CHAPTER THREE...

TUTAKA ONE SEPARATIST BASE

"Jedi? Here?" the Niemodian cried. "How is that possible? Destroy them! Immediately!"

"Yes sir," the SBD said. "We'll find the Jedi."

-xXx-

TUTAKA ONE

"What's been happening in the galaxy?" Barriss asked. "For the last three months I've been stuck in this middle-of-nowhere with no Holo-Net or anything."

"What would a Jedi want to know?" Zeke sat across for her on a small rug that was surprisingly comfortable.

"Anything. Everything." Barriss looked at him, indigo eyes burning. "What's been happening with the war?"

"General Kenobi and Jedi Skywalker have killed Count Dooku," Zeke announced. "When they rescued the Supreme Chancellor."

"Truly?" Barriss broke into a wide smile. "That's wonderful!" She paused, smile evaporating. "Then why is the war still going on? With its main leader killed, what keeps the Separatists from surrendering?"

"General Grievous is in command now."

"That half-droid, half-creature abomination? Is he not dead by now?"

"Apparently not," Zeke added. "But I'd say the war is definitely going in our favor."

"The clones make sure of that," Barriss added.

Zeke nodded in acknowledgment. "The Supreme Chancellor keeps gaining more and more power, thanks to the Senate. Emergency war powers, mostly."

"To be given back when the war is over?"

"I don't know. But this can only be a good thing, right?"

"I have a bad feeling about that." Barriss sighed. "What's our mission, Commander?"

"We're to infiltrate the Separatist base and-"

"Wait." Barriss raised a hand. "Do you hear that?"

Zeke shook his head. "Wh-"

"Shh," Barriss hissed. She closed her eyes and reached out with the Force, enhancing her hearing.

"Roger, roger," she heard a battle droid say.

"Battle droids!" she whispered.

"Where are they coming from?" Zeke yelled.

Barriss winced and put her hands over her ears. "Not so loud," she groaned, before realizing that she was still using the Force to amplify sound. She withdrew from the Force, realizing that the clone had spoken in the same tone he always did. "Sorry."

"Where are the droids coming from?" Zeke repeated.

"Southeast," Barriss paled. "The direction of the village..." she scrambled to her feet and ran to the window as they heard the faint sound of blasterfire. "No!"

"We have to get out of here. My presence must have attracted attention," Zeke grabbed his duffel and pulled out his armor.

"We have to go help the village," Barriss announced. "They'll be slaughtered!"

"Better them than us!" Zeke began strapping on his armor.

"They've helped me immeasurably for the last three months!" Barriss protested, near tears. "I can't just abandon them!"

"Jedi Offee, they will lead the droids in this direction!" Zeke put his helmet, and his voice took on that hollow, echoing quality. "I know they won't continue to protect you once the droids threaten them." His tone softened. "If it helps any, once they locate our position, they're unlikely to continue terrorizing the village." He pulled his blaster out of the duffel and tossed the bag to her. "Pack your things. We're leaving."

Barriss threw the receiver into the duffel. She also filled it with as much food as could be crammed in it. "Let's go," she ordered.

A/N: you all can thank my best bud Samantha for this chapter. You would have been stuck with a very BoRiNg chap3 AND chap4 if it weren't for her. as always, I live for reviews.