[center][h2] Ava Cadera [/h2][/center]

I pace on the bridge of my flagship, watching as starfighters from both sides buzz around each other. My capital ships were pressing in closer and closer to the Republic defensive line, unleashing full spreads of proton torpedoes and laser cannons. The Republic was holding out better than I’d expected, but that only made the fight more exciting. I’d have hated it if my Mandalorians had crushed them easily.

I turn to the crew panels. “I want ground assault forces prepped and ready. When I give the signal, they are to deploy Basilisk War Droids to secure us a landing zone.” The tech to my left gives me acknowledgment, then relays the order to the warriors waiting below decks. Another tech sends the same orders to the rest of the fleet.

On my right, a comm officer informs me that I have an incoming transmission on my personal channel. “Very well. I’ll take it in my ready room.” I nod to my second in command, Lydi Vizsla. “You have the bridge, Commander.” I stomp off to my ready room just off the bridge, then active the private holo communication. “What is it, HJ? I’m very busy at the moment.”

[center][h2] HJ Twilight [/h2][/center]

“Oh, hey there, Ava. Sorry to bug you, but we have a new plan for taking Coruscant. Once you guys have given the Republic a good scare, and the people start to fear you might actually win, Alderaan is going to send it’s navy to come and chase you off.”

[center][h2] Ava Cadera [/h2][/center]

My eyes widen. “What!? What are you talking about? What is the meaning of this?”

[center][h2] HJ Twilight [/h2][/center]

I am taken aback by how emotional her response was “It’s uhh... supposed to look all heroic and get the senate to rally behind them. That way we can more easily unseat Sucal. They aren’t really going to beat you, Ava. It’s just pretend.”

[center][h2] Ava Cadera [/h2][/center]

“Just pretend? All just a big act, huh?” I press a button and transfer HJ to an external security camera feed so that he can see the battle over Coruscant. “See that? You think that’s just pretend? All of this is just a game? Do you know how many Republic pilots my men have killed today alone? How many of my brothers and sisters the Republic has blown apart?” I pull him back to my camera. “This isn’t a game! This is War! I thought you knew the difference!”

[center][h2] HJ Twilight[/h2][/center]

My face falls. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that. I just though... House Organa has been a big help to us here. They came up with this plan, and Zar’kun thought it would really turn the senate to our cause. But, if you don’t want to do it...”

[center][h2] Ava Cadera [/h2][/center]

I sigh. “It doesn’t matter what I think. The rest of the clans aren’t going to go for it. They want this fight. If I tell them to give up and go home when we are about to win... it’ll be like pulling a hungry dog away from a fresh meat. It doesn’t matter how loyal the dog usually is, when it’s blood is up and it’s instincts kick in, getting in their way is to risk getting bitten.” I take a moment to let that sink in for both of us before I conclude. “Let then have their fill of battle here. Once they have gotten it all out of their system, I’ll consider allowing these Alderaan Nobles take a run at us. We won’t retreat easily though. They need to give us a good fight. If they are going to beat us, they need to prove worthy.”

[center][h2] HJ Twilight[/h2][/center]

“Like Revan, right? You are happy to lose, so long as it’s at the hands of someone truly skilled enough.”

[center][h2] Ava Cadera [/h2][/center]

“Exactly. Tell the Organas or whoever to send their best. I refuse to back down to some pampered prince whose never held a weapon before in his life.”

[center][h2] HJ Twilight[/h2][/center]

I chuckle. “I promise, I won’t dishonor you with an unworthy opponent. I’ll try to get back in touch with you when we are ready to ‘save the day’. Just... don’t launch any ground forces, okay? It’ll be a lot easier for Alderaan if it’s just a space battle.” 

[center][h2] Ava Cadera [/h2][/center]

“I’ll keep that in mind. We’ll talk later, my love.” I end the call, then walk back into the bridge. “Launch all ground forces immediately.”

END OF SCENE