//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Protecting Christophsis Part 3 // Story: Star Wars Friendship: The Clone Wars // by Aegis Spirit //------------------------------// The next morning was tough. The droid army launched a full forward attack on us. My friends and I rushed to the frontline to help out the soldiers. The clones and militia men took cover behind a make shift barricade of rubble and opened fire on approaching droid army. Though damaged, the tortoise tank was still in the fight. It took cover on the side of the buildings and returned fire. We managed to handle the first wave relatively easy, with just B1 droids and super battle droid sent at us. The Jedi sent one of our last remaining transport ships to get more supplies and reinforcements. Unfortunately, the droids regrouped and mounted a second offensive. “They’re back.” Anakin said out loud as the soldiers got back into defensive positions. Another battalion of droids were sent our way, flanked by three tri-droids providing long range fire. “Thank’s for stating the obvious.” Xebo said sarcastically, wielding her MA5B Assault blaster. Obi-Wan ran toward us as some clones and riflemen went past by us. “I told you this victory was too easy. We never should have sent the ship back for supplies.” Obi-Wan told Anakin. “It wasn’t my idea to send the ship back.” Anakin countered. “All right men, second wave incoming.” Obi-Wan ordered the troops around him. “Rex, you and your men follow me.” Anakin ordered Rex with clone soldiers behind him. “Mind if I come come along?” Rainbow Dash asked smirking. “Only if you can keep up.” Anakin responded, smiling a little. Rainbow chuckled a little before following them. “Cody, battle positions!” Obi-Wan ordered him, as the soldiers continued to pass by us. “Up to the front.” Cody yelled to the soldiers. Xebo went with them to the barricade. “Let’s go, everyone.” I told my friends. We followed behind the Kenobi and the soldiers to the frontline. The battle droids kept walking towards us despite the blaster and cannon fire being unleashed on them. They still manage to continue raining plasma bolts at us. My friends got in font of the barricade and lit our lightsabers, reflects any blaster bolts back at the droids. “Ya would think these droids would take a hint.” I hear Applejack complain next to me, reflecting a blaster bolt at the droids. Obi-Wan signaled the men behind the barricade and they fired a barrage of blaster bolts at the droids. As we continue reflecting bolts, cannon fire continued to fly over our heads, blasting the droid battalion to pieces. “Skywalker should have attacked by now.” I heard Cody said. “Don’t worry! He knows the plan!” Obi-Wan responded. Knowing him and Rainbow Dash, they’re gonna do something flashy. A couple moments later, we see Anakin and Rainbow Dash jump from a tall building and onto one of the tri-droids in the middle as the troopers jumped pack down, opening fire on the tri-droid in the far back. Rainbow Dash and Anakin covered each other’s backs as the other tri-droids tried to shoot them down. “There they are. Commence the kill box.” Xebo ordered on her comm. With the tri-droids distracted, the militia and clone troopers hiding in the building on both sides of the main road came out and opened fire on the droids below them. Good thing Xebo made this plan, Kenobi wanted to charge with the soldiers when given the opportunity. We basically shot that plan down and went with Xebo’s. Anakin and Dash managed to get the tri-droids to fire on one another, destroying the one they were on before jumping to another of the towering droids. Once the droid battalion was thinned out enough, Master Kenobi, my friends, and I charged in to finish the rest. I reflected a blaster bolt back at a b1 droid before slashing a super battle droid in two. Many of the clones and militia riflemen moved up behind us, opening fire on the remaining droids around us. I forced pushed the last of the droids in front of me, allowing the soldiers to gun them down. As I sliced the nearest super battle droid in front of me. I saw Anakin slice the leg of the last tri-droid, jump down and managed to slice a b1-droid with Rainbow Dash behind him. Without the third leg, the tall tri-droid came crashing into the ground. With the second wave defeated, the soldiers moved forward, using the destroyed tri-droids as cover. We rejoined with Anakin and Rainbow Dash as the next wave of droids closes in on us. “We’re gonna need reinforcements.” Anakin told us, looking at his master. “We haven’t been able to get through to the admiral.” Obi-Wan responded, not taking his eyes off the approaching droids. This is bad, I’m not sure how long we can keep fighting like this. Luckily, the heavy cannons were firing nonstop at the droid tanks. I continued reflecting blaster bolts until the droids decided to retreat. “They’re pulling back.” Anakin said, relaxing his guard a bit as the soldiers continued to fire upon the retreating droids. I sighed in relief that we finally caught a breather. Just then, a Republic transport shuttle flew over us toward the landing zone at our base. “Looks like help has arrived.” Obi-Wan said as R2-D2 beeped next to us. “But is that it? I was expecting at least more ships.” Xebo said concerned. I nodded with her, wondering why only one ship showed up. Applejack, Twilight, and I walked with Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Xebo to base as the rest of my friends went around to help where they can. “Our cruiser must be back.” Obi-Wan said as we walk to the landing area. “Which means we’ll be able to get our reinforcements.” Anakin added. “Then it looks like our problems are solved. Fresh troops, new supplies, and perhaps they brought my new Padawan with them.” Obi-Wan said. He’s bringing a Padawan? I know that Padawans are the future of the Jedi order, but I doubt any of them are ready for war. I know I fully wasn’t, despite our training with the Militia. “You really think it’s a good idea to bring a Padawan learner into all this?” Anakin asked his master, doubting the whole idea. At least he agrees with me. “I spoke to Master Yoda about it. You should put in a request for one. You’d make a good teacher.” Obi-Wan told Anakin. Honestly, it would be interesting to see Anakin teaching. He’ll probably do things a lot different than most Jedi Masters. Anakin only chuckled. “No, thanks.” He denied. “Anakin, teaching is a privilege. And it’s part of a Jedi’s responsibility to help train the next generation.” Obi-Wan told him as the shuttle landed. “A Padawan would just slow me down.” Anakin retorted. “Well, it would do something about that hot head of yours.” Xebo commented while smirking. We laughed a little as Anakin glared at the lieutenant. As we approached the shuttle, it’s ramp lowered down, revealing a young togruta girl walking out. She had orange skin with white markings on her face and blue stripes on her lekus. The togruta looks to be a couple years younger than me and my friends. “A youngling.” Obi-Wan said surprised. We all were, considering a Padawan would be a little older. “Great, another kid.” Xebo sarcastically muttered. I could feel she didn’t like the idea of another child taking part of this war. “And who are you supposed to be?” Anakin asked as R2-D2 beeped excitedly at a new face. “I’m Ahsoka. Master Yoda sent me. I was told to tell both of you that you must get back to the Jedi Temple immediately. There’s an emergency.” Ahsoka told Anakin and Obi-Wan. I wonder what happened that Master Yoda sent her here himself. “Well, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but we’re in a bit of an emergency right here.” Anakin told her, a bit annoyed. “Yes, our communications have been a bit unreliable, but we’ve been calling for help.” Obi-Wan informed her. “Master Yoda hadn’t heard from you so he sent me to deliver the message.” Ahsoka told us. Wait, the Republic Military weren’t hearing us and didn’t bother to investigate. Anakin sighed. “Oh, great. They don’t even know we’re in trouble.” He exclaimed in annoyance. Xebo just rubbed her nose in frustration. “Maybe you can relay a signal through the cruiser that just dropped me off.” Ahsoka suggested. “Good thinking, Ahsoka. It’s worth a shot.” I said. Xebo, Obi-Wan and Anakin agreed. “Oh, and I’m Aegis Skiritai. These are my friends Twilight and Applejack.” I introduced us. “Nice to meet you… Wait, your Aegis!” She said surprised. “Um, Yes?” I responded, a little confuse at why she was startled. Obi-Wan walked up next to me. “When you and your friends left the order. You gained quite the reputation when you all left.” He told us. “Really? What kind of reputation?” Twilight asked, but Xebo cut in. “As much as I’m curious, we need to contact your cruiser.” Xebo told us. We nodded in agreement and headed to to the holoprojector table. We managed to get in contact with the cruiser. Unfortunately, it turned out the cruiser was under attack by CIS ships. “We’re under attack by Separatist warships, but I’ll try to make with the Jedi Temple for you. Stand by.” A clone officer said on the holoprojector table. A few moments later, the hologram of Master Yoda appeared. “Master Kenobi, glad Ahsoka found you, I am.” Master Yoda said. “Master Yoda, we are trapped here, and vastly outnumbered. We are in no position to go anywhere or do anything. Our support ships have all been destroyed.” Obi-Wan informed the Grand Jedi Master. “Send reinforcements to you, we will.” Master Yoda said before the transmission started to crackle. Meaning we were losing the connection. “Master Yoda? Master Yoda?” Obi-Wan said, the image of master Yoda faded out. “We’ve lost the transmission, sir.” The clone officer said, before another one ran up behind him. “We have to leave orbit immediately. More enemy ships have just arrived. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.” The other clone officer said before the transmission was lost. I really hoped they were alright. “Guess all we can do is hold out.” Xebo said, crossing her arms. Anakin nodded in agreement. “At least the heavy cannons still have ammo. They'll blow away any assault from those droids throw at us.” Applejack assured. “That maybe true, Applejack. But I’m worried if the droids will find a way around them.” Twilight grimly said. Obi-Wan and Xebo nodded their heads in agreement. Obi-Wan looked at Ahsoka, figuring it was a good time for formal introductions. “My apologies, young one. It’s time for a proper introduction.” He said before walking to the youngling. “I’m the new Padawan learner. I’m Ahsoka Tano.” The Padawan formerly introduced herself. “I’m Obi-Wan Kenobi, your new master.” Obi-Wan said. “I’m at your service, Master Kenobi, but I’m afraid I’ve actually been assigned to Master Skywalker.” Ahsoka said pointing at said Jedi. We looked at her in surprise, Anakin most of all. “What? No, no, no. There must be some mistake. He’s the who wanted the Padawan.” Anakin said, pointing at Obi-Wan. “No, Master Yoda was very specific. I’m assigned to Anakin Skywalker, and he is to supervise my Jedi training.” Ahsoka corrected. Obi-Wan looked amuse as he looked at his former student. My friends and I couldn’t help but share his amusement. Anakin took a moment to think. “But that doesn’t make any sense.” “We’ll have to sort this out later.” Obi-Wan interrupted him. “It won’t be long before those droids figure out a way around our cannons.” “I’ll check on Rex in the lookout post.” Anakin said before he started walking. “You’d better take her with you.” Obi-Wan pointed out. Anakin looked a bit reluctant before Ahsoka walked with him. My friends and I looked at Obi-Wan. “You didn’t have anything to do with that. Did you?” Twilight asked. “No, though I wish I thought of it sooner.” Obi-Wan told us smirking. We laughed a little before we left. Applejack and Twilight headed to the Friendship to find explosives for a plan Twilight came up with. I decided to head toward the lookout post to meet up with Anakin and Ahsoka. If I recalled, Pinkie and Sunset should be there as well. I managed to reach the two Jedi just as the arrived at the lookout post elevator. “Mind if I come along.” I asked Anakin. “More the merrier.” Anakin shrugged as we entered the elevator, though I can tell he was still annoyed at having a Padawan. Anakin pressed the button, taking us to the top. “So, I gotta ask. What kind of reputation do my friends and I have? I asked Ahsoka as the elevator rose up. “Well, a lotta Jedi see you and you friends as rogue Jedi. While some other respect you all for helping neutral planets effected by the war.” Ahsoka answered. I can guess which Jedi thinks we’re rogue. Say a certain Jedi who never smiles. The elevator reached the top floor and opened up. We headed toward Captain Rex, Sunset, and Pinkie Pie overlooking the streets below. “What’s the status, Rex?” Anakin asked the Captain. “Quiet for now, sir. They’re gearing up for another assault.” Rex answered before Pinkie ran up to Ahsoka. “Hiya! I’m Pinkie Pie! Who are you!” Pinkie Pie asked, smiling enthusiastically close to ahsoka’s face. Pinkie was always excited in meeting new people. “Um… I’m Master Skywalker’s Padawan. The name’s Ahsoka Tano.” Ahsoka introduced herself, a bit surprised as Pinkie’s cheerful attitude. “Nice to meet you Ahsoka. I’m Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset introduced herself. Rex looked at Anakin for a moment. “Sir, I thought you said you’d never have a Padawan.” He said to Anakin. “There’s been a mix-up. The youngling isn’t with me.” Anakin told him. “Stop calling me that! You’re stuck with me, Skyguy.” Ahsoka said, smirking. All of us laughed at the nickname she gave Anakin, Pinkie most of all. “What did you just call me? Don’t get snippy with me, little one. You know, I don’t even think you’re old enough to be a Padawan.” Anakin told her a bit angrily. “Well, maybe I’m not, but Master Yoda thinks I am.” Ahsoka argued back confidently. Ahsoka maybe young, but if Master Yoda said she was, there must be a reason behind it. “Well, you’re not with Master Yoda now. So, if you’re ready, you better start proving it. Captain Rex will show you how a little respect can go a long way.” Anakin told her, though Rex looked reluctant. “Right.” Rex stuttered a bit. “Come on, youngling.” Rex told Ahsoka as he headed to the elevator. “Padawan.” Ahsoka muttered in annoyance before walking with him. “I better go with them, make sure Ahsoka wouldn’t be too much for Rex.” I told Anakin. “I would appreciate that, Aegis.” Anakin thanked me before I headed toward Rex and Ahsoka. A little while later, we were walking next to the heavy cannons. The clones are making sure the cannons still functioning despite being rapidly fired earlier. “Have you thought about moving that line back, Captain? They’d have better cover that way.” Ahsoka asked Rex. “Thanks for the suggestion, but General Skywalker thinks they’re fine where they are.” Rex told her. “Not to mention that we need to keep the droid army away from the heavy cannons as much as possible.” I added. Anything happens to them, we won’t be able to hold out until reinforcements arrive. “So, if you’re a captain and I’m a Jedi, then, technically, I outrank you, right?” Ahsoka asked him. “Ahsoka, being a Jedi doesn’t automatically mean your better at commanding soldiers.” I told her. I swear, this is a problem with a bunch Jedi. “He’s right, kid. Experience outrank everything.” Rex told her. “Well, if experience outranks everything, I guess I better start getting some.” Ahsoka replied before we heard a strange sound in the distance. “What’s that?” She asked, looking down the road. We turned our sight down the main road and saw a red energy dome in the distance and growing. “Rex, please tell me that isn’t what I think it is?” I asked him in absolute worry. “I’m afraid it is. They’ve got an energy shield. That’s gonna make things near impossible. If you wanted experience, little one, it looks like you’re about to get plenty.” Rex told Ahsoka as the shield slowly grew in size. After contacting the Jedi and Xebo about the shield, we reconvened back at the holoprojector table. I called my friends and told them to meet us there. Once everyone was here, we went over the situation. The holoprojecter table showed a map of the city with the red energy shield slowly growing. “The energy generator is somewhere in this area. They’re slowly increasing the diameter of the shield, and keeping it just ahead of their troops.” Obi-Wan told us, pointing at the holographic shield generator on the map of the city. “Heavy cannons are gonna be useless against that.” Rex pointed out. “As they get closer, I suppose we could try to draw them into the buildings. That might level the playing field a bit.” Obi-Wan suggested. “But that’ll only slow them down at best, even with the AT-TE tank. We’re gonna need to get a little creative.” Xebo pointed out. “If that shield’s gonna be such a problem, why don’t we just take it out.” Ahsoka suggested. “Easier said than done.” Rex told her. Getting past the droid army is gonna be difficult enough, not to mention whatever is most likely guarding the generator. “Well, I, for one, agree with her.” Anakin voiced his opinion. “Someone has to get to that shield generator and destroy it. That’s the key.” “He’s right, I don’t see any other way we can hold off the droids without the heavy cannons.” Xebo agreed with Anakin. “Right, then. Maybe you two can tiptoe through the enemy lines and solve this particular problem together.” Obi-Wan told them. “Can do, Master Kenobi.” Ahsoka replied. “I’ll decide what we do.” Anakin sternly told her. Hopefully they can accomplish the task without getting on each other’s nerves too much. “If the rest of us can engage them here, you two might have a chance to get through their lines undetected, here.” Obi-Wan told them, pointing at a section of the map. “They won’t have much time. The droids far outnumber us, so our ability to street fight is limited without the use of heavy cannons. They will march forward under the protection of their shield until they are right on top of our cannons, then they’ll blow them away.” Rex told us. “With most of the droid army coming here. The shield generator should only have a handful of droids guarding it.” Sunset told us. “We’ll handle it. Come on, Master, let’s go.” Ahsoka told her master as she started walking away. “If we survive this, snips, you and I are gonna have a talk.” We heard Anakin muttered to Ahsoka as they walked away. I looked at my friends, wondering which could help them the most. “Rarity, mind going with them? If anyone can find a weakness in the droids parameter, it’s you.” I asked her. Rarity always had a talent on the smallest details. if there’s a gap in the droid army line, she’ll find it. “Of course, dear. We’ll get that shield down as soon as possible.” Rarity replied before she joined with Anakin and Ahsoka. “They make quite a pair, don’t they sir? You think they have a chance?” Rex asked Obi-Wan, looking at Anakin and Ahsoka. “They better. If they can’t turn off that shield generator before it reaches the heavy cannons, there’ll be no escape for any of us.” Obi-Wan grimly said. Twilight put her hand on her chin. “I may have a idea with that.” Twilight spoke up. “What do you have in mind?” Xebo asked. “If we rig the transport ship with our torpedoes from the Friendship. We could crash it into the droid army, taking out many of them, and creating a huge pot hole, which will slow down their advance a bit.” Twilight explained the plan. This was probably our best plan. The energy only blocks against energy projectiles. Which means that the transport would fly right through it. “Not bad plan, Twilight. It could buy us the time we need.” Rex said. “Thanks, Rex.” Twilight told him smiling. “Wait. What about your starship? Can’t we use it as air support.” Xebo asked us. I thought about it before answering. “I’m afraid that may not work. With that energy shield up, we would have to fly in it to fire the ship’s weapons. And if we do, the tall buildings will make maneuverability impossible. Their tanks can easily shot our ship down. “Alright then, we’ll go with Twilight’s plan. Now the question is who will fly it.” Obi-Wan said. “Leave that to me.” Rainbow Dash smirked confidently. We looked at her a bit worriedly. “You sure, Dash?” Fluttershy asked in concern. “You kidding. I’m best pilot in the galaxy. I’ll just jump out of the cockpit and land on one of the building before the ship crashes.” Rainbow Dash assured. “Anakin might argue with you being the best pilot in the galaxy.” Obi-Wan told us smirking. Huh, I guess Anakin is an expert pilot, though I wonder who’s better. Rainbow Dash or Anakin? “Ohh! Can I add something to the explosives?” Pinkie Pie eagerly asked. All of gave her a raised eyebrow, wondering what she was planning. “Um, sure.” I replied. Pinkie just squealed in excitement. “Then we have a plan. Let’s get those torpedoes loaded as soon as possible.” Xebo told us. We nodded in agreement and went to work. A while later, as Pinkie Pie and the soldiers were loading the transport shuttle with the torpedoes, my friends, Obi-wan and I watch the heavy cannons were bombarding the energy shield with everything they had. Despite that however, the energy shield showed no sign of weakening. “That shield is certainly putting a cramp in my day.” Obi-Wan complained, watching the shield grow in size through his binocs. “It’s no use, sir! Even at full power, the cannon doesn’t affect it.” Rex told him. “All right, Rex. It was worth a try. Tell the men to fall back!” Obi-Wan ordered. Just then, my comm went off. “Aegis, it’s Rainbow Dash. The transport is fully loaded with explosives.” Rainbow Dash informed me. “All right, Rainbow Dash. Once the tanks are close to the tall buildings, we’ll let you know to take off.” I responded. I wanted Rainbow Dash to be close enough to the buildings to jump on. A few minutes later, the droid army finally reached the tall buildings “Dash, the droids are close to the tall buildings. Take off now.” I told her. “Copy that. Delivering Pinkie Pie’s special package.” Rainbow Dash replied. I wondered what Pinkie’s special package was? We see the transport ship take off and flew over us toward the droid army. I took out my own binocs and watched the ship fly closer to the energy shield. Since the energy shield can only reflect plasma, the transport ship flew through the shield with ease. I saw Rainbow Dash get ejected out of the cockpit as the ship fell down the droid army. Rainbow Dash used her force speed to jump off of her ejected chair and landed on the roof of a nearby building. The droid tanks tried to shoot down the transport, but the ship shields held up as it crashed into a column of droids. At that moment, the ship exploded in a massive ball of flame, taking many of the droids with it. The detonation of the ship was followed by explosions of colorful fireworks. Obi-Wan, Xebo, and the soldiers were confused at why there were fireworks in that explosion. “Who put fire works in the transport?” Xebo asked a little baffled, until we heard Pinkie Pie giggling in excitement. We turned our heads toward my pink friend. “Pinkie, did you put fireworks in it?” Fluttershy asked her. Pinkie Pie nodded vigorously. “Uh huh. I put my party fireworks in that ship so we would have fun watching it.” She answered. We could only laugh. “Well, you definitely succeeded at that. I’m betting the CIS commander is trying to figure why there’s fireworks.” I said laughing with the others. The exploding created a huge deep crater. The droids and tanks had to slowly work their way around the crater to advance. With the droid army slowed down, the energy shield stopped growing so to cover the army. Now that we bought some extra time, we moved up to the roof of some damaged buildings as Xebo and Cody stayed behind with the cannons. It took the droid army a while, but they eventually managed to resume their advance. We waited for the moment to strike until the energy shield passed over us as the droid army were below us. “We’re inside the shield. Just stay away from this tanks.” Obi-Wan told us before igniting his lightsaber. The droid army continued their march as the forward tri-droid opened fire on possible defense points for the soldiers. Obi-Wan jumped off the building and stabbed his lightsaber in a super battle droid before slicing it half. My friends and I jumped down, slicing the droids around Obi-Wan. The clone and militia soldiers came down the building through the use of cables, while shooting down any nearby droids. Rex drew out his duel DC-17 hand blasters and opened fire on the droids. Obi-Wan, my friends, and I cut down the droids near us as the soldier opened fire on the other ones. The droids turned their attention at us and opened fire. Pinkie Pie decided to activate her lightwhip, turning her blade into a rope of pure plasma. She whirled it around, slicing the droids to pieces. It was effective, but it left Pinkie in a difficult position to defend from blaster fire. Luckily, Fluttershy was protecting Pinkie with her yellow qinata. Applejack detached her blaster pistol from her lightsaber and fired on the droids why defending herself. Twilight force pushed groups of droids that were getting to close, knocking them to the ground. Sunset continued to force pull droids to here as she sliced them to one by one. Despite our best efforts, the droids kept coming and we were forced to fall back to the building behind us. “Where’s the General?” I heard Rex ask. I took a quick look around and couldn’t see the Jedi Master. Where could he have gone? “I don’t know, sir!” A clone soldier yelled as the troops started to fall back into the building while the others provided cover fire. My friends and I were the last to fall back inside the building. Droids poured in through the door we went through. Pinkie Pie and Applejack did a force push together, sending the droids back outside. However, the droids behind them continued to come toward us. My friend and I were still blocking shots until the droids threw a grenade at us. We jumped out of the way as the grenade exploded. We were forced out of the building we were in and had to retreat to another one. In the last fallback building, we saw Super battle droids in there attacking the clone and militia troopers. I cut down the nearest battle droids near me as possible. One of the super battle droids grabbed a clone soldier by his neck and lifted him up. Before I could throw my lightsaber at the super battle droid holding him, Obi-Wan jumped from the broken rooftop and sliced the super battle droid’s arms off, freeing the clone. Obi-Wan force push the disarmed super battle droid at another one behind it. The last super battle droid pointed it’s wrist blaster at the Jedi Master, but Rainbow Dash jumped down from the roof, slicing the droid in two with her double blade blue lightsaber. Rex ran up to the Jedi Master as the soldier continued firing their blasters at the droids. My friends continued defending the clones, but there where just too much droids coming. “They’re right behind us, sir! We couldn’t hold them off.” Rex told him as an explosion occurred outside. Rex, Obi-Wan, and I took cover behind a console and everyone fell back. “Shouldn’t the shields be down by now?” I told them. What could be taking Rarity, Anakin, and Ahsoka so long? “I don’t know, Aegis. But the shield has almost reached the heavy cannons.” Obi-Wan told us as the droids continued moving toward us. “We’re not gonna be able to stop them, sir.” Rex told him. “Move your troops back to the heavy cannons. Do everything you can to protect them. I’ll delay the droids.” Obi-Wan told Rex. The captain and I looked at him as if he was crazy. “But…” Rex tried to refuse, but Obi-Wan didn’t let him. “That is an order, Captain!” Obi-Wan ordered him, placing his hand on the troopers shoulder. Rex nodded and fell back with the rest of his troops. A super battle droid jumped on the console we took cover behind and I stabbed it with my lightsaber. “You must leave as well, Aegis.” Obi-Wan told me as he got out of cover and started deflecting lasers. I wanted to argue, but I knew he wouldn’t listen. “Be careful, Master Kenobi.” I told him before falling back while deflecting lasers. We fell all the way back to the make shift barricade and made our last stand. The republic walker opened fire on the droids, but was destroyed by the AAT tanks. The soldiers took cover and returned fire on the approaching droids. “This is bad, I’m not sure how long we can hold out.” Sunset said, deflecting lasers. I noticed a clone trooper running up to Rex. “Sir! General Kenobi’s been captured! There’s no one else left.” The clone trooper told the Captain. I looked at him in worry. If he was captured, the CIS Commander may try to force him to surrender. “We’ve got to hold out! We can’t let that shield reach the cannons. Keep fighting!” Rex ordered. Just as he said that, Lieutenant Xebo, Cody, and a handful of soldier came to help. Some of the Militia soldiers were carrying some rocket launchers. The soldiers fired their rocket at the tanks, completely obliterating them, but no matter what, the droids kept coming. “Ah!” I hear Twilight scream. I looked toward my right in fear and saw her get blasted in the shoulder, dropping her lightsaber. “TWILIGHT!” We yelled as Rainbow Dash and Applejack got in front of her, blocking the lasers. Fluttershy pulled Twilight to cover and owl jumped off off Twilight’s back, popping a stim vial from his head. Fluttershy grabbed it and healed Twilight with it. If the droids continued, everyone and my friends will die. While a part of me was in absolute rage, that I just wanted to make the droid army pay. I remembered what Princess Celestia once told me a way to overcome my anger. She told me to focus on my friends and family, people I care about. For they are what I fight for. Thanks to that, I managed to calm myself. I sheathed my lightsaber and took cover behind the barracked. My eyes closed as I took a deep breath, and reached out through the force. I focused on the one force ability that I was the strongest at using. An ability that protects not just me, but those around me. Just as the droids were getting close at over running us, my eyes shot up with a fierce determination. “UHHH!” I yelled at the top of my lungs, and created a huge force barrier. However, this was no ordinary force barrier. It’s big enough to cover the entire main road, blocking the blaster fire from the droid army. All the soldiers stopped firing and turned towards me in amazement. Around us was a barrier made from the Force. “Aegis?” Xebo asked, surprise that I was doing this. My friends looked at me in worry. They knew that creating a force barrier this huge was taxing on a person’s body. “Aegis, you need to stop! If you don’t, you’ll overtax your body. You could pass out for who knows how long.” Sunset urged me to stop. Xebo, Rex, and Cody looked at me, realizing that I was extremely putting myself in harms way. “Even so! I made an promise that I will protect as many people to the best I can. And that’s exactly what I’ll do!” I yelled, despite feeling fatigue. I continued to use my all to protect everyone around me. The droids tried to physically move through the force barrier, but they couldn’t. To them, it was like hitting a wall. Seeing that they couldn’t move through it, they decided resume their fire, blasting my force barrier with everything they had. Despite this, I would not let my barrier drop. A few of the droid tanks decided to ram the barrier, resorting to brute force. My vision started to blur. Not to mention my concentration was taking a tool, making it hard for me to think. There were just too many droid attacking my barrier at once. If this keeps up, my barrier will break. Luckily, just before my barrier was about to break, the CIS energy shield finally went down. I dropped the force barrier and fell to my knees in complete exhaustion, feeling like my limbs just became jelly. With out their energy shield, the droid army was vulnerable to our cannons. “Rex!” Xebo yelled at him. “Right. All cannons, fire on those tanks!” Rex yelled. The cannons aimed their barrels at the tanks and opened fire. A barrage of plasma flew towards the droid tanks, destroying them one by one. They kept firing until the entire forward droid army was destroyed. A little bit later, republic gunships flew over us, wiping out the last of the droid army on the main road. All the soldier cheered as my friends came up next to me. “Aegis, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked concern, resting her hand on my shoulder. “Yeah, just tired and a headache. What about you, Twilight? Are you alright?” I asked, still on my knees. Twilight held her injured shoulder. “I’m alright. That stim vial healed my shoulder.” Twilight said, showing that her wound was healed and moved it around, though we can still tell she’s still in pain. Still, I sighed in relief that she was alive. “Still. I wish you’d be more careful. Creating that force barrier could have knocked you out for a good while.” “I know, Twilight. But I couldn’t just do nothing.” I told them. The girls just sighed while smiling. “We know you want to protect us, but promise us you won’t try something that crazy again.” Sunset asked. “We both know that’s not possible. But I’ll try not to make a habit of it.” I replied, joking a little. After the last of the droids were dealt with, an acclamator class republic ship landed near the city. When the ramp lowered, clone troopers troopers and Republic walkers got out of the ship, securing the city. After feeling my strength return to me, my friends and I helped around with the injured soldiers on the battlefield. Rex took a gunship to pick up Rarity, Anakin, and Ahsoka. When my friends got to the medical tents I couldn’t help but notice a lot of filled up body bags. In them were soldiers, both clone and militia, killed in battle. So many had died for this world. Maybe if I did more, they wouldn’t have died. “Are you okay, Aegis?” I hear Pinkie Pie asked me, sensing my sorrowful mood. I turned around with to see Pinkie Pie looking at me in concern. The rest of my friends heard Pinkie’s question and turned their attention toward me. “I’m fine.” I simply responded, not taking my eyes of the body bags before me. “Now sugercube, you should know I can tell you ain’t the truth.” Applejack told me, noticing I was feeling down. The rest of my friends walked toward me as the last of the injured militia soldiers were carried away on a stretcher. I sighed. “I just wish I did more to help these people.” I said sadly. “Don’t say that.” We heard Xebo said as she walked toward us. “Lieutenant?” I said. “Aegis, you and your friends did everything you could to help us get through this. In war, there will always be casualties. But it could have been a lot worse if you and your friends weren’t here. There’s no point thinking of looking what you could have done, but to look at who you did do.” Xebo told us, gesturing me to look at the people that were still alive. I just smiled at the advice she gave me. “Thank you, Lieutenant. I needed that.” I said smiling. Xebo simply returned the smile with her own. Just then, A clone walked toward us. “Excuse me, sir. General Yoda requests your presence at the acclimator.” The clone trooper told me. Master Yoda was here. I wondered why. “Um… okay. We’ll be there soon.” I replied. The clone trooper nodded and walked away. “What do you all think Yoda want to see us for?” Fluttershy asked with a questionable look. “Oh, maybe he just want to see how we’re doing.” Pinkie suggested. “Well, we won’t know until we see him. Lets go.” Rainbow Dash said. We nodded and walked to the acclimator ship. Once we reached the large ship, we spotted Master Obi-Wan already talking to Master Yoda. The Grand Master noticed us walking toward them and smiled. “Good to see you all again, it is.” Master Yoda told us. “Likewise, Master Yoda.” I returned the smile. A Republic gunship caught my attention as I saw Rarity with Anakin and Ahsoka. The gunship landed and the three force users got off, walking towards us. “Master Yoda. Master Obi-Wan.” Anakin greeted. Rarity instantly noticed the bandage on Twilight’s shoulder were she took the laser bolt. “Oh my stars, Twilight! Are you all alright!?” She asked with a shocked look. “I’m okay, Rarity. Aegis managed to hold the entire droid army with a huge force barrier. Buying us a little more time.” Twilight informed her.. The Jedi stared at me in shock. “Wait. That was you! I sensed a powerful force presence at the shield.” Obi-Wan said in shock. A sentiment that was shared by the other Jedi. I nodded my head. “We were on our last leg and I just tried to help the best I can until the energy shield went down. Speaking of which. Was there any trouble taking it down?” I asked them. “Um… There were a couple complications.” Rarity said sheepishly as she briefly looked at Ahsoka. I raised a eyebrow at what she meant. “Trouble, you have, with your new Padawan, I hear.” Yoda told Anakin. Ahsoka and Anakin glanced at each other. “I was explaining the situation to Master Yoda.” Obi-Wan told him. “Really?” Anakin said to his Master. “If not ready for a Padawan, you are, then perhaps, Obi-Wan, we can…” Yoda began to say before Anakin stopped him. “No, wait a minute. I admit Ahsoka is a little rough around the edges. But with a great deal of training, and patience, she might amount to something.” Anakin told Yoda. “Then go with you, she will, to the Teth system.” Yoda told Anakin. My friends and I raised an eyebrow wondering why. If I recalled correctly, the Teth system was in Wild Space. “Teth? That’s Wild Space. The droid army isn’t even in that sector.” Anakin said, just as confuse as I was. “Kidnapped, Jabba the Hutt’s son has been.” Yoda told us as he turned around. My friends and I were shocked. We couldn’t believe someone even had the guts to cross Jabba like that. “You want me to rescue Jabba’s son?” Anakin said, clearly not liking the idea. “Anakin, we’ll need the Hutt’s allegiance to give us an advantage over Dooku.” Obi-Wan tried to reason with him. I don’t like the Hutts, but if the CIS gain and alliance with them, they could spread their droid army across multiple Republic systems. Including the systems that want to stay out of the war. Yoda hummed in thought. “Negotiate the treaty with Jabba, Obi-Wan will. Find the renegades that hold Jabba’s son, your mission will be, Skywalker.” The Jedi Grand Master told them. “Come on, Master, it doesn’t sound that hard. I’ll find Rex and get the troops organized.” Ahsoka confidently said before running off. Obi-Wan looked at his former student. “Don’t worry, Anakin. Just teach her everything I taught you and she’ll turn out fine.” Obi-Wan gave advice to Anakin. “You know, something makes me think this was your idea from the start.” Anakin told Obi-Wan before he walked away, but stopped as he toward my friends and I. “Wait. Aegis, you all are freelancers. Right?” He asked. “Um… Yes. Why do you ask?” I asked, wondering what he was getting at. “Well, I was wondering if you all would like to help us rescue Jabba’s son.” Anakin offered, but some of my friends weren’t really happy about it. Not that I can blame them. “Now hold on now, you expect us to help you all with the Hutt’s. Need I remind you that the Hutts are crime lords.” Applejack told them a little irritated. “Not to mention that they’re slavers!” Pinkie Pie yelled. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity nodded in agreement. While I agree with my friends, I can’t help but worry about Jabba’s son. I looked down in thought. My brother taught me that if I had a chance to help innocent people in need, I would help them, No matter who or what they are. I looked up at the the Jedi to give them my decision. “We’ll help. But we won’t do it for free.” I answered. My friends looked at me in surprise. “Aegis? You sure? I mean, these are the Hutts we are talking about.” Twilight told me. I looked at them with a determined look. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a Hutt. If someone’s in trouble, I want to help them.” I told my friends. My friends looked at one another, still a bit unsure until Fluttershy spoke up. “I agree with Aegis. Just because Jabba’s son is a Hutt, doesn’t mean he’s a bad person.” Fluttershy said. The rest of my friends smiled and agreed. “Grateful for your help, we are. Rewarded, you will be, when rescued Jabba’s son is.” Yoda told me. “Thank you, Master Yoda. Anakin, we’ll head to our ship and wait for you on Teth.” I told him. Anakin nodded gratefully. “Got it, We’ll board our ship and leave momentarily.” He replied us before leaving to board a gunship with his new Padawan. I turned to my friends. “Shall we?” I asked them. “Yep, though there’s one thing we need to get straight.” Rainbow Dash said cockily. We looked at her a little confused. “Um… what’s that.” Applejack asked. Rainbow Dash smirks. “Which one of us took down the most droids.” She said, confident that she took the most droids down. We started think of which of us took down the most droids. Unfortunately, it slipped my mind to keep count.