Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: The halfway point of the battle of Geonosis I hope everyone here will enjoy the update.
(Start Outskirts of Droid Factory)
Yuvel was currently observing the Droid Factory through a pair of binoculars. From what he could see the place was crawling with Droids, Falspawn, and Geonosians all ready to attack. Judging by the designs on them Yuvel could see that they were some of Apprentices stronger variants of her basic larger Falspawn. This only further proved that Apprentice was hiding out inside the factory and seeing as they needed to take it out before it was fully constructed, it was basically two birds one stone.
"Well, this might be a tough fight for us." Yuvel said as he began to slide down to his team to find Reggie with a hatch open on his body picking the sand out.
"But this is the final run we take this factory we can leave and go home." Zurna said as she had enough of their pleasant little trip to the desert.
"Should be." Laura said confirming this as fact.
"Good the sooner we leave the sooner I can go for a scrub I swear it's every time with sand it gets all up in my body, I can't get it out, and its uncomfortable!" Reggie said as he was getting the sand out of his servos.
"Oh, quite you're bitching we still got a job to do." Zurna said as she looked to Reggie.
"A job that will be hard if we don't have a way to breach the defenses." Yuvel cut in as he looked to his team. "Hopefully General Unduli will be able to give us a hand." Yuvel said as the Jedi Master in question was taking over while Obi-Wan was back on the Resolute getting medical attention with Ki-Adi Mundi.
"Awesome!" Reggie called out as he followed after his friends heading down hill to meet up with their forces in the front.
"Oi now!" Lon said as he and his squad approached. "Their calling us in for mission briefing best that you lot get moving." Lon said as he and Zion stood there which Yuvel nodded in understanding to his fellow Operative.
"Will do gunslinger." Yuvel said and thus he, Reggie, Laura, and Zurna all began to make their way to where Anakin, Ahsoka, and Arthur were currently hosting the mission brief.
(Back with the others)
Currently at said front, Ahsoka and Anakin got their squad of clones together while they waited for Luminara and her reinforcements to arrive. Artoo brought up a hologram of the area as Ahsoka briefed them on the mission. "This bridge is our first waypoint focus your fire on the gun emplacements, here and here. Because it's only-" she started, pointing to the bridge then two spots on the factory side as red dots appeared on the map. But just then Anakin cut her off and continued to explain the mission.
"Because it's only after we neutralize the guns can we push for the factory." Anakin said much to Ahsoka's annoyance on the matter.
"I was…!" Ahsoka started to say before relenting and continuing to explain. "Yes, we can push for the factory now expect stiff resistance from-" Ahsoka spoke only for Anakin to interrupt her again and moved to stand in front of her. Ahsoka gave him a brief irritated look as this was her mission briefing.
"And don't forget to top off your energy cells and ration packs, once we leave there will be no resupply. Anything else, Ahsoka?" Anakin asked, turning his head to his Padawan.
"No. I think you've pretty much covered everything. In my briefing." Ahsoka replied, sounding miffed from the tone she used.
"Very well, squad dismissed." Anakin said and in turn the clones and ARKs Operatives then took their leave. "Okay, what's next?" Anakin asked Ahsoka as they turned off the holo map.
"You know, Master my briefings might go better if you didn't interrupt me every time I tried to-" she started, her tone still irritated.
But instead, Anakin interrupted her again. "I wasn't interrupting, I was trying to help you." he said, defending himself.
Ahsoka only seemed to get even angrier by that statement. "Which I would appreciate if you didn't interrupt me to do it." Ahsoka said explaining her current ire to Anakin and the reasons behind her current annoyance. "I just think you don't trust me to give the briefing!" Ahsoka said accusing Anakin with a frown on adoring her features.
Her master suddenly turned to face her. "It's not about trust it's about getting the job done right." he said defensively which only served to anger his Padawan even further here.
She raised her finger like a lawyer about to object. "So, you don't trust me to get the job done right! I knew it!" she accused as Arthur stumbled upon the scene before stepping back to let them hash this out.
Anakin sighed at her claim feeling that it was not true. "Snips, I never-" he started to say only for Ahsoka to interrupt him this time.
"No. No. It's okay, I understand. I'm the padawan you're the master." she said, her tone sounding bitter as she crossed her arms in annoyance, just as Yuvel and his team walked in.
"Uh what just happened?" Yuvel asked as he stumbled upon the scene.
"I think it's better not to ask." Laura said as she saw the two arguing like siblings or parent and child.
"Is it always like this?" Arthur asked as he saw the scene before him finding it a bit unprofessional.
"Sometimes." Reggie confirmed with a flat tone not even denying the fact.
"Should one of us step in?" Zurna asked as she looked to the others while watching Anakin and Ahsoka argue.
A few minutes later Luminara and Barriss' gunship landed while Ahsoka and Anakin were still arguing. "Maybe if you'd listen to me!" Anakin accused as he and Ahsoka were having a roll while ARKs Operatives watched while doing their own thing.
"Well, if you don't trust me then maybe you should send me back!" Ahsoka shot back glaring at her master.
"Don't tempt me, Snips." he said, sounding like he just might. They looked like they were gonna start again just as Luminara and her padawan approach. Like Luminara the padawan was a green skinned Miralian with diamond markings on her forehead and chin. She wore a blue hood with a short cape, similar to a hijab or cowl over a dark black Jed gown fitting a Miralian like her master. She appeared to be older or more developed than Ahsoka, tall and slender with a sense of grace as she followed her Master.
"It appears Skywalker and his apprentice are at it again, Councilman." Luminara said as she saw the CAST standing nearby.
"I can see that Master Jedi and please we're comrades in arms Arthur is fine." Arthur said as he waved a hand to let Luminara calm herself from the stiffness of her actions. "I personally just hope this will pass once the mission begins." Arthur said as he looked to the arguing pair of Jedi.
"Pardon me but… again Master?" The padawan asked as she looked to Luminara.
"Let's just say they have a pension with regulations and rules of command." Luminara said as they approached the group.
Both Ahsoka and Anakin snapped to as the Jedi gathered. "Well, Barriss aren't you going to introduce yourself." Luminara said hands behind her back gesturing to the girl behind her.
Barriss then walked up to Ahsoka and Anakin to do as her master suggested. "Padawan Barriss Offee at your service." She said with a soft brow and courtesy that made Anakin smile with her formalness and made Ahsoka cringe.
"Uh Likewise." Ahsoka said offering her a hand to Barriss to shake Ahsoka narrowed her eyes at the interaction before they all turned their attention to Anakin.
"It's good to see you again." Anakin said greeting the Jedi Master before him.
"I wish it were under more peaceful circumstances." Luminara said knowing full well of the current situation.
(Later)
As injured troops were brought into the gunships the combined group of ARKs Operatives and Jedi were surrounding a holo table. As Luminara stood close to Barriss the group was looking over the holo map of the Droid Factory Poggel and Apprentice were hiding out at. "A frontal assault is risky our losses will be high." She said, her voice taking on a worried tone as she held her chin.
"But not as high as they'll be if that factory comes online." Anakin said, crossing his arms which was when Arthur spoke up.
"But we also need to consider the fact that Dark Falz Apprentice has more than likely made this place her base of operations." Arthur said noting the current Dark Falz situation. "I recommend a two-pronged attack; our main forces will draw the enemy's attention while a small strike team will enter the cavern and take out the factory from within as well as neutralize Dark Falz Apprentice." Arthur said as he pointed to the map where the two-pronged attack would be happening.
"Precisely. That task will be carried out by you and I, Skywalker. While the destruction of the factory falls to the padawans." Luminara said
"Now hold on, who decided that?" Anakin asked her, frowning as Ahsoka placed her hand on her hips and glared at him. "Walking into that factory could be suicide!" He argued to which Yuvel had more to add.
"Yeah, how are we supposed to sneak inside?" Yuvel asked with concern over this.
"Every Geonosian Building has a series of tunnels that go deep underground." Barriss explained as the tunnels were shown. "Some of them go to the cliffside that we can cut a hole in to send in the strike team." Barriss said and thus Arthur saw the logic in that.
"When people's lives are on the line it pays to be prepared." Arthur said as he knew that the plan was their best bet at taking out the factory and Apprentice.
Ahsoka leaned over to Anakin who still wasn't a believer in the plan. "Master, I can do this I've had riskier assignments!" Ahsoka argued as she knew she could do this.
"But unlike Barriss, you aren't prepared for this mission." Anakin argued back worried for Ahsoka's wellbeing.
"Not to worry, my padawan is reliable." Luminara assured with the upmost confidence in Barriss capabilities. "She can lead them through the maze and all 200 junctions." Luminara added knowing that Barriss and Ahsoka have both been trained well.
"We'll be in and out, Master." Barriss assured as well as Arthur had his doubts.
"See? Dependable Barriss will get us through." Ahsoka said with the best of confidence. "Don't worry, Master as you well know, I can follow orders." she said with a slight mocking tone and smirk while folding her arms.
"General Skywalker if it makes you feel better, I can provide two of my best ARK's Operatives for this task." Arthur said as his optics laid on Yuvel and Laura for this.
When Anakin made no argument, it was clear he okayed this plan of attack. "It's decided then." Luminara said as she handed Ahsoka a backpack, who slipped it on while continuing to smirk.
"I guess it is." Anakin said, still sounding like he was against the idea.
"Yuvel Laura you two will accompany Barriss and Ahsoka into the tunnels." Arthur said and thus the two ARKs Operatives saluted.
"Yes sir!" They both announced and thus were ready to depart.
Luminara then pulled out a set of chronometers one for each of them. "We'll monitor your progress on these chronometers." Luminara said, handing them each a chronometer. "We'll sync on my mark." Luminara continued as they all got ready to press the button. "Three. Two. One. Mark." She announced and in turn the devices beeped simultaneously and flashed green once for all the jedi and ARKs Operatives wearing them.
"Let's get going after you Barriss." Ahsoka said as Barriss took the lead and they started running towards the bridge. "Come on Yu!" Ahsoka called as Yuvel and Laura then Photon Dashed to keep up with the pair of Jedi Padawans.
"Better keep up slowpokes!" Yuvel called out as Laura chuckled to her friends' antics here.
As they left Arthur approached Anakin with concern for him. "You're worried for her, aren't you?" Arthur asked as he put a comforting hand on Anakin's shoulder trying to understand the hero with no fear. "She's become close to you, and you fear losing that." Arthur said as Anakin was surprised by Arthurs words. "Cherish that connection and from such connection you will find a strength you never thought possible." Arthur said assuring Anakin that the Padawans will be ok.
Anakin in response sighed to this and turned his attention to their forces. "Let's go prepare the men." Anakin said and thus they headed out to prepare their attack forces.
They headed on back to the map and began to form their plan that Artoo was seen projecting. "We'll need to make a bold move to keep their attention off the Padawans and the two ARKs Operatives." Luminara said as Anakin crossed his arms looking at the hologram while Arthur gave it a look over.
"The only way to and from the factory is the bridge… perhaps we can use that." Arthur said as he looked to the map.
"I think I might have something." Anakin said as he showed his plan for the distraction. "Best plan is to march our troops up the middle, parade style, they can't resist that." Anakin suggested Artoo heard his command and showed holograms of the republic forces meeting the droids on the bridge.
"With no cover?" Luminara asked him with concern in her voice.
"We'll have to make it very tempting." Anakin urged as Arthur thought it over.
"I don't like it but it's our best option." Arthur said accepting that this was a tough call to make.
(Meanwhile in the Droid Factory)
Apprentice was roaming around the Factories main control room with Prime Minister Poggel and a Tactical Droid in the room. Down on the holo table was the images of the battlefield. "The factory is operating at 50% production capacity we have 10 garrisons of new droids ready to deploy." The Tactical Droid said as Apprentice glared at the mentioned droid.
"And what about this new super tanks Poggel has been going on and on about?" Apprentice asked as she wanted an updates on those things.
"I'm afraid that the Super Tanks are not ready yet." The Tactical Droid reported causing Apprentice to roll her eyes clearly growing impatient with them. "But when they are Republic and ARKs Forces will be routed. After intensive study neither of them have the weapons capable of penetrating its armor." The Droid said to which Apprentice smirked to this information.
(Meanwhile Outside of the Factory)
Republic Troopers and ARKs Operatives were seen marching towards the Droid Factory with Anakin, Luminara, and Arthur leading them. In response the massive gate of the factory began to open and from it Battle Droids began to march forward with Falspawn accompanying them. "Here comes the droids and the Falspawn. Everybody steady." Anakin ordered as Arthur glared at them.
"Keep marching and ensure they focus solely on us." Arthur said as he looked to his own troops.
"I hope the Padawans have made it past the bridge by now." Luminara said as she looked down with a face of concern.
"We have a lot of Droids and Falspawn to deal with." Arthur said as he had Yozorah ready for use in its sealed state. "But considering that this is a Droid Factory it's no surprise." Arthur said to which he was ready for whatever may be waiting for them inside.
"As long as we can destroy them faster than they can make them, we'll come out on top." Anakin said as Luminara chuckled to this.
"I love your simple logic, Skywalker." Luminara said before it was time.
"Here they come!" Arthur called out and in turn drew his weapon while the Jedi ignited their Lightsabers. Laser fire began as the Droids opened fire on the Republic and ARKs forces. In response they fired back with ARKs Operatives charging in to face the Falspawn letting off a loud battle cry.
So far, they were off to a good start as the ARKs Operatives began to hack and slash their way through the Falspawn while the Clones fired off on the Droids. But it seems their good fortune was short lived as flying out of the pillars behind them were several Geonosians firing off their own blasters. Seeing this several Clone Troopers and ARKs Operatives turned around to cover the rear side.
"We got assholes on the rear!" Reggie called out as he fired his gunblade at the enemies coming at them from behind.
"Seems the bugs knew we would come this way." Zurna added as she fired off her Gunblade at them before charging in and slicing through the Falspawn attackers. "Let's just hope the others are having a better time." Zurna said before slicing an attacking Falspawn clean in half.
(Meanwhile over with Yuvel's Team)
The group had managed to climb down to the bottom of the trench under the bridge where the battle was. Making their way through they eventually got to the wall on the other side undetected by the enemies above them.
"Man, it sounds like they're really going at it up there." Yuvel said as he ran with their small strike team to the opposing wall.
"No kidding." Laura said in complete agreement with Yuvel's statement.
They eventually made it to the other side of the chasm and in turn Barriss began to feel around the wall using the Force to pear through the stone. She eventually found what she was looking for and with her Lightsaber proceeded to slice open a hole through the stone. Once the cut was made Barriss used the Force to pull the slab of stone out and gently place it on the ground. So far, they had not alerted the enemy which was good. But their good fortune would only last for so long here.
"Huh well that makes thing easier." Yuvel said as they began to enter the cave entrance thar Barriss just made.
"Barriss lead the way." Laura said gesturing to the entrance the Miralian Jedi had made. In turn Barriss was the first to enter before being followed by Ahsoka, Laura, and Yuvel. They made a quick look around before going in deeper with their goal being the core of the factory.
(Later inside the Geonosian Caves)
As they made their way through the cave Yuvel had his guns drawn while Laura had her rifle out. They were silent as they moved through the caves making sure not to alert the guards. As they continued on their path the pair of Jedi were keeping their senses on alert to avoid any nasty surprises that may pop up.
Just then they head clicking sounds and in turn Barriss stopped them from moving further. The group then hid to the sides when they noted a pair of Geonosian guards out on patrol up ahead. The group waited for a moment and not long after the two guards continued on with their assigned patrol rounds.
"That was close." Yuvel mumbled after that near confrontation there.
"Let's keep moving." Laura said wanting to finish this mission so they can go home.
But then a gasp came from the group when they arrived at another hall filled with sleeping Geonosians on the walls. "They're sleeping." Ahsoka whispered after witnessing the scene here.
"We need to find another way." Laura said but before she could go Barriss stopped the ARKs' Operative.
"This is the fastest way." Barriss said but Ahsoka agreed with Laura.
"It's too dangerous." Ahsoka said and in turn Yuvel cut in.
"We don't have time to find another way." Yuvel said putting their argument to rest. In turn they group seeing no other way began to walk through the hallway filled with the sleeping Geonosians quietly and carefully. They knew that if they awoke the bugs the entire operation would be blown. Ever careful as they walked the group kept light on their feet to avoid tripping a sound to wake the bugs up from their nap.
But then crisis hit as one of the sleeping Geonosians moved his hand and it landed on top of Barriss head causing her to freeze. "Uh-oh." Yuvel said as he saw this and then elbowed Ahsoka to get her attention.
"Barriss stay calm and don't move." Laura said as she and Yuvel went on over to help Barriss get free.
In turn Yuvel came over and put his hand on the bugs arm with Laura. "Ready?" Yuvel asked and with a silent nod from Barriss the ARKs Operative gently lifted the arm and allowed for Barriss to get free. He then dropped the arm and with a silent nod they four went on ahead down the hall to their destination.
But unknown to them as they left the lone Geonosian whose arm they had moved had awoken with his eyes showing him wide and awake.
(Back at the Bridge Battle)
Arthur, Anakin, and Luminara lead their troops through the battle holding the Droids and Falspawn's attention on them so their strike team can succeed. Both ARKs Operatives and Clone Troopers alike were holding their ground against the seemingly endless onslaught.
"Our Strike Team should be inside the catacombs by now." Arthur said cleaving his way through an attacking insectoid Falspawn.
"Great that means they're almost at the bomb placement part." Reggie said as he threw his glaive and saw it spin around before returning to his waiting hand. Once Reggie had his glaive back Zurna jumped over and sliced down on their foes with her Gunblade.
"Let's focus on holding the line here while our guys inside kick ass." Zurna said while she fired her Gunblade off at several foes.
"Well glad to see the ARKs Operatives with you are as lively as ever." Luminara said as she had a few Operatives under her command who are just as lively.
"Trust me, their a riot!" Anakin said as he knew ARKs while not as disciplined as the Clone Troopers always got the job done to the best of their abilities.
(Back with the Strike Team)
The group had made their way deeper into the caves avoiding any Falspawn or Geonosians patrolling through the cave system. Silence and stealth were their friends here as they continued on with their infiltration mission. The group continued on with their mission intent on completing it when they arrived at a large cavern.
"Left at the next junction." Barriss said and thus the group of four followed after her. But what they found instead was a dead-end causing the Laura to raise a brow to this.
"Are you sure, because this is a dead end." Laura said no doubt not very happy about what they just found here.
"She's right if we make a wrong turn, we may never find our way out." Ahsoka said as in the back Yuvel was looking upward at something.
"Hey girls." Yuvel called causing the three to look at the Hero Class ARKs Operative. "Look up." He said pointing upward and thus they did which had in turn revealed to the group a tunnel above them shining down light.
"Oh duh." Laura said palming her forehead for not thinking about a tunnel that goes straight up. "Their insects of course their tunnels can go upward like that." Laura added and thus Ahsoka smirked to this.
"Knew there was a reason we kept you around." Ahsoka teased and in turn the four began to climb up the tunnel. Barriss went first as she knew the way followed by Yuvel, Laura, and Ahsoka right behind her. Unaware to the group though a lone Geonosian followed after them the very same one whom had Barriss in her grip while he was sleeping.
(Back at the Bridge Battle)
The battle continued as Reggie, Zurna, Anakin, Barriss, and Ahsoka sliced their way through the Droid forces. "Shit, we got rollers!" Reggie called out seeing the Droideka's coming at them. The Droids unrolled and opened fire on them causing the Jedi to deflect the shots with Reggie dodging and Arthur blocking the incoming laser bolts.
"On no we don't!" Zurna called out and ran straight towards the Droids with gunblade in hand ready for battle. She jumped onto one of their barriers and snuck her weapon in before she opened fire at point blank range. Once that was done, she pulled out a few Droid Poppers and smirked as they rolled not the Rollers barrier range. They then went off and took them out as Zurna returned to her unit.
"Excellent strategy Operative." Arthur said offering to the Deuman words of praise for her move.
"Yeah, well we still got to hold the line here." Reggie said as he switched to his weapons soaring blades form and was ready for the continued onslaught coming through.
(Back with Dark Falz Apprentice)
"Those worthless vermin of ARK." Apprentice growled as she glared at the holo table with Poggel also observing the battle. Poggel made a few clicking noises as he spoke to Apprentice to calm the Dark Falz.
"Lady Apprentice perhaps it is best to unleash the secret weapon upon the enemy." The Tactical Droid offered as Apprentice raised a brow there.
"Will they be enough?" Apprentice asked not wanting to use the Tanks only for it to be nothing.
"We have 20 units ready, with more on the way." The Tactical Droid said and in turn Apprentice grinned maliciously to this.
"Good then send them down the bridge and fuck up the Republic/ARKs forces down there." Apprentice said and in turn the Tactical Droid carried out the order. But then Apprentice began to sniff the air which drew Poggel's attention on her that he asked her in his people's tongue why she was doing that. "I smell something off." Apprentice said as she noticed that something was amiss around here. For a moment Apprentice could smell herself in the factory but the only way that could happen is if someone had been infected with her power.
(Later at the Bridge Battle)
The combined forces of the Clone Army and the ARKs Operatives were seen giving a real number against the combined Droid, Geonosian, Falspawn forces. Of course, their plan was not to overpower them but to keep them busy long enough for the strike team inside the factory to set the bombs. But then things began to take a turn when the massive doors of the factory opened once more to reveal a new Tank approaching.
"That's new." Reggie voiced when he saw this.
"Looks like the Separatist have a new toy." Luminara said taking note of said toy.
"This might prove troublesome." Arthur said as the CAST was concerned over what this new toy would mean for them.
Of course, the hero with no fear was quick on the uptake against this new weapon. "Rex, pick a target!" Anakin ordered to the Captain of the 501st Clone Legion.
"Yes sir." Rex responded to the order and thus went on to carry it out. "Elevation 4-2-7." Rex ordered and thus the cannons all prepared to open fire on the new Separatist weapon approaching them.
(Meanwhile back inside the Factory)
Ahsoka, Yuvel, Barriss, and Laura were climbing up the tunnel when they eventually reached the top. Once they did that, they began making their way through when they stopped to look up. Above them the Droid manufactory was hard at work constructing Battle Droids of all types for the War Effort. As Yuvel saw this he knew that if this factory becomes fully operational then they may be in trouble.
"That's a lot of droids." Ahsoka said as she saw the droids.
"Understatement of the century, sister." Laura said as she too knew this factory was bad news for them. Just then Laura hissed in pain as she felt a sting to her head which Yuvel noticed.
"Laura are you ok?" Yuvel asked with concern for the Phantom Class ARKs Operative.
"I'm fine just a headache is all, I'll get over it." Laura assured him so they may focus on the mission at hand.
With a nod Barriss called to her memories of the tunnels and began to lead them through once more. "Come on the main control room in this way." Barriss said and thus they took a left to follow Barriss to the droid factories main control room. Unaware to any of them the Geonosian drone climbed up and saw them while glaring knowing full well the factory had been compromised by the enemy forces. But this drone was smart and knew that it stood no chance against the four thus knew it had to call for aid.
(Back to the Bridge Battle)
The cannons were ready to fire as the awaited Captain Rex's command. The Clone Commander had a pair of binoculars up as he watched the tanks approach their current position. "Steady, steady." Rex said having their artillery hold fire until they can get a clean shot on the enemy tanks. "Fire!" Rex ordered to their artillery unit. The cannons then proceeded to open fire on the approaching tanks but to the shock of everyone there the tanks were unscathed by the attack.
"Sir, nothing could withstand that." Rex said looking over to his General clearly shocked over their artillery doing nothing to the new tanks approaching them.
"They must be ray shielded." Anakin said which made Lon go wide eyed to this revelation from Anakin.
"This might be a problem for us." Arthur added in while nearby Lon was moving his Goggles back into place after moving them for a clearer vision of the scene.
"Ah bullocks to high hell we're fucked." Lon said as he saw the tanks coming their way.
(Back inside the Droid Factory)
The group opened a hatch and from it they climbed out to find they were at the Factories core. "This is it we're here." Barriss confirmed and thus they all got out of the hatch.
"Ok then let's set the charges and get the Hell out of dodge." Yuvel said and they in turn began to set the explosive charges. Setting up the charges around the core the quad knew their mission well as the bombs magnetized to the core and whirled to life signaling them that they were armed.
Laura for her part was doing well when she hissed in pain from another headache hitting her mind. It was so bad she nearly dropped the bomb she was about to place. "Laura are you ok?" Yuvel asked again once he got close enough and saw the pain Laura was in at the moment.
"Y-yeah I'll be fine." Laura responded while keeping to her composure.
"Laura." Yuvel began as he looked to his fellow ARKs Operative with concern for her.
"Hey, cut the chit-chat guys we need to make ourselves scarce." Ahsoka said and understanding the situation Yuvel nodded.
"Right let's go." Yuvel began but before they could leave the large doors opened and from it, Apprentice came in. The Dark Falz was leading, Poggel, a tactical Droid, a super Tank, and a small squad comprised of Falspawn, Geonosians, and battle Droids into the room and clearly, they were not happy to see the group.
"I thought I smelled something." Apprentice said as she grinned at the arrivals before her. "And not only did my intended host come right to the palm of my hands but she brought an understudy… and the little ARKs bitch who stole power from me." Apprentice snarled as she glared directly at Laura who in response glared back at the Dark Falz standing before her.
"What want another serving of what we gave you the last few times we fought?" Yuvel taunted as he smirked at the enemy before him.
"Oh, you'd love that would you, to use Clarissa or some new Cosmogenic arm to cause me harm." Apprentice said taunting the four before her. "But that won't be happening." Apprentice said and soon enough Falspawn appeared her forming on each other as a throne. "I won't be fighting you three…" She trailed off much to the shock of Poggel and the Tactical Droid. "She will." Apprentice said and then snapped her fingers and for Laura it echoed all over her mind as her body felt numb.
Then came the pain as she then cried out from it grabbing her head from her own agony. "Laura!?" Ahsoka cried out as Yuvel then went to check on her. But before she could respond Laura looked to Yuvel with growing red eyes and swung her Phantom Scythe at her fellow ARKs Operative.
"Laura what are you doing!?" Barriss asked shocked over Laura turning on the group.
"Why is she doing this?" Ahsoka asked as she and Barriss were on the defensive while Yuvel had his sword drawn forth.
"She absorbed some of my F-Factor." Apprentice said with a grin on her face. "Back when I had you and her held hostage my dear host-to-be." Apprentice said as her tone suggested she was taunting them. "It's been more or less dormant inside her steadily growing until it can be used by me and now, I have full control of her." Apprentice said as she held one leg over the other. "My own personal ARKs slave." Apprentice said as Laura glared at them with glowing red eyes.
"G-get away from me!" Laura cried out as she then went on the attack against her allies. Yuvel blocked the scythe with his sword and thus the two and in turn pushed back the mind-controlled ARKs Operative. Yuvel was forced to fight his own friend as Laura switched to her Katana opting the two to start clashing blades against each sword met katana with the weapons creating sparks from the clashing frictions.
Apprentice smiled to this and then glared at the bombs on the factories core. "Get me the, and while our two ARKs Operatives are duking it out, bring me the girls." She ordered to Geonosians and thus they and the Falspawn went after the Jedi. "Once this body has served its use, I'll have a stronger, younger, and even more beautiful one for my own." Apprentice said as the Dark Falz's vanity knew no bounds.
Yuvel was pushed back from Laura when he saw what the Geonosians were doing with Poggel taking his leave now. "Ahsoka! Barriss! Their going for the bombs!" Yuvel cried out only to dodge gunfire from Laura who now had her rifle out and in use. Yuvel returned fire by firing off a few Photon shots from his left hand. After that he flipped backward switching to his twin guns before he opened fire on Laura. Yuvel really didn't want to hurt his friend, but she was leaving him little choice. Running across the room the two ARKs Operatives fired their weapons at each other intent on taking the other down. They soon slid to a stop before Yuvel fired a few distraction shots at Laura. The shots worked and now Yuvel had his Talis out attacking Laura with the weapon.
Laura for her part turned into a ball of light and flew around the area before reforming and unleashing a dark hand at her friend. Yuvel used the Teleportation move to get out of the way of Laura's surprise attack. The two were evenly matched since they had a weapon for all three forms of combat in ARKs, Melee, ranged, and technique. The benefit of the Hero and Phantom Classes. The only way he can think of to stop the mind control was to take Apprentice out of the equation. But factoring in both Laura's speed and the numbers on the Dark Falz side that was easier said than done.
They were being swarmed as Yuvel was forced into fighting one of his closest friends as Ahsoka and Barriss both tried to back him up. Yuvel switched to his sword via a skill of the Hero Class and swung at Laura once he got close. Laura had her katana ready and thus parried causing them to struggle against the other.
"Laura, I know that you're in there you need to fight it." Yuvel said as he refused to lay a fatal blow on his friend.
"Y-Yuvel." Laura struggled before she roared out and pushed Yuvel back before switching to her rifle and fired her gun at point blank ranger. Yuvel dodged the initial shot and then deflected the following shots with his sword's flat side.
Yuvel then began pushing forward using his sword as a shield before jumping over Laura and firing a Photon shot at her. Laura turned into a ball of light and avoided it when Yuvel noticed the ball had fire around it. Going wide eyed Yuvel narrowly avoided a Fire based Technique that exploded on the spot he was on prior. Yuvel cursed and as the Tactical Droid began to move in on him Yuvel had his twin guns out and fired at the droid's head.
Apprentice was laughing at the scene as she enjoyed causing this sort of suffering to people. Once Yuvel was taken care of Laura would have three possible choices for her next host body to perpetuate her own beauty and vanity.
(Back at the Bridge Battle)
The combined forces of ARKS and the Republic were losing their tanks to these new Super Tanks. Many good men were losing their lives or being injured as Arthur, Reggie, Zurna, Anakin, and Luminara ran for cover.
"We need to make a tactical retreat." Arthur said as he knew when to run.
"Wait what you're joking." Reggie said as he knew his best friend was still inside the factory.
"No, I'm not, the only way those tanks can get to us is with that bridge that is our advantage." Arthur said and thus Anakin saw where this was going.
"My thoughts exactly." Anakin said taking out a bag and with it an explosive.
"An excellent plan." Luminara said seeing that they can take the Tanks out all in one fell swoop.
"They may be impenetrable but even they can't survive impact damage." Zurna said as she saw the plan forming.
"I'll draw the sodding fucker's attention with some help from me team." Lon said and thus they all got moving. They had to work fast and smart if they wanted to take the tanks out all at the same time.
(Back inside the Droid Factory)
Barriss and Ahsoka were forced back as the Geonisians and Falspawn were going after the bombs. "The Bombs!" Ahsoka cried out as she then went after the Geonosians and Falspawn making off with the explosives.
"Shit!" Yuvel cursed when he saw this just before blocking another scythe attack from Laura. Yuvel kept fighting off Laura as she was pushing him back no doubt Apprentice taking advantage of Yuvel holding back. The Hero Class ARKs Operative was starting to run out of options to save his friend. The only way Yuvel could get the F-Factor inside Laura out was with… Clarissa. An idea formed in Yuvel's head to save Laura and he knew she had Clarissa the White in her possession. The only way he could grab it from her storage was to get up-close and personal with the Newman woman.
Meanwhile Ahsoka and Barriss were trying to stop the Geonosians and Falspawn from taking the bombs needed to destroy the factory core. Without those explosives they will never be able to destroy the Droid Factory. But by the time the two Jedi got to the bombs the Falspawn had begun to vanish with them while the Geonosians flew away with them.
Ahsoka attempted to stop them by jumping upward and grabbing two by their legs. This was not a good idea as they began to fly around to force the Togruta to let them go. "Stupid green bugger!" Ahsoka snarled just before they slammed her against the upper part of the core. The impact and the resulting pain forced her to let go as she began to fall and roll down to the floor unconscious.
The Geonosians flew towards a hatch one of their own opened up while Barriss covered Ahsoka and Yuvel was fighting Laura. Barriss then went after the Geonosians but alas she was not fast enough to stop them from escaping with the bombs.
"Oh, that's too bad you lose." Apprentice taunted from where she was observing everything that was going on.
Nearby Yuvel roared out as he charged at Laura who then met his weapon head on. The two began to struggle for a moment as Katana and sword grinded against each other. Then with a quick movement on Yuvel's part he disarmed Laura causing her Katana to fly upward. Yuvel took it a step further and kicked the sheath out from her hands fully disarming the compromised Phantom Class Operative. With a few quick punches Yuvel pinned Laura as he reached to her person using his Mag to connect to hers.
"Where is it… where is it?" Yuvel asked trying to get Clarissa from Laura. Soon he found it and with his Mag's help as well as Laura's Mag Yuvel yanked the Cosmogenic Arm free. Yuvel smiled to this as he looked at the staff ready to use it to free Laura. "YES!" Yuvel cheered only for the staff to be shot from his hands curtesy of Laura holding her gun at her close friend. The staff flew and in turn landed by Barriss's feet much to her shock here. It was getting from bad to worse as the Super Tank turned towards them ready to open fire on them.
(Back to the Bridge Battle)
ARKs Operatives and the Republic troops were drawing the attention of the Super Tanks to give the Jedi the opening they needed to get on the bridge. Arthur was covering the men so they can escape without harm as were any ARK's Operatives who can provide any shields against the onslaught.
Nearby Anakin and Luminara were hidden behind rocks as they saw the enemy Super Tanks were now in position. Once the tanks were in position the Jedi Knight signaled Luminara and in turn, they proceeded to get the bombs set up under the bridge. Climbing down they began to hang under the bridge moving to the other side of it as they set the explosive charged up bit-by-bit.
The ARKs and Republic forces were falling back as the Super Tanks continued to pummel them while crossing the bridge. IT would be a photo finish, but their forces had to persevere less they find themselves losing the final stretch of the second battle of Geonosias.
It was a difficult process but eventually the two Jedi succeeded and once they were on the other side of the bridge Anakin pulled out the detonator. He then proceeded to activate the bombs and watched how the bridge came down and the Super Tanks fell to the chasm bellow exploding once they made impact with the bottom. The two Jedi waved to their forces after the victory as Arthur crossed his arms and nodded to the two in approval.
But their troubles were far from over as Anakin looked at the timer. "Where are they, those bombs are gonna go off any second now." Anakin said as he had reasons to be concerned about this. "Rex, any sign of Ahsoka, Yuvel, Laura, or Barriss on your side?" Anakin asked with concern for the pair.
"No, sir, but this place is getting ready to blow." Rex reported knowing they had no more time to wait on the strike teams return. "The evacuation ships are arriving. I suggest you get on one." Rex said reminding his General that they had to leave.
"Not without Ahsoka or our ARKs Operatives." Anakin said making it clear they had to get them all home.
"My Padawan will not fail." Luminara said wishing she had sent in her own ARK's Operatives for this mission to accompany them.
"Ahsoka, can you hear me?" Anakin tried to call but go no answer from her. "Yuvel respond." Anakin said and this time got an answer.
"We have a situation in here General, Laura is suffering from F-Factor Build up and Dark Falz Apprentice is using it to control her. Ahsoka is knocked out, the enemy took the bombs, oh and to top it all off we got a Super Tank in here!" Yuvel reported much to Anakin's shock.
"Kriff." Anakin cursed but before he could give his next order the massive gates opened again releasing a whole legion of Battle Droids and Falspawn. "You four need to get out of there now!" Anakin ordered and thus he and Luminara ignited their Lightsabers to face the encroaching enemy forces.
(Back with the Strike Team)
"Easier said than done." Yuvel said as he looked to Laura and then saw where Clarissa Landed. "Barriss! We need to act fast take Clarissa and wait for my signal to use it on Laura!" Yuvel said and thus Barriss nodded and took the Cosmogenic Arm with her free hand. Grabbing his sword and Laura's Katana Yuvel threw the curved blade at Laura. Laura acted fast and defected the attack as her katana somehow managed to slide into the sheath that was embedded in the ground above. This caused the weapon and sheath to be freed from its prison and fall back down. Yuvel roared and swung his sword at Laura who blocked the attack with the shaft of her scythe.
Yuvel then used the momentum to fling over Laura and then restrain his friend. "Barriss now! DO IT NOW!" Yuvel called out and thus Barriss nodded and pointed Clarissa at Laura causing the Cosmogenic Arm to react. Laura cried out in pain as the F-Factor began to leave her body and enter the staff in question. Barriss cried out in pain from the F-Factor exposure her body was going through.
"NO!" Apprentice cried out in shock as she felt her control on Laura slipping.
Eventually the drain ended and thus Laura fell to her knees tired but alive. Barriss also felt the drain but was able to continue the fight. Ahsoka began to come too as well to which they all began to regroup. "Laura are you ok?" Yuvel asked as he looked at his friend making sure she was freed from Apprentice's control.
"I will be." Laura said as she sounded tired while holding her head from the splitting headache she had now.
"DAMMIT!" Apprentice yelled as she jumped down from her throne and glared at the group.
"Well get ok soon because it's not over yet." Yuvel said as Apprentice glared at the group with pure rage.
"I have had it with you Worthless ARKs and Jedi SCUM!" Apprentice yelled as she landed on the ground glaring at them. "Now the kid gloves come off if you want something done right, you do it YOURSELF!" She yelled and thus summoned her power entering her battle form with her two servants appearing on either side of her.
"Dammit." Yuvel cursed and then looked around.
"We don't have the bombs and to destroy the core." Barriss said as this was just going from bad to worse for the group.
"We do have one other option." Laura said as she looked to the Super Tank and thus the two Jedi received the message.
"If we use that we may just die from it." Ahsoka said but Yuvel cut in on the group here.
"What other choice do we have?" Yuvel asked and thus they were all in agreement on what must be done. "Ahsoka, Barriss you two take the tank me and Laura will take on Apprentice." Yuvel said and thus Laura grabbed her katana and was ready to fight off Dark Falz.
"I suppose there are worse ways to go." Laura said and thus she was ready to take down Apprentice or die trying. Thus, with a swing of his sword Yuvel roared out and charged into the fight with Laura on his tail to provide support.
As the two ARKs Operatives charged in against Apprentice Barriss and Ahsoka went to the Super Tank to gain control of it. Barriss jumped over the Tank first and proceeded to cut open a hole for herself. Once she was through Barriss proceeded to take out the Tanks crew before opening the hatch for Ahsoka to get in. Ahsoka jumped into the Tank and the pair prepared to make the sacrificial move on the factory.
At the same time Yuvel and Laura began to fight against Dark Falz [Apprentice] the Vernal. Yuvel charged in with his sword pointed at Apprentice which he managed to hit her with it. He then began delivering a series of fast strikes against the Dark Falz. Apprentice wasn't able to stop it all and thus was forced to fly back from the attacking ARKs Operative. Once she had some distance Apprentice sent out her two drones to attack Yuvel.
Just then Laura came in as a ball of photonic light and hit the pair with an explosive technique which returned Laura too her normal form. She then used her rifle to shoot the two drones and riddle them with laser shots before sending out several small Phantom beams at them and Apprentice. Apprentice for her part flew out of the way of the attack growing irritated with the pair of ARKs Operatives standing against her.
She then drew her Katana and thus she and Yuvel sliced through the two drones removing them from the battle. Apprentice roared out and charged at her foes ready to slice them to bits. But too bad for Apprentice the pair of ARKs Operatives were fast. Switching to their guns the pair ran around Apprentice firing at her and riddling her form with photon bolts. Yuvel switched to his Talis and sent a card at Apprentice before he appeared before her and sliced through her. During this Laura switched back to her Katana and sliced at the enemy before her.
Following this up Yuvel switched to his sword and sliced into the insect queen herself. For her part Laura switched to her gun while flanking Apprentice and shooting her from behind. Apprentice cried out in pain, and this caused Yuvel to get the upper hand against her. He sliced through Apprentice causing the Dark Falz even more pain from it. Yuvel moved away in time for Laura to switch to her katana and get up close to Apprentice while Yuvel went for his Talis again so while Laura was slicing Yuvel was doing the same with it and run tactics.
Apprentice was being pushed into a corner here as Yuvel and Laura were proving to be too much for her. Apprentice was given no room to counter as Yuvel and Laura switched it up again with Yuvel using his twin guns and Laura using her staff as a scythe now. Apprentice was unable to counter as it seems Yuvel, and Laura covered each-others blind spots and with their constantly switching weapons kept Apprentice from countering the two ARKs Operatives properly. They regrouped and in turn Laura used her scythe to act as a jump board for Yuvel who now had his sword again. Swinging her weapon Yuvel flew upward and then came back down on Apprentice with his sword at. He sliced downward and caused a large gash to appear on Apprentice from the attack.
For her part Apprentice cried out in pain from it as her F-Factor spewed out like blood. Yuvel and Laura got out of the way to avoid any F-Factor exposure. Glaring at their foe standing side-by-side the two roared and charged back into the fray.
(Meanwhile with Ahsoka and Barriss)
Ahsoka and Barriss were both inside the Super Tank as they got ready for what came next for the pair. "You ready?" Ahsoka asked as she was worried for Ahsoka as the sound of fighting could be heard outside the tank. "If we do this… when we do this we might go down with the factory." Ahsoka said making it clear that this might be the end for the group.
"It's our only choice I'm afraid." Barriss said and thus Ahsoka sighed knowing this was their last best option here.
Understanding what this meant Ahsoka began to contact her Master to give him what might be her final update here. "Master, can you hear me?" Ahsoka asked hoping Anakin could hear her. "Master." She tried again after a moment of not getting a response from him.
"Ahsoka, set off the bombs we're trapped!" Anakin ordered with the sound of battle in the background from his end of the call.
"I'm sorry, Master. WE can't make it out." Ahsoka said with regret in her voice.
"Can't make it out?" Anakin asked but then put the pieces together fast. "Ahsoka wait." Anakin said but Ahsoka was already doing it. "Fire." She said and thus Ahsoka fired the Super Tanks canons at the core of the Droid Factory.
(Back outside the Super Tank)
Yuvel and Laura stopped their assault when they saw the Super Tank fire at the core of the Droid Factory. "NO!" Apprentice cried out and acting fast she shielded herself from the oncoming blast wave. Yuvel and Laura were blasted back as well but Laura turned into a ball of photonic light and flew towards the Super Tank while Yuvel threw a card from his Talis at it porting to where it landed inside the hole Barriss had made earlier. If the pair made it inside the Super Tank as it was flying back was up in the air. But with this sort of explosion chances of survival for any of them Super Tank or not were not very high.
(Back outside the Droid Factory)
Anakin and Luminara were forced to shield themselves as the Droid Factory exploded from the inside out. It came down hard with all the resources inside going up in a blast of fury taking everything and everyone inside in a blaze of hellfire fury.
Nearby Reggie and Zurna as well as the other ARKs that Yuvel and Laura had worked with the most saw this. "YUVEL LAURA!" Reggie cried out in shock and horror over what he just saw happen.
"Reggie, stop!" Zurna cried out as she stopped Reggie from going any further.
"Let go my friend are in there!" Reggie cried out but had to be held bac by Clones and Operatives alike now.
"Reggie its to late. Stop its too late." Zurna said as her tone showed she was trying her damn hardest to keep her emotions contained. The dust clouds came through and when they settled all that was left was a crater where the Droid Factory once stood.
Nearby Anakin and Luminara surveyed the damage and saw that the mission was a success, but it may have come at a cost. Arthur arrived on the scene and was also horrified to find that Yuvel and Laura made a sacrifice like this.
"Yuvel, Laura, respond." Arthur ordered but only got static instead. "Commander Tano respond." Arthur tried again but was also met with static for the Padawan. This was not painting a good picture as to what may have happened as Anakin began to grow worried that they may have perished here.
Meanwhile Luminara kneeled down on the ground almost like she was mourning the lost of both ARKs Operatives and Padawans. "Master Luminara, don't worry." Anakin said with a hand on the Mirelian Jedi's Masters shoulder.
"Be at ease Skywalker." She said with a calm tone but one that carried with it a hint of sadness in her voice.
"At ease?" Anakin asked shocked by those words. "We need to act now the Padawans, and the ARKs Operatives may still be alive down there." Anakin responded as he refused to let any of them die on this day. Anakin will be the first to say he's grown fond of the ARKs Operatives while the Clones may have their strong points as soldiers the ARKs Operatives were free thinkers and, in most cases, try to find the best solutions to problems that they face.
Luminara shook her head slowly even if she wished it were not so. "There's not enough time, I sense them drifting away." Luminara said as she knew that with all the debris they would most likely suffocate if they had not been crushed by the debris or killed in the blast.
"No, we'll get them out." Anakin declared determined to save them as Gunships flew in carrying Rex, Jet, Lon, and a combination of Clones and ARKs Operatives.
"General the lifters are here to move the debris as ordered." Rex said as Arthur nodded to this.
"Then get to it Trooper we have lives to save." Arthur said as he was not one to give up so easily.
(Meanwhile with the Strike Team)
Meanwhile miles below the surface the padawans and ARKs Operatives clung to life. Ahsoka and Barriss turned on their lightsabers to give them some light in the buried tank while Yuvel and Laura had their Mags light up the darkness.
"How deep do you think we're buried?" Barriss asked them, when the light came on Yuvel for his part found himself squished between the three.
"It's probably best not to think about it." Ahsoka suggested as they all adjusted and Yuvel had to change the subject before thermal expansion becomes evident.
"Do you think Apprentice got snuffed in that blast?" Yuvel asked as Laura scoffed a bit to this one.
"Oh, if only it were that easy." Laura said knowing the Dark Falz were hard fuckers for them to kill.
Meanwhile Ahsoka seemed intent to work on something so they could all get out of this. "Hand me that power cell, would you?" Ahsoka asked while looking over to Barriss. Barriss did as asked and removed the power cell before handing it over to Ahsoka. "Thanks." She said before she handed her Lightsaber over. "Any of you mind holding the light?" she asked and thus Yuvel raised his hand.
"I'll do it." Yuvel said to which he took the weapon.
With both hands now free Ahsoka began to get to work on getting themselves out of this current situation here. "Whatever you're doing, I hope it works. Because I'd sure rather have died fighting up there than starve to death down here." Barriss said, with a depressing tone as Ahsoka worked.
"Don't worry, we'll run out of air long before we starve." Ahsoka replied while tinkering with the device.
"That's a comforting thought, thanks." Barriss said sarcastically before Laura cut in on this particular topic.
"Then maybe we should conserve our air then." Laura said and thus they were all in agreement on this decision.
"Master Skywalker has taught me a trick or two I think I can get this communicator working." Ahsoka said, holding it up starting to poke the cell and her communicator together to make a pulse.
"I'm sure he'd be proud." Yuvel said with a smirk on his face for what Ahsoka was doing right now.
(Meanwhile back on the surface)
Meanwhile, on the surface the clones continued to do search and rescue as Luminara, Anakin, and Arthur stood overseeing it. "We cannot abandon our Padawans." Anakin stated his resolve held firm to make sure everyone can go home safely.
Luminara looked at him sadly feeling his pain. "You misjudge me, I too care for my apprentice but if her time has come…" Luminara trailed off but Anakin refused.
"I refuse to let Ahsoka's die to let any of them die; they will find a way out." Anakin said firmly while Arthur looked sadly to Anakin but also agreed with him. Yuvel and his sort have always been outside the box to escape such situations in the past. He had faith they will get out, but he also was prepared for the worse should it arise.
"If my padawan has perished, I will mourn her, but I will celebrate her as well as her memory." Luminara said trying to comfort Anakin as only a Jedi Master could with wisdom and patience.
"Well, I still plan on celebrating this victory with my padawan, in person." Anakin growled before Arthur approached him putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"And we will all celebrate I'll have the troops double their efforts; everyone is going home." Arthur said firmly with the promise he will do all that he can.
(Back with the Strike Team)
"What happens to us now, doesn't matter by destroying this factory we've saved countless lives, elsewhere." Barriss said as they were starting to run out of oxygen.
"Well, I'm about to save four more lives." Ahsoka said assuring them that they will get out of this situation alive and well.
"Spoken like a true ARKs Operative there." Yuvel said as Laura could only smile while Ahsoka continued to send they signal. Their eyes were growing heavy awaiting what may be their final moments alive this day.
(Back on the Surface)
"Wait, I'm picking up a distress signal on Ahsoka's com channel, it's coming from over there." Anakin yelled pointing to some distant rubble running up to it with the jedi and clones following him.
(Back with the Strike Team)
Ahsoka kept pressing the cell against the com, hoping it would work. "Master, I know you're up there. And I know you're looking for me." she said weakly, almost passing out, as she depleted the power cell Barriss held out her hand for Ahsoka to grab, then Yuvel and Laura added their hands to theirs as they waited for the end.
"I suppose… there are worse ways to go." Laura said accepting her fate as well. They all waited there for either salvation or death to come for each of them.
(Back on the Surface Excavation)
The group arrived at the location of the signal an entire mountain of rubble waiting for them. "I'll move the heavy machinery over here." Rex spoke but Anakin had other ideas.
"No time." Anakin said looking at Luminara who knew what Anakin was asking of her. In turn the two Jedi proceeded to summon the power of the Force to lift the rubble upward so to get to those trapped within faster. The mountain of rubble began to lift amazing all the clones and ARKs Operatives present to watch the miracle of the force before them.
(With the strike Team)
The party could hear the rubble moving as air began to rush into their enclosed space. The four gasped as they felt much needed air filling their lungs much to their great joy here. "Someone's digging." Ahsoka realized as they heard something moving outside before light started to shine in from an opening. Ahsoka coughed as the four walked into the sunlight.
"Ahsoka." Anakin said relieved as a few clones dropped down to help, "Barriss." Luminara said seeing them.
"Hey guys what took you so long!" Yuvel called out not at all bothered by the fact they were buried alive and nearly suffocated to death.
"I knew they were still alive, I told you we shouldn't have given up on them." Anakin said as Arthur slid down to the area while Rex was sending for medical for the four below.
"It's not that I gave up on them Skywalker, but unlike you when the time comes, I am prepared to let my student go. Can you say the same?" Luminara said to him, Anakin looked back at Luminara, and he shook his head walking down into the pit to pull Ahsoka out.
"I knew you'd come looking for me." Ahsoka said to him with a soft smile. Anakin smiled back at her as medical units came for them.
"I never doubted you for a second." Anakin said as Yuvel, and Laura passed by them to meet with Arthur.
Meanwhile Barriss and Luminara reunited nearby after their near-death experience. "Padawans, you did well." Luminara said proud of them all.
Offee smiled to this happy to receive such praise. "Thank you, Master, but if it weren't for Ahsoka we'd still be down there." Luminara praise turned to Ahsoka as Arthur then spoke to the four.
"Regardless, you all performed most admirably this day, though I had heard reports that you were compromised Operative Laura." Arthur said to the Newman of the group.
"Well, the thing is…" Yuvel began in an attempt to cover for his close friend.
"Sir I grew reckless and careless when I received my Cosmogenic Arm believing I was needed in the frontlines more then being relegated to being on medical for F-Factor treatments." Laura said as she stood straight as it seems her hair had suffered a palette from their brown locks to a silver color. "I take full responsibility for my actions." Laura said as she refused to let Yuvel take the fall for what had happened.
"I see." Arthur said with a stern tone in his voice. "But considering recent events I will relegate punishment to a full F-Factor scrub back on Halpha." Arthur said and thus Laura nodded to this understanding it was needed.
"Yes sir." Laura said and thus everyone began to smile while Gunships flew in to help with clean up and locating Poggel. But unaware to them Apprentice was far from done with the Battle of Geonosias.
(Meanwhile Deep Underground with Apprentice)
Apprentice was curled up deep in the darkness as her body was being covered in a silk like covering. Her eyes glowed red as she began to absorb the F-Factors and Falspawn she had left done here. Soon her entire form was covered in a cocoon beginning her metamorphosis. She was not done, not yet and Apprentice had every intention to claim victory this day.
"I'm not done… if you want a war, I'll give you one." Apprentice growled as it was time for her to stop pulling her punches and go all out.
(TBC)
ESKK: A brand new chapter has been finished. Sorry for taking so long with it but life happens. Anyway, I hoped you all enjoyed it and will join us for the next chapter once it is published. So, until next time I will again say to everyone reading this, ja-ne.