The war between the Empire and the Coalition is about to enter its bloodiest phase as 2227 will go down as the 'year of battles'. Meanwhile the Jedi Order keeps fighting a parallel war against the Sith and the Imperial Federation is entangled with a...
A message from the Constantinople reported that Luke had been wounded and Han had been captured, frozen in carbonite and given to a mandalorian bounty hunter whose identity the Jedi Order was still trying to recollect.
Bad news, yet Ezra had a feeling that Luke had emerged stronger from his fight against Vader. His signature in the Force had suffered, but it had become bigger and more stable. Whatever had happened, Luke had clearly gone through a catharsis.
But for how much he wanted to know about his Padawan's progress, the Jedi Master now had to focus on his own survival, as the Silver Bullet sped through hyperspace, heading for Ringo Vinda with Rogue Squadron around them.
"Wedge, do we have any news from the fleet?" he asked in the comlink.
"The Marshall's fleet has engaged the imperials on three different systems. It does seem like several warships have been sent away from Ringo Vinda."
"Good. That increases our chances." Din commented.
"It's still us against an entire naval squadron. And we're up against the Lord-Protector." Tristan said moderately, then after a brief silence, he added "The man who crushed the mandalorian fleet with half our forces."
The other mandalorian warriors of House Wren clenched their fists and Ezra could clearly feel the looming sense of vengeance in their mind.
"I understand your feelings, guys." he said. "But be careful: revenge is a terrible advisor."
"Don't worry, we are not crazy. But if I happen to stumble upon him on that ring, rest assured that I have a shot ready for him." the Duke sternly replied.
Ezra exchanged a quick, worried glimpse with his sister, then returned to focus in front of him, as the navicomputer signaled that they were about to leave hyperspace. The attack squadron was following them at a short distance. In theory, Jinx was scrambling their signal, and the imperials should at least not be able to tell the exact strength of the Republic fleet incoming, but making assumptions was a dangerous game, against Iulius' personal fleet.
"All right, boys." said Jaral. "One of you man the rear cannons."
"I'll do it." said Din promptly and he disappeared in the back of the ship.
"We'll go gear up." Tristan added, leading the other mandos outside and leaving the deck to the siblings.
They finally left hyperspace, finding Ringo Vinda with its famous ring, and the imperial fleet waiting for them.
Just as Rogue and the Bullet moved forward, around three squadrons of TIEs moved to intercept, only to turn back once the rest of the Republic fleet arrived. The squadron was made up of several blockade runners for anti-fighter duties, two heavy frigates, three light frigates and finally a Dauntless-class heavy cruiser that was certainly the main punch of this first wave.
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