(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)

Clone troopers unite! As war rages across the galaxy, the Republic's clone army strives for victory against the evil forces of the Separatists. Bravery, valor, unity, the lifeblood of victory on the battlefield and in space. It all begins on the planet Kamino, where Jedi General Shaak Ti oversees the training of clones while also training her Padawan, Krid Wossaun, with the help of contracted bounty hunters. Bred to be perfect soldiers, these cadets must first be subjected to intense physical and mental training before heading off to war.

In a training site being overseen by Jedi General Shaak Ti, her Padawan and contracted bounty hunters. Five clone trooper cadets rush their way to cover while taking Hevy fire from the on site training droids. Exchanging fire on the way. Three went to the center of the point to take cover while two of their brothers went to the left cover to protect the flank.

Now in cover. The clones were doing what they do best. Staying calm under fire and picking off their targets one by one for their brothers on the left to charge in. Up above one of the training commando droids manning the turrets lay down suppressive blaster fire in the center group. Drawing fire away from the flanking group. Seeing the chance one of the clones in the center voiced out the chance to the flanking group..

'You're clear! You're clear!'

The flanking group took this chance and sent in their heavy gunner to lay down blaster fire at the troops below. With the droids pinned down. The clone that stayed in cover peaked out of his cover and into the side. Taking aim with his blaster rifle and fire at the droid manning the turret taking out the gunner position to allow for their gunner to take suppressive fire on the incoming droids that were marching towards them. Taking down three b1's who were walking towards them in quick succession before firing at the next.

'This is Command. You must break through enemy lines and take the tower'

The order rang out to all of the other clone troopers who were all still firing at the droids. All except one who was kneeling down with the center group and turned in his head frequency to echo the orders that command had just issued.

'Comlink just relayed orders from-'

'We all heard the orders, Echo!'

The clone cadet interrupted. Annoyed at the constant echoing of any order that his pod brother has to repeat every time. Hell he even repeats his CT number when he has to write the logistics report.

'Stop calling me that!'

Angered that his new name is now echo. He wanted it to be something cool. Like Rex, Cody, or Dog. Being called Echo is an extremely lame name and he'll get so many jibes and groans at his expense. The cadet trooper above him was also feeling the same annoyance that plagued his brother next to him and had to tell him.

'Stop repeating every order!'

'Less yapping, more blasting!'

The trooper with the heavy gun yelled. Cutting down more droids in the process as he was slowly inching his way forward towards the center.

'Let's cut these chrome domes and move on to the citadel'

Hoping to inspire his brothers to get out of their cover and charge to victory. Echo was having none of that.

'You are breaking formation'

Being a stickler to the rules as he was taught in basic training that any deviation from that means certain death. The heavy gunner groaned at that. Knowing full well he walked into that one. Lifted his gun up for a cool down and turned towards echo.

'Just follow my lead, will ya?'

Then charged ahead, clearing a path for the other cadet clones to charge through cutting down a droid in the open and another droid taking cover up ahead. The cadet trooper from behind saw the opportunity and voiced it to his brothers hoping they would follow them.

'He's clearing a path, I'm moving'

Running ahead to the left of the heavy gunner. He helps the gunner take down a droid in front of him then signal his brothers to push ahead. But was tackled out of the way by an electrical black coming from above. Rolling down to the nearby cover. The cadet gave his thanks to the brother that saved him.

'Thanks, CT-27-5555, that was close'

'It's Fives! The name is Fives!'

Annoyed that saying the ct number in an active battlefield makes it harder to communicate properly. Then popped up out of cover to provide some covering fire for the advancing cadet clone troopers. Firing a few shots one of the cadet troopers managed to work up the courage to run up behind the two.

'Yeah Five pieces if you don't put your head down'

He quipped, taking a knee then shooting at the droids in front of them. Echo being true to his name. Followed his brothers behind the cover in front of them. Being peeved that his brothers are not following orders. Even more pressed that this will be their last practice test and being on maintenance duty will be a nightmare come true for him.

'How about we follow orders? This is our last practice test!' Fives being annoyed at echo for reminding them that this is the fifty-five time that he told them snapped back at echo.

'Will you shut up with instructions? You're not in charge'

Up above Jedi Master Shaak Ti and her Padawan Kird discuss the clone cadets chances and their faults on why this practice run is a bit more disorganized then the usual clone practice runs. With the hired bounty hunters overseeing the clones practice run.

One of the bounty hunters looked quite worried at the clones for showing little improvements compared to the previous practice runs. The other one showed very little interest in the clones' inevitable failure like all of their previous runs. Found more entertainment picking his nails.

'This particular unit seems to have particular trouble'

Turning over to the bored bounty hunter for advice.

'What do you recommend?'

The bored bounty hunter looked over after stopping his little game. Thought for a second and gave out his answer that he first thought of the squad when he first saw them.

'Well I'm no Jedi, so forgive my bluntness, but I say they fail, send them down to maintenance duty with 99 and the other rejects'

Looking a little too pleased that he'll get to send some clones to do maintenance duty. The other bounty hunter protested in kind.

'We can't fail them yet, remember, this is only a practice test, and besides, the Citadel course was constructed to be a difficult challenge'

He pleaded but the sentiment was lost on the two. War has no place for being kind.

'Although I don't agree with his sentiment, Brick isn't wrong, these cadets are far from ready'

El-les wanted to rebuke them but he knows they are right. Their infighting has always been a major factor that they can't succeed in these tests. Despite them coming close to the victory flag. They always seem to lose at the last moment when their brothers will want the credit for picking up the flag.

'Good warriors, bad soldiers. Desa need unity, without dat, desa won't succeed'

He thought aloud. The three nodded along as they watched the cadets taking cover putting out fire from the other droids. But not putting out fire well as their shots were not in range. One of the clones getting frustrated voiced his anger out ot his brothers hoping they will cover them

'I can't hit anything from here'

Pushing up with fives. As they pushed up. Echo was afraid they were going to get themselves shot for disobeying with orders. So kneeled out of cover to yell at them. Hoping his words alone can get them back here.

'No! we have to follow orders!'

But got shot for his troubles. Taking him out of the training run. Up above Shaak Ti commented on echo's flaw that seems to be holding them back.

'The one they call "Echo" never adapts to the situation' Kird nodded.

'Indeed master, mesa remember mesa train runs. Had gotten into a rhythm before yousa switched up dha course, mesa floundered for a bit before mesa discovered mesa shu for explosives'

Shaak Ti rolled her eyes at that. Remembering that her Padawan used the force to redirect the training battle droids rockets back at them. Though it would have been nice if the rockets weren't flown in every direction. The maintenance crews were hunting that boy down for days demanding him to help with the damages. She smiled despite her Jedi teachings. Getting a bit distracted as she failed to notice one of the clones with the heavy gun charging ahead making his own path but failing to notice droids coming up from behind him then taking their shots taking him out of the training run.

'CT-782 seems to follow his own path, he can't do it all alone'

Getting Shaak Ti on track that they are training clone cadets not her Padawan today. So overlooked the training field and saw two clones at cover exchanging fire with the droids before taking cover again and going over the plan.

'You go I'll cover you'

Fives feeling annoyed that his marksman skills are not being considered. Wanted the trooper beside him to cover for him as he has a better firing rate to help with suppression.

'I'm a better shot, you go'

Groaned in annoyance as they had this conversation before arguing back.

'No, you go!'

They would have kept on arguing before a droid walked around in cover taking their shot before being gunned down by the cadet trooper before being gunned down himself taking both him and fives out of the training run.

'Look at those two, argue on the battlefield, you end up dead, ugh and the last one'

The clone trooper that was hanging back in cover not moving another inch got a grazing shot for his troubles. As he kneeled down recovering from the shot. Four droids in varying types all marched up to him aiming their blasters at him. The cadet saw the writing on the wall. Put his weapon down and raised his arms in the air surrendering.

'I surrender! I surrender!'

'Need i say more?'

Shaak Ti gave her analysis on why these cadets failed on their training missions. Being a little disappointed after many of their training runs they show the same problems when they first started. Getting a less than satisfactory improvement.

'If these cadets can't get past their shortsighted selfishness, they will never come together, unity wins war, gentlemen'

Adding that last bit and looking at her apprentice hoping to give a piece of advice for him when he goes off to lead his own clone company. Kird understands then nodded. Unity needs to be strong for them or else the entire operation falls apart.

'Computer, end exercise for Domino Squad'

Pressing the button on the consul. To contact 99 and his folks at the cleaning crew grounds to be summoned to the training grounds. Despite them being rejected, their hearts are in the right place. So it gives them something else to do to help the wider clone army in their own ways.

'99, would you please send a cleaning crew to the training ground?'

'Yes mistress, we'll take care of the mess'

Came the tired reply of clone 99. Brick decided to add in his analysis to the Domino squad. Better to be done with them now rather than dragging their feet.

'You should tell that 99 to drag away the mess called Domino Squad'

Then walked off to do his other duties. El-Les being the more sympathetic of the two looked back at him with worry. Before seeing the Padawan jumped off the lip and landed on the citadel down to the floor below. He chuckled at that. Over time the Padawan has been hanging around with 99 a lot more than any other official would have.

'Maybe he can give the clones some advice through 99'

Being aware of the growing attachment the two were having but not saying anything about it. Kird is going off to war soon so the time for last goodbyes is standard for any species out there. Down below. The cadets were marching off to their quarters being down on themselves for failing their practice run. A bad omen for their last practice run.

'We almost had it this time'

Optimistic about the attempt and try to lift their spirits up after their failure as a learning exercise. The attempt was lost on the other troopers. Especially on the cadet clone with the number 4 on his cadet form. Seeing it as a condescending remark.

'Yeah, and we look nothing alike either'

As the five marched off. They walked past clone 99. An old clone who is hunched back dragging a droid off the training field. The one with the heavy gun walked by him and offered sympathy that he'll be cleaning up another one of their failures.

'Sorry for the mess, 99' 99 not being used to being addressed in any situation had to take a second to think up what to say. Before offering his sympathies back.

'It's okay, boys, nice try'

He said. As he watched the clones going back to their quarters. He tried to drag the droid again before finding the droid alot lighter than usual.

'Need a hand? 99'

99 chuckled. Finding the one who always stays with him after every cleaning duty if Kird was present overlooking the training cadets. Which is almost every duty now when he thinks about it.

'Heh, so what happened to using the force there kid, got an earful from your master about using your powers on non trivial things' He jokes Kird smiled back.

'Not disa time, old man, decided to get some exercise in, mesa find lift mackankeeks over mesa head seems besa good exercise' They chuckled for a bit before seeing the dumping spot where they looked at each other and smiled.

'Una, duey, DEE!'

They said together while swinging the droid they picked up before tossing him into the dumping spot landing it perfectly in the middle. Kird cheered and pumped his fist up. While 99 chuckled while rubbing his head. Walking over to the other droid that was on the floor. Kird was too busy celebrating to notice.

'Yesa finally, after all of disa time wesa managed to throw a mackaneek in perfectly on dha spot'

'Well that is all and good kid but I think you can do it 99 more times'

He smiled with the pun he made at Kird. Lifting a droid by the hand and waving it at him. Kird laughed at that and went over to the droid side to help with the dumping.

'Well dalee might be a hundred and una mackankeeks hair, so let's dump dha ninety-ate-a mackaneek'

They said with excitement before tossing the droid back at the dumping pile causing both the wreck droids to slide over the dumping spot area just a bit. Kird was a little frustrated at that while 99 went over to another droid that was knocked on the ground.

'Mesa mackaneek streak' He said hurt that his streak has just ended. 99 yelled out from afar getting his attention.

'You still have ninety nine droids to get that streak back, I picked a lighter one for ya!'

Both laughed and continued dumping the droids at the dumping spot getting their streak back again. Shaak Ti and El-Les both watched the display and smiled.

'Wonder if your Padawan can help with Domino's squad unity problem before being sent off to war'

Shaak Ti nodded. Her Padawan was always good for clones but grimaces for a little bit. Not knowing the full extent of what war can do to a person. So put her faith in the force. Hoping that Kird can overcome that trial.

'He can, maybe they can also help him too, when the day comes'

They both nodded at that. Despite their training they were all still green. Only simulated combat and drills. Nothing like the real thing. Only time can tell if Kird can overcome the day when he knows what real war is. Hopefully the force will be with him when that day comes. If not, Maybe the clones can pull him out of this darkness when it comes for them all.

Clone training Barracks

Many of their cadet brothers were scattered around preparing to turn it in for the day. Some were milling about talking to one another about their day and making up stories. One of these made up stories was about a clone hooking up with a girl at some bar. Despite there not being a bar. Nor any girls that aren't Shaak Ti and the kaminos who don't fraternize with the units.

'So i said to her "Baby, you and me could really-' Before being interrupted by the cadet trooper he was telling a story too.

'You've never even met a girl'

Down below the cadets were getting their gear off after their practice test. One of the clones in particular was frustrated at the constant failures from their runs and threw his helmet down in frustration. Said helmet rolled towards the clone 99 feet. He looked up with Kird on his side hoping to get some words in before they went to bed.

'You know, you shouldn't worry because most clones pass'

He said, picking up the helmet. Hoping to calm Hevy nerves from the frustration that he's feeling. Hevy didn't feel that way. Too absorbed in his self loathing. But appreciates what 99 was trying to do.

'Yeah, but not all of us, right, shortie?'

Then tapped his head before going up to their barracks to sleep. 99 was feeling worried about how his words of advice went on deaf ears. But he didn't blame them. They faced too much failure to be in any kind of mood. Before he found his head tapped again by Kird. 99 smiled knowing that Kirds intrusive thoughts won again.

Echo approaches the ladder where the sleeping pods are yelling out his frustration to the rest of the team who were milling about in their sleeping pods.

'Guys we got to follow orders CMON!'

'I don't know, I think it went rather well'

Came the snide remark of the trooper above him.

'Can we please stop arguing?'

Frustrated that this has been a constant with the team after every failed mission wanting to get one day. Just one day. Without the team arguing again. Unfortunately his response fell on deaf ears again and was rebuked by the clone below with the heavy gun.

'Can you stop being droid bait out there? You're getting in my way'

The cadet trooper rolled his eyes at that. His new name being droid bait for somehow drawing the most fire during their missions. As well as getting tagged constantly from droids behind him.

'Actually our way'

He corrected the trooper below him. Which only infuriated the trooper below him. Only doubling down on his accusation.

'Well, you want to be the best, then you got to think like it, and I'm thinking like an Arc trooper'

Echo had to rebuke his statement. For all of his reckless behavior. It did nothing but get them all shot down by blaster fire. There was no need for mavericks in the grand army of the republic. Only good soldiers. And good soldiers follow orders.

'ARC troopers follow orders'

The cadet trooper next of him wanted to punch him but held his rage in check. He doesn't want to be the one who throws the first punch at him. So he did something to goad him hoping he'll be the first one to punch him. Maybe this fight can tell the others who are in charge of the squad there.

'Care to repeat that, Echo?'

Echo not taking the bait. Decided to shoulder check him and move on. The cadet trooper besides him was enraged at this and decided it was time. He'll throw in the first punch. Out of instinct he grabbed Echo's shoulder and punched him in the face. Both began to brawl against each other while the cadets up above cheered on.

'Come on, get him Hevy!'

'Smack that know-it-all!'

They both cheered while Droidbait sat up above watching the spectacle happening before him. Just as echo was about to do a comeback as Hevy was overpowering him. Brick rushed in between the two cadets. Breaking the fight.

'Cut it out!'

He yelled at the two offending clones who started the brawl. Who backed off away from each other. Now comes the dressing down of these bad batches who focus on fighting each other rather than the droids.

'If you two would focus on fighting droids as much as you do fighting each other, you might stand a chance out there'

'Sorry, Master Chief' Echo was generally remorseful about the brawl but Hevy on the other hand was not.

'Well, Master Chief, maybe our problems come from our training' Now challenging the Master Chief failure on helping them train them on this mission.

'I'd rather be trained by the Padawan here rather than some mercenary bounty hunter'

Kird tilted his head that the troops around here respected him that much despite him being a Padawan in training. Brick sneered at that and placed his fingers at Hevy's chest.

'This Padawan doesn't have time to train grunts like you, that's why they hired me'

Pointing to himself. Then walking back making room for the clones up above to jump down and get in formation. Preparing themselves to listen to another reprimand from the master chief again. At the lockers Kird and 99 moved back as they watched the display.

'Listen, boys, when you were assigned to me, I had high hopes for you, now we're approaching the end of your training and you haven't advanced nearly enough' Then gestured to 99 who was still holding Hevy's helmet.

'Even this bad batcher, 99, has more sense than you guys do, and he's a maintenance clone!' 99 looking down on himself worked up the courage to speak back but at low enough volumes as to not sound confrontational.

'You...You don't give them enough credit'

'You're all a waste of my time'

Then left the clones at the barracks. The four looked down on themselves but Hevy wanted to punch Brick in his stupid brain but was held back by DroidBait from going any further. As the five clones were processing Brick's words they were interrupted by the padawan giving his input on the situation.

'Hesa has a point, yousa know'

The clones turned, seeing the Padawan standing next to clone 99. Who was lifting Hevy's gun out of the locker room and onto the bench.

'Ordinarily a Jedi would have said some guid words and some life advice to hep yousa fife in succeed dha mission, but mesa not a Jedi yet, but mesa think mesa might have a plan to hep out with disa problem of yours'

The five being perplexed at the unorthodox way this Padawan was being taught by their leading Jedi master Shaak-Ti. But decided to humor him for now. Echo asked the question on what they were all thinking. Hoping it might be something from the book that can easily be followed. But having a feeling things won't end easily.

'Well, it involves some mackankeeks, some wangzapper opadda, chuck mackankeeks off a build, escap dha maintenance crews, standard grunt stuff'

The four chuckled knowing wherever Kird goes. It is always going to be entertaining. Echo on the other hand was aghast at this. This act alone would violate so many regulations and troop protocols. He had to speak again hoping this time his words could finally be heard.

'With all due respect sir, Brick just said you don't have time to train us recruits, besides, isn't this going to get us in trouble?' Kird only smiled.

'Well yesa, ordinarily mesa don't have time to train grunts like yousa because of mesa train as a Jedi, however noth in dha book says dat mesa can't br along some certain individuals to "watch" mesa train'

Echo tried to stammer out a response but couldn't. His logic was to ironclad. Before noticing his shoulder being held by Fives. Who was smiling ear to ear as his dream of fighting alongside Jedi was coming true. Then shook Echo out of his stupor.

'Why not just throw the book out Echo, we are fighting with Jedi now, where they go, the book is more of a guideline really' Echo sighed then smiled.

'Fine but only this one time'

The troopers begin to rush towards their lockers changing quickly to be part of a Jedi training course. However one of them slowed down to 99 then opened his hands out for his helmet. 99 gently gave the helmet then said some words that brought a smile to his face.

'You did say you want to train with the Padawan, Hevy, looks like it'll be your lucky day' Hevy put on the helmet then nodded. The five cadets now geared up and ready for the assignment for Kird going to order them to do. Kird looked over at the five cadets then nodded.

'Alright troopers, Disa is goen besa a bit more unorthodox than usual, right now, yousa're all geared up ready for a fight, but mesa goen to have to disillusion yousa for a bit, mesa'm goen to train yousa how to become brothers again'

The five looked at each other. Then nodded. They have been fighting as individuals as of now so they'll humor the Padawan for a bit, maybe have a lucky break and get a small victory here, so they all stood up straight and saluted, Kird nodded in kind

'Wesa goen to march into mesa personal train room, gather some mackankeeks dat mesa and 99 dragged dalee, then wesa goen to play well. Let's spake a team exercis game'

'So what's this team exercising game will be?'

Hevy asked. Hefting his rotary cannon on his back. A bit disappointed that they are not going to do more combat training. Kird smiled. Remembering all the times 99 and a bunch of other clones games they played helped strengthen their bonds for a bit eventually on their own terms. Made their teams much stronger than before.

'Tell mesa Hevy, have yousa heard of dha game? Mackaneek in una'

Above the Kamino circular structures lies the office meeting of the top Kamino scientists, the doors open and as Both Shaak-Ti and Lama Su were discussing the on the clones known as, Dominion squad. The two of them entered his office, and as the door closed behind them, Lama was the first to speak.

'I understand your concerns, Master Jedi, ever since the unfortunate death of Jango Fett, we have had to stretch his DNA to produce more clones'

'A Jedi does not feel concern, Lama Su, however, I have noticed this unit of clones have been...' Lama Su finished her sentence.

'Deficient? My only thought is for you to search the galaxy and find a suitable donor for your future clones'

Just then another Kamino walks in carrying drinks, the Kamino presents the drinks to them, Lama Su takes the glass while Shaak Ti kindly refuses. As the Kamino left the two sat and continued their conversation.

'And what of the clones produced so far?' She asked.

'As you know, there is no one way to make a clone, sometimes our efforts are less than successful'

'Are you suggesting we just cast off the Domino Squad? They're living beings, not objects'

'You Jedi show too much compassion, nevertheless, as General in charge of training, the decision on what to do with them would be yours, Master Jedi'

At the command center overlooking the clones' training, Shaak Ti enters. In front of her was Brick, and El-les.

'Gentleman you want to see me'

'It's your Padawan, it's hard to explain its best you look for yourself'

Shaak Ti walked and looked over the command center down below, she could see her Padawan playing some sort of game with one the Clone carrying something around their arms. As the clone made it to the end of the other side, the small team cheered in victory.

'This is a waste of time, these batch of clones should be training not...Whatever this is' Shaak Ti looks over towards Brick.

'Brick, my Padawan is fixing their problem'

'Excuse me?'

'This game, they are playing, looks like they are bringing them together'

'I don't understand'

'You'll understand when they do on the final test' Finishing her words she left the command center.

An Laat was coming forward at the hangar bays. Landing in front of the assembled squads that are ready for their last training trial. They all stomped their feet as they watched the Arc troopers coming out of the ship walking in front of them to stand at attention. In time both Brick and El-les came to the assembled squad and addressed the squads gathered there to receive orders for the final practice test.

'Gentleman, who wants to be an Arc Trooper?' All stomped their feet.

'I do Sir!'

'You have to pass your final test first, I want you to meet Commander Colt of the rancor battalion' Then stepping forward to address the troops.

'I want you troopers to remember, we're shoulder-to-shoulder on those front lines, Brothers, and sometimes we may quarrel, but no matter what, we are united, RULE ONE, we fight together!'

Rehearsing his speech as he gave it a dozen times before. Seeing cadets and many before them as he sent them off to war. Still despite the repeated speeches. Not once has his pride ever faltered on the cadets and gave it his all among the rank and file. Now looking around to see if there were any volunteers who would be the first to step up to graduate.

'So, who's ready to step up first?' A bit of a hollow gesture as he already picked the squads beforehand that will start the final tests.

'Let's start with the unit that ran the practice test in record time, Arc trooper time'

He said as he went in front of the squad who's pauldrons were colored red. CutUp couldn't help but smirked as they were hamming in the obvious. So he joked about the unlikely hood of them getting picked. He smiled himself a bit earning that name as he cut through the Padawan by juking him out from going to the left and throwing it to Droidbait.

'Think he means us boys?'

Getting in a few smiles here and there as their training with the Padawan will guarantee their success in this mission. But a few stern faces were added since they need to focus on the mission and the assembly for a bit before they can joke about it later.

'Bravo Unit, step up'

The bravo unit went to comply and stood at attention in front of Commander Colt. Ready for the order to go forth and complete the final test with flying colors. Droidbait rolled his eyes at that.

'Well, Bravo for Bravo squad'

He elbowed CutUp hoping his joke landed. And it did get him to smile. But the others were not paying attention to the banter as the order to move out was issued.

'Show an ARC trooper how it's done'

Bravo squad putting on their helmets then turned stomping their feet down. Signaling they are marching in a single line formation onwards to the training grounds. The cadets then moved to the sides in trained drill formation as they watched Bravo squad move past them.

'C'mon boys, maybe we can learn something'

'Better than a Jedi? I highly doubt it'

At the command center. Commander Colt and his squad mates were walking to their positions with a couple of Kaminos to oversee. To his right were the Brick and El-les who were setting up the Citadel Challenge.

'Start the Citadel challenge, version THX, variable 1138'

Once the signal was given Bravo squad was ready to charge in against some droids and finished their final test. Up above Domino squad was looking over the final exam from below. Back below Bravo squad were making good headway charging at the flanks picking off droids with not a single bolt missing their target. At the watchtower A droid manning the gun was blasting at a trooper who was running then rolling to cover. The Trooper remained calm then aimed his shot at the droid manning the gun and shot him causing the droid to fall forwards hitting the ground with sparks flying off of its back.

Many at the command center were satisfied with Bravo Team's performance. El-les smiled at their record speed was not without merit while Brick just nodded. Back to the Domino squad who was watching the clones pushing up. CutUp voiced out his thoughts on the matter.

'We're better than these guys'

'You know it, especially when he taught me that neat little trick'

The two chuckled remembering their time training with the Padawan. The other two were watching on hoping to learn something from the Bravo squad on how they can accomplish their mission. Hevy was lost in thought for a moment thinking back on what 99 said to him.

Flashback

"You're always trying to be the anchor, Hevy, you know, do it on your own, well, maybe you should embrace the fact that you have a team, see i never had that, but you need them, and they need you, why carry such a Hevy burden on your own, when you have your brothers at your side, Hevy?"

"Hevy? Will you stop calling me that, we just numbers 99, just numbers"

"Not to me, to me, you've always had a name"

"So stop being such a droid and help your team out passing this droid head to the spot, both CutUp and Droidbait over there are practically playing around the wrecked remains from our previous attempt"

Echo punched Hevy in the shoulder. Showing his brothers were with him. Hevy looked towards the two who were playing with the droids at the dumping pile wondering what is the best use for them as a body shield. While fives and Kird were talking to them about when to best use them. Hevy then looked up to echo who was holding a droid's head they were going to use as the ball for their game. Hevy smiled.

"Isn't that against regulation" He joked. Echo smiled.

"Well Kird said the rules can be bent, and knowing I beat you five times doing the unexpected, Isay regulations can be a guideline if anything"

Both smiled then echo lifted Hevy up from the damaged droid he was sitting on. As well as 99 who made his way to his position. Kird signaled the three who were testing out this new tactic of theirs to drop the droids back into the pile. As the Five got into their positions they noticed all were on the same side. Watching as Kird was getting ready for the droid head in the middle of the team and him.

"Not going to make it easy for us?"

"Well it's just una of mesa and fife of yousa who have each other's backs now, mesa spake dha odds are even" Both teams were getting ready to start their game when 99 gave the signal. 99 shuffled himself to the Droid's head. Ready to start the game.

"Ready, set, PLAY DROID!"

End of Flashback

Hevy reminiscing ended when the signal was given that Bravo Squad finished their final trial. Now looking over to see both Echo and Fives were waiting for Hevy to put on his helmet. He nodded and placed his helmet on to begin the final trial. As they marched on Commander Colt was discussing his analysis on the Bravo squad.

'I'm impressed, you trained them well, who's next?'

'The Domino Squad' Brick Laughed. At the mention of the name.

'And how are they?'

El-les was silent for a moment while Brick just shook his head no. But an unexpected voice came out shocking both of the bounty hunters.

'Rough around dha edges, but mesa smoothed it out'

Both of the bounty hunters did a double take that a Padawan managed to sneak up on them. Colt just laughed.

'Trained another squad haven't ya, well let's see if they do well as your other batches'

Back at Domino squad. They were passing by Bravo squad as they were heading out to the barracks. Hearing a passing remark at them.

'Check it out guys, time to watch the Domino's fall'

'Yeah fall upwards, we got a Jedi on our side'

Getting glares at Bravo squad who didn't get the honor of training with a Jedi. The rest smiled at their jealousy.

'Oh, I think they're jealous'

The five then laughed as they approached the elevator. Checking in their guns and steeling themselves for the final training of their lives. Hoping that their brief training with Kird will somehow make the difference between their previous attempts. As the elevator moved up. Echo decided to make some small chat to help ease the nerves of the others a bit.

'Order came in clear, mates'

'Nothing to repeat, Echo?'

'Not today'

'How's that trick with Kird treating ya'

'Not bad, have to wait for the right moment though'

'Quite risky, but we all know what we have to do'

As the elevator opened revealing Domino squad in formation ready to pass this test that they had been failing for so long. With the help of Kird. Their new found trust in each other. Their small victory against Kird during their game of Droid-in-one. And finally with words of wisdom with clone 99. Their victory is assured.

Domino Squad charged ahead staying in formation. Running and gunning against the droids they practiced many times before. Blaster fire failed to track the clones as they were not packed closely enough to shoot them down. Echo then took aim shooting out his blaster shots taking the gunner down giving the team free reign as they shot down the droids in front of them using a single well aimed bolt to hit all the droids dropping them despite them moving up and down from the platforms that were ever shifting in their direction. After charging a good distance all five dove to cover in the middle, a bit surprised that they all handled it well so far.

'That's it, boys stay together'

'Fives on your left' Taking Cutups word to heart. He stood up and gunned down the droid about to take its shot off at them.

'Thanks, Cutup'

'No problem, brother'

At the command center. El-les was elated that their activity with the Jedi had worked. Brick on the other hand was still waiting on how the squad is going to screw this one up. Colt and Kird nodded at the improved performance compared to their previous attempts.

'They seem to be working together'

'Still early, a lot can change'

And on cue. The computer algorithm decided to add in more droids to the conflict. Sending in a fresh wave of b1's to reinforce the middle. Shifting the platforms around them to have Domino squad fight through a caricature of a bunker. On the sides some B2's were making their way at the flanks of the bunker speeding up the time limit of Hevy's decision making.

'That's not part of the simulation'

He commented. Till Hevy gave the signal. They are going to assault the bunker. The platforms will give them cover from the watchtowers from above while the B2's will just walk forward with nothing to shoot at. The team nodded and rushed in. Shooting down the B2's on the flanks. As they were approaching the entryway to the bunker one of the B1's was standing in the way seeing the opportunity. Droidbait rushed and tackled the B1 then in a single motion chucked the B1 right at the approaching reinforcements coming in the middle.

'Pretty unorthodox' He commented.

'They're getting farther than normal'

'This is nothing, give them their next set of orders and watch the chaos ensue, I'm telling you these guys aren't ready'

As if to rebuke Brick's statement the watch towers fell silent and the flanks of the B2 droids fell over from blaster bolts as the platforms shifted and changed to give the clones perfect shots right at the weak spots of the B2's. Then the platforms lowered as Hevy cut down a swath of B1's looking over the ridge while Droidbait draws the droids manning the citadel fire as he duck and dove from cover to cover using any B1's walking forward then doing the droid chucking throw as well as picking up any droids on the ground to absorbed a couple of shots as he runs. With the five charging in Cutup watching the backs of the domino squad picking off any stragglers trying to double back. Then they all meet up again at the middle rushing forward to cover as the guns from the building couldn't blast them at their angle.

'Hmpth, seems Domino squad actions tell a different tell' Kird quipped. Brick groaned at that. Down below the squad were quickly getting their breaths in.

'We might actually pass'

'Hell yeah Fives were doing great'

'Going to need to do some muscle training to lift those B2's huh Cutup'

'Maybe work on that stamina of yours then you can lift a B2'

'All right mates, chatting is over, prep the ascension cables, let's finish this' The others went to comply before turning cold.

'Wait a minute, where are the cables?'

'They are not on our belts'

As the few were checking again on where the ascension cables above. The command center up above was wondering the same thing.

'What's going on? Where are their ascension cables?' Brick just shrugged.

'Aww must have gotten lost'

Colt and Kirds glared at him but not surprised as they expected him to pull a stunt like this. El-Les was not having it and demanded answers as he shoved Brick aside to face him.

'What did you do!'

Bric, not sharing his coworker's worry, smacked El-les hand out of his shoulder. Then pointed at him.

'I thought you had faith they'd be the best, right? Well, the best pass, no matter what'

Was his defense that he took away their ascension cables. El-les sneered at him then looked back at Colt and Kird. Hoping they'll be able to stop this madness.

'General, you have to stop this, this is unfair to the cadets' Colt only shook his head crossing his arms.

'The battlefield is an unpredictable place, El-Les'

'But Bric has cheated' Came at the insistence of El-Les. Colt only shook his head and looked over at the cadets.

'My experience fighting with the separatists taught me that fighting on their terms means certain defeat'

'Indeed commander, let's see if their creativity can save them-sa'

Back down below. The Domino squad was stuck between a citadel and a hard place. Racing any idea that they can think of to overcome this hurdle. But the options they were thinking of were becoming more unorthodox by the second.

'Just when it was getting easy'

'Got any plans? On scaling the wall?'

'Besides using the droids around us as a ladder, no'

'That's quite, gruesome Droidbait'

'Well I'm open to any ideas, because that's the only thing I could think of'

'I got one, see those guns up there'

Gesturing to the guns firing down at them all formed up in a single line vertically.

'We can use them as a step to the next level, form a chain and use each other to scale this face'

'Ha, my idea is more practical, alright I'll draw their fire while you guys blast them'

Droid bait laughed while Cutup shook his head but seeing no other options.

'Hope you know your weapons Hevy'

'Trust me, now Go!'

Taking Hevy command. Droidbait ran out to the cover behind them firing at the blasters at the wall all the while. The blasters then moved towards Droidbait moving their guns away from the rest of the team who took their chance and fired at the guns disabling them all. With the way clear they ran up to the citadel running up top of the wall facing them up to the lip. Moving past the gun emplacements then rushed to climb the guns.

'Well I'll be...Creative little clones, aren't they'

Actually shocked that this group of failures managed to beat the course with a game they had with Kird. Even being pleasantly surprised at the effort.

'No unit has shown such ingenuity'

He commented. Domino squad moving up from the guns and onto the platform. Echo was the first one up at the top running up to the flag then lifting it up high. Cheering loudly with Hevy and Fives next to them while Cutup and Droidbait were running up behind. Cutup being ecstatic that they won. While Droidbait was catching his breath but cheering all the while.

'I knew we could do it, boys!'

'We made it!'

Then they all held the flag post high for all to see. The cadets that were watching applauded their victory. Even the Bravo squad clapped, a bit sour they get special Jedi training but happy their brothers pass their test.

'Looks like another of your squad passed Kird' Kird nodded.

'Not without a little help from Bric' Bric perked up at this. How did he help with the cadets?

'Yousa tak away their ascension cables taught them-sa a valuable lesson dat desa have una strength against dha mackankeeks, creativity, oh and don't feel too bad about add a condition, mesa did so as well with dha bunker' Bric chuckled and looked at El-les.

'Well, maybe you were right, El-les, perhaps I should take these cadets like them as a special challenge' They all chuckled.

'Another finest batch of soldiers trained here at Kamino, I'll see them off' As he and his aids were about to process the paperwork. To have them transferred to some missions. He was interrupted by someone.

'Oh captain colt, mesa have a favor to ask of yousa'

Colt perked up at this. A bit rare for Kird to be asking favors. But shook his head and smiled underneath. He knows what the favor is going to be about. Seeing that particular look a bit too many times when he was off training soldiers off planet. Well it looks like it's time for Kird to spread his wings then.

Inside the Barracks the Domino squad stood straight up and in line formation receiving their graduation medals

'Congratulations, you've graduated, at ease'

'Next stop, ARC trooper!' The group then began to leave.

'Yeah, how about we face some combat first?' As the group left the two that stayed behind were Hevy and 99.

'You were right, you know, about everything'

'I heard you were quite the leader out there'

'No leaders, we are a team, all of us, 99'

'The army's lucky to have a clone like you, Hevy'

'Not as lucky as I am to have a brother like you'

'Hevy ships out and 99 stays here'

'We'll see each other again' He unpick his medal and gave it to 99.

'I mean, how else am I supposed to get this back from ya? You deserve it, you're one of us'

As the new graduate troops lineup, Jedi Shaak Ti began her speech.

'Today is your graduation. From here, you ship out to fight against the Separatists and restore peace to the Republic, congratulations! You are no longer cadets, you are troopers, may the Force be with you' Then an Arc Trooper steps forward.

'Attention!' All troopers were at attention.

'Helmets on!' They put on their helmets, and as the Arc Troopers began to walk away the new clones followed.

Kird watched the clones moving away to join in battle as they marched off to war. Kird walked away from the sight thinking to himself. He'll be joining the war soon in earnest. But first he'll need to accomplish the mission set by Shaak Ti herself to prove that he'll be able to command a clone legion alone. Even beforehand he already showed complete competency with the clones. Giving some troopers to be some of the best of the best. However despite their accomplishments. It doesn't prepare you for the real thing. So To start off small he'll watch over the relay post somewhere in the outer rim. Making sure Anakin and Obi-wan get to Kamino at the rendezvous point. Hoping to be inducted as a Jedi there. Whenever that is? As he was walking he met captain Colt who was seeing the Domino squad off. Then looking back.

'AAAH, so here comes your new commander'

'I'm sorry captain?' Echo was surprised, even flabbergasted that the jedi they just trained with are now going to be their new commander

'Indeed Echo' He nodded. The Domino squad stood at attention.

'Mesa've taken dha personal liberty of hand pick a squad for mesa mission to become a Jedi, yousa have dha honor of join mesa and becom part of a new clone legion' Domino squad mouths were wide opened. They were becoming part of a new clone legion and are the first members to join.

'Thats...I'm sorry sir i think you might have the wrong clones, just before you trained us we were considered a bad batch' They all laughed nervously. Until Kird raised his hand.

'Mesa see in each and everyone of yousa dha potential to become someth more than just arc troopers, mesa see yousa become mesa personal retinue of commandos, if yousa all survive dat longo of course'

'Commando, heh, that's a complete step up from arc trooper' They all chuckled till Kird cleared his throat.

'But una th at a time, first wesa need to prove ourselves dat wesa can handle disa mission then wesa'll get into some battles and raids in dha outer rim' Heavy pumped up his fists at that ready to fight for the republic. Echo spoke up hoping for his question to be answered.

'Permission to speak freely sir' Kird chuckled.

'Yousa can already spake freely, wesa not in mission mode yet' Echo laughed nervously.

'How do we get there? I assume we have a ship of some kind but it'll need to be some fast and light ship though, I mean we are the only one's at the hanger while the rest of our brothers are moving to another ship'

Kird smiled then pointed behind them. The domino squad looked back and saw their ship. Mouths agape in awe as they saw what a beauty of ship it was. A big ship cruiser came into view of the sky and dropped below into the atmosphere. They were almost caught in a trance as they saw an Laat ship coming into the hanger and opening its hanger doors.

'Dat will be moole someday, once wesa start our mission in earnest, wesa'll have lots of time plansa up some names for dha skeebeetle wesa goen to inherit'

The Domino squad got out of their stupor and turned towards Kird. Then immediately stood at attention. Stomping their feet at attention.

'SIR! WE ARE WITH YOU, SIR!'

Kird smiled then looked at captain Colt and his squad mates. Who saluted them off. Kird returned the salute back. Colt nodded and stood at attention. Kird looked back at his squad, the squad he requested to have them transferred to his retinue for his journey as a jedi in the outer rim. Then nodded. He made the correct decision. Hopefully this mission will be run of the mill all things considered.

'Alright troopers, let's move out!'

Kird and the Domino squad moved in formation and marched to the Laat and boarded the ship. Looking back one last time watching as the place they once called home getting smaller and smaller until being closed before their eyes. A moment of silence was held between them all. Did anyone have any lingering thoughts? Some last words. Anything to say before they start their new lives. Maybe but they didn't find the strength to say it. Until Kird found it.

'Welcome to The Grenadiers'

Word count 7770
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