Chapter Text
“—Move the troops in position on the north-west side of the mountain region. Should the separatist gain a foothold in the north, move further west and try to bring down any structures you leave behind. As we’re facing a droid army, don’t bother with salting and burning the earth, that will only leave unnecessary damage for once the war is over and the civilian population moves back into the area.”
“Duly noted, General.” Cody’s hologram nodded consideringly. Next to him, Admiral Yularen was frowning slightly, but not saying anything.
“Any concerns, Admiral?”
He starts slightly, and blinks a few times. “No. Oh, no no. Not at all, General.”
Obi-Wan raises an eyebrow, sceptical. “Are you certain?”
Silence, both figures squirm a bit and then Cody visibly steels himself.
“It’s a good plan, General. It’s just… quite different from the strategies you usually employ.”
Ah. Well. Obi-Wan is not surprised they noticed.
“Usually, Commander, I’m in the field with you. When I am, I can depend on my own observations as well as the observations others have made to formulate my plans.” Obi-Wan looks away from the comm briefly and strokes his beard. “If something changes the situation, I can make split second decisions and help the troops retreat if necessary.”
He sighs heavily. He doesn’t like this, he doesn’t like this at all.
“Now, when I have to make all plans and strategies from afar, thus relying entirely on second-hand information, I must be more conservative. I also cannot rely on myself to help the troops anymore. Until you’re assigned a new Jedi General, there is no Force user with you. That means I have to plan everything while keeping that in mind.”
“I… see, General. Thank you for explaining,” Cody says. Obi-Wan knows he won’t take offence, there’s nothing about this that is about a lack of faith in Cody or his men.
“Very good, General. We’ll get back in contact once we’ve employed the strategy, or in case the situation changes,” Yularen says with a nod.
“Very well, thank you, Admiral. I have full faith in you and your men, Commander. I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”
“Thank you, General.”
Obi-Wan is tired. So, so, tired. He rubs a hand over his tired eyes, wanting nothing more than to go to sleep and not wake up until the war is over.
“Cup of tea, General?”
Obi-Wan startles out of his distraction and looks up. Waxers stands there with a steaming cup in his hand. Obi-Wan blinks at it.
“It’s Gatalentan,” Waxer says and holds the cup out. Obi-Wan blinks again before gingerly taking the cup from Waxer’s hand.
He brings the cup beneath his nose and breathes in the aroma. Absolutely perfect. He takes a long drink.
“Thank you, Waxer,” he murmurs once he’s lowered the cup from his lips again.
“You’re welcome, General. I’ll go back to the surveillance room now.” Waxer salutes and heads off before Obi-Wan can say anything more.
Hah. Good men, his troops. Obi-Wan allows a small smile and takes another drink.