Afterglow | The Clone Wars

The Crisis on Naboo

The stars streaked blue by the large windows of the massive republic star-cruiser as it catapulted across the galaxy to the lush planet of Naboo. Clone troopers who operated the vessel sat in the bridge dug outs, conversing calculations and casual discussions.

All who were present in the control room acted as if the omnipresent Jedi standing by the glass window wasn't as noticeable as she actually was. Her arms were crossed at her chest, green eyes closed. Whispers of a dull pain seeped into the forearm of her skin, but it grounded her more than it irritated her.

The only clone who wasn't too timid to approach her was Rex, on the surface at least. He came through the sliding doors with purpose, making his way towards her. "We'll arrive in Naboo's orbit in twenty, General." he informed, his helmet resting at his hip with his arm slung over to hold it in place.

"Have the gun ship ready, I want to depart the moment we enter."

"Already on it, General. The gun ship is waiting for you, General Skywalker, Kenobi, and Commander Tano as we speak." he nodded, his body stiff.

"I'm not sure why I even bother to ask you to do things for me anymore, Captain," she uncrossed her arms and rested them at her hips "You've already done it by the time I ask."

"Consider it apart of my training, sir."

"No, I think you just know me too well." she motioned for him to join her with a flick of her finger. The offer loosened his shoulders, and he followed at her side.

Together, they walked back through the doors that lead to the room beyond the control bridge. Clones glanced up from their computer screens, their tan faces reflecting the glow of the monitors. Dakota tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her silver ear cuffs twinkling.

"I received word that the disease infecting Naboo has elevated to a category three. Keep your helmets on no matter what." she halted momentarily, tapping her fingernail against the blue paint marking of his helmet.

"What about you, sir?" He looked up from her hand, holding the helmet tight in his arm. "And the other Generals? If we come into contact with the virus. What's to stop it from affecting you?"

"That's not for you to worry about." she told him as they entered a war room with the two other Jedi Generals.

A holographic map of the planet Naboo was displayed on the table. Anakin paced restlessly from one wall of the room to the other, his eyebrows furrowed together.

Dakota noted his behavior, especially since the news broke that Senator Amidala had disappeared on her home planet alongside the news of the spreading infection.