//------------------------------//
// Chapter 33: Innocents of Ryloth 
// Story: Star Wars: The Great War 
// by ShootingStar25 
//------------------------------//

The cost of war can never be truly accounted for.

Recap: Invasion! Separatist leader Wat Tambor has taken control of the planet Ryloth and subjugates its people through a brutal droid occupation. In a daring surprise attack, Jedi Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano as well as Storm and Twilight Sparkle, defeated the space blockade guarding the planet. Now, Jedi Generals Mace Windu, Luna, and Obi-Wan Kenobi lead a massive invasion to liberate the starving people.

On board a space cruiser, the three Jedi Masters were in the hangar of their ship. Masters Windu and Luna were accompanying Obi-wan to his gunship as they were discussing the details of their plan.

"First trick will be getting our troops on the ground," said Kenobi as he was boarding the gunship.

"If you take the city of Nabat first, we'll have our landing zone," stated Windu.

"Well, it's time to meet the natives," replied Kenobi.

"Am I late?" asked Storm as he had arrived on a small shuttle.

"Right on time," chuckled Obi-wan as Luna had requested her friend to take her student with him to the surface.

"Remember, Storm. Be careful, we don't know what to expect. The Separatists have a firm hold on Ryloth. Once you and Kenobi clear the way, me and Master Windu will take care of the next part." said the girl to her student.

"You can count on me, Luna," saluted the boy to his teacher as he got on board to join Kenobi's crew.

"Take care of him, Kenobi. Don't let him do anything stupid," said the girl.

"Luna, I'm with Obi-wan this time. Now's the time where I show why I'm mature for my age," said Storm.

The ship's doors closed as the Republic cruisers were now descending into the planet's atmosphere. Storm was hoping to catch a break from the latest adventure he had in taking out the blockade for his master and their allies to get even close to the planet, but as always, duty called. And right now, this was a duty that couldn't wait since the citizens were in dire need of support. While our heroes were descending, the droids were aware of what they were doing.

"You must not allow the clones to reach the surface," said Wat Tambor to the tactical droid in charge. 

"Our new proton cannon is in the optimum position to prevent that, sir."

"What?" said Tambor as his voice warbled a bit before he turned a dial on his uniform to fix his voice. "What if they focus the attack on your cannon?"

"I am utilizing the prisoners from this village as living shields. I calculate the Jedi will not risk the prisoners' safety with a direct assault," said the droid as he looked in front to see the Twi'leks were all on their knees with droids watching them.

One of the large Republic ships, now launched their gunships as they were heading towards their destination. On the gunship, containing Storm and Obi-wan's men with the Jedi Master himself, they were discussing their plan.

"We need to remember why we're here. We came to aid the Twi'leks, not destroy their home. Cody?" said the Jedi Master to his right-hand man as the clone commander took over the briefing.

"That means we'll be taking it back the hard way. Minimal destruction with blasters and droid poppers only. No rockets or detonators. Check your aim. Keep an eye out for locals." said Cody to his men. "Am I understood?"

"Sir, yes, sir!" shouted all the clones as they stood at attention.

"If we're here to free the tail-heads, the least they can do is get out of our way," said a clone named Boil to his buddy before checking his weapon.

Down below, the droids saw the Republic Forces.

"Sir, the enemy is in range," said a droid.

"Fire at will," said the tactical droid.

The proton cannons that the droids had were now aimed upwards. The prisoners were being moved when the cannons went off as they covered their ears from the deafening loud noise. Shots were heard as the cannons were targeting the larger ships that both Windu and Luna were on. The two Jedi Masters could feel it as they wobbled when the shots were making contact with their ships.

"Generals, the enemy fire is penetrating our shields," said the clone navigator.

"Get me Kenobi and Storm!" shouted Windu as he looked out of the window.

The connection was made as both Jedi Masters were now talking with their comrades.

"We can't risk landing the larger transports until you take out those guns," stated Windu.

"Pull back. We'll take care of it," assured Obi-wan.

"Be careful. May the Force be with you," replied Luna.

"Always," answered Storm as the transmission ended.

The gunships were now dodging the shots as they avoid getting destroyed. One of the cannons managed to hit another gunship as it swerved and collided with another one as an explosion went off in the sky. 

"Who's up for a challenge, boys?" shouted Storm as he rallied Kenobi's troops.

"That's my job, Storm," said the Jedi Master as he cast a smile to his pal before addressing his men. "We're not getting any reinforcements until those guns are out of commission."

"Here we go again," said the clone named Waxer as he was the man who Boil talked with earlier.

The cannons were still firing at the gunships as they took another one out as only two ships remained as they made it past the field of shots.

"Commander, the Republic transports have turned away, but the gunships are still heading for us," said a droid at the computer.

"Just as I calculated," said the tactical droid.

The gunships were approaching their destination as the doors opened. 

"Alright, Storm. Time to see how you would have turned out had you been my student, instead of Anakin," stated the Jedi Master with a smug expression.

"I'll make sure to follow your orders to the tee, Obi-wan. Just know when drastic times call for it, I like to improvise," smiled the teen at his pal.

Their ship touched down in the middle of a small forest. They all jumped out and began to run up the hill and through the forest as they continued on their path. The droids were also preparing themselves for the Republic forces.

"Prepare for their ground assault," said the tactical droid.

On the outskirts of Nabat, the droids were on the wall as they were in sentry positions.

"I think I see movement in the trees," said a droid.

"Fire, fire!" shouted another droid.

The sentry now began to shoot the guns as the clones and the Jedi were in the field of the trees taking cover. The clones were peaking from the trees as they fired back while moving up. 

"Come on, then, let's go! Go, go, go!" shouted Cody to his men as they continued to push and avoid getting shot.

Storm and Obi-wan were in the front as they were deflecting the shots while moving forward. They transitioned their blades between their hands with lightning speed as they were the main distraction for the droids. A few clones fell as our heroes were now at the last trees before the wall.

"That's bunkers gonna be a problem, Generals," said Cody to Storm and Obi-wan.

"Leave the bunker to us. Bring in your troop on our signal. You two wanted action. Follow me," said Kenobi to Waxer and Boil.

"You heard him, Waxer."

Storm and Kenobi then began to lead the two clones with them as they were getting closer to the bunker while deflecting shots. The clones provided some cover fire as the Jedi got to the rocks in front of the bunker as the clones slid next to them.

"Let's take them out. Now!" commanded the Jedi Master.

Waxer nodded at the command given to him as he tossed one of the droid popper bombs but it fell short of where the sentries were positioned.

"We gotta get closer to the wall!" replied the clone.

"Try again. I'll give you some help," replied Storm as he had an idea.

The clone did as the Jedi Knight said as he tossed another bomb. Storm now put his hand out as he used the Force to throw the bomb into the sentry droids as it landed and then shot out an EMP that took out the droids. Obi-wan saw what Storm did as Boil now threw another one in the other position as the Jedi Master copied what his pal did as it landed in the other position and took out the droids.

"Ghost Company. Let's move," said Cody to the rest of his men as they moved forward.

"Sir, I've lost contact with our outer defenses," said a droid.

"The Republic troops have overrun the village perimeter. Find out how the Jedi plan to attack," said the tactical droid.

"Roger, roger."




Our heroes were now inside Nabat. They had taken out the remaining droids guarding the wall as they were now looking at the village that was in front of them.

"Good idea on clearing out those droids, Storm," said Kenobi to the Jedi Knight for his quick thinking.

"Thanks, Obi-wan. So have I done better than Anakin would have?" asked the boy with a smug smile.

"Oh, definitely. He would have just blindly rushed the wall," stated the Jedi Master. "I wonder if Luna wouldn't mind if I asked you to train under me for a bit?"

"I'm sure she would enjoy smacking around Anakin for a bit," stated the boy as the two chuckled.

"The wall is secure, sirs," said Cody as he approached them. "Are we moving on to the guns?"

"We need to know what the droids have in store for us," said Obi-wan as he stroked his beard. "Send your best men to scout ahead."

"Will do, sir," saluted the clone commander as the Jedi left with the other men. "Waxer, Boil, come with me."

"I guess we're the best," said Waxer as he and his pal followed Cody along with another one of them named Wooley.

While our heroes were scouting the village, the droids were in their command center as they pushed a button. They were now deploying probe droids to scout where our heroes were and to figure out their plan. The four clones were in the middle of the village square as all around, the buildings were deserted. It gave the town a mysterious aura.

"Buildings are just buildings. What really makes a city are the inhabitants that live in it," said Cody to his men as they were walking and seeing nobody present.

"So, where are they?" asked Boil.

Cody then put his hand up as it got the men to stop, "We'll check out the courtyard. You two take the south sector. Be back at command by 0620," said the clone commander as he pointed at Waxer and Boil.

"Yes, sir," replied Waxer as he and Boil left. 

"I'll tell you, Boil, this is creepy," said Waxer as he and his pal were scouting the area they were walking through. "You think they killed them all?"

"Well, there are no dead bodies," said Boil as all around it was a ghost town. "They were driven from their homes. I don't think they had a..."

A soft crunch was heard as Waxer now had his weapon pointed out as he looked to where the sound came from.

"Had a what?" asked Boil.

"Choice," said Waxer as the pair saw nothing and kept on moving.

With Cody and Wooley, they had managed to make it to the courtyard as they were hidden. Some droids were shown marching about as the pair were behind some crates in an alley.

"Not gonna be easy getting to those guns, sir."

"There is always a way, Wooley," said the clone commander as he now looked through his binoculars. 

He was seeing the many droid patrols marching about as he was doing some recon. He then saw something as it got his attention.

"Wait, Twi'leks. They're holding all the survivors hostage. We have to report this to General Kenobi and General Storm." said the clone commander. 

A probe droid was zipping around an alleyway as it was scanning the area. It then continued down the alley as it levitated into the air as it came to the commander center where our heroes were as it was hiding behind the opening in the roof. It peaked out to see Cody reporting the issue to both Jedi who was speaking with Windu and Luna.

"Found the guns. They're in the courtyard here and here," said Cody as he pointed at a map. "But there's a complication."

"Which is?" asked Storm.

"They've taken the locals hostage, and they're using them as shields," said the clone commander.

"The Twi'lek prisoners will make this difficult not impossible," said Obi-wan putting his hand to his beard. "I still have a good plan for taking out those guns," said the Jedi Master to Luna and Windu.

"Getting the villagers out of harm's way is our first priority," said Windu. 

"We have faith in you, General Kenobi," stated Luna.

They were all unaware that the probe droid was transmitting their conference back to its base as the tactical droid had heard them.

"Cody, we'll go in with everything we have. Clear those hostages."

"So, it's General Kenobi who is leading this assault. He is known for his deceptive maneuvers," said the tactical droid.

"Roger, roger. Download his file," said a B1 droid.




Waxer and Boil were still searching the section they were assigned. The pair had their blasters up and aimed as they were slowly approaching forward. A sound was heard as it resembled a stone falling over. The two took cover behind some corners as they looked at each other. They gave a nod as the two entered the small alley as they found what made the noise.

Hiding behind some small boxes was a small young Twi'lek orphan girl. She saw the clones as she kept herself hidden.

"Ah, it's just a little girl," said Boil.

"Well, what are we going to do with her?" asked Waxer.

"Woah, Woah, Woah, Woah. Why do we have to do anything?" replied Boil to his pal. "We've got a mission to finish."

"We should do something. I say we take her with us," stated Waxer.

"You can't be serious. She'll only slow us down." The girl heard Boil's response as she hid, but more so from the passing sound of the probe droid searching the area.

"Look, she's afraid of us."

"Not us. Quick, hide!" stated Waxer as he saw the droid.

The clones hid from the droid as it passed them by. The clones peaked out as they saw the small thing leave.

"That was a recon unit. We'd better get moving," said Boil.

"We can't leave her here," stated Waxer.

"Fine, we'll take her," sighed Boil as he was still against the idea of bringing a kid with them. He then bent down in front of the girl.

"Be careful."

"Don't worry, Waxer. I don't think she's armed," said Boil as he was about to put his hand on the girl's head when she bit his finger. "Ow! Little tail-head bit me."

"Stop, stop. You're scaring her," said Waxer as he put his hand on his friend. "She probably thinks we're droids."

Waxer pulled his friend behind him as he started to get on his knees. He put his blaster down and hands up. He took off his helmet so that the girl could see that he wasn't a droid.

"It's all right. See? I'm flesh and blood, like you," said Waxer trying to get the girl to see they weren't going to harm her. 

"She looks half-starved," said Boil as he took a ration bar from his belt and tried to give it to the girl. "Uh, here."

The girl was hesitant to accept the food from the strangers. She took a sniff of it, and she grabbed it quickly as she began to munch on it. Waxer sprouted a smile at seeing the girl, Boil now put his weapon down and took off his helmet to view the girl with his own eyes. The girl looked at the two of them.

"Nerra. Nerra." responded the girl as she pointed at them.

"No, I'm Waxer. He's Boil."

"Nerra. Nerra." responded the girl.

"Oh, you made a friend. Mission accomplished," mocked Boil as he put his helmet back on and let out a sigh. "Can we go now?"

He then began to leave as Waxer put his helmet on and stood up.

"Come on, kid," said Waxer as he extended his hand out for the girl to grab. "Come on."

The girl just went back to munching on the stick of food.

"Look, she doesn't even want to go. The little monster was fine before we came along, so let's move," stated Boil as they had a mission to complete.

Boil started to leave as Waxer looked back at the girl. She had finished the food as she wiped her mouth. He then turned to leave as he knew that they had to finish their scouting as he turned to where his partner left. The girl saw the pair leave as she let out a whine. Waxer had turned the corner as the girl was secretly following the clones from a distance.




In the courtyard, the tactical droid was walking by the Twi'leks he had hostage as they all had scared and hopeless looks on their faces. He then descended a flight of stairs as he came to a set of cells with a B1 droid in front of them.

"Sergeant, are the creatures ready?" asked the droid.

"I starved them like you ordered, sir."

The creatures that were locked inside the cage as they growled and bit the bars with their jaws were Gutkurrs. A species of vicious predatory insect carnivores native to the planet Ryloth. They were pack hunters that could quickly surround their prey as well as use their sharp, curved claws to hunt them down.

"Uh, are you sure they will not attack us?" asked the sergeant as he saw how hungry the creatures were.

"I need a test to verify my theory," said the tactical droid as he pushed a button on the wall.

"Uh, sir. What are you doing?" asked the droid as the door opened behind him as he took a few steps back. He felt him bump into the creatures as he saw it. "Oh, no."

The Gutkurr now opened its jaws as it came down over the droid's head. He then began to swing the robot like it was a piece of meat.

"Ow! Not my motivator!" shouted the droid as he was being flung in the jaws of the predator.

The creature then spat out the droid as he landed in front of the tactical droid still intact. He was covered in spit and saliva as he was then locked back in his cell.

"As I calculated, the creatures require organic meat," said the tactical droid.

"Well, that's a relief," said the sergeant as he sat up, glad that he wasn't tasty to the Gutkurrs.

"It will not be for the clones. They will provide a most generous supply," said the tactical droid as he looked along the cells to see more of the creatures as he looked to unleash them on our heroes.

Back with Waxer and Boil, they were still scouting their section. The Twi'lek girl was still trailing them as they didn't notice her. She took a step out from the corner she was hiding when Waxer turned his head back and now saw the girl. She quickly went back to hiding as the pair kept on walking.

"I wonder what happened to her family."

"They're probably dead," replied Boil. "Hopefully, she'll survive this mess."

Waxer turned his head back again as the girl once more hid behind a corner. She peaked her head out as the two kept on walking.

"So, what happens to her? I mean, after we leave."

"I don't know," said Boil as Waxer now stopped and turned to look at the girl. "Ah, don't get any ideas. We're not taking her with us."

He then turned to look with Waxer as the pair didn't see the girl anywhere.

"She's gone," said Waxer.

"I'm sure the little biter will turn up," stated Boil.

They turned around, and the girl was looking at the clones.

"Hey. There you are," said Waxer as he bent down to a knee and bopped the girl on the nose as she giggled.

"How'd she get in front of us?" asked Boil.

"Nerra. Nerra!" shouted the girl as she tugged on Waxer's blaster in his hands as she pointed. 

She then began to run forward as she turned to look at the clones.

"No, don't go that way! There's where the recon droid went," shouted Waxer as the girl kept on running.

"Waxer, let her go."

"I'm not just gonna let the droids get her," said the clone to his pal as he chased after the girl.

"I'm just trying to keep you alive!" shouted Boil as he now chased after his friend. "I'll be darned if I know why," mumbled the clone to himself.

The girl ran as she went under a rock as the clones hopped over it smoothly as they continued to follow the girl. 

"Where's she going?" asked Waxer as they kept on running.

The girl then hid behind a column as he saw the clones following her. She peaked out as she giggled a bit at the small fun she was having with the men as she popped out and ran once more.

"Wait! Hold on, there!" shouted Waxer.

They soon passed the columns as they turned the corner to where the girl was now looking at something.

"Hey, there you are," said Waxer as he appeared next to the girl as he rubbed her head.

"Good, you caught her," sighed Boil as he now appeared next to his pal. "You know, I have binders, if we need them."

Waxer looked at his pal as he made a face through his helmet.

"What?" said Boil defensively. 

The girl now reached up as she grabbed Waxer's hand. The clone saw this as she pointed in a direction and began to walk dragging the clone with her.

"What are we doing here, anyway?" asked Boil as he walked with the two as they came to the sight in front of them.

The clones and the little girl stepped through some open doors of an old abandoned house. The clones looked around as it was nothing but rocks piled up and a huge open space. There was a window that allowed some sunlight to shine in as it appeared on the floor they were walking on. The two then put their weapons down on the pile as they took off their helmets with Boil sitting on the pile of stones. 

"I guess this was her home," said Waxer to his pal as above them there was a hole in the roof as sunlight came in through that. "Poor little thing. She lost it all." He then noticed a small doll on the floor as he grabbed it and dusted it off.

He then approached the girl with the doll in his hand. She grabbed it as she snuggled it and let out some cries as Waxer saw the sadness on her face. He then stepped in front of the girl as he bent down to her eye level.

"It's okay now. We're here to help," said the clone as he placed his hand under her chin. 

The girl sniffed as she hugged the doll closer and rushed into the clone's chest as he was hesitant about what the girl did. He then put his left arm around her as he petted her head with a sad look. Boil saw this a he got up from the pile of stones. Safe to say, he too felt the girl's misery.

"Don't cry, kid. We'll keep you safe," said the clone. "I... I promise." The girl now lunged towards him and hugged the man as he too was surprised. He then put his hands on her as he patted her back.

While the clones were with the girl, our heroes were getting ready to move out. 

"The men set, Cody?" asked Obi-wan as he saw his right-hand man looking at his comlink. "What is it?"

"Waxer and Boil are not responding. They never returned from scouting."

The probe droid that had been spying on our heroes was shown again on the roof.

"That isn't like them. They may have run into trouble," said the Jedi Master.

"Sergeant, use the high-powered transmitter to see if you can reach Waxer and Boil," stated Cody.

"Yes, sir!"

"Why don't I go see if I can find them?" stated Storm as he jumped down. "Where were they last seen?"

"We were in the village and I told them to scout the south section, General," replied Cody to the Jedi Knight.

"Got it, if I see anything, I'll contact you guys," said Storm as he prepared to walk.

"Storm, be careful. We don't know what the Separatists have planned. Once you find them, make your way to the courtyard. We're gonna need the help."

"You got it, Obi-wan."

"May the Force be with you," said the Jedi Master to his buddy.

"Always," replied the teen as he now left to search for their missing comrades.

"Let's get the rest of the men moving. The others will catch up," said the Jedi Master to Cody as the droid picked up their conversation.

"They are on the move. Sergeant, the attack is coming. Release the beasts. It's time to execute my plan." said the tactical droid.

"Roger, roger."

The sergeant now pushed the button on the wall as the cells to the cages opened. The Gutkurrs emerged as they snarled and roared as a few other droids poked them with electro staffs. They all turned down a corridor as they ran in a single line as they were going hunting for their meal.




Waxer's comlink was going off as he lifted it as they saw the transmission.

"It's the commander. We're way overdue, Waxer," said Boil as he stood up from holding the small girl. "We're going to end up polishing R2 units!" said the clone as he looked to contact them.

"Wait," said Waxer as he grabbed his pal's arm to stop him from contacting their allies. "How are we gonna explain all of this... Her?"

"You're asking me?" replied Boil.

"Maybe if we hurried back, we can tell them we ran into a little trouble," said Waxer.

"Oh, that's for sure," stated Boil as he knew full well that Cody or the Jedi weren't going to buy that lie. 

"And our transmissions were jammed by droids," said Waxer adding more to their story.

"It's worth a try," said Boil as he and Waxer put their helmets back on. "But mark my words, this will end badly."

The clones then exited the house as the girl followed them. They took a few steps outside when the girl immediately cowered behind Waxer's leg.

"Gutkurr! Gutkurr!" shouted the girl.

The clones were stunned by what she said when suddenly they heard a growl. Emerging from the corner were the creatures that the droids released as they seemed to have found some dinner.

"I think I know why the kid never came back here," said Boil as the girl ran back into the house.

The creatures then began to approach them as he fired some shots at them but their hinds were too thick.

"See what happens when we don't follow orders?" 

"Let's get out of here," shouted Waxer as the two clones rushed back into the house.

The creatures ran towards them as they managed to close the doors and pushed up against them as they were trying to knock the door down. 

"These suckers won't give up!" shouted Boil as they were trying to not let the creatures get inside. "You grab the gun and I'll hold them back," he said to Waxer as he went to grab the weapon.

He put both hands on the door as it then opened a bit due to the constant barging. That small opening allowed Waxer to aim his blaster at the creature as he got it in the face as they went back to holding the doors shut. The Gutkurr merely rubbed his face as it roared and went back to busting down the doors.

"What do we do?!" shouted Waxer as they knew they couldn't hold the door for long.

Soon the banging stopped as a sound was heard. The clones pressed their ears to the door as it then flung open as if by the wind. There was a shadow of an outline shown as to its side, there was a yellow light that hummed. The person stepped into the light as it was Storm who behind the boy's feet, laid the Gutkurrs as he managed to dispose of them.

"Anybody home?" asked Storm as he came into view.

"General Storm, are we glad to see you," stated Boil.

"So tell me, boys? Why didn't you report in?" asked Storm.

"We didn't do intentionally, sir," replied Waxer as he was looking for the best way to explain this to the Jedi. 

The small girl appeared behind the clone's leg as she saw the teen boy. It didn't go unnoticed by Storm as when he looked at the girl, she ducked back behind the clone.

"Honest, sir. We were about to head back when.. we got a bit sidetracked. Please, understand..."

"Oh, I think I understand," said Storm as he put his hand up to cut off Waxer. He now gestured to the small girl as the clones looked down as well.

"We found her, and she was by herself. She led us here; this seems to have been her home before the Seppies took over," stated Boil.

"Please don't be mad, General." pleaded Waxer.

"I'm not. If anything, I'm proud. You guys kept her safe from harm, good job men."

"Yes, sir!" responded both clones.

"Hey there," said Storm in a calm, gentle voice as he got down on both knees. "It's alright, I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm a good guy, honest." He put his hand out to show the girl he meant no harm. She then touched it as she could tell Storm was true to his word.

"You like fun?" asked the boy as she nodded. "Let's have some fun." He then used the Force to grab the doll as it floated into the air. "Men, some light please?"

The clones heard their general's request as they turned the lights on their blasters. It shined on the wall as the doll was shown walking about. Some shadows came into the light as Storm was using his hands to make puppets all while using his Force powers to keep the doll moving about. The puppet was fighting against the many shadow creatures as it was taking them out one by one as if it was the superhero trying to save everyone. The girl let out a laugh as she enjoyed the show the boy was putting on for her. Even the clones were smiling through their helmets as they saw their general get the girl to crack a smile.

"And in the end, the superhero defeated the villains and everyone was saved. And laughter and joy once again defeated the darkness," said Storm as he ended his little play as he floated the doll back to the girl as she nuzzled it.

"I promise, we're gonna keep you safe. And we're gonna rescue your family. Know why?" asked Storm to the girl. "Cause I'm a superhero. And superheroes always save everybody," stated the boy as the girl smiled.

The girl then began to say something in her native tongue as Storm chuckled. He then responded by saying something in the language as he bopped the girl on the nose as she giggled and hugged the boy. She then pointed at the clones.

"Nerra. Nerra."

"Yup," said the boy as he knew what the girl was saying.

"You understand what she's saying, sir?" asked Boil.

"Not fully, but I had someone who tutored me in some languages," said Storm as he was referring to Twilight's teaching.

"So, what does it mean when she calls us that?" asked Waxer.

Before Storm could answer the question, there were more growls heard. They all looked to the door as more Gutkurrs had found them. The clones immediately raced towards the door as they shut it with the creatures ramming against it. All the while, Storm held the girl in his arms.

"Don't worry, we're not gonna let them harm you," said the boy. The girl then jumped out of his arms as she rushed towards a rock on the floor. She took it off as there was revealed to be a panel.

"Good work, kid. Guys, this way!" shouted Storm to Waxer and Boil.

The pair saw the boy helping the girl to lift the hatch as they ran. At that moment, one of the Gutkurrs emerged through the hole in the wall as Boil fired at the creature. Storm had the girl in his arms as they entered with Waxer following suit. Boil shot one last time as he too jumped in as the creature almost got them.




While Storm and the clones were escaping from the creatures, Obi-wan along with Ghost Company was in another part of the village. They were heading to the courtyard when a sound was heard. A few clones in front now turned as coming at the group was the rest of the Gutkurrs. They were charging as they managed to run over one of the clones.

"They're not stopping! Aim for their eyes!" shouted a clone as they kept on firing.

"Look out! Look out! Fall back!" shouted another.

The whole group was now running as the creatures were on their tails. At the same time, the tactical droid was contacting Wat Tambor.

"The Republic ground troops have been routed, Emir."

A loud rumbling was heard as the droid looked in the distance and saw smoke.

"What was that?"

"I calculate the remaining clones are attempting a desperate final offensive. Their chances of success against us are 742 to 1."

"You had better be right," stated Wat Tambor. 

"I am a droid. I am always right."

The transmission then ended.

Our group was still running from the Gutkurrs as no matter how many times they shot at the creatures, their thick hind absorbed the blasts. Another clone was run over by a charging Gutkurr as he was down as they began to nibble on the dead body. The remaining clones were being pushed back as they couldn't do much. Another one charged at Obi-wan who simply front flipped over the creature and landed with his lightsaber out. He then looked out as more creatures began to corner some of the troops who were on the ground as they backed up against the buildings.

The Jedi Master then put his hand out as he was looking to save his troops. Kenobi was now starting to show his skills of the Force as well as why he was a Jedi Master. The creatures were responding to his command as if they were in a trance from the Jedi using the Force. Obi-wan now dropped his lightsaber as he put his other hand out to collect the rest of the Gutkurrs as they listened to him. 

"No, wait," said Cody to one of the clones who looked to shoot the creatures that Obi-wan had in a trance.

The clones listened as they watched their commander work his skills. Obi-wan was walking back with his hands out as his control of the Gutkurrs was on full display. The Jedi Master was luring the creatures into an alley bordered by a bridge. 

"Incredible," said a clone as all of them were amazed by Obi-wan's power levels.

"Quiet, rookie," said Cody.

"Shoot the bridge!" shouted Obi-wan as he was now backed up into a dead end.

The clones did that as they destroyed the bridge overhead as they blocked the path behind the Gutkurrs. One of them now charged forward as Obi-wan sidestepped, and it crashed into the wall. He then front flipped over another charging one as he landed and immediately rolled to the side to avoid another charging. He then leaped into the air to avoid another one as he landed on the back of another and began to step on the remaining ones and then did one final giant front flip over the stack of stones as he landed in front of the clones. Cody gave his commander his weapon as they all continued to walk towards their destination.

They all took a few steps forward when they heard something. It was a soft clanging sound as all the clones aimed their weapons as Obi-wan turned on his lightsaber. A nearby sewer lid was shaking. Obi-wan felt a presence as he turned off his lightsaber.

"Don't shoot," said the Jedi Master as he told his men to lower their weapons.

"I see sunlight," said Storm as he took the lid off as he got out of the hole. "Hey, Obi-wan. Look who I found." stated the teen as he was followed by Waxer and Boil as the two clones stood at attention.

"Good to see you, Storm," smiled the Jedi Master.

"Waxer, Boil, where have you two slackers been?" asked Cody as he approached them.

"Sir, there is an explanation," responded Waxer.

"We got sidetracked," said Boil as he looked to the side below them.

The girl now appeared behind the clones as she saw the other men and Kenobi. 

"I think I see what sidetracked you," said Obi-wan as he had his hands on his waist with a smile.

"The clones have defeated the creatures," said a droid to his superior as they saw on their recon droids.

"Yes, but their numbers are thin. Prepare for their final attack," said the tactical droid.

"Hello, little one," said Kenobi as he bent down to the girl as she seemed to trust the Jedi Master.

"I promised her that we would help. And that we would save everyone," whispered Storm to his pal.

"You did good, old friend," smiled Obi-wan as he patted Storm's shoulder.

"She brought us here through the tunnels. Knows her way around them pretty good, sir," stated Boil.

"Loonala kwee jannweelo?" asked Obi-wan to the girl as he spoke the language.

"Ooh yana-yana. Wah nerra. Kumee nerra." spoke the Twi'lek girl. She tried to drag Waxer's hand to follow her.

"The girl can lead us through the tunnel to the prisoners," said Storm as he understood that phrase that was spoken between his pal and the girl.

"Cody, we're going to need a diversion," said the Jedi Master.




With the plan discussed, the group now split up. Cody was leading the men towards the courtyard as they were closing in They peeked around the corner as they ran down it. They soon saw the courtyard entrance as tons of droids and tanks were present. In the cells that held the Gutkurrs, there were some droids with one of them on his hands and knees cleaning the cell. Walking around a corner was someone as only their feet were shown.

"Yup, this is about the worst job in the droid army," said the droid cleaning the floors. "Huh? What?" He heard a lightsaber sound as standing out of the cell were Obi-wan and Storm as the Jedi Master had the girls in his hand. "And it just went into overtime."

Kenobi put his hand out as he used the Force to push the button on the wall as he locked the droid inside.

"Be lucky, you're not getting destroyed," said Storm as the droid simply sat in silence as he finished cleaning while the Jedi turned to their left and saw the flight of stairs. 

"Bin-bin-kooneena," said the girl as she pointed at the stairs. 

"We'll take care of this. You two keep her here," said Obi-wan to Waxer and Boil as they accompanied the Jedi through the tunnel. 

Both Jedi now climbed the stairs slowly as they peeked over the top as they saw the Twi'leks being held a few meters in front of them. Cody and his men were around the corner in front of the droids as they peeked and saw the enemy. Storm then ushered for Waxer and Boil to join them as they were about to execute their plan. The clones put the girl down as they told her to remain quiet as they put a finger to their mouth.

The four emerged from the stairwell as they quickly took cover near a stature as they were now a few feet from the circle. 

"There they are. Let's go!" shouted Cody to his men.

He then ran from their cover to the other side of the ridge as they fired. The droids saw this as they began to fire back. The clones took cover behind some rocks along the path as they held their ground. With most of the droids and the tanks focused on the clone in front, that allowed the four behind them to attack.

They popped out from behind the statue as Obi-wan and Storm began to slice at the droids as they caught them by surprise. Waxer and Boil began to fire at any droids in their sight as they were shot down before they could react. Obi-wan then extended his hand to a Twi'lek male as he pulled him up. Both he and Storm began to use their lightsabers to cut the cuffs off of the hostages.

With Cody and his men, they were doing their job of providing a distraction. They had no problem with taking out the foot soldiers, however, the tanks proved to be a problem. They fired some shots near the clones as they covered up.

"Pull back! Pull back!" shouted Cody to his men.

"Wa-janeel. Wa-janeel!" shouted Obi-wan to the Twi'leks as they followed him.

One of the droids marching towards the distraction turned around as he saw what was happening.

"Commander, we have a problem. Uh, the Jedi are freeing the prisoners."

The tactical droid now pushed some buttons as the tank he was riding turned around. He ran over some of his allies as he was hoping to stop our heroes from succeeding. Waxer and Boil were providing cover fire for the Twi'leks as they descended the stairs and were heading for the tunnel. The little girl was smiling at seeing her people be free as she soon saw someone.

"Numa! Koma jel ree-ha!" spoke a Twi'lek male.

He picked up the girl as they spun and pulled her in for a hug as the girl smiled. 

"Waxer, Boil, come with us!" shouted Obi-wan as he and Storm ran forward.

"We're with you, sir!" responded Boil as he and his pal followed their generals.

Storm and Kenobi were now running towards one of the proton cannons as they slashed the droids guarding it. Obi-wan used the Force to flung the one in the cockpit as he now got in. Storm, along with the clones now lifted a shell into the payload as Obi-wan touched the screen. The cannon now began to move position as the Jedi Master was aiming it at the other cannons. 

"Ready, General," said Waxer as they managed to load the shell.

Obi-wan now fired the cannon as he took out two in one shot. He then touched the screen to move and aim at the other cannons.

"Setting alpha five or six," panicked the droid as he tried to take out Kenobi before he was taking out. The clones and Storm put another shell in as Obi-wan had fired another shot.

"Where's the override!" shouted the droid as he was thrown when Obi-wan fired as the cannon fell and shot the last one as both were destroyed.

The tactical droid was in the tank as he appeared and fired at the cannon Obi-wan was in. He got out in time as the clones and Storm ran and were pushed by the impact of the explosion as they fell to the ground. All four were on the ground as the tank was getting closer. The girl saw them as she rushed out from the bunker and ran to check on the clones with the rest of the Twi'leks behind her. Once she made sure Waxer and Boil were okay, she then rushed over to where Storm and Obi-wan lay as she helped the boys up. At that moment, the tank was directly aimed at them.

"You lose, General Kenobi," laughed the tactical droid with a maniacal laugh. At that moment, he heard something as he looked to the side and saw the Twi'leks rushing towards the tank as they began to climb it. "Does not compute. Does not compute." said the droid as the Twi'leks climbed up and began to hold him in place while some of them punched him in the face.

Obi-wan stood up as he put his hand over the girl's eyes so that she couldn't see what the Twi'leks were doing to the droid. She put his hand up as she wanted to see what was happening.

"It's just a robot, Obi-wan. It's not that gruesome for a kid to see," said Storm as they saw the Twi'leks tossing the tactical droid off the tank and onto the ground as they pulled it apart into several pieces. 

At that moment, the Twi'leks looked up as they saw the huge Republic ships. The ships now began to land as both Luna and Windu had arrived with their forces. The pair soon met with the Jedi Masters as they approached the duo.

"Great job getting rid of those cannons," said Windu as all four Jedi and Cody were walking forward. "Now we have a more difficult objective."

"We must take the capital and free this world," said Luna. "And Storm... good work," said the girl as she popped a smile at her student before returning to her serious demeanor.

"Told you, me and Obi-wan would get the job done, Master."

"Indeed, now, take a back seat and watch your master at work," said Luna as she and Windu prepared to carry out the next part of their plan to liberate Ryloth.

They passed by the small girl as she saw them leaving. At that moment, Waxer approached her as he bent down to say his final goodbye. 

"See you later, little one," said the clone as he placed his hand on her head and rubbed it. He then got up and continued with the Jedi as they were marching towards the capital with all their vehicles and men.

"Hey, Numa," said Boil to the girl. "Stay out of trouble." She ran towards the clone and hugged his leg as he patted her back. "Don't be afraid. We'll be back."

He then left with the last bit of men as Numa saw her saviors leaving as her uncle approached her. He bent down and pulled her in for a hug as they watched our heroes leave. 

"Nerra! Nerra! Nerra!" shouted Numa as she waved at our heroes.

Both Waxer and Boil heard and looked over their shoulder as the girl said that.

"Sirs, what is that she keeps calling us?" asked Waxer to Obi-wan and Storm.

"Storm?" said Kenobi as he allowed his pal to explain.

"Nerra. It means brother," explained the Jedi Knight with a smile.

The two stopped a bit as they turned around. They saw Numa waving goodbye as she wished them luck. Waxer and Boil returned the gesture as they kept on marching with their friends as they had a city to take back. And if they wanted to keep Numa and her people safe, then they knew they couldn't fail. They along with the Jedi were intent on freeing this world, and they weren't going to fail.