Cad Bane's Apprentice

Darkness on Umbara [2]

Skysati stood next to Rex and Master Skywalker as he looked out across the battlefield.

"General Kenobi's battalion, sir?" Rex asked.

"They're pushing towards the capital." Anakin replied "We'll need to move out as soon as the men are ready,"

Dogma came up to the trio, nodding towards Skysati. "All platoons have reported in, General,"

"Get some rest," Skysati told him.

"Thank you, sir. I'm fine,"

Rex walked over to Dogma "The general's giving you an order, Dogma,"

"Of course, sir,"

Skysati couldn't help but smirk a bit as Dogma left.

"He's wound tight, but he's loyal," Rex explained to her.

"Kind of reminds me of you," Skysati chuckled.

"Maybe...back in the day,"

"Ambush!" A trooper exclaimed, "They're behind us!"

"The enemy circled behind us," Dogma said.

"Everybody, we must defend our backs!" Rex ordered.

Skysati used her lightsaber to slice up the creature that was electrocuting the troops.

"I've called in an airstrike on the enemy positions," Rex said.

"Let's hope they're not too busy helping Master Kenobi," Skysati noted.

"There's an opening to our south. I recommend we move all platoons off the ridge in case the airstrike overshoots,"

"Good thinking, Rex," Anakin said. "Everyone, move out now!"

The troopers followed their Captain and the Jedi.

Rex moved over to Anakin and Skysati once they found new cover "All here, sir,"

"Stay covered." Anakin ordered "We have to hold the position,"

"Are you sure those bombers are coming?" A trooper wondered.

Skysati smirked as the bombers roared overhead "You were saying, trooper?"

"Good old Odd Ball," A trooper said "always on target,"

"Glad we got off that ridge," Anakin said.

"Yeah," Rex said.

"Ha!" A trooper laughed "That'll teach 'em,"

The group all looked up when a republic ship landed in front of them.

Skysati couldn't help but become a bit skittish seeing who was on the ship.

"General Krell's here?" A trooper voiced quietly.

"Something big must be going on," Another trooper noted.

"Master Krell," Anakin greeted "my thanks for the air support,"

"Indeed, General Skywalker," Master Krell said "The locals have proven to be more resourceful than we anticipated,"

"But that's not the reason for your visit,"

"No. The Council has ordered you back to Coruscant, effective immediately,"

"What?!" Skysati exclaimed only to remember who she was talking to "Wh-why?"

"Not you, youngling. Master Skywalker," Master Krell replied.

"Why?" Anakin questioned.

"I'm afraid a request was made by the Supreme Chancellor and the Council obliged. That is all they would tell me,"

"Well, I can't just leave my men,"

"I'll be taking over in the interim,"

Skysati held back a groan of frustration.

"Don't worry about a thing, sir," Rex spoke up "We'll have this city under Republic control by the time you're back,"

"Master Krell, this is Rex, my first command. You won't find a finer or more loyal trooper anywhere,"

"Good to hear that. I wish you well, Skywalker,"

Anakin nodded to Rex and Skysati and headed onto the ship to head back onto the Jedi cruiser.

"Your reputation precedes you, General." Rex said "It is an honor to be serving you,"

"I find it very interesting, Captain, that you are able to recognize the value of honor, for a clone,"

Skysati's fists balled up at General Krell's words.

"Stand at attention when I address you," General Krell ordered. His gaze drifted over to Skysati "Both of you,"

Both Rex and Skysati stood at attention as General Krell continued to speak.

"Your flattery is duly noted, but it will not be rewarded." General Krell said "There's a reason my command is so effective. And it's because I do things by the book," he said as he leaned into Skysati's face. "And that includes protocol. Have all platoons ready to move out immediately. That is all,"

"You ok, Sir?" Rex asked.

Skysati had her hands balled up so she didn't use the force on Master Krell "You ever have an instructor back in your academy days that you just loathed?"

"'Course,"

"Well, that's Master Krell for me,"