Rogue For The Sith

Chapter 7

Hunter scanned the marsh with his binoculars. He turned around when he was certain the area was clear and trudged back toward the two figures who were waiting for him. Patch stood on a dry area of ground with Anera leaning against him, too weak to support herself.

"We need to keep moving." Hunter said, "Up ahead is clear."

Patch nodded and helped Anera as they moved forward. The Jedi made it a few steps until she collapsed and fell in the mud. Patch quickly lifted Anera into his arms and continued their retreat.

* * *

Anakin woke to a door sliding open and Count Dooku entering through it. The Jedi hung his head as the newcomer approached.

"Now Anakin," Dooku chimed, "you mustn't be this way... We have visitors."

Anakin looked up. The door flew open again and a battle droid shoved two clone troopers through the opening. They were forced to their knees in front of Dooku and the first raised his head while the other kept his gaze on the floor.

"Tup?" Anakin inquired surprised, "What are you doing here?"

Tup grinned, "General sent us to find you... I guess we did."

"Silence!" Dooku almost shouted.

He motioned for his droids to remove the two clones.

"I must say Skywalker," the Sith said, "They are loyal, but that will be your downfall."

Dooku strode out of the room.

Because, he thought, they were never loyal to you...

* * *

Fives, Snatch, and Blaze arrived back at the shuttles. The two shinnies released R2-D2 from Fives's speeder while Obi-Wan walked up to Fives.

"Gather everyone at the ships, and tell Cody I need to speak to him." Obi-Wan told the clone.

Fives nodded and went about his orders. Soon, the clone troopers were all at the LAATs; Kenobi stepped into the center of the circle of soldiers.

"As you already know, we are here to assist General Noli in taking back the planet from the Separatists and to find a rogue Jedi." Obi-Wan began, "What some of you have not been informed of is that General Skywalker is being held captive by Count Dooku. Now, we are the only reinforcements that Anera has and I just received word that she has been attacked..." he paused, afraid to tell them the truth, "by clones."

Obi-Wan nodded at Cody as the men began to mutter among themselves. The commando moved to the middle of the group and explained the plan. Kenobi's comlink flashed and he stepped away from the clone troopers to answer it.

"General," it was Asher, "I'm sorry for contacting you again so soon, but I could really use your help right now."

"I know Commander and I'm assembling a team. We are on our way." Obi-Wan assured him and inquired, "How's Anera?"

Asher sighed, "I don't know General. We haven't heard from her."

"Just, keep me informed." the Jedi stated.

"Yes Sir."

Obi-Wan returned to his men as Cody finished giving them the details of their operation. The clones dispersed, attending to their tasks of loading all the supplies onto the shuttles and preparing for the imminent battle.

"Cody." Obi-Wan caught his friend's attention, "I need you to assemble some of you best men. I'm going after Anera and I will need help."

Cody nodded and replied, "Yes Sir."