Prologue
19 BBY
06h00, Republic Standard Military Time, Venator Class Star Destroyer Knight, briefing room 4
In the dark briefing room onboard the Knight, Padawan Amane Luun stood next to her towering master. She was 5'4'', and her Jedi Master, Dias Eeirlii, was easily a foot taller than she was, not to mention his large frame. He was in his normal dark brown tunic, wearing trooper gauntlets, and the usual brown Jedi cloak. He had tan skin, brown eyes, a thick grey moustache that didn't suit him, and his back length hair, which was the same color, was in it's usual singular braid.
He stood tall and firm, arms crossed, as he talked. Amane was horrible in serious briefings, and had trouble concentrating. She always blamed her curiosity of the noticeable scar across the bridge of his nose. She'd been his apprentice for a year now, and despite her best efforts, he never told her where he got it from.
Amane was pulled back into reality when she realized his void-like eyes were glaring at her, threatening to eat her soul. Immediately she tensed, bringing her eyes forward and to the crowd. In front of her, beyond the hologram table, standing at attention, were a group of Clone Troopers from her Master's subordinate 71st Legion, and a group of humanoid soldiers in Clone armor. While both wore similar green markings and the only source of light was from the holotable, their helmets were off, so she could tell who was who.
"As I was saying," Dias continued his briefing, motioning to the holograms. "Clone intelligence reported signs of possible Separatist activity in the galactic east of the mid-rim."
"General Eeirlii, sir, I thought the Republic had already cleared the mid-rim." One of the clones, an ARC Trooper, said. He wore the extra armor plating that ARC Troopers have, along with the pauldron, kama, gear, and range finder. He also had much more unique designs on his armor. She knew him as Cat.
"You are correct," Dias responded. "The mid rim is currently secured as Republic territory. This is why these reports are disturbing. With the Outer Rim Sieges well under way, Republic High Command wants to be absolutely sure about the security of the mid-rim before Republic forces are spread too thin to respond to a counterattack."
"Galactic east in the mid-rim is quite a general area," one of the taller non-clones, a Sergeant, said. She didn't yet know his name. "There's a lot of planets to consider. Are we expected to comb through every single one?"
"As a matter of fact, that is exactly what we are expected to do." Dias nodded, then continued to address the troops. "I'll be heading the mission with my Padawan, Commander Luun, as my second in command. From the 71st, we have some members from Captain Shadow's Wraith Company, and ARC Trooper Cat assisting us. We will also be joined by a Republic Special Forces team led by Sergeant… Joker, was it?"
"That's what I go by." The non-clone Sergeant responded firmly. He was about 6'2'', a couple inches shorter than her master, but a couple inches taller than the Clones.
Amane's abilities in the force were subpar at best, and she ranked on some of the very lowest ends in competence as a Padawan, no less a Jedi. But she did not need to be strong in the force to sense the discomfort from the six Clone Troopers. While they stood essentially expressionless, paying attention to the briefing, one with close observational skills could notice the trooper's eyes wanting to glare at the non-clones. Her master seemed to sense the discomfort as well.
"I know the Republic does not typically operate with mixed clone and non-clone units and that it can be uncomfortable for some of you to work alongside unfamiliar individuals," Dias paused, waiting for the atmosphere to settle. "In all honesty, part of the reason for the joint operation is to test the effectiveness of mixed units. But I shouldn't need to remind you all to put aside your differences for the mission."
"I'll keep my boys in line, General." Captain Shadow reassured.
"I've worked with Clones before." Joker added. "There will be no bad blood from my guys."
"Good to hear it, Captain, Sergeant." Dias nodded. "Prep your teams. Get whatever gear you need from the armory, then meet me in hangar 12. Commander Luun and I will meet you at 07h30. We deploy at 08h00. Any questions?"
"No sir!" The clones boomed as one voice. Joker's team did the same, but not to the same level of synchronization.
"Very well, dismissed." Dias's arms fell to his side, and he left the room.
The clones like a hive mind crisply saluted, with the non-clones being barely a tenth of a second out of sync. Amane went to follow her master, and as soon as she passed the troops, their shoulder relaxed, and they fell out of formation, the clones replacing their helmets. She followed her master to the elevators. They were going to the bridge, to speak to Captain Jala, the ship's captain, likely about final preparations for their deployment.
"You got distracted, again, Padawan." Dias said as he walked. He did not turn back to face Amane.
"I'm sorry, Master." Amane apologized.
"This happens every briefing. Your lack of focus is part of the reason you struggle with your connection to the force."
Amane didn't respond. He was right. She had failed her Initiate trials twice, and couldn't progress to Padawan. The only reason she became a Padawan was because the Republic needed more Jedi, and her master saw some capability in her. She was 16 at this point, and had been a Padawan for a year. Most of her fellow classmates from the Jedi Temple had already spent three, some of them up to six years already training 1 on 1 with their Jedi Master. The only thing she was somehow good at, was force healing. Her master often said that she was exceptional at it, but she would need to be strong in the force in the first place in order to be capable at any force ability. And she was not very capable, let alone exceptional.
Amane almost ran into Dias before she realized he had stopped and turned around. His often stern eyes became caring as he looked down at her.
"Do not become discouraged." His voice also became calm and soothing. "You've been a Padawan for barely a year, and have made significant progress since I first met you, whether it be your capabilities in the force, and skills with a lightsaber. You've been in combat before, but never ever lose focus. The battlefield is always unexpected."
"Yes, Master." Amane took a deep breath. Dias put a reassuring arm on her shoulder.
"Perhaps you should return to your quarters and do some more meditation." He said. "I will go speak with Captain Jala to confirm details regarding our deployment, and supplies. I'll meet you before I head down to the hangar in an hour and a half."
Dias's face once again became stern. He turned around and continued to stroll down the corridor. A pair of Clones saluted him as he walked by. Amane turned around to return to her quarters, and do exactly what her master had asked. But she worked alongside troopers from Wraith Company more often than other units in the 71st, and couldn't help but be curious about how Shadow's men and Joker's team would mix.
06h10 Republic Standard Military Time - Venator Class Star Destroyer Knight, Armory
It'd been a while since I've properly worked with Clones, but oh boy, I was not prepared to work with a Jedi. I hated them, and I'm sure they could tell. If they couldn't, well that was their problem, not mine. Me, Otto, and Kurr had gone to the Armory to check up on our weapons and make sure we had enough extra ammo for a long term deployment. We opened our footlockers then went to the quartermaster.
"Got anything extra for us Sarge?" The clone would turn towards us, he had been cleaning his blaster, as was evident from the rags he had scattered around his desk. He would nod before reaching for a box.
"A few thousand extra shots sound good, Sergeant?" Otto would open the box, and I would tilt my head to make sure the Quartermaster hadn't been doing us dirty.
"Sounds good to me Sarge, I'll make sure to buy the next rounds whenever we get some off time."
He'd laugh. "Yeah, yeah. Just make sure you keep my boys alive out there, that'll be enough for me."
"I'll do my best, Sarge." I'd say, giving him a thumbs up before heading back to our part of the Armory.
I sat down, prepping my weapons properly, checking for any issues, and made sure the others were doing the same. Usually the Quartermaster would have me check the Troopers blasters as well. I'm not sure why he did it, maybe because he didn't trust me, or maybe he thought I was more cautious than they were, could be a combination of the two.
"Otto, what do you think of the two Jedi?" I'd ask the fellow Mandalorian.
He'd look over at me, scoffing "Honestly, I can't speak for the master, but the younger one looks like she's never seen combat."
Looking down at my Z-6, I would shake my head. "I know. It's gonna be a bloodbath if she gets any of those boys killed. That being said, if Skywalker can be a competent Jedi, there's at least hope for the rest of them."
He would laugh, "My expectations aren't very high, Vod."
I would smile, "Mine aren't either." Looking over at our third squaddie, Kurr, who hasn't really spoken much at all. "Kurr, what do you think?"
He wouldn't initially respond, but would sit there, pondering for a moment. "Honestly, I'm not sure what to think of them. They don't seem bad, but I've heard they're inconsistent as generals. I can't have a proper opinion until I've seen them lead firsthand, which I haven't. I know you guys already hate them, as Mando's do, but don't kill 'em the first chance you get, alright? I'd rather not be executed for treason." Both of us would laugh hardily, Otto nearly falling off the bench he was sitting on.
"If I wanted to kill Jedi, I would've joined up with the CIS." Kurr would look over at me, while loading his WESTAR M-5.
"So why didn't you?"
My smile would fade quickly, I would begin to sharpen my blades. I wasn't sure if I trusted him enough to tell him, but it was better that I did.
"I trained the Clones myself, so there's no way I'd join up wit the CIS, even if the prize was killing Jedi. I see these boys as the true successors of Jango. Whom I respect immensely, he helped me get over the loss of my family, and gave me a new purpose training the Clones. But the Jedi, they got so many of my boys, MY BOYS, killed. I trained mostly Commandos, they were excellent soldiers, but they weren't infantry. So many died on Geonosis." I would pause, seething with anger, and a deep resentment for the Jedi who had gotten all of those Commandos killed. "They were like brothers to me, all of them. The Jedi used them in the worst ways possible, the absolute morons. They got them killed, and I felt personally responsible for it."
Almost as if on purpose, the Clones assigned to go with us walked in as soon as I had finished ranting about the Jedi, they sat down across from us and began to check their weapons as well. Analyzing the Troopers, immediately I would determine that two of them are ARC Troopers. I've worked with them before briefly, Jango introduced me to a few of them, Null's I think they were called. Then the regs who were really good ended up going through the ARC program, so did some of the Commanders I think.
I would raise my hand to my head, I've got to stop monologuing in my own fierfeking head. Reaching down to my belt, I would pull out a small case, checking if the contents had been touched during inspection, to my surprise they had not. Combat adrenals and stims, an easy out if a situation gets bad. I would nod to myself, placing the case back on the side of my belt, before looking up at the Clones.
"So, any of you fight on Geonosis?" They would turn to me, all but two of them, who were having a separate conversation in the corner of the room. "No? Yes? C'mon, I'm not a Seppie, you can talk to me."
One of the ARC's spoke up, "No, but we all know it was a shitshow, though I'm sure you already knew that." He would sit down.
"Yeah. A quarter of the Commandos I trained came back in body bags and another quarter didn't come back at all. That won't happen this time boys. Already promised the Quartermaster I'd bring all of you back." The Clones would look at each other, then sit down, or just turn away. I would shake my head, dismissing it as just a lack of trust. Understandably so, as there are quite a few Mandos working for the CIS. The Captain would speak up.
"Don't worry about him, he's always grumpy. I'm Shadow, that's Cat, Sierra, Edge, Fear, and Kink. We're not really used to working with non-Clones, well besides the Jedi of course. Just give it some time, I'm sure we'll get along just fine."
Nodding, I would stand up, stretch my arms, and head to the barracks to grab my things.
07h38 Republic Standard Military Time, Venator Class Star Destroyer Knight, Hangar 12
Shadow finished arguments with the humanoid loadmaster. The war clearly wasn't going as amazing as he'd hoped if they were hiring non-clone personnel for labour onboard starships. Clones were easier to deal with. They told you the problem, and put their maximum effort into helping fix it. They also answered every question straight away. This loadmaster just caused problems. So many problems that they needed to contact the bridge for confirmation of the extra ordinance they were packing. Shadow glared at the clearly overweight, scruffy loadmaster bothering a pair of technicians that were preparing for arriving cargo. One of the perks of having a helmet is you could make any facial expression behind the visor, and whoever you were speaking to at the time wouldn't be the wiser.
Still, the issue was dealt with, and now he had to focus on the team. Shadow picked favourites for the mission. Cat was an ARC Trooper, and one of his most reliable field leaders, so he was a no brainer. Sierra was the newest squad leader in the company, replacing his previous Sergeant. His aspiring leadership skills made him a reliable choice. He'd let Sierra pick three more guys from his squad to join the mission. He seemed to be very close with his squad medic, Edge, who Shadow had heard nothing but good things about. He'd personally seen the brave medic rush out of cover to grab a downed man a good 10 meters away while under sniper fire, and drag him all the way back to cover to work on him. There were two other troopers, Kink and Fear, who Shadow did not know too well, but has seen to be adequate in combat. Shadow did note though, that Sierra and Edge were the only ones with custom markings, while Fear and Kink wore the standard 71st markings.
"Shadow," A voice called out to him. Shadow turned to see Cat approach him. "Edge and Fear are going over food and rations. Joker's squad is going over munitions. Sierra and Kink are making sure it's all strapped down in the cargo bay. Other than that, technicians said the shuttle is in excellent working order."
The shuttle they were taking was a Nu-Class Republic Shuttle, commonly known as the Republic Attack Shuttle. The ship had a cargo capacity for thirty troopers, and the cockpit area was elevated on a separate front piece of the shuttle; almost like a head, that also served as the boarding hatch. It also had two massive wings that were folded upright in its landed configuration, and several forward medium and light laser cannons. Not exactly a Larty -an LAAT or Republic Gunship- but well suited for long range missions like this due to its hyperdrive.
"Sounds like we're good to go." Shadow remarked. "Anything of concern?"
"Actually, I was wondering if you had any concerns."
"None of big importance." Shadow shook his head. He'd known Cat long enough to know something was going on in his mind. "I suppose you have some?"
"Just two right now," Cat made a slight nod. "First off, we're on a recon mission. Aren't we packing a little too much heat?"
"Long range recon." Shadow pointed out. "Direct action isn't part of the mission, but we're going to be on our own combing through a lot of planets. Best to be prepared in terms of supplies, and have enough firepower to keep us alive long enough for reinforcements."
"The extras are bringing a Z-6," Cat was referring to Joker's team. "Not exactly packing for recon."
"They may not be clones, but they're Republic Special Forces. That means they are professionals. They know what they're doing-"
"-And that brings me to my second concern."
"You're worried about how well they'll mix in with us." Shadow tilted his head.
"Unit cohesion is important to an effective combat unit." Cat added. "They aren't clones. They don't know how we do things."
"You'd be surprised."
"You read their files?"
"Only what was important."
"Still, I-"
"-We'll make it work." Shadow assured him. "Joker and his team know what they are doing, and command wouldn't assign them to a mission with us if they didn't believe it could work."
"I think you and I both know that command can have some funky ideas sometimes."
"I'll worry about the issues," Shadow stopped him, waving his hand. "You just worry about helping me keep the boys in line."
Cat stood silent and motionless like a statue for several seconds before responding with "Roger that, sir."
"Good, now go-"
"Attention!" Sierra's shouting interrupted him. "General on deck!"
Shadow and Cat turned to face the approaching Jedi Master and his Padawan. The other clones also immediately dropped what they were doing and stood at attention as well. Joker's team followed suit, but seemed to think it unnecessary.
"As you were." Dias said immediately. The others returned to their tasks.
The Jedi Master was as imposing as ever. His Padawan however, not so much. The Jedi Commander wore her usual light Jedi tunic, and a brown cloak over top. She was fair skinned and had hazel colored eyes. She had messy bangs and the rest of her hair would reach just past her shoulders, but she had them in twin braids on the very sides of her face, and pinned the ends to the back of her head. The middle of the braids hung like a hammock. On the sides of
her head. She was small, but it didn't matter with the Force. Always bothered Shadow's ego that despite what a prime specimen Clone Troopers were, this young child could keep up with them.
"How are we looking, Captain?" Dias asked as he approached Shadow.
"All green, General," Shadow reported. "Mainly just running final checks right now. Other than that, we're not going to have any complications."
"Very well. Good work, Shadow." Dias nodded. He had a stern expression, but Shadow worked alongside him long enough to notice the subtle pleased expression on his face. "Have the teams pile into the shuttle and prepare for take off as soon as they finish their final checks."
"I'll get right on that, sir." Cat said, then went off to the others.
"I sense a question, Shadow?" Dias inquired, almost like he read Shadow's mind. No. He likely did read Shadow's mind. He was a Jedi Master. Or maybe Shadow was overthinking it and he just knew him well.
"Sir, I was just a little curious about the lack of pilots for the Shuttle." Shadow said.
"Waste of manpower." Dias answered. "Amane and I will be flying the shuttle for now."
"Might be better to have a designated pilot in case you are unable to, sir."
"Joker and his men should have some piloting experience, and there's you as well as Cat."
"Fair."
"Why? Afraid of my piloting?" The Padawan smirked, placing her hands on her hips.
"I don't know. Some of the boys get space-sick easily." Shadow joked. "Gets worse with Padawans behind the wheel."
Amane's hands dropped in outward fists, and she almost stomped like a child. Her frown almost made Shadow laugh as she puffed her cheeks out. "Well maybe you should get a waste disposal system for your helmets, so you don't drown in puke when I start doing corkscrews around-"
"You will be my co-pilot, my very young Padawan." Dias interrupted her. "I'm not sure how you are expecting me to have you fly after that comment."
The Padawan seemed to flinch, then freeze for a moment, as if she had been caught red handed. She regained her posture immediately, but Shadow could tell she was a little butthurt.
"Anything else, Shadow?"
"Not at all, sir."
"Excellent. Now let's get underway."
08h24 Republic Standard Military Time, Somewhere in the Mid-Rim, Hyperspace (3-Boba)
Officially, there's nothing known about me before my time on Kamino, but all the Commandos and the Cuy'val dar know that is a lie. Reports from the Republic indicate several Jedi Knights had been missing in the years prior to the battle of Geonosis. Coincidentally, all of them had fought together in one battle, Galidraan. Wonder why that might've been. I think back to my home on Mandalore, there's a place in my room where I keep war trophies, not that I take many, but I have three on display, the lightsabers of the Jedi who killed my father, my brother, and my uncle. They give me a great sense of pride, knowing my family has been avenged. I was monologuing again, well, partially.
I'd been talking to Kurr on our way to pack our gear into the Shuttle, none of us were looking forward to working with Jedi, especially for such an extended period of time. I shrugged it off, it's part of the job now, until this goddamn war ends, then I can go home. Home… it seemed so far, but it really wasn't. I haven't been back in a long time, but I distinctly remember that podium, the three sabers. two were green, one was blue. Did I regret doing it? Maybe, but it wasn't regret that was the problem. Otto knew, and now so did Kurr. It was only a matter of time before the Clones found out too.
Oh well, if they know they know. Jedi aren't supposed to get mad, nor take revenge. I'm not keen on killing the younger one, but the Master would be an interesting fight.
Pondering on, I wouldn't even notice the Padawan enter the shuttle's cargo bay. Turning my head, I would begin to speak, but she would cut me off.
"I'm not sure if you don't think I can tell how you feel around us. Us being the Jedi." I would stop, crossing my arms.
"I think you're reading too much into it, Padawan." I would emphasize her rank, in a condescending manner. "If I hated you as much as the Death Watch do, I wouldn't train your soldiers, nor fight in this war." She would relent, slightly, clearly agreeing with what I had just told her. "C'mon kid, I'm not gonna turn on you guys, the loyalty of a Mandalorian is like a bond stronger than steel. As long as you serve the Republic, I will fight with you until death. However, the other two may need some more convincing." I would look over towards Otto, smirking through my helmet. "By the way," I would say, turning towards the Clones, "Our armor's fitted and layered with Beskar. We're going to be able to tank a lot more damage than you guys, so stay behind us." I would laugh, "Even though I know you won't."
"Thanks for the heads up Joker, we'll make sure to use you as human shields." Cat would laugh, and I would laugh in kind.
"Well at least give us a heads up beforehand." I would reach for my vibroblades, making sure they're locked into place.
One of the clones, I think he was called Sierra, would notice this and ask, "So what the hell are you expecting to fight?"
He would say in a sort of demeaning tone, perhaps not on purpose though, as he didn't seem to be rude about it. "Anything… Sierra, wasn't it?" He would nod, as if awaiting my explanation.
"Well, in my experience, it's best to be over prepared than underprepared. It's not a foreign concept to you, I assume?" He could guess the Trooper would roll his eyes, he just kinda gave off that vibe. The Medic would chime in,
"Nope, always better to have more bacta than less." He would smile at me, in a smug way, "I agree, Edge. In fact, I think we'll get along just fine."
In Mando'a, the Mandalorian language, I would quickly ask Otto, "All set over there?" He'd give me a thumbs up.
"Right, we're ready to go when you are, Amane."
08h24 Republic Standard Military Time, Somewhere in the Mid-Rim, Hyperspace
"And the readout on your right?"
"Life form scanner." Amane answered her Master.
Dias had been testing her on the shuttle controls to pass the time. There wasn't much to do in the cockpit while in hyperspace, other than going over the console, or looking through the window and seeing the endless blue vortex-like tunnel. Either way, she was at least glad her Master had not told her to meditate for the whole journey. She had managed to do so for a bit in her quarters, but she ended up mainly practicing lightsaber forms and fidgeting with her hilt settings. Maybe it had to do with working at the Republic Medical Center on Coruscant for two years. After failing her first and second Initiate trails, she ended up joining the Service Corps, and volunteering as a nurse or healer. Being one of the largest Medical Centers in the galaxy, it was always busy. It also had a direct transportation system to the Jedi Temple, so when the Center wasn't busy, she also worked in the Jedi Medical facilities as well. Always busy, and no time to sit around and meditate.
"Good." Dias acknowledged her. "Check the navigation computer for me. Make sure the coordinates for our first jump are correct."
"Does it matter, Master?" Amane asked. "We're already in hyperspace."
"It never hurts to be careful." Dias insisted.
Sure enough, the coordinates for their jump were correct. Everything seemed in order for the Bothuwai system; their first destination.
"All in order, Master." Amane informed him. Dias went silent, unusually silent. She'd expected some acknowledgement from him by now. "Master?"
"Attune yourself to the Force, Amane." Dias finally spoke.
Amane closed her eyes, reaching out with her feelings. She was slightly confused as to why he'd asked in the first place, but she did it anyway. She spent a few seconds in this state but did not feel anything out of the ordinary.
"Am I supposed to be sensing something in particular?" She asked, her eyes still closed.
"I feel a disturbance in the Force…" Dias said slowly. "Something related to our journey..."
"Is it something to be worried about?" Amane was slightly concerned. Her Master wouldn't sense something without reason.
"All we can do is be prepared." Dias assured her. "By the way, did you go over the profiles of the team?"
"Before the briefing, Master." Amane responded. She leaned back into her seat, twirling her thin Padawan braid around her index finger. "We already know Shadow and his men. The other three are enlisted Republic Special Forces. Two Mandalorians and One Corellian."
"You think the two groups are getting along down in the cargo bay?"
"Shadow said he'd keep his guys in line, but I don't know about their Sergeant. Joker, was it?"
"His nickname, yes," Dias nodded. "I wouldn't doubt him though. He was a trainer for Clone Commandos. I'm not expecting hostilities from him."
"I thought Mandalore enjoyed a peaceful society now?" Amane removed the pin that held her twin braids at the back of her head, letting the ends drop and dangle past her collarbone.
"Mandalore did become peaceful, and Mandalorians largely have moved away from their warrior past, but Mandalorian is not only a species. It's also a way of life. "Dias explained. "Furthermore, some still wish to follow that way of life, as demonstrated by the terror group known as Death Watch."
Amane pondered this for a moment, but was still unsure. Clones were very loyal and always followed orders, but she has not had non-Clone soldiers under her command. Not that it mattered anyway, as she rarely took command to begin with. Still, she was slightly concerned to say the least.
"If you are that unsure," Dias spoke, as if reading her mind. "You can go ahead and make sure there's not a second Clone War in the cargo bay. I'll be all good up here."
"Yes, Master."
Amane was relieved to leave the boring cockpit. She hit the elevator button on her console, and her seat slid down and into the boarding area down below. She hopped out of the seat, hitting the elevator button on the wall to send it back into the cockpit. She walked towards the main section of the shuttle, which housed the cargo area. She heard conversation as she walked in, but did not make out what they were saying.
All the troopers were in fairly relaxed positions. No restraints, and some standing. They all still had their helmets on though. Whatever they said though, Amane was able to sense some form of tension between the two groups. Regardless, it didn't seem to look like any actual arguments were happening when she arrived.
"I'm not sure if you don't think I can tell how you feel around us. Us being the Jedi." She announced her presence, looking towards Joker.
"I think you're reading too much into it, Padawan." Joker responded. "If I hated you as much as the Death Watch do, I wouldn't train your soldiers, nor fight in this war."
Amane would be offended by his condescending tone, but she kept her composure. It wouldn't help to start issues now.
"C'mon kid, I'm not gonna turn on you guys," Joker continued. "The loyalty of a Mandalorian is like a bond stronger than steel. As long as you serve the Republic, I will fight with you until death. However, the other two may need some more convincing."
Amane would see Joker look towards his two comrades. The closest one to him was Otto, another Mandalorian, and the other she recalled was Kurr, an ex criminal. She did not know details about Kurr, only that he'd ended up conscripted by the justice system. Even he wasn't exactly the most trustworthy character in her books, but all in all, Joker's team's service record was pretty impressive.
"Our armor's fitted and layered with Beskar." Joker would turn to the Clones. "We're going to be able to tank a lot more damage than you guys, so stay behind us. Even though I know you won't." His laughing told Amane he would get along with Shadow's men. Maybe her Master was right. Perhaps his past experience with Clones would help.
"Thanks for the heads up Joker, we'll make sure to use you as human shields." Cat seemed to go along with the joke. She knew Cat wasn't the biggest fan of working alongside non-clones, but he was an ARC Trooper. Wouldn't bode well for the rest of the troopers if he didn't extend a branch.
"Well at least give us a heads up beforehand." Joker laughed.
Amane would tune out of the rest of the conversation, looking towards Shadow for a visual cue. Shadow would tilt his head for a bit, but nod. 'They'll be fine, Commander, or I wont' Amane imagined him saying. Amane would flash him a smile as a sign of thanks.
"-I think we'll get along just fine." She heard the Clone Medic Edge say as she tuned herself back into the conversation.
Joker would turn to Otto, asking him a question in a different language. She didn't know Mando'a, the language of Mandalorians, but she could tell what it sounded like from her studies at the Temple. Otto gave him a thumbs up as a response.
"Right," Joker would turn to her, now speaking in Basic. "We're ready to go when you are, Amane."
She was about to respond when all of a sudden Amane was propelled towards the rear of the rear of the cargo bay, the shuttle started rumbling. Amane was not the only one to fall, as she saw several others on the deck. Sierra was the first to help her up, with Shadow following closely behind.
"What the hell was that?!" The non-clone named Kurr exclaimed.
"Something's wrong." Joker added.
"Gentlemen, find your seats, and fasten your restraints!" Shadow barked, loud enough to overcome the creaking and shuddering of the shuttle frame. "Commander, you should get back to the cockpit."
"I'm on it." Amane responded firmly, then turned to make her way back to the boarding section. She heard the others clamoring to their seats, and the metallic clunks of their safety restraints locking into place. She leaned on the walls, trying to stay on her two feet, all the way to the elevator button. She hit it, giving space to the descending seat. As soon as it hit the deck in front of her, she threw herself on, and hit the up button, sending her back up into the cockpit.
"Master!" Amane called out. Alarms and system alerts were going haywire, and her console was lit up brighter than the upper levels of Coruscant at night. She looked out the windows, noticing they were no longer in hyperspace. Space seemed to be warping around them. "What's going on?!"
"Something impossible." Dias answered frantically. There was strain in his voice as he pulled on the joystick, struggling to keep control of the shuttle. "A wormhole opened up directly in our hyperspace path. I pulled us out of hyperspace, but it wasn't soon enough. We're already inside."
"What do we do?!" Amane exclaimed. The situation was bad. Wormholes were unpredictable, and could lead to anywhere, even beyond the galaxy. They could end up in the safe and secure Core Worlds, deep in Separatist Territory, or worse, in the middle of nowhere, stranded from anyone who could help them. She prayed it wouldn't be the latter.
"All we can do is trust the Force." Dias said flatly. "Tell everyone to hang on."
Amane keyed the intercom to the cargo bay speakers. "Everyone, brace yourselves!"
Space began to spin around them and warp. Amane couldn't tell if it was entirely the wormhole, but looking down at the navigation console, it seemed like they were in an uncontrollable spin. Amane had already disabled the now annoying warning alarms, but the frame of the shuttle began to shudder louder and louder. Then she heard the creaking, and then tear of metal. She looked to the left side of the cockpit window, seeing a large panel shaped almost like a right triangle. She realized it was the shuttle's left wing. Another alert came up on the console, with the left engine flashing red. All sorts of damage reports popped up on her screen.
"Master, the engines!" Amane alerted Dias as soon as the right engine began to show problems.
"I know." Dias responded, completely focused. "Shut them down. Bring them online only when I say so. We're almost through."
Amane shut the engines down, hearing the faint whirring underneath all the noise come to a halt. They were still spinning, and space was still warped around them. She closed her eyes to avoid nausea. There was nothing they could do at this point. The engines were malfunctioning and they had no way to stop their spin. But then the shuddering stopped. Amane opened her eyes. Space was still spinning around them, but it seemed like they were through the wormhole.
"Amane, the engines! Now!" Dias barked.
Amane started them up. The left engine didn't respond, but the right engine came online. As soon as it did, Dias yanked on the joystick, tilting it to the opposite direction of their spin. Slowly, but surely, space began to stop spinning around them. They began to stop spinning, until finally, Dias regained control of the ship.
"That left engine is still down I see." Dias grumbled. "Now where did we end up?"
"I-I don't recognize the stars." Amane's eyes darted around the cockpit window. There was a planet down below as well. It seemed like they were just a kilometer out of its upper atmosphere.
"Calm yourself." Dias said reassuringly. "You are correct though. This doesn't seem to be showing up on any star charts. The navigation computer is not being of any help either." Amane confirmed this when she looked at the navigation display. "Sensors tell us it's inhabitable though. We could land and make repairs. Good news is, we're out of the worst of it."
Amane breathed a sigh of relief, and was in the middle of taking a deep breath when an explosion was felt from the rear of the ship. The impact forced the shuttle forward, and into the planet's gravitational field. Amane ended up accidentally swallowing the air she was trying to breathe in, coughing in discomfort. More warning displays came up.
"Master! The right engine!" Amane gasped.
"It's gone, I know!" Dias began to sound worried. No sublight engines, and they were going into the atmosphere. "Get the repulsorlifts online and make sure the shields are up."
"Master?" Amane prayed he wasn't going to say what she thought he was. Dias didn't turn to face her, but he said one final thing.
"We're going down!"