Afterglow | The Clone Wars

Brain Invaders

It took many hours, two adventurous padawans, and many brave clone soldiers, but the key droid weapons factory on Geonosis had been destroyed. The battle turned in favor for the Republic and the Jedi that day. Dakota had been there for every moment of it, with her squad overwhelming the forces in the back.

They were still missing Poggle the Lesser, the Geonosian leader who was responsible for all the unwarranted bloodshed. She intended to find him and bring him to justice. Either by shackles or sword, that was to be determined.

"We're really sorry to leave like this, Master Ky." Ashoka apologized with Padawan Barris at her side. The two were just about to board a gun ship and return back home to Coruscant. "There's still so much left to do." She motioned to the mess surrounding them on the war-torn battlefield.

Dakota waved them off with a sniff. "No worries you two. You've saved the day by destroying that droid factory. Now go home and rest, we'll take it from here."

"Yes, Master." the Padawan's bowed in unison.

The gunship took off, with Ahsoka sending one final wave to the emerald-eyed Jedi. She watched them go, and once the vessel became nothing but a spec in the dry, sandy sky, she reached into her tunic and pulled out the comm link she'd taken from Mars' arm.

It weighed heavy in her palm. Each time she ever signed it, he'd respond. His unique voice flooding the communication, willing and ready to do what she needed, to be what she needed.

Now, he was gone. This was all she had left.

She brought it up and tapped it to her chin rhythmically, eyes closed as she mouthed inaudible words to herself.

Captain Rex approached the General from behind, prepared to delve into the next steps of their plan here, but he paused when more of her face came into view.

He stopped just off to the side, removing his helmet.

"When we finally leave this planet," Dakota already knew he would be there. "I can assure you that I'm never coming back." she tucked the comm link away, the taste of dust and salt on her tongue.

Rex agreed. "Not for all the credits in the galaxy."

"The situation was even stranger the first time we were here." she pivoted, facing him. The dry wind sent strands of her hair blowing across her face. She moved to tuck them behind her ear, revealing several silver earrings that pierced all along the cartilage.

"So I've heard. Is that the time you were bound to a poll with General Skywalker?"

"And Kenobi," She lifted a finger. "Can't forget him. He's the whole reason I ended up there in the first place. That bastard." She exhaled the slightest scoff. "You can tell him I said that, by the way."

"If the opportunity arises, General."

Speaking of him, General Kenobi would be arriving back soon to their location. He required two days of medical leave aboard the cruiser, and was cleared to return. They'd be working together to fix this mess that was left behind by Poggle and droids.

Dakota broke away from the elevated hill that she stood on, motioning for the Captain to follow with a flick of her hand.

"We just sent out another team to search for Poggle." Rex informed, walking next to her as they made their way across camp. His helmet was tucked between his arm and hip. Her hands were linked together behind her back as she strolled. The black robes she wore still had dirt clinging to them.