Anaxes - Azure System

Jarik POV...

Seeing clones floating inside of a bacta tank has become an all-too common occurrence, which isn't surprising considering the whole army consists of them. I've never had the misfortune of being injured enough to result in a bacta tank, not even after losing my arm, but Obi-Wan did have to spend some time in one after my very first mission, when he was shot down on Geonosis.

Those were the good days, ironically.

I walk up to stand beside Boil, who's watching Cody floating in a bacta tank with an impassive expression, although I could detect a hint of worry in his gaze. The ship crashing on top of Cody really did a number on him.

"How's he doing?" I ask Boil.

"He suffered damage to his ribs and internal organs, as well as a fracture in his right leg," he explains. "But he should make a full recovery in no time."

"That's good to hear," I reply, observing Cody with a sigh. "The medics will take care of him. We should refocus on the current issue."

"Yeah, you're right," he nods in agreement.

He turns away from the window looking into the bacta room, and we head out of the medical center towards the airfield, hoping to catch up with the others; Anakin had offered to have me tag along on his plan to rescue Echo, which I was hopeful about but slightly skeptical as well, namely because of Obi-Wan. He's rubbing off on me.

"So, you really think Echo's alive?" Boil asks me.

"I honestly don't know. Based on what Tech gathered I see no reason to doubt it, but it's still hard to say. If they're using Echo, they would've had to hook him up to…" I trail off, making a face at the image coming to mind. "...it just wouldn't be pretty."

"That sounds horrible," he replies, disconcerted at the idea.

"The signal was coming from Skako Minor," I recall, frowning with suspicion. "Last I heard, Skako has corporate neutrality because it's governed by the Techno Union."

Boil scoffs with mock laughter, shaking his head irritably.

"What a joke. Everybody knows full well those rolling meatbags are aligned with the Separatists," he says with a scowl.

"All except the Senate apparently," I shrug bitterly.

We continue on in comfortable silence for a few moments before I recall something, stopping Boil with a troubled expression.

"Boil, what exactly happened between you and Crosshair that has you so upset?" I ask him carefully, concerned.

He blinks his eyes in surprise before a look of bitterness crosses his face.

"Crosshair is just a rude piece of fodder, nothing more," he grumbles.

"Is it something he said when we met them the first time?" I question knowingly. "Something about Waxer?"

Boil hesitates in his response, but then sighs.

"Yes. He completely disrespected Waxer to my face, and then had the gall to scoff and dismiss the kind of person he was!" he scowls angrily. "That pinhead has no respect for anyone but himself!"

"You should really just ignore him," I advise him, stopping him again before he could protest. "Yes, he's a jerk, but you shouldn't let that get to your head. The worst he can throw at you are empty words, and so you should treat it as such."

"You make it sound so easy," Boil replies in disagreement.

"Trust me, it's not. I've had to deal with that too," I reply, frowning as I think about Master Windu. "But don't think about what he says. You know what kind of person Waxer was, so that's what you should take to heart."

Boil still has a reluctant frown on his face, but he soon sighs and concedes with a nod.

"I'll do my best Commander," he tells me.

I smile up at him and give him a comforting pat on the shoulder and we resume our walk, reaching the main hangar to where the airfield lies just beyond.

"So, how much do you know about the mission?" I ask him.

"Captain Rex gave me a brief rundown of the plan not too long ago," he replies, regaining his formal battle attitude. "We'll be using the Batch's shuttle for the mission since it's not obviously 'Republic,' and fly out to Skako Minor. Hopefully we can find Echo, or whatever is responsible for that signal, and take care of it covertly."

"Sounds like a good plan," I say with a nod. "What's the time table?"

"They'd like to get going as soon as possible, sir," he informs me.

"Oh do they now?" Obi-Wan suddenly interrupts.

We both stop in slight surprise and unease, turning around to see Obi-Wan approaching us with crossed arms, a questioning eyebrow raised at us. Boil and I share a look, quickly realizing that Anakin is once again giving the green light on a mission that isn't exactly authorized yet. I smile at Obi-Wan sheepishly, my face slightly red at being unknowingly caught.

"Hi Master Kenobi," I greet, awkwardly waving my hand. "How's your day been?"

He gives him a look, and I quickly drop my hand.

"Just fine Jarik. It seems you were about to have an interesting day as well," he deadpans, and I shrug my shoulders helplessly. "Am I to gather the rescue mission just proposed to the council, the one they rejected, is going forward?"

"...yes?" I say slowly. "Rex just told Boil that they were going to leave soon."

"From Anakin I expect this type of disregard for authority, but Rex…" Obi-Wan sighs, shaking his head in exasperation. "I'm surprised he would be involved in such a reckless plan."

"Actually general, Captain Rex is the one who proposed the plan," Boil tells him, and I nod my head in agreement. "If Echo's still alive then he doesn't feel like we should just leave him in the hands of the Separatists."

"If he's alive. Rex's intentions are honorable, but defying the council's orders for a personal crusade, on a neutral planet no less… that is not advisable," he replies, frowning in disapproval.

I make a face at the mention of the council's orders but nod my head in acknowledgement, sighing disappointedly.

"I get that and all master, but even if Echo's not alive, they still have Rex's algorithm, and whatever else that's screwing me over," I point out.

"Maybe so, but the issue still stands. Not to mention I need the two of you to remain here for the time being," he states.

"You do sir?" Boil asks, a bit surprised.

"As a matter of fact I do. The Separatists are continuously pressing their assault on every front, and with Cody injured for the time being, I need everyone available to assist on the front lines," Obi-Wan explains.

"That's understandable," I say in agreement.

"Are we heading out to the battlefront soon, general?" Boil asks.

"Yes. It's precisely why the council doesn't want us venturing off on all this mission Anakin's come up with, which makes his decision even more frustrating," he replies, shaking his head in exasperation. "Where is he anyways?"

"I'm not sure about General Skywalker, but I believe Captain Rex is still at the barracks," Boil admits.

"Well, that's a start," Obi-Wan nods in satisfaction. "If you could go inform Ghost Company that we'll be returning to the front tomorrow, that's be greatly appreciated."

"Yes sir," Boil says with a firm nod, heading off to do so.

"Now why don't we go see what Anakin is up to, shall we?" Obi-Wan asks rhetorically.

He starts heading in the direction of the barracks and I follow after him, sighing in exasperation.

"In my defense, I didn't know the council decided to throw the mission in the garbage," I point out.

"Oh I don't doubt that Jarik," he replies. "It doesn't surprise me that Anakin would conveniently leave that part out."

"Well, you know how he is," I shrug helplessly.

"Indeed," he nods in agreement, glancing at me. "And you as well, I might add. With how difficult things have been lately."

I look back up at him, seeing his knowing gaze and turn away.

"Yeah," I respond simply.

Sometimes it's a bit annoying how well Obi-Wan knows me, since he can see right through my 'mask.' Things haven't felt the same ever since Ahsoka left the Order, and being in the middle of a long siege alongside Master Windu, my least favorite Jedi no less, doesn't help matters very much. I do my best to brush off the loss, but whenever Obi-Wan and I share the same assignment as Anakin, seeing him alone reminds me once again. I can only imagine how it's affecting him as well.

"Well, once the war ends I'm certain you and Anakin will be able to reconnect with Ahsoka again," Obi-Wan says reassuringly.

I look back up with him with a hint of gratitude, nodding my head in response. Although I do have my differences with the Jedi Council, and sometimes Obi-Wan, though rarely for the latter, the one thing that I will always appreciate him for is his genuine understanding of my feelings and emotions. If he were any other Jedi I have no doubt they would have insisted my bond with Ahsoka be severed upon discovering it, but Obi-Wan never expressed criticism or disapproval of my relationship with her; in fact, he advocated for it when the council learned the truth. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher.

Satisfied with my response, Obi-wan faces forward once again and we soon reach the 501st barracks. The first thing I notice is that Rex is standing in front of the door as if a guard, saluting passing troopers awkwardly. I raise an eyebrow, a bit suspicious and amused at the sight before he notices us. Obi-Wan waves pleasantly in greeting, but his anxiety only seems to increase.

"This'll be good…" I murmur to myself.

"Rex, where's Anakin? I need to speak to him about this mission of yours," Obi-Wan asks, and we both come to a stop in front of him.

"Well, general, he's, uh-" Rex answers cautiously.

"Well he's inside your barracks isn't he?" Obi-Wan remarks, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes sir," he replies with a stiff nod.

I watch the exchange with crossed arms, extremely amused by the whole thing. I'm starting to get a small idea of what's really going on, but I nonetheless remain quiet and keep watching as Obi-Wan frowns at Rex suspiciously.

"What's going on here?" he demands.

"Nothing sir. Just waiting for the general, uh, general," Rex stutters in reply, full of anxiety and unease at his clumsy response.

I stifle a laugh at the sight while Obi-Wan narrows his eyes, crossing his arms with an exasperated look on his face.

"You'll have to do better than that, captain," he deadpans.

"I... don't know what you mean… sir," he defends himself, standing up straight and trying to remain composed.

"Wait, just so I'm understanding this," I interrupt, struggling not to grin. "Anakin is inside the barracks, doing… I don't know, whatever, and he asked you to guard him while he did it?"

"Well commander, not guarding… exactly, more like… uh-" Rex fumbles in explanation.

Annoyance is now starting to mix in with his nervous panic; probably because of Anakin taking so long. I'm starting to gain a small idea of what he's actually doing, and I don't know whether to laugh or be respectful. I have no idea for sure what is up... but Ahsoka has shared her thoughts with me on the idea before, since she spent a lot more time with him than I have. I think Obi-Wan might have an idea as well, especially since Rex's explanation isn't fooling anyone.

"What is Anakin doing in there?" Obi-Wan asks.

"He's spot checking my gear, sir," Rex replies.

"Really? Without you?" he says suspiciously.

"Well, um…" he replies, struggling to come up with a response.

Before he could finish his sentence the door opens to reveal Anakin, holding Rex's helmet in his hands.

"Here you go Rex!" he chirps, casually tossing his helmet to him as he walks by. "Oh, and try not to break it again."

"Um, about this mission, the council thinks-" Obi-Wan starts to say.

"That it's a good idea? I agree," Anakin interrupts cheerfully, taking notice of me. "You good Jarik?"

"Yeah I'm fine, just…" I respond, a bit baffled, but I gesture subtly at Obi-Wan to let him know I'm not coming. "...hanging out."

"Huh. Whatever you say," he shrugs in reply, giving me a casual salute. "Let's get moving Rex."

Obi-Wan looks bewildered, becoming a bit flustered and irritated.

"No wait, that's not what I-" he tries to say.

"No time!" Anakin cuts him off again.

Obi-Wan glances at me incredulously, and I shrug my shoulders helplessly in response. He sighs in resignation and crosses his arms with narrowed eyes, looking back down at Anakin.

"I hope you at least told Padmé I said hello," he states knowingly.

Anakin freezes in place, resulting in Rex stopping as well. He turns to look back with an uneasy stare, astonished, before continuing on.

"See them off will you Jarik? Just to make sure they're clear on their plan," Obi-Wan tells me.

"Wait, you're fine with it?" I ask him, a bit surprised.

"It's not like I can stop him, can I?" he reminds me, giving me a look.

"Oh, yeah I guess that's true," I admit.

"Come find me at the command center once they're gone. Mace and I contacted another Jedi who's able to spare himself and a portion of his battalion to our aide," he adds.

"Sure thing, master," I say in acknowledgement, jogging off to catch up with Rex and Anakin.


"So, Obi-Wan's not letting you take off with us, huh?" Anakin asks me.

"Nope," I shrug helplessly. "The only reason he's not stopping you is because you're… well, you do this all the time."

"Yeah, I do make things pretty difficult for him," he jokes.

"You make it difficult for all of us," I correct him, rolling my eyes.

Rex snickers in amusement, however he quickly shuts his mouth when Anakin raises an eyebrow at him.

"So, Rex, how do you feel about the… 'Bad Batch?'" Anakin asks.

"A bit hard to say, sir. They're a lot more wild than I'm used to, and we've already had a few disagreements," Rex admits, frowning. "But they are good troopers, and executed our plan flawlessly at the Cyber Center."

"If you have that much to say Rex, then they must be the real deal," Anakin nods in satisfaction.

"Cody's worked with them before, though Master Kenobi and I never did," I comment. "But he says they're among the best he's seen, simply due to their unique style."

"That's good to hear," he replies.

We soon join up with the Bad Batch out on the airfield, meeting them beside their ship. Wrecker was making a show of lifting a gonk droid on one shoulder while Crosshair did his best to ignore him, checking his sniper. Tech was typing on his datapad, and Hunter greets us upon our arrival.

"General Skywalker. Commander Shan. Captain," he nods to us respectfully.

"Hunter," he replies. "We ready to get going?"

"We are. The boys and I are itching for some action," he says. "We've never gone to a neutral planet though."

"Doesn't matter. We know the Separatists have an operation going on there, which is something we need to take care of," Rex states firmly.

"Of course Captain," Hunter replies in acknowledgement.

"Commander Shan, if I may ask something?" Tech asks me, stepping forward.

"Sure," I tell him.

"I've been analyzing the algorithm's signal we discovered at the Cyber Center, and have noted some strange irregularities. It's constantly changing," he starts off, showing his datapad. "What would you say is the most efficient way of bypassing such an unstable network?"

I look at the data on his datapad thoughtfully, distantly realizing I have a hand on my chin like Obi-Wan does whenever he's thinking.

"If you could figure out a pattern to the changes, then you could write a code to predict it and try containing it," I suggest.

"That was my first thought, but the problem is that the algorithm might detect it and shut it off," he points out.

"Try this then," I tell him, handing him a small hard drive. "It's a code sequence I use whenever I want to digitally mask my presence."

"Interesting," he comments, accepting the drive.

"Unfortunately for you guys, I won't be joining you on this one. Got a lot of stuff to do here already," I tell the group.

"Well that's a shame. Now Tech will have no one to talk to," Hunter remarks.

"He doesn't shut up about you either," Crosshair adds in annoyance.

"Oh, lay it off will you?" Tech retorts defensively, and the other three all roll their eyes in unison.

"We better get moving," Anakin reminds them.

"Right. Let's go boys," Hunter says, waving them all along.

As the Bad Batch start moving into their ship Anakin comes to a halt, looking up at something on the side of it. Rex and I stop as well, and I follow Anakin's gaze to see what he was looking at. I widen my eyes in complete bafflement upon seeing nose art of none other than Padmé Amidala, displayed in a rather suggestive pose.

It wasn't very, 'bad,' really, but the drawing did accentuate Padmé's 'feminine' qualities, making her seem much more sexually appealing. Her hair was in its gold crown and she was wearing a purple dress, her more common senator's outfit, but in this picture the dress was cut to reveal more of her legs, while the blue shirt underneath was very tight, making her chest more prominent. She was in a sitting pose, blaster in hand with a gentle smile on her face. The entirety of the art just screamed 'sexy,' revealing only just enough to leave the rest to the imagination. I look back down to see Anakin's gaze still fixed on it, a scowl on his face.

I could sense the anger clear as day, which he was so desperately trying to contain.

"Hey… what's with the nose art?" he demands, trying to sound calm about it.

"Oh, that's our girl. The Naboo senator," Hunter explains proudly. "We check her out on the holoscans."

"She can 'negotiate' with me anytime!" Wrecker laughs in amusement, walking into the ship.

Anakin stands quietly for a moment, his fists tightening with indignant anger, and Rex and I share a wide-eyed look with each other. Rex coughs awkwardly into his hand to try and pull his focus away from the nose art.

"We should get going, General," he says carefully.

Anakin looks up, glaring at the shuttle before relaxing his hands with an infuriated scowl.

"That is not staying there," he seethes.

"Well, it could be worse…" I try to say optimistically. "At least they have a level or respect for… yeah."

Anakin looks back at me with an irritated look, and I whistle innocently in reply.

"Whatever," he grumbles, moving forward.

"Just try to focus on the mission, Master. That's how I get by," I advise, grimacing, and then turn to Rex. "You'll keep an eye out will you?"

"Yeah, I'll make sure he doesn't kill them over the art," Rex scoffs.

I nod my head in satisfaction and watch as he and Anakin head inside the ship. I take a step back as the engines rumble, lifting the ship into the air, soon blasting off out to orbit. I linger for a moment longer and start heading back with a sigh, bewildered by the ridiculousness of the whole thing.

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, it's not uncommon for the clones to seek some form of enjoyment for themselves, such as competing with each other or admiring good looking women. A small number of guys in the 212th Legion have similar hobbies as well, with respectful attitudes of course thanks to Cody's policy on it. And since Padmé is a public figure, who's both young and beautiful, it's no surprise that she'd be displayed in such a way across the holonet.

I know plenty of Jedi who are victim to this regular occurrence as well, due to their popularity and good looks. Anakin is basically eye candy for a lot of girls on Coruscant from what I've noticed, and Obi-Wan isn't far behind him either. As a matter of fact, I'm one of those people too, just as I'm sure Ahsoka is as well. Fame is a really strange thing…

Of course the 501st would never view Ahsoka like that, they respect her far too much. That, or Anakin and Rex would probably kill them.

"People are weird," I scoff with some amusement.


Back at the command center I found Obi-Wan standing at the holotable, along with Master Windu. The holomap displayed an image of several battlefronts we were at risk of losing, showing off the droid forces and our own, which were scattered too far.

"Jarik, good. How are the others?" Obi-Wan asks me.

"They're all good master," I tell him.

"Where's Skywalker? He needs to be here for this briefing," Master Windu says.

I look up at Obi-Wan, hoping for his answer, which he readily gives.

"Actually, Anakin is a bit preoccupied for the moment. He should be returning in good time," he explains.

Master Windu narrows his eyes suspiciously, and I tense up for his response.

"He went to Skako Minor didn't he?" he deduces.

"Yes, he did," Obi-Wan confirms.

"Of all the times to disobey a direct order from the council…" Master Windu scowls irritably, bringing a hand to his forehead in frustration. "Why is it that he can never just listen for once? He continues to put himself and his battalion at risk!"

"I know he's a handful to deal with, but at some point we just have to trust he knows what he's doing. There is a good benefit for us if he turns out to be successful this time around," he reasons.

"If you say so Obi-Wan. But he does it far too much," he replies, shaking his head.

I fiddle around with my hands quietly throughout the discussion, not wanting to get involved and risk another round of frustration with Master Windu. Recently I've just come to letting Obi-Wan do the talking with him, so that I wouldn't end up starting an argument, and because Master Windu barely listens to what I have to say anymore. 'There is no emotion, there is peace,' is what the Jedi Code says, and yet Master Windu does a pretty good job at holding onto a grudge, which I'm pretty sure involves negative emotions.

"So, master, who's coming to help us?" I ask Obi-Wan, trying to divert the conversation.

"Jedi Master Taron Malicos. He commands the 442nd Siege Battalion. Mace and I reached out to him for support due to his great tactical and leadership skills," Obi-Wan explains. "His assistance should provide us an edge in pushing the Separatists back to gain more footing."

"He should be arriving any moment now. Once he joins us, we'll begin planning our next assault," Master Windu states.

I nod my head in understanding, crossing my arms with a sigh and observing the holomap, trying to keep myself busy with something. Thankfully though, barely any time passes before the sound of an approaching ship reaches our ears, and we look out to the airfield to see a Republic gunship flying down to land, a light cruiser now taking up space in the sky along with the rest of our fleet.

The Republic gunship comes to a landing just beyond the hangar door, and a Jedi steps out along with several clone troopers, each sporting light green paint on their armor to signify their legion. Master Malicos and his commanding officer waste no time in marching in our direction while the rest of his troopers salute them onward. As they step up to the command center to greet us I get my first good look at Master Malicos. He's a human in his late forties or early fifties, with graying light brown hair and well-trimmed beard, as well as blueish gray eyes. His robes are a mix of crimson red and dark brown, and on his arms are black colored gauntlets, similar to what Obi-Wan and I wear. He also has two lightsabers clipped to his belt, simple in design but with the same color scheme as his outfit. A Jar'Kai user.

Master Malicos and his clone commander join us at the holotable, and he nods his head to us in greeting.

"Master Windu. Master Kenobi," he greets.

"Taron. Glad you could join us," Master Windu replies.

"It's no trouble. I was in the middle of dealing with some business on Cato Neimoidia when I received your message," he explains.

"I hope we didn't cause any unforeseen complications for your battalion," Obi-Wan responds in apology.

"You're fine Master Kenobi. Commander Dal can keep things under control while I'm gone," he says confidently, before taking notice of me. "Hmph. Padawan Shan I assume?"

"Yes master. That's me," I nod in reply.

"Nice. I imagine you're giving your teacher as much trouble as his last apprentice huh?" he asks me with a raised eyebrow.

I shrug my shoulders in reply, unsure of how to respond with him.

"I try not to get into too much trouble master," I say with a shrug.

Malicos chuckles for a few seconds, shaking his head with crossed arms.

"That's just what the last one said," he remarks, glancing at Obi-Wan. "You sure enjoy making things difficult for yourself eh?"

"Unfortunately that seems all too true," Obi-Wan sighs, glancing at me half-exasperatedly.

I smile lightly at him in reply, feeling a bit more at ease with the newcomer. He's kind of giving me 'Quinlan Vos' vibes, but it's a lot more controlled under a stern demeanor and tough attitude. At least he's no stiff-necked 'kill-all-the-fun' Jedi like a certain someone in the vicinity... speaking of which...

"Let's cut the chatter. We need to focus on the matter at hand," Master Windu interjects firmly.

Master Malicos nods his head, his casual attitude instantly hardening to serious in a way I've both seen an experienced countless times in this war.

"Of course. Is General Skywalker here? I was told he was a part of the siege here on Anaxes," he comments.

"Anakin is a bit, preoccupied at the moment. He's working with a squad of clones behind enemy lines," Obi-Wan explains, while Master Windu shakes his head.

"Hmph. Shame, he's a brilliant pilot from what I hear," Malicos says gruffly, narrowing his eyes at me. "You a slicer, Padawan?"

"Yes master. That's one of my specialities," I tell him.

"Good to know. We could use that," he replies with a satisfied nod, then gestures to the clone by his side. "This is Captain Nox. He's here to assist me in strategy for this mission, since Commander Dal is back with the rest of my battalion."

"Generals, Commander," Nox greets us with a formal salute.

"At ease soldier," Windu tells him, and he lowers his arm. "Now, Taron, we've been spread thin across multiple battlefronts since the Separatists are seeking to gain control of our shipyards. Thanks to their algorithm, they've nearly taken all points simultaneously."

"Algorithm?" Malicos asks, a confused frown on his face.

"The problem that Anakin is trying to remedy," Obi-Wan explains. "They've been using one of our best commander's tactics against us, countering nearly all of our moves."

"Well that changes things," he remarks thoughtfully.

"It's why we've contacted you," Windu adds.

"Indeed," he acknowledges with a nod. "If they're using your own tactics against you, then an outsider may be just what you need to tip the scales."

"Makes sense," I say in agreement.

"Which battlefront are we focusing on tomorrow?" Malicos questions.

"The shipyard in sector three has nearly reached its breaking point, so for right now that's where we need to focus our attention," Windu says.

As he says so, I press a few buttons on the holotable to bring up a large map of the shipyard in question, so that we could plan out our strategy more effectively. WIndu apparently wasn't expecting me to do that, because he looks down at the map and then glances over at me in annoyance, before returning his attention to the conversation. It takes a lot of effort not to sigh and throw my arms out in annoyed exasperation.

"According to our intel, the Separatists will launch a final assault on the shipyard some time in the morning, with a large force. They'll be coming from this canyon, here," Obi-Wan says, pointing it out on the map, a red dot appearing there.

"That seems to be a risky play for the Seppies," Captain Nox notices, turning to Malicos. "We could bottleneck them in there, sir."

"It definitely is risky for them to go through there," Malicos replies in agreement. "What other positions could the droids arrive at?"

"There are other possible locations surrounding that side of the shipyard. A few open plains, and several forested areas," Obi-Wan adds. "Droids usually approach from the more wide open spaces to accommodate for their numbers."

"Usually," he replies. "But I don't think so in this case."

"You think they'll split up?" Windu questions.

"They have your commander's strategies, correct?" he asks rhetorically. "Based on that, I'd say they'll try a more subtle approach, not all of their forces clumped together."

"It'd be difficult for them to get their transports through the forest. And their tanks won't be very effective from inside a canyon," Windu points out.

"No they wouldn't," Malicos nods in agreement. "They'll scatter their forces from these different attack points. Much of their artillery I feel may be position up in the hills, while their tanks and transports will approach from the plains."

"What about the droids?" Obi-Wan asks.

"They'll come through the forest. It'll hide their numbers much better. They'd move in from there while the tanks and artillery provided support from a safe distance," he theorizes, analyzing the map.

I get a look at our own forces listed, becoming a bit concerned.

"I don't know if we have enough forces at the shipyard to counter an attack like that, master," I tell Obi-Wan with a worried look.

"I'm afraid you're right, Jarik," Obi-Wan nods grimly in reply.

"We can't afford a loss. If we lose just one shipyard, it'll only be a matter of time before the rest of them fall in sync," Windu states with a hard look. "And then the Separatists will claim victory over Anaxes."

"You needn't worry Master Windu. We've dealt with worse odds before," Malicos declares confidently.

"You have a plan in mind?" Obi-Wan asks.

"I do," he says, looking at his captain. "Nox?"

Captain Nox acknowledges him with a nod and steps forward to the display.

"If General Malicos's theory is right, then the droids will attack from these three positions, giving them a three-pronged assault on the shipyard" Nox says, pointing out the canyon, a forest to the its right, and one of the open plains to its left. "Our strategy to counter that would be simple, and deliberate. While General Windu and General Malicos cover the forest and the fields, General Kenobi and Commander Shan would lead a strike force into the canyon to neutralize the droids artillery."

"How would we get to that point without hinderance?" Obi-Wan asks.

"Along the rocky terrain. It would be slower, but also more difficult for them to detect you," Malicos explains. "Air support would be good for taking out the tanks."

"That'll be tricky, Taron. Admiral Yularen's bomb squadrons are severely limited right now," Windu replies cautiously.

"The only other alternative would be to hold out then, while making sure the other two attack points are secured," he frowns in reply.

"And you're certain that the Separatists will launch their attack this way?" he questions, slightly doubtful.

"If not precisely, then their method I am certain of. Based on the defense currently stationed there, it would be their best strategy to overwhelm us and capture the shipyard," Malicos says confidently.

"Very well. If you believe this'll work, then we'll follow your lead on this," Windu states with a firm nod of acknowledgement.

"Thank you Master Windu," he nods in reply.

I share a look with Obi-Wan, concerned at how this will turn out tomorrow with the odds severely stacked against us. In my opinion, the best we can hope for is that Anakin, Rex, and the Bad Batch turn out successful in their mission and retrieve Echo, or put a stop to whatever is happening on Skako Minor, depriving the Separatists of the algorithm. Admiral Trench though is still a brilliant tactician, but without Rex's algorithm that removes his main advantage.


Author's Note: Hello readers! Yes, Jarik doesn't go with the Bad Batch to Skako Minor, but I honestly didn't really see that happening very easily. He's Obi-Wan's apprentice, not Anakin's, so there's no legitimate reason for him to go with them. Unless Obi-Wan was joining along, Jarik would not partake in the mission, especially if it was against the council's approval. No way would Obi-Wan let him do that lol.

On the bright side, we got a new but familiar face on the scene: Taron Malicos! Thought it'd be a cool easter egg, and it would make sense to have him here since he's labeled as a genius tactician and leader on the battlefield, which is something the Republic desperately needs on Anaxes right now. Hope you guys enjoyed! Next chapters are coming soon! :D


Another thing, I'm kind of disappointed at some of the ways these episodes have been censored. With the Padmé thing, Dave Filoni's explanation makes sense and I understand it completely; I also did really like the new scene they added to replace the former (though I still feel they could've kept both, that nose art scene was funny). However with the decimator in the third episode... that just silly reasoning. The general reason behind removing that is because disintegrating a person on TCW would've been "too graphic" for kids.

Coming from the same company that gave the green light for a Praetorian Guard in TLJ to explode into multiple pieces of flesh quite clearly, while also showing Palpatine's face getting melted off... it's pretty hypocritical. Disregarding that however, TCW has shown much more brutal deaths in the past. But hey, what more can we fans do? (._.)