Echo: Yay, first comment!
Arthur: It only took you 23 chapters *starts to laugh, but feels pain in the stomach, and looks across the room to see Resist with an evil grin and holding a pencil and paper*
Echo: One, I got first comment last time. Two, we're your bosses...so respect the pouch!
Resist: Ha! Good one. Arthur, you ok? *chuckles some*
Arthur: What do you think?
Resist: I don't think….I know. Get it right kid.
Green: I fear for my job now.
Echo: Good. Resist, who are we gonna force to do the disclaimer? *laughs maniacally when the cast cowers in fear*
Resist: What about Patch? He hasn't talked much recently and has been quiet for too long in this story.
Patch: *shakes in terror* I don't wanna! *holds out syringe in defense*
Resist: Alright, just giving you a chance to speak is all. I need a volunteer, so someone please step forward *Everyone steps back one step except for Jhia*
Jhia: Fek.
Resist: Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?
Jhia: Even if I didn't kiss anyone, I'd still have more game than Arthur. *smirks*
Echo: Put your big Mando pants on and say the disclaimer.
Jhia: Fine *sigh* Resist and Echo don't own Star Wars or its characters. They only own their OCs and their demented, twisted version of The Bachelor, also known as "Arthur's Sad Love Life". Did that work for you guys?
Resist: Real quick, please check out my profile and read the stories Nightrider and The Man of Shadow. Both are about superheroes and us humans trying to quickly come up with ways of keeping heroes and villains, and just metahumans in general in check. Both stories take place in the same universe too, so things will get really exciting later on.
Resist: I liked it. *coughs to get announcer voice* Our undercover Jedi with their new ally, now set out to trap one of the galaxy's top criminal masterminds, a clone who thinks he is Mandalore the Resurrector. Our trio now plans on how to arrest Spar during the mission, while several clones prepare for the ambush…
Patch stood in the medical center of the Vigilance taking inventory before the big mission. The 66th's main medic didn't get nervous often, but this was one of those rare occasions. The self-proclaimed Mand'alor knew their tactics and Arthur may or may not be able to have their backs on this one. They didn't have Green to lead them anymore, or the general, and things have been growing tense within the battalion. Patch felt a hand on his shoulder and practically jumped out of his armor. "Patch, easy! Little jumpy?" asked a clone that was behind him. Patch turned around to see Sgt. Smoke standing in front of him.
"For good reason," Patch said seriously, "Everyone here is jumpy, waiting for their chance to get at Spar's throat. He returned to looking at his datapad, trying to focus once more. Smoke just shook his head at Patch's increased focus on this mission, so he started to walk away, letting the medic go back to checking inventory. Sure they were going up against Spar, who used to be a clone, but this guy went rogue and was one of the biggest lunatics that Smoke ever knew, so he treated this like any other mission.
The medic wanted to believe they were going to make it out unscratched, but something told him they were marching with death on their doorstep.
(Time Skip brought to by: enter story title here)
Patch and the other clones, with Kenobi stood around the cache waiting for their target. Patch then heard something from his right and looked in that direction, to see a streak of red go past his head. Taking cover behind the cache, Patch watched as Mandalorians came down at them. Smoke gave the signal and the squads split up and took cover behind the crates they were "delivering".
Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber and deflected a few shots before joining the sergeant. "Well, it looks like Arthur convinced him," the Jedi Master said, peeking around the crate to try and get a glimpse at their competition. "And quite a few Mandalorians as well."
"The kid is too smooth for his own good" Sgt. Smoke said, as he popped up and shot some shots, several hitting one target, and dropping the Mando to the ground motionless. "Sir, I don't see Spar" yelled Smoke, who tried to peek and look, but several blaster rounds landed on the cache close to his helmet, making him duck again.
"I don't see him, Smoke," Kenobi responded, "He's probably waiting, ready for a secondary attack." The Jedi sighed, "I don't sense Arthur with these warriors. He must be with Spar, waiting as well." Smoke, smirked under his helmet, "So that means we don't have to go easy on these guys then" he said, as he got up and fired off another volley, taking out some more of the Mandos.
(Spar's Side)
Jhia, who stood next to Spar, watched as their troops descended onto the Republic weapons cache, and surprised the clones on duty. She watched, but the more the battle went on, the more it looked like the Republic was actually waiting for them, despite the Mandos having the upper hand early. Jhia also noticed a Jedi was among the cones as well.
Arthur and Meela, also stood on a building with Jhia and Spar, as they watched their clones fight back against the Mandalorians. Spar also noticed the Republic had looked ready for them and walked several paces in front of the other three and quickly spun around to face them and drew his gun, "One of you, tricked me into falling for this...set up" he said through gritted teeth, "Was it you Jhia?" he asked, pointing the gun on her, but keeping an eye on Arthur and Meela, "You presented these plans to me!" he growled, looking like he was ready to pull the trigger on her.
Arthur watched this go down and he didn't want Jhia to take the blame for this. Jhia had took him under her wing and taught him some Mandalorian culture, to see if he was still interested in learning to become a Mandalorian, so against his better judgement, Arthur walked towards Spar and got on his knees, "It was I who set you up Spar, The Republic came to me a couple days after joining your crew and offered me credits beyond my imagination if I helped them bring you in. Neither of them had nothing to do with this," he said, putting his hands behind his head.
Spar looked down at him, pointing his blaster at Arthur now, "So you are to blame for this," he said, his anger still building up inside and it wasn't even close to reaching it's boiling point, "This news is rather depressing. Jhia spoke highly of you to me, about how you were willing to learn our culture and to possibly make the conversion, now she gets to see you die in front of her own eyes. I'll deal with her after I litter the ground with your blood" he said, but as he went to pull the trigger, the sound of several blasters being loaded nearby pierced the tension filled air.
Spar turned immediately to see a group of six clones, their guns pointed at everyone, "Spar you are under arrest for...AHH!" the clone, Sgt. Tag, screamed, unable to finish his sentence when Spar let loose a volley of shots. The clones took immediate cover as Spar and Jhia shot back, while Arthur and Meela took cover and randomly fired shots into the air, not wanting to kill any of their clone allies, but also wanted to put on a good show for Spar.
Meela gasped when she looked back at Tag's limp body. "Do you think he's dead?" she asked Arthur, eyes wide and full of fear. Were they to blame for his death? Could she have done something to stop it? These thoughts played about in the Togruta's mind as she continued to fire.
Arthur ducked behind cover and pulled Meela down as well, "Hey," he addressed her softly, "I need you to focus ok? You need to get use to these types of things, I know it is terrible, but we need to get out of this for their sake," he said, gesturing toward the body of Sgt. Tag.
"I understand," Meela started, "But he was your Master's friend and he was on our side. How many more of our friends are going to die?"
Arthur peeked up and fired a couple more shots over the heads of the clones, before ducking back down, "I don't know the answer. Green and Oni told me to not think about those kinda questions" he replied, not knowing how to really answer her, since it was a question he toyed with as well.
Meela looked away in shame and refused to pull the trigger any longer. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Pac hesitating as well. Arthur stopped as well, not wanting anymore clones to get shot in this fake fight he was having. I'm sorry, he said in general, but also to Meela for having her go through this charade.
Jhia knew they were outnumbered and threw her weapon down, allowing the clones to move in closer to Spar, but Arthur made a move toward the crazy Mando himself before the clones did, and was able to get the jump on Spar and the two fought it out barehanded.
The two rolled around on the ground, trading blows at each other as they did so. Among the clones, was Sgt. Smoke, who cautiously moved forward, his gun still drawn and pointed at Spar and Arthur, waiting for an opportunity to stun Spar, and take him in alive. The other clones moved in slowly as well, but had their blasters trained on the others.
Arthur had his back on the ground as Spar looked down on the Youngling, punching his face over and over. Arthur decided it was time to show Spar and Jhia his secret and used the force and pushed Spar off of him. Spar flew across the platform and hit a building, plopping down beside his gun. He went to grab the gun, but clones were all over him and dragged him over to Jhia and Meela, who were now sitting on the ground with their hands up, while the clones had their guns pointed at them.
Arthur was talking to Sgt. Smoke and some others about the mission, when Spar reached one of Jhia's hidden blasters and aimed for Arthur and fired a shot, "Arthur!" someone yelled, and Arthur spun around, in time to see Sgt. Smoke lying on the ground and Meela and Jhia tackling Spar to the ground, trying to grab the gun from his hands, but the gun went off during the struggle and the clones rushed over to see who was injured, while Arthur bent down to take a look at Smoke. He fell down to his knees and to remember his medical training as took off Smoke's helmet, but as he tried to remember, Smoke grabbed the collar of Arthur's black shirt, leaving a visible blood stain.
"Kid, you need to get him into custody," the sergeant said in a raspy voice, "That's your mission now." Arthur shook his head quickly, "No, I need to get you out of here" he said, moving to pick up Smoke as he said those words. But the clone pushed him back and pointed towards the chaos in front of them. "I've already done my job, now you need to do yours."
When Smoke saw that Arthur wasn't budging, he sighed, ignoring the taste of blood in his mouth. Everything was beginning to turn fuzzy and he struggled to look at the Youngling. "Arthur, go. I get to…..to be with….my brothers now." Coughing up the red liquid, the clone that saw Arthur more as a brother than a Jedi looked him in the eye. "Make it to the end, kid. Give Green a good ol' 'oorah' for me, would ya?" Reaching underneath the body suit covering his neck, Smoke pulled out his ID tags and held them out to Arthur.
Arthur started to visibly tear up, "No" he said, more sternly, "This can't happen, it's not fair" he said, clenching a fist he had on laying on Smoke's chestplate. The man smiled, "Thanks for always…...having my back….Arthur. It was an honor…..to have yours today." Smoke's eyes began to close as his breathing slowed. The metal tags dropped down onto his abdomen and his hand slumped down against his side. His head rolled back and his chest heaved for the last time. Blood dripped down his neck, onto the ground, a bright red trail against a dark gray body.
Arthur grabbed the ID tags and took his necklace and threaded it through, so they dropped down beside his mother's ring. Arthur grew with anger at losing his best friend and not caring if he blew his cover grabbed the two pieces of metal and connected them and then pointed the metal down to the ground and a blue blade ignited, the tip hitting the snow, causing a small sizzling sound. He then walked toward Spar, who was wrestling on the ground with Meela and Jhia, anger and hate clearly visible.
Meela turned and saw the look in his eyes. She immediately got out of the struggle and stood up to face him. "Arthur, no!" she screamed, holding her hands out in front of her. The Togruta knew what Arthur was planning to do and also knew they needed to take Spar in alive. Jhia noticed Meela's absence and calculated that she couldn't fight off an Alpha-class clone by herself. Shoving Spar away, she was able to get him to look around. He had heard the lightsaber ignite. Seeing Arthur, his face devolved into a scowl.
Arthur stopped, but he kept his blade ignited, "This ends right now. I don't care if we drag him in or we carry him in a bodybag" he said angrily, matching the look Spar was giving him. "That's not the Jedi way, Arthur," Meela said through gritted teeth. This made Spar snort. "I knew it all along," he said, "Something smelled distasteful and untrustworthy about you two from the beginning. Jedi, there isn't a strand of good in any of you."
"Look in the mirror Spar if you want to see something distasteful and untrustworthy" shot Arthur, not moving forward or making any motion to move Meela out of his way. To be honest, she kept him in check by staying close to him. The Togruta nudged him further away, but looked back at Spar. "You Mandalorians aren't any better. I don't see a thread of good in any of you. We fight to keep peace, while you fight to fill your pockets. You claim to be of honor, and take a title that you earned from killing peacekeepers."
Jhia looked down at this. Arthur looked her way giving her a look that he believed in her even though he didn't know her long. He hoped she would do the right thing and help them bring in Spar, but what they needed right now was a distraction so they could move in on him. Spar chuckled at the Youngling. "Peacekeepers leading a war front? Hypocrites."
Obi-Wan and several clones appeared from behind Spar, "Give it up Spar, you are surrounded and outnumbered. Please come quietly and no harm will come to you" said Kenobi, blade raised and pointed at Spar. Arthur finally raised his and pointed it as well.
Spar somewhat smirked and began raising his hands. But before anyone could approach and detain him, he pressed a button on his forearm armor and his jetpack activated. The man flew off, knowing that the clones wouldn't shoot at him if they wanted him alive. Arthur grumbled, but didn't try to pursue the man and went back to Smoke's now lifeless body and knelt down on his knees and whispered quietly, "I let you down" Arthur spoke, "I'm so sorry" he said softly, some tears finding their way down his face.
Arthur walked over to Jhia and stood in front of her, not raising his head to meet her eyes, "I trust you'll cooperate?" he asked, but his voice was cold. Pac nodded crisply without a word and gestured for Arthur to do what was necessary. She had no place now, and would need to cooperate if she were to win favor with the Jedi and the Republic.
He then led Jhia over to Master Kenobi, "Master, this is Jhia Pac. She has knowledge on Spar and knows names and places that can help the Republic" said Arthur, but he did the same thing he did to Kenobi as he did Jhia, his head was slightly down and only stared at Kenobi's chest and not making eye contact.
Arthur then made his way over to Smoke's body again. He stared at it and he felt emptiness inside of him. Arthur then bent down and placed his arms under Smoke and picked him up so he was slung over Arthur's right shoulder and he started to walk toward one of Kenobi's gunships, so Smoke got a proper burial that he deserved. Patch looked at the kid carrying the lifeless body of Smoke and felt bad for him. He was well on his way to actually getting control of his emotions inside of him, and now this happened.
He watched the scene unfold before him for a little, before returning back to doing some field work on some wounded clones during the firefight. In his mind, Patch tried to conjure up a way to tell General Kao and Commander Green about Smoke's death with the least amount of pain. The sergeant had started out in the 66th as a rookie a few months after the Battle of Geonosis and was one of Green's most trusted men since. His death will leave a scar on all of them for the rest of the war and then some. He saw Arthur hand over Smoke's body to some clones that were already aboard the gunship and watched as the ship's doors closed and took off with Smoke's body, but others as well. Arthur stood at the spot where he gave the troopers on the gunship Smoke's body, staring up at the sky.
Pac hadn't known too much about where Spar was heading, but was able to expose a few places the Republic could scout out. With his hierarchy in shambles, the clone would have to focus on rebuilding his ranks before making another appearance. Jhia had made a good impression on Kenobi, the beginning of a good repor with the Jedi Order that would hopefully rub off on Oni Kao.
Taking her leave from Obi-Wan's presence, Jhia headed towards Arthur, intent on relieving some of the pain he was enduring. Staring out at the permanent orange-sunset of Bespin, the Mandalorian nudged Perry. "He died honorably," she said, "A death a Mandalorian respects and hopes for. Your friend's death will not be in vain."
Arthur didn't look at her, not wanting her to see the tears that were streaming down his face, though he figured she already saw, "Teach me" he said to her in a mumble. He paused a long time before continuing, "The clones that fight are Mandalorian, and I want to honor Smoke the most I can" Arthur spoke quietly to her, "I didn't capture Spar and I let him down by not finishing the mission" he finished, still looking at the setting sun.
Jhia smiled at this. "You'll honor Smoke, I can guarantee that, and every Mandalorian you've seen die on the battlefield." With that, Pac gave Arthur's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before departing, wanting to leave him to savor that promise and commit it to memory. Arthur watched the sun for a couple more seconds before turning to go back to everyone. "Council report time?" he asked, trying to sound like his usual self, but it didn't come out the way he wanted it to.
Patch looked up from stitching up a corporal and raised a brow at Arthur. The other men had curious looks as well, not needing Jedi powers to sense his unusual tone. Kenobi remained calm and neutral, turning towards Arthur. "As soon as all of the men are ready to move, we'll head back to Coruscant and report our findings."
Meela swallowed hard, feeling a bit of dread. She wondered if the Council would be displeased with the outcome of the mission and belay their becoming Padawans.
TIME SKIP brought to you by Arthur's Wrecked Love Life
Arthur stood outside the Council room's doors, sitting on the bench with Meela next to him. Out of instinct, and unaware that he was doing it, grabbed her hand that was laying on the bench they both sat in. He wanted to feel her next to him because she was his rock that kept him in check and helped ease his pain that swirled around inside of him.
The Togruta sucked in a breath when he did that and looked around to ensure no one had seen the motion. It could have been merely taken as an action of friendship, but Meela still felt panic. "I'm not so sure you'll be able to get away with that in the meeting," she said, her voice laced with humor and concern at the same time. She held tightly onto Arthur's hand, sending waves of comfort through the Force.
Arthur actually allowed a small smile to appear on his face, but it quickly left, "I know. That's why I did it now" he said, before he started to draw small circles on her hand.
"We managed to get vital information on Spar's dealings and gray areas in our defenses," Meela said, "I'm sure that's just as good as bringing him in. Has Kao said anything to you about the mission yet?" Arthur shook his head, No," he mumbled with a small amount of anger, "She hasn't said a word to me since we were inside Spar's compound. She hasn't even tried to contact me even after Smoke's…" he couldn't bring himself to say 'death'.
"Don't be angry with her," Meela said sternly, "Last I checked in, you made her upset. And from what you told me, I wouldn't be surprised if she ignored you for a couple days." The young woman sighed, "She has bigger things to worry about, I'm sure. And if this meeting goes awry, so do we."
Arthur, still drawing circles in her hand, which probably not only relaxed her, but it relaxed him as well, "I know. I promise to be a good boyfriend" he said to her as he put his left hand up, since his right was occupied. Just then Kenobi came through the doors and Arthur very carefully, pulled his hand away from Meela's, but also made it look normal. "The council is ready for you young ones" he said, before returning to the room.
"Let's go," Meela said, trying to sound calm. As she and Arthur stepped into the room, at least one pair of eyes was already glued to them. And she was not pleased at all. She had heard the news of Smoke's passing from Patch hours ago, and the outcome of the mission. Seeing her former Padawan standing before her with evidence of his death staining his tunic twisted a knot in her stomach and made her blood boil.
"Masters," Arthur greeted, while bowing, showing his respect to them before continuing, "I do not think we could call this mission a complete success," he started, "Spar was able to escape and we took a lot of casualties in trying to apprehend him," he said, trying not to mention Smoke by name, "Though we did come away with some good news…" he said before trailing off to allow Meela to deliver the good news.
"We were able to retrieve information from one of Spar's Protectors," she said, "Jhia Pac, a bounty hunter, who was not as tied to Spar as one might assume, helped us ambush him and pledged loyalty to the Republic. She gave us intel on his secret bases and tactics, which will set him back for some time and dissolve the current advantage the Separatists have over us with his support."
Arthur then interjected, allowing Meela to deliver all the good news to make her look good in the eyes of the Republic so she can at least get her promotion that he thought she deserved. He hoped to get his as well, but seeing the Council probably viewed him as damaged goods once again because of the loss of Smoke, he wanted to at least get her her promotion, so he continued to speak of bad news, "Though it isn't Spar himself, we should be able to at least keep him in check for a while, since he will have to practically start over in his plans" he said.
Kao raised a brow and cleared her throat, earning everyone's attention. "A victory then," she said, speaking against her own beliefs, "Good job, the both of you. You've completed a mission that most your age couldn't handle, and for that, I believe you are to be commended."
Shaak Ti nodded and turned to gaze at Meela and Arthur, "I agree with Master Kao. You both proved maturity and endurance in your task." Other Masters mumbled their agreement and comments except for Yoda and Windu, who always seem to remain neutral in any discussion.
Arthur shared a look with Meela, "Meela was the most mature of the two of us and I feel I am too emotionally compromised to be given any commendations….of any kind" he added at the end, in case they were both getting promoted to Padawan. He didn't feel it would be a good idea for him to become a Padawan after he felt he was emotionally distraught inside, and that he also tried to kill Spar during the mission after Smoke had died.
"I would disagree with that statement," Oni said, a little firmly, "We've already gathered reports from Master Kenobi, the clones who survived, and even the bounty hunter whom you conspired against Spar with." Kao didn't say her name, as she was in turmoil against allowing Pac back into Clan Shan after she rebelled against her brother's rule. "We offer commendations based upon our own investigations, not by the cover of a book."
Arthur nodded, "Then I shall do what the Council wishes" he said, not making eye contact with his former master. He felt he would just break down if he did so at this moment. Instead he focused mostly on Shaak Ti and Kenobi, while occasionally looking at others, keeping his master in his peripherals.
"This bounty hunter," Windu contemplated, "How were you able to convince her to betray Spar as Meela pointed out?" Arthur cleared his throat before explaining, "She mentioned in a previous conversation that she didn't trust or really like Spar at all to begin with. After infiltrating Spar's compound, I pulled her aside in private and told her everything about myself, but I protected Meela's identity incase she did turn against us, Meela could still complete the mission. She agreed to help and give the Republic all the information she knew about Spar" he explained.
"If her loyalties to Spar were so weak," Kao said, "What should prove to us that she will not betray the Republic so easily?" She stared Arthur down, almost daring him to look her in the eye.
Arthur recognized the tone of voice in his master and made eye contact, trying to match her stare the best he could without falling apart, she reminded him of all the missions they went on when he had Smoke to rely on and help him make it through, "She wanted a do over. I could tell she really meant it. She knew that she had messed up in her past and she wanted a chance to make up for those mistakes and I offered her the first step in doing so" he replied, not wavering from the staring contest he was having with his former master.
"Interesting," Oni commented, "Though we should take caution. She is, afterall, a Mandalorian." Something in Kao's eyes flashed, anger and regret. "And Mandalorians do not mix well with Jedi and the Republic." Turning to Windu, she found that he agreed with her. "We'll have to take measures to confirm the intel she has given us, Master Kao. But for now, we must trust her."
Arthur turned to face Windu, "If you would like Master Windu, I could keep an eye on her every now and then. I already have her trust and respect," he suggested, but he kept his eyes locked on the floor as he mentioned his idea, waiting for it to be dismissed.
"If your future Master allows it, of course," Master Ti said, looking at Oni, who smirked. "The Republic will be keeping her under careful watch," Plo Koon added, "She would welcome a familiar face, I'm sure. If she seems to trust Arthur, we should use that to our advantage." The Kel Dor received approval across the board for his words.
"Future master?" asked Arthur, who was shocked, yet also excited too, turning to face Shaak Ti.
The older Togruta nodded, "You won't be a Youngling forever, Arthur." She once again took a glance at Oni from the corner of her eye. Being good friends with the near Human, Shaak Ti knew exactly of Oni's intentions of being Arthur's Master once again.
"To be honest, I thought I was never going to get promoted again. I really messed up last time and figured I was permanently demoted to Youngling," confessed Arthur.
"The Council would have expelled you if we thought you were drained of such potential," Oni snapped, angry that her former student would still speak of himself like this. "We make our decisions with much thought, Arthur, not humor and negative intent."
"Yes master," Arthur replied to her, "Sorry if this sounds out of turn and rude, but the commendation that you spoke of earlier…." Arthur faded out, not sure if he should have mentioned the praise just then.
"Continue, young one," Oni said with a daring voice. Arthur, though deep down he knew better made eye contact with her, and continued. He felt mad at her, but hid it extremely well, "What are they?" he asked her, not wavering again. His grief for Smoke was becoming harder to bottle up.
"To be discussed amongst the council after this debriefing," his former Master replied, letting her amber gaze burn yellow.
"Yes master," he humbly replied. Obi-Wan then cleared his throat and looked at the two Younglings, "If the Council doesn't have any more questions, then we could discuss your possible reward now" he said, looking at the other members.
"I have one."
Everyone looked to Master Kao, some with fear of what she would ask. It was very unlike Oni to speak when all of the information was laid down in front of her.
"When Spar and the Protectors began firing upon the clones," Oni paused, taking a deep, but silent breath, "You and Meela continued to stick to the deserter's side. How come you did not take the chance to apprehend him with clear and tactical advantage?" This was another thing she had learned from Patch, who never left detail out of his reports to her.
Arthur took in a deep breath before answering, "During the initial attack from the Protectors, they were beat back and Spar realized then that it was a trap and held, Meela, Pac, and I at gunpoint demanding answers. I stepped forward claiming responsibility when Smo….." Arthur trailed off at bringing up his fallen friend, "When Sgt. Smoke and his squad came up and announced the arrest of Spar" he answered.
Plo Koon saw where Oni was heading with this and moved in his seat to gain attention, cutting her off. "The interrogation of Jhia Pac proved that your identities had not yet been revealed completely, thus you needed to maintain them for your own safety," he said, glancing at Kao before giving Arthur an approving nod.
Arthur nodded back, "I did not fire directly at any of the clones, all of my shots went into the air. Even that was hard to do. Just the thought of having to fire at the clones made even firing the shots in the air hard to do, and neither Meela or I could handle the pain and guilt that went with it and stopped. Luckily Pac had surrendered at around the same time we quit firing and Spar was then surrounded," Arthur went on to add. He couldn't believe his master had called him out on that, or actually was the one to ask a question because she never really did after the meetings were almost over.
Windu was just as skeptical as Kao at the moment. "I believe what your former Master implies is that you put the lives of the clones in danger because you did not try and take Spar down yourselves." His eyes narrowed and showed great distrust, which was absent from Oni's. "Being in league with Pac, the three of you could have easily taken down the man, with your training and knowledge of hand to hand combat greater than many of the clones in Sgt. Smoke's squad. Had you taken this course of action, those men may still be alive today."
Oni shifted in her seat and looked aways, her jaw clenching. "And now, Master Kao must find a replacement for the squad's leader, a setback for the 66th Battalion that could affect their efficiency in their next assignment," Windu finished. Even though Koon had tried to rescue Arthur in diverting the topic away, Mace had brought up a good point that rested with everyone in the room.
Meela, who had been quiet for some time, looked down in shame. She agreed with the former Master of the Order. Arthur was about to boil and explode inside. His former master and Master Windu had pretty much just blamed him for Smoke's death. "Master Kao had told me that Jhia wasn't to really be trusted completely because she was more into things for money, rather than loyalty, so even though she did make a deal to give up names and locations, I and Meela still had doubts about her actually helping us, so we moved when we had proper reinforcements in case she did stab us in the back" he defended, trying not to boil over in anger at being blamed for his friend's death.
"More evidence that you both need guidance," Shaak Ti said. "A Master will correct the flaws in your decision making."
"Yes master" Arthur bowed, but did not pick his head back up, because he like Meela saw the flaws in their way of handling the situation and didn't want to look at the council members. Arthur started to think that maybe he was to blame for Smoke's death.
"We may begin the discussion," Oni said nonchalantly, looking towards Kenobi.
(With Arthur and Meela Outside the Council Chamber Doors)
Arthur sat on the floor up against the wall. He looked nervous about what was being said about him and Meela on the other side of the Jedi Council Chamber doors. He looked at Meela who seemed calm about the whole situation, and he then focused on trying to calm himself. "Maybe I ruined your chances?" he hesitantly mumbled, not sure about the words leaving his mouth. It was like he was arguing internally with himself if he did or didn't as he spoke the words.
"They would look at my actions and judge their decision based on that," Meela said, "Not your words."
Arthur stood up and made his way over to the bench Meela was sitting on. He did not sit, instead he put his head up against the wall that Meela had her back resting on and he closed his eyes, "They blame me for Smoke's death" he mumbled. After taking a couple seconds pause, "Maybe they're right though?"
"Not everyone blamed you," the Togruta pointed out. She gave out a heavy sigh, though maintained her composure. "Windu sees everything from a "you could have done this better" point of view. Your Master is probably just grieving over the loss of one of her best men." Looking at Arthur, she gestured for him to sit beside her. "He died honorably for the Republic and gave noble sacrifice. It was his decision and there's nothing you could have done to stop him."
"Windu's right though. If I did this better than Smoke might still be here. Master Kao didn't need to send his squad in the first place though. Master Kenobi has a bunch of clones in his army, Smoke never should have been there" he said, trying to defend himself, but blaming his former master as he did so.
"So you would have been okay with Kenobi's men dying in his place?" Meela snapped, shocked by Arthur's words. She glared at him and considered slapping him, but held her anger back.
Arthur jerked his head toward her, meeting her eyes, "How could you think that about me? I don't want clones to die at all! I don't favor clones like that saying "I like Green more, so I hope Patch dies instead" That is far from who I am" he said, keeping his voice calm as he said this.
"You sure made it sound that way," Meela retorted, "Smoke's death meant something. I heard his last words and he died willingly and ready to see his brothers in the next life." She paused, "As Jedi we are supposed to be happy for those that become one with the Force and accept death for what it is."
"I know, I am happy that he has done so," Arthur started, before taking a pause to sigh, "The first words he said though was that I needed to bring Spar to custody, that it was my job now….I didn't do it. Spar is still out there somewhere" he said bitterly.
"It was our job to bring Spar in," Meela corrected him, "We both failed in that department. But, we need to learn to accept and learn from our mistakes, not dwell on them. Whatever your thoughts on failure, cast them out." Standing up, Meela walked over to go stare at the Coruscant traffic and meditate. "They'll only bring you down."
Arthur walked up behind her and lightly put his hands on her waist and his chin rested lightly on the top of her head, "I just feel like I let him down" Arthur confessed.
"We both did." Meela exhaled and grasped Arthur's hands in her own. After a few moments, she removed them, "We should wait until after we hear the Council's decision to comfort each other...just in case." The Togruta gave Arthur a warm smile, pulling away from his touch. Arthur smiled, looking her in the eye, "They are taking their good old time aren't they?"
Resist: Well that was fun. Another chapter down in this story. At least Arthur's love life is starting to become stable.
Meela: "Starting"
Echo:...ouch. You in on this too, Mel?
Meela: Mhmm
Patch: How can you not get in on it? It's so easy to make fun of his love life.
Resist: You got that right.
Smoke (blue spirit): It was fun while it lasted.
Green: Wait, how are you actually dead? I thought we were just actors…
Smoke: Wouldn't you like to know
Arthur: As we banter back and forth, thank you all for tuning in to this chapter and can't wait to see you all again for the next.
Resist: Drop a review and let us know how we did. Just another reminder to check out the stories Nightrider and The Man of Shadow as well. There are more heroes that will get their own stand alone stories as well coming up.