Rhodes enjoyed his field rations, sharing an MRE that had been developed with assistance from Hope, Scott, and Pietro. FRIDAY was able to analyze the ingredients, compare them to compounds found throughout the galaxy, and match them with familiar chemicals from Earth. With the AI's help, three of the nine Avengers had successfully created dozens of MRE packages.
"This is excellent," commented a nearby clone trooper in green 41st Elite Corps armor, eating an MRE that Rhodes had shared with him.
Rhodey packed up his gear and said, "Once we complete our mission on Geonosis, we'll begin mass production of these rations. It won't be large-scale initially, but with FRIDAY's assistance and our team's efforts, your forces will be eating these sooner rather than later."
The clone trooper ate enthusiastically, nodding in appreciation.
As Rhodes and the 41st Elite Corps clones shared their meal and conversation, Peter, Barriss Offee, and Ahsoka Tano were positioned nearby. They had endured a challenging mission recently and were currently boarding their gunships to depart the planet for some well-deserved rest.
"I apologize for leaving you here, Rex. There's still considerable work to be done," Anakin said regretfully to the 501st Legion clone captain who had come to see them off.
Rex waved dismissively. "You've accomplished enough by destroying that factory. Go rest and recover. We'll handle the remaining operations."
Barriss nodded while Peter offered a small salute as wounded clone troopers were carried into the transport on medical stretchers. "We'll return soon, Captain Rex."
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Clone Commanders Gree and Cody stood atop a ridge with Luminara Unduli, Steve, and Sam. Gunships flew past their position; most carried wounded soldiers being evacuated to the Republic fleet for proper medical treatment.
"A hard-fought victory," Obi-Wan observed simply.
"Indeed," Luminara responded gravely. "And achieved at considerable cost. We've suffered significant casualties in these engagements." She released a weary sigh. "Too many wounded..."
"The conflict appears to be intensifying."
"How much longer do you estimate we can maintain our presence on this planet?" Sam asked, crossing his arms. Honestly, he was growing tired of the barren landscape before them.
"After securing the primary facility, we need to begin cleanup operations here. Our main objective is Poggle the Lesser..." Steve informed them.
"Any sign of him yet?" Luminara inquired.
Obi-Wan shook his head. "None. We have clone squadrons deployed across the region, but haven't located him yet."
Luminara nodded slowly and walked toward the speeder bike parked nearby. "I'll search for intelligence regarding his whereabouts."
"We really need to locate him quickly before the trail goes cold," Steve commented. "Poggle possesses too much critical information about Separatist operations to allow his escape."
"Agreed." Mounting her speeder, Luminara activated the engine.
"Hey, everyone."
The group turned to see Rhodes approaching their position.
"Rhodey," Sam said, and the two Avengers bumped fists while Steve nodded in acknowledgment.
"How did your mission proceed?" Obi-Wan asked.
"The clones and I finished securing the southwestern sector," Rhodes reported, scanning the area briefly. "Where did Luminara and Gree go?"
"Reconnaissance patrol," Obi-Wan explained. "They're searching for Poggle the Lesser, hopefully they can track him down."
"Just the two of them?" Rhodes asked, clearly uncomfortable with the arrangement. "Are you certain it's wise to let them operate alone? It's swarming with hostile Geonosian warriors out there, and you've witnessed how they can appear suddenly during combat and catch us off guard."
"He raises a valid concern," Cody agreed, his expression darkening at the mention of the Geonosians, who were like aerial demons, creating unwelcome chaos on the battlefield.
"If you wish to accompany her, you're more than welcome to do so," Obi-Wan said. "You'll need to catch up with them, however."
"No problem," Rhodes replied, heading toward his armor storage. "I just need to track their signal and I'll intercept them quickly."
Steve nodded as Rhodes jogged to where he had secured his armor, then turned his attention toward the smoking remains of the destroyed droid foundry.
Ever since arriving on this planet during Operation Point Rain, Steve had been troubled by a growing sense of unease over the past several days.
That battle droid... it had spoken specific words that were disturbingly familiar to him.
Frowning, he could almost hear it. That sinister, mocking laughter echoing in his memory.
Then there was what Peter had told him about the strange tactical droid that had observed but taken no action while he and the two Padawans fought inside the factory control room.
After a moment, Steve refocused as he heard repulsor sounds overhead.
He looked up to see Rhodey in his Warmachine Armor pursuing Luminara and Commander Gree at maximum velocity.
He sighed, knowing he needed to discuss this with the other Avengers. He didn't want to alarm them unnecessarily, but ultimately, it was better to exercise caution in this situation.