Jedi Master Mara Jade stood among the tall trees on the outskirts of what is to become a battlefield of epic proportions. Her job in this battle was clear, and while she didn't like it, nor did she trust the outcome, General Kenobi gave the orders, and she would not disappoint him. She commanded only a trio of sharpshooting snipers, clad in camouflaged armor and sporting the latest in long-range ballistics. She felt the cold shudder of the Dark Side wash over her as Darth Leia approached. With her was the target, the former Rebel and current lackey of the Sith Witch. While it was not in her nature to feel joy at the thought of the death of another, nor was it a belief of the Light Side, she felt the eagerness and anticipation of her soldiers as they all hoped to be the one to take down the woman who has slain more Rebels than any other.
"Snipers, ready your weapons, our quarry approaches," ordered Jade. "Take separate positions so as to split their focus once the shooting begins. You'll all have only one shot at this, and then you are to retreat to the preplanned location immediately and without looking back. I shall remain behind to cover your escape and then I'll follow. Should I fall, you are not to come to my aid. Is this understood?"
"Yes General," said the three sharpshooters in unison. With that, they dispersed to their designated positions, readying their weapons and adjusting their sights according to wind direction and speed. They were the absolute best snipers in the entire Rebellion, aside from the former Rebel Thena Skyblade, and Mara had faith that they'd carry out their directives.
Mara took the time to kneel in the tall grasses and fall into a shallow meditation. Through the Force, she set a proximity alert so as not to be taken by surprise. She stretched out through the Force and calmed herself. She was not happy with the part she was asked to play in this battle. She preferred to stand side by side where her troops, facing Darth Leia at the blade. Instead, she was part of a hit and run tactic that she felt was unnecessary. Her red hair flowed easily in the breeze, tickling her face as it danced in the wind. Her chest rose and fell rhythmically, calm and serene. Her porceline skin shone in the sunlight, its rays glistening off her rosy cheeks. Mara had heard many whispers from others of how beautiful she was, though she'd never agree with that. She was a Jedi, and such ideals were of no consequence to her. While the New Jedi Order, under guidance from Master Kenobi allowed such things as relationships, Mara still felt that the was of the Old Jedi were more appropriate, and she had no thought of such inconsequential thoughts such as her looks.
She was awoken from her meditation by the Force, she could feel the footsteps of the approaching hoard of Imperial Troops. She stood on her feet and slunk deeper into the treeline, shrouding herself in the Force.
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Darth Leia could feel the Jedi in the area, and it excited her. She had longed to fight Jedi, for it had been too long since she last murdered one with her blade. Rebels were a nuisance, easy to kill and no match for her prowess in both skilled combat and the Force. The thought of crossing blades with a Jedi Master made her skin tingle and put a wicked smile across her black glossed lips. Beside her, Smashbolt strode with purpose. Her Right Hand was armed to the teeth, carrying both of her DL-44 blasters and other armaments. Clearly, she expected quite the battle. Leia would hate to disappoint her Commander-At-Arms on that point, so she'd be sure to leave enough Rebels to quench Smashbolt's bloodlust. Still, Leia could detect a hint of uncertainty in her protege's thoughts, unsettling and unsure. It was curious to Leia, as the woman had never before gone into battle with such thoughts. More importantly, Smashbolt normally held a great deal of mental fortitude, prohibiting even Leia from reading her thoughts easily. That thought unsettled Leia, though briefly. She attributed it to the coming battle, combined with the fact that Smashbolt had never faced a Jedi before, much less Jedi Masters. "Calm yourself, young lady," said Leia to the other woman. "I can sense your uneasiness, and it is unwarranted. We shall be victorious in this battle as we are in any other. Do not fear these Jedi, they don't possess the power or strength that I do. They are no match for us."
"Yes, Mistress," replied Smashbolt. She was disappointed in herself for letting her guard down at all, so she steeled her nerves and trudged on. Instinctively, she drew her weapons, gifts from her Mistress.
"Am I to presume you can sense things I cannot?" asked Leia. "Why do you draw your weapons so soon? I sense no imminent threats, other than a couple of scouts in the treeline to the West. You act as if you are expecting something so soon."
"You taught me to always expect an attack, and those trees to the West provide a heavy cover for an assassin or sniper. It's where I'd set up if I was going to take an opening shot. I'm just being prepared, nothing more," replied Smashbolt with a sense of confidence. What she said made sense, and Leia could find no fault in her theory. They continued to walk on, marching towards where here scouts had reconned the enemy camp. As precaution, she unhooked her lightsabers from their loops on her belt. Just in case.
"Troopers, fan out, attack pattern Bravo. Shock troops up front and grenadiers along the perimeter in the rear," shouted Smashbolt to the trailing battalion of troops. "Heavy Artillery will march down the mid--"
Smashbolt's sudden silence was preceded by a loud hiss, ending with a sharp snap. Leia spun around to find her young assistant lying in the grass, her eyes wide open in shock, blood smeared across the side of her head. Leia could detect no signs of life in her former protege. For a moment, Leia could hardly believe it. She could sense no impending attack, and yet the only woman Leia had any faith in other than herself lay dead in the grass. "Squad, into those trees and flush out the assailants! No one lives, do you understand me?!?!"
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Mara Jade had done her job, as had her troopers. They were already far from their sniping positions, and were well on their way to the rendezvous point with the rest of the Rebels. She unhooked her lightsaber from her belt and slunk further into the woods, disappearing into them. The opening gambit had been taken, and the plan was going accordingly. She looked out onto the plains, and locked eyes with Darth Leia. It won't be the last time she stared into those gleaming violet eyes.
