Chapter 3

Master Cordatis waited impatiently outside the temple, what he had just learned made him feel very uneasy. 'Alex should be here by now.'

Cordatis looked around the large area as well as down the many steps in front of the entrance; there was no sign of his apprentice. He called over to one of the clone commanders leaving the temple, "Commander, have you seen a tall lad waiting out her, with short blonde hair?"

The trooper took a straight stance, "I'm sorry sir, I haven't seen him."

"Very well," Cordatis said, "Continue on your way."

Finally Alex stepped through the large doorway and greeted his master in his usual brash way.

Cordatis was not pleased. "Where the blazers have you been?"

Alex immediately reacted to his master's attitude, "I was just in the training chambers."

"It doesn't matter, we have important matters to discuss."

"What is it, master?" Alex asked more seriously now.

Cordatis explained, "I have been assigned to a clone battalion on Boz Pity."

"You mean the cemetery world? I thought the planet had been secured by master Quinlan Vos years ago."

"Yes it was, but it seems that the separatists have reactivated their facilities and are now ready to stage a siege on the capital. The counsel has sent me to reinforce the cities defences. I leave as soon as my ship is ready."

This news had come too swiftly for Alex and he was saddened to hear that his master would be leaving him, however he knew that his mentor had a duty to the republic and so he kept his emotions hidden.

"But master, what of my training?" he asked instead.

"Ah, you will continue your training, under the supervision of master Victor Mier Amicus." Cordatis answered.

"Isn't he Elexis' mentor?"

"Yes, but he has agreed to train the two of you together until I return. I trust that you have no objections?" Cordatis knew of Alex's recent affection towards Elexis, he feared only that Alex's feelings would affect his training.

At the mention of Elexis' name Alex's mood changed to something of joy, "Of course not, master. Only, when will you return from this assignment?"

Cordatis began to walk down the steps of the temple entrance, and then looked back over his shoulder, "When the job is done."