Prime Minister William Parker of the United Commonwealth Kingdom strode through the doors of the UN Parliament Building, into the Council Room. The Council was made up of the leaders of each nation on Earth, as well as the General-Secretary of the United Nations Andre Khumalo and the military leaders of the Joint Humanity Military Command, who were responsible for global defence. Some of the leaders were attending by holo-call.
Many things had changed since the creation of the new United Nations. The United Arab Kingdom was peacefully dissolved after a split between Republicans, Monarchists and the Iranians who wanted independence. They were split into the North African Republic, Kingdom of Arabia and Republic of Persia. Brazil, Congo and Israel had both become independent as well after being monitored for hundreds of years due to them being the causes of conflict in World War 3. Kazakhstan had merged with Russia, as had Hispania and Greco-Italy to form the Mediterranean Republic. The Pacific Union had also elected to merge with South-east Asia, though Kiribati, Fiji and Vanuatu had joined the Commonwealth.
Taking a seat, Parker addressed the assembled Council, "Ladies and gentlemen. I bring grave news. Just two hours ago, one of my admirals notified me that they had been attacked by another space-faring nation in the Andromeda Galaxy. They had attacked when unprovoked, and although he repelled them with few casualties, it is safe to say we are at war."
President Ted Franklin turned to the Briton. "Did they gain any information on the new enemy?"
Parker nodded. "The ship's AI was able to break into the warship's databases. They found that the enemy they had fought was known as the CIS, or Confederacy of Independent Systems. They have been at war with another galactic power, known as the Galactic Republic. The CIS army is composed of droids, essentially robotic killing machines." Several holograms of the B1 Battle Droid, B2 Super Battle Droid, Commando Droid, Droideka, Magnaguard, Vulture droid, Hyena Droid, Tri-fighter and Tactical Droid appear.
"On the other hand, the Republic's army consists of clones, produced on a planet known as Kamino. They have far more possessions than we could've hoped of, and their capital planet is completely urbanised." The holograms of droid fade away to be replaced by humans in white armour with various markings on them and the planets of Kamino and Coruscant.
"I believe it would be wise to reveal our presence to the Republic. We may gain a useful ally for fighting the CIS," announced Field Marshal Thomas Campbell. Several murmurs of agreement were heard.
"Perhaps, but I would advise caution. Given that they are creating clones to fight for them forcefully, they may have different values and ideals to us Terrans. Who knows if they are even democratic?" noted President Gregori Navalny.
"Got that from your family?" joked President Jin Yuan of China, drawing a few laughs at the mention of Navalny's ancestor Alexei Navalny, leader of the second Russian Revolution. Navalny just shrugged and grinned.
"We should be patient and meet the Republic themselves. When we do, we should make sure we show that we have no hostile intentions, perhaps by doing them a favour. Until then, we could take the matter to Parliament, and focus on defeating the CIS ," suggested Khumalo. Everyone nodded in agreement.
Rishi System, Outer Rim, 2 weeks later
"Sir!"
Admiral Johnathan Mason turned around to see one of bridge officers approach him. Now that the UN were at war with the CIS, two more fleets had been deployed to the Andromeda Galaxy. An outpost had been built since the UN realised a colony would be unfeasible in a warzone. Now the 6th Fleet was in the Rishi System, concealed from Republic and CIS eyes. However, they had also been ordered to aid the Republic when possible.
"We noticed a meteor shower, but upon scanning, two of them were actually CIS attack craft containing 12 commando droids. They're attacking the Republic outpost!"
"Deploy a squad of Shield Troopers to handle them." While teams such as SEALs, SAS and Deltas still existed, Shield Troopers were capable of heavy firepower in special missions. They were 'the sword and shield of the army' hence their name.
As the AX-24 transport gunship was prepared, the deployed 8-man squad known as Phoenix Squad was briefed by the admiral. The squad was wearing black, blue or green armour which had HUD systems and various combat systems.
"An estimated 12 commando droids are attacking the local Republic outpost, and the UN have authorised aiding and revealing ourselves to the Republic as soon as possible. You have orders to protect the Republic soldiers and outpost."
"Sir!" all 8 soldiers saluted and left.
"First mission?" asked Private Jack Thompson asked another squad member. Under the armour, Jack was tall with blonde hair and was the team's sharpshooter from Britain in the Commonwealth. Having spent a lot of time shooting when he was younger, he was renowned for being able to take out targets
The other trooper nodded. This was Private Barden Jackson from the USA. The youngest member of the squad ,
The trooper wearing dark blue next to Barden put her hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry too much. This should be easy compared to what the others have told you." Sergeant Maia Serra, who had long brown hair and green eyes, and was the third shortest besides Private Katrina Sund and Barden. She had extensively trained under martial arts and only Lieutenant Jinhai Zhang, the squad leader had skills which was on par with hers.
The trooper in black next to her snorted as they approached the landing craft. "Tsk, wouldn't be so confident if I were you." This was Colonel Eitan Peretz. He had dark hair and skin and blue eyes, and was the tallest of the squad.
"Cut the chatter. We're going in," exclaimed Jinhai, drawing the others' attention back to the AX-24. Once everyone was on board, the craft's engines roared to life, undocking itself from the battleship and streaking towards the Moon.
As the craft eventually descended towards the moon's surface, Katrina, who was sitting in the co-pilot's seat, scanned the outpost and realised that the droids had already taken over. "We're too late."
Circling around the outpost, the AX-24 landed a small distance from the outpost. As the squad scramble out of the shuttle, they found themselves on a dark moon, littered with meteor craters and caverns, as if a giant worm had excavated its way through the moon's surface.
"What would live in a desolated place like this?" scowled Eitan. But no sooner had he said these words, screams and shouts filled the air. Spinning around, they noticed 3 clone troopers watching helplessly as one of their brothers was scooped up in the clutches of an eel-like creature. Jiro Kujima was first to react. Loading and aiming his FGM-900 anti-tank missile launcher, he fired, causing the missile to slam into the creature's side, causing it to drop the trooper it was holding. Screeching in pain, it turned towards the squad but then slumped down as Jack's sniper rifle put a bullet through its eye.
"Now that is one ugly creature," noted Eitan as the squad approached the clones.
"Are you alright?" asked Barden.
The 4 clones looked at the 8 armoured figures dumbfoundedly. Although they were all wearing darkly coloured armour which concealed their faces,
"Uh, yeah," mumbled the clone helping up the clone who had nearly been devoured.
"Yeah, thanks for the save," said the clone as he got up and nodded in thanks to Jiro, who nodded back.
"Who are you?" asked one of the clones who was carrying a pistol.
"Lieutenant Jinhai Zhang, leader of Phoenix Squad, United Nations Armed Forces." Stated Jinhai, while taking off his helmet to reveal his face. "This is my second in command, Sergeant Maia Serra and these are Corporal Eitan Peretz, Barden Jackson, Jack Thomspon, Katrina Sund, Jiro Kujima and Emilia Zalucka." One by one, the others took off their helmets, revealing human faces.
"The United Nations? What's that?" asked another clone.
"It's a long story, but we're at war with the CIS and want to help you. Do you mind introducing yourselves?" asked Maia.
"I'm Fives, this is Echo, Hevy and Cutup. We escaped from this outpost when the commando droids attacked. We're the only ones alive."
Suddenly Hevy exclaimed, "Look!"
Both clones and Phoenix Squad turned and saw a craft land on the pad of the outpost.
"Commander Cody! It's the inspection team!" Fives realised.
"We have to warn them!" Cutup panicked.
"Get on the commlink," Hevy told Echo.
Echo tried several times, only to be dismayed. "It's jammed."
"I'll signal them with this flare," stated Fives, holding up a flare gun and firing it.
A few tense moments later, the sounds of blaster fire rung out, and the craft was engulfed in an enormous fireball. Debris flew into the air.
"No!" yelled Echo.
Emilia used her HUD lenses to scan the platform. "They're alive," she announced.
No sooner had the clone breathed a sigh of relief, two clones came down on extension cables.
"Come on then," pointed out Fives, leading Cutup, Hevy and Echo with them. Phoenix Squad lingered behind for a moment.
"Well, guess we follow," noted Jinhai, running after the clones. The others hurried after him.
In the meantime, Cody and Rex had descended. Upon spotting the four clones, Rex and Cody lifted their rifles.
"Hands above your heads," ordered Rex, "Take off your sun bonnets."
"Um sir?" asked one of the clones.
"Now!" With that, the four troopers obliged and took off their helmets, revealing clone faces. Rex and Cody relaxed only to stiffen up again at the sight of 8 armoured human following them.
"And you are?" demanded Rex.
Jinhai opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Fives, "Sir, this is Lieutenant Jinhai Zhang, and with him is Phoenix Squad of the United Nations Armed Forces. They're fighting the Seppies as well."
"One of them saved my life," added Cutup.
Rex and Cody both relaxed a little, though they were still confused who the United Nations were. Just as they pondered on this, another Rishi eel sprang out from behind to attempt to devour one of the clones. However Rex was quicker, drawing in gun and shooting the eel in the eye, as it moaned and slumped over in a heap, not moving. Rex inspected the corpse and took off his helmet.
"The name's Rex, but you will call me Captain or sir."
"Sir yes sir!" the clone troopers said in response.
"I'm Commander Cody. Your new boss," Cody introduced.
Looking at Phoenix squad, Rex said, "This is interesting, we find a batch of shinnies and new allies."
"Shinnies? What's that?" Hevy asked, confused.
"Your armour," said Rex, approaching Echo and placing his stained hand upon Echo's chest plate, leaving a bright blue mark of eel blood, "Its shiny and new. Just like you."
"Although its nice to talk and everything, but shouldn't we be trying to take back the base? After all, it probably is very significant," noted Eitan. Privately, Rex was surprised at Eitan's guess work, though he didn't know the United Nations had learnt much about the Republic already, and Eitan was covering up this by pretending to guess.
"Sir. Me and my batchers are trained and ready. We'll take back the base, shiny or not," said Hevy, addressing Rex.
"There may be hope for you,rookie," Rex approved.
"And we're coming with you," announced Jinhai, snapping his helmet in place, followed by the others. Rex and Cody nodded In approval, and the clones all put on their helmets.
"Lets move," announced Rex, and the clones and Terrans began to scale the cliff.
Upon reaching the platform, Jinhai held out his hand, signalling the clones and his squad to stop. Scanning the platform, he was relieved to find that the commando droids had returned inside.
"All clear," said Jinhai.
"How do you propose to get through those blast doors, Rex?" asked Cody.
Thinking for a while, Rex replied, "We give them a taste of their own medicine."
Rex approached the blast doors in the same way the commando droid had approached him and Cody earlier, with the rest of the squad hidden out of sight.
Rex simply said "Roger,Roger," as robotically and flatly as he could. He then stooped down to pick up a droid faceplate.
"This is never going to work," Cody sighed facepalming, with the others forcing down a laugh.
Then the doors opened, and the droids realised it was a trap.
"Roger, Roger," said Rex blandly, before gunning down two droids. The third raised its rifle to fire, only to have its head vaporised by Jack. The remains slumped to the floor.
"Let's go," announced Rex.
The clones and shield troopers raced after him, only for Maia to stop them at the top.
"Wait," she said. Pausing, a green light appeared from Maia's helmet lenses, passing the door. Finally, she said, "We have nine hostiles."
"You can do that?" asked Echo in astonishment.
"Permission to take point sir," asked Hevy.
"Kid, I'm always first," Rex said.
The doors opened, revealing the command centre and 9 commando droids. 4 droids had their heads blown off by green laser bolts before they could even react. The other five turned towards them, but a hail of blue and green laser bolts sent their pieces scattered onto the floor.
"Well that was easy," cheered Cutup.
"Hang on, I'm getting a transmission from the UHS Dreadnought," said Jinhai. He then hears, "Lieutenant, the CIS fleet are here. Colin scanned their ships and they're sending down landing craft. They haven't detected us yet, but you should be warned." The transmission then ends.
The lieutenant of Phoenix squad turned to the others. "Bad news. The CIS are here."
"So the Separatists are planning an invasion of Kamino," Cody surmised.
Emilia, who had been studying the controls, looked up and exclaimed, "They've hard-wired the all-clear sign and cut off all transmitters. We don't have the time to repair them."
"Then we destroy the base," Rex said with a tone of finality.
"But sir, we were meant to protect the base at all costs," pointed out Echo.
"But if we destroy the base, then the all-clear signal will stop transmitting and the Republic will know," realised Fives.
"Well, we need to hurry up, because we've got company," Eitan said glancing out of the window towards a continent of battle droids marching in perfect unison towards the base.
"We'll buy you time," said Jinhai, removing the assault rifle he carried from his back,. Turning to the others, he said , "Jack, Maia, Katrina, you three are with me. Barden, Jiro, Eitan, Emilia, you three help the clones blow up the base."
"Hevy, Fives, you go with them. Cutup, Echo, you'll need weapons too," said Rex.
"Yes sir," said the clones, who then proceeded to rush off into the armoury.
"So who's ready to kick robot ass?" asked Maia, holding up her own weapon.
The lead droid marched towards the blast doors and nasally whined out, "Reinforcements, open up."
The doors opened revealing Hevy with a minigun. "You didn't say please."
Opening fire, the minigun bolts tore through the droids, sending pieces everywhere. The others also opened fire, releasing green and blue bolts into the droid ranks.
Advancing towards the droids, the 4 shield troopers then loaded grenades into their underside grenade launchers. Firing, the grenades destroyed around 25 droids and damaged several more as the grenades tore holes through their ranks.
Jinhai was the first to reach the droid ranks. Pulling a switch on his weapon, an energy bayonet sprung out from it, immediately decapitating a B1 battle droid in front of him. He then slashed off the arm of a B2 droid, before cutting it in half. Several droids fired at him, but he ducked behind several crates, before popping up again and firing into the droid mass. He then jumped out from his space and crushed a B1 under his foot, before using his energy bayonet to slice up a B2 droid.
Maia reached the droids next. Pulling out a blue energy blade in the shape of a katana, she began cutting up the droids with ease. Several tried to fire at her, but they were reflected off the blade, with some hitting them back. Katrina also pulled out a similar blade, only this one was yellow and shaped like a sword. Using the sword to impale a B2, she then used its body as a shield while firing her sidearm at several B1s, destroying them before pulling out the blade and using it to cut a B1 in half.
Jack continued to give fire support for the rest of his squad, but some of the droids manage to bypass his three teammates and had pushed him and the clones back. In response, he formed an energy shield. Slamming it into the ground, he formed a small shockwave, destroying 3 B1s and sending other droids flying back, where they were promptly finished off by Echo and Hevy.
However, despite their best efforts, they were still slowly being pushed back to the outpost. As the blast doors began to close, Jack and Katrina threw an EMP grenade each at the droids, disabling 20 of them. An incendiary grenade followed, destroying 10 droids and blocking the entrance with flames.
"That'll hold them for a while. Let's go!" yelled Katrina. The 6 soldiers rushed back to the command centre, where they were greeted by Jiro. "The explosives are nearly ready."
"If only the damn detonator would work," muttered Rex.
"If we use our remote explosives and attached it to the liquid, would the liquid detonate when the explosive is triggered?" asked Emilia, which Rex nodded in response.
Emilia then took out a cube shaped device and attached it to the tank of tibanna liquid. "We can set this off from my suit. Now let's go."
The 6 clones and 8 shield troopers began crawling through the ventilation shafts. It was a tight squeeze for the shield troopers due to their armour, but they managed to crawl through.
Just as the last trooper disappeared, the droids had broken through and were at the command centre.
"Base is secure! Those clone troopers must have run away," says one of the droids.
"What's that?" asked the droid commander, pointing at the white cube which was glowing on the crate.
Oblivious to the droids, the clones and shield troopers had escaped and were outside under th base on a cliffside.
"Get ready to see the fireworks," said Emilia. With that she tapped onto the digital device on her wrist.
In the centre, the cube began to beep rapidly.
"Oh no-"started one of the droids, only to be enveloped by an enormous fireball, easily engulfing and disintegrating the droids in the centre, and destroying the entire outpost in an inferno of flames, consumed by the ignition of the tibanna liquid.
"Always did hate that place," said Hevy with satisfaction.
Aboard the Separatist fleet, General Grievous seethed in anger as he watched the explosion annihilate the outpost.
"What happened? Who blew up the base?" roared Grievous.
"But isn't it a good thing the base was destroyed?" asked a B1 battle droid.
"Idiot!" was the only reply.
The Republic fleet then suddenly appeared, followed by the UN fleet stationed nearby. The Separatists were forced to fleet, exiting into hyperspace one by one.
As both teams eventually returned to their warships, Admiral Mason was contacted by the Republic fleet as a voice said, "Unknown vessels, who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?"
"This is Admiral Johnathan Mason of the UHS Dreadnought, 6th Space Fleet of the United Nations, we have no hostile intentions and have been at war with your enemies, the Confederacy of Independent Systems for 2 weeks after we were attacked. We wish to form an alliance with the Republic. We deployed troops to help you protect the Rishi Moon Outpost, and I'm sure Captain Rex or Commander Cody could inform you further, and I hope we can talk further on my ship even though you don't have much reason to trust us. May I know who you are?"
There was a pause and the voice replied, "Very well, you are speaking to General Obi Wan Kenobi. We'll talk further on your ship if we can bring Captain Rex and Commander Cody."
"Good. Hopefully we'll work together in the future," answered Mason, ending the transmission.
Hope I didn't do too badly, I'm not a big fan of writing character interactions.
I'll be skipping a few episodes of The Clone Wars, so next chapter will be the first interaction between the Jedi and the Government of the United Nations. After that, I'll be doing the battle of Christophosis.