Geonosis (II)

Captain Bacara stood on the bridge of Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi's Acclamator-class assault ship, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of the Geonosian sky through the viewport. The battle below raged on, the chaos of war echoing throughout the ship. Without their Jedi commander to lead them—Ki-Adi-Mundi having gone missing during the initial assault—command of the vessel had temporarily fallen to Bacara. His task was clear: maintain order and ensure the safety of his men. 

However, Bacara knew something was off when the communication lines buzzed to life with an unexpected transmission. 

"Zero Legion 1st Platoon requesting permission to board," the gruff voice of Captain Fordo, a renowned ARC trooper, sounded through the comm system. "We are here to assume command under orders from High-General Lelouch." 

Bacara's brow furrowed. Zero Legion? Here? He had heard rumors about Lelouch's elite forces—ruthless, unwavering, and utterly loyal to their general. They were known to carry out Lelouch's orders without question, often with extreme prejudice. Bacara knew that this confrontation could get messy. He nodded to the comms officer. "Allow them to dock," he said, his tone firm. "But keep the men ready." 

The boarding procedure was swift, almost ominously so. The airlock hissed open, and Bacara's hand instinctively rested on his blaster as he saw them—an entire platoon of Zero Legion troopers, led by Fordo and backed by Thorn, emerging in perfect formation. They moved like a well-oiled machine, their dark armor glinting under the harsh artificial lights. Each of them wore the distinctive insignia of Lelouch's personal unit, and their helmets, cold and unyielding, obscured any hint of expression. 

Fordo stepped forward, his gaze piercing through his helmet's visor. "Captain Bacara," he said, voice steady, "under orders from High-General Lelouch, we are here to assume command of this ship and escort all personnel to the flagship." 

Bacara stiffened, his eyes narrowing. "This ship is under my temporary command," he replied. "And I haven't received any orders relinquishing that command. Master Ki-Adi-Mundi left me in charge." 

Fordo's tone hardened, leaving no room for negotiation. "Ki-Adi-Mundi is currently missing in action, presumed KIA until confirmed otherwise. With the Jedi commander absent, command defaults to the highest-ranking officer—High-General Lelouch. His orders override any previous standing orders from Master Mundi. We are taking command, effective immediately." 

The tension in the room rose sharply. Bacara's men shifted uncomfortably, their hands hovering near their weapons, a response trained rather than thought. The Zero Legion, however, stood firm, their presence imposing and disciplined. Bacara's eyes darted between Fordo and Thorn, whose impassive stance and tactical squads reinforced their authority. 

For a moment, Bacara weighed his options. While he held no favor for his general... Ki Adi Mundi was still his direct superior... and on the other hand, here he was receiving orders from that man's superior. His men were loyal and well-trained, but the Zero Legion was an elite force, handpicked by Lelouch. If it came to a confrontation, the outcome was uncertain at best. He exhaled sharply, his pride wounded but his pragmatism prevailing. 

"Stand down," Bacara finally ordered his men, raising his hand. The Marines hesitated but obeyed, their grips loosening on their weapons. Bacara turned back to Fordo, his tone still firm but resigned. "We'll comply with your orders, Captain. But know this—I'm holding you accountable for the safety of every man on this ship." 

Fordo gave a curt nod. "Understood, Captain." With a swift gesture, he motioned to his troops, who began to move efficiently throughout the ship, taking control of key areas. 

Bacara watched in silence as the ship's personnel were escorted to the boarding transports. The transition was smooth, but the unease among his men was evident. They exchanged wary glances with the Zero Legion troopers, feeling the tension of having strangers command their ship. Bacara himself felt the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders, his pride wounded by having to yield command so quickly. 

Once the ship was emptied of personnel and the last transport departed for the flagship, Bacara found himself aboard Lelouch's flagship, surrounded by his men and the watchful eyes of the Zero Legion. 

As they landed, Bacara was immediately ushered into the main hangar center where Lelouch awaited them. Standing beside him was Thorn, his expression cold and calculating as ever. Lelouch's presence radiated an unnerving calm, his piercing violet eyes focused and intent as he reviewed the tactical display of the battle on Geonosis. 

Captain Fordo approached Lelouch and snapped a salute. "Mission complete, sir. The personnel from the Acclamator have been escorted aboard as ordered." 

"Excellent work, Captain," Lelouch replied, his gaze shifting to Bacara, who stood rigidly at attention. "I understand this was not an easy transition for you, Captain Bacara." 

Bacara remained silent, his face set in a grim line. He did not like being pushed around, but he knew better than to challenge Lelouch directly, especially here in his stronghold. 

Lelouch then turned his attention to the assembled soldiers of the Zero Legion. "Men of the Zero Legion," he began, his voice carrying a calm yet commanding authority, "we are faced with a tactical decision that will determine the course of this battle and, potentially, this campaign." 

The holographic display shifted, zooming in on the largest Separatist factory complex on the planet, a sprawling mass of metal and shielded structures that loomed like a fortress on the Geonosian landscape. "The objective is simple," Lelouch continued. "The factory must be destroyed. However, conventional tactics will lead to more unnecessary losses. Nearly 500 of your brothers have already fallen trying to bring this factory down and more fall with every moment we waste. Therefore, we will employ an alternative method—an orbital kinetic strike." 

There was a murmur among the clones present. Bacara's eyes widened slightly as he grasped Lelouch's intent. "You plan to crash the Acclamator into the factory," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. 

"Correct," Lelouch confirmed without hesitation. "It is the most efficient way to penetrate their defenses and deliver a decisive blow. Remote control would require time to set up, time that thanks to the Council's and the Jedis' decision we do not have without risking a significant number of soldiers, not to touch upon its reliability. However," he paused, his gaze sweeping across the faces of his men, "this is a one-way mission. It will require a small team to remain aboard to ensure the vessel reaches its target without interference." 

The hangar fell silent as Lelouch's words settled over them like a shroud. The clones knew what this meant—a sacrifice, a suicide mission. Yet, they also knew that this was the kind of decisive action that could... that would turn the tide of the battle. 

"I will not order anyone to undertake this mission," Lelouch continued. "But I need volunteers. Six men, who are willing to see this through to the end." 

Without a moment's hesitation, every single clone in the Zero Legion platoon took a step forward in unison. The sound of their boots echoed like a single heartbeat through the chamber. They knew the cost of war. They never shied away from it, tey only asked for it to not be meaningless... and this was far from meaningless to them. 

Bacara could only watch, a mixture of awe and respect blooming within him. 

Lelouch's expression softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I expected nothing less from the Zero Legion," he said quietly. "However, only six will go. The rest of you will continue to serve with distinction." 

Fordo and Thorn stepped forward, selecting six troopers from the formation. The chosen men stepped out, saluting their comrades with a fist over their hearts, their expressions resolute. 

In a powerful, unified motion, the remaining soldiers of the platoon clashed their right fists over their hearts in a salute to their brothers who would not return. The sound was like a drumbeat of unity and sacrifice, resonating through the chamber. 

Bacara watched, his eyes narrowing. His own men stood silently behind him, observing the scene with a mix of respect and unease. They had seen sacrifice before, but this was different. It was not just loyalty—it was a profound, almost fanatical dedication to their general and their cause. 

A moment passed, and Lelouch nodded approvingly. "Prepare the Acclamator for launch," he ordered, turning to the six man squad shortly. "And good luck." 

As he turned, a voice followed behind from the squad, "We don't need luck. We have you General." A clone trooper shouted as he straightened up. 

"For the general." 

"FOR THE GENERAL!" the others followed with a thunderous shout. 

--------------------------- 

The battlefield of Geonosis was a maelstrom of chaos and destruction. Dust filled the arid air, and the ground trembled beneath the weight of the relentless assault. Anakin Skywalker crouched behind a ridge, his eyes locked on the massive Separatist shield generator looming in the distance. Beside him, his young Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, waited for his signal, her face a mask of determination under her blue and white lekku. 

"All right, Snips," Anakin muttered, his voice barely audible over the rumbling of blaster fire and explosions. "We need to take out that shield generator. Once it's down, the rest of the forces can push through." 

Ahsoka nodded, gripping her lightsaber tightly. "Got it, Skyguy. What's the plan?" 

"Simple," Anakin replied with a smirk. "We charge straight for it. Keep moving, keep them guessing. Use the Force to dodge any incoming fire, and take out any clankers that get in our way." 

Before Ahsoka could respond, a deep, resonating roar filled the air. Anakin's head snapped up, his eyes catching a bright, descending object in the sky. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized the familiar shape of an Acclamator-class assault ship plummeting from orbit, its trajectory aimed directly at the largest Separatist factory complex on the horizon. 

Ahsoka's eyes widened as she followed his gaze. "Is that...?" 

"An Acclamator," Anakin confirmed, his voice filled with a mix of awe and disbelief. "It's going down... straight into the factory." He knew who was behind this. Only one person had the audacity and tactical ruthlessness to order such a maneuver. 

The Acclamator pierced the atmosphere like a burning comet, its descent accelerating. The Separatist defenses lit up, firing desperately at the descending ship, but it was too late. The vessel collided with the factory in a deafening explosion, the impact shaking the ground even from their distance. A blinding shockwave spread out, flattening everything in its path, and for a moment, the battlefield seemed to go silent, as if the galaxy itself held its breath. 

Then, a new light erupted from the wreckage—a reactor meltdown, tearing through the factory complex in a cataclysmic wave of destruction. The shield generator was obliterated, its protective dome collapsing in on itself as the violent energy tore it apart. The mushrooming cloud of fire and debris reached into the sky, casting a dark shadow over the battlefield. 

Anakin shielded his eyes from the intensity, his mind racing. "That's... Lelouch," he said, almost to himself. "That's his way of solving problems. One big, explosive answer." 

Ahsoka lowered her hand from her brow, her face a mix of amazement and horror. "Doesn't he care that there were probably thousands of Geonosians in there?" 

Anakin's expression tightened, a shadow crossing his features. "He cares, Ahsoka," he said slowly. "Just not in the way we do. For him, this is the most efficient way to end the battle quickly. The few sacrificed to save the many." 

Before Ahsoka could respond, a familiar voice cut through the commlink in Anakin's ear. "Anakin," Obi-Wan Kenobi's calm yet strained tone came through, "did you see that?" 

"Like anybody could miss it." Anakin replied, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "Lelouch's idea of a clean solution. Just crash a whole starship into the enemy. Problem solved." 

Obi-Wan's voice was quiet but heavy with thought. "It's effective, I'll give him that. But this isn't the Jedi way, Anakin. We don't sacrifice our own like that, no matter the reason." 

Anakin sighed, glancing back at the towering plume of smoke and fire rising in the distance. "Maybe that's why he's not one of us," he muttered. "And maybe... maybe that's why he gets things done." 

There was a moment of silence from Obi-Wan's end, and then he responded, "Be careful, Anakin. His methods may seem effective, but they come at a cost—a cost that may be too high for us to pay." 

Anakin nodded, though his thoughts were conflicted. "I know, Master. But for now, we've got a shield generator to take down. Let's hope there's still a battlefield left by the time we're done." 

With that, he cut the comm and turned to Ahsoka. "Let's move, Snips. This fight isn't over yet." 

Ahsoka nodded, her eyes still flicking back to the smoking ruin of the factory. "Right behind you, Skyguy." 

-------------------- 

Back on the flagship's hangar Lelouch watched the tactical display and live footage from his scouts surrounded by his soldiers. 

"They make us proud. It is a shame that the resulting tremors didn't knock something loose on the shield generator, but that just gives you the opportunity to finish what they started." 

He turned towards his soldiers, "Their back is wide open. While their defenses are focused on the east and hammering our resident Jedi, you'll enter from west, directly in front of the bridge of the destroyed factory, right under that shield, and with a clean shot at their backs. Deploy and cut them down... To the last bug." 

A.N: Had quite some work, plus Space Marine 2 released, and i just couldn't resist... plus i still haven't finished Black Myth: Wukong. I'll have to recheck this chapter tomorrow since i wrote it pretty late, but anyway, hope u enjoy :)