"Weeks have passed since the beginning of the Clone Wars. The Republic has been forced to flail about amidst incessant battles and conflict. The Separatists, under the cruel and evil yoke of Count Dookan, have caused the 501st army to become divided amidst so many crises and endless attacks. But the Droid Army's next target was something beyond their ambitions. Admiral Trench, one of the central figures of the Separatists, under the command of General Loathsom, laid siege to the crystal planet, and found us answering an appeal on behalf of the Republic. But what we did not suspect was that this battle would begin an even greater mission. One that would be able to benefit us very soon in the War. "
Ratchet. That was the nickname I was given. My disposition to the Galactic Republic was the thing that mattered most to me. A long time passed after Geonosis. I still cannot forget the brutality I witnessed in our hunt for Count Dookan. With his escape, more planets and star systems joined the Separatist cause. The flow of money in the galaxy continued under Dookan's eyes. Many said that Palpatine was trying to reverse this situation. But my eyes were focused only on Christophsis. The people on this planet were suffering. Resources and food had been scarce since those old droid cans decided to lay siege to the planet. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi were leading the mission against General Loathsom, another central figure in the Dookan cause. He was in charge of the Battle Droid troops, and also part of the Separatist council. Some would say that Dookan placed some of his trust in him. But one thing I knew: Never trust him, because he never keeps his word. We had a battle station set up on the planet. The canteen there didn't serve the best food, but at least we had a way to keep fed until we fought our battle. Once again, Loathsom had bigger reinforcements than we had. But we needed to do our best to stop the advance of these tyrants. In addition to being under the command of two skilled Jedi, also commanding our platoon were two of the most veteran clones I have ever had the courage to meet: Captain Rex, our moral compass in this war. The man had the courage of a true leader, and the willingness to do his duty whenever possible. And the other was Commander Cody. One of the most experienced fighters in this war. A true strategist alongside Rex. He had all the knowledge of a battle before it even began. Our helmets had paintings to distinguish our platoons. Cody's had a yellow stripe down the middle. Even though he led the 501st, he also took care of the 212th Attack Battalion of the Legion, one of the most combat adepts, and one of the most important for this war as well. Rex, besides being a great leader, had great experience with Battle Droids. Recently, we had dealt with a traitor in our platoon, Slick. His faith in the Republic had been corrupted by an agent of Dookan, his most skilled assassin: Asaji Ventress. She had been trained in the art of the dark side, and was one of the most important figures for the Separatists in the Clone Wars.
In my thoughts, I found myself in Kamino, rethinking all the training I had had before this all began. Geonosis was my first big battle, but Christophsis would be something even bigger than expected. Our platoon would have to deal with a massive attack on the planet's capital. Loathsom was a strategist, able to organize the troops into a formation that could ambush us. Before I could think of anything else, the attack began. Magnaguards, Super Battle Droids, B1 and B2 Droids. At the front, Kenobi and Cody were assisting our platoon as leaders. We went straight into attack, and used the rubble of the destroyed buildings for protection. We moved into position and began firing at the Droids, who began to come closer to where we were. The cannons were saved, and we still had the heavy weaponry for the fight, but once again, they had the advantage in hand. The Separatists wanted control of the hyperspace routes at all costs. These routes were vital to the Republic. If they controlled all the routes, nothing would stop Dookan from launching an attack on the Republic's vital planets. Although Loathsom was a strategist, our leaders and generals also had strategic and tactical knowledge, which was fundamental to this war.
Part of our platoon was in various buildings, and under Rex's command, they hoisted the hooks on their weapons and began to use them to launch an attack against the platoons in those junkyards. Rex was more experienced, and using his weapons, he began to destroy several Droids, but countless novices accompanying him fell in battle. Reinforcing an argument: A Clone would never be disposable. I know I've said this before, but the problem is that the people of the Republic, although they were always saved by us, almost never received gratitude in return. Soldiers. Numbers. Those were the only things we were seen for. Never. We would never be disposable. In the Senate, Palpatine would praise our service for the greater good. He was the person who said that clones would always be a fundamental part of the Republic. War had always exacted numerous prices. Lives. Cities. Planets. Subjugated to a worse fate for what they believed would be their good. Politics was something distinguishable between right and wrong. Separatist spies were always trying to keep the war going, so that they could generate profit on people's suffering. We were a little happy to see that the person who believed in our potential, was the most important person of all in the Senate. Leader of the Republic. Sometimes my loyalty got the better of me when someone appreciated our work.
The Droids began to advance on all fronts, and were slowly getting closer and closer to the platoons. The cannons could hold off their advance, but for how long? Reinforcements were scarce. Reason: The ship that could help us had left the planet to get supplies to help Christophsis.
(Obi-Wan) - It's at times like these that I think it can't get any worse. The Separatists are tearing us apart as if we were an inferior force.
(Anakin) - And we can't count on the Admiral's ship, much less the reinforcements. With them out of orbit, there is no chance of contacting the Republic.
(Obi-Wan) - The ship was not supposed to leave the planet. We need them, now more than ever.
(Anakin) - For once, this was not my fault! Nobody said to send the ship back at a critical moment like this!
There was always a dispute between these two. Anakin and Obi-Wan always contained a certain rivalry, but a mutual respect. We kept trying to pull towards these old cans, but we were at another stalemate. The clone squad kept firing, but those old cans were getting closer and closer. An endless stalemate was imminent. The cannons were firing, hitting several platoons of droids. Our tanks moved on, one by one, but they also had their reinforcements. The fighting continued to a point where the old tin cans came closer than usual. Clones began to be shot down as they set up a defense in the center of the city. Now more than ever, it was truly a stalemate. Even with the Jedi style of Skywalker and Kenobi, things looked like they were going to go awry. Our artillery began to cause the Droids to start getting defensive. Rifles and long range weapons were used in an attempt to penetrate their armor. Take it from me, it was more than impossible to engage Droids directly, even more so if you were unarmed. When the platoon started to fall, I was already thinking: won't we all survive this? Stating an argument. If there was one thing I was not, it would be cowardly. Duty always came first. Crossfire was raging in the Crystal City. The only sounds I could hear were gunshots, and the wailing and suffering of the people who were being forced to live through such horror. This would be one of our most difficult battles. The platoon tried to take on the Separatists, who continued to attack. An endless impasse. The Republic had already faced everything, but we could not get the upper hand against our enemies. Attack alone was an important weapon. But defense was also the greatest weapon. In this battle, strategists were the key factor. The best strategy would be either that of the Republic or that of the Separatists. I felt my body trembling, a little nervous, as if something was affecting me. I could believe that this was the feeling that this would be the last time I would be fighting alongside my brothers.
The clones, after a while, finally began to subdue the Droids. We began to move toward the attack, we started forward, finally having them in hand. Just as the battle seemed to be turning in our favor, Loathsom raised a shield, and all the Droids who didn't want to be destroyed ran towards him. Deep down, I felt relieved that we could get some rest after such an arduous battle. But I was even more worried because of the Separatist strategy. To raise this shield was a sign that they were willing to use every possible weapon to defeat us in the field. Protected where they were, we had no way to attack directly, and we had no way to protect ourselves if they attacked. We were on our knees if they tried to attack. You couldn't defend and you couldn't run. The feeling of pressure came up. The Republic was subjugated and in the hands of the enemies. There were times when I felt that this was only going to get worse. Even if the cannons were used, they wouldn't do any damage to the shields. It was a dead end. Many of my brothers fell back into combat, and it seemed that the slaughter would only continue in this way. The combat through the hyperspace routes were slowly damaging us. Dookan was putting everyone in the Republic in his hands. The hands of the Dark Side. He appeared to have all control in his hands. Palpatine was the figure that everyone asked to help in the Senate in times of crisis. Never had the Republic needed such help. The minefield of politics was a tricky one, I'm telling you again. But my loyalty always came first.
We took some time to rest. Our troops were regrouping in the midst of this complicated battle. The stakes were high, and we were outnumbered. Everyone was in despair because of the endless attacks of the Separatists. But there had to be a chance in the midst of so much fear like this. I looked through my binoculars at the shield raised by the Droids, and saw that the fight was not going to end so soon. When I least expect it, I see Rex and Cody standing beside me, watching my worried tone.
(Rex) - So you're not the only one worried about this war.
(Ratchet) - Can you see that?
(Cody) - You are not the only one who feels insecure in the middle of a battle.
(Ratchet) - I am just a newcomer in this turmoil. My allegiance is with the Republic, but I feel a fear taking over my body. I have trained for this for a long time, but I never imagined the horror I would have to see.
(Cody) - War has its costs, soldier.
(Ratchet) - Call me Ratchet.
(Cody) - Okay, Ratchet. Every war has its costs. Although we are forced to accept them, the hard part is living with them. Look around. What do you see?
(Ratchet) - Brothers. Destruction. Death. I see the lives of my companions being lost, and for what? Many see us as disposable. I don't think of this, not even in my worst dreams. We are not disposable. We are more than that. Same face. Same appearance. We are not just clones, but people. With emotions. If they told me that everything I did was for nothing, then it would only reinforce people's argument that we are expendable.
(Rex) - We will never be what people say, Ratchet. Look around, same helmet, same blood. War does not come without assurance. No soldier receives the promise of safety. Brothers come and go, but the marks and memories we carry are eternal. This is something they cannot erase from us. No matter what happens to us, we will do everything possible to protect those in need. Our duty comes first, but we will always do what is right. For the Republic.
(Cody) - That's right, and in case those old cans want to attack again, we will be prepared for the attack. Remember: Everyone has an important role to play, including you. Everyone is important.
The words of the two practically touched me. It was the first time I had met them directly. My first battle under Rex and Cody. The two of them had quite a reputation. In my reports, I stated that the Clones were not disposable, and to think that the two most important leaders for this war shared my thoughts, including Palpatine, already made me think about the future. Someday. All this terror would end. But the focus now was on the battle that was about to begin. My eyes turned to a ship arriving at our outpost. Out of it came a young girl. A Togruta. I must admit that the appearance of this young girl was a bit surprising. Next to Skywalker and Kenobi, the girl identified herself as Ahsoka Tano, saying that she had an important message for them. In communications, Admiral Yularen's fleet was being attacked by several reinforcements. It was only one ship against many. Meanwhile, I followed Skywalker and Kenobi, standing next to Ahsoka waiting for Yoda's message. And it came.
(Yoda) - Master Kenobi. For Ahsoka to have found them, I am happy.
(Obi-Wan) - Master Yoda. We are cornered and totally outnumbered. The Separatists are advancing through the capital with every step we take. They are cornering much of our platoon, including some of our esteemed commanders. We need help immediately!
(Yoda) - Sending reinforcements to you, we will. The Republic, in desperation, lies. The battle, however, is where determination lies.
The transmission starts to fail, and the moment I least notice, we lose all contact with Yoda.
(Anakin) - It looks like we will have to wait a little longer than expected.
I see Kenobi and Skywalker looking toward Ahsoka, a little nervous about the situation.
(Obi-Wan) - My apologies, young man. We are facing some difficulties. We believe it is time for introductions.
(Ahsoka) - I am the new apprentice and Padawan sent by the Republic. My name is Ahsoka Tano.
-I am Obi-Wan Kenobi. Your new master. We are happy to have you with us.
-I am always at your disposal, Master Kenobi. But I believe I was sent to be General Skywalker's Padawan.
This came as a surprise. A Padawan, under the care of Anakin Skywalker? That was something I did not foresee. Even worse, is that I knew a little about Anakin's way of acting, and it almost always didn't end very well. Now with a Padawan on his side, it was bound to end in an even bigger mess. Not that I have anything against it, but I always saw Anakin as a great Jedi, and still with great chances to evolve further as a Knight. I admit that at the moment Ahsoka was sent, I had a certain insecurity. I repeat: Nothing against it. But I have to give them credit, because they both acted as one of the other important factors in the Clone Wars. And little by little, the battle gave a truce. But the problem is that the Separatist forces started to advance again. With heavy artillery, and with more Battle Droids, we were trapped once again. Then Loathsom sent us a communiqué, wanting to talk to Obi-Wan personally. He said he wanted to discuss the terms of our surrender. Would this be the worst moment? How far have we come?
On top of a building, we were watching Obi-Wan entering the Separatist shield. Rex was watching with binoculars. While Anakin and Ahsoka were trying to look at everything, many were getting more and more worried under their helmets.
(Anakin) - What's the situation, Rex? At least it needs to be good news.
(Rex) - All quiet, sir. The enemy is preparing for a new attack. However, I am worried about our skins at this moment. Who is the child?
(Ahsoka) - Master Skywalker's Padawan. And I am not a child. My name is Ahsoka Tano.
(Rex) - Sir, didn't you say at some point that you wouldn't want a Padawan? I think I remember you saying that.
(Anakin) - This is all a big misunderstanding. This young lady here is not with me, okay?
(Ahsoka) - Will you please stop calling me that? You can try all you want, but you won't be able to get rid of me, Skyguy.
(Anakin) - How did you call me ?
In the background, I was laughing a lot. We were listening to the whole conversation. Even under my helmet, I couldn't help myself. A little humor at this time was coming in handy. This was very important. If we failed, the Republic would be in a very bad moment in the war. When I closed my eyes, I thought about Kamino. About how many servicemen would have to leave the planet too soon to fight in a war that was engulfing the galaxy and the far reaches of it. Many planets were subjugated at the hands of the Separatists. They were just cadets. Rookies. Rookies. Like me. Deep down, what I wanted most was to be by the side of my brothers. But fighting a battle like this, I wondered if it was the last fight of my life. Just a dead clone in the statistics of the war dead.
The shield was getting higher and higher. With most of the Droids involved, things were going from bad to worse for us. I could see some of them a little nervous in all of this. This fight was not over for nothing. It could get worse for us from now on.
Master Kenobi was walking towards the shield. No weapons or anything. Something told me things were going to get really bad. Very bad. My blood was boiling for a fight. But something like this, was something even I didn't think about. We clones would always serve the Republic, even in the most final moments possible. I knew that deep down, I had a plan in the middle of it all.
Some time passed. The only thing we were doing was watching. Seeing what else was going to happen. Rex looked with his binoculars, a little worried about Obi-Wan. Cody didn't show any fear or anything. It was as if he had a courage deep inside, and would not be knocked down by anything. The two of them were the greatest platoon leaders of the Clone Wars. I was proud to fight alongside them. We continued watching, and nothing seemed to happen. A worry ran through my body. Could something have happened to Master Kenobi? Because it was taking so long that I didn't even understand what had happened. I took a pair of binoculars and started to look at the shield. There was an immeasurable army out there. It was bigger than anything we had ever had. Most of the clones were still in the training phase, so they had no way of getting into action yet. This siege was getting more and more complicated. We had a huge disadvantage in all of this. The cannons were on standby, but what good would they do with that shield in place? One thing was certain: Cannonfire could not penetrate energy barriers. Something like that was difficult. We heard stories about Naboo, and how the Gungans fought the old tin cans so that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan could buy time to liberate Naboo Palace. Even tank and cannon fire did not penetrate the shield they had put up. A diplomacy and bureaucracy always complicated the war. A fog was put in the middle of the political field. The bureaucracy, a two-way street. The minefield between the Republic and the Separatists. I looked out in the middle of the battlefield, and the only thing I could think of was the loyalty we had to the government. Palpatine placed his faith in us, as did the Jedi. One thing was true: same helmet, same blood. We clones had the will for a fight. The ability to train in weapons. And countless other possible abilities. I feel that there is something even greater than expected. The cannons were firing earlier, but had stopped in the middle of the conversation of our surrender. I watched everything at every moment. But the situation was getting more and more complicated to handle. In the middle of it all. A spark. Looking through the binoculars, I saw the figures of Anakin and Ahsoka entering the shield so that no one could see them. How? The two ended up hiding themselves inside crates so as not to be detected. A bit improvised, but it worked, incredible as it may seem. We continued watching, while Obi-Wan continued talking to Loathsom. I believe that the battle in the planet's atmosphere was not going very well. The troops beat a retreat and nothing more was heard. Where were the reinforcements we were promised? The siege was closing in. If something didn't happen to help us, everyone would end up being massacred by the Separatists. Some may say that this is fear, but what I am getting is a very bad feeling. Jedi say this all the time. So it is only fair that I think the same way as they do.
The platoon kept watching. Rex was a little distressed by this. Cody seemed to be demonstrating coolness in the midst of the whole battle. As one of the most important strategists of this war, he always had a certain tenacity and daring in the midst of fighting. His tactics were able to help us through it all. Rex was the person who helped all the time. A born leader. A true war hero. What worried me was that there were some who challenged the leadership of the clones. My loyalty was something unique. I always wanted to do what was right. Watching all this simply made me more and more worried. I believed that I had some hope. Deep down, I could feel it. Hope was something bigger than anything in a large-scale conflict. Many Jedi were the symbols of hope before us. Many times and millennia marked by confrontation after confrontation. The Sith and the Jedi would always be at war, no matter what. Deep down, you could sense that something would go right or wrong, very soon.
Everything was very quiet. Very quiet. Our platoon was on standby, in case anything happened. The binoculars were on display for the commanders, and for some of the newcomers. Suddenly, the battle resumed inside the shield. Obi-Wan, Anakin and Ahsoka began to fight from within the enemy's advantage. Next thing I knew, I saw Rex inside as well. It seems that he had gone with Obi-Wan while I was watching everything. Shots were being fired on both sides. My vision was getting harder and harder to keep up. The handicap was coming at us. If it enveloped us, we were all lost.
The battle was something complicated to follow. Only those who were inside would know what to say. An explosion happened inside the shield. It was an absurd disadvantage. The crossfire was running wild. We had to do something, and fast. We were going to get hurt very soon. Without reinforcements, we had to improvise with what we had. I kept watching, until I decided to go to the barricade that was set up with the debris from the crystal buildings. The binoculars were on again. I could see the fight going more and more to the disadvantage of the soldiers and the Jedi. I readied my weapon, ready for combat again. Many did the same. The shield was getting closer and closer to us. Many began to fire in the direction of the Droids, but to no avail. Even though the battle was going on, they were closing in on us. The Droids started coming out of the shield, and we started shooting. We managed to hit a few, but the problem was that the shield was getting closer and closer to us. It was a few meters, kilometers, I don't know what else. We couldn't go on like this anymore. Reinforcements were not arriving. One last fight for some. I wish I died in this fight. Some of us fell. Again. My fear, under my helmet, could not be seen by my companions. Courage is something I have, but the problem was that it was difficult. The fight was getting harder and harder. The crossfire continued at every moment. I concentrated on taking down as many Droids as possible if this was to be my last fight. Did they want to fight? Then they would have a big fight. The shots started to come again. Tearing down old cans, one after the other. Focusing everything on the ones that were coming out, now it was time for the defense of our lives. Come on. You may come. Firing. Focusing. It was time to attack. Explosions were heard. I couldn't see what was happening. Suddenly, a massive explosion was heard inside the shield. When the end seemed near, the relief of hope was seen as the shield crumbled, which allowed us to attack those in the open.
They kept shooting, until things were at a standstill again. Fighting, and shooting. These were war feelings that were imprinted on us soldiers. They kept coming anyway, until things started to get even more difficult. There were only a few of the platoon left, until out of nowhere, heavy artillery began to be fired. The cannons finally had a sight to attack. Just when I least expect it, the air reinforcements arrive. Firing missiles in the direction of the Droids. We started to run towards the old canisters, which began to retreat. Loathsom was desperate, trying to run away, but Obi-Wan had put his lightsaber around his neck, capturing him. That was a difficult ordeal to endure. Even at a disadvantage, we managed to win. The loss was something clear in our hearts. Clones are never disposable. They are human beings, above all. I write this war diary not as a disposable, not as someone inferior, but as a human being. Someone who has feelings and emotions, just like anyone else. Because I believe that this would be the only way that I could be heard in the midst of so much loss and tragedy. Should something even worse happen, whoever wins, I hope that the right person will find this diary, anyone who has heard the stories of the fighting for the fate of the galaxy, because then they would be able to see how vitally important the Clones were to the Republic. How we were not just serial and birth numbers. This diary serves as a reminder that Clones are and always will be human beings. On the battlefields or off. I believe that things will change, in my opinion. Someday, we will not be seen as disposable by people. But rather, as people of great importance with a very noble heart. In the midst of a large-scale conflict, it is important that emotion and kindness are something important in the lives of many. This journal can demonstrate what many of us feel. Whether in a good way or not. The clones will always be of great importance, no matter what falls upon us. This battle has been won, but we cannot forget the losses. Because despite everything that happens, the losses of someone close, a brother. A friend. Anyone who is important in the lives of many people. One more battle won. But with very great losses.
"With the arrival of Ahsoka Tano in battle, a Padawan who stood out for her bold and brilliant actions, the Republic got a moment to breathe. Christophsis had been retaken by the Republic. Our reinforcements remained to ensure that order returned to the planet. I believed we would have a little time after that fight. But our next orders would result in one of our most important in the Clone Wars: A daring rescue that could help reverse the flow of the war in our favor, the mission of which had been ordered by Chancellor Palpatine himself."