Shattered Stars (TCW)

Chapter 3 -- More than a Number

The clone army valiantly defends the Republic with their lives, earning names and ranks as they go. Jedi Knight Taska Rokanh and her troops are soon to be deployed to a distant moon full of unseen dangers to fend off droid attackers of an innocent civilization.

The clones and Taska had gradually drawn closer to each other, feeling more comfortable as they went on more missions together over the weeks. Taska no longer felt out of place as she walked through the halls of the Noble, and the clones no longer became eerily silent when she was near.

“Lieutenant,” Taska said as she spotted Lark across the hall. “I have your paint in my quarters right now, I’ll drop it off in the barracks later. The paint is looking pretty chipped, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir. Can’t have my armor looking dingy for the clankers,” he smiled.

“Well, I’m happy to help. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the exact shade of blue that your armor is, it’s more of an indigo, I hope that’s alright,” she told him.

“It’ll certainly make me stand out.”

“Maybe we should all paint our armor that color,” Zevi said. “That way everyone knows who we are.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” 43 scoffed as he walked past.

“I’m serious!”

“I think that’s a great idea,” Taska smiled. “I mean, I don’t need you to be color coded, I know who is who. You should get a chance to really make your armor your own. I’ll buy some more paint the next time we’re on Coruscant.”

“Are we allowed to do that?” Ace asked, coming up behind her with a datapad in hand.

She thought for a moment. “As your general, I’d say it’s alright. If the Kaminoans want to say something about it, they can complain to me. What is that?” she asked, jutting a chin towards the datapad.

“A briefing, sir,” he informed her. “We’re needed on the bridge.”

* * *

“Master Gallia,” The Jedi said upon seeing the hologram. “How may we be of service?”

“Hello, Master Rokanh,” she greeted. “I’ve been told to free the moon of Choc Ceveh. Unfortunately, the Cathar settlements there have been recently terrorized by Separatist droid armies. They’re taking over their cities and towns, forcing them to give up their livelihoods and clear their forests to make way for a base.”

“How terrible,” she sympathized.

“I believe I have enough men to free the capital, but that’s not enough,” Adi continued. “I know your forces are relatively small in comparison to many of the Jedi, but many are occupied, and of the younger Jedi, you are the one whose judgement I trust the most.”

Taska bowed her head. “We will be on our way as soon as possible.”

* * *

The gunship lurched as cannons fired at them, and Taska tightened her grip on the overhead rail. “We’re not going to have the landing we were hoping for,” Turbo said over the ship’s comms. The pilot’s voice was strained but calm, and the comms went silent as more shots blew past.

They crashed roughly to the surface, and Taska was thrown back as the gunship fell on its side.

“Oof!”

“Sorry, captain,” she said, quickly getting back up and ushering the others out of the ship. “How is everyone?”

“Looks like Turbo is dead,” Zevi observed, standing on the side of the ship.