Forces of Infinity

“After a grueling campaign across the entire planet, the Republic was finally able to free the occupied world. But this would not have been possible without the efforts of General Cham Syndulla and his freedom fighters. And in a galaxy where the Sith wanted everyone to be divided, a compromise was achieved. It was a true victory. But it also came with a heavy price. As the Separatists departed the planet, they enacted a scorched earth fire bombing campaign across any village they could. This is the final lesson in the costs of war. Innocent people will die.”

-An excerpt from The Fight For Justice, by Luke Skywalker.

Several Republic walkers steadily moved across a pathway along a cliff. The deep trench was already making things difficult enough. But on the other side, Separatist tanks were firing upon them. The walkers tried to fight back but it was no use. The one in the lead was struck in the leg. It collapsed to the ground and blocked the path. A hatch at the top was opened and out emerged Cap, Widow, and Windu with a few clones.

“Take cover,” the Jedi ordered. The others moved behind the walker while Windu used the Force to break the glass of the cockpit and pull the unconscious pilot out.

“We have stopped the enemy advance,” a droid reported as he watched the walkers come to a halt.

“Give me those,” the Commander said, pulling away the droid’s binoculars and looking through them.

“Good. Now order our cannons to target their rear units. We’ll box them in and blast them to pieces.”

The clone Commander Ponds ran across the road and stood by the leaders with a grimace. 

“Eh, we’re pinned down.”

“Bring out the Lightning Squadron,” Steve ordered.

“I want Lightning up here, now,” he commanded through the comms.

A few of the walkers lowered a platform from their rears and out came two AT-RT’s from each of them. The bipedal speeders ran across the road.

“Get the injured back. I’m gonna clear the road,” Windu said over the sounds of battle. He gently handed the pilot to the others and marched to the downed walker. He closed his eyes and used the Force to push it over the edge.

“Sir, the enemy is advancing again.”

“Let me see,” the droid Commander said as the Republic forces began to regain their progress.

“Find some cover. Move it! Let’s go!” Ponds ordered the men around him.

Three AT-RT’s came to a stop before the Jedi and Avengers.

“They’re all yours, sirs,” the clone saluted and hopped off with his fellow pilots. The three leaders then mounted the walkers themselves.

“We’ll lead the way, Commander,” Windu said.

“This’ll be fun,” Nat smirked down at her ride. They then ran them at full speed across the path to the other end of the ravine.

“Forward!” Ponds shouted and the walkers advanced.

“Now those Avengers and Jedi are leading the attack!” the droid Commander exclaimed as he looked through the binoculars to see the AT-RT’s dodging explosions and heading right for them.

“This doesn’t look good,” the other droid lamented.

“Concentrate all your fire in those walkers.”

The tanks fired upon the attackers, leaving a large explosion where they stood.

“Did we get them?” The walkers hopped over the flames, answering his question. The Republic forces got closer. “Should we run?!”

“It would be better if we just surrendered. Ah!” the Commander screamed as Romanov shot them apart.

“Oh, I like this thing,” the Russian smirked.

Steve sped between the tanks and hurled his shield at one of them. It struck right where the cannon met the body and cut it off. The others shot at the tanks weak points and it wasn’t long before the Separatists were taken care of. The three got down once Ponds rejoined them, taking off his helmet.

“How many men did we lose?” Windu asked.

“32, I think, Including command crews of three walkers. The good news is Generals Kenobi and Skywalker with the Maximoffs have broken their lines. We can clear a path straight to the capital now.”

What our heroes didn’t know was that they were being watched by a probe droid. It was sending a live feed of their conversation straight to the Emir Wat Tambor himself.

“This battle cost us a lot of men,” Steve said.

“Rogers is right. We’re going to need help to take the city,” the Jedi stated.

“You got any ideas?” Widow asked.

“The Republic is advancing faster than I expected,” Tambor grimaced to the tactical droid next to him.

“I calculate they will reach the main gates by morning. I recommend we prepare our retreat.”

“I will not retreat,” the leader of the Techno Union barked. “Those Jedi and Avengers do not have the troops to take this city. Bring our units inside the walls and secure the bridge.”

Inside one of the walkers, a meeting between all the various players in the liberation campaign were present either in person or via transmission.

“What’s your progress, Skywalker?”

“My fighters have secured control of the space around Ryloth. We have the Separatist cruisers on the run. My Padawan and I are now fighting on the surface while Lt. Wilson, Colonel Rhodes and Vision keep the skies clear.”

“Very good, General Skywalker.” Anakin nodded to him before his transmission ended.

“Master Kenobi and Quicksilver have taken the Jixuan desert,” Windu gestured to a hologram of the planet. “So the southern hemisphere is ours.”

“Then it’s almost over,” Senator Taa sighed.

“Not quite. We still need to take the capital of Lessu,” Steve explained, as the hologram changed to the city.

“Our spies are certain the Separatist leader Wat Tambor has his command center there,” Natasha added.

“When taken the city we have, capture Tambor we must,” Yoda stressed. “Many Separatist leaders in custody we have. Tip the scales further, this will.”

“It’s not going to be easy, Master,” Mace stated. “Tambor has chosen his stronghold well. This plasma bridge is the only way in or out.”

“I’m afraid a siege could drag on indefinitely,” Palpatine said.

“My people have suffered so much already,” the Twi’lek pleaded.

“A plan you have to take the bridge, Master Windu? Hm?”

“With our forces stretched so thinly, I’m going to enlist the help of the freedom fighters, led by Cham Syndulla,” the Jedi answered, showing a picture of the rebel. “His fight against the droids has made him a symbol of freedom for the people.”

“Cham Syndulla was a radical before the War. He is very unpredictable,” the Chancellor sighed.

“He can’t be trusted,” Taa barked. “I know Syndulla seeks to gain power. We were political rivals.”

“Are you fucking serious?” Natasha questioned with a glare, causing the ones who didn;t know her so well to be caught off guard. “We are this close to freeing this world, and you’re telling me that we could still lose because you two can’t accept help from someone else?”

The others were silent and just stared at the woman. Except for Steve, he was doing his best to cover his smirk and hold in his laughter.

“We’ll leave the politics to you, Senator,” Windu said after a while. “I’m going to do whatever I can to help these people.”

“Perhaps we could send you Republic reinforcements instead,” Palpatine suggested.

“There are no reinforcements available, Chancellor,” Yularen explained. “We are leading campaigns like this one all across the Galaxy. We have taken Separatist planets faster than we can occupy them. If we continue to stretch our forces out like this, we will lose the worlds we have taken.”

“Allying with Syndulla is the only way we’re going to win this,” Steve argued.

“Everyone exit the transport,” Anakin ordered his men in the walker with him. “I need a moment alone to make a classified transmission. Understood?”

“Sir, yes, sir,” the clones said and left.

He took great care to ensure that the exits were sealed shut and that no one would hear what was about to be spoken. Skywalker then opened a pocket in his belt and pulled out the communicator that Padme had given him for Christmas. He placed it on the floor and activated it. The projection of his wife rose up before him.

“You’re on time, Ani. That’s new,” she teased.

“Come on, don’t be mean,” he said. His face softened immeasurably at her smile. “It is so good to see you.”

“You too. How’s the campaign going?”

“It’s almost done. I’ll be home soon enough.”

“That’s good. We’ll have a whole week together before the Hyperspace ring is ready to go to Earth.”

“Speaking of that,” he crossed his arms. “You didn’t tell me that you volunteered to go.” This caused his wife to sigh.

“Bail will need my help to make a good impression for the Republic. It is important that we get this right. A new world learning about an entirely new civilization. One that has had bad experiences that the Avengers had to face. We need them to know that the Republic is not a threat. And that we’ll be willing to protect them if it happens again. The Avengers have done so much for us. The least we can do is help their home,” she stressed. And damn it, he couldn’t argue with those eyes.

“Good point. But does it have to be you?”

“There’s another reason,” she began.

“Go ahead. I’ll listen,” he smiled.

“I need to get a doctor to check on what’s happening in here,” she touched her stomach. “And if I go to Earth, I’ll have anonymity.” Then she smirked at him. “And maybe we can even settle that the baby is a boy.”

All her husband did was chuckle.

“Okay. I guess that makes sense. But be ready to taste the defeat when you learn that that’s our little girl in there.”

The married couple shared a laugh.

“All debates aside, if it is a boy, I found the perfect name for him.”

“Really? ‘Cause I actually thought of the perfect name for a girl,” he grinned. “What did you come up with?”

“If it is our boy, I’d like our son to be called… Luke.”

The name echoed in his mind for a minute. Luke… Luke… Then he smiled softly and placed a hand on her holographic cheek. She leaned into his touch as if she could feel it.

“I love it,” he said. “Wanna hear mine?”

“Always.”

“If it’s a girl,” he placed a hand to her stomach. “I want to name her… Leia.”

“Leia… It’s perfect.”

Their eyes were locked on each other’s with pure love emulating from both of them. They held their beloved and almost felt like they were physically there.

“I want to kiss you so bad right now.”

“Me too. But don’t worry. We can do plenty of that when you get back.” She leaned forward to whisper in his ear. “Among other things.”

A shiver ran down Anakin’s spine. I swear, this woman will be the death of me. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Eventually they had to return to their duties and ended the transmission. So, Skywalker left the walker and rejoined his men.

“General,” Rex said, walking beside him. “There are Separatist forces up ahead. Do we engage?”

The warmth from the conversation with his wife was put aside by the cold presence of the warrior. The Hero With No Fear.

“Yes. Get the men ready to advance. Where are Ahsoka and Wanda?”

“They went to scout, sir. They’re waiting for us.”

“Alright then. Let’s move.”

A fog had enveloped the area, so they went through it carefully. After a few minutes of walking they found Ahsoka and Wanda deflecting plasma with their saber and powers alike.

“Forward!” Anakin ordered, drawing his blue blade and deflecting blaster bolts.

“I thought we would finally go over my training with Ahsoka today?” Mximoff asked, as she hurled a red ball of energy at the enemy.

“This is your training. See how you can fight together,” the General explained.

The Padawan just shrugged at the Avenger and the pair joined the rest in their assault.

It was an hour later when the battle ended. Their forces had stopped to treat their wounded and rest. Ahsoka sat beside a clone who had bandages wrapped around his face. She placed a comforting hand on his arm. After a second he put a hand over hers in gratitude.

“Will he be all right?” Wanda asked her from behind.

“Yes. But the scars will remain.” She turned to see her Master speaking with Rex and two other clones.

“Echo, Fives, what do you learn from scouting up ahead?”

“There are more droids at the top of that ridge, sir,” Echo answered.

“They have a tank with them. But it won’t be a problem if we can use the fog,” Five added.

“Good work, you two,” Rex praised.

“Excuse me for a second,” the Jedi said before marching over to the girls. “Come on, you two. The battle’s not over yet. There are more Separatist droids approaching.” His apprentice nodded and stood up. But then she paused and looked back at the wounded men. “Is there a problem?” he asked gently.

“We’ve lost so many in this campaign.” This caused her teacher to sigh.

“There’s always a price to be paid.”

“But so many of them were following my orders. I got them killed.” Wanda placed a hand on her shoulder upon hearing that.

“I’m not feeling good about this either,” the Avenger sighed. “I could have cast more shields or done something.”

“This is war, girls. It is our job to lead. That doesn’t mean we don’t make mistakes.”

“But people died. Does that not bother you?” Maximoff asked.

“Of course it does,” he admitted.

“This… this isn’t what I thought I’d end up doing when I became an Avenger.”

“And this isn’t what I trained for,” Ahsoka added.

“We must adjust to the times,” he explained. “Look, when Obi-Wan taught me, we were keepers of the peace. But now, to win this war, and keep innocents safe, I have to teach you to be a soldier.” He turned to Wanda. “You too.”

“You know I’m older than you, right?”

“That’s beside the point, Maximoff.”

“Is that all I’ll have to teach my own Padawan one day? How to fight?” Ahsoka asked. That made Anakin pause.

“Do you even want a Padawan?”

“Hmm?”

“You know, teaching’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” he said as he began to walk away.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” the apprentice asked, visibly offended.

“I’m joking,” he chuckled.

“Now? Of all times?” Wanda questioned incredulously. Ahsoka had the same expression on her face.

“Yeah, I’m joking. What would you prefer?” he loomed over them.

“I don’t know,” the Sokovian crossed her arms.

“Tell me. What do you want? You want me to be more serious?”

“We’d prefer it,” the Padawan stressed.

“Listen, I’m teaching you both how to lead, how to survive, and to do that you’re going to have to fight. I learned that the hard way.” His look was the most serious the two had ever seen it. “I learned that in order to keep the people you protect safe, you have to become a monster to your enemies. I learned that in my first fight against Ventress. I learned that when I became the sole surviving member of the Padawan Pack on Jabiim.”

Ahsoka was silent. Wanda though, wasn’t done yet.

“Anakin, I’ve been fighting since I was ten. I don't want to do this forever. I want to eventually settle down and plant roots. I want to live my own life. So what happens then? What happens if I stop fighting?”

He looked at her in understanding. He was currently planting his own roots, and knew where the woman was coming from. There was an explosion up ahead that cut off his response. The soldiers charged to engage the droids, so he made this next part quick.

“Not just now, but always. Because life is a fight. You’re always fighting something. Even yourself.” He pulled out his lightsaber. “If you stop… then you’ll die.” He turned to follow the clones. “Let’s go.”

The Padawan and Avenger watched him walk into the fog to combat the enemy. As he went on, the explosions all around lit up his figure. But when it happened again, Wanda saw something else. She saw a menacing figure clad head to toe in black wielding a red blade.

The woman recoiled at the sight and blinked to see another explosion replace the figure with her companion.

“Wanda? Wanda, are you all right?” Ahsoka asked.

“Did… did you see that?’

“See what?”

“I… nothing. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“Your tactical droid has informed me of the pitiful job you have done protecting our investment on Ryloth,” Dooku’s hologram glared at the Emir with crossed arms.

Tambor gave the tactical droid a furious look.

“That droid exaggerates. I have not lost yet. I still hold the capital and guard it with a squadron of Cortosis droids.”

“You are no match for Master Windu and the Avengers,” the Sith sighed. “Do not become greedy, Emir Tabor. Take what valuables you can and destroy everything else.”

“Everything?”

“We can put this defeat to political use. The charred ruins of Ryloth will demonstrate to the Galaxy the cost of a Republic victory,” Dooku explained with a deep frown. He didn’t like it, but he knew what had to be done in this situation.

“As you wish.”

“Keep an eye out for that lost patrol,” a super droid ordered.

Romanov, Rogers and Windu hid behind a destroyed transport in a crater as a patrol of droids passed them by.

“Look, it’s RB-551,” a droid said, picking up the head of another.

“No wonder he got blasted. He’s one of those older models programmed by a central computer.”

“Not us. We’re independent thinkers.”

“Roger, roger,” the others said and walked away.

“Think the droids will lead us to the rebel?” Natasha smirked.

“Without a doubt,” the Jedi responded. Their thoughts were confirmed by the sounds of blaster fire.

“Look out! It’s an ambush!”

“Help! It’s the resistance!

The three pulled out their weapons and ran up the crater to join the fight. That was unnecessary as they saw the droids were now a pile of scrapheap.

Suddenly several Twi’lek came out from their hiding spots and trained their blasters on them. And on top of a ruined transport stood Cham Syndulla himself.

“I was wondering when you’d find me, Master Jedi.”

“General Syndulla,” Mace greeted. “We’ve come for your help.”

“What makes you think you’ll get it?” the freedom fighter crossed his arms.

“Will you at least hear us out?” Cap asked. “There’s a lot we can do for one another.”

“Perhaps,” Cham nodded. “Bring them back to base.”

“Emir Tambor, our bombers are nearly ready for launch,” the tactical droid reported. The two looked down from the balcony to see several bombers being loaded for their attack. “And now I will ready your ship for evacuation.”

“No, I am not yet ready to leave.”

“In any case, we have a schedule to keep. The ship will be ready.”

The Hyena bombers were finally ready and quickly took off from the courtyard of the city.

“Target every Twi’lek village in range, the inhabited ones first,” the Skakoan ordered.

“Of course.”

Several republic tanks marched to a nearby village with the moons and stars shining overhead.

“Our scouts reported from the village up ahead?” Ponds questioned.

“The enemy’s already pulled out, sir. Friendlies are all that’s left, mostly women and children.”

“See if we can spare some rations. They’ll be hungry.”

“Sir, enemy ships are entering our sector!” another trooper exclaimed and they all rushed to the scanners to see several fighters coming in. If one stood outside they could see the bombers not even go near them, and drop their bombs on the settlement.

“Damage report!” Ponds shouted.

“There’s no tactical damage, sir. They didn’t hit us. They bombed the village!”

Ponds immediately hopped out of the walker and landed on the ground to see the village burning.

“Send a message for Quicksilver to rescue any survivors. And make contact with General Windu.”

“I hope you don’t mind this. A little distraction does well to ease the burden of the War on my men,” Syndulla explained, gesturing to the dancing Twi’leks in the main hall of the resistance hideout.

Sitting beside him were Mace, Steve and Nat. They had arrived at the hideout earlier and were being treated as guests with what food the Twi’leks had.

“In the last war I fought in, my team and I would go to this pub after every mission,” Steve smiled. “You have to put so much of yourself aside on the battlefield. It’s nice to have a moment to be yourself again.”

“You are right, Captain,” Cham smiled, taking a sip of his drink. “In times of war it is easy to forget who you are. I have a wife and daughter back home that I’m dying to see when this is over.”

“You have provided well for your men. All your people,” the Jedi praised. “So why won’t you help us free them from this occupation?”

“I don’t trust Senator Taa. His plans for this world after the War.”

“Yeah, I can see why after that one discussion we had with him,” Romanov nodded.

“The Republic will help you rebuild. We won’t abandon you,” Windu promised.

“Your troops will stay for security?”

“For a while, to keep the peace.”

“Another armed occupation is not a free Ryloth,” Syndulla stressed. “How long before I am fighting you, Master Jedi?” He turned to the Avengers. “News has not traveled to Ryloth well due to the occupation. But I have heard some things about your group. Such as you not being tied to the Republic. So, tell me, what is your opinion on this matter?”

“I think you’re right,” Rogers answered. “I was against a similar situation in our homeworld. You can’t point a gun at everyone’s head and call it freedom.”

“It turned out to be a conspiracy to get a lot of innocent people killed, and for this terrorist organization to take power,” Widow added. “And with the corruption we’ve seen in the Senate, your fears are more than justified.”

Windu’s commlink began beeping and he answered it, the hologram of Ponds showing up.

“What is it, Commander?”

“The droids have begun a firebombing campaign. Several villages in our sector have been destroyed, sir,” Ponds reported with a grimace.

The entire room went dead silent at those terrible words. The Avengers clenched their fists. Windu frowned deeply and turned to Cham, whose face was buried in his hand. The other Twi’leks in the room looked to the leader pleading for him to do something.

“Make the arrangements. I will speak to Senator Taa.”

“Is this all of it?” Tambor questioned as the droids and Twi’lek prisoners loaded boxes of treasure into his shuttle.

“We are still awaiting two transports from our southern base,” a droid answered. “Should we depart without them?”

“No. I will have every valuable on this rock before I leave.”

“Emir Tambor,” the Skakoan turned around to see the tactical droid holding a communicator displaying an angry Count Dooku. “Why haven’t you evacuated?”

“Our exit strategy is taking more time to implement,” he lied.

“I want you out of the city before the Republic arrives. Once they have invaded the capital, you will bomb it from afar,” he ordered the tactical droid. “Am I understood?”

“Yes, Count Dooku.” The transmission ended.

“You will not do anything until I give the order,” Wat barked.

“We have our orders, Emir.”

“Senator Taa, so glad you could join us from comfortable Coruscant,” Cham sneered at the hologram. “Our people have survived with only me.”

“I knew you would try to turn this into a campaign to take power. Need I remind you it is I who leads our people in the Senate?” the fat Twi’lek boasted.

“And it is I who leads our people here and now.” The old rivals were glaring at each other hatefully.

“Unless you two act like grown ups, there won’t be anything left to lead,” Natasha cut in, having her fill of this.

“Cap? Cap, this is Sam. Do you copy?” they heard from Steve comm.

“Yes, Sam. What’s going on?”

“We’re taking out the fighters as fast as we can, but there’s too many of them.” Sounds of explosions could be heard in the background. “Even with Vision and Rhodey here, we’re not gonna get all of them.”

“We gotta get the people away from the cities,” Rhodey joined in.

“Pietro has made some gains, but he cannot be everywhere at once,” Viz stated.

“You have to take them down, too many lives are at stake,” Cap responded.

“We’ll do what we can,” Sam said and ended the transmission.

“What do the Separatists hope to gain from burning our homes?” Orn asked, holding his hands in dismay.

“Nothing,” Syndulla answered. “”Wat Tambor spoils for others what he cannot possess.”

Then we must act quickly,” the Senator spoke with resolve.

“Senator, your people are hesitant to join us because they’re worried there will be another military occupation,” Windu explained.

“The people have my promise that the clone army will leave once Ryloth is free of those droids.”

“General, what assurance can you give Senator Taa that you will not try to assume power?”

“I only want to see my people free, Master Jedi. I give my word. I believe in democracy.”

The two Twi’lek leaders nodded to one another.

“Then we are together in this,” the Jedi said.

“We’re with you all the way,” Steve vowed. Natasha nodded in agreement.

They walked over to the rest of the resistance fighters.

“Men of Ryloth,” Cham began. “The time has come to free ourselves!”

The rebels cheered, ready to take back their home.

The next day, the Republic and Twi’lek forces stood on a ridge just before the capital city. The Jedi, Avengers and Cham looked on from their perch to plan the attack.

“Our intel confirms that Tambor is still inside,” Widow reported.

“How are we going to attack with my people so close?” Syndulla questioned upon seeing the inhabitants being forced outside the gates.

“Your people will never be in danger if our walkers can cross the bridge into the city,” Windu explained. “Key is getting control of that bridge.”

“Perhaps there is your way,” Cham pointed to a convoy moving down a path in the ravine. “My spies tell me those transports carry treasure. It’s not enough for the Separatists to enslave and murder us. They must rob us too,” he growled.

“I can sneak in one of them and make my way to the bridge’s control room,” Romanov volunteered. “Infiltration is my specialty.”

“It is risky. They are usually scanned while crossing.”

“I can get across the bridge as soon as I’m actually on it. I just need one of those to take me halfway.”

“I’ll go with you,” the Jedi said.

“Lightning Squadron and I can create a diversion once you two are on the other side,” Cap offered.

A few minutes later the Jedi and Black Widow stood on a ledge waiting for the transports. Once they came in range, they leaped down to the back one and cut a hole inside.

“They’re in,” Cham nodded. Let’s go.”

“Everyone’s ready, Captain,” Ponds reported to Steve.

“As soon as the fighting on that brigade starts, charge ahead.”

Wat Tambor looked out the window to look at the planet. He couldn’t wait to get off this rock, but not without getting everything worthwhile first.

“It is time to leave,” the tactical droid told him. “The Republic walkers are holding at 1,200 meters.”

The Emir frowned, not wanting to leave just yet. Then another droid walked in.

“Sir, the last shipments of treasure are approaching.”

“Just in time,” he grinned under his mask. “Activate the bridge and get them across immediately.”

They did as he said and turned on the plasma walkway. Two droids walked on with scanners to meet the transports.

“Here they come,” Windu said.

“Wait. I’m picking up an anomaly in there,” one of the droids said as his scanner beeped. “Stay alert.”

“Troopers, prepare to fire,” Steve ordered.

“Open the cargo hatch,” the droids ordered. The hatch opened to reveal Windu holding his purple lightsaber and Romanov her blasters.

“Oh no!”

“You are under arrest. You have the right to remain-” he was cut off by the Jedi pulling him with the Force and slicing him in half.

“We’re under attack!” the other droid screamed into the comes and was shot by Widow.

Lightning Squadron fired from their position and struck down several Separatist speeders.

“Deactivate the bridge!” the Commander in the control room shouted.

“Oh well. Too bad for them,” a droid said and pulled the lever. The alarm rang outside and was heard by the attackers.

“Run for it! They're turning the bridge off!” Windu yelled.

Romanov ran across the walkway, and once it flickered out, she fired a cable from her wrist and swung to the other side. Windu hopped onto a transport and Force jumped to a droid speeder. He looked the B1 in the eyes and hit the brakes just as another one approached. Then he hopped off and landed on the other side as the two speeders collided with their pilots screaming. The pair stood up to see the gates open with several droids coming out to meet them. These ones were B2’s but their plating was more silver.

“Cortosis droids,” Nat realized.

“I’ll hold them off,” Windu drew his lightsaber. “Get that bridge back up.”

“You got it,” she nodded and sprinted towards the gate.

“Charge!” Cham and Steve bellowed and led the army down to the city.

Romanov ran to the elevator and managed to get inside. Windu meanwhile deflected the blasts that came his way. One droid made to punch him, so dodge and put away his weapon, knowing that it wouldn’t do any good. The Jedi grabbed the attacker by the arm and began to use the same technique he had on Dantooine. Allowing the Force to flow through him, he tore the appendage off and plunged it into the droid’s head. Then he threw the downed opponent at two more droids and it crashed into them. Mace then reached out to another droid and completely disassembled it. Then he hurled the pieces at three more droids. And since they were made of Cortosis as well, the droids were torn to shreds.

Widow walked into the control room and the droids looked at her in confusion.

“Hey. You’re not authorized,” the Commander said.

“Don’t care,” the Avenger responded and shot all of them. She pulled the lever and the bridge reactivated. “Bridge is secure. You’re free to cross, Steve.”

Windu used the Force and smashed the last Cortosis droid against the ground. Then the rest of the Separatist garrison made of B1’s, B2’s, Droidekas and a tank. They fired upon him but he unleashed a massive Force push that smashed them to bits. Then the Jedi pulled the gate off the wall and used it to crush the tank.

Lightning Squadron and the Twi’leks riding their Blurgs ran across the bridge and through the gates where the civilians cheered them on. Cham and Steve came to a stop beside the Jedi.

“You take these droids. I’ll go find Wat Tambor,” the Jedi said.

“I’m right behind you,” Cap nodded and ran off with him.

The miniature walkers and Blurgs tore through the droids and tanks in rapid succession. Up in the control room, two commando droids attacked the Black Widow.

Big mistake as she expertly dodged their attacks and tackled one of them and threw it at the other with her legs. Then she fired a blast from her Widow’s Bite. The electric shock had them writhing on the floor in agony. Nastasha finished them off with a few shots from her blasters.

“Start my ship,” the tactical droid ordered his guards and he marched into the shuttle. “That Tambor is a fool.”

Tambor himself arrived in the courtyard to see the vessel taking off.

“My ship!” the Emir exclaimed as it zoomed off into the sky.

“I’m afraid Emir Tambor refused to retreat in time,” the droid informed Count Dooku.

“That is… unfortunate. Order our bombers to destroy the capital immediately.”

Windu and Cap ran into the courtyard, deflecting the lasers from Tambor’s B2 guards. The Avenger hurled his shield at them, cutting one in half. The Jedi simply swung his saber and struck down the other. The two pointed their weapons at the Separatist Council member.

“Surrender,” Mace demanded.

“General Windu, Captain Rogers, perhaps we can come to a compromise.”

“Not when we hold all the cards,” the Jedi responded. The Emir then looked up at the sky.

“It appears a surrender is unnecessary.”

The two looked up to see a squadron of bombers incoming.

“That’s not good,” the Captain blanched.

“We will all perish for the glory of the Separatist Alliance.”

Then out of nowhere, a few missiles took down two bombers. A yellow laser cut through two more. Finally the last one was shot by blasts from a fighter. The smoke cleared to reveal Sam, Vision and Rhodey had saved all their lives. The three then landed in the courtyard.

“On your left,” Sam smirked, causing Steve to laugh.

“That was cutting it close,” the colonel sighed.

“This appears to be a habit of ours,” Vision observed. “I cannot decide if this is a good thing or not.”

“I’ll take what I can get,” Steve grinned at his friends.

The rest of the clones, freedom fighters and Natasha joined in as well, all aiming their weapons at the Separatist.

“What are your terms for surrender?” Tambor asked.

“They’re unconditional,” Syndulla glared.

The leader of the Techno Union mulled it over for a moment, weighing his options.

“Agreed.”

“I thank you and the Avengers, Master Jedi. Today all of Ryloth thanks you,” Cham smiled at them.

“This never would have happened without your help,” Steve stressed.

“You’ve earned your freedom, General. All of you,” the Jedi smiled at the Twi’leks.

After some time, everyone who took part in the campaign was in the capital. The people cheered as the walkers, clones, Jedi and Avengers marched through the streets. Even Senator Taa had come down from Coruscant to join the celebration. He stood beside his old rival and the two smiled at each other. They still had their differences, but at the end of the day, they were both happy that the occupation was over.

Everyone was grinning from ear to ear. The Maximoffs were laughing in joy now that the civilians were safe. Ahsoka, Anakin and Obi-Wan could rest easy now that their men were out of the fight for now. The clones and Avengers were grateful that their efforts had done some good.

And Windu? Windu smiled at the Twi’leks. After everything they’d done to help, these people were safe. This was the Republic at its finest. This is exactly what he fought for. What he would give his life to protect. Because now, the people of Ryloth were finally free.

Coruscant

A Duros dressed in attire resembling a cowboy walked into a hidden alley. He looked around once, then twice, and finally spoke.

“I’m here. Now, what do you want? I’ve got a job in a few days.”

“Oh, believe me, I know,” a voice spoke from the shadows. A simple protocol droid with red eyes emerged. “And I may be able to help you. Cad Bane.”

“A protocol droid?” the bounty hunter scoffed and turned to leave. “Quit wasting my time.”

“I know the Hutts have hired you to break Ziro the Hutt out of jail,” the droid said, giving the Duros pause. “I also know that you intend to take the entire Senate Building hostage as blackmail. Very clever, by the way. But you still need the building schematics.”

“I have my ways of getting them,” Bane said, but he did look at the droid in interest. Anyone who knew his plans ahead of time was worth listening to.

“Yes, Senator Amidala’s droids. Again, clever,” the droid praised. “But that will not be necessary. I already have them. And I’d be willing to give them to you in exchange for something I want.”

Bane chewed on his toothpick for a minute before holding it in his fingers.

“I’m listening.”

“I have a list of prisoners in Republic custody that I want free. Make it happen and not only will I give you the plans, but I will pay you one hundred-thousand credits afterward.”

Cad was silent for a minute. Then he nodded.

“Who do you want out?”