"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...
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Day 775 SK Day 208 SFD (since Fives' death) Destination: Coruscant 1100 hours
"Commander 9191, reporting for duty, Sir."
"Beta, what are you doing?"
I whipped around, facing Den Kiri. He watched me intently, waiting patiently for a response. I lowered my head, embarrassed and ashamed. "I was only practicing, Sir."
"Practicing?" He beckoned me to follow him down the hall. I didn't hesitate to fall into step beside him.
"For when I'm a commander, Sir!" I said brightly. "One day, I want my own Battalion that I can be the Commander of. Then I'll be really useful!"
He looked down at me. "Becoming a commander is not easy. I cannot guarantee your survival out there, Beta."
My face fell. "I know."
We stop outside the training rooms, and he put a hand on my helmet as I raised it over my head. "Do not be eager to leave. One day you will realize what cost war comes at."
I lowered my helmet, confused. "I'll pay any cost, Sir."
He nodded solemnly. "I know you will, Beta."
9191
"I'm moving in."
I adjust the grip on my rifle, where it sits propped against my shoulder, and signal the troops forward. They disperse, blocking the way out in case he gets past me.
He won't.
I step forward, into the dim streetlight of Coruscant's lower levels. I've been tracking this mercenary for days, and if he gets away there's no telling where he'll go. I've got one shot at this.
"hands where I can see 'em," I say. He twists to face me, hand on his blaster.
"How did you find me?"
"Stand down, and you'll stand a chance."
He scoffs. "Is the Senate sending children to do their dirty work? You're not worth my time."
"I've got you surrounded. I'm your best chance."
He raises his eyebrows. "You wanna die, kid?"
I fire. He ducks to the side, and I run forward, dropping into a slide so he doesn't slice my neck open with the knife he pulls from his jacket. I'm on the other side of him now.
He smirks. "That was nothing."
"Then let me show you something." I run toward the wall this time. He throws his knife, and it clips my armor as I push off the wall come down on him with my rifle. He uses his forearms to protect his face, shoving me aside. I roll back to my feet.
