The Shadow Over Umbara

"Padawan!" barked master Pong Krell, Jedi master and general of the republic. Kili scurried her way to his presence. Making sure to stand directly behind him and at attention. "Don't think you are in my favor, but the council has requested that I take you on a mission to Umbara with me." Kili looked up at him curiously. Her master always avoided taking her with him on missions. This must be important. "I understand, what is the mission master?" she asked. "General Skywalker is to be called away back to the temple by request of the chancellor, in the meantime we are to take over his troops on Umbara and complete his objective to take over the city before the separatists. Do you understand this padawan?" Kili nodded. "I do, master." she concealed her joy, her master was not fond of joyish expressions. 

That is why he insists on her to wear her special face covering. It covered her mouth and chin and dark bugeye goggles to hide her ever curious blue eyes. It made her look like an intimidating assian droid or alien bounty hunter of some sort. It was a somewhat practical and an efficient way for master Krell to not be disgusted at the sight of Kili's bare face. This did not bother her too much, she assumed most masters give their padawans questionable instructions to teach them about...something valuable. Like hiding yourself from the world. Or to build up strength. One of the two. "Since it will only be the two of us traveling, you may ride in the same ship as me." said Krell Kili nodded and followed her very large master onto a star cruiser that took off immediately. They spoke little to each other, which was normal. Master Krell was never much of a talker, unless it was barking orders or to express disapproval of certain tactics or opinions of his fellow masters. But other than that he had a reputation of being very futile and aggressive when needed. But highly respected among the other masters. 

And Kili knew this. But she had never really seen him in action, at least on the battlefield. "Listen closely, padawan. This mission is of extreme importance, I have heard General Skywalker is reckless and at times careless. It is futile that you do EXACTLY as I say. I want no disagreements, and no arguments, understand?" Kili straightened her back and kept her arms straight down at her side when he addressed her. "Yes, sir- master" a nervous wave of anxiety overwhelmed her. "If I can impress my master, maybe then I will be in his favor." she thought to herself. "I must not fail" she put her hand over her lightsaber to ready herself. She imagined a great wave of droids which she demolished one by one, single handedly as the clones watched in awe, and her master's face full of pride as he allowed her to lead the control over the enemy base. 

Then immediately being knighted out of being a padawan and becoming a respected and powerful jedi master soon after. This was the thought that kept her head high. It was her dream after all. She had wanted to be a master ever since her time in the temple as a youngling, she would look up to the masters passing her and the other younglings in the temple (literally because she was a small child) and just be astounded that such elegant and heroic beings could exist, and one day she would be one of them. When she was assigned to master Krell after impressing master yoda with her impressive skill in sneak attacks, and her unusual ability in the force to heal others. She was excited to have finally moved up from youngling to padawan. Although most of the time he did little to acknowledge her, only taking her on missions just to watch her fend for herself. She only shrugged it off though, believing it to be an advanced learning technique. "We are approaching Umbara sir." said the clone who was piloting. Excitement rose in the young padawan's stomach.

 Kili had seen Anakin Skywalker from afar in the temple before but had never had a conversation with him, let alone taken control over his army for him. The ship landed right at the head of the troops camp. Skywalker and his clone captain were close by in the middle of battle. Master Krell stepped out of the ship's hanger, Kili followed sheeply after. Skywalker and his clone captain were both surprised to see him, this made Kili even more excited to see her master and his reputation impress the Jedi knight. "Master Krell" said Skywalker "this is unexpected" he spoke with an uncommon amount of kindness, for someone with a reputation for being reckless, he seemed very agreeable. "General Skywalker, you can be assured it is. The council has ordered you back to Coruscant by request of the chancellor." said Krell. "What? But master, my men are on the verge of a surprise attack on the enemy surely it can wait?" he asked. "I am sorry Skywalker, the council called for your immediate departure" he sighed. "I'm sorry Rex, I'll figure this out when I get back" he told his captain placing a hand on his shoulder Rex nodded. "Don't worry about us sir, we'll be fine" Anakin smiled and looked up at master Krell. "Master Krell, this is my captain of the 501st Rex, I promise you will not find a more loyal and noble soldier anywhere" Rex saluted. "I'm glad to hear it. For the meantime my Padawan and I will conduct this mission." Kili stood at attention, Anakin and Rex nodded in her direction, she nodded back. She had never been addressed like this by her master before, it was exciting. "I have my trust in you master" replied Anakin "Thank you Skywalker" and with a last farewell to Rex he was off on the star cruiser Krell and Kili arrived on. Master Krell walked over to the ledge of the foggy planet he had landed on. "Your reputation precedes you in general. I am honored to serve under your command" he said. Krell didn't flinch, not bothering to turn and face him. Just as he had done many times to Kili. "I find it very interesting captain that you are able to recognize the value of honor. For a clone." This statement surprised both Rex and Kili. "stand at attention when I address you CT-7567." He ordered. Rex obeyed. "Your flattery is duly noted but it will not be rewarded. There's a reason why my command is so effective because I do things by the book and that includes protocol. Have all troops ready to move out immediately. That is all." With that he left the clone captain. Two other clones stood close by and heard the same orders. They relaxed a bit when the general was out of sight but looked at each other with disbelief. This worried Kili, sure her master can be harsh with words but he meant well. And the clones only want to do their part. But it shouldn't change the fact that he allowed her to come along, and above all it was her personal mission to gain the respect of her master that mattered to her.