BONUS STORYLINES #3
Devaron; Duluur Sector
Jarik POV…
Being a Commander in the Clone War means that I'm always going to be on the frontlines of battle. Most battles are typically the same, regarding on what type we could be in. We could be involved in a siege, in a blockade run, in a liberation campaign, or a defensive campaign. Same old type of battles, usually the same stakes. That doesn't mean it ever gets boring, far from it. The adrenaline rush of a battle is always there to keep me focused, along with the chaos, exhilaration, and sadness at the deaths that end up as the result. Today was definitely no different either.
"Generals, the droids have begun their assault!" Cody exclaims, he and Rex having run up to us.
The four of us, Ahsoka, Anakin, Obi-Wan and I, all look up in alarm at the news just given. The loud sounds of battle just beginning prove it to be true, cannons and blaster rifles being fired nearby.
"Already?" Anakin asks incredulously.
"Looks like they've started their attack early," Obi-Wan states. "Cody, shore up the defensive line, we must hold the position!
"Yes sir!" Cody says, rushing off to do so.
"Jarik, you're with me. We have to hold off this assault before the droids can overwhelm us," he tells me.
"Yes Master," I reply with a nod.
"Rex, get the men organized, we're gonna push a counterattack and scatter the droids," Anakin orders.
"Right away sir!" Rex says, also rushing off to gather his men.
"Let's go Snips," Anakin says.
"Right begins you Skyguy," she replies.
"Bet I can get more droid kills than you," I challenge.
"In you dreams Jarik," she replies, rolling her eyes.
"Let's go, let's go!" Anakin exclaims.
He and Ahsoka rush off after Rex to join up with Torrent Company and other troopers in the 501st, including Fives and Echo. Me and Obi-Wan quickly head over to the front of the battle field, where our men in the 212th and the rest of the 501st have set up a defensive line.
The area of the battle is wide and very expansive in the middle of an open plain. Large mountains and cliffs line the sides of the area, from which the droid army is marching from. Hundreds of battle droids all in formation, along with tanks are advancing forwards, all firing at us. Our army is set up on the edge of a forest, using trees and rocks for cover. Behind us are a few AT-TE tanks, and beyond that and hidden by the trees are four heavy cannons, our most dangerous weapons. The only reason we haven't been overrun yet is because of those things, since we're vastly outnumbered.
The Separatists have been trying to take over Devaron for over a while now, so we were sent in order to defend the planet. Our base camp was set up just in front of the capital city, where lot's of Devaronian citizens have been trapped for a while. We managed to blow through the Separatist blockade, but more ships keep coming, making things difficult enough up in space, which Admiral Yularen is dealing with.
Bringing myself back into the war zone, I activate my lightsaber and move forwards to stand at the front lines, Obi-Wan and Cody also standing up front. Me and Obi-Wan use our lightsabers to deflect blaster fire while the men fire back, taking out dozens of droids.
"Good to see you back in action Commander!" Boil comments, coming to stand by my side.
"It's only been three days!" I reply in exasperation, glancing at him before blocking another laser.
Waxed then pops up beside Boil from his cover, which was a large boulder.
"Going a day without a fight is already too long in Boil's book sir!" he says.
"Aw shut it Waxer!" he retorts.
"Focus you two!" Cody scolds. "We've got a battle to win here!"
"Sir yes sir!" they both reply.
I vaguely notice Obi-Wan shaking his head in exasperation, but we continue working to deflect and redirect the droids laser bolts back at them. The droid army however is steadily getting closer, within about a hundred feet now.
"Come on Anakin, hurry up," Obi-Wan sighs irritably.
"I'm starting to think they start late on purpose," I comment.
"I came to that conclusion a long time ago," he replies.
Moments later, Anakin and Ahsoka's group makes their move. They appear from the side of the battlefield, lightsabers glaring and guns blazing. They, along with Rex, Fives, Echo, and the rest of Torrent Company charge out at the droids from the side and take them by surprise. Dozens of droids are shot down before they could redirect, and by that point Anakin and Ahsoka are in the midst of them. Seeing this, we make our move as well.
"Come on men, forwards!" Obi-Wan yells.
"You heard him lads, let's go!" Cody exclaims.
"Let's get these clankers!" Boil cheers eagerly.
The men all get up from their positions behind cover, and me and Obi-Wan lead the charge head on towards the droid army. Several clones get shot down along the way, but I do my best to ignore it before we reach the droids.
Swinging my lightsaber, I cut and slash through a bunch of them as I move forwards, occasionally deflecting blaster bolts back at them, and Obi-Wan does the same. Cody, Waxer and the men all shoot their rifles repeatedly, while Boil decides to take out plenty of droids that get to close with his bare hands.
With our Force charging from the front while Anakin's charges at them from the side, the droids quickly become disorganized, unsure of where to fire at. We take advantage of the chaos and keep destroying them by the dozen, eventually taking out the first platoon of battle droids.
"Well, that was fun!" I comment once we meet up.
"Fun day to get a higher count than you!" Ahsoka replies.
"You wish!" I retort.
The Separatist tanks are more numerous, but ours pack much more firepower, which is proving invaluable. Add that to the addition of our heavy cannons, we've pretty much got this first wave covered.
"Alright. Time to take out some of the tanks," Anakin states.
"Got it," Ahsoka replies.
She and I grab a few detonators and rush forwards, while a few other groups of clones do the same. Boil simply shoots one AAT with his rocket launcher, blowing out the pilot's area before Waxer snipes the gunner up top.
Pulling my arm back, I then thrust my hand forwards and use the Force to blow Ahsoka into the air. She flips gracefully to land on top of the tank, while I climb up to the lower hatch. Ahsoka throws her detonator inside while I open my hatch, revealing a surprised battle droid.
"Huh?! Wha-" it asks in alarm.
"Got a gift for you!" I say cheerfully, tossing it the detonator.
The battle droid fumbles around with it in a confused panic, and I slam the hatch closed, jumping off of the tank along with Ahsoka. It explodes seconds later, much to our content.
"Well, looks like we've got that taken care," Ahsoka remarks, breathing a little heavily.
"Well, it's not over yet," Anakin says, he and Obi-Wan having come up to us.
"Unfortunately that was only the first wave," Obi-Wan adds grimly.
We look over to see several droid transports rolling forwards at the other side of the field, opening up to deposit their loads of droids. There are even more than the first wave, most of them being super battle droids. Along with those are a good number of STAP fliers, and a few spider droids.
"Oh, wonderful," I sigh in exasperation.
"Everyone, fall back! Get to the trees!" Obi-Wan shouts to the army.
All of the clones move out to obey the order, and the four of us run back as well. The stomping sounds of the droid army echo across the entire area, in a quite foreboding way. The STAP's flying forwards open fire on us as we make for the trees. Seeing a few of our men being shot down, we leap into action. Literally.
Anakin reaches a hand out to grab a STAP with the Force, and brings it crashing to the ground. Obi-Wan jumps into the air and cuts down another flier, landing with a roll as it explodes.
I swiftly evade a barrage of red laser bolts being fired at me and then change directions while sprinting, jumping into the air right at one STAP. I bring my feet up in front of me, and the droid only has a moment to be surprised. I kick the droid straight off the vehicle, and then in the same motion grab onto its handle and pull myself on.
Present-day...
"Wait wait wait wait!"
I let out a sigh as Kurhran interrupts me in the middle of describing what happened, and give him a dry look.
"Yes?" I ask in exasperation.
"So you're saying that you jumped into the air, kicked the droid right off, and then started flying the STAP yourself all in one motion?" he asks.
"Yeah, that's exactly what happened," I deadpan.
Kurhran is silent for a moment before nodding his head quickly, a smile on his face.
"That sounds awesome!"
During the battle...
I start shooting my newly acquired STAP at other approaching fliers, taking them out before they could realize what happened. One of them though then starts chasing after me, firing it's guns. I flinch away as they narrowly miss me, trying to get out of its sights.
A sudden weight crashing into me and then stabilizing us both has me glance back to see Ahsoka standing right behind me, holding onto my shoulders for support.
"Hi," she greets.
"Hi," I greet back.
Twisting her body around part of the way, she activates one of her lightsabers and then starts to deflect the shots heading for us. It doesn't take long before she manages a redirect, sending my pursuer crashing to the ground. As I pass by one of the remaining STAP fliers, Ahsoka let's go and jumps off, slicing her lightsaber through it on the way to the ground.
I also jump off not long after that, kicking the vehicle away so that it would crash against the ground. Anakin and Obi-Wan has taken care of the others with the help of Rex and Cody, leaving that problem solved for now. Unfortunately there was still the large droid army approaching, marching at a steady pace. To our surprise they suddenly stopped, though we could guess why.
"We have to regroup back at the command center. Gear up for another assault and make sure the heavy cannons remain protected," Obi-Wan orders.
"Yes sir," Cody nods.
"I hope they don't have another shield generator," Ahsoka says with a frown as we disappear into the trees.
"Meh, I'm sure you could blow it up without activating dozens of droids this time," I tease her.
"Hey!" she snap at me.
"Well, he isn't wrong Snips," Anakin jokes as well.
Ahsoka pouts in frustration, lekku changing shade a little bit to show her displeasure while we snicker at her in amusement. Obi-Wan shakes his head with a sigh.
"The young are so difficult these days," he grumbles.
Present-day...
"So why'd they stop?" Rylla asks, confused.
"We're getting to that," Ahsoka tells her.
"You guys certainly love to be dramatic," Vifi says sarcastically.
"I kind of like it," Weron shrugs.
"Don't forget, you're the ones who asked us to tell you a war story," I remind Vifi.
"Uh huh, sure," she replies.
Ahsoka and I roll our eyes but continue with the story.
During the battle...
"So what's our next move?" I ask Obi-Wan.
"We need to figure out what the Separatists are planning. They wouldn't stop their assault unless it was for a good reason," he decides.
"I'd suggest we send a scout time to scope them out, get a look at what we're facing," Cody offers.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll get a team together," Anakin states, moving to walk off.
"No Anakin, don't be too hasty," Obi-Wan interrupts.
Anakin turns around in exasperation, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms.
"Come on Master, what could possibly be so bad about this idea?" he demands.
"I agree with the decision to scout out the droids, but I need you here with the main force in case they continue their assault," he explains in reply.
"Plus, you're too loud for something like this," I add cheerfully.
"Too loud?" Anakin asks me with a raised eyebrow, scoffing. "I'm not 'too loud…'"
Anakin looks around for support, but his face falls incredulously and in disbelief when everyone else nods their heads apologetically in agreement. Ahsoka, with an amused grin on her face, Rex, Fives, and Echo all giving quick nods of their heads. Anakin grumbles irritably in defeat but concedes with a small pout on his face.
"Fine. Who's gonna lead the scout team then?" he questions.
"Jarik, Ahsoka, would you be so kind as to accept responsibility for the job?" Obi-Wan asks us.
"Sure thing Master," I reply, and Ahsoka nods along as well.
"What?!" Anakin asks incredulously. "They aren't any better than I am!"
"This is about stealth Master, not fighting," Ahsoka reminds him teasingly.
"Ugh, whatever," he says in exasperation.
"Any specific instructions to follow?" I ask.
"Get an assessment of what we're up against, and see if they've brought in any reinforcements," Obi-Wan says. "Report back what you find. And try not to start a fight."
"We'll do our best, Master," I nod in understanding.
"Waxer, Boil, I want you two to go with them," Cody orders.
"You two as well," Rex tells Five and Echo. "Keep a close eye out for any trouble.
"Yes sir. We've got it covered," Echo insists, and the other three nod in agreement.
In order to get over to the Separatists side of the battlefield for recon we took two small speeder bikes, zipping through the trees for cover. In order to not give away our position we stopped about a few hundred feet away and continued the rest of the way on foot, making our way up the ridge. Once at the crest of the hill we all lay down on our stomachs and peered down at the droid army, observing their forces.
"Well, they've certainly got numbers on their side," I comment.
"Looks to be a full battalion down there," Waxer murmurs in agreement.
"I don't know why you guys are so worried. That's just more clankers for us to scrap," Boil quips teasingly.
"Huh, you too brother?" Fives asks in amusement.
"No question," he replies, and I could tell he's smirking.
"Come on guys, lets focus," Echo chides.
"Yeah, take the fun out of everything why don't you," Fives mutters mockingly.
Ahsoka and I share a glance, and she rolls her eyes in amusement.
"He does have a point, boys," she reminds them.
"Waxer, what've you got?" I ask him.
Waxer pulls out a pair of binoculars while Fives and Echo lower their own helmet scopes, and Boil shakes his head in disappointment. They take a moment to look through before Waxer pulls back, apparently concerned.
"Not good," he mutters.
"What's wrong?" I ask warily.
"They're bringing out super tanks," he explains.
"You mean those prototypes they developed on Geonosis?" Ahsoka asks, alarmed.
"Yeah, those ones," he confirms grimly.
"Looks like no more than a dozen," Fives reports.
"Well, that's a relief. Last time they had more than two dozen tanks," Echo replies.
"Heavy cannons are gonna be useless against those!" Waxer says in concern.
"What's the deal with those tanks again?" I ask.
"They're ray shielded. It makes them slow, but nearly impossible to defeat," Ahsoka explains with a frown. "I thought their prototypes were destroyed with the factory on Geonosis."
"Well, looks like they've managed to remake them," Boil states.
"What's our next move commander?" Echo asks.
"We should probably warn the others first," Ahsoka suggests.
Nodding in agreement, we pull back from the ridge and out of sight of the droid army, where they're now moving their assembly of super tanks forward.
Present-day...
"Isn't Geonosis where you almost died?" Vifi asks Ahsoka.
Rylla gasps in surprise and horror.
"You almost died?!" she asks with wide eyes.
"They are fighting in a war," Vifi points out, raising an eyebrow.
"How'd you almost die?" Kurhran demands excitedly.
"Wrong story dude," I respond.
"It wasn't that big of a deal. I'm fine now, right?" Ahsoka tells them.
"I suppose. That just worried me is all," Rylla replies.
During the battle...
"Super tanks? You're sure about that?" Anakin asks in concern.
"Yes master. Twelve of them, and they're lining up right now," she confirms with a nod.
"Oh great. Just what we needed right now," he sighs sarcastically in frustration.
"This does put us in quite the dilemma. We can't rely on the heavy cannons to destroy them, since they proved ineffective on Geonosis," Obi-Wan says, a hand up to his chin in thought. "Bring your men and regroup back with the main force."
"Master, wouldn't it be more helpful for us to stay here, look for a way to do some damage from behind?" I ask him. "If we try to fight them head on we're going to get pummeled."
"He has a point," Anakin nods in agreement.
"And what exactly would you propose, my young Padawan?" Obi-Wan asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Maybe we could commandeer a few of them," Ahsoka suggests. "Barriss and I used one on Geonosis to destroy the droid factory. Maybe the tanks weapons are strong enough against themselves."
"You sure about this Snips? We don't know for sure if those tanks can damage each other," Anakin says in concern.
"It's very risky. I don't advise it," Obi-Wan adds in agreement.
"I'm sure master," Ahsoka nods determinedly.
"Besides, if the tanks aren't powerful enough to hurt each other then I'm sure I could figure out some way to deactivate the ray shields," I suggest optimistically.
"Without getting into each and every one?" Obi-Wan asks doubtfully. "Because if that's the case, then you'd never be able to reach all twelve tanks."
"I hope I don't have to, but, I have my ways," I shrug in reply. "We don't have any other options if we want to win."
Obi-Wan sighs in defeat.
"I'm afraid you're right," he says reluctantly. "Very well. Anakin, Cody, Rex, and I will keep them distracted while the six of you work on taking out those tanks."
"Thank you master," I say with a smile.
"I hope you guys know what you're doing," Anakin replies, crossing his arms.
"We do skyguy," Ahsoka replies confidently.
With the conversation finished we end the transmission, the holograms of Anakin and Obi-Wan disappearing. Turning back around we regroup with the clones, who are mingling around and checking their equipment.
"So, we're going after the tanks?" Waxer asks.
"You know it Waxer," I reply with a nod.
"Good. Didn't expect any different," he responds sarcastically.
"So, what's our game plan?" Fives asks.
"Our job right now is to take out the tanks while the others keep the droids busy," Ahsoka explains, frowning. "The main problem is figuring out how we're gonna do that."
"Well this'll be fun," Boil scoffs. "I don't know how we're gonna blow up these tanks if our weapons can't hurt them."
"I'm surprised you're not smart enough to find a solution to this considering how creative you are when it comes to killing droids," Echo comments in amusement."
"At least I can kill droids," Boil retorts.
"Oh yeah? Is that why I'm ARC trooper and you aren't?" he teases in response.
Fives and Waxer both chuckle in amusement while Boil groans in annoyance, muttering to himself about who-knows-what.
"Well, based on how the droids usually operate, they'll send the tanks out first, then their forces will follow afterwards," I say thoughtfully.
"That's what Anakin said they did on Geonosis," Ahsoka says in agreement.
"There is a small passage they have to cross through first before they reach the battlefield," Waxer points out. "It's the surrounding forest and hills that provide their base with cover."
"But it also restricts their sight range," Fives realizes with a grin.
"Exactly," Waxer nods, also grinning.
"So, if we're gonna sneak into those things, that'll be our best shot to do it," Boil states knowingly. "I like it."
"Me too," I reply in agreement.
"Well, let's get going then," Ahsoka declares.
Present-day...
"Why not just bomb the droids from orbit?" Weron suggests.
"If we could, we wouldn't have had to fight on the surface now wouldn't we?" I ask rhetorically.
"...good point. Carry on," he replies in acknowledgement.
During the battle...
Using our speeders we quickly made ur way over to the passage that the droids would have to come through. Waxer wasn't wrong when he explained that this environmental terrain has given the droids the advantage in protecting their base camp from our artillery. Since it was close to the Karatokai Mountain range however, that also meant they had to travel through a few rough spots in order to meet us in battle, which means it takes time for them to amass their forces for a huge assault.
Which now gives us the advantage.
"Here they come! Point 2-7!" Echo reports.
The six of us lay low on top of a ridge within the passage, watching as the twelve super tanks move forwards through the passageway. They're in rows of two each, making two columns of six in total; the rest of the droid army marches behind them, also having to condense their ranks to make room through the passageway.
"Remember, there's only room for two pilots in each. We'll have to split up!" Ahsoka reminds us.
Fives scoffs in reply.
"Well, it's a good thing we've got three duos here commander," he replies.
Very true: him and Echo, Waxer and Boil, and Ahsoka and I.
Preparing ourselves with the plan, I hand my lightsaber to Waxer while Ahsoka hands her shoto to Echo. Since we don't know of any clear way to enter the tanks without being seen, we've all agreed to each of our groups having a lightsaber to cut through the top for an easier way inside. We wait for the tanks to come closer until they're right in front of us, and Ahsoka gives her troopers a confirming nod.
Nodding back at her, Fives and Echo get to their feet and quickly scramble down the ridge, using the terrain as cover. Once at the bottom they leap onto the side of the tank and press themselves against it's retractable section on the side, waiting a few seconds. Once it's clear they weren't seen they quickly scramble to the top of the tank, using the warhead launchers retractable cover to maintain their secrecy. Echo then activates Ahsoka's shoto blade and quickly cuts a circle through the roof, he and Fives jumping down right after.
"We're all clear commander!" Fives reports through Ahsoka's comlink.
"You're up," I nod to my guys.
"I do love a fun mission," Boil says, grinning under his helmet.
He and Waxer skid down the slope in much the same manner as Fives and Echo did, using the same tactics to get on board. While climbing up the side of the tank, Boil slips momentarily before regaining his balance, pulling himself up to the top after Waxer. After a few moments Waxer cuts through the roof with my lightsaber and they drop down into the tank, and I grin at their success.
"No problems here sir!" Waxer reports to me.
"Nice work," I reply, ending the transmission.
"So, we ready to go?" Ahsoka asks me through our bond.
"Don't have to ask me," I reply with a nod, smirking at her.
She rolls her eyes in response, and we move into action. Sliding down the stone ridge on our boots, we reach the bottom in no time and halt behind a boulder. Peeking out for a moment, Ahsoka gives me a nod, and I leap forward into the air. Moving effortlessly in sync with each other, Ahsoka uses the Force to push me up further before jumping herself, while I twist around in the air to yank her up after me with the Force, where we both land quietly on top of the second-to-last tank in the line. Crouching down, Ahsoka pulls out her lightsaber and then cuts a hole through the top, the metal piece falling down. She drops down first and I follow after her, sharing a triumphant grin with each other before focusing on the droid pilots.
"You hear something?" one of them asks.
"I don't know. Your circuits must be busted," the other replies carelessly.
"Hey guys. Sorry to bother you, but we're the new pilots here," I chirp casually.
"Wha-?" one of the droids asks, turning around.
"That doesn't sound right. We were assigned to- AHH!" the other says.
Ahsoka swiftly cuts both droids down with her lightsaber, deactivating it while I pull them off the chairs and sit down, her sitting beside me.
"Well, that wasn't so tough," I remark.
"Yeah. Now we just wait for them to get out into the right position," she replies, activating her comlink. "How're we doing boys?"
"Just fine commander! We're getting the hang of it!" Echo replies.
"Same here," Waxer adds in agreement.
"Good to know. Maintain formation with the droids until we get to the battlefield. We'll let you know what to do," she tells them.
"No problem commander," Fives says.
"Would you get a load of all the weapons this thing has?" Boil exclaims.
I shake my eyes in amusement as they start to converse with each other about the tanks, keeping the transmission online as we continue our stroll with the droids. There's not much for us to do aside from waiting, but thankfully it doesn't take long before we reach the battlefield. Our tanks are then brought to a halt, and Ahsoka pulls up on the throttle to stop ours as well.
"Tanks have stopped," Fives comments.
"Oh, is that right?" Boil replies sarcastically.
Before they could bicker with each other more a new voice starts to speak, this time coming from the tank's comlink.
"The Republic cannot hope to last against our super tanks," a tactical droid states in a monotone voice. "Proceed with battle plan delta, and commence the assault. Once in range, super tank pilots are ordered to open fire. Target their artillery, then destroy their remaining forces."
"Roger roger," the voices of multiple droids respond in confirmation, and the transmission is closed right after.
"Battle plan delta eh?" Boil comments. "Well, that makes things easy for us."
"It most certainly does Boil," Waxer replies in agreement.
Battle plan delta is one of the Separatists commonly used plans that we've come to learn. The reason why it's so effective despite us knowing full well about it is because it involves placing most of their infantry in front while heavy vehicles or assault droids back them up from behind, which keeps enemy focus on their infantry instead of their dangerous weapons. It's common, but effective, and most certainly will make things difficult for the others back at the base. But for us? Easy targets.
"So, we take the clankers out from behind?" Fives asks anxiously.
"First we take out the other tanks. Then we can focus on the rest of the army," Ahsoka informs them, glancing at me. "What do you think Jarik?"
"Based on what the specs of these things are telling me..." I say, analyzing the data of these super tanks on the screen in front of me. "...the warhead launchers are strong enough to destroy their ray shields."
"That's just what I like to hear," Boil says eagerly.
The tanks begin to change their positions, and we move to copy them, arranging ourselves out of the passage in a line so that the droids can march through. It takes a few minutes for the whole militia of B1 and B2 battle droids to march in front of us and assemble themselves in formation, making several squares about about a hundred droids each. Behind them were the typical AAT tanks, about four times as many of those than super tanks, forming four rows of twelve each behind the infantry units. Once they all form up our tanks copy the others and create a single line behind the army, giving us a clear line of sight down the battlefield.
"Commence the attack," the tactical droid orders.
The droids begin to march forward, their footsteps clanking loudly across the area with a thundering echo. Our tanks move slowly along behind them, Ahsoka keeping ours in line while the clones maintain their positions as well, most likely Waxer and Echo being the drivers.
"Well, here goes nothing," I remark, and Ahsoka nods in agreement.
"Friendlies moving to engage sir," Waxer reports.
From up ahead across the field I could see he was right; up ahead the clones were getting into battle positions, taking cover that was provided by the terrain. A few of our walkers were also visible, and I know that hidden within the trees were our heavy cannons.
It doesn't take too long before the droids open fire, a hail of red laser bolts hurtling across the battlefield. Blue laser bolts shoot back in retaliation, and I could see the glowing blue lightsabers of Anakin and Obi-Wan among the Republic forces. The AAT's join in on the fight, firing their turrets while the AT-TE's move to meet them, firing tank shells as well. In the distance, the massive blue plasma shells from our heavy cannons are launching as well, scoring several hits against the droids, but the army is just so large that it doesn't have much effect right now. Despite the battle having commenced however, the super tanks are not attacking just yet.
"So, how much longer you think it'll take before-" Fives starts to ask.
"Our probe droids have pinpointed the precise location of the Republic's artillery. All super tanks, prepare to fire," the tactical droid informs us.
"That answer your question?" Echo asks.
"Alright guys, you all ready?" I ask through our comlink.
"Sir yes sir!" all four clones reply in affirmative.
"Good. Power the warheads and pull back from the tank line," Ahsoka orders.
I work the buttons on the console of our tank, bringing its weapons online for use. At the same time Ahsoka brings our tank to a halt and then backs up, two others in the line doing the same things. It doesn't take long for the tactical droid to notice the irregularity.
"Tank units 5b, 3f, and 9a, why have you deviated from your position?" the droid commands.
I do my best to mimic the voice of a battle droid, cringing the whole way however at my poor attempt.
"We're experiencing some technical difficulties sir," I say in reply.
"Seriously?" Ahsoka asks over our bond, giving me a weird look.
"It's not my best," I shrug helplessly.
"That is not possible. According to my calculations, all super tanks are in prime condition," the droid retorts in disagreement. "You are no battle droid. Your feeble attempt to alter your voice does not fool me."
"Well, worth a shot," I shrug, dropping the act. "Why don't you calculate how long you'll last without your toys?"
With that being said I should down the transmission, the warhead launchers of my tank now charged and ready to fire. The tactical droid must've warned the others, because now the super tanks and several AAT's are attempting to turn around and face us.
"Who wants to shoot first?" I ask through our comlink.
"Who cares who's first? Let 'em have it!" Boil exclaims eagerly.
"That's the spirit!" Fives replies happily.
Grinning in amusement, I press a button to pull back the retractable cover of our tank and then open fire using the warhead launchers. The tank shudders as multiple mortar rounds are shot out of the launchers, and Ahsoka and I watch as they arc through the air and then descend on the other super tanks. the first volley slams into two of the tanks, and after taking a few rounds to their front they explode in a brilliant blaze. The clones tanks also fire their warheads, gaining the same result against their targets. I continue firing with our tank while Ahsoka slowly moves us around to throw off the other tanks attempts to aim at us, each volley of shells strong enough to destroy at least one. With our three tanks, it didn't take long before we had destroyed the other nine, leaving us victorious.
"Yes!" Echo shouts.
"That's the way to do it!" Waxer exclaims in encouragement.
"I love these things!" Boil says gleefully.
"Let's keep it up! Still a lot of seppies to deal with!" Ahsoka reminds them.
A few of the AAT tanks now open fire on us in an attempt to take us out, but after flinching from several hits I quickly realize that the super tank's ray shields are holding.
"Sweet," I say with a smile.
Taking aim with the warhead launchers again, I release a few more mortar rounds while also firing with the tank's laser cannons placed on both sides. The AAT's withstand the laser cannons a decent amount thanks to their armor, but against the mortars they have no chance. Together, all three of our tanks move around and deliver glorious mayhem against the Separatist forces, moving through their tanks without harm and destroying them in retaliation, their heavy laser cannons unable to penetrating the shielding of the super tanks. Meanwhile, the droids are being hammered by consecutive blasts from our heavy cannons, walkers, and the clones themselves. Before long, Obi-Wan and Anakin lead a charge toward the army to get up close and personal, the clone troopers following after them.
"This is too easy!" I say with a grin on my face.
"You can that again," Ahsoka replies in agreement.
"Heh! Feels good to give the clankers a taste of their own medicine!" Fives exclaims happily.
Once the last AAT is taken out by our tanks, the droid army is left on its own and, while still vast in numbers, they're completely vulnerable and helpless against the combined fire of three super tanks, AT-TE walkers, heavy cannons, and the clone troopers led by Obi-Wan and Anakin. They're effectively surrounded on all sides, and even better is that this is the majority of their forces. They intended to wipe us out in one swift strike, but instead it completely backfired on them thanks to the six of us infiltrating their tanks.
Present-day...
"So, you completely embarrassed the 'clankers?' Hah! I love it!" Kurhran exclaims, snickering.
"Clankers?" Rylla asks in confusion.
"It's what the clones call them," Ahsoka explains.
"Sounds like plenty of carnage. Wish I could've seen that," Vifi sighs in disappointment.
"Who wouldn't want to see that?" Weron adds sarcastically.
"Maybe one day," I say casually.
During the battle...
It didn't take too much longer for us to clean up the droids, leaving a tremendous pile of scrap in our wake. With the battle over we rejoined our forces and disembarked from our destructive toys, Waxer and Echo both returning me and Ahsoka's lightsabers to us.
"That was quite the show you guys put on," Anakin says, he and Obi-Wan walking up to us.
"Indeed," Obi-Wan nods in agreement. "It surprises me to say it but, your commandeering plan worked perfectly."
"Thank you master," I respond with a smile. "We do our best."
"Really hope we don't have to deal with these things again," Anakin remarks, looking over at the our three super tanks.
"I don't know about that, but we did just clear out a good majority of the droids here," Ahsoka replies. "This was most of what they had at their base."
"Certainly would've overrun us if it weren't for you six pulling through," Commander Cody observes.
"Driving that thing almost makes me want to be a tank gunner," Boil scoffs.
"And miss all the action of close? That's part of the fun!" Fives says incredulously.
"Yeah, ain't that the truth," he replies in agreement.
"Considering this loss, it'll take some time for the Separatists to recover. Hopefully this'll give us enough time to push them out of the system," Obi-Wan states.
"That mainly depends on the battle up in orbit sir," Rex chimes in.
"Well, I think Admiral Yularen can handle it just fine without our help," Anakin says, crossing his arms. "We can go clean up the rest of the droids in the meantime."
"Sounds good to me," I shrug in reply.
"Hey, skyguy," Ahsoka says, a smile forming on her face. "Based on our success, I think it's safe to say I've got the high kill count. So, I guess I win this time."
Anakin widens his eyes incredulously before bringing a hand to his forehead with a frustrated groan, while Obi-Wan just shakes his head in exasperation. I move to correct Ahsoka on her assessment, but she shoots me a brief warning glare that promises vengeance.
"If you tell him that you're the one who did the shooting then I will end you!" she threatens dangerously. "Let me have this to knock him down a peg!"
I roll my eyes but back off, refraining from correcting her statement so she can have her fun messing around with Anakin about this. She does have a point to be fair, Anakin loves teasing her about having a higher kill count, but still... Ahsoka's threats are dangerous. If she makes a promise to get back at me for something then she will try her hardest to fulfill that.
Present-day...
"So that's the story?" Kurhran asks.
"Yup. One of the last fights in the Battle of Devaron that won us control of the planet," Ahsoka confirms with a nod.
"At least until Savage Opress came in a month later and gave the Separatists the upper hand," I add glumly, rolling my eyes.
"Jarik," Ahsoka scolds me through our bond.
"What? It's not like they don't know about it!" I reply defensively.
"I heard that guy's dead now," Vifi says with a thoughtful look. "So that's a big yay for us, I guess."
She's right, Savage Opress is discovered to be dead. Chancellor Palpatine informed the Jedi Council a few days ago that a scout team of clones sent to investigate the situation on Mandalore secretly discovered Opress's body in the Royal Palace, whereas Maul was nowhere to be found. Officially it's believed that Svage was defeated by a Jedi in combat, however a few of us know the truth; the Sith Lord I managed to catch on recording killed him during his visit, there's no doubt about that. The only question now is where Maul went, and why he seemed to just disappear.
"War sounds dangerous. I wish there wasn't one," Rylla says with a sad sigh.
"You kidding me? The way you guys described it, war sounds like a lot of fun!" Weron scoffs, gesturing at Ahsoka and I.
"Trust me, it's not 'fun' the way you think," Ahsoka tells him seriously.
"No no, I get it," he quickly corrects himself. "But when you win... sounds fantastic."
"I just want to know when we'll finally be made Padawans. It's been years since you two got to move up," Kurhran says in disappointment.
"Well, the Jedi are spread thin right now, and the Council has slowed down the acceptance rate of Padawans for the foreseeable future," Ahsoka explains with a shrug.
"They don't want to thrust younglings into the war so fast," I add, glancing at them apologetically. "I'm sure you'll all receive masters soon."
"Doubt it," Vifi scoffs in disagreement. "I'm already sixteen, and Padawans are typically chosen at a younger age."
Before any of us could respond to her the door to my quarters opens, catching us all by surprise. We all stand up to our feet, our former clan mates widening their eyes in alarm as Master Irris, the clan instructor, walks through. She gives us all an unamused look, placing her hands on her hips. Even though Ahsoka and I haven't been in the clan for years now, her disapproving gaze still makes us grimace uncomfortably.
"I thought I'd find you all here," she says knowingly.
"Hey... Master Irris! Lovely day today, right?" Kurhran asks with a sheepish smile, making a few gestures for emphasis.
"Yes it is. In fact, it's lovely enough that I'm in a rather good mood today, so there's a chance that I might not give you all extra work as punishment!" she responds evenly.
Kurhran grimaces, chuckling nervously before backing up beside Weron, who elbows him in the side.
"Way to go dude," he mutters.
"We're so sorry Master Irris, we didn't mean to ignore our duties," Rylla apologizes. "We just wanted to catch up with Ahsoka and Jarik for a little bit. It's been a while since we last saw them."
Master Irris glances at Ahsoka and I with a raised eyebrow, and we shrug our shoulders with apologetic smiles on our faces. Her gaze softens as she lets out a sigh of understanding.
"Yes, it has been some time," she says in agreement. "I trust the two of you are still faring well together?"
"We are master," Ahsoka replies.
"Never better," I add in agreement.
"Hmph. Well, that's good to know," Master Irris replies with a nod of satisfaction. "Still, you know you're not supposed to simply run off whenever you want. How many times to I have to remind the six of you?"
Weron raises his arm to reply, but she shoots him down.
"Put your hand down Weron, your excuses have never been very good," she snaps.
He puts his hand down immediately and Vifi rolls her eyes, muttering to herself about what a wimp he is.
"Feels just like old times, huh?" I ask Ahsoka.
"Yup. Just like old times," she says in agreement.
"Now, don't the four of you have somewhere to be?" Master Irris asks.
"Yes Master Irris," they say in reply, a bit disappointed.
"Come along then," she says, gesturing to the doorway.
"Be seeing you guys?" Ahsoka asks.
"Yeah, sure. If we don't die," Vifi scoffs.
"Don't be so negative," Rylla scolds her.
Weron and Kurhran both hold their fists out towards me as they walk by, and I bump them with my own fist in response, earning satisfied looks from them. I grin at them as they all file past Master Irris and out of the room, and Master Irris looks back at us again.
"I'm sure Master Kenobi and Master Skywalker gave you some work to do?" she questions.
"Yes master," I reply automatically, unable to help it.
"Then you best get on it then. I didn't teach you to be procrastinators," she tells us sternly, her expression softening slightly. "I am pleased to see though that you're doing just fine."
"Thank you master. It's good to see you too," Ahsoka replies.
She gives us a nod, a hint of a smile on her face, and then leaves the room. Ahsoka and I let out sighs of relief and sit down on the couch, thinking about Clan Akul for a moment.
"Well, that was..." she starts to say.
"Fun?" I offer.
"Yeah, guess so. Nice to see the clan again," she replies.
"Master Irris still hasn't changed," I remark.
"Be honest, her attitude was part of the fun for us," she says.
"No argument there. Kurhran and Weron always came up with ways to avoid her punishments," I recall with some amusement.
"Remember that one time when we were all taking that test, and you, Weron, and Kurhran just wouldn't shut up?" Ahsoka teases, smiling at me.
"Ugh, this again?" I groan in response, turning away from her.
"You three just had to keep chatting with each other, and every time she walked by she would just smack you in the head for it!" she says, laughing at the memory.
"I still claim abuse," I grumble.
"I still remember how she did it," she tells me, and I roll my eyes in exasperation, propping my chin on my hand. "It went something like... this!"
Without any warning, Ahsoka lunges at me and I cry out in surprise as she tackles me off of the couch. We roll across the floor for a moment until she forces me onto my stomach and straddles my back, pinning my arms to the floor.
"Are you kidding me?" I snap irritably, talking regularly this time.
"What's the matter little Jari? To wimpy to fight back?" she teases.
"Oh it's on," I say defiantly, tensing up to throw her off of me.
Author's Note: Hello readers! I'm sure most of you have now tuned in to the first episode of Season 7! It didn't take long for me to realize that the episode is the same as the unfinished Bad Batch Arc haha. So now I have a plan in mind for those four episodes in regards to Jarik's involvement. I won't release the chapters though until after each episode comes out, just to make sure I don't spoil anything for those who haven't seen the unfinished versions.
(Basically after each episode, I'll release the chapter that lines up with it. So my upload schedule will be just like the Disney+ schedule.)
After the Bad Batch Arc however, there aren't anymore unfinished episodes that were made public, so everything else in Season 7 is stuff we haven't seen before. This means I'll have to wait to watch all those episodes before I can continue writing future Clone Wars chapters. But it'll be fun going into this blind to be honest. I'm so excited! Also, would you guys be interested in me also adding in the Utapau Arc (one of the unfinished arcs that can be watched on Youtube)?
Seeing the different abilities displayed by the Bad Batch got me wondering: in terms of strength, does the clone 'Wrecker' compete evenly with Captain America, as in is the same strength level? (MCU version) Because if so that's pretty impressive. Imagine Wrecker taking on Thanos lol. (xD) He'd still get swatted though.
Next chapter will be the start of Season 7, so get yourselves ready!
Chronology: Incase anyone's curious, this chapter is a followup to the previous one (chapter 65) and takes place the week before the Temple Bombing, whereas the Battle of Devaron that Jarik and Ahsoka are telling took place during the year-long time jump between chapter 13 and 14.
I just wanted to write another battle with Jarik, Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, and Anakin all together. And also with the clone troopers of course! (501st duo and 212th duo) :D
