STAR WARS THE JEDI RESISTANCE(IC)

[Decius]

The Geonosians began to fall back to their Hives across the planet, transporting pockets of their Droid Armies to protect each Hive. The main Factory Reactor was remotely overloaded as the towering spire erupted in explosions and began to crumble and fall as multiple other Spires toppled or crumbled. Bridges were destroyed with droids and Geonosians still on them, Antenna and Tranciever Dish's collapsed as the wreckage blew them apart. It was like a gigantic and controlled fireworks display with a massive touch of sadness as the Geonosians were crushed beneath their own structure.

Kite drew his Lightsaber and the Clones aimed their blasters as they took up a defensive position.

[The United Empire of Exucular]

Master Cosmos watched as troopers began to pile back into their transports. He found this unusual but continued on his way. His target was a group of four Imperial Transports in front of him. Upon reaching the transports he dodged weapons fire as he through two grenades into each of the ships and two beneath them. However he left the transport that was most empty alone until he got close. The grenades exploded killing their occupants and damaging the ships. Hopefully they would remain salvageable. Now for the fourth transport. He slowly began to creep towards the doors of the transport with a grenade in hand in the event it took off before he got to it.

[New Emphillon]

After Captain Rex received the order, he was about as puzzled as the next trooper, but he had to follow the order or else get left behind.
"Alright, troopers! Move out," he ordered.
The troopers of Torrent Company returned to the hangar and saw that one transport was left empty, but there was a Jedi rushing toward it. A few blaster shots got the Jedi's attention and Rex laid down suppressive fire while his soldiers boarded the transport. After a few minutes of firing and dodging, Rex joined them and closed the hatch on the shuttle.
"Get us out of here pilot," Rex demanded.
"Yes, sir."
Rex's shuttle was just one of more than a hundred others that rushed for the safety of the Imperial fleet. Within a few minutes, all of the fighters and shuttles were aboard their home starships and the latter set their course for the nearest Imperial controlled system. Within a minute, each of the Imperial ships leapt into hyperspace, leaving the rebels to lick their wounds.
Krass watched the ships wink out of existence, his heart dropping like a rock into his stomach. He just couldn't believe what had happened. He couldn't believe what he had just done.
Krass turned away from the ray shielded doors and walked towards the lift for the command lift. Once at the top, he hardly noticed the E-WEB gun pointed at his back.
"Sorry, sir," Dev said, lowering the barrel of the gun. "I was waiting for the stormtroopers to come up the lift."
Krass didn't answer. He just walked off the lift and towards a quite location: Rylar's room. It would have been funny to Krass that the first place he decided to go was to a pervert's bedroom, but he needed somewhere to just meditate in peace. He could have ordered a shuttle from the Pride, but that ship would be buzzing with activity, trying to repair any damage sustained during the battle.
Krass heard Maris call his name (or whatever she was saying to him), but he ignored it and entered Rylar's room. He sealed the door behind him and let himself fall apart. Krass sat in front of the door and began to cry. How could I have been so stupid, he asked himself. I let her out of my sight for one moment and a bounty hunter takes her. You were a fool to leave her alone. Krass stayed like that for a while before he entered a deep meditative state. The last conscious thought he had was, I swear Celeste, no matter what I have to do or who I have to end, I will get you back. I promise.

[Pantorrum]

Master Deno appeared to Krass in his meditation, and spoke to him through the force.
"You are a great jedi, a warrior of peace. The code forbids attachment. There is a time when we must let our loved ones and our freinds go. No, do not give up on finding her, but do not let it consume you. Do not become attached to her, because that is the beginning of a long road to the dark side of the force. If you chose this path, like Vader you will become. A force of evil, no longer an instrument of peace...I have forseen it. But the future is not set, emotion is the future. End the attachment, do not end the search..."His words carried off into the distance until his voice was unheard.

[New Emphillon]

Master Deno appeared to Krass in his meditation, and spoke to him through the force.
"You are a great jedi, a warrior of peace. The code forbids attachment. There is a time when we must let our loved ones and our freinds go. No, do not give up on finding her, but do not let it consume you. Do not become attached to her, because that is the beginning of a long road to the dark side of the force. If you chose this path, like Vader you will become. A force of evil, no longer an instrument of peace...I have forseen it. But the future is not set, emotion is the future. End the attachment, do not end the search..."His words carried off into the distance until his voice was unheard.

Krass listened to Master Deno's advice and gave it some thought. Krass was determined to get Celeste back, but only to stop Vader from getting the Muur Talisman and turning the galaxy into rakghouls.
Yet, no matter how much Krass tried to deny it, he knew that it was an unmistakeable truth that he had created some sort of attachment to Celeste. No I did not! a part of Krass raged. If I didn't, the why did I get as angry and out of control as I had? another part of him asked the former, which stayed silent.
Krass continued to kick himself for that little display. Despite it helping the defense of the station, it only showed that he was.... What? he asked. In love?
Krass wanted to say no to that, but there was no other explanation, at least that came to mind. He then began to wonder how that had happened. Then he remembered Celeste's question before they went to Rylar's party: would like to have a relationship with me? Krass had answered yes to that question, falling for the woman he only knew for a few weeks. He felt like an even bigger fool.
"There is no need for that kind of thought, padawan," a voice said in front of Krass.
Krass looked up and saw an elderly male with a light aura around him, standing before the Jedi Master in traditional Jedi garb.
"Master Jeth," Krass said in astonishment.
"So you do remember me," the elderly Jedi joked.
"How can I forget you," Krass joked in reply. "What are you doing here?"
Master Jeth took a seat next to Krass as he said, "I'm here to help you with your dilemma."
Krass sighed. "I've failed you, Master. You and the Order."
"Far from the truth, Krass. That is far from the truth," Master Jeth said.
"Is it? Is it so far from the truth," Krass demanded, letting some of his anger bleed into his voice. Krass simply lowered his head. "Sorry, Master. The anger is directed towards me, not you. It's just the reason why I failed."
"Krass, I understand your anger, but you must let it go."
"I'm trying. I nearly succeeded before this conversation," Krass pointed out.
"I know. I must apologize for interrupting your meditation, but this was the only time I could come," Master Jeth stated.
"What do you mean?"
"The Force is deeply disturbed at the moment, Krass. It's chaotic, out of control. I can't quite describe it, but the Force isn't right. It hasn't for a while."
"That would probably have to do with the Emperor killing all of the Jedi so swiftly," Krass thought.
"It was like that even before the extermination of the Order," Master Jeth said, causing Krass's head to snap up.
"What do you mean," the former apprentice asked.
"I wish I could say, but we can't dwell on this for long. I don't have much time here," Master Jeth said with some sadness.
Krass set his questions aside for later. "Very well."
"Why do you wish to save this woman, Krass," Master Jeth asked. Krass knew where this was going. It was just another of Master Jeth's mind games. They were a little annoying, but highly entertaining.
"To prevent the death of another member of the Order and save the galaxy from a fate that includes the galactic population being turned into rakghouls," Krass said flatly.
"Is their another reason why, Krass?"
Krass was unsure how to proceed, but he said, "I... don't know, Master."
"Are you sure," Jeth pressed.
"I... believe that I may have feelings for her." It was finally out. Thank the Force, Krass thought silently. He expected a severe reprimand from his master, but after waiting a few silent moments, Krass realized that the elderly man next to him was actually smiling.
"Was that so difficult," Master Jeth laughed. Jeth's face returned to its usually composed self. "Krass, I'm not surprised that you have made a connection with this woman and I don't hate you for it. Far from it."
"How can you say that, Master," Krass demanded. "Jedi are forbidden to have relationships for a reason. What I did was the exact reason why: it leads to the Dark Side."
"Only if you have no emotional control," Jeth countered. "Emotions are the main cause for Jedi falling into the grips of the Dark Side. I know you, Krass. You have control over your emotions and you never let them cloud your vision." When Krass tried to object, Master Jeth merely motioned for silence.
"Forget what you just did. You realized that you lost control and you know better than to let that happen again, don't you?" A nod gave the reply. "Good. One thing you have to also realize Krass is that things have changed now, whether we like it or not. The Force can only produce so many Force-wielders on its own. In this coming time, you will find that the abnormal and taboo amongst the Order will become common."
"Very well, Master," Krass submitted, storing the information away in his mind. He looked at Master Jeth and grinned. "Thank you for the help."
"It's a pleasure, my friend," Master Jeth said as the two Jedi got up from the floor. The former stared off into the distance, as if receiving a message from someone that was invisible to Krass.
"I'm afraid it is time for me to leave," Master Jeth said soberly.
"Will I ever see you again," Krass asked.
"It is certain, though I cannot say when," Jeth said. "But before I go, I must tell you something important."
"What is it, Master," Krass asked.
"In the coming years, you will encounter challenges that are more difficult than anything you have faced before. If you pass them all, while sticking to your teachings, you and your rebellion will survive these dark times. If you fail..." Master Jeth didn't finish. He didn't have to.
"Also, in your quest to save Celeste Moorne, you will find help from the most unlikely of people. Use this to your advantage."
Master Arcus Jeth smiled at his apprentice once more, just as a father would to his son after the latter performed well. "I know you will pass, Krass. Just keep your wits about you."
"I will, Master," Krass said. "Thank you for the information."
"Not a problem." Master Jeth once again looked out into the distance. "Farewell, Krass. May the Force be with you." With that, the Jedi Master faded into the air, leaving nothing but a brightness to the room.
"And may the Force be with you, Master Jeth," Krass said to the air.

[The United Empire of Exucular]

Cosmos was overseeing the hanger. He ordered the men to gather the dead and wounded from both sides and bring them to the Infirmary. He also sent a group to check on the transports to see if they could be repaired or salvaged for spare parts. He left the hanger in order to gather his thoughts on what had just happened.
How did The Empire know we were here? Could it possibly be the man that kidnapped Celeste? It could just be coincidence that this happened at the same time. However that sounds highly unlikely. Looks like we'll have to leave again or build up a large defensive fleet to protect the system against more Imperial incursions. Damn....
He walked through the halls thinking things over. Eventually he started to search around for Master Krass but instead found Maris.
"Have you seen Master Krass pass by Maris?"

[New Emphillon]

Cosmos was overseeing the hanger. He ordered the men to gather the dead and wounded from both sides and bring them to the Infirmary. He also sent a group to check on the transports to see if they could be repaired or salvaged for spare parts. He left the hanger in order to gather his thoughts on what had just happened.
How did The Empire know we were here? Could it possibly be the man that kidnapped Celeste? It could just be coincidence that this happened at the same time. However that sounds highly unlikely. Looks like we'll have to leave again or build up a large defensive fleet to protect the system against more Imperial incursions. Damn....
He walked through the halls thinking things over. Eventually he started to search around for Master Krass but instead found Maris.
"Have you seen Master Krass pass by Maris?"

Maris looked up from her lap. She had been sitting outside of Rylar's room for a few hours, about as long as Krass was locked in there.
"He's inside the room," Maris said, motioning her head towards the door next to her. "He seems really upset, though I don't know why."

[The United Empire of Exucular]

Maris looked up from her lap. She had been sitting outside of Rylar's room for a few hours, about as long as Krass was locked in there.
"He's inside the room," Maris said, motioning her head towards the door next to her. "He seems really upset, though I don't know why.

He looked at the door of the room. The door must be locked if Maris is sitting on the other side. He then spoke to Maris.
"As you know we were attending Rylar's party before the Imperial ships arrived and attacked the station. A man, the same man that killed Rylar, kidnapped Celeste. If the imperials hadn't shown up when they did Master Krass or I could have saved her. Unfortunately we've failed in the rescue because of the stormtroopers in our way."
He looked down with a frown on his face.

[Pantorrum]

Master Dy'lan still looked out the window deep into the forest as if he could see something. He realized, that something was coming to the temple. The gaurds readied their guns and looked with binoculars. In time, they would reveal themselves.

Master Deno then appeared before darth vader.
"Anakin, you have done great evils. Fortunatly, I destroyed your first prototype of something strong. I have sensed a new threat, you cannot hide it from me. Anakin, I remember your youth. You were so small and so kind, and now you are...this. I have forseen the future of your empire, I have seen your future. Though clouded I know it does not end well for you. You are powerful enough to destroy the emperor, and restore order to the force. I still believe you are the chosen one..."

[Decius]

Master Dy'lan still looked out the window deep into the forest as if he could see something. He realized, that something was coming to the temple. The gaurds readied their guns and looked with binoculars. In time, they would reveal themselves.

Master Deno then appeared before darth vader.
"Anakin, you have done great evils. Fortunatly, I destroyed your first prototype of something strong. I have sensed a new threat, you cannot hide it from me. Anakin, I remember your youth. You were so small and so kind, and now you are...this. I have forseen the future of your empire, I have seen your future. Though clouded I know it does not end well for you. You are powerful enough to destroy the emperor, and restore order to the force. I still believe you are the chosen one..."

Arklight appeared before Master Dy'lan. "Dy'lan. I believe you remember me. Master Byron Arklight. The one who fought to such intensive extremes for our order. I forgot the Code for a time. But that is my Apprentice, Kite Tenjo who sits in those forests believing you to be the Empire. When the Temple still stood on Coruscant I fought alongside and respected Master Deno but the Temple no longer stands which is why you must unite with the remaining Jedi under one banner. Retrain the order in secret on our homeworld of Tython."

Kite and his Clone Troops stepped out of the forest to see the near restored Temple and the troops lowered their weapons while Kite deactivated his saber.

[Pantorrum]

Dy'lan agreed with Master Arklight. He had been rebuilding the order, and another jedi would help. His 32 padawans were all he had, and then 3 other masters on the council.

Master Dy'lan ordered the gates open and walked out escorted by 6 Senate gaurds.

"Welcome to Tython, the planet of our order."

[Decius]

Kite was amazed at the Temple. He approached Dy'lan. "How is this possible? The Temple on Tython was destroyed by the Sith Empire in ancient times?"

[Pantorrum]

"Myself and Master Stephen rebuilt it from its remains, along with our 32 jedi padawans. We now have 32 padawans, 6 knights, and 4 Master Jedi including myself. We have grown and can now adequatly protect ourselves. For you, there is a place in the new order."

He turned, and gestured for the jedi to follow as he walked into the temple court yard. The gaurds stood at attention as the jedi passed and the ray shield closed behind them.

[Decius]

Kite was amazed with the reconstruction. "If only such ancient knowledge had not been lost to time. I have good news. The Temple/Shrine at Rhen Var survived. I believe the group of Archivists there along with the archives may also have survived. I have a fully stocked Acclamator ready for an expedition to see. Perhaps you and the other masters might join me."

[New Emphillon]

Maris looked up from her lap. She had been sitting outside of Rylar's room for a few hours, about as long as Krass was locked in there.
"He's inside the room," Maris said, motioning her head towards the door next to her. "He seems really upset, though I don't know why.

He looked at the door of the room. The door must be locked if Maris is sitting on the other side. He then spoke to Maris.
"As you know we were attending Rylar's party before the Imperial ships arrived and attacked the station. A man, the same man that killed Rylar, kidnapped Celeste. If the imperials hadn't shown up when they did Master Krass or I could have saved her. Unfortunately we've failed in the rescue because of the stormtroopers in our way."
He looked down with a frown on his face.

Maris was shocked, though it made sense. Only the disappearance of Celeste would make Krass that upset. She had noticed how the two had really bonded and kept her peace about it. It was kind of funny to watch. But not now. Now this was deadly serious. Maris knew well enough what the talisman around Celeste's neck can do.
"Blaster bolts," Maris murmured. "What are we going to do?"
"We are going to wait," Krass said flatly as the door opened.
"Wait," Maris echoed. "Why wait? The Empire is going to figure out how to force Celeste to use the talisman."
"I understand that, but to go now would be exactly what Vader would want us to do. Besides, we wouldn't even know where to go," Krass said.
"We also have to worry about moving to a different location," Maris said soberly. "And I was just getting used to this place."
"So for right now, we have to prepare ourselves for transit elsewhere. We may have to use Tython as our hideout for a while," Krass said.
OOC: Really Decius? You drive me off Rhen Var, where I stored artifacts from Ossus and Nespis VIII, and now you're going to claim them?

[Decius]

OOC: That was Arklight but Kite doesn't know about that.

[Pantorrum]

" I must discuss this with the council. My padawan, Alfus Lore, will show you and your men to your quarters. I will be with you shortly."

Dy'lan left and contact Master Krass and Master Maris.
"A jedi has appeared and wishes to go search for archives. He requested we go with him. I wanted your opinions."

[Decius]

Kite smiled as he saw Jedi training around him. Just then Captain Tager ran up to him. "General, the Shuttle has received a coded message from Admiral Keel." Kite took it and when he finished he ran up to Alfus.
"Padawan Lore, I must speak with your master immediately."

[New Emphillon]

Krass received Dy'lan's message and sent a quick reply.
"I am currently unavailable. The Empire has struck my hideout and I must move my forces elsewhere. Maris will need to help me with the matter. May the Force be with you, Master Dy'lan."

Three days later...
Over the planet of Rothana
"But you said I would get paid for every Jedi I bring you," Boba argued.
"This Jedi is not a part of the deal," Vader said. Boba tried to argue further, but Vader reached for his lightsaber, silencing the bounty hunter before he could say anything.
"Do not forget your place, bounty hunter," Vader threatened. "You will be paid should you kill or capture another Jedi. Until then, this discussion is over."
"Very well, Lord Vader," Boba said with some effort and then left before he could say what was really on his mind.
BL-17 was waiting for Boba when he arrived back to the Slave I.
"How much were we paid for the woman," the droid asked as Boba shuffled past him.
"Nothing. We were paid nothing," the bounty hunter said as he made his way up to the cockpit of the ship.
"Not paid," BL-17 asked. "This is not supposed to happen."
"You don't need to tell me that, but I had no choice."
"Why, Master Boba?"
"Because the Dark Lord of the Sith was threatening to slice me to ribbons if I pressed any further."
"That is highly unlikely," BL-17 said. "Organic beings cannot be cut into ribbons. They would be turned into sliced up meat."
"I'm glad to see that your sense of humor hasn't dried up," Boba said sarcastically after he finished with the pre-flight checks.
Boba keyed the engines as BL-17 took his place next to Boba at the weapons station. The Slave I was soon flying out of the hangar of the Devastator and towards... nowhere in particular. Boba was unsure where to go, which was a first.
"Now what," BL-17 asked, pressing a few controls on the Slave I's console.
"We are not going to let Vader get away with this," Boba said and plotted a course in the ship's navigation computer. BL-17 looked over to check the coordinates.
"You want to go there," the droid asked.
"Do you know of any other place we can go for what we need," Boba asked. BL-17 pondered on that for a few moments.
"That was a rhetorical question," Boba said before BL-17 could answer. Before he finished prepping the ship for hyperspace, Boba checked the scanner to see that the tracking beacon BL-17 had deployed a few minutes before. It was secure on the hull of the Devastator and transmitting, unbeknownst to the crew.
"Prepare yourself for hyperspace," Boba said and launched the Slave I on its course to Zhar.

[The United Empire of Exucular]

Maris was shocked, though it made sense. Only the disappearance of Celeste would make Krass that upset. She had noticed how the two had really bonded and kept her peace about it. It was kind of funny to watch. But not now. Now this was deadly serious. Maris knew well enough what the talisman around Celeste's neck can do.
"Blaster bolts," Maris murmured. "What are we going to do?"
"We are going to wait," Krass said flatly as the door opened.
"Wait," Maris echoed. "Why wait? The Empire is going to figure out how to force Celeste to use the talisman."
"I understand that, but to go now would be exactly what Vader would want us to do. Besides, we wouldn't even know where to go," Krass said.
"We also have to worry about moving to a different location," Maris said soberly. "And I was just getting used to this place."
"So for right now, we have to prepare ourselves for transit elsewhere. We may have to use Tython as our hideout for a while," Krass said.
OOC: Really Decius? You drive me off Rhen Var, where I stored artifacts from Ossus and Nespis VIII, and now you're going to claim them?

Cosmos pondered over this.
"It seems our fleet can never find a place to settle down. During the battle I was able to stop three transports from taking off by lobbing a couple grenades into each one. I'm hoping that at least one of them is still capable of flight. We could use it to board star destroyers under the guise of Imperials or make it to the surface of Imperial planets without getting shot at. We might even be able to use it when we find out where Celeste is being held."

[Pantorrum]

"Right away sir, I will direct you to the council chambers atop the main tower." He quickly headed through the halls until he reached a luxurious turbolift.
"You will find him in the tower sir." He stepped aside, and jestured for the men to walk into the tuurbolift and ascend to the council chambers.

Meanwhile, Master Dy'lan sat and looked at some holocharts. He had recently heard news of new problems started with the empire. Perhaps this mission was necessary. He contacteed his sources over the planet.
"Send a shuttle down from the Resolute. I may need the ship ready for jump."
"Yes sir." The Admiral of the Jedi fleet said as they ended the short transmission. They were always to the point, with few to no questions.

Just 1 week ago, he had ordered 6 more Aquitans for his fleet, which would give him 18. The only reason he was able to have such a fleet was because of Master Deno's efforts in building the rebel resistance on Yavin 4. He was ever indebted to him. He stood, and staired out at the forest and beautiful star lit sky.

[Decius]

Kite entered the Council Chambers. "Master Dy'lan I have just received word that multiple Jedi and Padawans and Younglings have sent out the Distress Beacon from Rhen Var and Ilum.

[Pantorrum]

Master Dy'lan thought for a minute and then turned around. I will prepare my Acclamator, the Resolute, for jump. I will meet you there. Congratulate whomever discovered the beacon."

Master Dy'lan walked over into the turbolift.
"First one their wins..." His voice disappeared as the doors closed on his, and the door opened on the one next to him, as if on que. His shuttle landed outside in the plaza and he quickly ran aboard and brushed off the ground, zooming up to his Acclamator Flagship in no time. Immediatly, 2 Aquitan cruisers formed up on the acclamator and moved to jump.

[Decius]

Kite boarded the Acclamator from his fleet that just arrived in the system. He contacted Dy'lan asking which planet they should go to first.

[New Emphillon]

Maris was shocked, though it made sense. Only the disappearance of Celeste would make Krass that upset. She had noticed how the two had really bonded and kept her peace about it. It was kind of funny to watch. But not now. Now this was deadly serious. Maris knew well enough what the talisman around Celeste's neck can do.
"Blaster bolts," Maris murmured. "What are we going to do?"
"We are going to wait," Krass said flatly as the door opened.
"Wait," Maris echoed. "Why wait? The Empire is going to figure out how to force Celeste to use the talisman."
"I understand that, but to go now would be exactly what Vader would want us to do. Besides, we wouldn't even know where to go," Krass said.
"We also have to worry about moving to a different location," Maris said soberly. "And I was just getting used to this place."
"So for right now, we have to prepare ourselves for transit elsewhere. We may have to use Tython as our hideout for a while," Krass said.
OOC: Really Decius? You drive me off Rhen Var, where I stored artifacts from Ossus and Nespis VIII, and now you're going to claim them?

Cosmos pondered over this.
"It seems our fleet can never find a place to settle down. During the battle I was able to stop three transports from taking off by lobbing a couple grenades into each one. I'm hoping that at least one of them is still capable of flight. We could use it to board star destroyers under the guise of Imperials or make it to the surface of Imperial planets without getting shot at. We might even be able to use it when we find out where Celeste is being held."

"Those shuttles could come in handy," Maris said. "Especially to get supplies or to conduct raids."
"I'm sure we'll find a use for them soon," Krass said. "Right now we need to get the fleet prepared for Tython."
"Hold on, sir," Dev interrupted. "We don't need to go there."
"What do you mean," Krass asked, clearly puzzled.
"There is the Karthakk system, sir," Dev pointed out.
"Karthakk?" Krass tried to search his memory for the system. Ah yes, he finally realized. The Karthakk system was not too far from Zhar and it held the only planet in the galaxy that produced the deadly Hex weapons that Saboath Squadron is infamous for, Maramere. Not only that, there were a band of pirates out that way that were former allies to the Republic during the early days of the Clone Wars. "Oh yes. Do go on, commander."
"Well, sir, the system has been under lockdown since Saboath Squadron took up residence on Maramere and Commander Felstar came to an agreement with the pirate group out there, the Lok Revenants, so we won't be pestered by them. And best of all, Commander Felstar told me that the Empire doesn't come out that way at all."
"How accurate is that," Krass said. The system seemed like a good spot, but he just wished to be sure that the Empire didn't find them again.
"Very. The Lok Revenants constantly patrol the system and they have yet to pick up Imperial comm chatter or see an Imperial fleet near the system," Dev assured.
Krass was still a little unsure, but it was the best place they had. "Very well, then. Let's get the fleet ready for departure to the Karthakk system."
"Yes, sir," Dev said and left to go find Felstar and tell him to proceed ahead with his evacuation efforts.
"It looks like we found a new home," Krass said.
Once Dev found Felstar and told him to go ahead, the latter then brought the clone commander with him to another section of the ship that Dev hadn't been to yet. It was still in the main pylon in the center of the station, but it was deeper inside. Felstar led Dev into a control room that didn't seem to hold any significant importance other than to regulate systems on the ships. Or so it appeared to Dev.
"This is the back-up command station for the station," Felstar said as he led Dev down the central platform to a command chair. There were two crew pits flanking the central platform, each filled with pilot droids hard at work.
"I'm guessing this spot was kept secret from Rylar," Dev asked.
"It isn't turned into some brothel, is it," Felstar asked as he took his seat in the command chair.
"So, what are we doing here? Aren't we supposed to evacuate our forces?"
"Of course we are. And that is what I am doing."
"How?"
Felstar turned his chair to face the clone commander. "You apparently weren't bred with observation skills, commander. This station is not just some gargantuan target that just sits in one place. In fact, it isn't a station at all. It's a ship."
"A ship," Dev asked. "How is that possible? This thing was here at Zhar after we got word of it on Eos."
Oh, so that's how you found it, Felstar noted. He hated it when he was slow to realize something. "The ship was constructed over Eos to serve as a secret weapon against the Republic during the war. When the Republic task force arrived at Eos a year ago, the ship, under Rylar at the time, fled the system to Zhar. You just picked up the ship's rendezvous location."
"So this thing can enter hyperspace and travel through a system? How come you didn't do that instead of just sticking to one spot, where it would have only been a matter of looking for you," Dev asked.
"That was my thought," Felstar agreed, "but Rylar insisted that we stay in orbit of a planetary mass to better defend ourselves against attack. The planetary shield we once had provided extra protection, so it wasn't a terrible idea, but staying stationary would just lead to being found eventually rather than never."
"So how can we move from here?"
"It will take but a few commands to do so. Notice the outer pylons on the superstructure?" Dev nodded. "Well those are the ship's engines and also act as the heavy artillery for base defense, as shown by the turbolaser cannons on top of them. However, it will take the next few days to secure the station for hyperspace."
"Days? How long were you at Eos when the Republic arrived?"
"Not very long. We weren't constructing many warships at the time of the attack, so it was a simple matter of locking down the hulls of the starships undergoing construction and then launching into hyperspace.
"And there lies the problem: this station is producing far more starships than it had a year ago, thanks to its isolation. At this time, the station has over three hundred starships undergoing construction, not to mention all the droid fighters and other such vessels that go along with the larger ships. It will take the better part of two standard days to get everything locked down and another day and a half to get the ship powered up for travel as most of its power had been diverted to construction and defenses, rather than keeping the engines warm and they will take some time to warm up."
"Okay, so within the next three days, we can leave Zhar and head to the Karthakk system?"
"Correct, commander. Why the rush?"
"If you haven't noticed, the Empire did find us," Dev pointed out. "They could easily come back within the next few hours if they wanted to and I think they will."
"Not likely," Felstar said and keyed a hologram projector to show an image of the galaxy. The image zeroed in on the section of the Outer Rim that Zhar inhabited and expanded a few sectors in each direction. "The Empire doesn't have many worlds out here, since the Separatist holdouts are still giving them trouble. The only location out this way that they could go would be Rothana and that is a four day hyperspace jump from here. Maybe less for them, since the Empire appears to have advanced hyperspace engines and navigation computers."
"My point exactly."
"Calm yourself, commander. The Imperials would have to travel all the way to Rothana to rearm their forces and gather more ships. That would mean it would take another three days for them to get here and we will be long gone by that point," Felstar said, shutting down the hologram.
"For the time being, continue to ready your forces to the best of your abilities and be ready to leave within the next three days."
"Alright, Felstar," Commander Dev said and left. He had a lot of work to do and so did Felstar. Three days... Dev thought over in his mind. The General is not going to be happy about that.