Chapter 34

Five days later, Jaina stood inside one of the three 212th Juggernauts that rushed through the dense Felucian jungles towards the next staging area—another key Separatist base that was controlling supply lines within the vicinity.

While the rest of her hair was tightly pulled back into its usual neat, tight braid, Jaina carefully tucked a few moist strands that had fallen loose behind her ear, the heat and humidity of the afternoon sun causing her pale blue tunic, to dampen with sweat.

"And here I thought it couldn't get any worse than the humidity on Devaron," she murmured wryly. "Or the dry air on Aargonar. Or the scorching heat of Ryloth."

Obi-Wan smirked, turning away from the viewport. "Just be grateful we aren't on Mygeeto."

"I dunno," Jaina teased back, exchanging an amused glance with Cody. "A snow planet sounds very appealing at this particular point in time."

Obi-Wan chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Be careful what you wish for, my little Padawan. I recall a certain someone complaining incessantly about the cold on Orto Plutonia." He raised an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Cody cleared his throat, barely containing a laugh. "If I may, sir, I believe the phrase used was 'a frozen wasteland of doom'."

Jaina rolled her eyes playfully, her cheeks flushing from the oppressive heat. "I did not," she retorted, trying to maintain a facade of dignity, despite the grin tugging at her lips. "My lexicon is far more sophisticated than that. That sounds like something Ahsoka would say."

The laughter echoed through the cramped interior of the Juggernaut, providing a brief respite from the heat and the tension of the impending mission.

Obi-Wan smirked, crossing his arms as he looked down at her. "Oh really? Then perhaps you'd care to regale us with your sophisticated musings on our current environmental predicament, my erudite Padawan?"

He gestured broadly at the viewport, where the landscape of Felucia loomed in all its bizarre, colorful glory.

The giant fungal forests and bioluminescent flora created a surreal backdrop that contrasted sharply against the steel of the other Juggernauts. "I'm quite certain your eloquent observations would be most enlightening."

Jaina's brow twitched. "Well, Master, I'd say this planet is a…veritable cornucopia of…uh…botanical oddities?"

Obi-Wan pretended to be deep in thought, raising a hand to his chin. "A 'veritable cornucopia of botanical oddities', you say? Certainly a delightful turn of phrase."

He leaned in, a sly smile on his lips. "Very diplomatic, Padawan. I do believe you're on the path to mastering the art of expressing your dislike for something, without directly saying it."

Jaina smirked. "When it comes to that specific skill, I learned from the best, after all."

The troopers around them burst into good-natured laughter, with Flint leaning against the backrest of the bench seat and wrapping his arms playfully around Waxer and Boil on either side. "I think I preferred 'frozen wasteland of doom', Commander. At least that had a certain poetic flair to it."

Jaina rolled her eyes once more, but she couldn't help joining in the laughter. The camaraderie always helped ease the apprehension of an upcoming battle.

"I agree." Obi-Wan chuckled, rolling his shoulders back to loosen the tension in his muscles as he glanced back out the viewport to the lush jungle beyond.

"It's a shame, really," he mused, folding his arms over his chest-plate armor. "Normally, this planet is quite beautiful. Verdant jungles as far as the eye can see, unique flora, and various other creatures."

"73% of which are carnivorous predators, last I checked," Jaina deadpanned. She glanced at the foliage outside—the vibrant colors of the jungle seemed to pulse with energy, both beautiful and menacing in equal measure. "And that's just the ones we know about."

Obi-Wan chuckled, shaking his head. "Always the optimist, aren't you, my little one?" He stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I do hope we won't need to test the accuracy of that statistic firsthand."

The Juggernaut lumbered forward, its massive wheels crushing the exotic plant life beneath them, and leaving a visible trail through the jungle.

The Jedi Master flashed her a smirk of his own. "All the same, don't overthink it."

Jaina snorted. "You wanted a Padawan who could keep up with your intellect and ability to think five steps ahead through multiple scenarios simultaneously," she teased. "Overthinking is the unfortunate side effect. I thought you'd have known that by now, Master."

"Ah, but, my little one, there's a fine line between thinking ahead and overthinking," Obi-Wan countered. "One allows for preparedness, the other for paralysis."

He smirked. "I thought you'd have known that by now, my young apprentice."

The Jedi Master paused, shaking his head in mock disapproval. "One of the most brilliant Padawans in the Order," he teased back. "The downside is that she's an insomnia-driven overthinker."

Jaina opened her mouth to retort, but before she could speak, a deafening explosion rocked the Juggernaut.

The massive vehicle lurched violently to one side, sending both Jedi and clone troopers alike stumbling to maintain their footing.

"We're under attack!" Cody's voice cut through the chaos as he steadied himself against a nearby console. "Looks like the Seps have sprung their trap, sir!"

Jaina's brows furrowed, her fingers instinctively reaching for her lightsaber hilt. The stench of smoke and burning metal filled her nostrils as she struggled to maintain her balance in the violently shaking Juggernaut. "But our ETA to the staging area isn't for another nine minut—"

Her words were cut short by another thunderous explosion that rocked the vehicle, sending sparks flying from nearby consoles.

Obi-Wan's voice cut through the chaos, his tone sharp and focused. "It seems the Separatists have decided to greet us early."

He ignited his lightsaber, the blue blade humming to life in the dim, smoke-filled interior of the Juggernaut. "Cody, status!"

The clone commander's fingers flew over a nearby console, his face grim as he assessed the damage. "We've lost our rear stabilizers, sir. Shields are down to 40%. Two more hits like that and we're done for."

"Master, we're sitting ducks out here," Jaina muttered.

Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the situation. "We need to move. This is a giant target in the jungle." He turned to Cody. "Have your men prepare for immediate evacuation. We'll cover your exit."

Another blast rocked the vehicle, sending everyone stumbling.

The Jedi Master turned to his Padawan. "Jaina, on me."

Jaina nodded curtly, her brow furrowed as she gripped her lightsaber hilt and followed out the hatch, squinting against the bright, midday Felucian sun.

Mere seconds after the last trooper leapt off the tank, the Juggernaut rocked with one final, massive explosion—the walls and floor of the crowded combat tank rattled by artillery fire.

From their position several clicks beyond the Felucian jungle treetops, the flash of Separatist plasma fire could be seen.

"Contact!" Boil yelled out, firing his DC-15 in rapid bursts.

Obi-Wan continued to deflect the upcoming barrage as the rest of the men retreated behind the tree lines.

It was an ambush.

Jaina swiftly ignited her lightsaber, its blue blade humming to life as she took a defensive stance next to her Master.

The Padawan's eyes darted across the chaotic battlefield, taking in the overwhelming Separatist forces that had suddenly materialized from the dense Felucian jungle. B1 battle droids marched forward in rigid formations, towering spider droids scuttling between the massive trees, their laser cannons rotating relentlessly.

Several AATs, their heavy armor barely visible through the colorful foliage, began to advance, their main guns tracking the exposed Republic forces.

With practiced precision, Jaina began deflecting the incoming blaster fire, her lightsaber moving in swift, controlled arcs. The ricocheting bolts found their marks among the droid ranks, dropping several B1 units in quick succession. "They knew we were coming!"

Obi-Wan grit his teeth, deflecting another barrage of plasma fire. "Looks like our intel was less than reliable," he growled.

The Jedi Master activated his comm. "All units, engage Separatist forces. Push them back!"

Another volley of blaster fire erupted from the jungle, forcing both Jedi to increase their efforts in deflecting the onslaught.

"General!" Cody's voice cut through the chaos as he took cover behind the smoking wreckage of the Juggernaut. "We've got more incoming from the east! Looks like they're trying to flank us!"

Jaina sighed in frustration. "Master, these were exactly the kind of variables I was 'overthinking' about last night when you told me to stop worr—"

Obi-Wan's expression hardened, his blue eyes flaring with a mixture of disapproval and concern as he deflected another barrage of blaster fire. "Don't start," he interrupted. "This is hardly the time for 'I told you so's."

The Jedi Master's lightsaber hummed as it moved in swift arcs, creating a protective barrier of blue light around them.

"General!" Cody shouted. "We've got heavy armor moving in from the north! We can't hold this position much longer!"

Obi-Wan's brow furrowed as he quickly assessed the terrain. "All units, make for the western ridge! We'll use the trees for cover."

He turned to Jaina. "Jaina, lead the rear guard, take out that AAT. Take Cobra Squad and buy us some time. We need to regroup in more defensible ground, and quickly!"

With that, the Jedi Master leapt into action, his lightsaber a blur of motion as he carved a path through the advancing droid forces.

Jaina sprinted towards Waxer, Boil, Longshot, Flint, and the other troopers nearby, her lightsaber humming with energy. "Cobra Squad, on me!"

The men rallied to her position, their white armor streaked with dirt and scorch marks.

"Waxer, get me a rocket launcher on that tank, 60 degrees north by 45 degrees northeast," Jaina rambled quickly, her eyes narrowing as she spotted the hulking form of a Separatist tank advancing through the trees, its main gun swiveling in their direction. "We'll cover you!"

Waxer nodded sharply, hefting a rocket launcher onto his shoulder. "Roger, Commander!" he responded, taking aim at the approaching tank.

Jaina raised her lightsaber, deflecting a series of blaster bolts that threatened to overwhelm their position. "Come on, boys, intensify cover fire!"

The troopers maintained their barrage, their blasters firing in coordinated bursts to keep the enemy at bay.

As Waxer prepared to fire, a massive explosion rocked the ground nearby, sending tree debris and splinters flying.

Jaina instinctively raised her hand, using the Force to hold the deadly projectiles away from her men. "Steady, Waxer! Take the shot!"

"Fire in the hole!" With a deafening whoosh, the rocket streaked from Waxer's launcher, leaving a trail of smoke as it hurtled towards its target.

The Separatist tank, caught off guard by the sudden attack, was unable to pivot in time. The rocket slammed into its hull, erupting in a brilliant fireball that sent the massive war machine careening into the thick Felucian undergrowth.

"Nice shot, brother!" Boil cheered, clapping Waxer on the back.

Jaina allowed herself a brief smile before refocusing on the battle at hand. "Good work, boys. Now let's push forward and regroup with the General."

Her eyes narrowed at the advancing Separatist forces, as she attempted to lead her men towards the western ridge, where the rest of the 212th was struggling to reassemble.

The dense jungle, with its towering trees and flora, made visibility difficult as blaster fire illuminated the surroundings in rapid, deadly flashes.

"Cover fire!" She shouted.

However, as her squad moved to comply, a barrage of heavy weapons fire from concealed Separatist positions tore through their ranks.

A nearby explosion sent her remaining troops diving for cover. Mud and shrapnel rained down, as the young Padawan frantically assessed the situation.

"Commander, we're getting pinned down!" Waxer yelled, his voice strained as he fired blindly over a fallen log.

"We're cut off from the rest of the forces!" Boil added, his normally stoic demeanor cracking under the pressure.

Jaina gritted her teeth, her mind racing to find a solution as the Separatist forces pressed their advantage, their superior numbers and firepower threatening to overwhelm the Republic troops. As an idea formed in her head, she turned towards Boil, Flint, and Longshot. "You three, equip your snipers."

Flint paused for a moment, no longer to conceal his confusion as he returned his DC-15 to his hip and hauled his long-range sniper rifle from his back. "Sniper, sir? But we're too close—"

Jaina's lips quirked into a dry smile. "Hang on to those," she said to the confused troopers.

Before any of them could question her further, she extended her hands, her brow furrowing in concentration as she called upon the Force.

Flint bit back a surprised yell as he found himself hurtled off the ground in a Force push, his armored body rising swiftly through the air until he landed gently atop the branch of a nearby tree.

Boil and Longshot soon followed, with the Padawan guiding each trooper to a different tree high up in the towering Felucian canopies.

"Uh, Commander?" Flint called down from his perch, his voice a mix of surprise and dry admiration as he steadied himself on the thick branch. "A little warning next time would be appreciated."

Boil and Longshot were quick to secure their positions, their training kicking in as they immediately began to survey the battlefield from their elevated vantage points.

"Next time, I promise!" Jaina chirped dryly, her voice raised to reach her elevated squad members.

She twirled her lightsaber, deflecting the next barrage of blaster bolts. "Boil, focus on those spider droids to the north. Flint, keep an eye on our flank. Longshot, suppression fire—anything that looks like it's about to cause us trouble, take it out."

Without hesitation, Jaina sprang into action, her lithe form propelled forward by the Force as she raced towards a trio of fallen troopers lying beneath a massive tree trunk.

As she approached, she could see the medics struggling to reach the injured men, their progress hindered by the relentless barrage from the advancing droid army.

"Incoming!" Jaina's voice rang out, as she positioned herself between the fallen clones and the oncoming threat.

She turned towards another nearby tree, slicing through the trunk and causing it to topple over—and create a makeshift barricade between the injured troopers and the advancing droids.

"Nice thinking, Commander!" Waxer's voice crackled over the comm as he took advantage of the cover to pick off a pair of battle droids attempting to flank their position.

Around her, the air crackled with energy as blaster bolts ricocheted off her blade, finding new targets among the advancing droid army. Her blue eyes, wide with concentration, swept across the chaotic battlefield, taking in the seemingly endless hordes of battle droids marching relentlessly towards their position.

With a quick flick of her wrist, Jaina activated her comm link, her voice tight with urgency. "Master, if we keep this up, we're going to end up far exceeding our casualty projections!"

This mission was already impossible. There was absolutely no way they were reaching the Separatist base.

Obi-Wan's voice crackled through the comm, his tone steady despite the dire situation. "The gunships are still en route. Hold your positions, Padawan, we cannot allow them to cut in between our forces."

Jaina's brow furrowed in frustration as she continued to deflect the incoming fire, her movements becoming more frantic as the droids pressed their advantage. "We've moved on incorrect intel, we should withdraw further!"

A nearby explosion sent soil and mud raining down on her, causing her to stumble momentarily before regaining her footing. "We should regroup with the others—"

"Patience," Obi-Wan's voice interjected, his voice as stern as it was urgent. "We cannot fall back yet. The moment we do, we'll open ourselves up to a flanking assault. I need you to continue holding the rear guard. We are securing the ridge for evac."

The young Padawan bit back a retort, knowing that now was not the time for debate. "…Understood."

"Hold the line, Jaina."

A few clicks away, Obi-Wan's lightsaber whirled in a display of blue light, deflecting the relentless blaster fire.

The Jedi Master's eyes darted across the chaotic battlefield. Through gaps in the dense foliage, he caught glimpses of his Padawan's small form, her own lightsaber a whirlwind of motion as she fought to protect the retreating clone troopers.

"Keep pushing forward, men!" Obi-Wan shouted. "We must secure this ridge!"

He leapt high into the air, somersaulting over a squad of battle droids and landing in their midst.

With quick, precise slashes and strikes, the Jedi Master dispatched the droids, their bodies collapsing in a heap around him.

Obi-Wan deflected another volley, his gaze sweeping across the battlefield once more, searching for any sign of his Padawan through the chaos. He caught a glimpse of her pale blue tunic and pink hair ribbon—amidst the sea of white clone armor and brown droid metal.

Despite the distance, he could sense her determination and focus through their Force bond, tinged with a hint of anxiety that she was burying underneath sheer will power.

He knew she would do her best, her absolute best, to protect and assist those around her in every way she could.

His eyes trailed after her little frame—small amidst the towering forms of her trooper companions—as she continued to leap and duck and dodge, cutting through large branches and using the environment to provide additional cover.

Despite the roaring chaos around him, Obi-Wan felt his lips curl into a small smile.

Gone was the little girl who had once frozen in fear after exiting the gunship during her first deployment. In her place stood a warrior—focused, brilliant, gentle.

And as he watched her fight and lead her troopers, her blue eyes as fierce and as fiery as the lightsaber in her grip, he could not help the pride that rose in his heart.

As it was.

As it is.

As it shall be.

The vows of loyalty that had been spoken in the Council Chambers all those months ago rang clearly in his mind.

And at times like these, even when he least expected it, Obi-Wan found himself reminded of just how true those words were—not only of his Padawan's loyalty to him, but of the love he felt for her.

She was brilliant, she was selfless, she was kind.

She was his.

Obi-Wan's eyes remained fixed on Jaina as she continued to lead her squad, her small form moving with agility and precision through the dense jungle.

As the battle raged on, the Jedi Master found his thoughts drifting to the future. He could almost picture her standing before the Jedi Council, no longer an apprentice, but a full-fledged Knight.

For now, though, she was still his little one. His to guide and protect. To cherish.

The roar of evac gunships echoed throughout the ridge, their engines drowning out the chaos of battle below as they descended from the thick clouds.

"Incoming evac! All units, prepare for immediate extraction!" Obi-Wan shouted into his comm, gazing up at the five LAATs about to descend. "All units withdraw! I repeat, withdraw!"

His comm crackled once more, Oddball's voice cutting through the noise. "General, we've got multiple landing zones secured. LZ Alpha is hot! Recommend diverting to Bravo or Charlie."

The Jedi Master nodded, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "Understood, Oddball. Cody, direct the first wave to LZ Bravo. Get all the injured on board. We'll cover the retreat."

He turned towards his Padawan through the treeline, his expression a mix of determination and concern. "Jaina, get your men over here!"

Jaina's head snapped towards her Master's voice, her eyes widening as she took in the chaotic scene of retreating troops and advancing droids.

Without hesitation, she activated her comm link, her voice carrying a mix of determination and urgency. "Copy!" she responded, her gaze darting upwards to where Boil, Flint, and Longshot were still perched atop the trees. "I need you to jump, boys! Trust me!"

The clone troopers exchanged brief, uncertain glances, but their training and trust in their commander won out over any hesitation.

One by one, they leapt from their elevated positions, plummeting towards the ground far below.

Jaina reached out with the Force, her face scrunching in concentration as she slowed their descent, guiding them safely to the forest floor.

"Nice catch, Commander!" Flint called out as he landed, immediately taking up a defensive position alongside his brothers.

Jaina nodded in acknowledgment, her lightsaber humming as she deflected another volley of blaster fire. "Form up on me! We're making a break for the gunships!"

With a deep breath, Jaina steeled herself and charged forward, her lightsaber a blur of motion as she carved a path towards her Master and the gunships, her troopers following close behind.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she led her squad towards the extraction point. "Move, move, move!"

"Incoming!" Boil's warning barely registered before a deafening explosion rocked the ground, sending more mud and soil flying.

As they neared the ridge, the distinctive whine of LAAT/i gunships grew louder, drowning out the chaos of battle.

Obi-Wan's figure came into view, his lightsaber a beacon of blue energy as he covered the retreating forces. "Hurry, Jaina!" he called out, his voice strained but steady.

Jaina redoubled her efforts, pushing herself to the limit as she sprinted the final stretch, covering as many of her men as she could.

A Super Battle Droid abruptly emerged from behind a nearby boulder, its wrist blaster aimed squarely at her chest. Time seemed to slow as she saw the muzzle flash, her lightsaber frantically moving to—

—just as the bolt was about to hit, Flint threw himself in its path, taking the shot.

"NO!" Jaina screamed, her voice raw with anguish as she reached out for his crumpling form. "Flint!"

The Padawan furiously extended a hand, unleashing a Force push that sent the Super Battle Droid flying back into the jungle.

She lowered herself to the ground beside the fallen trooper, her small hands frantically checking for signs of life. "Medevac! I need a medevac here!" she shouted, her voice barely audible over the roar of the gunships.

Obi-Wan appeared at her side, his strong hands gently but firmly pulling her away. "We have to go, Jaina. Now!"

"We can't just—" Jaina began, her voice cracking with emotion as she looked down at the fallen clone trooper. Her small hands trembled as she clung to Flint's armor.

The chaotic sounds of battle raged around them, blaster fire and explosions punctuating the air, but in that moment, all she could focus on was the lifeless body of her comrade.

"Jaina. It's too late. There's nothing more we can do for him," Obi-Wan urged. He gently pried her fingers from the motionless trooper's armor. "We must go."

"He saved me!" Jaina protested, struggling against her Master's grip as he hauled her back to her feet. "We can't just leave him here!"

Obi-Wan's expression softened for a moment, his own heart heavy with the loss. "My darling," he said quietly, reaching to cup her cheek. "It's too late. I'm sorry."

He wrapped a firm arm around her shoulder, half-dragging her towards the waiting gunship.

The whine of its engines grew louder, drowning out the sounds of battle as it hovered just above the ground, its bay doors open and waiting. The last of the orange-striped troopers had piled in, some helping their injured comrades aboard.

"General, we need to go now! The droids are overrunning our position!" Cody shouted from the gunship, his voice urgent.

Jaina stumbled forward, her legs moving almost mechanically as her Master guided her towards the ship. Her mind was a whirl of emotions—grief, guilt, anger. As they reached the edge of the gunship's loading ramp, she turned back for one last look at the battlefield.

At Flint's body lying motionless amidst the chaos.

She swallowed the lump in her throat, her voice barely above a whisper.

"…I'm so sorry."

Obi-Wan's hand on her shoulder led her into the ship, guiding her hand to the overhead handrail. "Hold on, my little one. We're not out of this yet."