Skywalker POV
Jabba the Hutt owes me big time.
I know as a Jedi that there's a higher, more noble purpose to this mission.
By "mission" I mean the rescue "mission" of the little slug and get him home. Alive preferably, while being saddled with sarcastic, tweener padawans right and left (short padawans no less), fighting Dooku, Ventress, droids, dodging lightsabers, blaster fire, falling buildings, vomiting Huttlets. Oh yeah, and Clone Captains who bust a gut laughing at his General. I didn't know Rex COULD laugh. Jerk.
Sigh. But seeing Rex in the process of getting shot by a droid made me serious. Real quick.
Even worse, seeing Rex falling then Obi-Wan's new padawan falling, wounded. That short, sarcastic excuse for an apprentice, with zero battle experience, just took a blaster shot for the best officer in the Clone Army. Shoved him out of the way. I didn't even hesitate. But she's not getting up.
That's when I got very serious. Interestingly enough, that's when my shiny new padawan shows her serious side. When Jedi are on a mission, that they take seriously, it's a good idea to get out of the way.
Droid bits, building debris and 2 retreating Sith later, after ensuring a little slug safely home, after reporting to Obi-Wan, Jedi Council, Admiral Yularen, Jabba the Hutt, and force knows who else. AFTER Captain Rex takes the shorter padawan to Kix and the med bay for healing.
AFTER all that I realize my Captain, Rex, yeah that laugh riot, maneuvered me into "informing Admiral Bailey of the mission outcome".
Somehow the little fact of Padawan Bailey-Reid, is the oldest daughter of Admiral Bailey of the Dauntless, was not mentioned. By anybody. Thanks, Obi-Wan.
The youngest Admiral in 2 generations. 2nd in her class. Youngest at the Academy too. The Admiral with the intimidating reputation of being a fierce and relentless fighter, creative, even brilliant strategist, so confident in her crew and troopers abilities to excel and succeed at any mission. The Crew of the Dauntless Star Destroyer, are the pride of the Republic Fleet.
The very woman so intimidating everyone from lowly yeoman, clone, senator, or Sith, from Palpatine to. Master Yoda. All try to stay on her good side. Or at least out of her way.
The Admiral. When describing the Admiral,
Master Windu said, admiringly, mind you, "She knows when you're lying. Even when she's not in the same room. Planet. Or the System!" He gets giddy, scary.
Now I find out if the best officer in the Clone Army is worth it.
Maybe I should comlink Padme. You know, just in case.
I always knew sooner or later Rex would get me back for..well all the stuff He's had to put up with.
R2, buddy, whatever happens. Tell Padme I love her. Thanks, pal. Ready? Let's go see the Admiral, R2.
What? R2-D2 Get back here!!
Oh, poodoo. I'm at the bridge already.
I love you Padme.
Admiral Bailey is issuing orders to her officers, organizing Teth battle cleanup. Confirming the little slug's transport, Clone Trooper support, resupply, civilian evacuation, resettlement, etc..when she turns to face me.
I can see the questions in her eyes, the fear for her child is contained, she knows to the moment the health status of Padawan B-R, Rex, probably Rotta too. She knows all she needs to know before I walk onto her ship.
I now understand why others are intimidated by this small woman, she waits for your words before she responds. And she makes sure you are responsible for every one of your words and actions. I knew only one such person in my life. My own mother Smile Skywalker.
Yes, Admiral Bailey would know if I lied to her.
Now I'm scared. Very scared.
Admiral R. Bailey POV
I felt the blaster shot the same instant my girl did. I heard Rex shout, felt his steel-like resolve to get Genevieve to safety. Felt his fear for her, himself and fear at the thought of causing me pain.
I knew the second her life force surged, refusing to give up. Smiling to myself, thinking "That's my girl. I'll be right by your side. Rest, heal. You're safe."
I felt her relax into a healing sleep. I wondered at the weight I felt in my hand. Suddenly, the image of a resting man holding a girls' hand, comforting and protecting her, while they slept.
My breath caught in a small sob, stunned I felt my heart crack open.
I felt the fledgling love of a father for a daughter. More from this soldier then I'd ever felt from her birth father.
Tears welling in my eyes, I faced the young Jedi tasked to inform me that my oldest daughter was wounded and might die.
Waiting for him to speak, looking up at his face.
Funny, I thought he'd be taller.
"Admiral Bailey, I'm Anakin Skywalker. Your daughter, Padawan Bailey Reid was seriously wounded on Teth. She's in the medical bay being treated for a blast wound to the chest. Your daughter is one of the bravest fighters I've seen. I'm sorry to say due to the location and severity of the wound, she might die. I'm really very sorry."
YOU ARE READING
A healed family
FanficAdmiral Rita Bailey is heart broken when her husband is reported missing and was never found. Leaving her and her two children alone and lost memories of her husband and their father.
