The Last Night

In the dim-lit command center of Cobalt Station, everyone stood silent as Eden's message crackled through the holotable speakers. His voice trembled, full of fear and desperation, but also with resolve. "This is Eden... Eden Garrant. I... I'm the one who activated the Mass Shadow Driver. You have to listen to me. The weapon is destabilizing the planet. There isn't much time—you have to destroy it before the quakes tear Jabiim apart... I'm sorry. Please, if you can, tell my wife and son that I was brave in the end." The transmission ended, leaving a heavy silence hanging over the room.

Aubrie's voice broke the silence first. "Captain Orion... could we find his family? He... deserves that, at least."

Zule's eyes were cold as she turned to face Aubrie. "Don't bother. He's responsible for activating a superweapon. He's a coward, and it's too late for him."

"She's right," Anakin cut in, his face hard. "He's responsible for billions of lives being at risk. Whatever he did in the end doesn't make up for that."

"Enough!" Master Leska's voice rang out, silencing everyone. She stepped forward, her eyes sweeping across the room, locking onto each of them. "Show some respect. Yes, Eden Garrant was a coward, but he was anything but a coward in the end. He gave his life to save this planet, and it's because of him that we have a chance—a fighting chance. A chance for hope. So let's make sure we do not waste it." The room was quiet, everyone bowing their heads slightly. Master Leska, her face hard, issued her orders. "I need our fastest scouts at those coordinates. We find that superweapon and her an idea of the enemies numbers. The rest of you, get everyone ready. We move out the second we confirm the location."

"Yes, Master," they replied in unison, voices firm as they prepared to disperse.

Aubrie lingered for a moment, catching Master Leska's eye. "By everyone... do you mean Jaden too?" She kept her voice low but steady, implying that they should let him out, let him fight with them.

"No way in hell," Anakin said sharply before Leska could respond. His eyes were sharp, the intensity making the others tense. "You know how dangerous he is. He stays in that cell."

"That's not fair!" Scout jumped in, standing shoulder to shoulder with Aubrie. "Jaden saved us all. He's not a threat—he's the reason we're still here!"

"She's right," Zule added, "You've all seen it. Jaden's not some Sith. He's... he's one of us. He's kept us alive this whole time."

Anakin stood his ground. "Maybe you're right," he said, surprising everyone in the room. "Maybe he is innocent. Maybe he really has helped us, kept us safe. But if there's even a ten percent chance... even the slightest chance... that he's manipulated you all, twisted your thoughts and emotions, and then he betrays us?" Anakin paused, eyes hard as he looked at each of them. "We all die. And this whole planet dies with us." The argument died in their throats. They knew Jaden, trusted him, but Anakin's logic was clear and cold. And it was sound. They couldn't afford to take that chance, not with billions of lives hanging in the balance.

Master Leska's face softened, but only for a moment. She sighed heavily. "I believe in Jaden too," she said quietly. "But this is too important. I can't have half my forces concerned about being stabbed in the back. Forget about Jaden. We do this ourselves."

Everyone nodded, the understanding in their faces grim. Leska's voice grew sharp again. "Now move. We don't have time. Get your gear and be ready to leave within the hour."

"Understood," they replied, and the room quickly dispersed, everyone rushing to prepare.

The base erupted into a frenzy. Soldiers ran to their stations, grabbing weapons, armor, supplies. Orders were shouted across the camp as officers directed the flow of people and vehicles. Everyone knew they had to move fast—time was slipping away, and they needed to strike before the superweapon did any more damage. The AT-ATs were left behind; they were too big, too cumbersome. Speed was their greatest asset now, there were also many injured at the base and with their entire forces going they'd be left defenceless, at least this way they'd have some protection

Aubrie, Scout, and Zule headed toward Jaden's cell. They couldn't leave without saying goodbye. When the door opened, Jaden looked up, surprise on his face turning to a soft smile.

"You're all leaving then," Jaden said, getting to his feet.

"Yeah," Aubrie replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "We found it, Master. We found the superweapon. We're going to stop it."

Jaden nodded, looking at each of them. "Good. Then don't waste time worrying about me. You've got a job to do. And I... I'll see you soon."

Scout stepped forward, gripping the bars of the force field. "Stay safe, Jaden. We'll be back for you."

Zule gave a short nod. "You've done more than enough. Now it's our turn."

Jaden watched them, warmth in his eyes. "Take care of each other out there."

Aubrie smiled softly, but there was sadness in her eyes as well. She reached out to the force field, resting her hand on it as if she could reach through it to touch him. "Goodbye, Master."

"Goodbye," Jaden whispered.

The three turned and left the cell, leaving Jaden alone once more. He watched the door slide shut behind them, the sound echoing through the silence. He knew they would fight well, that they would do whatever it took. He sat back down, closed his eyes, and tried to focus on the Force.

Outside, Soldiers filed into transports, Jedi armed themselves, and vehicles revved up, ready to tear across the muddy terrain of Jabiim. Captain Orion barked orders to his militia, the Jabiimi moving with grim determination to aid their allies. Blasters were loaded, armor was tightened, and speeders lined up, engines humming. Master Leska moved from group to group, checking on preparations, giving orders. "Double-check your weapons. We leave nothing behind. If you find any trace of that superweapon, you destroy it on sight." Her voice was calm but stern, the authority in her tone unmistakable.

Captain Orion walked the line of troopers, giving orders, coordinating their movements. "We need to be fast," he called out. "Everyone, follow your squad leaders. We get in, destroy the weapon, and get out." The hour was soon up, and soon, the transports lifted off, the speeders roared out of the base, and the men started marching. They were moving out.

The journey had barely started and yet it was long and brutal, they moved nonstop toward the Separatist stronghold. It was a forced march—an endless push across Jabiim's broken landscape. Each step felt like it could be the last. The tremors from the quakes never stopped, the ground rumbling and shaking as if it were alive, threatening to crack open at any moment. Mudslides swallowed up their path, rain battered their armor, and the constant quakes forced them to stay alert every second.

At one point, one of their AT-TEs fell into a deep crack that formed without warning, splitting the earth open right beneath it. The men had no chance. The machine toppled, its metal legs snapping, and it plunged into the dark pit below. There was nothing to be done, and they pressed on, the cries of the soldiers ringing in their ears long after they moved past the chasm. Captain Orion walked beside Master Leska as they led their troops through the uneven terrain. "Master Jedi," he said, his voice low and grim, "with all this movement beneath the crust... it's possible the dormant volcanoes around this area will awaken. The land's too unstable."

Leska nodded, her face hard as she took in the information. The idea of volcanic eruptions on top of the earthquakes wasn't a pleasant thought, but it only stirred them on faster. They couldn't afford to slow down.

Every man, woman, and clone struggled through the mud, their boots caked, legs aching from the near-constant movement. Even the Padawans—Aubrie, Scout, and Zule—found it hard to maintain their strength. They pushed on without proper rest, without proper meals, grabbing whatever rations they could as they moved. The strain showed in their faces, their eyes hollow with exhaustion, their steps growing heavier by the day.

Eventually, they were forced to stop. Leska knew if they didn't give their men a chance to rest, they'd start to lose them to exhaustion or injury. And so they set up a temporary camp in the small cover of a rock formation, making the best of what little shelter they could find. Soldiers collapsed on the ground, tearing open ration packs, while medics went around checking for injuries. The heavy artillery and supplies they carried were set down carefully, but everyone stayed on edge, ready to move out at a moment's notice.

Leska kept to herself until she saw the scouts returning from their mission. They rushed in, mud covering their armor, faces drawn with worry. The news was not good.

A short while later, Leska gathered the Padawans, Captain Orion, and the senior officers around a makeshift table, a map of the region laid out in front of them. They all huddled close as she spoke. "The Separatists are holed up in a mountainous region around Tassan. They have almost three times our number, and they're entrenched. Every route is heavily fortified."

The Padawans—Aubrie, Scout, and Zule—listened carefully but didn't fully grasp the significance. They'd fought against greater numbers before. Jaden had always managed to use their enemy's size against them, taking advantage of the terrain and outmaneuvering them. But for the more experienced officers and Jedi, the situation was different. Anakin, Captain Orion, and the senior clones understood immediately, and their faces were grim.

Captain Orion slammed his hand against the table in frustration, causing the map to jump. "The path to Tassan is a steep incline," he said through gritted teeth. "They'll have us at their mercy. We'd be cut down on that slope before we could get close."

"What other choice do we have?" Kass interjected, looking between Leska and Orion. "We either die on that slope, or we die when the planet cracks in half beneath us."

They all fell silent, staring down at the map, each one of them knowing she was right. But that didn't make it any easier. The odds were against them, and the mountain itself felt like a death trap.

Anakin was the one who finally broke the silence. "We use the main attack as a distraction," he said, looking up from the map with a steady gaze.

All eyes turned to him, the tension crackling through the air like a live wire. "What do you mean?" Leska asked, her voice measured.

Anakin tapped a spot on the map. "We send a large force to hit them from the front. Make it loud, make it obvious. Draw their attention. Meanwhile, a small group of us scales the cliffs to the side. We get to the superweapon, destroy it, and once that's done... we retreat."

"What if the enemy follows us?" Zule asked, her tone sharp.

Anakin's face hardened. "Then we have our artillery ready and waiting. We blow them into scrap."

The group fell silent, considering the plan. There was risk—great risk. The main attack would be a slaughter, no way around it. But they didn't have any other options. A small sacrifice could save the planet. They all looked to Master Leska, waiting for her word.

She looked over the map one last time, weighing the cost. "Aubrie, Scout," she said finally, her voice steady. "You'll be the ones scaling the cliffs with Anakin. We can't have too many Jedi missing from the main assault—they'd get suspicious. And if I send anyone else with you, they'd only slow you down." Anakin nodded in agreement, and the Padawans shared glances, ready for the task.

"We don't have much time," Leska continued, her voice full of urgency. "We need to do this quickly and without fail. There's no room for mistakes."

"Yes, Master," they all replied.

"Then we better get ready," Leska said, dismissing them with a wave. "Prepare yourselves, get some rest. We head for Tassan at first light, we won't stop until we reach there."

...

The soldiers huddled wherever they could find shelter. They crammed beneath the massive legs of the AT-TEs, under rocky overhangs, or any place dry enough to rest their weary bodies. Wet clothes clung to their skin, and many shivered as they tried to eat their rations. Aubrie and Zule had just filled their canteens and grabbed some food. They walked side by side, scanning the camp for a dry spot to settle. Zule wiped the rain from her face. "After all this... I swear I'm living on a desert planet," she muttered, looking up at the sky, the rain coming down in heavy sheets. Aubrie couldn't help but smile slightly at her friend's dry humour.

"Aubrie, Zule, over here!" Scout's voice called out. They both looked over and saw Scout waving from under a rocky overhang, where a small fire burned low. Anakin and Kass were sitting beside her, huddled under blankets, the flames trying to fight off the bitter chill. Aubrie and Zule rushed over to join them, grateful for the warmth and the company. They squeezed into the small space, shivering, and while the Force could be used to keep warm, they'd drained themselves using it to stay strong for the march.

"Here." Anakin handed them each a standard-issue field blanket. They quickly thanked him and wrapped the blankets around their shoulders, reaching their hands toward the fire for warmth.

"Good you're here," Scout said, grinning despite the cold. "Kass was just about to tell us what she's planning to do once we get out of this mess."

Kass sighed and rolled her eyes. "I told you, I don't know yet," she said, looking over at Anakin. He knew what she meant—that if they made it out alive, she'd leave the Order with Mak. But it wasn't something she was ready to tell the others.

"Well, I still plan to be the youngest Jedi Knight in the Order's history," Scout said with mock confidence.

Anakin chuckled, shaking his head. "Fat chance."

"Oh yeah?" Scout narrowed her eyes playfully at him.

"Damn right," Anakin said with a smirk. "Everyone knows it'll be me. Youngest Jedi Knight in the Order. It's basically written in stone."

"Please," Scout scoffed. "You're at least ten years older than me."

"I'm nineteen!" Anakin growled, looking genuinely offended.

"Then it's too late for you," Scout said, pretending to be sympathetic. "Your time has passed, Skywalker."

Aubrie and Zule chuckled, and even Anakin couldn't keep the smile off his face.

"You also need the Force to become a Jedi Knight," Zule jabbed at Scout, eyes glinting.

Scout put a hand to her chest, feigning offense. "I have the Force! My precognition is second to none!"

"Shame you can't say that about anything else," Zule fired back.

Aubrie quickly cut in. "I think you'll make a wonderful Knight, Scout," she said warmly.

"See?" Scout said, grinning as she stuck her tongue out at Zule. "At least someone knows greatness when they see it."

"What about you two?" Anakin asked, the firelight dancing across his face. "What do you plan to do when all this is over?"

Zule scratched her head, thinking for a moment. "I'll probably be transferred to the Service Corps," she admitted. "I've had too many masters. They won't give me another. And... I'm tainted." She stared into the flames, her voice low, shame weighing down her words.

Everyone went quiet. They all knew what she meant—the times she'd skirted too close to the Dark Side, when her anger nearly overwhelmed her. Kass spoke softly, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, Zule. We understand better than anyone. We've all fought that path."

Scout nodded, looking to lift Zule's spirits. "You'd be wasted in the Corps. You're a monster on the battlefield."

The compliment fell flat, and Zule's face darkened. "Maybe it's for the best. I don't think I have what it takes to be a Jedi."

Aubrie gently touched Zule's shoulder. "I'm sure there are thousands of Jabiimi who would disagree."

Zule let a small smile come to her lips. Scout eyed Aubrie. "And what about you, Aubrie? What do you plan to do?"

Aubrie didn't hesitate. "I'm leaving the Order," she said, a small but firm smile on her face.

Her words hit like a seismic blast. Everyone stared, stunned into silence. Aubrie was one of the most promising Padawans, on track to be Master Windu's apprentice—a guarantee at becoming a Jedi Master.

"What?" Anakin's voice cracked with disbelief. "Why would you leave the Order?"

Aubrie's smile was steady, and there was a quiet certainty in her voice. "I will go wherever Jaden goes. That is where my path lies."

Kass and Anakin exchanged looks of surprise, but Zule and Scout didn't look all that shocked. They'd seen how close Aubrie and Jaden were, how their bond had grown.

Kass tilted her head. "Are you two...?" she asked, letting the question hang.

Aubrie shook her head. "No," she said simply. "It's not like that. It's just that... He gave me hope when I had none. He saved my life when I was close to death. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than by his side."

Kass nodded in understanding. "I understand that."

"Someone has to keep Jaden out of trouble," Scout said with a chuckle. "Guy can't go anywhere without falling into a trap." Aubrie laughed softly, and even Zule let a small grin break through. But Anakin's face was serious, eyes clouded with thought as he looked into the fire.

"What about you, Skywalker?" Scout asked. "What's your plan?"

Anakin shrugged. "Get some rest, I suppose. Then get posted somewhere else. The war won't end just because this battle does." For a moment, they all settled into a comfortable silence. The crackling of the fire, the soft sound of rain against the rocks—it felt like a rare moment of peace. But then Kass broke the stillness, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. Aubrie and Scout immediately reached out to her, pulling her close.

"Kass, what's wrong?" Aubrie asked gently.

Kass's voice cracked as she spoke. "We're going to die tomorrow, aren't we?" She let the words hang in the air like a terrible truth. "I wish I could see Mak again. I wish... I wish I could've spoke to him one last time."

Aubrie's grip tightened around her friend, holding her close. "Kass, listen to me," she said softly, steadying her voice. "This isn't the end."

Kass shook her head, tears streaking down her face. "How can you say that, we are going to die tomorrow it's the end for us."

Aubrie lifted Kass's chin gently, meeting her eyes. "The end?" She shook her head. "No. Not really. Death is just ... it's not bad," she said.

"The veil lifts, and everything softens into a silver glow that spreads across the endless sky... and beyond." As Aubrie spoke, Zule and Scout both nodded slowly, remembering when Jaden had lifted the veil for them, showing the souls of the fallen Jabiimi moving into the beyond, disappearing into that warm, silvery light. It was an image they wouldn't forget—a peaceful place, beyond the war, beyond the pain.

"You see," Aubrie continued, her voice full of gentle reassurance, "this isn't the end. We'll all be together again. Maybe not now, but someday."

Kass clung to Aubrie, the tears still there but quieter now, her sobs slowing as she drew comfort from the words.

Zule suddenly spoke up, voice low. "I don't get along with a lot of people. People say I'm too hot-headed. Rude. And... I guess they're right." She laughed a little, then looked around at each of them, the firelight flickering in her eyes. "But I'm glad I got to know you all. And... I'm glad we're together. I'm glad... you'll be with me at the end." She smiled then, and it was uncharacteristically bright.

Scout grinned, trying to keep the mood light. "The last fight of the Padawan Pack, huh? Sounds kinda poetic."

The fire crackled as they all chuckled softly, letting themselves forget, just for a moment, where they were and what lay ahead. They teased, joked, and told stories until the night wore on. But then Master Leska approached quietly, her face grave, the fire's light reflecting off her eyes. "I'm sorry to interrupt," she said. "We've received an emergency transmission. A ship has landed at Monsoon Mesa... and the Chancellor insists that Padawan Skywalker be on it."

The words dropped like stones, their faces falling as they processed what was happening. Anakin's face went pale as he looked down, not meeting anyone's eyes.

"I'll give you a moment to say your goodbyes," Leska said softly, turning and leaving them alone.

Anakin stood there, staring at the flames, his face twisted with guilt and shame. He hadn't told them about the transport, hadn't told them he was leaving. They were all prepared to fight and die, and he would be taken to safety. "I'm sorr—"

"Don't," Aubrie cut in, placing a hand on his arm. "There's nothing to apologize for. I'm glad one of us will survive."

Kass nodded, giving him a weak but genuine smile. "The Republic needs you more than it needs us, Anakin."

"That's not true," he tried to say, shaking his head.

"Of course it is," Zule said. "You're the Chosen One. Just... make it count, alright?" She gave him a punch on the shoulder, trying to keep it light.

"Yeah," Scout added, smiling despite herself. "Make sure nobody forgets us, even if it's just you."

Anakin lowered his head, a few tears slipping down his cheeks. "I don't deserve friends like you."

He didn't want to go. Didn't want to leave them behind. But he knew the Chancellor needed him. He'd always been there for Anakin, a mentor, a father figure. He owed it to the Chancellor to listen, to do as he asked.

"Goodbye... all of you," Anakin said, trying to hold his voice steady as he stood.

"We'll see you again, Anakin," Aubrie said softly, giving him a gentle smile. "One day."

"May the Force be with you," Anakin said, looking at each of them one last time before he turned and walked away, vanishing into the stormy night.

For a long moment, the others were silent. The weight of what just happened settled in the air like a heavy blanket.

"So... how do we spend our last night?" Kass asked softly.

Scout's eyes lit up with an idea. "How about a game?" she suggested with a grin.

And so they did. They sat together, laughing, joking, and playing until their eyes grew heavy and they finally slept, the cold and the fear pushed back for just a little longer.

————————————————————-

(A Day Ago)

Cobalt Station was quiet. Most of the soldiers had left, leaving the place feeling empty and still. Jaden sat cross-legged in the middle of his cell, eyes closed, focusing on the air around him. He was meditating, drawing the currents into a tight wind funnel that wrapped around his body. It took hours of practice to get it right—forming the air in the precise way he needed. Finally, he opened his eyes, letting out a slow breath as the wind dispersed and disappeared. "That should be long enough," he muttered to himself.

Jaden stood and waved his hand, deactivating the force field that kept him in the cell. He stepped out into the corridor. Most of the base was empty, but he could sense a few remaining troops left behind to guard the wounded. It had been a few hours since the main force had left for Tassan, but Jaden had never planned to stay behind. The idea that he would sit locked up while Aubrie, Zule, Scout, and the others risked their lives was ridiculous to him. He had to be there. He had to fight.

Moving quickly through the deserted halls, Jaden made his way toward where he could sense Master Leska's room. He kept to the shadows, his movements quiet. When he got to the door, it slid open easily. He slipped inside, taking a quick look around. Her quarters were neat and organized, just as he expected. It didn't take long to find what he was searching for—his lightsaber. It was stored neatly in a small compartment along with other confiscated weapons. Jaden grabbed it, clipping it to his belt, and felt a sense of relief. He needed this. The lightsaber was a weapon he couldn't afford to leave behind.

After that, he left the room, heading toward the communications center. He remembered that it led to where the vehicles were stored. He doubted they'd left much behind, but it wouldn't hurt to check. Even a single speeder could help him catch up to the others. As Jaden passed through the dark halls of the base, the only sound was the soft hum of the power generators still running. When he entered the communications room, he immediately noticed something off. The holotable in the center of the room was active, displaying a flashing alert. A transmission. Emergency channel. And it was coming from off-world, from a neighboring system.

Jaden stepped up to the holotable, hesitating for a moment before answering. The screen flickered, then stabilized, and the image of Admiral Novak took shape.

"Admiral?" Jaden said, the surprise clear in his voice. He hadn't expected to see Novak again, certainly not like this.

Novak's image spoke, the static of the storm distorting his voice slightly. "If you're seeing this, it means I managed to get a message through the storm." He paused, glancing down before meeting Jaden's eyes. "You haven't been abandoned. The Defender and I are ready to come to Jabiim and evacuate as many people as we can. But... we need help."

Jaden's eyes narrowed, listening closely, trying to catch every word.

Novak continued, "The storms, the interference—it's too much for us to get through without a relay. I need you to set relay beacons around an area we can land the Defender. It'll be risky, but it's our only chance."

Jaden's brows furrowed. "Land the Defender?" he muttered to himself. That didn't make any sense—the Defender wasn't designed to land on a planet. It didn't have the right thrusters, the right stabilizers.

Novak seemed to anticipate the confusion on Jaden's face. "I know the Defender isn't built for this. But we're not built for abandoning our own either. We're coming down, and we'll do whatever it takes to get your people out. We'll be there in a few days. Get those relay beacons set up as soon as possible."

The transmission ended abruptly, and the room fell back into silence, the storm howling outside. Jaden's expression shifted—shock gave way to determination, and a spark of hope lit up in his eyes. Help was coming. Real help. A way to save everyone. He couldn't waste a second. Jaden bolted out of the room, the excitement pushing him to move faster. He knew he had to catch up to the others, to let them know what was happening and get those beacons set up. The adrenaline surged through him, his feet pounding the ground as he headed for the vehicle storage, hoping to find anything that could help him reach Tassan.

In his rush, Jaden left the holotable active, its screen still glowing in the empty room. Moments later, another transmission flickered to life, but this time it was different. There was no face—only the image of a small, black droid against a dark background. Behind the droid, the shadowy figure of a woman was tied up, struggling against her restraints.

(AN: last chapter incoming. It's been a long time coming but we are at the end of the Jabiim arc. I hope you enjoyed it, I've enjoyed writing it for the most part thought some parts have been difficult. Sorry it's taken so long to post. The joker just came out so it's been ridiculously busy. Anyway i hope you enjoyed the chapter.)

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