Battle of the Wrea System
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Wars
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Now for something all new and completely different. This chapter takes place concurrently with the Ryloth Campaign in the Clone Wars. Here is Chapter 13. Enjoy!
{ } Signifies an alien language
…
Last time:
Year 22 BBY
Expansion Region, Thaere Sector, Planet Almas, Almas Jedi Academy
Jedi Master Qel Bertuk was the first person that Naruto saw when he woke up. Several Jedi healers were around and Lanius said, "Welcome back to the world of consciousness Master Uzumaki. Your plan worked."
"What about the others?" asked Naruto blearily.
"They are all still asleep Master Naruto." answered the older Master. "You all needed minor medical treatment but Nala Ferge brought you all home safely."
The whiskered blonde laid back a relaxed knowing everyone was safe. "Is Nala still here Master Lanius?"
The graying man replied, "She is outside with the others burning a pyre for those lost against the Battlelords. Just rest for now and recover. We of Almas Academy will always be in your debt."
…
Chapter 13
Year 22 BBY
Expansion Region, Thaere Sector, Planet Almas Orbit, Republic Starship Intrepid
Jedi General Naruto Uzumaki and Jedi Commander Barriss Offee watched from the bridge of the Intrepid as their friends Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano's ship the Resolute took off to meet up with the massive Republic Fleet headed towards Ryloth in the Gaulus Sector.
Some of the most powerful ships in the fleet were going to sail into battle to liberate Ryloth from the Confederacy of Independent Systems occupational forces. It was going to be a long and bloody campaign and the Republic was going to need every bit of its might to win.
So where was the mighty Intrepid going? The Wrea system along the famous hyperspace route named the Corellian Run.
Commander Checker said, "Wrea… Never heard of it. Why are we going there again?"
"Because orders are orders." replied Captain Franz in a depressed tone as they made the jump to lightspeed.
…
Hyperspace, Republic Starship Intrepid
Naruto was meditating in his quarters on the mysterious set of orders he'd received from Grandmaster Yoda.
…Flashback
"Much we have to discuss Master Uzumaki." said the diminutive Grandmaster in a holographic display. "Not ready to leave Almas yet, are you?"
Naruto shook his head. "The secrets of the Battlelords have yet to be recovered. They either need to be captured or destroyed to prevent more from being made."
"Spoke highly of your efforts, Master Qel Bertuk did." replied Yoda. "Leave the matter in his capable hands, you must."
"I take it there is a mission for the Republic at hand?" asked the blonde. "Anakin said the Resolute is going to Ryloth to liberate the system. He seemed pretty excited."
"Enjoys battle a little too much, that one…" muttered the Grandmaster. "You will not go to Ryloth, other places you need to go."
"The Intrepid isn't going to Ryloth?" asked Naruto in shock.
"Discussed it in detail, Master Windu and I did." said Yoda. "You see things we cannot young Uzumaki. Your insights, we require." He waved his clawed hand and a holographic map of the Outer Rim came up. It was specifically the Gaulus Sector where Ryloth was. "Many systems and many peoples in the Gaulus Sector. Now the question; where would Dooku be marshalling his forces to counter the Republic? What system young Uzumaki?"
"You want me to take a guess?" asked Naruto with a cocked eyebrow.
"I want you to feel." replied the Grandmaster. "Do not think about it, feel it."
Naruto closed his eyes so he could only feel himself and the Force speaking to him. He raised his right index finger and pointed directly at a star before opening his eyes. Then he read the name on the star map. "Wrea System… There's a Republic outpost there."
Yoda's eyes grew wide and his ears perked up. The Grandmaster slapped his forehead and said, "Of course! One of our own, what better system to hide in?"
Now Naruto was puzzled. "I'm afraid you've lost me Master."
"Looked all over, the Republic has for Dooku's forces." said Yoda in shock. "A thick asteroid belt, the Wrea system holds. A perfect place to hide a fleet…right under our noses." The Grandmaster nodded decisively. "To the Wrea System the Intrepid will go young Uzumaki. Find Dooku's forces and drive them out, you must. May the Force be with you…"
…Flashback end
…
Outer Rim Territories, Gaulus Sector, Wrea System, Republic Starship Intrepid
Naruto didn't relish the idea of turning the Wrea System into a battleground. Wreans were a peaceful, aquatic species of people that helped the Republic with Medical supplies. Wrea itself was an ocean world and the Republic outpost there was not adequate to defend against an invasion or even worse, an orbital bombardment.
Therefore, he ordered every single one of the 192 BTL-B Y-Wing Starfighters*① aboard armed for anti-shipping strikes with 6 proton torpedoes each. They were joined by an equal number of brand-new Z-95 Headhunters*② armed with 8 proton torpedoes each. Lastly there were 36 Delta-7B Interceptors*③ acting as scouts and flight leaders*④.
The crew was a bit baffled as to why they were jumping into a friendly system armed to the teeth until Naruto explained everything to the crew on the ship's overhead:
"Attention all personnel: This is General Uzumaki speaking. There is suspicion that a large fleet of Confederacy ships supporting the Ryloth Blockade is hiding in the asteroid belt of the Wrea System unknown to our own forces stationed there."
"This fleet is suspected to be powered down and in hiding so our job is to hunt down and destroy any enemy vessels that may be hiding there. We will exit hyperspace near the planet Wrea and all fighters will launch at that point. All pilots man your fighters and power up for launch in ten minutes."
"Good luck, good hunting and may the Force be with you…"
Barriss Offee asked Naruto, "Are we going Master? Our fighters are ready to go."
The blonde nodded and said, "Captain Franz, I leave the Intrepid in your capable hands. Let's go Barriss."
Soon Naruto was strapped into his green scale patterned Delta-7B fighter, Dragon Lady and Barriss was in her blue striped one. A minute later they dropped out of hyperspace above the deep blue ocean world of Wrea and scared the living daylights out of the Republic outpost there. Captain Rom Franz's voice came through as the Star Destroyer's massive hanger bay doors opened. "All fighters, lift off!"
Naruto felt the brief G-forces of pure acceleration as the Dragon Lady blasted off into space. He admired the peacefulness of Planet Wrea below him before looking back at the swarm of fighters that he was leading, Black Squadron. They were flying the (unofficial) debut mission of the Z-95 Headhunter and all were eager to put their new fighters to the test. "Black Squadron form up on me. Let's see what we can find."
After Black 1 through 12 checked in, Naruto led them line ahead into the asteroid belt. It was dark, dense and dangerous flying, but the blonde Jedi Master was determined that he would find something…
In the meantime, Barriss Offee was leading her own group, Blue Squadron which was flying Y-Wings. She was eagle eyed as she deftly maneuvered around the asteroids and came upon a lone Vulture class droid fighter that was obviously damaged.
Throttling back, she followed the lone fighter through a series of tunnels in the asteroid belt before emerging in an open area full of tankers and droid transport ships as far as the eye could see. They were all powered down to keep their energy signature from being detected by the Wrea outpost.
Her eyes widened before signaling Blue Squadron, "Everyone pick a transport Blue Squadron. There are enough targets for everybody." Blue Squadron was soon having a field day and the entire area was lit up like a fireworks display.
The Confederacy ships were sitting ducks and over half of them had been destroyed before they had a chance to get their engines online, let alone their shields. Barriss shot up a fuel tanker and watched it go up like a miniature sun before locking on to another target. 'It seems you were spot on Master. I can't believe you doubted yourself on this mission.' thought the Miralan padawan.
The whole system's asteroid belt was lit up like some kind of cosmic shooting gallery from the point of view of Captain Rom Franz up on the flag bridge of the Intrepid. Excited radio chatter was everywhere as the fighters returned squadron by squadron for reloads of proton torpedoes and fuel.
"This is unbelievable!" said Rom. "Score one for the Republic." The one-sided slaughter was going full steam and the long range scanners on the Intrepid had yet to see any Confederate ships leaving the asteroid belt either towards or away from Planet Wrea where they were orbiting...
In the meantime, Naruto's Black squadron found what they were looking for: A Providence-class dreadnought they quickly identified as the CIS Iron Wind. The Iron wind was docked with the largest supertanker Naruto had ever seen and he quickly deployed Black Squadron as the Iron Wind started to power up.
"Everyone target the tanker!" commanded Naruto. "When it goes up switch to the dreadnought!" Seconds later a salvo of proton torpedoes plowed into the side of the tanker and it went up like a supernova. It actually was little wonder the Iron Wind went up shortly thereafter because her fuel tankage was connected to the exploding supertanker.
The explosion of the dreadnought was blinding but Naruto and the dazzled Black Squadron came out unscathed. After the Iron Wind went up things got worse for the Confederacy ships because their flagship was no longer there to coordinate them or tell them where to go.
By the time the droids got their act together they'd suffered a horrendous loss of 117 vessels of all sizes and types in exchange for a handful of Republic Starfighters…
Captain Rom Franz was beside himself. "What an astounding victory we've had this day! General Naruto, we've decoded several transmissions and the Confederacy lost over 80% of their fleet plus the Iron Wind. Losing the hidden enemy ships will be a devastating blow to their ability to hold on to the Ryloth System."
Naruto exhaled, "Phew; what a day! Maintain combat air patrols and stay vigilant. I'm fairly sure the enemy has fled but we need to watch for stragglers. Have search and rescue shuttles out looking for those we lost. I have to make a report to the Jedi Council. My apprentice, we have a report to make."
"Yes Master!" replied Barriss. As they got on the lift she added. "…And here you were doubting yourself. We've stopped the Confederacy dead in their tracks here in Wrea."
Naruto nodded slowly. "It makes me wonder how long the Confederacy of Independent Systems has been marshalling their forces here a the Wrea System. It must have taken months to sneak in that many troop ships alone. The Republic Outpost here has only short-range scanners and Dooku's forces must have been aware of that somehow."
"Do you think there is a Confederate spy in the outpost Master Naruto?" asked Barriss.
"Actually, I think the spy is higher up the food chain." replied Naruto. "You don't just sneak a dreadnought into an enemy occupied system without total reassurance you won't be spotted."
…
Planet Coruscant, Galactic Senate Building, Chancellor Sheev Palpatine's Quarters
Darth Sidious wasn't sure whether he should be dumbfounded or enraged. The dreadnought Iron Wind was the cornerstone of the CIS Fleet that was supposed to beat back Mace Windu's Republic Fleet and stretch out the 'liberation' of the Ryloth for months. Now the bloody Confederates were running with their tails between their legs!
Palpatine had foreseen the Ryloth System would eventually be a Republic victory (albeit a terribly costly one) but what happened in Wrea wasn't supposed to happen. Sidious didn't have an inkling that the Iron Wind would be located; let alone blown to bits while at anchorage. "At least they could have gone down fighting!" he raged.
That's when Palpatine realized a piece of his carefully constructed puzzle was missing. The Intrepid was assigned to join Mace Windu's fleet over Ryloth. However, instead of travelling there with young Skywalker's Resolute; Uzumaki's ship had vanished… into the Wrea System!
Now Nute Gunray was (once again) begging for help and Darth Sidious wanted to (once again) squeeze the life out of the gutless Neimoidian worm. On top of that the spies that arranged things in Wrea were already in danger of being exposed. That much was clear. Palpatine quickly made arrangements for an appropriate scapegoat to be found dead by the Jedi.
The last thing the Chancellor wanted was another disaster like what happened with Janus Greejatus…
…
Jedi Grand Temple
Grandmaster Yoda was speaking with Jedi Master Mace Windu vis hologram who now had Wat Tambor*⑤ in custody aboard his ship. Master Windu said puzzled, "The Separatists fled like frightened children before us. They left Wat Tambor to fend for himself. At first they were putting their all into defending Ryloth to the last man and then they completely did an about face."
Yoda chuckled, "Master Uzumaki we have to thank. Found their fleet anchorage and destroyed it. Cost them the Iron Wind, it did."
Windu was shocked. "So the dreadnought was in the sector. Where was she?"
"Ah, right under our noses in the Wrea Asteroid belt." said Yoda. "Young Uzumaki caught the Iron Wind refueling and destroyed the ship and most of her support fleet. Sent the Confederacy running, hmmm?"
"So we were right about Naruto's ability to see through the veil of the Dark Side." said Mace. "How did he figure out it was the Wrea System?"
The diminutive Grandmaster chuckled again. "Showed him a map, I did. He pointed right to Wrea so off I sent him in the Intrepid."
Master Windu sweat dropped. "Where is Naruto now?"
"Investigating the Wrea outpost for spies." answered Yoda. "Believes the spies are in the Capital he does but needed there young Uzumaki is."
…
Outer Rim Territories, Gaulus Sector, Wrea System, Republic Starship Intrepid
Jedi General Naruto Uzumaki was a tad irked. He knew there weren't any spies in the Republic outpost in Wrea but Master Yoda told him to check anyway while the High Council conducted an investigation on the Coruscant end of things. It was all so he'd stick around the Wrea System in case the Confederacy tried something.
For now; the Intrepid was acting as a long range scanning platform until the outpost received their own. It would take just over a week to get the outpost upgraded but it was a valuable week lost as far as Naruto was concerned. He had expressed his views to the Grandmaster but Yoda chuckled and told him, "Patience, a virtue it is."
That was when he was contacted by someone unexpected; the Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine. Palpatine smiled in a delighted way and said, "I spoke to Grandmaster Yoda today and he revealed that you are the mastermind that really won the Battle of Ryloth and caused the Separatists to flee young Naruto. I haven't seen you since that nasty business with Janus Greejatus when you saved my life. On behalf of the Republic and the people of Ryloth; I thank you Master Uzumaki."
Naruto bowed, "Thank you Supreme Chancellor, the truth of the matter is I was in the wrong system at the wrong time."
Palpatine chuckled. "I believe you mean the right system at the right time. To think you and a handful of fighters took out something as massive as a dreadnought! I for one, am astounded! I believe you should be sitting on the High Jedi Council for such a thing. You certainly deserve to be rewarded for your valor."
Naruto waved his hands and said, "I don't need a reward Supreme Chancellor. To tell you the truth I don't belong on the Jedi Council. I'm not experienced or wise enough to sit with the Grandmaster. If it weren't for my padawan keeping me out of trouble who knows where I'd be."
The Chancellor replied, "You are still humble to a fault Naruto. The High Jedi Council could learn a lot from you. I'm afraid I must be going. Next time you are on Coruscant do stop in and see me. My door is always open. Oh! And may the Force be with you."
"And with you as well Supreme Chancellor." said Naruto as they both signed off.
"Was that Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Master?" asked Barriss Offee.
Naruto nodded and frowned slightly. "It was."
She grinned. "I take it you don't like him?"
"He's a politician my padawan learner." said the blonde. "I don't trust him. Politicians are like Mon Cala eels; they are very slippery creatures that will electrocute you without provocation."
Her eyebrows rose. "That's quite a treatise on politics Master. May I quote you?"
Naruto smiled and said, "Not in this lifetime Barriss. Wait until after I'm dead…"
…
Planet Coruscant, Galactic Senate Building, Chancellor Sheev Palpatine's Quarters
Sheev Palpatine was fuming. "That boy is like some kind of wraith. Every time I try to read him or get a hold on him, he slips through my grasp and flows around me like water. Still, I need to keep him tied down where he can't interfere in my plans again. Putting him on the High Jedi Council will be the perfect way to keep him chained down. I wish I had thought of this sooner. I have a meeting with that little green imp this afternoon so I'll bring it up then."
…
Chancellor Sheev Palpatine's Office
That afternoon Grandmaster Yoda came to see the Supreme Chancellor to talk about the possibilities of finding out who planned the Republic outpost in the Wrea System. Chancellor Palpatine seemed very concerned that it was another spy in their midst and ordered his most trusted military advisors to gather the data for both himself and the Grandmaster.
While they waited, the two were discussing a certain Renatasian Jedi Knight named Naruto Uzumaki. Yoda said, "Ah, yes. Very gifted, Naruto Uzumaki is. A fine Jedi and General."
"Master Yoda, surely you agree that he deserves some kind of reward for his bravery in the Wrea System." said the master manipulator. "With all that has happened he is a shining example to other Jedi. I would go so far as to say he deserves a seat on the High Jedi Council."
Yoda chuckled, "Hmhmhm. Merit your words have Chancellor but on the Council he will not sit. To much wanderlust that one has. Drag him in kicking and screaming; we would have to do."
Playing dumb, Palpatine said, "I just assumed every knight aspired to be on the Jedi Council."
The diminutive green Jedi Master shook his head. "Many do but not Naruto Uzumaki. A gifted leader who does not want to lead. A fine teacher who does not like to teach. An enigma, is he not?"
Palpatine said, "Surely you could ask."
Yoda shrugged, "Ask him I shall but his answer I already know."
…
"Thank you for your gracious invitation Master Yoda but I must respectfully decline. There are far better choices to sit on the Council than I*⑥. May the Force be with you." said Naruto as he quickly signed off.
Yoda smirked and Palpatine face faulted. "Told you I did." said the Grandmaster.
…
Outer Rim Territories, Gaulus Sector, Wrea System, Republic Starship Intrepid
Just over a week later; the work on the long-range scanners for the Republic Outpost in Wrea was finished at last. Jedi General Naruto Uzumaki was talking to Grandmaster Yoda from the bridge of the Intrepid along with Jedi Commander Barriss Offee, Captain Rom Franz and Commander Checker.
"Found a sacrificial lamb, we did. Already dead when we found him." said Yoda. "Now the real culprit you must find Master Naruto. Sending the data now, we are."
"Colonel Monz Phylo, Republic Planning Committee in charge of sensor systems for the Ryloth, Gaulus and Wrea Systems in the Gaulus Sector." said Bariss in a dark tone. "A Twi'lek originally from Planet Ryloth. He sold his own people out to the Separatists. He's returned to Ryloth to help them rebuild the Republic's defenses against the Confederacy of Independent Systems."
Commander Checker growled, "Looks like he left Coruscant just in time to avoid the Jedi investigation too. What a coincidence. I hate traitors."
"I understand your feelings Checker but remember he is a link in a chain." said Naruto. "He's obviously guilty but he has connections going up and down the chain. We want to work upwards and see how he connects to the Confederacy. I'm laying odds he was paid off as opposed to being the center of the conspiracy."
"He's pretty high-ranking sir." said Checker. "He might be the hub with his place in the Republic Ground Forces."
"Well find out soon enough." said Naruto. He turned to Rom and said "Captain Franz, lay in a course for the Ryloth System. We have a spy to catch."
…
Ryloth System, Republic Starship Intrepid
The Intrepid jumped into the Ryloth System and settled into orbit around planet Ryloth proper. There were several Acclamator-class vessels and one other Venerator-class there, the brand-new Reprisal*⑦ which replaced the destroyed Liberty as Jedi General Aayla Secura's ship and the home of the 327th Star Corps.
General Secura was happy to have Naruto and the 325th Legion there but she sensed the blonde Jedi wasn't there just to lend a hand and contacted him on a private channel in their respective quarters.
Aayla said, "You seem quite conflicted Naruto. Is there any way I can help?"
"I'm afraid that I'm hunting for a Rutian Twi'lek spy that works for the Confederacy." said Naruto with a frown. "I need him alive."
She looked at the holographic data and picture as she read, "…Colonel Monz Phylo…Republic Planning Committee. Green skin, very average looking. Stationed here on assignment to rebuild the sensor systems…What makes him a spy?"
Naruto grimaced. "The Ryloth System and others only had short range sensor rigs due to Monz Phylo's specific orders. They were sitting ducks for the Separatists to invade because they never saw the enemy coming until it was too late."
Her hazel eyes widened. "Then he is responsible for the deaths of thousands and thousands of Twi'leks! Let me help you Naruto. We'll hunt this scum down and-"
"I need him alive." repeated the blonde, "Do you think you can control yourself? You could be a great help because this is your home world, but I can't have you killing him. I need to find out who is pulling the strings behind him."
"I've brushed with the Dark Side before." said Aayla. "You don't have to worry."
Naruto sighed. "I didn't know…and I didn't mean to imply that you lacked self-control."
Aayla shook her head. "It's all right Naruto. I was really angry for a moment there. I'm okay now. I'd like to help you apprehend this creep if I can."
"All right, I'll come over to the Reprisal in a shuttle and pick you up." said Naruto. "From there we need to head to the Kala'uun Spaceport*⑧ if I'm not mistaken."
She smiled. "Come over when you are ready. I'll get my stuff together."
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: BTL-B Y-Wing- a model of starfighter/bomber produced by Koensayr Manufacturing and the first of the BTL series Y-Wing line. A mainstay of the Republic Navy.
*②: Z-95 Headhunter- A joint venture between Incom and Sublights Product Corporation. The Z-95 was the Republic Navy's primary multi-role starfighter.
*③: Delta-7B Interceptor- Designed by Kuat Systems Engineering, it was a variant design of the earlier Delta-7 Aethersprite, with the Delta-7B featuring a relocated astromech droid slot and a slightly enlarged hull. (Naruto's personal fighter Dragon Lady is a Delta-7B}.
*④: Just a general note on the massive number of fighters. The Venerator-Class Star Destroyer has a complement of 420 Fighters of various types. There's no exaggeration. It's straight from Wookieepedia.
*⑤: Wat Tambor is a male Skakoan who was the foreman of the Techno Union and an executive of the Baktoid Armor Workshop. He pledged the Techno Union's resources to the Confederacy of Independent Systems earning himself a seat on the Seraratist Council. See Wookieepedia.
*⑥: Translated from the old Renatasian tongue: {"No way, no how am I gonna sit in one of those crazy hospital waiting room chairs! I'd sooner jump into a swimming pool full of double-edged razor blades than be locked up in a council room 24/7!"}
*⑦: Reprisal -I chose this name as the Liberty was destroyed during the Battle of Quell but Aayla Secura and the 327th Star Corps saw the end of the war. They had to have a ship to get around in.
*⑧: Kala'uun Spaceport- Kala'uun is a large permanent city in the Lonely Five Mountain Range and has a large underground spaceport. I'll delve into it in detail next chapter.
A lot of footnotes this chapter but unfortunately necessary. Next chapter we'll start spy hunting. See you next time. Blue out. 1/27/24