Huzzah! After far too long a wait, I present you to roughly the first act of Star Wars Episode II: A Galaxy's Fury.
Film opens up with a crawl detailing the Mandalorian conflict, one so widespread in the galaxy its known as the Clone Wars. The Republic has suffered serious losses as of late, with the most grievous being the fall of Coruscant to the enemy, forcing the Republic, including President Palpatine to relocate to a large remote station. With the Coalition now occupying close to half the galaxy a pair of Jedi are sent on a mission to help start turning the tide of the most destructive war in many millennia.
Slow pan to a large Mandalorian ship coming out of hyperdrive. Its sharp edges and dark color betray its status as a large scale fighter. Cut to inside the ship where several crew members work about the bridge. There's a crisp efficiency to them, even when seen from a distance. A voice is overheard saying deflector shield should be up within a minute. The camera finally gets in close and we see an officer working sensors, a faded purple humanoid with spotted skin, and sunken cheeks. Most disturbing are their eyes, seemingly active, but with in an odd soulless quality to them.
A slightly monotone voice is heard asking if they've picked up anything in the system. Camera pulls out to reveal the source of that question, the exact same humanoid as the one working sensors, only adorned in command attire. The lower officer responds in the negative, and a wide shot reveals the entire bridge crew are all the same individual, exposing the audience to Coalition clone soldiers for the first time since the end of the previous film.
The commander is about to go back to patrolling the bridge, only to be interrupted by the sensor officer, who says with some confusion that there was a minor fluctuation near the starboard side of the ship, but it quickly stopped. She's ordered to scan again, which reveals nothing. A beat, and the commander orders a platoon to that area to check it out just in case.
On the port side of the ship another commander is informed via radio that their officers to be ready to relocate for an enemy search if necessary. A quick camera pan reveals the commander and their officers to be another group of clones. He's in the midst of giving them instructions when there's a sound from a nearby airlock. The two officers nearest turn around to check it, only for an abrupt explosion to go off right there.
Before any of them can recover, blaster rounds fire out from the newly created hole in the airlock. The remaining clone soldiers make a few retaliatory strikes with their own blasters only for those exact shots to hit them right back. Within seconds, no one is left standing. As the smoke clears, two figures with lightsabers emerge, revealing none other than Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Both men are clearly older, with Ben's beard covering more of his face, and wrinkles starting to appear in certain spots. Time has taken its toll on Skywalker too; dark circles under his eyes, shorter hair, and like his master, attired in dark gray Jedi uniforms. They survey the immediate area and Ben gestures its safe, which leads in a small platoon of armed Republic soldiers who quickly move in and assume their defense positions.
Kenobi turns to his apprentice, asking what's out there. Anakin pauses for a moment, takes in the area, and responds “Nobody close, that little probe of ours on the other side's got their attention it looks like.” Convinced, Obi-Wan orders them all to the section 1-42-08. One of the officers says that's not the engine room. Anakin nods at him. “Nope, just above it.”
The group stealthily moves across the halls of the ship which like most of the interior is densely packed, almost claustrophobic in desigh. They stop at a large 4 way section where they hear the sound of various enemy officers. Taking cover behind some storage containers, they take a quick look around, and see yet another platoon of clones scouting the area not far away. Ben quietly says no movement until his say so and gives Anakin a nod. At that Nik focuses his attention while Kenobi does a small wave of his hand in the direction of the platoon.
Following a beat, the leader of the enemy platoon stops and tells the rest this is the wrong spot, and leads them away. While following the others are confused, and one tells him that the internal sensors detected something in the other direction. As more of them raise objections, none notice the large steam valve just above their heads. Its now Skywalker's turn to move his hand, and with the power of the Force turns the valve, just as the elder Jedi orders the their soldiers forward.
Before the clones can react, hot steam blows right towards them, a distraction easily allowing them them to be taken out by the now attacking Republic platoon. Briskly following them, the Jedi duo soon are in front. Obi-Wan is just a bit impressed. “You're either getting better or at least quicker.” Anakin shrugs. “Maybe not quick enough, more are getting closer, let's go.” The whole group once again quickly moves forward.
They finally arrive at their target, a heavy marked door. Once inside, Ben orders the officers to guard the entrance as he and Nik run to a particular spot in what's now revealed to be a large storage room with dozens of containers of all types sitting. After moving a few barrels out the way, the two activate their lightsabers and with exact precision, cut a circle into the floor, with the eventual piece falling through and leaving a large hole.
Below the two see the engine room, with one of the large twin engines directly below. The younger Jedi pulls a few small detonators off his belt, sets them, and drops them right down. Not even needing to check to see how they landed, the two run back towards the entrance and tell the Republic team to start moving. They head out the door, all of them running back until the hit the four way again and see a large contingent of clone soldiers waiting for them.
A firefight breaks out, and for the first time many of the Republic officers are hit, going down as the others move and look for cover. The clones begin to move in but soon the detonators go off, with with one gigantic explosion, the entire ship is rocked as everyone but Ben and Nik are knocked off their feet. Skywalker helps them up as Kenobi easily parries the sloppy blaster shots by the still recovering clones.
The latter's moves are graceful, natural, with even his own lightsaber feeling like a natural extension of himself. The former is more blunt, with sudden aggressive movements, resembling an animal striking against a would be predator. As the vessel's gravity begins failing due to the damage Jedi and company speedily attempts to move past the distracted Coalition officers, though even more are picked off the chase.
Now reduced to only the Jedi pair and three soldiers, they battle the fluctuating gravity and a growing squadron chasing them on the run back, as Anakin tells the officers to keep their focus forward no mater what as he and Kenobi will handle the rear. Very soon they are forced to stop once again as a contingent of enemy soldiers appears, hiding behind some fallen debris, and the pursing squadron begins to catch up.
The two Jedi keep their defenses up as the group is gradually squeezed at both ends. One of the Republic soldiers turns back to check on them and before Nik can finish his cry of “turn back!” the former is hit by of the hiding enemy troopers. In the haste to cover his position, another Republic soldier is also taken out, though he manages to blast his shooter before going down. Sharing the quickest of looks with Kenobi, Anakin turns back to defend along side their remaining comrade.
More blaster fire exchange occurs before Skywalker eyes the nearby wall and after a moment's thought quickly cuts a hole in with his lightsaber. He loudly tells the other two to go through, with Ben going first to defend if necessary and the Republic soldier in second while Anakin provides cover for their escape. His master gets through okay, but the officer is hit in the chaos, with Obi-Wan just barely carrying him in. After a few seconds heads through the hole as well.
After cutting through yet another wall, the three finally reach the airlock and move into their ship. Ben sets down the Republic soldier gently on a nearby chair as Anakin gets on the controls. As their now revealed ship moves away from Mandalorian cruiser, small enemy fighters also break off from it and being an attack run, with our heroes doing everything they can do evade. From inside the ship rocks as Skyalker puts the calculations together with Kenobi asking if “it”s not ready then he hopes Nik hasn't forgotten how to improvise.
“Much as I'd like to show off Ben... not today.” He hits a button surprisingly quickly the ship seemingly splits in two, with the inner portion breaking off from the larger section. The enemy fighters' attention now divided allows him just enough time to put in the last calculations, and like that, the ship jumps to hyperspace. Anakin breathes a sigh of relief and wipes his face. “Let's just hope their curiosity outweighs their sense of spite.” He turns back to Obi-Wan about to ask on their wounded ally, when he sees his friend's dark expression.
Not understanding at first, he moves in close and soon sees the reason as the formerly injured soldier is now slumped over. In a slight panic he checks his pulse for a sign of life, but Nik's face tells the whole story. There's a silence for a moment only ended with Skyalker crumples back down on to the cockpit chair, hands over his face. Ben states the shock probably got to him before they even left the cruiser and Anakin did everything he could have done.
Skywalker is unconvinced. “For all the good that did.” Kenobi does what he can to reassure him, saying their comrades gave their lives for something they believed in and the best way to honor them is ensure their sacrifice will one that will help save the Republic, pointing out the freed trade routes allowing supplies to desperate people. Nik finally looks up at him, curiosity “Why is is that sacrifice is all we seem to be doing these days?”
Ben doesn't respond verbally immediately, but does sit next to him, and places his hand on his shoulder. “Faith in the future Anakin, always remember.” Nik begins to mutter to himself about if only that one had just listened to him and that some of them could have made it, but Obi-Wan interrupts. “You are a great Jedi and an even better man, my friend, no matter what you're tempted to tell yourself otherwise right now.” Skywalker appreciates the gesture, and calmly states, more to himself; “You're right.”
They return to Republic headquarters, a large half sphere station, subtly reminiscent of the Death Star. Once on the station Anakin starts to head off, but is quickly embraced by Carima (in now noticeably nicer clothes than last film) out of nowhere who gives him a big kiss. “You keep running off on these missions all time and one of these days you're gonna return to punch to the face instead of a kiss from gorgeous woman.”
He gives her a look of mock confusion. “Fair risk, just tell me, do you know where to find this gorgeous woman? Please tell she doesn't own a cargo business cause the girl I'm with won't shut up about the one-” She gives him an affectionate jab to the shoulder before hugging him tight. He says he needs to report in and she agrees with walk with him.
Ben walks in on Darelda Organa, dealing with a host of various other Senators bickering about Palpatine's recent governmental moves. In a clear sign that their relationship has in some ways evolved, she greets the Jedi with some warmth glad to see him and grateful to get away from this conversation. He briefs her on their success, to which she congratulates him, only to inform him that their latest attempt to retake Correlia has been held back, putting them back at square one in terms of progress.
He wonders if there's been in progress in directing more resources via the Senate, but Organa states only some as the assembly is a mess at the moment with everyone trying to figure out how to protect their planets while still keeping up their own political alliances. When inquired if she's gained any allies of her own, Darelda responds that Palpatine's the only one she's gained any inroads with and slightly curious, asks for the Jedi's take on him.
After some brief consideration, Obi-Wan says that he strikes him as a populist; dedicated, however fairly unremarkable. She confesses similar thoughts, “Businessman doing philanthropy doesn't often pop up in biographies of great Republic leaders.” Before the matter can progress 81 arrives, throwing off some dry wit about the Jedis' return, only to report that General Organa is wants to see the two shortly. There is slight surprise, though Darelda states he's probably just curious about the recent mission's progress.
Back in the halls, Anakin and Carima finish their conversation with her saying that someway her cargo enterprise is still earning a profit. He lightly shakes his head, clearly amused “A completely crazy time like this and you of all people somehow manage to make money. Why does that make so much sense to me?” She rolls her eyes and the two warmly part, promising to see each other later that evening.
The former heads off, but is stopped by none other than President Palpatine, who calls him into a large office. While Skywalker has met him before, he's still considerably nervous around such a major figure. The political leader congratulates and thanks him for recent service. Anakin attempts to modestly downplay his particular role, but Palpatine won't have it, and declares him to be a model servant for the Republic. Anakin points to the brave loss of several soldiers on the mission, two which the other man sighs. “The never ending sacrifice, the term for our times, eh young Skywalker?”
That last statement hits Anakin, given his earlier comments to Ben, but he shrugs it off. The Republic soon becomes the focus of their conversation, with the older man lamenting that Skywalker lives in such troubled times, and that even a a few centuries before, the latter would be seeing his dutiful work see good dividends. Anakin points to the president's major contributions, only to be surprised by Palpatine stating that while he's doing the best he can, he often wonders how well the Republic could be if led by a Jedi.
This concept initially confuses, but quickly intrigues Skywalker as he hears about what benefits a user of the Force could offer to the government and potentially the galaxy at large. Before the Jedi can fully respond, Palpatine dismisses his talk as the rambling of an old politician and once again thanks him for his service. He wishes Anakin well and departs, with the young man clearly affected by his president's words.
Cut to a gorgeous skyskraper on Coruscant. Though much of the city is still recovering from a previous battle, its beauty and intricate design is still apparent, with countless shimmering structures all over the area, and hard glass buildings to be seen as far as the eye can see. The camera tracks the aforementioned high rise building all the way to the top, at which point it zooms into an enormous and magnificently decorated office seating none other than Chancellor Draezin Crayde himself.
Crayde has clearly upgraded in attire since last time, looking more respectable as a dignitary though the smug arrogance still radiates every time he talks. He converses with unofficial Republic diplomats with him stating (with enough fake sincerity to almost fool the viewer) that he feels an armistice is the best option long term, but that he isn't the one the negotiators need to convince, saying that it will take a great display of willingness on their part for the likes of Phakerem and the Mandalorians to be swayed.
They protest that the Senate is still divided on pursuing peace and Draezin revels in their desperation, lying through his teeth about how the loss of life has been devastating to both sides, and that its in the Republic's hands to best save future lives. “The hardest things are so often the most necessary aren't they?” The diplomats say they will do what they can and get back to him, with the Chancellor almost sadistically adding time is of the essence given that while he's willing to be patient, his associates are not.
With that a satisfied Crayde switches off the communication, only to be addressed by a rougher but still familiar female voice. “Must you enjoy this absurd verbal dance so much?” He turns to see none other than General Phakerem, herself now looking more battle hardened with scar tissue on her face, and just a hint of fatigue in her eyes. The undercurrent of tension lingers in their conversation, but a professional veneer covers much of it.
Crayde responds that they're getting better understanding about enemy status with this dance than any military intelligence could give them; “Getting to see the Republic squirm? I've earned that.” She asks what the negotiations suggest about their next battle plan, with him responding that in all likelihood they'll look for any salient they can find on the map and put whatever forces they aren't currently reorganizing after the disaster at Dantooine.
“And if they aren't?” He's irritated at the question. “Well then they don't have many other options other than doing something remarkably foolish, and even they can't afford those kind of moves anymore.”
She walks over to the window and stares with Crayde following and looking out with her. Down below numerous amounts of different groups of clones march the streets, with dozens of the same clone type making up a unit. Pockets of nervous looking civilians carefully make their way around the city, carefully watched by the armed soldiers. Coalition ship close and far quickly buzz around the area, with a few passing close to the building. The general's face betrays a bit of quiet contentment with the sight.
“Such peace. This on every single planet in the galaxy... if only.” Draezin doesn't quite roll his eyes, but responds that to give it time, and it'll be more than an if. She gives him look and regains her hard demeanor, asking if the supplies for the clone chambers are set. He gives small details about wishing for slightly more lim spice, but that they're surviving well enough. She says the “neutralizer development” gets highest priority of their bulk resources on Coruscant.
He tries to hide his less than positive reaction to this news, but she immediately notices and calls him out on what his issue is. With an attempt at tact, Crayde points to her continual focus on this project makes sense, but that they are hardly in dire straits or in desperate need of this kind of weapon. Phakerem makes it clear that she understands the map of this war better than anyone in the galaxy, and that Jedi forces have been the factor that's slowed their progress in too many areas. She knows her history and explains those who have underestimated the Jedi have paid for it.
Draezin says he understands, but that an obsession with Jedi may not be the ideal way to twin this war. She gets in uncomfortably close and looks right in his eye. “Keep to your dance Chancellor, and I shall keep to mine.” Satisfied with his discomfort, she turns and explains she's heading to Quandmar for reconnaissance. While walking out, she loudly orders him to handle the problem of the underground resistance. “Troops, gas, explosives, I don't care, just get them dealt with.”
At a large conference hall, filled with various officers, select politicians, our heroes, and Palpatine, Fleet Admiral Organa bluntly states that the current state of affairs can't continue. At best they're holding the line in select systems, losing ground in others, and becoming a non-factor in the rest. He states that they've been playing it safe, trying to engage in a long term game that simply isn't working, and if they keep it up they'll be conserving themselves to their inevitable destruction.
Kenobi speaks up, asking if they can afford a major gamble at this point, with Organa replying that at the rate they're going its risk losing their resources in one big movement or have it all be gone through their current strategy in less than a year. He adds that its not just a military matter at this point and Palpatine elaborates, revealing to the room that select Senators have approached him supposedly on behalf of their constituents about a possible peace negotiation with the Mandalorians. Murmurs and slight gasps are heard, and Anakin himself, almost indignant, asks if they're actually serious.
The President responds that whether they are or not, its a serious morale problem regardless, and that the people of the Republic need their faith in their government reaffirmed or restored. Skywalker's body language betrays how bothered he is still by the implication of a possible armistice, which Darelda notices, but tellingly Kenobi does not.
The Fleet Admiral explains that the current plan is designed around raising morale; that through a threefold approach they're going to take back Coruscant. This gets an even greater reaction from the assembled group, with Ben a touch pensive and Anakin clearly pleased by the news. Bail adds that the Mandalorians won't expect a brute force maneuver like the Republic throwing their best forces in at a fortified area and that's the advantage they have.
Bail goes into detail, bringing up the large contingent of armed civilians and soldiers still in the Coruscant underground system led by Major Trukiz still not located by Mandalorian forces as of last contact, though their intelligence has concluded that communication has been cut off. He lays out that they could disarm and destroy enemy defenses on the ground during a Republic invasion if they were directly led by a Republic officer who could get on the planet undetected and get into contact with them.
Nik brings up any such sabotage won't mean much if the planet still has strong outer defenses, and Organa replies that the third side of the operation will take care of that. He brings up an experimental “station” on the Quandmar nebula, an area that completely renders all sensors inoperative, now currently serving as a base for various Jedi, as they are the only ones with the sense ability to navigate in it. He brings up his contact with Nellith the master leading the stationed Jedi there, and the name gets a curious reaction on Kenobi's face.
According to Nellith, Coalition ships have been in the area for some time, clearly wanting recognizing the potential for an attack but reluctant to put too many venturing in blind. A Senator in attendance asks what they're suppose to use the Jedi for then. The Fleet Admiral is blunt: “As bait.” He goes to explain that their own intelligence has identified that much of General Phakerem's attacks have been focused on areas with suspected Jedi forces, and for either strategic or personal reasons, much of her best ships and officers are being utilized on them.
With a visual to demonstrate, Organa details that with the false strategic plans deliberately left by Kenobi and Skywalker on their abandoned ship, and a few more high priority targets including Jedi being seen traveling into the nebula, that the Mandalorians including Phakerem will move their best ships away from the planet and in in order to either capture or destroy the Jedi they believe are planning an offensive. They leave Coruscant, are kept occupied chasing Republic forces in the nebula, and their own forces move in on the planet, ideally assisted by the underground soldiers on the ground.
At this Palpatine steps in again, and states that the two of them have agreed that the move into Quandmar and contact with the Jedi there will involve Kenobi and Darelda, with the two acting as liaisons of the Fleet Admiral and himself respectively. Bail asks if Ben can make his way in the nebula and protect her, with Kenobi responding in the affirmative and that he's certain the Jedi there will be willing and able to help.
After a pause, Ben then inquires how many are being sent to Coruscant to get into contact with the Republic resistance, to which Organa says that it must be a small scale move to reduce the risk of the plan being exposed, and that little more than a small platoon can be sent by sheer necessity; they just need to the best officer to lead them. Palpatine makes it even clearer with a turn to Anakin. “Obviously experienced, but ideally... a Jedi.”
Immediately Ben and Anakin share a look. Skywalker breaths in and addresses the President. “Me?” Palpatine points to his consistent success and progress in missions alongside Kenobi with Organa adding that he's gotten results leading previous troops before. Organa points out the two factors, that a Jedi could best sense the threats there, and that one being sent to the heart of Coruscant would be the last thing the coalition would expect. “Of course, that's if Master Kenobi believes he's up to the task?” Palpatine smoothly states.
Obi-Wan quietly nods to himself before responding that “My apprentice is ready.” The three turn to Skywalker whose face demonstrates the weight of the moment before finally saying “Where the Republic needs me, I'm there.” Palpatine is visibly pleased and Organa agrees, stating the troops are already prepared and that they just need a commercial ship to smuggle them in. “Tricky thing is finding somebody damned foolish enough to go there and not greedy or scared enough to sell you out to the Mandalorians.” At that Ben and Anakin share a look.
Cut to Carima in her quarters grabbing a bag asking when they're leaving. Skywalker sternly says there's no way she's flying them there the extreme risk. When Nivir makes it clear she's quite aware of the peril, he reiterates that this isn't some slightly unsafe cargo run, its a flight to the heart of the enemy. She stares at him, her head slightly cocked. “Impressive, I wasn't aware condescending idiocy was a Jedi power.”
Frustrated, he says they'll find someone else. She isn't changing her mind. “Flyboy I know your education was mostly based around vaporator repair and clearing out wamprats, but let's look at the equation.” She details that he needs a commercial ship on short notice, that's willing to do the mission without backing out, and has transported the kind of cargo the Coalition wants. “Face it, Skywalker, I'm your gal.”
He keeps shaking his head and tells her one misstep won't just mean the mission's failure, its being blasted by Mandlorian firing squad and that's if they're lucky. She replies that its all the more important he gets someone who knows what they're doing. “Look you once dragged me halfway across the galaxy, nearly had my ship blown to pieces, and got me involved in all this nonsense, you're really telling me I don't get to do it voluntarily this time?”
Nivir adds that despite what he thinks he isn't the only one who's had to spend some time in risky territory, and that she's managed bad situations when she had do before. Nik remains unconvinced. “There's other pilots, other ships, ones... ones we can get past losing.” The fear on his face is apparent and a brief silence passes. She breaths in deep and cradles his hands in hers while explaining that there are in fact certain pilots that she can't afford to lose.
“If you're going to do the most foolishly dangerous thing there is, then you're gonna need an even bigger fool to watch your back as long as possible. I can't think of anybody more qualified.” Seeing her small smile, he can't help but kiss her. It lasts a few seconds before they stop and he looks at her, saying if its gonna happen this way, then they'll have to follow the Fleet Admiral's orders to the letter. She gives a playful salute. “As you wish, commander.”
He breaks away and heads off to inform Kenobi and Organa and saying with a hidden grin, of course they might have to redecorate the ship for the mission before they go. Carima's eyes go slightly wide. “Wait, what?”
At spacedock Kenobi overlooks his Republic transport, one outfitted with a number of additional guns and engines; a vessel clearly designed for the travel in the nebula. HX-81 walks up and looks over the ship, not particularly thrilled at its appearance. Obi-Wan notes the droid's dissatisfaction, and iterates that given how many resources have been rationed during the war, the ship's not all that bad, which 81 doesn't quite agree with. “I can't tell if the standards for my visual sensors have gone up or the Republic's taste has simply gone down.”
Ben confirms that 81's along to protect Organa, which he confirms, dryly stating “After all the only threat to her comparable to a fleet of Mandalorian predator ships is the prospect of having only Jedi to talk for the next week. Practically a death sentence either way.” The Jedi can only scoff as the droid begins to board the ship, stopping briefly to tell him that the senator should be on her way. HX's tone gets sincere, asking Kenobi if the Jedi will indeed protect her. “With every power they have.” The droid nods and heads up the vessel.
While finishing his inspection, Anakin arrives to see him off. “I'd wish you luck, but I'm not quite sure which one of us needs it more.” Obi-Wan reminds him that they've survived this far with nary any luck in sight and they can do it again. Nik gives him a half-hearted nod, and the older Jedi then notices how bothered his young apprentice is about something and inquires, despite the latter's initial attempt to downplay it.
After some hesitation, Skywalker admits he's curious as to why Jedi haven't tried running for President, noting what good they could do in the position. Ben is slightly confused by the question, but alludes to previous conversations about how a Jedi's role is to work for the citizens, not have command over them. “We're servants of the Republic, not rulers.” He also adds that those gifted in the ways of the Force could be tempted however minutely, by wielding that much power.
Nik expresses skepticism about that, to which Kenobi explains he knows that when you don't see a Jedi turn for hundreds of years that the Dark Side of the Force begins to seem more fable than fact, but that its threat never goes away. Whatever makes up any individual Jedi, it will be there to corrupt. “That's its most dangerous weapon, Anakin. It takes the best parts of ourselves and makes them our worst.”
That Skywalker somewhat understands, and he explains his frustration that it feels like all of them could be doing more, including their own. Ben asks him what he means and Anakin explicates that there are countless Jedi all over the galaxy they could use, and when Obi-Wan replies that all of them are doing their own part in the war, his apprentice fires back that they're doing so as medical staff, engineers, and even farmers in some cases and where they really need to be as at the front line.
While uncomfortable in any way telling his master what to do, Nik suggests that maybe convincing some of the those in Quandmar to get more Jedi leading missions could be key to helping turn things around, no matter how the attack on Coruscant goes. Kenobi is noticeably uncomfortable with Nik's implication and queries if really thinks that's the solution.
Skywalker makes it very clear. “We're losing the war, half the galaxy belongs to the Mandalorians, and we've got a lot people losing their lives wondering if their death's going to be worth anything. Ben what the hell are we doing?” His old friend's words have a clear effect on Obi-Wan, with an expression disclosing just how disturbed he is by exactly that question.
Sensing this, Anakin apologies and states the stress of the everything has been getting to him. “Look I know you'll figure out what we need to do, you wouldn't be Ben Kenobi if you didn't.” He asks that the Force be with him and gives him a quick embrace. Obi-Wan wishes him the same, his face still featuring the same concern and worry as before. As his student departs, he says he'll know Skywalker will be careful.
At that, Nik gives him a mock concerned look. “Are you sure? This is me we're talking about.” The two exchange small grins as Anakin moves out of sight and in his place arrives Darelda who also notices his preoccupied countenance and asks what he's got something on his mind, with Ben replying simply “Questions.” She inquires if they're for Nellith. “For all of us I think, Senator.”
Cut to Anakin walking into Carima's cargo ship, and the small elite troop immediately standing at attention. They stay professional as the Jedi quickly surveys the team. Demonstrating the same military authority he did in the opening scene, he expresses that he doesn't need to tell them about either the importance and the danger of this operation, or that this will be far beyond what any one of them have experienced before.
Skywalker makes a point that he'll do what he can to keep them alive, but there's a good chance he can't protect them completely from their own mistakes and the reality is “If you fail here, then you fail for the last time.” He asks if their internal tracers are in and they all answer in the affirmative. At that, he puts them at ease and tells them to eat and rest now because once they're close to Coruscant, the mission has to be the only thing on their minds.
Ben, Organa, 81 wait on the outskirts of the nebula, trying appear as if they're sneaking in. After some Republic conversation between the three of them. A Mandalorian ship soon revealed to have Phakerem on it spots them and begins the chase. When they reach the nebula, Phakerem's crew is reluctant to go in, but upon hacking the Republic ship's communication and realizing its Kenobi, she orders their vessel in.
On Niwir's ship Anakin walks into the cockpit to find Carima already there. Nik sits down next to her and she asks if he can handle it. “What, the mission?” She raises an eyebrow. “No, resisting that childish urge of yours to try and show me up and fly this thing yourself.” He grins and leans back. “I'll be fine, besides people on Coruscant would get mighty suspicious if they saw the work of the best pilot in the fleet.” She rolls her eyes “The Mandalorians deserve you in the worst way.” The ship takes off from the station and goes into hyperspace.