Shards of Innocence (After Order 66)

[UrunSaiShun]

Screams tore Jolar Sabias from his meditative trance followed by the sound of many laser blasts. He ran out of the dark room to see a fierce battle down the hallway as many young padawans were cut down by the laser fire. Jolar's eyes opened wide at the horror to see who held the blasters, republic soldiers. A young jedi knight that he knew well, Tor Anran, ran to him as the jedi defense faltered, "Run Jolar get as many out as you can the Republic soldiers have turned on us, get as many out as you c....." he was cut off from a laser blast to his spine. Jolar whipped out his own lightsaber blocking the next blast aimed at him then the next he returned to its owner. He turned and raced down the hallway.

Turning the corner he ran into three approaching clone soldiers. He placed his foot squarely in the first ones chest sending him flying back and then with the momentum launched himself in a backward flip lightsaber out wide revealing his Ataru training. He landed in a crouch taking the legs from the soldier to his right in a sweep of his blade then quickly he came up spinning his body to the left and bringing his foot snapping the second soldier's neck. He landed charging the last soldier who tried to recover from Jolar's kick shoving his blue saber into the clone's chest. He heard the steps of many more soldiers coming around the corner and raced for the padawan quarters.

As he raced through the massive temple he came across many scenes of horror, many bodies littered the walkways even younglings. He shoved those images back and continued on, after dodging many encounters with the clone inflitrators he found the padawan quarters. The hallway was littered with bodies of both padawans and clones seeing many of his own friends. He pressed on for the hangar room believing all he knew was dead. As he came to another cross section debris flew everywhere as a grenade exploded in the hallway to the left, smoke blinded Jolar for a few seconds before it cleared to the sounds of blaster fire and the hum of lightsabers. A gentle hand grabbed his own and pulled him down the right hallway. As he came from the cloud of smoke he saw who was pulling him the beautiful Arana Senul, padawan of the twilek master Dava Nerun. "Follow me," she said strongly as they raced towards the hangar bay. They ran followed by many survirors into the large open hangar, several crafts tried to lift off but were taken down by enemy fire as the clones poured into the hangar. Arana lead them towards a small jedi transport her own distinctive pink lightsaber blocking many blasts. They had almost reached the transport when a line of clones appeared from behind the craft. Arana came to a halt and prepared to defend the barrage that would end her and Jolar's lives. "I am beside you," said Jolar as he readied himself at her side. "Ready fi...." the command never finished as the clones were cut down quickly as both Jolar and Arana's masters appeared behind the clones. Master Urun Sai Shun a strong featured human with long dark hair pulled into a ponytail and to his side a strikingly beautiful white skinned female twilek. "Hurry quickly get inside," ushered Master Urun as he and Dava raced ahead creating a path for the fleeing padawans to the transport, their blades in unison as they mowed down approaching clones. Arana raced to the controls and started the engines. Jolar ran to follow his master, "Get them inside," Urun ordered looking back as Jolar came towards him,"but master" Jolar began to protest but the look from his master told him it was not a question. Jolar helped several younglings into the transport and guarded the remaining stragglers before he saw his Master Urun and Dava fall back with three remaining jedi knights.
Arana lifted the transports controls as the telepathic order came to her from her master. Jolar pulled one of the jedi knights into the entrance as the the transport hovered engines preparing to take off. "Come masters!" Jolar said desperately as more clones immerged from the blast doors lead by a dark cloaked figure wielding a ....lightsaber! Jolar stood in disbelief could a jedi be behind this. He then looked down to see Master Urun race towards the dark cloaked man, looking back ordering Dava to take off. "Master no!" yelled Jolar who lept to the hangar floor and ran for his master blinded by his fear a laser blast slammed him in his left shoulder taking him down. Master Dava lifted him up and propelled them up tumbling into the craft's doorway with the force. Jolar screamed for his master as he fought past Dava to the viewing window as he saw his master engage the cloaked one as they tore from the hangar and into Coruscant's atmosphere. He turned in fell to his knees gripping his shoulder and turned in sorrow to find Master Dava in tears also.

[Commander 1138]

Commander Barcara and his team of twelve were sprinting down the hallway leading to the hanger. Seconds earlier, over his short range comm, a few clones requested backup in the hanger area to halt fleeing Jedi.

Off in the distance three silhouettes, resembling clones, were engaging what seemed to be a jedi. When a blue beam grew between the clones and their silhouettes began to fade Barcara knew what he had in his hands.

Aften a few battle with many Jedi, young and old, Commander Barcara and his now six other men ran up to the blast door. Pressing his body against it, Barcara could hear blasters fireing and the hum of lightsabers. As one of his men was placing detonation charges the doors began to spark where they protruded from the wall. With a jerk the doors popped open and slowly slid into the wall. Bacara spun around. Comming down the main hallway into the hangar was Lord Vader and a few troops from the 501st.

Bacara stepped out of the way and followed as Palpatine's new dog was unleashed on the desperate Jedi.

"One-four make sure that those fleeing transports are shot down before they can even leave the hangar." Bacara's voice was cold.

His voice seemed to echo from his comm, "Yes Suh!"

A flash of light beamed from the right and Barcara turned, along with his men, and opened fire as two clone troopers were tossed over them with a push of the force. The resisting Jedi was cut-down instantly.

Trooper 5614 was the pilot of an LAAT Gunship. The order seemed simple enough: He, along with three other ships, would open fire on any ship attempting to leave the hangar. One-four turned his head to examine his ship when it unexpectedly jerked to the left. Fearing it was a destration he ordered the co-pilot to check it out.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a clearing developed in the smoke that was beginning to fill the hangar. After pushing his joystick to the left to take aim at the approaching ship he felt a sharpe pain in his back traveling to his chest. Looking down he saw the green blade of a Jedi. The ship spun out of control as the suicidal Jedi lept to another gunship and began to attack the crew. With this distraction, which was ended when the remaining ships opened fire on the ship carrying the Jedi, the small transport gained enough time to press past the blockade.

Back in the hangar Commander Barcara stared in anger as the transport shot out of the hangar. He raised his blaster and emptied it on the ship, but to no avail. The transport was gone, and Vader would be "most displeased".

[UrunSaiShun]

So the Sith have risen from the long sleep," said Master Urun as he approached the dark figure. "The Jedi have become weak and stale it is time for a cleansing," said Vader coldy throwing back his black hood. Master Shun eyes went wide as he saw the familiar face of young Skywalker, "Anakin?" he said shaking his head in disbelief. "I no longer go by that name I am Darth Vader," he said pointing his saber at the master before him. "What have you become, killing youngling you blaspheme your master's name," he said disguisted. "He is not my master," his dark yellow eyes narrowed with hate at that name. "Well abomination I stand before you," he said strongly bringing his own saber up in the defensive stance of Soresu style. "Now Die!" yelled Vader launching himself in the air at Urun with a two handed strike. Master Shun propeled himself backwards deflecting the blow but Vader pressed again with a fierce barrage. Master Urun and Vader moved as a blur with Urun taking ever blow by Vader and keeping his step strong. "So much hate is in you Anakin," Urun questioned as Vader swung with all his strength with every blow. Urun knew he could not counter Vader's strikes much longer with the fierceness that he attacked. Urun found a hole in Anakin's attack and sent him flying back with a strong sidekick to the abdomen.

[Commander 1138]

Lord Vader and a Jedi traitor began a fight to the death the smoke began to pour out of the Jedi Temple. Barcara scanned the hangar, starring in awe at his horrible victory over the once respected and fear Jedi Knighthood.

"Five-seven, take three men to regain control of the hangar main door, make sure it is sealed this time. When you are done, destroy the control and remove all of your men. Eight-two, open up a few paths leading to the hangar when Five-seven is done. I want the Jedi to believe that they 'found' a path, and they are not 'lead' into the hangar. If any Jedi try to reach their ships, have the doors sealed behind them...the smoke will surely kill them."

The two soldiers accepted their orders with a nod, quickly spun around, and ordered their men to accompany them.

"One-nine, take a team of your best men and station them outside the hangar, just incase any Jedi break through the main doors."

As One-nine did the same as the other men a huge explosion rocked the temple. Unbeknownst to the clones inside, a few Jedi starfighters had arrived from orbit to assist any fleeing Jedi. Radio chatter was heard throughout the hangar, but Barcara was able to collect enough information to see what was happening. "Excellent," Barcara thought, "the distress call worked. Another Jedi trap springing into action."

"Lord Vader!" he shouted, "when you are done there I have a few Jedi flies I need swatted!"

Vader leap back from his battle and gave Bacara a cold glare that resembled a smile.

[Commander 1138]

Racing out of the temple, Bacara dove from the steps as a large explosion spat fire from the doors of the Temple. He slowly stood as small particles of debris landed on his shoulders and helmet. Bacara pulled of his helm as he took a deep breath and looked back on the happenings on Mygeeto. General Mundi, the secret Mygeetan powersource, and Order 66. Bacara had been honored when Darth Vader had specifically requested him to lead a second wave into the Temple. But the fight wasn't over.

Ripping through the air came two blaster bolts. Whirling around, Bacara spotted two Jedi Starfighters flying low. Too low. As he dove his helmet fell from his hands and was crushed when one of the fighters scraped across the ground, up the stairs, and right into the Temple.

Now helmetless, Bacara called in a Republic Gunship. "Pilot, take me just outside of Coruscant obit. We have a wave of fighters to intersept."

"Yes Sir, right away!" The ship landed inches from his feet as Bacara jumped into it and gripped one of the restraining ropes.

The ship tore through the smoke around the Temple when a fellow clone handed him a fresh new helmet. Bacara starred down at it thinking how ridiculous a smooth, new helmet would look on a dented, scratched up suit. As the air began to thin, the doors of the Gunship closed.

[UrunSaiShun]

"Get us out of here fast!" said Master Dava as she swung into the co pilot seat. "Hold on this is gonna be rough!" Arana yelled to the survivoring jedi in the cargo hold as she entered heavy anti-aircraft fire. The younglings huddled around Jolar and the only surviving jedi knight of the three, a cerean male by the name of Kel-nu-Mani who held tightly to his left arm which had been seared by a blaster bolt. Jolar closed his eyes for he knew he would never again see his master.

A day later Dava landed upon the trader moon of Delesk in the port city of Melespur. "We must give no strangers a reason to take a second glance at us," the twilek master said throwing assorted cloaks to the passengers to betray them as nothing more than settlers. "Arana you will stay here with the children while Jolar and Kel-nu come with me to find a temporary stay," she said exiting the cargo door.

[Commander 1138]

As the atmospheric gases cleared from the cockpit's glass, Bacara's eye began to widen. The battle above the planet was more then he expected. He felt the ship kick as the it's boosters fired up. Nearing a Acclamator-class Cruiser the LAAT was hit with a quick burst of laser fire. The explosion pushed the nose of the ship downward. With the afterburners out, the pilot had to struggle to realign the ship with the docking bay.

"Mayday, mayday! This is Republic Gunship Alpha Three-two-seven," the pilot's professional tone was lost when the ship ripped throught he blue hue of the shields, "clear the hangar!"

The LAAT dove into the docking bay. As the crew braced themselves for impact the pilot misjudged the angle of the ship and pulled up too hard. Losing momentum the ship failed to rise as its rear grinded across the deck. Most of the clones were able to escape from the ball of fire, scortched, but unharmed. The nose finally slamed down, throwing the crew forward.

Bacara hit the pilot's seat hard. When he awoke fire and smoke had consumed the ship's interior. He picked up his rifle and opened fire on the cargo doors. The surrounding clones, who were trying to douse the fire, jumped back when a large hole was blown from the ship. Bacara, along with a wave of smoke, poured from the hole.

"Sir, are you okay?"
"I'm fine trooper. Get to the crew." Crawling to his feet Commander Bacara fought the attacking haze. The world around him seemed to spin out of control. Pushing it aside using a technique Ki Adi Muni taught him, Bacara ran to the nearest door. Having to push his way past wave upon wave of clones he finally reach an elevator.

As the elevator rose, again, Bacara looked back on the recent events. The Jedi betrayal, Palpatine's plan of ascension, and the secret power souce.

The doors peeled open with a hiss and Bacara stepped into the bridge.

Four men spun around, "Sir," the announced with a salute. Proudly, Trooper 1265 spoke to Bacara, "We've tracked all fleeing ships and sent their cooridnates to Commanders spread out across the galaxy, they will be hunted down." The trooper next to him had a worried look on his face.Bacara noted the look and turned back to Six-five. His questioning glare pierced the clone. "But...one ship was able to make the jump to lightspeed before we could calculate its trajectory. We believe it was heading to a commerce system in the Outer-Rim."

"Have you informed Chancellor Palpatine?" Bacara's tone with Six-five began to embarrass him.
Trembling, Six-five retorted. "Not yet sir, I decided it would be best to wait until we had a team after them to report."
"And what team was going to catch them?" Bacara questioned as he raised one eyebrow.
"I was hopping," Six-five began shaking all over, "you would accept the task."

Bacara spun around and strolled out of the bridge. The elevator door sealed shut as Six-five turned to his companion clone, half-smiling from embarrassment.

As the verticle traveling vessel descended to the hangar bay Bacara had one last time to reflect before he would have to get back to work. The Chancellor's crackled voice, the deadly obidience of the clones, and the cries of Jedi throuhout the force. Commander 1138 was not a force sensitive, but General Mundi taught him answers to a few of the many mysteries of the force. With the time he spent with the Jedi scum, he felt more intune with himself the more the learned about the force.

Another explosion rocked the ship. Stopping with an abnormal jerk, the elevator slid open to reveal the damaged bay. As Bacara stepped out of the solitude of the elevator Lord Vader's voice came over his comm-link.

"I am most displeased with the clones under your command Bacara."
"I hold myself responsible for their incapabilities," Bacara responded with a formal tone.
"I admire your selflessness. I will be as mercifull as I can with you, Commander."

Jumping into the cockpit of an ARC-170, Bacara took off, debris flying everywhere. As he traveled across the battlefield to his own Venator-class Star Destroyer two Jedi Starfighters opened fire.

Pulling up, Bacara was able to dodge a few more shots. A loud beep filled the cockpit when the Jedi locked onto his ship. Thinking quickly, the tail gunner began to shoot the incoming missiles. Escaping the blast, a lone missile struck the side of the ship.

As the Jedi began to attack two more ARC ships swooped down from above, dive bombing the Jedi. The battle began to die down as the five Republic Star Destroyers patroled Coruscant space.

Landing, Bacara opened up a link with the bridge of the behemoth ship and gave them the approximate cooridinates of the missing Jedi transport. The silent hunt had begun.

[Dhak Kilborn]

On Melespur a lone Rodian sat on a few crates sipping a spice beer. Reflecting back on his past jobs, Dhak thought this job was a little on the cruel side. Eyeing three of his hooded prey exit an obviously damaged transport, Dhak spotted a few childeren with another cloaked figure.

His bounty hunter instinct took over as he thrust his hand into the hair, pouring the last of the stale beer down his throat. Tossing the glass over the edge of the landing platforms Dhak strolled into the crowd.

Even with his eyes wondering, Dhak kept his two sensors pointed in their direction. He could "see" their every move. "Jedi by the looks of 'em. Don't know why Boss Benzoate would have a couple of Jedi on his list, or why he would want me of all people to track em'. Must'a gone renegade or somethin'. All I know is, this job is worth it's weight in creds."