Wow, i haven't updated in too long. I'm sorry about that guys, i've just been really busy with the school ending. I also blame not having any creative juices left after a bunch of AP prompts and creative writing, were ironically i did very little writing. Ok, so new chapter. I'll try to get some new chapters up, but I'm not sure how long this story is going to be. I know that i said something about the war being in it's second year, but this is the squad's 1st mission of the 2nd year of the war. I've also said some stuff about the organization of the squad, but just work with me, the difference between squads and platoons and companies and brigades is very confusing (mostly the size of companies and brigades). I'm sorry about this long speel, but on with the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars. If i did Anakin wouldn't have been such a...

The hum of the engines could lull a man to sleep, which it appeared was exactly what Stud was doing. We were on another mission, the first of the second year of the war. We had been given a week long period of R&R on the warship Star Destroyeron our way to Sunara IV.

"All right men, our newest mission is to help the human population of Sunara IV to keep a hold of the planet. The natives of the planet have been resisting, and we have to help stop them," said some major. "We go in two hours, so report to the hangar thirty minutes before fully prepped. Dismissed!" he said as he walked out of the room. We all sat there for a few seconds before getting up squad by squad to file out of the room.

"Who do you think the natives are?" asked Luke, one of the members of our new squad.

"They're probably giant blue monsters with big teeth," replied John.

A noise buzzed in my ear, and was followed by Stud's voice. "Why do you think we have to go in to help the humans? Why can't we just come to an agreement with the natives?"

"Maybe they don't want to listen," I replied.

"ETA in five minutes," said the Sergeant, breaking me out of my flashback. As the doors slid opened we caught a glimpse of the planet below. The green of the grass displayed how fertile and beautiful the planet was said to be on the charts.

"Stud, wake up," I whispered over the com. Getting no answer, I quickly kicked him in the hip. His sudden jolt made me believe that my guess had been correct, he had been asleep. That or his mind had been elsewhere. He stood up and started to look out the transport doors.

As I looked out, I saw a small city ahead. It was similar to all the other population centers in the Republic, and it was stereotypical human dwellings. The all metal exterior glinted in the sunlight, which my light filters had to block.

The airship began to decelerate and came into a smooth landing. The squad jumped out, and for the first time in a while we didn't have to run anywhere or try to avoid incoming fire. It was almost nice. My HUD told me there was a slight breeze, and the temperature outside was perfect. The Sergeant motioned that we were to move to a small building on our right identical to all the others. The Sergeant then moved off to talk to the other officers. Stud almost immediately slouched next to the metal building. The rest of us sat around waiting.

"Stud, you all right?" I asked.

It took him a few moments to answer, but he replied, "Ya, I'm fine."

"You've been acting kind of strange."

"I'm just…." He paused for a few moments, longer than he usually would, "tired."

"Well, get some rest. I'll tell you when the Sergeant gets back." He answered with a nod and rested his head against the building.

"Do you really think he's alright?" asked Thunder, using another com frequency.

"No, but I don't think we should pressure him into telling us what's wrong," I replied.

"What do you think is wrong with him?" asked Krieger.

"Well, we've lost two squads already. It's hard on him."

"I'm sorry about that," said Krieger.

"Don't worry. Anyways, I think that all we have to do is," I started. I was interrupted by a strange whistling overhead. As I looked up to see what was it was I saw something in the sky. My original thought was a mortar round, and it was confirmed by someone shouting "Incoming mortar!"

We all scrambled for cover inside of the buildings around. The ground shook as each round connected, one of which caused a piece of the ceiling to cave in. The explosions continued for another four minutes and twenty-six seconds before it stopped. We all sat inside silently for a few seconds before heading outside.

The landscape was filled with several craters, and one building was on fire. Two bodies were lying in the road, but on closer examination they were human, not one of my brothers.

"What do you think that was?" someone asked.

"I guess the natives don't like us," someone answered.

"Well, that was a fairly warm welcome," I replied. Just then I got a feeling in my gut. It made me stop and think for a short time. I felt like I had missed something. I couldn't remember what it was. I had all of my possessions. What was it?

"Hey, Pat. Do you know where Stud is?" The statement made me remember that I hadn't seen Stud throughout the entire bombardment. I immediately ran to the side of the house where Stud had been. I was quick to spot him resting against the building, unmoved. I skidded in the dirt next to him and kneeledoverhim. He did not respond when I shook him. I had to assume the worst, but my HUD showed that his vitals were fine.

Thunder's nudge with his foot provided a response. Stud shifted quickly to a kneeling position with his vibroblade ejected from his wrist. When he realized it was us his viroblade disappeared and he rose to a standing position. "What's up guys?" he asked with a lighthearted tone.

"What's up? That's all you can say?" asked Thunder.

"No, I can also say, hello and hundreds of other catchphrases, batteries not included." His statement was even more peculiar than his actions.

"Stud, were you asleep just now?" I asked.

"Ya, sorry about that. What did I miss?"

"Nothing, just a mortar attack," said one of the other men from the squad sarcastically.

I was about to beat the stuffing out of him, but I was stopped by Stud's reply. "Sorry, I guess I needed my beauty sleep. I think you could use some too." The other men were just as confused as I had been by Stud's behavior. We couldn't say anything else because the Sergeant came back. We immediately came to surround him, but I was able to ask Stud if he was alright.

"Ya, never better," he replied before turning to the Sergeant as he began to speak.

"Ok men. I assume you received our welcome from the natives? Well, we have to move off to wipe out that mortar team. The natives have all their strength set up a few clicks from here and we're sending our full strength to meet them. Our platoon is supposed to set up on one of the hills a ways to the east. Let's move!" And with that we set off.

So, what do you think? I'm happy to bring the old Stud back. He was really getting me down. Next chapter out soon...maybe, perhaps? Review please! It could be the difference between life or death...or whether or not you get a new chapter soon, not so much the death part.