Star Wars Thriller The Coming Darkness - A Clone Wars RPG

The Hardcell was approaching fast. It was carrying quite a lot of droids, enough to cause trouble for the two Jedi in the Library area and for the incoming reinforcements. It was about to rotate when the AA emplacements suddenly opened fire on the ship.

The Nemoidian pilot was shocked at this sudden reversal of fortunes. The Separatists were supposed to be in control of the defenses! What the blazes were they doing!? He was about to start the procedure of maneuvering out of dodge when the shields collapsed. They had sustained multiple hits on their way to the city and it did not take many hits for it to collapse.

All it took was a single emerald blast at the fuel cells to ignite the whole thing. The pilot did not have time to react when he was fried by the sudden discharge from the console that struck him. At least he avoided the imminent fiery death a few seconds later.

Burning fuel and debris rained down on top of the empty buildings igniting everything on their path. The dead body of the pilot slumped forward, along with the control stick, sending the burning Hardcell down plowing through what used to be an administrative building, then detonating in a brilliant flash, sending plumes of smoke and debris raining down.

Good thing both Jedi were inside a building when that happened…

TAG: @Kurisan @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

They were making a swift progress through the enemy lines. The whole defense line was collapsing as the clankers were distracted by the destruction of the transport ship. It bought them precious few seconds more for the Juggernauts to start rolling through their positions and only stopping by the bridge leading to the Library area.

The lumbering vehicles were far too large and heavy to cross it. At least they had created a beachhead for the Republic’s forces. “Maya, Lynnori, come in! Are you alright?” Cera commed as she deflected a blaster bolt from a B1.

“If you can hear me, please confirm!” she sounded worried and sent a message through the Force to Kya to cover her, while she tried to talk to the girls.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

Maya Qwan
AA Gun Battery, Obroa City

Maya and Lynnori wrestled with the unfamiliar controls and triggered the streams of laser into the approaching Hardcell. The Jedi were not expert gunners, but the lumbering Techno Union ship was not a difficult target - and whoever was piloting it obviously had no idea of what he was about to receive.

After a brief resistance the shields collapsed under the barrage, and a fuel cell erupted shortly thereafter.

The massive transport dropped out of the sky like a rotten fruit. Maya took a step back from the armorcrys viewing window. The explosions rippled through the administrative sector as further fuel cells cooked off. Though it crashed several streets away, the debris came raining down and pattered off the roof of the control room. Maya glanced up at some of the bigger dents in the ceiling and decided there would be no chance of any battle droids walking away from that wreck. Unfortunately, it had also trashed an entire block of the administrative sector.

Maya looked at Lynnori and smiled sheepishly. "Whoops!"

Then the comlink crackled into life. This time her voice reassuringly clear, Master Cera hailed them for confirmation.

Maya deferred to the senior Jedi Knight to give their report.

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"Master Tan, this is Lynnori Fardreamer. It is a relief to hear you at last! We have taken care of the gun batteries, as I guess is pretty obvious." Lynnori added warmly, "Padawan Qwan has done splendidly, acted with poise and resourcefulness at every turn. Shall we try to make it to your position?"

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“Negative, head towards the Library.” Cera commanded as they made progress. The droids were retreating but that did not mean that they were beaten.

The pockmarked terrain made it difficult to traverse. Smoking rubble and twisted, jagged pieces of metal were strewn around. Clones advanced shooting at the droids.

“JUST LIKE THE SIMULATIONS!” one shouted over the comm, but his enthusiasm was cut short by a crimson blast that shattered his helmet’s visor.

“Kya, you with me?” she turned towards her comrade and wiped some soot of and sweat from her face, pushing an unruly strand of hair.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

The distinctive sound of a LAAT/i Gunship could be heard from outside where Lynnori and Maya were. “Commanders Fardreamer and Qwan, do you copy?” cracked the comms. “This is Captain Trips. We are going to land on the landing pad on top of the admin building near your location. Sending you the coordinates.”

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Maya Qwan
AA Gun Battery, Obroa City

"There it is," said Maya, pointing out of the viewport. The LAAT/I was a speck in the fiery sky, growing larger by the second. The Padawan checked the data received on her comlink. After the Techno Union ship had crashed, there actually weren't that many buildings still standing in the area. She spotted the one she thought they needed. "And there's the rendezvous point."

Maya gestured to the hole in the floor by which they had entered and bowed theatrically, "After you, Master."

She followed Knight Fardreamer down with her own leap, spinning like a twirlseed before landing catlike. Then they jogged toward their destination.

Back in the saddle again, Maya thought as they ran. They had first got here in a LAAT/i. Maya deliberately set aside the memory of what had happened to the last one.

She glanced across to Lynnori. "Thanks, that was nice what you said about me to Master Cera. You... didn't have to say that."

But inside Maya glowed with happiness. She felt pride at having proved herself to Master Fardreamer, and was thrilled she had seen fit to commend her to the stern mission commander.

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AA Gun Battery, Obroa City

"There it is," said Maya, pointing out of the viewport.

Lynnori glanced out the viewport & nodded.

Maya gestured to the hole in the floor by which they had entered and bowed theatrically, "After you, Master."

She followed Knight Fardreamer down with her own leap, spinning like a twirlseed before landing catlike.

Lynnori was relieved that the major skirmishes seemed to be concluded, that Masters Tan and Kya were accounted for.



"Thanks, that was nice what you said about me to Master Cera. You... didn't have to say that." Maya said gratefully.

"You have done splendidly under circumstances requiring quick thinking." Lynnori said. "Although hopefully now we can catch our breaths."

 

Cera blocked a couple more blasts, one striking a battle droid in the neck beheading it. The Separatist forces were pulling back and their line of defense was quickly collapsing. Reports came from the other areas and the news were more or less the same. General Secura has almost reached the other end of the city and was preparing to turn left, towards General Monn who was pushing towards the CIS’ main base.

Cera noted a sign that had somehow survived the onslaught, pointing at the administrative sector. “We are getting closer!” she shouted at Kya “If we break through this line we have to push on, the rest of our forces will finish the mopping up!”

In the distance she could see the multiple fires from the crashed transport vessel that the girls managed to shoot down. Good thing the civilians had evacuated the area.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

The Clone Captain, Trips, approached the position of the two young Jedi. “Ma’am’s, we are here to help you to get to the Library.” he said as he saluted “Our aerial recon showed that a MTT troop transport had deployed battle droids.” he then paused “It also showed an AT-TE and several fighter tanks moving there. They are engaged in heavy combat. The thing is, no unit is listed to have been so deep into enemy territories.”

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Lynnori Fardreamer gave a welcoming nod to the Clone Captain. "Thank you, Captain. We are glad to meet up with you."

She glanced at Maya Qwan at hearing the Captain's summation of aerial scans.

 

IC: Maya Qwan

Maya exchanged a significant look with Lynnori at that report. The Padawan said, "Sounds like our charming friend, Krennic, yes?"

She addressed the clone captain. "We need to get there immediately!"

As they lifted off, Maya keyed her comlink. She paused, knowing the transmission would likely be monitored. "This is Padawan Qwan to Master Cera Tan; the uhhh... big bad wolf is in grandma's house and close to taking what he is looking for. We are en route but may need back-up. Over."

She looked at Lynnori and shrugged, biting her lip.

 

Lynnori frowned at the mention of Krennic & hid a smile at Maya's prudently worded request.

 

Cera smiled at the Padawan’s attempt to hide their target. A valiant attempt for sure, but probably futile, given that Krennic probably knew they were onto him. He also probably knew that he had the advantage of being close to the building.

What he did not know was that they were going to use the fact that he had already engaged the enemy and was currently busy trying to get in. Both sides were too distracted to do anything about it.

Cera turned to Kya and nodded “Good thinking.” she said as a LAAT/i descended and its bay doors opened allowing for the Clones to disembark. “You two, get Captain Trips and secure the roof of the Library. Me and Master Kya are coming.” she commed the two Jedi.

******************************

The Clone Captain escorted the Knight and the Padawan towards the waiting Gunship. “Ma’ams the roof is not large enough for the whole gunship to land. Besides the zone will be too hot.” he cautioned “We will have to rappel down, we will cover you.” the Clone continued as they reached the craft.

*******************************

Cera and Kya were flying over the collapsing enemy lines. Their gunship was jinking and trying to avoid blasts and missiles. Her muscles strained to keep herself steady “We are at the endgame...” Cera shouted.

But the Arkanian was unaware that a sudden sensation through the Force had reached her companion. A calling. There was the familiar scent of his earlier assailants. The Jedi Vault was closer than expected…

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Lynnori followed the Clone Captain's direction and kept vigilant. Things felt like they were moving to a seamless reconnaissance and regrouping but she couldn't afford to let her guard down.

 

Maya Qwan

Maya clung to the side of the LAATi's opened side doors as the gunship thundered towards the library. Wind rushed through her hair and she felt exhilarated.

As they closed on the objective, the clone pilot jinked and swerved to avoid AA fire. Blasts and missiles screamed past them. Maya ignited her lightsaber and joyfully batted away a stray bolt.

She realised a Jedi should not enjoy this thrill quite so much, and tried to calm down and remain solemn before Lynnori caught her having too much fun.

Soon, they were hovering over the library roof, and Maya's mood turned more serious. The zone was indeed hot. This was no longer fun. Battle droids of a variety of descriptions spat fire up at the gunship. Maya prepared her rappelling line and exchanged a glance with Lynnori. To descend into such a place would take all of their Jedi skills and agility. Time to concentrate.

The pilot shouted the signal to drop.

The clone trooper beside her spoke in a clipped tone over the noise, "Don't worry. We'll cover you, Ma'am."

He began pounding the droids below with the bracket-mounted heavy blaster.

Maya held her lightsaber in one hand and clutched the pulley mechanism in the other, then leapt out into danger. She dropped in freefall for over half the distance, then gradually tugged on the pulley to cause braking friction on the rappelling line. All the way down she twirled around the line like a circus gymnast, her blade flashing and deflecting blaster shots from below.

At ten metres she let go of the line altogether, somersaulted, and landed catlike on her feet, ready to face whatever peril awaited her on the rooftop of the library.

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Lynnori sensed Maya's mood and hid a small smile of amusement. She held her lightsaber lightly at the ready. When it came time to vault down to the library roof, she did so in a graceful leap as if diving into a pool. Her lightsaber sent any volleys up and away.

Lynnori landed as lightly as a leaf on rippling watrs and glanced over to see that Maya had also arrived without incident.

 

Tol Skorr opened his eyes. Yes, there were Jedi in the building. At least now he could stretch his muscles a bit. They felt young, so not much of a challenge. Well, it was better than to stay in the Library and wait while the droids were holding the Republic reinforcements off.

The sudden appearance of the AT-TE and the Sabre-tanks were a surprise, Sora Bulq never mentioned such a force. Was it because he was unaware of it or that he was withholding information.

Either option was equally bad. He checked for the last time the tactical analysis. The Separatist forces were in full retreat and Bulq was urging him to press the tactical droid to speed the process up and for him to leave. The shuttle was waiting for him nearby. The droid forces were to be sacrificed.

The Weequay former Jedi was to return to Saluecami, to oversee the Nikto cloning and Tol Skorr was to bring the downloaded data to Dooku and Grievous. “You, droid!” he pointed at OOM-118, the yellow marked officer droid “Make sure the Tactical Droid be protected. Once the download is complete you are to inform me and make way towards the shuttle.”

“Roger, roger!” the stupid thing saluted and spun to carry out the orders.

He had a couple of Jedi to hunt. Judging by the sounds coming from above, they were still at the top floor.

TAG: @Kurisan @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

OOC: Feel free to describe the battle for the top floor, any Clone can be a casualty. The defenders are a mix of B1s and Super Battle Droids.

Kir Kanos and Carnor Jax managed to get to the Administrative Sector through the sewer system. If they did not have a comprehensive map of the city they would have been lost. Though the ongoing battle made things difficult as they had to find alternative routes because of ceiling collapses.

They arrived just in time. The hologram of Blackhole nodded to the two apprentices. “Is it done?” he asked gruffly.

“Yes.” said Kir Kanos “The Librarians are dead and the camp is in disarray.” Carnor remained silent, they had agreed to omit their failure with the Jedi. Lord Sidious was not a more merciful Master than their previous one, Hego Damask.

Carnor was calculating when Kir will rat him out, or whether he should do it… The Prisoner’s dilemma…

“Good.” Blackhole said simply and turned to the leader of the group “I trust everything is ready?”

“Indeed, it is.” the Sun Guards were people of a few words.

They were to act quickly as Lord Sidious had warned them that once the vault is open any Force user will be attracted to it and given the current oversaturation of Jedi and Dark Jedi on the planet, they were to find the prize…

Vitiate’s Holocron.

Though they were to steal other artefacts to conceal the true target, their Master needed only that. The rest were just trinkets to be added to the collection.

The thick beskar doors started to open with a hiss, releasing the contained Force energy within. It was a silent alarm that was there to warn any Jedi that their secrets were being breached.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

Lynnori felt tempted to relax and feel like they had accomplished their objective, but something niggled that somehow things could still become active. sure enough, there were a cadre of battle droids. She sent her lightsaber arcing amongst them deflecting their bolts back into their receptors and control units so they fizzled and sparked and shorted.

Then she called it back to her hand and made sure to keep apprised of Maya Qwan's progress.

 

Maya Qwan
Library Rooftop



Maya's senses became flooded with the dark emotions swirling around the building. Clone troopers descended, and were met with battle droids swarming up from below. The space was too confined. All normal combat tactics became irrelevant; the rooftop erupted into a chaotic melee. Blaster bolts fizzed in all directions like furious firewasps. Clones died screaming, droids exploded. And the gunships raked the condensed battlefield from above. Fire fell from the heavens.

In the eye of storm, Maya remembered Master Chodo's teachings, quelling her racing heartbeat and reaching for a moment of inner calm. She entered the Battlemind Force condition. Her senses and metabolism heightened ready for the frenetic combat. The rooftop became a map with moving pieces in her mind. She was aware of every blast, swing of blade, footstep. A squadron of the bigger, more brutal Super Battle Droids charged toward her. They became the threat.

Maya held her lightsaber and readied her stance.

Then she exploded into a blur of movement. She somersaulted between the ranks of chrome killer robots, her lightsaber flashing. She cartwheeled, then sprang sideways, always in motion, always too quick for their targeting sensors to track.

The saber whirled and hummed, slashing and thrusting. At the back of her mind, she sensed Lynnori's touch in the Force; the Jedi Knight was utilising it to guide her weapon on its own elegant arc of destruction.

The sensation fled as the death-screams of clones dying nearby overtook. Maya slowed, then halted. She had destroyed the squadron of supers. She spun to see Lynnori also triumphant, and a quick smile flashed between the pair. The rooftop was won, though many clone troopers had died.

The Padawan spied an entrance to the floors below, and scampered toward it at the same time as Lynnori...

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Lynnori observed to Maya: "You're really getting good at the demolishing droids thing. Let's head down." Senses alert, Lynnori led the way into the library proper.

 

“Yes, let us head down.” came the smooth voice of Tol Skorr emerging from the shadows. This will be too easy, the Jedi were employing child soldiers, that fuelled his hatred for the Order even more.

His handsome face twisted by an evil grin he reached for his belt and took the lightsaber hilt. Hopefully he would delay them long enough for the Tactical Droid to finish the download. Taking the two girls out would be a nice bonus.

With his free hand he clicked his comm, signalling for the droids to come to his aid. They were to occupy the Clones’ attention long enough for him to kill the two pesky Jedi.

“Shall we?” Tol Skorr smirked and activated the crimson blade.

TAG: @Kurisan

Cera sensed it as well. Something was wrong. This powerful Force sensation meant that there were Jedi artefacts nearby or that a powerful user was there. But it did not feel coming from a person, so it must have been the former.

“We have to investigate.” she said to Kya “Master Yoda never said anything about this...” Cera turned her head towards the cockpit “Pilot, land here, we will handle it from there.”

An acknowledgement followed and the LAAT/i decelerated, the pilot was looking for a good spot for them to rappel down, but Cera had something else in mind. “Shall we?” she looked at her companion and without waiting for a reply jumped down towards the street, using the Force to cushion her.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

Suddenly, Lynnori felt her danger sense thrum like a distant rumble of thunder. Everything seemed in order, but there was a sense of impending menace. "Do you sense ... something?" She asked Maya in a low tone.

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