Categories > Books > Harry Potter > A New Order
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners.
The original characters and plot are the property of the author.
The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.
No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 9
Republic Courier Shuttle - Outer Rim Territories
Jedi Master Cin Drallig smiled as he watched his former pupil Serra Keto and Bene his newest Padawan student sparring. Serra was a skilled duelist; perhaps the best he had ever trained but Bene was holding her own, however temporarily. He was proud of Bene who had to be feeling somewhat overmatched and yet continued to seek a weakness in the older woman's defenses, back and forth and then it was over as the Padawan found two lightsabers pointed at her neck as her own blade rolled toward her master.
Cin stood and summoned his student's lightsaber off the floor to hand it to its owner. "Well done Bene, your footwork was much improved."
"Thank you Master I..." All three Jedi paused looking around before the small transport shuttle they were using suddenly rocked alarmingly; then all three were moving as they ran for the cockpit.
Serra was the first to reach the hatch, which was sealed. Cin immediately tried the intercom, receiving no reply. He was about to use the Force to open the hatch when his former student stopped him.
"Master don't, the cockpit is exposed to space, it's been hulled, badly," Serra warned as she studied the readouts from the small console in the passenger section.
"Are we under attack?" asked Bene.
Serra tilted her head as she searched the Force for enemies, "I don't sense anything hostile, so probably an accident or a collision."
The Jedi Master frowned and gestured toward the cargo bay, "We still have, light, heat and air so the environmental systems must be working. Serra see if you can get access to communications, Bene please do an inventory of what supplies are aboard while I see to engineering."
The news wasn't great. The engines were badly damaged and could stop working with almost no warning and they lacked the parts to make even basic repairs. If those systems failed so would life support and if that happened they would be in dire straits.
Serra returned and reported that she had managed to send a distress signal but was struggling to find a way to receive signals so even if help was on the way they wouldn't know. At worst they could use the shuttles small escape pod but without any real idea of their location it was a risk they were putting off for now.
oOoOoOo
The Raptor - Bespin System
Aralina Silk's long range shuttle sat motionless in space in high orbit above Bespin with everything but environmental and communications shut down while she meditated awaiting her agents reports. When the incoming message signal sounded her eyes snapped open.
"Raptor this is Gravis, we have completed the initial sweep and the site information is accurate the enclave is currently occupied although there are some signs that the Jedi are preparing to relocate."
"Relocating?" asked Aralina.
"So it appears, they are packing up their belongings in to cargo carriers and removing a great deal of equipment and supplies."
Aralina had her orders, 'Very well keep them under observation and prepare to destroy the enclave once I have joined you."
oOoOoOo
The 'Executioner' - Providence-class carrier/destroyer
Dooku hid his distaste at having to deal with the cyborg monstrosity that was Grievous, "Your mission is to kill as many Jedi as you can. If we are going to win they must be on the defensive, we must disrupt their operations as much as we can. Do you understand?"
Grievous nodded, "Of course, do you wish me to continue the raids?"
Dooku gestured dismissively, "We want the war to continue so the raids must continue, show them your fist general."
After determining that the cyborg understood he quickly made his way to the shuttle. He had some time till he next needed to make an appearance to support his 'allies' perhaps a few hours looking over his....."
"We are receiving an automated distress signal, a Republic Shuttle sending the message on several civilian and military channels," reported the Droid pilot.
Dooku was about to order the Droid to ignore it when he felt a ripple in the Force, "Which military channels?"
"Republic Military channels," reported the droid.
Dooku considered investigating himself for a moment before relaxing back in to his seat, "Open a channel to the Syphion and give Ventress the co-ordinates then set a course for Abu Dreth System," After all his newest student really needed the practice.
oOoOoOo
The Syphion - Outer Rim Territories
Asajj Ventress read the brief message and began entering the co-ordinates on her Nav comp.
oOoOoOo
Republic Courier Shuttle
Decades of work as a Jedi left Cin Drallig with a highly developed and attuned danger sense and right now the Force was telling him that danger was approaching, "Serra, Bene we have a problem."
'What is it Master?" asked Bene.
"I sense danger fast approaching, Serra take Bene and ready the escape pod," Cin didn't watch them leave instead he closed his eyes and tried to determine the best course of action. He didn't wish to abandon the ship and risk the escape pod but facing the approaching danger in a crippled ship was equally risky.
"Master, the pod is ready," called Bene from the small cargo hold.
Decision made Cin opened his eyes and quickly made his way to the hold, where his companions waited by the pod, "We must hurry I fear that whatever approaches will not be swayed by logic and we are at a distinct disadvantage here."
Cin pulled a blaster from his belt and made a few adjustments to it before throwing it in to the engine room.
All three Jedi climbed aboard the escape pod but before Serra or Bene could activate the automated navigation system and the pods small engine Cin pulled the manual release de-activating the magnetic lock and firing a number of small gas charges that sent the pod rocketing away from the shuttle.
"Master?" enquired Serra.
"We don't want them attacking the pod do we? Let them focus on the shuttle while we get some distance between us before we activate the pod."
Serra was looking out the pods small windows, "Master there is a large field of debris ahead if we don't change course it should confuse their sensors."
"Excellent, Bene keep an eye out and let us know if anything happens," ordered Cin.
"Master," warned Bene, "a ship just dropped out of hyperspace, I..... by the Force the shuttle just blew up."
Cin smiled, "I know I threw an overloading blaster in to the engine room."
A few tense minutes passed before the other ship disappeared in to hyperspace.
Cir turned to his ex-student, "Serra power up the Pod and let's have a look at exactly where we are."
As the Pod powered up Serra manipulated the controls bringing the basic sensor package online and scanning nearby space, "Okay we are just on the outskirts of a asteroid field and if these spatial co-ordinates are correct we are in Thanium sector near a planet called Mossak."
"Mossak, I've heard that name before," mused the Jedi Master before shaking his head. "Regardless we need to work out our next step. Apparently our original distress call was intercepted by the CIS so this time I think we'll wait until the right moment."
oOoOoOo
Asajj Ventress cursed as she arrived just in time to see the damaged shuttle ripped apart by an internal explosion, a quick inspection of the debris verified that there could not have been survivors. Her mission completed without her intervention she re-entered the hyperspace co-ordinates to return to the fleet, after all she did have more important things to do.
oOoOoOo
After spending several hours meditating Cin sat up as he felt a distant Force presence, several presences in fact and all tied to the light side of the Force, more than likely several Jedi, "Bene please send a distress signal, the moment has arrived."
oOoOoOo
Talia - On route to Bespin
Altis felt a questing presence in the Force a moment before the communication panel lit up, "A distress signal, Ron we need to drop out of Hyperspace."
"On it," replied Ron as he shut down the hyperspace engines.
Altis keyed a channel open, "This is the Talia, a private merchant vessel may we be of assistance?"
"Merchant vessel Talia this is Jedi Master Cin Drallig we are aboard an escape pod in the debris field thirty Keltar off your starboard."
Altis smiled in recognition as he replied, "Very well Cin we'll be there shortly."
oOoOoOo
Cin Drallig smiled as he walked through the airlock and caught sight of Altis, "I knew I recognised that voice."
Altis laughed and offered and exaggerated salute, "Welcome aboard Knight, sorry Master Drallig."
"It is good to see you Altis even if you are an unrepentant renegade, let me introduce Jedi knight Serra and Padawan Bene my current dueling student."
Altis smiled at the two women, "Welcome aboard the Talia."
Altis and Cin worked quickly to unload and disengage the Pod, leaving it to drift back in to the asteroids. After stowing the newest passengers few bits of personal gear Altis led them to the mess.
"Is anybody injured?" asked Altis, "We have a top of the line medical droid aboard."
Cin shook his head thinking about the cost of having a medical droid on a freighter as he answered, "No, no injuries although I would love a cup of something hot but before that I must warn you that we had a rather unfriendly visitor several hours ago."
Altis frowned and hit a com panel, "Ron get us back on course we may have unfriendly ships in the vicinity."
Ron's replied moments later, "Okay Altis I'm on it. Are our guests all good?"
"No injuries, I'll bring them forward in a minute," replied Altis.
"Righty-oh, we'll be back on route to Bespin in a minute or two," replied Ron.
Cin raised an eyebrow in enquiry, "Your Padawan?"
Altis shrugged ruefully, "Old friend that is a long story and one that will have to wait till later. As you heard we are on route to my enclave on Bespin would that be acceptable for you or is there a requirement for you to be elsewhere?"
"Bespin will be fine, I can organise another transport from there," replied Cin.
"Good, now would you like to meet the rest of the crew?" asked Altis as he felt the subtle change in acceleration that indicated the jump to hyperspace followed by a moment of disorientation.
As they entered the cockpit Altis slipped in to the co-pilots seat, "Master Drallig, Jedi Serra and Padawan Bene the crew of the Talia," Altis gestured to each as they were introduced, "Ron, Sirius and Remus."
Ron gave a wave before returning his attention to piloting the Talia. Sirius and Remus however stood and exchanged handshakes.
"Welcome aboard," offered Sirius, "If you like I'll show you to some cabins where you can get some rest or you can take your life into your own hands and I can cook you up a meal."
Cin noticed the older two men were wearing lightsabers and looked over at Altis, who raised an eyebrow in reply, obviously another discussion for later. Right now it was time for a meal and some sleep.
oOoOoOo
Bespin - Jedi Enclave
Ash smiled as Altis walked down the ramp, "It's good to see you Master."
Altis clapped the younger Jedi on the shoulder, "Likewise my young friend, how goes the preparations?"
Ash gestured at the three other ships on the overcrowded landing pad, "We've supplied the Wookie Gunner and the two freighters but I've held off on getting everyone onboard, too many families and well I didn't want to upset the younglings."
"Very well, get everyone together and I'll talk to them. Right now Ash we need to get moving right now," Ash nodded and hurried off in to a nearby building.
Cin raised his eyebrow as he descended the ramp behind Altis and his crew. What was going on, were Altis and his people evacuating?
Pushing his way forward the Cin tapped Altis on the shoulder as the older man began to walk off, "Altis what's going on?"
Altis turned and looked at the man he'd shared a childhood with, "We received a warning that there may be an attack on the enclave, so I'm pulling all my people and our families out to a, well to a safe location. I'd suggest that you find that transport but something tells me that I'd be wasting my time."
Cin looked concerned, "We should notify the council surely in these circumstances they would...."
Altis stopped him with a shake of his head, "We are outcasts Cin and besides we don't have the time to wait."
oOoOoOo
Altis was proud of his people as they accepted his explanation of the situation without a fuss and began their final preparations to depart their homes.
Ron scratched at his newly growing beard, "They took that well."
Remus nodded absently as he watched the Jedi and their families disperse, "Well Altis had warned them so I suppose this was just confirmation for them."
Sirius and Altis walked over followed by the Cin and Serra. Altis gestured toward the ships, "Remus, Ron are you able to help with the loading? We've got a number of families to get aboard and the medical bay to pack for transport."
The three wizards, much to the open mouthed shock of the watching Jedi began shrinking equipment down and packing it in to crates which were shrunken down as well. Soon the remaining equipment was packed in to a single feather weight charmed packing crate and stowed aboard the Talia.
"How is that even possible?" asked a shocked Serra.
Cin shot a look at Altis, "A long story indeed."
oOoOoOo
Aralina watched as the Jedi in the compound began loading a number of ships in what was obviously a planned evacuation of their base. This would, she mused make an assault slightly more problematical as it meant she would need to strike soon. Turning she gestured to the leader of the Force trained soldiers, "As soon as your men are in position detonate the diversionary charges and then begin the attack. There are to be no survivors, so make sure no one escapes on those ships and remember these are Jedi so don't underestimate them. Make sure of each kill even if it is a child, understood?"
The dark adept nodded and rejoined his men who almost immediately melted in to the shadows.
Knowing just how efficient the adepts were Aralina moved quickly to the roof of a building overlooking the compound and prepared herself, the Jedi were no match for her forces hampered as they were with children and families to protect.
oOoOoOo
Sirius looked around in confusion as a loud blast sounded in the distance followed by another and then a third, much closer to the compound. Unsure of what it meant he immediately slipped his wand in to his left hand and drew his lightsaber. He turned to check on the family he was assisting when a blast nearly knocked him off his feet. Reacting on instinct he threw up a shield as he looked around seeing the small family he was helping toward the Talia struggling back to their feet. As he looked around he cursed as he saw black clad soldiers firing in to the compound. Within moments the Jedi were responding forming a line of defense, protecting the children and non-Jedi from the furious assault.
"Sirius, get the children aboard, "ordered Altis as he deflected a blaster bolt away from a huddled child, obviously stunned from the initial blast.
Sirius nodded and picked up the terrified child and ran toward the Talia.
"Sirius, over here," Sirius turned and saw Remus waving toward the Talia.
Ron watched Sirius escorting a family across the exposed ground holding a shield spell to protect them even from here he could see the strain on the older mans face. Deciding that Sirius needed help Ron rushed out from under the Talia and sprinted toward the small group.
oOoOoOo
Altis looked over at the ten Jedi holding a defensive line against the attackers to allow their families and friends to escape, most however were still holed up in the main building. Worryingly there were several Jedi down and unmoving and the fire from the hidden attackers was unceasing.
"We need to flush them from cover," yelled Cin as he blocked two blaster shots with a single movement of his lightsaber.
"Agreed, on three, one, two....three," with that Altis, Cin and Serra burst in to motion all three Force leaping on to the roof of the building being used by their attackers. Within moments they were engaged in a vicious hand to hand fight with a half dozen men all dressed in cortosis weave armor and wielding vibroblades.
oOoOoOo
Aralina watched the three Jedi Force leap and engage her hidden snipers, almost immediately the heavy blaster fire ceased. Raising her hand she made a sharp gesture sending the last half dozen of her men rushing in to the attack. As the sound renewed fighting reached her she ignited her red bladed lightsaber and charged toward the fight. Seeing a young Padawan helping an older knight with several children she angled in that direction.
oOoOoOo
Ron reached Sirius as the older man went to one knee with the strain of holding his shield, "Sirius you okay?"
"Buggered, I....the shooting, it's stopped," observed Sirius.
"Come on then let's get everyone back to the ship," suggested Ron as he went to take the stunned and crying toddler from Sirius.
"No I've got her, you help get the others aboard," ordered Sirius.
"You are just about done in, get going and I'll shield if we need it," seeing the older man hesitate Ron gave him a little push, "Get going."
Rallying the frightened family Sirius got them moving just as the fighting started again.
Ron looked around seeing one of the black clad figures moving to intercept Sirius. He quickly cast a stunner and watched as the figure, a woman bated the spell aside, muttering a curse he cast a Blasting hex at the woman's feet sending her flying through the air. Turning to follow Sirius to the Talia he didn't see the woman land in a forward roll that ended with her on her feet.
It was at the last moment that he sensed danger and spun lightsaber extended deflecting the blood red blade of his opponent.
oOoOoOo
Remus helped Sirius get the family aboard and ran back down the ramp. Looking around for Ron he spotted the red head engaging a lightsaber wielding attacker. Fearing any distraction might prove fatal he drew his wand and lightsaber and ran toward the two combatants.
oOoOoOo
'You're no Jedi boy," hissed the black clad figure as she stepped forward locking her blade against his.
Ron didn't answer as he struggled to hold his form the crackling of the locked lightsabers was centimeters from his face so close that he could feel the heat and smell the ozone scent of electrical discharge.
He knew he was in trouble as his opponent began to force the blade downward, worry turned to panic as he realised just how outclassed he was. Knowing that he had to do something to gain some room he whispered a plea to the powers that be he tried a move Luna had used against him and stepped to the side while simultaneously lashing out at her throat with his elbow.
oOoOoOo
Aralina sensed her opponents desperation and felt the subtle shift in his position indicating he was about to move, as the redhead side stepped and tried a throat strike she swayed away from the blow and spun driving her lightsaber through the centre of the Jedi's chest.
oOoOoOo
Remus tried to get a clean shot at Ron's attacker even as he ran toward the two combatants. He watched in horror as Ron crumpled to the ground and with a feral growl he threw himself at the woman impacting heavily as he knocked her off her feet. Remus no longer transformed having escaped the effect of the moon, the trigger to the curse but he retained his enhanced strength and as he advanced on the stunned woman his anger surged and he kicked out as powerfully as he could connecting with the woman's leg with a loud crack. A second kick sent her lightsaber spinning away and a third shattered her jaw and left the woman unconscious. Ignoring the ongoing fighting he turned back to Ron and dropped to his knees.
"Ron?" whispered Remus as he checked for a pulse with a shaking hand, finding a faint pulse he cast the strongest healing spell he knew "Curatio vulnus, Don't you bloody die Weasley."
oOoOoOo
The original characters and plot are the property of the author.
The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.
No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 9
Republic Courier Shuttle - Outer Rim Territories
Jedi Master Cin Drallig smiled as he watched his former pupil Serra Keto and Bene his newest Padawan student sparring. Serra was a skilled duelist; perhaps the best he had ever trained but Bene was holding her own, however temporarily. He was proud of Bene who had to be feeling somewhat overmatched and yet continued to seek a weakness in the older woman's defenses, back and forth and then it was over as the Padawan found two lightsabers pointed at her neck as her own blade rolled toward her master.
Cin stood and summoned his student's lightsaber off the floor to hand it to its owner. "Well done Bene, your footwork was much improved."
"Thank you Master I..." All three Jedi paused looking around before the small transport shuttle they were using suddenly rocked alarmingly; then all three were moving as they ran for the cockpit.
Serra was the first to reach the hatch, which was sealed. Cin immediately tried the intercom, receiving no reply. He was about to use the Force to open the hatch when his former student stopped him.
"Master don't, the cockpit is exposed to space, it's been hulled, badly," Serra warned as she studied the readouts from the small console in the passenger section.
"Are we under attack?" asked Bene.
Serra tilted her head as she searched the Force for enemies, "I don't sense anything hostile, so probably an accident or a collision."
The Jedi Master frowned and gestured toward the cargo bay, "We still have, light, heat and air so the environmental systems must be working. Serra see if you can get access to communications, Bene please do an inventory of what supplies are aboard while I see to engineering."
The news wasn't great. The engines were badly damaged and could stop working with almost no warning and they lacked the parts to make even basic repairs. If those systems failed so would life support and if that happened they would be in dire straits.
Serra returned and reported that she had managed to send a distress signal but was struggling to find a way to receive signals so even if help was on the way they wouldn't know. At worst they could use the shuttles small escape pod but without any real idea of their location it was a risk they were putting off for now.
oOoOoOo
The Raptor - Bespin System
Aralina Silk's long range shuttle sat motionless in space in high orbit above Bespin with everything but environmental and communications shut down while she meditated awaiting her agents reports. When the incoming message signal sounded her eyes snapped open.
"Raptor this is Gravis, we have completed the initial sweep and the site information is accurate the enclave is currently occupied although there are some signs that the Jedi are preparing to relocate."
"Relocating?" asked Aralina.
"So it appears, they are packing up their belongings in to cargo carriers and removing a great deal of equipment and supplies."
Aralina had her orders, 'Very well keep them under observation and prepare to destroy the enclave once I have joined you."
oOoOoOo
The 'Executioner' - Providence-class carrier/destroyer
Dooku hid his distaste at having to deal with the cyborg monstrosity that was Grievous, "Your mission is to kill as many Jedi as you can. If we are going to win they must be on the defensive, we must disrupt their operations as much as we can. Do you understand?"
Grievous nodded, "Of course, do you wish me to continue the raids?"
Dooku gestured dismissively, "We want the war to continue so the raids must continue, show them your fist general."
After determining that the cyborg understood he quickly made his way to the shuttle. He had some time till he next needed to make an appearance to support his 'allies' perhaps a few hours looking over his....."
"We are receiving an automated distress signal, a Republic Shuttle sending the message on several civilian and military channels," reported the Droid pilot.
Dooku was about to order the Droid to ignore it when he felt a ripple in the Force, "Which military channels?"
"Republic Military channels," reported the droid.
Dooku considered investigating himself for a moment before relaxing back in to his seat, "Open a channel to the Syphion and give Ventress the co-ordinates then set a course for Abu Dreth System," After all his newest student really needed the practice.
oOoOoOo
The Syphion - Outer Rim Territories
Asajj Ventress read the brief message and began entering the co-ordinates on her Nav comp.
oOoOoOo
Republic Courier Shuttle
Decades of work as a Jedi left Cin Drallig with a highly developed and attuned danger sense and right now the Force was telling him that danger was approaching, "Serra, Bene we have a problem."
'What is it Master?" asked Bene.
"I sense danger fast approaching, Serra take Bene and ready the escape pod," Cin didn't watch them leave instead he closed his eyes and tried to determine the best course of action. He didn't wish to abandon the ship and risk the escape pod but facing the approaching danger in a crippled ship was equally risky.
"Master, the pod is ready," called Bene from the small cargo hold.
Decision made Cin opened his eyes and quickly made his way to the hold, where his companions waited by the pod, "We must hurry I fear that whatever approaches will not be swayed by logic and we are at a distinct disadvantage here."
Cin pulled a blaster from his belt and made a few adjustments to it before throwing it in to the engine room.
All three Jedi climbed aboard the escape pod but before Serra or Bene could activate the automated navigation system and the pods small engine Cin pulled the manual release de-activating the magnetic lock and firing a number of small gas charges that sent the pod rocketing away from the shuttle.
"Master?" enquired Serra.
"We don't want them attacking the pod do we? Let them focus on the shuttle while we get some distance between us before we activate the pod."
Serra was looking out the pods small windows, "Master there is a large field of debris ahead if we don't change course it should confuse their sensors."
"Excellent, Bene keep an eye out and let us know if anything happens," ordered Cin.
"Master," warned Bene, "a ship just dropped out of hyperspace, I..... by the Force the shuttle just blew up."
Cin smiled, "I know I threw an overloading blaster in to the engine room."
A few tense minutes passed before the other ship disappeared in to hyperspace.
Cir turned to his ex-student, "Serra power up the Pod and let's have a look at exactly where we are."
As the Pod powered up Serra manipulated the controls bringing the basic sensor package online and scanning nearby space, "Okay we are just on the outskirts of a asteroid field and if these spatial co-ordinates are correct we are in Thanium sector near a planet called Mossak."
"Mossak, I've heard that name before," mused the Jedi Master before shaking his head. "Regardless we need to work out our next step. Apparently our original distress call was intercepted by the CIS so this time I think we'll wait until the right moment."
oOoOoOo
Asajj Ventress cursed as she arrived just in time to see the damaged shuttle ripped apart by an internal explosion, a quick inspection of the debris verified that there could not have been survivors. Her mission completed without her intervention she re-entered the hyperspace co-ordinates to return to the fleet, after all she did have more important things to do.
oOoOoOo
After spending several hours meditating Cin sat up as he felt a distant Force presence, several presences in fact and all tied to the light side of the Force, more than likely several Jedi, "Bene please send a distress signal, the moment has arrived."
oOoOoOo
Talia - On route to Bespin
Altis felt a questing presence in the Force a moment before the communication panel lit up, "A distress signal, Ron we need to drop out of Hyperspace."
"On it," replied Ron as he shut down the hyperspace engines.
Altis keyed a channel open, "This is the Talia, a private merchant vessel may we be of assistance?"
"Merchant vessel Talia this is Jedi Master Cin Drallig we are aboard an escape pod in the debris field thirty Keltar off your starboard."
Altis smiled in recognition as he replied, "Very well Cin we'll be there shortly."
oOoOoOo
Cin Drallig smiled as he walked through the airlock and caught sight of Altis, "I knew I recognised that voice."
Altis laughed and offered and exaggerated salute, "Welcome aboard Knight, sorry Master Drallig."
"It is good to see you Altis even if you are an unrepentant renegade, let me introduce Jedi knight Serra and Padawan Bene my current dueling student."
Altis smiled at the two women, "Welcome aboard the Talia."
Altis and Cin worked quickly to unload and disengage the Pod, leaving it to drift back in to the asteroids. After stowing the newest passengers few bits of personal gear Altis led them to the mess.
"Is anybody injured?" asked Altis, "We have a top of the line medical droid aboard."
Cin shook his head thinking about the cost of having a medical droid on a freighter as he answered, "No, no injuries although I would love a cup of something hot but before that I must warn you that we had a rather unfriendly visitor several hours ago."
Altis frowned and hit a com panel, "Ron get us back on course we may have unfriendly ships in the vicinity."
Ron's replied moments later, "Okay Altis I'm on it. Are our guests all good?"
"No injuries, I'll bring them forward in a minute," replied Altis.
"Righty-oh, we'll be back on route to Bespin in a minute or two," replied Ron.
Cin raised an eyebrow in enquiry, "Your Padawan?"
Altis shrugged ruefully, "Old friend that is a long story and one that will have to wait till later. As you heard we are on route to my enclave on Bespin would that be acceptable for you or is there a requirement for you to be elsewhere?"
"Bespin will be fine, I can organise another transport from there," replied Cin.
"Good, now would you like to meet the rest of the crew?" asked Altis as he felt the subtle change in acceleration that indicated the jump to hyperspace followed by a moment of disorientation.
As they entered the cockpit Altis slipped in to the co-pilots seat, "Master Drallig, Jedi Serra and Padawan Bene the crew of the Talia," Altis gestured to each as they were introduced, "Ron, Sirius and Remus."
Ron gave a wave before returning his attention to piloting the Talia. Sirius and Remus however stood and exchanged handshakes.
"Welcome aboard," offered Sirius, "If you like I'll show you to some cabins where you can get some rest or you can take your life into your own hands and I can cook you up a meal."
Cin noticed the older two men were wearing lightsabers and looked over at Altis, who raised an eyebrow in reply, obviously another discussion for later. Right now it was time for a meal and some sleep.
oOoOoOo
Bespin - Jedi Enclave
Ash smiled as Altis walked down the ramp, "It's good to see you Master."
Altis clapped the younger Jedi on the shoulder, "Likewise my young friend, how goes the preparations?"
Ash gestured at the three other ships on the overcrowded landing pad, "We've supplied the Wookie Gunner and the two freighters but I've held off on getting everyone onboard, too many families and well I didn't want to upset the younglings."
"Very well, get everyone together and I'll talk to them. Right now Ash we need to get moving right now," Ash nodded and hurried off in to a nearby building.
Cin raised his eyebrow as he descended the ramp behind Altis and his crew. What was going on, were Altis and his people evacuating?
Pushing his way forward the Cin tapped Altis on the shoulder as the older man began to walk off, "Altis what's going on?"
Altis turned and looked at the man he'd shared a childhood with, "We received a warning that there may be an attack on the enclave, so I'm pulling all my people and our families out to a, well to a safe location. I'd suggest that you find that transport but something tells me that I'd be wasting my time."
Cin looked concerned, "We should notify the council surely in these circumstances they would...."
Altis stopped him with a shake of his head, "We are outcasts Cin and besides we don't have the time to wait."
oOoOoOo
Altis was proud of his people as they accepted his explanation of the situation without a fuss and began their final preparations to depart their homes.
Ron scratched at his newly growing beard, "They took that well."
Remus nodded absently as he watched the Jedi and their families disperse, "Well Altis had warned them so I suppose this was just confirmation for them."
Sirius and Altis walked over followed by the Cin and Serra. Altis gestured toward the ships, "Remus, Ron are you able to help with the loading? We've got a number of families to get aboard and the medical bay to pack for transport."
The three wizards, much to the open mouthed shock of the watching Jedi began shrinking equipment down and packing it in to crates which were shrunken down as well. Soon the remaining equipment was packed in to a single feather weight charmed packing crate and stowed aboard the Talia.
"How is that even possible?" asked a shocked Serra.
Cin shot a look at Altis, "A long story indeed."
oOoOoOo
Aralina watched as the Jedi in the compound began loading a number of ships in what was obviously a planned evacuation of their base. This would, she mused make an assault slightly more problematical as it meant she would need to strike soon. Turning she gestured to the leader of the Force trained soldiers, "As soon as your men are in position detonate the diversionary charges and then begin the attack. There are to be no survivors, so make sure no one escapes on those ships and remember these are Jedi so don't underestimate them. Make sure of each kill even if it is a child, understood?"
The dark adept nodded and rejoined his men who almost immediately melted in to the shadows.
Knowing just how efficient the adepts were Aralina moved quickly to the roof of a building overlooking the compound and prepared herself, the Jedi were no match for her forces hampered as they were with children and families to protect.
oOoOoOo
Sirius looked around in confusion as a loud blast sounded in the distance followed by another and then a third, much closer to the compound. Unsure of what it meant he immediately slipped his wand in to his left hand and drew his lightsaber. He turned to check on the family he was assisting when a blast nearly knocked him off his feet. Reacting on instinct he threw up a shield as he looked around seeing the small family he was helping toward the Talia struggling back to their feet. As he looked around he cursed as he saw black clad soldiers firing in to the compound. Within moments the Jedi were responding forming a line of defense, protecting the children and non-Jedi from the furious assault.
"Sirius, get the children aboard, "ordered Altis as he deflected a blaster bolt away from a huddled child, obviously stunned from the initial blast.
Sirius nodded and picked up the terrified child and ran toward the Talia.
"Sirius, over here," Sirius turned and saw Remus waving toward the Talia.
Ron watched Sirius escorting a family across the exposed ground holding a shield spell to protect them even from here he could see the strain on the older mans face. Deciding that Sirius needed help Ron rushed out from under the Talia and sprinted toward the small group.
oOoOoOo
Altis looked over at the ten Jedi holding a defensive line against the attackers to allow their families and friends to escape, most however were still holed up in the main building. Worryingly there were several Jedi down and unmoving and the fire from the hidden attackers was unceasing.
"We need to flush them from cover," yelled Cin as he blocked two blaster shots with a single movement of his lightsaber.
"Agreed, on three, one, two....three," with that Altis, Cin and Serra burst in to motion all three Force leaping on to the roof of the building being used by their attackers. Within moments they were engaged in a vicious hand to hand fight with a half dozen men all dressed in cortosis weave armor and wielding vibroblades.
oOoOoOo
Aralina watched the three Jedi Force leap and engage her hidden snipers, almost immediately the heavy blaster fire ceased. Raising her hand she made a sharp gesture sending the last half dozen of her men rushing in to the attack. As the sound renewed fighting reached her she ignited her red bladed lightsaber and charged toward the fight. Seeing a young Padawan helping an older knight with several children she angled in that direction.
oOoOoOo
Ron reached Sirius as the older man went to one knee with the strain of holding his shield, "Sirius you okay?"
"Buggered, I....the shooting, it's stopped," observed Sirius.
"Come on then let's get everyone back to the ship," suggested Ron as he went to take the stunned and crying toddler from Sirius.
"No I've got her, you help get the others aboard," ordered Sirius.
"You are just about done in, get going and I'll shield if we need it," seeing the older man hesitate Ron gave him a little push, "Get going."
Rallying the frightened family Sirius got them moving just as the fighting started again.
Ron looked around seeing one of the black clad figures moving to intercept Sirius. He quickly cast a stunner and watched as the figure, a woman bated the spell aside, muttering a curse he cast a Blasting hex at the woman's feet sending her flying through the air. Turning to follow Sirius to the Talia he didn't see the woman land in a forward roll that ended with her on her feet.
It was at the last moment that he sensed danger and spun lightsaber extended deflecting the blood red blade of his opponent.
oOoOoOo
Remus helped Sirius get the family aboard and ran back down the ramp. Looking around for Ron he spotted the red head engaging a lightsaber wielding attacker. Fearing any distraction might prove fatal he drew his wand and lightsaber and ran toward the two combatants.
oOoOoOo
'You're no Jedi boy," hissed the black clad figure as she stepped forward locking her blade against his.
Ron didn't answer as he struggled to hold his form the crackling of the locked lightsabers was centimeters from his face so close that he could feel the heat and smell the ozone scent of electrical discharge.
He knew he was in trouble as his opponent began to force the blade downward, worry turned to panic as he realised just how outclassed he was. Knowing that he had to do something to gain some room he whispered a plea to the powers that be he tried a move Luna had used against him and stepped to the side while simultaneously lashing out at her throat with his elbow.
oOoOoOo
Aralina sensed her opponents desperation and felt the subtle shift in his position indicating he was about to move, as the redhead side stepped and tried a throat strike she swayed away from the blow and spun driving her lightsaber through the centre of the Jedi's chest.
oOoOoOo
Remus tried to get a clean shot at Ron's attacker even as he ran toward the two combatants. He watched in horror as Ron crumpled to the ground and with a feral growl he threw himself at the woman impacting heavily as he knocked her off her feet. Remus no longer transformed having escaped the effect of the moon, the trigger to the curse but he retained his enhanced strength and as he advanced on the stunned woman his anger surged and he kicked out as powerfully as he could connecting with the woman's leg with a loud crack. A second kick sent her lightsaber spinning away and a third shattered her jaw and left the woman unconscious. Ignoring the ongoing fighting he turned back to Ron and dropped to his knees.
"Ron?" whispered Remus as he checked for a pulse with a shaking hand, finding a faint pulse he cast the strongest healing spell he knew "Curatio vulnus, Don't you bloody die Weasley."
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