The tension in the operations room was thick enough to cut with a vibroblade as Mace Windu and Steve Rogers observed the uneasy exchange between the two Twi'lek leaders. The holographic images of both politicians flickered slightly in the recycled air, their body language speaking volumes about the fragile nature of their temporary alliance.
Senator Orn Free Taa shifted uncomfortably in his plush chair aboard the Republic cruiser, his multiple chins quivering as he spoke. "We... we must act with all possible speed. Every moment we delay costs more Twi'lek lives."
Mace's expression grew troubled, his dark eyes reflecting the weight of unspoken concerns. "Senator, there's something you need to understand about the current situation. Cham's resistance forces aren't providing full cooperation with Republic military operations."
Free Taa's small eyes widened in alarm, his voice rising to an indignant squeak. "What? Why would they sabotage their own liberation?"
Steve stepped forward, his diplomatic experience from working with various international forces during World War II serving him well. "They're concerned about trading one occupation for another, Senator. The Separatist invasion left deep scars—not just physical ones, but psychological. Many Twi'leks are worried that the Republic might establish a permanent military presence here after the war ends."
"But the Republic is here to help them!" Free Taa protested, his political instincts clearly struggling to grasp the nuances of military occupation versus liberation.
"It's not about intentions, Senator," Steve replied patiently. "It's about precedent and trust. These people have been betrayed before."
Cham's holographic image leaned forward, his weathered face reflecting years of hard-won wisdom. "Free Taa, I need your personal guarantee that once the droid armies are driven from Ryloth, the clone troopers will withdraw as well. No permanent bases, no 'security advisors,' no Republic oversight committees."
The senator hesitated, clearly understanding the political implications of such a promise. "Cham, I believe in you. I believe in the democratic process. But you must understand that I can't speak for the entire Senate or the Chancellor's long-term strategic planning."
"Then speak for yourself," Cham said quietly. "Give me your word as a Twi'lek that you'll fight for our independence in the Senate chambers as hard as I've fought for it on the battlefield. Don't make me regret trusting you with our future."
The weight of that promise hung in the air between them, carrying implications that would shape Ryloth's destiny for generations to come.
Hours later, in a secure briefing room within the resistance base, all six Avengers stood around a detailed holographic projection of Lessu. The ancient capital city was a marvel of engineering, built into and around a series of towering mesas that rose from the canyon floor like the fingers of some buried giant.
"Alright, team," Steve began, his voice carrying the authority of someone who had planned countless military operations, "our primary objective remains the plasma bridge." He gestured toward the shimmering energy construct that connected Lessu to the mainland, the only viable approach to the fortified city. "But intelligence reports indicate there are still thousands of Twi'lek civilians trapped inside the city. If our assault proceeds as expected, Tambor will almost certainly use them as human shields."
Sam Wilson studied the tactical display with a pilot's eye for terrain and approach routes. "So how do we keep the innocents out of the crossfire while still completing our mission?"
"That's where you three come in," Steve said, turning to Scott, Hope, and Pietro. "Your primary responsibility is civilian protection and evacuation. Get the Twi'leks to safety while Rhodey, Sam, and I focus on taking and holding the plasma bridge."
"Understood, Cap," Scott replied, already running calculations about optimal infiltration routes through the city's underground systems.
Steve activated another section of the holographic display, showing aerial reconnaissance of the surrounding area. "According to intelligence gathered by Cham's spy network, there are two heavy Separatist transport ships inbound from their southern staging areas. These convoys are carrying looted Twi'lek cultural artifacts, artwork, and precious metals—everything Tambor's forces have stolen during their occupation."
James Rhodes' expression darkened behind his War Machine faceplate. "Damn parasites. It's not enough that they enslave and murder the Twi'leks—they have to rob them blind on their way out the door."
"The tactical significance," Steve continued, "is that these transports represent Tambor's exit strategy. If the ships don't reach Lessu, he'll be trapped there even if we launch our assault. A cornered enemy is often the most dangerous kind."
Pietro's eyes lit up with anticipation, his enhanced metabolism making him practically vibrate with eagerness. "I'll intercept them. Two ships, multiple escort vehicles—sounds like a perfect speed training exercise."
Scott exchanged a meaningful glance with Hope, an idea clearly forming in his tactical mind. "Actually, Pietro, what if Hope and I hitch a ride on those transports? We could infiltrate Lessu hidden in their cargo holds while simultaneously sabotaging their escape route."
Hope caught on immediately, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "It would give us perfect cover to get inside the city's defensive perimeter."
"Oh, please," Hope said with theatrical exasperation, though her tone was affectionate. "Tell me your old criminal instincts aren't kicking in at the mention of ships full of treasure."
Scott looked genuinely hurt, placing a hand over his heart in mock wounded dignity. "Hope, how could you wound me so deeply? I'm shocked—shocked!—that you would suggest such a thing. I'm purely motivated by tactical considerations and humanitarian concern for the Twi'lek civilians. The treasure is completely irrelevant to my thinking."
Sam couldn't resist chiming in with a grin. "That's exactly what every thief says right before they case a job. Didn't you use almost those exact words when you were planning to break into Hank Pym's house?"
Scott shot Falcon a withering glare. "That was completely different. That was a heist with noble intentions."
"And this isn't?" Pietro asked innocently.
"Alright, enough," Steve interjected, though he was fighting back a smile at his team's banter. "We all have our assignments. Scott and Hope, you infiltrate via the transport ships and focus on civilian evacuation. Pietro, you intercept any reinforcements or escape attempts. Sam, Rhodey, and I take the plasma bridge and hunt down Tambor himself."
The holographic display shifted to show detailed schematics of the city's layout, highlighting key tactical positions and civilian population centers.
"Remember," Steve added seriously, "our primary mission is to liberate Lessu with minimal civilian casualties. Everything else is secondary to that goal."
The ancient city of Lessu had stood for millennia, its towering spires and graceful bridges testament to Twi'lek architectural genius. Built into the natural rock formations of the canyon system, it had weathered countless storms, political upheavals, and military conflicts throughout its long history. Now, once again, it found itself under the control of a megalomaniacal warlord with delusions of grandeur.
Wat Tambor stood on the highest balcony of the city's central command tower, surveying his temporary domain with the cold satisfaction of a successful predator. The Skakoan foreman had grown fat on the profits of war, and Ryloth had proven to be a particularly lucrative conquest. Crates of stolen artifacts lined the loading bays below, ready to be transported to his private collection on Skako.
"Is that the final shipment?" Tambor asked his aide, his voice carrying the mechanical distortion typical of his species' breathing apparatus.
"There's one last batch of cultural artifacts from the northern districts, General," the aide replied nervously. "The archaeological teams are still cataloging items from the ancient temples."
Tambor's mechanical breathing apparatus hissed with satisfaction. "Excellent. As soon as the final transport arrives, we'll abandon this worthless rock and leave it for the Republic to sort through the ashes."
"General Tambor," a new voice interrupted from behind them.
The Skakoan leader turned to see the shimmering blue hologram of Count Dooku materializing on the communication platform. The elegant Sith Lord's presence immediately commanded attention, his mere appearance causing Tambor's aide to take several respectful steps backward.
"Count Dooku," Tambor stammered, his mechanical voice betraying nervousness despite his attempts at confident professionalism. "I wasn't expecting your communication."
Dooku's expression was stern, his dark eyes reflecting disappointment and impatience. "Why haven't you evacuated Lessu and begun implementing the protocols? My orders were quite specific."
"Our withdrawal is... taking longer than anticipated, my lord," Tambor replied, beads of sweat forming despite the cool canyon air. "There are certain valuable assets that require careful extraction—"
"I care nothing for your personal profit margins," Dooku interrupted coldly. "I want you off that planet before Windu and his forces arrive. Once the Republic fleet reaches Lessu, I want the entire city bombed from orbit. Do you understand?"
Tambor opened his mouth to protest, but the tactical droid commander stationed nearby responded before he could speak. "Yes, Count Dooku. Understood and acknowledged."
After the holographic transmission ended, Tambor whirled on the droid with barely contained fury. "From now on, you will take no actions without my explicit authorization! I am in command here!"
The tactical droid's photoreceptors dimmed slightly, but its response was maddeningly calm. "Acknowledged, General. However, Count Dooku's orders take precedence over local command decisions."
On the far side of the plasma bridge, a small patrol of B1 battle droids maintained their vigilant watch over the energy construct that served as Lessu's lifeline to the outside world. Some stood at attention near the control stations, while others walked predetermined patrol routes across the bridge's energy field.
The piercing wail of an alarm shattered the afternoon quiet, causing most of the droids to freeze in confusion.
"Alert! Alert!" one of the more functional B1 units announced to its companions. "Republic forces are attempting to disable bridge operations! All units return to defensive positions immediately!"
Most of the patrol squad responded appropriately, their mechanical legs carrying them as quickly as possible toward the fortified control station on Lessu's side of the canyon. However, one particular B1 unit remained standing in the exact center of the plasma bridge, either due to malfunctioning audio receptors or simple mechanical stupidity.
The droid's fate was sealed when the last of its companions reached safety and the bridge operators deactivated the energy field. The abandoned battle droid had just enough time to look down at the yawning chasm below before gravity claimed its victory.
"Roger, roger—" its voice echoed off the canyon walls as it plummeted into the depths.
Steve Rogers crouched behind a cluster of weathered boulders on the mainland side of the canyon, his enhanced senses taking in every detail of the tactical situation. The rest of the Avengers maintained concealed positions nearby, their various abilities making them nearly invisible to conventional detection methods.
"So what's our next move, Cap?" Sam asked through the team's private communication channel. "That bridge is the only viable approach to Lessu, and now they've shut it down."
"Flying over is definitely not an option," Rhodey added, his suit's sensors painting the canyon walls with multiple weapon emplacements and early warning systems. "They'd light us up before we made it halfway across."
Steve nodded grimly, his tactical mind working through the available options. The situation seemed hopeless until Pietro's voice crackled through the comm system with barely contained excitement.
"Comrades," Pietro announced, his slight accent more pronounced due to his excitement, "I've spotted our ticket to the party. Two massive transport convoys moving along the cliff road, complete with STAP fighter escorts and full droid security details."
All six Avengers turned to observe the approaching enemy formation. The transport ships were massive, heavily armored vehicles designed to carry maximum cargo across hostile terrain. Their escort consisted of dozens of Single Trooper Aerial Platforms and at least two full companies of battle droids.
"Scott, Hope," Steve said immediately, "there's your infiltration opportunity."
Both Ant-Man and Wasp immediately began shrinking, their forms becoming microscopic as they prepared for one of the most dangerous infiltration missions of their careers. Even at their reduced size, the distance they would need to travel while avoiding detection was considerable.
Steve activated his wrist communicator, establishing contact with the military command. "Cham, Master Windu, we're in position and beginning our assault. Once you receive our signal, initiate your diversionary attacks."
Looking back at the droid convoy crossing the reactivated plasma bridge, Steve felt the familiar pre-battle calm settling over him. Every muscle in his body was primed for action, every sense heightened to combat readiness.
Scott's voice came through the comm system, barely containing his amazement. "Cap, you should see the inside of these transports. Tambor really does have a thing for shiny objects. We're talking about priceless Twi'lek cultural artifacts, ancient artwork, rare metals—this is basically their entire planetary heritage packed into two ships."
"Maybe we can turn his greed against him," Hope suggested, her tactical mind already working on possibilities.
"What are you thinking, Hope?" Steve asked.
"We plant our surprises inside the cargo holds," she explained. "When the transports reach the other side of the bridge, we detonate our gifts to create maximum chaos and confusion. That gives you guys the perfect cover to infiltrate the city while the defenders are dealing with internal explosions."
"I like it," Rhodey agreed, his weapons systems already running targeting calculations. "Create multiple crisis points simultaneously—classic military doctrine."
"Just make sure you control the blast radius," Steve cautioned. "We can't risk civilian casualties."
"Understood, Cap. We'll make it look spectacular without actually bringing down any buildings."
Several tense minutes passed as the transport convoy made its way across the plasma bridge. The vehicles moved slowly, weighed down by their stolen cargo and the caution of their droid escorts. Halfway across, the entire formation came to a halt as two B1 battle droids deployed what appeared to be standard security scanners.
In reality, the devices were life-form detectors, sophisticated sensors designed to identify any biological signatures that might indicate stowaways or infiltrators. Tambor's paranoia was serving him well, or so he thought.
"Life scan initiated," one of the droids announced in its typical monotone voice. "Scanning first transport vehicle."
Neither droid noticed the two microscopic figures that had already disembarked from the second transport and were making their way to the first vehicle through gaps in the bridge's energy field.
"So far, so good," Scott muttered, his voice barely audible even through their advanced communication systems.
As the security droids began their inspection of the second transport, Scott and Hope quickly infiltrated the first vehicle's cargo hold, navigating between priceless artifacts and stolen treasure to plant their explosive surprises in optimal positions.
The security scan concluded without incident, and the convoy resumed its journey across the energy bridge. Within minutes, both transports had reached the relative safety of Lessu's defensive perimeter, and the plasma bridge was deactivated once again.
"Here we go," Hope announced, her finger hovering over the detonator control. "Everyone ready?"
"Light them up," Steve commanded.
The explosions that followed were perfectly choreographed chaos. Both transports erupted from within, sheets of flame and debris erupting through their armor plating as Hope's carefully placed charges detonated simultaneously. The blasts were designed for maximum visual and auditory impact while minimizing actual structural damage, but the effect on the droid escorts was devastating.
Battle droids scattered in every direction, their simple programming unable to cope with multiple simultaneous threats. Alarms began wailing throughout the city as automated defense systems attempted to identify the source of the attack.
"Now!" Steve shouted.
Sam and Rhodey launched themselves into the air, their flight systems pushing them to maximum velocity as they streaked across the canyon toward the smoke-shrouded city. Steve and Pietro rode on their backs, the Super Soldier's enhanced physiology allowing him to maintain his grip despite the tremendous G-forces, while Pietro's speed-enhanced reflexes kept him stable despite the turbulent air currents.
As they reached the far side of the canyon, both flyers released their passengers directly into the chaos of the burning transport area.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Support me at p@treon.com/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~