Shattered Stars (TCW)

Chapter 26 -- A Master's Pain

Jedi Knight Taska Rokanh has placed unshakable faith in the Jedi Order from infancy. Will her views be changed as more stories and feelings are revealed to her? And how will her decisions ripple out across all those around her?

"General, can I speak to you? In private?"

Taska looked up from her datapad. "Sure, Ace, just give me a moment, um, can I meet you in your office?" Most superior officers had offices, though Taska preferred to do her work on the bridge.

"Sure thing, General," he nodded, glancing at her as he left the room.

"Was he acting a bit strange to you?" Taska asked Lark without looking at him.

"What? No," Lark said. "I—um, no he was acting pretty normal to me."

She narrowed her eyes. "Whatever you say. Maybe he's tired, we have been a bit overworked lately."

Lark nodded, staying silent.

* * *

Taska gave a light knock before entering Ace's office. "Alright, what was it you needed to speak to me about?"

Ace stood from his desk to stand next to her. "Okay, um, this is... if I'm honest, General, I would've rather not brought this to your attention, but it's something that may affect the battalion's function as a whole, and so it's my duty to tell you."

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to place his hands at his sides instead of fidgeting with them.

Taska looked up at him. "What is it, Commander?"

He opened his mouth, praying to the Force that he could get through this, that it would be alright—

A beep sounded from her communicator. "Oh, sorry, it looks like the Council is contacting us. Can we continue this discussion later?" she asked.

He nodded, and she quickly made her way back to the bridge.

* * *

"Happy vacation, Commander," Taska's voice came through the comm. "You and the boys have a few days off while I assist Skywalker on a mission."

"Alone?" Ace said. "Are you sure you won't need us as reinforcements?"

"I'm sure it'll be fine, Ace," she dismissed. "It's a simple mission, and I've heard the 501st is very capable. Almost as capable as the 405th," she teased. "I'll be back without a scratch, I promise."

"Happy campaigning, General," he said, pushing the mission out of his mind.

* * *

"Hello, Master Skywalker," Taska greeted. "It's nice to see you again."

"Hello," he nodded distantly, and refocused on the hologram in front of him.

"General Rokanh, sir," the clone next to him saluted.

"Hello, your name is?"

"Captain Rex, sir."

"Thank you, captain. You have a good reputation in the GAR. I look forward to working with you."

The blond man nodded. "Shall we begin the briefing, General," he asked, turning to Skywalker.

"That would probably be best," he responded bluntly.

"This is really a mission that requires two Jedi," Rex started. "One to lead the frontal attack, and another to infiltrate the base and rescue the senator they've kidnapped."