Zeffo
Anakin crossed his arms as he stood in front of his troops with Nikki by his side,
"Alright, everyone. Our mission is to protect the ancient Zeffo temple and its secrets. The Separatists have launched an attack, and Master Jaro Tapal and his padawan, Cal Kestis, are currently holding them off but need reinforcements. Are you ready for this co-gen?"
Nikki smiled nervously at him,
"As ready as I can be,"
Anakin smiled and put his hand on her shoulder,
"Don't worry, Sora, I know it might be a little nerve-wrecking to see a Jedi Temple for the first time. We might not have to enter it. I doubt we will, but if we have to, Master Tapal and Cal would most likely go,"
Nikki nodded,
"Alright, yeah that makes me feel better...have you worked with them before?"
Anakin shook his head,
"Not personally. Obi-Wan has had some missions with him before. Cal is very close friends with his padawan, Nikki."
Nikki nodded,
"Alright, when do we get there?"
"A few hours, so get prepared,"
The gunship roared as it descended onto the battlefield, dust and debris flying in all directions. The doors slid open, revealing the chaos outside Separatist battle droids swarmed the area, blaster fire crisscrossing the air.
Anakin was the first to jump out, his blue lightsaber igniting with a snap-hiss, its blade casting an eerie glow amidst the battlefield. He assessed the scene quickly, noting the overwhelming number of droids and the critical need for a coordinated effort,
"Rex, take the left flank. Sora, you're with me."
Nikki ignited her two purple lightsabers, the blades humming to life,
"Got it. Let's move!"
They leaped from the gunship into the thick of the battle. Anakin and Nikki moved in perfect synchronization, their lightsabers deflecting blaster bolts and cutting through the ranks of droids. Each swing of Nikki's purple blades was precise and devastating, creating a path through the metal enemies that tried to encroach upon them.
The 501st Legion followed closely behind. The clone troopers laid down a barrage of suppressive fire from behind makeshift cover, their disciplined coordination providing a crucial shield for Anakin and Nikki's advance. The air crackled with the sound of blaster fire and the occasional explosive burst as grenades and blaster shots collided with their targets.
As they fought their way closer to the temple, Nikki's eyes picked out a tall, formidable Lasat on the battlefield. He wielded a double-bladed blue lightsaber with skill and precision, his movements a fluid dance of defense and attack. His presence was commanding, and his blade cut through the droid ranks effortlessly. Beside him, a young padawan with red hair, armed with a single blue lightsaber, fought bravely, matching his master's rhythm.
Anakin, noticing them, maneuvered closer to them, his voice rising above the clash of weapons,
"Master Tapal! We're here to assist!"
Jaro Tapal, the Lasat Jedi Master, turned with a sharp gaze, his eyes narrowing in recognition.
"Good timing. We need to protect the temple's secrets at all costs. We're being overwhelmed and can't hold this position for much longer."
Nikki stepped in beside Anakin, her lightsabers a blur of purple as she deflected incoming blaster fire. Her movements were fluid and controlled, each swing deliberate and powerful. As she fought closer to the young padawan,
"Cal, right? I'm Sora. We're here to help."
Cal Kestis, despite the chaos swirling around him, maintained his composure. He glanced briefly at Nikki, his blue lightsaber darting in precise arcs as he defended against the onslaught,
"Nice timing,"
Nikki gave him a reassuring smile before turning her attention back to the battle. She noticed that Jaro Tapal was fighting with a fierce determination, his double-bladed lightsaber creating a protective barrier around them. The droids seemed to falter in the face of his relentless assault.
Anakin, moving with purpose, took on the droid forces that threatened to flank them. His blue lightsaber was a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, each swing and thrust expertly calculated to maximize impact. His presence was a driving force, pushing back the enemy and providing a crucial boost to their defense.
The combined efforts of Anakin, Nikki, Jaro, Cal, and the 501st began to turn the tide of the battle. The droids, once advancing in overwhelming numbers, started to retreat as their ranks thinned. The battle was far from over, but the arrival of the reinforcements had shifted the momentum in their favor.
Nikki fought alongside Anakin and the others, her focus unwavering as she cut through the remaining droids. The temple loomed ahead, its ancient stone structure a silent witness to the fierce conflict unfolding before it. Nikki and Cal went further ahead of the two older Generals and made a path. They entered the Temple and spotted Eno Cordova gathering papers,
"Master Cordovo!"
Eno looked up and smiled in relief,
"Ah, you must be some of the Jedi that the council sent,"
Nikki nodded and smiled at him,
"I am Jedi Knight Sora, this is Padawan Cal Kestis. His Master is-"
"Master Tapal,"
Cal's eyes widened in surprise,
"How did you know?"
Eno chuckled,
"My dear boy, I may not travel to Coruscant often, but I do recall Master Tapal talking about his new Padawan. Help me get some of these papers together. I was just about to go to Coruscant myself when the Separatists came,"
Nikki and Cal shared a confused look before turning back to Eno,
"About what?"
Eno sighed and looked at the two,
"What I am about to say should not be in front of a padawan,"
Cal frowned and shook his head,
"I can take it, Master Cordova,"
Eno sighed and looked at Nikki before nodding,
"When I was meditating earlier today, I had a vision. Something bad is going to happen. Something so horrific that it will cause the downfall of all the Jedi. Yet, the force spoke to me. It said that there is hope. When two becomes one, there will only be light,"
Cal's eyes widened in fear,
"You think we will be killed?"
Eno placed his hand on Cal's shoulder gently,
"No, dear boy, I think where there is light, there is hope. I believe in the force that it will save us. I just need to report my findings to the council in person,"
Eno Cordova's words hung heavy in the air, a mixture of foreboding and hope that left a lingering unease in the room. Nikki and Cal exchanged worried glances, the weight of the vision they had just heard settling heavily upon them. Nikki couldn't help but think about how Eno predicted Order 66 and was ignored, just as Fives was. She shook her head and smiled at him,
"Master Cordova, we can help you escape unharmed so you can speak to the Council. Cal and I can hold the Separatists off,"
Eno nodded appreciatively,
"Thank you, Sora. But be cautious; the Separatists have become more aggressive, sensing the critical nature of what we're protecting here."
Cal smiled with a determined glint in his eyes,
"I'll help gather the papers. Master Cordova, do you have any idea what this vision could mean?"
Eno paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face,
"The Force often communicates in cryptic ways. But remember, visions are not always clear predictions. They are warnings and guidance. We must be vigilant but also trust in the light. It is crucial that we all remain united in these dark times. We must start preparing for the worst."
Nikki nodded at him,
"We'll do our best. Stay safe, Master Cordova."
With a quick, resolute nod, Eno began gathering the scattered papers, his movements methodical despite the urgency of the situation. Nikki and Cal worked alongside him, quickly sorting through the documents and securing them in protective cases.
As they worked, the sound of blaster fire and the occasional explosion reverberated through the temple's ancient halls, a grim reminder of the ongoing battle outside. Despite the chaos, the presence of the Jedi and the 501st had given a sense of order to the battlefield. Nikki straightened up and grabbed her lightsaber hilts after giving the papers to Eno,
"Let's move. We have some droids to get rid of,"
Cal nodded, his eyes filled with determination,
"Agreed. Let's make sure Master Cordova reaches the council safely."
The group moved quickly through the temple, emerging back into the fray. The Separatists' attack had intensified, their forces relentless in their attempts to breach the temple. Anakin and Jaro Tapal were engaged in fierce combat, their lightsabers a blur of blue and violet against the backdrop of the relentless droid army.
Nikki and Cal rejoined the battle. Together with Anakin, Jaro, and the 501st, they pressed forward, their coordinated efforts pushing back the Separatist forces. The droids, faced with the combined might of the Jedi and the skilled clone troopers, began to falter. Anakin's voice rang loud,
"Keep pushing! We need to secure the perimeter and ensure Master Cordova can leave safely."
Nikki fought with renewed vigor, her dual purple lightsabers cutting through the enemy with precision and strength. Cal fought beside her, he couldn't help but feel a familiarity pass through him fighting alongside the Jedi Master. The combined effort of the Jedi and the 501st was beginning to turn the tide of the battle once more.
As the Separatist forces started to retreat, their numbers significantly diminished, the tension on the battlefield began to ease. The sounds of blaster fire became less frequent, replaced by the grunts and shouts of the victorious troops.
Nikki took a moment to catch her breath, her eyes scanning the battlefield,
"Anakin, Master Tapal, the temple is secure for now. Master Cordova is safely on his way to Coruscant with his research."
Anakin gave a nod of approval, his expression a mix of relief and focus,
"Good work, everyone. We've held our ground and protected the temple's secrets. Let's ensure that we're prepared for any remaining threats."
Jaro approached, his demeanor one of gratitude and exhaustion,
"Thank you all for your timely assistance. The temple's preservation is crucial, and your help has been invaluable."
Nikki offered a smile,
"We're just glad we could help. We should all regroup and assess the situation to ensure we're fully prepared for any further actions."
Anakin placed a hand on her shoulder,
"Are you okay?"
Nikki glanced at him and nodded,
"Yeah...I am,"
She locked eyes with Cal and nodded at Anakin,
"I will be right back,"
Anakin nodded and Rex was about to approach her when he was held back by Anakin,
"What is it, general?"
Anakin glanced at Nikki and Cal,
"Something is changing, Rex. I am not sure what it is but something is different,"
Rex shrugged,
"Is it some Jedi sense?"
Anakin shrugged,
"Probably,"
Cal sat down on the floor when Nikki approached him,
"Master Sora...Are we supposed to do something about the vision that Master Cordova told us?"
Nikki sat down next to him and shook her head,
"Unfortunately, Cal, we can not do anything because the Council has to decide,"
"What if they choose wrong?"
Nikki winced,
"Then we must trust that the force straightens it out,"
Cal frowned,
"What did it mean when Master Cordova said that the force told him...When two becomes one, there will only be light,"
Nikki frowned as she thought about it,
"I wish I had the answers...but I do not,"
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