Hey guys, sorry for how late this is coming out. Been having some allergy issues that messed up my schedule along with graduation. So, I decided to put out a longer chapter to make up for the lateness. I hope you guys enjoy, and I want to thank all of you for the amazing support you've shown me! As always, please tell me if you notice any mistakes or issues and point them out to me, I do miss things and I will go back and correct them.
To Andrew: Thanks for all the sources, I'm sure they will help. Although I don't know how many of the characters you've told me about will have a heavy presence in the story. I fear that if I begin having too many characters that it'll be too hard to follow and I'll mix things up. For now I don't plan on going much farther than what you've seen with more characters. For now I'm going to focus on a few main characters. Anakin, Obi Wan, Rex, Kittani, and possibly Boil and Cody. Although others will appear they won't be as major, at least for now.
Plus I also plan to stick to characters I know well. I haven't seen as many from the comics, and wiki articles/other sources can only get you so far on a characters personality and identity. But we will see.
Thank you all again, and as always. May the force be with you.
Obi-Wan held a little tighter onto his hand grip inside of the Gunships troop bay as it weaved through the Coruscant traffic. The pilot was clearly enjoying himself based on the liberty taken in flight, especially since all military craft had right of way. Obi-Wan wished he could say the same for his thoughts on flight. Even his Padwan was enjoying herself. Maybe not to the extent that Anakin would have and still did, but the smile on her face was evident.
Oh Force, he still couldn't forget the stunts he'd gone through when in a vessel piloted by his friend. It filled him with wonder if Kittani would be as wild when she fully learned to pilot a craft, and no small amount of worry too. One stunt pilot was enough in his life.
"Master, you said we would be on a training mission today. But, where are we going? I don't recognize this part of Coruscant." He turned back, seeing his Padawan glance between himself and the open doors of the gunship, seeing sections of the planet speed past below. Coruscant's sun was still rising, maybe an hour after dawn. Many buildings were still in shadow.
"We're headed for the military district of the Capitol. Specifically, to the staging area for the Seventh Sky Corps. I'll be introducing you to my personal unit, the Two Hundred and Twelfth Attack Battalion and its Commander. Along with…" He was stopped as the gunship suddenly lurched and skidded in the air. Both had to hang on to the straps hanging from the roof. Obi Wan watched as they passed a shuttle with many gawking faces on board, including a few he was sure belonged to some high-end officials or senators.
"General, we're approaching the Sky Corps landing bays now. We'll be on the ground in around a minute." The pilot told them as the shuttle lined back out and began to descend.
"Understood, thank you Slipstream. But please, try to take it easy. You nearly gave the people on that shuttle, and me, a heart attack." Obi Wan shook his head some as he heard a few chuckles from the coms.
"Noted General, I'll keep that in mind."
Obi-Wan let out a small sigh of relief as he felt the shuttle touch down inside the landing bay, the engines powering themselves down as he stepped off with Kittani. There to greet them was a small detachment of men standing at attention, the officers in charge of the Two Twelves Companies. Before them stood his friend and second in command, Cody.
Returning the salute, Obi Wan had them stand at ease.
"General, I hope things have been well at the temple?"
"Oh, just fine. In the past two weeks, the Five Oh First has adjusted well." Obi Wan told him with a knowing look. In fact, it was going better than expected. Anakin's troopers were extremely eager to have the chips removed. The droid doctors had worked non-stop, even when the Jedi healers were resting the clones did not hesitate to come in.
"Good to know Sir. Our men are eager for their chance at such an honor to say the least." Cody told him with a nod. They'd addressed the unit about the chips, Obi-Wan couldn't hide this from his men. He nodded, then saw as Cody took notice of Kittani.
"Sir, if I might ask. Who is the youngling you've brought with you today?"
"Ah, this is my Padawan. I brought her to introduce her to the unit." Obi Wan said. "Cody, meet Padawan Kittani Jaxx. Kittani, meet Commander Cody." He smiled some.
"It's good to meet you Commander." Obi-Wan heard his Padawan greet, seeing her give a short salute as well.
Cody nodded some, although without his armor, Obi-Wan could sense some of his second in commands concerns. "The same to you, welcome to the Two Twelve… Commander Jaxx." He said, returning it.
"And don't worry Cody, I won't be having Kittani taking on such a major command role yet. As a Padawan, she has much to learn." He said, having to burst the bubble he could already feel rising inside his Padawans chest. He would have to work with her on guarding her feelings better.
"Well, Cody, shall we go to your office?" He asked "Also, have Sergeant Boil meet us there. I have something I need to ask him."
Cody nodded, following them along.
"Master. What training do you mean? I've had strategy classes at the Jedi Temple." Kittani told him.
"I know Kittani, but as I'm sure the Commander here will tell you. Classes don't give as much insight into the reality of combat as one might think. Just like when we use the force or practice a light saber style. Hearing someone describe it and actually doing it are two very different things young one."
He heard a sigh, but saw her black hair bob in agreement. "I understand Master." She said. "But, does this mean I will be staying behind when you… you know."
"Go back to the war?" Obi-Wan paused for a moment, but shook his head. "No, you won't be staying behind. You are a Padawan, and must take on the duties of one. The only time we won't be together is if we are assigned to different missions by the council, or if I feel a mission is too dangerous." He said.
She seemed to perk up a bit at that, "I understand, thank you Master." She said, offering him a smile.
Obi-Wan smiled at this, glad that she did. He had a plan to get her some experience, even if it was on a training field.
They soon arrived at the door to Cody's office. Everything in the barracks itself was the standard durasteel grey. At least in the hallways. He was certain that the commons and sleeping quarters were more decorated by the troopers themselves. Waiting outside the office was a clone dressed in ARF trooper gear, helmet at his side.
"You wanted to see me Sirs?" Boil asked as he snapped to attention.
"Yeah Boil, General Kenobi wanted to speak with you." Cody said.
Obi Wan nodded to Boil, one of the decorated members of Ghost Company. "Ah, Sergeant. Sorry if I interrupted something. I'd like to introduce you to my Padawan, Kittani Jaxx."
Boil nodded, turning to the girl and offering her a salute. "Good to have you with us, another Jedi is always welcome." He said with a brief smile.
"Thank you, I'll do my best." She said.
"Well, now that introductions are finished. Boil, I called you here today because I was wondering if you and your squad would be alright with being Kittani's first command when the time comes? For now, I'd like for her to train with your squad to learn."
The clone seemed to think for a moment, and although he seemed nervous at the prospect, he nodded. "Understood General. We will do our best." He said.
Obi Wan smiled and nodded, "Understood. You're dismissed Sergeant. Kittani, why don't you go with Boil here and meet his squad. Join them on a training run. Observer how they work together." He said.
"Okay Master." She said smiling. "Lead the way Sergeant."
Obi Wan watched them leave, nodding some before turning to Commander Cody. "Now that that's taken care of. Let's discuss our current situation, shall we?"
They entered Cody's quarters and sat. Obi-Wan glad to be able to sit for a moment as he'd stayed up late training with Kittani.
"So, how's the Five Oh First doing at the temple? How many of them are waiting for the surgery?" He asked.
"Well, only one more battalion actually. They've worked non-stop getting the chips out… we'd originally planned to let the troopers get some rest at night. But many of them have gone in and had it done during their off-duty hours. Even when the Jedi healers couldn't be there, the medical droids were still working." He said.
"Sounds like Rex's boys." Cody chuckled.
"Oh, it most certainly is. Many of the initiates and Padawans have created a game with the troopers. See who can dodge training bolts from the most men." Obi Wan said shaking his head.
"Now that definitely sounds like Rex's men." Cody couldn't help but smile some, figuring Rex was keeping his men in line while they still got to have a little fun too.
Obi Wan nodded, "Indeed. So, how many of the Seventh's units have them out?" He asked, noting his own commanders slowly fading scar on his forehead. "I'm going to assume that the entirety of the Two Hundred and Twelfth has already gotten them removed?"
"To put it simple, yes, we have General." Cody said with a nod. "I know I should've waited Sir… but… just the thought that we could betray everything we believe in with something as simple as the uttering of a phrase. I couldn't stand it Sir." He said. "I knew my men couldn't either." He said. "So, some of the unit technicians and medical officers took the droids 'offline' for a time to run a series of checks in the system."
Obi Wan shook his head some, but smiled. "So, in short, you've had them disconnected so they can't send daily reports back to the officials and then wipe their local memory of the operations?"
"Well, if that's the way you'd like to put it General. Then yes. Although I'll say that my way sounds far more official on any documents sent back to GAR HQ."
Obi Wan couldn't help but laugh now, "This is something I would expect of Anakin or the Five Oh First Cody. I guess some of Rex's ways have rubbed off on you as well then?" He asked. "You know the risks of this correct? If you or any member of the unit is caught with knowledge that this is going on it's a capital offense. Tampering with military equipment."
Cody smiled, "I suppose they have Sir. And yes, we do. Every man in this unit, in fact in the entire Legion of the Sky Corps currently stationed here, knows." He said as he ran a hand through his hair. "The simple fact is that we decided if we get found out, the Supreme Chancellor will brand us as traitors to the Republic anyways just for what we've already done. Might as well make it worthwhile."
"I understand Commander, I cannot fault you for that. How many men have had the operation done already?"
"Well, the Two Twelve is chip free. On my last update around forty percent of our men have had their inhibitor chips removed. I'd like to try and get the entire Sky Corps free… but it isn't possible so long as there are other officers aboard the ships or they're in combat."
Obi-Wan sighed, "We'll have to make do with what we have…" He said. "I only hope it'll be enough. If we must arrest the Supreme Chancellor, or find proof on hostile planets. The Four Hundredth Legion and the Five Hundred and First Legion will be the only ones without chips we can rely on."
"Understood Sir… We're with you to the end. For us… this isn't just a fight we were bread for anymore… it's a fight for our freedom as people, as human beings." Cody looked to Obi Wan with a determined expression. More so than what he was used to seeing on his second in commands face. "Sir… frankly. I want more to life than just being a soldier. The places we've gone too, the people and things we've seen. There's more to life than this war… and I know that now. Even if my life is shorter than most… I'd like to live it. Not be some mindless droid like the Chancellor Plans." He said firmly.
Obi Wan couldn't help but smile. He'd always encouraged his troops to express individuality among themselves, but Cody had always been by the book and stern. A soldier, pure and simple. To see him wanting to dream of a future struck some pride into Obi Wan.
"Then you have my word… The Jedi Order will do what it can to help you reach that goal." He said with a nod.
"Thank you General. That means a lot." The man said before looking out the small window into the training room below them. Obi Wan could sense his commander's nervousness in the force, and saw he was glad for a change in conversation after that admission. "Would you like to observe Nerra Squad sir?"
"Nerra? Hmm, apparently Boil holds some fond memories of his time on Ryloth at least." He chuckled some as the Commander nodded. Numa had had a change on Boils outlook on life. A lasting one indeed.
Kittani could feel her hair standing on end as she stood at the entrance doors to the simulation. The squad of clone troopers around her in their full gear. She'd quickly learned that they were ARF troopers. Boil had explained that they were trained to launch surprise attacks and scout enemy positions ahead of the main force.
She ignited her light saber, green blade flashing into existence. This was a live fire drill. To ensure no errors were made. Her heart was racing, grip tight on her saber as the troopers got into position around her.
"Alright boys, we've got a position to take. Unknown what the enemy strength is but we believe they've fortified some buildings in this town and could be using the courtyard to fire mortars on our line of advance. Our job is to get in and take those mortars out of action for good." Boil told them. "We hit hard, we hit fast, we get out of here before reinforcements can show up."
The other troopers nodded in agreement and Kittani looked to him, trying to remain calm. This was happening. Even though the droids would be firing training ammo, it was still all so very real.
"Stick close kid. Keep a level head and let me worry about the squad. We can do this." She heard Boil say to her. Kittani nodded, and her grip tightened on her saber as she raised it into a ready stance for the charge.
The doors opened with a pneumatic hiss, and before them it revealed a desert town. They were just inside the walled entrance of it, mud buildings all around them. It was quiet, darkness had fallen. Kittani moved in with the clones, light saber at the ready. The squad had fanned out around her and Boil.
"Everything looks clear Sergeant." She said softly as she kept looking around, listening for any signs of danger.
"Yeah, it does… but looks aren't everything youngling." He said. "Radar, you're on point. Hawkeye, Trapper. Ascension cables up. I want you two on either side of the squad along the rooftops. Provide cover fire." He said.
Kittani watched as the troopers followed orders without issue. The two quickly scaling up the walls of houses on either side of the road. The third clone taking up a position at the front of the unit. "Alright boys, let's move out." He said.
They moved forwards as one group, stepping carefully. The two on the rooftops hanging back some to cover the unit, letting them get a house or two ahead before they made the leap across to the next rooftop.
They'd made it half way down the first street when Radar held up a fist and stopped a few yards ahead of them, motioning for them to stop. "Tin Heads inbound!" He said, starting to back up just as two squads came marching around the corner. One purely B1's the other a mix of B1's and B2's.
"Clones! Open Fire!" The lead droid cried out.
"Take cover!" Boil called out as the wave of orange training shots came at them. Kittani instantly brought her light saber up as she moved with the clones for a low wall. A shot came towards her and she blocked it, feeling the push of the bolt against her light saber before it deflected back randomly. Another shot at her chest, followed by one at her foot was blocked as she swung wildly to deflect bolts to cover her and the clones. She could see Boil and the others returning fire as they ran.
The blaster fire was picking up as the droids formed their firing lines, Kittani and the last clones sliding into cover behind a low wall. Some of the others were taking pot shots at the advancing droids, but Kittani noticed the main volume of fire came from the two clones along the rooftops.
"We can't stay here Sergeant." Called out one of the clones who's name she hadn't learned. He heart was pumping, hands shaking. Her grip on her extinguished light saber was like durasteel. More shots crossed over their heads.
"Alright, we've got to get out there and support Hawkeye and Trapper. Think you can give us some cover, kid?" Boil asked her.
Kittani ignored the name he'd began calling her but nodded, "Yeah, I can. On your go Sergeant!" She said as her muscles tensed up, primed to move. She forced herself to be calmed through the force, knowing that it would guide her through this.
"Now!" Boil shouted. Kittani sprinted, deflecting blaster bolts as she ran to the middle of the street, taking up a stance and still deflecting. The clones were behind her, some in cover and some not. All returned fire as the droids advanced, one shouting the classic phrase of, "Die! Republic Dogs!"
She kept her wide stance, light saber flashing across her as she did her best to block each bolt. The clone troopers own fire began to have an effect on the droids. A single shot most often enough to take down one of the smaller B1's. More were needed for the B2's though.
"Jedi! Focus on the Jedi!" One of the B2's said, robotic panic in its voice as it waved at the B2's. Two of them turned, their auto blasters firing at her. She tried to deflect the number of bolts, but there were too many. Kittani began to back up, light saber waving frantically.
Just as she felt she was about to be overwhelmed, the panic feeling her. A blue blaster bolt zipped past her. She could feel the heat off it. Vastly different from the droid's training rounds or the training rounds at the Jedi temple. The bolt buried itself up in the 'eye' of the battle droid, singing through and dropping it.
Kittani didn't have time to think on it, the droids, even with over half their numbers gone, were still advancing. She could better block and dodge the second B2 now, and the second one of the remaining light droids tried to focus on her they were picked off. Kittani Pressed forward and moved to the side, charging the super battle droid. She brought her light saber up, cutting through its blaster arm. Her follow through brought her saber straight down into the top of the droid itself, cutting through the center. As soon as she saw the light extinguish she pulled her saber free, summoning up the force and pushing it over onto its back.
The other droids were backing away, preparing to fall back. She couldn't let them. The squad couldn't let this group get away to reinforce the town center. Boil moved up alongside her.
"Good job Kid. We've got them on the run!" He said, never letting up the fire.
"We can't let them get away! They'll get back to the town square and set up a defensive!" Kittani pushed forward, running down the nearest droid and slashing through it as it turned on her.
"You heard her boys, let's move it!" He said.
"Fall back! Retreat!" Kittani heard one of the droids call out as she charged and cut another droid's legs off, then drove her saber's point through its head. The clones laid fire onto the remaining droids, and through force along brought down the last two super battle droids. Maybe four or five B1's however had fled.
Kittani looked to the clones around her as they advanced. "Boil, they'll warn the other droids!"
"Yeah, they will. But we can't charge after them like that to run down a few clankers. Could be leading us into an ambush." He said. "We'll move up through the alley ways… try and flank them. Hawkeye, Trapper, off the roofs. We need to move fast." Boil ordered as the other two quickly jumped down.
Kittani rubbed at her shoulder, where she could still feel the heat of the blaster bolt that had passed her. One of the two troopers took notice. "Sorry 'bout the singe commander. I had a better shot than Trap here and had to make sure the tin head went down the first time." Hawkeye said with a nod.
"It's fine, just wasn't expecting it is all. Could use a little warning next time." Kittani replied with a nod.
There was little talk as they moved into the back alleys of the small town. The light from the night sky just enough to light her way, the clones of course having night vision. The windows of the buildings were blacked out, some having a cloth to cover them and others just dark. It was eerily quiet inside the town, and Kittani wondered if battlefields were like this or if it was a side effect of the training room.
She watched as the first clone rounded a corner before jumping back as a stream of blaster bolts lit up the corridor. "Kriff! They've hunkered up in one of the houses. Got a repeater set up in there. I'm hit!" Radar growled out as the marker clearly showed a strike to his shoulder and another to his thigh.
"Alright Radar, trade out your rifle for Wraith's carbine while he checks you out! The rest of you, we've gotta take out that bunker. I want some coverin.."
"Sergeant, wait! I have an idea." Kittani said.
"You sure about it Kid?" He asked, looking to her.
"Yes, I am! I know how we can get into that bunker without risking our troops." She said. "Just follow me."
"Alright, show us what you got." He said. Kittani nodded before getting a running go and using a force jump to get to the roof of the building. She crouched down low as Boil was quickly boosted up by two of his troopers and joined her.
"What's your plan?" He asked quickly.
She motioned for him to follow, and, crouch running along the top of the buildings, made her way over to the rooftop of the droid blaster turret. "Get ready Sergeant!" She said before igniting her light saber and plunging it into the roof, cutting a circle into it in a slow, steady, motion.
A quick nudge with the force pushed the cut section of roof down into the room. They were quickly met with blaster fire coming from the hole, causing Kittani to lean jump back along with Boil. The panicking chatter of the droids inside as they fired wildly could be heard. Shouts of "Die, Republic Dogs!" and "Oh no, it's the Jedi!" among many others.
Boil acted quickly, pulling out a grenade. "Droid popper out!" He shouted before tossing it into the hole. There was a high-pitched whine for a moment as they ran, and a blue electrical pulse shot from the building before dissipating. The guns inside it falling silent.
"Good work Sergeant… smart thinking with the grenade." She said, panting some. Her adrenaline screaming at her.
"Same too you… nice thinking with outflanking them like this." He said as they motioned to the rest of the squad. "Come on, they'll know where we are now with this outpost down. We need to get away from here and get to those mortars." He said.
They jumped down, rejoining the rest of the squad before taking off at a light jog, having to slow down due to Radars 'wounds'. They were nearing the town center, and could hear more activity as they got closer, avoiding droid patrols.
Boil halted them in a small courtyard behind a cantina style building that overlooked the central plaza. They could hear the clanking of a few droids patrolling the plaza itself.
"Alright… our objective is just past these buildings. We're gonna get some cover inside this cantina… the main body of the squad will provide cover fire while the rest moves in and destroys the artillery." He said. "Be ready for anything. As soon as the last mortar blows, we form up and get out. Commander, think you're up for leading the team to destroy the mortars?"
Kittani nodded firmly as the rest of the squad readied up. Then they moved, Hawkeye forcing the back door of the cantina open as they moved in. It was blacked out. Things left abandoned. Drinks in open bottles and cups, food that appeared to slowly be rotting, and a deactivated drink serving droid.
They moved upstairs, where a small open area offered a good view. The squad took cover, Kittani peeking up over the edge of the low wall running along the edge.
Below them stood much of the remaining droid unit. Multiple droids moved about. B1's and B2's on patrol routes around the area along with others standing about. There were two mortar teams, each with three droids operating it. Pits had been dug in the center of the plaza, providing cover for the teams.
"Looks like there's a good portion of a platoon down there. I'm seeing around thirty of them. Both types. We could take out a few with the poppers… but the rest we'll have to take down the old-fashioned way." He said.
"We don't have to take them all down. If we can over take the first mortar, then we should be able to get thermal detonators into the second one. When it goes down, we pull back and dump a thermal detonator down the tube of the first mortar." She said. "After that, it's a matter of getting out of here."
Boil nodded, "You think you can manage it? It's a good ten to fifteen meters to that first pit. No cover."
Kittani managed a smile. "You and your boys give me and the two you send with me cover, and we'll be in and out in no time." She said confidently.
Boil nodded to her, then motioned for two clones to follow her. "Wait for our signal. Go after you hear the third droid popper." He said.
Kittani nodded, and hurried back down with the other two clones to wait by the door. She tightened her grip on her light saber, ready at the slightest moment. A few seconds felt like minutes as her heart pounded in her ears. Then the firefight began. The sound of two EMP detonations, followed by a heavy amount of blaster fire from the roof above that was returned by the droids out in the streets along with cries of panic. A few seconds later saw and she heard the third droid popper go off.
"That's our que, go!" She shouted. One of the clones kicked the door open, pushing outside and firing as Kittani charged out, lightsaber flashing into existence. She pushed forward at a sprint, deflecting any blaster bolts that came near. She wasn't quite able to send them back at droids, but she could deflect them into the ground. The two clones kept pace, carbine blasters firing to provide cover.
There was almost a wave of blue blaster fire going over their heads from the rooftops. The clones focusing fire on the large groups of droids. Kittani jumped down into the first pit, slicing through a B1 as it backed up. Her clones stopped the other two as they scrambled for weapons.
After a moment of getting her bearings, she could see the crew of the other mortar a few meters away. The three droids were scrambling around to find their weapons and not get shot. Kittani nodded to her two clones. Each one armed and threw a detonator into the pit with practiced ability. "Take cover!" One called out as they ducked down.
The explosion shook them, followed by a few much larger secondaries as the mortar rounds detonated. She peeked back over the edge of the pit, seeing nothing but fire and black smoke pouring from the first, making a good smoke screen.
"Good work, let's get out of here. Leave another one in this tube." She said as she ignited her light saber. She was up and out of the pit, providing cover for the two clones as one dropped a timed detonator down the tube.
"Run for it!" The clone shouted as they all took off, making for the cantina. Kittani dove through the door after the two clones, and they heard the fire let up as the other clones ducked down behind the wall.
The explosion shook the building thoroughly, being much closer as the thermal detonator once again cooked off some of the rounds in the closer pit. After a moment it resided, and Kittani's ears were ringing. She watched as Boil led the rest of the squad down the steps.
"Alright boy's, the party's been crashed and those droids are angrier than a swindled Hutt! I vote we get outta here before those droids Base Delta Zero this town!"
There were shouts of agreement, and soon the entire squad was being herded out of the building. Running back the way they'd came as they left the confusion behind.
Kittani panted some as the blast doors closed behind them, the simulation ending. She hadn't ran that hard in a long time. The clones around her were clapping each other on the back, and she felt as Boil gave her a firm clap on the shoulder.
"You did good out there Ki… Commander. I know you're young yet… but you'll learn. Nerra squad would be glad to go into battle with you." He said with a brief smile, helmet off.
"Squad, attention!" She watched as the entire squad stood up straight as Commander Cody and Master Kenobi walked in.
"Nerra Sqaud. Well done, that was a very clean mission with minimal injuries. You completed your objective by eliminating the mortars, and even though some of the droid platoon was left. It isn't enough to form a proper defensive of the town without calling up their reserves." Cody said with a nod.
Kenobi smiled some at her "You conducted yourself well Kittani. You and Boil worked well together and you remained calm under pressure."
"Thank you, Master." She said, beaming some with pride at his congratulations.
"I plan to continue these as part of your training routine. To help prepare you for combat when the time comes." Master Kenobi told her. "But now, Master Yoda needs me back at the temple soon. We have to go." He said.
Kittani nodded, then turned to the clone squad and bowed some as a sign of thanks. "Thank you all for going through this exercise for me. I hope to see you soon." She said.
She'd expected goodbyes, or replies of thanks. What she didn't expect was the squad coming to attention again and all saluting her. Kittani smiled, returned the salute, then hurried after her master.
Free Cookies to anyone who can guess where the names of Hawkeye, Trapper, and Radar come from. A little homage. Hope you all enjoyed.
