The Second Padawan

Chapter Seventy-One

"We should prepare for a ground assault." Obi-Wan suggested. I nodded and ordered the men to set up a perimeter around the central building with shuttles.

"I need the snipers on each rooftop of each house." I said.

"You heard the General!" Rex shouted to the men.

"Is the governor and everyone inside?" I asked Obi-Wan. He nodded in response. "Satine?" I whispered he nodded again, slowly.

"Generals, the perimeter is set." Rex alerted us.

"Thank you, everyone keep comms open. We need to know when they attack, and most importantly when back up arrives."

"We will be getting back up, correct?" Master Kenobi asked me.

"Hopefully Master. Hopefully."

Me and Obi-Wan went to the bunkers beneath the center of the city and met with met with the governor. Satine, who now went by Selene, and dyed her staple Mandalorian blonde to a now brown, spoke with Obi-Wan.

"How long do you think we will have to hold up here, Master Jedi?" The governor asked me, we walked around the large bunker built shortly after the first invasion of his people.

"Only momentarily, once we get these Zygerrians out of your system, you'll be safe. I'd like to request that you let us leave a stronger clone presence here."

He pondered for a moment, "I'm not sure...the clones, while we are grateful for them, they leave the people weary."

"I understand Governor, trust me I do. But the Zygerrians are in with the Separatists, Count Dooku. There's no doubt in my mind they will use not only their own arms, but that of the droid armies as-well. And their siege on your planet... it's personal."

"I trust my people's lives with your judgement.." he sighed. "If you strongly believe this, we will welcome a greater presence of the Republic."

"Thank you Governor. I won't let the Zygerrians or the Separatists harm you or your people, ever again."

"General. We've made contact with droids. Our scouts have made out 5 tanks heading our  way." Rex contacted me on my comlink.

"Don't engage, defend. I'm coming up there now." I exited my conversation with the governor. Obi-Wan had heard my conversation with Rex and went up the elevator with me.

"You've made yourself quite the General in such little time." He said.

"Thank you, Master. I couldn't have done it without you and Anakin's guidance and training. How's Satine?"

"She says she's integrated well, you know pacifist with pacifist. The people see her as their own."

"Perhaps Mandalore won't need to be reclaimed then?"

"You know Satine," he sighed. "There isn't a moment she's not thinking of that planet."

Once we got outside, Rex handed me binoculars. I could see the 5 tanks he spoke about. "Run me a list of inventory." I spoke to one of the Clones.

"We have four cannons, three tanks, five fighters, and twelve battle shuttles."

"I'm not using the tanks." I said to Obi-Wan, looking for his guidance.

"Then may I suggest an aerial assault?" He tossed down a scan of the area. "If we use our fighters to attack the tanks before they get too close, we'll not only be safe from their fire, but have an attacking advantage."

"Alright. You heard the general Rex." I smiled, "Get me 4 pilots, I'll be the fifth."

"All do respect, General, but I can be the fifth."