Star Wars Invasion: Episode IX, Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

   "Have you chosen our next destination yet?" Sol Paun asked Captain Jaon as he returned to the bridge.

   Jaon rubbed his balding scalp. "Well, we have a few options. We can get back on to the Corellian Run and head for Christophsis. As far as I know, it's not under Glorian threat."

   Paun shook his head. "A colleague of mine ran into trouble there. I don't want to take the risk."

   "The second option, which I personally prefer, is to regroup with the teams sent to Manaan and Dantooine."

   "What makes you think they haven't ran into the same situation as us?"

   Jaon frowned as he considered that. "Oh, yeah. Good point."

   Paun sighed. "And the third option?"

   "Bespin."

   The Zabrak officer raised an eyebrow. "Why Bespin?"

   Jaon shrugged. "I came up with that just now. It's the only inhabitable planet I know that is least likely to be attacked by the Glorians."

   "Because it's a gas giant," Paun said, scratching his chin. "I don't know... there's still a chance that they'll attack Cloud City."

   "Well, it's either that or Hoth. It's right next to Bespin and even less likely to be attacked."

   Paun glared at him. "You're hilarious."

*  *  *

   "Status report."

   The Imperial ensign did as Admiral Noradan had ordered, albeit hesitantly. "We've lost several Imperial-class Star Destroyers, two Tector-classes, and at least one Bellator-class dreadnought. And don't get me started on our frigate and fighter losses."

   Nave Noradan, commander of the Wullf Yularen, let out a sigh. "I won't."

   Staring out the Victory-class Star Destroyer's viewport, watching as his forces fell to the Glorians' wrath over Denon, he was half-tempted to order a retreat. But his other- his proud half- could not bear the humility of admitting defeat.

   His musings were interrupted when he realized that the ensign was speaking to him.

   "Sir? Your orders?"

   "Continue with the battle," the admiral said. "I have no intention of giving up just yet."

*  *  *

   Iziz was in flames.

   Starka had to admire the Alliance's audacity, to be so bold enough to bomb Onderon's capital city in order to reach an objective... it said a lot about the military minds that now led the enemy.

   The general continued to analyze the holographic representation of the ruined city. Quite a large portion of his ground forces had been eliminated by the Y-wing bombers. The only building which remained unharmed was the Unifar Temple, where the King of Onderon and his family were being held hostage.

   Pleased with the progress being made, Starka contacted his lieutenant, who was leading the ground forces on Onderon's surface.

   "Captain Ziniku."

   "Yes, general?"

   "You may release the hostage."

*  *  *

   The fighting had suddenly stopped.

   As soon as the Y-wings had ceased their bombardment, the Glorians had ceased their attack as well. From what General Norr Ruk'thri could tell though, they were not intending to surrender just yet.

   The Bothan general signaled for his men to hold their fire. Once they had done so, he cautiously stepped forward, slowly drawing closer to what remained of the Glorian forces.

   "Had enough?" he called out to their leader. "We might be willing enough to accept your surrender, if you so choose."

   The Glorian leader did not respond. Instead, he casually stepped aside and gestured towards the mostly-unscathed Unifar Temple. Ruk'thri did not understand the meaning of the gesture at first... until the palace's front doors opened.

   Standing at the entrance was the King of Onderon himself, Orion Kira, his eyes wide with horror. Appearing behind him was a silver-clad Glorian.

   "This is what the Alliance has done to your city, Your Majesty," the Glorian said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "This is the price which those who defy us must pay."

   As he observed the damage done to Iziz, King Kira's eyed met Ruk'thri's. Unable to bear his shame, the Bothan general averted his gaze, barely paying attention to the Glorian as he continued.

   "What do you say, Your Highness? Do you dare defy us?"

   The king's answer came as a soft croak, but those who could see his stricken face already knew what it was.

   "No."

   "That's what I thought," the Glorian said. His emerald eyes now on Ruk'thri, he added, "We are willing to accept your surrender, general. If you so choose."

   He gestured at Kira. "Unless you wish to completely sever any alliance you have with the Onderon Royal Family."

   Ruk'thri bowed his head. "No."

   "In that case, you and whatever is left of your forces may leave. Peacefully."

   Without a word or any form of protest, General Ruk'thri and his men moved out of the city of Iziz. They had been so close to victory, and yet a single man's word had brought their defeat.

   If that was enough for the Glorians to conquer a planet, Ruk'thri thought, what possible chance did the Galactic Alliance have?