The clones did not seem satisfied with the fact that I was going to be the one to lead them once they had learned who I was. I was known to reject missions to uphold my beliefs as a pacifist, and as the rumours began to spread, I could hear them whispering behind me as I stood in command upon the bridge. "Is this really who they're sending to lead us into battle? What does she expect us to do, politely ask the clankers to leave?" One of them murmured, supposing themselves out of earshot, but I had developed keen senses and alertness from my years on the hostile planet. It was useful to listen intently for any possible approaching predators. "A pacifist has no place in war, she's going to get herself and the rest of us killed."
"They must be really scraping the bottom of the barrel to have to send peace lover to lead soldiers in war. Their Order must be stretched thin if no one else was available to lead." They continued whispering to one another, so for my own amusement, I called a nearby trooper over to me whereby he dutifully saluted.
"Please, no need. I am not a general, merely an overseer. Now, if you would be so kind, would you please tell those men over there that I can hear them, and if they have time to talk, then they can't have that many duties to attend to. If that is the case, then I am certain we can find something useful to occupy their time with." A little confused but obliging me all the same, the trooper approached the group and relayed my message, and behind me I sensed their shock and alarm as they quickly looked up, but I ignored them for now. I could understand their concerns, after all, I did not intend to lead anyone into battle. I said that I would bring the reinforcements and offer support to Master Windu, but that did not make me a commander or a general. I would fight for myself, and that would be all. Once we land on the surface and I have surveyed the situation, I will know how to respond.
The bridge was now quiet save for the occasional report or contact, and once we left hyperspace and had Dantooine in our sights, I allowed for us to pull into orbit so that we could begin unloading the transports and supply ships, having the men move out and leaving an admiral in charge. On the surface I noticed a great deal of damage from skirmishes to the forests and as we landed at the Republican outpost, things appeared a great deal worse than we feared. The post was situated on a vast plain where I could see the damage made by the seismic tank which had obliterated a large portion of the planet's crust, with the evidence of battle still scattered across the field where the clones were gradually brining in their dead.
"I don't believe it." Master Windu announced as he was helped forwards by his commander, limping and holding his side where he was injured as he glowered at me disapprovingly, making no effort to hide his disapproval of my presence here. "Of all the people they could have sent, they sent you?"
"Indeed, Master Windu. I have brought your medical supplies and your reinforcements. You and your men are safe." I informed him passively, turning just as something exploded beyond the boundaries and a shout came in warning to say that the droid army, consisting of B2 super battle droids, were on the move, and the accompanying tanks were releasing their cannon fire as they steadily enclosed upon our position. "I sense your situation is dire, however."
"Which is why I requested reinforcements and a new commander to take charge. I highly doubt you have any intentions of fighting in this battle, so why are you here? Is there someone else on their way?" Shaking my head, I regrettably informed Master Windu that this was all he was to receive, as all other forces where elsewhere engaged. He winced and staggered so I quickly moved forwards, taking his other arm in order to pull it over my shoulder.
"You need to rest and recover, these injuries must be treated."
"I cannot, if no one else is coming, then I must lead these men…"
"You are in no condition to lead anyone, master. Please, rest. I will see what can be done for our defences." Instructing the commander to take Master Windu to his quarters, I oversaw the unloading of the medical supplies and had as many of the wounded that could be moved taken back up to the star-cruiser away from the battle, making contact with the admiral to prepare the star-fighters and to await a signal to engage the enemy below on the surface. Since there was no one else, I had no choice but to take command, guiding the troops to rally and secure the perimeter, getting the shield generators back online and securing the retreat of the troopers still out in the field collecting their dead as the enemy pressed on. The commander, Commander Ponds, mostly oversaw the stationing of his men as the reinforcements from the Separatists attempted to take the planet a second time, as their first invasion had failed and their main weapon being destroyed, the massive hulk of which was still smouldering on the battlefield where it had fallen. We were vastly outnumbered, and their military power would create an alarming amount of destruction even with the shields operating at maximum capacity.
"Sir, all preparations have been made. What are your orders?"
"Orders? Commander Ponds, I cannot give you orders. I am not in charge here. If you prefer, I can offer you advice and counsel." I said to him as I turned my head from standing upon the wall from where I had overseen the last of the troops return from the battlefield, all of them injured and being pulled in by their brothers. In answer to this, Commander Ponds responded with a dry hint of disdain towards me which I chose to ignore.
"I'll take anything I can, sir."
"In that case, you should get the most severely injured back onto the transport ships and have removed from the planet. There is no sense in risking their lives since they will be unable to defend themselves should the base be overrun. The blast doors should be sealed and the shields activated once the enemy is within sight. The generators will hold for a while, though the tanks will have to be taken out somehow. I would suggest using the star-fighters from the cruiser to bombard the droid army, they will be able to make a single run before the tanks turn on them, so it must count. After that…well. We'll come to that later." Saluting to me all the same, most likely out of habit more than anything, Commander Ponds relayed the suggestions as I reached out through the Force, sensing the army approaching.
It was easier to hear them before they came within visual range, the watchtowers standing by with turret guns atop them as the men lined the walls with their weapons at the ready. Commander Ponds was beside me, and I could sense his unease for not having any orders or even a battle plan to follow. "You are restless, Commander Ponds. Calm your mind, all will be as it should."
"Forgive me sir, but what orders should I give the men? We should be moving out now, are we to face the enemy in a full frontal assault or are we to flank them from both sides and take them by surprise?"
"Neither, you are to remain within the safety of the base, for I cannot give you orders, and since you have received none, you must follow your prime directive, and this is to hold your position. This was the last order Master Windu gave you, was it not?" Now utterly confused, Commander Ponds looked at me quizzically, his helmet tucked under his arm as he gradually confirmed that this was the truth. "Then you must continue following his order. You are to hold your position, and this base, at all costs."
"But sir, with the enemy's numbers and firepower, there's no way we can possibly maintain our position. We'll be trapped here."
"Perhaps, but that is only if the enemy reaches our doors." Sensing his confusion, I turned to face him as the sun started to set before us, casting a brilliantly hued sky over our heads. "I cannot command you, Commander Ponds, but I can choose to fight if I so wish. Maintain your positions, and if I might make a suggestion, if any droids do make it past the boundary mark…shoot them." Pointing to the treeline, I then turned and drew up my hair to secure it back away from my face. "There is something you could do for me, now that I think about it."
"Yes sir?"
"Hold this." Removing my cloak, I tossed it to Commander Ponds before then leaping over the side of the wall in order to land upon the outside, using the Force to slow my fall at the last moment so that I landed lightly in a crouch before taking off, sensing the shield generators power up just as I left the boundary, shouts of disbelief following after me. I knew that Commander Ponds would follow his orders and not leave the base, which was what I wanted. I refused to lead anyone to their deaths, but this way, it is only my own life I am risking. Master Fisto was right, I cannot allow my own views to put innocents in the line of fire and risk their lives for the mere sentiment of disagreement over the cause and reason for this war. If I can save lives, even if it were just a single one, then I would gladly make that commitment.
Hearing the rhythmic march of the droids on approach, I drew my lightsaber from my utility belt and activated it with a flick of my thumb over the switch and the bright turquoise blade thrummed to life. I felt comforted by its presence as I raced headlong towards the enemy lines of hundreds upon hundreds of the B2 super battle droids. Clankers, I believe the troopers call them. It was rather fitting considering the sound they made whilst marching. Running swiftly towards the army, the droids barely had time to register my presence on their scanners before I was upon them, and with a powerful leap I dove directly into their midst and began to carve my way through them. Caterwauling in shock, my double bladed lightsaber carved through them effortlessly, the bright flash of light filling their optic sensors before being cut off altogether.
When eventually they had recovered from the unexpected attack, the droids began to surround me but my defensive form was impenetrable, and I deflected their blaster bolts as I constantly moved about, not allowing myself to be pinned down so more often than not, they ended up shooting one another. Leaping for one of the tanks, I was reminded of Master Yoda as I took them out, cutting off the funnels and even using the Force to send one crashing into another, crushing a squadron of the heavier looking battle droids in the process. I cut and weaved, ducked and twirled, using my lightsaber in both manner of forms. When a combined weapon, I was on the defensive, when I separated the two, I switched my form to an aggressive attack formation which carved through the droids like it was nothing.
My senses were alight, warning me whenever a bolt came towards me so that I could dodge or deflect it, using all my years of training and survival instincts to proceed through the ranks as I rather mercilessly destroyed all in my path. My movements flowed from one to the other, and soon enough I had let go of my sight and relied solely on the reactions of my instincts. I gave into them, becoming wild and ferocious as a predator with the serenity of a passing cloud. Obliterating their tanks and their forces, I continued to fight with all my strength as the sun continued to set, and from where it had started to descend, now all that remained was a mere sliver as the last droid fell.
For a few moments I remained still, taking in deep breaths in order to bring myself back to my senses. Poised still ready for battle as the last of daylight fell below the horizon, and the shadows of twilight begun to reap themselves into the world. I felt tired, so very tired, but alive. I sensed there would be no further attack upon this planet, as the last of the Separatist forces on this world were destroyed. I took no pleasure in the violence, but I admitted that it had been necessary, and with only myself placed in harm's way I had not strayed from my own beliefs or put anyone else in danger for the sake of conflict. At least now Dantooine was protected, so with this thought as my comfort, I sheathed my weapon and stood, turning my face back towards the base where I saw the faces of all the clones staring at me, and chief among the number, was Master Windu himself.