Eye Of The Needle (Star Wars)

Chapter 30: Ryloth

Once they boasted the engines, we headed towards the pod. We successfully made it into the pod. We watched as the ship crashed into the blockade, demolishing it completely.

"See, I told you it would work." Anakin commented. 

I snorted. "Of course it would. I came up with half the plan."

Anakin chuckled. "I'm surprised we aren't related, given how much we're alike."

"Related or not, I think of you as my brother." I commented with a smile.

"Good, 'cause I view you as my sister." Anakin replied, returning my smile.

Ahsoka's voice then reached us through the comms. "We're approaching your position, Masters."

"Standby for retrieval." Areria informed us.

"Right on time, Ahsoka and Areria." Anakin mentioned.

We watched as Ahsoka and Areria took off in fighters, leading the others. A smile appeared on our faces.

"That-a girl, Ahsoka." Anakin praised.

"They're learning pretty quick, aren't they?" I asked.

Anakin nodded. "Yes they are. You've got a good padawan, Storm."

"Thanks, so do you, Anakin." I replied, proud of Areria and Ahsoka.

It wasn't long until a shuttle arrived for us. Rex contacted us through our comms. "Generals, are you still there?"

"Yep. We're just sitting here watching the show." Anakin informed Rex.

I grinned. "It's quite the show."

•••

Anakin, Areria, Ahsoka, R2, R3, and the others remained on the Republic warship, while I took a group of troops in a shuttle to meet Master Windu, Gida, Tarom, and Obi-Wan on Ryloth. Both Jace and Yularen were up and about, healed of wounds.

I worried for Gida, this mission would mean more to her than any of us as she has family on Ryloth. I was afraid that none of them were left, which deeply concerned me. As we made our way onto the planet, I spoke to my troops. "Now we need to remember the reason we're here. We came to aid the Twi'leks, not destroy their home. You take it from here, Mocax."

"What General Ca'ana is saying is that we'll be taking it back the hard way. Minimal destruction with blasters and droid poppers only." Mocax ordered. "No rockets or detonators. Check your aim. Keep an eye out for the locals. Am I understood?"

"Sir, yes, sir!" The clone troopers exclaimed.

It wasn't long until Obi-Wan contacted me. "We won't have reinforcements until those guns the Separatists have are out of commission."

I nodded. "Understood, Master Kenobi."

We then landed in one of the forests. There we met up with Obi-Wan, Cody, Tarom, Gida, and the rest of their troops. As we made our way into the forest, the Separatists began firing in our direction.

"Gida, Tarom, Obi-Wan, it's good to see you again." I greeted.

Gida wore her usual warm smile. "You too, Storm."

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "May I ask why you and Anakin were in a pod?"

I let out a nervous chuckle. "Oh...well. It's a long story, better save it for when we return to Coruscant."

"Oh no, please do share with us." Obi-Wan teased. "And don't leave out a single detail."

"This should be good." Tarom added with a grin.