//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Protecting Christophsis Part 1 // Story: Star Wars Friendship: The Clone Wars // by Aegis Spirit //------------------------------// It’s been years since my friends and I left the Jedi Order. My Mom and Dad came to Equestria when Leonidas contacted them, telling me I was here. They were completely overjoyed to see me again. I explained to them why my friends and I left the Jedi Order and to say they were furious at the Jedi Council would be an understatement. Leonidas explained to the two of them what we planned for the future and they both wanted to help out. In the first year, the Princesses taught us everything they knew of the Force. During that time, Twilight made a BD-1 droid to help her in her studies. The BD-1 was pale grayish amber color, which she nicknamed it Owl. When I questioned her about the name, all she said that it just felt right. It was around this time when Twilight’s found a old dragon egg that Princess Celestia found years ago. Some how, when she touched the egg, it hatched revealing a anthro young dragon boy with blue skin, green spines, she named Spike. Imagine my surprise when Twilight told us, especially when we found out that Spike was Force Sensitive as well. Since the dragon had no family, Twilight decided to adopted Spike as her little brother. While Spike would be receiving lessons on how to use the Force, he won’t be joining us when we completed our training until he eventually grows up. A few weeks at the start of the Clone Wars, it was time for The Festival of the Two Sisters. A celebration about Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stopping King Sombra and ending the Equestria Civil War. Dooku came to Equestria, trying to convince the Princesses and the other planets of the United Frontier Alliance, UFA, to join the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Despite his efforts, the Princess refused and sent him off world, as did the rest of the Alliance Planets. However, during the celebration, Marder, a Frontier general known for being ruthless and focused on getting the job done no matter what, betrayed the Militia and used a Sith artifact to corrupt the two Princesses, turning them into Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker. The Militia attempted to stop them, but the corrupted Princesses and Marder managed to escape. My friends and I wanted to help, but my Leonidas and Dad wouldn’t listen. He ordered us to return home as they try to figure out where they went. With no idea where they could have gone, my friends and I meditated together and saw a planet that only Twilight recognized. It was a world used as a base of operations for the Alliance against the Eternal Empire during the time of the old Republic. Since the end of the Sith War, the planet has long been abandoned. Even so, Odessen has an extremely strong connection to the Force. My friends and I took the shuttle we got from Coruscant years ago and made our way to Odessen. There, we faced different tests that were similar to the lessons in the second episode of the MLP series, where each of the Mane 6 displayed different acts of the elements of Harmony. Even Sunset and I had to pass obstacles that represent acts of harmony that weren't originally in the show. Applejack showed honesty when the cliff collapsed and assured Twilight will be okay if she let herself fall. Fluttershy displayed kindness when she helped a shade stalker remove a huge thorn from it’s paw. Pinkie Pie showed laughter when she helped us laugh at the horrific trees. Rarity showed generosity through giving up a large piece of her hair tail to a intelligent sea serpent to replace his missing mustache. Rainbow Dash showed loyalty when she choose to stay and her friends when Nightmare Moon attempted to trick her with fame. Sunset showed empathy when we were attacked by a huge burned up Jurgoran, and showed us she was trying to protect her young. For me personally, I faced a shadowy version of myself, trying to convince me that my friends flaws hold me back. Some of what it said was true, but I still accepted my friends as they are, that I wouldn’t change who they are. Thus me showing acceptance. We eventually found a cave containing a large crystal like tree. It was the Tree of Harmony, though it looked as if it was sick. I also noticed carved symbols of a sun and moon on its trunk Twilight recognized the tree from one of Starswirl’s books, and explained that it held the Eight Elements of Harmony, but the last one was a complete mystery. Which was odd because I remember six elements from the show. We also found the corrupted Princess there as well, trying to destroy what was left of the crystal tree. The Princesses sent out a massive force push at us in an attempt to get us out of the cave. I casted my own force push and slightly negated it, protecting Twilight and I, but our friends were pushed outside. To make matters worse, Daybreaker collapsed the entrance, separating Twilight and I from our friends. Daybreaker created fire out of thin air using the force, and blasted us with it. I barely held it back with my force push as some of the flames burned my hands. Twilight told me to stop, but I only replied that friends help each other, no matter what. It was at that moment when Twilight realized what the last element was just as our friends cleared the rocks separating us and them. She pointed out that the spirits of the elements are us. The moment we came together, the tree started to glow to life. Twilight began telling Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon what each of us represent. Applejack represented Honesty, Fluttershy represented Kindness, Pinkie Pie represented Laughter, Rarity represented Generosity, Rainbow Dash represented Loyalty, Sunset represented Empathy, and I represented Acceptance. As she was saying this, the gems at the end of the Tree of Harmony’s branches started to glow different colors. The Princess scoffed at us, claiming that we were missing one element. Twilight pointed out that the last element would only show itself once all other elements are ignited by the spark, that resides in everyone. She reveals it to be the element of Magic. The element of Magic glowed purple in the center of the tree. Once that happened, my friends and I started to glow as well. We sent out a large rainbow blast, surrounding the two Princesses. When it was over, Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon were reverted back into Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Rarity’s lost hair tail and my burned up hands were completely healed by the Tree of Harmony. Speaking of which, different color crystal shards from the tree’s branches and it’s center broke off, floating towards my friends and I. They were a form of kyber crystals. Twilight’s kyber crystal was purple, Applejack’s was orange, Fluttershy’s was yellow, Pinkie Pie’s was pink, Rarity’s was Indigo, Rainbow Dash’s was light blue, Sunset’s was red, and mine was bronze. These crystals acted the same way as kyber crystals, which are used to power a Jedi’s lightsaber. The Princess awoke and where extremely grateful we saved them. Sunset was slightly worried that her red kyber crystal meant she was connect to the dark side of the Force, but Princess Luna revealed that while rare, red kyber crystals can be connected to the light side of the force, and Sunset’s was most certainly was. Sunset was extremely relieved to hear that. Shortly after, my brother and Dad with a group of soldiers showed up and we told them what happened. While they were disappointed and frustrated we disobeyed them and put ourselves at risk, Leonidas and Richard were proud we were able to save the Princesses. We traveled back to Equestria and the citizens celebrated that Princesses returned to normal. It was at that time that Leonidas, Richard, and the Princesses agreed that we have completed our training. While we have been training over the years, Leonidas had some of the Militia Engineers construct a ship for us. He based the ship off the Normandy SR-2 from the Mass Effect Universe. Leonidas himself constructed an A.I. to help with the ship’s functions and logistics he named Oracle. With the starship constructed, my friends and I named it the Friendship, symbolizing the bond we have to each other. We would each take different roles in the ship. Rainbow Dash would be the pilot. Applejack would manage the ship’s gun batteries on deck 3 and habitation room on deck 4 where we grow our fruits. Fluttershy would work in the med bay on Deck 3. Pinkie Pie would be the cook in the mess hall and help Rainbow Dash manage our dropship and starfighter. Sunset Shimmer would work in engineering and would pilot the starship from time to time. Rarity would work in cataloging our storage and supplies, as well as practice her sowing. Twilight would work in the ship’s studies. For some reason, the crew nominated me as captain, even though I think Twilight or Sunset would have be the perfect fit. An arrest warrant was sent out for Marder, but he was nowhere to be seen. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna explained to us the rogue general told the two of them his benefactor wished them to destroy the Tree of Harmony. He simply left after dropping them off on Odessen. Militia Intelligence suspected he was hiding in CIS Space after discovering transmissions between him and Count Dooku in his old old office. To make matters worse, we still didn’t know where that man got the Sith Artifact, or who gave it to him. Another question is why Marder or his benefactor couldn’t try to destroy the Tree of Harmony themselves. We eventually began constructing our lightsabers using the crystal shards from the Tree of Harmony. Each of us made a specific type of hilt depending on our lightsaber forms. We also started manifesting either new force abilities we didn’t originally have or enhanced ones from our kyber crystals. Twilight chose to stick with a standard lightsaber as she specialized in Niman. Niman focuses on a balance between both offense and defense but no notable strengths. Twilight’s force telekinesis was enhanced to let her manipulate much large and multiple objects. Rarity constructed a curved lightsaber and she practiced Makashi. Makashi is known for it’s elegance in avoiding to be disarmed while at the same time disarming their opponents. She eventually developed a form of cryokinesis. She can now create diamond hard ice from thin air and freeze objects. Pinkie Pie constructed a pink lightsaber that can be turned into a lightwhip and she practices Shien. Shien focuses on quick transitions from dedicated defensive stances to all out attacks. Her force sense that allows her to feel impending danger was heightened. This allows her to fluently detect multiple threats at once, though certain parts of her body twitches depending on what's about to happen. Applejack got creative with her lightsaber and made a lightsaber with a small blaster on the bottom hilt and practiced Shii-Cho. Shii-Cho relies on fighting multiple opponents while also disarming them. She even developed force enhanced strength, which gives her super strength. Fluttershy constructed a Qinata thanks to my brothers help. Fluttershy’s Qinata is a lightsaber attached to a staff that is made out of cortosis. Fluttershy practiced Soresu and Jar’kai. The Soresu form that’s all about defense and analyzing their opponents, looking for a opening. Jar’Kai is the use of two lightsabers at once, though Fluttershy uses it when she separates her Qinata, wielding her lightsaber in one hand, and a cortosis staff that slightly shortens in the other. Her animal bond force ability also grew, allowing her to communicate with other animals, even calming down the more violent ones. Rainbow Dash constructed a cyan blue double bladed lightsaber and practiced Ataru. Ataru focuses on aggressive, acrobatic, and speed that uses the Force to enhance it’s movements. Her force speed was also enhanced, allowing her to use it multiple times before tiring out. Sunset constructed a crossguard lightsaber and practiced a form similar to Juyo. While regular Juyo uses the owners own negative emotions to fuel aggressive assault, Sunset drew upon her anger and passion, but does not give into them. Her force empathy was enhance to not only to sense others feelings, but also to hear people’s thoughts and see their memories upon physical contact. For me, I just made a simple standard lightsaber, though I also forged a short kite shield from beskar my Mom and Dad gave me. As for my lightsaber style, I researched other forms of lightsaber combat and found a form called Tràkata. Unlike other lightsaber forms, Tràkata focuses on turning off the lightsaber mid swing, confusing opponents. I practiced a version of this lightsaber form along with my shield to make my own unique lightsaber form. Though I’ve been having trouble coming up with a name for it. My lightsaber form focuses on being able to strike while quickly guarding with my shield, or faking with my lightsaber. As for my force ability, I discovered I had a talent to create force barriers. Force barrier is an ability that acts like a shield, creating a barrier of force energy around myself or those around me. A couple months before the Clone War start, Leonidas and Dad saw the signs of conflict rising and begun preparing the Frontier for war. Dad has also begun working on creating more starships, as well as begin construction of a new type of starship in case the Frontier was invaded by either side. Originally, he, Dad and the United Frontier Alliance wanted to stay neutral in the conflict. Unfortunately, war doesn’t always let sides stay neutral. In the early weeks of the war, the CIS begun invading Frontier Space in order to make a beachhead into Republic worlds. With the limited number of Frontier ships, the Militia are forced to fight a defensive war. Any offensive movement would have to be surgical strikes on key CIS military installation. The Republic attempted to have the Militia join them early on in the war, but the leaders of the UFA refused. They did however agree in a nonaggression treaty, allowing both sides to cooperate if they need to in war. As for me and my friends, we’ve mostly been transporting food and medical supplies to neutral planets, even Militia, CIS, and Republic controlled planet that desperately needed it. We thought this was all we would be doing for the rest of the war. Thing is, fate had other plans for us. Aegis POV I was in the hanger of the Friendship with Applejack and Sunset Shimmer. I was wearing a dark brown shirt, light blue jeans, and a light gray hoodie. Applejack was wearing a brown stetson, a pair of jeans with a brown belt and a western white shirt. Sunset was wearing a orange short sleeve shirt with a sleeveless black jacket and dark purple pants. Sunset and I were sparing as she was wielding her red crossguard lightsaber, while I was using my standard bronze lightsaber and grey shield. We both tuned down our lightsabers so we wouldn’t accidentally cut one another. “Begin!” Applejack announced, acting as a referee for our dual. Sunset lunged at me with her lightsaber. I side stepped to the right and tried to counter, but Sunset blocked my lightsaber with her plasma blade crossguard. We exchanged blows, trying to break the other’s guard. I decided to block her strike with my shield and swipe at her midsection. Sunset jumped back and smirked a bit before clashing her lightsaber with mine. “You’ve definitely gotten better since we first sparred.” She said as we were in a lightsaber lock. Sunset practically whipped my butt first time we sparred. She broke out lock and lunged at me again, swinging her lightsaber over my head. “I can say the same thing.” I said before I turned off my lightsaber and block with my shield, grabbed Sunset by the arm, let myself fall on my back, getting her to fall towards me, and flipped her over. I got back up and readied my stance as Sunset recovered after her tumble. We were about to charge at each other before we heard Twilight speak through the ship speakers. “Hey, Aegis. We got a called from your brother. He said he wanted to discuss a job opportunity.” Twilight said, getting both of us to stop in our track. “Thanks, Twilight. I’ll be in the comm room in a moment.” I replied before turning to Sunset. “Want to call it a draw until later?” I asked her. Sunset deactivated her lightsaber and smiled. “No problem. As long as you don’t mind loosing later.” She said confidently. I chuckled a little. “Shouldn’t you be telling yourself that.” I replied smirking before turning off my lightsaber. We both shared a laugh before I headed to the elevator. As the elevator reached deck 2, I headed past the combat information center, CIC, and reached the comm and meeting room. I activated the holo panel and got in contact with my brother. Leonidas’s holographic image came up in the middle of the table. “Good to see you again, little brother.” Leonidas greeted smiling. “Likewise, Leo. How has your work been?” I asked. Leonidas started letting his friends and family call him Leo for short. Leonidas smile dropped a little. “It’s been a bit difficult lately. We’ve had Separatist sightings on some of our outer colony worlds. Dad sent reinforcements there, but I’m worried if it’ll be enough. I’ll be heading out shortly on one of those worlds.” Leonidas said grimly. “I’m sorry, Leo. Do you want me and my friends to help one of the colony worlds?” I asked. “Thank you for the offer, Aegis. But I have a different job for you all. Our mining factory on Christophsis has come under attack when the CIS fleet invaded. That mining factory process materials we use to build our armored tanks and vehicles. The Militia on the planet joined forces with the security force to stand against the droid army. The Republic are currently readying a fleet to take the planet back, but I don’t believe the security forces will hold out much longer. Your ship can sneak past the CIS blockade fleet, and deliver much needed supplies and ammunitions on the ground. You’ll be payed once the supplies have been delivered. If you all want to stay and help the security forces fight, I’ll go ahead and pay you extra.” Leonidas explained, know me and my friends would try to help anyway. The Friendship is installed with stealth capabilities, such as hide from ship sensors, but a question came to mind. “Christophsis? I thought that was a Republic planet?” I questioned with a confused look. “Before the war started, The Atlas Corporation had a contract with the Christophsis government. In exchange for mining rights on a few areas, we would allow jobs to the population, as well as provide extra security and training.” Leonidas explained. “Alright, I’ll talk with my friends about it.” I told him. I may be the Captain, but I always talk with my friends before accepting a job. “Very well, Aegis. Before you leave, I want to ask a question real quick.” Leonidas said. I raised a eyebrow at what it could be. “Have you decided to ask Twilight on a date yet?” He asked with a sly smirk. My face went as read as a tomato. “Um… I need to talk to my friends. Bye.” I quickly replied and hung up. I really don’t like when he teases me like that. It’s been a while since I developed a small crush on Twilight, but I wasn’t sure wether or not to ask her. I shook those thoughts away, deciding to think about it later and signal everyone to come into the briefing room. A few minutes later, the door opened up as me friends walked in. Twilight was wearing a purple skirt and a medium blue button up shirt. Fluttershy was wearing black pants and a green turtle neck shirt. Pinkie Pie was wearing a dark red skirt and a light pink short short sleeve shirt. Rarity was wearing a dark purple medium skirt and light blue V-neck shirt. Rainbow Dash had on a black long tights and white T-shirt. Once everyone entered the room, I explained what the job was about. “So when do we leave?” Pinkie Pie asked, ready to go. “Hang on, Pinkie Pie. We need to figure out a way to get past that blockade. Even though we can hide from other ships sensors, all the droids have to do is look out a window.” Twilight explained. We got to thinking on a way to Christophsis. I guess we could break through the blockade, but it was too risky with that many ships. Even with Rainbow Dash’s piloting skills. Not to mention they may spot us the moment we come out of hyperspace. That’s when I got an idea. “What if we exit hyperspace behind the blockade?” I suggested. They all looked at me as if I was crazy. “Aegis, dear. I don’t believe that’s possible. We’ll exit hyperspace the moment we reach the egress point.” Rarity said, more than a bit concerned. The egress post is when starships get pulled out of hyperspace from a planet's gravity well. “Not to mention we could collide with one of those ships.” Fluttershy pointed out worriedly. Twilight rubbed her chin in thought. “Actually…” Twilight began to say as we looked at her. “If I reconfigure the ships navigation systems, and get information of the CIS blockade exact position. We should be able to jump out of hyperspace right behind the CIS blockade and before we enter Christophsis’s gravity well.” She explained. “We could hide behind the Christophsis’s moon and leave behind one our long range probe to pinpoint the ship’s positions.” Sunset said, onboard with the idea. “Oracle think it’ll work.” I asked our ship AI. A blue holographic sphere appeared in the middle of meeting table. “Theoretically, yes. With the stealth systems, the CIS ships should not be able to detect us after we exit hyperspace. The problem will be adjusting the angle for entering the planet’s gravity well.” Oracle explained. “Leave that to me.” Rainbow Dash said confidently. If any pilot could pull off this stunt, it was Rainbow Dash. It was pretty risky, but it could work. We all agreed with the plan and contacted Leonidas, accepting the job. Sometime later we acquired the supplies from a Militia space station outpost and travelled to Christophsis. After leaving behind the probe to receive the data on the CIS Fleet position, We flew toward the edge of the Christophsis system as we analyze the blockade positioning data. “Sure you can pull this off, Dash?” I asked her in the ship’s cockpit. “You kidding, your asking the best pilot in the galaxy if she can pull off a near impossible move.” Rainbow Dash asked with a smug on her face. I chuckled at her response. “Rainbow Dash, Twilight has analyzed the data from the probe, and I mapped the route to exit hyperspace behind the enemy ships. We are ready whenever you are.” Oracle told us. “Thank’s Oracle, prepping the engines now.” Rainbow Dash said. I took a seat next to her and opened the ship’s speakers. “Everyone, we’re about to go into hyperspace.” I informed everyone as Rainbow Dash got the engines ready. “We’re going into Hyperspace in 3…2…1!” Rainbow Dash said as the ship entered hyperspace. Around us was a blue swirling tunnel with white at the end of it. After a few moments in hyperspace, Oracle spoke up again. “Dash, we’ll be exiting hyperspace in five seconds.” She informed her. Rainbow Dash tightened the control, focused on flying the ship. As we exited Hyperspace, Rainbow Dash flew straight for the planet with her eye’s focused on the window. I checked our position and we were right behind the Separatist blockade. Dash quickly adjusted the Friendship’s trajectory as we headed for the atmosphere. “Oracle, any sign of the enemy detecting us?” I asked her, not sure if the enemy saw us or not. “Negative, Aegis. The enemy ships have not moved. Nor have they sent out droid fighters.” Oracle said. I sighed in relief as we entered the atmosphere. Rainbow Dash flew the Friendship to the surface where the Security forces were. Once we were close to the city where the Security Forces base of operations was, I transmitted our identification friend or foe, IFF, so they wouldn’t shoot us down. A moment later, we got in contact the Militia. “This is Acting Commander Lieutenant Xebo of the Militia Forces on Christophsis, explain why you here, Friendship.” Said a demanding feminine voice on the comms. “Lieutenant, I’m Captain Aegis Skiritai of the Friendship. We were hired to transport supplies and ammunition to you and the Christophsis Security forces. As well as provide assistance against the droid army.” I explained. I could hear the Lieutenant sigh in relief. “Thank goodness, we were getting low on ammo. I’m sending you landing coordinates for our base.” Xebo said before hanging up. “Got the coordinates for the landing sight. Taking us there now.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew the ship to the city below. Once there, we see a city who has personally seen its share of warfare. Many of the buildings have collapsed as the roads were damaged and covered in rubble. Along the side of the buildings we see large towering crystals. As we reached the landing zone, we see a handful of Militia and Clone soldiers, a couple of tortoise tanks guarding the main road. These tortoise tanks are based off the titan tanks from the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. It’s equipped with two rocket launchers on it’s back, a blaster cannon, two heavy repeating blasters. As well as an energy shield. We landed in a open field near the edge of the camp. “Hey girls, can I get some help unloading the cargo?” I asked on the ship’s speakers. “Already in the hanger, Aegis. Made super sure the supplies had cupcakes in them.” I heard Pinkie Pie said joyfully. I shook my head smiling. She always did try to put a smile on people. Rainbow Dash and I went down to the hanger. My friends have already begun to carry the cargo out as some Militia riflemen and clone troopers begun helping us as well. As I was pushing a crate of food out, I was approached by a female zabrak Militia soldier with tan skin. “You Aegis?” She asked. “I am. And you are?” I said as I pushed the crate with the others. The zabrak walked with me. “I’m Lieutenant Xebo, the current acting commander of the Militia forces stationed here. I wanted to thank you for getting these supplies to us, but I can’t help but wonder how your ship got past the blockade.” Xebo said curiously. I set the crate down. “Well, Lieutenant, lets just say we had to use a crazy plan and we were lucky to have the galaxy’s best pilot.” I explained looking at Rainbow Dash pushing a crate with a smile on my face. Xebo can only laughed a little. “Well, thank you all. You all may be kids, but we’re grateful. I wasn’t sure how long we would have lasted here before our blasters went dry.” She said, though a little sadly. Guess she doesn’t like to see kids on a battlefield., which was understandable. Whenever we take supplies to refugee worlds affected by the war, we would always encounter orphans who lost their families and parents who lost their children. That’s the ugliness on war. “Of course, Lieutenant. What exactly is the situation here.” I asked. Xebo frowned a little. “We’ve been holding out so far, but we’re outnumber five to one. When the CIS fleet arrived, they bombarded the main factory. My previous commander was killed in the first bombardment and I’ve been organizing the military forces since then. We were forced to evacuate the facility and relocate to this refugee camp Senator Organa established.” She explained. I blinked in surprise at what she just said. I didn’t think Senator Organa was here, though I can’t say I’m entirely surprised that he was. Unlike most politicians in the Republic, Senator Organa is one of the good ones and tries to help others in need. Before I could reply, her comm went off. “Lieutenant! A column of droids and tanks were sighted and are heading here as we speak.” We heard from her comm. “Sorry, Aegis. I need to be in the command post. You and your friends stay here until I say otherwise.” Xebo said before running off. All the clone troopers and militia soldiers dropped what they were doing and ran towards the frontline with their blasters in hand. I looked at my friends who finished unloading the cargo. They all heard what happened. “What do you all want to do?” I asked them, even though I can guess what they’re thinking. “Well, we’re here anyway. Might as well help out.” Rainbow Dash said confidently. We all agreed to help them and headed toward the Command base. On the way there, we saw more militia soldiers and clone troopers heading toward the frontline. Even a couple of tortoise tanks started rolling past us. As we reach the Command base, we saw Lieutenant Xebo overlooking the command console with who I recognized was Senator Organa. The Senator looked up at us for a moment before recognizing us. “Aegis?” Organa said in surprise. Xebo looked up at us when she heard Organa. “What are you kids doing here!? I told you to wait in your ship!” Xebo asked in both shock and anger. “Hello, Senator Organa.” I greeted before turning to Xebo. “Lieutenant, I realize that you don’t want kids in a battlefield, but my friends and I can fight and want to help anyway we can.” I told her Xebo stared at us for a second before sighing. “Not like I can be picky at a time like this.” She relented. “Alright, here’s what’s happening. Over four hundred battle droids and a handful of armored assault tanks are approaching through the main road. I’m having Militia and Republic forces fortify our defenses and lay down land mines.” Twilight analyzed the battlefield and came with a plan. “If we position soldiers with rocket and grenade launchers in the side buildings, we could ambush and destroy their tanks. Our own tanks and soldiers should be able to handle the droid forces once they’re armor escorts are gone.” She told us. Xebo thought over the plan and nodded. She was actually surprised a kid thought of that. “Good plan, kid. I’ll have a couple squads take position in these buildings. You all can help out anyway you want.” She told us before she started calling on squads. “Twilight, I suggest some of us should go to with the squads in case there are droids in those buildings.” I told them. “I agree, Aegis. Sunset and Pinkie, go with the squad heading toward the left side of the main road. Applejack and Rarity will do the same on the right as everyone else help defend the main road.” Twilight explained to us. "Leave it to us, Twilight." Applejack said as she, Rarity, Pinkie, and Sunset ran off. After agreeing with the plan, we took our positions as the droid army closes in on us. With me were Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Fluttershy. A platoon mixed with both Militia riflemen and clone troopers. Three of the remaining tortoise tanks rolled up behind us, ready to let loose their cannons. “Ten credits I take out more droids than you all.” Rainbow Dash said confidently next to me and everyone else on the comm. “Make it twenty and you got yourself a deal.” I heard Applejack said on the comm competitively. “Whoever win’s gets taken off chore duty for a week.” Pinkie Pie added. “Deal.” We all said. “Here they come. Ready rockets.” The militia officer inside the tortoise tank told the men. As the droid army got close enough, the officer ordered the tortoise tanks to let loose a volley of rockets, wiping out whole groups of droids and a few droid armored assault tanks, AATs. The soldiers begun firing a barrage of lasers at the approaching droids. While the plasma fired fromRepublic clone blasters were blue, the militia blasters were green. The droids returned fire, but my friends and I begun reflecting the laser bolts back at them with our lightsabers. Though I prioritized the lasers in front of me, I didn’t want any stray shots hitting the soldiers behind us. We kept reflecting lasers against the infantry of droids until the enemy tanks were right where they need to be. “The droid tanks are in position, spring the ambush.” Twilight said on her wrist comm. A moment later, rockets and grenades flew out from one of the buildings, decimating the rear droid tanks and any bots near them. The tortoise tanks behind us focused fire on the surviving droid tanks, catching them in a pincer attack. The few remaining AATs tried to fire on the building our forces where hiding in, but they weren’t giving the chance as rockets blew them to smithereens from the opposite building. “Lieutenant, the first wave of droids have been defeated. I suggest repositioning the soldiers in the buildings so the droids don’t get wise.” I said on my wrist comm. “My thoughts exactly. I’m already having them switch positions. You’ll be glad to know that Senator Organa got in contact with the Grand Army of the Republic. Their fleet have already engaged with the blockade. All we have to do is hold out until then.” Xebo told me. The next few waves were dealt with some difficulty as we held the line and ambushed where we could. The droids attempted to fire on the buildings the squads and my friends were hiding in, but our tanks prioritized on them, firing their cannons. Even so, the droids AATs managed to get a few good shots at our tanks, causing some serious damage. To make matters worse, the droid army have begun sending in octuptarra tri-droids. These large three legged walkers can rotate their cannons in a 360 angle, easily allowing them to hit surrounding targets. “Lieutenant, what’s the status with the Republic fleet, have they broken CIS blockade yet?” I asked her as I kept reflecting blast bolts. “Not yet, Senator Organa’s trying to get in contact. Wait… oh karabast! We detected droid bombers flying to our position. I want anti-air missiles and turrets up now!” She ordered. My friends and I looked up at the sky and saw a couple squads of droid bombers approaching the command post. Missiles and lasers were fired in the air, taking out a majority of them, but not all. The bombers that survived the onslaught manage to bomb the command post. “Lieutenant Xebo, are you alright! Lieutenant Xebo!” I yelled in near panic. I heard groaning from the comm. “Uh. I’m fine, kid. Those bombers barely missed our position. Senator Organa’s talking with Jedi leading the clone army here. He’s gonna try break the blockade. Whether he breaks it or not is yet to be seen. For now, everyone will do everything they can to hold off the droid forces.” Xebo ordered. I looked at the approaching droids and knew we needed a game changer. “Twilight, we need air support for the next waves. I believe Rainbow Dash should get in her starfighter?” I asked her. Twilight looked at the droid army approaching us and knew I was right. I didn’t suggest it earlier since I didn’t know whether or not the droids had anti-air weapons. That and I didn’t want to reveal our full capabilities to the droid’s commander. “Your right, Aegis. Rainbow Dash, head back to the Friendship and get in your fighter. We’ll handle the droids here.” Twilight told her. “What! I can’t just leave you all here!” Rainbow Dash told us as we took cover from a barrage of lasers. “Dash, your not leaving us. Your getting help. The tanks have already taken a beating and the mines aren’t gonna stop those tri-droids. Your fighter is one of the few things thing that can turn this around before it gets worse.” I told her. Rainbow Dash didn’t like leaving us, but knew I was right. Just then one of the tri-droids opened fire on a tortoise tank, severely damaging it. “Rainbow, please. We need your starfighter.” Fluttershy pleaded before tending to a injured clone trooper. Rainbow Dash looked around us to see the soldier on the breaking point. “Fine, I’ll be right back!” Rainbow Dash said as she ran back to our ship. She used force speed in order to get back quicker. The tortoise tanks continued firing their weapons at the marching droids. The tri-droids drew closer, firing their plasma cannons at us. One of the tortoise tanks was destroyed by a tri-droid. The Militia and my friends in the buildings fired more rockets from the upper floors and attacked the tri-droid in the rear. “Aegis, we’re running low on explosives. We’re gonna fall back.” I heard Rarity on my comm. “Copy that Rarity, go ahead and…” I didn’t finish as I saw one of the tri-droids getting a angle at where the ambush squads were positioned. “Everyone in the buildings, get out! The tri-droids got a angle you!” I yelled in my comm. A few seconds later, the tri-droid opened fire on the buildings the Militia and my friends were in. Smoke and dust exploded from the floors they were in. The tortoise tanks fired their blaster cannons, destroying one of the tri-droids. “Rarity, are you alright? Applejack? Pinkie? Sunset?” I radioed in fear. If anything happened to them, I just don’t know what I would do. Suddenly, I hear coughing through my comm. “Ugh… We’re okay, Aegis. Pinkie Pie said her sense’s were telling us to run. Despite the soldiers confusion, we ran out of the room right before we took fire.” Sunset explained. “Same here.” I hear Applejack. “Soon as I heard that tri-droid got a angle on us, we high tailed it out of there.” I was relieved that they were alright, but was drawn out of my thought as a handful of the tri-droids fired their cannons at us. We took cover behind large rubble as another tortoise tank was destroyed. The last two tortoise tanks started taking major damage from the barrage of lasers. The Militia Officer decided to trigger the mines laying underneath the droid as a last ditch effort. Though it took out the majority of the infantry droids, the tri-droids still stood strong. Right before my friends and I got out of cover to reflect blaster bolts, a couple of missiles flew over us, destroying two of the tri-droids. Thing is, those missiles didn’t come from the tanks. “Sorry I’m late.” I heard Rainbow Dash on my comm. We turned around to Rainbow Dash in her starfighter flying to us. My brother built her starfighter when he and Dad gave us our starship. He based it off the F-41 Broadsword from the Halo Universe. When Rainbow Dash first called dibs on the starfighter, she repainted it cyan blue, the same color as her fur. She nicknamed her starlight the Wonder Strike, inspired by the Wonderbolts, the best pilots not only in Equestria, but in the Frontier as well. Underneath her starfighters wings were two M1075 ASW/Ac 35mm blaster cannons and two M6088 ST/MMP missile pods. Rainbow Dash flew her starfighter at the tri-droids, launching her missiles and blaster cannons at the towering machines. Many of the tri-droids were destroyed by Rainbow Dash’s starfighter. The two tortoise tanks fired their cannons at the rest of the remaining tri-droids, blowing them apart as they fell on their fellow remaining droids. With their heavy support gone, the droid infantry retreated. “We did it! That’ll teach those droids not to mess with the Militia and Clones!” We heard one of the soldiers yelled in joy. The rest of the soldiers cheered that we held off the droid forces. “Lieutenant, happy to report that the droid forces have retreated.” I said on my comm. “I could hear the cheering all the way from here, kid. And to add icing to the top, the CIS flagship has been destroyed. The Republic fleet are cleaning up the remaining CIS ships, and a transport ship is coming down with more supplies.” She told me. I wondered why she said icing on the top. Does she have cake? I sighed realizing she didn’t mean it literally as Rainbow Dash flew her starfighter back to our ship. After the battle, my friends and I headed back to the command post to help out where we could. Fluttershy headed to the medical tents to help heal the soldiers that were injured in the battle, while Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Twilight went to the Friendship in order to rearm the starfighter in case the droids come back. Sunset, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and I decided to help carry the supplies of the Republic shuttle. My friends and I continued to the Republic ship. When we got there, we saw a long rectangular ship that looks kinda like a large arrow we’ve never seen before. Clone soldiers have already begun moving supplies off the ship. We were about to help out before I spotted a familiar brown hair Jedi with black Jedi apparel talking with a Republic admiral. “Anakin?” I said surprised. My friends were equally surprised as well. The Jedi turned around with a astound look on his face. “Aegis? Sunset? Applejack? And Pinkie Pie? What are you all doing here?” Anakin asked us. “We were hired to transport supplies to the defending forces on Christosphsis and help them defend the planet.” I explained to him. The Republic admiral walked next to Anakin before Pinkie Pie ran up to him. “It’sgreatseeing,Ani.Howhaveyoubeen?Areyoudoingwell?Didyoumissus?” Pinkie Pie quickly asked excitedly. Anakin backed up a bit by Pinkie Pie’s forwardness. “Wow, slow down, Pinkie. I can barely understand what you said.” Anakin asked her. Pinkie had a hard time containing her excitement of seeing our old friend. “General, you know who these young ones are?” He asked Anakin. Oh right, the Jedi are acting as generals for the clone army, despite having no military experience. “Admiral, this is Aegis Skiritai, Sunset Shimmer, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. They used to be part of the Jedi Order before they left. Everyone, this is Admiral Yularen.” Anakin introduced us to the veteran admiral. “It’s nice to meet, Admiral. I hope Anakin haven’t been causing you too much headaches.” I said playfully. Anakin was always the rebellious youngling at the temple. “Oh, don’t worry. The general has a talent at the unorthodox.” Yularen replied, earning a hey from Anakin. “Ya can say that again, I remember one time he programed a training droid to fight like a Sith assassin when we were young. The teachers were not too pleased by that.” Applejack chuckled. Anakin only laughed sheepishly. “Ya, Anakin may do things... differently. But they do work." Sunset pointed out. "Indeed. The Chancellor mentioned as much, though he insisted it was the highest complement." Admiral Yularen said before walking past us. I guess it's hard for a veteran admiral to follow someone's else's lead. Wait, why does he know the Chancellor? Or Anakin for that matter. I wanted to ask him, but the supplies needed to be carried out of the ship. “We’ll talk later, Anakin. We need to help move those supplies you all brought us.” I told him. “Sure, Aegis. I need to organize the troops.” Anakin said, though I can tell he wanted to talk more as well. Back at the Jedi Temple, I used to look up to Anakin, since he knew what the outside world was like before he joined the order. He walked away with the Admiral as my friends and I help move the supplies. After the remaining CIS Fleet was destroyed in space, the Republic sent clone troopers down to help retake Christophsis. I overheard some of the clones talking about how Anakin destroyed the CIS flagship. Apparently, he used the CIS own torpedoes to follow the Jedi's ship, skimmed right past the flagship, and had the missiles impact the bridge. I can see why Admiral Yularen called Anakin's plans unorthodox. While Lieutenant Xebo doesn’t like Jedi, with her seeing them as the Republic’s lapdogs, she agreed that the Militia would work with the clones and help them to push the droid occupation off Christophsis. While they were making plans on a ambush strategy, my friends and I were sparring with each other outside our ship. After we were done practicing, Sunset and I resumed our match from earlier outside our ship. The rest of my friends were watching us, as well as some clones troopers and Militia riflemen, each making bet who would win. Twilight chose to referee for us this time. “You ready, Sunset.” I asked as I took my stance. “Always.” Sunset smirked, igniting her red lightsaber. “And begin.” Twilight signaled us. Sunset tightened her red lightsaber and ran towards me. I ignited my bronze lightsaber and blocked her powerful strike. Parrying her saber to the side, I forced push her away, The moment she regained her footing, I rushed her, swinging my lightsaber above her head. Sunset responded by quickly clashing her lightsaber against mine. We traded strikes, each of us blocking the other. Sunset lightsaber style Juyo, specialized at controlling her aggression, making it difficult for me to defend against. In the middle of our spar, I came up with a way to beat her and swing my lightsaber downward. Just as Sunset raised her saber in defense, tilting my wrist and twisting my waist to alter my swing, changing the direction of my saber to her side. Sunset moved her saber to block my attack, but I deactivated my saber before our weapons collided. Before Sunset could counter, she stopped when she saw my hilt was pointing directly at her stomach. “Guess I win this one, Sunset.” I smirked. Sunset laughed a little, knowing what would have happened if I activated my lightsaber just then. “Guess so. At least until next time.” Sunset said smiling before deactivating her lightsaber. I sheathed my lightsaber and we bowed to each other. The soldiers talked about our spar was while some of them were handing over credits. My friends walked over to us. “That was great spar guys.” Twilight complemented on us. “I’m glad neither of you got hurt.” Fluttershy said softly. “Yeah! Sunset was like slash, slash, slash. And Aegis was like block, block, fake, fake, surprise!” Pinkie Pie said enthusiastically, imitating our spar. We laughed at her antics. “Indeed, it was a good spar.” We heard a unfamiliar voice. We turned to the source of the voice to see a brown bearded man in Jedi clothing who I recognized was Obi-Wan Kenobi walk up to us. With him were Anakin, Organa, Xebo, a Clone Commander and Clone Captain. “Master Kenobi.” I said recognizing him. I only met him a few time back when I was training with Anakin at the Jedi Temple. “It’s good to see you all again. I can hardly believe you all were here, though I was wondering if I could ask Sunset some questions.” Obi-Wan asked us. We were worried he thought that Sunset follows the dark side of the force just because her lightsaber was red. All of us agreed that if Jedi ever tried to come after Sunset, we would protect her. “Kenobi, if you think Sunset uses the dark side of the Force, think again.” I told him sternly, gripping my lightsaber. “Yeah, mess with Sunset, you mess with all of us.” Rainbow Dash threatened, also grabbing her dual bladed lightsaber. The rest of my friends stood next to Sunset, each reaching for their lightsabers. Obi-Wan raised his hands up, gesturing he wasn’t going to do such thing. “Easy, young ones. I know Sunset isn’t a Sith. Nor can I feel her using the dark side of the Force.” He told us. We relaxed our guard a little, feeling he was telling the truth. “Really?” Fluttershy asked with a questionable look before Kenobi continued. “I assure you all, I mean Sunset no harm. I just wanted to ask her if I could take a look at her lightsaber.” Obi-Wan said. We could feel he was being honest, especially Applejack. She was always a lie detecter. “It’s okay, guys.” Sunset assured us. She walked up to Kenobi and gave her lightsaber to him. Obi-Wan focused on her lightsaber, or more specifically, the kyber crystal with in it. A moment later, his eye shot up in shock. “How is this possible!” He muttered. All of us looked at him a bit concerned. “Um… Master Kenobi? Is everything alright?” Twilight asked him, bringing the Jedi out of his thoughts. “Um... yes, Twilight.” Obi-Wan answered before returning Sunset’s lightsaber to her. “It’s just that I can’t sense any of the dark side of the Force in Sunset’s kyber crystal, despite it being red.” He explained. Anakin look surprised as well. “But how is that possible, I thought all red lightsabers are connected to the dark side of the force. Sunset, where did you get this?” Anakin asked in confusion. My friends and I looked at each other, unsure on wether we should tell them or not. “It’s kinda of a long story.” I told them. Obi-Wan wanted to press for more questions, but Xebo stepped in. “Well, it’ll have to wait. We have a operation planned for tomorrow, and we need all the sleep we can get.” Xebo told us. "And I must return to Coruscant. It was good to see you all again. And thank you all for helping us." Senator Organa said, smiling. "Of course, Senator Organa. Until next time." Sunset replied. As the Jedi, clones, and Xebo returned to their quarters. My friends and I went back to the ship. Applejack and Pinkie made dinner for us. As we were eating, I tried to think of a lesson I learned today. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna asked us to write a journal about the lesson's we discover in our adventures. "Dear Princesses, today on Christophsis, Xebo and Yularen had to listen to plans not their own. Though the two may have more combat experience than others, they know when to listen to them, even if some of them have crazy ideas. I've learned that a wise leader knows when to follow." I said as I wrote in the journal. "That's a great lesson, Aegis." Twilight commented as she finished her dinner. "Thanks, Twilight. Now let's head to bed. I got the feeling it's gonna be a long day tomorrow." I said. All of them agreed and went to our rooms to sleep.