Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Shifting Tides: Volume 2
“War is an uneasy business. Escape it when you can.”
The three officers continued down the luminescent corridors of Timira City. Every element of the hall was white to human eyes with slight hints of blue, pink, and pink hues. As the door before them swirled open, it divided into three segments; the first curling to the ceiling while the other swiftly slid down into their positions within the floor. Looking to his left, Rex’s attention was stolen by a gap in the wall which revealed a view of hallways undergoing further construction. “They’re expanding the cloning facilities here as well as Tipoca City. Its apparently a result of an executive order from Chancellor Palpatine to explore more “efficient” cloning methods.” Vallen intuitively answered before Rex thought to pose the question.
Rex’s eyes pursed together as he strained to see what details his vision could reveal. He knew the army needed to be expanded in conjunction with the fact that the original strains of DNA, provided by Jango Fett, were getting harder to replicate without defects. The captain wondered why an executive order straight from the top had been made when all that was necessary for an expansion of forces, was a simple speech followed by a senate committee vote. His brow rose, releasing the internal debate from deeper thought. Turning to Halifax and Vallen, “The more troopers we have, the harder we can take it to the Seppies!” “Ha ha ha, Hazzah to that Captain.” Vallen said, his signature one sided grin revealing itself as they continued.
They stepped into their officers’ quarters, the walls starkly contrasting the brightly lit white walls that dominated Kamino. Halifax looked at the walls curiously, “Is this a new officer upgrade? Yes or no, I’ll enjoy not having to sleep in my helmet when I’m home.” The trio laughed in agreement. Rex smiled as he laid down on his cold rack, crossing his arms behind his head, “Complaining has never been my strong suit, but having the use of my eye lids…this is good..” Vallon, nodding his head, “I wasn’t sure what you’d prefer being born here, but we can’t afford for your eyes to adjust and readjust due to our quickly approaching deployment. Never hurts to grab up a few scraps of metal from the construction area though.”
BoWEEP WEEP!! BoWEEP WEEP!!
A red flashing light blinks on the hologram table at the center of the room. Vallen approaches the table pressing down the button with both middle and pointer fingers. Clicking into place, the humming and crackling of the hologram begins to become visible. Rex and Halifax snap quickly from their bunks and draw near the table. A hologram of Jedi General Anakin Skywalker appears. “Rex. Commander. Its good to see you two after receiving the battle reports from Umbara. I should have never left the battle.” “It’s a war General..” Halifax struggled to finish the sentence, but found himself unable to find logic in the actions of Krell. Rex quickly interceded, “..and war determines which of the strongest will rise..which was us sir.” “As always Rex, your perseverance sets a high standard for the 501st as well as myself” calmly said the hologram. “Me too Rex!” a playful voice blurted from beyond the hologram as Ahsoka popped her head in the blue message, delivering a lighthearted smile.
Skywalker continued with the briefing. “Alright. Your next mission will be executed by the Major, who has my consent to utilize full operational command second only to Rex and myself. Your mission is as follows: The cruiser, Formidable, will be arriving to pick up Salvo battalion in a day or so. The battalion’s arrival in the Ubese system directly corresponds with the ongoing negotiations taking place on Ator. Master A’ Sharad Hett and Knight Sakiko Ryuuzaki are meeting with the planet’s current regime to discuss terms of Republic guardianship. Since they are an inner core system, it is necessary that a presence be there to serve as an early warning system for Coruscant. Simply rendezvous, demonstrate minimal presence, bring the Jedi back, and a post will be set up if all goes well.”
“Consider it done General.” Rex said confidently with a nod towards the glowing blue figure pictured above the table. “I’m glad. The task couldn’t be in more capable hands. May the force be with you.” “And you sir!” The three said as they snapped to attention. The blue lined figure of Anakin fading down into the table leaving a void in the barren room. “Concise and to the point. Best Jedi for briefings.” Halifax states as he turns to his rack removing the armor from his forearms. “A bit like you in that way” Vallen said lightly causing a smirk from Rex, who was unsnapping the connectors on his chest plate.
“Lets get that drink, shall we?” Vallen inquired, throwing on his cleanest shirt adorned with the 8 pronged emblem of the republic.
---------------------------------------------Some time later -------------------------------------------------------------
The bass of the music could be heard from some distance as the officers approached the club. When they finally reached the door it promptly opened belching music towards the officers.
A pair of clones carrying a third appeared through the flashing, strobbing lights. “Commanders on deck!” shouted one, snapping to attention which was a little awkward while holding up the weight of the clone in the center. The other followed suit, helping the third into position solely for the fact he was in-between. “Major, Might as well get through introductions now.. I present to you, your flight crew.” Halifax said with his arm extended, his palm open towards the three. “The pilot, Valkier”, a spitfire and sharp looking trooper who had a knack for running close air support missions – “Main gunner, Flak” who raised his head long enough to look up and make the point, “My missiles are the thunder! …The explosions..right? They go boom.” Valkier sharply turned his head towards his comrade, whose arm was slung behind his neck, “No no no no, it’s the engines of the “larty” as we swoop in. That’s why our squadron has the reputation as the thunder of this battalion.” The third clone weighing, “and I’m Sergeant Kano.. somehow I always get stuck babysitting. Last time was shinnies on Ryloth..now Flak.” To which Flak stood up, “I am no shiny!” “ONLY a shiny would make a bet with Valkier about his flight skills.” added Rex who motioned with his hand to carry on. “Rex, though you’re not a shiny, major..I would not recommend getting into a betting match with those two. Their competitions is what makes them one of the best crews. They stay sharp in the field, I will guarantee that.” – Giving a slightly disapproving look towards Halifax for choosing such a moment for an introduction.
Rex looked through the crowd for a table. “Major!” a voice exclaimed from the side of the hectic room. “This is Boomer, my closest friend and leading ARF trooper.” Rex states as the clone strolled up to the forefront. “Sir, though these are uneasy times, your speech did make a difference to many of the lads. If you need anything from the ARF’s, we’re ready. Speaking of which!” Boomer quickly turned to the table which instantly became vacant as the men sitting there stood from the seats. “Hotsh, Pike, and Shine” Boomer stated motioning to each trooper as he identified them. “You’ll figure out the names in no time!” said shine with glistening smile.
The troopers moved to an adjoining table and continued talking about the broad base of the mission at hand.
Music pulsed and provided a sweet aura with which to escape the war. Halifax had little to say. It was clear he was enjoying letting his guard down. During the course of the evening, Troopers often came up to the table to meet the Major, if not to see how he measured up in their mind. This may daunt various commanders, but he was confident his worth would quickly be seen in the field. Waitresses dressed as fem troopers perused through the room ferrying drinks and carrying on with the clones. One blue twi lek in particular had been hovering around the table where the commanders and their growing entourage were sitting. Her skin was unique in that it also bore several brightly colored green markings down her tails. The small amount of show armor she wore prevented any conclusions about the extent of her markings. The green, illuminated in the dark light, made her movements enchanting. Just her walking pulled intrinsically at cords deep within every individuals being.
After emptying her tray she sits down on the leg of Pike. The two are enthralled with each other’s company, often leaning into each other’s ears to speak over the music. More often than not, laughter soon accompanied. To Vallen the room became silent as he watched for a moment as the two completely detached from the war. He yearned for peace in the galaxy…mostly so these men who had only ever known war, could live and experience what they were fighting to preserve.
“WHAT’S so DANGEROUS about a routine mission to pick up a few Jedi?!? It’s just in the core?!” ---
The words snapped Vallen from his thoughts. All conversations in the room ceased as all eyes scrambled to find the source of the foolish words, soon becoming fixed on the Twi Lek fem trooper. Vallen looked at the company of mixed emotions surrounding him. Questions like these served as both bad omens and reminders of failed events of the past.
The major rose up from his leather seat in the lounge accompanied by the bewildered eyes and ears. Holding his glass high, “Commander Trauma, Master Halsey, to Devron,… and the fallen!” The tables of troopers all stood with glasses in hand, “To fallen brothers.”
Though it was a solemn toast, it was a hail to the sacrifices of those who were sent on seemingly routine missions only to be swept up in events larger than themselves. Occasions like this occurred with platoons or companies who were dropped off in a system to prepare listening posts such as the infamous Rishi Moon incident.
Following the toast the aura of the lounge became stale. The thought of war speared its way through the galaxy wearing heavily on their minds. Vallen stood up, Captain Rex placing his hands on the table to follow, but the major placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m going to get an early start prepping some plans. Please captain, enjoy what semblance of a reprieve you have earned.”
Rex settled back into his chair…
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