"I was programmed to handle hard situations, Sir."
"Yes, but he was quite close to you, wasn't he? Did he say anything? Every piece of information he possessed could help us win the war. Isn't that what you want?" The Chancellor watches me closely...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Day 375 SK Destination: Umbara ??? hours
I step off of the ship, sniper rifle slung over my back. It feels nice to stretch my legs after sitting on the ship for so long. I remember learning about Umbara on Kamino, but I never imagined I'd be specifically requested here by a Jedi. I wasn't told who, just that I was wanted here. It's odd they'd call me in when they already have other snipers to use here, but it's not my place to question it.
So now I jog to catch up to General Pong Krell —a Besalisk. Tall, with four arms and brownish green skin— where he talks to General Skywalker, Captain Rex, and some of the other 501st troopers. They have several platoons here already.
"Well, I can't just leave my men!" General Skywalker protests.
"Don't worry about a thing, Sir," Captain Rex cuts in, stepping forward. He has his helmet propped under his arm, and scuff marks on his armor. I've no doubt they've already seen some action. "We'll have this city under Republic control by the time you're back,"
General Skywalker sighs and introduces Captain Rex to the General, then begrudgingly walks past me and jumps into the ship we arrived on. He gives Captain Rex a small nod, and leaves in silence. I guess he was also called elsewhere.
Captain Rex falls in line beside General Krell. "Your reputation precedes you General, it is an honor to be serving you."
The General looks at him, large chin raised. "I find it very interesting, Captain, that you are able to recognize the value of honor, for a clone." I'm taken aback, but he doesn't stop there. "Stand at attention when I address you. Your flattery is duly noted, but it will not be rewarded. There's a reason my command is so effective."
He didn't say a word to me on the way here, which I'm now grateful for. I've never seen a Jedi General talk to a clone that way before, and something gives me the feeling I'm gonna wish I'd stayed on Coruscant.
I can't see anything through the dark fog besides softly glowing trees and nearby troops in white and blue armor as we trail the General across the terrain. The only natural light on Umbara's surface is from the bioluminescent flora and fauna. It's going to make our mission that much harder. But then again, General Krell isn't helping much either.
"Quicken your pace, battalion!" He snaps. "This isn't some training course on Kamino."
You'd think he'd realize we know that better than anyone.
"The new General has a way with words," Fives remarks from ahead of me.
"He's just trying to keep us on schedule," Captain Rex replies.
