Alright everyone, I'm back again. Current events have had me very busy, as I was wrapping up some things relating to college and becoming a high school teacher. Then the virus hit so now I'm at home. I just wanted to say that I hope all of you are staying safe and staying home. We will get through this together. I hope you all enjoy! And, as always, may the Force be with you all.


"Master Kenobi, my name is Raymus Antilles, I'm the Captain of the Sundered Heart. Welcome aboard." The man who greeted Obi-Wan said as he came aboard. Captain Antilles was a strong and confident looking commander, dressed in a tan commanders outfit resembling the Alderaan defense force. He offered Obi-Wan a quick salute, which Obi-Wan returned, before offering him a handshake.

"A pleasure to meet you, Captain Antilles. I take it your ship is ready?" He asked, watching as his men filed past to settle into the barracks space. Their supplies had already been loaded on board, and the stealth LAAT would dock with them after they'd taken off from the Venators Hangar.

"Yes, we've checked over everything and made sure we are well stocked. We're ready to leave whenever you are Master Kenobi." He said. Obi-Wan nodded, making sure everyone was aboard.

"We can leave now and dock up with the LAAT. Our destination is Kashyyyk… that's where we suspect Master Luminara to be. How soon do you think you we can arrice, Captain?" Time was of the essence, if she was even still alive. However, if Gree was telling the truth, then it was very likely that Master Luminara had escaped into the jungles with the aid of the Wookiees.

"I can have us there within a few hours, especially now that I've updated new broadcast codes into the Sundered Hearts computers." Captain Antilles explained. "Getting through to Kashyyyk's surface however is another story. The Imperial Navy has warned all ships to make no attempts to land on the planet's surface without explicit clearance codes." He said.

Obi-Wan nodded, "I see, how close can you get us Captain?"

"I can bring us out of hyperspace outside of their scan range, then get us in closer, probably behind the closest moon. From there, that LAAT should be able to make it in with its stealth systems." He said. "We are a blockade runner, and we could possibly outrun the larger ships, but their fighters will be an issue, the stealth capabilities of that troop transport should let you pass undetected." He said.

"I certainly hope so Captain. It's vital that we try to rescue Master Luminara, every Jedi we can save will be another to help us stop Sidious." He said.

"I understand Master Kenobi, I will get us to Kashyyyk as quickly as I can." He said.

"Thank you and have me notified when we are an hour or two from exiting hyperspace so I can prepare my troops." He said. "I will be training with my Padawan and preparing until then." He said. Captain Antilles nodded and made for the bridge, and Obi-Wan turn and headed to the quarters he and Kittani would be sharing during their mission.

Kittani was already there, sorting her few belongings away into a storage locker at the foot of one of the two bunks in their cabin. "I take it you've claimed that bunk as yours, my young Padawan?" Obi-Wan asked as he entered, a small smirk on his face. Kittani turned and nodded.

"Yes Master, unless, of course, you would prefer this one?" She said, ever the polite young Padawan. In that way, she was opposite to Anakin.

"No, it's fine Kittani, one's as good as the other." He said, before noticing something. She had purposefully chosen the bunk farthest from the door for some reason. He walked over and sat down on the other bunk, facing her. "Kittani… I've been noticing a pattern lately." He said, voice gentle. "Whenever we are in a room, you tend to face the entrance to that room while staying a good distance from it. Can I ask why?" He said, although he had a feeling.

"I… well, it, just seems like a sound way to go about things Master. Boil told me to always have someone watching the entrance to a building or room you're in." She admitted.

"Maybe so, but I can say with certainty that he most likely means that in combat situations more than anything else." Obi-Wan said. "And we certainly aren't about to be in combat, at least not right away." He added.

Kittani sat down on her own bunk and nodded but didn't meet his eyes. "I know Master, we're safe here." She said. "But it's become a habit. Any area you think is safe can very quickly become not safe." His young Padawan explained with a certainty rarely expected of a child, even a Jedi Padawan. A look he knew all too well drifted across her slender face, her golden eyes becoming distant as her pupils constricted some. Her gaze was intense.

Obi-Wan carefully ventured into the veil. "Like how the Jedi Temple became unsafe." He said softly, reaching out in the force to touch her consciousness. Unlike Anakin, Kittani had some relatively well-developed mental shields, she didn't project her emotions half as much, at least not in the force. There was a slight jump from her as he brought her back, and she looked to him, eyes hardening some before nodding.

"I… I just can't get it out of my mind Master Kenobi… the temple was supposed to be the safest place possible for Jedi. The bombing was one thing, especially once it was discovered one of our own did it. But… the Massacre… the only thing that saved me when they came into the cafeteria was that I was away from the main entrance and saw them when they first started firing." She said, shaking some.

Obi-Wan nodded and truly felt for his Padawan, the moment of shock he felt when some of his own troops turned their weapons on him was so much worse for her, she'd seen Jedi cut down by the clones while completely defenseless. "Kittani… it's still hard for you to fully trust the clones, isn't it?" He asked.

She started to speak, but then looked to him and nodded. He could see some tears welling up. "I… I trust B-Boil." She said. "He… he f-found me."

Obi-Wan didn't hesitate, not like he used to when Anakin was this young. He reached out and pulled Kittani into a hug, wrapping his arms around her, and holding her close. For a moment, she was no longer a Jedi Padawan, and he was no longer her Master. He was much closer to a father. She tried to fight it at first, tried to hold back her tears, but soon he could hear the muffled cries she let out and he most certainly could feel her shaking.

"It's okay, it's okay." He murmured softly, letting her get it out. He did his best to reach out in the force, helping her to calm and to release the feelings once she was ready. Until then, he just held her close. She must have seen so many of the Order cut down. It was little wonder she wasn't fully trusting of the clones on a deeper level, even if consciously she did trust them. He carefully settled onto the bed, focusing on helping Kittani calm herself as she sat beside him. Obi-Wan let her relax against him, more accepting of this now than he had ever been with Anakin, and it was only thanks to his first Padawan that he was.

"Kittani… what has occurred is terrible… and I cannot say how sorry I am that you witnessed it firsthand… but, I am here for you my Padawan. I will help you in any way I can. We must remember that not all the clones betrayed us, and that many had no choice in the course of their actions. And we must trust those clones who still stand with us." He explained. "With time, we must move beyond our fears, and accept that they cannot control us." Obi-Wan kept his voice soft, gentle. To any non-Jedi this tone would be fatherly, although Obi-Wan would deny something like that himself.

"You do not have to completely overcome your fear and mistrust of the clones immediately… but with time, you must release this feeling to the force and learn to trust again. And when you are ready, I will be here to help you. Okay?" He asked.

Kittani didn't speak, but after a moment he could feel her nod into the fabric of his robes. Obi-Wan returned to comforting her, helping her calm herself. He could feel her settling back down through the force, could feel her mind calming slowly. After a time, Obi-Wan settled into a meditation stance on the floor and motioned for Kittani to join him before closing his eyes and breathing in, inviting the force to flow through him. The force came to him, answering his call. He reached out to Kittani as he felt her signature in the force grow stronger, with a steady mind, he guided her deeper into meditation. If he couldn't bring her mind to peace, then he would train her to help keep her mind from it till she could find peace herself.

It was this level of experience that Obi-Wan wished he'd had with Anakin. While he didn't regret training Anakin, he was so young when he'd first taken on the task. He was honestly in no shape to take on a Padawan at the time, much less one with all of the differences and needs of Anakin, but he had out of respect for his master's dying wish. Even then, once he'd started training Anakin, he'd learned quickly and started to rapidly catch up to Obi-Wan. This had made it hard for Obi-Wan to teach Anakin, especially as he came to see the man as a brother. It didn't take much imagination for him to think about what could have been, if they hadn't found out sooner.

A small tug at him through his force bond with Kittani pulled Obi-Wan from his thoughts. She was looking at him, with a small grin on her face. "Master Obi-Wan, you were projecting."

Obi-Wan was completely caught off guard by this, and he had to fight to keep the redness from his face. So many times, he'd told Anakin and even Kittani about projecting ones thoughts to the force, and now he was caught at his own game. "Yes, well… I figured after so long of having both of my Padawans do so, I might just as well to test you." He said. Kittani just grinned more.

"If you say so, Master. But… don't be so hard on yourself. Master Skywalker is a powerful Jedi. He's helped the order. And I consider myself lucky to be your Padawan." She reassured, smiling. Obi-Wan couldn't help but chuckle at this. "And thank you Master, for everything." She added suddenly.

"Well, Kittani, I am honored you think so highly of me. Thank you." He told her, honestly. He noticed that she was still a bit on edge from earlier but had improved greatly. Obi-Wan wasn't one to pass up an opportunity though and stood. "What do you say we go and find something to drink and eat?" He offered. Kittani gave another nod, her short hair bobbing as she did. With time, he hoped she would heal.


The galley on board the Sundered Heart was somewhat nicer than what was on a Venator, which made sense since it had belonged to Senator Organa. However, it was still the interior of a military grade ship. The cold white colored plasteel, the bright overhead lights, and the slightly filtered smell of the air. However, the food smelled far more appetizing than what was typically on a Republic Navy ship. What backed this up was the number of clones currently in the dining area eating. In addition, the facility was nicer in quality, with the benches being cushioned and what looked like a higher quality cooking area.

Obi-Wan smiled some as he joined the line to get food, a few of the lower ranking clones in line ahead of him. He could feel a slight nerve spike from Kittani and sent out a reassuring wave through their bond. 'Kittani… open yourself to the force… let it flow around you. What do you feel?'

There was a moment as he felt Kittani do this. 'I… I feel a tension in the air… not a strong one, but it's there none the less.' She explained.

'Yes, I sense it too… and I have before. This is pre-battle tension… everyone knows what's coming.' Obi-Wan explained. 'However, what I don't sense is any immediate danger.' Obi-Wan added. 'We are relatively safe here Kittani, it will be okay.'

'I know Master… but it still is hard to fully relax.' She said, although she was calmer now.

"Ah, Master Jedi, what would you like?" The server suddenly asked, pulling Obi-Wan back. "We have Nerf steaks or baked Nuna as the main courses, for sides we have mashed potatoes, rolls, mixed steamed vegetables, and fruit or sweet rolls for dessert." The server explained. It all was freeze dried food, and wasn't of the highest quality, but it was a major step above the far blander foods that got served aboard the larger Liberation, where space was everything for long deployments. Obi-Wan made his selections, going for the Nuna, and his food was plated onto a tray with little flare. No time to hold up the line. At least they had hot water and packets of insta-caf and tea bags, which he instantly went for.

Obi-Wan waited for Kittani to collect her own food, seeing the smile on her face at the sweet roll she selected. It only reminded him of the fact that she was still effectively a child, but one forced to grow up quickly. He walked with her to find a table, eventually spotting Ahsoka, Cody, and Fordo along with some of the other officers and NCO's. Ahsoka smiled as they approached.

"Master Obi-Wan, Kittani. I take it you're both settled in?" She asked before taking another sip of her own drink.

"Yes, I must admit, it's nicer than I expected. I'm used to most ships having ah… fewer basic accommodations." Obi-Wan said with a chuckle.

Kittani spoke then, "I think what Master Obi-Wan is trying to say is that he likes having a bed that isn't some padding on a steel slab." She grinned, to which Obi-Wan just sighed some.

"I can't say I disagree with Obi-Wan." Ahsoka smiled, and for a moment Obi-Wan could see how much she'd grown. The same energy she'd had as Anakin's padawan was still there, but not as strong. It was more tempered and controlled.

"You won't hear any of the boys complaining, that's for sure." Cody spoke up, chuckling a bit. "I think they'll single handedly run the ship out of sweet rolls at this point." He said, taking a bite of his own pastry to go with his caf.

Obi-Wan had long know of the infamous sweet tooth that the clone troopers had as a whole. While most clones hid it well, few could resist something sweet when it was right in front of them. "Well I hope not, I'd personally enjoy it if this lasted for as long as the mission does." Obi-Wan countered, grinning some.

There was a moment of silence as they ate, the conversation on hold. Obi-Wan could feel what topic was coming, and he knew others at the table could as well. It was Fordo who finally breached the silence. "So, any thoughts on how we're going to do this General? Handling anything on Kashyyyk is not going to be easy, and by my calculations, the side of the planet General Luminara was last seen on will be in its night cycle by the time we get there." He said.

Obi-Wan paused for a moment, in thought. They didn't have many men, and only the one gunship. It would undoubtedly come down to Ahsoka, Kittani, and himself trying to feel out into the force for Master Luminara. And there was no guarantee they'd be able to land near her location either. The dense foliage of the giant Wroshyr trees that covered much of the planet would see to that. Then there was the issue of the planet being under imperial control, and the issue of them leading a large number of clones deep into the home territory of the Wookiee's. After a moment, Obi-Wan nodded to himself.

"We don't have many options here, as I'm sure you all know. We don't know where Master Luminara is, what state she's in, if she's with the Wookies or not. And there aren't many clear landing areas' deeper in the forests of Kashyyyk, likely where she's hiding. Kittani, Ahsoka, and I will have to sense out Luminara to guide us as close as possible. The way I see it, we'll perform a rapid deployment, even if the LAAT can't land. Then we'll just have to move quickly to locate Master Luminara. Have the men ready for what may likely be a fast paced, highly mobile, battle. I doubt we're the only ones hunting for her." He said.

"I agree. We've only made it this far without being hunted because Sidious is focused on consolidating his Empire… this includes finishing off the Separatists." Ahsoka said. "But with Luminara trapped on a world with a full Battalion of clones… she's a target. I wouldn't be surprised if we see some of these inquisitors there either."

Obi-Wan looked to her, "Do you think Barriss may be there?"

Ahsoka nodded, "It is possible, although I doubt he is looking to make her into a full blown apprentice. Knowing Sidious, he'll still want to turn Anakin to the dark side."

"I know… for so many years he was corrupting Anakin while he was under my watch, and I never even realized." Obi-Wan shook his head, how could he have been so blind to this fact? To see that the Chancellor had such a specific interest in Anakin. "He was grooming Anakin to become his apprentice, to turn the Chosen One against the Jedi, and had we not caught it… I fear he would have succeeded with how troubled Anakin has been." Obi-Wan finished. "We'll have to be on our guard to make sure he doesn't get another chance."

"And we will, Obi-Wan, we will. I'm not going to let that slime ball get his talons into my Master again." Ahsoka agreed.

"Hey, we got a bone to pick with old wrinkle face too." Boil announced from his seat, grinning some. "Try to make me and my brothers into some living version of a Clanker. Like hell I'm gonna turn against those who've fought at my side, specially the General and commander!" This got a few nods and shouts of agreement from the nearby tables of clone troopers.

Obi-Wan gave a brief smile at this, the clones were full of life when they wanted to be, and certainly weren't just copies of Jango. He looked back to Cody and Fordo. "We could encounter anything down on Kashyyyk. I would prepare to have to face a well-armed clone force, as well as a possible Inquisitor."

"Attention all hands. This is Captain Antilles. We are around one and a half hours from our arrival off Kashyyyk. All troops should begin preparations for landing." The captain said over the intercom. It was almost like a light switch being flipped on. Troopers that had a moment earlier been relaxing and enjoying their meals now began to quickly eat or take their trays if they had finished. Some had already jumped up and were making for the door. They knew what was coming. Obi Wan followed their action, settling into his own meal, all discussion forgotten for now. For now, they had to focus on the coming mission.


There was a slight shudder as the LAAT released from one of the docking rings of the Sundered Heart. Kittani stabilized herself as the gunship rotated, bring itself to be aligned the 'right way' with the rest of the ships in the area. They were currently hidden behind one of Kashyyyk's moons, using it to keep them from the eyes of Imperial scanners. The LAAT they rode in was painted a deep, flat black, so as to better blend it in with the inky blackness of space. She knew they were relying on this, it's small size, and, from what Master Kenobi had told her, a large suite of sensor jammers and stealth technology, to hide them from whatever the Empire might have orbiting Kashyyyk.

"Sensor jamming is active, engine signature dampers active, electro-signature is null." The pilot commented.

She saw Master Kenobi, who stood next to her, nod and hold up his wrist communicator. "Understood. Operation is a go." He replied.

With that, the pilot throttled up rapidly, and through the slats of the LAAT, and the blue glow of the protective shields, Kittani could see the moon leave their vision, replaced by the green surface of Kashyyyk, and the massive fleet that surrounded it. Just with the limited view she had, Kittani could see multiple Venators and Acclimator Assault ships. "Master, you need to see this!" She said.

Obi-Wan was beside her in an instant, and she could feel the moment of surprise in the force. "I… what on earth. That fleet is massive, there's no reason for the Empire to have such a concentration over the planet. The Wookies must be in full rebellion." He said. "Be ready for anything, I doubt Luminara is sitting out if she's down there and able to fight." Obi-Wan suddenly told the troops. "Ahsoka, Kittani… can you help me find her?"

Kittani nodded and closed her eyes, focusing inward until she tapped into the force. Most closely she could feel the power signatures of Master Obi-Wan and Ahsoka nearby, but she then focused her inward gaze onto the planet they were nearing. It was very full of life, a heavy jungle planet with its massive Wroshyr trees, each one practically its own ecosystem. She could see signs of life all across the planet, however, it was eventually a tug from Obi-Wan that brought her to the two faintly glowing signatures deep in the forest that could only be the mark of force wielders. What troubled her though was that one of the two did feel exceptionally familiar.

Kittani snapped out of her meditation when Obi-Wan spoke again. "One of those was definitely Master Luminaria's signature. Unfortunately… I think we all recognize the other one as well."

Ahsoka nodded, "That was Barriss for sure." She said as she pulled up a holo-map of the planet, marking the spot roughly where they'd felt the two signatures. "Pilot, get us as close to this area for a landing as you possibly can." She said, sending the coordinates.

"Understood Commander." The pilot replied, shifting the aircraft onto the new heading. Kittani could feel the tension building up in the troop hold as they moved closer to the imperial fleet. It wasn't long before she could see one of the Venators right alongside them through the gunship viewing slats, the massive guns thankfully not pointed at them.

Before she had too much time to think about it though, the LAAT cleared the blockade and began making for planet side. She felt the buffeting of them entering the atmosphere, and tightened her grip, preparing herself for the fight to come.

It was night on the section of Kashyyyk where they had entered. With one of Kashyyyk's moons shining brightly down on them and the forest below, illuminating everything in a pale light. As they settled in over the water, moving towards land, one of the pilots spoke up. "Ah… General. You need to see this Sir. The forests."

Kittani noticed the concerned look on her Masters face before he moved back over to the viewing slats in the doors. She saw him stiffen some, and Obi-Wan breathed out. "Oh no… th… they're harvesting them." He said. Kittani rushed over, looking out as they transitioned from being over water to being over land. Both below them and in the distance, Kittani could see massive machines using saw and laser to cut into the giant Wroshyr trees on the edges of the forests, others had already pushed inland. Smaller vehicles were moving in, dividing up the trees into transportable amounts. Suddenly, she caught the smell of smoke, and in the distance, she could see occasional spouts of flame and black smoke as flamethrower units burned the leftover jungle growth away. The Empire was clearcutting the forest.

"What… why would they do this?" Ahsoka asked. "Surely the Empire doesn't have this much of a use for lumber!?"

Obi-Wan sighed, "Maybe not in urban areas or military zones… but the wood of Wroshyr trees is extremely strong and durable… the wookies make their weapons and ships of it. It can withstand blaster fire for a time. And, while I doubt the empire would use it for rebuilding cities and other major uses… many people lost their homes to the Clone Wars… lumber, especially prime lumber like Wroshyr, will be in high demand." He explained. "Seems the Empire has no issue with cashing in."

"General, I got a drop zone coming up fast… it's a river, about the only clear area to drop that's close." The pilot called out.

"Understood, set us down there and find a landing area. I'll leave a team with you to act as security." Obi-Wan said.

With that, the red light flipped on in the troop bay, telling them to get ready. Kittani took a breath and got her saber ready. She nodded to Boil, who had come to stand by her side. "You ready for this, Commander?" He said, some part of him already building up some adrenaline.

Kittani looked out as they descended into the space between the massive trees. "As ready as I can be sergeant, as ready as I can be." She gave him a half hearted smile. She felt a hand touch her shoulder and could see Obi-Wan behind her. He gave her a reassuring smile and squeezed her shoulder, before his focus turned back to the door. Suddenly the shuttle was just above a shallow running river, the doors opened, and the exit light went green.

"Everyone out! Go Go Go!" Cody shouted. Kittani didn't hesitate, she leapt from the LAAT with boil at her side, splashing into cool water that went up to her knees. She waded forward, making space for more to get off the LAAT as the clones spread out, weapons raised. As soon as all but four troopers were off the gunship, it lifted back off, going to find some area to land. The area around them settled into silence beyond the sound of the water.

"Area's clear General… looks like we weren't spotted." Fordo reported in.

"Not spotted, but it won't be long till Barriss picks up on our presence." Ahsoka said. "I feel them off in this direction Obi-Wan."

"I feel it as well… the two signatures are getting closer. We need to move." Obi-Wan said, and Kittani could detect the urgency in his voice. She could feel the pull of the force too. The draw deeper into the jungle. "Ahsoka, Kittani, and I will take up the lead. Cody, Fordo, let's move."

There were just silent nods from the clones, they understood and set up the platoon to have fields of fire. Kittani nodded to her Master, and moved out with him, making for the river bank. The jungle was shrouded in darkness but was full of life from the chirping of insects to the calls of birds and other creatures. Kittani could already feel the humid air clinging to her as they slipped into the jungle, even during the night, Kashyyyk was still a hot planet.

It didn't take long for them to lose sight of the river either as the jungle swallowed them. The light grew worse as well as the tree's blocked any moon and starlight from reaching them. However, Kittani could still see somewhat, enough to navigate the forest. Once the unit had gathered inside the forest, Obi-Wan nodded to Kittani.

"Take Boil and his men and move ahead of us, scout the area out, report back what you find." Obi-Wan told her. Kittani nodded.

"Boil, your squad is with me, let's move." She said, still in a soft voice before she took off at a run, moving ahead of the main group. She could hear them behind her, as well as feel them. They were keeping pace just fine, and Kittani made sure they got well and ahead of the main group. Up ahead, she could see a lighter section of the forest, and slowed. She could sense distant presences up ahead as well, albeit ones not as strong the two force users they could feel from earlier.

"Boil, I can feel multiple signatures ahead of us. Let's get closer." She practically breathed out, Boil nodded and made a quick hand motion, having his men get low and slow. Kittani lowered herself down as well as they got closer, not wanting to be spotted. As the clearing became more defined, she could make out the forms of a few troopers up ahead, dressed in scout armor painted green, and she could hear them speaking.

"We have good reason to believe the Jedi is in the village up ahead, Sir. It's defended by those beasts too." One of the scout troopers reported in.

"Understood, I'll call it in to the Inquisitor." The lead trooper said as the other five had gathered around before focusing on his personal coms. Kittani glanced to Boil, who had crept up beside her at the base of a tree.

"We've got to take them out." She said softly. They'd spot the main group for sure. Boil nodded, slipping a Vibroblade from his belt.

"We do it quiet… blaster fire could draw them in. Think you can take one?" He said, voice a whisper. Kittani swallowed, steeled herself, and nodded. Boil motioned to the other troopers, holding up his knife, she could hear the coms in her ear. "Trapper, Hawk, Radar, cover us. Rest of you, we gotta do this quiet. You know what to do." He explained. There was some hesitation in his voice, but steel as well.

Kittani slipped her saber from her belt and slipped to the edge of the path. She picked out one of the troopers who was leaned against his speeder, watching farther up the path. She waited for the clones around her to get into position, focusing on calming herself. Once they were, she nodded to Boil, who counted down from three on his fingers. At zero, she leapt from the underbrush and plunged her saber into the trooper's chest, tackling him away from the bike. In the corner of her eye, she saw Boil grab the commander by his visor and take the vibronknife to his neck. Around her was the scuffle of troopers grappling. They had the small patrol of four outnumbered, and even the one trooper who had been facing them was overwhelmed by the two clones who jumped him. The trooper under her didn't struggle. She hadn't given him the chance. She only hoped it was painless.

"Clear" Boil called out after a moment. "Squad, set up defensive positions, watch for incoming. They still got that message out… and we may be compromised."

Kittani nodded in agreement and raised her own comms. "Master, we need to go. We took out a patrol… but they've found Master Luminara and reported her… they're coming." She said.

"Understood Kittani, we're on the way. We'll move quickly." Obi-Wan replied.

It didn't take long for the rest of the unit to get here, emerging from the forest with Obi-Wan at the lead. He nodded to her, "Well done, all of you. Let's move to that village, we don't have much time." Obi-Wan said before motioning for the troops to move and hurrying off up the small pathway. Kittani didn't wait, and moved with him, hurrying farther up the path. She could feel what Obi-Wan had felt. One of the force signatures had suddenly spike, growing in strength, and it wasn't the one they were headed for. Offee knew they were here.

She was so focused on Offee's signature, that the sudden feeling of force signatures all around them was a small shock. Kittani halted along with her fellow Jedi, looking around. The clones drew up behind them. "General, what's…"

"Cody, Fordo, have the men lower their weapons… I think the village has found us." Obi-Wan said, looking up. Kittani looked up as well. Staring down at them from the trees was a small force of Wookies, all with bowcasters leveled at them. After a moment, the Wookies started speaking in their language, Shyriiwook, among themselves. After a moment, one of them took some interest in Ahsoka and jumped down, letting out a growl as he stared at her. Ahsoka suddenly smiled.

"Chewbacca, is that you?" She asked, keeping her voice calm. The Wookie, Chewbacca, growled out again, and Ahsoka smiled wider. "Can you ask your fellows to stand down. We aren't with the Empire, and neither are these clones, they're still loyal to the Republic and us. We came here in the hope that Master Luminara was here." She explained.

Chewbacca looked up to his comrades and gave out another series of growls and vocalizations, causing them to eventually come down as well. An even larger Wookie than Chewbacca came to the forefront and spoke with Ahsoka.

"Obi-Wan, this is General Tarfful, leader of the Wookie militia in this area… he says it's a relief to see other Jedi, and he asks specifically if Master Yoda is here?" Ahsoka said.

"No, unfortunately, although I assure you that Master Yoda is fine, a few of us managed to escape the Empire. We're here to rescue Master Luminara Unduli, but we need to go now, the Empire found your village, they're coming." Obi-Wan explained. General Tarfful began to speak again, and Ahsoka translated.

"He says she is, but she's wounded. They've been treating her. And he will take us to the village, he has to prepare defenses now." Ahsoka said, and with that, the Wookies began to move off along the path again. Kittani, along with the others, followed.


The sight that greeted Obi-Wan when he was shown to Master Luminara wasn't a good one. She was sitting on a bed, conscious and with her lightsaber, but with one arm in a sling and bandages noticeable around her torso where part of her robe was burned away. She'd had her lightsaber raised, but relaxed when she saw Obi-Wan enter.

"Master Kenobi… it's good to see a fellow Jedi." She greeted, still showing signs of pain.

"It's good to see you as well Master Luminara. And I didn't come alone… Master Yoda sent us to rescue you." He said.

"So the Order yet lives? How… I was suddenly turned on by my clones, and the Wookies rescued me… they've been telling me the Supreme Chancellor has called the Jedi traitors." There was a sudden flash of hurt. "Bariss was here… she tried to kill me, she had an AT-TE fire on me, along with my own clones, and it caused this."

Obi-Wan sighed, "Supreme Chancellor… now Emperor Palpatine, was the Sith lord we've been looking for ever since the start of the war. He used everyone to start this war and gain power… he even was planning to manipulate Anakin to the dark side." Obi-Wan explained. "A handful of us made it out of the Temple, along with some loyal clones. We've been hiding away… trying to rebuild. I'm glad we got here, Bariss is an inquisitor, an assassin for Palpatine, and she's found you. There are Imperial forces coming." Obi-Wan said.

Luminara looked down, shaking her head. "How… how could I have failed her like this… how did we not see this. I… Obi-Wan, I've been trying to help the Wookies, the forces here are enslaving them."

This was a small shock to him, he already knew the Empire was actively engaging in slavery. It still pained Obi-Wan deeply. He knelt to help her. "Master Luminara, we need to go, the Empire is about to launch and assault on this village, General Tarfful is going to hold a delaying action to let everyone evacuate, we're going to help." He said. She managed to stand with some help from Obi-Wan, who supported her.

"Alright… I won't be of much help, but I'm assuming you have some plan for getting us off the planet?" She asked.

"There's a small corvette waiting for us in orbit, we have a gunship to get us to it." Obi-Wan explained, before feeling a distant thud reverberate through the forest. In the distance, he could see birds flying away from the trees.

"General! Boil's scouts are reporting first sights of the enemy, they've got an AT-TE with them! No sign of Offee yet!" Cody called up from below. Obi-Wan nodded, the urgency now compounding. He helped Luminaria over to the two Wookie guards who'd accompanied him.

"Get her to the landing pad… our gunship is on the way." Obi-Wan said, before turning to jump down to his troops.

"Obi-Wan." Luminara suddenly called out. "Do what you have to… but, if you can save her… please do." She said. Obi-Wan looked back and nodded.

"I'll try." He said before jumping down.


They'd established a defensive line at the edge of the village, up in the trees where they had a height advantage. Obi-Wan looked out over their final preparations as the thudding of the AT-TE approached ever closer. Beside him stood General Tarfful, along with Kittani and Ahsoka. The general let out a series of grunts, addressing Obi-Wan.

"General Tarfful says the village is almost evacuated, we'll only have to hold a delaying action. He is appreciative for our aid in making sure everyone here gets out safely though. He wants to know if we're going to take on the Inquisitor."

Obi-Wan nodded, "I suppose we'll have to. Knowing Barriss, she won't give us the option not to. She… isn't like she once was." Obi-Wan said. "At the very least we'll want to cause enough damage to this force to back them off… it's possible she'll hunt your group down in revenge."

General Tarfful nodded and spoke again as Ahsoka translated. "He understands, and he knows that we'll do what we must as Jedi. But, he says the Empire will come for his people regardless with the slavery efforts starting to happen."

"I understand General… and… I swear to you, as a Jedi, we will try to help when we can. Someday, we are going to stop the Empire."

It was at this moment that one of the distant Wookies called out and fired a blaster shot. A clone trooper shouted out "Contact!" and opened fire as well. The advanced units of the enemy opened up in return, exchanging shots, but it was clear that they were caught off guard by there being clones present in the village.

Obi-Wan looked to the general and nodded, "Well, I suppose the time for pleasantries is over. Good luck, General Tarfful!" He said before jumping down, Ahsoka and Kittani following as they descended to the ground. "They won't hold off for long. We have two main things we need to achieve here. Nothing short of an AT-TE or some other heavy walker could make footfalls like that, and we need to take it out. In addition, we all know that Barriss is out there somewhere, and she'll show her hand soon once she knows exactly where we are." Obi-Wan said. "We stick together, and we get through this."

"Understood, Obi-Wan." Ahsoka replied, running alongside him.

"Yes, Master, I'm with you!" Kittani called out as well, keeping pace.

Suddenly, rapid blaster fire erupted from the forest as two AT-RT's cleared the foliage with stormtroopers in support, heavy laser turrets roaring as they fired at the defenders. Obi-Wan could see his own clone forces firing back, trying to pick off the operators, and clearing away some of the infantry. Suddenly, one of the walkers stumbled as a series of heavier blaster bolts slammed it. Obi-Wan spared a glance up to see some of the Wookies volleying their bowcasters into the walker. Obi-Wan didn't hesitate on the chance and pushed ahead. Obi-Wan cut down a trooper that tried to fire on him, then leapt to the walker. He sliced through the leg first. With the walker off balance, he jumped up, cutting through its blaster barrel before landing on its hood and force pushing the operator out the back. He leapt away as it fell, seeing that Ahsoka and Kittani had effectively cleared the walkers escorting infantry. The second walker fell back into the cover of the forest, and other than sporadic covering fire, for a moment, the battle had calmed.

Some cheers started to go up around the village, celebration of an early victory. Suddenly a heavy round streaked from the forest and slammed into a defensive position. Obi-Wan watched as clone and Wookie alike were sent flying from the top of the tree. The AT-TE steadily started to maneuver out of the forest, renewing the attack. Stormtroopers came pouring from the tree line, trying to suppress the defenders. Obi-Wan was just about to charge to take on the walker before a shadow leapt from the forest undergrowth, saber staff ignited, and bore down on him.

Obi-Wan brought his own saber up, catching Barriss' strike before she jumped away, glaring him down from behind her mask. "Kenobi, Ahsoka… always appearing where you shouldn't be." She snapped.

"Oh, I think we're exactly where we need to be Barriss. Right where we can stop you and the Empire. Don't you realize the empire is enslaving people here?" Ahsoka snapped. "They're enslaving the Wookies!"

Barriss chuckled at that, "How naïve!" Barriss shouted, launching an attack at Ahsoka this time and using her staff's spinning function to add extra momentum. Ahsoka blocked each strike while giving ground. Obi-Wan rushed to assist, blade ready. He launched into an upward sweeping strike at Barriss's back which she spun to block. His calf screamed in pain as she sent a heel into it, jumping away to gain some distance. Kittani jumped in, trying to catch Barriss off guard. Her own strike was blocked, and Barriss focused down on her.

"You all actually think you can defeat the Empire? That's laughable. The Emperor is all powerful, he can't be stopped!" Barriss shouted as she bore into Kittani, who was fighting to hold her own, blocking each strike. Obi-Wan jumped to his Padawan's aid alongside Ahsoka, forcing Barriss to focus on them before Kittani was too overwhelmed.

"Kittani, Ahsoka, go take care of the walkers! I've got her." Obi-Wan said, sending another series of strikes at Barriss. While it was clear he was more skilled, her blades ability to spin and ignite its different sides at will was helping her keep pace. He repaid Barriss by sending a kick to her knee and pushing her back with the force, giving the other two time to disengage. He could feel more of the dark side coursing through her, building with her rage.

"How dare you try to stop me. Try to stop the Empire!?" She screamed, charging again, putting more force into her blows. She was, amazingly, still in control of her actions, feeding off the force as she laid into Obi-Wan with everything she had, her blade spinning wildly. However, Obi-Wan was still a Master, and deflected each strike. Her attacks were still predictable to a degree. Suddenly, Obi-Wan went back on the offensive, only to be halted by the blaster fire of the stormtroopers around her, making him block.

"What's the matter Master Kenobi? Can't handle some blaster fire? You shouldn't be here. This matter is between me and Unduli, I plan to make her pay for all she's done." She said before charging agin.

"Barriss!" Obi-Wan said, blocking blaster bolts up until he had to lock blades with her again. "Luminara cared for you as her Padawan, she taught you all she could!" he said, having to duck and dodge between her strikes and the shots around him. Even as his clones picked off the stormtroopers, it still wasn't enough.

"Oh, she carried out her 'duty' as a Jedi in training me, but she never cared! She was ready to let me die… ready to just abandon me to whatever fate saw fit! Just like the rest of the temple abandoned the galaxy!" She launched a powerful strike at Obi-Wan again, forcing him to block and leaping away before he could attack.

"And now I'm going to make her regret it all!" Barriss shouted. She was distracting Obi-Wan from the battle, knowing she couldn't beat him, but the longer her and the troopers could wear him down, the more likely it was that they'd win.

"No, you won't be!" Ahsoka shouted. Barriss looked up, shocked, and Obi-Wan turned just in time to see Ahsoka fire the Mass-Driver cannon on the top of the felled, and now legless, AT-ST as Kittani deflected blaster fire away from them. The round streaked in, detonating near Barriss and sending her and some of the troopers flying. Obi-Wan noticed it didn't stop her though, as she recovered and caught herself, kicking off from the trunk of one of the trees and making into the village.

Obi-Wan regrouped with his fellow Jedi, falling back into the defensive line. They could here the footfalls of more armor coming in, and while he'd been focused on Barriss, the Wookies and his clone force had taken some casualties. The assault hadn't stopped either. Cody suddenly raised him on Comms.

"General Kenobi, the Wookies are pulling back. Tarfful says they've got their people out. I recommend we do the same!" Cody called.

"Understood Cody." Obi-Wan said, blocking a few more blaster shots as he backed away. "Have the men get to the gunship, we need to get out of here before this village is overrun!" Obi-Wan said. "Kittani, Ahsoka, we're leaving! The Wookies have gotten everyone out! Barriss is inside the village, and I have no doubt she's headed for Master Luminara."

Obi-Wan took off at a run, watching as Wookies and friendly clones fell back as well. He nodded to Kittani and Ahsoka, both a bit beat up, but uninjured. They were already fighting a retreating battle, and Obi-Wan was having to deflect blaster shots behind him as he ran. They would be departing under fire. Ahead was a sight that worried him more though. As they came into view of the LAAT, they could see the four clones there trying to hold off Barriss along with Master Luminara. Barriss swept the clones aside with ease from the force and prepared to charge her old Master.

Obi-Wan watched as Ahsoka rushed ahead, charging to challenge her one time friend. Barriss wheeled and locked blades with Ahsoka again. Obi-Wan prepared to join before a hail of blaster fire forced him and Kittani to stop. Some of the Imperial troops had flanked them using climbing cables and were raining down fire. "Cody, help us suppress that position!" He shouted.

"You heard the General! I want them pinned down!" Cody shouted as more of his and Fordo's troopers arrived, laying down a heavy fusillade of fire. One of Fordo's troopers grabbed the rocket launcher he was carrying and lined up his shot, sending a high explosive rocket into the position, silencing it.

Obi-Wan turned to see Ahsoka and Barriss locked in a fierce duel. Barriss got some distance between them and, suddenly, sent her blade to spinning rapidly, forming an offensive shield as she advanced on Ahsoka. Ahsoka tried to stop the blade with her two, but the power behind the spin was too much.

"Let's move! We have to stop her!" Obi-Wan called out before there was a scream from the landing pad. He looked up to see Ahsoka standing there, her lightsaber blades pushed through the center of Barriss' saber for an instant before pulling away. The lightsaber fell apart into two pieces, and Barriss Offee's hand fell to the floor as she hunched over, clutching the stump in pain.

Obi-Wan could feel the shock rippling off Ahsoka for a moment before she forced herself to stand, she leveled her blades at Barriss. Obi-Wan lead the others to rush for the transport, still deflecting blaster fire. "Surrender, Barriss!" Ahsoka called out. Barriss glared her down for a moment, her mask coming open as she panted.

"Never!" She screamed out and, with her remaining hand, pushed away with the force, sending herself off the landing pad and into the forest below.

Obi-Wan watched for a moment, shaking his head as he hurried over to Ahsoka. "Ahsoka, we need to go!"

The young Togruta nodded and turned, hurrying onto the craft as the troopers boarded. "She'll be back." She said. Obi-Wan nodded, helping Luminara onto the transport while the Miralian master stared at where her Padawan had once stood.

"And we'll be ready… but we can't stay here. We need to leave before the entire Empire is on top of us!" He said, watching as the last clones climbed aboard, still laying down covering fire. He helped get Luminara into a medical rack where the droid could care for her. "Let's go!" he shouted to the pilot. Without hesitation, the pilot throttled up and pointed their nose skyward, laying on the power as they climbed to exit the atmosphere. Obi-Wan sighed, feeling the tiredness in him. They'd succeeded on Kashyyyk, but only just.