Shadows and Clarity

The Resolute, flagship of the Republic fleet, drifted silently over the glowing veins of a distant nebula. From its command deck, war felt like a distant storm—until the transmission came through.

Jason stood beside Obi-Wan, arms folded as the Jedi Council flickered into view, projected in a large holoconference above the strategy table. Master Plo Koon's weary figure stood among them, the creases in his mask tighter than usual.

"We found survivors," Anakin reported, standing next to Ahsoka. "Master Plo and three clones. Floating in an escape pod after the Malevolence wiped out his entire fleet."

Jason exhaled. "All that firepower in one ship… and no warning?"

Plo nodded grimly. "The Separatist weapon is unlike anything we've seen. It emits a massive ion pulse that disables entire ships—leaving them defenseless."

"The Malevolence," Obi-Wan said, voice grave. "General Grievous's flagship."

"And now," Ahsoka added, "it's heading toward the Kalimari sector. The nearest target is a medical station loaded with wounded."

Jason glanced at the tactical readout. "No time for a full fleet response."

"Which is why I'm taking a fighter squadron," Anakin said. "We'll make the Balmorra Run—cut through the nebula, hit the ship before it reaches the station."

Obi-Wan frowned. "That's not much of a plan, Anakin."

Jason stepped forward slightly. "But it's fast. And if Grievous doesn't expect it…"

Plo nodded slowly. "It may be our only chance."

"I'll take Shadow Squadron," Anakin said. "Ahsoka and Plo will fly with me."

Jason looked to Obi-Wan. "And us?"

Obi-Wan studied the star map. "We'll take the long way—cut off their retreat. If Anakin fails, we need to be ready."

Jason gave a small smile. "We won't let him."

[Later – Over the Nebula]

The Twilight slipped through the swirling clouds, Shadow Squadron weaving behind Anakin's fighter like a blade poised to strike. Ahsoka flew close to him, eyes focused, but concern flickered in her voice.

"They're jamming transmissions. We can't contact the medical station."

"They won't need a warning," Anakin said. "We're going to stop Grievous before he ever gets there."

Jason's voice crackled in through the comms from the slower secondary fleet.

"Skywalker, this is Shan. We're still three systems out, but we've plotted your trajectory. You're on your own for now."

"Copy that," Anakin said.

Jason turned to Obi-Wan aboard their cruiser. "You know he's going to try something stupid."

Obi-Wan gave a soft sigh. "Of course. He's Anakin."

[Inside the Nebula – The Balmorra Run]

Shadow Squadron tore through the nebula's orange haze. Lightning crackled outside the cockpits. Static interfered with targeting sensors.

"This place is a deathtrap," one of the clone pilots muttered.

"Stay tight," Anakin barked. "The ion cannon will have to recharge after it fires. That's our window."

They burst out of the nebula—and straight into the Malevolence's shadow.

The massive ion cannon swiveled, locking in.

Grievous gave the order.

"Fire."

The blast lit up the stars.

Shadow Squadron dove—half a dozen fighters caught in the edge of the ion wave, spiraling into darkness.

"Shadow Five is down!"

"I lost engines!"

"Pull back—pull back!"

But Anakin kept pushing forward.

"Anakin, stop!" Ahsoka's voice cried. "We're losing too many!"

"Not yet!"

More fighters fell. A burning hulk tumbled past his cockpit.

Ahsoka's voice cracked. "Please! You have to change the plan!"

Anakin's hands gripped the yoke… then loosened.

"…All right. We target the ion cannon. All squadrons, regroup!"

The tide shifted.

[Meanwhile – Republic Fleet en route]

Jason stood on the bridge, eyes closed, one hand resting on the railing.

He didn't speak. He felt.

Across the stars, his awareness stretched—not just through the Force, but into the pilots' hearts. Into the cohesion of the unit. Into the fear, the will, the courage burning behind every flight mask.

Battle Meditation.

He wasn't commanding. He was amplifying.

From Plo's discipline, Ahsoka's intuition, Anakin's stubborn will—he reached out and synchronized them, however briefly.

[Back at the Battle]

As the Republic fighters converged on the ion cannon, the glow of Battle Meditation barely touched their minds—just enough to sharpen instincts, speed reflexes, tighten unity.

Ahsoka twisted through enemy fire, her voice clearer: "Stay with me, Shadow Three!"

Plo's fighter rolled between flak bursts, precise and calm.

Anakin, eyes burning with focus, led the charge straight at the glowing barrel.

"Missiles armed. Now!"

Explosions ripped across the side of the cannon. The blast chain-reacted, slamming internal systems. The Malevolence buckled.

[Bridge of the Malevolence]

Grievous snarled, sparks raining around him. "What happened?!"

"Direct hit on the ion cannon!" a droid wailed. "Systems failing!"

Grievous turned—and saw another shadow emerge from hyperspace.

[Republic Reinforcements – Obi-Wan's Fleet]

Jason stood beside Obi-Wan as the fleet surged in from hyperspace.

"All ships—fire!" Obi-Wan commanded.

Turbo lasers roared to life.

Beams of blue energy slammed into the Malevolence's exposed hull. Fire bloomed across the starboard side.

Jason felt the wave of chaos ripple through Grievous's forces.

And then, he let go of the Meditation.

The moment was passed.

They had held the line.