Chapter 120: Darkness on Umbara
The first step toward loyalty is trust.
Recap: War in the Expansion Region! As the Separatists tighten their grip over vital but isolated supply routes, the Republic launches a lightning strike into a remote Ghost Nebula, to control the strategic system of Umbara. Republic forces smash through the Separatist blockade in an effort to claim the shadowy world.
Aboard their command ship, Obi-wan, Anakin, and Storm had gathered all their forces together to discuss the attack strategy they would implement.
"Masters Krell and Tiin will be supporting my troops in the south while Anakin's and Storm's battalion comes in from the north and takes out enemy reinforcements," said Obi-wan as he pointed at the hologram map to show where the clones would be striking for their respective teams.
"It is imperative that we conquer the capital city as quickly as possible and hold it," said Storm.
"Our biggest problem is gonna be the local militia. The Umbarans have aligned themselves with the Separatists and are heavily armed. ARC Trooper Fives will be assisting my units on special assignment." stated Anakin.
"Ready to do my part, General Skywalker," stated Fives.
"Nice to have you on board," said Rex to his man.
"Just like old times, Rex."
"In addition, General Luna has also been grateful to send not only her best clones but also an additional squad to aid in the attack, which will be under my command," stated Storm to Rex's men as with the more forces, they were confident in the plan of attack.
"Remember, Anakin, Storm. Cody and I will be 12 clicks to your south," said Obi-wan to his pals as he pointed to where they would all be on the map. "We're counting on you both to take out those local fighters, or, I'm afraid, the capital will never surrender."
"Does my battalion have to do everything?" sighed Anakin to his master.
"You seem to always volunteer," snickered Obi-wan as he left with Cody to leave.
"He's not wrong," smirked Storm as the two left.
"All right, let's go!" said Rex to the men as they began to load up and prepare.
After meeting with Sark and his men, Storm loaded on a separate gunship as the cruiser opened up. Several gunships exited as they began their assault.
The moment the gunships exited the cruiser, it was dark and cloudy. Soon they got lowering as immediately they were under fire. The gunship carrying Anakin opened up as the Jedi Knight peeked his head out to survey the area.
"There's a lot of surface fire," said Rex.
"They ain't got nothing we can't handle, sir," stated a clone named Hardcase.
As he said that, everyone turned to the other side as they saw a gunship explode.
"You hanging in there, Tup?" asked Rex to a new rookie joining them for the mission.
"So far, so good, Captain."
"General Skywalker, I've turned the lights out. Our night vision sensors are having a tough time in this chop. I hope we don't overshoot the landing site." said the pilot to the Jedi.
"Just get us as close as you can, Hawk," said Anakin.
"Time to lock and load!" shouted Hardcase as he was getting himself pumped.
"Get the walkers on the ground, now!" said Storm to all gunships on his comlink.
The clones who would ride the AT-RTs heard the command as they got on board. The gunships lowered to the ground as the walkers jumped out. They all stopped to gather as they saw the enemy shooting at them.
"After them, boys!" shouted one of the clones.
"All right!"
"Let's go!"
"Let's do it!"
The clones ran forward and began to shoot at the enemy as some were taken out. The battlefield was up in dirt, and bodies as screams could be heard when someone was shot. The Umbarans were using weapons that shot electric pulses at the clones as they were eventually overrun and the machines destroyed.
As the ground forces cleared the way, the gunships touched down. Storm and Anakin jumped out, as did the rest of their combined men.
"Go, go! Go, go, go!" shouted Rex.
"Give it to them!" stated Sark.
The clones followed the orders of the clone commanders as they entered the field of fire without hesitation.
Some clones were shot down upon exiting the gunships but still pressed on. The Umbarans began to retreat while firing as they were slowly getting overrun. Storm and Anakin were on top of a hill, distracting most of the gunfire as their two clone captains appeared by their side.
"The planet has a ridge at 23 degrees, north-northwest," stated Rex.
"Good. We can use it as a staging area," responded Anakin.
"That's it! Take them around the right," exclaimed a soldier.
"Keep moving. We've gotta claim that ridge. The other battalions are counting on us." shouted Sark as he pushed forward with the Jedi and Rex.
The clones and Jedi were pushing toward a hill as their foes were hammering them without mercy.
"Don't stray too far," shouted Storm while deflecting shots.
"The enemy could have the whole place rigged with traps," said Anakin as they kept pushing forward.
"I can't even see the enemy!" shouted Tup.
"That's why they're called the Shadow People, Tup," stated Richochet to the rookie as they followed close by to the Jedi while firing.
Soon an explosion occurred that took out some clones.
"Everybody, take cover!" yelled Rex.
"Go, go, go!" shouted Sark.
Two clones were jogging forward when one almost tripped over a vine on the ground.
"Look, it's just a vine. Keep moving, Hardcase," said the clone next to him.
"Yeah, I got it all under control," responded the clone.
They kept on moving forward. However, that vine wasn't just a "vine." It then began to move as a low growling was heard. The vine whipped around as it wrapped around Hardcase, as he was now predicting due to him being lifted. Another clone was lifted as the vines belonged to some plant creature called a Vixus. The plant had a toothy mouth and a long grasping tongue shaped like a three-pronged claw.
The Vixus was waving Hardcase and the other clone in the air as the others began to shoot at it; it dropped Hardcase and pulled the other clone into his mouth as it devoured.
"That's not right!" said Hardcase as he was disgusted by what he saw. He stood up and began to fire.
The Vixus now had his next targets as he got ahold of Fives and Claude, as it looked like both clones were about to be dinner.
"Fives, here!" shouted Claude as he freed his arm and tossed his buddy 9ne of his bombs.
The clone saw the tongue of the creature coming to pull him in as he tossed the bone at it. The Vixus pulled the object in and swallowed. Seconds later, the bomb went off, and its mouth exploded. The creature squealed as it dropped the clones to the ground.
"Nice work, Fives," said Claude to his friend as they did a quick fist bump before being helped up.
"Hardcase, right?" asked Fives to the clone helping him up.
"Yeah, that's what they call me," stated the clone.
"Thanks for the assist, soldier," said Claude as he thanked the rookie on his behalf and Fives for saving two veterans from being eaten.
The group then continued to walk as they had to catch up with the others. After a while, the clones and Jedi were taking a small break. They were all currently holed up in a trench as they managed to repel their enemies and were looking to catch some rest before making their next move.
A few clones were resting while others leaned over the trench and looked ahead. Storm and Anakin looked ahead with some binoculars as they saw what lay before them. Some explosions were going off in the distance.
"General Kenobi's battalion, sirs?" asked Sark to the Jedi.
"They're pushing towards the capital stated Storm.
"We'll need to move out as soon as the men are ready," replied Anakin.
"All platoons have reported in, Generals," said a clone named Dogma.
"Get some rest," said Anakin.
"Thank you, sir. I'm fine," stated Dogma.
"The General's giving you an order, Dogma," said Rex to his men as he didn't need to be tough and ignore Anakin's order to rest.
"Of course, sir!" said Dogma as he went off to rest as ordered.
"He's wound tight, but he's loyal," said Rex to his general and pals.
"He kind of reminds me of you," chuckled Anakin.
"Maybe, back in the day," snickered Sark as the four couldn't help but smile a bit.
The Jedi and their men kept watching. However, it panned behind them to show that the Umbarans they chased away were back. They were hidden behind our heroes as they saw the clones. One of the Umbarans placed a small creature with some crawling legs as it glowed.
It crawled on the ground as it made its way to our heroes. A clone was napping as his head rested against the trench as the creature was right on top of him. With a flick of its tail, it shocked the clone, and soon, the others were alerted.
"What is that?" shouted a clone.
"Look out!"
The clones began to aim and fire at the small creature as it dodged its blasts. The Umbarans took that moment to make their presence known as they began to fire at the clones as some were shot.
"Ambush! They're behind us!" shouted a clone as he got up on an AT-RT walker but was shot before he could turn the machine around.
The clones were now firing behind them as the small creature was still moving and electrocuting any clones it crawled to.
"The enemy's circled behind us," said Fives to the Jedi and their clone superiors as they ran to help the men.
"Everybody, we must defend our backs!" shouted Sark and Rex to the men to mobilize.
They hopped to the other trench as the creature shocked another clone. Anakin came down on it with his lightsaber, killing it. The group then took cover immediately to avoid being shot.
"I've called in an air strike on the enemy positions," said Sark to the Jedi.
"Let's hope they're not too busy helping Obi-Wan," said Storm.
"There's an opening to our south. I recommend we move all platoons off the ridge in case the air strike overshoots."
"Good thinking, Rex," stated Anakin, standing up to address the rest of the men, "Everyone, move out, now!"
The clones heard the call as they got up and began to follow Storm and Anakin as Fives, Rex, Sark, Claude, and Richochet provided cover fire. They all got out of the trenches and raced down the hill as it was the Jedi's turn to cover their backs as the dove clones raced ahead of them.
The entire platoon made it down the ridge as they took cover behind some plants. They had their guns propped and ready as the Jedi slid behind some cover. The five clones soon appeared behind the generals.
"All here, sirs," said Rex.
"Stay covered. We have to hold the position," said Anakin.
"Are you sure those bombers are coming?" asked Richochet.
The clones held their ground as the enemy was still firing at them. Soon they looked to the sky as some rumbling was heard. Flying above them were gunships as they zoomed past the ridge and left a huge trail of explosions in their wake. The air strike hit the ridge as Rex predicted, as anything that was once there would have been destroyed.
"Good old Odd Ball. Always on target," said Claude.
"Glad we got off that ridge," said Anakin to Rex.
"Yeah," said Rex as even he was taking in what just occurred.
"That'll teach them," said Hardcase.
Just as the Jedi were about to move out with their troops, a gunship appeared as it seemed to be heading toward the pair. It landed as the doors opened to reveal a Besalisk male Jedi Master named Pong Krell. Safe to say, both Jedi Knights were shocked to see him.
"General Krell's here?" asked Hardcase.
"Something big must be going on," said Fives.
"Like what?" whispered Richochet to the pair as he stood with Claude.
They all turned their attention forward as they saw the general approaching the Jedi and their clone commanders.
"Master Krell, my thanks for the air support."
"Indeed, General Skywalker. The locals have proven to be more resourceful than we anticipated," stated Krell.
"But that's not the reason for your visit?" asked Storm.
"No. The Council has ordered you two back to Coruscant, effective immediately."
"What? Why?" asked Anakin in disbelief.
"I'm afraid a request was made by the Supreme Chancellor, and the Council obliged. That is all they would tell me."
"At this time? Why didn't Luna inform me about this?" said Storm as he thought he would have heard something from his master about any decision the Council made.
"Master Luna felt it best not to trouble you, given the mission you were on," stated Krell.
"Well, we can't just leave our men," said Anakin.
"I'll be taking over in the interim," said Krell to the Jedi Knights.
"Don't worry about a thing, sir. Sark and I will have this city under Republic control by the time you two return," stated Rex.
"Master Krell, this is Rex, my first in command. You won't find a finer and more loyal trooper anywhere," said Anakin.
"Same goes for Sark, here. Luna and I put our entire trust in him to lead the men and know what's best for them," said Storm.
"Good to hear that. I wish you well, Skywalker, Storm," stated Master Krell.
The pair made their way to the gunship and boarded it. The ship closed its doors, lifted into the air, and flew away with the clone commanders and Master Krell looking on.
"Your reputation precedes you, General. It is an honor to be serving you," said Rex.
"I find it very interesting, Captain, that you are able to recognize the value of honor for a clone," said Krell.
"I think you misunderstand, general. The captain merely is saying your efforts as a military commander are ones that are talked about throughout the Republic," asked Sark.
"Stand at attention when I address you!" said Krell to both clone commanders as they obeyed. "Your flattery and curiosity are duly noted, but they will not be rewarded. There's a reason my command is so effective, and it's because I do things by the book, and that includes protocol. Have all platoons ready to move out immediately. That is all." said Master Krell sternly as he left.
Rex and Sark exchanged looks as they could see this would be very different than anything they'd done before. They let out sighs as the men looked at them.
The clones were now trekking through the terrain as they followed Master Krell to their destination.
"Quicken that pace, battalion. This isn't some training course on Kamino!" shouted Krell sternly to all the clones.
"The new general has a way with words," said Fives.
"General Skywalker and Storm aren't usually this loud," stated Richochet.
"He's just trying to keep us on schedule," said Rex to the men.
"By raising everyone's ire?" asked Claude.
"Either way, he's in charge, and we've got a job to do. Just treat him with respect, and we'll all get along fine," replied Sark.
"Do you see that?" said Fives as he pointed at the sky.
The others all turned their heads as they looked. Coming their way, we're two airborne creatures.
"Yeah. Ready your weapons," said Sark as he and Rex prepared the troops.
The creatures swooped at the battalion as the creatures picked up two clones. The others were shooting the creatures to save their comrades. At that moment, Master Krell leaped into action as he hopped onto the back of one of the creatures and pulled its arms apart to release the clone as he landed on his feet. Master Krell made the creature fall to the ground as he stood on top before pulling out his two double-bladed lightsabers and piercing them through the creature as it screeched.
He then turned around as the other creature was swooping in, and he sliced at its underbelly, making it drop to the ground in front of the clones. He then walked in between all the clones.
"Anyone else wanna stop and play with the animals?" yelled the Jedi to all the clones as he stomped on the head of the creature, making it wheeze before collapsing. They all remained silent. "Didn't think so. Now keep moving!"
Rex and Sark held straight looks under their helmets as they soon began to follow along with the rear of the men.
The group had been trekking for quite a while, and some clones were starting to get exhausted.
"Sir, we've been keeping this pace for 12 hours now," said Tup to both clone commanders as they walked.
"The men are getting worn down," said Richochet.
"We should rest," suggested Claude.
"General Krell, the top of this ridge will make a good place for the men to make camp," said Sark to the Jedi as he pointed.
"The men don't need rest. They need the resolve to complete the task at hand," stated Master Krell in a stern voice as he ignored what was suggested.
"But, sir..." said Rex before he was cut off.
"CT-7567, CT-1221, are you reading me?" shouted Master Krell as he turned to address both clones.
"Excuse me, sir?" said Rex as he was shocked that the Jedi before him didn't call him by his name, but rather… his number.
"I asked you a question, CT-7567. Do you understand the need to adhere to my strategy?" asked Master Krell.
"Sir, the terrain is extremely hostile," stated Sark. "Despite the difficulty of the conditions, the battalion is making good time. These men just need a little break."
"Commander, do I need to remind you of this battalion's strategic mission in conquering this planet? Look back. See those platoons? Their mission is to take this city and take it swiftly. Time and rest are luxuries the Republic cannot afford. We are the key to this invasion. The other battalions are counting on our support. If we fail, everyone fails! Do you understand this? Do all of you understand this? Now, move on!" yelled the Jedi.
The clones had no choice as they kept on marching forward. Eventually, the battalion made it to where they were supposed to be as they all kept watch while preparing to initiate their plan. Rex and Sark were marching toward Master Krell.
"Sir, we're ready to bring our forward platoons in for a surgical strike on the city's defenses," stated Rex.
"There won't be any need, Captain," stated Krell.
"Sir?" responded Sark as he and Rex were confused.
"All platoons will execute a forward assault along the main route to the city," stated Krell as he changed the plan.
"But, sir, General Skywalker's plan was to surprise them with multiple attacks. If we come in from the main route, they're likely to engage us in a full frontal assault," said Rex as he tried to tell the Jedi it was a bad idea.
"Change of plans, Captain. I'm in command now," stated Krell.
"With all due respect, General, we don't know what we are up against," said Sark.
"It might be wiser to think first," expressed Rex.
"Are you two questioning my orders?" asked Krell as he glared at the two clones. He then activated his comlink as he showed the pair a map.
"This battalion will take the main road straight to the capital. You will not stop, and you will not turn back, regardless of the resistance you meet. We will attack them with all our troops, not some sneak attack with a few men. That is my order. And you two will follow it explicitly. Do I make myself clear, CT-7567, CT-1221?!" shouted Master Krell
"Yes, General," said both clone captains.
"Now, engage!" stated the Jedi as both left to mobilize the men for the attack.
The clones were now moving along the path that Master Krell instructed, as in the distance was the capital. The squad of clones was cautiously walking as they expected any surprises.
"So, why aren't we sticking to the original plan and probing the city defenses first?" asked Claude to both Rex and Sark.
"We can do this. Let's take them!" shouted Hardcase, the only one on board with Master Krell's plan.
"Yeah, leave it to Hardcase to dive in head first," sighed Tup.
"The General's new plan is reckless," stated Richochet.
"You ever think that maybe the General knows what he is doing?" replied another clone beside them.
"I know you two think this is a bad idea," said Fives to both Rex and Sark.
"We raised our objections to General Krell's plan, but he didn't agree," responded Sark. "So, this is it. "
"What if he's wrong? Then what?" asked Fives.
"This isn't the time for a debate. Right now, we have to stay alert," said Rex, as they had a job.
"Eh, it's too quiet out there," replied a clone.
The clones all kept walking in a straight line on the path. However, one clone took a step forward as hidden was a mine that blew up when he stepped on it. Another mine went off as several clones screamed and were taken out.
"Mines! Nobody move!" shouted Rex as he and Sark instructed all clones to drop down to the ground and lay still.
The clones dropped and did what they were told. They lay there for a few moments, waiting to see what would happen. The one clone on the AT-RT looked about the field as he made his ride stop. Soon Rex and Sark were the first to get to a knee. They then instructed some of their men to check on the ones caught in the explosion.
"Oz is down," said Richochet.
"So is Ringo," said Tup.
"Can you sweep them?" asked Rex to Fives and Claude.
The two clones pulled out a small device. It scanned and revealed all the mines wherever they pointed at. The entire area was flooded with mines.
"There are more over here," said Claude as they took point and led the others where to step.
"Looks like the whole road's been booby-trapped," responded Fives.
"Everyone, watch your step!" stated Sark.
The clones were walking ahead when a blast fired from behind. Soon the Umbarans lying in wait popped up as they began to surround the unit in a pincher attack. The clones rushed to cover both sides.
"We're completely exposed." shouted a clone.
"Hold your ground!" shouted Rex.
"You want a piece of this?" shouted Hardcase as he let loose his mini fun on the enemy while enjoying it.
Soon another electric shot fired from above in the trees, and it exploded and took out some more men.
"Uh-oh. I think Hardcase made them mad," stated Richochet as the Umbarans applied more pressure on the clones.
Some Umbarans got close and tried to take down the clones from behind. However, they countered as they elbowed them in the gut and flung them overhead. They then pointed their blasters at their helmets before firing point-blank.
"We're blown!" shouted Claude as another explosion caused by an electric shot was fired.
"The Umbarans are advancing," shouted Fives as he fired with his side pistol and moved fluidly to avoid getting shot.
"Make them eat heat," stated Hardcase as he kept mowing down the foes in front of him.
Some Umbarans tried to get the jump on Rex and Sark as they dropped behind the clone commanders and strangled them. They could get out as they stomped on their foot and threw them overhead. When they landed on the ground, both clone captains brought their fists down and punched their helmets as they left a small crack. The Umbarans began to speak at the clones before they were silenced as both point-blanked them in the dome.
However, the Umbarans were getting closer to the point where they were charging in and shooting down any clones. With no cover, the platoon was dwindling as it was only a few moments before they were all overrun.
"They're coming from all directions!" shouted Tup.
"We don't have any cover!" shouted Fives as he moved his head to the side to avoid a blaster shot as he killed another enemy.
"We need to pull back!" shouted Rex.
"Get them to follow us. If we can draw them out, we can see them!" shouted Sark.
"If we can see them, we can hit them!" stated Richochet as he understood.
"All squads, pull back now!" yelled Sark and Rex.
"This can't be good," said Tup in a worried tone as they began to move it.
The rest of the men were now booking it as they followed the clone commanders as they ran away from the enemy shooting at them. The Umbarans gave chase as they were looking to hunt down the clones. Watching the battle was Master Krell, as he was now happy at seeing the men retreat.
"Feeble-minded clones!" stated Master Krell as he crossed his arms and had an unhappy expression. "Get in there and save their necks."
The Jedi commanded some more men to charge into the field full of fire to help Rex and Sark's men. The clones had made it to some cover down the road as they jumped behind it.
"Get ready. Here they come!" stated Rex to the men.
The Umbarans were now visible in the open as the clones popped out and began to fire at them. By now, Krell's additional support had arrived and began to help the remaining soldiers take down the enemy.
"Stand fast. Hit them with everything you got!" shouted Sark to rally the troops.
Soon the Umbarans began to retreat as they were now suffering casualties.
"Where are you going? Get back here!" laughed Hardcase as he enjoyed himself and continued to fire at the enemy.
"They're pulling back!" shouted Fives to both commanders as they got the men to cease fire.
The Umbarans had fully retreated as both Rex and Sark took deep breaths. Having managed to save themselves barely and whatever men were left. However, it didn't seem someone agreed with them having to retreat as Master Krell came up to them pissed.
"CT-7567. CT-1221. Do you both have a malfunction in your design? You've pulled your forces back from taking the capital city. The enemy now has control of this route." yelled the Jedi to both clones.
"This entire operation has been compromised because of your failure," argued Rex.
"General Krell, in case you haven't noticed, Captain Rex and Commander Sark just saved this platoon. Surely you won't fail to recognize that," said Fives, as Master Krell didn't like that.
"ARC-5555, stand down," shouted Master Krell as he pulled out his lightsaber and had it close to Fives' head; the Jedi was not a fan of someone questioning his words.
"Sir. Yes, sir," grumbled Fives with a bit of displeasure in his tone.
"Sir, if I may address your accusation, we followed your orders. Even in the face of a plan, that was, in our opinion, severely flawed!" stated Sark as he was trying to state his case and back up his men.
"A plan that cost us men. Not clones! Men!" stated Rex, adding more to his friend's point. "As sure as it is our duty to remain loyal to your command, we also have another duty."
"To protect those men!" said Sark, as both he and Rex had the biggest weight on their shoulders during every battle, and that was to save as many lives as possible while securing victory. And not risking their lives like some pawns in a game of chess.
You have a spark of tenacity, Captain, Commander. I'll give you both that," said Krell as he looked at the pair and turned off his lightsaber. "I know that I don't command like the Jedi you're used to serving, certainly not like General Skywalker or General Storm. But I have my way. It may be difficult, but these are difficult times. And it's proven effective. And I suppose your loyalty to your men is to be commended. They seem to admire this. That's important to an effective commander."
Both clones continued to look at the Jedi, who sort of praised them for disobeying his orders.
"All right, Captain Rex, Commander Sark. Your opinions have been noted. Dismissed." stated Krell as he began to leave.
"I think he almost complimented you two," said Richochet as all the men watched the pair stand up for them.
Both gave some stressful sighs.
"It's hard to tell," said Sark.
"Incoming!" shouted Claude.
As they exploded, more shots were fired in their direction, and they took out more clones. The Umbarans had regrouped quickly and were now attacking the clones again.
"Get back! Get back!" stated Fives as the Umbarans in front of them marched forward.
"The Umbarans must have regrouped for a counterattack," said Sark as he and Rex put their helmets back on.
"Everyone, we must hold this position!" shouted Rex to the men as they had no choice but to fight and hold on.
"You think General Krell still intends on taking the capital using this strategy?" asked Fives to both of them.
"I don't know. I'll get back to you on that if we survive this battle," said Rex.
The clones were now attempting to hold their ground against the incoming enemy. One thing was for sure; if this was a taste of what command would be like under the harsh and strict Jedi, the clones would only be tested in more ways than one. But they needed to focus on staying alive as they continued to shoot at the enemy.
Author's Note: And so... we come to another story arc that is talked about for many people. The Jedi General Krell and his ruthless tactics when it comes to commanding soldiers. The best way to describe this arc is that it gives off "Vietnam War" vibes. All I can say is for this upcoming arc, be prepared for so much conflict and for what happens, especially with the clones. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.