Aran Vale-CIS Vice Admiral-Aboard the 'Noble Might'-Battle of Coruscant
The battle was turning against us, and despite the tactic to clear the hull of the Clones, some had breached the ship before being killed outside. I continued to analyze the situation. Knowing that the Noble Might was nearing it's limits, I needed to prepare. And I tried once again to hail Dooku. Using the comms I could get no response, and became concerned. Grievous was a burden more than an asset, but Dooku was a crucial icon and leader of our very movement, some say the father of it. And as our head of state is vital for morale. I had believed he was interrupted by Jedi when I last attempted contact, but had naturally assumed he would have dispatched them by now. If Dooku died, it is like Nute Gunray will take over the position. And that, may prove disastrous.
But before I could worry about that, I needed to find a way past the Republic Capital Ships assailing my ship. Their weapons blasted away at the hull, our shields all but gone. And we are rapidly losing hull integrity. The two ships were rapidly advancing, one atop of the other. And most weapons were offline, except for the Ion Cannon, Torpedoes and some Point Defense Weapons.
"Target the lower ship with proton torpedoes, and hit the above ship with the Ion Cannon. To disable their shields, then order all available fighter and bomber squadrons to destroy the Stabilizers and Engines of the upper Republic Ship." I said calmly.
This was it, there was no back up plan without defying Grievous order to not retreat before he gives the word. I could see on the scanners the remnants of our fighter defenses surge forward into the attack, immediately after the vessel above the other was hit with the Ion Cannon, bringing shields and mobility down. The lower vessel was shrugging off some minor Torpedo attacks, and was advancing. However once the fighters wiped out the stabilizers and engines in the brief window of time I provided, the ship lurched forward and down.
Right atop the advancing enemy capital ship.
"A wise Admiral, heeds not just his enemy but the battlefield in which he fights. Knowing the formation of your fleet is crucial to victory."
Turning my back upon the magnificent explosions that used to be two Republic Capital Ships. I made my way back to the center of the Bridge, but the victory would be short lived. I had only bought us a little more time. There are simply too many of them.
"Reverse course and bring us to the Invisible Hand. Bring us alongside her and send the Droid Marines to help secure that ship."
The female Neimodian spoke up once more.
"For what purpose Admiral? The Invisible Hand is in better shape than us."
"To ensure the survival of Dooku by getting him aboard the Noble Might. I also wish to speak with him."
"And what of Grievous?"
I stopped, and paused before answering.
"If he must." Saying nothing else, but hoping that he would be dead. If I were lucky. I thought as my ship began to come withing sight of the Invisible Hand.
Obi Wan Kenobi-Jedi Master-Aboard the 'Invisible Hand'-Battle of Coruscant
My head was pounding, and I blinked several times. As the images of the bridge began to come to sight. It took a few moments before I realized that Anakin had subdued Dooku. I pushed myself off the floor of the bridge, and immediately sensed something was wrong. I sensed anger...hatred...rage...and vengeance. But not from Dooku...from Anakin! I pulled myself up and walked up from behind him. In a calming voice I tried to subdue his intense emotions. He has had trouble with this in the past, often when having nightmares about his mother. But nothing like this. Almost as if it were being amplified.
But from where? And by whom?
"Anakin, calm yourself. Such is not the Jedi way. Dooku is unarmed. And the Chancellor is safe. We...you have succeeded. The Council must decide Dooku's fate. Beside's." I mentioned motioning out of the viewport, at another CIS flagship that was sending boarding parties into the Invisible hand. "We have company." I then placed a calming hand on Anakin's shoulder, and gently took my saber back. "Our first priority must be the safety of Chancellor Palpatine. Come now Anakin, guard Dooku while I release the Chancellor from his bonds. Dooku will answer for his crimes." I said, as I approached Palpatine undoing the restraints. But unaware of his true allegiance, and agenda.
