Almost as soon as the battered fighter entered into Sol the very same technician reported the new ship and at once the news was being wired back to the fleet.
"Captain, Terminus is reporting a new ship contact has entered the system. This one is much smaller this time. It's most likely a fighter from that big ship that is in orbit of the Moon. What are your orders, sir". His XO asked from his station. The captain of the flagship of the fleet said nothing as he looked out at the massive ship that was now sitting over the Moon. Today was becoming nearly as hectic as the SDF War ten years before. Before the martian bastards invaded Earth and glassed his father. The news of his father's death was what had pushed him to join the navy. His rise through the ranks was unprecedented and few if anyone now dared to question his ascension to the rank of Captain. Looking back at his second he knew that his order, whatever that would be would likely reshape human history for better or for worse.
"Jake, Samuel you two are flying this bogey into the docking bay or downing it. At this point I care not what happens just get it done". The captain said and with that, the two men saluted before their faces dropped from the screen in front of him. As the two did so he only looked at the ship. He had a feeling something big was about to happen. What that was he didn't know but he knew somehow that something would.
-
"Arrtoo how you faring? You alright"? Anakin asked before the droid answered back with a few beeps he cared not for.
"Ok, ok no need to call me that.
"Beep-beep Beep". Arrtoo said before returning to what it was doing which was keeping this thing flying.
"Arrtoo how are the shields? It looks like we may need them soon. We have two ships coming our way". Anakin said as two fighters appeared on his screen before appearing outside his canopy seconds later. Their make, however, was entirely unknown to him. He couldn't find a droid port or anything to navigate. Even the farthest worlds had that. How else would they buy or sell their goods? The fact they didn't made the young Jedi Knight feel a great deal of fear. This wasn't right. Something was very, very wrong. This just didn't make any sense. So deep was he in his thoughts that it took three calls from the unknown ships to change his course towards the flagship. As he did so he saw the unmistakable ship of General Grievous. Did that mean they were allies? Were they joining the Separatists? If so he needed to return home and report the news before it was too late.
-
As soon as he landed inside the docking-bay troops surrounded him. Looking at them everything was odd. Their guns, uniforms, and even their ships were unknown to him which should have been impossible. The Jedi had every world listed in its vast database. No way did a world exist no matter how far out that they knew nothing of. No world as lush as the one below anyway.
"Hello, and you are"? The captain asked eyes boring into him.
"Anakin Skywalker". He answered before feeling one of the men try to take his lightsaber. When he made to stop the man the sound of guns being readied stopped him cold.
"I wouldn't do that...if I were you, sir". The captain said before adding. "My men have you surrounded and outgunned only a fool would try anything". With that said one of the men removed the saber and eyed it questioningly.
"What the fuck is this thing"? The man said before accidentally activating it. In seconds the blade cut through his skull and out the other side. The sight made a few of the men unload their lunch.
"That...was unexpected. Mind telling us what the hell it is"? The captain said in a tone that was less a question and more an order. One he answered immediately.
"It's a lightsaber. I use it to fight. It's my weapon, sir". Anakin answered before the captain nodded and the blade was picked back up. This time with far more care than before.
"So where do you come from? It's clear your not human...no matter how much you look like one". The Captain said.
"I'm human". Anakin yelled before the guns were once again aimed at him.
"Easy now...let's all take it easy". The captain said before the guns were lowered. Once done he returned his gaze to Anakin. "You'll come with me I have a few things I wish to know". The captain said before he was pushed forward by one of the men.
-
Entering a room he was forced into a chair and a man was posted outside. Looking at the man in front of him he waited for the questions to begin. He didn't have to wait long before they started flying.
"What are you"?
"I'm human, sir".
"No, no what are you? That blade isn't one of ours nor SDF. We have spies and nothing indicates that kind of technology is even being worked on in any of their labs. So again what are you"? Anakin could feel the man's anger as he didn't answer. But what could he say, it was clear they were not yet an Interstellar species. Would it be wise to tell them what lay just outside their system? He didn't know and that kept him silent.
Fine, be that way we can do this another way". Seconds later the man was up from his chair and his fist met his face, the blow sending him to the cold hard floor with a loud thud.
"Stop please". Anakin cried out but the man kept on with his attacks. He could feel the blows land but he kept himself from sending the man flying into the wall. But one thing was most odd. He was far too strong. Nobody without some sort of midi-chlorian count could hit so hard for so long. This man was force-sensitive he would bet his life on that. To what level he didn't know.
"Damn it talk already you robed bastard"! The man said as he tossed the Jedi across the room with ease. When the man didn't press his attack however he answered spitting out a mouth full of blood as he did so.
"I'm a Jedi Knight. We are the defenders of peace and harmony in the galaxy. We have done so for well over a thousand generations". Anakin answered.
"Jedi Knight...where did you come from"? The man asked. At this, he paused once again. If he answered he would be sending them down a path he could never hope to stop. But if he didn't he would likely doom them all to a life of slavery under the rule of the Separatists. As a former slave himself, he couldn't help but answer.
"I came from a wormhole that exists outside your system. The ship outside is the ship of one General Grievous. A ruthless warrior who has killed many of my order. Dealings with him is most unwise". Anakin said and at once he saw the man's eyes grow wide in fear.
"The president...we must save the president. He's on that ship". The older man said before rushing outside and down the hallway.
"Stop you know not what you're doing"! He yelled but the man was already long gone. Racing down the hallway after him he could only hope he could make the man see sense before it was too late.
-
As Anakin made his way down the long hallway his mind raced with what he could say to make the man see sense, to make him truly understand how utterly outclassed he was in regards to the cybernetic lifeform that had killed so many of his order. So many of his beloved friends.
"Sir you mustn't do this. Your men are no match for him...you must know this surely". Anakin said once he was close enough to him to speak. The man however only pressed forward his eyes as cold as ice. His iron-like will unwavering
"Send word to the Yorktown and the Gettysburg that we'll be sending a squad of troopers over and to be ready to open fire should we fail". The captain said to one of the men who at once ran down the hallway into a room he knew not for. As he and Anakin entered the bridge he could see that it was as busy as any other ship he had ever stepped foot on over the years. Still, the sight before him was breathtaking. The men and women all worked together like a well-oiled machine. The precision of their movements reminded him of the clones he had battled alongside on Geonosis. It was at that point he began to wonder if this meeting was preordained by the force itself. It was at that point he overheard the man speak once again.
"We will either save our president or we will blast that ship into scrap metal". The captain said before turning to face Anakin. "Now what were you saying"? He asked. Anakin for only a second stood motionless unable to grasp what the man had said. Surely he knew he and his men stood no chance yet he ordered the attack anyway.
"Your men are no match for the man you're going to face. I should go with them". Anakin said before the voice of another made him turn his head and what he saw made the young Jedi Knight take a step or two backward.
"A droid". He said to himself in a soft tone. But it seemed the droid had heard him and replied.
"No, sir I'm no....droid. I'm AR-113. I'm one of the assault and reconnaissance teams on this ship. I was made by the Riox Corporation in 2148. I was told to get ready for deployment". AR-113 said as he turned to the captain. "Sir, what are your orders"? As the whatever it was talked Anakin eyed the thing up and down. It was a true work of art. He had, of course, cut down many a battle droid but this was something else. This AR-113 was a fully sentient being. No way was this merely some wires and bolts. This was a "living" being able to perceive the world around him. How this was possible he had no idea but it made him want to learn more.
"What of him, sir"? AR-113 asked gesturing at Anakin. The captain eyed the man for a few seconds before nodding his head.
"He'll join you. Keep an eye on him. Report everything once you're done. Is that understood"? The captain asked.
"Yes, sir it is. I'll watch his every move". AR-113 said before he and Anakin departed and made their way to the armory. Once the two entered they saw a group of around 24 men and women all of whom were in exo-suits and looking over their guns.
"Your weapon, sir". The man said as he handed him his blade. Giving it back with no small amount of fear. The story of the incident having apparently already spread throughout the rest of the ship.
Thank you...". Anakin asked.
"Oh, right sorry names Frederick Wilkinson but most folks just call me Wilks or the Boom Boom Man".
"The boom boom man"? Anakin asked.
"I um...well, sir I once made things go boom or I did at one time. But as you can no doubt see my leg makes that impossible so I was posted here. But all's good I like it here more time to...".
Hey, sword guy move your ass we're going"! An older man yelled with a gun in one hand and what looked like a grenade in the other. Making his way over he couldn't help but be amazed. Here was a race of humans who had someway evolved independently of his own home galaxy. No sooner had he sat down did the ship lift off and enter space. Its destination was the ship of none other than General Grievous himself. The battle that would soon take place would be the catalyst of a great change for both sides.
-
Almost as soon as the small troop transport had entered into the inky darkness of space did four Raptor-class fighters join up with them, two on each side (8:00 and 4:00). It wasn't long before bolts of turbolasers were being sent their way. But the pilot was able to maneuver the ship with such ease that Anakin was sure he was force sensitive. He would, of course, learn sometime later that he was not. As for the fighters themselves, they quickly dispatch the turbolaser emplacements making their entrance into the landing bay all the safer before turning back to land. By now General Grievous had ordered the Terran's (Earth humans) to be relocated deeper into the ship's interior until he had dealt with the uninvited guests. Once that was done he would show them the error of challenging the might of General Grievous.
"Come on boys move your asses"! The oldest of the men yelled out as he pulled the pin and tossed an antigrav grenade at the droids sending the handful of droids flying high into the air only to be shot to hell before falling into a sizeable pile of scrap metal soon after. The others doing more or less the same and soon the landing bay was secured. The speed and efficiency of the attack had left the young Jedi Knight astounded. In a way, he was fearful of the efficiency of this army. No force besides the Jedi and the newly made clone army was nearly as efficient in their combat abilities and this was but a squad. He was sure that if given the means they could soon become a force not to be reckoned with. Once he returned home to Coruscant he would make sure they had just that.
"Hey do try to keep up"! The man yelled as he placed an explosive charge that blasted the door clean off. It also had the added benefit of clearing the hallway of most of the droids who were all waiting on the other side of the door ready to attack. The three or so left all fared rather poorly all things considered. Once that was done the squad moved forward clearing every hallway and room with the speed befitting a clone trooper. On and on this went until they reached an elevator. At once AR-113 walked up and began decrypting the ship's systems.
"How long will it take"? The older man asked. His gun at the ready as his eyes scanned the long hallway for even the slightest of movements. So far he saw nothing save for the dull gray of the walls but he was sure that would soon change.
"Sir I'm downloading nearly 400 terabytes. I'll need a minute or two". AR-113 answered as the sounds of ever more droids could be heard heading their way.
"Damn it...alright defensive positions boys. We hold until he's done. We'll fight to the last man, hell to the last round of ammo if we have to". The man said as the droids rounded the corner and the battle began. Anakin, not one to be outdone ignited his blue-colored lightsaber and began to cut down the approaching enemies with the speed and efficiency one would expect from a Jedi Knight. But as soon as one would fall two or three would appear and would begin firing.
"How much longer"? The man yelled as he reloaded his gun with a new round of ammo. The audible click of its receiver telling them all he was ready to drop ever more of the droids.
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"83% done, sir another 27.8823...".
"Damn it just tell me"! He yelled as he downed another set of droids. Anakin for his part had just got done cutting his 4th set of droids down with a loud hissing sound. A red-colored glow telling them all it was highly unlikely that any of them would get back up and resume fighting.
"15 seconds, sir". AR-113 answered before the panel turned green and a small ping could be heard. At once the squad entered and up they went. The droids at once stopped and reported in.
-
Meanwhile, the president and his protection detail were being guarded by a group of around ten or so battle droids near the rear of the ship. A few minutes before they had been ordered into this room and tied up by order of the massive cybernetic life-form known as General Grievous.
"Sir we must do something". His head of security said as he tried to loosen his restraints. In the end, all he did was cause himself great deals of pain as he was shocked over and over. Just then the sounds of battle could be heard outside before aloud boom reverberated throughout the space. The droids inside could do nothing as their attackers raced inside. Their guns blazing and saber cutting them all down in very short order. The battle was over so fast that everybody was still getting back up. The blast itself had sent the president face-first onto the cold hard floor breaking his nose but otherwise, he was fine. It would be a few days before he could make an appearance but he was fine with that. He hated having to do that anyway. So any time alone was always welcomed.
"Sir we are here to escort you back to the landing bay". The leader said as Anakin began to release them one by one. In seconds they were free and given guns to use. The president seemed to be in shock at the whole ordeal but took the gun all the same. Making their way back towards the landing bay Anakin couldn't help but feel something was off. The droids were gone. What few they saw had let them pass without so much as a raised gun. This, in turn, had allowed them to make good time and in less than ten minutes they were back inside the landing bay.
Load everybody in we...are...leaving"! The older man said as he raced up the ramp and take his own seat. Anakin, however, instead did a backflip and ignited his lightsaber. His blue colliding with the blues and greens of General Grievous own blades.
"So they sent you, fools the lot of them. No matter I'll add yours to my growing collection all the same". Grievous said as the battle began. Anakin had trained hard in preparation for this duel but even so, he was being pushed back until his back met the gray wall of the ship's docking bay.
"Now you shall die"! Grievous yelled out as the multi-colored blades came down cutting any possible escape or it would have had AR-113 not jumped onto the man's back forcing his blades to miss. Anakin not missing a beat quickly disarmed "quite literally" the general before pushing the towering man into the ship.
"General you are under arrest by order of the Jedi Council. Your reign of terror is over". Anakin said as the ship lifted off and began to make its way back to the flagship of the fleet.
-
Meanwhile, on the other side of the wormhole, Senator Palpatine was busy making the final preparations for the attack that would hopefully spark the Clone Wars and with it his plot to rid the galaxy of the Jedi.
"Is it ready my dear friend"? Palpatine asked dropping his kind voice and taking on his more sinister tone.
"It is. All you need to do is enter this code in three day's time. My men should be planetside by then". Pollito Violett said as he rose up and handed him the device. As soon as it was taken he turned and walked out. His time here was now over and besides, he always hated the sight of so many non-humans. If he had his way he would see them all wiped out of existence. However, he knew full well that Palpatine would never allow such things. Better to have them work the mines and make the ships than have a human doing it. He guessed he could live with that if he had to.
-
Over the next few weeks Anakin had seen just about everything Earth had to offer and if he had to say anything about them and their world it was his utter amazement at what they had accomplished. Few planets had been able to enter the stars and yet still hold onto their regional governments. The fact this world had done so proved to him at least that they were something truly unique. The Jedi Council would surely like to know of this most recent of developments. His time on Earth hadn't been one-sided however as he had gifted the Terran's many datatapes. A fact that many took happily. Just as he was exiting what he had been told was the Louvre he was met by AR-113 who seemed eager to talk to him.
"Sir your ship is ready". AR-113 said as he handed him a datatape.
"What's this"? Anakin asked eyeing the unexpected gift now in his hand.
"Will, sir based on what you told us it was clear your side of the wormhole is a bit slow on technological advancements. This should fix that for you." AR-113 replyed before turning around and walking the way he had come. But at the last second, he turned and tossed him another tape.
"What's on this one"? Anakin asked.
"It's just schematics for a quantum computer. It's a bit outdated but it should do your side some real good". AR-113 answered before walking out of sight. Anakin couldn't help but smile. This mission was turning out great. If this didn't win him the rank of Jedi Master he didn't know what would.
-
Meanwhile on a far-off planet half a universe away a group of men sat around a small fire on an icy planet called Coix. The men were a mix of races from all corners of the republic. But they all had one common thing that linked them all together. The seeming kind senator of Naboo, Palpatine. To many, he was a kind and loving man to all who met him but to others, he was a cold-hearted man who would kill his own mother for power. It was only the promise of credits that had sent them to this far-off world filled with ice and snow and most importantly cloning facilities. Their job was simple, kill the few guards and edit a few papers so he owned (secretly of course) the facilities. Why he wanted this place they didn't know nor cared. So long as his credits were good they would do just about anything. Just then a holographic projection of Palpatine could be seen. He was, of course, robed but otherwise, it was clear to them all who he was.
"Your mission is a go. Don't fail me". Palpatine said before ending the call. In seconds the fire was out and the group of six moved slowly towards the cloning facilities. Less than an hour later the deed was done and the credits paid.
-
Just as Anakin was nearing the wormhole R2D2 started beeping. Anakin did his best to calm down the upset droid but the task wasn't easy. However, thanks to his ship's sensors it seemed they had been able to retrofit his ship so it wasn't as bad as before. It still was far from a comfortable ride but still, it was a far cry from before.
"Arrtoo plot us a course home". Anakin asked as the droid answered in a beep. Seconds later he was gone.
-
Obi-Wan Kenobi was worried. The mission should've ended weeks ago and yet his brother in all but blood hadn't returned. Yoda the kind master he was understood but he knew he was safe. Such was his understanding of the force.
"Worried you are. Safe is he". Yoda said simply and yet the man paced from one end of the room to the other with the same worried look on his face.
"But master he hasn't answered any of my calls". Obi-Wan Kenobi replied in a frantic tone of voice.
"Sit and wait. Back he'll be...wait you must". Yoda said as he pointed to a meditation chair. Obi-Wan Kenobi took the seat and waited. All the while eyeing the blue sky as if willing his brother back home with his mind. His wait would end an hour later.
-
Anakin exited the ship with the general in chains. At once he was taken away by the use of a few clone troopers. Yoda waited for the two to be done hugging and whatever else they needed to do before asking.
"What did you find"? The master asked. Anakin at once turned and uttered.
"Summon the council master. We have much to discuss".
-
As the members of the Jedi Council slowly started filtering into the chamber Anakin couldn't help but feel a great sense of nervousness. A feeling he wasn't at all used to feeling and one he hoped would pass before the last of the masters appeared in the room in one form or another. A few minutes later the last of the Jedi Masters had either walked into the room in their traditional brown-colored robes or materialized via holographic displays appearing to them all in a bluish-white color of light.
"Call us you have...curious we are". Yoda said as he rubbed his three-fingered hand across his thinning hair.
"Of course, master". Anakin replied before clicking a button that darkened the room. The council only watched on as he made his way to the center of the room.
"A few weeks ago I landed on a spacefaring planet just outside the wormhole. This world is called Earth and like us, they too have droids or something similar. As a gift for helping them, they gifted me this". Anakin said as he showed off a holographic display of a quantum computer. The sight made a few lean forward in their seats while others mumbled under their breath at the sight.
"What is this"? Asked one of the masters.
"This is what they call a quantum computer. Another name for it is a super computer. From what I have been told this is able to do an astonishing 250 trillion calculations per second and is small enough to sit inside a room no bigger than a modest storage closet. It is apparently an older model but still if we implement such supercomputers into all of our ships our combat effectiveness would skyrocket. Such a tool would no doubt aid us in the upcoming war with the Separatists". Anakin said before the green hand of Yoda rose up.
"I sense you have left much unsaid to us". Yoda said eyeing the 20-year-old Jedi Knight. Anakin for his part could only nod his head in acknowledgment of that accusation.
"I have indeed, master. While I was on the planet I was told of a war they had. A war called the Sol War, however, this war only lasted a day". Anakin said stunning the entirety of the Jedi Council.
"Surely such a war would have seen hundreds if not thousands of starships". One of the masters said before Anakin shook his head in the negative.
"No, master Eugenol from what I was told by them the war mostly consisted of two ships and around a dozen of their fighter craft. The rest having been destroyed in the opening attack". Anakin answered before the whole chamber seemed to erupt into a cacophony of overlapping voices. Each voicing amazement or total disbelief.
"Who attacked them?" One of the bluish-white masters asked. This time coming from a master called Edyess. Anakin at once answered with yet another holographic display.
"A group called the Settlement Defense Front or SDF. They are based on the planet Mars...that's the fourth planet in the system. They seemed to have broken away in what they call the Succession War about 30 years prior. After the war ended the SDF took the outer planets. However, by the time of the Sol War they seemed to have lost at least two of the worlds and most of the moons". Anakin said before another holographic display was shown this time of a man.
"This is the captain of the flagship of their fleet. He seems to have a very low midi-chlorian count but not enough to be able to make use of the force, at least not knowingly. Still, he possessed enhanced strength what other effects the low midi-chlorian count might have is still unclear. I think it would be wise if we form closer ties with them". Anakin said before stepping back signaling that he was finished with his speech. For a while, the Jedi Council discussed amongst themselves everything that they had heard. Arguments for and against the proposal could be heard but in the end, Yoda was the one to make the call. Pointing his three-fingered hand at the young Jedi Knight he spoke.
"Anakin for your success on the planet Earth we hereby promote you to the rank of Jedi Master. Proud we are of you". Yoda said before growing much more serious in his demeanor. A change so sudden that it took even some of the masters by surprise.
"The force is growing ever more difficult to interpret. Careful of our steps must we be. Return to Earth and give them this". Yoda said before handing Anakin a data tape. With that done Yoda dismissed the council as the pair walked out. Once out of the chamber Padme ran up and hugged him happy to see him once again after being gone for so long.
"How was the mission"? Padme asked her husband.
"It went very well". Anakin began but it seemed his face had betrayed him as she backed away.
"I sense a but coming. Tell me you're not leaving again". Padme said looking about ready to cry if he did, in fact, have to leave.
"I must Padme I have duty's to the order". Anakin said before watching as she turned and walked down the hallway tears already falling down her cheeks at the news. The sight was painful to see but he didn't have time to make her understand. She was a politician, a senator of her lush green homeworld of Naboo. He was a former slave of the desert planet of Tatooine. The two were about as far apart as the core worlds were to the outer rim and so with but a sigh he slowly made his way once again to the hangar bay and to his fighter. His heart was heavy with both sadness and grief.
-
Meanwhile, Palpatine was overseeing the newest batch of clones. His eyes watching as each new clone walked out and lined up at the ready to board the ships that would soon be their new home. It was at that very moment that one of his aides entered into the room. Palpatine at once turned to him and took the report and looked it over.
"Hmm, it seems our new cloning facility is falling behind schedule. Mind telling me why this is"? Palpatine ordered more than asked the aid.
"I don't know, sir. I was only tasked with giving this to you". The man answered as his fear was clear in both his voice as well as his eyes.
"Mores the pity". Palpatine said as his red lightsaber soon pierced the man's chest. The sickly smell of burning flesh soon filled his nose. The loud thud that soon followed didn't seem to register to the Sith Lord as he returned to overseeing the new clones. Instead, his focus was on the upcoming war and his plans for the fall of the Jedi Order. Anakin's promotion to the rank of Jedi master came as a shock to the Sith Lord but one he believed he could overcome with time. The idiotic order of Jedi had yet to find out about his true identity and so he had time. Still, he would need to speed up his plan just in case. Palpatine called for one of his most loyal of aids and when he entered he quickly took a knee before the Sith Lord.
"Yes my lord, what is it you need of me"? The man asked never meeting the eyes of his master.
"Send word to our men that the attack is to begin. The code is: Everlasting Eclipse: they will know what it means. Do ensure that the incriminating evidence is found on the scene. We can't falter now that we are so close to our goal". Palpatine ordered before the man bowed and left. In a few days, the entire galaxy would be at war and if all went as planned he would rule it all by its end.
-
Anakin had just entered the hangar bay when Obi-Wan called out. Anakin at once gave his brother in all but blood a hug and a smile. His ascension to the rank of Jedi Master was one of the proudest moments in his life and with it any anger he had held for the orders seeming dismissal of his abilities as a Jedi. Obi-Wan at once embraced his brother and smiled happily.
"I'm so happy for you Anakin. I knew it was only a matter of time. Have you considered taking on a Padawan"? His former master asked. Anakin had, of course, considered such a move but felt the time wasn't right for such a role. Perhaps after the war that seemed only to drew all the closer would he take on a Padawan of his own. Until then, however, he would wait. With that done the two said their good-byes to each other and parted ways. One for the green-blue world of Earth the other to the library to catch up on some reading. The order had found various Sith artifacts that needed to be studied. He doubted he would be able to do much in the way of understanding the things but he could at least try. The last thing Obi-Wan saw was Anakin's ship blasting off all the while smiling. Things were looking up for his brother. He could only hope he would be successful in his second mission to the planet Earth.