Star Wars: Let's Give This Another Go

The war room buzzed with activity as commanders and Jedi gathered for the briefing. Tactical displays showed Christophsis from multiple angles, its crystal spires casting blue reflections across intent faces.

"Initial insertion here," Anakin pointed to a narrow valley between formations. "The 501st can draw their forces while the 212th moves through the crystal maze."

"Using the formations to mask our approach," Obi-Wan agreed. "Though the real challenge will be maintaining coordination once we're inside the city itself."

Rex studied the urban layout. "Those buildings weren't designed for warfare. Lots of blind spots, difficult angles. One wrong move..."

"Which is why we'll implement the new squad formations." Anakin highlighted several key intersections. "Small teams, moving fast, staying connected through the Force network."

Cody nodded. "Ghost Company's been drilling these patterns. The men understand what's at stake."

They spent the next hour mapping contingencies, examining approaches, planning for every possibility they could imagine. But beneath the tactical discussion, Obi-Wan sensed something deeper developing – Anakin's natural leadership emerging, tempered now by growing wisdom.

"We'll need to be flexible," Anakin concluded, surprising Obi-Wan with his restraint. "The Separatists think they know how we'll respond. Let's prove them wrong."

"Speaking of flexibility," Obi-Wan activated a new tactical display. "There's one more element to consider. Ahsoka?"

A young Togruta stepped forward from where she'd been quietly observing. "Ready to help, Master."

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"HUH?", Anakin's eyebrows raised slightly. "A padawan? Now?"

"Your new padawan, specifically." Obi-Wan watched realization dawn on Anakin's face. "Master Yoda believes, and I agree, that you're ready for this responsibility."

"But the Christophsis campaign—"

"Provides the perfect opportunity to begin her training. Ahsoka's natural abilities complement your strengths well." Obi-Wan turned to the young Togruta. "Why don't you share your thoughts on the tactical situation?"

Ahsoka stepped forward, her confidence evident as she manipulated the holographic display. "The crystal formations give us an advantage. My montrals can sense spatial relationships, detect movement through solid objects. Combined with Force sensitivity..."

"We'd have advance warning of any ambush," Anakin finished, studying her with new interest. "You can navigate the formations even if visibility's compromised."

"Exactly." She highlighted several approach vectors. "Plus, if we coordinate with Master Kenobi's Force-enhanced squads, we could effectively own the battlefield's geometry."

Rex and Cody exchanged approving looks. Through the Force, Obi-Wan sensed Anakin's initial reluctance giving way to recognition of genuine potential.

"Alright, Snips." Anakin's use of the nickname came naturally, as it had in another timeline. "Let's hear your thoughts on insertion points."

Ashoka narrowed her eyes at the nickname, but nonetheless went on. The planning continued, roles and responsibilities became more established. This time, Obi-Wan noted, the partnership between Anakin and Ahsoka was forming under drastically different circumstances - with clear purpose rather than rushed necessity.

"One last thing," Obi-Wan added as they concluded. "The mission parameters include flexibility for necessary adaptations. Trust your instincts - all of you."

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Anakin paced the mission prep room, energy practically crackling around him. The weight of new responsibility - a padawan, a crucial campaign, the trust Obi-Wan placed in him, and had been settled on his shoulders.

"You're thinking too much," Obi-Wan said, entering quietly. "Trust what you've learned."

"It's not the mission that concerns me." Anakin stopped pacing. "All of this. You helping with Padmé, the new training methods, Ahsoka... it feels like you're preparing us for something."

"War, Anakin." Obi-Wan moved to the holo display, still showing Christophsis. "The question is: do you trust me enough to follow this path, even if you can't see where it leads?"

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The Acclamator-class assault ship dropped out of hyperspace above Christophsis, its hull gleaming in the crystal world's reflected light. Obi-Wan stood at the bridge viewport, watching sister ships emerge beside them. Everything hinged on the next few hours.

"All units report ready," Commander Cody announced from the tactical station. "Ghost Company standing by for deployment."

"Signal the other ships," Obi-Wan ordered. "Begin insertion sequence."

Gunships detached from the assault ships' hangars, breaking atmosphere in precise formation. Through the Force, Obi-Wan sensed his troops' focused determination. Their enhanced awareness flowed through the battlefield network he'd established, each soldier connected to his brothers in ways the Separatists couldn't comprehend.

"Enemy forces moving to intercept," an officer reported. "Droid deployment patterns match intelligence predictions."

Of course they did. Obi-Wan had lived this battle before, though last time the Republic forces had suffered heavy casualties taking the crystal city. This time would be different.

"Commence Operation Shadow Strike," he commanded. "All specialized units, execute according to plan."

The first wave of gunships banked sharply, drawing enemy fire while cloaked vessels carried Ghost Company through gaps in Separatist radar coverage. Obi-Wan's future knowledge combined with their enhanced coordination allowed them to exploit weaknesses that wouldn't be apparent to traditional tactics.

"Sir," Cody's voice carried a note of satisfaction, "initial insertion successful. Zero casualties."

He was really back on the battlefield. The first piece was in place. Now for the real test. 

Invasion.

The gunships thundered through Christophsis's atmosphere, their hulls vibrating with turbulence. Obi-Wan felt every bump through the transport's deck plates, his hand resting on the overhead grip. Beside him, Ghost Company stood ready, their Force signatures humming with focused energy.

"Remember," he said over the squad channel, "we've trained for this. Trust your instincts, trust each other."

"Always do, sir," Boil replied, the trooper's usual dry humor evident even through the helmet comm. "Though I still can't explain how I know where my brothers are going to be before they get there."

"Questions for after we take the city," Cody cut in, but his tone carried approval. These men weren't just soldiers anymore - they'd grown into something more, their natural bonds strengthened by awakening Force sensitivity.

The gunship banked hard, crystal spires flashing past the viewport. Below, droid forces moved through the streets in predictable patterns. Last time, those patterns had trapped and killed hundreds of clone troops. The memory tightened Obi-Wan's grip on the handle.

"Thirty seconds," the pilot announced.

Obi-Wan reached out through the Force, connecting with the entire assault force. Not controlling, but harmonizing - letting each soldier's awareness flow into a greater whole.

He sensed Anakin doing the same with the 501st on the other side of the city, felt Ahsoka's presence adding her unique spatial perception to the network.

The assault force hit the ground running, boots crunching on crystalline streets. Obi-Wan's lightsaber ignited with a snap-hiss as blaster fire filled the air. Ghost Company moved like water around him, each soldier instinctively knowing where his brothers needed him to be.

"Contact, north intersection," Boil called out. Before he finished speaking, three troopers had already shifted to cover the angle, their shots dropping super battle droids before they could bring weapons to bear.

Obi-Wan deflected a barrage of red bolts, sending them back with surgical precision. Through the Force network, he felt each squad's position, their coordinated movements creating gaps in the droid defense line.

"Sir, they're falling for it," Cody reported, ducking behind a crystal formation. "Main force is moving to engage the 501st, just like you predicted."

"Anakin will keep them busy." Obi-Wan glanced at the tactical display on his wrist. "Ghost Company, move up. Target their command center."

They advanced through streets that had once been killing grounds. This time, the clone's enhanced awareness let them spot ambushes before they triggered. Squads flowed around obstacles that had previously trapped whole platoons, their movements guided by both training and growing Force sensitivity.

"Clankers don't know what hit them," a trooper muttered, checking his corner. "Almost feel sorry for the tin cans."

"Save the sympathy," another shot back. "Just means more of us go home this time."

Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile at their determination and pride in what they've become. He was proud of them.

….But the job was not finished.