The True Jedi Way

The Tides Turn

At the last home base of the Nosaurians, in Haijial Chase forest, the Nosaurians were setting up trenches and setting up blasters, while in the deep back by the big tree, some were filling up and getting Shuttles ready. Helping with all this was Dass, Doom, R5, and IM-6. The Jedi and Clone Commander were meeting with Rootrock, Bomo, and Ninsa, with the latter of the three stating, "It will still be a day or so before the ships are all fully ready to hopefully get the civilians out safely."

Bomo sarcastically said, "Well, I'm sure the Empire will be patient and wait to attack us."

Doom nodded, "He's right. We'll have to hold the line until then. If we can."

Dass then turned to Rootock and asked, "What are we working with here to fight with, besides the basics of blasters, knives, Force Pykes, and Shields? Do we have any heavier weaponry?"

The Nosaurian leader shook his head sadly, "Most of our heavy equipment was destroyed when the Droid Army was shut down and the Clones started being more brutal." He raised his finger, "However, we did salvage a few Repeating Blaster Cannons for the trenches, and we still have one AAT Tank here."

Dass shrugged, "It will have to do. We leave the big guns here for the last line of defense and head out and meet their forces head-on." He turned to Doom, "Also, Doom, set your blasters for stun."

Doom turned to look at him, "Why?"

Eyes filled with sorrow, Dass answered, "Because those Clones are still our friends, and I don't want to hurt them."

The Clone Commander shouted back, "Um, sir, I hate to tell you this, but they don't care! The Empire has ordered this planet to be completely subjugated! They are planning to burn this whole place to the ground, including civilians." He pointed out into the forest, "And those soldiers out there, my brothers, are willing to follow those orders without an ounce of hesitation!"

The Nosaurians all looked tense and backed up a bit, as silence filled the area. Eventually, a sad-looking Dass walked over to Doom and removed the Clones helmet, revealing Doom crying his eyes out. As the Clone turned his head away in shame, Dass put a comforting hand on his shoulder and said, "You're a good soldier, Doom." He pointed outside the forest as well, "And so are all those men out there. We can't just forsake them." Doom whipped his eyes, as Dass handed back his helmet. Putting his helmet back on, he started adjusting his duel pistols, while Dass turned to the Nosaurians leadership. The Jedi Knight rubbed the back of his head with his hand, "Look, I know I don't have a right to ask this, but-."

Rootrock held up his hands and interrupted, with a sigh, "I can't order my troops not to defend themselves." Dass looked down in disappointment, but looked back up when Rootrock continued, "However, I can order them to keep the casualties to a minimum."

Ninsa added, "Will try not to shoot to kill and will leave injured or knocked out Clones alone."

Bomo jumped in, "Maybe will even be able to capture a few and take them back to base so that Medical Droid we took and reprogrammed can remove their chips too."

Doom turned and nodded to the three, "Thank you." He began to stroke his chin, "Although, given how our numbers are disadvantageous, taking prisoners will be very difficult."

Dass told them, "Will have to worry about that when the time comes." His comlink started to beep, "Speaking of."

Answering it, a Nosaurian was heard over it stating, "The Clones have begun to make their way into the forest and are heading for the clearings."

Rootrock stated, "We better get out there and help push them back."

The group was about to get ready to leave when a young orange female Nosaurian approached the group and asked, "Are you really heading out again, Papa?"