The Perfect Jedi • Anakin Skywalker

Ch 22: Citadel Rescue

I walked ahead of Anakin and Ahsoka as Rex made sure everything was clear.

"What's our next move?" Ahsoka asked.

"We're gonna have to fight our way off this rock" Anakin said.

"Contact the council. See when they plan to rescue us" I said looking to R-2.

"I'll take care of it" Piell said.

I nodded as Mace appeared in a hologram. I looked around as Anakin brushed past me.

"When can we expect your arrival?" He asked.

"Master Plo is already in route" Mace said.

"Gunships will arrive to evacuate you and your men but do not delay" Yoda said. "Only a small window of opportunity shall we have. Your rendezvous point will be this island."

Blasts were heard as we all turned our heads.

"Incoming!" Cody yelled.

I grabbed my sabers as droids appeared. Rex threw a bomb as the droids sunk into the lava.

"No doubt, there's more on the way" I said clipping my sabers back to my belt.

We walked along the cliff as I looked down. I turned around as droids came from all directions.

"They're boxing us in" Ahsoka said.

"Lock in your cables" Anakin said. "R-2, we need your droids to hold off the enemy as long as possible. Everybody follow me!"

I fastened the cable around my belt as I ran down the side of the cliff.

"Keep moving!" I said.

Landing on the ground we jumped into a hollow hole. I ran down the way with Anakin right behind me. I looked around the corner to make sure the coast was clear as I motioned for the others to follow.

"What if your Jedi friends are not there when we arrive?" Tarkin asked.

"Keep moving and you won't have to worry about that, Tarkin" Piell said.

I looked at Tarkin rolling my eyes. Ahsoka came up beside me.

"Why did Master Piell have to share half the intel with that guy?" She asked. "It's like he's not even grateful we rescued him."

"Tarkin feels the Jedi should be relieved from the burden of leading the war effort" I said.

"That's ridiculous" she said.

"It is and isn't" I said. "But we aren't soldiers. We're peacekeepers. I do not like him as much as you do, Ahsoka. But for now we need to get along."

A screech was heard as I looked around.

"Did you hear that?" She asked.

"Yes" Piell said. "We're going to have company."

I walked alongside Ahsoka, as Anakin and Tarkin were behind us.

"You know, it's not wise to argue with Master Piell" Anakin said. "Certainly not a good career move."

"General Skywalker. I stand by my principles, no matter what. Besides, I needn't worry about my career. I've taken into favor with the Chancellor. He shall support me" Tarkin said.

"Oh? I happen to know the Chancellor quite well, myself" he said.

"Oh, really?" Tarkin said.

"Let's keep moving" I said. "We can't miss our window."

"Those creatures are gaining" Rex said.

"If they've caught our scent, they'll lead the droids right to us" Piell said.