A/N: Hi everyone! I know it's been forever and I'm so sorry! It took me a lot longer than I originally planned to re-write an episode. However, it is done! The first episode Ana would 'appear' in, would be Season 2, Episode 9: Grievous Intrigue. It's a long chapter, but it takes place through the events of the whole episode! I hope you like it and tell me what you think! :)
Chapter Ten
Ana had just finished brushing her hair from a shower. Looking at herself in the mirror, she stared at her hair and her face before moving her hair up in a certain position. It flowed both down her back and over her shoulders. Frowning a bit, she repositioned it before setting it down. It would be better when it was almost completely dried so that the waves would show.
Getting up, Ana had finished putting on her clothing when she sensed slight panic from her Master. Raising an eyebrow, she started to move towards the door when she already saw the blinking from the lights go off as knocks were set against her door.
She knew it was Obi-Wan, but she was not expecting the concerned look on his face and his message of "We are needed. The council was given an urgent message from General Grievous". Sensing his urgency and seeing how fast he was going to gather himself up to be presentable, Ana was quick to put on her boots and follow her Master down the halls to the Strategy Room.
By the time that they got there, as she walked down the steps, she saw that Master Windu, Master Yoda, and Master Gallia were already connecting Masters Koon, Fisto, Mundi, and Luminara through the holo com projectors. No doubt Master Mundi was still on his mission, even if it was weeks ago. The holo projector in the centre was projecting a frozen message with a red hue. The other Masters only gave Ana and Obi-Wan a small nod of a greeting, if they even acknowledged them at all, however she could sense the slight tension around them. The feeling of concern was heavy.
Getting closer to the communications system, Ana's eye was caught by the projected image in the middle of the beacon, ready to start when pressed. The large figure, the one almost looming over the viewer, even through a holo message. They were tall and broad, but perhaps that was just his metal exterior making him look much larger than he actually was. Still though, the thing in front of her had a menacing look about it. Whether it was the stone-robotic face or the weirdly piercing eyes, both into the viewer and in his own metal skin. Perhaps it was the oddly shaped head piece. It was unique but had a menacing charge about it. How could metal have such a startling view. The design seemed to do it's work. She couldn't tell if the markings on the metal were real from times of battle or just from the projected image. She had heard of the infamous General Grievous, but to still see it was…disconnecting in one of the most real but awful ways. It almost made her skin crawl.
Ana's brows furrowed as she saw the metal figure looming over another on the ground. Her face only contorted more when she saw it was Master Koth. She felt something sink in her stomach. He seemed to be limped down and Ana didn't know if she should fear if he was dead or if he was alive yet still in the hands of Grievous.
Ana barely noticed the other Jedi come in. She could feel more presences in the room, but it was over her head, Her eyes were still overlooking the metal being, feeling as though the distance between them was closing.
Obi-Wan's slight waving just caught her eye and her attention immediately moved to him, her eyes having to adjust to the real in comparison to the long stared- holo. She was slightly surprised to see that Anakin was on the other side of Obi-Wan as he talked with some of the other Masters, her eyes just catching as he talking towards Master Luminara, his back almost completely to her "-ka on her way with Barriss."
Obi-Wan began to sign and her attention was immediately brought back to him while she saw in the corner of her eye, Master Windu speaking. Ana looked at him and gave the Master her attention as he signed to her I'll interpret, for you.
The redhead nodded her eyes turning to the image briefly when she saw it starting to move. She barely felt others enter the room, briefly sensing Ahsoka before she saw Obi-Wan already signing to her, his eyes going to the holo - image briefly, as though it would help him hear before signing as well as he could by memory.
Greetings, Jedi.
Ana took a brief second to look at the image again. She saw the robotic being move Eeth Koth by the back of his clothes, as though swinging it like a trophy. It was starting to make Ana feel sick to her stomach.
Turning back to Obi-Wan, she saw him pause briefly before signing again.
It would seem, once again, one of your Order has lost his way…And even better, a leading member of your Jedi Council.
When Obi-Wan paused for a moment, Ana looked over to the image as well, her frown deepening as she saw Master Koth cringe and his distressed face as he was manhandled.
Listen to me, Jedi, Ana watched Obi-Wan's hands, I do not care about your politics.
Ana's eyes went to the screen again as she watched Grievous suddenly throw Master Koth to the ground. The Jedi just laid there in defeat, as though he was also trying to get his breath again. Ana could only knew that this treatment would be nothing in comparison to what he was likely to face. The redhead had heard many stories of Separatist torture.
I do not care about your Republic.
I only live to see you die.
The image caught Ana's eye again when she saw the different motions again. This time, even Obi-Wan lowered his hands slightly as his full attention went to the holo-image of the message. To her horror, Ana watched a large droid, almost as tall as Grievous, take his shocking weapon and force it into Master Koth's back. She felt her stomach churn when she saw the Jedi Master wriggle and cringe uncontrollably from the shock, his body reacting from the shocks out of their own biological will.
Ana's eyes caught something almost immediately after and she squinted down at Master Koth's figure in slight confusion, her eyes looking towards his moving hands before new feelings distracted her. Sensing a sharp pin of fear, Ana's eyes were then drawn behind her, looking over her shoulder to see two Jedi younglings move towards Ahsoka for comfort. The Padawan looked slightly startled for a brief moment before she adhered to comforting them as best as she could, no doubt the horror still going on and the sound effects still reaching their ears. Why they were in the room in the first place, Ana did not know. Ana barely saw Ahsoka look back up, an expression as though a snarl was about to escape her lips before Obi-Wan motioned with his hand, catching her eye enough to see him sign the rest of the message.
But death will not come so easily for Master Koth.
I will make him suffer endlessly, because I know that is more painful for you all.
Ana's eyes moved back towards the holo image, Master Koth still on the ground as the robotic head moved, no doubt saying something that Obi-Wan didn't sign to her. However, Ana got the message loud and clear without needing to actually hear it.
As the holo image suddenly disappeared, and even though Ana couldn't hear it, she could tell that the entire room suddenly broke into worried and angry chatter over what they had just seen.
Ana felt as though her stomach was sinking. She had kind memories of Master Koth. He was one of the Jedi who regularly signed with her. He was one of the Masters who actively tried to communicate with her in the Jedi hallways and was always eager for one-on-one lessons if she required them. And he always offered her a smile. She felt her heart sink slightly at the thought that this message may be the last time she sees him.
Gazing around, she watched Master Yoda make a shooing motion towards the younglings.
"Away with the younglings," he said gently, though his face was laced with concern. "Much there is to discuss."
Ana watched as the younglings were pulled away, glad that they were finally leaving the room and being pulled away from this.
Looking back to Obi-Wan, she saw that he was looking towards Anakin.
"…an end to that monster," Anakin spoke up.
Anakin paused and Ana looked around slightly confused, knowing that someone answered him, but she couldn't see who before her eyes caught something else that became an interest to her as they were moving back towards Obi-Wan, going to ask him what they were planning.
She watched as a clone, one with a completely white eye with a scar going down his features walk up behind Master Plo and whisper something into his ear before the two moved to stand up straight. Master Plo's arms were crossed and although he was planets, whole systems away, Ana had grown up with that body language and knew that he was angered. Whether it was over Grievous's actions or the fact that he wasn't with Msater Koth to help him, Ana didn't particularly know. Her mind became preoccupied again when she caught Obi-Wan signing again, already into a slight habit of trying to sign as he talked.
"After engaging Grievous, we lost contact with Mast Koth," Obi-Wan said, his head lowering slightly as though in sadness. Ana didn't know that he had been contacting Grievous, but then again she had been sick for the past little while and things easily went past her for those days, "He could be anywhere."
Ana tried not to let her own fear show on her features. She couldn't let that show. She shouldn't…
When everyone turned to look at the holo-images again. Ana brows furrowed and she looked towards Obi-Wan and asked what's going on?
Although his eyes were still drawn to Master Plo, Obi-Wan answered her, his signing slower as he also tried to follow the rest of the conversation. Commander Wolffe thinks that he found another message. They're going to replay the transmission, Obi-Wan narrated.
Ana nodded and her eyes, like everyone else, cast to the holo image of the message again. Ana watched as the image closely trying to look for what the underlying message could be. Then, just as suddenly as the first time, her eyes were drawn to Master Koth's hand, the one stretched out. Her eyes widened in realization. How had she not connected that before? Had she looked at it longer perhaps she wouldn't have thought the movements were just from his body moving from the electric prod. Ana didn't realize that she said the answer at the same time as Anakin.
"He's signing," Ana spoke, already stepping forward as though to try and see the fingers any easier.
She could already feel everyone's eyes on her. She didn't know particularly why and she didn't particularly like all their eyes on her. It was like a silent pressure. Most of the Masters in attendance knew how to sign, but they regarded her as though she were a code-keeper.
Watching Master Koth, she immediately recognized the signs he was making, spelling things out with one hand while still trying to be discrete. Brows furrowing, Ana tried to understand and relay the message.
"Saleucami System…sector J-19…Zero-eight, zero-five, two-nine," Ana told them, her focus now moving from the fingers back to the other Masters who still gazed at her. The message was only confusing to her. She knew of the Saleucami System, but the numbers might as well be in an ancient language she never studied.
"I don't know what that means," she admitted to the other Masters.
Adi Gallia was already looking very confused as she pondered over the message.
"Salucemi?" she asked, confusion written all over her face, as were many others in the room. Ana's brows furrowed as she tried to understand what Master Gallia said as the woman moved her hand towards her mouth; a regular nervous habit by the Jedi Master that Ana had come to know after years of being taught by her…or at least trying to be taught. Finally, the Jedi Master's hand moved and Ana saw her explain, "Grievous has no ships near that sector."
As everyone's heads turned, Ana took the cue and followed, just managing to catch Master Yoda replying "—inaccurate our intelligence is."
Just when she thought her mind was no longer rolling as she went to try and go between all the speakers, Obi-Wan caught her attention again by signing as he spoke to the rest of the council. Ana didn't think with all the Jedi Masters, especially since the majority of them could sign, that she felt as though she needed a constant interpreter.
However, her stomach was already starting to twist at the thought of pointing it out and asking them to sign for her.
Feeling a little dizzy, she watched Obi-Wan sign I shall go.
The determination on his face told Ana that there was no debating that.
Ana barely nodded before her Master turned to look at Anakin. Ana's eyes followed, but noticed that she had already missed what he said. Watching Master Gallia step forward as well, she turned to Obi-Wan, silently asking for clarification.
Already, Obi-Wan was signing Anakin and Master Gallia are going to join us on the rescue mission.
Ana nodded, understanding. She looked at the others and caught Master Yoda's eye for a brief moment. Almost immediately after, Master Yoda turned to look at Obi-Wan.
"Take your Padawan, will you?" Ana saw Yoda ask him.
Moving in slight anticipation, Ana turned her head to look back up at Obi-Wan. Although she couldn't see it, Ana wasn't the only one. Many of the Masters now regarded Obi-Wan as he looked down at Ana, conflict well shown on his features. Ana waited patiently, looking up at him with eager eyes. It was obvious that Obi-Wan was in quick debate over what to do, but after a couple of seconds Obi-Wan sighed.
"I believe I will," Obi-Wan answered. "You will meet Grievous sometime."
Ana nodded and smiled, both nervous for the occasion but glad that she saw she was fit for it. If Obi-Wan really had doubts about her ability to go on the mission, he would not take her. Ana knew that for sure.
Obi-Wan turned to Anakin and explained as he signed, "I'll contact Cody. Get Rex and the others ready. Cody will need to debrief your men on the new hand signals they will need to learn and follow."
~.~
As the ship entered the galactic stars, Ana stood at the front of the ship with Obi-Wan while still behind some of the clone pilots. Admiral Yularen was not too far behind in his own ship, almost over them. The rumble of the ship moved at her feet and she felt an odd sense of calm as she stared out at the starry view for the mission that they were leading into.
The trip over was relatively quick and calm for how nervous Ana was feeling. She didn't know what made the sinking feeling in her stomach worse: the fact that Master Koth was still at the hands of General Grievous or about the fact that Ana herself may face him. Although she was on her first mission, this was a mission that had a lot more at stake. Maybe she was just nervous…and that only set her nerves up higher. Would she be this nervous for every mission? Gulping, Ana just hoped that Obi-Wan wasn't sensing too much of her fears. She didn't want to seem incompetent.
Obi-Wan stared off at the world and stars for a little bit longer before he started the com-unit. Almost immediately, the projected image of Anakin, Rex, and Master Gallia appeared on front of them.
The two leaders looked down to acknowledge them.
"We are just waiting for the okay from Cody that the pilots are all set up," Obi-Wan explained, signing as he talked. The projected images nodded, settling in their seats as they followed closely behind them in their own ship.
Almost as though he came on command, not too much longer Ana could sense Cody's presence coming closer. Although Obi-Wan did not look back, Ana did. As Cody walked into the cockpit, Ana offered him a smile as he walked in very much a straight line with as much natural leadership that could show. As he walked he carefully took his helmet off and set it under his arm, stopping on the other side of Ana. The Commander and General both turned to look over their shoulders slightly at him and Cody offered a nod, his lips hard-pressed and locked eyes show how words are not needed.
Obi-Wan makes a slight nod back before he turns back to Anakin, Rex, and Master Gallia over the com-unit.
"Are you ready?" Obi-Wan asked, as though he was making sure.
Ana turned to Cody and saw that he was getting his hands back up, wordlessly understanding her question. Well, it was that or Obi-Wan talked to Cody about interpreting for her whenever he could. Either way, Ana was grateful. Although Cody and Obi-Wan weren't perfect, she could follow along the conversations a lot easier. She still felt slightly dizzy from the conversation in the meeting.
Skywalker and Gallia are ready, Cody narrated.
Ana nodded.
"I shall engage the Separatist fleet and send you the coordinates of Grievous' command ship," Obi-Wan explained. Already his signing seemed to be doing better.
Seeing Anakin moving in the holo, she looked back to Cody for an explanation as his mouth at this angle and size was too fuzzy for her to recognize.
Skywalker is just…Cody seemed to be searching for the word, joking about making sure that Obi-Wan is correct on the coordinates.
Ana nodded, already turning back to Obi-Wan just to catch him say "I always do" with even a small smile appearing on his face. Ana barely had time herself to take in that thought before she noticed Gallia moving.
Turning to Cody again, he was already signing, General Gallia is asking how we will get on Grievous's ship.
Ana nodded and turned back to Obi-Wan, "…the good general and I have a history." Any trace of the small smile that he had before was gone as a deep frown and troubling thoughts traced over all of his features. "I'm sure he'll want to even the score face-to-face."
Seeing Cody start to sign again, Ana turned her head to look at him, during this time, Skywalker and Gallia will jump onto the command ship without being detected.
Ana already knew the plan, but she could talk about that with Cody after. At least he was making the effort.
"Hopefully by the end of this mission, we will have saved Master Koth and captured General Grievous," Obi-Wan says. With every word, Ana sees that his face grew darker and darker, though she could see the hint of determination in his stance.
"I couldn't agree with you more, Master," Anakin answered, Ana just managing to catch his words, "May the Force be with us."
The three on the ships barely even said goodbye before the message was put to a stop, the projecting image dropping.
As the projection disappeared, there was quiet among the three as they stood there in slight silence, taking the conversation in and what it meant, as though it was a finalization that the mission was going to proceed. After a couple of seconds, Ana turned to Obi-Wan and asked, trying to force a small laugh off her shoulders.
"Should I ask about this 'history'," Ana asked, a grin pulling up the tips of her lips.
Obi-Wan turned to look at her and the joke had the same effect on him. He grinned lightly before replying, "I don't have the time, but I know Cody will be able to tell you quite a few stories."
Obi-Wan nodded off to Cody, who was starting to grin himself, his lips ever so slightly turning into a smile, the hardness in his eyes starting to diminish.
It was amazing what simple jokes could do.
~.~
The Force was jarred and rippling around her, like the waves of a choppy ocean as Ana tried to centre herself in meditation. She had felt the fear in herself and the jarred edge of the Force around her while in flight and she asked if she could meditate during the trip through hyperspace so that she could try and find more peace in the Force before the rescue mission started. However, trying to link into the Force only seemed to make this feeling worse. Ana couldn't tell if the disturbance was from her own fears or from the pain that Master Koth was going through. The Force was stronger than it was before, but not at all in a good way, or one that Ana felt before. The soft breeze of the Force seemed to have turned into a hurricane with sharp pushes and pulls, slamming you all over the place. A soft string turned into a large and scruff rope.
It was uncomfortable, yet shifting. Ana could still sense the small, though it seemed farther in her mind, pulse in the true force, the origin of it in herself. As she tried to calm it and surrender her fears into it, she found it slightly easier to navigate through the en—
Ana jumped slightly at the gentle tap on her shoulder and she opened her eyes to see Cody standing in front of her as she sat on her bedroll. She didn't realize she was that deep in the connection to herself that she couldn't sense Cody come in. Opening her eyes, she took in a breath as she felt the energy of meditation come to a halt in her body or leave her. Looking up, she sees Cody standing there, looking awkward and also slightly worried at the sudden intrusion.
"Sorry, Boss. We're right about to enter the Selucemi System. General Kenobi told me to get you," Ana could see he was trying to speak formal and professionally, as though hoping it would reach his features. She was sure that he probably didn't have to tap Obi-Wan's shoulder to get him out of meditation. But Ana couldn't hear if he called her name.
Getting to her feet, Ana offered him a smile and hoped that the wish actually made it to her lips to try and ease him.
"It's fine, Cody. And thank you," she told him, already walking with him out of her quarters. She held up a finger and told him as she walked, meeting a couple of other clones move to get in place as they walked to the cock-pit, "As well, Commander's orders: don't call me Boss."
Looking over at him, she saw Cody nodded, a more relieved smile growing upon his features.
Ana gave him a last smile before they entered the cock-pit. Obi-Wan was still in the same place he was when she had left. Placing his helmet back on, Cody stayed a couple of steps behind Ana as she went to stand beside Obi-Wan. The Master looked back at her and gave her a nod, his features still troubled.
"You look a little better," Obi-Wan commented to her. "Do you feel ready?"
Ana shrugged. In a sense, she did feel better and more connected to the Force. She would just have to keep trying to connect through the choppy waves. Even the last battle didn't feel as bad as this in the Force, but she knew she would have to keep her connection if she were to stay focused.
"I guess I have to be," Ana answered. Because no, she didn't feel ready, but at the same time, she knew that she wouldn't. Maybe not at this point at least; she could always dream. But for now, she was going to have to be ready and live up to it.
Obi-Wan nodded once more accordingly before the ship suddenly bursted out of hyperspace, immediately slowing down in momentum. Suddenly in front of them as the group of Republic ships drew closer, Ana saw one larger ship and three small ones floating around it in front of her. Ana's eyes narrowed slightly as the shift in the Force came as a warning in the air, but she brushed it off, knowing the source was there in front of her.
Obi-Wan pressed a couple of different buttons on the com console in front of him before he turned to Ana, a screen starting to come up on the com unit as it was trying to connect, sending a request to the other ship.
"Ana, stand at the side; Cody translate for her," Obi-Wan commanded.
Neither had any words to say against the instructions and moved from the view of the camera image for the screen.
Ana and Cody stared at them for only a brief moment before Obi-Wan started talking, Ana moving to step back, closer to the consoles so that she could get a better angle at her Master's face to see what he was saying, while still keeping Cody in her eyesight.
They certainly didn't need to wait long for the connection to be accepted.
"General, I knew that one day I'd catch up to you," Obi-Wan said to the screen with a tight look on his face. Although the angle was wrong to see the whole screen, Ana could see that the blank screen was now showing a larger metal room on it, with another metal object moving around it. She could only guess it was Grievous. Turning to Cody, she waited to see what the reply was.
Cody waits for a moment before signing Grievous comments that he knows we are here to take him back to Coruscant for prison.
Ana turned back to Obi-Wan and saw him answer, talking and moving with ease as though he was undisturbed, but Ana could sense his slight fear and anger and resounding determination in his Force signature.
"You know me too well," Obi-Wan answered, not even turning his gaze to give her and Cody away.
Before anything else could happen, Ana watched the screen suddenly turn black and she looked towards Cody with a confused expression, but Obi-Wan was already answering for him.
"Grievous's plans seem to differ from ours," Obi-Wan explained, joking ever so slightly. "He must be very focused. He didn't talk as much as he normally does."
Ana couldn't help but feel her lips start to tug upwards slightly. Her Master seemed to be very…peculiar sometimes.
"I'll send the message to Anakin that we are getting started," Obi-Wan noted, barely signing this time as he brought his arm up, pressing a button before Ana's attention turned to the view outside.
She watched as some of the Republic ships moved forward. Meanwhile, the main Separatist ship was also starting to move closer, along with the smaller ones moving slightly faster. It was not long before the lights of blaster bolts moving through the atmosphere towards them. The battle was already going to commence. Grievous waited no time for dramatic effect. The Republic was quick to fire back, the two different blaster bolts decorating the air like coloured meteor showers.
Obi-Wan commented briefly, Ana just barely catching it as the movement of him putting his arm up again to press the com-unit caught her eye, "Well, we certainly have his attention."
Cody was looking over at Obi-Wan as well. Ana could only suspect that now that the first part of the plan was stroked off, the next was about to commence before the third instalment came in.
Bringing his wrist closer to his mouth, Obi-Wan spoke into the com-link, his face all seriousness and easily showing a one trail thought, "Admiral Yularen, keep Grievous' fleet occupied so Anakin's arrival is undetected."
Although Ana wasn't able to hear if the Admiral answered verbally, she was able to see his answer visually as his ship and the small battle ships flew forward and were approaching the Separatist ships, firing at the will of the clones. The blaster bolts were now moving through the air, making the show full of rapidly firing and moving red and blue lights. Ana felt her throat begin to tighten before she gulped, pushing down the fears.
Obi-Wan turned towards Cody slightly, looking past Ana as he spoke to him, though still signing so that Ana wouldn't be completely lost in the conversation.
"Commander Cody, do you have the exact coordinates of the command ship yet?" Obi-Wan asked, almost as soon as he was done, his arms moved back down so that he could cross them over his chest again.
Cody nodded slightly before answering and signing back, "We are patching them through now, Sir."
Obi-Wan nodded. He turned to look at Ana and she gave him a small smile back, as though she was both assuring him and herself.
"I know I don't need to say this, but stay sharp…and try to follow the plan. However, considering Anakin is a part of this, there may be quite a bit of improvising before we get to the end of this."
Ana could already tell that Cody wanted to say something as well and she had to force herself not to grin at the implication. Before Obi-Wan could say too much more, the entire ship was jolted to the left. The movement was rigged and sharp, and so was the then stiffened feeling of the ship that was no doubt now locked in a tractor beam.
The redhead jolted and was quickly falling to her side along with everyone else in the ship. She hastily reached out for one of the chairs to help break her fall. In the corner of her eye, Ana saw the hands and arms of the other two reach out as well. Thankfully, she was able to grab the one shoulder of the chair, helping her keep some balance, but in the quick seconds she was falling and grabbing the side, she could still feel herself falling, almost as though she was tripping over her feet and the ground. The metal never felt so slippery until now.
When she was sure that she was going to hit the ground, Ana felt a hand at her wrist, pulling her the other way to help try and balance her out. It was just the pull she needed to keep herself up from completely falling flat onto the ground. Within the next second, she was regarding the other clones around her. None who were sitting had fallen off, though they were still straightening up like the ship. She could tell that Obi-Wan was not as lucky. If she could barely hold the seat, she knew that Obi-Wan had no chance.
Turning to Cody, she noticed him just starting to stand up as well. Beginning to collect herself, Ana told him, slightly breathless: "thank you, Cody."
He gave her a slight nod before turning to look over at Obi-Wan from over her shoulders. Ana turned to look over the other side as well and noticed that her Master was slowly starting to pick himself up off of the floor. Disc and Coin behind him were also starting to pick themselves up as well. They must have been standing up at the same time as well. If they were not in battle the situation would have been comical. The great Obi-Wan falling in a heap.
Ana was able to tell that Cody asked a question when she saw Obi-Wan say, deducting that he was answering him, "no, Cody."
Before Ana could offer any help when she took a step forward, her Master was already on his feet. She could see that he was moving his hand, as though dusting off his shoulder, but she knew it was a false front. She could sense the slight pain through his body and could deduct that he might have landed hard on his shoulder. Perhaps he was more rubbing his shoulder to try and offer any comfort.
"Let them think they have us," she saw her Master answer, now starting to stand straight up, "We need a diversion for Anakin."
Brushing off his shoulder again, any indication of a smile was slowly leaving his face as his thoughts came to the more pressing matter at hand. The ship was still moving toward's Grievous's and it would not be too long before it would completely attach and they better be waiting to meet with Grievous if they wanted to keep him occupied, but Ana supposed that nothing could make the cyborg more angry than having to hunt through every nook and cranny of the ship to find them.
"We better get going," Obi-Wan concluded, "Anakin will be arriving in the atmosphere at any moment and they need to come in undetected. And, no doubt that Grievous will be waiting at those doors for us."
Both Ana and Cody nodded. Obi-Wan turned to the pilots, saying something to them, but at this angle, Ana couldn't make out any tangible words. Staring at the pilots themselves, Ana watched them get out of the seats and move out of the room, probably getting their armour on.
She was jumped out of her thoughts when she saw Obi-Wan moving towards the exit. She followed him automatically, watching Cody fall in line as well. In the corner of her eye, she watched Coin and Disc both suddenly stand up straight at attention for the General and salute him before falling in behind her and Cody as they followed Obi-Wan out of the cock-pit.
Moving to catch up and walk alongside Obi-Wan and Cody, Ana saw Cody move his arm up to say something in his com-unit before he regarded Obi-Wan. The closer to they got to the bridge and airlocks, the more heightened Ana's awareness became. There were more bodies, more of a charged air. It almost made the hairs on the back of her neck prick up. The upcoming battle charge coming with every movement they made closer to Grievous's ship. The charge came worse with that as well. The sense of the Separatist droids becoming closer and closer only made the prick and warning in the Force stronger, as though trying to smother her, to stop her from breathing but Ana was not deterred.
She fought before, she would do it again. She would do what she needed.
As they turned to go down the hallways to the airlock, Ana could already see that the clones were getting in position, ready for the oncoming strike. Ana watched them move to land against the walls, some standing up but in readying position to run and attack while some were crouched down, ready to fire and strike.
Obi-Wan signed, looking between the two:
"Remember, we need to keep Grievous on this ship until general Skywalker is clear," Obi-Wan told them.
Ana and Cody nodded in understanding. They understood the third part of the plan quite well.
As the group of them stopped, Ana could feel the sups starting to lock together. Obi-Wan turned to Ana and she stared up at him, watching him intently as she felt Cody turn to stand beside her as well.
"Ana, I want you to stay with Cody," Obi-Wan told her directly, signing as he did so. "I may have to run off to right Grievous, but I need you to stick with Cody. He's the only clone here who can actively sign and I need you to keep up with what is going on."
Ana nodded.
"Yes, Master," Ana promised him.
As thy felt the ship completely attach, the three turned to stand directly in front of the doorway, facing it straight on. Ana's hand was already turning to freeze over her lightsaber, ready to grab it in an instant while her eyes narrowed as she stared at the doorway…
Waiting.
Taking in a deep breath, there was maybe a second or two of silence before Ana the warning in the Force feeling like it was suddenly stabbing her in her brain before she watched four objects break through the doorway, moving in a circular motion to create a big enough hole in the doorway so that they could get in. Ana could see Kido in the corner right by the doorway, almost getting hit himself. Leaning against the doorway, she could see him aim his gun, getting ready shoot. Ana herself could feel her nails and fingertips brush against the top of her lightsaber.
Just as the cutting was finished, there was a sudden pulse forward, sending the cut out doorway flying towards them. Acting on instinct, Ana used the Force to push the rocketing metal to the side, knocking it against the wall, but out of the way of herself and the clones. Once that danger was out of the way, the next as the oncoming assault of the blaster bolts flying through the air without any hint of mercy.
Ana was already running forward with her Master after she watched two other clones fall to the ground, moving her lightsaber out of the hold with grace and urgency, feeling the electricity run through her palms as it turned on. Before Ana could make any stance, she was already swinging her lightsaber in tight, yet wide circles to cut off any blaster bolts from hitting her, watching some of them fly back and hit the droids. Keeping an eye on the exit, it was not long before Ana watched two tall IG-100 MagnaGuard droids step out through the hole and came to stand on either side of it, guarding it like their name sake. Ana didn't know what was more unnerving, their size or the creepy, glowing red eyes.
The large grey cyborg that came walking up through the hole was even more unnerving. Ana immediately recognized the figure of Grievous, however she was not expecting him to be that tall. Bionic legs, she guessed. He could be even five feet taller if he wanted to.
The prickling in the Force became heavy, almost pinching at her skin and down her back as nervousness and slight fear began to creep up her back.
His back was hunched, but she thought that made him more menacing. Up close and in real life, his eyes seemed more startling and piercing than on the holo image's message. He came in with heavy footsteps, his eyes straight on the Jedi in front of him. Ana stared back, hoping her face was radiating confidence as she wanted to feel.
She notice Obi-Wan move his hand enough just to catch her attention and when she and Cody looked, Obi-Wan was quickly signing with one hand, I'll take G down the corridor. Go left, now and get those droids!
Although Ana did not like the idea of leaving her Master, she knew not to debate this right now. Obi-Wan knew what he was doing and she had to trust in that. Nodding, Cody was already calling out commands for the remaining clones to follow, though a small amount of them were left, it was better than nothing. Ana was the first to run, turning with her hair flying behind her in it's ponytail so quickly that Grievous barely had a chance to really look at her before he disappeared.
Running first, Ana could sense the clones falling her and it wasn't long that they ran up upon the remaining clones that managed to steer off from the original battle. In the back of her mind she could sense the danger Obi-Wan was in from the Force and her worries pricked at the top of her spine, however she knew that he would be fine. She needed to focus on the task at hand and she knew Obi-Wan could take care of himself. She had to have faith in his judgement or the whole relationship, both as Master and Padawan and as a General and Commander. He had far more experience with her and she knew this was not his first encounter with Grievous…like her.
Remembering the cyborg and those droid guards, she felt a little glad she wasn't facing them head on.
Watching the battle droids turn around and getting ready to aim, Ana immediately took out her lightsaber again and ignited it, the blue glow echoing along the dark metal corridor. Watching the red blaster shots moving towards them again, she curved her blade as needed, feeling the energy from it as the blade sliced the air, reflecting some of the blaster bolts while she saw the clones around her start to materialize around her, getting into a better position for them to fire and counter attack. Cody stayed by her side, shooting his gun with sharp accuracy and precision. Honestly, at the back of her mind she was quite impressed with how well he could shoot in this much pressure. Ana could sense his determination. It wasn't a wonder he was in a command position.
Taking small steps closer, Ana kept kept moving her lightsaber, her wrists rolling as she kept her arms and shoulders as still as she could, yet somehow bringing some flexibility in the movements when needed as well. Obi-Wan was right, it was just practice. Hopefully she could really master the roll of her wrists soon.
Taking steps closer, she watched Cody and some of the other clones step with her.
Just getting close enough, Ana was already swinging to disassemble the droids. Watching them drop, Ana could only grin as the survivors came forward, almost becoming nose to nose with her.
"Hey ugly," Ana muttered before she stabbed the droid.
There weren't too many. A small portion, and definitely a lot smaller than the pocket that was on her last mission that she had to spy on.
Ana didn't know how long it took, but pretty soon the droids were dropping quickly, either getting hit by blasters or from her lightsaber. The droids barely had time to aim before they were hit. It wasn't long until there was literally a handful left.
As she watched Cinders and Coin kick down the last of the two droids with their own boots, she could feel the warning of the Force whirling up her back. Turning, Ana could see that Cody was now talking into his com-unit. Ana's face twisted and took the couple of steps towards him. By the time she got there, it seemed like the message was done.
What's wrong on? she asked, making the Y sign and placing it to her chin.
General G is on his way here, Cody signed quickly, moving to the side an aiming his gun towards the end of the hallway, as though regaining his composure and focus.
Before Ana could fully process the message, she could sense pricking against her feet as there was a weird bounding against her feet of something coming this way. Feeling the hair on the back of her neck prick up, Ana immediately got into a defence and attack position as taught, her eyes focused on the end of the hallway as well. Feeling the movements coming closer, or the vibrations of it becoming harder, Ana leaned forward a bit more, preparing.
Within seconds the metal cyborg she had seen only a couple of times before was bounding along the hallway on all fours…or six? The scene reminded Ana briefly of those horror vids on the holo that she and a couple of other younglings would sneak to watch together. It was something like a possession, something paralleling an evil in her nightmares.
As the thing came closer, Ana could sense the slight fear from the clones, however all of them moved onto the oncoming cyborg, ready to attack and stall. If Obi-Wan or one of the other pilots sent the message than Obi-Wan would not be too long before coming. The more they could stall, the better.
Hopefully Anakin and Master Gallia had gotten to Master Koth by now.
As the three clones beside her moved to fire, Ana watched with narrowing eyes as the metal Sith began to turn head over hands to stand up, twisting in a way that Ana could only imagine as evil.
Just as Ana thought that she was ready for an attack, she almost jumped back when the bright light and energy of the four lightsabers suddenly pushed forward within the span of a blink. Just as Ana was ready for attack, it suddenly faltered and she found herself moving to quickly dodge the four lightsabers as they came past her. Two blue and two green and, as she had heard before, not ones that were originally his.
He took a look at her and in some awful way she saw that he was somewhat interested in her, with who or what she was, but his lightsabers only swirled in circles, moving as fast as though they were creating a wall and barrier to protect him as he pushed past. From what she had heard, this was out of character of Grievous, but then again, he wasn't looking to fight or kill, he was looking to escape.
Ana and the other clones quickly ducked off to the side, Ana on the other side. The redhead stared at the cyborg as it kept running away, this time on two feet. Already, Coin and Disc were aiming their blasters and Ana watched as Grievous didn't get hit once.
Acting on instinct, Ana got up to her feet and got into position, ready to sprint after him when she suddenly felt a hand on her arm. She had to suddenly crouch slightly, keeping her balance as the ship immediately began to rock. They were obviously being fired at and Ana didn't need to sense in the Force that something was seriously damaged.
Her head turned to him sharply and Cinders shook his head, holding her in spot before he held out his arm. Pressing a button, Ana was surprised to see a long coil shoot out of it. Watching the end, she saw it catch and lock Grievous in by the back. Immediately, the four clones came together to pull on the coil, holding it as tight as they could and pulling back.
Watching Grievous start to be Forced back, Ana immediately disengaged her lightsaber before taking a hold on the coil as well, pulling back with the others. With her help, it wasn't long before they pulled Grievous close, despite how hard Ana could feel him resist against the strain. He was almost tripping as he was moving back, trying to gain balance and move forward.
Just as Grievous came closer, Ana let go and took hold of her lightsaber, igniting it again and crouching. Just as she was about to aim for Grievous's legs, officially cutting him off from easy escape, before any of them could prepare, Grievous suddenly turned around and rolled, almost as though he was trying to crush them by rolling on top of them. His one leg swung out, effectively hitting Ana's legs and making her crash almost face-first into the metal ground, her lightsaber falling from her hands and turning off.
Ana grunted as she laid at the floor, her chest aching slightly from the fast and hard tumble to the ground. She looked up to see that Cody had suddenly jumped up on Grievous's back in a desperate attempt to make time to hold Grievous on the ship, literally holding him down.
As Cinders, Disc, and Coin began to jump on top of him as well, somehow hoping the extra weight would help, Ana quickly began to crawl forward on the floor to get her lightsaber again. Reaching out, she grunted as she quickly turned to her side, remembering some early training as she moved her legs and hips up curving and jumping at the same time as she felt her fingers grip the lightsaber. Flying up and twisting back to her feet, Ana stood straight up just in time as Grievous hurled the clones from his back. She could sense Obi-Wan slowly coming closer to them.
As he bounded back towards her, Ana got into position again. This time, Grievous took out one lightsaber. Almost carelessly as he kept running, not even losing a step, she watched him glower down at her and swing his own lightsabers towards hers. Ana defended and moved back trying to strike Grievous herself but he was already gone.
Breathing hard and her eyes widening with disbelief, she and the clones were already running after him dow the hall. Ana ran ahead of them, her lightsaber swinging along as she ran. Sensing Obi-Wan too close, she hoped that perhaps they could corner him. Obi-Wan wouldn't be too many hallways away. They could make it! She was sure!
Just as Grievous stopped for a moment, he suddenly bolted again. Ana was panting as she ran, her hair flying behind her like dark flames in the wind. She watched as Obi-Wan turned from down a hallway as well and all of them ran into a brightly lit, shiny metal hallway as they followed him. Almost bumping into Ana, the two were side by side as they ran.
"Anakin must be close," Obi-Wan turned his head to tell her.
Ana nodded. They could do it. They were close.
Just as she felt the ship rocking around her again, she moved to make sure to keep her balance. The next time, however, she was not as lucky. When the ship suddenly jolted, Ana, along with the others, were suddenly knocked off their feet. Falling to the metal ground a second time, this one seemed harder. She grunted again, her chest directly landing on one of the shiny grey pillars on the ground. That would sting tomorrow. She could already feel a bruise coming over her breasts, right along the bone.
Before Ana could fully get wind back, she suddenly felt herself being pulled back by gravity and air. Gripping the side as she slowly got up, feeling the ship starting to lean, back. She looked over at Obi-Wan. He was seemingly panting too, doing whatever he could not to hold his side. It was obvious that he had hit the edge too. Their eyes barely made contact before Ana could feel a warning in the Force. Looking back down the hallway, Ana could see that the jolt of the ship had affected Grievous as well. With wide eyes, Ana could see the cyborg barreling towards them in a tumbling, rolling fall. She watched Obi-Wan get out his lightsaber and quickly moved to do the same. She had barely gotten her's out, her head still a little spacy from the two falls, but she held a daring face and aimed her lightsaber just as Grievous turned and brought ut two of his own lightsabers, blocking their attack with ease.
It all happened within seconds and it was so fast. Were all of their battles going to be like this? Was everything going to count by the second? How had she not noticed that the last battle was so face-paced.
Holding her lightsaber against Grievous's in an attack swing, Ana tried to pull more pressure on it, but it was no use. Grievous easily pushed back, swinging himself up. The power of his legs making it seem like an effortless task.
As Ana dodged the lightsaber again while Obi-Wan went into another attack and dodge, Ana slowly began to realize what she had been doing so long.
Grievous was a purposely-created cyborg. Despite Ana's own pride in her own strength, she knew that her, and everyone else's, strength was nothing in comparison to his.
If they wanted to beat Grievous, it wasn't going to be a fight in strength. At least not physical strength.
It was going to be a fight with wit.
And Ana had something else Grievous didn't.
Watching Obi-Wan quickly dodge another lightsaber attack, Ana was already carefully pushing herself off of the wall of the hallway, balancing herself while she held out her hand towards the cyborg.
"Master, stay down!" Ana screamed at him.
Looking back at her for a brief second, Obi-Wan suddenly moved down without the second thought before Grievous barely had the time to turn and look at her.
Without another second, Ana used all of the Force she could to push Grievous hard against the side and she slowly made a fist with her hand, as though putting pressure on the cyborg to hold him down in a ball as she slammed him against the other side. It did at least part of the trick. Grievous dropped the two lightsabers and didn't have enough control to grab them and attack.
Just as Ana went to push Grievous down to the end of the hall again, hoping to trap him again in the cyborg's disorientation, she felt the new sudden jolt.
Before Ana even realized she lost the grip in the Force, she was suddenly brought backwards with the ship, tripping on the angle of her feet and was knocked backwards slightly, making her lose grip on Grievous. Just as she grabbed the wall, her fingers gripping hard to one pillar in the wall, she looked up just to nice that Obi-Wan wasn't too far away from her as she felt the ship slowly turning again, as though it was slowly falling off a cliff. He must've fell too, or he was pushed down. Looking up a little further, Grievous had already gripped the lightsabers again, crawling on all fours again as he crawled back up to safety.
Ana almost cursed herself, watching Grievous reach the edge and towards the doorway again. Incept breathing, trying to even it out as her mind started to race. Now what could they do? She and Obi-Wan could try making it up to the top. She could use the Force again to bring him down at least. If she brought him towards Obi-Wan then maybe he would get a good slash in. It could end.
As Ana was pushing herself back up again, her eyes saw something that made her entire aching chest feel with relief.
Grievous had yet to shut the door, but he was in battle with someone else. Ana could almost laugh and smile with relief. Although she could barely see her, Ana could sense Master Gallia's Force Signature, both in rage and in strength. Her mind was clear and focused, an object set in mind as she fought. Perhaps there was still a chance after all.
But yet, nothing ever stayed on a straight and narrow path.
And yet again, Ana found herself eating her words.
Her first wrong was trying to stand up and still move forward towards the doorway to get to Master Gallia, the second was not listening to the Force when everything in the Force was telling her to stay down.
Ana wasn't even on her feet yet when the ship jolted and cracked again. This time, Ana found herself hurdling backwards, rolling backwards with a terrible twist in her back for a few rolls before she instinctively reached her arms out to her side. She was sure she felt a brush of metal against her skin before she fell through. Reaching harder, her fingers gripped a metal wall again and Ana never felt her fingers crush under the force of the pull so much in her life as she gripped to the edge tightly. Her entire body straightened out in a terrible crack, like a whip being cracked and pulled out straight before relaxing again.
Quickly bringing her next hand up to help her get a grip on the side, she stared up, wondering where Obi-Wan was. For a brief second, there was a moment of panic before she spotted him up closer to the top, Cody holding onto his wrist with a tight grip, his other hand holding the wall in another. Once again, Ana was grateful for Cody and that he was with them.
The next thing to catch her attention was Disc, who had lost grip on his ledge and was falling. Thinking quickly, Ana held her legs together in as tight of a grip as she could and began to slowly swing in preparation.
Just as the clone was about to fall past her, Ana swung as hard as she could onto her side and screamed to catch his attention.
"Disc!"
The sudden new weight on her leg breathed fire into Ana's tendons as she forced her grip to keep hold. She looked down and saw the clone gripping her one leg with both hands, staring back up at her. For the moment, Ana was glad for the helmet, as it helped to hide his probably terrified face. Taking deep breaths, Ana put her focus on her hold.
At least, until she felt something in the air shoot past her. It was a different texture than from the rushing momentum that she was trying to hold back from. Opening her eyes, she saw the familiar coil and watched the end take hold of the side near the end of the broken off hallway. Looking up, Ana watched Cody and Obi-Wan quickly move for it, using it as a leverage to hoist them back up as they walked.
Swinging her legs, she waited until she was sure Disc had a close grip on the rope before reaching out for it herself. Disc waited for her, knowing that he was making sure she would get on as well before the two of them were making their way back up to the edge. Obi-Wan had just gone though with Coin not too far behind.
Cody reached an arm through the hatch doors, using it as leverage to hold him in place from falling back through. Reaching back, Ana gripped his wrist hard. His grip on her wrist was just the same as he pulled her through the opening. As Ana rolled to the side past him, using the doorway as a barrier to keep her from falling through too, she felt Disc come to move beside her before the hatch moved. Keeping her balance, within a second they were closed and Ana could start to feel the relief of air not trying to kill her or force her back.
She leaned against the doors for a moment, watching and silently thanking Master Gallia as she walked closer to Obi-Wan, who was already talking.
"Hurry. We can still catch him," Obi-Wan stated, already moving forward. The words almost made Ana lean back into the doorway, trying to gain breath. She didn't know what she looked like, but she knew that she would need to go forward.
Just as she was pushing herself off of the doorway, Master Gallia was already walking towards her Master, her own lips moving. Cody and Cinders moved up as well, finishing their quick breathing break as well.
"Obi-Wan, Anakin's leaving," Master Gallia tried to reason with him. Ana didn't need to hear her voice to see hear the gentle persuasion in it. Obi-Wan was still ready to fight, his focus still pushing him, while Master Gallia's focus was able to make her see the whole situation, "We'll be trapped on the ship."
Perhaps she was right. As much fighting as Ana did and she didn't want it to go to waste, she knew that Master Gallia was right. If they did try to follow, then the surely would lose. If Grievous was nowhere to be seen here, that meant he was more than far away. If they got stranded on a ship then they will be worst off than when they originally were.
Her eyes turning to her Master, Ana watched as he stared back at her for a short moment before his shoulders sagged slightly. Watching him carefully, she saw that as he looked forward, the second thought of running definitely came. However, Obi-Wan held back, this time moving his arm to talk into the com-unit.
With his back mostly turned to her, Ana could only wait to find out what he was saying. She stepped up beside Cody and looked at him as he searched around the hallway, as though getting ready for Grievous if he would suddenly fall from the sky.
When Obi-Wan turned back to her, he signed quickly (and messily) Anakin is coming to a hanger close by, we need to move, now.
Ana nodded and she bolted at the same time he and Master Gallia did. Running down the hallway, Ana could sense Cody and the other clones behind her, running as well. The ship seemed to keep swaying and jolting around and at this point Ana was surprised that she was still able to maintain a balance, but she flew forward with the others, following her Master. This ship was not going to last long.
It was a good thing that Obi-Wan knew where he was going. Just a step behind, Ana followed him, and stopped with him as they entered the hanger. Her eyes darted around the room. No Anakin, yet, and definitely no other crafts. The battle droids and Grievous had obviously used the emergence and extra ships to escape the doomed vessel.
Within seconds, Ana watched a red and beige ship enter the hanger, moving with speed. Ana could sense it was the Jedi Knight. Before it even had the chance to stop and dock, the group was already running towards it. Master Gallia was the first to go up the ramp, running with agility and speed. Ana followed her at her heels while Obi-Wan and Cody hesitated slightly at the bottom before coming up to follow them. The two were barely off the ramp before it began to come back up.
This time, walking with a bit more time, Ana watched Obi-Wan walk out of the hanger. She followed close behind, wanting to stay closer to her Master. Walking up to the bridge, Ana was slowly starting to see that Obi-Wan was starting to slouch in slight pain and fatigue of the battle as well. He almost slumped into the chair to his left, but that was all he would let show. Ana could the half profile of his face as he began to talk to Admiral Yularen. The focus and determination was back, as though it, and only it, was always there.
Master Gallia, on the other hand, was already moving towards Master Koth. Seeing the Jedi Master and sensing his familiarity in the Force, nothing could force back Ana's small smile of relief. Ana barely noticed Anakin flying them towards the main ship, bringing it in to park in the hanger.
The Jedi Master stared back up at Ana and offered her a smile as well.
"I was hoping that I would see you again," he told her gently. "I'm glad you got my message."
Ana smiled.
"I'm glad that we made it on time," Ana told him. "I'm glad you're okay."
He smiled back.
"I'll be a little sore, but nothing damaging," Master Koth confirmed as Master Gallia leaned back again.
Just as she felt the ship land, Rex was by her side. She stared at him, slightly confused before Master Gallia was already signing, he'll help Master Koth off the ship. You come with the rest of us.
Ana nodded, moving to step aside for Rex and Master Koth to get back out. Looking back at Obi-Wan, she found that he too was already out of his seat and ready to follow Rex and Master Koth out of the ship. With Obi-Wan just managing to slip past them, Ana instead stayed behind, moving slowly along with the injured Jedi Master as he was carefully guided down the ramp and towards an already awaiting medical droid.
Keeping herself at an angle to try and see all of them, Cody moved to step beside her, ready to interpret as she saw Master Gallia state she would stay with Master Koth as she moved to stand beside him.
"You all took a great risk rescuing me," Master Koth said, regret and guilt laced in his tone and facial expressions.
Obi-Wan, however, was already smiling and Anakin's was starting to grow like Ana's.
"You're welcome, Master Koth," Obi-Wan insisted.
"Since you divided your forces, Grievous is still at large," Master Koth began to look down in guilt and slight anger. Looking back up at him, Ana saw his honest face, "I would have gladly given my life if it meant bringing that monster to justice."
Before Ana could begin to argue with him, insisting that it was not his fault and that his life was worth far more than a capture, Anakin was already talking.
"Well, at least we all live to fight another day," he stated. At least there was some sense of optimism around here.
The Jedi Master gave a grateful nod, a smile of reassurance tugging at the edge of his lips.
Watching him go, Ana fought the urge to walk with them. As much as she wanted to make sure that Master Koth would be okay, she knew that she would be needed elsewhere. She knew Obi-Wan was not finished with this. Not by a long shot.
Ana watched Anakin walk away with barely another glance. Obi-Wan on the other hand, stayed with her for a couple more moments. He turned to look at her and he heaved a good sigh off of his chest.
"You did very well in a heat of chaos, Ana," Obi-Wan commented. "And you fought your first Sith, and Grievous, nonetheless. A lightsaber duel is not easy to survive with him. You should feel proud of yourself, Ana."
The redhead stared at him, smiling a bit, only noticing now that a strand of her red hair was curling in front of her eyes. Her ponytail was probably a mess. and she was finally starting to feel some of the wetness on her forehead. Was she sweating hard?
"We're going down to Selucami. Admiral Yularen said that many of Grievous's escape pods landed or crashed on it. I'll have to confirm a plan with him, but for now take a moment's rest. We'll be leaving again shortly," Obi-Wan explained to her.
Ana nodded, forcing herself to offer him a smile. Was that her heartbeat coming back? She hadn't realized that for the entire battle that she couldn't feel it.
"Yes, Master," she told him.
He gave her a nod and his eyes trailed to Cody. He gave the clone a nod before turning, walking towards Rex. Ana turned back to Cody and saw him take off his helmet. The older clone looked at her and he stared at her with slight worry and pride.
"Are you alright?" Cody asked her, watching how her chest was still rising and falling with deep breaths.
The redhead nodded, despite the fact that the feel of her heartbeat making her feel as though she couldn't breathe as it was so fast.
"I'll be okay," she promised him. Motioning to Rex and Obi-Wan behind her, Ana told him, "go with them. Master Kenobi will need you."
Although Cody didn't look entirely convinced, he nodded and put his helmet back on. Barely offering her a goodbye, Cody moved with Obi-Wan to talk strategy with Rex.
For now, though, Ana needed to find something enclosed and safe.
Ana kept regulating her breathing as she walked, making sure not to go too far. Her mind was already focusing on what happened. Sometimes you don't need to think. You just need to do. Some things you can plan, some things you react on what you know. She had done that now. Looking back, Ana realized that for half of the chase, she hadn't really thought about what to do.
Ana already had a strategy for the upcoming battle, and for the war.
Make every second count.