It was day 20 of Republic operations on Jabiim. Republic forces were stretched across most of the planet. Word was that the Jedi commanders were mopping up the last of the resistance. Outpost SR had developed nicely. The Outpost now had a mobile medical center, a line of communications with all Republic facilities on planet, a tent barracks, a mess hall, a wall made of wood. There were two gates that were now clearly established, as well as various bunkers and trenches on the outside. In between the trenches and bunkers near the wall of the outpost was electrified wire. A design flaw that Rex would become familiar with. Outpost SR had also received a few platoons of loyalist fighters. Rex now had been notified that he was now officially in charge of the unit and that he was given a field promotion to captain. However the way he operated remained very much the same, which went to earn the respect of his brother clones. Alpha had been stabilised and was healing on Kamino. Denal would be back in active duty from medical leave in about a week. Captain Rex was manning the main gate when he heard a thump from what sounded like a hollow tube. He knew that it was a mortar and quickly turned around to yell incoming to the gun hole manning the wall. He saw that that they were already heading to the bunker. Rex started to run to the bunker as well as he was still exposed but it was too late. The round hit just past the bunker and rex felt the impact of dirt and hitting his armor. Rex ran outside the main gate to warn the minesweepers who had begun to return. He heard another thump and dove into an indentation near the gate. This time however rex was blown skyward and landed in the wire. Somewhere from the explosions from the motors power to the wire was cut and as the wire was smooth Rex was able to get out of it, with mild difficulty. This seemed to be just a shelling as no infantry attempted to fire at Rex, or the outpost. And just as quick as it started it ended. In the distance Rex could see the outline of a man glide away. Rex realized then that the attack had been conducted by a Nimbus Commando. Despite the likelihood of them catching him Rex sent out kill teams to try and kill the commando. The teams returned with no enemy kills, nor friendly casualties as Rex expected. However Rex increased the security measures in the outpost to further protect against another mortar attack in the future. Rex made sure that from now on at dawn and dusk the perimeter would be on full alert. He also posted spotters with high powered binoculars to keep a look out. Any enemy movement they would fire with their guns or would send out kill teams. This occurred for a few days when everything changed. The Republic had just experienced its first major resistance. General Kenobi was headed back to Shelter Base to organize Republic Forces on the planet. Lieutenant Skywalker and Ashla company were headed to Outpost SR to link up with Torrent Company. A day passed and Ashla company arrived. They company looked impressive. Not only did Ashla company consist of nearly every clone type, but it also had a decent amount of armor. Including four of the newly developed TX-130 Saber-class fighter tanks; two of which were in the front of the formation and two in the back. On either side of the company was 3 CK-6 Swoop Bikes, 4 AT-TE walkers in the rear of the formation, two AT-ET in front of the AT-TE walkers. In the middle of the formation was a CMD-1 Speeder Command Vehicle. In the front of the formation was two AT-RTs. The infantry presence consisted of around 260 Clones. In the front was a someone who appeared to be a Clone, however also wore robes with it, and had a lightsaber equipped with his belt. Walking in a V formation with this individual were 3 other ARC troopers. Walking behind and to the side of the ARC troopers were 15 Clone Scout troopers and 15 Riot Clone troopers. Scattered throughout the formation were 16 Advanced Recon Force Troopers, on board the CMD-1 were what appeared to be 2 Clone advisors. Walking alongside the lead walker were 6 blaze troopers. Mixed into the mixture of the clone formation were 20 Clone Ordnance Specialists. The lighter armor was escorted by 13 clone engineers. On top of the AT-TE's Rex could also make out 6 clone snipers. Rex also counted 4 Clone Heavy gunners and 8 Clone Jet troopers. Movement behind the formation caught Rex's eye. He quickly realized that he was looking at a Gunship Bomber, 2 LAAT/I, and a LAAT/C. Rex knew by heart thanks to his training exactly how many Clones were required to crew all the vehicles in Ashla Company. After a quick deduction of that number, and of the specialized Clone infantry units rex guessed that there was 147 regular Clones. That brought Ashla Company to… 300 Clones. No that could not be right. That would mean that Ashla Company was at full strength. Maybe they were able to get replacement troops. Afterall communication on the planet was difficult due to the atmospheric interference. After a few minutes Ashla company had arrived at the main gate. Rex opened the main gate. Quickly the AT-RT's, AT-ET's, the CMD-1, the CK-6s, and all the clones entered. The LAAT/I and the Gunship bomber landed to the left of Outpost SR, outside the wire. The LAAT/C picked up two of the AT-TE walkers and positioned them so that the rear of each walker faced the gunships before landing itself. The two other AT-TE's began a patrolling pattern around the base. 2 of the TX-130s went over to assist with protecting the gunships, and the other two assisted patrolling with the other AT-TE's. After the clammer of Ashla Company entering the outpost was over, Rex was left with the individual in Robbed clone armor.
"I am Lieutenant Commander Anakin Skywalker." Anakin said taking off the helmet he was wearing. Rex snapped to attention
"Sir i am Clone Captain CT-7567. Welcome to Outpost SR."
"You're not CT-7567." Anakin said in a flat way that was seething with energy beneath it.
"Sir I don't understand. I am CT-7567."
"No. 7567 is your birth number. Your Captain Rex, recently promoted. I've heard a lot about you and your handlings within Torrent Company. Unfortunate business with Alpha-17. He spoke highly of you before he was transported off planet." Said Anakin as he let a genuine smile through. Anakin had spoken with such compassion and understanding. A way that no Jedi has ever spoke to him, or any Clone that he knew of. Rex quickly remembered that Anakin was not a Jedi. But he was as skilled as one. And equipped in kind with the lightsaber. If this interaction kept up as it was Rex was happy with this appointment, he just hoped that this Lieutenant Commander had the fighting ability to go with the personality.
"Thank you Commander Skywalker." Rex said nodding his head in approval.
"You're now my XO. Congratulations Captain. Let's go we have a planet to secure before the Jedi cause us to lose it." And with that Anakin walked through the gate, which Rex shut behind him.