Anakin, Obi-Wan, Leska, Luminara, and Seiro gathered with their clone officers to discuss tactical progress while the two Padawans moved through the area, assisting clone medics with wounded soldiers.
"This battlefield is ours, albeit temporarily," Obi-Wan said, crossing his arms and stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I've received reports from Plo Koon and Aayla that they're making similar progress."
"Master Di and Colonel Rhodes reported the same after I spoke with them," Anakin confirmed.
"The only major problem we're facing is the city under attack," Captain Rex interjected. "I received word from the 187th Legion that Choal City is being harassed by Ultron's forces. They're barely holding the line."
"Any word on evacuation progress?" Leska asked, and Rex shook his head grimly.
"Ultron's orbital fleet is systematically destroying evacuation transports, making it nearly impossible to get civilians off-planet," Anakin said with obvious frustration.
"Perhaps Plo Koon and the 104th could handle aerial evacuation?" Luminara suggested, with Commander Gree supporting the idea.
"They're some of the finest pilots in the Republic," Gree confirmed. "Wolffe's battalion excels in these conditions."
"Can't argue with that assessment," Anakin agreed.
"Right now we need to focus on immediate objectives," Cody said calmly. "The sooner we neutralize the Separatists and their allies, the sooner we can concentrate on Ultron and full-scale evacuation."
"We've captured all the Jabiim Nationalists from this sector and secured their stronghold," Master Seiro reported, gesturing toward their former defensive positions.
"Excellent. We need to interrogate all survivors. This is the third defensive position we've taken this week," Obi-Wan noted. "Strangely, I haven't observed any battle droids."
"I'd be somewhat surprised if they were still using them," Obi-Wan admitted. "The Avengers informed us that Ultron can possess virtually any technological system. There have been multiple reports of droids behaving erratically before attacking anyone who approaches them."
"Given that most of us weren't present during Ultron's Coruscant assault, we're relying on our Earth allies to provide relevant intelligence," Anakin added.
Obi-Wan shook his head. "For now, our priority is consolidating this victory and evacuating this planet as rapidly as possible."
Everyone nodded and dispersed across the battlefield, with Anakin and Rex joining Luminara and Gree to locate their respective Padawan and commander.
They found the two apprentices helping a clone trooper remove his shoulder armor, allowing Barriss to apply her Force healing abilities.
Beside them, Aubrey Fey was treating another injured clone.
"Ahsoka," Anakin called to his Padawan.
"Master," Ahsoka replied with a subdued smile. "Hey, Rex. How are the men holding up?"
"About as well as expected," Rex shrugged.
"How are things progressing here, Barriss?" Luminara asked her Padawan gently.
"Too many casualties, Master," Barriss replied, showing fatigue that was only slightly offset by the gratitude of soldiers she'd healed.
"We'll leave you to it," Anakin said. "Come on, Ahsoka, we're needed elsewhere. We're returning to Shelter Base to regroup for our next operation."
The Togruta simply nodded and bid silent farewell to her companions for now.
Walking through the encampment, Ahsoka absently rubbed her arm as she spoke with her Jedi Master.
"Everything all right?"
Ahsoka glanced around, observing Republic troops who regarded them with respectful expressions, while the Nationalist prisoners maintained neutral to openly hostile looks.
"Master, the prisoners are terrified of us," Ahsoka muttered, staring ahead.
"You must remember that the Republic encompasses over a hundred thousand inhabited worlds," Anakin said calmly, as if reciting a familiar lesson.
"I've been accused of eating children!" Ahsoka said with obvious indignation.
Anakin frowned, remembering hearing similar accusations during his own years of training under Obi-Wan.
"There are only a few thousand of us remaining. Billions have never encountered a Jedi. Millions have never heard of us, the Jedi Temple, or the Force. When we appear, we might be perceived as killers... or healers," Skywalker said, glancing back toward the two Padawans they'd left behind, who were treating anyone requiring medical attention.
Ahsoka seemed uncertain how to respond, and Anakin rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Ahsoka... when you first met Master Plo, did you know he was a Jedi? Did you understand what Jedi represented at the time?"
"Um... sort of," Ahsoka said hesitantly.
"What had you heard about them?"
"Just that Jedi were some kind of mystical warrior-monks."
Rex and Anakin exchanged glances and gave her wry smiles.
"Well, they're half-correct," Anakin said. "Though I think the 'mystical' designation belongs to the Avengers at this point."
Ahsoka laughed at this, recognizing it wasn't entirely meant as humor.
"Ahsoka, all you need to focus on now is our duty and responsibility," Anakin said seriously. "Protect this planet's people and extract them from this conflict before Ultron exterminates them. The Republic deployed us here for exactly this purpose, and we won't fail these people."
"I understand, Master."