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A DEAFENING EXPLOSION tore through the air behind Alysia. With ears ringing, she swiveled around to see that a tall stone column had been struck. It began to collapse in pieces, forcing those beneath it to scatter. Instinctively, she and Obi-Wan both threw up their hands to slow the collapse. The other Air Shapers, led by Lynn, quickly joined them, and together they controlled the column as it came crumbling to the ground. The impact gave rise to a powerful dust cloud that blasted in every direction. Alysia raised an arm to shield herself while dust sprayed against her skin.
Once the worst of the dust settled, she looked upward. A squadron of ships bearing the Separatist insignia darted over the town square. The Jedi Starship that had been about to land had already changed directions and started firing at the enemy ships. A group of smaller Republic fighter planes followed suit, forcing the Separatists into retreat.
The Republic may have broken through the blockade, but a battle continued to rage overhead. Smoke began to consume the sky at an alarming rate, obstructing her vision, and the Jedi starship disappeared entirely. Another explosion burst overhead, and Alysia flinched.
"Do you have contact with Maia?" she asked Obi-Wan.
He nodded, and lifted his wrist to speak into the comlink attached to it. "Maia, come in."
There was only static as they both waited anxiously. Alysia's ears echoed horribly from the roaring noise all around her.
Her eyes flickered to Obi-Wan, who was trying the comlink again. There was only static and Alysia could feel herself starting to panic as he tapped the device. "Maia, come in."
A vibrant voice burst over the comlink. "Always a pleasure to hear your nagging voice, Kenobi."
Alysia let out an obvious sigh of relief. She put a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, and he held up the comlink for her to speak into.
The corners of her mouth curled up as she asked, "How's it looking up there, Mayrose?"
For a split second, there was dead silence. And then the voice on the other side let out a ringing laugh. "No worse than the last time I came to rescue you."
