Star Wars: Phantom Alliance

Chapter 2: Beneath the Thunder

After a couple of hours of sleeping, Ahsoka and Rex are suddenly waken up by the sound of Maul on the intercom. Maul: "Report to the cockpit." Ahsoka gets up out of bed and Rex quickly rises from the floor. He looks across at Ahsoka. Ahsoka then leaps out of bed and Rex turns the light on. Rex quickly puts his armor and helmet on.

Rex: "I have a bad feeling about this." Ahsoka looks back at him with a look of perplexity. Rex then opens the door and Ahsoka follows. They both enter the cockpit and notice Maul standing behind Laura and Hugo. As Ahsoka walks closer towards the cockpit, she notices Coruscant in the distance.

There are also several distant Venator cruisers, however, these Republic ships do not seem to notice them. Flying around the Venators, are v-wing starfighters and a few arc fighters making patrols. Even from orbit, you can see distant lights scattered throughout its surface. The ship has a natural cool feeling in it.

Maul: "We are now approaching the prime time for our attack." Maul says this without even turning around. Maul: "Failure, is not acceptable. This is no ordinary Mandalorian ship, I personally made sure it had advanced stealth systems. The Republic navy will not be able to track us."

Ahsoka gets ready to say something, but Rex beats her to the punch. Rex: "Coruscant has an advanced shield system, you cannot enter without permission. Coruscant also has the best tracking systems in the galaxy. Even if your ship has stealth systems that are too good for them to detect, Coruscant has several space mines that will trap your ship."

Maul chuckles then responds, "Do you see any fighters following us? They surely cannot detect us. I know how Coruscant's security system works, my old master showed me. I have an inside contact that has opened up a route for us." The ship then flies into Coruscant's atmosphere. It is night time, but the planet is still illuminated by several bright lights of every color. Bars and clubs are open, business goes on as usual. The planet never sleeps.

Ahsoka: "Where are we heading?"

Maul: "Patience young one, we will be there soon enough. At a location that is familiar to you."

Ahsoka wonders where this place might be. Could it be the chancellor's office or some important information center? Then Ahsoka gets an affirmation on where it is as she sees the Jedi temple in the distance. As the fighter gets closer towards the temple, Ahsoka can see smoke emitting from it. Ahsoka: "It looks like a battle has begun, clones must have attacked the temple."

Maul: "Indeed, this is our best chance." Ahsoka looks back at Maul in surprise.

Ahsoka: "Is Anakin?"

Maul: "All will become clear very soon. If you want to think about your emotions then think about all your Jedi brethren and sisters that are brutally destroyed by republic forces. All the work of these traitors! Avenge them!"

Ahsoka: "But, revenge..."

Maul: "Is not the Jedi way? But you're not a Jedi anymore, remember?"

Ahsoka: "Then why should I avenge them?"

Maul: "I know the game you're playing. Were these Jedi not your friends? Were they not the ones you grew up with even if they were naïve? Did that justify their slaughter?"

Rex: "Ahsoka, don't listen to him. He is trying to manipulate you. He doesn't care about those Jedi."

The Mandalorian fighter hovers over the platforms on the right side of the temple. They are about 30 meters long and are grey in color. The area is particularly dark and they lead up to doors within the temple. The doors are guarded by distant 501st troopers. The engines of the ship are difficult to hear due to it's unique design.