The two continued their disagreement as gunships began arriving overhead, and Luminara and Barriss emerged from their transport just in time to witness Ahsoka and Anakin's heated discussion.
"At it again, are they?" Luminara asked with knowing familiarity.
Barriss tilted her head sympathetically. Feeling compassion for her friend, Ahsoka raised her hands in frustration and walked away, leaving Anakin reaching out toward her, only to notice Luminara and Barriss observing the situation.
"Go speak with her," Luminara instructed her Padawan. "I'll have a word with Skywalker."
Barriss nodded and approached Ahsoka, who was venting her frustrations to Peter about Anakin's behavior.
"Did we miss something significant?" Barriss asked, looking between her two friends and noting Ahsoka's irritated expression.
"Just disagreements about tactical planning," Ahsoka said quickly, not wanting to elaborate on the specifics.
Barriss wanted to inquire further about what was troubling her friend, but she noticed Peter shaking his head slightly, so she refrained from additional questions.
"Ah, Barriss."
The young Mirialan Padawan turned around to see Aayla approaching with a warm smile.
"It's wonderful to see you again," the Twi'lek Jedi said kindly.
"The pleasure is mine, Master Secura," Barriss replied, bowing respectfully.
"I'm not your master, young one," Aayla said, placing a gentle hand on the Padawan's shoulder. "To you, I'm simply Aayla."
Barriss smiled, then glanced over to see Anakin and Luminara approaching in deep conversation, and stepped aside to give them space.
"Is everyone here?" Steve returned with Sam, Rex, and Bly. "Luminara, Barriss—good to see you both."
"The pleasure is ours, Captain Rogers," Luminara bowed cordially, with Barriss following her lead.
"So what's Anakin's tactical plan?" Sam asked, and Anakin frowned slightly, recognizing that Sam had witnessed the earlier conflict. That knowing smile made everything clear.
Ahsoka stepped forward before Anakin could respond.
"We," Ahsoka emphasized, gesturing to herself, Peter, and Barriss, "will conduct a covert infiltration of the droid facility and sabotage it from within."
"I've memorized the installation's layout and will guide our team through the foundry's central systems," Barriss explained. "From there, we'll destroy the facility from the inside."
"And I..." Peter said, puffing out his chest with pride, then quickly deflating. "I'll just follow along."
"But you're the perfect backup support."
"Thanks... I think."
"What about the rest of us?" Steve asked. "How do we prevent the Geonosians from detecting you while you're planting the charges?"
"All of you," Barriss directed toward the adults present, "will be creating the necessary diversion."
Luminara nodded to Commander Gree, who produced a detailed factory schematic, this time focusing on the subterranean levels.
"Every Geonosian structure contains extensive tunnel networks and underground chambers beneath its foundation," Barriss explained. "I've spent considerable time memorizing the routes our team will take while everyone else determines how to draw out the Geonosian defenders and battle droids."
"Great to know there's a plan," Peter studied the complex pathways and felt overwhelmed. "There's so much to remember, my head might explode."
"Oh, you're being dramatic," Ahsoka nudged her friend playfully.
"Really? Try memorizing it yourself," Peter challenged.
"That's why I'm here," Barriss said with lighthearted confidence.
"Seems like an excellent way to get lost, if you ask me," Anakin commented, clearly uncomfortable with allowing three teenagers to infiltrate the factory independently.
"Trust our Padawans and young Peter, Skywalker," Luminara said confidently. "Isn't that right, Barriss?"
Barriss nodded firmly. "Especially when other people's lives depend on our success."
"Well, that removes all the pressure," Peter said dryly.
"Come on, you three—we know you're capable," Aayla encouraged them.
However, Anakin remained skeptical. "Entering that factory surrounded by battle droids seems like a suicide mission."
"That's exactly why we need to ensure we provide our young operatives with the opportunities they require, Anakin," Steve spoke up supportively.
"We'll create a substantial distraction for the Separatist forces," Rex added.
"See, even they believe in our abilities," Ahsoka said to Anakin. "Don't worry, Master—I can follow orders."
Peter rubbed his temples. "This is going to be challenging, isn't it?"
Barriss placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll complete this mission successfully. And provide assistance wherever needed."
"Then it's settled," Luminara announced to everyone present as Ahsoka, Barriss, and Peter were handed backpacks filled with thermal detonators.
"Be careful, kid," Steve said to Peter. "Look out for each other. Don't take unnecessary risks."
Peter nodded and pulled on his mask.
"Wait a moment," Sam interjected. "I understand we're proceeding with this plan, but we're sending teenagers to infiltrate an enemy installation. How will we monitor their progress?"
"That's what these are for," Barriss indicated their synchronized communicators. "We'll track advancement through these tactical displays. Synchronize coordinates."
Activated simultaneously, the chronometers glowed in unison before dimming.
"Alright, time to move out," Peter said, bouncing on his feet with nervous energy.
"Let's go then," Barriss took point, with Ahsoka and Peter following close behind.
The three young operatives sprinted down the hillside toward their objective.