Chapter 18: Struggles of War
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I just finished the Obi-Wan series and it was awesome! If you haven't seen it yet I would recommend it. Anyway, I decided to combine 2 episodes for this one. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
The planet Ryloth was being held under Separatist rule as the leader Wat Tambor had set up a blockade around the planet leaving the people starving and in danger. The Republic has been assigned with the difficult task of liberating the planet from their rule.
For a mission this big 3 Jedi squads were chosen to help: Anakin, Obi-Wan and Windu's squads were assigned to this one.
"So it seems while you and Anakin are in charge of giving Master and me the opening we need to get onto the planet." Shun said.
"Man I can't use my new airbending while in space." Ahsoka said.
"You're lucky. I've been dying to take the Falcon into battle but Tech won't stop tinkering with that thing." Shun said.
"Good luck on your part Shun. These people are counting on us." Ahsoka said.
"You too. For luck." Leaning in Shun pecks Ahsoka on the cheek making her blush.
As Shun ran off to his squadron Ahsoka couldn't help but sigh.
"He is something else." Ahsoka smiles touching her cheek.
In the Ryloth system, we see a blockade set up around the planet.
Inside the main ship, we see Separatist Captain Mar Tuuk talking with a hologram of Wat Tambor, the Separatist Leader who invaded Ryloth.
"Captain, are you prepared?" Wat asks.
"Our blockade is impenetrable. When the Republic attacks, they will get quite a surprise." Mar assures.
"I'm counting on you Captain. We cannot allow the Republic to invade this planet." Wat said ending the transmission.
On a Republic Crusier, Admiral Yularen was overseeing everything.
"Sir we're coming out of hyperspace." A clone said.
"Raise the shields. All ships prepare to launch." He declares.
Down below we see Ahsoka climb into her ship.
"This is my first time commanding a squadron R7, let's make a good impression." Ahsoka said as R7 beeps at her. "Of course, I'm not nervous."
"Hey, Snips. This is it. Your first command. Don't be nervous." Anakin said walking over.
"I wish people would stop saying that to me." Ahsoka said annoyed.
"The men you're commanding are depending on you with their lives." Anakin reminds.
"Thanks. That takes the pressure off. If I wasn't nervous before, I sure am now." Ahsoka said nervously.
"Hey, I have faith in you. I wouldn't send you out there if I didn't think you could handle it." Anakin assures walking away. "May the Force be with you."
"I won't let you down…I hope." Ashoka said preparing her ship for battle.
Flying out into battle, Ahsoka and her squad go on the attack and destroy a handful of Vulture droids cutting what appeared to be a clear path to the Battleship.
However, it was all a trap as 4 more Battle Cruisers appeared.
"Admiral, four more enemy cruisers have joined the blockade." A Clone calls out.
"We have to warn those fighters." Admiral Yularen gasps sending a comm to Ahsoka. "Commander we've been caught in a trap!"
"You're overreacting Admiral I can get us through." Ahsoka assures brushing it off. "Blue Squadron stay on course."
"All set Blue Leader." Axe said.
"I'm ordering you to return to the ship. We're going to need your help." Admiral orders.
"Ahsoka, it's too risky. Get your pilots out of there." Anakin orders
But it was too late the Separatist Trap went off allowing them to attack the Republic Cruiser taking out one of them, injuring Admiral Yularen, and taking out most of Ahsoka's squad including Axe.
Having no choice they were forced to retreat to Light Speed.
In the hangar, Anakin was among the clones checking to see how bad the damages were.
"Get your squad together. I need a head count. I need to know how many we lost today." Anakin orders before turning to Ahsoka who was by her ship. "Ahsoka, I am very disappointed in you. You not only disobeyed the admiral, you disobeyed me."
"I thought I could knock out those battleships so when Master Obi-Wan and Shun arrived, they could get through." Ahsoka admits.
"I know you meant well, Snips, but there's a bigger picture that you're not aware of. First rule of war: Listen and obey your superiors." Anakin explains.
"But sometimes you get carried away." Ahsoka points out.
"All that means is I understand what you're going through." Anakin replies.
"But I failed." Ahsoka frowns.
"It was a trap Snips. It wasn't your fault." Anakin said.
"I lost so many of my pilots." Ahsoka said.
"Take heart Little one. That's the reality of command." Anakin said.
Hanging her head Ahsoka had no idea how to respond when Rex walks over.
"General, we're approaching our staging area." Rex said.
"Very good, Captain." Anakin acknowledges.
"Master Windu is requesting a report on our progress." Rex adds.
"Our progress, huh? We haven't made any progress." Anakin cringed.
"I'll tell him that sir." Rex said.
"No, Rex. I'll tell him myself, thank you. As soon as we tend to our wounded, get me a damage report." Anakin orders.
Hearing this Ahsoka slowly turns and walks away.
"Right away sir." Rex said leaving.
"Now Snips I—" As Anakin turns to lecture her, he sees Ahsoka had already left.
At the Separatist ship, Wat Tambor was talking with Mar Tuuk about the recent attack.
"Captain, what is the status of the enemy attack?" Wat asks.
"The Jedi were crushed, of course. They fled the system, their ships in flames. I assure you, Admiral, our blockade is very much intact." Mar boasts.
"Congratulations are in order, Captain. But do not underestimate the Jedi." Wat warns before ending the transmission.
"Commander, bring me the archive data on General Skywalker. I need to learn more about our opponent." Mar orders.
"Roger Roger." A droid nods going to get them.
Back at the Republic Cruisers, Anakin was talking with holograms of Mace, Obi-Wan and Shun.
"They caught us by surprise, Master. We were outnumbered." Anakin informs.
"How many men did we lose?" Obi-Wan asks.
"We lost a cruiser, the Redeemer, plus an entire squadron of fighters." Anakin said.
"What about Ahsoka? Is she okay?" Shun asks concerned.
"Ahsoka is fine. She's just recovering from the battle. Losing her squadron was hard to take." Anakin said.
"Give her time, but Anakin you will need her help if you are to get through this." Obi-Wan said.
"I know." Anakin understands.
"Your forces have been cut in half, Skywalker. If you can't break that blockade before the next planetary rotation, we will have to postpone the invasion." Mace informs.
"The Twi'leks on that planet can't wait forever, Master. The longer the Techno Union keeps control of Ryloth, the more difficult it'll be to free them." Anakin said.
"Agreed. We don't have much time." Mace said.
"I wish there was a way we could help you guys out." Shun said.
"Sorry Shun but we have our assignment they have theirs. We have to have faith." Obi-Wan said as they all disconnected.
"Rex see if you can find Ahsoka." Anakin said turning to his clone.
In the medical bay, Ashoka was sitting next to the unconscious Admiral Yularen as a Medical Droid examined him.
"He is stable." The droid said before leaving.
"Admiral I am so sorry. They're all gone." Ahsoka frowns.
As the door slides open Rex walks in.
"Commander Ahsoka, General Skywalker is waiting for you." Rex informs.
Slowly following Rex out of the room, Admiral Yularen opened his eyes.
In the hangar, Anakin was making some adjustments to her ship.
"No R2 the other one." Anakin said as R2 grabbed another tool for him. "Yeah that's it. That'll do it."
Grabbing the tool Anakin got to work as Ahsoka walked in.
"You wanted to see me, Master?" Ahsoka asks.
"Ahsoka hand me that socket plug." Anakin points.
"Here." Ahsoka said handing it to him.
"Thanks Snips. How are you feeling?" Anakin asks.
"I'm fine Master. Just fine." Ahsoka assures.
"That's good to hear. I'm gonna need you level-headed to pull this off." Anakin said confusing her.
"Pull this off? Pull what off?" Ahsoka asks.
"I talked to Master Windu. We're to proceed with our attack on the blockade." Anakin said horrifying her.
"What?! We can't!" Ahsoka said.
"Ahsoka, we have to break that blockade. The Twi'leks on Ryloth are depending on us." Anakin reminds.
"I understand that Master but we lost so many men. Did we get support?" Ahsoka asks.
"No. We have to make do with what we have. And I need to come up with a plan." Anakin said.
"You don't have a plan?" Ahsoka asks liking this less and less.
"Don't worry Ahsoka." Anakin said.
"No!" Ahsoka snaps. "That's what you told me last time and now everyone's gone. My whole squadron! We can't just smash through the blockade."
Anakin was about to respond when his commlink beeped.
"Skywalker here." Anakin answers.
"General, the Defender is contacting us. There seems to be a problem." Rex said.
"All right, Rex, I'll be right there." Anakin said before turning to Ahsoka. "Go back to your quarters and cool off. We'll finish this talk later."
On the Separatist Ship, Mar Tuuk was reading Anakin's data.
"Not a conventional Jedi, to say the least, it would seem. Commander!" Mar calls out.
"Sir?" A droid answers.
"Prepare all cannons and send the droids to their battle stations." He orders.
"Yes sir. Uh Captain, are we under attack?" The droid asks.
"No, but if Skywalker's record indicates anything, he'll be back." Mar smirks.
Soon back on the Republic Cruiser, Ahsoka opened her door to see all the clones running through the halls.
"Trooper what's going on?" Ahsoka asks.
"The Defender is being evacuated, sir." The trooper said.
"Evacuated? Why?" Ahsoka asks.
"I'm not sure. We're on our way to help General Skywalker in the hangar." He said.
Heading to the hangar, Ahsoka sees Anakin ordering the clones around.
"All right, men, this way. Come on, move it. Move it! Let's go! No time to waste!" Anakin calls out as ships and supplies were being moved.
"Master I'm almost afraid to ask." Ahsoka said.
"I ordered the Defender to be evacuated." Anakin said.
"I can see that. Why?" Ahsoka asks.
"Well I actually got the idea from you." Anakin said.
"Oh great." Ahsoka cringed.
"Rex take over." Anakin said as he and Ahsoka walked away. "You said we couldn't just smash through the blockade. I decided that's partly true. You also implied that my plans put a lot of people at risk and I agree with you on that one."
"That's a first." Ahsoka said.
"I decided the only way we can break the blockade is if I pilot the Defender right into their battleship and take out the commander." Anakin declares.
"What?!" Ahsoka said shocked.
"This way I'm the only one at risk. Besides, the Defender is damaged already." Anakin points out.
"You can't be serious Master. You'll die!" Ahsoka said.
"No I won't. That's where you come in. The enemy can't stop that ship from taking them out. R2 and I will get in an escape pod and jettison right before impact." Anakin explains.
"But the enemy fleet is right there." Ahsoka points out.
"I know, and I'll pretty much be defenseless in an escape pod, so I'm depending on you to engage the remaining fleet with the combined forces we have here." Anakin adds.
"Master…I uh…I can't. If something goes wrong I can't be responsible for—" Ahsoka stutters.
"You are responsible Ahsoka." Anakin reminds. "These men are depending on you, and this time so am I."
"But Master I—"
"Attention! Everyone! Attention!" Anakin calls out interrupting her. "All right, men, listen up. I'm taking over the Defender, and I'm leaving Commander Ahsoka in charge. She'll lead the second half of the mission when we engage what's remaining of the blockade."
"Try to leave some ships for us General." Rex said.
"Will do, Rex. Now, Commander Ahsoka will fill you in on the full plan." Anakin instructs.
"Master wait." Ahsoka whispers not wanting to do this.
"Good luck." Anakin smirks not letting her back out of this one.
"Master." Ahsoka growls watching Anakin head over to the Defender.
"Awaiting orders Commander." Rex said.
"I'll be…on the bridge." Ahsoka hesitates.
"Well you heard her boys! Back to work! Move!" Rex orders.
Making her way to the bridge, Ahsoka was greeted by the clones and Rex who were in position.
"General Skywalker is contacting you." Rex said as a hologram of Anakin appeared across from her.
"Alright Ahsoka, we're ready to get this underway." Anakin said.
"Master are you sure you won't reconsider?" Ahsoka asks.
"This is the only way. Trust me." Anakin said as the hologram disappeared and he took the Defender into light speed.
"Better fill us in Commander." Rex suggests.
"Right." Ahsoka sighs seeing she had to at this point.
Back at the blockade on Ryloth, Wat Tamboor was talking with Mar once more.
"Count Dooku has assured me the Republic forces are stretched thin in our sector. They should be unable to mount a counterattack. Any attempt to do so would be suicide." Wat assures.
"Still, I am certain this Skywalker will return. His ultimate defeat shall be my greatest victory." Mat declares.
"You admire Skywalker?" Wat asks.
"As a general, yes. His record shows he is a great warrior. And I want him to know it is I who has beaten him." Mar grins.
On the republic ship, Ahsoka had finished filling everyone in on the plan.
"I have to say this plan is questionable." A clone said.
"Yeah, but with their general destroyed along with their battleship, the droid commanders will be in chaos." Ahsoka points out.
"Only temporarily and there's still General Skywalker to find in all that mess." Rex said.
"I know but—"
"In our first attack we had 3 fully armed cruisers and we failed." A clone interrupts.
"I wish General Skywalker had discussed this plan with us. The odds are very much against us." Rex said.
"They always are." Ahsoka said.
"Yes, but normally we have General Skywalker to lead us, and—" Pausing the clone looks to Ahsoka who had a sad look on her face. "I meant no offense Commander."
"None taken." Ahsoka sighs.
Exiting hyperspace, Anakin arrives at Ryloth.
"Sir, an enemy ship is emerging from hyperspace." The droid commander said.
"I knew he'd return." Mar smirks.
"There is an incoming transmission sir." It said.
"Put it through." Mar orders as Anakin appears on screen.
"Greetings, Captain. I'm Anakin Skywalker, general of the Grand Army of the—"
"I know who you are Skywalker." Mar interrupts.
"Well, my reputation precedes me, then. I've been ordered to surrender myself, the entire crew of this vessel and my ship in exchange for safe passage of food and medical supplies to the people of Ryloth." Anakin explains.
"A noble gesture, Jedi. And your capture would make me the envy of the Separatist fleet." Mar grins.
On the Republic ship, Ahsoka and the clones were working out the final parts of the plan.
"Sir, even if Skywalker is successful and destroys the battleship, how will we stand up to the combined firepower of the remaining frigates?" Rex asks.
"I thought about it and I have an idea." Ahsoka said showing them the images of the ships.
"Go ahead Commander." Rex gestures.
"If we took the Resolute and angled her hull against the incoming frigates, the bridge and hangar deck would be relatively safe from their attack. We could draw them in and then use the bombers to outflank them. The bombers would be too fast and they'd be trapped." Ahsoka explains.
"I'm not sure about this Commander." A clone said.
"If we were certain the shields will hold." Rex agrees.
"Perhaps a different strategy. We need to take more time and plan— "
"No." Ahsoka interrupts. "We don't have time for this. Master Skywalker needs me now. He needs us now."
"The commander is right." Walking in with a bandage on his head, Admiral Yularen was eager to help. "I know this strategy is very bold, but these circumstances call for drastic measures."
"So this strategy will work?" The clone asks.
"Well, will it?" Yularen asks looking at Ahsoka.
"Yes it will." Ahsoka assures.
At the blockade, as the Defender approached them the Droid Commander approached Mar.
"Sir we have completed a scan of the enemy ship." The droid said.
"And?" Mar asks.
"The ship is heavily damaged. All power is diverted to the forward shields. There is only one life-form onboard." It lists.
"What?!" Mar gasps.
"The ship is heavily damaged. All—"
"No, you insolent scrub!" Mar snaps shutting it up. "Skywalker, what treachery is this? You have nothing to bargain with."
"Oh well in that case I'll be going. Oh but you can still have my ship." Anakin said hanging up.
"Uh sir there's a second Republic Ship entering the system." The droid commander points out.
"She made it." Anakin grins getting everything ready. "Boost the engines and lets get out of here."
Following his orders, R2 set the Defender's engines to max as the giant cruiser charged the blockade while Anakin and R2 raced to the escape pod.
"All cannons fire! Fire!" Mar orders as all 4 Separatist ships fired but the huge cruiser was taking all the hits and still advancing.
"We can't stop it! What should we do?" The droid commander asks.
"You stay here. I'll be right back." Mar said running out of the room.
"Oh that's great." A droid said just as the cruiser smashed into the blockade causing a huge explosion.
"See I told you it would work." Anakin smiles watching it all unfold.
"Sky Guy, we're approaching your position. Stand by for retrieval." Ahsoka said over commlink.
"Right on time Ahsoka." Anakin said.
Flying in the final Republic Cruiser took the position.
"I don't think they're going to attack, Commander." Admiral Yularen said.
"We should retreat." A clone suggests.
"No wait." Ahsoka urged. "Remember, they are droids. They're just a little slow. They'll figure it out."
"I think the captain left." A droid said as the other droids set up communications.
"Who's in charge?"
"Not me."
"What should we do?"
"Begin Attack."
As the droids followed through with the plan, Ahsoka used this chance to fly out with the bombers allowing them to take out all ships and droids.
"Atta girl Ahsoka." Anakin smiles proudly.
"Commander, the invasion fleet is coming out of hyperspace." Rex informs as Mace and Obi-Wan's ships arrived.
"Ahsoka this is Master Obi-Wan. Are we clear for landing?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Yes Master. You're all clear for landing." Ahsoka said.
"So uh is anyone gonna tell us where most of the fleet went or why Anakin is in an escape pod?" Shun asks.
"Probably best you don't know Shun." Ahsoka giggles.
"I knew you could do it Ahsoka." Shun smiles making her blush on her end.
"That reminds me. Someone send a shuttle to pick up Anakin." Ahsoka said.
Seeing it was their turn, Shun, Obi-Wan and clones made their way to the hangers.
"Alright guys you ready for this?" Shun said talking to the Bad Batch.
"Oh yeah! I'm ready to bust some heads!" Wrecker grins.
"You ready for this kid?" Hunter asks.
"It's my first as a Commander. If things get ugly I'm giving you guys permission to do your thing and go nuts." Shun said.
"And that is why we like working with you." Tech smiles.
"Off to a great start already Commander." Wrecker said.
"Shun!" Obi-Wan calls out getting his attention.
"You guys go get ready." Shun said walking away. "Yes master?"
"Now before we head down I feel I should inform you this mission will be a little different than what you're used to." Obi-Wan said.
"Yeah for once I'm going to a planet where the civilians actually want my help." Shun said.
"Not want. They are in desperate need of our help. Shun I must warn you Ryloth has seen many horrors of war and I just hope you're ready to face it." Obi-Wan said.
"I'll do my best Master." Shun nods as BD beeps popping his head out. "Right I mean we'll do our best."
Making their way to the hangars they saw Wrecker pushing Haya into a carrier.
"Do we really need to bring the Varractyl?" Mace asks.
"Haya's climbing skills and speed are ideal for the rugged terrains of Ryloth. Making her useful in both transportation and battle." Obi-Wan said as he and Shun entered a ship.
"So Master what's gonna be our first problem once we land?" Shun asks.
"The first trick will be getting our troops on the ground." Obi-Wan said.
"If you take the city of Nabat first we'll have our landing zone." Mace informs.
"Well then guess we're meeting the locals." Obi-Wan said as the ship doors closed.
Down below on the surface, Wat Tambor was speaking with the droid commander TX-20.
"You must not allow the clones to reach the surface." Wat urges.
"Our new Proton Cannon is in the optimum position to prevent that sir." TX-20 said.
"What?" Before Wat could finish, he had to adjust his suit. "What if they focus the attack on your cannon?"
"I am utilizing the prisoners from this village as living shields. I calculate the Jedi will not risk the prisoners' safety with a direct assault." TX-20 said.
Looking across from them we see dozens of handcuffed Twi'leks spread out around the cannon.
Descending down Obi-Wan and Shun's clone squads were about to land.
"We need to remember why we're here. We came to aid the Twi'leks, not destroy their home." Obi-Wan said before turning to Cody. "Cody?"
"That means we'll be taking it back the hard way. Minimal destruction with blasters and droid poppers only. No rockets or detonators. Check your aim. Keep an eye out for the locals. Am I understood?"
"Sir yes sir!" All the clones said.
"Got it Wrecker?" Crosshair said looking right at him.
"Why are you all looking at me?" Wrecker asks as the rest of the clones looked at him with deadpan expressions. "Alright alright no smashing homes."
"If we're here to free the tail-heads, the least they can do is get out of our way." A Clone named Boil said.
"They can't get out of our way. They're hostages." Shun points out.
Suddenly the Proto cannons from below began to fire hitting the Republic Cruisers and damaging them.
"Sir the enemy fire is penetrating our shields!" A clone said.
"Get me Kenobi!" Mace orders making a hologram appear inside their ship.
"What the heck is going on out there?" Shun asks.
"We can't risk landing the larger transports until you all take out those guns. The Proto cannons are too much for our shields." Mace explains.
"Pull back we'll take it from here." Obi-Wan said as the big cruisers retreated. "Well who's up for a challenge? We're not getting any reinforcements until we take out those guns." Obi-Wan said as Mace hung up.
"Let's do this." Shun said ready for battle.
"Here we go again." Waxer said.
Down below the droids turned to TX-20.
"Commander the Republic Transports have turned away but the Gunships are still heading toward us." It said.
"Just as I calculated. Prepare for their ground assault." TX-20 said.
Landing on the city's outskirts in a forest area, Obi-Wan's group exited their ships and raced towards the city.
Just on the edge of the forest, along a large wall, several battle droids were stationed there.
"I think I see movement in the trees." One said spotting the clones. "Fire, fire!"
"Here they come!" Shun yells slamming his foot down and making a rock wall to protect them.
"Come on! Let's move! Move!" Cody yells as the clones retaliated.
Igniting their lightsabers Obi-Wan and Shun deflected enemy fire.
"That bunker is gonna be a problem general." Boil said as he and Waxer ran alongside them.
"Leave the bunker to us." Shun said.
"You two wanted action follow us." Obi-Wan insists.
"You heard him Waxer." Boil said as they followed the Jedi.
Rushing to some rocks just short of the wall, Boil took out a droid popper and threw it.
However, the wall was too high and the popper fell short.
"It's too far we need to get closer to the wall." Boil said.
"Shun give them a boost." Obi-Wan orders.
Nodding Shun waited for them to throw it again and used his airbending to launch one into a bunker shooting an electromagnetic pulse making the droids shut down while Obi-Wan used the Force on the other clearing the wall.
"And now for the big guns." Shun puts a finger to his lips and whistles loudly.
Yelping Haya came charging in with Wrecker and Hunter on her back.
"Oh yeah! Here comes the party!" Wrecker grins as Haya scaled the wall with ease and the two clones opened fire taking out the remaining droids.
"You were right Master. These rough terrains are like a walk in the park for Haya." Shun smiles.
Making their way through the perimeter they stopped in some ruins just short of the village.
"The wall is secure sir." Hunter said walking over with Cody.
"Should we advance?" Cody asks.
"We need to know what the droids have in store for us. Send your best men to scout ahead." Obi-Wan orders.
"Wax, Boil come on!" Cody calls out.
"I guess we're the best." Boil shrugs.
"Shun you and one of your squad members go with them. Make sure they're covered." Obi-Wan suggests.
"Yes Master." Shun said turning to the Bad Batch. "Who feels like gathering intel?"
"That's my department." Tech said stepping forward.
As the 5 of them headed out nobody noticed that 2 probe droids were sent from the village to track them.
Entering the destroyed village, Shun could only look in horror at the remains of this place.
"Look at this place. All these buildings are trashed." Shun gestures.
"Buildings are just buildings. What really makes a city are the inhabitants that live in it." Cody said.
"So where are they?" Boil asks.
"They're either captured or worse." Tech assumes as they came to a stop at a fork in the road.
"Tech and I will check the courtyard. You three check the south sector and be back at command by 0620. Until then Commander Shun is in charge." Cody said.
"Yes sir." Both clones said.
"Be careful Tech." Shun said.
"I always am." Tech said as they split up.
Walking past a destroyed home Shun noticed so much destruction. Almot everything inside was ruined but there was no sign of any people.
"Hey kid." Boil calls out getting his attention. "You alright? You've been staring at the buildings for a while."
"Sorry it's just a lot to take in. I can't believe they would do this to innocent people." Shun said.
"You think they killed them all?" Waxer asks.
"Well there are no bodies." Boil said.
"They were forced from their homes. I don't think they had a…" Waxer stops midsentence pointing his blaster down an alley.
Pausing Shun and Boil turned to him but saw nothing.
"Had a what?" Boil asks.
"A choice." Waxer sighs.
Frowning Shun was hating this more and more.
"War, it really takes away everything." Shun frowns as BD pops his head out looking back in the alley and briefly the little droid saw something in the shadows.
Near the courtyard, Tech and Cody were spying on the droids as tons of battle droids and tanks walked by.
"Hmm they certainly have numbers on their side. It won't be easy fighting our way through it." Tech said.
Taking out binoculars, Cody looks around.
"We might have a bigger problem." Cody said getting his attention. "The Twi'leks. They're holding all the survivors hostage."
"That makes the job harder. Not only do we have to worry about their army but we also risk putting civilian lives in jeopardy. We need to carefully calculate our next move." Tech suggests.
"Agreed. Let's report back to General Kenobi." Cody said
Making their way back to them, the two clones sat with Obi-Wan and Mace Windu over hologram.
"We found the guns, but we also found out where the locals are." Tech said.
"They're in the courtyard here and here. But there's a complication. They've taken the locals hostage and they're using them as shields." Cody said pointing to them on the map.
"The Twi'lek prisoners will make this difficult but not impossible. I still have a good plan for taking out those guns." Obi-Wan said.
Little did they know above them on the roof, one of the probe droids was spying on them and relaying the conversation back to TX-20.
"Getting the villagers out of harm's way is our first priority. I have faith in you, General Kenobi." Mace said.
"Cody, Tech we'll go in with everything we have and clear those hostages." Obi-Wan declares.
"So General Kenobi is leading the assault." TX-20 said intrigued. "He is known for his deceptive maneuvers."
"Roger, roger. Download his file." A droid orders.
Back with Shun, Boil and Waxer, the three of them watched as BD-1 led them to the source of the movements.
"Good work little buddy." Shun said slowly stepping forward before racing in.
But to their surprise it wasn't a droid but a little Twi'lek girl. She had dark green skin, ragged clothes and a brown hat on her head. This was Numa.
"Hold your fire men." Shun gasps.
"It's just a little girl." Boil said lowering his weapon.
"What are we gonna do with her?" Waxer asks.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Why do we have to do anything? We have a mission to finish." Boil said.
"What? No. We can't leave her all alone." Shun said.
"I agree with the Commander. Let's take her with us." Waxer said.
"You can't be serious. She'd only slow us down." Boil said as BD beeps scaring her.
"Hey it's okay. He's not a bad droid. BD's friendly." Shun said getting down on one knee so he was eye level.
"Oh great she's afraid of us." Boil said when they heard the sound of a droid.
"Not us. Hide." Waxer said as they ran behind some crates avoiding the scout droid.
"That was a recon unit. We need to move." Boil said.
"Hang on. Take off your helmets." Shun orders.
"What?" Both clones said.
"Just do it." Shun said.
Slowly both men took them off revealing their faces.
"Don't worry we're not droids. We're gonna help you." Shun said as BD steps forward making her flinch in fear. "Don't worry he's gentle."
Holding BD out Numa slowly reached out and touched him to test that.
Beeping happily BD made her feel more at ease.
"Poor thing looks half starved." Waxer said.
"Any of you got food?" Shun asks.
"Here." Boil said handing him some rations.
"Hey hungry?" Shun asks holding it out for her.
Sniffing it Numa quickly swipes it from him and began eating it.
"Whoa easy not so fast. You're gonna get a stomach ache." Shun said holding out his canteen.
Finishing the food, Numa takes the canteen and takes a big drink from it before turning to the three of them.
"Nerra. Nerra. Nerra." Numa said pointing at them.
"No my name's Shun and these are Waxer and that's Boil." Shun corrects.
"Nerra. Nerra." Numa insists.
"Aw you made a friend congratulations." Boil mocks putting his helmet back on. "Can we go now?"
"Come on kid." Waxer said putting his helmet on.
Shun holds out his hand but the girl was uneasy.
"Look, she doesn't even want to go. Little monster was fine before we came along, so let's move." Boil urged.
As Waxer slowly followed Shun looked at Numa with a sad look on his face.
Beeping BD-1 slowly climbed onto his shoulder allowing him to leave.
But once he did Numa looked around nervously before following a small distance behind.
At the camp, while the Twi'leks were huddled in fear TX-20 made his way down a staircase to a set of cages.
"Sergeant are the creatures ready?" It asks.
"I starved them just like you asked." The droid said.
Inside the cages were several large Gutkurrs who seemed very angry.
"Are you sure they won't attack us?" The droid asks.
"I need a test to verify my theory." TX-20 said pressing a button and opening the cages.
"Sir what are you doing?" The droid said as a Gutkurr approached it. "Uh oh."
Before it could react the Gutkurr chomped down on the droid swinging it around in its mouth before spitting it out.
"As I calculated, the creatures require organic meat." TX-20 said.
"Well that's a relief." The droid said.
"It will not be for the clones. They will provide a most generous supply." TX-20 said as the droids opened the other cages releasing the monsters.
Back with Shun, he and the clones were walking through the streets with Numa swiftly sneaking behind them.
"I wonder what happened to her family?" Waxer asks.
Looking behind them Shun saw Numa run down an alley.
"They're probably dead. Hopefully, she'll survive this mess." Boil said.
"Wait, then what's going to happen to her? Like after all this?" Shun asks.
"Don't get any ideas kid." Boil said when BD let out a loud beep alerting them.
Turning around they saw there was no sign of Numa.
"Where'd she go?" Waxer asks.
"I'm sure the little runt will turn up sooner or later." Boil said when Shun suddenly felt something.
Turning around he saw Numa right in front of him.
"Whoa you're fast." Shun said impressed.
"When did she get in front of us?" Waxer asks equally impressed.
"Nerra. Nerra." Numa said grabbing Shun's arm and pointing ahead.
"I think she wants us to follow her." Shun said as she ran ahead.
"No, don't go that way! That's where the recon droid went." Waxer calls out.
"What? We got to stop her." Shun gasps.
"Let her go." Boil urges.
"I am not leaving her to those things. Come on Waxer." Shun said as he and Waxer ran after her.
"I'm just trying to keep us alive!" Boil calls out before following. "But darn if I know why."
Chasing after Numa, Shun caught up with her as she came to a stop in front of a destroyed house.
"I know a few airbenders who would be impressed by your speed." Shun said as Waxer and Boil caught up.
"Good you found her." Waxer said.
"You know I have binders if we need them." Boil suggests.
"Don't even joke about that." Shun threatens.
"Whoa take it easy." Boil said as Waxer just glared at him. "What?"
Grabbing Shun's arm Numa gestured for them to go inside with her.
"What are we even doing here?" Boil asks.
"You know what Boil just shut up for 5 freaking minutes." Shun snaps surprising the clones. "I'm going with her and you two are welcome to come with me. But if you're gonna complain then just stay here."
Taking her hand Shun follows Numa into the building.
"That kid can shut you up." Waxer chuckles following after.
Groaning Boil realized he was safer with them than alone so he followed them.
Slowly entering the destroyed him the three of them noticed the sad look on Numa's face.
"I guess this was her home." Waxer realized.
Looking up Boil saw a giant hole in the ceiling making him take off his helmet in surprise.
"Poor thing. She lost it all." Waxer said.
Looking around Shu noticed a small purple stuffed toy.
Picking it up, Shun slowly walks up to her.
"Hey is this yours?" Shun asks holding it out.
Seeing the stuffed plushie, Numa immediately took it and hugged it close as she started to cry.
Not being able to take it anymore Shun pulls the little Twi'lek in for a big hug as tears ran down his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I want to say it's gonna be okay, but I don't know. I'm scared of what's gonna happen. I want to stop this but I don't know how and I don't know how to make you feel better. These horrible made you cry, made you lose your home, your family and I won't let them get away with this." Shun chokes.
Seeing this Waxer and Boil slowly walked over.
"Neither will we." Waxer said bending down.
"Yeah. We'll help too. We'll keep her safe." Boil agrees.
Slowly turning them, Numa gives both clones a hug in thanks.
"You know I've never seen a Jedi cry before." Waxer said.
"Yeah…I do a lot of things most Jedi don't." Shun frows gripping his shirt where his Gray Order necklace was. "How could they do this? How could they destroy people's homes, destroy families and not even care?"
"This is one of the horrors of war." Boil said.
"It's enough to make me sick to my stomach." Shun said hating this more and more.
Back at the camp, Obi-Wan and the clones were gathered around.
"Cody are the men set?" Obi-Wan asks when he noticed Cody looking at his commlink. "What is it?"
"Waxer and Boil aren't responding. They never returned from scouting." Cody said.
"Come to think I haven't heard from Shun either." Obi-Wan said looking around. "Hunter have any of your squad members been in contact with Shun?"
"None sir. You think something happened to them?" Hunter asks.
Above them the probe droid spied on them.
"They might have run into trouble. Sergeant, use the high-powered transmitter - to see if you can reach Waxer and Boil." Obi-Wan orders.
"Yes sir." He nods.
"The rest of you let's get—" Before he could finish a shot was fired startling everyone as the probe droid fell to the ground.
"Looks like we're gonna have company real soon." Crosshair said revealing he was the one to shoot it down.
Seeing that his probe was destroyed TX-20 decided to kick his plan into action.
Back with Shu, Waxer and Boil, Waxer's commlink beeped.
"It's the commander. We're way overdue." Boil realized.
"Aw man Master is gonna be angry." Shun cringed as Boil was about to answer.
"Wait how are we gonna explain all this? Her?" Waxer asks.
"You're asking me?" Boil asks.
"Maybe if we hurry back I'll tell them we ran into a little trouble and uh our transmissions were jammed by the droids." Shun makes up.
"Worth a try." Boil said as they put their helmets back on. "I still have a bad feeling about this."
As they made their way to the door, Numa ran behind Waxer.
"Gutkurr! Gutkurr!" She calls out.
"Gut what?" Shun asks when from down the street 2 Gutkurr's emerged snarling at them. "Oh that." Shun gulps.
"I'm starting to understand why she didn't come back." Waxer said.
"You see what happens when we don't follow orders?" Boil said firing at them.
"Well as your commander I'm the one giving orders and right I say let's get outta here!" Shun orders using his firebending to keep them back.
Heading back inside the three of them readied their weapons. "BD keep her safe."
Nodding BD-1 hopped on Shun's shoulder and ran to Numa's side.
"Get the door ready fellas." Shun said igniting his lightsaber.
Quickly the two clones moved allowing the door to open.
As the Gutkurr tried to get in Shun swung his lightsaber slashing one of its legs off making it scream in pain.
"Now!" Shun said they slammed the door shut.
Using his earth bending Shun made an extra pillar of stone to barricade the door.
"That'll hold them for a bit." Shun said.
Turning around Numa ran to a corner and tried to push a stone away.
Beeping BD-1 came over and helped her push the stone revealing a secret tunnel.
Beeping loudly BD got their attention just as the second Gutkurr came frm the hole in the ceiling.
"Get the hell away from her!" Shun used his airbending blasting the Gutkurr into the wall.
As the two monsters recover the 4 of them climb into the tunnel and escape.
With Obi-Wan, he and his squad were making their way through the streets when suddenly Haya came to a stop.
"What is it girl?" Obi-Wan asks when Haya let out a loud yelp alerting them of something.
Suddenly racing down the streets, the remaining Gutkurrs attacked.
"Gutkurrs." Tech gasps as the clones opened fire on them.
"What are those things?" Hunter asks.
"Gutkurrs, carnivores native to this planet. Known for their sharp curved claws to ensnare their prey, second most dangerous on this planet first being the—"
"How do we beat these things?" Hunter asks.
"Their armor-like shells make it difficult for our blasters we need to either aim for the eyes or rely on brute force." Tech informs.
"Sounds good to me." Wrecker said charging in.
Delivering a powerful punch he knocks a Gutkurr to the ground while Crosshair fired multiple shots hitting them in the eyes.
Yelping Haya swung her tail knocking a Gutkurr back as another came up from behind and rammed her to the ground.
Drawing his knife, Hunter threw it stabbing the Gutkurr's leg and making it fall back.
"You okay girl?" Hunter asks.
Yelping happily Haya nuzzles him.
"Easy you. We're in the middle of a fight." Hunter reminds.
Looking around Obi-Wan saw the other clones were struggling to hold their own.
Holding out his hands, Obi-Wan used the force to stop the creatures briefly.
Slowly walking back towards a narrow passage the Gutkurrs followed him.
"Amazing." A clone said.
"What? First time seeing a Jedi in action?" Hunter smirks.
"Quiet." Cody said as Obi-Wan led them behind a large rock bridge.
"Shoot the bridge!" Obi-Wan orders.
Aiming their blasters they all fired causing the rocks to collapse behind the Gutkurrs trapping them inside.
Snapping them from his control, Obi-Wan quickly jumped over the rocks before they got him.
As they were about to head out, they heard a clanking noise from a manhole.
"Hold your fire." Obi-Wan said as the lid opened up revealing BD-1. "I know that droid anywhere."
Beeping BD signals that coast was clear allowing Shun to pop his head out.
"Master." Shun smiles as he, Waxer and Boil climbed out.
"Shun." Obi-Wan smiles happy to see his Padawan okay.
"Waxer, Boil where have you slackers been?" Cody asks.
"Sorry sir we got a little sidetracked." Waxer said as Numa comes up behind them.
"I can see that." Obi-Wan smirks.
"We found her in the streets. All alone." Shun said as Obi-Wan slowly walked up to them.
"Hello little one." Obi-Wan said as she hid behind Shun.
"She's a little nervous around new people." Shun said.
"She brought us here through the tunnels. She knows her way around them pretty good, sir." Boil points out.
"Loonala kwee jannweelo?" Obi-Wan asks speaking Twi'lek.
"Ooh yana-yana. Wah nerra. Kumee nerra." Numa smiles pulling Shun's arm.
"You speak Twi'lek?" Shun said surprised.
"Among others. The girl will lead us through the tunnels to the prisoners. We're going to need a diversion." Obi-Wan said.
"Translation. Time to bust some droids." Shun said.
Making their way along the streets, the clones and Haya were on the outskirts of the droid army.
Little did they know in the cellars where the Gutkurrs were kept a droid was on the ground scrubbing the floors.
"This has to be the worst job in the droid army." It said when it heard lightsabers being activated.
Turning around it saw Obi-Wan and Shun with weapons at the ready.
"And it just went into overtime." It said as Shun used the Force to lock it in the cell.
"Bin-bin koomeena." Numa said pointing up the stairs.
"Shun and I will take care of this. You keep her here." Obi-Wan said handing her to Waxer and Boil.
"I am gonna enjoy this." Shun growls ready to take them down.
"Wait for Cody's signal. Prisoners first." Obi-Wan reminds.
As the droids slowly moved away from the prisoners Obi-Wan signaled for Waxer and Boil to follow.
"Stay hidden." Waxer whispers to Numa as they followed the Jedi.
"There they are." Crosshair said spotting them.
"Let's move!" Cody said as they opened fire on the droids getting their attention.
Using this opening Shun leaps out and slashes a droid in half with Obi-Wan following suit.
As Waxer and Boil shot the droids down they raced to the hostages cutting them free.
"Wa-janeel. Wa-Janeel!" Obi-Wan said telling them to follow when a droid noticed them.
"Uh commander. We have a problem. The Jedi are freeing the prisoners." It said as TX-20 turns his tank to see his plan failing.
As the Twi'leks made their way to safety a blue male Twi'lek spotted Numa.
"Numa! Koma jel ree-kha!" He smiles pulling her into a big hug revealing him to be her father.
Using his earthbending, Shun destroys the ground under one cannon before hurling fire down its cannon and using his metalbending to seal it up
Turning around Shun ran narrowly avoiding the explosion from it.
Opposite of him, Obi-Wan slashes several droids around a proton cannon.
As he mans the controls, Waxer and Boil load ammunition into it.
Turning the cannon towards the other ones Obi-Wan fired at the ammunition causing it to explode along with the other cannons.
Charging to the last two Shun leaps up and slashes the head off on control droid before hurling a powerful gust of wind knocking the other cannon on its side.
"All yours master." Shun calls out.
As Waxer and Boil load another explosive Obi-Wan fires taking out the cannons.
"That's all of them." Obi-Wan said.
Suddenly coming in atop a tank, TX-20 fires at them forcing Obi-Wan to evacuate but the shockwave from the explosion knocked them all to the ground.
Gasping Numa ran out to try and help.
"Nerra?" Numa asks helping Shun up.
"Numa." Shun said surprised before she went to help Obi-Wan.
Following her lead the other Twi'leks rushed out to help.
As Numa helped Obi-Wan up TX-20 laughed at his supposed victory.
"You lose General Kenobi." TX-20 said when suddenly he was lifted out of his tank. "What is happening? Does not compute. Does not compute."
Turning around they saw Shun glaring a menacing looking at TX-20 as he used his metalbending to rip the droid from the tank.
"So you're the one who did this. Who did all of this." Shun gestures to the village.
As the villagers came up behind him Shun held his lightsaber tightly.
"What is this happening?" TX-20 asks confused.
"Payback." Shun said before slicing the droid's head off while the villagers smashed the rest of it to pieces.
"Payback is not the Jedi way." Obi-Wan said walking up to him.
"I'm sorry Master. I guess I got a little carried away. When I was with Numa I saw it all. Her home was destroyed, and her family was nowhere to be seen. She was all alone and scared. It was horrible to look at I just…I had to stop this once and for all." Shun said.
"I understand your feelings Shun. I've seen worlds like this too many times to count." Obi-Wan said.
"How can they do this? How can those Separatists invade planets and do these horrible things without a care in the world?" Shun asks.
"That's why we fight Shun. So that we can put to an end to all this." Obi-Wan said putting a hand on his Padawan's shoulder.
Walking up to him, Numa held his hand.
Looking up they saw the Republic Cruisers being able to land.
With TX-20 gone the clones were able to make short work of that army turning them into scrap metal.
Soon they met up with Mace to discuss the plans.
"Great job getting rid of those cannons. Now we have a more difficult objective. We must take the capital and free this world." Mace said talking with Obi-Wan.
Nearby Shun, Waxer and Boil were saying goodbye to Numa and her dad.
"See you later kiddo." Waxer said.
"Stay out of trouble Numa." Boil said.
"Take good care of her." Shun said as her father nods happily.
As Shun was about to leave Numa gave him one last hug.
"Hey don't worry. It's gonna be okay." Shun said hugging her back.
Beeping BD wanted a hug too and the little Twi'lek girl picked the droid up giving him a big hug making Shun smile and laugh.
"Come on guys they need us." Shun said as they joined Obi-Wan and the others.
"Nerra! Nerra!" Numan calls out waving goodbye.
"Master she keeps calling us that. What does that mean?" Shun asks.
"Nerra. It means brother." Obi-Wan translates.
Hearing this Shun and the two clones turn to the little Twi'lek girl waving at them and a tear runs down his eyes and a big smile forms.
'I'm gonna give this war everything I have. Because I refuse to let the Separatists get away with doing to others like what they've done here.' Shun thought more determined than ever.