Eye Of The Needle (Star Wars)

Chapter 28: The Skirmish On Orto-Plutonia

A/N: Happy May 4th! May the fourth be with you. Thanks to everyone who's voted. Now without further ado, here's Chapter 28!

A month later, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and I were assigned to check with the disappearance of clone troopers on the snowy planet of Orto-Plutonia. Our military outpost, Glid Station failed to check in. We were accompanied by Chairman Cho and one of my best friends from childhood, Senator Riyo Chuchi. As soon as we landed by the station, we were greeted by the cold air. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and I were bundled up in parka suits. 

"...And this is the planet's tropical zone." Obi-Wan commented.

"It's not Tatooine, that's for sure." Anakin mentioned.

"Or Corellia." I added.

I then turned over toward Mocax and Rex. "Captains Rex and Mocax, have your men survey the area. Place as many sensor beacons as you can before dark."

Rex nodded. "Right away, General."

"Unload that gear!" Mocax ordered.

"Let's move!" Rex commanded.

R2, R3, and C-3PO followed not too far behind us. At that moment, Cho and Riyo approached us along with their Pantoran guards. They're clothing was much lighter than ours. No doubt they were use to this weather.

"General Kenobi." Cho greeted.

"Chairman Cho, Senator Chuchi. I suggest you wait here until we can secure the area." Obi-Wan advised.

"I respect your judgment, General Kenobi, but I will go where I choose. This is sovereign Pantora territory." Cho shot back.

"I thought this planet was uninhabited, and therefore, it's not aligned." Anakin mentioned.

"Our moon of Pantora is the only civilization in this system. I'm the one who asked the Senate to protect this planet. This wasteland belongs to us." Cho protested.

"With all due respect, Chairman, this is for the Senate to decide, not us." I retorted.

"Ah but the Jedi report to the Senate, which is Senator Chuchi of Pantora." Cho explained with an bearable grin.

"Technically speaking Storm, the Chairman is correct. Since the planet is uninhabited, the moon of Pantora reserves the right to continue as its protectorate." Riyo clarified.

I grit my teeth as Cho wore a smug look on his face. "Understood, Riyo. My apologies."

"Anakin, Storm, stay here with the Senator and the droids while we secure the base." Obi-Wan advised.

With that Obi-Wan walked in with some clone troopers and the Chairman Cho. Not too long after they walked in, R2 and R3 let out several beeps, both wanting to be inside.

"Might we go inside, Master Anakin? R2 and R3 would like to get out of the cold." C-3PO informed him.

"We'll go inside as soon as Obi-Wan signals that it's safe." Anakin replied.

As soon as Obi-Wan returned, he, Rex, Anakin, and a couple other clone troopers left to check the droid base, while I remained behind with the Chairman and with Riyo inside the base.

"I want the weapon system back online and the shields operational. There's no telling what the Separatists have planned." Cho ordered at the nearest troopers around him. 

"Chairman, what makes you so certain the Separatists are behind this attack?" Riyo questioned.

"Look around, Senator. Isn't this carnage proof enough?" Cho inquired.