Heyo people, new chapter is up! *eyes twitching* These things are gonna be the death of me...
ThePunGuest: Hah, that one was kinda clever actually. Mate, I think you'll feel bad the whole time. And yes, Pun Mate, I am. Angst can overthrow puns anytime! Don't underestimate my power
Elizaguana: Thanks! The first few will be a closer look and some establishing sections, but it'll eventually branch off. Also glad you liked the backstory!
Andrew: Mate, I'm not really gonna reference that much in this story. It's already kinda stuffed with characters and plot points (plus changes) so I won't go there. And those one shots (Memory) is finished for now, maybe for good, so I won't be adding anything there either. I'll watch those videos if I have time though
Yes, I take asks, but um, I don't do art mate. And like I said, Memory is on pause right now. I don't much care for JoJo's? Never watched and I'm not eager to either. I haven't really watched anime much since I'm busy a lot of the time, but I still play games.
And it's fine mate, just, try and keep the reviews/questions about the story eh? You can ask me the rest on tumblr
So, this one is kinda more of the same? I think? With added flavor? Maybe? I honestly have no idea
Read, review and enjoy!
Chapter 3
Another fight, another location, more death and blasting. They've somewhat managed to drive the Umbarans off the route, but they were still coming. A few breaks in battle were mostly all they got, but they were managing. And they finally saw just where those glowing balls of destruction were coming from.
The Umbarans had vastly advance technology, and when their ships flew overhead, a few of the men stared in awe. And then, it fired. The balls of energy were the reason that the natives have been able to push them away so much, but the ships couldn't be reached with blasters. They tried. And there were more of those ships, flying and gunning down anyone they could.
When one flew very close to the ground, they all focused fire on it, but they didn't even leave a scratch on it. The ship just spun around, smacking away anyone who stood too close, but luckily, Rex had gotten some cover behind the tree. A few seconds later however, the ships flew off, into space. They probably got called by the air forces there to help deal with General Kenobi and his men.
"We have got to move before those fighters come back!" Rex ordered, looking at the boys gathered near him. Now was as good of a chance to move as any.
"Rex! Rex over here!" he the call in the distance and got off the ground to move towards it, the others right behind him.
"Jesse, take the right flank. Dogma, take the left flank!" the Captain quickly dished out orders as they moved, blasting at the nearby enemy. They had to get some cover for the fallen men and the medics taking care of them.
Kix was already on the move, pulling Vertigo out of harm's way, but the wounded brother couldn't keep the groans of pain silent.
"You're going to be okay buddy," Kix assured, taking Vertigo's bucket off. "This will ease the pain," he pulled out a small stimpak and injected into the man's neck. The medic looked up, catching his breath as he saw his brothers move in closer around him, trying to protect, as the enemy pushed them back.
Off to the side, Krell stood calmly, looking down at a fallen soldier and shoving his unmoving body away with his foot. It was like the battle around him was nothing more than a mild annoyance to him. He pulled out his beeping holo-com and stared down at the mini-blue figure of Kenobi, his expression bored.
"The capital city is too fortified. We need your battalion to help us take it," Obi-Wan asked, although he sounded like he'd rather not. The other Jedi were all informed of Skywalker leaving, but none really gave much of a reaction. They were busy with their own battles after all, the 212th especially.
"Resistance from the Umbarans has been greater than anticipated. We're holding our ground at the moment," Pong explained in short, eyes quickly glancing at the battle.
"We gathered intel on an airbase to the west. It is resupplying the capital defenses," the ginger started to speak when a yell of 'Incoming!' came from one of the soldiers and another of those balls of energy crashed close to their location.
"If you could capture that air base, it will sever the capital's supply lines, allowing the rest of our forces to move in," Kenobi really needed that help, but he knew the 501st already has much on their plate, and Krell wasn't helping.
"I'll see to it that the air base is placed under our control," Pong assured.
"Remember General Krell, the entire invasion depends on your battalion," Obi-Wan finished off, not seeing the Captain who was crouched near. Maybe if he had seen him, he would have avoided adding so much more pressure to the already overwhelmed soldier.
"Captain Rex," the Besalisk closed the holo-com and turned to the man besides him. "Have those coordinates mapped and all troops ready to move out immediately," he gave the order and walked away, with the blonde looking after him.
"Yes General!" came the quick reply as Rex moved. Finally, they were on the same page and they'd actually get something done. They didn't need the added pressure, but it couldn't be helped.
"Everyone, get ready to move out!" Rex called as he joined the small group still watching over the wounded.
"Where're we goin'?" Hardcase was blasting at the enemy again as he asked and they could practically see him grinning.
"Airbase – General Kenobi needs it taken care of to give them a better chance at taking the capital," the Captain explained in short. "Move towards the west – now, before their ships come back."
"So we have an actual plan this time?" Jesse ducked under the incoming fire and could hear Fives give a small short as Rex sighed.
"Kix, how are the wounded?" the Captain twisted his neck to look at the medic.
"Not in the best shape, but ready to move," Kix answered, injecting another stimpak.
"Good, then let's go."
The wounded got helped if they needed it, but most managed on their own. Those able to, covered the retreating men as they moved to the west, the Umbarans still chasing after them. But it seemed like even the natives were growing weary this time around.
"Fives," Rex called, nodding to the left side where a large tree was already leaning sideways. Across it, another one was in a similar state.
"Got'cha," the ARC nodded and tossed the blonde a grenade, before taking one himself.
"Three," Rex counted, ready to throw the grenade.
"Two," Fives kept an eye on the incoming enemies, read as well.
"One," they saw the Umbarans a few meters away now.
"Now!" they both threw their grenades at the two trees and the ground shook. Seconds later, the trees collapsed, on the Umbarans who couldn't get away, but also blocking the quick path for them to follow.
"That might keep them away for a bit," the two nodded at each other before rushing after their brothers, who have moved further towards the west.
The paced slowed as they finally managed to get some distance between themselves and the enemy. A small break even, as they arrived on top of a hill, with a cliff, off of which one had a good view of the air base and the path to it.
Krell, Rex and Fives all walked closer to the edge, with Appo standing behind them. The turquoise pillar of light was almost like a beacon, calling them forth, and the red glowing plants were warning signs of danger and death.
As the Captain turned to ask Fives for macrobinoculars, the ARC already had them ready. They knew each other and knew these situation – words weren't necessary. And the younger man felt like it'd be a small apology for getting on the blonde's nerves so much since this whole fiasco started.
"There's a base there alright," Rex spoke up, zooming in with the macrobinoculars. "And it's heavily guarded. At least three tank divisions, plus guns," that was some serious firepower. Getting past it won't be easy…
"We'll advance along the central gorge and engage their forces in a full frontal assault," the General motioned to the gorge as the Captain crouched down to get a better look at what the Besalisk had in mind.
"The gorge is narrow, sir. We'll only be able to move our platoons in single squads," Rex just couldn't not speak up about this kind of idea, even if he doubted the General would care. He probably realized full well what that'd mean.
"Perhaps a closer recon will tell us, if there's a more secure route," he stood up, turning to the Jedi. He held hope that, since the last time they spoke, the General had taken his words seriously and will reconsider this time.
"Obi-Wan and the other battalions are holding off the enemy right now, while they wait for us to take out this base," Krell said and turned his head to the soldier. He's made his decision it seemed and it was the one which would leave many dead. "We don't have time to look for a more secure route," he finished, and turned around, leaving the cliff.
"Yes sir," the Captain hesitated, but said none the less. He let out a silent breath, forcing himself to ignore his better judgment and speak up again. It wouldn't work.
Fives managed to remain silent as the two commanding officers spoke, but just barely. The thought of Krell using the lightsaber again actually put fear into him. Never in all his time, has he seen that weapon as a threat. At least when not going against Separatists, but they usually had it colored red. Otherwise, it's always defending or saving him and his brothers. But back then… Back then, it could have killed him. Would have, even. He doesn't like the General, but there's no denying he's powerful and would not hesitate to use that weapon again if need be. The ARC did not want to experience that again.
"Rex," Fives said quietly, still gazing off towards the base. "Tell me, really… What do you know about Krell?" he looked over his shoulder at the blonde, whose posture stiffened. The Besalisk's darkest reputation was still somewhat unknown to most of the others, but he knew a Captain would know the truth.
"More than the others, less than I'd like to," came the weak reply, but the older man didn't turn around. There was a silence, because Fives honestly didn't know what to say to that. There was so little known about the new General, he might as well have just joined the army. But he had his reputation, and that's all they had. It told so much and at the same time, so little. It was infuriating, to have to deal with something like this.
"We better move. The longer we stay here; the bigger chances are the Umbarans are going to see us."
The battle in space was bright, fast and erratic. Both ally and enemy were fighting for room, but at least they didn't have the terrain to worry about like the ground troops. However, the Umnaran ships were vastly more advance than their own and had quick resupplies and reinforcements coming from the planet under.
"Broadside, watch your left!" came through the com. link as he shook his head and did a barrel roll to avoid the fire.
"I got'cha covered," Ahsoka flew in closer and over the pilot, firing away at the hyenas at his tail.
"Thanks," Broadside said after he wave was cleared.
"Thing is Engle – we got more incoming," the 212th man called in, nose-diving on a small group of enemy fighters.
"Killer, you have three on you!"
"Working around it!"
"Enemy incoming!"
"Hopper, with me!"
"Looks like we bought ourselves some time…"
"Broadside," Ahsoka called over the com. chatter as she drifted closer to his location. "Everything alright?" she had noticed her own boys were slightly out of it this time around. They seemed distracted a lot of the time and unusually quiet. It's been like this ever since Anakin left…
"Fine sir," Broadside said automatically, voice monotone.
"All fighter squads, return to the ship for resupply," came the order from Yularen. He was overlooking the space battle while also trying to coordinate with the other Generals.
"Copy that Admiral," the fighters from all battalions returned to their Star Destroyers, setting down and just catching their breath. They had a few minutes or rest, tops.
Ahsoka hopped out of her fighter and towards the rest of the pilots as they grabbed some rations or water. They've been at this for a while now, and there's hardly been any show of progress.
"How're you all doing?" she asked with a smile, as usual. However, she didn't really need to ask. The Force around them was wavering and flickering, but she couldn't really figure out why.
"Ready for more action sir!" Broadside gave a salute and a weak smile.
"And we're probably doing better than the ground troops…" Hopper muttered weakly, eyes on the ground.
"Without General Skywalker, who knows how they're doing," Fiddle added, fiddling with the bottle of water.
"I'm sure Master Krell will take care of them," Tano tried to assure them, but seeing their doubtful expressions, she saw she didn't really do well.
"I don't think you fully understand, Commander," Skydive bit his lip, eyes going from her to the others. "We already worry about our brothers on the ground. But Krell's reputation… Well, it doesn't make it better."
"His reputation?" Ahsoka blinked, hands in the air. "What reputation?"
"He's extreme in everything he does." Hopper said in surprise. "He-."
"All fighters, battle stations! We have another assault coming up!" the voice boomed across the hanger as all pilots looked up. They needed a second before rushing to their ships and getting in. No time to explain to the Padawan then. Maybe another time.
"All wings, follow my lead!"
The first platoon slowly descended down the hill and gathered at the entrance into gorge. The Captain walked forward, pulling off his helmet as he spoke: "Alright, listen up. We'll assemble the squads into two divisions. We'll move straight up this gorge, towards the base, on the far side," Rex motioned in the direction, seeing the men still gathering and moving closer. Even if not all of them heard him, the ones who did could explain it to the others. He hated that he had to move so fast, but time wasn't on their side and the other battalions were depending on them.
"The casualties are gonna be high!" Kix called out, barley containing his anger. The fact he knew so many were going to die, made him want to personally push Krell off the cliff. His job was to save them, but this was borderline insane.
"Is Krell trying to get us killed?" Tup said soon after, apparently outgrowing his shinie shell already. Good, in a way, but they didn't need this again. The men questioning orders was not something they had the time to deal with. Even if they all knew it was messed up.
"You know, I wasn't sure if Krell was crazy before, but now, I'm positive!" Jesse spoke up, anger in his eyes as he turned to the Captain. Are they just supposed to accept this again? To walk into death like this? Wasn't once enough? Just what was wrong with the Ojamo!
"We had to retreat from the capital, because the General pushed a flawed strategy! Now this?" Fives' previous fear was gone now that the Jedi was nowhere around. And with the others speaking up as well, there was no way he would remain silent. This had to stop!
"I don't know, could be fun!" Hardcase laughed, raising up his cannon. He was probably one of the few who didn't mind any of this shit and instead enjoyed it.
"Well, I for one, agree with the General's plan!" even Dogma got to say his, looking at the bickering soldiers. "We're running out of time and this is the best option!"
"No recon, no air support? We don't know what we're up against!" Jesse came close to throwing his bucket at the rookie, but instead just smacked himself with it. Maybe he'd be able to understand all of this crap then. "They have weapons we've never seen before!"
"A few of General Skywalker's plans seemed reckless too, but they worked," Rex stepped closer, trying to calm the men. This wasn't good. The last thing they needed, was infighting and disagreement.
"Yeah, but General Skywalker is usually leading his men up in the front, not bringing up the rear like General Krell," Fives took another stab at it, even motioning back up the cliff where the Besalisk was waiting. "A full forward assault would leave us too exposed!" he knew the blonde understood that, and that the Jedi probably knew it. So why were they still doing it?
The others started to get their voices in as well, agreeing or disagreeing with either idea. The tension was growing, and if they weren't going to take care of it soon, an Umbaran ambush is likely to happen soon.
"Fives," Rex said simply after listening for a few more seconds. Something had to be done. Now. And it clearly fell to him to do it. He started walking, the ARC right behind him, as they moved a bit away from the others. They shouldn't have to hear this…
"It would help, if you'd ease their minds," the blonde spoke up, calmly, trying to keep the exhaustion from showing.
"What, coax them into following another one of Krell's suicide missions? We lost a lot of men last time," Fives had calmed down, knowing his outburst before didn't help any, but he couldn't help it. However, what did the Captain expect him to do?
"Krell may do things differently, but he is effective at getting them done. He's a recognized war hero," Rex said, giving the younger man a pointed look, to just listen for once.
"He may have had some victories, but have you seen his casualty numbers?" the ARC moved closer to the Captain, almost invading his personal space. "More troopers have been killed under his command than anyone else," he set a hand on the man's chest, a sing of reaching out for him to understand what he was getting at. They were probably the only ones who really knew about this, and it's best if it's kept that way.
"That's the price of war Fives," Rex let out a small breath, knowing full well what the solider was getting at. But it wouldn't change anything. "We're soldiers. We have a duty to follow orders and if we must, lay down our lives for victory," he gently took the hand off his chest and stepped away.
"Do you believe that?" Fives tried one last time, even grabbing the Captain's arm. "Or is that what you were engineered to think?" that was a low blow, especially coming from him to the blonde, but he was out of ideas. And options.
"I honor my code," the answer came almost automatically as Rex looked slightly shaken by that and the question. "That's what I believe," he stepped away, and Fives didn't try to stop him again. Only watched in sadness and pity. As an ARC, he's received special training. Training which allowed him to see past everything he used to know and believe before as a simple soldier. He was unsure now, if Rex saw the same thing, or if he simply didn't wish to admit to. To himself, or anyone else.
"Each one of us has a reason for why we're like as we are…" Jesse's words came back to him as he thought about the man. "What's your story then…" Fives said to himself, watching the retreating Captain's back.
The rest waited for them to return, though they were still angry at the tactics. They had stayed quiet, the fact that the Umbarans could sneak up on their loud shebs keeping them so. But despite that, there were still occasional glares at brothers who either agreed or disagreed with any idea.
"This is stupid," Jesse muttered, seeing the Captain walk back first, with the ARC slowly moving behind him. "We're gonna get slaughtered, and for what?"
"Just stick close and we'll be fine…" Kix said behind him, eyeing the blonde but turning his attention to the ARC as he walked closer.
"Please tell me we at least have a plan," Jesse asked when the older brother stopped next to him.
"Rex probably has something up his sleeve. He'll explain it, but," there was a pause as Fives let out a deep sigh. "We just need to follow orders."
"Oh, is that all…"
"You and the Captain seem to be really at odds right now. I thought you were old pals," the medic spoke up, seeing Rex was gathering them to explain.
"We just… have different points of view on some things. Though I used to think we shared them," Fives glanced at the Captain and felt sadness grip his heart. If Rex and Cody hadn't showed up on the Rishi Moon way back then, he wouldn't even be here. He and Echo would have died just like the others on the base. Back then, both of them looked up to the Captain so much, and owed him so much. But now… now he wasn't sure what he thought of him. So much has changed…
"I wonder what Echo would have to say…" he whispered to himself, and was glad to find only mildly confused looks from the other two. They probably didn't hear him.
"Fives!" Rex called, watching the soldier. He's been awfully silent and still since the talk they had, but he hoped it hasn't affected him too much. "You're coming with for recon."
"Who else is going?" they've discussed the plan, and tweaked it slightly from Krell's initial one, but it was still very risky.
"I am!" Hardcase came closer and nudged him in the shoulder.
Fives looked at the hyper soldier and his eyes instantly went to the armor markings and what they actually represent. If Jesse hadn't told him, he never would have guessed Hardcase had such a personal connection to it.
"Let's move. We probably don't have much more time," the Captain urged as he started walking towards the edge of the forest where a good viewpoint for the gorge was.
When they came closer to the edge, all three dropped down and started crawling up to it. It made them less visible to anyone who might be checking the area, and the added plants provided good cover. They only stopped when they reached the top, and when Rex took out his macrobinoculars to get a closer look at what was ahead.
"Is everyone clear on the plan?" the Captain asked, just to make sure. This was already risky, and he didn't want to find out someone wasn't paying attention. "Hardcase?"
"Yes sir," Hardcase gave a quick nod.
"Fives? Are you clear?" Rex asked, turning to the ARC, who was looking slightly distracted. He hoped it wasn't the conversation previous.
"Yeah…" came the weak answer, but the blonde took what he could. He knew Fives wouldn't endanger the lives of his brothers, so he trusted him on this.
"Alright. Get in your groups. Let's move out!" he ordered as they made their way back to the others, who were hiding behind a small hill and waiting for orders.
Rex gave hand motions as orders, signaling for the squad to move forward. On the other side, Fives did the same, with Hardcase standing next to him. This was it.
Both groups move carefully and slowly, on alert and tense as they walked silently. Everything was quiet as they arrived at the mouth of the gorge, but this was going a bit too well for their liking.
"Everyone stay alert. Fingers on the trigger," Fives ordered, looking around. He was getting vibes back from the Rishi moon, when the four of them weren't prepared enough and got ambushed by the eel. When they lost Cutup… He wasn't going to make the same mistake again.
They saw those bat-like creatures flying overhead, but they didn't even seem interested in the soldiers below them. They just flew by as quickly as they could.
"They look spooked," Niner glanced at the Banshees. And a second later, the ground began to shake under them.
"What the-?" Hardcase asked, catching his balance as earth continued to quiver. An earthquake? Impossible!
It went on for a few seconds, before a giant mechanical beast which resembled a caterpillar bust from the ground, raising up above the men.
"Oh screy!" Niner said, eyes following the enormous creation and watched it shake the dirt off, letting out a mechanical roar. This was really bad.
The soldiers immediately started shooting at the mecha, but nothing was even leaving a dent as it moved closer, leaning over them. In the center of its glowing head, they saw a silhouette of what could only be an Umbaran. They aimed for it, and still, no effect.
When Fives first saw the creature, his body froze. Suddenly, he was back on the Rishi moon and out of nowhere, an eel came, grabbing Cutup and taking him away. Amidst the chaos, he lost himself and only regained his senses when the enemy moved in closer.
"Blast it!" he called to Hardcase, figuring a heavy cannon could break the protective glass over the pod and kill the bastard. But as they soon found out, there was a ray shield around it as well, their attacks bouncing off like they were nothing. The fact it could shoot back didn't help any, as Ori was shot. The rest retreated.
The caterpillar moved across the ground, the cannons on its back shooting at everyone around and killing many in seconds. The men managed to find some shelter among the trees and rocks, where the enemy fire couldn't really reach.
But things got even more hectic, when another one crawled up from the ground behind them and caught them off guard.
"It's head is ray shielded!" Hardcase said as he saw how little damage his cannon was doing.
"We need rocket launchers!" Fives said back, but they still persisted in trying to fire. The moment they stop is the moment they die.
Another one emerged as the three now completely cut them off from any escape and surrounded them, moving in circles and crushing anyone who was too slow to move away. The men tried their best to shoot the machines, but there was no effect.
"Mayday! Mayday! Rex, we need rocket launchers! Now!" Fives resorted to calling the other group, hoping they weren't caught in the ambush as they were.
Rex was on the other side when the ground started to shake, but only lasted a few seconds. Everything was quite, but his gut was twisting.
"I got a bad feeling about this…" he said to himself, turning to where the other group was supposed to be. And that's when he heard very fading sounds of battle. He wasn't entirely sure if he was hearing, or imagining it. But then his com. link came to life.
"Mayday! Mayday! Rex, we need rocket launchers! Now!" Fives' voice was quick and almost panicked as blaster fire could be clearly heard on his end. There were yells and screams as well, and mechanical roars.
"Change of plans!" the Captain turned to his group. He should have known this would somehow end up biting them in the sheb. "Rock launchers – with me!" he added seeing the called specialists moving behind him as he rushed down a small hill. The other group was down in a ravine, so they had a clear view of what was happening.
"Get those rock launchers down there! Move it trooper!" came the order as the second group rushed in, fully ready to save the others.
There was chaos everywhere as rocks blasted the giant machines, but the enemy was stronger. Some were even flung across the battlefield as one of the caterpillars knocked them away, heading for another group.
Nitro managed to drop to the ground just fast enough to have the machine move above him, though he wasn't sure if there was room enough to survive. One of the creature's spikes actually got his leg, but not too badly. Hardcase came to his side, but the only thing Nitro was worried about, were the others.
"Take it! Take it!" he tried to move the rock launcher in his brother's arms, but was too weak.
"Thanks buddy," Hardcase said, taking hold of the weapon. There was no telling how many more would die, but right now, they had a chance and no one wanted to waste it.
"I got him!" Kix rushed to their side, and pulled Nitro to safety where he could treat that leg.
"Go! Go go go!" Rex ran past, motioning to where more of the machines were. "Keep moving! Keep moving!" they had to be fast, before they lose anyone else.
Fives joined them as they made their way to one of the caterpillars, providing cover fire as they shielded themselves behind more of the plants. For a change, the terrain was actually working in their favor.
Hardcase readied himself and when the head of the creature came close, fired. It hit dead center and exploded, yellow, red, orange mixing with a blue and green. It was honestly the brightest and most colorful thing they've seen in a while. And the explosion forced them to move away, or be caught in it, though some hit the ground to get away. Hardcase and Fives managed to be lucky enough to avoid getting squashed by the machine it as dropped and collapsed.
"That was close," Fives caught his breath, seeing the spikes of the creature inches from his face.
"You got a point there," Hardcase agreed, feeling his heartbeat quicken. It was only when Fives tilted his head towards him, that the hyper soldier realized the unintended pun he said. The spikes were too close for comfort.
"Sorry…" he muttered weakly, giving a nervous chuckle.
"We should get out of here before something blows up," the ARC said in a dismissive tone as they climbed over the machine and back to the ground.
"Everyone regroup! Now! Take cover!" Rex ordered as men moved out of the kill zone and into the forest, where they might have some more cover. And they were right. The machines couldn't move in after them.
"We're safe for the moment. They'll be coming around any second," Fives stood next to the Captain as they watched the enemy trying to tear though the woods.
"Bring in the launchers. Spread detonators along that corridor. Trap them into the bottle neck. We're gonna blow those things sky high," Rex gave the order and the soldiers already moved to follow. Niner and Bombs opened up their packs of detonators, as they started setting them up where they had to.
"Hurry up, we only have a few seconds," the ARC informed as they rolled them on the ground, setting up the trap.
"Here they come," Dogma said as he held his weapon ready on the spot where the enemy would pour from. The last few were making their way back to safety when they saw the glowing light of the Umbaran Assault Tank.
"Hey! C'mon! Over here!" they jumped and waved their hands in the air, just to make sure the Umbarans would see them and come that way. It also gave everyone a second or two of a small tension relive, something they really needed.
Rex readied the detonator as the machines crawled closer, holding his breath that this would work. Otherwise, they're all dead. When they were in a perfect position, he pressed the switch and the whole ground exploded. The men scattered to avoid any aftermath of the explosion as the Assault Tanks crashed and ran over each other, only adding to the carnage. Rex stayed longest, just to make sure those bastards went up in flames. And when the explosion started catching up to him, timed his jump so the force of the blast sent him away and under a small hill, though he landed not-so-gracefully.
"We got 'em! We got 'em!" he heard the men cheer as his ears rang from the explosion, but couldn't help but let out a breath of relief. That takes care of that.
"Good job," he looked at the gathered men, proud they managed to pull such an improvised plan off so nicely. Like General like men, it seems. "Let's move out."
Krell was watching it all from atop one of the trees, taking in the battle. He could easily sense where the clones were and what they were doing, while the two next to him relayed positions still. Whatever makes them feel better.
He was amused, though hid it, when the clones scrambled to fight against the Umbaran tanks. But he will admit they were quick to figure out how to beat them. And the quick response from the second group to assist the first just went to show how much they're willing to sacrifice to help. A good thing to remember.
And even though he couldn't see what was happening when they escaped the machines, he could sense the excitement and dread, all at once, coming from them. The Captain proved his quick wits and strategic mind there indeed. He'd better keep an eye on that. He hated to admit it, but was impressed how they handled the situation and actually destroyed the enemy. These clones certainly were stronger, better and more flexible with plans than most others he's seen.
"It just adds to the game," he told himself as he watched the display of bright lights and the relief wash over the clones. So far, they've all been admirable chess pieces, but a few of them moved up from being pawns. A challenge. Good.
Cut! Well, that went well. I think. Next one will me more... indulging? Is that the word...? I don't even know.
Anyway, thanks for reading and I really hope you enjoyed it! Reviews are a super way to get me to write more though, so be sure to leave one!
Till next time~