Star Wars Invasion: Episode IX, Prologue

   Note: Normally I would've waited a little bit longer, but since this basically acts like the next chapter of Episode VIII, I decided to go ahead and post it.

PROLOGUE

   The Sentinel-class landing craft shuddered as it made its way through the atmosphere of Denon. Sitting amongst more than a dozen other stormtroopers, Niro Durlin let out a loud sigh.

   Sitting across from him, a Yinchorri stormtrooper smirked. "Scared?" he asked.

   Niro did not reply, instead hanging his head, counting down the minutes until they landed.

   "Don't worry," the burly turtle-like being said. "I am, too."

   Niro looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. "You are? I would think someone as large as you wouldn't."

   The Yinchorri chuckled dryly. "This is my first day on this unit. I've never really fought in a battle like this, unless you count simulations."

   "Ah." Niro looked out the viewport beside him, making out the vast worldwide city of Denon below, surrounded by Glorian warships.

   "What do you suppose our chances of survival are?" he asked.

   "Three thousand, seven hundred, and twenty to one." The Yinchorri grinned. "Give or take."

   Niro smiled and offered his hand. "Name's Niro."

   "Rorthek," the Yinchorri replied, shaking his hand.

   "All right, everyone," Commander Ivan's voice said over the intercom. "Gear up. We're coming in for a landing."

   The many stormtroopers in the hangar bay did so, donning their helmets and equipping their E-11 blaster rifles and SE-14r light repeating blasters.

   Rorthek showed Niro his large fist. "For the Empire?"

   Niro pressed his own fist against the Yinchorri's. "For the Empire."

*  *  *

   "How many?" Admiral Cha Niathal asked as the planet Onderon came into view of the Galactic Voyager.

   "Nearly two quarters of an entire fleet," said Captain Squinn. "Or rather, what we'd see as two quarters. To them, it might as well be one tenth."

   Niathal sighed as she rubbed her forehead. "They're getting closer and closer to the Core each day. Any word on the King's status?"

   "From what the scouts have reported, we believe King Orion Kira is being held captive in his own palace."

   "Lovely." Niathal stared out the Voyager's viewport for another minute before speaking into the intercom. "Bomber Squadron, head down for the city of Iziz. Eliminate as many Glorian forces down there as you can."

   "Copy that, admiral," the leader of the Y-wing-comprised squadron said.

   "Rogue Squadron, Blackmoon Squadron, take on any warships that come your way."

   "Roger that," said the leaders of both squadrons.

   As the assorted X-wing and E-wing fighters moved out, Captain Squinn looked at her.

   "I know what you're planning," the Quarren muttered. "I hope whatever damage we inflict on Iziz doesn't have any repercussions."

   "Trust me," Niathal replied, doing her best to keep any sound of doubt out of her voice. "I know what I'm doing."

*  *  *

   General Starka admired the vast fleet under his command from the command chair of his flagship, the Doomsday. Closer and closer were they getting to the Core Worlds. If they were to win Onderon today, the Colonies would be next.

   "Sir, several Y-wing bombers have been detected," an officer said.

   "Destination?" Starka asked.

   "Iziz."

   The general smiled. "Just as planned. Let them through."

   He leaned back in his command chair. Today was going to be a good day.

STAR WARS: INVASION

EPISODE IX

DAWN OF ARMAGEDDON