Hello hello everyone! Welcome to the Umbara AU story!
I just want to quickly say that: the chapters are going to be long (like this one) so the updates will be slow. It follows the episodes at first (as you'll see) but it splits away eventually. This is my personal view and idea for it, so if you don't feel it, feel free to stop reading. I don't want to say too much, because I fear it might spoil anything, so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me! (You can also find me on tumblr under 'brothers-all' where I'll be posting this story as well.
This is also my second? big project, so I really ask you to review what you thought! It always means a great deal to me!

Anyway, that's all for the first one!
Read, review and enjoy~

Chapter 1

Umbara was hell. It was so different than most anything any of them have done. The whole planet was a giant mass of doom, gloom, mist and shadows, and their enemy lived in this. They survived in this. That put the men at a major disadvantage.

Getting to the planet alone was difficult, but actually traversing the terrain – well, it was a nightmare. Everything was working against them: the nature, the shadows, their lack of knowledge – everything. And there were brothers dying at every step, at every move. Each shot fired, took a life, be if friendly or enemy. Each mistake was severely punished and everyone knew it. Not only that, but the Umbaras knew the terrain like the back of their suits – it's why they were able to set up traps and ambushes so damn well. The 501st lost many man before the fighting even really started. There was no telling how many more would be lost in the actual battle.

That's not to mention how tiring and exhausting just being on this plant was. The atmosphere was thicker and heavier than the normal ones they're used to, but back on Kamino, they had training for it. Just, it never felt like this. The sun was nowhere to be seen or felt, as the thick mist covered every nook and cranny. The only natural light they had, were those eerily red glowing plants all around. It didn't really help, other than make everything seem ten times more horrifying. There was hardly any time to catch a breath or try and regain some energy. The Umbarans were constantly on their tail and if one relaxed too much, it pretty much assured death.

The one thing they actually had, was a Jedi. General Skywalker was, as always, right there in the thick of it with them. Commander Tano wanted to join as well, but she was assigned to help outside the planet, along with Commander Barriss. So right now, Skywalker was the best hope around. And then-

The gunship arrived out of nowhere as the men gathered. They haven't received any words about any new arrival or reinforcements. The bright lights inside the ship were a stark contrast to the constant darkness that surrounded them. Although, the person inside the ship, wasn't such a good thing to see. This couldn't be good.

"General Krell's here?" Dogma asked, puzzled as they watched the new arrival.

"Something big must be going on…" Fives answered, eyeing the Besalisk. Krell was supposed to be on the other side of the planet, fighting with General Tiin. If he's here…

"Master Krell," Skywalker gave a bow of his head. "My thanks, for the air support," he added, giving a weak smile.

"Indeed General Skywalker," the other Jedi gave a bow himself, arms folded. "The locals have proved to be more resourceful than we anticipated."

"But that's not the reason for your visit," Anakin sounded worried as he knew this was serious. Something must have happened.

"No," Pong started. "The Council has ordered you back to Coruscant, effective immediately," the way his eyes narrowed didn't sit well with anyone. And his tone took on a more demanding one.

"What? Why?" Skywalker didn't understand. Just what's gotten into them? He was needed here, right now!

"I'm afraid the request was made by the Supreme Chancellor. The Council obliged. That is all they would tell me" Krell didn't sound like he was worried about what would happen without Skywalker here.

"Well, I can't just leave my men!" Anakin didn't want to go, but if the Supreme Chancellor gave the request personally, then he couldn't refuse.

"I'll be taking over in the Inner Rim," Pong gave a small bow and a smile, assuring the Human it was alright to leave.

"Don't, worry about a thing sir," the Captain spoke up as the Jedi turned to him. However, no one quite caught the sudden annoyance in Krell's eyes as he did so. "We'll have this city under Republic control by the time you're back," Rex assured as well, glancing at the Besalisk and back. Being so far away from Coruscant, it might take a while before he gets there and back. But they could do without him.

"Master Krell, this is Rex," Skywalker figured he didn't have a choice. And if Rex was sure, then he'd trust the man. "My first in command. You won't find a finer and more loyal trooper anywhere," he said firmly and Rex barely kept his expression passive. He knew Skywalker trusted him and valued his opinion, but it's always… great, to hear something like that. Especially in such regard. Made them feel more like men than clones.

"Good to hear that," Pong didn't seem to care much though. "I wish you well Skywalker," he added quickly, setting a parting arm on his shoulder.

As Anakin walked towards the ship, the rest watched him leave. And again, no one caught the angered look Krell had as the younger man stepped on. To the men, it was like watching one of those old holo-movies, only reversed: the hero was leaving instead of arriving in a bright light to save the day. And as the ship left, Rex stepped closer, watching. They still had a job to do, and they'll do it.

"Your reputation proceeds you, General," he said respectfully, turning to the Jedi. They've heard of Pong Krell, but despite that, Rex would do his best to serve. "It is an honor to be serving you."

"I find it very interesting, Captain, that you are able to recognize the value of honor, for a clone," the Besalisk's voice and demeanor seemed to have changed instantly as he turned to face – no, look down on – the rest of the men.

Rex himself however, was shocked by his words. Just what was he talking about? And the way he said 'clone' – it just… felt wrong. Maybe he was just overreacting. But he couldn't help but look at the Jedi in shock.

"Stand at attention when I address you," the order came and he snapped into formation. Back straight, head forward and feet stiff. It was more of a reaction than anything else. Good soldiers, follow orders after all. But it's been a while since someone's demanded such behavior from them.

"Your flatter is dully noted, but it will not be rewarded. There's a reason my command is so effective and it's because I do things by the book," Krell said, arms folded as he walked forwards, towards Fives who stood closer than most others.

"And that includes protocol," he passed the ARC trooper, never once looking back. "Have all platoons move out immediately – that is all," he slightly turned his head, just to make sure the Captain heard him, before leaving.

Fives looked at Rex, with surprise and disbelieve, expecting some sort of joke or something. Rex was after all, the most responsible one around at the moment. Dogma gave the ARC a sidelong look, seeing nothing wrong with it. But Rex only sighed and gave a weak shrug, unsure what to do. He just knew he didn't like it.

None of them liked the new General. Maybe Dogma, but that was beside the point. Krell might be renowned for what he's achieved, and maybe that's what matters to the Jedi, but to them? It was the way he treated them that mattered. Hardly anyone's had contact with the man's own Battalion – the 112th – and that was only one thing to be concerned about.

"I don't like him," Jesse frowned as he watched the Besalisk move past them.

"You don't have to, just do as he says," Rex let out a long breath, giving the man a quick glance before moving up to follow the General.

"'Just do as he says'," Jesse imitated the Captain, his voice tweaked a little.

"Real mature," Hardcase laughed next to him.

"You know Rex has to say crap like that," Fives couldn't keep the grin off his face, but he knew the blonde didn't mean anything by what he said.

"I know; I know…" Jesse sighed. "I just don't like the guy."

"Hey, maybe he's not all bad. Give him a chance," Dogma spoke up from behind, as passive as usual. Though he sounded almost… hopeful.

"His reputation isn't exactly the best," Jesse looked back at him, but missed the slight shock and stiffness of the ARC slightly ahead of him.

"Well… General Skywalker also has a reputation…" Tup spoke up, still fearful as most shinies. But it's a surprise him and Dogma get along so well.

"Yeah, but General Skywalker isn't as bad as his reputation," Fives frowned, recalling how he's also heard a great many things about the man. But actually joining the 501st then, he saw most of those were just rumors.

"And how do you know that?" Dogma had a knowing look in his eyes.

"We've been serving with him long enough," Jesse spoke, slightly annoyed now.

"My point exactly," Dogma nodded forward, to General Krell. "You haven't served with him long yet. Maybe when you do, you'll see he's better than his reputation."

The two shared a look and then glanced at the Besalisk. Somehow, they doubted the new General would be like that. The way he spoke before, to the Captain, didn't give them the impression of a good General.

"I'll ask Rex," Fives volunteered, just to move away from the conversation. He and Rex probably know the most about this new General, including his real reputation… The ARC was just glad they've managed to keep it somewhat under wraps for now.

"As I said – just follow orders and it'll be fine," Rex had said, but it sounded very monotone. Like it wasn't really him talking or something.

"Following orders isn't what's been keeping us alive this long," Fives frowned, pulling at the man's shoulder. The way he easily did the motion however, showed that the Captain was tired and exhausted more than he thought.

"It's kept us alive more than you think," there was a slight hiss to the words. "A man who can't follow orders is a wild card. And in this war, it can do more damage than good."

"…Those aren't your words. You're repeating after someone."

"I'm just speaking from experience."

The two were in a small standoff, staring at each other as brothers moved past. It was only when Kix came and practically shoved some food rations at them that they snapped out of it.

"I haven't seen you two eat today," the medic held the bars, looking from one man to the other. "Unless I see it now, you're not moving."

"…" the two gave him a look, grabbed the rations and ate them. There was no point in arguing with the medic. It surprised them it actually took him this long to get to them. Kix and the other medics have been going all around, making sure their brothers were sustained and hydrated and all that.

"Good. Now I just need to check on a few more…" the medic grumbled and turned around, looking for someone, apparently.

"I won't make any promises… But I'll follow you," Fives turned to the Captain.

"I guess that's the best I can hope from you…" Rex let out a sigh and set his bucket back on. "C'mon, let's keep moving. There's plenty more ground to cover." They both knew this conversation was far from over, but at least it's been paused for now.

"Quicken that pace battalion! This isn't some training course on Kamino!" Krell had called over at them, agitated and annoyed as they moved. Has anyone told him that yelling like that won't make them move faster? They're not animals.

"The uh, new General has a way with words," Fives said, looking at the Captain. They caught up to the Besalisk quickly, and they were starting to regret it.

"He's just trying to keep us on schedule," Rex reasoned, but he didn't sound half as confidant as he seemed.

"By raising everyone's ire?" there was no doubt everyone was already annoyed by the Jedi's constant yells and demands. And he clearly didn't plan to change it anytime soon.

"Either way, he's in charge and we've got a job to do. Just treat him with respect and we'll all get along fine," Rex said, and again, the usual confidence was missing from his voice. Either that or the exhaustion was getting to him.

"Do you see that?" Fives nudged him in the arm and pointed at the sky, where a few green-glowing blobs appeared. A closer look however, showed creatures flying at them and they didn't seem all that friendly…

"Yeah, ready your weapons!" the Captain pulled one of his blasters, the rest of the soldiers following suit. They waited until the two beasts were closer, before firing. And despite the green glow, it was hard to aim – what were they supposed to aim at? What were they even seeing? The planet was, again, against them and they were at a loss.

The creatures were fast and agile as they flew above them, snatching up Vitori and Bump – the former got dropped onto the ground soon after while Bump was carried away. As the men kept firing, Krell actually moved and jumped in the air, using the plants around to get atop the creature and got it to release the soldier – luckily, he dropped safely. And Vitori was fine, just shaken mostly.

The General actually forced the beast to crash into the ground, before restraining it and pulling out his lightsabers – two staff like ones at that – and stab it with them. The second one came flying back, but Krell quickly disposed of it, slashing its underbelly with his sabers. It gave the men something to realize – this guy was still a Jedi and he was powerful. He may not be Skywalker, but he sure as hell didn't mess around. Just another reminder not to piss him off and stay on his good side. Assuming he had one…

The second creature landed by Rex and Fives, who still kept their blasters trained on it, just in case. But Pong deactivated his weapons and calmly walked towards the still squirming beast, stomping it as he said: "Anyone else want to drop and play with the animals?" looking at the nearby soldiers, but the Captain more specifically.

No answer came – what was one even supposed to say to that? – and Krell just seemed annoyed. "Didn't think so," he gave a final glare before turning. "Now keep moving," another order as he continued forward, as if nothing had happened.

Fives shared another look with Rex, but with the buckets on, it was hard to tell what the other was thinking. Hard, but not impossible. Just because he can handle it, doesn't mean we can. They knew they were 'disposable' but they haven't been treated like that so it was a new, or more, very old feeling. The Kaminoans were like that, but back then was training. This now, is war. And if they couldn't count on the General, then they were in trouble. And to boot, they now had to worry about these flying bat-like creatures – as if they didn't have enough shit to deal with.

"I want eyes on the sky – make sure none of those things sneaks up on us again," he ordered as a few men – most of them snipers – nodded.

"Vit, you alright?" Boomer asked, checking his bother for injuries.

"Fine, don't worry about it," Vitori assured, giving a nod.

"I'm good Fixer, really," Bump sighed as the medic checked him over.

"I'll be the judge of that."

"He could have warned us," Fives said to Rex as they watched the men collect themselves before they started moving again.

"Maybe he didn't know," the Captain tried to reason, not up for this talk right now.

"Didn't know? He's a Jedi! And a powerful one at that!" the ARC was getting annoyed by the man's constant defense of the General.

"What do you want me to say Fives?" Rex sapped to him, looking at his surroundings, as if they held an answer. "We're in one of the most inhospitable terrains in the Expansion Region! We're nowhere close any other battalions. And we got the natives, fighting against invaders of their planet!" Rex hated how he lost it, but the exhaustion, Fives' constant criticism and this planet all together were getting to him.

"Maybe admit that Krell's taken over? He's not fit to lead us," Fives wasn't sure how to react to the other things, so he settled for the one he knew.

"Right now, we don't have a choice," the Captain frowned under the helmet. "We just need to follow orders."

"That's not you talking and you know it," Fives bit back, not missing a beat. He knew Rex wasn't that kind of stickler for rules. "What is it you're afraid of? You acted like an ARC trooper before I even joined, and now that I'm an ARC, you're acting like – like," he was at a loss for what to say. "Like a shinie!"

"Do not," Rex took a step closer, voice low. "Overstep your boundaries Fives," there was a pause as the younger man swallowed inwardly, but didn't react otherwise.
"Just because you lost Echo, doesn't mean you can go around, trying to join him so quickly," the ARC froze for a few seconds, as the Captain's voice softened. "We lost him too," Rex finished off and moved forward, leaving the stunned brother behind with his thoughts.

"Fives?" Jesse blinked as he saw the ARC join them. "I thought you were way ahead, with the Captain."

"I was," came the blank reply as Fives never looked at him.

"Saw Kix? He said he had to ask the Captain something," Hardcase looked at him, casually speeding up to walk with his pace.

"Yeah, I saw him… Looked pretty upset," again, a blank answer as the man stared ahead.

"Everything alright?" Jesse shared a concerned look with Hardcase.

"…" Fives didn't answer, but could feel his tongue almost slip. No, it's not alright. We're in this shithole, following a self-rigorous bastard and who knows what will happen! But he didn't speak.

"Fives?" Jesse asked in concern, trying to get a better look at his brother.

"I'm just tired," Fives let out a breath, forcing himself to relax his shoulders.

"Go ask Kix for one of those ration boosters. They help," Hardcase advised, lightly nudging him in the shoulder.

"I think I'll do that…" Fives wasn't sure where was better – at the front with Rex and Krell, or back here, with Jesse and Hardcase. Maybe with Kix in the middle, it'd be better. So, he settled for that, not wanting to get probed anymore by his brothers about this.

"Sir," Kix got his attention from behind, sounding tired and exhausted. "We've been keeping this pace for twelve hours now. The men are getting warn down. We should rest," the medic said, nodding lightly to the others behind.

Rex didn't even need to check to confirm it. If Kix was worried about, and if Kix sounded spent, then they all were. He knew medics are the ones with the most energy and highest work-ability, so when they burned through it, the others must be almost dead. So, he didn't even hesitate as he walked forward, to where Krell was.

"General Krell," he started, pushing the anxious feelings aside. "The top of this ridge will make a good spot for the men to make camp," he pointed out, reverting to his military way of speaking.

"The men don't need rest," Pong didn't even skip a beat, didn't even look at the Captain as he said that. "They need the resolve to complete the task at hand," he said it so casually that Rex had to do a double check.

"But sir," he tried. Surely the General can't be serious-

"CT – 7567, are you reading me?" Krell still didn't look at him. Heck he even seemed to raise his chin higher.

"Excuse me, sir?" Rex shook his head, stunned there for a second. He couldn't even really comprehend what the General just said. His number. When was the last time someone used his number? Even back on Kamino, they had their own names. But he couldn't stop himself from questioning it, despite his gut telling him to shut up.

"I asked you a question, CT – 7567," the Jedi stopped and folded his arms, before turning and looking down on the blonde. "Do you understand the need to adhere to my strategy?" he asked, as if speaking to small child. But his eyes grew in annoyance.

"Sir," Rex knew what was coming, but it didn't make hearing it any easier. And again. His number. Not his name or rank. His. Number. "The terrain is extremely hostile. Despite the difficulty of the conditions, the battalion is making good time," he tried to reason, to explain, but as soon as he saw the Besalisk shake his head, he knew he wouldn't get through. "These men just, need a little break," his voice turned hopeful at the end, that maybe, that would get the Jedi to see reason.

"Captain," Krell moved in front of him, before pushing him back. And despite the change in addressing him, Rex found the way he said 'captain' to be… wrong. "Do I need to remind you of this battalion's strategic mission in conquering this planet?" the Jedi pointed a finger at him, his expression showing barley contained rage. And again, it was as if the Captain was a mere child, needing to have everything explained.

"Look back," Krell pointed and Rex followed his movement, feeling his heartbeat increase. He already knew this wasn't going to end well, but he wasn't sure how bad it could get. "See those platoons?" Rex turned back, not wanting to imagine what the rest of his brothers must be thinking right now.
"Their mission is to take the city and take it swiftly! Time and rest are luxuries the Republic cannot afford," Rex was close to saying something back, but his training kept him quiet. "We are the key to this invasion! The other battalions are counting on our support!" Krell leaned in closer, almost invading his personal space. "If we fail, everyone fails!" as if they needed to be reminded of that. They knew perfectly well what was at stake.

"Do you understand this?!" Krell yelled, looking down at him. "Do all of you understand this?" he addressed the rest of them, crossing his arms and frowning. "Now move on!" he didn't even wait for a response, before he turned and started walking.
Rex turned around at the men, for a second not sure what he should do, but nodded for them to move none the less. He can't go against orders. None of them can. So for now, it's best they follow. Good soldiers, follow orders.

"Doesn't he understand-!" Kix fumed, speechless after what Krell said. But Fives cut him off before he could say anything else.

"No, he doesn't," the ARC said lowly, glaring under the bucket.

"Can't the Captain get him to change his mind?" Hardcase asked, glancing at the back of the blonde.

"He tried. Clearly, it didn't take," Jesse let out a deep breath, wanting to run a hand over his head.

"We're going to be totally overrun if we get in trouble with the Umbarans," Kix still hasn't let it go and was glaring under his helmet.

"Maybe we'll get lucky…" Jesse grumbled, careful not to trip over a vine.

"We never get lucky," Hardcase blurred out, not even looking at their deadpanned reactions.

"Fives, can't you, I don't know, disobey orders? You are an ARC," Jesse turned back to the ARC trooper, a hint of hope in his voice.

"Normally, maybe… But I'm officially part of General Skywalker's battalion this time around. And I… uh… Ah, Echo had the whole thing memorized," he said the last bit before he actually thought about it and clamped his mouth shut soon after.

"…" the others shared a look but said nothing. They knew their brother still hasn't gotten over Echo's death, but he hides it well.

This was actually the first mission after a long time that all of them have been together. Fives' ARC missions have kept him away and busy on his own, though ever since the Citadel, his missions have been slightly… calmer. Doing things solo usually gave a person more time to think than to act and he hated it.

Even so, they welcomed him back with open arms and he felt like he was back home. There was just one brother missing now. Rex's words came back to him: "We lost him too." He hadn't even really considered how the rest felt about his death.

As they continued to walk, the men forced themselves to keep up the pace. With Krell at the front of it, he set the speed and they had to match it. Kix, Fixer, Patch and Scar all moved along the line, supplying the rations and boosters for their brothers, but they themselves were running low on energy.

Rex followed silently behind the General, occasionally looking over his shoulder to check on the boys. Dogma and Tup had actually moved in closer, following behind him and keeping sharp. The Captain forced himself to keep from sighing. This was not a kind of mission any shinie should ever be part of, but the entirety of the 501st was here. Vets and rookies all alike. There was just no helping it.

Many of the shinies were too unused to the war as it was, so this terrain was making it so much harder. Their brothers helped them as best they could, but there's only so much they can do when they themselves are so exhausted.

He hated to admit it, but the clones were better than he had thought. He's heard a great many things about the 'Legendary' 501st and he's done some research himself. The Captain however, was proving to be less of a nuisance than he first believed. And yet it was clear Skywalker had no idea what he was doing with them. Their attitude, disrespect and disobedience was a byproduct of Skywalker's failure to treat them as they're supposed to be. But no matter. He'll make sure to rectify that.

They were all stubborn as well. The Force flickered strongly around them – stronger than most clones he's seen. Especially his own. But that was the exciting part. Breaking these lab-grown freaks, the ones who were seen as legends and heroes… It will be his greatest pleasure.
And then there were the weak ones, the ones he knew would break easily. Such a one, was treading behind him. He hadn't bothered with names for these clones – it didn't matter. But he would keep an eye out for those… special cases. Be it the strong ones or the ones who might be easy to break.

Cut! That's the first ones mates - hope I didn't lose any of you. This is how a lot of the story will look like, so I really want to hear what you thought!
I also wanna welcome all my readers - new and old - to this story. Thanks so much for reading it and I hope you enjoyed it! Feel free to review and if you're feeling extra giving, maybe buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi? You can find me under the name Lamker as well.
Till next time~