Chapter 1: The War Long Forgotten
What is war? What is it’s purpose? Is it really a good way to settle two nation’s differences? Or is it an excuse for leaders to brainwash people into blindly following orders? Or maybe… it’s something far greater than all of us clones combined.
This takes me to the start of this whole deal… back on my home… or the closest thing I have to one… and that special Clone Training that allowed us to develop “personalities”. Myself, Rex, Cody, and Wolf are the only ones I know to have ever taken part. And it did not take long of us to develop that kinda bond only soldiers have. You may not have heard of me, as the others certainly are more well known then I… but that does not mean I don’t have my own story to tell.
Long after my training, I ended up joining the 501st with Captain Rex… fighting alongside him, one of these “Unnamed Clones” people never heard anything about. Along with general Anakin Skywalker, I’ve seen everything that the war had to offer. To be honest, I had more loyalty to Kamino and my brothers then I did the Chancellor or even the Jedi. But I still fought for the Republic for as long as I did because well… I was programed to.
It was not until after The Battle of Kamino when I started to have my doubts about the war, and the Clones ultimate role in its conclusion. Sure, because I had a little more free will than other clones I had my own, more in depth view on everything before the battle. But after… the Inhibitor chips… Fives's investigation… and Rex’s warning… that’s when my eyes were really opened.
Chapter 2: The Battle of Kamino
“Alright... We are going down there to help prepare the defences for the attack. Jax, take the first Gunship down to the rear entrance and secure the medbay and power generators. Myself and Cody will meet the generals down there and secure the main portion of the city.” Rex told me. We were about to deploy down to Kamino to prepare for the attack the Jedi learned about.
“Yes sir!” I saluted and turned around to the other soldiers I’ve been assigned to lead. “You heard the Captain, everyone load up and in the Gunship, now!” I shouted to them, who all saluted me and rushed to their guns, helmets, and other supplies. Before long, we were set and ready to go.
“All Gunships you are cleared for deployment!” The speakers boomed. The Gunship’s engine roared to life as we lifted off and we started our approach to Kamino. I went over my supplies… grenades, ammo, rifle, all good. We were going to defend our home, I wanted to make sure that nothing was forgotten.
About fifteen minutes after we took off, my Gunship landed on the rear side of the city. Immediately after exiting, the Gunship flew off and another Trooper approached my squad. I should see the other Troopers gathering supplies and checking weapons and ammo
“Trooper, what’s the situation so far?” I asked the Trooper who approached us.
“Sir, the enemy is expected to attack at any minute now. We got two deployable heavy machine guns as well as a single high powered sniper. What we do with them, is up to you.” The Trooper replied, I nodded and turned to my squad.
“Alright, Skipper, Ace, get the two machine guns set up on either side of the entrance. Quicksilver, you're our best shot, take the sniper and head up to the second floor to provide cover. Everyone else, you're with me.” I gave the orders, and everyone went to their designated positions. I stood in the doorway, listening to nothing but the seemly empty waves crash against the building supports. Seemly as in we already new what the darkness of the ocean hid… the Separatist attack force… slowly assembling and building in power, thinking that they’ll have us by surprise. Huh, they thought that is. Suddenly, as I was staring off into the great beyond, I heard footsteps behind us. I spun around to see A clone in dirty armor, with a blue handprint on his chest. Beside him, 99… the deformed clone who works as a kind of janitor for the training facility. I actually don’t mind the guy, he just wants a change… and I guess now’s the time.
“99? What you got for us? And who are you… you look… different…” I hinted to the new Trooper’s handprint.
“Well.. I ugh… I found some of these rocket launchers for ya.” 99 Replied, I gestured to a nearby Trooper, who took them.
“And for your information, I’m CT-21-0408… also known as Echo.” Echo replied, and just crossed his arms.
“Yeah well, thanks for the extra supplies. Now, get back to your post.” I waved the two off. Echo rolled his eyes and walked off with 99. I turned back to the entrance… then suddenly, I felt the floor shake underneath me.
“What the…?” Ace mumbled… and before I could even respond, the ocean exploded with these huge, giant metal squid like… I don’t even know what to call them. One of them landed right in front of us… we all raised our weapons and primed the machine guns. Myself and the other clones were were standing in the open dove for cover, and I unholstered my dual DC-17 hand blasters, the weapons most favored by clone commanders/captains. We were all like statues, breathing slowly and steadily as we watched the huge squid open the main compartment and a bunch of odd looking battle droids jumped out. They looked like modified Super Battle Droids, but their entire left arm was replaced by a blaster. The droids formed their line, raised their weapons, and the battle started.
We started the battle off pretty well… no matter what these new Battle Droids were made of, they still go down like any other, a couple shots in the chest or one straight to their face and they are out colder than Hoth. But of course, it can never be that easy… the one thing these clankers got going for them in numbers. After the first squid robot thing was empty, in just slid back into the ocean and another one would just jump up in its place. Also, we were losing men… and needed reinforcements if we are to keep this up.
“We need to fall back inside the building! Someone get in there and gather any other troopers you can find and bring them over here!” I shouted back.
“I’m on it, sir!” Skipper shouted back as he started to move back into the building, the rest of us providing cover. After Skipper was clear, the rest of us started to fall back, myself of course going in last.
“Alright, someone close the bloody door!” I ordered after everyone was safe inside. We even managed to save the machine guns. But fight before the door was closed, one of these bastards managed get a shot off and hit me square in the shoulder. I stumbled back and hit the wall hard, sliding down until I was sitting on the ground.
“AGH! Son of a bitch!” I grunted as Ace, who was also the medic, ran to my side.
“Ah, you’ll be fine sir, the armor took most of it, it did not go straight though, surprisingly.” Ace explained.
“Doesn't fix the fact that it hurts!” I replied, standing up.
“Well, of course it’s gonna hurt, but that new advanced armor is really doing you good.” Ace laughed, punching my good side lightly. I sighed and picked my hand blasters again, shrugging my arm a couple times. I forgot that some of the 501st captains were gained access to some new special armor. It looks like just like the old stuff, but is apparently more lightweight and stronger. It did it’s job though, allowing me to keep fighting. But of course, the fighting is never done… and suddenly, we head the loud ringing sound as two lightsaber blades came screaming through the door, one green, one blue. Grievous… it’s always Grievous.
“Everyone, if you don’t wanna get knocked away by flying chunks of door, get to cover, now!” I shouted as we all dove out of the way, just in time too. The broken door flew past our heads like a wrecking ball. Soon, more Battle Droids flooded the entrance. We all got up and returned fire, but not before a few of us got gunned down. We continued to fall back down the main hallway, and before you knew it, Grievous himself stormed into the building…. Everyone froze… and even the Battle Droids stopped advancing.
Chapter 3: A New Perspective
“Well… well… well… look at what we have here. More Clone puppets to toss about?” Grievous coughed, his hands were neatly crossed behind his back. We did not even flinch, weapons held at the ready. The droids kept their combat stance, staring at us with empty, expressionless faces.
“Hey look guys, another droid to scrap!” Quicksilver shouted from up top. Grievous chuckled. We went to take a step forward, but I shot him instantly though reflexes, hitting his left arm.
“Not so fast, clanker!” I shouted, this caused the other Battle droids to trigger, and they opened fire, along with the the other clones behind me. Grievous just laughed again, completely unfazed by my hit, swung his arms around and activated his lightsabers.
“Kill them!” He shouted as the Droids re-started their advance, forces us to fall back further down the hall. At one point, more Clones joined the defence, one with a heavy chaingun that managed to hold them off as we secured the Medbay, hunkering down and started planning an ambush. After we all made it inside, I closed the blast doors.
“Okay… now what?” Ace asked. Honestly, I had no idea.
“We gotta think of something!” The minigun Clone echoed.
“Alright… alright… everyone relax… let me think…” I started… but once again, we were cut off by Grievous cut through the doors again… we all jumped and started gunning down battle droids. Just as we were thinning the herd… Grievous stormed in and started cutting us down once by one…. And as the last of my men had been killed… Grievous started me down… his betty little yellows eyes was the last thing I saw. Or so I thought.
I woke up… gasping for air… looking around, I noticed Captain Rex, Quicksilver, and Anakin Skywalker himself standing beside me. As I looked around even further, I noticed I was in the Medbay.
“What… just… happened..? The last thing I remember was seeing Grievous, and now this!” I asked.
“That was about a couple hours ago, we recently found you barely alive after the battle was over.” Rex replied. And suddenly, I noticed something… I couldn't feel my left arm, I looked down and noticed I had a robotic arm.
“What the..?” I shouted, holding the robotic arm up.
“Oh yeah, it appears Grievous severed you're left arm completely off… you had to get a robotic replacement.” Anakin explained.
“Oh great…” I rolled my eyes, and looked to Quicksilver. “Did… anyone else make it out?” I asked him, who sighed.
“Where the only two that made it out, sir.” He replied… I leaned back onto the bed… shaking my head.
“Don’t worry about it. You did the best you did Jax, and to honor our brother’s sacrifice, and you're own, you're officially becoming a Captain of the 501st.” Rex explained. You see, I wasn't really a Captain just yet… I was highly respected by both the General and Rex himself, I was yet to be promoted until now.
“I’m honored to assist you in leading the 501st in the future, Sir.” I replied.
“I know you are, but for now, get some rest. You’ll be redeployed in about a week, so I’d get used to that robotic arm of yours.” Rex nodded and proceeded to walk away with Quicksilver.
“Don’t worry soldier, you’ll get used to it. I know the feeling.” Anakin told me before joining the others.
The week off gave me some time to think… and I started wondering… is all this really worth it? If we are all soldiers, born to fight, what happens to us after the war? Will they just dispose of us? I tried to get the idea outta my head… but those questions will come to haunt me in due time.
Chapter 4: Malastare’s Unfriendly Inhabitant
“Jax… ugh… Captain…? You still with us?” Quicksilver waved a hand in front of my face as I was shot back into reality. It’s been about a year since I recovered from from my wounds back on Kamino, losing my left arm and having it replaced. I wear a kinda special glove that covers it under my armor, kinda like General Skywalker does with his robotic hand… the only difference, I lost my entire arm. Anyway, the 501st are being deployed to Malastare to help secure the Fuel Reserve Treaty with the Dugs. As Rex took the main squad with the Generals, my squad was to secure the general area and make sure everything is all clear. We got word of the Separatists were planning to cut off our fuel supply, so we came prepared.
“Yeah, don’t worry about it.” I replied, trying to cover up my bad mood. I still can't get the thoughts out of my head… from what happened on Kamino… I was trying my best… but I just needed to find answers.
“Well, I hope so… ten to one the Clankers are gonna wanna try to ruin our plans.” Quicksilver chuckled, cheeking his rifle.
“Yeah well, when do they not, right?” I managed a half hearted smirk before putting my helmet on. Soon, the gunships landed and we deployed, and immediately established a perimeter around the drop zone. Then, the others joined us.
“Jax, send your squad to scout out the area. See if we have any guests.” Rex ordered.
“Consider it done, sir!” I replied and repeated the orders to my squad. We all climbed on speeder bikes and set out. A couple hours in and we spotted the Separatists foothold.
“Yeah, that’s them alright.” One of the ARF soldiers noted, handing me a set of Macrobinoculars. We found a good hill to keep low and keep watch on them.
“Oh great… looks like they are planning to mobilize.” I commented.
“Bloody hell… look at them all!” Quicksilver almost shouted.
“Yeah, looks like their planning an all out ground assault.” I agreed.
“Looks like they also got vulture droids, there! In the back!” The ARF trooper spotted.
“Good eye, solider. We should take our report back to the Generals.” I stood up and went back to the speeders. Everyone followed and we made our way back to the staging area.
“Sir, we found the droids. They are a few miles north of out position.” I told Anakin as myself and the other scouts walked in the staging room.
“Good… now we know where they are. Get some rest, all of you.” Anakin replied, but I shook my head.
“With all due respect sir, the droids were mobilising when we left. I predict we have about half an hour before they show up on our doorstep.” I reported. Anakin’s eyes narrowed, and he turned back to General Windu and Doctor Boll.
“Let’s hope that proton bomb is ready.” He sighed.
“The bomb is ready and will only affect the droids. I assure you, the Clones and the Dugs will not be harmed.” Dr. Boll commented.
“Alright, Rex, Jax, get down there and have your men set up around aera. You just have to hold out until the bombs drop.” Anakin ordered.
“Yes Sir!” Both myself and Rex replied and rushed back outside to set up the defence. We had AT-TE walkers form a defensive position up front as the bombers and their fighter escorts prepared inside the tower. The rest of us hunkered down and prepared for the coming Droid attack force.
“Alright, we just have to hold out until the bomb drops!” Rex shouted as the droids advanced.
“Go! Go! Go!” The Tactical droid commanding the attack force shouted. And go they did, straight into a faceful of lasers. The tanks held their ground, blasting away whole lines of droids at a time as the rest of us picked them off here and there. However, the droids had a lot of numbers and their tank support was closing in. We can’t hold them off forever.
“Bommer support, you are clear to engage.” Anakin's voice cracked on coms. I looked back towards the tower and saw the bombers and fighters deploy.
“I hope this works…” I muttered under my helmet, watching the squadron fly overhead. I turned back towards the enemy and continued blasting away.
“Jax, on your left!” Quicksilver shouted. I turned that direction just in time to see a Super Battle Droid take aim at me. I rolled to the left popped a couple rounds right in his face, and he toppled.
“Good eye, Quicksilver!” I turned back to look at him.
“Anytime, brother!” We both shared a nod and got back to the fight.
“Bombs away!” The head boomer shouted before I saw the thing fall from the sky, right in the center of the droid army. As soon as it landed, all I could hear was a loud WHOOSH as the dust kicked up and rushed towards us. As quickly as it started the dust settled back to the ground and a huge ball of blue energy shot outwards, disabling all the droids as it screamed across the ground. It also shut down our AT-TE walkers and crazy laser tanks. When the EMP wave hit us, I heard a loud ringing in my years as it jammed and messed with my communications system. It got so bad, I had to take off my helmet or I swear it was gonna damage my ears. I Looked down and also saw my robotic arm was sparking and glitching out… I grabbed hold of hit in attempt to stop it from going haywire. I looked back out into the battlefield. Hundreds of deactivated battle droids littered the landscape.
“Well, that wasn't so bad, huh?” Quicksilver chuckled. I rolled my eyes… sure it worked, but something did not feel right. My suspicions soon came true. The ground underneath us started to shake violently, throwing many of us off balance.
“What the…” Rex mumbled. And as if on cue, the ground around the landing zone of the bomb started sinking in on itself.
“Oh crap….” Quicksilver gasped.
“RUN FOR IT!” I shouted, and we all turned around and high tailed it to safety, the ground breaking up and falling away under our feet. We made it to the edge just it time… can’t say the same for the AT-TE walkers though.
“Whoa....” Rex took of his helmet.
“Yeah… we should head back to the tower… the generals are probably waiting for us.” I commented, finally regaining control over my robotic arm. We all shared a nod and headed to the tower.
“I’m going down there!” Anakin repeated.
“Skywalker, I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.” Mace expressed his concern.
“Someone’s gotta go down there and look for survivors. I’ll head down in my starfighter and report anything I see back.” Anakin walked out the door… once the General makes up his mind on something, there's no stopping him.
General Windu ended up having to look for Skywalker after a couple hours, R2-D2 returned with news Skywalker gotten himself stuck… again. As we were waiting, I was cleaning off my dual blaster pistols as we felt the ground shake under our feet, also a glass shattering roar could be heard in the pit. Just as I thought things would not get any harder… a massive creature the size of the Jedi Temple bursted out of the sinkhole. Okay, the size of the temple is kinda pushing it… but still, you get the idea.
“What the heck is that!?!?!??!” I shouted.
“It’s a Zillo Beast!” One of the Dugs beside me replied.
“We should probably run…” Quicksilver pointed out.
“Yeah… right behind you!” We all turned around and started running away, back to the tower.
Chapter 5: Beating The Beast
“What the heck are we gonna do? None of our equipment can even dent that thing!” I asked, slamming my hand down on the main computer. Anakin rubbed his chin as he tried to think.
“Even if we do manage to harm it, what are we even gonna do about it?” Rex added.
“Maybe if we can’t dent it, maybe we can put it to sleep?” Anakin offered.
“How so?” Mace raised an eyebrow.
“The stun cannon tanks… maybe if we contrate fire on that thing we can put it to sleep!” Anakin explained.
“We are gonna need a lot of them if we are gonna have any chance of knocking out that thing!” I noted. Anakin nodded.
“Alright, Jax, Rex, get all the tanks we have left loaded up. We’ll meet you down there.” Anakin said.
“Right away Sir!” I replied and myself and Rex went down to the hanger. We started directing tanks out into the field. I got in one with Quicksilver, and soon the Jedi joined us, Anakin and Mace taking one.
“I hope this works…” Quicksilver mumbled, starting up the tank. We started hovering and joined the forming column. Soon after, the Dugs starts pouring some acid looking substance into the Zilo’s sinkhole. The roaring of the beast overpowered the sounds of the tanks as the Dugs started shelling the beast on top of dumping more and more acid in the hole.
“I just wish there was a… more humane way of doing this.” I mumbled under my breath.
“The goal is to knock it out, not kill it. And with a creature of this size, there is no other way, really.” Quicksilver apparently heard me. I nodded as us and the other stun tanks rolled out, getting to formation. The Dugs started shelling the pit that the beat was hiding in, and dumping some weird acid looking substance down there as well.
“What are they thinking? That’s just gonna piss it off!” I shouted, slamming my fist on the drive controls. As if it could hear me, the Zilo beast started climbing out of the pit, swiping away the Dugs catapults and finally making it out.
“All tanks, fire at the Zilo Beast!” Anakin’s voice crackled over comms. Quicksilver pressed down on the fire controls and a white hot blast of light flew its away across the open air, nailing the beast right in the chest. The other tanks opened fire as well, covering the beast like a oversized light show. The beast was not going down without a fight, kicking and swatting at our tanks left and right. Quicksilver increased the beam’s power and soon it started wobbling a bit, recovering soon after. But then, it looked down at me and Quicksilver.
“I don’t like the way he’s looking at us…” Quicksilver mumbled right before the beast picked our tank up. For a brief moment, I thought that was gonna be the end. But before the beast could throw us across the planet, he stumbled a bit, causing him to drop us. I quickly drove us back, out of it’s way and Quicksilver fired the cannon at it again.
“He was just smiling at ya.” I smriked. Quicksilver rolled his eyes as the beast fell to his knees, and soon, fell flat on the ground, kicking up dust. As it settled, Anakin and Mace jumped out of their tank.
“I can’t belive that worked!” Anakin shouted.
“Are you sure it worked?” Mace questioned.
“Of course it did! Ugh… you go first.” Anakin replied. Mace rolled his eyes as we all gathered around the beast as it drifted to sleep.
“Now what do we do with it?” I asked.
“The Counselor requested it to be transported to Coruscant.” Anakin replied.
“Oh yeah, that’s gonna go just swimmingly.” I mumbled. Spoiler, it did not go so well, and the beast had to be killed.
Chapter 6: Darkness of Umbara
Looks like out next target is Umbara. Word is, they are planning on joining the Separatists after their senator died. We can’t lose the planet, so the 501st are being sent down to deal with the Umbrian resistance and regain control.
The gunships deployed as normal, and we began our approach to the planet. But as we broke though the atmosphere, we could barely see anything. The planet seems to be locked in an endless night cycle.
“Agh, I can’t see anything!” The pilot shouted.
“The drop zone is just ahead! Don’t stop now!” Anakin explained over comms. I was in a Gunship with Quicksilver and a couple other troopers, as Rex and Anakin were in another. Just as we thought we were clear, bright balls of plasma starts screaming towards us as Umbrian tanks opened fire on us. We managed to maintain the course for a bit, but the left wing took a hit and we were knocked around a bit
“I did not like the sound of that…” Quicksilver noted as we all held on.
“I can’t…. Hold it… we're going down! Brace for impact!” The pilot shouted right before we hit the ground, taking a couple trees with us. I was thrown out of the Gunship at some point, landing a couple feet in front of the crash site. I groaned as I tried to stand up, but I twisted my left foot pretty badly. I had to lean against a tree to avoid damaging it further. Looking back towards the Gunship wreck, I saw Quicksilver and one other soldier climb out. After they cheeked the polit, Quicksilver walked over to me.
“Looks like you went for quite the ride, you alright?” He asked.
“I twisted my foot pretty bad, but for the most part, nothing is broken. Did anyone else make it out alive?” I asked, Quicksilver shook his head.
“Only myself and Kicks survived, the polit and Cyber died on impact.” he explained.
“Damnit… those Umbrians are determined, I’ll give them that. But I don’t think I’m going anywhere for a bit.” I grunted in pain again.
“You're lucky I’m the medic then, sit down sir.” Kicks walks up to me. I sat down and he started to cheek my foot. Meanwhile, Quicksilver scanned the area around us.
“They are probably gonna go out looking for us… make sure we are dead.” I explained.
“Well, they are in for one helluva surprise when they show up.” Quicksilver replied.
“Anyway, you're foot is definitely twisted, so it will be better if you stay off it for now. However, a couple hours and you should be able to put some pressure on it.” Kicks explained to me.
“Very well, in the meantime, see if you can’t contact either General Skywalker or Kenobi, see if they can’t send us some help.” I ordered. Kicks and Quicksilver nodded and went back to the gunship, alone with my DC-15s hand blasters.
Chapter 7: In the Nick of Time
A few hours went by… our communications were knocked out in the crash. Quicksilver and Kicks held a burial for Cyber and the Gunship Pilot who died, and my foot healed up enough to put pressure on it.
“We’ve been stuck out here for hours! What the hell are we gonna do!?” Quicksilver shouted. I could tell he was getting impatient.
“Just, try to remain calm, both of you. Getting hot headed is not gonna help us get anywhere.” I explained.
“Right… sorry… just… it’s hard to stay determined when you’ve been stranded for hours in the middle of nowhere!” Quicksilver sighed.
“It’s alright, but we gotta stay focused in case th-” I was cut off by some weird bug thing jumping on my shoulder.
“What the heck is that?” Kicks asked. I grabbed it with my robotic hand before it could do anything and inspected it. As I was looking at it, it set off some weird electric shock from it’s tail that barely missed my face.
“Whatever it is, it’s seems angry.” Quicksilver noted. Then out of the corner of my eye, I could see a figure watching us from the shadows. Before I could even point him out, a green blaster bolt blasted past my ear, causing me to jump, and clench my fists, killing the bug that was in my hand.
“Ambush! Take cover!” I shouted as Kicks and Quicksilver dashed into cover. I limped over to the Gunship and drew my hand blasters. Sliver started popping targets with his DC-15 long-rifle from behind a tree as Kicks took out his Standard Issue DC-15 from inside the Gunship. I looked around and saw something that might be useful… Cyber’s Z9 Rotary Cannon. I holstered my blasters and picked the Cannon up. With my foot still too weak to stand up with it, I managed to lay down on my side to fire it, sending dozens of blots at the advancing Umbrians. Soon, they started coming from all sides… and we had to split up our efforts to even keep tabs on all of them. One managed to slip by and almost execute mr, but Kicks shoulder charged him and popped him just in time.
“Thanks Kicks, that was close.” I gave him a nod.
“Don’t mention it, Captain.” Kicks replied and went back to covering his side. The skirmish went on for about 15 minutes, with neither side getting a leg up.
“We won't be able to hold out much longer!” Quicksilver shouted.
“Just… keep firing! They have to start thinning out sooner or later!” I shouted back.
“I don’t think we’ll last that long!” Kicked chimed in, right as he took a shot to the left shoulder and went down.
“Kicks! Goddamn it!” I tried getting up, but my foot wouldn't let me.
“I’ll get him, cover me!” Quicksilver rushed past me as I laid down cover fire. He got Kicks behind a boulder and stayed at his side.
“Is he good?” I asked.
“He’ll make it… as long as we can keep this up!” Quicksilver replied. I started to second guess that… but just as the Umbrians got closer, I could see a glowing light among the trees, followed by more shouting… but it sounded English.
General Kenobi, along with a squad of the 212th came into view behind the Umbrians, causing them to scatter back into whatever hole they came from. I droped the Cannon and limped up Kenobi as they approached the crash site.
“Boy, am I glad to see you sir.” I addressed him.
“Jax? What on earth happened here? And why are you limping?” Kenobi asked.
“We were shot down as we were approaching the landing zone. I was thrown out of the Gunship and twisted my foot pretty badly.” I explained.
“My goodness… sounds like you had a rough time. How long have you been out here? How many survived the crash?” Kenobi rubbed his chin.
“We have been stranded out here for a couple hours, we were about to be overrun if it wasn't for you. Cyber and the pilot died in the crash, myself, Quicksilver, and Kicks are left, but Kicks is also wounded.” I replied, pointing over to the two. Kicks was being treated by Quicksilver and a 212th medic.
“Very well. Since we found you, you three might as well come back with me to our campsite. We can get you both some proper treatment.” Kenobi offered.
“That would be swell, sir.” I replied.
“Good, and you might as well join us for the final assault on the capital as well.” Kenobi added.
“Of course sir, but let’s go before more of them show up.” I hinted.
“Agreed, this way.” Kenobi and the 212th squad lead the three of us to their campsite, and within minutes, myself and Kicks were given medical treatment.
Chapter 8: Krell’s Plot
“Alright, now that you two are patched up, let’s go over the plan.” Kenobi walked into the medical tent along with Commander Cody and Quicksilver. Myself and Kicks have been resting up ever since we arrived here.
“Sure, what’s the score boss.” I asked, sitting up. Kenobi rolled his eyes and brought up a holo map on the computer system.
“You see, Anakin’s forces are planned to attack the Umbrian Capital in stages, as my forces are t-” Kenobi was cut off by the sounds of a new transmission coming though.
“Sir, one of our troops is trying to contact us.” Cody announced.
“Put it though, Commander.” Kenobi replied. Cody nodded and taped the computer console. The figure of a Clone Trooper ducked behind a tree appeared above the screen.
“Trooper, report, what’s going on over there?” Cody demanded.
“Sir! It’s the Umbrians! They ambushed our patrol route! They stole our weapons and armor! They could be planning to disguise themselves!” The figure of the Trooper faded out of view right as an Umbaran soldier appeared in view, and the last thing we saw was the Clone Trooper being knocked to the ground before the connection was lost.
“Trooper! Trooper! Blast it… we lost all contact, sir, they're gone.” Cody sighed. Kenobi rubbed his chin and stared off into the treeline.
“Sir? What are you thinking?” I asked him.
“I’m thinking we should send a squad out to see if that Trooper was telling the truth. Cody, get a squad ready to go ASAP.” He turned to Cody, who saluted and walked out. “I want you three out there too, maybe there's a chance you can rejoin the 501st.” He added.
“Alright then, we’ll go join with Cody and get set up.” I replied as myself, Quicksilver, and Kicks gathered our equipment and went out to join Cody as he gathered up some 212th Troopers.
“Humm? Did the general request you three to join us?” Cody asked as he saw us walking up.
“Yeah, he thinks we might have a chance to rejoin with the 501st, so he wasn't us out there too.” I replied.
“Alright, fair enough. We are about to head out, so come on.” Cody waved us along as we returned to the dark void of the forest.
As we advanced through the eerie darkness, we all kept formation. There was about 15 of us spread out into 3 groups of 5. I was with Quicksilver, Kicks, Cody, and an unnamed rookie. We walked in a circle formation, guns raised. I ended up keeping Cyber’s Z-6 Rotary Cannon. In my early days of my service in the army, I’ve always been interested in heavy weapons. Well, now I get to keep one. As we were shuffling through, Cody raised a fist, and we froze in place.
“Hold up… I think I hear something out there…” Cody whispered as we crouched down. “Jax, see if you can’t see anything with night vision.” He looked back to me and I nodded. Cody and I swapped positions and I flicked down my microbulunciars, activating nightvision.
“Agh… I don’t see anything… oh wait! Wait… I think I just saw a figure run past an opening just ahead of us… whoever it was, it looked like it was wearing Clone armor.” I reported. Just as Cody was about to explain a plan of action, we heard gunfire and screaming somewhere deeper in the forest. We all fell silent and got our weapons ready again, nothing but the hiss of my Z-6 cannon spinning filled the air. We stood their what seemed like forever and a day, until a blue blaster blot screamed it’s way towards us, and nailed the unnamed rookie right in the face. We all jumped and Kicks immediately cheeked on him.
“Crap… he’s gone, sir.” Kicks told Cody.
“Open fire! Flush them out with that Z-6!” Cody shouted, and it all kicked off. I let the Z-6 rip, blasting at everything and everything that moved. And the Umbrians showed themselves, they were definitely wearing 501st armor.
“Fan out! We can't stay clumped here forever!” I turned back to the others. We collected ourselves and split up, advancing towards the enemy position. I tore through multiple hostiles before becoming exhausted. Amidst the battle, my heart skipped a beat… my mind shocked with something… an idea… a theory. What if these weren't Umbrians? What if we, somehow… got confused, and were sent out to attack our own men? Could something like this even happen?If so, who would give out such an order? Cearley it would not be General Kenobi, right? And Anakin would never be mistaken that easily. I decided to shake it off and went back out from behind the tree I was hiding behind to continue my advance.
As I was moving forward, a enemy Trooper leaped from behind a bush at me with a Vibroblade. Using my quick reflexes, I suddenly dropped the Z-6 and sidestepped to the right, and the trooper went barreling past me. He turned around and we sorta stopped, staring at each other though our helmets, waiting for someone to make the first move. As the sounds of the battle roared through the forest, I was hesitant. The theory crept back into my mind. The assumed enemy Trooper took a step in for a downwards strike, but faked me out last minute and turned it into a sideways slash right as I went to sidestep again… the blade dug into my armor and cut a decent gash in my side. I managed to pull away, but I could feel my skin around the gash get warm and wet… I was bleeding, but not to heavily… the wound is not too deep, I could tell that. The Trooper then used this to his advantage, kicking me right in the chest and sending me tumbling to the ground, landing hard on my good side. I tried to get up, but my wound slowed me down. The trooper kicked me again, making sure I’d stay down. He held the blade up high, my blood on the blade shining in the low moonlight… he was about to deliver the killing blow, until we heard shouting in the distance. It was muffled at first, but soon it became clear… and my fears became true.
“Stop! Stop firing! You’ve been tricked into firing at you're own men! Where Clones!” The voice got closer and close until Rex ran past myself and the other 501st Trooper. “Take off your helmets! Show them you're not the enemy!” Rex shouted. The Trooper who stabbed me turned back at me, dropping his Viro-Blade. He reached up and took off his helmet. I managed to stand up on my own and did the same.
“What the hell?” The Trooper asked. Honestly, I had no idea how to respond. I was too full of mixed emotions and pain that I couldn't really do anything. Soon, Quicksilver and Cody found us.
“Jax, their you are. Wait, you're wounded…” Quicksilver ran up to me.
“I had no idea… oh my… what is going on here?” The unnamed Trooper mumbled.
“It’s alright, I’ll live… but who was responsible for this?” I replied. Minutes later, Rex also found us.
“Cody, Jax, their you are. What the hell is going on here!?” He shouted, trying to catch his breath.
“I have no idea. Kenobi and I got a distress transmission from a Trooper that the Umbrians stole our weapons and armor… but it was you.” Cody Replied.
“That’s the same thing that Boil said…” Rex rubbed his chin.
“Boil?” I asked. I mean, I know who he is, but I had no idea he was here.
“Yeah, he was the leader of the 212th division in this area… he said the same thing Cody said… but he… didn't make it.” Rex sighed.
“Do you have any idea how this could've happened?” I asked. Rex took a minute to think… but his face went from one of grief to one of anger.
“Krell…” Was the only thing Rex was able to say though grinding teeth. I was kinda thrown into shock… what was Krell doing here? I thought Anakin was in charge of the 501st on Umbra. “Jax, you and Cody go report what happened to Kenobi… we’ll deal with Krell.” Rex added. Both myself and Cody nodded and we went back to the 212th staging area.
Chapter 9: The Breaking Point
What happened over the next 24 hours was so fast and confusing it was almost like a blur. Apparently, Krell took over the 501st from Anakin because he had to go back to the Jedi Temple for an urgent meeting… or at least I think that’s why. And under Krell’s command, the 501 took extreme losses and almost got completely wiped out. Not to mention, Krell himself was responsible for pinning the 501st and 212th against each other. But somehow, the Clones were able to capture and execute the traitorous Jedi for good. Now that we are back on a Republic Cruiser bound for Coursant, we can get some much needed rest.
“Good god.. What a mission.” I mumbled as myself and Rx were getting ready for some sleep.
“Yeah…” Rex replied. I could tell he was still a little shaken from Krell’s plot. I mean, I can’t blame him. Both of us combined probably killed so many of our fellow Troopers… our brothers… because of Krell’s selfish plot for power.
“You can’t blame yourself for what happened, and justice did come through in the end.” I tried cheering him up.
“Right… it’s just… Fives has been warning me, and some of the others… that something doesn't feel right. Like something huge is about to go down in the coming years.” Rex replied.
“Does he have any evidence?” I asked.
“Not that I know of… but after what happened on Umbra, I think he maybe right.” Rex sighed.
“Well, the only thing we can do is keep an eye out. But for now, get some rest man, you need it.” I insisted.
“Right, yeah. Talk to you tomorrow Jax.” Rex rolled over in his bed. I tried my best to get comfy… I thought about what rex said about Fives… if only I knew what was to come.
