I do not own Star Wars The Clone Wars.
As the war went on, Odette found herself adapting to her new Master and role in the war. Even her armor had changed from it's silver, gold and blue to a dark grey with no color added. It blended better among most terrains. She had fixed her helmet as well, upgrading it with a better night vision and scope system. But what had changed the most was her hair. She had cut away most of it. She kept only a small tussle of curls on the top of her head and shaved down the sides and back of her head. It made it much easier to put her helmet on and took much less time in the refresher.
Odette looked over the holo-map of the republic forces they were currently working with. "Master Krell, Masters Kenobi, Skywalker and Tiin are in position."
"Excellent." Krell spoke as he looked at another monitor. They were currently in the command post for their Battalion. "Send our troops into position."
Odette nodded as she relayed the orders, beginning their assault. Their Battalion was supporting the 212th while they led the main assault on the capital. Their main job was air support, but they still had a decent ground force.
The battle was progressing slowly, the Umbarans were dug in deep. "Incoming request from 501st. Requesting an air strike." Odette looked over as she read the request to the General. Krell thought on it, weighing the benefit of diverting their forces from the main objective. Odette spoke up once more as something else came up on the channel. "Incoming transmission from Coruscant."
Krell was intrigued. "Put it through." He ordered as he turned towards the main holo-terminal. His interest was peaked as Chancellor Palpatine materialized on the holo. "Supreme Chancellor, how may I help?"
"Would General Skywalker be available?" Palpatine asked gently.
"Master Skywalker is leading his forces." Odette answered as she pulled up a map on a smaller terminal. "The Umbarans are making communications difficult. We are only able to receive yours due to being in low orbit and not on the ground." She resumed her silenced once she had answered the Chancellor's question.
"I see." Palpatine rubbed his chin in thought. "I required his immediate presence on Coruscant."
"It will be difficult to continue the mission without him." Krell pointed out matter-of-factly.
"Then perhaps you could lead his troops?" Palpatine suggested. "I'm sure your Padawan can handle your own troops." He looked over at the daughter of the duchess of Mandalore. She was almost an entirely different person compare to who he had first met.
Krell observed his Padawan, she remained impassive as the Chancellor complimented her. "My troops can manage themselves. I will request the change from the council."
"My thanks." Palpatine gave the Jedi a small bow before the transmission cut out.
Odette watched and waited for her master's order. "You conducted yourself well, but next time you shall leave the speaking to your Master. Understood?" Krell looked over as his Padawan stared at the holo-terminal.
Odette held herself still as her Master reprimanded her. "Yes Master." Odette responded mechanically.
"Good." Krell began to walk out of the room. "Send an air strike as requested and prep a gunship. I must speak with the council about this matter." He left the room, not waiting for a response.
"Who's in the area?" Odette asked as she brought up the location of the 501st.
"I've got a pair of bombers from the 212th?" A trooper responded.
"Redirect them." Odette ordered. She then left the command room, sliding her helmet on. She quickly got to the hanger and located an available gunship. She briefly explained what they were doing and organized a two fighter escort as well. She turned towards Master Krell as he arrived. "We are ready to depart Master." Krell nodded and got on without a word.
The gunship took off and took them down to the shadow world of Umbara. They landed in an open area near Master Skywalker's troops. Odette followed Master Krell off of the ship, staying a step behind him and to his left. "Master Krell, Padawan Kryze." Anakin greeted the two. "You have my thanks for the air support."
"No need, General Skywalker." Master Krell replied. "The locals are proving to be more resourceful than we anticipated."
Odette could see the wheels turning in Anakin's head. "But that's not the reason for your visit." He looked between the two for confirmation.
Krell nodded. "No. The Council has ordered you back to Coruscant, effective immediately."
"What?" Anakin asked, surprised by the order. "Why?"
"I'm afraid a request was made by the Supreme Chancellor." Krell explained. "He would not say why, but the Council obliged him."
Anakin shook his head. "I can't just leave my men."
Krell spoke in a very calm and level voice. "I'll be taking over in the interim."
"Don't worry about a thing Sir." Rex spoke. "We'll have this city under Republic control by the time you're back."
Odette could understand Master Skywalker's feelings, his emotions were plain to read. Luckily he was able to pull himself together. "Master Krell, this is Captain Rex, my First-in-Command. You won't find a finer or more loyal trooper anywhere. Padawan Kryze can attest to that."
Odette stayed still and at ease as Master Krell looked to her. "Good to hear that." He placed a hand on the younger Jedi's shoulder. "I wish you well, Skywalker." Odette could sense a bit of worry coming from the departing Jedi, but also a confidence. He trusted his men and fellow jedi.
Once the gunship and it's accompanying fighters had flown away, Rex approached their new General. "You're reputation proceeds you, General. It is an honor to be serving you." Odette chewed her lip, wishing she had stopped him from speaking.
"I find it very interesting Captain that you are able to recognize the value of others...for a clone." Odette could feel the shock, hurt and slight anger coming from Rex as Krell spoke. "Stand at attention when I address you." Instantly the clone squared up, as did a few others within earshot. "Your flattery is duly noted, but it will not be rewarded. There's a reason my command is so effective and it is because I do things by the book, and that includes protocol. Have all platoons ready to move out immediately. That is all." With his words spoken, he walked on.
Odette could feel the collective sigh as everyone relaxed, shocked and confused at what had just happened. "Is he usually like that?" Odette looked over as Echo spoke to her.
Odette sighed as she pulled her helmet off. "He takes some getting used to."
"You cut your hair?" Fives was shocked by the new look. "I almost don't recognize you."
Odette opened her mouth to reply when her wrist beeped. "Got to go." She said quickly before putting her helmet back on and hurrying after Master Krell. "Apologies Master." She spoke up as she resumed walking just behind him.
"We are here to capture Umbara, not gossip." Krell scolded her. "Remember your training."
"Yes Master." Odette responded.
It didn't take long for them to get moving. There was a steady incline and many large plants blocking their way. Not to mention the constant twilight limiting their visibility. Despite all these thing, they were managing well enough. At least, that's what Odette was under the impression of.
"Quicken that pace Battalion." Krell ordered as they marched on. "This isn't some training exercise on Kamino!" Odette stayed right behind him, knowing that was her place.
She kept an eye on the surrounding area, making sure not to miss anything. She had gotten better at seeing shadows of the future. It was now controlling what she saw the future of that she was working on. So far, nothing was moving around them. She looked back at the clones, seeing their shadows stop and point up. Looking up, she saw two glowing creatures heading towards them.
"Ready your weapons!" She heard Rex call out behind her. Odette pulled out one of her blasters, taking out each creature with a single shot. It was easy to hit them with one shot when she knew where they would be in advance. "Uh, nice shots Kid."
Odette's head snapped in Rex's direction. She hadn't been called anything other than Commander since she had become Krell's padawan. No one dared address her as anything else. She could sense Krell looking at her with a raised eyebrow. "Do not call me that, Captain." She said nothing more as she put her blaster away and turned to Krell. "We are ready to keep moving Master."
"So it seems." Krell spoke calmly. "Remember men, we are not here to play with the animals. Now keep moving." He turned and continued walking, Odette behind him as she should be.
Odette stayed quiet as she cleared her mind of old thoughts, of so many names. None of the clones in Krell's Battalion were allowed names. Names brought attachment into the picture. Attachments led to complications and unnecessary pain and emotions. So it was better to not have a name, to forget names. Names like Plinko.
It was after 12 hours into their march that Rex picked up his pace and caught up with General Krell. "General Krell, the top of this ridge will make a good place for the men to make camp."
"The men don't need rest." Odette knew this argument all too well. It was how she built up the endurance to get through an entire training session with Master Krell. "They need the resolve to complete the task at hand."
"But Sir." Rex argued.
"CT-7567, are you reading me." Krell didn't even look at the clone as he spoke.
Rex was completely shocked, he had used his number. "Excuse me, Sir?"
"I asked you a question, CT-7567." Krell crossed his arms as he spoke and came to a stop. Odette stopped just past him, hoping to block herself from the emotions rolling off of Rex. "Do you understand the need to adhere to my strategy?"
Odette had to admit, Rex was bold to continue to argue with Master Krell. "Sir, the terrain is extremely hostile. Despite the difficulty of the conditions the Battalion is making good time. These men just need a little break."
Odette felt a slight chill as Krell moved to stand in front of Rex. "Captain, do I need to remind you of this Battalion's strategic mission in conquering this planet? Look back." He pointed behind Rex, drawing the Captain's attention. "See those platoons? Their mission is to take this city and take it swiftly. Time and rest are not luxuries the Republic can afford. We are the key to this invasion. The other Battalions are counting on our support. If we fail, everyone fails. Do you understand this? Do all of you understand this? Now move on."
Odette waited as Krell continued walking. She prepared to step back into line as Rex grabbed her arm. "Do you agree with him?" She didn't look back at him as she stepped away, letting her arm swing as he let it go. She kept her gaze down, knowing it was better if they followed her example and stopped antagonizing Krell. He wasn't like Anakin, so they couldn't act like they did around Skywalker while Krell was in command.
Everyone ready for the mental screwing Umbara is about to play on everyone? I honestly love this arc, but my gosh I hate what takes place during it. If that makes any sense.