The liberation of Geonosis was proceeding successfully, with the Republic establishing a solid foothold after capturing three strategic droid factories during Operation Point Rain.
Now, Republic forces had deployed en masse across the planet, with multiple Separatist installations and Geonosian strongholds targeted for systematic siege operations.
The Avengers had been integrated into Republic military command structure, assisting the Jedi and clone forces in eliminating Separatist resistance while also pursuing their own investigative missions.
FRIDAY had previously detected transmissions matching Earth-based communication patterns, so they had been actively searching for the source while conducting combat operations on Geonosis.
Currently, Steve and Sam were discussing the upcoming assault on Geonosis's primary droid foundry with Anakin Skywalker, Aayla Secura, Commander Bly, and Captain Rex. Senator Padmé Amidala had recently completed a covert intelligence-gathering mission with Natasha and Hope to collect evidence of senatorial collaboration with Separatist forces—intelligence that had proven disturbingly accurate.
Now they were preparing to assault the main facility, hoping to neutralize it before it could manufacture more battle droids than their combined forces could handle.
The 501st and 327th Star Corps had been positioned in defensive perimeters, securing the staging area while reinforcements arrived and prepared for the primary assault.
Currently, they were awaiting the arrival of the 41st Elite Corps, which included Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and her Padawan Barriss Offee.
"Everyone ready?" Steve asked Anakin, who nodded affirmatively.
"Our artillery batteries and AT-TE walker formations are prepared, and Luminara's AT-TEs will reinforce them shortly," Anakin confirmed.
Sam looked around briefly. "Hey, where are the kids?"
"Over there, Lieutenant," Captain Rex indicated.
Behind their position, elevated on a rocky outcropping, Ahsoka Tano was engaged in conversation with Peter and several members of the 501st.
While the atmosphere seemed lighthearted, one clone trooper in particular was being good-naturedly teased by his brothers. Apparently, this specific soldier had managed to perfectly replicate Ahsoka's distinctive facial markings on his armor's chest plate.
"I almost hate to interrupt their bonding time," Steve said with a small smile. "But Luminara and her forces are approaching."
"Then we should review our tactical plans," Aayla suggested.
"Steve and I will conduct preliminary reconnaissance of enemy positions," Sam announced. "Complete the perimeter sweep and prepare for assault."
"Rex, Bly—get all units ready for deployment," Anakin ordered.
Both senior clone officers departed for their assignments, while Steve and Sam split up to handle different aspects of preparation. The two Jedi Knights walked toward the group of young people sharing laughter with the clone troopers.
Meanwhile, the Republic fleet maintaining orbital superiority began deploying massive formations of LAAT gunships and AT-TE walkers to reinforce the assault on the primary droid manufacturing facility.
Transport craft descended from the upper atmosphere and headed directly toward designated landing zones. All clone personnel aboard were making final preparations for the upcoming attack on the main Separatist installation.
"Barriss," Luminara began, "I trust you have completed the necessary preparations?"
Barriss responded from several meters away. "Precisely as you instructed, Master."
Standing before a holographic tactical display of the target droid factory, Ahsoka was briefing the current clone squad leaders, while Peter, Aayla, and Anakin observed from nearby positions.
"This bridge serves as our primary waypoint," Ahsoka explained, indicating the connecting terrain feature. "Concentrate firepower on the defensive turrets here and here, because it's essential that—"
Suddenly, Anakin interjected, "Because only after eliminating these defensive positions can we proceed with our factory assault plan."
Both Aayla and Peter blinked at the unexpected interruption, and Peter voiced his reaction. "Well, that was rude."
Aayla nodded in agreement, and Ahsoka attempted to object, only to say with obvious frustration, "I was—yes." She quickly composed herself to continue the briefing. Two clone troopers exchanged slightly amused glances. "We can advance with the factory assault. Now, anticipate significant—resistance—"
"Don't forget to replenish your power cells and ration supplies," Anakin interrupted again, taking command from his Padawan. "Once we deploy, resupply won't be available." He then turned to Ahsoka. "Anything else to add, Ahsoka?"
"No... I think you've essentially covered everything... from my briefing."
"Excellent."
"I hope this doesn't become a pattern," Peter commented quietly.
"Agreed."
"I mean, this happened between me and one of my mentors recently, and it was incredibly frustrating."
Meanwhile, Ahsoka was having words with her Master.
"—if you didn't interrupt me constantly, the tactical briefing would be more effective—"
"I'm not interrupting you," Anakin interrupted her yet again. "I'm attempting to assist you."
"I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't cut me off," Ahsoka replied with strained patience. "It makes me think you don't trust my tactical planning."
"This isn't about trust. It's about mission success."
She inhaled sharply. "So you don't trust me to handle the assignment. I knew it!"
However, Anakin sighed wearily. "I never said that, Snips—"
"No. No, it's fine. I understand," Ahsoka said quickly, walking past her Jedi Master. "I'm the Padawan. You're the Master."
"Ha," Peter observed as Aayla shook her head with an amused smile. "Do they always argue like this?"
"Yes, quite frequently," Aayla confirmed. "I believe they're one of the few Master-Padawan pairs who engage in such spirited debates."
"Is this considered problematic within the Jedi Order?"
Aayla shrugged thoughtfully. "I don't think so. After all, my master was the unconventional Quinlan Vos. His master was Master Tholme. I've lost count of how many disagreements my master and I had during my training. Ultimately..." Aayla's smile became more nostalgic and warm. "I believe it helped forge me into a true Jedi Knight."
Peter nodded understandingly and looked toward Ahsoka with concern. A worried expression crossed his features, and he hurried after her.
"Hey," he said when he caught up to her. "You alright?"
"Do I look alright?" she snapped, then immediately apologized. "Sorry, I'm just frustrated that Anakin did this... it's not the first occurrence."
"Not the first time?"
"I believe this is the second time I've attempted to conduct a proper tactical briefing and Anakin interrupted and undermined my preparation."
Anakin was still within earshot and overheard these final words.
"Ahsoka, it's not like that."
"See?" Ahsoka said with evident frustration. "But who am I to question it? After all, he's the Master and I'm the Padawan. Perhaps I need to remember my place."
"Ahsoka," Anakin called out urgently.