The Republic was not the only people who had clones in order to fight and serve. There was another place where clones were consistent, and differed appearance only in the different jobs they were to perform. The kinds of them were military, medical, navigators, mechanics, food service, assassins, and special forces. Each set of clones were seemingly identical to their fellows in their fields of work, but each had their number burned into their left forearm and into their neck where it was seen at all times.

Each of these had the requirement to pass a basic marksmanship test each year of their training, or they would be terminated as a defective case. Same as if they failed any other part of their training. For some this was enough to cause them to have a laser focus required to excel. As for the young female navigator named Starlight (NC 284712), it caused her to tremble so much that it was impossible for her to shoot straight enough to pass her eighth year test.

In their world no one was supposed to show any weakness, or tolerate the smallest form of it. Which is why it was strange for the sixteen year military clone Standing Bear (MT 884662) to notice Starlight slip out of her barracks in the middle of the night and feeling concerned he followed her to the shooting range. After watching her try to hit the target for a while he saw her sag down in defeat. Once again Standing Bear wondered why he couldn't resist helping this kid and resolved to help her pass.

Twelve years later a Republic outpost observed a firefight between the separatists and a Vanglorian vessel. The large man who responded when they called answered shortly that there was no help that could get there in time. Shortly afterward the strange ship blew up and destroyed the sepratist vessel. Only Echo from the rookies of Domino Squad was able to find the small ship that escaped the strange vessel and headed to the outpost.

The Sargent ordered Domino Squad with him in order to meet the incoming visitors, who to their surprise were different clones. After the Sargent introduced them the leader (signified by the small blue circle on his helmet, chestplate and grives) stepped forward forcing the Republic clones to look up five inches, "I am Sargent Standing Bear. This is my squad. Thank you for giving permission for us to land. We will prepare our ship and leave your space."

With that he turned and motioned the squad back into the ship and when all were inside shut the hatch firmly. The Republic clones stood there looking at it in shock. A few moments later the door opened again to reveal Standing Bear again, "Do you have any spare parts?"

Heavy and the rest of the Domino Squad were confused and looked to their sergeant. "Yes we have some spare parts." Looking at the hatch again, "What do all of you need?

Standing Bear pressed a button on his forearm and a list of things came out. "This should be it." Suddenly the list added two things to itself. There was an almost smile on Standing Bear's face at the shock the Clone Troopers felt, "Then again, if she finds more than it will also be added." It looked like he was going to say something else but shuddered just before one of his Squad called him, "Sargent, something's wrong with Starlight." Standing Bear pressed another button, "I'm on my way trooper." With a slight nod to the Republic Clones he went through the door and brought up the hatch to close.

Looking at the hatch, the Republic Sargent spoke, "Echo?"

Trooper Echo stepped forward, "Sir."

Handing him the list, "Find what we can spare and bring it out here."

"Right away sir." With a salute Echo left to return inside of the base.

It took several hours to find the half of the list that was actually on the base and it took all of Domino Squad to take it to the hatch. They only saw Standing Bear, who lifted it inside of the hatch. However they were all aware of being watched. Finally Heavy broke the silence, "Sargent Standing Bear," the larger man turned to him, "one of your squad said that something was wrong with Starlight. Are they okay?"

Standing Bear nodded almost absentmindedly, "She'll be fine." Then the thoughtful moment ended, "Get off the hatch," was snapped out and Standing Bear closed the ship off completely.

There was no more conversation, and Standing Bear made a point of not allowing any of the Republic troops near the ship again. No one blamed Heavy, but it was a strange thing to do. This may seem like a point of random factors that make people who should never meet come close but separate before they do without getting another chance in their lives. But once again, factors played a part in making something strange happen.