The Makings Of Greatness | Obi-Wan Kenobi

What If?

Merc's (Vale's Clone Lieutenant) P.O.V.

"I set the team up around the perimeter, General." I inform Master Palpatine while coming to her side. "No one is getting in or out of this building without us knowing."

"Thanks, Merc." She sighs tiredly while taking off her jacket and glancing around the hall we're in. "Notify me if you see any sign of the Death Watch."

"Will do." I smile at her lightly before glancing behind her and noticing General Kenobi lingering in the hall with us. Raising an eyebrow, I then lean closer to her a mumbling under my breath. "I think you have a shadow."

I watch her frown before glancing behind her and see Obi-Wan Kenobi down the hall. He looks away from us quickly, holding his hands behind his back. General Kenobi then looks at the symbols on the walls as if he's interested in them as Valera turns back to face me.

Valera then clenches her jaw and rolls her eyes frustratedly. When she looks back at me, I raise an eyebrow at her, silently asking what she wants us to do about it. Swaying her head side to side as she thinks about what to do, she whispers like she's not proud of it.

"I'll deal with him. You just make sure this building is secure."

"Yes, ma'am."

I breathe out, nodding to her before watching her turn around. When she got back from the moon near Mandalore, Vale explained what had happened on the trip. She also informed my team that we'll be staying the night here until tomorrow and escort the Duchess to Coruscant.

She mentioned our mission to Datooine has been compromised now and we'll be helping Obi-Wan finish his mission before we receive another one. I'm sure it's from the Council's request; they saw a chance to get Master Valera back to the Temple and took it without hesitation.

Everyone in our squad figured out how Valera works in the matter of a month of her becoming our General. We all figured out quickly how she never wants to return to Coruscant, hates taking breaks between missions, and never wants to go into battle. It didn't take us long to work with how she is. We even go above and beyond for it.

My team tries patching up wounds themselves to not have to stop somewhere. We never complain or suggest taking a break. Not only that, we try our best not to speak up about what we know about her.

Rumors and stories over the year have trickled through the Clone Army. Some are vague, some detailed, and some sound completely crazy. We never bring up the rumors about Valera when she's around out of respect for her.

My squad has heard stories about how she was in love before the Clone wars began. How she lost the love of her life and that's why the Jedi Order never sees her anymore. I've heard a few rumors about how she has the leading record for breaking the Jedi code; which my team all believes after working with her for a year.

I've heard one rumor about her losing a child and that's why she never takes on a Padawan learner. Vale's told us some old war stories about Sith Lords, but they're usually vague. Out of all the stories passed around the Clone Army, there's one I never believed.

"Can I help you with something, Kenobi?"

I hear Master Palpatine speak up to Master Kenobi down the hall. Watching her walk in his direction, I see her fold her arms and tilt her head. Obi-Wan scratches behind his ear nervously while glancing between her and the ground.

"They prepared your room for the night." Obi-Wan speaks up as if he knows Vale won't like it. "Satine suggested I escort you."

"Oh, really?" Vale snorts while taking out her flask. "She didn't want you to escort her to her room? Surprise, Surprise."