-Chapter 3: Impress Me-

Location: Felucia

"Respect is something not easily gained."

The jungle climate was hot and humid. The air was heavy with a wetness that clung to everything organic with a firm grasp on their lungs. Good thing his helmet could filter the air.

The soldier was at first skeptical about having to be a stealthy on a jungle planet. But once he saw the thick, multi-colored vegetation, their wild shapes and interesting designs, he felt more at ease about his dark blue jacket being able to blend in. From his perch on a hill, hidden by wild shrubs and other tall, curious vegetation, the soldier kept his watchful gaze on the battle before him through the scope of a sniper rifle cradled in his grasp.

Doctor Scipio had been contacted by Count Dooku and instructed to send the soldier to Felucia so he might play a supportive role in an attack on Republic forces. Dooku's wish was for the soldier to command from the shadows, sniping at Republic forces. Something he had proven capable of on Christophsis. Not only did Dooku believe this was an opportunity to further exercise his experiment's capabilities, but this time the Separatist Council would be watching. Scipio was more than happy to dispatch his soldier, simply informing him he would be traveling to Felucia and be supporting Separatist forces. He remembered the moment with great clarity...


"Anakin Skywalker. Jedi General. Commander of the 501st Legion. Fabled 'Chosen One' of the Jedi Order." Seriously? Chosen One? What an utterly ridiculous title. As if two words were supposed to mean something when put together like that. The soldier continued to read through the information he had been given on Skywalker. Approximately six foot two inches tall and around twenty one years of age, not much stuck out about this particular foe. But his attitude made the difference. According to his history, Skywalker was by no means a traditionalist. Often defying the rules and fighting outside the box, Skywalker was becoming known for using brash tactics and taking extreme risks to win victories. The soldier now understood why Scipio wanted him more prepared. He may have been able to kill one Jedi, but he needed to be more prepared if he wanted to fight multiple, powerful Jedi head on. Over the past few days since his return from Ryloth the soldier had been studying his opponents, memorizing handouts Scipio had given him, detailing the Jedi generals he would eventually fight. But he also began memorizing tactics these generals had used, further understanding how they fought. Scipio began training him in how to counter lightsaber combat, enhancing his defensive capabilities and improving his reflexes. Scipio had been clear from the start; he did not want him to openly battle Jedi just yet, challenging them and attacking them so boldly. He wanted his soldier to fight smart, to be smarter than the Jedi. And this skill required time to perfect.

"I have good news my boy!" The Pau'un announced his presence, bearing a pleased smile. Stepping forward, he began to tell what the soldier what he had been informed of, "Count Dooku has contacted me and told me of his plans to send you to Felucia. Your presence is needed in order to give support to Separatist forces there." He explained. The soldier instantly stood, ready to move. "BUT, before you go," Scipio slowed him, having something else to tell, "I must inform you of a few things." The soldier sat back down, expecting a debriefing of some kind. "While I do not know everything that is going on, on Felucia, I do know that Kenobi and Skywalker will be there." The doctor stated. The soldier leaned forward, a little more eager upon hearing that news. "However, your mission is to be strictly from the shadows. Assist, do not intervene. Just like Christophsis." Scipio commanded.

That wasn't what he wanted to hear.

"I know you are spoiling to fight Jedi, but I just want to make sure you are ready. A few more training lessons and I will permit you next time. Will you allow me that?" Scipio asked. Slowly, the soldier nodded, perhaps he could ease Scipio's fears and prove himself to him. As long as it hastened the day when he could fell Jedi without any hesitation...


The soldier left shortly after that conversation, transported to the jungle planet in the same shuttle that had shipped him to Ryloth, Christophsis and presumably many more battlefields to come. Upon arriving, a droid commander informed him of the current situation. Felucia was a strategically important world, being along the Perlemian Trade Route. Whoever controlled it would have a near open path to worlds such as Anaxes, Corulag, Coruscant itself and the ability to move vast resources within mere days, as well as access to the vital nysillin healing plant.

No wonder it was so contested. The Republic wanted Separatist access to the Core Worlds blocked off, while the CIS would rather have open access to attack their enemies. The good news was that Republic forces were on the run, surrounded by droids and facing certain defeat. Separatists naval forces were completing a blockade around the planet, solidifying a potent first victory. Upon hearing this news, the soldier now saw his newest assignment in a different light. It was no longer a simple assistance mission, he was here to help tighten the noose.

This angle pleased him very much.

After collecting a sniper rifle from the armory, the soldier followed a squad of battle droids being sent to support the main body of attack. Knowing that the Republic would stand their ground for as long as they could, the soldier began planning on strategically eliminating any Clones or Clone commanders who were supporting the defensive effort. Scipio's lessons had taught him to eliminate the chain of command, or as the proverb he often used went, "Cut off the head and the body will fall." For now he would follow Scipio's orders and avoid battling Jedi, but the urge within him would not dissipate. He hoped that someday soon he would be allowed to confront whomever he wished, felling them with ease, spreading fear and terror with each kill.

This was his mission. So deeply ingrained in him no one could quell it.

Diverting from the main force, the soldier quickly climbed up a small hill a good distance away from the main fight. Concealing himself behind dense foliage, the soldier armed his weapon and laid down on the ground...

That was almost an hour ago. The soldier shook his head, returning to the present. Staring down the scope of his rifle, cross-hairs aligning in the middle of a Clone using an AT-TE leg for cover. His impending doom was seconds away. The soldier took a breath, steadied his arm and pulled the trigger. Christophsis seemed to repeat itself as the trooper fell dead seconds later. In all the chaos of battle, with shots coming from all directions, no one could tell there was a sniper. Shifting his aim, the soldier sighted a Clone manning one of the heavy guns aboard the AT-TE, the soldier took aim, using the visor of his victim as a point of reference. If he timed his shot wrong, the round could be wasted, ricocheting off the armored front of the turret. The soldier paused, waiting until the soldier rotated the turret ever so slightly, granting him an opening. He pulled the trigger, scoring a head shot seconds later. The trooper was thrown from his seat, falling off his mount only to hit the ground dead. The soldier had decided to stop keeping track of his kills back on Ryloth. Since Scipio was recording his movements, he could always count later. He shifted his aim and locked on to another Clone. Pulling the trigger, the Clone fell dead. The motions grew stuck in his head as he repeated them again and again. His kills racked up, one by one Clones dropped dead as he aimed, paused and fired. At this rate, the entire force would be dead before long. The soldier stopped to consider the situation, there had to be more somewhere. Was this truly it? No wonder the Republic was failing.

Then, the battle droid commander contacted him.

"If you can hear me, there's a smaller division of droids about six klicks from here." He was informed over his comms. "We're trying to join forces, but they're under heavy fire from Republic forces. Can you get over there and give them a hand?" So that's what was going on. The soldier immediately picked himself up, grabbed his rifle and started running. He sprinted behind the Separatist forces and took off in the direction of the other fight. If the commander was true, this would provide him with a much greater challenge. His stamina had been enhanced to the point where he could last for hours compared to the average male. He sprinted through the jungle, crossing terrain as fast as he could run. Vulture droid fighters screamed by overhead, obviously dealing with any air support the Republic was trying to offer. It took him less than ten minutes to reach the second battlefield. He quickly climbed up a nearby hill, taking a knee to survey the battle going on before him. The Separatist force here was much smaller than he had anticipated, and, upon recognizing the towering Republic turbo tank and twin AT-TE's, he soon understood why they were having such difficulties. He'd have to time his shots with what fire was coming from the Separatist lines so as not to be noticed. Given how few there were, this wouldn't be easy shooting. But as he determined just how many Clones were part of this patrol, he came to realize that all of their firepower relied on the tanks. If he could shift angles and fire from a more forward approach, like the droids were, he might be able to blend in a bit better. But if he were to skirt behind the Republic forces, he'd have a better angle at sniping the inner workings of the tank's wheel configurations. That way, he could possible disable the mechanical behemoths and then worry about personnel.

So many options... there were almost too many paths to victory.

The soldier doubled back, deciding to attack the troopers instead. The turbo tanks might require a more head-on approach, but he'd worry about that once the personnel had been dispatched of. Technically, his orders of 'support' did not have any defined parameters. Engaging a small detachment head on in order to help out the main body could qualify as a support mission. Wouldn't it?

Having moved closer to Separatist lines, the soldier knelt down and lined up the Republic lines through his scope. But as the soldier took aim at a leading Clone through his cross-hairs, his vision passed across someone he had never encountered before, nor had he even seen during his original surveillance. He paused, shifting his scope back to the individual that had caught his eye.

A young female Togruta, armed with a green lightsaber was perched atop one of the turbo tanks, deflecting shots from the battle droids. Shimmering blue eyes filled with youthful determination and concentration were intensely focused on the droids attacking her squad. Her head was adorned by white, blue striped montrals. Padawan beads hung down the back of her head, whipping wildly around with her movements. Her brown tube top matched her skirt, boots and gloves but stuck out compared to her light grey leggings. Her orange skin almost glowed in the sunlight but was definitively set apart from the pure white markings on her face. The soldier paused, lowering his rifle, looking at this new Jedi through his own optics with curiosity. Never had he seen her before, nor had he even heard of her. Scipio told him Skywalker and Kenobi were leading this assault.

So who was she?

Quickly triggering the audio receptors stored in his helmet, the soldier returned to his scope and watched the Togruta's movements. Thanks to Scipio, the devices in his helmet amplified whatever he was hearing through his commlink, all he had to do was point it in the right direction. And through his scope, he had a very clear line of sight. It would be an easy shot, he could probably cut her down right now. But first, he wanted to know who she was.

"About six klicks east, Master. We've engaged the enemy and we've got them on the run." The Togruta's voice came over his audio. She was obviously talking to someone via a commlink. The soldier stopped to consider it. Her voice definitely sounded young and feminine, but there was an edge of immaturity to it, somewhat belying her Jedi status. Somewhat satisfied, the soldier switched off the receptors and trained his aim on the Clones below. Carefully timing his shots, the soldier felled a single trooper. It soon occurred to him just how badly the Separatists were losing this side of the battle. Very few barrages were taking place, signifying just how many droids had been destroyed. He determined this would not be one of his more productive battles, but he would still do what he could. The droids began to retreat, their numbers too few to challenge the impressive opposing firepower. The soldier had no choice but to double back along with them to avoid being discovered. The problem was, the Republic forces were situated in more of an open plain than near the dense jungle.

The soldier was running out of hiding places.

He ducked behind one of the giant pieces of foliage, waiting for an opportunity to pop back out and resume his attack.

That's when he heard a loud humming overhead.

Looking up, the soldier saw a series of drop-ships descending from the sky and watched as they landed between the Separatists and the Republic forces. The soldier continued to watch as bay doors opened and Clones began opening covering fire.

The soldier grinned. Like shooting fish in a very small barrel.

His grin was cut short as he remembered his orders. Trying hard to suppress his killing instinct, the soldier raised his rifle and began targeting one Clone at a time. He switched between gunships after each kill to avoid being pinpointed, timing his shots with each wave of attacking fire that was unleashed by the Separatists.

But a Jedi in black stepping out of the gunship and moving towards the tanks caught his attention. Quickly reactivating his receptors, the soldier listened in.

"Can't you see they're retreating?" The Togruta exclaimed. Then a second voice came over his audio.

"They're about to overrun you, Ahsoka! You just can't see it. Now follow orders and get in the ship." Multiple thoughts ran through the soldier's head with those words. Firstly, he now knew the name of this Togruta: Ahsoka. Secondly, this other Jedi was obviously a superior of some sort. Possibly Skywalker or Kenobi, the soldier theorized. Lastly, victory would soon belong to the Separatists! If the Republic forces were pulling out then that could only mean that their defensive had failed. And he assumed the recklessness of this 'Ahsoka' had certainly helped their situation. Grinning beneath his helmet, the soldier aligned his cross-hairs and felled two Clones in quick succession. Seeing an increase in red laser fire, the soldier turned to see the rest of the Separatist forces were approaching their position, closing in and surrounding as the Republic forces retreated. The gunships lifted off as the soldier held his fire, seeing no need to continue. This battle had been won. Watching the Separatist forces destroy the turbo tank with a mighty explosion, the soldier stood up and rested against his rifle.

Another victory for the Confederacy of Independent Systems.


After assisting the droid forces in securing control of the jungle planet, the separatist departed and returned to Scipio's base. He was still unfamiliar with the planet where he was based out of, only the coordinates always locked into his shuttle that took him there. Upon his return, Scipio began to immediately retrieve the recordings from his helmet. The soldier sat across from him, watching as the doctor hurriedly worked on the holotable. Normally Scipio was busy, bustling around his lab working on various projects. But currently he seemed busier than normal, almost nervous.

"I am sending your most recent exploits to the Separatist Council, as per orders from Count Dooku. I believe they are about to make a decision about your continued use." Scipio explained, as if he were reading the soldier's mind. Cocking his head, the soldier gave Scipio a curious look, almost as if he were saying "I thought I had already proven myself?" The Pau'un looked up from his work momentarily to catch the soldier's sideways glance. "It is not my decision as to whether you are to be deployed or not. I only tell you where you're going, the Council determines your use." He explained. The soldier leaned back and crossed his arms. "You needn't sit around and wait for me, my boy," Scipio added, turning back to his work, "go train, study, occupy your time with something. There may come a day when you are too busy to hone your skills." Deciding his mentor was correct, the soldier stood up and left the room. One thing he had wanted to do was return to the data files he was looking at, before he left for Felucia. After witnessing that black-clad Jedi ordering around the young Togruta, he was curious as to whom it was.

The plain steel halls were empty, only the sound of his metal boots clicking along the floor echoed through the walkway. There were seldom any droids in the facility, only a few servant droids here and there. Not even the holodeck where he trained contained any droids, only holographic projections. It was a lonely place to dwell, but the soldier didn't mind. Even though he was growing tired of it, desperate for any opportunity to leave the confines of this facility he had grown up in and travel to distant worlds and fulfill the purpose he had been engineered for. There were some areas of this compound he was not permitted to visit, areas where Scipio's most important work took place. But the soldier had freedom to roam the holodeck, his own quarters and the main room where Scipio was currently uploading his helmet recordings. He lived a simple life away from the battlefield. But his true life was out on the battlefield. He belonged out there, fighting for the Separatist cause, upholding their values in the face of fierce Republic opposition. He was made to ensure the cause spread to every world in the galaxy, that every populace would one day live under Separatist law.

This is what defined him. Not his augmented body, vastly superior skills or tactical genius, but his heart. And his heart was branded by the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

Live for the cause. Die for the cause.

The soldier walked through a doorway on his left and entered a spacious room, filled with records and datapads. It was the knowledge Scipio wanted him to learn. Over his many, many years of training the soldier had studied every piece of information in this room. Having memorized much of it, it was the techniques, guides and lessons contained within these volumes that helped make him who he was. He had spent many hours learning machine operation, weapon history, fighting history, biology, planetary histories, the history of different species and the art of warfare. What he learned in here he would put into practice on the holodeck before exercising it on the battlefield. But there was some information he had yet to learn, pertaining to the identity of the Jedi Order. Only know had Scipio given him this information, and he had begun to memorize their history, structure, culture and ways. Much of it he personally thought to be useless, such ascetic practices were hardly of any value.

But lightsabers? Now that was a different story.

Sitting down at the holotable, the soldier collected his notes on the Jedi he had been reading several hours ago. He flipped to the article on Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and tapped on the image icon. The holographic display activated a render of this General Skywalker, displaying a near perfect image of his body.

He was the black-clad Jedi the soldier had observed.

Now, only one question remained in his mind: of what importance was this 'Ahsoka' to Skywalker?

Scanning through the file, the soldier found no immediately available information. Perhaps his findings on Felucia would soon be added to this limited readout he possessed. Disabling the projection, the soldier leaned back and started reading.

Hours ticked by as he learned and memorized the known data available on the Jedi Order. The soldier had come to the conclusion that being a Jedi must suck. Living a life devoid of attachments? Scipio had trained him to see that it was his friends and allies that made him stronger. The lack of emotion and total business-like attitude would be a daily thing for the Jedi. He felt glad for having cut down Ima-Gun Di. Like the galaxy needed any more Jedi. But the Republic saw them as allies and enlisted their services. Masters, Knights, these seemed to be his biggest worry, acting as generals and leading Clone legions. But it seemed as of recent that apprentices, or Padawans, were being allowed to fight and lead in the war as well. But they were only commanders, not generals. Pausing in his reading, the soldier had to wonder if that young Togruta was Skywalker's apprentice. The more he thought about it, the more likely the assumption seemed...

He was stirred from his musings when Scipio suddenly entered the room and addressed him. "The Separatist Council requests your presence." He stated. Placing the data pad down, the soldier rose and moved to follow the doctor. He detected an air of nervousness in the doctor as he drew closer to him. Something must be up. They quickly strode down the halls and returned to the room with the holotable. As they drew closer, the soldier quickly recognized the forms of several members of the Separatist Council, including Count Dooku, Viceroy Nute Gunray, San Hill and Poggle the Lesser. Gunray was the Neimodian leader of the Trade Federation, San Hill the chairman of the Banking Clan and Poggle the Lesser was both the archduke of Geonosis and a member of the Techno Union, responsible for the production of all battle droids. "Esteemed leaders of the CIS, may I present to you my experimental soldier: A-31B." Scipio addressed them, gesturing to the soldier, who bowed as he was introduced.

"So this is your creation Scipio?" Gunray mused, examining the soldier with a thoughtful look. "At first glance he does not appear like much... but from your recordings I know that to not be true." The Viceroy noted.

"Indeed Gunray. Before you is a triumph of Separatist bio-engineering, a proud milestone in the Techno Union's list of achievements." Dooku declared. "But perhaps you should be the one to explain to us what he truly is, doctor."

"I shall, my lord," Scipio replied, bowing, "my creation is the perfect specimen, chemically enhanced to maintain a body at peak performance. Thanks to a synthesized formula that has been bonded to his genetic structure, this soldier is capable of outperforming any Clone the Republic can send our way. In fact I have specifically trained him to be better than the soldiers of the Republic."

"Then that would make him a perfect soldier, no?" San Hill wondered.

"Indeed. A 'superior-breed' if you will." Scipio added with a smile. "I have been training him in the arts of combat, his enhanced memory capable of memorizing tactics and disciplines the average human is not capable of. If I may be so bold to say, he may very well be the deadliest soldier in the entire Separatist army." Scipio boasted.

"While that remains to be seen, I know very few who can fight a Jedi with knives alone and walk away without a scratch." Gunray noted.

"Indeed. His services are at your beck and call, council. I have mentally programmed him to be positively receptive to all Separatist doctrine and commands."

"The footage from Christophsis proved his capabilities as a specialist, the footage from Ryloth proved his abilities as a warrior and the footage from Felucia proved his ability to follow orders." Dooku recounted. "Gentlemen, I see no reason why we need deny this soldier any further action. I move to have him instated as an Elite Combat Specialist and promoted to the rank of Field Operative. His skills will be most useful in battles to come." Dooku proposed. Scipio grinned a little, this was the moment he had been hoping for! Beneath his helmet, the soldier grinned as well.

"I agree Dooku. Now, more than ever, we need someone capable of fighting off the Republic's Clone hordes." Hill nodded in acceptance. Poggle, who had been quietly listening, clicked a response to Scipio.

"By no means your highness. He is not meant to replace your droids. But he is a fail safe if the Separatists ever need one." The doctor replied. With a firm nod, Poggle clicked another response.

"It seems our Geonosian ally has agreed to his use." Dooku informed the group. "Would anyone care to deny him?" He asked.

"I see no point to doing so." Gunray replied.

"Then this matter is settled. Scipio, I charge you with maintaining the soldier's health and well-being. You are responsible for his training and keeping him a step ahead of our enemies. From now on we will send you full mission dossiers in order to ensure his readiness."

"The council is too kind to us. We are forever at your service." Scipio replied. "But, if I may, can I count on your assistance if I should desire to upgrade him? All I would need are materials, weapons and maybe some chemicals."

"You can rely on our service. I'm certain the Banking Clan can cover any costs needed to keep our secret weapon battle-ready." Dooku positively responded. "I shall be sending a new assignment soon. Be ready for it." With that, the Separatist Council faded away as the communication ended. Scipio and the soldier turned to face each other, Scipio beaming.

"We've done it, my boy!" He congratulated him. "We have won them over and proved your services. Well done!" The soldier nodded, as pleased as Scipio was. The time had come for him to play a more prominent role in the battle against the Republic.

The time had come for him to be unleashed.