Ali stood at attention at her command center. Holograms of Masters Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Adi Gallia, and Shaak Ti were displayed in front of her.
"What is your request, Ali?" Mace Windu asked calmly yet with a sternness in his voice that commanded an honest answer.
Ali shifted her weight to her left side and brought her hand up, gesturing at all of them, "Masters of the Council, the Separatist forces here on Bakura have captured my Captain, ARC Trooper, and three other soldiers in a surprise attack. It was my carelessness that caused this, but I need permission for a… rescue mission of sorts."
She watched Obi-Wan put his hand up to his beard in thought and knew what he was contemplating.
Adi Gallia was the one who answered, "We understand the importance of a commanding officer besides yourself in your ranks, but a rescue mission could cost the lives of many including yourself. We honor your gallantry, but that is a sacrifice we cannot take lightly considering the Jedi are spread thin as it is."
"Master Gallia is right," Mace Windu said, "we cannot risk it at this moment."
"But…" Ali stopped herself from an outburst. "Masters, I understand that I should not mourn the loss of my Troops, that I should be prepared to lose many, and that I should take on another Captain for my battalions; however," she motioned to Obi-Wan, "as Master Obi-Wan knows, my Captain knows information that is perilous in the enemy's hands. I am sure he will not talk under even the most painful of tortures, but I would rather not risk this particular information into the clutches of the Separatists."
Shaak Ti spoke up, "If this is true, that changes things." She turned to Obi-Wan.
"Yes," Obi-Wan stroked his beard, "Captain Trick does know a lot of information. Perhaps a little too much considering his rank and Alpha designation."
"Your Captain is an Alpha?" Adi Gallia questioned quickly.
Ali nodded, "Yes, but I can assure you that he is loyal to the Republic."
"I know Captain Trick has been with you awhile," Shaak Ti said, "but his individuality might make it difficult for us. He could quickly turn his allegiance."
Ali opened her mouth to reply, but a soft look from Obi-Wan made her stop.
"When I accompanied the 212th to Öetrago to help Masters Ali and Garen Muln, Captain Trick worked closely with my Commander, Cody. Captain Trick remembered Cody from training, and the two got along well, coming up with many of the strategies we used on the planet." Obi-Wan looked away from Ali and to the other Masters, "In that time, our battalions had to share information, making both Captain Trick and Ali aware of everything our battalion was doing and vice versa. It was no fault of either officer, it's just how the battle plans and strategies fell. I am with Ali in saying that Captain Trick knows essential information, and must be rescued."
Ali managed to hide her joy, but stood up a little straighter as her old friend agreed with her.
Shaak Ti nodded at Ali, "I agree with Master Kenobi. Captain Trick and the others must be rescued if they hold information essential to the Republic."
Ali couldn't hide the small grin that played across her lips.
Mace Windu sighed, "How rough is the terrain? How many Troops do you think you'll need for the mission? And how many did you lose in the surprise attack?"
"Master Windu, the terrain is like Alderaan, but wetter. Where our base is it is surrounded by small mountains and close enough to the capital to infiltrate." Ali began to answer, "I should only need a squad or so, but I don't think regular Troops could infiltrate as needed. The palace is heavily fortified, and I'm missing my ARC who would normally work with me on such things. And the loss was only nine, my men defended bravely."
Mace Windu was quiet in contemplation.
Shaak Ti was the one who spoke up first, "Perhaps a Clone Commando squad will suit your efforts? The trainers Kal Skirata and Alpha-17 have just passed five squads of Clone Commandos who work together effortlessly."
"A full squad?" Ali questioned, "Commandos are perfect for the job, but I thought they only worked in fours?"
"There are two groups of four and a leader of the other eight," Shaak Ti answered, "I would be happy to assign a squad to you."
Ali bowed, "Thank you, Master Ti. That would be greatly appreciated."
Adi Gallia spoke up, "You still need an ARC though?"
"It would be nice to have an experienced soldier on board."
"I know just the one," Obi-Wan grinned. He turned away from the command center and said, "Anakin."
Ali's ears perked up in curiosity, while the three Masters turned toward Obi-Wan's hologram.
Anakin Skywalker soon stepped into the space with Obi-Wan, "Hello, Masters. What can I do for you today?"
Ali smiled; she liked the charm and charisma of Anakin and remembered the few times they met up on missions while he was Obi-Wan's apprentice.
Obi-Wan answered him, "Master Kora needs your assistance and input."
"Master Kora," Anakin bowed, "It's good to see you."
"Likewise, Anakin," She smiled and bowed back, "Congratulations on Knighthood. Sorry about missing it, but I had a negotiation on Pantora. I'm glad Kai could be there, though, she told me all about it."
Anakin smiled, "Kai is a great friend. I'm glad she was able to learn from such a wise Master."
Ali saw Obi-Wan roll his eyes and grin, "Come now, enough with the niceties. Ali has a rescue mission to plan and is in need of an ARC."
"Skywalker," Mace Windu started, "you have an ARC Trooper available?"
Anakin crossed his arms, "I've got two that are under my Captain, Rex. Hand-picked by him to be in the 501st and become ARCs." He thought for a moment, "If you need an ARC, I can send you Fives and keep Echo with me; that is, if you're only in need of one."
"One will do just fine," Ali answered, "Is he good at infiltration?"
"Can't say for sure," Anakin said, "but he is the more head-strong out of the two. Echo's more for rules…" He glanced at Obi-Wan.
"Perfect, send him over," Ali smiled.
Anakin nodded.
"That settles it," Mace Windu concluded. "Shaak Ti, you will send a Clone Commando squad to Ali to help her, they will replace the lost nine; and Skywalker, you will send your ARC to aid her as well."
"Very good," Adi Gallia said.
Ali looked down humbly, "Thank you, Masters."
"May the Force be with us," Mace Windu said. They all bowed to each other as the stream closed.