The Second Battle of Geonosis

TWO WEEKS LATER.
 EIGHT MONTHS AFTER THE BATTLE OF GEONOSIS.

While her Master was finishing up a morning Jedi Council meeting, Jaina sat on the small meditation stool in the living room of their shared quarters, her body and posture in perfect meditative position—having spent the morning with her punishment of extra meditations…

…except her hands clutched a small book.

Hearing footsteps outside the front door, Jaina's eyes widened.

She hastily slid the book under the couch and closed her eyes, assuming her meditative stance once more.

Obi-Wan quietly entered, his steps near-silent. He paused at the sight of his meditating Padawan, his lips curling into a smirk.

The Jedi Master could feel her unease and her panic, but decided to play along for the time being.

He crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on the girl. "Did you think I would not notice, my tiny little Padawan?" he asked sweetly, hanging his robes on the hook.

"Notice what, Master?" Jaina smiled innocently. "I've been working on the extra meditations you assigned me."

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Oh, have you now?" He slowly approached, his steps deliberate and measured.

His tone was teasing, his face warm with amusement and affection. The Jedi Master could not imagine a more perfect way to start their day—messing with her.

"Then you shouldn't mind if I sit right here and meditate with you, yes?" Without waiting for an answer, he sat on the cushion across from her and closed his eyes, assuming his own stance.

Jaina wrinkled her nose, her freckles scrunching up with the motion. "Nope…" she chirped, feigning her usual cheerfulness and biting back a groan as she closed her eyes to begin meditating for real. "…don't mind at all."

Obi-Wan could feel her nervousness through their bond, and his lips twitched with amusement.

The Jedi Master knew full well about the book hidden under the couch.

Still, he enjoyed watching his little Padawan squirm a bit, pretending to be the picture of innocence.

"Good," he murmured, his eyes still closed. Through their Force bond, he could sense her thoughts bouncing around like a rubber ball—definitely not the calm, centered state of true meditation.

The little Padawan kept peeking one eye open to glance at him, then quickly shutting it when she thought he might notice.

"Just…do not think that you can sneak anything past me," Obi-Wan commented casually, taking another deep breath and letting it out slowly. "Because you know you cannot."

Jaina sighed and shifted on her meditation cushion. "I know," she grumbled teasingly, before sighing again and taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly.

The two sat in silence for several long moments, Jaina trying her best to actually meditate despite her racing thoughts.

Obi-Wan sat in silence, his eyes still closed, his muscles relaxed, and his face serene. The perfect picture of a Jedi Master in meditation.

But he was very much enjoying her growing restlessness.

Finally, he opened one eye and fixed her with a knowing look. "Would you like to explain to me why there's an interesting volume on Ancient Meditation Techniques tucked under our furniture?" he asked casually, waving a hand and reaching out with the Force to slide the book into view.

Jaina's jaw dropped, her eyes almost bulging out of their sockets as the book slid smoothly across the floor and into his waiting hand. "What?! How—how did you even know which book it was?!"

Obi-Wan chuckled at her flabbergasted expression, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Because I know my little Padawan," he said simply, holding the book up. "I know that she has a habit of reading about things—when she should be doing them."

The Jedi Master stood up from his cushion, walking over to one of the tall bookcases.

"Also, did you really think you were the only one who memorized the exact placement of every book in our quarters?" He gestured towards a conspicuous gap between two larger texts on the third shelf, perfectly sized for the missing volume.

"No, of course not," Jaina huffed, the heat in her cheeks spreading to her ears. "I just…didn't think you'd notice that quickly…"

"Never underestimate your Master, little one," Obi-Wan quipped, his lips curling into a smirk. "Now then. Since you seem very interested in unconventional meditation techniques, perhaps we should spend the rest of the morning practicing some of the more…challenging ones from this book."

He flipped through the pages, running a hand through his beard. "Ah yes, here we are: Alchaka Meditations: 'maintaining perfect stillness while standing upside down on one hand for an hour. Levitation of surrounding items—optional'. That sounds like an excellent exercise for building focus, doesn't it?"

Jaina froze, her hands darting out for the book. "You—you wouldn't—"

"Oh, but I would, my tiny Padawan," Obi-Wan said with a smirk, holding the book high above his head where she had no hope of reaching it. "In fact, I think this particular exercise would be perfect for working on your focus. After all, if you claim to be able to read and meditate at the same time, surely standing on one hand for an hour should be no trouble at all?"

The teasing tone in his voice was clear as he flipped through more pages of the book. "Oh look, here's another good one—maintaining perfect balance while reciting the Jedi Code backwards…in Ancient Shyriiwook."

Jaina's face scrunched up in dismay as she watched her Master continue browsing through the book with clear enjoyment.

"That's not even possible!" she protested, folding her arms across her chest. "You're making that up. There's no way that's an actual exercise."

"Not possible? Nothing is impossible with the Force, my little Padawan," Obi-Wan replied sagely, though his stern expression continued to falter with his twitching beard. "Come along then. Shall we begin with the upside-down meditation, or would you prefer to try the Shyriiwook recitation first?"

"You don't even speak Shyriiwook," Jaina shot back playfully, though she lightly flipped herself into a handstand atop the cushion.

Her small form balanced perfectly as she looked at her Master upside-down, her braid dangling toward the floor. "I could say complete and utter nonsense—make some roars or something—and you'd never know."

To prove her point, the Padawan made a series of growling noises that sounded nothing like actual Shyriiwook.

Obi-Wan chuckled, shaking his head. "That's exactly why you'll be doing the upside-down meditation first, my Padawan," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Clearly, you need time with your head turned over, in order for some blood to flow back into your brain."

"I do know a little Shyriiwook, by the way," he added with a smirk, reaching out and steadying her foot as she wobbled slightly. "I spent quite a bit of time on Kashyyyk with Master Qui-Gon. I may not speak the language fluently, but I know enough to tell that whatever you just attempted would make a Wookiee's fur fall out in embarrassment."

"Of course you speak Shyriiwook too." Jaina groaned in feigned irritation. "Well, how about we make a deal then? If I can stay in this handstand for the next hour and levitate you, I don't have to do the backwards Jedi Code in Shyriiwook?"

Obi-Wan stroked his beard thoughtfully, pretending to consider her offer. "Counter," he said, placing the book back on its shelf. "You return to proper meditation for an hour, and we'll have tea and those little honey cakes you enjoy so much afterward."

With a quick movement, Jaina gracefully flipped back onto her feet, landing softly on the meditation cushion. "And the Chandrilan cream puffs?" she asked, already settling into a proper meditation pose.

Obi-Wan chuckled as he watched his Padawan arrange herself on the cushion, her small form perfectly still except for the slight tapping of her fingers against her knee—as usual.

Before the Jedi Master could respond to her hopeful request, the central comm console beeped from the adjacent study.

Commander Cody's voice came through the apartment clearly, urgent and crisp. "General Kenobi, Commander Arden. The scouts on Geonosis have returned and confirmed Senator Amidala's intel. I have The Negotiator on standby in orbit, sir. We are ready to deploy."

The peaceful morning atmosphere shattered instantly.

"It seems our meditation and breakfast will have to wait," Obi-Wan murmured, walking towards the study and clicking the comm unit. "Thank you, Cody. Have a shuttle pick us up in ten minutes."

The Jedi Master turned and gave his Padawan a quick nod, his expression softening as the little Padawan's face had already immediately transformed from the playful child of moments ago, to the usual mask she wore day to day.

"Pack up, my little one."

Hours later, every hallway of The Negotiator bustled with activity—with clone officers hurrying back and forth, others manning various stations, checking readings and relaying orders as Obi-Wan and his Padawan arrived through the main door.

Through the large viewport, the red planet of Geonosis loomed large.

Jaina followed her Master towards the briefing room from her usual respectful half-pace behind, her braid bouncing slightly against her white chestplate and lavender tunic as she kept pace with his longer strides.

At the sound of his heavy sigh, she glanced up.

The Jedi Master's shoulders were tense, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation as they traversed the stark walkway of the Venator.

Jaina could sense the turmoil brewing within her mentor, a maelstrom of emotions he was struggling to keep at bay.

"…Are you alright, Master?" she inquired softly, her voice laced with concern. "Did you need a moment? I could go and stall with Master Mundi—"

Obi-Wan shook his head gently, his hand hovering over the door panel. The harsh overhead lights cast deep shadows across his features, his blue-gray eyes clouded with the weight of past battles and lost comrades. "I'm fine, my little one," he replied, though his voice lacked its usual conviction. "It's just…Just give me a moment."

Through their bond, Jaina felt the echoes of memories washing over him—the clash of lightsabers, the roar of gunships, the screams of fallen Jedi.

She instinctively took a step closer, her small hand reaching up to grasp his forearm.

"Two hundred and twelve Jedi went to Geonosis that day," Obi-Wan murmured, his eyes distant. "…Only a handful of us walked away."

Jaina squeezed his sleeve. "You have me this time," she said, forcing a small smile. "I'll try and make sure you don't get tossed around too much, Master."

Obi-Wan's expression softened, the lines of worry on his face easing slightly as he looked down at his small Padawan. "Thank you, my little one," he murmured, resting a gloved hand over hers and giving a gentle squeeze. "Your presence is a light, as always."

The Jedi Master squared his shoulders and turned back to the door panel.

As they stepped into the briefing room, the air felt thick with tension and anticipation. Master Ki-Adi Mundi stood at the center, his tall head and serene expression a familiar sight amidst the chaos of war preparations.

Jaina lowered her head respectfully towards Master Mundi, the tight braid falling slightly forward as she did so.

Master Mundi acknowledged their presence with a slight nod, his eyes flickering between the Master-Padawan pair. "Master Kenobi, Padawan Arden. We have much to discuss regarding the impending battle."

The holotable in the center of the room flickered to life, projecting a detailed map of Geonosis and its surrounding space.

Obi-Wan moved closer, his eyes scanning the holographic terrain. "I cannot believe we are back here again," he muttered wearily.

"It is unfortunate," Mundi replied evenly. "The resistance from the native Geonosians was…stronger than we anticipated."

"The same can be said of their loyalty to Count Dooku," Obi-Wan said dryly, raising a hand to his beard.

Mundi sighed. "A fact that is often overlooked."

Jaina glanced up as Anakin and Ahsoka hurried into the briefing room, the door sliding open with a soft hiss.

"Ah, there are our two troublemakers," Obi-Wan said dryly. "You're late."

"Sorry, Master." Anakin smirked. "Ahsoka and I were busy routing the Seppies near Dorin."

"My squadron alone had fifty-five kills," Ahsoka teased smugly.

"But mine," Anakin shot back, "had seventy-six."

Ahsoka rolled her eyes. "Show off."

Jaina shook her head in both genuine bewilderment and mock disapproval at the playful banter between Anakin and Ahsoka. "At least some of us are enjoying themselves."

Anakin approached the holotable, planting his hands on his hips. "It's just a little friendly competition," he said, nudging Ahsoka's shoulder with his own. "Ahsoka and I prefer to keep things…light hearted. Which is more than I can say for you two, and your notorious lack of…fun."

Jaina folded her arms across her chest, her brow furrowing. "Strategy, precision, and minimizing casualties are all very fun."

Obi-Wan smirked, his eyes lingering on Anakin, then Ahsoka for a moment, as the Togruta Padawan held back another retort and shared a knowing glance with Anakin.

He gazed down towards where his own little one stood—in all her four-foot-ten glory—next to him, the pink ribbon that was so integral to her personality neatly woven through her tight braid.

Feeling her Master's gaze, Jaina raised her brows slightly, lowering her arms from her chest and clasping her hands behind her back. "…Master?"

Obi-Wan's lips curved at the edges into a slight, affectionate smile. He always found it amusing, how his small Padawan could read him like a book.

"It's nothing, little one," he replied after a few beats, his voice soft and reverent. "I was merely admiring the view."

A loud beep echoed through the briefing room, with the holograms of Masters Windu and Yoda, and Chancellor Palpatine eventually materializing atop the table.

"Chancellor," Obi-Wan greeted, his tone immediately clipped and professional. "Masters. Our ships are in position. Scouts have confirmed that multiple droid factories have been rebuilt." He glanced down towards his side. "Padawan, if you please."

Jaina stepped forward, her small frame dwarfed the holotable. "The droids have significantly increased their production capabilities," she continued quietly. "And appear to be working on a new vehicular asset. Upon Republic Intelligence inspection of the supply depot and the raw materials, the assembly line appears to be producing something we have not encountered before. Likewise, all energy readings are off the charts, unlike anything in our records."

"What about Poggle?" Windu's hologram asked. "Any report on his location?"

"It seems he's holed up at the primary droid foundry here, Master Windu," Jaina reported, gesturing at a Geonosian structure by the center of the holomap. "Per the latest RI report, as of 1700. The factory is protected by a shield generator, with sensor nets much denser than all the others."

The Masters and the Chancellor nodded in understanding, their expressions grave as they processed this crucial information.

"Thank you, Padawan. Generals Skywalker, Mundi, and I shall attempt a three-pronged attack through their defense lines to a staging area just short of the shield," Obi-Wan continued, gesturing towards the holomap.

Next to him, Jaina pulled out her datapad and glanced down at the infantry and vehicle allocations.

"Once we have landed, we shall knock out the shield generator," the Jedi Master concluded. "That is our primary target."

Chancellor Palpatine's hologram flickered as he leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Isn't it risky, committing three generals to one area of the attack?" he asked. "If something went wrong, we could be dealt a serious blow."

"To ensure that rise again Geonosis does not, capture Poggle we must," Master Yoda mused.

"Of course," Palpatine relented, clasping his hands together. "As always, I shall leave the strategy to you, Master Jedi."

"Our thanks, Chancellor," Obi-Wan said, with perfect politeness—laced with the smallest bit of snark, to anyone who knew him well enough.

Keeping her eyes focused on her datapad, Jaina bit down on her twitching lip, catching her Master's sarcasm. The young Padawan's blue eyes flickered briefly towards him, before lowering once more to the screen.

The tension in the room grew as Master Windu's hologram shifted, his stern expression unchanging. "The key to this mission will be the precise timing of your attacks," he said firmly. "If one division gets held up, the entire operation could collapse."

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We will need to remain in close coordination." He gestured towards the holomaps. "As you can see, the infantry defenses surrounding the shield generator are minimal. The main difficulty will be breaking through to the landing zones. The anti-aircraft batteries are well placed."

Jaina pulled up additional tactical data on the holotable, revealing the placement of enemy anti-aircraft guns. "The Geonosians have placed heavy cannons at all these coordinates. Our gunships will need to navigate through these corridors to avoid the worst of the fire. And these are only the ones that we are aware of."

"General Mundi will come across the defensive lines from the north with Commander Jet, and a special ops brigade," Obi-Wan continued, his finger tracing the projected battle lines on the holotable. "General Skywalker, Commander Tano, and the 501st will make their attack on the lines in the south. Meanwhile, the 212th, Commander Arden, and I will make our way down through the middle."

"We'll meet at the rendezvous point by 0700," the Jedi Master concluded. "If we are met with strong resistance and are forced down away from the landing zone, we hold out until we can join our forces before attacking the shield generator."

For another brief moment, his gaze once again dropped towards where his little one stood—a steadfast and familiar comfort in the midst of the impending chaos.

Obi-Wan raised his gaze once more to the other Jedi Masters, still studying the hologram. "Are there any objections to this plan?"

Masters Yoda and Windu shook their heads, while Chancellor Palpatine merely pursed his lips thoughtfully.

"I trust your strategy, Master Jedi," the Chancellor said finally. "May the Force be with you."

As the holograms dissipated, Ahsoka hummed thoughtfully. "Their frontlines are heavily fortified," she mused. "Look at that giant wall with all the gun emplacements. That won't be easy to get past."

"Don't worry, Snips." Anakin waved a hand. "We're not going anywhere near that."

"Come, now, Ahsoka," Obi-Wan said dryly. "What happened to all the enthusiasm I saw earlier?"

Anakin smirked. "Don't you worry about us, my old Master. You just make sure you get yourself to that landing zone in one piece."

"Yes," Obi-Wan drawled. "I shall be waiting for you, when you—finally—arrive."

"Gentlemen, if you are quite finished," Master Mundi cut in, shaking his head in amused exasperation. "We have a battle to begin."