Rest and Redeployment
[Play Lego Star Wars III The Clone Wars OST Resolute Hub 0:00 - 2:17]
The Venator had exited hyperspace and was just beyond the blockade of fellow Venators, which were accompanied by Acclamators, Light Assault Cruisers, and a few space stations. After confirming who was aboard the approaching Venator, it was given clearance to pass the blockade and land on a large docking bay specifically made for the warships.
The five Jedi aboard the ship had departed, along with a portion of the clone units that were stationed there as well. As the clones of the 501st and 212th did their own things, the Jedi had all returned to the temple to report their success. When the five of them entered the temple, Orion looked happy to be back, which caught Ahsoka's attention. "You seem glad to be back here."
"This is our home, isn't it?" Dusk pointed out. "Who wouldn't be glad to be back home after all that has happened?"
"Not this soon though." Tano said. "It's only been a few days since we left here and met our masters."
"These moments are going to be few and far between, considering the current state of the galaxy though." The boy commented. "I for one am going to enjoy them while they last."
"Whatever you say, Orion." The togruta replied.
Anakin and Obi-Wan couldn't help but hear that conversation going on behind them. "I see that they're getting along well." Skywalker commented.
"Indeed." Kenobi agreed. "They're reminding me of us already."
"Great." Anakin sarcastically responded.
"You don't sound very excited." Obi-Wan noted.
"Let's just hope he doesn't get your sense of humor." Skywalker said.
"Oh yes." Kenobi replied. "It would be quite tragic of you to hear double the amount of my quips, like how it'll be quite tragic of me to deal with double the amount of your recklessness."
The chosen one smirked at that, before the four of them reached the communications center. Master Mace Windu was there, along with Master Plo Koon, who had noticed the five of them and greeted them. "Greetings, Master Yoda." Plo spoke first.
"I take it that the rescue of Jabba's son was a success." Mace spoke next.
"Yes, Master." Anakin answered. "Jabba's son is safely back with him, and the Republic now has access to Hutt space and trade routes."
"I hope that you had similar success at the battle of Dantooine." Obi-Wan wondered.
"Indeed." Windu confirmed. "For now, we are awaiting Master Di's progress on Ryloth, as well as awaiting the new batches of clones that should be finishing their training on Kamino."
"A fruitful day, this seems to be. Yes." Yoda commented.
As the four of them talked with one another, Plo Koon had noticed the two Padawans and decided to speak with them. "Greetings, Padawans."
"Koh-to-yah, Master Plo." Both of them responded together, slightly surprising the pair and Plo Koon himself.
"I see that little Soka isn't the only one who was taught my native tongue." Plo commented. "Might I have your name, Padawan."
"Orion Dusk." The boy answered. "I learned how to speak Kel Dor through texts in the library, though I'm still not fluent in it."
"I see." The Kel Dor Jedi replied. "I wish you good fortune in that pursuit. Should you become fluent enough in it, your abilities as an interpreter and negotiator will be less restricted."
"Thank you, Master." Orion humbly bowed at the Jedi Master's wisdom.
Plo Koon nodded at that then turned his attention to Tano. "And how are you faring , little Soka?"
"I'm doing great, Master Plo." She told him. "My mission was a success and I'm psyched up for more."
"It pleases me to know that your first mission as an apprentice was a success." He complimented her.
"Thank you, Master." She respectfully bowed to him as well.
[Silence]
At this point, the other Jedi Masters, and Knight had finished their talk and Mace Windu took his leave with Master Yoda. "We will report our successes to the Chancellor."
"For now, rest." Yoda suggested. "Earned it you have, after such success."
As the two of them left Plo Koon spoke next. "I shall be on my way as well. I need to continue investigating the reports of a mysterious entity in the outer rim that is wiping out Republic forces and leaving no survivors."
[Play Star Wars The Clone Wars (2008) OST Anakin Redeployed 0:00 - 0:41]
"Good luck, Master Plo." Skywalker told the Kel Dor as he was about to be leaving as well.
"And where might you be off to, Anakin?" Obi-Wan questioned.
"Nowhere important." the Jedi Knight answered. "Just going to thank someone for helping Ahsoka and I out of a tight spot back at Jabba's palace."
"Are you talking about that Senator, Master?" Tano realized.
"...Yeah." Skywalker confirmed.
"If that's the case, then you should probably take your Padawan with you." Kenobi suggested, with an ever so slightly teasing look in his eyes. "Seeing as the Senator had helped both of you, as you said."
Anakin was hesitant at first, which everyone noticed, but didn't comment on. "Alright. Come on, Snips."
"Sure thing, Sky Guy." Ahsoka tagged along with him.
And now it was just Orion and Obi-Wan again. "And then there were two." The Jedi Master commented.
"It appears so, Master." the Padawan replied.
"Well then, we should be on our way." Kenobi said.
"Yes, Master. Where to?" Dusk wondered.
"I was going to ask you that, my Padawan." Obi-Wan responded, earning a confused look from his apprentice. "Weren't you going to show me where you got your appendage?"
"Oh! Right." Orion realized. "Forgive me, Master. I had forgotten about that."
"You're forgiven, Padawan." Kenobi said in a humorous manner. "Lead the way."
"Yes, Master." Dusk replied before exiting the communications center, with his master following him.
[Silence]
The two of them had left the Jedi Temple and had gotten onto a transport that would take them down to the lower levels, and after going a few hundred levels down, the pair had soon reached level 1999. Specifically the Rarmo district. The two Jedi had their cloaks on while they were down here, as to do their best to not draw attention to themselves. As they walked about in this district, Obi-Wan couldn't help but comment on this. "I'm surprised that you acquired the arm here. I do hope it was from legal methods."
"It was." Orion assured his master, as he soon found the building that he was looking for. "Here we are."
The building didn't really look too special. All it showed was a small sign on the front that said 'Smither Sisters' in aurebesh on it "Alright. Shall we?" Dusk asked.
"I suppose we shall." Kenobi was willing to follow his Padawan inside.
[Play SWTOR OST Do Holos Show Up on the Bill? 0:00 - 2:38]
As the two of them entered the building, they could hear some music being played further in, as well as the sound of a fusion cutter being used. The two Jedi walked further in and they were greeted with the sight of a female with green skin, who was welding some metal plates together at the moment, before hearing a ding. "I'll be with you in a minute!" She called out, keeping her focus on her work at the moment.
Orion pulled back his hood and sat at a bench that was nearby, which prompted his master to do the same, pulling back his own hood and sitting next to his apprentice, who he noticed had a fond smile on his face, like he knew who this person was. "I presume you are acquainted with her?"
"Yes, Master." Dusk confirmed.
After a brief moment, the female had finished her work and then pulled up her welding helmet, wiping some sweat off of her face, which was revealed to have black patterns on it, showing that she was a mirialan. "Sorry bout the wait. What can I..." She looked at the pair and recognized the face of the younger of the two. "Well if it isn't my Knight with our shining arm!" She approached and hugged him. "How are ya?"
Orion hugged her back. "I'm doing good, Mai." He reciprocated the hug.
After the two finished their hug. Mai spoke up again. "What kind of check up is it today? Is it Shu and I checking up on your arm, or you checking up on us?"
"The latter." Dusk answered. "Along with introductions." He gestured towards the other Jedi in the room.
Obi-Wan then spoke to Mai. "Hello there."
"Hello to you too, Mister." She offered a handshake, to which the Jedi Master accepted. Mai then turned around and yelled out. "Hey Shu! We've got special guests right now! Get out here!"
"Coming, Mai!" Shu's voice was heard, and soon enough, she soon arrived in the room and saw who was there. "Well this is a surprise." She smiled. "How's life up top going?"
"Well, it's going." Orion commented. "How's life down here?"
"Going." She answered. "Who's the older fellow?"
"This is my Master." Dusk explained. "I became his Padawan only recently, and he was curious about where I had acquired my unique prosthetic."
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi." The Jedi Master introduced himself. "I take it you're friends of his?"
"Saved our butts from some dumb gangsters a long while ago." Mai said. "Oh, I'm Mai Iwara, and she's my twin sister, Shu." She pointed to the other mirialan, who gave a small wave.
"So I've heard." Obi-Wan commented.
Mai then looked back to the Jedi Master. "You two just wanted to come see us?"
"Orion thought it was a good idea." Kenobi said.
"Well, we're not too busy, so while you're here, we could do a quick check up on your arm." Shu offered.
"So long as it isn't any inconvenience for you." Dusk was ok with that.
"Take a seat, friend!" Mai grabbed a kit filled with tools. "Does your master have anything he wants us to take a look at too?"
"I don't have any prosthetics, so I'll be fine." Obi-Wan told her.
"We also do armor and occasionally melee weapons." Shu pointed out. "If you ever want some new gear to wear, feel free to come by and ask. We'll see what we can do."
"I'll bear that in mind." Kenobi replied.
"Alright! Let's get to it!" Mai cheered out.
"Is she always like this?" Obi-Wan wondered.
"You get used to it." Shu assured him.
"I hope so." Orion commented, knowing that he'll be back here whenever he needs their professional assistance with his prosthetic.
Dusk then sat down and let the two mirialans do their thing, while Kenobi watched, with a small smile on his face, pleased to know that he and his Padawan were in the presence of good company.
[Silence]
After the sisters finished checking up on Orion's arm, he and Obi-Wan were free to leave. After another hug from Mai to the Padawan, the two two Jedi had departed and made their way back to the Jedi Temple. When the pair reached the temple, they noticed Masters Mace Windu and Yoda just outside of the communications center. Dusk and Kenobi were spotted by them and Obi-Wan spoke up. "I take it that the Chancellor has received the good news?"
"He has." Mace confirmed. "Now we're going to see if we can get an update on Master Di's progress on Ryloth."
"Shall we accompany you then?" Kenobi offered.
"Free to join us, you are." Yoda answered.
[Play SWTOR OST Coruscant, The Capital 2:10 - 4:22]
After the four of them had entered the communications center, the three Jedi Masters had noticed that there was a pending transmission waiting to be answered. Windu put it through and a Republic Admiral showed up on the holotable, looking in distress. "This is Admiral Dao of the Outer Rim Republic Fleet, transmitting from Ryloth's orbit. We've run critically low on fuel and ammunition, and most of our fleet has been destroyed by Seperatist warships that are now blockading the planet. General Di's forces on the planet have run out of supplies on the ground. If help does not arrive soon, the entire Outer Rim Garrison will be wiped out."
"Surely there must be something you can do." Kenobi said to him.
Just then a clone naval officer showed up on the holotable as well and informed the admiral of grave news that the Jedi present had heard. "The main reactor's been hit sir! Systems are shutting down. We are dead in space!"
Admiral Dao had a solemn look on his face as he spoke what was most likely going to be his final words. "With regret, I report that my fleet will no longer be able to provide protection for the troops on Ryloth. I repeat my request that help be sent right away."
"The shields are gone!" another clone voice was heard over the comm line. "We have no..." The transmission ended as the clone naval officer looked to brace for an incoming blaster shot and the Admiral accepted his fate.
The Padawan and Masters all had troubled looks on their faces as Yoda spoke up. "Trapped on Ryloth, Master Di and his men are."
"What can we do?" Orion asked, wanting to believe that there is still a chance to help the Republic forces on Ryloth.
"We don't have enough manpower to reinforce Master Di's troops." Mace stated. "Our only option is to send in blockade runners that are loaded with relief supplies, and hope that the forces on Ryloth can manage with those, until we can rally a force to retake the planet."
"But they don't have the range to reach Ryloth on their own, and the nearest fleet is at Bakura, which is thousands of Parsecs away. They'll never make it in time to support the troops on Ryloth." Kenobi pointed out.
"A planet, that closer to Ryloth, and has supplies to give perhaps?" Yoda suggested.
Obi-Wan pressed a few buttons on the holotable and a map of the galaxy appeared in front of them. The four of them looked at all of the planets that were close enough to Ryloth, but Windu, Kenobi and Dusk didn't see any good ideas. Rodia was close, but didn't have the supplies to give. Kamino was the same, as while it was close, they needed all their supplies. And while Naboo had supplies, they didn't have the means to deliver it, and sending the blockade runners there would take too long for them to get there, load the supplies and then leave for Ryloth.
Yoda however noticed something. "Hmm...Toydaria, perhaps?"
The Padawan looked puzzled at Yoda's suggestion. "Isn't that a neutral system?" Orion questioned.
"It is." Mace confirmed. "But the Toydarians do have a law of hospitality."
"Indeed. A sacred value, compassion is seen as to the Toydarians." Yoda added.
"Oh. I see." Dusk realized. While he was a little more book smart than a few of his fellow Padawans, he didn't know everything.
"Be that as it may." Obi-Wan spoke up next. "The fact that Toydaria is there does provide some hope, but we still need someone to go there and convince them to lend us supplies."
"What about the Senator from Naboo?" Orion suggested. "Master Skywalker went to personally thank her for her assistance with Jabba the Hutt."
"If Skywalker is with her, we could contact him and request her assistance in this endeavor." Mace agreed with the boy. "Senator Amidala is excellent when it comes to negotiations."
[Play Star Wars Attack of The Clones OST The Meeting of Anakin and Padme 0:00 - 1:39]
"I'll contact Anakin and see if he can convince her to assist us." Kenobi said, before tapping on his wrist comm and speaking into that. "Anakin. Come in." At first there was nothing. "Anakin." Still nothing. "Anakin, I know you're receiving this."
After a moment, Skywalker's voice was heard. "I'm here, Obi-Wan. What is it?"
"Are you with Senator Amidala right now?" Kenobi asked.
"Um, yeah. Why do you ask?" Anakin questioned.
"We need to speak with her." Obi-Wan stated.
After a brief moment of silence..."What is it that you need to speak with me about, Master Kenobi?" Amidala's voice was heard on the comm line.
"In need of your diplomatic skill, we are." Yoda spoke up. "The people of Ryloth, suffering they are."
"We are trying to send relief supplies to the people of Ryloth, but it is under a Separatist blockade, and the blockade runners we can dispatch do not have the range to reach Ryloth." Mace explained. "The planet Toydaria is much closer than our nearest fleet, but we would need someone to convince them to offer food and medical supplies for us to send to the people of Ryloth."
"I'm sorry, but as much as I want to help, I cannot leave. Representative Binks and I were about to depart to the senate building to discuss what actions we will be proceeding with in our new territories." The senator stated.
"Wait, meesa havin an idea, Padme." The sound of another individual was heard on the comm line. "Why not havin meesa go to the shipment and yousa stay to do senate discussing? Yousa not really be needing meesa for that, and meesa can represent yousa, like before."
"Jar Jar, while that could work, I was actually..." Amidala was cut off.
"Yahoo! If it be workin, then meesa be going immediately!" Jar Jar cheered.
"Jar Jar, wait..." The sound of a door shutting was heard as Skywalker said that. "...And he's gone. That's not good."
"We can still salvage this." The senator assured him. "Before Jar Jar left to give his...assistance, I was going to suggest that you contact Senator Organa. He had left for a trade mission to Mimban, and has most likely finished with that mission by now. I'm sure that he would be more than willing to assist you with this crisis."
"Thank you, Senator Amidala." Obi-Wan appreciated the assistance. "Anakin, when you're done giving your thanks to the Senator, return to the Jedi Temple."
Skywalker sighed. "Understood."
[Silence]
As Obi-Wan finished his transmission, he noticed Master Windu talking to a clone trooper on the holotable. "Be sure to leave as soon as the representative arrives."
"Yes, General." The clone understood his orders.
The transmission ended and then Mace spoke to Kenobi. "There's a ship that's already loaded with relief supplies ready to launch. Once Representative Binks joins them, they will head to Toydaria."
"Then requesting Senator Organa's assistance, all that is left now is." Yoda stated.
"I do hope he agrees to assist us." Orion said.
"Alderaan and the people raised there are well known for providing humanitarian aid, my Padawan." Obi-Wan assured him. "I have faith that Senator Organa will assist us."
[Play SWTOR OST Alderaan Unreleased Music 0:00 - 4:37]
While that helped the Padawan ease his concerns, it was still a little difficult for them to be gone completely, especially with how long it actually took to contact the Alderaanian Senator. By the time they finally established contact, Representative Binks' ship was already en route to Toydaria. "Master Kenobi, Master Windu, Master Yoda." He recognized the three Jedi Masters when he saw them. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Senator Organa. How was your mission to Mimban?" Obi-Wan asked.
"My trade mission was successful. Thank you for asking." The Senator replied, but knew something was not right. "But, what's the matter? You all look very somber."
Kenobi then got to the point. "Senator, the fleet protecting Ryloth has been destroyed, and the supply lines have been cut. The troops are out of food, fuel, ammunition, and the civilian population is starving."
"That is grim news." Organa looked ready to listen to what they wanted him to do.
"Our blockade runners should be able to penetrate the Separatist lines and drop relief supplies." Mace stated. "But they do not have the range to reach Ryloth."
"The Planet Toydaria is 2,000 parsecs closer than the nearest fleet." Obi-Wan said. "If the blockade runners can supply from there, they might reach Ryloth in time."
"What would you have me do?" Senator Organa was ready to help them.
"We've dispatched a ship loaded with relief supplies to meet you on Toydaria." Kenobi told him. "You are a more experienced diplomat than the representative from Naboo, who is already there."
"Senator Amidala is an excellent negotiator." Organa stated, not knowing that it wasn't actually her that was there. "I am sure..."
"Senator Amidala could not leave the Senate." Obi-Wan corrected him. "Representative Binks accompanied the shipment."
"You must negotiate the treaty so that we can dispatch ships from Toydaria and get Ryloth the relief supplies it needs." Master Windu told the Senator.
"I understand perfectly." Organa was more than willing to assist them with this.
"You have our thanks, Senator." Kenobi said before ending the transmission there.
"That is all we can do for now." Mace said out loud. "Let us hope that he succeeds."
Kenobi noticed how his Padawan was looking and decided to do something about that. "Well then. I think it is time for Padawan Dusk and I to take our leave. We'll be doing some training together should you need either of us."
Master Windu and Master Yoda were both fine with that, and allowed the two of them to leave the communications center. Once the pair did, Obi-Wan spoke to his Padawan. "Don't trouble yourself with problems that you have no control over, Padawan."
"I'm sorry, Master." Orion apologized. "I'm just worried about the Twi'leks, our troops and Master Di. The Twi'leks didn't deserve to be thrown into war when they already suffered so much. And I know that the clones are trained soldiers, but like us Jedi, they have their limits. I saw that firsthand on Christophsis and Teth. We're not invincible and we can't hold out forever."
"It is very good that you have such a kind heart, and while it is true that we aren't invincible, that doesn't mean that we aren't capable." Kenobi assured his Padawan. "Now then, let us head to the library."
"The library, Master?" Dusk repeated.
"Well, where else could I teach you about the many cultures that you seem to be so fascinated to learn about?" Obi-Wan pointed out, taking notice of how his Padawan was a bit smarter than some other Jedi around the boy's age that he knew.
"I'm surprised that you would want to encourage that, instead of trying to improve my saber techniques or my connection to the force." Orion commented.
"We can do saber training almost anywhere. The same goes with meditation." Kenobi pointed out. "But studying the cultures of the galaxy, so that one could solve their problems without violence, well, that can only be done here, or by living on the planet in question long enough." He took the lead and began heading towards their desired destination. "Shall we?"
"Yes, Master." Dusk followed his mentor, ready to continue learning from him.
After a long walk through the halls of the temple, the pair soon enough reached the library. Where they were greeted by Madame Jocasta Nu. "Good day, Master Kenobi."
"And good day to you, Madame Jocasta." Obi-Wan responded. "My Padawan and I will be here for a while, if that's ok with you."
Jocasta looked at the boy with Kenobi and knew who it was. "Well, if it isn't Padawan Dusk. A pleasure to see you again."
"And a pleasure to see you as well, Madame librarian." Orion respectfully bowed to her.
"So, what will it be today I wonder?" Jocasta said. "The last time you were here, you were learning the culture and language of the Kel Dor."
"Was he now?" Obi-Wan mused. "Perhaps that would be a good place to start then?"
"If it wouldn't be any inconvenience, Master." The boy replied.
"Right this way, you two." The Jedi librarian guided them to the texts that they seeked. She gave Dusk a dictionary that translated Basic words to that of the Kel Dor language, as well as texts that focused on the planet Dorin, and the culture of the Kel Dor species.
Kenobi would sit across from his Padawan, and study alongside him. While he already knew much about the Kel Dor, it wouldn't hurt to refresh his memory. The two of them would study together for the next few hours, before Obi-Wan's wrist communicator went off, upon which he excused himself to answer it. "This is Obi-Wan Kenobi, speaking."
"General, Kenobi. We've been assigned to assist in fortifying the Eriadu system, while General Skywalker's Fleet fortifies the Bith system." Commander Cody's voice spoke through the commlink.
"Understood, Commander. I take it that Captain Rex will be relaying the news to Anakin?" Obi-Wan guessed.
"Yes, General." Cody confirmed.
"Commander Dusk and I will be with you shortly." Kenobi ended the transmission after he said that. He then went back to his Padawan. "So, how's the cultural study going?"
"It's going really well." Orion answered. "I had no idea that some force sensitive Kel Dor acted as sages on their homeworld before being discovered by the Jedi. Could Master Plo have become one of them, had he not been found by the Jedi?"
"Maybe. But I doubt he would have stayed there." Obi-Wan replied. "His clan's name means 'explorer' in his native language."
"Oh yeah. That's right." Dusk realized. "I suppose then that Master Plo would have been out and about, seeing the galaxy and all of its wonders."
"Something that he is doing right now, while also ensuring the inhabitants of said galaxy's safety." Kenobi added. "Speaking of seeing the galaxy, our fleet has been assigned to the Eriadu system. We shouldn't keep Commander Cody waiting."
"Yes, Master." The boy understood that it was time to leave, but before he did, he returned all the archives that he was reading to Jocasta and bid her farewell.
The two Jedi eventually made their way back to their Venator class Star Destroyer, where they saw Cody waiting for them. "I do hope we didn't keep you waiting too long." Obi-Wan said to his clone Commander.
"Not at all, General." Cody responded. "The men are ready and awaiting your orders."
"Let's get underway then. Eiradu won't defend itself." Kenobi instructed.
"Yes, General." Cody replied before the three of them entered the Venator and prepared to start their next mission.
And here's the new chapter for this story. Not much action happened, but you don't always need action in an episode of Star Wars to make it entertaining. (Although it usually helps when there is.) Now that the Toydaria Relief Mission and Hunt for the Mystery Weapon are underway, the next chapter I write on this story will most likely focus on Orion's growth as a Jedi. If anyone wants more action, I could include Anakin and Ahsoka's actions during the beginning stages of this ark, but if not, then I will focus solely on Obi-Wan and his training of Orion. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and until I decide to upload again. ;)