Soldiers of the Stars

Chapter 4: Operation Mudhorn

MYGEETO

CAPTAIN GUNNER

     All of Able and Bravo waited in formation in Bay Three. Acrux and Rook had all confidence in Operation Mudhorn, but I found myself questioning the intelligence of this mission. Despite Arc Trooper Hub and our recon team, the odds were stacked against us. We had no clue what we were flying into. But that was a typical Krell strategy. It didn't matter if the battle held a strategic relevance to the Republic, a battle won was a battle won, no questions asked. Unfortunately for me, I wanted to ask questions. What point was there in a victory that brought us no closer to the end of this war? Ever since the Jedi showed up, I began wondering if the Republic wanted this war in the first place. And the Jedi of all people, peacekeepers, were appointed to lead us clones? We were bred for battle, our sole purpose, but the Jedi had no business in our war. If anything, they were making our jobs harder.

     The General entered the Bay with Commander Rook.

     "Men, you know our objective, you know our mission. We take that base and secure it, and we strike a huge blow to the Separatists. It is uncertain of the resistance we will face, but I have all the confidence that we will prevail." General Acrux sighed heavily. "It remains my foremost intention to bring every one of you out alive." I couldn't help but shift my eyes towards the General. "But there may be those among us who will not see the end of this campaign." Her words weighed heavy in the silence.

     Sincerity? Well rehearsed sincerity.

     "Good luck, and may the Force be with you."

     The men scattered to their designated gunships. I followed behind Indigo Squad towards The Unlimited Power, A.K.A. UP, the gunship with the nose art of Chancellor Palpatine shooting lasers out of his eyes at a battle droid that read: THERE IS NO MERCY. Sure, it was a bit ridiculous, but Highbeam of Indigo Squad insisted on throwing it up onto the ship. He wouldn't stop going on about his theory that the Chancellor could shoot lightning out of his eyes, so Rook finally allowed him the commission, but only if he stopped talking. Admittedly it turned out fantastic, and it never failed to get a laugh from the other Battalions, Legions, and Corps. I just hoped the Chancellor wouldn't ever see it, afraid he'd take the joke the wrong way. Then again, he was a politician, and they take everything the wrong way.

     The General approached the gunship. I took notice of the blank armor she wore from her shoulders down, and the knee plates, greaves, and boots. She'd never earn her stars. Her armor deserved to remain blank. She wasn't one of us. I stepped off the deck and blocked her from climbing aboard. She raised a brow, then stepped to the side to go around me. I quickly sidestepped, once again blocking her from boarding the ship.

     "Sorry General, this bird is full."

     Two more troopers climbed aboard. It was a good thing she couldn't see the glowering stare I shot her.

     "Very well." She replied flatly. Sergeant Snap and clone pilot Highwire passed by, registering the obvious tension between the General and me.

     "You're with us, General." The Sergeant called out. Acrux turned, throwing a cold stare in my direction. Call me cruel, but I didn't care if the General was aware of my disdain towards her. She could be 3rd Platoon's problem; I didn't want to deal with the Jedi. Once we'd land, she'd hang in the back, safely away from the real danger. She had a war to win, and I had a family to protect.

     On most missions, the boys were ready to go. They'd sing war songs, unafraid to enter the fray. Even I would join in. However, today not a single one of us broke the silence as we entered Mygeeto's atmosphere. I looked to Sergeant Balao, who never failed to light a fire under the men, but even he hung his head.