Hey folks, this is a story idea that slapped me in the face during a play-through of KOTOR II
I decided to combine it with the Clone Wars Onderon Arc, and one of my earlier stories.
Hope you enjoy.
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Rebellion in the Inner Rim!
The planet Onderon is caught in the middle of a contentious political divide, causing the separatist-aligned government to crackdown hard on descent.
However, a small band of rebels have taken refuge deep within its vast and savage wilderness.
From an abandoned outpost on the jungle moon of Dxun, they plot to take back the heavily fortified capital city of Iziz and end the Separatist occupation.
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High Council Chamber, Jedi Temple, Coruscant.
Night had fallen over the city-scape of Coruscant.
But above the glimmering skyscrapers and the myriad of small personal speeders, the towering fortress of the Jedi Temple watched over it all like a watchful sentinel.
A beacon of peace and justice. Or it would have been had the Republic not been at war.
Located at the peak of the southeast tower of the Temple, this circular chamber that housed the members of the Jedi High Council granted its occupants a rare glimpse of Coruscant. The Chamber itself existed in several incarnations over the years as the Temple grew, expanded, moved, and relocated. However, the room has always kept the basic circular shape accessed by a single turbolift, high arching windows, polished larmalstone flooring, and a ring of twelve cushioned chairs for the members of the august body. Each of the stone seats were equipped with a holo-projector that could be used when a Council member was attending the meeting from a distant world.
And since this war began, these seats were filled with holograms more often than not.
As it was, the council was now in session, the entire chamber of Jedi Masters baring witness to a pair of transparent blue holographic figures, both of whom were human males. One was a tall and lanky figure with dark skin, dark hair, and a go-tee. He had an intense look about him, and he wore battle-worn irregular combat armor which protected his torso and shoulders.
The other man was slightly shorter and a bit more stocky, but also somewhat lanky. He had fair-skin, black hair, and smooth green eyes. He was clean shaven and more well-groomed, or as much as he could be in whatever situation required him to wear combat armor as well. His expression was more relaxed and charming.
The Jedi Council addressed these two men from Onderon, but they were not the only Jedi who attended. Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker were in attendance.
Another Jedi, a beautiful light orange-skinned Togrutan padawan named Ahsoka Tano was also in attendance, as she was the one that the shorter Onderon man had contacted originally. The young man was Lux Bonteri, former Confederate Senator and a fugitive from Count Dooku's wrath.
"Unfortunately," the ex-senator began, "the only way to reclaim Onderon will be through armed struggle. But we lack sufficient hardware and supplies."
Obi-Wan spoke up and all eyes were on him. "Onderon is in your king's rule. And at the outbreak of the Clone War, he chose to align it with the Separatists."
Before Lux could speak, the other holographic man spoke up instead. He was Saw Gerrera, the leader of the anti-separatist militia group that was scattered across the system.
"Our true king is a prisoner. He is held hostage while the council of lords sells our world out to the Separatists. The ones you recognize are traitors and Separatist minions. We need your help to survive this."
Yoda stroked his chin with an ancient three-fingered hand.
"Find a way we shall."
Both holographic men shared a glance. Then they both bowed.
"We await your answer." Lux said.
But before the link was severed, Lux glanced over at Ahsoka Tano. Ahsoka's heartbeat quickened briefly when she locked eyes with Lux, a somewhat desperate look in his eyes.
They had known each other for at least a year now, having met a few times earlier in the war, when she and one of her friends in the senate snuck into the Confederate capital to broker peace negotiations. And another time after he was marked for execution by Count Dooku, she was his escort for the time being. Of course that incident led them both to an encounter with death watch. Since then they've gone their separate ways. There was a small flicker between them that Ahsoka couldn't explain. All she could tell was that her heart raced whenever she saw or heard him.
And now he needed her once again. She could feel it. Though perhaps it was for more than just the need to save his home.
The termination of the holo-link snapped her out of her thoughts, and she realized that she needed to get a grip of herself, especially in the presence of the council.
Attachments are forbidden. The fear of loss. These were paths to the dark side.
For a moment she was worried that she allowed her thoughts to betray her in the presence of the Council, but she thanked the force that there were more important things to worry about.
Mace Windu was the first to break the silence.
"There are pockets of rebels on many of these planets. Republic loyalists trapped in the Outer Rim behind enemy lines. With the proper guidance, they can become an effective insurgency. With training and resources, they could attack soft targets and disrupt Separatist supply lines and communications, while the Republic continues to engage the Separatists on other fronts."
"But Master Windu, surely we must must be careful with whom we chose to deal with. Many of these groups have resorted to acts of piracy and even terror in the past." The Kel Dor Jedi Master, Po Koon, said, his voice muffled behind his protective mask and goggles.
"Then we must pick our targets wisely." Windu acknowledged.
A new voice, the one belonging to Anakin Skywalker, spoke up next.
"Well, I think of it as an insurgency to help realign these planets with the Republic."
His master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, looked at him with a stern look behind his bearded face. "Anakin, mind your place. We can't just give weapons and armaments to every group in the galaxy that asks for them. Especially to overthrow a planet's government."
Anakin didn't back down, always being the one to speak his mind whenever and wherever he felt like it. "But Master, with all due respect, what difference does it make. Onderon is aligned with the Separatists, who I would remind you want to destroy everything we hold dear. If we arm these groups, we can divide the Separatist forces and press them on two fronts."."
Obi-Wan pinched the top of his nose, suppressing one of the famous headaches that Anakin was known to ignite.
"Yes, but as usual, you are missing my point entirely. Using rebel groups to overthrow a government, that many people see as legitimate, is a surefire way to damage our image in the eyes of billions. We may succeed this time. We may even win the war with this tactic. But people will begin to question our motives and the legitimacy of the Republic, and the Jedi Order at large, if we just give credence to their prejudice against us."
Anakin was just looking at his master, but before he could react, Yoda spoke up, ending their debate.
"A means to an end fear cannot be." He said, pointing his gimer stick at the pair of bickering Jedi. "Stop those who spread terror the Jedi must."
"Indeed. What we're suggesting would open up dangerous possibilities." Master Gallia said. "We must not train terrorists."
"Eh, rebels." Anakin said. But he immediately quieted down when his Master looked at him again.
"How we conduct war is what distinguishes us from others." Plo Koon said.
"How we govern ourselves is also what distinguishes us from other, Master Plo," said Master Windu. "According to Senator Bonteri, the government in Iziz is cracking down on its citizens, and they are even removing or rotating royal soldiers who are suspected of disloyalty. The people of Onderon are open to rejoinging the Republic, or at least remaining neutral. Yet the current government is allowing the CIS fleet to use it as a base."
Mace pressed a few buttons on his chair and brought up a map of the galaxy. It vast majority of it was blue, representing the Republic worlds in the Core and their loyalist worlds in the rest of the galaxy. But several disconnected red blotches were scattered in the Outer Rim, CIS space. But several red dots were isolated across Republic space. Onderon was one of the planets these dots represented. They were isolated, but not void of danger.
"Onderon lays just east of the Hydian way. This allows separatist forces stationed there to attack our supply convoys and raid Republic worlds. We could have launched an invasion long ago to dislodge the CIS, but the planet is too well fortified and our forces are to spread thin across other fronts to deal with. But now with rebels cells operating all over the system, and a population in discontent, we can support them in their struggle to take back their world while we hit their fleet at the same time."
The Councilors broke off into multiple conversations as they mulled over the plan put forward by Master Windu.
"The least we can do is help them defend themselves," Ahsoka spoke up, "test the tactic while we're at it."
She blushed when all of the eyes fell on her
"This could be a great new opportunity for us." Anakin said, backing her up.
Yoda closed his eyes.
"Hmm."
Then he slid off of his chair, before walking over to the window, the tapping of his gimer stick echoing throughout the chamber. He stopped and looked out over the city, at the millions of Republic citizens, contemplating what it took to win a war, and whether or not the ends justified the means.
Then he finally turned toward the rest of the chamber and spoke.
"Train and observe. Send advisors we will."
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Command deck, RSD Resolute, Coruscant navy yard.
Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Admiral Wulf Yularen stood around a holo-table, showing an image of the planet Onderon and the moon of Dxun, which was so close to the planet, barely a short shuttle ride away. In fact, they were so close that they shared the same atmosphere.
It is said that flying beasts could travel from Dxun to Onderon and back as if they were the same planet.
It was on this jungle landscape that the bulk of the rebels were making their stand against the CIS, barely linked to the other rebel cells across Onderon that have resorted to independent action. It was also where the CIS placed a lot of their defenses in anticipation of an attack.
As they studied the map, the door slid open and Ahsoka Tano walked through.
"Well, nice of you to join us snips!" Anakin said.
"Can't keep me away forever, Skyguy." Ahsoka said. "Besides, I've got nothing better to do."
Obi-Wan held his elbow in one hand so he could eaily stroke his beard with the other. "You could be studying in the library or brushing up on your studies."
"Ha! Like I said, nothing better to do." She said, causing them all to laugh.
This wasn't the first time she had been on a mission with Anakin and his master. They had served together off and on since the gruesome battle of Jabiim over a year ago, when Ahsoka lost her original master. It was also where Obi-Wan went missing in action for a couple weeks. It was then, at their lowest points and without masters, when Ahsoka and Anakin grew closer together, forming a sibling-like bond.
Ahsoka didn't have an official master yet. The Clone Wars had ensured that that was damn-near impossible. So Ahsoka was usually carted off to other planets where they needed reinforcements. Escort missions, reconnaissance, sabotage, training assignments, Jedi gatherings on Ilum, etc. She took part in a few sieges and space battles but only when it was a part of a wider battle.
Never on her own.
It was nice to get out and stretch her legs... especially where Lux Bonteri was concerned. She thought about him more than she cared to admit.
She snapped out of her thoughts when the door hissed open behind them.
Another Jedi walked through, wearing silver battle armor over his torso, and dark hair with silver streaks tied back into a tight bun. He had a short beard
Jedi General Rahm Kota. A man with a serious reputation and a personality to match.
He was born on a war-ravaged planet in the far Outer Rim and was fighting in brutal trench warfare since he was ten years old. When he was brought into the Order 8 years later, he was trained in the ways of the Jedi. He was gruff, forceful, and opinionated, traits that earned him few friends in the Order, especially with his cold and militant attitude. But despite all of that no one doubted his skill as a tactician, his bravery, or his fierce loyalty to the Republic.
He walked into the room and bowed his head. "Master Kenobi, it's good to finally meet you."
"Likewise Master Kota," Obi-Wa said as he offered his hand to shake, which Kota accepted.
But he looked around at the two Jedi padawans and then at the clones.
To say that he was unimpressed with the latter would have been an understatement. It was a was a very poorly kept secret on Kota's part that he didn't approve of clones as soldiers, which is why he usually relied on his own militia of volunteers. He had a history of going behind enemy lines and recruiting loyal Republic citizens to volunteer to his cause and disrupt CIS movements. The council didn't approve of his actions in return, feeling that he was something of a loose cannon. But no one could argue with his results.
"When Master Windu told me about this little mission, I immediately signed up."
"We're honored by your presence on this mission. Your expertise will prove invaluable."
"Thank you, young Skywalker." Kota said. "So what's our plan?"
Admiral Yularen pushed a few buttons and brought up some key points of interest on Onderon and Dxun.
"The Separatist fleet is maintaining orbit above Onderon, more specifically above the city of Iziz, its only major settlement. The city itself is built like a fortress and the CIS fleet makes it all but impossible to launch a siege of the planet, at least with the amount of ships we have available for this operation."
There were about forty CIS warships (mostly munificent-class frigate and recusant-class light destroyers) covering the planet, supplemented by star-fighter squadrons stationed all over the two planets, and Iziz's anti-ship turbo-laser towers. The Republic could only spare six Venator-class Star Destroyers and just over a dozen support vessels. The two fleets would be evenly matched in most circumstances if they didn't have to worry about extra fighters and turbo-laser towers.
"But Onderon is experiencing a major insurgency all over the system, the largest concentration of which is on the jungle moon of Dxun. General Kota and Commander Tano will go to the surface with Grand Army advisors and supplies, and train up this army. The Stealth ship Valkyrie will be on station to provide daily reconnaissance reports of potential CIS targets of opportunity. Once the Rebel army is sufficiently trained, they will strike at enemy targets of opportunity, clearing the way for our fleet to rush in and take the moon, thus beginning the siege of the planet below."
"Very good Admiral. The Admiral and I will lead the naval effort and keep the separatists busy while you get the rebels to the planet below. We'll provide whatever support we can. But for the most part, you'll be on your own."
"Understood Master Kenobi."
Obi-Wan looked around. "Any questions?" No one raised their hands. "Then may the force be with you."
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Republic stealth ship, Valkyrie, Japrael system, Inner rim.
The blue-white vortex of hyperspace disappeared and the planet Onderon zoomed into view of the IPV-2C stealth corvette. The spear-shaped ship immediately engaged its stealth drives, bending the light around it to show nothing but stars and the blackness of space.
The ship, Valkyrie, slowly cruised passed the Separatist blockade above Onderon and slowly moved into the atmospheric bridge that connected both Onderon and her closest moon, Dxun.
They moved through the dark clouds that hung above the night sky above the moon, and soon were greeted by miles and miles of jungle terrain.
One of the pilots looked over his shoulder. "General, we're coming up on the drop zone."
Rahm and Ahsoka, wearing Jedi robes over their usual outfits, entered the cockpit, which was being controlled by two non-clone pilots. Behind them, there were several Grand Army ARC troopers from Kamino getting ready to drop with them. The crew of the Valkyrie were mostly regular humans. Most naval personnel from the Republic Navy were hold-overs from the Judiciary forces from before the Clone Wars or from local systems defense fleets anyway, so there weren't many Clone naval personnel. Aside from pilots, gunners, and marines.
But the Republic wanted to hide their presence as long as possible, so they chose non-clones to pilot the ships. The ARC troopers wore regular gray fatigues and no clone armor.
Clone armor would've been a dead give away.
'But then again, so were Jedi.' Ahsoka mused.
Kota leaned over the pilot's shoulder. "Good. Jettison the equipment"
The pilot nodded and pressed a few buttons. The escape pods were jam-packed with every bit of equipment that they could use to equip a small army of rebels, at least for a few days, until the rest of the Republic fleet arrived.
The pods were loosed one at a time, landing all over the terrain, scaring off wildlife and lodging into the ground with a slam.
Once the ship got rid of all the equipment, the ship slowed to a stop and hovered just above the trees. The ramp lowered, and one of the crewmen waved the Jedi and clone instructors through.
"Go, go, go!"
The Jedi and their men jumped out one at a time. Or it should be said the Jedi literally jumped out, using the force to allow themselves to land safely on the jungle floor, while the troopers rappelled down a rope, which retracted back into the ship as the last man hit the ground floor. Then the ship flew off, and re-engaged its cloaking device.
Kota spoke into his com-unit. "Valkyrie, we're en-route to the source of the rebel transmission. Remain on station and report on Separatist fleet movements. Let us know when you notice a change in their patterns."
"Wilco, General. Valkyrie out!"
Kota looked at Ahsoka and their men. He then gestured in the direction their path took them, and they began their march. But they would soon discover that they were not alone.
The intruders made their way through the Jungle. There were at least a few of them.
Mostly men.
They had to be Seppie goons. It wouldn't have been the first time they had to ambush a group of interlopers. And if they didn't take them all out, they could warn Iziz of where the ambush occurred.
One of the rebel troopers spoke into his com-link.
"We've spotted them, sir."
Ahsoka was on point, since she was the one who received the transmission from Bonteri in the first place, so she knew better than most how to get to the base.
She was also a togruta. Her people were hunters by pure instinct and from birth. Even without the powers of a Jedi, Ahsoka could blend in with her surroundings and move quietly, choosing to remain hidden when she wanted to be. Her montrals, the horns that were atop her headdress-like Lekku, also served as biological radar that warned her of any living creature that was 15 meters away.
This was why she was able to feel the presence of their stalkers before even the stalkers had spotted them.
"Master?" Ahsoka piped up quietly.
"I know, I see them too." Kota said calmly, not even glancing to the sides. "Just keep walking casually."
The ARCs primed their weapons and looked around. Their HUDs allowed them to see the stalkers as well. But they did as the General commanded and continued walking.
Suddenly, out of the clearing ahead, three large creatures, which resembled horses with lizard heads, rode out of the nighttime fog, each carrying a rider armed with a blaster rifle.
The middle creature stood on its hind legs, nearly causing the rider to fall off the saddle, and let out a sound that resembled a whinnying sound, but with a wet, harsh guttural tone. It waved it's front hooves at Ahsoka, who backed up once and slowly raised her hands.
"Stay where you are." Said the woman on the middle creature, which planted its hooves back on the ground.
Then, from behind the trees that surrounded Kota's party, rebel troopers, wearing beat up armor and dust-encrusted fatigues, raised their rifles at the intruders, who in turn faced them with their own rifles. Until of course, Kota placed a hand on one man's rifle to lower it.
"Identify yourselves." One of the rebels shouted.
"It's all right." Ahsoka said as she lowered her hood. "We're friends."
She pulled her robe aside to show one of the metal cylinders that hung from her belt.
The woman on the lead creature smiled when she came to realize what was standing in front of her. "Jedi." She said, before she raised her hand, signalling to all of the rebels to lower their weapons, which they did.
Kota stepped foward and pulled back his own robes. "I'm General Kota." He placed a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. "And this is Commander Tano. We're here to help you
take back your planet."
The woman bowed her head. "My name is Steela Gerrera. My brother is the leader of our cause. I'll guide you to our secret base."
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Onderonian Insurgent Camp.
The Jedi and the men they brought with them were led through the jungle by the rebels. It took them several hours, and they had to dodge some of the local wildlife on the way, but as the sun peaked through the trees in the morning, they could see a large encampment.
It had several ruined -but somewhat useable - buildings. They passed through a few trees, two of which had snipers perched atop them, and were inside the camp. The conditions could be described as dreary at best. Men, and a few women, lounged about, maintaining equipment or eating ration cubes.
Some were chasing after the filthy rodents that were running around. Though judging by the looks of the food, Ahsoka began to surmise that they were catching dinner.
The smell was somewhat musty. This made sense, as no one typically ventured too far outside the camp without backup. No one wants to be ambushed by the local fauna when they're in the middle of doing their business. The rebels made due with what they had, but the local infrastructure that their base offered was still overwhelmed.
The Jedi and instructors looked around. They were less than impressed.
"A bit rough around the edges, wouldn't you say?" Ahsoka asked.
"They're not exactly what I would call shinies, sir. At they've had 10 years of training and proper equipment. One of the clones, ARC Captain Rex, said, refering to clones who had seen no combat experience, their armor being shiny and new from lack of real combat experience.
Kota smirked.
"I've seen worse." He said matter of factly. "I've had to train more men before with much less. I think we can straighten them out"
Rahm Kota truly was a legend. Every major non-clone defense force in the Republic had learned from him. Republic loyalists on hundreds of worlds owe their fight against the CIS to him. Give him a few sticks and a rock and he can wip any force into fighting shape in no time. This was just a small picnic to him.
As most of the men who followed Steela dispersed throughout the camp, she led the Jedi and their men into the main command center, which had a hole in the roof, shining sunlight through.
Saw Gerrera and Lux Bonteri were reviewing a holo-map of Onderon, which had several red markings outside of the main city, indicating territory belonging to different insurgent groups on the planet. Their territory was shrinking by the day. The situation all around was getting desperate.
When one soldier informed them of their guests, they turned to face them, as the holo-map was shut down behind them.
"Master Jedi," Lux Bonteri said with a slight bow of his head. "Thank you for answering our pleas."
Kota nodded.
"General Rahm Kota at your service. This is Ahsoka Tano, but I think you've already contacted her."
Ahsoka bowed before catching a brief glance at Lux, which he returned with a deep, subtly flirtatious smile.
Kota continued, gesturing to the Clones.
"These men are Clone ARC troopers. Captain Rex, Fives, and Jesse."
Saw smiled and nodded approvingly.
"We're looking forward to taking the fight to those scrappin' droids." He said as he punched his fist into the palm of his other hand.
"Yes. All in good time." Kota said.
"Saw Gerrera." He said, holding his hand out to shake Kota's hand.
"He fashions himself as our leader," Steela said playfully from across the room, leaning against a barely functioning computer console with her arms crossed, "though no one elected him."
Kota looked somewhat disapprovingly. He didn't need soldiers undermining superior officers, even if they were siblings.
"Well, for now, we're in charge, and there is much to learn." He said, arms clasped behing his back, striking a militaristic pose. He looked around, pacing slightly, making sure he was the center of attention for all the rebel fighters present. The Separatists have strength in numbers. We're going show you how to target and destroy them."
There was a pause in Kota's announcement, just long enough for someone to pipe up with a question.
"So, when will the Republic fleet arrive?"
Kota looked at the young man for a few seconds, as if analyzing him.
"The Republic fleet will arrive when they feel that you are well-trained enough to launch a coordinated resistance against the enemy. So until then..." But Kota was interupted. There was a chorus of groans and even a few boos coming from some naysayers in the crowd of gathered fighters. "Enough!" Kota roared, precisely and commandingly. The crowd clammed up quickly. "The Republic is spread thin across a hundred different fronts. You should consider yourselves lucky that we are sending ships at all, considering how much the CIS has invested in this system. But we are going to train you to fight a guerrilla campaign against the CIS. We will strike targets of importance. We will disrupt their communications, ambush their supply lines, and do everything we can to weaken their efforts in the region. Then the Republic fleet will be able to liberate the planet, and you will be free to take Onderon into whatever destiny your people see fit."
Most of the rebels began to nod.
"Now, to be clear, we are not here to fight your entire war for you; Rather, we want to show you how to conduct it, in the most efficient and successful way possible, before the Republic navy supports a wider campaign." He then turned to Rex. "Captain Rex."
The Clone captain stepped forward, his Mandalorian features causing a slight heir of uneasiness in some of the locals, considering their history with those clans.
"Me and the boys'll show you how the 501st destroy clankers. First, I need volunteers to carry supplies from our entry point a few klicks west.
"Shouldn't be a problem." Lux said.
"Excellent." Rex said. "Dismissed."
As the rebels began to disperse, some heading in to the jungle to pick up the supplies, Ahsoka began to walk towards Lux, who was also going into the jungle to pick up supplies. Steela was right behind him as they followed the other rebels towards the tree-line.
But Lux was taking an awfully slow pace toward the jungle. He even turned towards Ahsoka as she was walking up to him. Almost as if he anticipated it.
"Lux, it's good to see you again." Ahsoka said, sweetly, placing her hands on his forearm.
"It's good to see you too, Ahsoka." Lux responded, as he placed a hand from his opposite arm on one of her hands, giving it a light squeeze.
She blushed, before she came up with some words to say.
"I know Onderon's your home and everything, but I would have thought that you'd try to get away from Separatist space for a while." Ahsoka said, causing Lux to smile. "So how did you end up in this civil war?"
"I didn't just end up in this war, I think I might have caused it."
"What!?" Ahsoka exclaimed, slightly amused..
"Heheheh! Well after we last parted company, I decided I still wanted to be a pain in Dooku's backside, if you'll excuse my language. So I came to Onderon and tried to convince the people to resist the Separatist. I even got an audience with King Dendup. He was the one who appointed my mother to represent us in the Confederate congress, and the Republic Senate before that."
"Your voice is strong," Steela said, with a hint of swooning attraction in her voice, "like hers was."
Lux nodded at her, and then immediately turned back to Ahsoka
"Have you reconsidered joining the Republic Senate?" She asked.
Lux stopped and looked at her, very unsure of himself for a moment. Then he placed a hand on her arm, causing her heart to flutter for a moment.
"I have every bit of confidence in you Ahsoka, and I know you'll try to help us without any ulterior motive in mind, but even if we do take back Onderon, it won't change how I feel. I'm not fighting for the Republic."
Ahsoka just looked into his eyes, slightly disappointed, but understanding. She placed his hand on his, giving it a slight squeeze.
"Well, what matters now is we need each other's help again." She said, causing Steela to frown.
"Again?" She asked. "I'm guessing you two go back quite a bit."
Lux turned to face Steela.
"Ahsoka is the reason I'm still alive, and the reason behind our cause." He said.
Steela was taken slightly aback, but only slightly. "Really?" She asked, still frowning subtly.
"Wh-hat he means is..." Ahsoka stuttered, trying to form an explanation. But Lux never let her.
"She saved me from a huge mistake." He finished. He smiled toward Ahsoka one last time and went into the jungle with the others.
Ahsoka crossed her arms and watched him walk away, deep in thought.
"Lux obviously thinks highly of you." Steela said.
"I guess so." Ahsoka said, still watching Lux walk away.
Steela stepped closer to Ahsoka, fists on her hips, almost like she was sizing her up.
"Let's hope that respect is well founded." She said, causing Ahsoka to look at her slightly aghast, before walking into the jungle with the others.
Ahsoka just stood there in shock for a moment before she went to rejoin the others.
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Rebel training ground, several hours later.
On the other side of the rebel base, the Jedi and the clones had spent hours setting up a training course for the local rebel fighters. There were obstacle courses, sparing rings, a firing range, and grenade throwing exercises. But the magnum opus of the entire course was a deactivated droid AAT tank.
The armored assault tank's lower hull was shaped like a shovel-head, and it carried a swivel turret that traversed left or right in a 360 degree angle, and the main cannon acted as a bunker-buster. It had two secondary guns that jutted out of the side of the tank, and six barrels that fired projectiles towards whatever was in front of them. It carried hang rails for droid passengers to ride on the lower hull. It was a formidable tank that has been harassing armies and populations since the occupation of Naboo twelve years prior.
Ahsoka was in the middle of giving the presentation on the tank. But as much as the men tried to pay attention, many of them, especially Lux, were distracted by the stunning beauty of the young togurta girl in front of them.
And why wouldn't they be?
Ahsoka was indeed a beauty to behold, as many female Togruta were. She stood at five and a half feet tall, boasting a perfect athletic body so eye catching with her creamy orange skin. Her pert D-Cup breasts, which often bobbed up and down with every step she took, would often draw the eyes of many onlookers without her knowing, while her voluptuous behind, supported by meaty thighs and calves, achieved that feat and more as it wiggled and swayed with each step she would take.
She wore a small low cut burgundy crop top (that looked like it was struggling to keep her breasts from exploding out of it) with long sleeves that were tucked underneath her vambraces. She had a matching skirt which hugged her curvaceous rump. Her black leggings had diamond cutouts along the outer and inner sides of both legs.
These features caused the men to swoon, and this caused some of the women to seethe out of jealousy.
But seemingly oblivious of the effect that she was having on the opposite sex, Ahsoka carried on, pointing out the features in the tank.
"The pilot in the front hatch controls the tank, and the two gunners control the shells and the short range blasters. 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."
She looked at the rebels assembled in front of her. She clapped her hands to make sure they were still awake.
Some of them jolted and stood up straighter.
"Everyone, divide up into teams of two, and we'll practice an assault on both hatches!"
Lux and Saw formed the first pair of trainees to volunteer a practice run.
Lux observed the tank and nodded. "I'll take the top."
Saw punched him in the shoulder. "Let's see what you're made of, Bonteri." He mocked at a scowling Lux, who briefly looked as if his masculinity was in jeopardy. But he got into position next to Saw, and Ahsoka tossed each of them a pair of practice grenades, which totally weren't just rocks that she spent two hours carving with her short blade to make them look like grenades.
She then raised her arm up slowly, then immediately swung it back down. "GO!"
Both men bolted towards the deactivated tank and climbed all over it. Lux tried to climb onto the barrel, but before he could shimmy over, he slipped and fell off the barrel, landing on top of Saw as he was trying to deploy his 'grenade', and knocking them both off of the Tank.
"Ah!" Saw shouted as he crashed to the ground.
Lux got back up and reached out towards Saw. "Sorry about that."
But Saw just looked at the extended hand and stared with a cold hard look before he swatted it away.
"You're a terrible soldier, Bonteri." He growled before he walked off, getting back in line, but hoping he could pair up with someone else.
As more pairs tried to attack the tank, and fail, Kota and the others looked on.
"I'm not sure if they're more interested in fighting the droids or each other." Rex said.
Kota didn't turn his head.
"They'll learn. We just need time to train them properly." He said.
Another pair climbed onto the tank. One rebel actually managed to climb aboard and plant his grenade, but the other one one fell down as he tried to climb up the hand rails. The next set attacked. One tripped, and the other tried to throw his grenade into the top hatch from the ground, but he failed to realize that the hatch was closed. He got an earful from Ahsoka on that.
"Keep your eyes on the quick learners." Kota said. Rex nodded. "In this fight, time is not on our side."
Ahsoka ran alongside the next pair. "I've seen hutts move faster than you, come on. Go, go, go, go, go!"
And the next pair attacked.
And the next.
Most failed the first try. Some succeeded. They were getting better, marginally anyway. Soon some of them were actually starting to getting it.
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That was part 1 folks.
Hope you enjoyed.