..where..where..I must rest. I shall sleep on it..."

And...I must remember to buy some new Corvettes, or steal them...Blast! That reminds me...the rebels will most likely attack us here next! Ah, no. They will not get my research. I...I will hide it in my flagship and command from a distance! Flood the base with Death! Yes! Then, if things go wrong, I can leave and still have a cruiser and my precious animals! Haha! The Rebels do not think they can actually defeat me, do they? Ah, no. They cannot. No matter how they try. And so, I get a much- deserved rest."

Though he would not admit it to anyone nor himself, Gregor Jarkov was gone. He was no longer among the rational geniuses of his time. He had succumbed to a debilitating disease not of his own making: madness.

RETURN TO THE ARCHIVES

This page hosted by Geocities

Get your own Free Home Page