Chapter 36 - Ride of the Valkyries

(So, this is a bit embarrassing but it was pointed out to me that I made a major continuity error. I went back and retconned the mistake. Shmi is no longer dead since I kinda made it so she wouldn't die a while ago. I forgot and I apologise for that. I do this for fun but that is still no excuse for such a silly mistake. Pls forgive oWo.)

To bring home Tyler's thoughts about the drastic increase in scale of this war compared to canon, as the gunships were coming down, a wave of bombers from another Republic Guild erased half of the droids in the arena. This was before the droids even had a chance to shoot back.

This guild was known as Space Force. It was largely made up of retired Air Force pilots and technicians. The story behind its founding is actually quite interesting. A recently retired Major General from the US Air Force was dragged into the game by his grandson. Being in his 60's, he did not have much else to do so he checked it out.

He was skeptical at first, of course, but soon realized how amazing this new world was. He could continue with the thrills of combat without having to use his aging body. Then he discovered space warfare. This is where he fell in love. He immediately contacted everyone he knew from his pilot days. They formed a guild and the rest is history.

Aside from Limitless, they are the most dominant guild in terms of naval capabilities. They are even made up of retired pilots from various countries around Earth. Best of all, their flagship is called Space Force 1. Their guild leader, the retired general, was called Overlord. This was his callsign once he became an officer and it stuck with him until he retired.

Tyler saw his wrist comm lit up. "This is Draco speaking."

Overlord laughed heartily. "No shit. I'm the one that called you, son. How'd that danger close feel, drama queen?"

Over the past few years, Tyler and Overlord have developed a great relationship. Their guilds helped each other out on multiple occasions and he may have had his elders tip them off on what was about to happen on Geonosis. Their air support would be unmatched due to their decades of experience in the ċȯċkpits of fighter jets and other aircraft.

Tyler sighed. "It was perfect. Might have to talk about making you an Admiral for the GAR."

Overlord chuckled. "We'll see about that. Anyways, I got some LZs to clear. Over and out." He hung up.

Yoda yelled out to the clones. "AROUND THE SURVIVORS, A PERIMETER CREATE!"

By this time, the battle had resumed and everything was going to shit on both sides. The airspace was crowded and the Jedi were boarding Republic gunships.

As they took off, Tyler looked over at the balcony where Dooku was. Behind the Count, there were two people he had not seen before. Dark energies permeated the air around them and he felt a chill just looking at them.

Feeling Tyler's concern Yoda turned to him. "Draco, new guests it seems we have. Eliminate them, we must.���

Tyler scoffed. "Since when was it that easy to kill a Sith?"

Windu nodded. "We can not allow Dooku to escape."

Yoda sighed. "Rally more systems to his cause, he will."

Tyler grimaced. "Master Yoda, I believe we should focus on winning this battle."

Yoda shook his head. "Kill Dooku, we must. Fallen to the dark side, he has. Deal with him myself, as his former master, I will."

Tyler sighed. "Don't do anything drastic till I get there. I don't think you can beat Dooku with his two lackeys. Master Windu, you should go with him. I can handle things here. This is my job after all."

WIndu nodded. "Very well. Two grandmaster Jedi should be able to handle three half baked Sith. May the force be with you."

*Main Storyline Quest Triggered: Battle of Geonosis*

*Rank: Epic*

*Description: The Clone Wars have begun. As General of the Grand Army of the Republic, lead your forces into battle and claim victory. Failure will yield no rewards.*

*Rewards: Epic Jedi Holocron, 100 million credits, +6000 GAR Reputation*

Tyler smiled. "With you as well." Tyler then proceeded to jump off the gunship and landed in another one that was flying next to them.

Kai and Xander were waiting. "How was the trip, Kai?"

Kai smiled. "Kamino is so cool. Sparring with Boba is fun."

Tyler shot a look at Xander. "Hey, he's your padawan, not mine. I'm like a cool Uncle to him."

Tyler shrugged. "Oh well. Is this our gunship or the Republic's?"

Xander nodded towards the clones surrounding them. "What do you think?"

Tyler laughed. "Well, doesn't matter anyways. I'm the boss either way. Pilot, identify yourself."

The clone nodded. "CT-2855, sir. What are your orders, general?"

Tyler smiled. "Take me to the forward command center. Also summon a fighter escort for Master Yoda's transport. We can't have them lose anyone in their pursuit of the enemy commander."

The clone nodded. "Yes, immediately, sir." He then pressed a few buŧŧons. "CT-2855 to Endurance. Fighter escort requested for gunship one."

Tyler turned to Kai. "So, did you get me what I asked for?"

Kai grinned and gestured to a clone with an officer's shoulder piece and a visor on his helmet. On his hɨps, he had twin WESTAR-34 blaster pistols and a blaster rifle with a scope strapped to his back. "Master Xander had him equipped to your standards since he would be fighting with you."

The clone stood at attention. "CT-420 at your service, sir."

Tyler choked. "Well first, we gotta call you Blaze. Second, pŀėȧsurė to meet you commander. I look forward to serving with you."

Blaze nodded. "Thank you, sir."

Tyler smiled. "Blaze, who is in command of the GAR fleet?"

Blaze nodded again. "Admiral Yularen. He is expecting a call from you."

Tyler smirked. "He knows me too well. I was about to call him anyways. I am curious what it's like up there."

Blaze sighed. "It's an absolute shit show, sir. There is a massive separatist fleet defending the Federation ships and an equally large Republic force trying to break them down. I doubt any battle in the history of the galaxy can compare to this."

Tyler nodded as he called Yularen. "Admiral, how are things up there?"

Yularen rubbed his forehead in frustration. "It is hard to believe that this is just the first battle of this war. Nothing I can't handle though. How are things down there, Draco?"

Tyler smiled. "Not much better. We are doing our best to prevent as many ships from launching as possible. Any shot we could get an orbital ȧssault on the command vessels?"

Yularen sighed. "Normally, I would say no. However, those ships launching means that we will have more on our hands up here. Mark the targets and we will hit them with some heavy artillery."

Tyler nodded. "That's great. I look forward to the fireworks. Please have someone fetch my fighter and Senator Amidala's nubian. They are in some exhaust vents at the coordinates I just sent over."

Yularen nodded. "I'll get it done. See you back on the Endurance. This vessel is beautiful by the way."

Tyler smiled. "I know. Later." He hung up.

Blaze was waiting for him. "Sir, we are about to arrive at the forward command center."

Tyler nodded. "Perfect. Now I can see what we are playing with."

The gunship hovered next to the command platform. It was a small, circular deck with communications arrays and light shielding.

A clone with yellow markings turned out to be waiting. "General Draco, all forward positions are advancing."

Tyler smiled. "That's good news. How are we looking?"

The clone nodded. "It is looking favorable. It seems that the enemy was not expecting such a large force."

Tyler grinned. "I thought so. Send out the juggernauts. I want to end this quickly and with excessive force. We need to show the separatists that we are not to be trifled with. What is your designation, commander?"

The clone stood at attention. "CT-2224, sir. My men call me Cody."

Tyler did his best to hide his excitement. "Nice to meet you, Cody. Let's show 'em what we're made of. Please relay the coordinates of their command ships to the Endurance so we can commence our orbital ȧssault."

Cody nodded. "Immediately, sir."

Tyler smiled. "Wonderful, now just sit back and we can watch the fireworks. Let's also get a bombing run on those droids after the show. I want to minimize casualties."

Cody nodded in approval. "Wonderful idea sir. I will send orders to the cruisers that have broken through the blockade."

Tyler then looked up. He could see several flashing lights. He then looked back to the droid command ships. He was just in time to see the turbolasers demolish them one at a time.

A grin stretched across his face. "Wonderful. Now let's bomb them to smithereens and then let the juggernauts handle the rest. I must report to the Chancellor."

Cody nodded. "Bombers have already been deployed and will be here within the minute, sir."

Tyler nodded in approval. "Cody, you take care of the rest. I need to go ȧssist Masters Yoda and Windu."

Without waiting for a reply, he jumped into his gunship with Xander and Kai before taking off. There was no time to waste.

About ten minutes later, they arrived at the infamous hangar. From outside, they could hear the brawl occurring inside. Tyler, Xander, and Kai rushed inside. Yoda was fighting against Dooku and forcing him back. Meanwhile, Windu was fighting against the two unknown Sith.

Windu blocked a strike from one of them but the other was coming from behind and was about to impale the Jedi.

Tyler grimaced as he launched himself forward and ignited his lightsabers. "OH NO YOU DON'T!" Just in time, he blocked the strike while sending the Sith flying from the weight behind his strike.

The other Sith flinched and jumped back at seeing the twin purple sabers. "Twin purple sabers… It's Draco. Lord Tyranus, we should retreat."

Tyler quickly checked all of their statuses.

*Count Dooku, 80 years, Sith Overlord*

*Level 114*

*Serenno Human*

*Mace Windu, 50 years, Jedi Master*

*Level 108*

*Haruun Kal Human*

*Yoda, 874 years, Jedi Grandmaster*

*Level 128*

*Unknown*

*Rhast, 28 years, Sith Acolyte*

*Level 74*

*Unknown*

*Saburo, 31 years, Sith Acolyte*

*Level 75*

*Unknown*

Tyler grinned. "Kai, support master Windu. We will take care of the other one."

Unfortunately, the three Sith had already begun moving towards their transport. In unison, they all backflipped through the air and landed on the ramp. The ship, piloted by a droid, was moving before they even entered the ċȯċkpit.

Tyler sighed. "Damnit, I didn't even get to have any fun. There's no shot we can track that tiny ship."

Yoda shook his head. "Patience, Draco. Closer, we are, the mysteries of the Sith will soon become clear. Just two, there are not, but more. Investigate we must."

Tyler nodded. "Let's get back to the Endurance. We should return to Coruscant and report to Chancellor Valorum."

Windu turned and headed towards the exit. "Then let's move. You can tell us of the battle on our way."

Tyler laughed. "We can hear it from Commander Cody together. My transport should be waiting for us by the landing platform."

When they hopped into the gunship, Blaze placed a communicator on the ground before a life size hologram of Cody popped up.

He stood at attention. "General, I have a report."

Tyler nodded. "I was hoping so. Fill me in."

Cody nodded. "Our victory is imminent. The enemy is in full retreat and we are eliminating all stragglers."

Tyler raised his brow. "Are any of them not droids?"

Cody nodded. "There are a few, sir. What are your orders?"

Tyler smiled. "Pack up and bring them back to the Endurance."

Cody stood at attention. "Yes, sir. See you in orbit." He hung up.

A short flight later, Tyler was on his way to the brig with Kai.

Kai turned to his master. "How will we be interrogating them?"

Tyler shook his head. "We won't be interrogating them. Rather, we will be killing some, and keeping the others as prisoners of war."

Kai sighed. "The council won't like that."

Tyler put his finger to his lips. "Shhhh, they won't find out."

Kai rolled his eyes. "And to think that you are next in line to becoming a master."

Tyler shrugged as they entered the brig. "I am too valuable for them to keep me as a knight. I am glad they have come to see it that way."

There were about 20 prisoners. Of those, 16 of them are players. They ranged from levels 40 to 60. They all had guild emblems.

Suddenly, Tyler stopped in his tracks. One guild emblem caught his eye. "You, what guild are you from?"

The player grimaced but kept his lips sealed. Tyler waved his hand and opened the shields that kept the cell closed. He didn't even care to close the door behind him. There was no shot that this dude could get past him.

Tyler held his hand palm up and raised it. In doing so, he lifted the player off the ground. He then flipped his hand around so it was palm forward before pushing his hand forward. The player slammed against the wall and yelped in pain.

Tyler was furious. "I ASKED, WHAT GUILD ARE YOU FROM?"

At this point, the player had soiled his pants. "PLEASE DON'T HURT ME! I WAS ALREADY LEFT BEHIND!"

Tyler began lightly choking him through the force. "Then I better hear some fuċkɨnġ answers."

The player gave up. "I'm from Forest."

Tyler applied a little more force. "Would this guild happen to be owned by the Forest Group?"

The player nodded since he lost the ability to speak.

Tyler pulled the player towards him and ignited his lightsaber, skewering him. "Fuckin hell. Of course this guy has to come back."

Kai tilted his head. "Who are you talking about, master?"

Tyler sighed. "This jackass named Eric tried buying Limitless for some extremely low amount of money several years ago. I hadn't heard much regarding him since I absolutely demolished his operations. Seems like he is going to be a thorn in my side."

Kai shook his head. "Are there any other enemies I should know about?"

Tyler chuckled. "I would put all my money on there being countless enemies that I have and don't even know who they are. Especially that we are at war now. Let's head to the bridge. I would like to check on some people."

Kai nodded. "Yes, master."

As they walked out, Tyler handed a datapad to the warden. "Execute those 16. The rest will be put in the GAR prison on Coruscant."

The warden nodded. "Immediately, sir." He then approached the cells with his blaster. As the duo walked out the door, they could hear his blaster firing off and the agonizing screams of death.

After reaching the bridge, they saw Admiral Yularen talking with Windu and Yoda. They had met a few times in the past year. The admirals took the officer training the jedi received to the next level. The jedi learned fast and excelled due to their ability to keep a clear head at all times.

Looking out the window, the Endurance was already in hyperspace along with an escort of two GAR cruisers, and three Limitless cruisers. The remainder of the fleet was waiting for the acclamators to escort them back to Coruscant.

Tyler walked up to the group. "Masters, Admiral. I see we are already Coruscant bound."

Yularen nodded. "We will be there in a few hours."

Tyler smiled. "Wonderful. Any word from the Chancellor?"

Yularen sighed. "He wants to meet with high command as soon as we return. Devising our initial strategy is something that is too risky to do in person."

Tyler nodded in agreement. "That is true. We do not yet know who we can trust among the army. Master Windu, where are Obi Wan, Anakin, and Senator Amidala?"

Windu pointed to one of the other cruisers. "They are on that cruiser if I am not mistaken."

Tyler smiled. "Great, did we lose any other Jedi after the arena?"

Windu shook his head. "Fortunately, no. Just a few light injuries."

Tyler sighed in relief. This day was finally over. "I'm gonna go get some sleep. I've been moving non-stop since I woke up. Kai, come with me. Rest is important."

Kai nodded. "Yes, master."

The two of them went to the officer's quarters and fell asleep quite quickly. They had a lot to do and would probably not get much sleep that night. Afterall, not even a day had passed since Obi Wan was captured.