Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 19 - The Storm Is Brewing
Master Lesca, the waves crashing against her eyes, gazed at a dazzling light.

Aubrey... and Tai, Zul, and all the others he abandoned in a dark and hopeless world.

A charred 501st Legion helmet floats in the vacuum of space, orbiting a lifeless satellite.

Although he did not see these things with his own eyes, he sensed them all in the Force.

Anakin blinked, and the images faded away.

He couldn't save any of them...

A complex emotion welled up in his chest.

To say their deaths were meaningless is disrespectful to their sacrifice, but if he had the chance to save them…

He would never accept their deaths.

"What if she were still alive?"

Anakin blurted it out.

"Anakin—"

Obi-Wan Kenobi's eyes held a warning, his expression seeming to say, 'I'll let you off this time because you just suffered a loss, but don't go too far.'

“If I find any clue that she might still be alive,” Master Andri met his gaze firmly, “I assure you, I will spare no effort and spare no expense to find her and rescue her.”

Part of him hoped he could find reason to believe that Rex and the others in the 501st Corps were still alive.

But it's impossible.

This is just wishful thinking.

“Search,” Master Yoda agreed. “Extend your senses. If young Barlis is still alive, the Force will guide you.”

Master Andri looked thoughtful.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat, clearly eager to refocus on the strategic deployment briefing.

"Now I will explain our strategy for liberating Christophersis. We have calculated the arrival time. The ground target is now on the other side of the blockade line. Admiral Wurtz and Master Gallia will hold back the separatist fleet, while the rest of us will move to the designated deployment area."

A projection of Christoph Sith pops out from the holographic display table.

Three lines extended from their combined fleet; one pointed directly to the blockade line, while the other two branched forward and backward, pointing to the shimmering red areas on the planet's surface.

“Master Mandy and Master Kos will launch their attack here in the Northern Hemisphere,” Obi-Wan said, pointing to the projection. The image zoomed in on the red area, revealing a vast manufacturing region. “Master Mandy?”

Ki-Adi-Mundi continued, "Our primary objective is to secure the planet's crystal refineries. Christophersis' strategic resources are vital to our war effort, and we must not allow the planet's industry to remain in the hands of the separatists."

Master Barek, Master Crook, and several other Jedi Knights and apprentices nodded in agreement.

crystal.

This seemingly ordinary word is one of the most precious elements of victory.

It could be argued that Christoph's crystal industry was strategically even more important than its geographical location across the Correlian Passage.

Crystals can be found in almost every weapon system of the Republican Army; they are the focusing medium for turbolaser cannons and key components of missile warhead electronics. And Anakin knew this all too well.

If fuel is the lifeblood of a warship, then crystal constitutes its brain and nervous system.

Multiphase diode relays, sensing crystal interfaces, sensor rectifier antennas, crystal bio-anode circuits—and even basic holographic projectors.

Almost every precision electronic system contains crystal components.

Anakin knew these things inside and out; he understood better than most the often-overlooked, far-reaching influence of crystal technology.

“At the same time, Master Ondury and I will launch an attack on Crystal City in the Southern Hemisphere,” Obi-Wan continued. “General Worm has deployed a large force in the city, and we need to combine our forces to break through his defenses. If Master Mondy can take over the planet’s industrial facilities ahead of time, his troops will be redeployed to support us. We must avoid a long siege.”

“Anakin,” Master Prokone looked at him, “our forces will remain on orbit, and our soldiers will serve as a rapid reaction force to support ground troops at any time. We will only deploy if we receive an urgent request for reinforcements.”

This was undoubtedly taken into account the dire situation of the 501st Corps.

Anakin yearned for revenge for his fallen comrades, battling the droids both on the ground and in orbit, but surrounded by Jedi, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and nod.

“Reclaiming the Christopher system is of paramount importance,” Master Windu emphasized. “Once orbital superiority is established over this planet, I will lead a fleet to Lyros to rescue the resistance led by Master Dee. Master Barek has also discovered a massive robotic factory in Hippori. Only by controlling this system can we take action against it.”

"The clone intelligence also reports that resistance is growing in Geonosis, and an informant has revealed the Separatist forces' plans to invade Camino," Master Shakty said, arms crossed. "I am concerned that Count Dooku is taking advantage of our limited resources here to launch a new offensive in the southern part of the galaxy, possibly to improve his strategic position before we can turn the tide of the war through our newly opened outer ring road."

“Then we have a long battle ahead of us,” Master Windu said gravely. “May the Force be with you all.”

As everyone switched to their respective channels, they finalized the tactical details of the campaign and determined the final specifications.

There is no need to discuss this at the strategy meeting.

One by one, the projections disappeared, until only Anakin, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master Khon, and Master Venturi remained.

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan tried to hide the worry in his voice, but Anakin knew him too well to miss it, “I need you to stay focused on this mission. Your role is just as important as…”

“I know, Master,” Anakin said, though he didn’t say it explicitly, he knew what it meant, and he gave a reassuring smile. “I know.”

“…I hope so, Anakin.”

After saying that, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Venturi left.

“Admiral,” Anakin said as he turned to leave, “maintain contact with the Victory and coordinate the operations of our fleet.”

"Yes, General."

Commander Apo silently followed him back to the bridge until the blast door slammed shut.

“The soldiers are eager for battle, sir,” the clone soldier whispered to him. “Being stuck on the ship… no one wants to admit it, but we’re all tense.”

“Me too, Commander,” Anakin sighed. “I want to fight, but we have our own missions to carry out. If we’re going to be deployed, then things have gotten worse… well, worse than they are now.”

Before him, the crystalline surface of Christophsis continued to gleam brightly under the light of its star.

From a distance, the planet appears peaceful and serene, completely unaware of the impending carnage.

(End of this chapter)