Project Ares

Moving in

Republic Military Complex - Coruscant

Following his meeting with the Chancellor and Captain Tarkin, Chief caught a ride on a gunship to the Republic Military Complex to review this new R.S.A. programme that Tarkin forced him into. Landing on one of the front platforms amidst the hundreds of clones that were running around doing their various tasks, Chief hopped off the gunship after thanking the pilots for the free ride. Immediately greeted by two troopers, one in dark red armour with a white chest piece and white decals. The other trooper wore a modified set of recon armour with red details and a pair of red Jaig eyes. Both wore a kama and a pair of holsters that carried a pair of pistols.

"Master Chief, I'm CC-1010 but you can just call me Commander Fox. I'm in charge of the Coruscant Guard and hence responsible for everything security-related planet-side. This is Captain Fordo, also a member of the Coruscant Guard and the head of this installation." The clone commander introduced himself and his comrade to the Chief. Seeing that the average clone trooper was around 1.83 metres in height, both Fox and Fordo had to look up to the towering 2.2-meter supersoldier as they addressed their new arrival.

"If you or your team require anything while staying here, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll be able to organise whatever training program, weapon allocation or spare troopers you need for your missions." Captain Fordo spoke quickly but methodically, a trait seemingly shared between most of the original ARC troopers and Commandos. Thanking them before asking to be escorted to his quarters, Chief was led by the pair of clones to a large open section of the base that had been designated specifically for the R.S.A.'s operators.

In the centre of the room was a large 10x8 meter open area that was littered with unopened crates and training equipment. On either side of the room was a stairway that led up to four adjacent rooms that were connected by a walkway. Explained to Chief that one of the rooms was his, one was for Fives and Echo, the third room was for the remainder of Blue team, and the last room was a blank room that they could do with whatever they pleased.

Showing Chief the hallway below the walkway that connected to the rest of the R.S.A., Chief was informed that this was where all the admin guys and technicians would gather. There was a series of rooms that contained computers, workshops, conference rooms or tactical control rooms.

Impressed with the facilities gifted to him and his team, Chief thanked the Commander and Captain for their hospitality. As the pair left, Fox turned around and left Chief with one last piece of information; "Hey Chief, by the way, the Chancellor has promoted you to a Spec Ops Captain, congratulations."

A/N: Just to clarify, a Spec Ops Captain is still a part of the normal rank structure and holds the same authority as a normal Captain. However, when deployed in the field, Spec Ops Captains outrank even some Commanders. The only special operations rank higher than this is a Spec Ops Commander. They have the ability to direct everyone on the battlefield and can even order Jedi Commanders around.

Going on a walk through the base, Chief inspected the various training rooms and hangars before finally arriving at an active war room. Checking with the officer in charge that it was alright for him to be there, 117 stood at the back of the room and watched the scenario unfold.

It appeared to be a large ground battle taking place on the industrial world of Corellia. Asking one of the passing clone lieutenants what was happening, the clone explained that a small Separatist insurgency has emerged on the industrial world and have seized a number of light tanks and heavy cannons. Because of this, the clones stationed on the world have had to resort to urban warfare and show-of-force tactics to try and persuade the insurgents to call for a ceasefire.

Continuing to watch the battle on the screen, Chief noticed a small indicator on the monitor with the initials TF01, TF02 and TF03. Asking the lieutenant what the indicators were, the trooper answered by saying that they were the ARC trooper task forces that were strategically eliminated and capturing key individuals.