Hello, everyone!
Another update is here for your enjoyment! I know the last chapter was more of a segue into this one but it marks the beginning of the Onderon Arc, which I will admit lasts awhile. In the show it was at least four episodes and it's a good opportunity for Luke to get his feet wet so to speak. What he can change at the moment is pretty limited and so is his knowledge of the Clone Wars to a lesser extent since he has memories given to him by the ghosts of his mentors.
But in any case, bear with me for the time being. It's going to seem a bit slow but big things are on the horizon for Luke.
As always, leave those reviews!
"Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation."- Ann Voskamp
Chapter 6. The Onderon Rebels
Obeying Obi-Wan's request, Luke ensured he was up bright and early for his first assignment. Wiping the crust out of the eyes and packing enough clothes for at least a few days, he wasn't quite sure how he felt about it until the early morning fog cleared from his mind.
Sure he'd fought in wars, hell he'd stood toe to toe with the Galactic Empire, blown up a space station capable of wiping out entire planets and on three separate occasions dueled one of the most powerful Sith Lords of all time. Yet, somehow this felt different. For one thing, he wasn't fighting for freedom but for an entity that would later become a tyrannical, totalitarian state devoid of tolerance or compassion. The Clone Wars were one of history's biggest lies: the Republic and Separatists were essentially puppets being simultaneously controlled by the ultimate puppet master. He did not feel the same youthful excitement that so marked the moment when joining the Rebellion.
However, Luke Skywalker did feel that same exuberance at the prospect of sharing in a true mission with Obi-Wan and his father. In the precious little time spent together, he'd only caught a brief glimpse of his first master dueling a hollow shell of what was once Anakin Skywalker. Now he'd get to see both at their peak. And despite already receiving a taste of what Ahsoka Tano could do she too intrigued him with her skill on the battlefield. It wasn't long until he spotted all three at the Republic navy yard.
"Ah, right on time. Good man," Obi-Wan observed as they rendezvoused at the main hangar.
"He called you 'good man'. A very good sign," Anakin teased.
"Master Kenobi places a big emphasis in being on time," Ahsoka clarified while playfully rolling her eyes, as they began walking through the hustle and bustle of military activity.
"So I see."
Indeed, Luke saw for the very first time the true power and might of the Republic war machine on full display. Even at its peak the Galactic Alliance never reached numbers of this magnitude. The idea of defeating the Empire wasn't by force, but by winning big victories in key moments. Being a loose confederation with just enough organization to enter a never ending guerilla war against a bigger, stronger opponent worked out well. But even after the Empire's fall and the establishment of the New Republic, Leia and the other newfound leaders never put much emphasis on military spending, only providing for what was necessary. In addition, his temporary Order didn't have enough members to provide any real peace keeping force.
But this...this was something else entirely.
Clone troopers scurried about, giving and taking orders in the same tone of voice and accent. Cranes lifted heavy equipment on and off platforms. Maintenance crews repaired and washed down Star Destroyers and Cruisers damaged or not in use. Impressive columns and armor clad men in various colors with the 'T-bar' visor marched past in a dignified, disciplined manner. These soldiers were some of the finest ever created, a pinnacle of physical fitness, hand eye coordination, and quick thinking that made for ideal soldiers. This was the Republic military might in all its muscle.
The last of the Skywalkers constantly had to remind himself that these were not the same Stormtroopers who later became the backbone of the Empire and that the clones, like billions of others in the galaxy, were manipulated and forced to the bidding of a madman bent on achieving ultimate power. Going through old Republic records, he hadn't recognized any of the names and didn't expect to this time around either.
All except one.
"Rex, good to see you my old friend."
"Always a pleasure, sir."
CT-7657 or better known as Captain Rex, was one of the most decorated soldiers of the Clone Wars. A grizzled veteran and the consummate soldier, he'd seen action just about everywhere. However, Luke also knew of him as a member of the rebellion, fighting in key battles such as Endor. By his recollection he was one of the few original clone troopers either alive or still fighting in some capacity. At that time, he'd been completely bald and physically in his sixties due to the Kaminoan advanced aging. They'd only met in passing and only later on did he know of his identity.
Here, however, was Rex still in his prime. Physically about the age of twenty six and in tip top shape. To Luke's slight surprise, he did not wear his usual blue marked armor of the 501st, but gray camouflage complete with a bullet proof vest, matching hat, with protective goggles. Around his belt lay a pair of twin blasters, stun grenades, and other necessary equipment.
"Rex, I'd like to introduce you to someone. Luke Ahch-To," Anakin continued.
Luke bowed and Rex gave a crisp salute in return.
"It's an honor, Captain Rex. You don't have to salute me by the way. I'm not a Jedi."
Polite confusion stretched across the clone's thick brows.
"You're not? You look like a Jedi to me."
"That's what I said," Ahsoka remarked.
"Luke is a Force wielder like we are but is technically not part of our Order," Obi-Wan explained. "He's here in a special capacity, you could say he's also training to learn how to fight droids."
Rex gave an indifferent shrug, having no real understanding of Jedi affairs or anything force related.
"Works for me. Is everyone ready to board the shuttle?"
"Shuttle?" Luke asked, wondering why they were not boarding one of the bigger cruisers.
"We're not taking the usual armada this time. Since this is a covert mission we can't arrive in a massive show of force. It would technically violate Onderon's sovereignty as it legally stands," Obi-Wan continued to clarify.
"We'll be taking a standard carrier shuttle. The Seps don't have a blockade or a large enough detection system around the planet so we shouldn't run into much trouble."
"Supplies and water are all good to go?"
"Yes, sir, General Skywalker," Rex said proudly. "I always come prepared."
"Well good, because this could get messy before it's over," Obi-Wan warned.
They walked towards the west side of the hangar, separate from the rest of the massive ships where a group of ARC-170s and Y Wings sat on the other side.
"Nervous?" Ahsoka asked as Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Rex went over further details up ahead.
"A little," Luke admitted truthfully.
"Don't worry. We'll debrief you on our way there. And I doubt battle droids will be a problem for someone like you anyway."
As the last of the Skywalkers boarded the ramp of the shuttle he couldn't help but notice his anxiety didn't stem from the prospect of facing battle droids. Rather, he feared trying to impress the man he once called 'master' and the other he called 'father'.
Staying in the moment and looking ahead sometimes were truly incongruent with each other.
The journey was relatively straightforward. In what seemed like no time at all through hyperspace, the shuttle had arrived over Onderon and began its final descent.
Rex had debriefed Luke on their way there about Onderon, its political situation, and the kind of training they would be showing the rebels, training that would undoubtedly be useful to him as well.
He wasn't particularly concerned with blocking blaster bullets, child's play at this point for the Jedi Master in disguise. However, he couldn't say he'd ever fought anything equivalent to a battle droid. They were long out of use by the time he came of age and any knowledge about their weaknesses would certainly prove useful.
Luke also understood at once why this was such a controversial mission for the Council to approve. He recalled the countless worlds that 'invited' the Empire to take charge under the pretext of peace and prosperity with the end result being nothing more than exploitation and abuse. The Old Republic were often seen as liberators when in reality, Palpatine's designs were already being put into place for galactic domination. It went entirely against the Jedi Code. Of course, unknowingly.
But those thoughts quickly vanished from his mind upon entering the atmosphere. They were coming up on the drop off point and all focus would be needed.
"This is Valkyrie 29-29. We're coming up on the drop zone," the clone pilot announced as the ship began to slow down and lower in altitude.
"It's about that time," Obi-Wan said, unbuckling himself from his seat.
Everyone else followed as the roar of the engine blasted out upon the doors opening to the cold rush of night air.
"Go! Go! Go!" the second in command urged them.
Within seconds, the four Jedi and Rex leapt out of the ship and onto the ground. All in all, it was a thirty foot drop, easy enough for Jedi who were used to physical combat, but Luke winced ever so slightly as his right knee gave an unpleasant twinge.
Not quite there yet in terms of getting back into shape
"Everyone, ready?" Obi-Wan asked.
When everyone nodded in affirmation he pointed towards the west.
"The resistance shouldn't be too far from here. Everyone keep a sharp eye. Let's go."
Luke barely had time to get his bearings, but nevertheless flipped up his hood, double checked that his lightsaber was secure and began a steady jog. He took the time to observe his surroundings as he did so, witnessing a lush, tropical jungle with thick roots, enormous trees and underbrush so thick one could barely see five feet in front of them. It was nearly impossible to avoid the vegetation brushing against you, however, the soil was fairly stable enabling the Jedi to traverse at a reasonable pace. The temperature felt mild, reasonably light but only due to the presence of night. By day Luke imagined a planet like this to be almost as hot as Tatooine and far more humid.
He maintained a path just behind Anakin, who's energy and youth far surpassed his own at this stage, ignoring the irony of their ages essentially being reversed from the previous timeline where Luke had the advantage of boundless optimism and precocious youth.
He's almost like me...almost
His thoughts were interrupted when Anakin turned back to him, placing a finger on his lips to indicate silence. He immediately understood why, sensing through the Force they were surrounded on multiple sides. It didn't take long to know who it was. Out of the dark shadows stepped out a handful of riders on creatures who roared their disapproval at the unfamiliar people in front of them.
"Identify yourselves," a young, female voice called out sternly. Though the night made it difficult to see to the fullest extent, Luke could see she was a dark skinned young woman with bright grayish-blue eyes, a slim figure with thick, curly hair placed at the back of her scalp using a cloth cap. Smoothly Anakin slowly took off his hood and gave a reassuring smile.
"It's alright. We're friends."
"Jedi," the female leader whispered.
Luke did the same and it was then that Obi-Wan and Ahsoka also jumped down from the tree tops to reveal themselves.
"I'm Commander Tano," the Togrutan female stated. "We're here to help you take back your planet."
"I'm General Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Luke Ahch-To, at your service."
Realizing that their best chance of winning their civil war had arrived, the female leader immediately ceased any hostilities.
"My name is Steela. I'll guide you to our secret base."
Luke didn't say anything, recognizing the time for more introductions would come later. Besides, he was more than content to observe for now. For his education in the Clone Wars had officially begun.
It took more than a few hours to reach their destination. By the time they did so, the planet's sun had just peeked over the tops of the jungle trees casting a dusty, orange haze to the east. There, the Jedi were introduced to a rather unimpressive, ragtag looking bunch. A diverse set of men and women with various eye and skin colors all united in the singular cause to liberate their world from tyranny.
The 'base' didn't so much resemble an organized military station as it did an abandoned religious temple of some kind, retrofitted with makeshift housing and equipment that wouldn't do much to frighten off a droid army. Luke made a mental note that the rebel alliance even at its worst moments, nowhere near resembled the mess in front of them. Then again such comparisons were unfair and he reserved further judgement. After all, the Alliance had the backing of numerous star systems and wealthy benefactors. These people had no such luxury. Ironically, their uniforms weren't dissimilar to the ones worn by rebel foot soldiers during the Galactic conflict.
"Hmm...a bit rough around the edges wouldn't you say?" Obi-Wan mentioned to Anakin.
"This is why I brought Rex here."
"They're not what I would call shinies, sir but...I can work with them," the captain stated.
After a short rest, in which naps were taken, the Jedi got right down to business and called a meeting in the center of the old temple where it was explained that though training and aid would be given the Republic did not have the ability to fight the war for them. Captain Rex led them half a click west in order to demonstrate the first method of fighting the Separatists: destroying an AAT or Trade Federation tank.
"Master Obi-Wan, is there any way I can assist in the training?" Luke asked as they began their trek towards a more open part of the jungle landscape.
"Truth be told, I'm not so much worried about you as I am about the actual rebels," came the thirty eight year old's response. "That being said, I'm instructing Anakin to give a few pointers in dealing with Separatist machinery. Even though battle droids don't have the ability to think for themselves, they can be quite tricky to deal with at times."
"Don't worry Luke," Anakin laughed as he walked past in large strides. "We'll have you slicing and dicing droids in no time."
Luke smiled in response as he was pulled away by Ahsoka to formally meet the leaders of the Onderon rebel movement.
"Luke, this is Lux Bonteri. His mother once represented the Republic in the Galactic Senate."
He bowed respectfully in greeting.
"Pleased to meet you, Lux."
"The pleasure is all mine, Master Jedi."
He took quick note of the young man's features; dark brown locks, a calm but reassuring tone of voice, confident posture, and gray eyes. Quite the handsome fellow as well as charismatic. Important qualities for future leaders.
"I'm Saw by the way," another voice cut in. "Saw Gurrera."
An ebony skinned lad with blue eyes, battle armor, goatee, and twin blaster pistols held out a hand which Luke took as a sign of respect. In the prime of youth he was tall, lanky, and in excellent physical shape, unmarked by the scars of war. Though he had been killed by the time he joined the rebellion, Gerrera was one of the first men to lead the fight against the Empire and the chief architect of the plan to destroy the Death Star. Observing Saw, there was none of the traumatic insanity that would later come to define him and his fight against the Empire. Come to think of it, no one knew why he'd lost his marbles in the first place.
"Again, a pleasure."
"Lux and I battled Death Watch together on one of the Mandalorian moons," Ahoksa said excitedly.
"Yes, yes we all heard you now grab a box and let's go," Steela cut in. "We've got droids to get rid of."
Luke and Ahoksa caught each other's eye as the young woman pushed past. The middle aged man opted not to push the subject further but made a mental note that potential conflict between the padawan and Steela may resurface. But at present, the Onderian was right.
The droids weren't going to destroy themselves. Even they didn't reach that level of incompetence.
The first day was devoted to dealing with tanks and heavy artillery. Trade Federation AATs being the most common that Republic forces dealt with on surface battles. One had managed to be procured, or stolen in actuality, for the occasion. Though he sensed the general impatience among the rebels, for someone like Luke Skywalker it presented a fascinating opportunity to embrace a forgotten love of tinkering with machinery.
"The pilot of the front hatch controls the tank, the shells, and the short range blasters," Ahsoka explained in the first demonstration. "The commander in the top hatch controls the turret and the main cannon. You have to take out both chambers otherwise the tank will remain operational."
Captain Rex gave an impressive display of athletic prowess in disabling the tank, flipping both electromagnetic grenades in a matter of seconds to the awe of everyone observing.
"Who would like to volunteer first?" Anakin called out following the display.
"I will," two male voices answered. Saw and Lux looked at each other irritably before acquiescing to tolerate each other's presence.
Ahsoka flipped both of them a pulse grenade and indicated for them to start. However, their attempt proved to be a wild failure. The two young men did not work in tandem and it cost them. Saw struggled to open the pilot hatch while Lux landed awkwardly on top of the turret gun, causing it to lurch underneath his weight which in turn caused the latter to fall on top of the former in a heap.
Lux attempted to apologize, but Saw aggressively dismissed him, claiming he was a terrible soldier.
"You'll get run over attempting to destroy a Sep tank like that," Rex told them bluntly. "Who's next?"
"I'll go."
Up until now, Luke hadn't said much, in fact his presence largely seemed irrelevant but for the first time in what seemed like years the old Jedi Master felt a thirst to prove himself. What's more, he relished the challenge.
"What makes you think you could do better?" Saw asked rudely, suddenly not keen on a Jedi showing him up.
"Luke, you don't-"
"I'd like to try my hand. If I'm going to aid in this fight, I'd best know what I'm doing, no?"
Obi-Wan reluctantly gave in, ignoring Anakin's smirk.
Catching two grenades from Ahsoka, Luke wasted no time in showing off what he could do. Running a few paces, he then flipped himself in the air while using the force to open both hatches simultaneously. As he landed on top of the tank he flipped in both pulse detonators with accurate precision and within seconds the tank had fallen by the wayside.
Yup, still got it, Luke thought. The rest of the Onderian rebels cheered, though Saw looked put out. Ahsoka beamed heavily.
"Impressive," Anakin said to his former master.
"Indeed, though Luke should be the least of our worries," said Obi-Wan. "It's the rest of them that concern me."
"Maybe he's the key to the situation. Ahsoka seems to have taken him."
"Remember he's only here in an observational capacity as designated by the Council."
"Technically so are we."
Obi-Wan pinched his nose in frustration. Though he'd come to see Anakin more and more as an equal it didn't prevent situations that sometimes reminded him of the days when they were padawan and master. Arguing over rules and regulations certainly fit the bill.
"Just be mindful that there's still a lot we don't know about Luke just yet. But if you insist, you have my permission to train him ahead of schedule."
The Chosen One smiled in his usual cheeky manner.
"Trust me Obi-Wan. No one's taking any unnecessary risks."
"If only that were true."
The second day brought the unpleasantness of dealing with Destroyer droids, which Luke learned had been designed by the murderous, cannibalistic Colicoid species for Separatist use in the Clone Wars. Able to curl into a ball, roll at rapid speed, while packing twin blaster cannons, they were the bane of every clone trooper and an enormous thorn in the side of even the most experienced Jedi. As if that weren't bad enough, the vicious machines also came with their own shield generators which Anakin also explained in full detail.
Anakin woke him earlier than expected, just as the planet's sun shone through the cracks of the stone temple ruins.
"Rise and shine, Luke."
Confused, the middle aged Jedi gave a somewhat groggy answer.
"Wha...Am I late? Did Rex start the training already?"
"No actually," Anakin replied, his voice full of enthusiasm. "I'm giving you some training away from the main group. I personally think you're a fast learner so we're going to do things a bit differently. Now come on, we're wasting daylight."
Luke again had to stomach the irony that his father at age twenty two carried the pep and energy he once was noted for as opposed to the grim, bearded persona that now defined his forty eight year old self, who's speed and optimism had declined. Nevertheless, he felt determined to keep up best he could and immediately leapt up from the thin cot he'd been sleeping on prior.
Anaking led him out into the cool yet seemingly infinite humid morning air, the sounds of snores still reverbing before Rex's inevitable wake up call.
"So what did you want to show me?" Luke couldn't help but ask.
"Destroyer Droids. They're some of the most difficult weapons the Seps have. Don't bother trying to kill them up close. Nothing short of a cannon will pierce that shield."
"So if a lightsaber can't get through, what can?" Luke asked.
"Slow moving or stationary objects," came the simple answer. "The rest of the Onderian rebels are being taught by Rex, but I figured you were ready for something a little more advanced."
They stopped in a wide open space, one of the few devoid of trees in an otherwise thick brush, with a few scattered rocks, stones, and other debris but otherwise the soil remained firm. Luke was handed an electromagnetic grenade and clipped it to his utility belt.
"This is a model only designed to stun," Anakin said, pointing to an almost carbon copy of a droideka. "You'll be using a lightsaber most of the time to block the bullets but it never hurts to know this little trick."
Using a combination of a soft toss and the Force, the pulse grenade slowly rolled through the shield of the droid making a small hum as it did so. In seconds, the grenade did its work and the replica toppled sideways.
"A little trickier than it looks. But one thing us Jedi have going for us is the Force of course. A droideka also has a five second recharge time after it fires more than thirty seconds so use that to your advantage."
Luke's heart skipped a beat when his father mentioned the word 'us'. Did he truly already see them both in the same light? As equals?
Don't think about it too much. Focus on the task at hand.
Centering himself once more he ignited his emerald blade to indicate readiness. Anakin nodded and the droid began firing off stunners.
Luke allowed the force to flow through him, concentrating not on what his father might be thinking but visualizing every blaster bolt in complete anticipation. Though this was technically not a real Destroyer Droid, the speed of its cannons were blazingly quick and he hated to think of the devastation a group of them could cause.
Realizing the droid's recharge time was fast approaching, he took a bold approach. Instead of retreating and throwing the grenade from afar, he took a running start, swinging his saber from side to side in deflecting the last of the stunners. Ducking below the cannons and sliding feet first, Luke slipped the grenade through the shield, coming back up on the other side on two feet.
The droideka copy couldn't turn around or recharge fast enough and in a few short seconds toppled over for a second time.
"Impressive," Anakin observed. "I like your style, Luke."
"I don't like hesitating," Luke tried to play off casually. This wasn't strictly untrue. In his youth, he'd been as hotblooded as anyone. Though tempered now at age forty eight, the Skywalker impulsivity didn't appear to skip generations.
"Something we share in common," his father agreed. "You also move as well as any Jedi on the Council, including Master Windu."
Not for the first time, the middle aged wondered if he might be showing off a bit too much. While his knowledge of certain techniques and Separatist battle strategies remained finite, his sheer power and skill in the Force more than made up for that. He could sense Anakin was starting to understand that as their bond surged every so slightly. Thankfully, no one made mention of it.
"We'll continue to practice a little later. I'd better check on the others and see how they're doing. Specifically Ahsoka."
Highlighting his padawn's performance was not lost on Luke who took it to mean Anakin had noticed the same thing he had.
"Steela seems to be quite cool towards her."
"I know. And that's what concerns me."
As they walked back towards the main camp, Luke heavily resisted anything that might even for a second give away his knowledge about his parents being together. For that was precisely the reason why he knew his father was able to perceive feelings in Ahsoka.
It took one to know one.
By the third day, the previously ragtag group of rebels had improved markedly in their fighting prowess. Saw and Lux saw fit to set aside their differences enough to become extremely proficient in taking down tanks (though said tanks had no ability to fire back just yet). Rex had put them on a fitness regimen in order to improve their stamina in battle. Perhaps most encouragingly, Steela showed tremendous promise as a sharpshooter.
Each member of the rebellion began taking target practice. When Steela's turn came, she knocked off three battle droid heads in rapid succession.
"Impressive. Most impressive," Anakin commented genuinely.
Ahsoka didn't look as enthused, however.
"Fixed targets are one thing. How bout this?"
Using the Force she raised one of the heads in the air moving it around in various directions, daring Steela to prove her marksmanship, which she did with gusto. All three of her shots found their mark which was followed by a triumphant smirk.
"Nice job," came the underwhelming congratulations.
The rest of the group, however, were sincere in their admiration, including Obi-Wan himself.
"You have clearly mastered your ability to focus."
Luke agreed with that sentiment. In fact, the more he spent time around Steela, the more he reminded her of a certain someone he'd left behind. Someone equally as deadly with a blaster but inspirational with her example and leadership.
She has Leia's spirit without a doubt
However, the other female present did not look so happy and Luke could sense her feelings quite clearly as Lux Bonteri placed a hand on Steela's shoulder. Again, he felt tempted to try and talk to her but resisted, given it wasn't his place to do so. Thankfully, Anakin must have felt the same thing he did.
"Snips are you...losing focus?" he asked quietly and carefully.
"No, Master."
Ahsoka's reply reflected her increasing ability to keep a calm appearance but that did not mean she had mastered her own feelings. Luke found in his experience far from self discipline most Jedi tended to bury their emotions, a tactic that worked for a good many but not all. He personally found it unhealthy and one of the main sources of antiquated thinking within the old order. Emotions were part of the sentient experience and if they could not simply be 'let go of' as though it were that easy. Love, joy, tenderness, and passion were not in themselves agents of the dark side, but things the dark side tended to prey on. There were ways to reach people like Ahsoka without suppressing their individual spirits….people like his father.
The thought process was interrupted by Captain Rex's continued lecture on the best way to kill battle droids.
"There are many kinds of battle droids you'll be facing," he stated. "Some more difficult to kill than others such as Commando Droids and Crab Droids. But they all share the same principle: a head shot is the only effective way to kill it. Otherwise they can still pass along intel to central command."
He signaled for the next group to line up to take their next shots.
"Alright, fire at will."
But before they could do so, Steela noticed something within her scope.
"Wait a minute...what is that?"
Though familiar for everyone else, Luke got a glimpse of a slow moving machine with an elongated head and thin exoskeleton. In its metallic, brittle hands were equipped with an E-1 Blaster rifle. On the surface it didn't look all that intimidating with its odd shape and slow pace but as they emerged from the underbrush, he could see a whole company of them far outnumbering the rebels.
"Droids!" Saw shouted. It wasn't long until a pink colored rocket landed somewhere in front of them. The battle had begun without warning and without mercy.
"Take cover!" Rex shouted.
Blaster bullets began firing at a rapid face as the mindless droids moved ever closer to them. For his part Luke ignited his lightsaber and began deflecting the projectiles as fully as he could.
"Cover the rest of the men!" Luke shouted to Ahsoka. "I have the right flank!"
Meanwhile Anakin and Obi-Wan were on the left side of the attack force doing the same thing, providing a front for the rebels as they fired from behind various buildings and containers pushed to the side as a kind of makeshift cover.
"Luke and Ahsoka will need help!" Anakin yelled above the din to his former Master. "I'll take their flank, you take the right."
"No, Anakin!" Obi-Wan argued. "We can only protect them! We cannot fight this war for them!"
"We can't leave them both by themselves!"
Another super battle droid rocket detonated near them, throwing bits of dirt and dust in the air, temporarily obstructing their vision. The elder Jedi Master coughed briefly and assessed the options as quickly as he could. Normally, he and Anakin could take out a force this size without much trouble but he couldn't run afoul of the Council nor his own principles.
"Get your people out of here!" he said to Steela. "We'll hold them off!"
"You didn't train us to run!" came the defiant reply. "And neither is he!"
Looking over, the two Jedi saw Luke standing bravely in front of the fray twirling his emerald blade like an acrobat in a show of lightsaber prowess that could only be matched by a few among the living. He single handedly was stalling the droid advance, knocking them back one by one.
"He shouldn't be doing that," Obi-Wan muttered.
"Okay then...are you going to stop him?"
Luke Skywalker needed no man to tell him otherwise, bearded features set about heavy concentration. His bold show of strength in the face of the enemy seemed to inspire the Onderions to greater heights.
"Ahsoka!" he called out. "Ready the charges!"
Temporarily forgetting she was the commander in charge, the Togrutan obeyed and yelled for Saw and his men to throw the detonators- the kind designed to actually explode. Luke leapt out of the way just in time as the impact destroyed the first line in a spew of bolts and screws.
"He seems to have a handle on things," Anakin commented.
"It's not over yet. Get out of the way!" Steela yelled as she fired off a multitude of shots against the padlocks of the creatures they rode on. This caused a stampede in which the rest of the droids on the right flank were wiped out by the rampaging beasts. But that was not the end of the threat. An AAT tank appeared on the horizon and it loomed menacingly over the rebels.
"If I didn't know better I'd say you had been fighting droids all your life," Ahsoka commented as she sliced her twin green blades.
"Fighting, yes. Droids no," Luke said offhandedly.
"Think you can take on a tank?"
The pilot steering the behemoth appeared to target the flank that did not feature Obi-Wan Kenobi or Anakin Skywalker, using its cannon to punch massive holes in their camp and other buildings.
"Let's find out!" Luke said, ducking down and gathering the group around. "I'm going to slice off that turret gun. Ahsoka, open the hatches. Saw and Lux, throw in the charges."
He didn't wait for their reaction and chose instead to lead by example, knowing how to inspire men under his command (Leia was the same way). Dodging a blast from the AAT, he leapt into the air, spun around multiple times before drawing the side of his green saber against the cannon, cutting it in half.
"Now!" he cried, somersaulting away from the blast radius.
Ahsoka forced open the hatches with the Force while Saw and Lux ran forward as they were trained to do, climbing on top of the tank and tossing their charges.
"Halt Republic scum! You're under arrest for crimes against the Separatist-"
The crimes were never explained as the hapless droid's threats were drowned out by a final explosion, ending the battle...for now.
Luke looked up and grinned, hardly bothered by the soot mark on the side of his cheek nor by the hole in his robe. He'd not only survived but thrived in his first battle of the Clone Wars. For the first time in what seemed like ages, he allowed himself to feel proud.
Even the ghost of Yoda couldn't begrudge him that.
Alright, I hope that looks good for a start. We still have a ways to go. At present Luke isn't trying to change all that much yet since he's still ingratiating himself within the Jedi Order and the Republic military. But he'll have his moments.
Next update in a week as always. Rock on!
~The Wasp