The Jedi and the Beast

Chapter II: The Unrelenting Admiral

Aboard the Invincible, his Providence-class dreadnought, Admiral Trench surveyed the ravaged Munificent cruiser through the viewport. The distant rumble of explosions was a mere counterpoint to the rhythmic clicking of his mandibles, a sound that sent shivers down spines even through the sterile command centre. This wasn't the first time the tenacious Harch had cheated death. Rumours of his demise during past skirmishes with the Republic were a mere footnote in his ruthless career.

Years after his supposed watery grave at the Battle of Malastare Narrows, Trench resurfaced like a spectre, a key figure in the Separatist navy. Now, he tightened his grip on the beleaguered planet of Makeb with a suffocating blockade. Unbeknownst to him, a thorn in his side – a Jedi battle group led by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker – was already en route.

A cruel smile played on Trench's mandibles. "The Republic fools have blundered right into my trap," he rasped, his voice a chilling echo in the vast command centre. "Prepare the boarding party. I want Xon alive." Xon's research had become a thorn in the CIS's side, and Trench craved its secrets for the Separatist cause. Dropships began disengaging from every vessel in his fleet, a swarm of metallic locusts descending upon the lone Munificent cruiser where Krieger and Xon desperately fought for escape..

Aboard the Venator Resolute, Flagship of the Republic Fleet

Admiral Wullf Yularen, a seasoned commander with a steely gaze, stood beside Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker on the bridge. Tension crackled in the air as they awaited their moment.

"Their focus is entirely on the Munificent," Kenobi murmured, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Time to spring the trap, Master," Skywalker replied, a grin splitting his face. "Rex, initiate attack pattern Alpha-3."

Back on the Munificent Cruiser

A sudden shift in the atmosphere sent shivers down Xon's spine. The rhythmic pounding of droid blaster fire ceased, replaced by an ominous silence.

Krieger, sensing the change, raised a hand, halting Xon. Through the flickering corridor lights, a distant rumble echoed, growing louder by the second. A flicker of hope ignited in his eyes.

Then, the viewport blazed with light as the Republic fleet, a majestic wedge formation of Venator-class Star Destroyers, emerged from hyperspace with an elegant deadliness.

Aboard the Invincible

Trench's multifaceted eyes widened in disbelief. "Republic scum!" he roared, slamming his fist on the command console. "Return fire! Obliterate them!"

But it was too late. The Republic cruisers unleashed a devastating volley of turbolaser fire, crippling the Separatist fleet.

Back on the Munificent Cruiser

Relief flooded through Krieger as he witnessed streaks of blue and white fighters engaging the Separatist fleet.

"The Republic!" Xon exclaimed, his voice muffled but filled with joy.

With a wry smile, Krieger activated the thermal detonators. "Looks like the trap just got sprung on the hunter," he said. "Let's get out of here before this whole thing goes up in flames. Follow me!"

They raced towards the escape pods, the cruiser shuddering around them. As they launched, escaping the doomed vessel, they watched the Munificent erupt in a fiery explosion.

Aboard the Venator Resolute

Rex's voice crackled through the comlink. "General Skywalker, escape pod detected. Retrieval team en route."

A grim satisfaction settled on Kenobi's face. "Excellent work, everyone. We've secured Xon and crippled the Separatist blockade. Now, let's mop up the remaining forces."

Trench, his remaining fleet in disarray, had no choice but to make a hasty retreat into hyperspace, leaving his forces to be mopped up by the Republic. The battle for Makeb had just begun to turn.