Battle of Kashyyyk (Second Imperium Crisis)

Following their accomplishments in acquiring recruits and resources during a raid on the New Republic's capital planet of Coruscant, the Second Imperium, operating through the Shadow Academy, had amassed a contingent of determined yet inexperienced young individuals over several months. These recruits underwent training as either Dark Jedi, stormtroopers, or TIE pilots, contingent upon their respective aptitudes. In preparation for their campaign against the Republic, the Imperium formulated a plan to launch a raid on Thikkiiana City, situated on the Wookiee home planet of Kashyyyk. The city held strategic importance for the Republic due to its role as a manufacturer of sophisticated guidance and tactical computer systems for the New Republic Defense Fleet.

As part of the Imperium's broader strategy to reinstate the Galactic Empire, a small force was designated to assault the targeted computer fabrication plant on Kashyyyk and seize its valuable cache of guidance and tactical computers. These computers, combined with Kuati-manufactured hyperdrive cores captured during the Coruscant raid, would enable the Imperium to finalize the construction of its fleet of hastily assembled Star Destroyers. The captured computers would be employed to transmit signals mimicking the New Republic's classified starship identification patterns, allowing the Imperium's starships to traverse Republic space disguised as Republic vessels.

Command of this operation was entrusted to Zekk, whose victory in a duel against rival student Vilas had earned him the title of Darkest Knight—the supreme commander of the Imperium's forces, answerable only to the Academy's leader, Lord Brakiss. In addition to his role as task force commander, Zekk, along with the Nightsisters Tamith Kai, Garowyn, and Vonnda Ra, was tasked with infiltrating the control tower of the fabrication plant to sabotage its defense systems. To facilitate this infiltration, these four were equipped with holographic image disguisers, enabling them to assume the appearance of the planet's native Wookiees.

At Tamith Kai's insistence, Zekk was also assigned the task of assassinating the Jedi trainees Jacen and Jaina Solo as retribution for their escape from the Academy and the theft of the advanced shuttle, Shadow Chaser. Despite Zekk's capabilities, Tamith Kai harbored resentment towards him, believing that he had not fully embraced the dark side. Nightsister Garowyn also agreed to assist Tamith in this mission, provided she was granted the opportunity to recover the prized Shadow Chaser, which had been previously commandeered by Jedi Master Luke Skywalker and Tenel Ka.

Initially, the raid had been scheduled to occur several weeks later. However, by intercepting communications between the Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4 and the capital planet of Coruscant, the Imperium discovered that the Solo twins and the mixed Hapan-Dathomiri princess Tenel Ka Djo were accompanying fellow trainee Lowbacca back to Kashyyyk. Lowbacca's younger sister, Sirrakuk, was preparing to undergo a hazardous Wookiee ritual and thus required the support of her elder sibling. During their visit, the Jedi trainees planned to visit Thikkiiana City and its computer fabrication plant.

The task force journeyed to Kashyyyk aboard a single assault shuttle, capable of transporting a substantial contingent of ground troops and starfighters. While the main force remained in the vicinity of Kashyyyk's orbit, a four-member commando team was dispatched to infiltrate the Thikkiiana City's fabrication facility. This team comprised the dark siders Zekk, Tamith Kai, Vonnda Ra, and an unidentified stormtrooper. Utilizing their holographic disguisers, they appeared to all observers as ordinary Wookiees.

Disguised as the morning shift team for the control tower, the quartet bypassed all security measures at the facility without arousing suspicion. The control tower managed the facility's control points, lockout systems, and Kashyyyk's orbital defense network. Securing control of these systems would enable the Imperium to impede the Wookiee defenders' coordination and seize the computer units. To ensure the success of their plan, the infiltrators incapacitated the actual security personnel in a small supply chamber situated on the outer storage platform.

Upon gaining entry, the disguised Zekk swiftly destroyed the facility's alarm and intruder detection systems using a blaster, while Vonnda disabled the strategically crucial orbital defense systems by destroying the control panel. With their Wookiee disguises no longer necessary, the commandos deactivated them. Seeking to test Zekk's loyalty, Tamith Kai instructed him to lure the Solo twins and their companions to the factory by transmitting a distress message through the communications console.

At Lowbacc's residence, Jacen, Lowie, Sirra, and Tenel Ka were engaged in a simulated miniature reenactment of the historic Battle of Yavin, which resulted in the destruction of the first Death Star. It was at this moment that Zekk's message was received via the comm system. Concerned and suspicious, the Jedi trainees resolved to investigate the matter personally. Meanwhile, Jaina and Chewbacca were conducting repairs on the Shadow Chaser at a remote hangar bay constructed atop a crown of giant wroshyr tree. The hangar bay was situated far beyond Thikkiiana City's residential suburbs and the computer fabrication facility. During the journey, the Chaser's navigation systems had been disabled during a meteor storm.

In the space above Kashyyyk, the Imperial assault shuttle arrived and deployed its complement of heavily armed TIE/In starfighterS. Although the orbital defense satellites remained operational and recorded data on the unfolding events, they were unable to engage the intruders due to the absence of instructions from the control tower. Nevertheless, the satellites continued to record data for future analysis.

By this time, the Imperial commando team found themselves besieged in the traffic control tower by a group of Wookiee engineers. However, the tower's robust automated defenses prevented the Wookiees from breaching their own building. Demonstrating a blend of sadism and humanocentrism, the Nightsisters trapped the Wookiee engineers by deactivating the locking mechanism to the building. Once inside, the Wookiees were electrocuted by the automated security systems and then mowed down by the gleeful stormtroopers. Zekk could only watch in horror.

Descending into Kashyyyk's atmosphere, the Imperial starships advanced towards Thikkiiana's computer fabrication facility. To divert the attention of the Wookiee defenders manning the perimeter guns, the TIE fighters and bombers attacked the outlying residential districts. This diversion enabled the assault shuttle to land at the fabrication facility with a ground assault force of stormtroopers. Caught off guard, the Wookiee staff were swiftly overwhelmed, and the prized computer units were seized.

Concurrently, Garowyn attempted to reclaim her stolen starship, the Shadow Chaser, under the cover of the main air attack. Unfortunately for the Nightsister, Chewbacca thwarted her escape by removing the primary initiator module from the still-open engine hatch. Upon being confronted by Jaina, Garowyn expressed surprise and disappointment that Jaina was not with her companions at the factory. In the ensuing duel, the Nightsister employed her Force powers to hurl objects at Jaina and Chewbacca. Seeking to distract Garowyn, Jaina taunted her about the damaged Shadow Chaser, while Chewbacca utilized his immense strength to hurl objects at her, causing her to trip on a pool of lubricant.

Defeated, the dark-sider attempted to flee on a commandeered speeder bike. Chewie then leapt onto the vehicle, causing it to fall and crash into the jungle underneath. However, both survived by clinging on to branches. Enraged, Garowyn attempted to kill Chewbacca with Force lightning but was distracted by Jaina who used the Force to stir the leaves behind her. Garowyn turned to confront the enemy behind her but lost her balance on the narrow branches and descended to her death in the dark and dangerous Shadowlands beneath.

Upon arriving at the fabrication facility, Jacen and his companions were greeted by an oblivious tour droid whose programming led him to conclude that the air battle above was merely a simulated drill. Noticing the presence of powerful anti-aircraft perimeter guns and the disorderly reaction of the Wookiee defenders, the Jedi Padawans quickly helped the outnumbered Wookiee gunners to man the perimeter guns. Drawing upon his experience manning his father Han Solo's infamous Millennium Falcon's laser cannons, Jacen managed to shoot down two TIE fighters and a fully loaded TIE bomber.

As Jacen and his companions entered the debris-strewn and damaged fabrication facility, they encountered their former friend turned enemy, Lord Zekk, and a vengeful Vonnda Ra—who harbored a grudge against the young Padawans ever since they escaped from the Shadow Academy. When Vonnda attempted to unleash Force lightning on the Jedi Padawans, Zekk—remembering his former friends—rebuffed her, asserting his authority as the mission's commanding officer. This provided the Jedi with sufficient time to escape the dark-siders and their contingent of stormtroopers into the dark Shadowlands beneath.

With Garowyn out of the way, Jaina and Chewbacca retrieved the damaged speeder bike and journeyed to the Thikkiiana fabrication facility to investigate the recent events and check on Jacen and his companions. The journey to the city from their remote location on the speeder bike was an uncomfortable and bumpy one. By the time they arrived at their destination, much of the fabrication plant had been burned and wrecked by the Imperium raid. Most of the surviving Imperial fighters had returned to space.

At the factory, Wookiee rescue teams were extinguishing fires and attending to injured or trapped workers. There, Jaina and Chewbacca learned from Chewie's sister Kallabow that the Second Imperium had launched a lightning raid on the fabrication facility—causing significant damage to the compound and stealing computer equipment. Unfortunately, Kallabow had no information on the whereabouts of Jacen and the other Jedi trainees.

While tending to the wounded Wookiees, the pair came across a wounded engineer who had witnessed two young Humans and two Wookiees being pursued by a party of stormtroopers and humans in dark capes down a corridor. According to the engineer, the corridor was connected to several maintenance trapdoors which led to the dark and dangerous forests of the Shadowlands. Having finished binding the engineer's wounds, Jaina and Chewie went to the corridor she had indicated and discovered that the trap doors had been ripped opened by the Imperial party. They then went to search for their companions.

The four companions fled down a corridor into a trapdoor leading to the dark and dangerous jungles of the Shadowlands. Pursued by the Imperial party, they fled deeper and deeper into the thick and dense jungle, winding their away around the branches and trunks of the wroshyr trees while putting up with Em Teedee's irritating concerns. Descending into the deepest levels of the jungle, the young Jedi were attacked by a carnivorous syren plant which used its giant vines to grab them. Though they managed to escape by slicing through the thick vines with their lightsabers, their activity attracted the actions of their Imperial pursuers. Soon, the Jedi were completely surrounded by a squad of stormtroopers who were joined by the Dark Jedi Lord Zekk and the Nightsister Vonnda Ra who ordered their immediate execution.

However, unbeknownst to the stormtroopers, they were near a large and dangerous giant slug-like creature.When one of the troopers stepped on its surface area, the monster instantly reacted and attacked them. The slug creature appeared impervious to the stormtroopers' blaster bolts which only aggravated it further. Jacen then used his Force-abilities to convince the monster that he and his companions were the creature's friends while the Imperial troops were its foes. With their pursuers preoccupied by a greater threat, the four Jedi companions fled into the thick jungle. In the end, the slug creature was finally killed though most of the troopers were also killed and the Dark-siders weakened.

Meanwhile, Jaina and Chewie made their way across the trail left behind by the two parties; traversing across the dense network of wroshyr branches and leaves. However, Chewbacca stepped on a rotting branch which cracked under the Wookiee's weight; sending him toppling deeper into the lower levels of the jungle. Unfortunately, this notified the Imperials of their presence. In response, the Imperial party split up with Vonnda and the surviving four troopers continuing the pursuit while Zekk remained behind to confront Jaina.

Continuing the pursuit, the troopers used a giant bough as a position to fire blaster bolts and even a blazing fireball at their prey. In the ensuing pursuit, Jacen and Tenel Ka had become separated from Lowie and Sirra. Ordering Jacen to duck for cover in the thick foliage, Tenel Ka then sneaked back across the dense bush. Positing herself right under the stormtrooper's branch, she then used her lightsaber to slash through the ancient bough. Deprived of a standing ground, the stormtroopers toppled to their deaths in the deep forest floor beneath.

Meanwhile, Lowbacca and Sirrakuk came back across the same syren plant they had encountered earlier. Wanting to complete her rite of passage which involved extracting syren fibers from the maw of the carnivorous plant, Sirra was about to make her way down to it. All of a sudden, the two young Wookiees were set upon by Vonnda Ra who unleashed Force lightning on Lowbacca. Seeking to save her brother, she threw herself on the Nightsister and together, they toppled into the maw of the syren plant. Upon crashing onto the maw of the syren, the plant's fleshy yellow petals contracted; trapping Sirra and Vonnda. Leaping off his high branch, Lowbacca managed to peel the leathery petals apart and reach Sirra's hand.

Luckily for them, they were rejoined by Jacen and Tenel Ka who immediately set to work trying to rescue Sirrakuk. The syren's petals suddenly flapped opened from internal convulsions which gave enough time for the Jedi to rescue Sirra from an agonizing death. As soon as Sirra was free, the syren's petals contracted; trapping Vonnda Ra inside. Trapped inside the maw of the syren, the Nightsister met her demise and was digested by the carnivorous plant. Not only did Sirrakuk escape death but she also passed her rite of passage by obtaining a handful of the prized syren fibers which symbolized a Wookiee's courage and vitality.

Meanwhile, Jaina found Chewbacca who had survived his fall but sustained a fractured leg. While attending to Chewie, she was confronted by her former friend Zekk who grimly informed her that the Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4 was the Second Imperium's next target. However, despite his indoctrination, Zekk was not able to bring himself to kill her and instead warned her that the Jedi Praxeum on the jungle moon of Yavin 4 was the next target of the Imperium. He then quickly departed to rendezvous with a fast Imperial ship that he had signaled via his comlink. Luckily for Jaina and Chewie, they were quickly found and rescued by Jacen and the other Jedi Padawans. The two Wookiees Lowie and Sirra helped their wounded uncle stagger through the jungle while Jaina led the way back with her lightsaber.

Having acquired their targets, the Imperial strike force departed on their assault shuttle for the safety of the Shadow Academy. Despite Zekk's tactical victory, Tamith Kai still remained cold and hostile towards him which was exacerbated by the loss of her two Nightsister allies Vonnda Ra and Garowyn along with an entire complement of 11 stormtroopers. The captured tactical and guidance computer units were unloaded and installed on the Second Imperium's hastilly-assembled fleet of Star Destroyers and starfighters. Upon meeting his master Lord Brakiss, Zekk informed him of the losses expecially the death of the two Nightsisters.

During the fighting, the strike force had lost 14 starfighters and 11 ground assault troops. However, Brakiss merely brushed them away as acceptable casualties since the mission had succeeded in achieving its goals. Zekk also assured Brakiss that he had eliminated the Solo twins and their companions. While Brakiss believed him, Tamith Kai was still skeptical. As soon as they had just arrived, the station received a holographic transmission from "Emperor Palpatine" who ordered the Shadow Academy to immediately depart from the Deep Core to the Outer Rim moon of Yavin 4 for an assault on Luke Skywalker's Jedi Praxeum.

Despite the final death of his last clone during the Battle of Onderon in 11 ABY, Palpatine had mysteriously reappeared. In reality, the "Emperor" was a false holographic projection created by four Imperial Royal Guards as a means of coordinating the Second Imperium's resistance against the New Republic. The Second Imperium was an insurgent movement of Imperials who rejected the "sham" Bastion Accords which ended the conflict between the New Republic and Imperial Remnant.

Meanwhile on Kashyyyk, the New Republic dispatched engineers and soldiers to help in the reparation and relief efforts at Thikkiiana city. Much of the computer fabrication plant had been devastated while large areas of the city had been damaged during the bombing raids. Having recovered from his broken leg, Chewbacca helped Jaina and his cousin Lowie make the final repairs to the Shadow Chaser for their return journey to Yavin 4.

Jacen had also sent an alert to the Jedi Praxeum and the New Republic navy had made preparations to send reinforcements to the remote moon. Master Skywalker and the Solo's father Han Solo had also returned from a scouting mission. With the repairs completed, the Jedi trainees and Chewbacca left Kashyyyk on their transport Shadow Chaser and fled to the Jedi Praxeum to prepare for the impending attack.