Raid was about ready to hurl when they finally reached the camp.
"Ho!" Orn called, pulling back on the reigns, causing the blurrg to stop in its tracks. It sidestepped a little as Sienna and Twitch pulled up alongside them. "You can get off now." Raid needed no further prodding, swinging a leg over and landing with a few wobbly steps. It took him a minute to regain his balance. He busted out laughing when Twitch skipped the whole process, flopping off the creature with a loud clang of his armour as he hit the ground. The Twi'leks joined Raid in laughing as the other clone pulled off his helmet, revealing his buzz-cut, and began kissing the dirt.
"I did not suspect you loved our planet that much," Sienna quipped, partially covering her smirk with a hand.
"Ma'am," Twitch began, glancing up at her with his brown eyes. "I'd be kissing any dirt as long as it means I never have to ride that thing again."
The blurrg he had just ridden gave him a look that could almost mean, 'Seriously? After saving your butt, this is the thanks I get?' It made a snarling sound and hurled a ball of spit onto the prone clone. Twitch yelped, furiously wiping the spittle off his face. Both blurrgs began making noise that Raid could've sworn was laughter.
"Well, brother, I guess he doesn't appreciate being called 'that thing.'" Raid snarked. Twitch grumbled a response, getting to his feet, small globs of fish-monster drool dripping from his chin.
"We will take our leave of you, noble clones," Orn chuckled, turning his mount around and galloping off.
"I wish you both luck and protection," Sienna said, giving Twitch a wink. "See you both around." With that, she was gone.
Raid looked at his partner curiously. "What was that about?"
Twitch shook his head, face colouring slightly. "Nothing I desire to share. Let's just say that ride got... awkward. Let's go report in." With that, the squad mates trudged their way uphill into the camp.
Formally known as the Basecamp for the Grand Army of the Republic's Task Force on Ryloth, or the Hobo Camp as it was affectionately dubbed by the men of the Outer Rim Garrison, was mostly contained in a large cavity in the canyon wall, though some of it spilled out and onto the surrounding hillsides leading up to it. Tents sprawled out in a less than organised fashion, mostly clustered by squads and families. Crates, most empty, lay about higgledy-piggledy, and banked fires were interspersed throughout the camp. A single LAAT/i Gunship was parked outside camp, representing their only aircraft.
A good number of clones and freedom fighters milled about, but mostly there were elderly Twi'leks, women, and children; the non-combatant families of those who defied the Separatist takeover of their homeworld. As the pair of troopers marched by, Raid took notice of various details. The worry lines on the elders' faces, the laughter of group of thin, hungry looking children rolling in the dirt, the whisper of a young mother trying to comfort her infant, and the hushed conversations of the few Republic troopers present. An almost tangible air of tension hung about, dampening most noises except those of gunfire and explosions from the front, not that far away. Raid couldn't begin to imagine the fear and worry of these starving, desperate families as the defensive lines slowly collapsed inward, with no easy way out.
Raid and Twitch entered the large cave, dimmer than the rest of the camp which was in direct sunlight. No civilians lingered here, only warriors. The remaining weapons, ammo, and food was stored here to be rationed out. They had been low on supplies for a while, and Raid often found himself remembering the bland cafeteria food from the training facilities on Kamino with fondness as hunger became a constant companion.
"Over there," Twitch pointed over at a clone in armour stylized with many brown markings, many of which resembling horns, who stood conversing with two other troopers. His helmet was tucked beneath one arm, revealing his shaved head and tan skin tone.
"Captain Keeli, sir!" Raid called out, stopping a respectful distance away. The captain turned towards them and grinned, giving the other two soldiers a parting word before walking over.
"Raid, Twitch, I was told you had survived. I'm glad that bit of intel proved true." He looked them over, frowning at Twitch. "What happened to you?"
"Blurrg," he stated matter-of-factly.
"Ah, I see. Well, you best get that cleaned out. After what you two have gone through, you need a bit of a breather." Raid saluted and turned to go but halted when Keeli said one more thing. "I'm sorry your squad didn't make it out. I know you were particularly close to Slider. I wish this weren't such a costly campaign." The sadness in their captain's voice touched Raid deeply.
Twitch cleared his throat. "It may yet be worth it if we can hold out, right captain?"
Keeli shrugged. "Admiral Dao and his fleet were completely decimated less than an hour ago. As far as we know, there were no survivors. The wreckage of several ARCs and a Y-Wing impacted the battlefield two klicks within the droid lines. I couldn't risk a recovery op. Right now, General Di, Commander Syndulla and I are trying to come up with a strategy, but things are looking bleak. We have no backup nor reinforcements." The dark reality of the situation hit like a sledgehammer, almost powerful enough to knock Raid off his feet.
"If anyone can think of something, it's the General," Twitch asserted.
Keeli smiled. "Right you are. We just gotta sit tight for now. Speaking of which, your friends Shock and Awe are back from the left flank. They were anxious to find out if you were all right. I think you should go surprise them."
"Sir, yes sir," Raid responded, saluting once more. Twitch mimicked him.
"At ease, troopers. You're dismissed."
"General Skywalker, sir!" A clone deck officer ran up to the Jedi. Anakin Skywalker, relatively young for a Jedi Master, was hunched over the large round console in centre of the command room of his Venator Flagship, the Resolute. He was in the middle of an inventory report with his clone captain, Rex, and his new padawan, Ahsoka Tano. The young Togruta sat on a chair she had procured from who knows where, and propped her chin up in her hands, looking the perfect example of boredom. That face melted away when the officer barged over, and she sat up straight.
"What is it, trooper?" Anakin asked, a little relieved by the interruption. He shared in his padawan's boredom but found it easier to hide it.
"We have a single object coming in from hyperspace just ahead of the bow," the officer reported, saluting briefly. "It's the size of a starfighter."
"Well, let's have a look, shall we?" Anakin said. Ahsoka was gone from her seat in a flash and materialised at the bridge windows. Skywalker chuckled, walking over with Captain Rex. The vast expanse of space spread out before their view. To the left and right, the rest of Skywalker's fleet idled, ready for action. "How long until it comes out?"
An officer checked his station. "It should be coming out... now."
On cue, a small rupture appeared, through which flew a flaming ARC-170 Starfighter. The craft came barreling straight towards the Resolute.
"Mayday! Mayday! This is Riddler Six!" Came the voice of a clone trooper over the ship's comms. "We're losing power and have sustained major damage! Requesting permission to perform an emergency landing! Repeat, we are going down and cannot stop!"
"Riddler Six, this is Resolute Command. You are clear for emergency landing in the main hangar of the flagship. All stations, we have an incoming friendly on emergency approach. Clear the hangar." An alarm began sounding, and the Jedi watched from the bridge as the huge hangar doors began opening.
"Where did he come from, master?" Ahsoka questioned, eyes intent on the Starfighter. "There are no battles or fleets for a few parsecs."
"I don't know, little one. Let's hope the pilots survive to tell us. Come, let's get to the hangar."
Meanwhile, in the ARC-170.
"Hang on, boys! This is going to be fun!" Joystick shouted, pulling back on the throttle slightly as he angled towards the now-open main hangar. He waved off some smoke from the sparking controls, wondering about how much air was left in the ship now that the scrubbers were burnt out.
"Fun?! You're kidding me, right?! We are going to crash!" Shuriken yelled from his seat, craning his neck to try and get a good view of the Venator.
"Yeah, that is the fun part!" Dusty responded in an equally loud tone. "Let's hope we can reduce speed enough, otherwise we're gonna be a grease spot on their hull!"
"What?!" Shuriken yelped. Mate made some taunting noises from his place above them, tapping on the cracked glass. "You know what, I hate you a ton, droid!"
"Mate says the feeling is mutual," Joystick retorted, lifting the fighter's nose. "We're going in!" He rerouted all power to frontal shielding and thrusters, giving the craft a backwards boost and slowing it dramatically as it passed through the blue barrier of the hangar. The ship bounced once upon impact before slamming down and skidding across the deck, sparks flying in its wake. Joystick, Dusty, and Shuriken were jerked and thrown about in the crash. If not for the restraining belts they wore, doubtlessly they would have flown out of the cockpits. Soon, the ship settled, smoke billowing around in a large, black plume, encompassing the whole fighter.
"Sound off if you're dead," Joystick said, one hand on his helmeted head where he banged it on the dashboard. Mate whooped from above, so he was fine.
"Present," Dusty groaned, shifting just behind him.
"I must be dead and in eternal punishment, because I still hear you two," Shuriken grumbled sorely.
Joystick fumbled around for the emergency release latch for the hatch, finding it after a brief investigation. Pulling it, the glass overhead popped open. Joystick vaulted out, landing on his feet as emergency crews dashed over with hoses and flame retardants. Behind him, his crew flopped out of the decimated craft. Mate rocketed out of his slot, alighting beside Joystick. The pilot suddenly remembered something and ran around the smoking wreckage. In the space of ten seconds, he located the 'Kiss my Butt' sign and removed it. It had some carbon scoring from the dogfight and a corner was missing.
"Another perfect landing!" Joystick boasted, coming back around to his team.
"I. Hate. Flying," Shuriken moaned, cradling his head. His helmet lay on the ground, allowing full view of his nearly bald head. A single, wide stripe of brown hair made its way from the top of his head to the base of his skull. The slightest amount of blood trickled from a gash on his forehead. Two medics were arriving with their gear, ready to check them all up.
"That makes one of us," Dusty said, laying on his back on the deck. He brushed his shaggy brown hair, longer than regulation would allow, out of his eyes as he stared up at the dead of space. "That was epic."
"I'll say!" came a female voice from nearby. The three soldiers jumped when a Togruta ran over. She wore a short skirt over her pants and brown boots, while a wrap over her breasts left a lot of her orange skin exposed. She grinned at the troopers, eyes wide. "That was a bad crash."
"Crash?" Joystick asked, mildly offended.
"Did I hit my head too hard? What's with the kid?" Shuriken mumbled, glancing over.
"Allow me to introduce my padawan, Ahsoka Tano," a man started, walking over. A tall, well-built guy, he had brown hair and brown robes supplemented with bits of armour. Beside him marched two clones with blue markings. The one to the man's right had blue jaig eyes adorning his helmet, sigils portraying great courage. "And I am-"
"General Skywalker, sir!" Dusty exclaimed suddenly, finding his feet and saluting. Joystick raised his eyebrows. Skywalker? The so-called 'Chosen One?' This fellow?
"At ease," Skywalker chuckled. "Call me Anakin. This is Captain Rex and Vaughn of the 501st Legion."
"It's an honour," Dusty continued, dropping his arm to his side. "Thank you for allowing us to land here."
"Well, we couldn't just let you explode out there, could we? May I ask where you come from? The markings on your armour is unfamiliar."
Joystick stepped up, standing straight and dignified, despite the sign tucked beneath his arm saying, 'Kiss my Butt.' "I am CT 13-1313, Clone Corporal Joystick. These are my companions Corporal CT 2467 'Shuriken' and CT 07/07-7777 'Dusty,' along with C1-M8. We are of the Outer Rim Garrison of the 303rd Legion."
"Outer Rim Garrison? You were stationed on Ryloth, correct?" Captain Rex asked.
"Yes sir," Dusty replied.
"How fares the battle? We haven't been updated by the council in a while."
"Sir," Shuriken stood. "Things are desperate. The entire fleet has been wiped out, and the Garrison is stranded. We're the only surviving air crew from Admiral Dao's forces. Captain Keeli and General Di are trying to hold back the CIS, but without support..."
"Why haven't you asked for reinforcements?" Ahsoka asked incredulously.
"With all due respect, Commander, we did. Dao had repeatedly sued for aid from the Jedi Council for our troops," Dusty said.
"What?!" She blurted. "Why have none been sent?! What is the Council doing about this?!"
"Calm down, Ahsoka," her master placated, looking displeased himself. "I'm sure it's not what it seems. I'll talk to Obi-Wan about it and see what can be done. In the meantime, you and Rex can inform Admiral Yularen that the situation is under control. And Vaughn, make sure these men get to Medical. I want them fully taken care of."
Raid held a fist up, signalling Twitch to hold up. Up ahead, around the tents, he could hear two voices conversing. Readjusting his left hand's hold on his helmet he crept forward silently.
"...could do something. I feel useless here like this!"
"I say we go out to find them ourselves. Screw those Battle Droids, I'll take 'em all on!"
Raid rounded the corner, a faux scowl of disapproval masking his face. "Planning on going on an unsanctioned rescue operation, are we? Glad to know you care about your comrades so much." Shock and Awe stared at them with expressions reflecting their names. They were sitting on logs by a fire-ring, checking their weapons.
"Raid! Twitch!" Awe yelled, getting up and charging the two clones. There was no time to react, and Raid found himself and Twitch crushed beneath their friend.
"Can't... breathe..." Twitch gasped, squirming beneath the weight. Awe laughed and got off, holding out a hand for both of them. He hoisted Raid and Twitch up simultaneously.
"Didn't know you were that weak," he taunted before noticing the goo that now adorned his armour. "Eww, what is this stuff?"
"Blurrg spit," Raid informed him. "Twitch got, erm, spat upon."
"Gross! Twitch, don't you know what a shower is?"
"I'd be surprised if you knew," Twitch retorted. "You reek like a sweaty Kaminoan." Awe opened his mouth but hesitated.
"You got Awe to shut up," Shock chuckled, walking over. "That's an accomplishment." He stopped, grimacing. "Slider?"
Raid and Twitch exchanged a sad look before shaking their heads. Shock sighed, gesturing towards the logs. The four troopers sat down, silently staring at the banked fire. The wind rustled the trees, and for once the sounds of battle were non-existent. All was quiet, which was actually more nerve wracking than the sounds of battle.
Awe spoke up, breaking the silence. "How did he go?"
"Firing his rifle," Twitch said. "He got wounded. There was too much fire to rescue him, so he told us to go. We barely made it out."
"Shock almost got himself honourably released, too. He was in an AT-TE when it got crushed by debris. General Di and I barely pulled him out. Nobody else survived."
"That was too close," Shock mumbled, eyes distant. "Every time I close my eyes... I see blood. It may fade over time, but..." They were quiet again for a minute.
"So, anything from Dao?" Awe asked.
"The Admiral is dead," Raid said. "The whole fleet is gone."
"We're stranded with a bunch of civies, then."
"Yep. Unless Keeli and General Di have a brilliant plan, we're-"
"Dudes!" Another trooper shouter, running over. He wore no helmet, exposing his light brown double-stripe haircut.
"Oh, hey there Diego," Shock greeted him. "What's up?"
"Captain Keeli is gathering all the troops for a meeting down by the gunship."
Awe pounded Raid's shoulder. "Looks like we've got that brilliant plan!"
Raid smirked. "Good thing, too. You looked like you were despairing."
"Pfft, me? Never. Now let's go see how we're crunching those Seppies!"