Jedi and Clone

Frenemies

Florrum: 19 BBY
Pirate Outpost
Irel Kirsi

    A terrible rage seethed from Anakin as Hondo marched them towards the loading area. Irel glanced around, but there was no sign of Ziyah or Katooni anywhere. "So, you mentioned you have an idea?" Anakin whispered at last. "What is it?"

    "Let Hondo take us to them himself," Irel replied. "If we can get close enough to the crates, we could let the kids out and make a run for it."

    "How do you suggest we get back to the shuttle?"

    "Not to worry. My padawan should be handling that."

    "Hey, quiet you two!" One of the pirates sneered, prodding her in the back. Irel shot him a dark look but obeyed.

    They entered the loading dock. Irel's eyes widened, spotting the battle droids that surrounded the two crates. Hondo approached the droids, already babbling. One of the droids held up a hand, stopping him.

    "We will discuss payment when General Grevious arrives," the droid said.

    "Grevious is coming here?" Hondo seemed surprised. He quickly recovered himself. "Of course. That is excellent news. He can inspect the merchandise for himself."

    Hondo turned back to his men. "This is outrageous!" He exclaimed softly. "I can't believe they don't trust me. Bringing Grevious here?"

    "You know, we could help you with that," Irel suggested.

    Hondo laughed. "As much as I admire your persistence, no. I don't need your help."

    "You've faced Grevious and his droids before and had to leave Florrum. It took you long enough to build this outpost," Irel pointed out. "I think you need our help, whether you want it or not."

    Hondo threw an exasperated hand in the air. "I know how to handle droids. I will handle this. Just watch." He turned back as a shuttle appeared.

    "If Grevious catches us, we're dead!" Anakin hissed.

    "Then let's leave." They both reached a hand towards Hondo, pulling their lightsabers off his belt and into their hands.

In a flash, they ignited their blades and cut their shackles off. Hondo turned, drawing his blaster. "Capture my investment!" He shouted. The battle droids turned, spotting the commotion.

"Jedi!" One of them exclaimed. Hondo ran over to the droids as the pirates surrounded them.

Irel turned her back towards Anakin's. "Just like training, huh, Hotshot?" Irel laughed, pulling up her old nickname for the Knight.

Anakin gave her a mischievous look. "Funny."

They broke apart and lunged at the pirates. Irel sliced her lightsaber through several of their blasters. The disarmed pirates turned and fled down the hallway.

"You get the cadets and the younglings," Anakin called. "I'll get Rex and Axe."

Irel nodded and darted towards the two crates. Hondo ducked out of the way as she brought her lightsaber down, cleaving through two droids where they stood. His eyes widened as she took down the remaining droids with ease.

Anakin appeared behind Hondo, stretching a hand towards the pirate. Hondo rose in the air, a rasp in his throat. Irel shot a worried look at Anakin. "Your cuff, please," Anakin held out a hand.

Hondo fumbled with his hands before tossing the cuff to Anakin. He hit the ground, gasping with relief. Anakin ran down the hallway towards the main chamber. Irel turned her focus back to the crates. The kids inside were shouting for help. She slid a hand along the bottom, finding the latch.