Chapter Eighteen

With Bated Breath

The day dawned on the surface meanwhile in Otoh Gunga Obi-Wan was nearly going out his mind with the thought of the battle. He most emphatically wasn't a warrior. Okay he could fight but he wasn't one to seek out a fight or a war for that matter. It was quite frankly thrown at his face and he was just adjusting to it...by over thinking things.

Trust in the Force that's what his Master would say but this felt like something bigger then himself occurring and it was quite frankly intimidating. Not helped by the fact that people seemed to flock to him of all people. Why him? He wasn't special, or exceptional. He was a rather mundane Jedi by the Order's standards so why him?

"Because you're awesome Master."

"Perhaps," he said to Anakin's ghost. "But I still don't feel worthy of this kind of adoration or attention. I'm not seeking this kind of attention or adoration. I just want to help people and make sure that they're safe."

"And that's what makes you special," Anakin said looking at Obi-Wan. "You don't seek honors, but they're bestowed upon you. You don't consider yourself wise but your wisdom enlightens them. Master, I know you don't like hearing this but you are an exceptional Jedi. You are pretty much the paragon of what the Order is. People in this world flock to that."

"But I am not perfect," Obi-Wan shook his head. "I will fail, I will make mistakes and I won't be perfect."

"Perfection is overrated...besides I'm perfect so it's okay to be imperfect Master."

"Anakin," Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at the teasing tone. "Honestly can't you behave yourself?"

"Nope," he smiled at him which made Obi-Wan smile back at him. "But seriously have faith Master."

"For the Force will provide," Obi-Wan finished bowing his in acceptance even if he felt as if he was completely in over his head. Yes indeed the Force will indeed provide. The Force had already provided students for him to instruct and clearly it was wanted and needed for them. A cause so that he might help out others and now...sent him comfort in the form of Anakin. Now if the powers that be would just provide a way home once this mess was over he'd appreciate it. Still Obi-Wan got the impression that it would come in due time even if he personally couldn't wait to head home.

"Gen-Sorry Master Kryze," Boil one of the former 212th called to him interrupting his mental and supernatural pep talk. "We're ready to move out."

"Very well," Obi-Wan bowed his head. "Lead the way sir."

Boil saluted him and turned smartly to the front so he could lead him to the Bongo. At the Bongo were his students, Korto, Ahsoka, Scout, Gil-Jae, Yaotl with Ventress hanging around in the back.

"Thank you sir," Obi-Wan bowed to Boil who again saluted him and walked off down the hall most likely to join his brothers who were going to set up positions.

"Are you ready Master?"

"Well as ready as I'll be," Obi-Wan said. "Is everyone armed?"

"I'm not," Ahsoka said a little embarrassed. "And we've only got a scarce amount of spares and they've been given to Gil-Jae and I'm giving up a staff one to Yaotl more familiar with that. So that just leaves me."

"Use mine," Obi-Wan said gingerly handing her his lightsaber. Ahsoka received hers with respect bowing her had at him.

"Then take this one," Scout said handing him the Darksaber. "I get the feeling you'll need it."

"My thanks," Obi-Wan smiled at them. "Is everyone ready?"

"Wesa ready to follow," Gil-Jae said for all of them. "Mesa will be with the Gungans at first then mesa will join yousas."

"Very well, Gil-Jae that'll work. Alright so here's the plan for the rest of us. We'll go and negotiate to this cult and see what help they can off. That'll allow the troopers to start the fray. Then after negotiations however the fair, we will come in and defend them from attacks from the warriors. If necessary we shall attract the attention of the warriors or the Mandalorians as well if it gets too hot in there. The less troops on them the better. However we don't lead the fighting. We defend not attack."

"The boys can take care of it," Ventress said. "And with the Handmaidens help they should be able to hold their own. Besides the Ghost Fleet is offering help so it should go well...not smoothly but it should lessen the causalities. The boys already know that they're getting some help so I'll give them the details in the briefing before the fight."

"May they die a noble death," Yaotl said solemnly.

"...I think they'd appreciate it that," Ahsoka said a bit stunned. "Sounds Mandalorian."

"That's appropriate since they tend to take after Mandalorian culture. Well what they call the pure warrior culture Mandalore not the murglaks Resol'nore," Scout said.

"In either case," Obi-Wan said. "That is the official plan that I'm sticking with since I'd rather not lead soldiers into battle. I'm a keeper of the peace not a soldier."

"Too bad the Old Republic Jedi didn't get that memo," Ahsoka groused.

"They did but they were forced into the war," Scout countered gently. "They were asked by the Senate and well...let's just all agree that it was a big fat mess."

"No arguments there," Korto winced. "Diwva told me horror stories about the war and his time before it like his drill instructor. Kaysh cuyir a shab =Well he was a jerk= and that's putting it mildly."

"Vau? Yes he was...a pity that he got in over his head with those Inquisitors."

"Good riddance," Scout said empathically. "Him and Skirata's crew were the worst. Laseema and I can attest to that."

"...Now now, there's no need for that. While I can completely understand that the skinning of a sentient being is horrifying and wrong but according to ancient society like the Mandalorians...that was considered one acceptable practice to their enemies at war for some clans although it didn't involve wearing their skins as gloves...Not sure where they got that idea from."

"Against a civilian that just happened to be a species they didn't like?" Scout countered.

"Wait...they didn't battle them at all?!" Obi-Wan blinked. "But..but that makes them dishonorable by even the ancient Mandalorian standards. The fact was that the Resol'nore or at least the one I'm familiar with was made to provide a code of conduct so that such barbarism against civilians wouldn't happen."

"...And now I really want to go to your reality," Scout sighed. "Really want to go there."

"Alas I don't know how to get there," Obi-Wan said with a huff. "Believe me I'd rather be there dealing with my own nonsense and helping out through sending someone like say Master Windu to help out with this situation but the Force seems to think I'm needed here. So as much as I'm uncomfortable with the situation I must do what I must."

"It's like Diwva always told me," Korto added in. "Narir meg gar ganar at jorcu jibr garay va tomad na dinuir gar a otahyr o'r bathas kayariatr bid gar gotal'ur kumayi. Gar narir va ctahaya, am meg gar liser bal miak nari bat. =Do what you have to because life doesn't really give you a choice in some matters so you make due. You don't whine, change what you can and then move on.="

"Truer words were never spoken," Obi-Wan bowed his head to Korto's father's wisdom. "Now I suggest we all prepare. There's going to be troopers relying on us."

Today was the day. Hana tensed against Mr. Bones who was covering her, Snap and Ace Five. Ace Five...wasn't what she expected. She'd been dealing with Black One but Ace Five she wasn't expecting them to be an Imperial...well ex-Imperial according to her. She and her father had deserted once her mother decided to go to the New Republic and was caught up in the fighting. They were unsure of her status which was another thing that spurred them on.

Hana could respect that especially since they were trying to help out others that had lost family members and their respective governments had don't jack all or worse were incompetent.

She wasn't sure if they could pull this off but did hold out hope that this would work beyond all expectations. It should work out considering everyone was working towards the same goal. Freeing the people of Naboo and striking back at the Yuuzhan Vong.

She knew that General Ahmet was gazing over the parapet into the courtyard where the troop carriers were going to land in. He would jump into the fray once the firing had begun. She sighed as she fingered her blaster waiting for the signal because this was going to a day of liberation.

Gil-Jae breathed in and out holding his slight...okay major amount of apprehension over the oncoming fight. He was prepared to help out when he could but this would be the first time with the Force as his ally. Well consciously allowing the Force to flow through him. But it was like Master Kryze said. The Force would guide him if he but listened. So he tried to listen to the whispering wind. For as Master said it was in the quiet moments that often the Force spoke to them. He breathed in and out and moved. It wasn't a conscious decision but one born of instinct. Soon he found himself near a parapet that wasn't particularly well guarded by the troops. Perhaps there was a reason...Well he'd soon find out. His fellow Jedi would be arriving soon and then it would begin.

May the Force be with usen.

Ahsoka fingered the blade she'd been given by Master Kenobi...it felt...right and that she did need a blade of her own. She had really only held onto a blade on and off all the years they'd been traveling together with Ventress. So holding a blade wasn't completely out of the blue however as Scout had pointed out she was a bit out of practice. No horrifically so because that would've been suicidal. Everyone was at the least proficient in it. Master Kenobi's remedial had merely resharpened her old skills. Still his technique while similar to her old Grandmaster was still different enough to give her a challenge.

Now she was just waiting with Master and the rest of the group for their signal to go out. The ride over had been slightly tense but Master had lead them on a mediation before going on to battle. It was quite relaxing and allowed for her to get a better feel for her new...teachings.

Yes she was quite taken in by the teachings and now? Now she knew for a fact that she would foll those teachings no matter what. She gripped the handle of the blade even tighter as they ascended into the surface and went above water. All around her she saw the troopers in their makeshift armor surge forward to the predesignated positions waiting for the signal from the Gungan General.

Here we go, she thought as she rushed with Master Kryze and the others.

Menvra readied herself. Something about this day told her that something important was going to happen. First the sickness came even if she'd been spared of it while the other slaves suffered. She'd been tending to them and caring for them. But it would seem that the Yun'o were at work as well for through her care made many that she was sure wouldn't be receptive towards the message suddenly listened to the message. As a result many were converted and or at the least interested. She praised the Yun'o for allowing this monumental opportunity.

Now she was just awaiting the final coming. Yaotl had disappeared but so had the Kryze so she hoped that she was following her appointed mission. The young warrior was many things but negligent wasn't one of them. Something was going to happen. Well whatever it was she would wait and see.

Translations:

Mando'a: Narir meg gar ganar at jorcu jibr garay va tomad na dinuir gar a otahyr o'r bathas kayariatr bid gar gotal'ur kumayi. Gar narir va ctahaya, am meg gar liser bal miak nari bat. - «Do what you have to because life doesn't really give you a choice in some matters so you make due. You don't whine, change what you can and then move on.»

kaysh cuyir a shab : He's a jerk