Battle of Galidran

[Marcus Starkiller]

Galidran, In the Outer Rim.

Battle of Galidran, Day Three.
Frozen Valley:
A lone Clone trooper surveys the damaged landscape from a hilltop. In the valley below there lay the dead from the battle two days earlier, among them are fifty or so clones and several Jedi. A Jedi fox strides up to the clone.

“General Sunskimmer, I didn’t see you coming.” Clone trooper 5/189 stated.

“That’s ok.” Replied Horkon

“We’ve lost several more units to the separatist’s advance these past three days.” Clone trooper 5/189 observed, putting down his electro binoculars.

“There will be many more if we don’t end this war soon. I received new orders from the Jedi Council. They want our forces to fall back to Delta Base and regroup.” Replied Horkon.

The two warriors headed back down the hill to the waiting Chariot-class speeder. They board the craft and speed off to Delta Base.


Battle of Galidran, Day Four.
Delta Base on the Northern Coast:
The Chariot speeder arrives at the base an hour behind schedule. The Jedi scans the nearby landscape with his eyes and sees hundreds of death clones laid in rows for burial later.

”What happened here?” Questioned Horkon.

“A raid took out a fourth of our men several hours ago.” Replied Clone trooper 9/176

“Commander, is the perimeter secured?” Horkon asked.

“Yes Sir.” Clone trooper 9/176 replied.

“Good work. Get medical attention to those who can be helped.” Ordered Horkon.

“Yes General.” Clone trooper 9/176 replied as he headed for the medical shelter.

The more that Horkon Sunskimmer thought about the death of his young padawan at the cold metal hands of the Confederacy’s battle droids during the Battle of Badgen a month earlier, the more he wondered just how many more Jedi would die in this war. The Master went outside to help with the regrouping of their forces. A formation of 3 Delta-7 jedi starfighters flew overhead.

[Marcus Starkiller]

In high orbit around Galidran:
Aboard the bridge of the three and a half month old dreadnaught Republic’s Savior, a fox in his early 30's by the name of Captain Zack Starkiller was pacing around waiting for confirmation to get underway with his orders from the Senate.

“Captain, we just received word from General Sunskimmer. His forces are fully assembled at Delta Base, and we have the all clear to go ahead with our orders as planned.” A wolf named Lan Tol stated.

“Excellent, deploy fighters and landing craft. Get those walkers to the surface.” Zack ordered.

“Aye Sir.” Replied Lan. “This is Commander Tol, to all pilots. The Captain has just given the order to launch. Get to your vessels, and may the Force be with us all.”

Republic starfighters, gunships and landers exited the hanger and made their way for the surface where they would level the heavier Confederacy emplacements. The Republic’s Savior opened a channel to Delta Base.

“General Sunskimmer, our forces are underway. They will be within range of the LZ in five minutes” Stated Zack over the comlink.

“Good. Captain, have the walkers and troops rendezvous with the rest of our forces at Delta Base. The Confederacy will pay for their crimes against the Republic. General Sunskimmer out.” Horkon replied with a confident voice.

Delta Base on the Northern Coast:

An ARC clone trooper designated A-1887 walked up to the green robed Jedi Master.

“General Sunskimmer, our forces are almost ready for action.” Informed A-1887.

“Thank you. I must get ready to lead my troops into battle.” Replied Horkon.


Battle of Galidran, Day Five.
Separatist HQ on the Eastern Coast:

A tall male wolf with black hair and a large scar running from upper-left to lower right across his face is viewing read-outs of the battle. The man’s name was Toph Cartom. He is the commanding officer of the separatist forces on Galidran and a rogue Jedi. A battle droid officer designated OON-6 walked up to Toph.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“Sir, the clone army is gathering on the Northern Coast of the Balten Sea.” Stated OON-6 with a flat mechanical voice.

“Good, Count Dooku will be pleased to hear of this error.” Toph said with an evil grin.

“What are your orders?” Asked OON-6.

“Commander, gather your troops and engage those Republic pig-dogs. Destroy anything that moves!” Ordered Toph.

“Roger, Roger.” Replied OON-6, and then left the room.

Toph Cartom opens a shadowfeed channel to Dooku. A hologram of the dark-lord appeared before the separatist commander.

“What news have you, Cartom?” Questioned Count Dooku with a raised eyebrow.

“My Lord. The Republic forces are regrouping at Delta Base. If we strike at them at that location with all our troops, the Republic army on Galidran will fall.” Stated Toph with a smile.

“My master has other plans for the Republic, Cartom. Do not engage them.” Ordered Count Dooku.

“But my Lord…?” Questioned Toph with a confused look.

“Do not engage the Republic. That is an order.” Replied Count Dooku.

“Yes my Lord.” Replied Toph with a sign of anger in his voice.


Battle of Galidran, Day Five.
Delta Base on the Northern Coast:

“General Sunskimmer, we are under attack!” Shouted A-1887.

“Gather the troops. We’re going into battle!” Ordered Horkon.

“Yes Sir.” Replied A-1887.

“And contact Captain Starkiller. Tell him that the Confederacy is attacking.” Replied Horkon.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“Yes Sir.” Replied A-1887 once again.

General Sunskimmer grabbed his lightsaber and attached it to his belt. He pulled on his brown cape over his green jedi robes. He strode out of the tent and prepared to lead his men. Sunskimmer took up his position at the front of the massed group of clones. As he readied himself he wished that Master Nik Vecto were here to help in the fight.


Separatist Army massed on the Northern Coast:

Open fire! Ordered OON-6 to the rest of the droid army.

“Roger, Roger.” Replied battle droid 3B3-1867.

Several AAT’s opened fire on the Republic base destroying the medical center.

“Cease Fire!” OON-6 ordered.

The Armored Assault Tanks stopped firing.

“Send in the droidekas.” Said OON-6.

Several wheel shaped droids rolled to the front line and unfolded. Their built in shield-generators switched on and spheres of protective energy formed around each of the destroyer droids. They then unleashed a salvo of crimson red beams of heated plasma at the front line of clones, killing several of the armor-clad warriors and injuring Master Sunskimmer in the left shoulder.

During the battle, Toph Cartom contacted battle droid OON-6 via comlink.

“Commander, break off your attack!” Ordered Toph.

“But Sir, we have the clone army outnumbered and they are suffering heavy losses.” Stated OON-6.

“I said break off your attack! Count Dooku gave me direct orders not to attack the Republic forces. He says that his master has plans for the Republic.” Replied Toph with a strict voice.

“Roger, Roger” Replied OON-6 as Toph Cartom shut off the comlink.

“All forces fall back!” Ordered OON-6.

The droid army stopped firing and began to fall back to the separatist base. The clones kept firing away until the droids and vehicles were out of range.

[Marcus Starkiller]

Battle of Galidran, Day Five.
Delta Base on the Northern Coast:

General Sunskimmer uses the living force to heal his injured shoulder and gathers together the remainder of the clone army.

“Sir, we must follow the droids back to their base and destroy them.” Stated A-1887.

“No, not yet. We will go after them in due time. Right now, we need to wait for the rest of our forces to arrive. Then we will strike.” Replied Horkon.

Two gunships full of Jedi knights and masters from the Republic transport Badgen’s Glory touch down five meters away from Delta Base. A badger by the name of Master Nik Vecto is among them. Vecto is the first to exit the craft. He walks over to Master Sunskimmer.

“Horkon, old friend. I haven’t seen you since you helped to drive the separatists off my home world.” Nik remarked.

“I know, and I’m glad that you’re here. We have lost a t least twenty Jedi in the last few days.”<br>Horkon replied.

The two Jedi Master’s headed for the command tent with the other Jedi following close behind. A-1887 walks up to the Jedi.

“General Sunskimmer, who is this other Jedi?” Asked A-1887.

“This is Jedi Master Nik Vecto.” Replied Horkon.

“I fought alongside Master Horkon Sunskimmer at the Battle of Badgen several months ago. And who are you?” Replied Nik.

“I am ARC trooper A-1887.” Stated A-1887.

The two Jedi and the clone head to off to the command tent to prepare a plan of action.


Battle of Galidran, Day Six.
Separatist HQ on the Eastern Coast:

Toph Cartom pacing around angrily.

“Dooku is going to have my head for this.” Toph thought to himself.

[Marcus Starkiller]

OON-6 enters the room.

“Sir, we pulled back like you ordered.” Stated OON-6.

“Commander, form a perimeter around our base.” Ordered Toph.

“Yes Sir.” Replied OON-6.

The droid then left the room. Even though Cartom was afraid to confront the Dark-Lord again, he opened a channel to the Count. An image of Dooku appeared on the holo-projecter.

“My Lord, I am deeply sorry for what happened.” Said Toph.

“You mean the attack on the Republic?” Questioned Count Dooku.

“I failed you my Lord…” Replied Toph.

“Yes, but you are still of great value to me and also to my master.” Replied Count Dooku.

“Thank you, my Lord.” Replied Toph.

“In the mean time, you must be prepared for an attack from the Republic. One of my spies at Delta Base has confirmed that the Republic will be attacking, and that they have received more Jedi.” Informed Count Dooku.

“Yes my Lord. Toph Cartom out.” Toph replied as the image of the Count faded away.

Toph Cartom let out a sigh of relief.


Coruscant in the Inner Rim:

“Lord Sidious, everything is going as planned. Cartom disobeyed my orders like you foresaw.” Stated Count Dooku.

“Excellent. The Republic thinks that they have the upper hand, since the droids retreated.” Replied Darth Sidious.

“Yes.” Replied Count Dooku.


In high orbit around Galidran:
Captain Starkiller is reading a book in his ready-room. Commander Tol enters the room and reports of the battle on the planets surface. Just then, an explosion rocks the ship violently.

[Marcus Starkiller]

Over the comm unit, the Captain can hear yelling on the bridge.

“Captain Starkiller to the bridge. What the Hell is going on!?!” Shouted Zack over the ships internal comm unit grid.

“Captain, two Techno Union starships and a Trade Federation battleship have just entered the system from hyper-space. The battleship has launched droid starfighters, hundreds of them!” A tiger called Lt. Commander Norl Tiglor replied over the comm unit.

“Get the defense grid online now!” Ordered Zack.

“Aye, Sir!” Replied Norl.

“And launch what fighters we got, and contact Delta Base. Have them send as many fighters as they can spare.” Replied Zack.

“Already done sir!” Replied Norl.


Battle of Galidran, Day Six.
Delta Base on the Northern Coast:

“Generals, we just received a transmission from our fleet in orbit. They are under attack and need fighter support.” A-1887 said.

“Alright, Master Vecto, Master Roor, would you care to join me in battle?” Asked Horkon.

“Let’s get going.” Replied Vecto.

The Jedi head for the landing area and board their Delta-7s.

“Master Vecto, you lead Green Group, I’ll take Blue Group, and Master Roor will take red Group.” Horkon said over his headset.

“Copy that.” Replied Nik. “Green Group, follow me in.”<br>
“Copy that Sunskimmer.” Replied a hawk named Roor Fon.

The Jedi starfighters take off and group up with their designated squadrons and head into high orbit.

“Droid starfighters, dead ahead…” Stated Horkon.

“I see them.” Replied Nik from the cockpit of his fighter.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“Engage the enemy and fire at will!” Ordered Horkon.

The three squadrons went head on at the droid starfighters. Master Roor is caught off guard.

“This is Master Roor, I’ve got several figh…AAAHHHHHH!!!!!!” Yelled Roor as his fighter is destroyed.

“We’ve lost Roor…” Said Horkon.

“No time to worry about that. Droid starfighters are still coming in, and fast.” Replied Nik.

“Roger that Green Leader.” Replied Horkon.

“Blue Leader, this is Blue 2, I’ve got a squadron on me and can’t shack them.” Shouted a young Jedi fox named Arn Nom just before his Delta-7 explodes into a brilliant red ball of flames and debris.

“Master Vecto, you take Green Group and Red Group. Engage those fighters. Blue Group will go in after the capital ships.” Ordered Horkon.

“Will do.” Replied Nik.

As Green Group and Red Group distract the fighters, Blue Group goes after the capital ships.

“This is Master Sunskimmer to Blue Group, engage the Trade vessel first. Take that out, and the droid fighters will be out of commission.” Stated the Horkon to his squadron.

“Roger that Blue Leader.” Replied all the squad mates over their headsets.

As Blue Group is making their attack run, the swarming enemy fighters are overwhelming Master Vecto and his two groups. One of the droid fighters takes out Vecto’s port engine causing the Jedi starfighter to go into a spin.

“Sunskimmer, this is Vecto, we have a problem.” Stated Nik.

“I’m on my way. Blue Group, continue on your attack run. That’s an order.” Ordered Horkon.

Master Sunskimmer’s starfighter sped toward Nik Vecto’s damaged Delta-7 at its best speed, reaching the crippled fighter within minutes.

“Master Vecto. Damaged your fighter as usual, have you?” Joked Horkon as he flew past the damaged engine.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“Look at you. That’s the third fighter you’ve gone through.” Smirked Nik with a laugh.

“I get the picture.” Replied Horkon. “Let’s just drop it.”<br>
“Here comes the welcoming committee.” Stated Nik.

“I’m on them.” Replied Horkon as he blew the first two droid starfighters to space dust.

The other fighters break off their attack and speed away. All the droid fighters head for the capital ships.

“Blue Leader, this is Blue 5. Enemy fighters coming in fast!” Shouted a Jedi lion named Powt Murn.

“Master Vecto, we need to help the rest of my squadron.” Stated Horkon.

“Wish I could. But as you remember, my engine was hit.” Replied Nik.

“Divert power to the working engine, then back into the crippled one.” Ordered Nik.

Master Vecto does as he is told.

“It worked!” Shouted Nik.

“Green Group, Red Group. Follow us in!” Ordered Horkon. “Watch for fighters.”<br>
The two squadrons follow Horkon and Nik. Upon reaching their targets, the Jedi release a deadly hailstorm of blaster fire on the droids.

“Blue Group. You are clear. Take out that control ship!” Ordered Horkon. “Target the Comm. Towers!”<br>
“Copy that Sir.” Replied Powt.

Within half an hour, the control ship is in flames and collides with one of the techno Union vessels, resulting in a large explosion. The other Techno Union vessel enters hyperspace to escape a similar end.

“How many have we lost?” Questioned Horkon.

“Master Sunskimmer, I count ten losses.” Replied Powt. “And Master Quwet Nagq is unaccounted for.”<br>
“All groups pick off the remaining stranglers and head back to Delta Base.” Ordered Horkon.

[Marcus Starkiller]

After the mop up was completed, the Jedi starfighters landed at their base of operations.

Battle of Galidran, Day Seven.
Delta Base on the Northern Coast:

Horkon Sunkimmer sends a holonet transmission to the Jedi Council on Coruscant.

“Master Yoda, our forces captured one of the local separatist fanatics. He has given us the name of the man who rallied together the Galidran Resistance. The culprit is a rogue Jedi named Toph Cartom. We are awaiting your orders.” Stated Horkon over the holo-transmitter.

“To the Council this rogue Jedi you must bring, Master Sunskimmer. Much to ask him, we have.” Commanded Master Yoda. “Be careful you must, Toph Cartom a padawan of Master Sora Bulg he once was. Dangerous he will be.”<br>
“I will do as the Council commands. End transmission.” Horkon replied as his image vanished.


Coruscant, Day Seven.
Jedi Council Chamber, Jedi Temple.

“Another of Master Bulq’s former padawans, fallen to the Dark-Side has.” Stated Yoda. “Only a month ago, Bulq’s betrayal of the Jedi Order did we learn of from Master Windu…”

“There is no doubt that Toph is working with his former master and Count Dooku to destroy the Republic presence on Galidran.” Replied Mace Windu.

“Then, let us hope that Sunskimmer and the other Jedi on Galidran survive this ordeal.” Stated Ki-Adi Mundi.


Battle of Galidran, Day Eight.
Delta Base on the Northern Coast:

“Master Vecto, might I have a word with you?” Asked Horkon.

“What do you want to tell me?” Replied Nik.

“The Council has given us orders to capture Toph Cartom by any means.” Horkon stated. “The Council believes that in the battle to capture him, may Jedi will die.”<br>
“Horkon, remember the Fifth Precept, There is no death, there is the Force.” Nik replied with a calm voice.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“I know, but the Jedi Order is growing thinner by the day.” Replied Horkon. “I am afraid that we won’t be able to defend the Republic if this war continues any longer.”<br>
“I know what you mean.” Replied Nik.



Battle of Galidran, Day Eight.
Separatist HQ on the Eastern Coast:

Toph Cartom just finished receiving orders to engage the Jedi.

“We will send the Jedi home in caskets!” Shouted Toph to a group of Dark Jedi.

“Kill them all!” Shouted the group in return.

The Dark Jedi prepare for battle. They gather outside of the Separatist fortress and board a modified MTT and head for the Republic forces. The Separatist convoy is escorted by several Ground Assault Tanks and five AATs.


Battle of Galidran, Day Eight.
Delta Base on the Northern Coast:

“General Sunskimmer, our long range sensors have picked up a large Confederacy convoy heading our way.” A-1887 informed. “A scout also informed us that the Separatist base is empty.”<br>
“Then Toph Cartom is with the convoy.” Replied Horkon. “Have the troops prepare for battle.”<br>
“Yes Sir.” Replied A-1887.

Master Sunskimmer, Master Vecto and the other Jedi prepare for the final battle. Two more gunships full of Jedi head for Delta Base from the crashed Republic transport Pride Of The Rim. A Hailfire’s homing missile finds its target and destroys the second gunship. One Jedi, a female cheetah named Zul Nos is thrown out of the gunship as it explodes. She falls to the ground hard, breaking two ribs but survives the fall. She gets up and heads for Delta Base. Back at the base, Horkon senses that there is a survivor from the crash and take the Chariot-class speeder in search of the injured Jedi. Two miles away, Horkon comes across Zul, who is now unconscious.

“Zul!” Shouts Horkon as he jumps out of the speeder. He picks her up in his arms and takes her to the waiting speeder. “Zul, please wake up…”

[Marcus Starkiller]

The young female cheetah wakes up and looks around.

“Wh---What happened?” Asked Zul.

“Your gunship was attacked by a Hailfire droid. You’re the only survivor.” Replied Horkon.

“Who---Who are you?” Zul asked.

“I am Horkon Tae Sunskimmer. Your brother was my padawan.” Replied Horkon.

Zul sat up and smiled.

“Thank you for coming to get me…” Stated Zul.

“You’re welcome.” Replied Horkon.

Zul then rested her head on Horkon’s shoulder. Horkon looked down at her with a warm smile.

“I love you…” Horkon said. But Zul didn’t hear him because she fell asleep.

Around half an hour later, the speeder arrives at the base just in time to see it being over run by Dark Jedi and droids. The speeder is hit and crashes waking Zul.

“Horkon, what happened?!” Shouted Zul.

“The base is under attack! Prepare for battle!” Horkon replied.

The two Jedi leave the damaged craft and run for cover. Horkon ignites his green lightsaber while Zul ignites her yellow one.

“Horkon! Look!” Zul Shouted as a Dark Jedi charged at them.

“I see him…!” Shouted Horkon in reply.

“Die Jedi!” The Dark Jedi yelled as he sliced open Horkon’s right leg with his crimson blade.

“AAAAIIGGGHHHHHHHH!” Horkon howled in pain.

“HORKON!” Shouted Zul.

“Zul, look out!” Yelled Horkon

[Marcus Starkiller]

“Wha---!?” Zul said as the Dark Jedi stabbed his lightsaber through her left shoulder. “AAAGH!”<br>
“Leave her alone!” Horkon yelled.

“Compassion...I honor that…” Smirked the Dark Jedi “But it won’t save your friend…”

Horkon went into a dive, cutting off the Dark Jedi’s right leg.

“AHHHG! Blast you, boy!” Hissed the Dark Jedi. “But you’re dead…”

“Wha--?” Replied Horkon as he turned around. “By the Force…”

Horkon and Zul are surrounded by twenty or so destroyer droids

“If we die, we die together, Zul.” Horkon said.

“We will become one with the Force then.” Replied Zul.

The two Jedi try to deflect as many blasts as they possibly can, but are about to be destroyed. Just then several of the droids fall apart.

“What the…?” Said Horkon.

“Look!” Yelled Zul as the image of Nik Vecto appeared before them.

“Is this a private party or what?” Replied Nik with a smile.

“The more, the merrier.” Replied Horkon.

“Let’s get back to the base before more droids come!” Ordered Nik.

The trio of Jedi make a run for the base, where the Dark Jedi are cutting down the younger Jedi.

“We thought you two where dead.” Stated Nik. “Thank the Force your not.”<br>
“Yes, but we may soon be.” Replied Horkon. “We need to help the others."

The Jedi soon reach the base and engage the enemy. The trio can only watch as their fellow Jedi are murdered. Horkon spots Powt Murn lying on the ground, a lightsaber wound through his chest, and a canine Dark Jedi standing over his lifeless body. The lifeless lion’s padawan jumps at the Dark Jedi with cat-like reflexes slicing off the dark warrior’s left arm, but soon meets the same end as his master. The Dark Jedi then turns his attention to his severed arm, then to Horkon and the others.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“More Jedi for me to bag…” Smirked the injured Dark Jedi. “The power of the dark side is truly with me.”<br>
“Not this time.” Replied Horkon. “You’ve killed your last Jedi!”<br>
Horkon charges at the black robed warrior, running his green blade through the Dark Jedi’s heart.

“Yo---You can’t do tha---that…” Replied the Dark Jedi as he fell to the ground.

“Jedi can do many things…” Replied Horkon

“Horkon, I sense much anger in you.” Stated Nik.

“I am sorry, my friend.” Replied Horkon. “I must control my anger.”<br>
“It happens to many of us…” Replied Nik. “Don’t worry.”<br>
“Uh, Masters’, we’ve got company.” Zul stated.


In high orbit around Galidran:

“Captain’s personal log. The battle for this planet is going on longer then we though it would. We have lost contact with our forces on the surface, and therefore, must assume the worst. Though I believe that the Jedi can take care of themselves, I am afraid that they are severally outnumbered and their chances of survival are poor.” Stated Zack.


Battle of Galidran, Day Nine.
Delta Base on the Northern Coast:

“Zul, I see them.” Replied Horkon

A group of Dark Jedi, led by Toph Cartom has surrounded the trio.

“Master Vecto, Master Horkon, it is good to see you. But as you know, your order is outmanned and outgunned. Surrender now.” Stated Toph.

“We will not surrender.” Replied Horkon.

“I am sorry to hear that.” Replied Toph as he ignites his blood red blade. “Kill them!” Toph barked out to the Dark Jedi.

“Yes Si---AAHHGGG!” Yelled one of the Dark Jedi, as a feline Jedi named Anc Tropk sliced his back open.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“Master Horkon. Toph is escaping!” Anc yelled.

“We can’t let him get away!” Replied Horkon. “I know! Anc, get help! We need more people!”<br>
“Will do, Master.” Replied Anc as she ran for the base.

Anc gathered together the remaining Jedi and followed the tracks of the others.

“We’re getting close!” Shouted Anc.

“May the Force be with the other.” Replied a feline Jedi named Wynssa Atrakus.

“Keep moving.” Replied Anc. “And watch out for mi---!”<br>
Anc and two other Jedi are ripped apart by a land mine.

“A mine field!” Shouted Wynssa.

“Wynssa, we have to spread out!” Yelled a Jedi tiger named Warbe Leska.

“I know! Stop yelling so I can sense the safest path.” Replied Wynssa.

“Droids incoming!” Shouted a female Raccoon named Kass Chuwil.

“We need some kind of delaying tactic.” Ordered Wynssa.

“I’ll see what I can do. Stay close. I’ll probably pass out.” Replied Warbe as he touched his hand to the snowy terrain. The ground starts to shack, causing the other mines to go off.

“Run for it!” Shouted Kass. “The whole thing is going off!”<br>
“Kass, grab Warbe! We need to reach the others!” Ordered Wynssa.

Battle of Galidran, Day Nine.
Abandoned Republic Supply Outpost:

Nik, Horkon and Zul followed the rogue Jedi to an old outpost.

“Toph, don’t do this. You can still come back.” Stated Nik.

“Silence! I will not return to the light!” Yelled Toph as he ignites his blood red blade once more.

[Marcus Starkiller]

Toph charges at Nik, his saber aimed at the Jedi’s heart. Nik activates his lightsaber just in time to block the attack.

“Is that the best you can do, Jedi?” Taunted Toph.

“I do not wish to kill you, Toph Cartom. But if it is the only way to stop the fighting, then I will kill you.” Replied Nik.

“It is not I who will be killed, but you will.” Replied Toph.

As the battle rages, the group of Jedi reaches the others.

“Good job Kass. You found the battle!” Stated Wynssa.

“Now we just need to win it.” Replied Kass.

“What happened? Where is Anc?!” Questioned Horkon.

“We ran into a mine field. Anc is dead, along with two other Jedi.” Replied Wynssa.

“I am sorry to hear that, but we must take Toph alive.” Replied Horkon

“Not so fast, false Jedi! I am Linq Kolx!” Shouted a reptilian Dark Jedi from behind the group of Jedi “You will have to get past us first!”<br>
A group of Dark Jedi enters the building, their lightsabers activated.

“Then you will be beaten.” Replied Horkon.

The Dark warriors charge at the group of Jedi with blinding speed. In the fray of battle, Toph Cartom and two of his most trusted guards’ slip out the back.

“Toph is gone!” Shouted Nik. ”We need to find h---AAGH!”<br>
Linq Kolq’s blade stabs into Nik’s right arm.

“Master Vect---ARRGH!” Shouted Horkon as a Dark Jedi sliced open the flesh on the left side of his back.

“You’re going to die, madman!” Yelled Zul, as she was about to cut off a Dark Jedi’s head.

“So are you, monster…” Replied the Dark Jedi. “See?”<br>
As Zul turned around to see the new attacker that is not there, the Dark Jedi takes a swing with his lightsaber and cuts off Zul’s right arm.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“AAAIIGH!” Screamed Zul.

“Leave her out of this!” Yelled Horkon. “Prepare to die.”<br>
Horkon gets up, even with the stinging pain in his back. He ignites his green blade.

“You’re too tired and injured to fight, false Jedi!” Replied the Dark Jedi. “It is you who will die!”<br>
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Replied Horkon as he stabs his blade into the Dark Jedi’s right side.

“AAGH! I’ll kill you for that!” Howled the Dark Jedi in pain. He then swings his crimson blade at Horkon’s chest, slicing a gapping wound in the fur-covered flesh, exposing muscle and bone. Horkon falls to the ground, dropping his lightsaber. The Dark Jedi towers over Horkon and lunges his blade at the Jedi’s heart, but is blocked by Nik’s green blade.

“Your anger and hatred will destroy you.” Stated Nik.

“Not before it destroys you, Jedi scum!” Replied the Dark Jedi.

The Dark Jedi unleashes a deadly Force lightning attack on Nik, which Nik blocks with his lightsaber. The Dark Jedi sends the remains of a damaged battle droid flying at Nik. While Nik blocks the incoming debris, the Dark Jedi lifts Horkon’s limp body into the air. Horkon can feel his bones cracking, and lets out a howl of pain as the Dark Jedi lets out an evil grin. Nik takes the opportunity to subdue this menace once and for all, cutting the Dark Jedi in half with one quick slice. Horkon falls to the ground like a rock.

“Master Horkon, are you still able to fight?” Questioned Nik.

“I think so.” Replied Horkon. “But I will need medical attention once this is over.”<br>
“We need to capture that madman before he can get more help.” Replied Nik.

“Where is Zul?” Asked Horkon.

“I’m right here, Horkon.” Replied Zul, grasping the stump of her severed arm.

Wynssa and the remaining Jedi arrive at the outpost. Wynssa sees Horkon’s injuries.

“We need a healer over here!” Shouted Wynssa.

A young female Jedi lamb named Nara Sykes walked up to Horkon and put her hand on the gapping wound on his chest.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“He will make it. But we should get him into some bacta once this is over.” Stated Nara as she walked over to Zul.

Nara examines the stump of Zul’s arm.

“I am sorry about your arm.” Nara said. “But you will live.”<br>
“It is the will of the Force.” Replied Zul.

Nara then strode over to Nik and placed her hand on his injured arm. Nik can feel to Force begin to regrow the damaged muscle and flesh.

“Thank you Nara.” Stated Nik as he gave Nara a hug.

“That is what I have trained for.” Replied Nara.


Battle of Galidran, Day Ten.
Abandoned Republic Supply Outpost:

A mid aged Jedi timber wolf named Kissek Agoris walked over to the comlink system and contacted Delta Base. He then headed over to where the other Jedi were located.

“Master Horkon, I have called for a gunship to help us take Toph Cartom.” Stated Kissek.

“Smart move, my friend.” Replied Horkon. “At least now we will have transportation.”<br>
The Jedi hear a rumbling noise and head outside. A battered LAAT/i lands nearby the outpost.

“You Jedi better hurry, we spotted Toph Cartom from the air. He is making his way for a grouping of Trade Federation core ships.” Informed one of the clone pilots.

“Nara, you stay here with Zul, take care of her. We will return to pick you up later.” Stated Horkon.

The gunship took off and sped in the direction of Toph. Within minutes they are within range of their target.

“Pilot, fire several shots in front of him. Try to knock him off his feet.” Ordered Horkon.

“Yes Sir.” Replied the pilot.

The forward antipersonnel turrets open fire. One of the shots goes astray and pierces Toph’s leg. The rogue Jedi falls to the ground.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“Pilot, take the gunship down!” Shouted Horkon at the top of his lunges.
“Sir, yes Sir!” Replied the pilot.

The gunship lands as the Jedi disembark from the passenger compartment. The Jedi head for the injured rogue Jedi. As they reach the top of the hill that he is on, they see a large mass of droids approaching from the east.

“As I said before, you Jedi are dead.” Smirked Toph.

“Not yet.” Replied Horkon.

A Hailfire-class droid tank launches a pair of homing missiles at the Jedi. Kissek uses his Force abilities to hold the missiles back.

“Get Toph Cartom out of here, I can’t hold the missiles back much longer!” Shouted Kissek.

“You can still make it!” Yelled Horkon.

“I’m already dead…” Replied Kissek. “Now go.”<br>
As the other Jedi escape to the gunship, Kissek loses control as the homing missiles resume their coarse and explode. Kissek has become one with the Force.

The gunship fires a missile at the Hailfire’s right Magpulse Drive Unit, disabling the menacing beast. As the flames reach higher, the remaining missiles onboard the Hailfire ignite causing other droids within ten meters to explode.


Battle of Galidran, Day Ten.
Delta Base on the Northern Coast:

The gunship arrives at Delta Base. Galidran is once more a planet in the Republic.

“So many Jedi have died here in the past ten days. I feel partly responsible for their deaths.” Said Horkon as he lowered his head.

“It is not your fault, Horkon. We Jedi are the Guardians of Peace.” Replied Zul.

“She is right, you know…” Stated Nik.

“I know…” Replied Horkon without looking up.

Zul walks over to Horkon and puts her hand on his shoulder. Horkon turns around and kisses her.

[Marcus Starkiller]

“We had better get going.” Stated Nik. “A garrison of clone troopers is being left behind to defend the planet.”<br>
The remaining Jedi and clones board the assault ships and head for Coruscant. The Republic fleet, led by the Republic’s Savior enters hyperspace right behind the taskforce. Horkon is rushed to a Bacta tank for healing. Zul stands hatch over her lover, her new cybernetic arm is resting at her side. She raises her hand to the outer surface of the cylindrical tank in which Horkon is recovering.

“I love you, Horkon. I always have.” Whispered Zul as a tear ran down her fur covered face.

Horkon looked at Zul and touched his hand to the same place as her hand rests.

“I love you to…” Replied Horkon with a smile.

Nik enters the Med-Center to check up on Horkon and Zul.

“How is he doing?” Asked Nik.

“Doctors say he will be up in a couple of days.” Replied Zul.

“And how are you coming along?” Replied Nik.

“I’ve felt better…” Zul stated.

“I must go now.” Replied Nik. “I’m needed on the command deck.”<br>
Nik leaves the Med-Center, his brown cape flowing behind him like it was alive.

Zul falls asleep at the foot of Horkon’s bacta tank. She wakes up as the fleet exits hyperspace.

“Good morning, sleepy head.” Zul said as she taps on the bacta tank.

Horkon wakes up and sees Zul standing there.

“Good morning to you also.” Replied Horkon. “So, when they going to let me out of here?”<br>
“Soon.” Replied Zul.

An hour or so later, Horkon and Zul are in Horkon’s quarters. Horkon finishes putting on his Jedi robes.