The Clone Wars: Path of the Force, A Star Wars Story

9

Rex stood atop a weapons' storage unit in the Republic military hangar and looked at his battalion. Every soldier before him was genetically and physically identical to himself, but Rex knew the name and face of each individual clone in the 501st. Some of which he had fought with since the beginning of the Clone Wars, nearly three years ago.

"General Skywalker wants it made clear that this is an all volunteer mission," Captain Rex said to his men. "There will be no support or evacs if, and probably when, things turn ugly. If you have any problems with that, you are to remain on Coruscant on leave. If you're a volunteer, armor up and board the transports."

Rex watched as every last soldier grabbed his equipment and headed out to the troop transport ships. Rex was not surprised. He could not think of any other Senator in the Republic that had a reputation for firing blasters alongside clones. But, really, he didn't think it mattered what the mission would be. He suspected the 501st would follow General Skywalker into anything.

Although, Rex did hear someone mumbling as the troops made their way to the transports. Rex jumped down from the weapons' box and took off his helmet.

"What's that soldier?" Rex said staring at Jesse and the 501st's newest trooper, SF-8488. A rookie so fresh off of Kamino, he didn't even have a name yet.

"Nothing sir," Jesse said, saluting his captain.

"Spit it out Jesse. I want this to go by the book."

"I, ugh," Jesse rubbed the back of his head and looked at the rookie for help. SF-8488 shrugged. Jesse squinted at the rookie, then looked back to his captain.

"I was just sayin' why did the Separatists' have to kidnap the General's girlfriend while we were on leave. Why couldn't they have pulled a stunt like this while we were on duty?"

"First of all Jesse, jedi don't have girlfriends." Rex stepped toward the clone, "and even if they did we keep it pro in the 501st."

"Right Captain," Jesse continued pulling his shoulders higher and looking down. "I just meant that, you know, if I was the General."

"You're not the General, trooper. Now, you're either with us all the way or you're staying behind."

"I'm with the General and my brothers all the way sir," Jesse said saluting again.

"Me too," the rookie echoed.

"He's with us sir," Echo said walking up to the two troopers with a limp. Echo was still getting used to moving with the new cyborg parts of his body, but his mind seemed as sharp as ever. "Jesse's just grumbling because he's been spending his time off at the gambit tables and he's down a lot of credits."

"Come on Jesse," Rex said, stepping out of ready position now with a smirk on his face. "You're just wasting your credits. Better watch yourself, Shiny, hanging with this guy. Don't you know what they say? The Hutts always win."

"Yes sir," Jesse said. He gave Echo a nod before turning and boarding a transport, with the rookie following.

"He is with us sir. All the men are," Echo said.

"I know Echo," Rex said looking at his friend, now barely registering the mutations that the Separatists forced upon him when Echo had been presumed dead. "The 501st doesn't leave a man behind."

Echo gave his captain a sideways glance, "or a woman."

"Yeah," Rex said clearing his throat. "She might as well be in the 501st."