Chapter Thirty-One
Mira

We make it to the base and see it's under attack by some new sort of droid called Commando Droids. They're very flexible and don't take the blaster shots that the clones are firing at them - they just go back up again.

I shift and swing my saber in an arc over Cody and Rex's heads, deflecting a blast. "Get to the ship!" I yell at them.

Cody and Rex waste no time, quickly falling back and making a beeline for the waiting transport. Anakin and Obi-Wan are right beside me, their lightsabers a blur as they deflect the relentless barrage of blaster fire.

The Commando Droids are unlike anything we've faced before. Their agility and resilience are truly impressive, and they seem to anticipate our every move. I grit my teeth, pouring more power into my strikes, but it's a losing battle - there are simply too many of them.

"We need to fall back!" Obi-Wan shouts, his voice barely audible over the din of the battle. "There are too many, and we're not equipped to handle this type of droid!"

I nod in agreement, casting a worried glance towards the clones who are now boarding the ship. Cody and Rex are covering their retreat, but I can see the strain on their faces. We need to get them out of here, and fast.

"Anakin, Obi-Wan, let's go!" I call out, already turning and sprinting towards the waiting transport. The three of us fall back in a coordinated retreat, our lightsabers still flashing as we deflect the relentless attacks.

As we reach the ship, I pause for a moment, my heart pounding with a mix of adrenaline and concern. What was the purpose of this attack? And what other surprises might these Commando Droids have in store for us?

With a deep breath, I board the ship, my mind already racing to formulate a plan. We may have been forced to retreat this time, but I'm determined to find a way to stop these new threats and protect our men.

I then crouch near Rex, who's gone pale and is clutching at a gash on his leg. "Sit still," I command him, my voice firm but laced with concern.

He lifts his weary brown eyes to me, his expression a mix of pain and worry as he stares at me. I reach out with the Force, allowing its soothing energy to flow through me and into his wounded limb.

"It was just a surface wound," I say, my brow furrowed in concentration. "It's not bad."

Rex winces slightly as the injury begins to knit itself back together under my ministrations. I can sense his relief, though, as the pain starts to subside.

"Thank you, General," he murmurs, his voice strained. "I... I couldn't keep up with those droids. They were too fast."

I give him a reassuring smile, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Rex. You and your men fought bravely. This wasn't your fault."

My gaze drifts to the other clones, many of whom are also nursing various wounds. A pang of guilt and worry tugs at my heart. I should have been there to protect them better.

"We'll figure out a way to stop those Commando Droids," I say, my voice low but determined. "I won't let them hurt you or the others again."

Rex nods, some of the tension leaving his posture. "I know you'll find a way, General. We trust you."

I give his shoulder a gentle squeeze, drawing strength from his unwavering faith in me. As the ship lifts off, I turn my attention to the road ahead, already formulating a plan to counter this new threat.

Whatever challenges lie in wait, I'm determined to keep my men safe. They've become more than just soldiers to me - they're family. And I'll do whatever it takes to ensure their well-being.

♛

We make it back to the Coruscant temple, and I help escort the injured clones to the medical bay, making sure they're well cared for. But before I can make it into the temple, Anakin gently grabs my hand, and I bid Rex goodbye.

"Come with me," Anakin says softly, and I follow him. He then presses me against the wall, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Please, Emira, I need an answer now," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.

My heart races as I gaze up at him, suddenly remembering the proposal he had made just before the attack. The weight of his words settles over me, and I feel a surge of emotions - joy, apprehension, uncertainty.

I reach up, gently caressing his face, my fingers tracing the strong lines of his jaw. "Ani," I breathe, "I... I don't know what to say."

His brow furrows, and I can see the flicker of worry in his eyes. "Please, Emira," he pleads, "I need to know. Will you marry me?"

I swallow hard, my mind racing as I try to find the right words. This is such a momentous decision, one that will change the course of our lives forever. Can we truly be together, given the restrictions of the Jedi Order?

But as I gaze into Anakin's eyes, I see the depth of his love and devotion, and I know that my heart has already made its choice. With a trembling smile, I lean in and press my lips to his in a tender, passionate kiss.

When we finally part, I whisper the words he's been waiting to hear. "Yes, Anakin. Yes, I'll marry you."

His face lights up with a radiant smile, and he pulls me into a crushing embrace, his relief and joy palpable. In this moment, nothing else matters but the two of us, and the promise of the future we will build together.