Eye Of The Needle (Star Wars)

Chapter 29: This Is The Only Way

Weeks after helping Riyo on Orto-Plutonia, Anakin, Areria, Ahsoka, and I along with a fleet of ships were sent to system where the planet Ryloth was. It had been invaded by the Separatists. The people were starving under the blockade of a Separatists' fleet, which was led by the evil Wat Tambor, ruling with an iron fist. Ahsoka and Areria were going to each leading squadrons for the first time. Currently, Anakin and I made our way to the hangars, checking up on Ahsoka and Areria. They were in their wing ships side by side each other.

"Hey Snips, hey Areria, this is it. Your first command." Anakin mentioned.

"There's no need to be nervous. I know you two will do great." I assured them.

"I wish everyone would stop saying that." Ahsoka groaned.

"The men you are both commanding are depending on you...with their lives." Anakin reminded them.

"Thanks, that takes the pressure off." Ahsoka retorted, sarcastically.

Areria huffed. "Jeez, if we weren't nervous before then we sure are now."

"Yeah, no kidding." Ahsoka agreed.

"What Anakin means to say is that we have faith in both of you." I clarified.

Anakin nodded. "Exactly, I wouldn't send you out if I didn't think you could handle it."

"May the Force be with you both." Anakin and I both said.

Areria bowed her head. "May the Force be with you both, Masters."

"Thanks, we won't let you down." Ahsoka added, still looking somewhat nervous.

With that Anakin and I left the hangars, returning to the main room in the front of the ship where Admiral Yularen and Jace were.

"Tell Ahsoka and Areria the fleet is ready." Anakin ordered.

"Commanders, you're all clear." Yularen informed them through the comms.

"Thank you, Admiral." Ahsoka replied.

"Keep the cruisers back until we've softened them up." Areria urged.

We then watched as we heard the comms of each of the clone troopers, and of Ahsoka and Areria. Not too long later, we were informed that four more enemy cruisers joined the blockade.

"We've got to warn those fighters." Jace insisted.

"Commander, we've been caught in a trap!" Yularen exclaimed through the comms.

"You're overreacting, Admiral." Ahsoka said, blowing off his warning.

"Don't worry. We can get us through." Areria assured us.

"I'm ordering you to return to the ship." Yularen demanded.

"Ahsoka, Areria, we're going to need your help. Return at once." I urged.

"Areria, Ahsoka, it's too risky." Anakin added. "Get your pilots out of there."

Upon hearing that they weren't turning back, Yularen scolded us. "Did you train them not to follow orders?"

Before I could say anything, Jace intervened. "I wouldn't scold them too harsh, Yularen. Teaching, especially a padawan is rigorous work."

Yularen glared at him before turning back towards the battle before us in space. His face fell as more Separatists ships appeared. "We're far too outnumbered!"

"They're breaking our lines!" Jace exclaimed.

"Ahsoka, Areria, we are in trouble." Anakin informed them through the comms.