Some time later.
Near the Core Worlds. The Bith System.
The good old outer space where nothing happens, unless someone or something takes action. Several task forces of the Republic Navy could be seen standing still, waiting for something to happen. But in reality, this formation was a blockade so the Separatists couldn't pass through. This was one of the supply lines of the Galactic Republic, and was actively being stationed by the Republic Navy. Anakin's personal fleet was located here. You'd see most high-ranking Jedi having a fleet of their own, but Anakin was an exception due to his exemplary skills in military tactics.
I won't dive in too deep into the Galactic Military, as I'm not really a soldier. Never served in the military in my previous life, nor do I have plans to do so here. I may assist when needed like I'm doing now and in return get paid for my actions, but I don't want to be tied down by rules. I like to set my own. That's the beauty of being a bounty hunter. You can explore the galaxy at your own pace~
But to put it simply, the Republic has what's called the Republic Military. It's separated into the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Republic Navy. Simple, right?
If the Republic sends forces down onto planets, that's when the Army is called upon, and if they decide to do battle in outer space itself, that's where the Navy comes in. Many fleets compose of several ships called Star Destroyers which house smaller spaceships, like starfighters. Those classic starfighters you'd see in the movies when they fight the Death Star. I'm talking about those.
You know, once I've accumulated some wealth and settled down somewhere, I might buy a starfighter and tune it to my specs, just so I can experience what it's like to be in a starfighter. Just like how Cassian does it when he steals a TIE Fighter during Andor, except I wouldn't be doing the stealing part. I've already got ninety thousand credits to my name, and once I do enough jobs, it likely won't take me long to become a millionaire here. I don't really have to worry about personal supplies, refueling, or other maintenance work on the gunship. That's how overpowered it is with all of its self-repair and many functions it holds. The best part? Completely self-driven by AI, but also capable of being driven by me.
Hell, Adam even has a food synthesizer in my Personal Quarters. Once I can feed Adam more and more recipes from Star Wars, I'll really be able to diversify my eating habits. I might even be able to feed recipes of my past life to him!
You know what? I'm glad I didn't receive a system. I'm taking this gunship to my grave. Due to what it can do, it'll save on so many mundane costs. I just need to register it through the black market so I can pass through hyper lanes and Republic-governed areas. That's the first thing I plan to do once I touch down on Nar Shaddaa after this second mission is over. Can't do much without money, so I'm glad these missions appeared before me.
I could see a very distinct Star Destroyer with red outlines on its two bridges. Multiple docking stations could be seen within the upper side, lower side, and the right side of this Star Destroyer. It had opened up its right docking station, allowing Obi-Wan's cruiser to approach right up to it. Obi-Wan's cruiser wasn't as big as a Star Destroyer was, but it had to dock outside in outer space. It wasn't small enough to fit inside. Due to that, a small transport vessel flew over.
Normally in the Clone Wars, this is where Obi-Wan would stay parked while Anakin takes a much smaller ship together with Ahsoka to scout for any life-forms that survived the Separatists' new weapon in a nearby system, the Abregado System. But with me added into the mix, Anakin will be staying here. In replacement of that, it will be Ahsoka and I.
On the right hangar, several figures approached from the bridge. There were clones, all dressed up and currently on active duty. There were also officers, and one stood out in particular. This was Admiral Wullf, who was walking alongside Anakin and Ahsoka.
"You know the Council won't like that you're recruiting a bounty hunter for what's essentially a suicide mission. We don't even know what this mystery weapon is, or the firepower it holds. We abruptly lost contact to find out anything of importance.", Admiral Wullf said, eyes showing clear disapproval of what's currently happening.
"Lives are in danger Admiral. It doesn't matter what the Separatists hold. A chance opened up, and we took it. All we can do now is leave it in their hands. I'm counting on you, Ahsoka. I know Master Plo isn't one to go down from this.", Anakin said, looking at his Padawan who was still clearly worried by what had transpired.
"Master...", Ahsoka uttered. Hearing that, she felt her heart ease, just the slightest. Admiral Wullf, on the other hand, just turned quiet, acting as if he started to ponder Anakin's words. When they reached the hangar, they initially saw nothing. All there was was Obi-Wan standing near the center, acting nonchalantly. I was nowhere to be found.
Confusion appeared in Anakin's eyes, seeing Obi-Wan alone with a single transport vessel behind him. There was some distance between him and this vessel, and there's a reason why. A grin could be seen on his face, seeing Anakin and Ahsoka arrive before him.
"So you decided to pay a visit yourself now, eh Master? Where's this new friend you supposedly made while I was away? They didn't turn tail and flee before the mission even started, did they?", Anakin said, teasing him with a scoff. He might have said this as a joke, but Obi-Wan's expression remained with a smile, seeing through his ruse. Anakin didn't know anything about my gunship, and its ability to cloak itself from view.
"It isn't quite like that, Anakin. It is good to see you again, by the way.", Obi-Wan stated. Anakin was now up close. "You know, if you step any closer, you'll practically be kissing it.", Obi-Wan continued. Hearing that, Anakin paused. His confusion grew into clarity.
"Why am I getting a sudden sense of dejavu?", Anakin questioned. "Wait, didn't you say the same thing to me when you had that new toy to try out when we delivered those supplies!?", Anakin continued, letting it dawn on him, realizing what Obi-Wan was saying. In fact, Anakin did indeed find himself in this exact same position earlier on in the Clone Wars.
There was an event leading up to the Clone Wars movie that tasked Anakin to deliver emergency relief supplies to Senator Organa, who was spearheading the operation on the planet below, attempting to block the Separatists' invasion. The Clone Wars movie itself shifted scenes to battles taking place on Christophsis's surface, but prior to that happening, an IPV-2C Stealth Corvette was unveiled by Obi-Wan, allowing Anakin to complete his first mission. This corvette triangular ship was the Republic's first test attempt in using cloaking tech in actual combat situations. Prior to that, it was expensive, and only applicable to smaller ships. The tech itself existed for eons, though. Just not widely used.
It wasn't unheard of for random individuals, such as me, to possess cloaking tech. And at this very moment, Anakin was seeing the same scene play out before him.
"Don't tell me. Is this what I think it is?", Anakin murmured. Obi-Wan continued smiling at him, not moving a single step. Instead, he raised his right arm. Once Obi-Wan began a tapping motion with the backside of his hand, reflective waves of light began to unfold. Quite quickly at that. It showed the outline of my gunship.
"Trust me, Anakin. I was just as shocked as you were when I first found out. The person we recruited is pretty amicable, even shared a meal together. I think we can leave this mission safely in their hands. Going past enemy lines should be simple for them, seeing as they possess this kind of technology. Master Plo will definitely be rescued.", Obi-Wan, responded, answering confidently.
"I can see why.", Anakin replied, nodding his head in acknowledgement. "Are you all set to depart, Snips?", Anakin asked. Ahsoka still looked confused.
"You really are sending me off like this? I was shot down earlier by you, but here you are, not following what the Council says.", Ahsoka replied in discontent.
"That's where you are lacking, my dear Padawan, and why you are under me, learning. I currently am doing what the Council says, by remaining behind to watch over our supply lines. Nothing of what I do is preventing you from going in my stead.", Anakin stated. It was then Ahsoka realized what Anakin was planning.
"I see your Padawan is learning well, Anakin.", Obi-Wan also chimed in.
"So my approach to this is what went wrong?", Ahsoka questioned, going into her own thoughts.
"Exactly. You Jedi serve the Republic. You have to follow orders. I don't, apart from what's stated in my contract. We'll go rescue your Master Jedi and your troops.", I stated, followed by a hissing sound of my latch unlocking. I could now be seen standing inside the hangar, and approached them, standing beside Obi-Wan. "And General Kenobi was quite clear on the mission details. We'll pull your guys out and leave, no engagement.", I declared, greeting everyone.