(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)
The final surge! Having learned of warlord Poggle the Lesser's plot to rebuild a Separatist droid foundry on Geonosis, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, prepare to assault this heavily fortified installation. Their mission, destroy the factory at all costs. Anticipating stiff resistance, Republic commanders send Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and her Padawan, Barriss Offee, to reinforce the attack along with Jedi KnightKird Wossaun. But time runs short for our intrepid heroes as the dreaded droid mill nears completion.
Groups of Laat flew in at the droid mill ready to begin unloading their cargo for the upcoming assault, in one of those ships was Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and her Padawan, Barriss Offee. Luminara was discussing battle planes with the clone commander.
'Captain, the only safe landing zone is south of Skywalker's position?' She asked.
'Yes, General,' the pilot answered. She then looked over towards her Padawan.
'Barriss, I assume you've made the necessary preparations?' Barriss nodded.
'Precisely as you instructed, Master'
'Buckle your belts and check your cells, soldiers, we're going in' The sergeant ordered the Troopers to begin grabbing their guns and reloading them, ready for the battle. Preparing to land in guns blazing when the Laat flew over the once square.
On the grounds of Geonosis Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano were discussing with the troops. Including the 501st, The Grenadiers and Mundi squad, who assimilated with The Grenadiers. Ahsoka was laying out the plans to attack the factory, as Kird came and started to listen while smoking his pipe.
This bridge is our first waypoint. Focus your fire on the gun emplacements, here and here, because it's only...' She is then interrupted by Anakin.
'Because it's only after we neutralize the guns that we can push for the factory'
'I was...Yes, we can push for the factory. now, expect stiff resistance from...' She was then interrupted again.
'And don't forget to top off your energy cells and ration packs, once we leave, there'll be no resupply, anything else, Ahsoka?' Anakin asked, which annoyed her. While the troopers snickered at the display of commanders butting heads.
'No, I think you've pretty much covered everything in my briefing' she said with caution so as to not cause a fight in front of their troops but in private later.
'Very well, squad dismissed' Anakin said not picking up on the social cue. The troopers' that were present stood up and nodded to fulfill the preparations for the assault. The troopers left, leaving only Kird, Anakin and Ahsoka, Anakin turned towards Ahsoka.
'Okay, what's next?' He said getting ready to get the assault underway but Ashoka needed to address something that bothered her during the briefing.
'You know, Master, my briefings might go better if you didn't interrupt me every time I tried to...' But again she was interrupted by Anakin.
'I wasn't interrupting, I was trying to help you'
'Which I would appreciate, if you didn't interrupt me to do it, I just think maybe you don't trust me to give the briefing' Before they could say anything else, they heard a deep breath and looked toward the direction and saw Kird smoking his pipe, before exhaling the smoke. He turned the smoke into a sailing ship.
'Shesa right yousa know, yousa should trust yous Padawan more'
'See, Kird understands' Ashoka said with exasperation
'It's not about trust, it's about getting the job done right' This made Ahsoka gasp.
'So you don't trust me to get the job done right! I knew it!' Frustrated that their earlier hunch was correct.
'Snips, I never said...' Anakin tries to diffuse the situation but is not able to find the words fast enough.
'No, no, it's okay, I understand I'm the Padawan, you're the Master' Ashoka said frustrated and walked away leaving Kird and Anakin which he looked to Kird for some guidance But all he did was shrugged then rolled his eyes at that. Laats that were coming in were disembarking the Luminara squad at the mustering point. As the Laat landed Captain Rex was there to greet them.
'Good day, General, Skywalker's and Kird are waiting for you' Luminara nodded as she and her Padawan walked towards them. Both could see him and his Padawan arguing while Krid was just standing there laughing.
'At it again, are they?' This confuses Barriss
'Again, Master?' She asked.
'Let's just say that they have a penchant for playing loose with regulations and rules of command' As the two walk closer Anakin and Ahaoka continue to argue.
'Yeah, but when I say it, they actually listen to me'
'Then maybe you should send me back' She said frustrated
'Don't tempt me, Snips' Anakin felt a bit too pleased that there was a way to get Ashoka out of danger.
'If you're both finished with your little discussion, we do have a factory to destroy' Luminara raising her voice hoping to get this petty argument over with and continue the operation as swiftly as possible. She then looks towards her Padawan.
'Well, Barriss? Aren't you going to introduce yourself?' Barriss gave a bow towards Ahsoka.
'Padawan learner Barriss Offee at your service' Ahsoka gave a strange look towards Anakin who simply smiled. Ahsoka looks back at Barriss and offers her hand which she gladly took, picking her up.
'Glad to meet you, I'm Ahsoka' Barriss then bowed her head toward Kird in respect, as Kird smoked on a Marcan herb.
'And it's an Honor to meet you Jedi Kird' This made him raise an eyebrow.
'Yousa know of mesa?' He asked which she nodded.
'Yes, the records have said your an excellent tactician'
'Really?' He asked, eyeing Anakin.
'Yes, during Operation Droid Popper, going behind enemy lines bombarding the enemy undefended factories while the enemy sieges the middle rim planets, forcing the attackers to withdraw more of their forces for the besieged to break out of the encirclement' This mad Kird chuckle a bit.
'And during Operation Two Face, where you drop information towards the pirate clan looking to make a name for themselves about a undefended droid factory on Florrum, which was a trick of course causing both the droids and the pirates to attack each other, once the droids and the pirates retreated you swoop in with your troopers and easily took over the factory' This made Kird laugh
'Yea when yousa have few numbers in mackankeeks it would be easy to take control of a location, also helps dat dha enemy leaders yousa were fight were hotheaded in their approach to war' Anakin gave a loud cough, ending their discussion.
'Anyway, It's good to see both of you again'
'I wish it was under more peaceful circumstances' Luminara almost whispered.
As wounded troops from the previous battle were being lifted off on the Laat for healing. The three Jedi's and two Padawans were going over plans of sieging the factory near some rubble at the rendezvous point of the assault.
'A frontal assault is risky, our losses will be high' Luminara Looking grim that it might be the only approach to swiftly end this conflict.
'But not as high as they'll be if that factory comes online' Anakin rebuttal.
'Indeed, but there is an alternative, every Geonosian building has a series of catacombs beneath it that run deep underground' Luminara taps the hologram to reveal a maze of tunnels.
'Some of the tunnels are close enough to this cliff wall so that you could cut a hole and make an entry point' Barriss added.
'Once inside, we could find the main reactor, plant the explosives and blow the factory inside out'
'Well, looks like a good way to get lost, if you ask me' Anakin argued.
'For the unprepared, perhaps, but I have instructed Barriss to memorize the labyrinth, all 200 junctions' Luminara retorted
'You always were thorough' Anakin nodded
'It pays for one to be prepared, right, Barriss?' Luminara gestured to Barriss who nodded in return.
'Especially when other people's lives depend on your success'
'How do we keep the Geonosians occupied while someone else is setting the bombs?' Ahsoka asked.
'Dat where wesa comin in' Kird chimes in, he then changes the hologram to show the troops in a marching formation.
'The best way to do that is to march our troops straight up the middle, parade style' Anakin added to the battle plan
'With no cover?' Luminara questioned.
'Well, we have to make it tempting right?' Anakin answered, not being a fan of the idea either.
'Well there will be some cover, my Rocket Brigade will see that our approach won't be harassed by any enemy on our way, one of Master Mundis men informed me on how these bugs like to fight, I mean to show them we'll match them in ample supply' Kird assured them. Letting a hint of pride slip through his assurance.
'Good then the destruction of the factory falls to the Padawans' Luminara continued
'Now, hold on. Who decided that? Walking into that factory could be suicide' Anakin almost furious that luminara would send in their padawans on this dangerous mission. Ashoka on the other hand expected her master to say that and still held on to the fact her master still doesn't trust her to go on her own.
'Not if we successfully hold Poggle's attention at the bridge' Luminara assuring the plan would succeed if all play their parts well.
'Master, I can do this! I've had riskier assignments,' Ahsoka's objected.
'But unlike Barriss, you aren't prepared for this mission' Anakin insisted
'Not to worry, my Padawan is reliable, she can lead them both through the maze' Luminara assured looking at Barriss who only nodded.
'We'll be in and out, Master, see? Dependable Barriss will get us through' Ashoka jokes, hoping to ease Anakin's tension.
'Don't worry, Master, as you well know, I can follow orders'
'It's decided, then' Luminara said happily, handing over the equipment for them to complete their mission.
'I guess it is,' Anakin reluctantly said.
'We'll monitor your progress on these chronometers, synchronize on my mark, three, two, one...' They tap on their devices at the same time and show that they were linked together.
'Mark' Ahsoka grabs a bag full of grenades.
'Let's get going, after you, Barriss' Barriss led the way as the two put action to their plan.
As the group marched forward towards the Factory. Inside The command room Poggle was discussing tactics with his tactical droid about the oncoming threat. Thou things look dire on their side.
Poggle began to make angry clicking sounds towards the droid.
'The factory is operating at 50% production capacity, we have 10 garrisons of new droids ready to deploy' Poggle made more clicking noises asking if the secret weapon was ready.
'No, the Super Tanks are not ready, but when they are, the Republic forces will be routed, they have no weapon that can penetrate its heavy armor'
Anakin, and Luminara were walking in the front row of the parade formation. From behind. Both of their combined troops marched in parade formations shoulder to shoulder. Ten to five men width with ten more companies marching from behind. On their flanks were the AT-TE tanks to provide armor support for the upcoming battle that was going to happen on the bridge. Further back were artillery support moving in but not deploying as their fire power was needed to take down the gate.
A perfect formation to ambush as the tactical unit analyzed and sent in the local militia to form up at the carved hives that dotted the path up ahead. Many Geonosians watched as the columns were coming up to their ambush point and waited for further orders to attack. Meanwhile on the ground the factory gate opened. Releasing the first garrison unit consists of a mix of battle droids and super battle droids marching forward to meet them.
'Here come the droids, everybody steady, steady. Keep marching' Anakin commented.
'I hope the Padawans have made it past the bridge right now' Luminara said still worried about both of them and making peace with many lives will join the force today.
'Have faith in dha force, luminara, by dha end of disa day, wesa will all comin home' Kird said through the radio piece. But his form was nowhere to be seen.
As the first garrison marched out in earnest the second garrison front row was seen marching forward through the gate. But this time in perfect formation as the b1's lead the way while the super battle droids lead from the rear numbering in their hundreds as they reach the halfway point in the bridge. From down below the Padawan's were scaling the cliff face down taking a brief glance from the on coming droids before moving quickly as their mission depended on their success. As the first garrison made it across the bridge in earnest they marched into battle formations.
'That's a lot of droids' Anakin speaks everyone's thoughts on the matter.
'Well it is a droid factory' Luminara quipped.
"As Long as we can destroy'em faster than they can make em." Anakin jokes.
'Indeed. Let mesa hep with dha drainage of resources' Kird Said.
From below some of Kird grenadier troops were interspersed within the parade formation With the signal given. The command was relayed from the other clone troopers to make way for Kird grenadiers. As the other troopers followed their order making a wide single line formation with space to allow Kird grenadier troops to go through.
Running through the formation given to them they all stand on one knee, heft their underslung launchers and fire. Launching ten grenades in the middle of the formation. As the droids marched they looked up at the grenades being thrown at the sky above watching them explode in an emp pulse disabling large chunks in the formation. Causing the droids who survived to be stunned from the remnant emp flash to be shot by the troopers below and charged to the breach.
'Throughout harsh experience in dha outer rims. it's always nice to carry large explosives in yous pack' Kird quipped.
Anakin and Luminara rolled their eyes and joined their troops in the charge.
Up above. The Geonosians were panicking but not moving another inch because their diversion tactic is falling apart too quickly. The leader of the ambush unit got contacted and opened the message.
'They springing the trap sooner than expected commence the-' Before the Tactical droid ordered the Genosians to attack.
They found themselves roasted alive in their hives and running out in flames. As the troopers saw bugs falling from the hives they looked up and saw it was Rocket Brigade with new recruits still wearing the yellow trim of Master Mundi jump packing their way across the flanks and onto the crevices above. Shoving down their flame cannons in and roasting the buggers alive with a fury they let stew for their commanders death. All yelling their war cries of
'FOR GENERAL MUNDI! FOR THE REPUBLIC!'
In stark contrast to their brothers below who were running and gunning in silence. The droids that came walking in to reinforce but were quickly cut down by lightsabers and blaster fire. The tactical droid sensing the imminent collapse of the oncoming defense told the garrisons to run to the battlefield to buy time for the other five garrisons to charge in.
Meanwhile the remaining local militia hiding in the hives decided to rush out and attack the oncoming troops that were rushing towards the factory gates. Only for one of the hives to get diced to pieces by a lightsaber as they were jumping out of their hiding spots. All falling to the ground in cauterized chunks. Kird after dicing the hive to pieces then landed to the next active hive landing hard with both feet kicking the active hive out of their hiding spots then catching themselves on their wings. Regaining their balance they turned and charged at Kird who jumped back to the hive he just cleared and stood on top of it.
Watching as six Geonosians flew out in the air charging at Kird before six shots landed directly on their heads dropping them instantly. Kird looked to his side and saw it was the leader of the new recruits spinning his blaster pistols into his holster. Then pulling out a grenade launcher and shooting down an emp grenade below at the cluster of troops running around the divide to the right.
'For Master Mundi!' came the reply of the newly promoted leader of these recruits. Kird nodded at the trooper's desire to avenge their leader.
'Do yousa have a name?' He asked since he would like to know of the name of the leader of the group soon to be integrated into the Rocket Brigade. The Trooper beside him shook his head.
'Don't have one that isn't numbers' Then they heard a sound as reinforcements from the gate side wall came out sending out the regiment of Geonosians that were held back in reserves. Now kicked fully awake.
To stop the breakthrough that is the battle for the factory gate. Kird lifted his lightsaber out in a battle stance while the trooper beside him pulled out his blaster pistols waiting for them to get into effective range. As they both waited for the regiment to come in full force. Kird said something that amused the trooper beside him.
'How about, Clip? Yousa have a knack for Clipp dha wings of these Geonosians hair' The trooper smiled underneath his helmet as he let out two shots of his blaster pistols nailing the heads of two Geonosians falling to the ground.
'I like that, so General, how many wings are we going to clip today?' Kird Laughed and both charged at the oncoming swarm blasting and slicing their way through the oncoming reinforcements.
The other Geonosians going around the two to get into the proper battle were exchanging fire with the rocket brigade but not trading well as the Rocket Brigade were well bred and trained in Air combat just like their Mandelorian brothers before them did. Cutting down swaths of them with little casualties from their side. On the ground the droids were throwing themselves to buy for the five other garrisons to arrive but were being cut down swiftly with the troopers led by Anakin and Luminara making good use of the opportunity the grenadiers gave them.
Meanwhile under the bridge below. Both the Padewans were jumping from the walls and onto the ground below. Running at a good pace to the wall that will supposedly lead to the entrance of the many tunnels that will lead them to the control room above. As they reach the supposed site. Barriss ran up and got a feel on the wall sensing where the weakest part of the structure was and found it. Stepping back she lit up her lightsaber and carved a square at the wall. Then using the force to pull the stone out revealing the many tunnels that will lead them to the control room above.
'Nice work' Complimented Ashoka.
'Well here goes nothing' Wanting to protect Barriss from any incoming enemies that will always get in the way of them.
'I should go in first, I know the way' Barris held Ashoka back out of worry that Ashoka's experience with Anakin was thinking with her lightsaber and not with the plans she had memorized with Luminara before the operation started. Ashoka smiled sheepishly.
'Be my guest' She gestured. Barriss nodded and led the way through the catacombs. Hopefully the force was with her in this and led them to the control rooms up above to accomplish this mission. If not, Well. Let's hope Ashoka's experience with the lightsaber hasn't been found wanting.
In The Tunnels
Ahsoka and Barris were running silently stealthing their way through the tunnels. With Barris leading the way till they heard something. Barriss signaled Ashoka who took cover near the walls and crouched down listened into the conversation from ahead. Two guards were yelling at each other then one of them pointed to the tunnels and ran ahead deeper into the tunnels. As Barriss and Ahsoka waited for a bit.
They Heard many wings flapping and ducked for cover. Just in time as many of the Genosians who were sleeping at the tunnel were kicked awake to join in on the defense of the bridge. As they all floated by Barriss signaled the coast was clear and ran silently ahead. They would've gotten away with it two if it wasn't for one of the Geonosians who caught his foot on the wall crevices as it was trying to fly up, fell down and went back to pick up the gun beside him. Till he spotted the tail end of a foot. Squinting its eyes he forgo following the rest of the pack and snuck after this sneaking suspicion that saboteurs managed to get inside the tunnels.At the Bridge
Many of the Rocket Brigade were being swarmed by Geonosians as another fresh force of them were coming from the gate only to be shot down by gatling blasters and thermal detonators from below to help provide support for their brothers up in the air. Providing some breathing room for the Rocket Brigade to land on the rocks and fire at the incoming Geonosian swarm that were charging ahead. As Many Bugs from the sky fall to the ground crashing into some clone troopers and droids. Both Anakin and Luminara Made good headway and arrived at a point where troops were setting up some cover for the forces behind them to catch up and regroup. Both caught their quick moments of breath as the last of the seventh garrison troops was cut down. However both were worried and checked their timers.
'They should have entered the catacombs by now' Luminara said to Anakin.
'I sure hope they are not lost down there' Anakin relaying his worry
In The Tunnels
Ahsoka and Barris were approaching the junction in the tunnels wondering where to go.
'Left at the next junction'
'Dead end'
'If we make a wrong turn, we may never find our way out, you do remember the way, don't you?' She asked.
'Of course I do' She thought for a moment before realizing it.
'It's not left. It's up' The two turn and look up too see a tunnel going straight up
'It's this way' the Two Padawans jump up to the tunnel not knowing a Geonosian who left behind his pack follows them to see if his hunch was right.At the Bridge
Droids and Genosians litter the way forward for the clones as they run to the improvised coverpoint to begin the charge anew. The clones then dive towards the cover just in time as their last garrison units made it onto the battlefield but considerably later than usual as they were all densely packed together on the bridge. The super battle droids marched forward providing cover fire for the Droidekas to roll up and pop open to lay down fire on the clones taking cover. However the clones were ready, aiming their blaster rifles, scoring a few Droidekas causing them to veer off the bridge taking some droids with them as they fell to the bottom. But the rest made it to the frontline and transformed into battle mode, popping their shields up to provide cover for the super battle droids. It was all in vain as they were shot down by a line of rockets Rex had ordered to cover the bridge.
Now in position The Rocketeer clones have free rain to launch their rockets at the densely packed droids on the bridge. Up above many Geonosians fell into burning heaps as Clip flame troopers finished their hive clearing then turning their cannons in the air to help the Rocket Brigade fight off another wave of Geonosians. As the last of the Geonosians retreated. The Rocket Brigade and the Flame Troops cheered their victory cries as they secured the way for their brothers below to charge the gate. As the troops cheered, Kird and Clip landed on one of the cleared out hives looking over the battlefield. Then nodding on a job well done. Kird raised his fist near Clip for a fist bump. Clip looked at the gesture then returned it smiling all the while that Master Mundi would be proud of them on a job well done.
The Command Room
Poggle was furious and rant to the super tactical droid beside him about how he had to sacrifice the entire droid garrison and three of his company troops with little to show for it besides making roadblocks of his dead on the enemy approach.
'My lord, i beg of you to let us use the secret weapons' The Tactical droid begged
Poggle pondered that and asked if there's more of these secret weapons that could turn the tide of this battle in his Geonosian tongue
'We have 20 units ready now and many more on the way' the tactical droid explained.
Poggle sees little choice and is running out of time. Told the super tactical droid to launch the secret weapons through the gate. Hopefully these prototypes would prove themselves on the battlefield.
'Thank you my lord' Then went to the console to relay Poggles orders
'Deploy the super tanks, attack Formation'
The Gate Entrance
The super heavy tanks rolled into view as the gate opened. About as large as the gate door itself moving in a column of two by ten formation. What they looked from the outside were heavily armored snails and slowly charging forward.
'Looks like the separatists have a new toy' Luminarra commented, disabling her lightsaber as well as Aniakan.
'Rex pick your targets' Giving the order for the artillery to fire
'Yes sir'
'Elevation four-two-seven' He ordered the artillery to take aim. Krid and Clip looked at the tanks as they approached. Both give them a bad feeling as the weapons that can pierce those tanks were left behind and relied on Luminarias and Anikans troops for this assault.
'Clip, prepare to evacuate dha troops at a moment's notice, if mesa hunch is correct, then wesa can save more lives, but dha armor mesa afraid wesa can't save'
Clip nodded and relayed the order to the Rocket Brigade.
'Let's hope dha Padawans made it in time'
Near the Console room
The Padewans were climbing up the tunnel to reach their destination. After a quick look around when they made it to the top. Jumped up to the tunnel above and walked forward when they saw the light up on the holes above them. Up above they saw droids being moved from conveyor belt to conveyer belt up above. Hearing the churning of machinery as they looked.
'Whoa that's a lot of droids' Ashoka commented.
"Cmon the main control room is this way' Barris said.
At her word the two ran off to the objective. Not knowing that the Geonosian following them heard them and watched them run away. With a snarl. He sneakily made his way to the command room. Hoping he'll be able to warn Poggle in time.At the gate
The Super Tanks were moving at a slow pace. Giving all who watch their approach with bated breath, Rex knowing the anxiety the artillery crew must be feeling coached them as to not waste their artillery barrage.
'Steady, steady, fire!' The order given the artillery volley was launched and hit dead on at the tanks.
After the first volley the weapons went on fire at will mode and continued laying fire at the tanks. Hoping to destroy it. But the tanks wobbled in place, taking on the sheer force of the impact and continuing their way.
'Our shields are holding, they can't touch us' The shield and weapons operator of the tank said to the driver
'That's a relief' The driver said. Nervous that they will be scrapped the moment they went out to battle.
Kird seeing the tanks going through the barrage. Sighed. He hates being right at inopportune moments.
'Clip commence evacuation' Clip nodded and relayed the troops to send in the order to get the Rocket Brigade to pick up the troops and place them further back from the weapons range of the tanks. Down below Rex looked at the tanks with his sensors seeing the volley doing little damage.
'Sir, nothing could withstand that' Rex said to his commander
They must be ray shielded' Anakin said in frustration that the separatists managed to get another wonder weapon out on the field. Till a voice in their wrists interrupted their watching.
'Anakin and Luminarra, mesa've taken dha liberty of evacuat dha ground troops out of dha danger zone, wesa can't pierce dat armor and if mesa hunch is correct mesa rocket brigade can save yous men but not dha armor' Anakin contemplated the decision to retreat this far out. But their weapons have no effect on them.
'Understood Kird' Came Anakin reply
'Rex, order the crew to bail, better to be on foot then sitting ducks out there' Rex nodded and relayed the order for the crew in the vehicles to bail.
Power Core
The Padawans opened up a hatch looking around the room, finding a very big power core in the middle of the room glowing red.
"This is it, we're here," Barris said. Then both of them jumped out, sneaking through the room for a bit before rushing the power core to plant the explosives quickly. Using up the entire explosive equipment they brought with them on this mission.
Control Room
As Poggle and the Super tactical droid were talking about how the super battle tanks were performing within parameters but still needing some improvements. The Genosian that followed the Padawan's barged in through the automatic doors. With great haste he told his leaders that there were two jedi in the control room
'Two Jedi in the control room? That is impossible, how could they gotten past security'
Poggle yelled at the super tactical droid that they sent the security to fight on the bridge leaving them vulnerable for infiltration. Then ordered the tactical droid to gather what remains of their forces and deal with the intruders.
Power Core
As the Padawan's finished planting the explosives. They tap on their watches to tell their masters that they planted the explosives as well as activating the timers for the detonation.
'And now we make ourselves scarce' Ashoka said to Barriss before making their getaway.
A getaway cut short as Poggle, the tactical droid, the Geonosians that followed them with five of his kin in tow and the superheavy tank came in the room to stop the Padawan's from escaping. The Padawan's are surprised to back away from the guards as they have been spotted. Then ready themselves for battle, igniting their lightsaber.
The Bridge
Back at the bridge Anakin and Luminarra were ducking behind some rocks as they got the message from the wrist watch.
'Green light' Anakin said out loud pleased that Ashoka succeeded in the mission with ten minutes to spare.
'The bombs are active' Luminarra breathed a gust of anxiety out of her.
'The Padawan's did it'
'And just in time' Anakin said happily as he saw that the evacuation order had been complete and the forward elements of the clones retreated in good order with the help of the Rocket Brigade. Then looking at the tanks who were lifting up their front armor to reveal missile launchers aimed right towards the sky.
'Fire!' The droid gunner said as the tanks all unloaded their payload at the area where the clones supposedly should be.
Anakin and Luminaria nodded to each other and went through the rocks to find cover from the barrage. As the barrage arched some of the missiles landed on the artillery weapons platform destroying them entirely.
'Real glad you guys picked us up when you did' The artillery crew member mentioned as he saw his vehicle being blown up as he was being carried by a member of the Rocket Brigade.
'It's what we do' Came the reply.
As the barrage kept coming it hit nothing but sand as the clones retreated from the effective weapons fire of the tanks. With the exception of Kird who was standing at the rocks on top of the pathway. Overlooking the tanks firing their missiles. Using the force to push away some of the missiles heading towards him and into the tanks seeing if they were as effective in destroying their tanks as well as theirs. But only seeing the tanks shove back and forth. Kird sighed then jumped off the rocks to head where Anakin and Luminnaria were hiding.
'Tried us their own weapons, nosa good'
They two nodded and the three pondered on what can destroy the tanks
Power Core
As the Genosians charge forward while firing away. Both Ahsoka and Barriss began dicing them up, Poggle made more clicking noises, pointing his cane at them, sending the other Geonosians after them. Poggle then retreated back towards the gateway
'You heard His Highness, collect their pathetic little bombs, then we will kill them' As Poggle shut the gateway, the super tanks began firing on the Padawans who were too busy deflecting the shot to stop the Geonosians from removing the bombs.
'See if your stupid tank can take this' Ahsoka extinguished her lightsaber and threw a grenade which landed near the droid, he just simply laughed.
'Fool, The Super Tank is impervious to all weapons...' The droid pride was his downfall when the grenade exploded destroying him but not the tank.
At the Bridge
The empty tank shells were blown apart from the wreckage as they moved closer and closer to the other side of the bridge. Many of the troopers far back were watching their vehicles blow up and some patting on the shoulders of the vehicle crews who were piloting the At-Tes.
'You'll get your chance next time' The troopers joke but are happy to still be alive. As Rex was making some adjustments on how long the troops will stay in cover until they fall back some more if the barrage comes close. The Jedi came in running away from the explosives and out of the danger zone. As they all got up Anakin relayed his orders
'Rex, tell your men to fall back, we have a plan'
Rex nodded and told his men to fall back some good paces away. As the troops went to comply with the order. Clip came down carrying three packs of detonators and handed them off to the Jedi.
'Got them from the boys, said they pack more punch then the standard issue'
Kird nodded and the three went to their positions to begin the plan to destroy the tanks.
Power Core
The Padawan's were pinned down by the supertank as it blasts them with its mounted turrets. The Geonosians took their chance and went to the core to pick up all of the bombs that were laid there.
'The Bombs' Ashoka cried out and tried to swipe at them only for the Geonosians to fly back and escape by flying in the air.
Ashoka, not giving up, jumped at the feet of the Geonosians as they were flying off. This was a bad decision as both of the Geonosians flew high with Ashoka in tow. While she was cursing at them for being
"Stupid green bugger" Until they both swung their legs to the Geonosians top core causing Ashoka to fall from the impact onto the lower core rolling down to the ground.
Barriss quickly made her way forward to aid in her fallen comrade giving the Geonosians the opportunity to escape as the Geonosian from the tunnel below opened the hatch allowing the others to get through to escape. Barriss was too slow to get any of the Geonosians or the bombs in time. Leaving her with the superheavy tank and a dazed Ashoka.
At the Bridge
The Troops were running from the Missile blasts and blaster fire coming close to nabbing at their heels from the continuous fire of the super tanks. The troopers below didn't expect to see that the tanks that were at a snail's pace rapidly sped up as they were now charging with good speed towards them and were almost near the exit. Anakin sees the right opportunity.
Raised his hand then pumped it to signal Kird and Luminara that the plan was a go. With haste the three ran and jumped down to the side of the bridge running along the way to jump under the sides of the bridge. Now in place the three begin to place the charges single handedly while Kird with his long time experience with explosives use the force to throw a complete line of explosives right at the weak points on the bridge.
As the two were putting on their finishing touches, Kird threw another line of explosives for good measure. The tanks above where shooting their missiles at the wreckage thinking they were hitting clones but were just shooting at the Geonosians bodies.
'Don't let up, keep firing' Too enthralled in their work to notice three Jedi finished planting the explosives and jumped right back up on the bridge pushing the button detonating the explosives underneath the bridge.
'Uh-Oh' They said before tumbling down to the ground below being crushed or exploded on impact. As the troops moved back to look over the work. They cheered for their generals on the other side of the bridge who waved back to see a lot of their troops survived the battle.
After the brief fanfare the three went ahead taking cover behind some rocks waiting for the Padawans to return by now but they haven't returned yet.
'Where are they? Those bombs are going to go off any second now' Anakin said with fury but mostly worried as he doesn't want to lose Ashoka in this battle. Hoping the troops on the other side spot them He radioed them in for a check.
'Rex, any sign of Ahsoka or Barriss on your side'
'No sir' Came the reply of Rex.
'But this place is getting ready to blow' He said overlooking the troops he had with them as they were taking cover at the rocks while the Rocket Brigade went to the rear of the lines for a resupply.
'The evacuation ships are arriving, I suggest you get on one' He said with insistence.
'Not without Ashoka' Anakin insisted back.
'My Padawan will not fail' Luminara said hoping to ease Anakin tension but doing very little
'Wesa got company!' Kird activating his lightsaber as the gate reopened to send out a regiment of droids to attack the jedi. The other two Jedi activated their lightsabers as well preparing to fight.
Power Core
Ahsoka was down for the count and the tank was ready to fire so Barriss had to step in. Igniting her lightsaber, she jumps on the tank and cuts a hole and jumps inside.
'Where did she go?' The droid asked before getting a slice. She then moves the tank closer to Ahsoka and opens the hatch letting her in.
'The bugs took the bombs, what are we gonna do now?' She asked, but Barriss didn't answer.
'I don't know what to do without the bombs'
'Well, this tank could destroy the power generator, and probably us along with it'
'I guess that's our only choice' Ahsoka then uses her device to call Anakin.
'Master, can you hear me? Master!' Ahsoka finally reaches her call.
'Ahsoka, set off the bombs! We're trapped!' Anakin as he, Lumonara, and Kird were fighting off hordes of droids.
'I'm sorry, Master, we can't make it out'
'Can't make it out?! Ahsoka, wait?!' Ahsoka ignores him and presses a button.
'Fire' The tank fires at the core which causes a massive explosion. Causing the whole factory to fall and collapse.
At The Gate
From the outside. The Jedi close by finished off the last of the droids watching as the factory crumbled from the outside with pockets of explosions dotting around the building. The three Jedi move back as the factory finally explodes in earnest causing a big explosion to boom at the entrance of the gate following up with similar explosions to the top causing the spires to crumble and fall to the ground.
From the other side of the bridge The clones looked at the building collapsing down on them with awe with some troopers shielding their eyes from the explosion. Further back of the line Clip and Rocket Brigade were flying back to the front watching the explosions collapse the tower then kicking it to high gear to arrive at their generals side. As the towers of the once mighty factory come apart and crash down on the last droid forces it'll ever produce. The Jedi ran back to let the factory destroy itself and not get crushed by the falling pillars of dirt above. As the factory falls down in earnest.
The dust it kicked up washes through the entire area in a wide radius. The troops below ran away from the approaching dust running to cover as to weather the dust storm that was approaching. Up Above The Rocket Brigade flew upwards to dodge the incoming dust storm yet hovered up high looking around the landscape waiting for the dust storm to clear. When the Dust settled Anakin, Luminara, and Kird all stood at the impact site. Looking around the area of destruction. Anakin hastily made a call to Ashoka hoping he'll be able to find her through the coms. Luminara on the other hand went down to her knees and went into her meditative stance.
'Master Luminara, don't worry' Anakin said giving her support
'Be at ease, Skywalker' came Luminara calm reply
'At ease?! We need to act now' Anakin said, perplexed by what Luminara was trying to say.
'Ahsoka and Barriss may still be alive down there' Luminaria only looked down on herself on the likelihood of finding them is lower then she would have allowed.
"There is not enough time' She said, trying to be at peace by letting her Padawan go.
'And who decided that?" Came Kirk reply. Luminaria only stared at him.
'I sense them fading away' Was the regretful answer she told them looking away not having the strength to look them in the eye.
'No we'll get them out' Anakin assured luminaria that they can find them. If the force wills it.
On cue many of Rocket Brigade and Clip arrived on the scene with them escorting an LAAT that landed near the three generals. They all stood up ready to greet the trooper leading in this rescue mission. The hatch opened revealing Rex to be in charge of this mission and here to give the news to the general that they have the equipment necessary to start the mission as soon as possible.
'The tank lifters are here to move the debris as ordered general'
'Get to it Rex' Anakin gives the order. Kird nodded to clip to relay the order to help with the rescue efforts as well.
Down below the ruined factory, both Ahsoka and Barriss ignited their lightsabers, giving them a bit of light.
'How deep do you think we're buried?'
'It's probably best not to think about it, hand me that power cell, would you?' Barriss handed it to her, Ahsoka then handed her, her lightsaber.
'Thanks. Mind holding the light?' Barriss grabs onto her lightsaber while Ahsoka pulls apart her communication device and starts to go to work.
'Whatever you're doing, I hope it works, because I'd sure rather have died fighting up there than starve to death down here'
'Don't worry, we'll run out of air long before we starve'
'That's a comforting thought, thanks'
'Master Skywalker has taught me a trick or two, I think I can get this communicator working'
Up above at the ruin factory entrance. The Tank lifters were doing what their namesakes did and lifted the damaged debris out of the area while the clones on the ground were trying their best in lifting up the debris with the manpower they have below. Further up the Rocket Brigade were making their patrols through the damaged ruins to see if they could spot anything.
Luminaria was looking around the wreckage sensing the life force of their Padawan's were fading soon and was trying to make peace with herself that they would be one with the force if they didn't succeed. Anakin splits off from Kird after discussing where their Padawan's might be. The choices of where to look became fewer and fewer then walked off near Luminaria voicing out his thoughts.
'We cannot abandon our Padawan's'
'You misjudged me' Sensing the rising anger in Anakin that the conversation they had earlier was akin to leaving them behind.
'I too care for my apprentice, but if the time comes-'
"I refuse to let Ashoka die" Anakin interrupts.
'She will find a way out' Now putting his trust for Ashoka on the skills that he taught to her. Hoping that'll be enough.
'If my Padawan has perished' Hoping to give some advice to Anakin to learn how to let things go.
'I will mourn her, but I will celebrate her as well through her memory' she said, still attached to her apprentice hoping that if won't come soon.
'I still plan on celebrating this victory with my Padawan, in person' Anakin said with a determined look
Ahsoka and Barriss were still underground, Ahsoka was still working on her comms.
'What happens to us now doesn't matter, by destroying this factory, we've saved countless lives elsewhere' Barris mimicking her master in going in peace to become one with the force.
'Well, I'm about to save two more' She then was able to finish her work. Upabove Anakin was receiving a beeping from his comms.
'Wait, I'm picking up a pulse on Ahsoka's comm channel, It's coming from over there' He then pointed to a wreckage in the distance. Then turned back looking at where Kird is talking to Clip on their patrol reports.
'KIRD WE FOUND THEM!'
They all rushed to where Anakin pointed at. At the wreckage below Barriss was watching Ashoka doing her trick that Anakin taught her.
'Master, I know you're up there, and I know you're looking for me' She said, worn down by the lack of oxygen. Back above the three made it to the crash site where they are supposedly there.
'I'll move the heavy machinery over, sir' Rex said.
'No time!' Both Luminaria and Anakin used the force to lift the rubble, and with the help from Kird it made things a lot easier.
'Someone's digging!' Ahsoka said.
'Barriss!' Luminaria said.
'Ahsoka!' Anakin said.
'I knew they were still alive, I told you we shouldn't give up on them.
'It's not that I gave up, Skywalker, but unlike you, when the time comes, I am prepared to let my student go, can you say the same?'
'I knew you'd come looking for me' Ahsoka said.
'I never doubted you for a second'
'Padawan, you did well'
'Thank you, Master, but if it weren't for Ahsoka, we'd still be down there'
'Indeed, your Master never lost faith in you'
Word count 7770
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