A/n: Hello everyone! It has been far too long as I've been busy with school and moving. Hope you all are excited for another chapter. With this one, I'm experimenting with a little more attention for Green's perspective. I find it very entertaining to write considering the complex backstory of this character. If you guys prefer or want to see it more often, please let me know :) Enjoy! ~ Echo

Thanks to my reviewers: Wolfsoldier13, sidharthnair02, Lili, LostWilderness, and guests! You guys rock!

Chapter 17: A Chance

The Battle of Lothal, Part 9

Green's helmet rolled to the side sleepily as he pleaded his brain for a few more minutes of seriously needed rest. He was normally very punctual about waking up, jumping out of bed as soon as his eyes snapped open. However, in these last few days, with all of the odds stacked against him and his men, he allowed himself a couple more moments of peace before facing the monster.

Nevermind, he thought as the Jedi General's urgent voice rose him from slumber. Fighting back the annoyed groan rising in his throat, the man moved his head to peer at her with no response. He was intrigued to see a large smile on her face, eyes bright in joy and sharp canines exposed. Turning off the sound blockers on his HUD, the ARC found himself eager to find out why she looked like that.

"You're gonna want to see this," she half-whispered, grabbing onto one of his forearms. Green flinched at this, and frowned at her hushed voice. Looking about, the man discovered most of his brothers were still stirring or barely getting up from their makeshift cots.

"Ugh, okay," was his response, not enthusiastic but without annoyance. The commander was also disappointed when the woman let go of him, having come to appreciate that calming feeling he got every time she touched him.

He allowed her to guide him through the command tent, stepping over fellow officers and trying not to make too much noise. A few were already up, but said nothing to them as they passed.

Once the canvas flaps of the tent were closed, Green stretched his muscles and looked down at the Jedi. She stopped and watched him wake up, turning a shade of pink at the thought of the man's fit body flexing underneath his armor. The commander was oblivious to her embarrassed state, however, and folded his arms over his chest.

"What's up?" was his very casual inquiry. Ka'on smiled at this, liking the lack of precise military language. It was a side of him she very much wanted to see more of.

"What if I told you that there are three more battalions on their way to support us?" Onika asked rhetorically with a cocky smirk. Green jerked at this, his brain fighting to process her words a second time. "Today?" he asked slowly.

The Knight nodded happily, "I just received word from Master Yoda ten minutes ago."

"Well, fek," Green unfolded his arms in a more comfortable and welcoming stance. He glanced over to where the 2nd Assault Battalion's staging ground was. It was barely visible as the sun hadn't yet risen above the horizon. Onika had woken him pretty early.

There was enough light outside for him to notice what he couldn't in the tent. Onika's hair was back up in her unique style of braids. A large braid started from the top of her head and met up with smaller ones placed horizontally on the sides of her head. It reminded him all too well of the Mandalorian hairstyles his female mentors wore back on Kamino. Green wondered if Onika did this on purpose.

The man shook off any thoughts of affection. "Who are they sending?" he asked, resting his thumbs on the top of his gear belt and looking back at her.

"The 3rd Artillery Battalion with Commander Rook," Ka'on answered, "And two new battalions from the 5th Infantry Regiment: the 43rd Jumpers and the 77th Paratroopers. We're also getting a pretty hefty amount of walkers and troop transports based on the cruiser inventory logs."

Green's eyes widened underneath his helmet and his jaw dropped. It was the first time the Jedi Council surprised him in a good way. He almost didn't believe it. Were they redeemed in his eyes? Fek no. Far from it. He still hated them for what they did to his brothers since day one.

But, he would allow them this one small good deed.

"I assume the attack plan is still the same?" Green asked, having deduced that much. He noticed the shocked look on his general's face, her own eyes widening. "So you approve then?" she asked hesitantly.

"I didn't think I had a choice in the matter, General," he said with his own lace of confusion. The man knew he was just some small fry compared to the authority of the Jedi Order. What he thinks doesn't really matter to them. But he soon found out that it did to Onika.

"You once said if I want your loyalty, I'll heed your advice," Ka'on said quietly so the men inside the tent could not hear. Green felt a prickle of heat in the way she looked through his visor, that weird feeling enveloping him. Instead of pushing it away like the foreign entity it was, the ARC trooper accepted it and embraced it back. Onika must have felt that, as her smile slightly faltered and a serious look grew on her face. If Green wasn't mistaken this time, her skin flushed pink.

The air grew very heavy, as did the tone of the Force between them. While Green was tempted to step closer and declare that she already had his loyalty, Ka'on looked conflicted, as if she didn't know what path to take.

"That's why I'm asking for your approval," Onika stated sheepishly, her eyes still searching his visor. Green didn't know what she was looking for, but felt an urge to ease any insecurities she had. Damn what this woman is doing to me, he thought.

Green took a deep breath, exhaling out his nose. He pushed away any non-military thoughts he currently had and focused on the task at hand. "I do," he said with a nod, confidence radiating in his deep voice.

Onika looked relieved immediately, her frame relaxing and the heavy air thinning out. Green said a solemn farewell to it, hoping it would come back at some point, despite how much it churned his stomach.

In that air he always felt like he was seeing the real Onika away from her Jedi persona and deluded morals. Similarly, Ka'on saw right through the angry projections and snarky attitude of her commander to the damaged man just trying to keep his brothers safe.

They both craved that air, that momentary relief. It was something duly lacking in their lives while they played the dutiful parts assigned to them by their superiors. In some odd way, the two were starting to see each other as the same broken soul, just with different scars and bruises.

"Good," Onika breathed out, breaking eye contact. Her mind fought to focus on the upcoming battle just as Green was doing. She looked back to him with a more determined face. "Then we can start getting ready. The troops will arrive within the hour."

"Rise and shine in twenty," Green stated after checking his chrono. "Mission briefing starts at 0800 and we depart at 1200 after gear check."

"I'll see you at 0800 then," Ka'on said, her voice somewhat hesitant. Green heard this, slightly tipping his head to the side as she walked away towards the medical tents, giving him a half-smile. Huffing to himself, the ARC shook himself of his emotions and rolled his eyes. "Women," he whispered through gritted teeth.

''''''''''''''''''

By the time the men were up and getting their rations for the day, Green had already consumed his breakfast and positioned himself in the clearing. Lucas joined him soon after, complaining of how bland the GAR rations tasted in comparison to the nerf meat. "Fekking garbage," he spat humoredly, "Onika ruined military food for me."

"Suck it up," Green chuckled, arms crossed. He admitted to himself that the nerf was much more preferable and collected that most of the men would have a hard time adjusting back to "normal" food.

The commander scanned the glowing horizon beyond the treeline, checking his HUD. They still had a few minutes until the battalions were expected.

News of the additional troops spread like wildfire amongst the 66th. Masters of gossip and intel, the men were more optimistic than ever before. And, for once, Green was as well.

Lucas finished taking a swig of his canteen before capping it and propping himself on the walker Green leaned on. "You both are in a good mood today," he said without sarcasm, intent on a somewhat serious conversation. His brother nodded casually and looked back over his shoulder to the helmetless captain.

"Finally caught a break," Green said plainly. Lucas smirked at this and glanced off in the distance, something catching his attention. "Good," he started, motioning towards the camp, "I was fekking tired of splitting you two love birds up."

The commander chuckled quickly before following his second's hand gesture. It led him to Ehn'eta walking up to them. "Good morning ladies," the 2nd battalion commander greeted, removing his helmet. Lucas passed on a verbal reply whilst Green merely dipped his head. Unlike his brother, he kept his helmet on, per usual.

"I was wondering if I could speak to Green," Ehn'eta cleared his throat, "Alone." Lucas gave him a glance before peeking at Green expectantly. There was something in the Alpha-class trooper's voice that raised his ire.

"If it's about the general, Lucas already knows."

The captain's eyes widened for a moment, bouncing back and forth between the two older clones. Green was almost humored by the shocked look. Lucas should have anticipated that he would tell his closest brother. After all, Ehn'eta knew Green so well that he would find out himself anyways.

A smirk spread across the 2nd leader's face. "Oh, so you tell your captain before your batchmate? I see how it is," Ehn'eta's sarcastic question came, his brows raised. Green shook his head and deeply sighed, not particularly in the mood for jabs.

"Nah, he just couldn't wait to tell someone," Lucas corrected, joining Ehn'eta in the little teasing session.

The unwarranted comments made the 66th commander crack his knuckles and roll his shoulders. "Fuck both of you," Green muttered, looking away from them. Both of his companions knew not to press him too much further based on his body language. "Who else knows?" Ehn'eta asked, mainly towards the captain.

"Just me," Lucas responded firmly, "Unless anyone else has been paying close attention." He received a crisp nod of acknowledgement from the battalion commander and was about to elaborate on his brother's rather obvious behavior when Green cut in.

"I'm careful not to let my feelings get in the way," he barked. In a heartbeat, Lucas and Ehn'eta snapped their heads to him with untrusting and humored looks. "What?!" Green called out, exasperated. All of this interrogating was getting on his nerves...and the man had very few to start with.

"Says the guy who needs anger management therapy," Ehn'eta remarked with a raised brow and serious face. Green glowered underneath his helmet at this, but knew his brother was right. Anger serves as his forte. Still, the comment irked him.

An obviously forced smile spread across Ehn'eta's scruffy face before he said, "I mean that with the most respect and love, vod."

Green irritated sigh drew long. "I don't let those types of feelings get to me," he breathed out, not believing it himself at all. These past few weeks, they have very much gotten to him, and both of his brothers knew it.

"Does the general know?" Ehn'eta asked hesitantly, ignoring Green's false claim.

"From what I've heard, she thinks he hates her," Lucas responded, casting his commander a scolding look. Since Geonosis he has begged his superior to treat Ka'on with more respect and care for her feelings, yet her perception of Green spoke otherwise. Regardless of how much progress the two have made, Lucas wasn't satisfied the least bit.

Guilt pulsed through Green like a roaring wave. If his brothers could see his face, they would see his eyes lower in shame and face contort in self loathing. "I reassured her, explicitly, that I do not hate her." It had cheered her up, that much he could tell. However, the man prayed it stuck with her and made her see that he has nothing but respect for her now after all she has done.

The captain's eyes flickered in surprise and intrigue. "And what did she say back?"

"That she wants my trust," was Green's straightforward answer. It held no emotion that he wasn't willing to reveal. Though, he knew his brothers would be able to read him eventually no matter how hard he tried.

"Good," Ehn'eta added sincerely, "Then you didn't totally fuck it up." A blank look was plastered on his face, twin green eyes bearing into the 66th commander.

Green's guilt was washed away and replaced with all too familiar annoyance. "What's that supposed to mean?" he practically growled, issuing a warning tone his batchmate's way.

"You might have a chance," Ehn'eta replied, more sympathetically, in an attempt to calm his brother. It worked, as he could almost feel the heat radiating off Green dissipate.

"To?"

Lucas's snickering did little to help Green comprehend Ehn'eta's implications. The ARC swatted at the younger clone, striking the back of his unprotected head. With a shove in retaliation, Lucas muffled his laughter to close-lipped chuckling.

"Really Green? We took a class on reproduction. Do I have to explain to you what that means?" Ehn'eta, who was looking at Green in amusement, chided. Immediately, Green's helmet snapped towards him, like a lion finally spotting its prey.

Lucas unleashed his full fit of laughter, holding a hand over his mouth and trying to calm himself. He wished he could see how red the commander must be under his visor, the thought making him giggle even harder.

"Oh my-I don't want to sleep with the karking Jetiise!" Green hollered, though kept it at a volume that wouldn't travel to any unwanted listeners.

The man nearly pounced on Ehn'eta, but found himself lured by the tempting vision of what his brother taunted. He regretted entering that line of thinking immediately, his brain short circuiting with lustful images. As he fought to regain his focus, Green pictured the general tangled up with him in his quarters…

Green shook his head, shoving his imagination far away.

"That's a lie and you know it," Ehn'eta rolled his eyes and looked away. He noticed the captain giving him a "shut the fek up" face, but ignored it as Green growled in annoyance.

"C'mon, vod, there's nothing wrong with it," prodded Ehn'eta, justifying his claim, "I'm sure a few of our men have thought about it, too."

The brown-eyed clone stepped in between the duo, holding up his hands as his superiors geared up for a brawl. "In his defense, Ehn'eta," Lucas started, pushing Green back, "It's not lustful. At least from what he's told me."

"Oh," Ehn'eta shifted uncomfortably. His brows folded in bewilderment as he regarded his younger brother. "You mean kar'taylir darasuum? That kind of thing?" he asked genuinely.

Lucas broke out in a coughing fit, having inhaled a sharp intake of air the wrong way. Behind him, Green froze in place, embarrassed. Had Ehn'eta just suggested he was in love with Onika? How the fek did he come up with that idea? The commander checked his HUD to make sure no one was nearby to hear the ridiculous question.

Somewhere, in the back of Green's mind-down in the pit with all of his lustful thoughts he buried-the man pondered if his brother's suggestion wasn't so ridiculous.

"Whoa, whoa, no, no, no," Lucas stated, trying to hold back a fit of laughter, "Just a little crush, that's all, vod."

Ehn'eta stared Lucas down, searching for confirmation. Adjusting his gaze to Green, the 2nd Assault Battalion commander's head tilted to the side. "Just that?"

Green's only reply was a crisp, but delayed, nod of the head, making even Lucas doubt the validity of his answer. Both the captain and Ehn'eta tried to gauge him through the abyss of Green's helmet. However, the familiar distant hum of gunships pulled away the captain for formation. Promising to continue their conversation after the battle, Lucas excused himself.

Now that the younger clone was gone, Ehn'eta figured Green might be a bit more honest with him. Not that Lucas was untrustworthy, in fact far from it. But, as the man's closest vod, he told Ehn'eta everything. "What do you like about her?" he inquired as Green leaned back against the vehicle.

Green folded his arms back over his chest, exhaling in defeat. He knew his fellow ARC wouldn't stop interrogating him until he confessed. "She's….different from the other Jedi we learned about," the 66th officer replied openly.

He wanted to say that she changed his mind about her, that she proved herself a capable warrior and in his eyes that amounted more than a simple crush. The man kept quiet on that one, grinding his teeth anxiously.

"Mhmm," Ehn'eta spoke plainly, glancing over his shoulder at the amassing gunships, "I noticed that about Tano. I guess that makes sense with them being sisters, or whatever."

Green shrugged nonchalantly. He didn't know enough about the Togruta to speak on her, other than the fact that she creeps him out to a certain degree. The way she read him was...unnerving.

Wanting to divert the subject back to Ka'on, Green felt like getting a little steam off his chest might make him ease up. "To be more accurate, there's this fire in her that I've never seen before. When she puts her mind to something, she sticks to it and always puts everything she has into whatever she's doing."

No matter how hard the commander pushed her during PT or how difficult the task he gave her, Green saw how determined Onika has grown these last few months to impress him and earn the loyalty of their troops.

"You like her spirit," Ehn'eta simplified, a genuine half-smile forming. He knew what Green's explanation truly meant. As men born to fight and die, war was all they had and breathed. For his brother to have high regard for Onika's personality and guts would require more than a crush.

"Exactly, Ehn'eta," Green turned his head to his brother, relieved that a taunt didn't follow his admission, "I can't stop thinking about it whenever I'm around her."

"So that's why you always ignored her and acted hostile? To push her away?" Ehn'eta asked with a raised brow.

"Right," the fellow commander answered, regret evident in his hesitant reply, "But she always seems to find a way to get around that and cool me off."

This surprised the 2nd commander, whose emerald eyes widened. "How? I don't even know how to calm you down when you're that irate," he said unbelievingly. Growing up, Green was always the hot-headed stubborn brother. Nothing even the Kaminoans did to deter his ways worked.

"She does this weird magic thing with her Jedi powers." A shiver ran up Green's spine at the memory. His eyes closed and he embraced the feeling before it vanished seconds later back into the pit.

"Magic thing?"

Green struggled to conjure up a way to explain without it sounding gushy. "I get all numb and cold before this warm feeling rushes over me and calms me down. That's the only way I know how to describe it."

"Interesting," Ehn'eta hummed with a perked eyebrow, "Sounds like she might be good for you."

"In a weird, twisted way I guess," Green admitted, nodding his head. After all she has done for him and his brothers, he knew Ehn'eta's statement to be true. Question is, how far am I willing to take it? Green asked himself.

Ehn'eta stepped closer to Green, regaining his interrogative stance. "Now that the captain isn't here, I'll ask again. Is it love?" He knew that his brother might not admit to Lucas his true feelings, but was more likely to tell the man he was vatted with and understood him better than anyone else.

"If I knew what that word meant after how we were raised," Green spoke after a long pause, his voice void of defense, "I'd be able to tell you."

This was the ARC's version of a "maybe". Ehn'eta felt satisfied with this and nodded, slacking his posture and taking a couple steps back. Glancing down at his helmet, he slipped it on and gestured for Green to follow him over to the staging grounds.

"Well, brother, we don't get many nice things as soldiers," Ehn'eta declared, "So you should probably hold on to what you've got and enjoy it while it lasts." It was his way of encouraging Green to go farther with his feelings.

Though cautious about starting anything dangerous, especially with how restrictive the Jedi are, Green perked up as he fell in line behind Ehn'eta. "Hopefully, like you said, I haven't totally fucked it up."

"""""""""""

In the middle of the staging grounds, the Jedi and clone commanders, save for Kenobi and his men, met up around a holo table to go through the operation and final details. The last clones to arrive were the new officers added underneath General Ka'on's command. They were escorted by Rook, the veteran battalion commander having briefed them along the way.

"Commander, good to see you," Onika greeted the trio as they approached.

"Likewise, General," Rook replied with a nod in respect. He motioned to the two officers behind him, "This is Commander Fletcher of the 43rd Jumpers and Commander Pike of the 77th Paratroopers. Our battalions will be working with them closely now that they are done with their flash training."

Ka'on read the enthusiasm the rookie commanders radiated, her smiling in adoration. Though, she also knew that innocence would soon be stripped from them like herself. Regardless, she welcomed the men to her ranks, offering them a space next to Green for mission briefing. A quick introduction of her new battalions followed, allowed only because of Obi-Wan's absence.

Fletcher's Jumper battalion bore charcoal black nexu stripes, a creature who famously pounces on its prey from trees. Pike's Paratroopers sported green camouflage to help them blend in with certain environments. Considering their assignment under General Ka'on, both battalions planned on adding emerald green to their paintjobs in order to affiliate themselves better with their commanding officer. Hearing this made Onika feel honored and more determined to keep her men safe.

With limited space around the holo table, the individuals involved had to squeeze together in order to allow everyone to see and hear effectively. Onika and Green were especially awkward in the way they had to press up against each other, the former short enough that her face was practically against his chest. Both decided not to acknowledge it for their own sakes.

"General Ka'on," Kenobi greeted with a dip of his head, tailed closely by Commander Cody. Onika, not very happy with him being late as always, held her head up high. "Master Kenobi," she addressed him, intentionally leaving out his military title.

Green felt good for once that the tension in the area was not between him and his general. He even had to hold back a snicker at Onika's defiance.

Cody cleared his throat and turned on the holotable with a map of the city. He began the operation briefing in order to avoid any further disputes between the two generals. Tano, noticing this, bit her lip in a smirk.

The yellow-armored commander went on a rather straightforward, boring bulletin of the plan, lacking any enthusiasm in its execution.

"We have six ground assault battalions," Kenobi, "And one air support battalion. If we spread our resources precisely, we have a chance to destroy that droid factory."

"The hard part is going to be invading the capital and sustaining the siege until that happens," Onika challenged, not content with just "a chance."

"Even with our numbers, we won't be able to hold our grip for long," Green unexpectedly spoke up in agreement with his general. Multiple clones snapped their gazes to him, wondering if he had a loose bolt in his brain. Onika flushed, but contained herself, unlike her sister. Tano chuckled before being silenced by Ehn'eta's elbow nudging her.

"Then we should act quickly," Kenobi said to both of his opponents, "Commander Falcon can only aid us for a short period of time before he has to return to the space battle."

"Our walkers can provide heavy fire in the absence of air support," Cody said. He tried to make a suggestion that appeased both Kenobi and General Ka'on. "The plan could still work if-"

"The 212th and 2nd battalions excel in full on assault," intercepted Onika, "Those battalions should be at the forefront, while the 66th infiltrates the buildings for cover fire. The 3rd Artillery will stay back to man the walkers, and the 43rd and 77th will support the rear of the assault battalions."

"A significant modification to the Council's attack plans," Kenobi frowned as he stroked his beard out of habit.

"Like you said, we should organize our troops accurately," Onika countered, breaking eye contact and staring at the table. A round of surprised grunts followed her statement, the soldiers unknowing that the notoriously "tame" Onika Ka'on could be so stubborn, especially to a member of the Jedi Council.

Green felt pride in his superior, a devilish smirk sent the Master's way as his HUD feed was filled with jabs and remarks about Obi-Wan's leadership.

Just before the irritated Kenobi could argue back with Onika, the commanders spoke up in support of her, silencing him.

"Using our battalions' strengths is a better strategy," Green stated, looking to his batchmate for backup. "And we'll have more control over the battlefield with multiple vantage points," Ehn'eta added, "Good call, General." He received a side glanced grin from Onika.

"Very well," Kenobi surrendered, faking a smile, "I guess I am overruled on this one. Everyone report to and brief your men."

The troopers didn't have to be told twice, as they eagerly left the intense air surrounding the meeting. Only Ka'on, Tano, and their respective second-in-commands lagged in leaving.

"Onika," Obi-Wan uncharacteristically barked. Onika and Green stopped in their tracks, giving each other a hesitant look before turning around. Ehn'eta kept walking, but Aloke looked over her shoulder to her sister reluctantly, knowing what Kenobi's tone implied.

"Yes, Master?" Ka'on inquired monotone.

"I'd like to speak with you alone," the Council member said more calmly. Though, he did give the Togrutan Padawan and left over officers a sharp look. Aloke, more compliant with the Jedi Order, took her leave. Disobeying him would have meant both of them would get in trouble and therefore double the punishment the young women received. For Onika, she knew it was wise to walk away.

Green made to leave as well when the Jedi Master narrowed his eyes at him, not wanting to get into a scuffle. However, Onika's hand on his chest plates stopped him in his tracks. He gazed down at her appendage before tracking it back to her face. She wasn't looking at him, but Green could tell she was pleading for him to stay.

Flabbergasted as to why she urged him instead of her sister to stay, the man turned his body back around to stand by her side. As her fingers slipped away from his armor, Green was pleasantly surprised to find her aura still surrounding him. He brushed against it in his mind, reciprocating her desire to have him near. If Onika sensed this, Green couldn't tell by the annoyed look on her face.

"Commander-" Green snapped his look back to Obi-Wan's commanding tone. It was cut off by Ka'on promptly.

"Whatever you say to me, Master Kenobi," Onika said, "My second can hear as well." Green tried his best to conceal the pit of emotions to prevent discovery, but permitted himself to project his shock at her defense of him.

Kenobi, puzzled, looked between the two. Always, the two have been at odds since the Council assigned her to the battalion. Now, they acted as if close allies and possibly more. Having seen an attachment such as this between two significant people in his own life, Obi-Wan recognized what was going on. No wonder Onika was reliving her rebellious ways when paired with the ever famously independent ARC trooper.

"You do know that you'll be taken before the Council after this is all over, young one," the older man revealed. As he knows how the Council has punished her before, Obi-Wan felt a strand of sympathy towards her, not entirely agreeing with the way Windu handles things.

"I am….aware," Onika dipped her head, a knot in her stomach forming. She felt Green giving her an uneasy look but saved an explanation for later. He prodded her for knowledge, not realizing he was speaking to her outwardly through the Force. "Forget you heard that," her voice echoed in his mind, the first time she has spoken to him in such a way.

Green stilled, both amazed and uneased. Whatever she was so intent on keeping secret that she talked to him through her magic must be serious. He chose to momentarily respect her wishes and closed off that line of thinking.

"Your rather disobedient behavior lately and disregard for authority is getting on Master Windu's nerves," said Kenobi, also noting the commander's odd reaction, "He won't be as forgiving as I am."

Green stepped forward, having reclaimed his control and aggression. "With all due respect, sir," he seethed through gritted teeth, "General Ka'on acted in the best interest of the men when it was clear her orders would get them killed." Onika, while thanking him, told him to be weary of standing up to the Jedi Master for his sake.

"While that may be true, Commander," Obi-Wan argued, "Certain members of the Council don't agree with your logic. They view the army as an expendable force and want this war over as soon as possible regardless of the cost."

Green inhaled sharply, reeling himself to go off on the man for how ridiculous sounded. How dare he speak of his brothers like this? As if they were cannon fodder and not living beings! A rush of red filled his vision, but was quickly seized by Onika's calming powers. She needn't to place a hand on him this time, as she was able to send it to him directly through the Force.

"Good luck getting the men to follow you with that thinking," Onika growled, turning her back to Kenobi. She knew that Obi-Wan doesn't necessarily have a disregard for the safety of his own men, but also isn't attached enough to them to put their lives above the need for victory.

Green felt Ka'on tugging at him to follow her back to camp, loyally spinning on his heels to catch up. Behind them, General Kenobi sighed deeply and continued glancing at the holo table.

"Onika," Green called out once they were in the field between base and the array of gunships. The woman faced him, having halted a yard or so away. Her eyes were lacking their fire, but sparked as she looked to the commander.

"What does he mean by "you'll be taken before the Council?"

"Don't concern yourself with such things," Ka'on pled, looking around to make sure no one was listening, "It could get you in trouble."

Green frowned, not understanding. The worry he felt for her grew to overwhelm him respecting her wishes for silence. Ka'on read this and vented, looking away to the orange horizon.

"It's kinda like you getting court martialed," answered Ka'on, having found the words to paint a picture she didn't want Green to really see. The Council wasn't just going to slap her on the wrist and send her on her way like they did with other Jedi. She and Aloke are different, and had the scars to show for it.

Unbeknownst to Onika, Green bore similar marks.

"For doing the right thing?" Green naively asked. Onika didn't react to his ignorance, wanting him to be free of knowing the things the Council did to her. At least, for now.

"Unfortunately," she said, "I'll deal with the consequences later. Right now I'm concerned about completing this mission without getting our boys killed. Even if that means I have to adjust the Council's plans."

"Atta girl," Green grunts underneath his breath, making her smirk. She was glad he took the bait and couldn't tell that she was somewhat lying to him. Ignorance was bliss in this circumstance.

"Thanks for sticking up for me," Onika stated as they continued walking. She spotted Aloke stepping onto the ramp of a walker ahead.

Green chuckled, "It's my job, ma'am."

"I'll see you on the battlefield," Onika stopped to say just before boarding the AT-TE, Tano watching them both with a curious eye.

"Try not to get yourself killed," Green stated sincerely, rather than with sarcasm. He paused to see her reaction to his words. The man saw a light blush spread across her face and decided to leave before entering into more dangerous waters.

As he walked away, Onika found herself staring after him, wondering what the fek has gotten into him lately. She was relieved to have a more open and friendly working relationship with him, yet at the same time was averse to what it would lead to.

"I'm starting to get rather fond of him," Aloke teased, glancing at her sister joining her on the walker. "You made a good choice."

"He is something," Onika agreed without emotion, checking her lightsabers as she always did before a fight. She needed to avoid talking about the man right now and focus on the upcoming battle. A deeper conversation could take place if they survive.

"Indeed," Tano said, fighting the urge to question how red Onika's skin was. She smirked to herself and left her sister alone as she stepped over to speak with Ehn'eta.

Ka'on sighed and occupied her mind by accessing the scanners of the city. It failed, however, to distract her from the way Green looked at her minutes ago.