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

19

Captain Rex didn't need to see the trigger pulled to know exactly who the offending clone trooper was that shot prematurely. Rex stalked toward the rookie. The rookie trooper stood up, took off his helmet, and stood at attention as he watched his captain heading straight for him. Without hesitation, Rex punched the rookie in the face.

"Who are you working for?" Rex yelled as the rookie fell.

The rookie squirmed and looked up from the ground. "What?"

"Separatists? Bounty Hunters?" Rex continued, pushing the rookie down. "Who are you working for?"

The rookie looked around for help, but the faces on the nearest clone troopers said they wanted to be the one to punch him. He looked back to his Captain.

"No one," he stammered. "I mean, The Republic, Sir. I'm a soldier in the Grand Army of the Republic."

The rookie stood up again and stood his ground watching his fellow troopers train their blasters on him.

Rex moved so his face was directly in front of the rookie, nearly touching his nose.

"Why would a soldier in the Grand Army of the Republic fire on a Republic Senator after accepting a volunteer mission to rescue said Senator. Not to mention, disobey the direct order of his General to stand down."

The rookie looked away.

"It was an accident sir."

"An accident."

"Yes sir," the rookie said looking back at his captain.

Captain Rex jabbed his finger into the rookies' chest armor.

"You accidentally tried to kill a Senator."

"Yes sir, uh, no sir. I accidentally fired my weapon sir. I've never fired a blaster in the field before sir. The trigger was much more sensitive than I anticipated sir. I, I was just so wound up."

Rex looked back across the field. The General was heading back to their position with the Senator in his arms. Rex knew bucketheads were still inbound, and although their mission was now technically accomplished, it would be dangerous to have the Senator on the ground during a battle and she probably needs medical attention.

Rex turned to Echo. "How long to engagement?"

"Droids imminent Sir."

"Grit," Rex said.

A nearby trooper saluted. "Yes sir."

"Relieve this rookie of his weapon." Rex turned to face his troops. "Everyone else push forward into the open field. Form a line between the general and the opposite tree line."

Echo grabbed Rex's shoulder and lowered his voice. "There's no cover out there."

"Call the troop transports. Have them land in front of the line for cover and start evacs." Rex raised his voice, "everyone else hold those droids to the tree line. Do not let them near the transports. Let's move."

"Sir, yes sir."