A returning Echo

Chapter Eleven

As you entered the hanger, your Commander by your side, the rest of the squad from the 17th that was joining you waved frantically at you. You smiled at them as you walked over to the Venator that they were waiting to board.

"A big ship for a small deployment," you stated as you approached.

"Yeah, well, they didn't want to just send two gunships alone, and this thing wasn't being used, so I guess we're lucky," Steele said.

"I wouldn't say lucky," Hex countered. "This large of a ship could likely attract more attention if we're not careful."

"Ah, don't think like that, Captain. Everything will be just fine," Steele said while slinging an arm around his brother. If Echo and Fives were the twins of the 501st, Hex and Steele were most definitely the twins of the 17th. Never apart from each other, complete opposites while being the best of friends.

"General Jinn," you heard from behind you. You turn to see Anakin nodding at you, followed by Rex and Ahsoka.

"Skywalker," you said in response.

"You ready for this trip? Should be quick, only supposed to be a small skirmish."

"As long as I get to run into some blaster fire, I'll be happy," you said as you gave him a grin.

"Just don't get yourself shot," he replied.

"We all know that out of everyone here, you're the most likely to get shot by running directly into blaster fire," you said.

"That's why I usually keep from doing it, unlike you," he countered.

"Troops are boarded, ready for take off, Generals," Rex said.

"Alright, let's get going then," Anakin said while walking onto the Venator.

"Master Jinn," Ahsoka called while trailing behind. You slowed your walk to be beside her. "I have to say, I'm feeling uncertain about this mission. There was already a large battle on Felucia earlier in the war, and we lost. The planet is under Separatist control. Why would they only send two clone squadrons to attack? There's no way we'll be able to take back control on our own."

"Sometimes it's not about capturing an entire planet in one shot, Ahsoka. Small victories are just as crucial in winning a war as the large victories. If we are able to secure this small base, we can start working on getting more troops here for a larger attack."

"But if the Separatists have secured Felucia, wouldn't it be easy for them to send reinforcements quickly and overwhelm us?"

"Yes, that's why we have brought such a small force. We don't want to seem intimidating. If we give them the false thought that they could easily handle us, they won't call for backup. Really, all we need to do is make sure they don't get the chance to inform others about our arrival and we can easily secure the base. Sans was briefing me on some details as we walked here, and from what I understand, this is just a small outpost in the middle of nowhere," you said while stopping and turning to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Ahsoka. Everything will be fine."

She held your gaze for a second, uncertainty still in her eyes. She eventually nodded and you watched her walk down the halls to find her master before you turned and went to find the sleeping quarters.

You wandered into the bunks where your men would be, taking your bag and setting it on the cot you wanted. Other generals slept in their own quarters, but you preferred to be with your men. The squad you had taken was Jawa squad, and you noticed Tie sitting on his bed. He had really been effected by the loss of his brother, Bomber, back when you helped the 501st a while ago.