Jarik POV...

I stood before the Jedi Council, awaiting the results of my trials to become a Padawan. I was buzzing with nervousness, fiddling with my hands in an attempt to keep the rest of me still. Finally, one of the Council members spoke.

"Initiate Shan, we have reached a decision, and we believe you have passed the trials, and are ready to become a Padawan." Master Windu said.

I could help the wide grin that spread across my face, and struggled to contain myself, screaming on the inside. "Yesss..." I whispered excitedly to myself.

"Thank you Masters," I told them happily, bowing respectfully.

"Your teacher, Master Kenobi will be." Master Yoda says, and my eyes widened in surprise and disbelief. "Learn from him you will, become a Jedi, you shall."

I look over at Master Kenobi in stunned surprise, still in a state of disbelief. I was going to be the apprentice of THE Master Kenobi? Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi General and the Negotiator?

I'll be looking forwards to teaching you Jarik," Master Kenobi says, nodding his head with a small smile.

After learning who was going to be my master, and getting a moment of privacy, I let out all my excitement and joy. Pretty quickly, word got to my best friend Ahsoka, and she congratulated me happily, the two of us sharing some friendship time with each other, also managing to meet up with the rest of our youngling clan, who also congratulated me. Before I knew it however, it was time to go on my first mission in the Clone War with my new Master.

So let me tell you something right now. My first mission?

It sucks. Like... a lot!

At first I was excited to go on my first mission as Master Kenobi's new Padawan learner. What was even better was the fact that he and Master Skywalker go on frequent mission's together all the time, which meant I would be able to go on mission's with Ahsoka more than I anticipated! It was going to be awesome!

Yet here I am in the middle of a circle of broken tanks, fighting off a never-ending army of bugs and droids...

You know what, let's just start from the beginning.

ONE HOUR EARLIER

For our first assignment together, me, Master Kenobi and Master Mundi were taking a massive fleet to Geonosis alongside Master Skywalker and Ahsoka. I remember reading about Geonosis before. It was the battle that started the Clone Wars all across the galaxy, and many Jedi Knight's were killed in the effort to rescue Master's Kenobi and Skywalker, as well as Senator Amidala. So I know that this mission is probably going to be hard. Our cruisers exited hyperspace, and I was given my first view of the desert planet. It was very red.

"I cannot believe we are back here again." Master Kenobi said. I stood to his left while Master Mundi stood to his right.

"It is unfortunate. The resistance from the native Geonosians was stronger than we anticipated." Master Mundi said.

Obi-Wan nodded. "The same can be said for their loyalty to Count Dooku."

"A fact that was overlooked." Mater Mundi said.

"Well that's comforting Master." I said. Master Kenobi gave me a sad smile.

The doors to the bridge and out walked Anakin and Ahsoka. She gave me a grin and I waved back to her.

"You're late," Master Kenobi said, crossing his arms.

Anakin grinned. "Sorry Master. Ahsoka and I were busy rerouting Seppies near Dorin."

"My squadron along had 55 kills," she said proudly. Anakin turned to her. "Yeah, but mine had 76."

"Show off," Ahsoka said, shaking her head.

"Can I compete for a kill count?" I asked

"No. ~ Sure! ~ I'd beat you." Obi-Wan, Ahsoka and Anakin all said at the same time, and I looked at all of them with a blank stare.

"Alright then," I deadpanned. Ahsoka giggled as I rolled my eyes.

"Well I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves." Master Kenobi said.

"It's just a little friendly competition Master, nothing to worry about." Master Skywalker assured him.

"What I worry about is the way this war seems to be drawing out with no end in sight." Master Kenobi said gravely.

"Which is why it is crucial our invasion of Geonosis meets with success." Master Mundi says with a nod.

Anakin nods. "Agreed. Ahsoka, contact the Outer Rim command. We're ready for our briefing."

"They're already waiting Master," she says.

We walk over to the table in the inner part of the bridge where the holograms of Master's Yoda, Windu, Luminara and Chancellor Palpatine are shown with the layout of the soon-to-be Geonosis battleground in front of them. Master Kenobi begins to speak.

"Our ships are in position, and we are ready to begin our campaign against the Geonosians," he says.

"And what about Poggle? Any report on his location?" Master Windu asks.

Master Kenobi zooms in on the map to point out different areas. "It seems he's holed up at the primary droid foundry here. The factory is protected by a shield generator. Anakin, Ki-Adi and I shall attempt a three-pronged attack through their defense lines to a staging area just short of the shield. Once we've landed, we shall knock out the shield generator. That is our primary target."

The Chancellor studies the strategy with a worried frown. "Isn't it risky committing three generals to one area of the attack? If something went wrong, we could be dealt a serious blow," he says in concern.

"To ensure that rise again Geonosis will not, capture Poggle we must." Master Yoda says firmly.

"Of course. As always I shall leave the strategy to you, Master Jedi," he says in agreement.

Master Kenobi nods. "Our thanks, Chancellor."

"May the Force be with you." Master Windu says. The holograms of everyone except Master Luminara disappear, leaving the battlefield for Geonosis. The doors opened to reveal Commander Cody and Captain Rex entered the room. I hadn't met Cody yet, the Commander me and Obi-Wan would fight alongside, but he told me that Cody was a brave, kind, and loyal soldier to work with.

"Good, Cody. These are the coordinates for the rendezvous." Master Kenobi said. Cody nods.

"Yes sir. When we hit the ground, we'll create a perimeter. Getting past their defenses here will be the trick," he says, pointing to a heavily fortified area. "General Mundi will come across the defensive lines from the north. We'll make our assault through the middle. General Skywalker will make his attack on the defensive lines from the South, and we will meet at rendezvous point at 0700 exactly."

I could see why Master Kenobi admires the man. He makes the plan look good and simple, and effective. However as I studied it, I noticed that if not everything goes according to plan, then we could be in big trouble. Master Mundi noticed as well.

"If we meet with strong resistance and are forced down away from the landing zone, hold out until we join our forces before attacking the shield generator," he says.

"Their front lines are heavily fortified." Ahsoka says worriedly. She points to something on the map. "Look at that giant wall with a the gun emplacements."

"Don't worry Snips, we aren't going anywhere near that." Anakin reassures.

"Come now. What happened to all that enthusiasm I saw earlier?" Obi-Wan asks with a grin. I study the wall for a moment. "If we do come across it, I could... possibly disable the wall," I said. Everyone but Ahsoka looks at me in surprise.

"You could?" Master Kenobi asks.

I nod. "Yeah. In my free time at the Temple, I did develop a hobby of becoming an expert slicer," I say timidly. Ahsoka grins. "He's right. I've seen him do crazy things before."

Master Kenobi nods in approval. "Well that's a good thing to know Jarik," he says with a smile, and I smile back.

"Well Master, look. Don't worry about us. You just make sure you get to that landing zone in one piece." Master Skywalker says with a grin.

"Yes, and we shall be waiting for you when we finally arrive." Master Kenobi retorts. Me and Ahsoka share a look and shake our heads in amusement.

"Gentlemen, if you are quite finished we have a battle to begin." Master Luminara says, breaking up the playful banter.

"Quite right," Master Kenobi agrees. "Cody, prep the gunships. We'll meet you in the hanger."

Cody nods with a salute. "Yes sir." He then heads off to begin prepping the 212th, with Captain Rex following him.

"Well Jarik, ready to get your hands dirty?" Master Kenobi asks me.

"Right behind you Master," I responded eagerly

As we start to head to the hanger, Ahsoka calls out to me with a challenge. "I expect a proper score from you when this is over Jarik!"

I roll my eyes. "Don't worry Missy, it'll be properly above you!"

Master Skywalker laughs at Ahsoka while Obi-Wan shakes his head in amusement.

Once we reached the hanger, it was bustling with activity. Troopers were running around to prep fighters for aerial combat, enter their gunships, and prepping their weapons. Me, Master Kenobi and Commander Cody were walking to one of the gunships.

"No sir, I wasn't involved in the first assault on Geonosis." Cody says.

"Well you didn't miss much. Last time I was chained to a pole and attacked by several humongous monsters." Master Kenobi said. I gape at him. "Wait what? You're serious Master?" I said in surprise. He nods. "Oh yes, it was absurd. Anakin actually managed to tame one of them," he says.

"That sounds..." Cody begins, trying to find the right word to say. "...entertaining."

"It was, for the Geonosians." Master Kenobi said, entering the gunship. I moved to follow but he stopped me.

"For this mission Jarik, I want you to travel with Cody to the surface. He'll help familiarize you with the aspects of battle," he said.

I raised an eyebrow. "For my first mission ever I'm already going without you Master?" I asked in confusion.

"I trust you to help Cody in commanding the troops incase something happens and I fail to land properly. This'll be a good test for you." Master Kenobi told me. I nodded my head in understanding. "Alright Master. Just make sure you land like Master Skywalker expects you."

With a nod from Obi-Wan the gunship door closes, and the first wave of ships flew out into the battlefield.

"Well I hope this goes well," I say in concern.

"Don't worry sir. General Kenobi has made it through worse." Cody reassures me.

"Only fourteen and a half years old and I'm already referred to as sir." I remark. "Is that weird?"

Cody hesitates for a moment for replying. "I'm not sure. We're in a similar position ourselves sir."

I shrugged. "Well, guess we better get to our gunships. Lead the way Commander." I said.

"Yes sir! Cody nodded, and we headed for our own ships.

To be honest, at first I was expecting heavy resistance and a bumpy flight from what I was sensing of the battlefield, but our flight along with our other gunships and tanks was actually fairly decent. Probably due to our force being a part of one of the later waves.

"I would say I'm a bit let down by the lack of resistance, but I'm not going to spoil our good luck," I remark.

One of the clones nods. "Yeah, but I'm ready to show these bugs some real firepower!"

His buddy playfully smacks his shoulder. "Quiet Boil."

"What? You know you want to take some some of those punks Waxer!" Boil exclaims to Waxer. I shake my head with a grin. I could get used to those two!

However, the fun was interrupted by Cody's comlink going off as Master Mundi's Commander Jet contacted him. "Cody, come in Cody! Cody! Get the tanks down!"

"Copy that. Pilot, begin landing sequence!" Cody orders.

"Copy that Commander, have fun down there!" the pilot says.

Our gunships all begin landing as I mentally prepare myself for battle. While reading about historical wars and battle is interesting, I have no clue what a real battle will be like, so I make sure I'm prepared in any way possible.

"Boil!" I say, getting his attention.

"Yes sir?" he responds. I give him a smirk. "I expect plenty of droid hands when this is over!"

While he has his helmet on I can sense the smirk on his face. "Sir yes sir!"

Cody shakes his head. "Keep that up and they'll never live it down sir," he tells me.

"Well, better to have fun doing something. Makes is less awful in my opinion." I tell him. We land, and the doors open up. Everyone immediately piles out the gunships and almost right afterwards we start getting pepper by blaster fire. I activate my lightsaber and deflect a few shots that head in our direction.

"Move it, move it!" Cody orders the men. Explosions begin to sound as both sides bring out their heavy weaponry.

"Here they come, bugs incoming!" Waxer exclaims, shooting at a few in the distance.

As I block a few shots, I look around the area, sensing that the enemy is moving to surround us. They have a lot more numbers than we anticipated.

"Landing here is going to be difficult Cody! Tell Master Kenobi to find someplace else!" I tell the Commander. He nods and activates his comlink while I provide cover for him.

"General Kenobi, don't land. The zone is hot!" Cody says.

I manage to catch Master Kenobi's response. "But there's nowhere else to go!"

After a few moments he speaks into the comlink again. "We're hit! We're going down!" he exclaims before the comlink fizzles out. I start to get worried. Already the plan is going south and we're getting pinned down, but I do my best to shake it off. Having a panic attack in the middle of battle won't help anybody except the Geonosians.

"Cody, their trying to surround us!" I tell him, sensing the enemy movements. "We need to use the tanks and gunships to cover our flank!" I exclaim. Cody nods in agreement. "Yes sir!" As he goes off to get the tanks in position, I sense something coming straight for me. I turn to see a bug flying at me, screaming wildly. I move out of the way and slice it in half. I shudder at the thought of my first kill, but press on. This day is starting to suck...

So here we are, back in my current position. Broken tanks surrounding us, a few turrets operational and Separatist forces moving all around us. Oh, and Master Kenobi is nowhere to be found.

"Sir!" Cody says, moving next to me as he fires his blaster rifle, taking down a flying bug. "General Skywalker just requested tank support, but we're pinned down!"

Perfect.

"Tell him that we don't have a way of helping him! If we separate some of our tanks then the bugs could overrun us!" I tell Cody.

"Yes sir!" As Cody moves off the relay the command to Captain Rex, I suddenly sense a presence in the force. I look over to where I feel it and see a downed gunship a little bit away from our square. Separatist forces have yet to reach that ship, and I'm sensing two people still alive in there, one of which I'm sure is Master Kenobi.

I headed towards two of the men who were observing that battlefield with their binoculars. Cody was currently with them.

"Cody, get Waxer and Boil! I believe Master Kenobi and another trooper are trapped in that gunship just east of us!" I tell him, pointing in its direction. He looks at the gunship and nods in agreement, seeing the area is still free of gunships. I turn towards the two lookouts, blocking a shot.

"How's it looking out there?" I ask.

"Not good. The bugs are splitting up!" One of them tells me.

"Great! They went from a bee to a wasp," I comment sarcastically. "See if you can predict where they're headed!" I order him.

"Yes sir!" came the trooper's response.

Just then Waxer and Boil came up to Cody and me.

"Boil/Waxer reporting as ordered sir!" they say in unison.

"We've got a downed gunship just 5 clicks east. We believe it's General Kenobi's. I need you two to get out there and find check for survivors!" Cody informs them. They nod in understanding.

"Sir yes sir!"

"I'll cover for you guys!" I say, heading out in the zone with the two.

As soon as we leave the safety of the tanks, we start drawing enemy fire from all directions. I begin to block or dodge shots like crazy, while Cody gets the tanks to lay down cover fire. It's a good thing that Waxer and Boil were very good at what they do, because there is no way I'd be able to stop all the shots headed in their direction. I notice a green Geonosian blast headed for me and narrow my eyes, jumping over it with a flip.

Eventually we reach the gunship without a scratch and put our backs against the door.

"Well that was fun!" I exclaimed.

"Why do we always get the fun missions?" Boil grumbles.

"Oh this isn't the fun part. Getting back to the square is the fun part!" Waxer exclaims.

"I should come with you guys next time!" I say, standing up to cut through the gunship door. Waxer and Boil give me cover while I do that, and eventually I create a wide and tall enough hole to walk through. I quickly head through to see Obi-Wan and another clone move their heads to look at us. I notice the rest of them dead and struggle to keep it together.

"Master Kenobi!" I say, as Waxer and Boil help the two up.

"Jarik, Waxer, Boil, am I glad to see you. Trapper and I are the only ones still alive." he says.

"Good to see you sir. Commander Cody and Commander Shan have established a square just beyond this position. the bugs are on the move and trying to surround us as we speak sir!" Waxer says, helping Master Kenobi up while Boil helps Trapper. I pick up Master Kenobi's lightsaber, seeing it had fallen off in the crash.

"Including this gunship, so we better move!" I said.

We exit the ship and once we're out of the gunships protection, Geonosians start to fire at us. I activate both sabers that I'm holding and walk backwards behind our group as they help Trapper and Obi-Wan to the square. Wielding two blades feels a little awkward but I manage to adjust to a Form III stance to better deflect blaster fire. Cody gets the tanks to fire at the forces advancing behind us while I deflect the shots that threaten to hit Waxer, Boil, Trapper or Obi-Wan.

Once we get close enough, two trooper run out with me to help cover us, and they fire at the bugs whose shots I block. Finally we make it past the tanks. I notice that the gunship is already overrun by bugs and AAT tanks.

"Are you injured General?" Cody asks in concern.

"No, nothing too serious."

I scoff. "What a lie Master."

He shrugs, before wincing as Waxer helps him down. Boil carries Trapper somewhere else to receive medical aid.

"What's the situation here?" Master Kenobi asks while a medical trooper injects a painkiller serum into his neck.

"We've got no air cover, and two Generals on the ground beyond our position, and a mess of bugs surrounding us. They were more than prepared for us sir. They knew our every move." Cody informs him.

I deflect a shot of blaster fire as Master Kenobi responds.

"Well I'm sure General Skywalker and General Mundi will make it to our position. We just have to make sure we're still here when we arrive," Master Kenobi says. Cody nods in understanding.

"Yes sir!"

As Cody heads off to relay orders to the troops, I kneel down next to Obi-Wan and hand him his lightsaber. "You dropped something Master."

"Thank you Jarik. I must say I'm impressed by how you've handled things so far." Master Kenobi tells me. I manage a small smile. "Well, when you decided to go and crash and leave Master Skywalker's promise unfulfilled, I had to react to the spur of the moment Master." I tell him. "Once this is over I'm probably... going to take an hour to wash away the... horror of battle." I manage to say, my voice breaking a little.

Master Kenobi lays a hand on my shoulder. "You've done well for your first battle Jarik, especially considering the scale of it as well."

"Thank you Master."

This was bad, so bad, so very very bad! Now the bugs don't have have flanked, they have us completely surrounded! We've lost a tank already, and two of our gunships have been blown up. It's gotten to the point that bugs have been flying over us and attacking from the air!

I blocked shots left and right, then looked to my left, diving out of the way of a tank shell just in time. I glanced in Master Kenobi's direction again to see a tank shell hit near his position, blowing a trooper away. One Geonosian tried to blindside me, but luckily I stabbed him just in time before throwing his body at another flyer using the force. I noticed them moving to take at the gunners on the tanks.

"Lay down cover fire for the tank gunners! Keep the bugs away from them!" I yell out.

Cody and Boil shot down a Geonosian that was attempting to take out one gunner, and I threw my lightsaber at another, stabbing him through the chest as he tried to kill another gunner. I called my lightsaber back to me and performed a backflip after sensing one fly at me from behind, slicing it down the middle while doing so.

Another one of our tanks exploded from sheer overwhelming force, and I gritted my teeth, feeling the deaths of the men around me while they shouted orders to each other. I admit I was scared, frightened, and had no idea what else to do, but I pressed on, knowing that stopping to dwell on my fear meant death. I could only hope Ahsoka was having better luck.

Eventually, a few squads of Geonisians riding on speeders came towards us, and started shooting at the gun emplacements that we set up inside the protection of the gunships. They were doing quite of bit of damage, with the Geonosian weapons being capable of dealing area damage to our forces. I saw one be brave enough to come very close to us, so I glared at it and closed my eyes in concentration, holding out my hand. A second later I made a pulling motion, and the leader of that small group suddenly flipped through the air by some unseen force, crashing into his fellow Geonosians, causing an explosion that took out a squad of them.

I grinned at my success, but it quickly went away as another cannon was blown up, forcing us into an even tighter circle. The men around us all screamed with pain, battle cries or orders being given as we all circled around Master Kenobi with whatever was left of us. I deflected a shot from hitting Cody, and then noticed Master Kenobi get up and activate his lightsaber, ready to fight with us or die trying. Our situation was grim, until one of the men spotted something.

"Reinforcements! Reinforcements have arrived!" he yelled with joy.

I looked over and saw a squadron of Y-Wing bombers flying past us, letting their presents to the Geonosians fly. Everything around us that wasn't Republic was instantly brought down, and the fire almost immediately stopped. The clones all cheered in victory and relief, and Master Kenobi deactivated his lightsaber, sitting back down once he realized he didn't have to join in. I sighed in weariness and relief, deactivating mine as well.

"Master Kenobi, Jarik!" The sound of Ahsoka's voice made me look up and smile in relief as I saw Ahsoka, Master Skywalker and Master Mundi approach us with their forces. Ahsoka gave me a quick hug from relief and worry before kneeling to check on Obi-Wan, who laid a tired hand on her shoulder.

"Well what happened to you?" Anakin said with a small, tired grin.

"I might ask you the same question." Master Kenobi responded.

I coughed, "He got blown up, bruised his ribs." I continued to cough while Master Kenobi sent me a glare, though I could tell it was light-hearted. Anakin grinned and Ahsoka managed a small laugh.

"Our combined forces should be enough to destroy the shield generator." Obi-Wan said, gesturing to the hologram we managed to set up. "Anakin, you, Ahsoka and Jarik will need to take a small squad through the shield, as close as you can to their gun emplacements. From there, you'll be able to temporarily jam their scanners so that they are unable to target the incoming tanks. Once the tanks knock out the shield, Master Mundi can bring in the rest of the troops with the gunships."

We nod in agreement. "Consider it done Master." Anakin says.

Master Skywalker was standing by with his own squad, and across the field, me and Ahsoka stood with our own group, Captain Rex and Commander Cody on our side. Currently we were waiting for the signal to begin.

"So, how was your part of the mission?" Ahsoka asked me. I shook my head in disbelief. "You have no idea... never mind you probably do. It sucked!" I exclaimed. Ahsoka shakes her head with a grin. "Well this was your first mission. We had to face that giant wall."

I stared at her quizzically. "The wall that in the briefing room Master Skywalker said you wouldn't go by, which I then responded to that I could possibly shut it down?" I asked. She nods.

"Well. He lied." Was all I could say.

"Sir, the attack is beginning." Captain Rex said. We looked across the field to see Master Skywalker waving his lightsaber around for the signal. Ahsoka took hers and waved it in confirmation.

"Well, let's roll." I muttered, activating my lightsaber.

We charged through the shield, and were immediately met by laser fire from Geonosians that were waiting for us. Me and Ahsoka blocked and deflected numerous shots, though not in time for a few of the men to get taken out. A few bugs attempted to take away some of the clones as well, so I did my best to slice them out of the air before they could.

After a few moments, our squad and Master Skywalker's squad converged together, as we charged up the hill in the direction of the massive tower. Me, Ashoka and Master Skywalker took cover behind a few boulders while the clones fired at the bugs.

"Let's jam their scanners: now!" Master Skywalker yelled, prompting us to throw our droid poppers are far as we could. They landed underneath the guns and knocked them out. Seeing the opportunity, Anakin called in the tanks.

Three AT-TE walkers walked through the shield and aimed to the cannons, firing at them. The Geonosians attempted to fire back, but it was too late. We watch as the tanks destroyed the entire shield generator, debris falling onto the Geonosians. Once the shield lifted, three gunships flew towards us and helped to clean up the remaining Separatist forces. Master Mundi came out and deflected a few blasts, while I sliced through another Geonosian. Within seconds, the Geonosians all whined and dropped their weapons, lifting their arms in surrender.

At last this nightmare of a battle was over.

Master Skywalker was helping Master Kenobi to a gunship, while Ahsoka and I walked next to him side-by-side.

"So Master, what was your total?" Ahsoka asked. During this exchange I began a mental headcount of all the kills I got.

Anakin sighed. "Not now Ahsoka."

"Come on. Are you afraid you lost this time?" Ahsoka asked with a teasing grin.

This did the trick. "55. that's my count." he said. My eyes lit up.

"60. Guess I won." Ahsoka said.

"Yeah... but I called in the air strike, tie!" Anakin said, trying to salvage his dignity. Ahsoka shook her head. "You're impossible."

"Guess what? I got 63." I said smugly. Anakin and Ahsoka gaped at me. "What? No way I was beaten by a Padawan on their first mission." Anakin shook his head in denial. I smirked at him. "First time for everything." Ahsoka laughed at Anakin's defeated face. Master Kenobi sighed. "Not you too Jarik. First mission as a Padawan and you're already taking after Anakin. I'll never understand how you can simplify these battles into some kind of game."

I shrugged, stepping into the gunship with him. For the next part of the mission me, Master Kenobi and Master Mundi would be hanging back for it, allowing Master Skywalker and Master Luminara to take charge.

"I expect to see the three of you back here by the time I've destroyed the main factory." Anakin announced.

"65 Skywalker." Master Mundi said.

"Umm, sorry?" Master Skywalker said in confusion.

"My total, 65. So what do I win?" Master Mundi asks. Anakin seems speechless as Obi-Wan grins at him.

"Master everlasting respect Master Mundi." he finally says. Master Mundi's face falls, seemingly disappointed.

"Oh," he says. I laugh at his disappointed expression.

"That is a gift Anakin rarely bestows, I assure you." Master Kenobi says. I shake my head in amusement and grip the handles as the gunship door closes and we take off for our very much earned break.

So there's the first mission in the Clone Wars for Jarik Shan! I hope you enjoyed it! I'm not sure when I'll update this story next but it'll be as soon as possible for my schedule! :D

EDIT (10/3/18): I've brushed up on the writing, fixed it up a little bit. Over the course of my stories I've grown much better at writing things down, and you'll see it continue to progress as you continue reading this. My style of writing only gets better and easier to understand as time goes on. I've just wanted to touch up on some things in these early chapters.