As I said, this is a more minor update in comparison to the one from the weekend, but the character stuff felt worth posting given the action heavy portions recently. I don’t know exactly when or what size the next update will be, however it will be relatively soon and will transition the focus of the invasion from above Coruscant to directly on it. As always, thanks for the encouragement and feedback.
Phakerem watches the power outages on Coruscant aghast and begins to dictate that all of her ships are to prevent any Republic vessels from landing, however she’s cut off by a report that Jedi cruisers are beginning to appear out of hyperspace. Silent and shaking with frustration, through gritted teeth the general orders half of the Mandalorian fleet to halt the invasion and the other to engage the newly arrived cruisers. She’s asked about the lone Jedi ship still heading for them. Composure somewhat regained she replies, “If they get close, we give them everything.”
On that lone Jedi ship, Darelda says she can’t believe they (Anakin and company) pulled it off. Kenobi says there’s something to be said about having an amazing apprentice. HX pips up and suggests they save their compliments for when Anakin’s there and when they’re not currently at risk at being utterly annihilated. Nellith agrees and states the lead enemy ship is still the biggest threat to the landing fleet even if the Mandalorians attentions are divided. Ben asks what she recommends and gets an instant answer. “Let’s divide them further.”
In the lab, Anakin almost has the energy scalpel close to him, with neither doctor noticing. One of the two looks around the room anxiously, still panicking about the power outage, even though the emergency lights are on. Slightly eying the nearby entrance, the other tells him to calm down and that they’ll have to put Skywalker in stasis and do the procedure later. The first vigorously refuses and yells that he’s not taking the risk and they’re better off just finishing the Jedi off and getting out of there.
Outraged at the suggestion, the second tells him that both Phakerem and Crayde will destroy him even if he does, but the nervous one says he doesn’t care. A shouting match starts to ensue, but is interrupted when both hear fire from outside the room. The clone troopers at the door quickly move to see what’s going on, leaving the formerly arguing pair to draw sidearms and turn their backs on Anakin as the blaster sounds get closer.
Such a distraction proves to be well timed as Nik finally gets the energy scalpel activated with the Force and cuts through his restraint and in a few seconds is free from the table. Before the closer one can react, Skywalker jams the tool into the former’s shoulder and as he cries out in pain, grabs the man’s blaster. Anakin manages two quick shots which is all he needs as both doctors are soon down. He starts hearing someone coming in and, preparing for the worst, readies the weapon. In walks none other than a very wired and determined Carima who is ready to shoot until she sees the person in front of her.
The two stare at each other in silent and shocked disbelief for a few seconds before both put their weapons down. Nivir’s face turns a sore frown as she points an accusatory finger at him and says that “Your little distraction stunt on the building was thoughtless, dangerous, and proof positive you’ve lost your mind”. Anakin’s eyes go wide and he replies with indignation that “You risking everything to come here for a what I presume is a rescue was not only against what I said but also the most self-destructively stupid thing you possibly could have done.”
There’s a slight beat with the two still looking at one another before the they can’t help but start smiling. Nik closes the distance first, and “God, I love you” passes from his lips before holding her in a passionate kiss. The loving embrace last a few seconds before they separate; foreheads still touching and a few joyful tears coming from both. Carima breaks the silence. “Right back at ya, flyboy.”
A few moments later the two walk out into the hallway, the rest of Skywalker’s platoon elated to see him alive and well. After being handed a spare blaster he gives them thanks for the rescue and says he’s pretty sure he can overlook them disobeying a direct order this time. “Fingers crossed that the higher ups are as forgiving as I am.” The lieutenant confirms after Anakin asks that Fordala indeed knocked out the power center and they overheard Coalition soldiers saying the planet’s being invaded.
Carima utters that Republic plans appear to be on schedule and Nik replies if that’s the case then Organa’s probably landing the fleet as they speak. He adds that they have to get out of here and one of the platoon tells him that the lower floors are likely crawling with staff and soldiers by now. At that Skywalker says the roof might be their best chance, especially since they’ve spotted small ships land there before. As he leads them to the elevator he mentions they might have to blow a hole to get there, but should be fine provided they haven’t burned through all their thermal detonators.
He doesn’t notice the platoon shooting a look toward Carima who sheepishly speaks up right before they turn a corner, “Well, yeah, about that actually…”