Jedi and Clone

Peace and War

Geonosis: 20 BBY
Stalgasin Hive
Irel Kirsi

    A few weeks had passed since they returned to Geonosis, filled with nothing but endless battle. Irel, Axe, and Ziyah had just returned to the hive from leading an attack on an outpost nearby. Saesee and Master Krell were waiting when they approached.

    "Outposts are being taken all over the planet," Saesee said, once they had joined the two Jedi. "The Jedi Council just contacted me. They're sending some new legions in to replace us and we're being redeployed. General Krell and I have been assigned to the battle on Umbara."

    "What about the 918th?" Irel asked.

    "The Council said there has been an increase in Separatist activity in the Naboo system. They want your fleet to blockade the planet and patrol the system," Saesee replied.

    "This is where we part ways, then."

    "Indeed," General Krell crossed his arms. "The troops have been recalled and gunships are coming to begin relocation."

    "I'll go help," Axe said, glancing to Irel. She nodded and he stepped out of the room.

    "Irel, there's one more thing," Saesee said. Ziyah moved closer as he activated the holotable. "Senator Amidala has decided to return to Naboo."

    Ziyah furrowed her brows. "Isn't that dangerous for her, especially if the Separatists are closing in?"

    Saesee nodded. "It's very dangerous, but she insisted that she had to be there for her people and the queen. The Council wants one of you on the planet with the senator to keep an eye on things."

    "I'll do it!" Ziyah volunteered excitedly. Saesee and Master Krell gave her incredulous looks. "I mean, if that's all right, Master?" She gave Irel an embarrassed but hopeful look.

    Irel smiled. "All right, but I'm sending one of the clones with you."

    Ziyah furrowed her brows and opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it. Irel gave her a silencing look. Saesee switched the holotable off again. "All right. Hopefully we'll see you again soon."

    Irel nodded to the two Jedi. "May the Force be with you, Masters." She headed out with Ziyah on her heels.

    "Master, do I really have to take one of the clones with me? I'm more than capable of guarding Senator Amidala and Queen Jamillia by myself," Ziyah muttered once they were outside of the hive. Gunships roared overhead, carrying troops and equipment towards the cruisers.

    Irel glanced at Ziyah and sighed. "I know you are. It's not your capability that worries me. If the Separatists learn that a padawan is guarding the senator and the queen, they'll think them an easier target and make assassination attempts. I know you can handle it, but I want someone there with you just in case."

    "Who is going to come with me?"

    Irel raised a hand to her chin. "Axe and Rigger will both go with you. Veres can help me in the cruisers."

    "Two clones?" Ziyah exclaimed. Irel shot her a look and Ziyah glanced away. "All right."

    "Come on. Here's our ride." A gunship landed before them, carrying a few scouts, Veres, and Rigger. Axe joined them swiftly. The gunship took off and closed the blast doors.

    Within minutes, they were docking on the Tranquility. The blast doors slid open again and R3 chirped excitedly. He rolled up to them, whirring. Irel patted his dome. "It hasn't been that long. Besides, you were the one who complained about the sand!" R3 gave a disgruntled beep and followed them into a lift.