SWCW: A 501st Story: Brothers in Arms

Chapter 9: The Vanguard

The harsh midday sun glinted off the chrome medals nestled in Karno's hand. It felt cold against his calloused palm, an icy counterpoint to the heat radiating from the Venator's hangar deck. Each medal bore the same inscription: "For Valor and Sacrifice." Each medal, a weight bearing down on him, a constant reminder of what he'd lost.

Yeldog shuffled past, his boots rasping against the metal flooring. He paused beside Karno, his gaze heavy with unspoken understanding. "Still thinking about them, Karno?"

Karno nodded mutely, unable to tear his eyes away from the polished surfaces. "Feels wrong, Yeldog," he finally rasped, his voice thick with a grief he still couldn't fully articulate. "Wearing their deaths."

Yeldog sat beside him, the metal clanging softly. A rare smile graced his usually stoic face, softening the harsh lines around his eyes. "It is, Karno. But not just death. Remember who they were. Their laughter, their stories, the way they always had your back."

Karno looked up, a glimmer of light flickering in his dark eyes. "So it's not about me then?"

Yeldog chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Never, Karno. Never. It's about them, keeping their memory alive. Showing the galaxy they lived, they fought, they mattered."

Silence descended, punctuated only by the rhythmic hum of the hangar's machinery. Karno closed his hand around the medals, squeezing them tight. His brothers, Dirion, Snicker, Jitter – their faces flashed before him, etched with the joy of brotherhood and the grim determination of soldiers. He wouldn't let them be forgotten. He wouldn't let their sacrifice be in vain.

He closed his eyes, breathing deeply. The sunbeams, warm and insistent, filtered through his eyelids. He felt a shift within him, a subtle current in the Force, almost an echo of their laughter, their spirit. His purpose solidified, a quiet oath forming in his heart.

Suddenly, a commotion stirred on the deck. Captain Rex strode through the bay, his pace urgent. He stopped before them, his gaze scanning their faces. "Karno, Yeldog," he said, his voice clipped but not unkind. "General wants to see you. Now."

The urgency in Rex's voice jolted Karno from his reverie. He glanced at Yeldog, saw the same mix of confusion and apprehension reflected in his gaze. They followed Rex, their boots echoing on the metallic floor.

The General's quarters were spartan, devoid of personal effects. General Skywalker stood by the viewport, his back to them. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a vibroblade.

"At ease, troopers," Skywalker finally spoke, his voice devoid of its usual vibrancy. He turned, revealing a shadowed face and troubled eyes. "There's… a situation. Top secret. Requires the highest level of clearance."

He paused, his gaze locking with Karno's. A flicker of something passed between them, a spark of recognition tinged with… curiosity? Perhaps even hope?

"Are you in, Karno?" the General asked, his voice low and serious.

Karno looked at Yeldog, their eyes meeting in silent communication. This was unknown territory, a mission shrouded in mystery. But something within him, that echo of his brothers, that whisper of the Force, urged him forward.

He straightened his posture, the medals heavy against his chest. "Yes, sir," he said, his voice firm. "We're in."

This revised version slows down the pace, focusing on the emotional weight of the medals, the camaraderie between Karno and Yeldog, and the mysterious mission briefing. It leaves the reader anticipating the next step while planting seeds for Karno's connection to the Force and the intrigue surrounding the upcoming mission.

The air in the briefing room crackled with anticipation, thick with the weight of unspoken danger. Karno, Yeldog, Tempaah, Yoleijn, and Fives stood at attention, their faces etched with various degrees of apprehension. Even the usually carefree grin on Fives' face was replaced by a tight line.

General Skywalker, his eyes shadowed by concern, paced before them. "Alright men," he began, his voice low and serious, "a CIS fleet has descended upon the Mid Rim planet of Ryloth. Separatist forces are overwhelming the local resistance, and worse, they've captured a Republic Fireteam"

A collective gasp rippled through the room. Karno felt a pang in his chest, the echoes of Umbara still fresh in his mind. He wouldn't let another team be lost.

"Our mission is simple," Skywalker continued, his gaze sweeping across their faces. "Infiltrate the Separatist base, neutralize hostiles, and extract the captured Fireteam. This is a covert operation, stealth and precision are paramount. Remember, we fight for more than victory."

The briefing continued, maps unfolding on the holoprojector, revealing the base layout, enemy troop placements, and potential extraction points. Karno listened intently, his internal compass humming with the Force, seeking any hidden dangers. He caught Fives' glance, a silent understanding passing between them.

Finally, the briefing concluded. Dismissal came with a heavy silence. As the others dispersed, exchanging hushed words and final looks, Karno lingered behind. Skywalker watched him, a flicker of worry in his eyes.

"Karno," he began, his voice laced with concern. "You fought bravely on Umbara, but this mission… it'll be different. Are you sure you're up for it?"

Karno met Skywalker's gaze, his own resolve hardening. "Sir," he said, his voice steady, "I won't let them down. Not again." He pointed to the medals pinned to his chest. "This is for Dirion, Snicker, and Jitter. This is for every brother we've lost. We'll bring them back, sir. Together."

Skywalker nodded, a hint of a smile gracing his lips. "That's the spirit, Karno. But remember, take care of yourself. We can't afford to lose another good soldier."

Karno saluted, a newfound purpose burning in his eyes. He rejoined his team, their faces grim but determined. He knew this wouldn't be easy, but he wouldn't falter. He had the Force guiding him, the memory of his fallen brothers spurring him on, and the trust of his fellow clones by his side.

As they departed, Rex turned to Anakin, a troubled expression clouding his face. "General," he said, his voice low, "do you think Karno's ready for this?"

Anakin stared at the closed door, his own concern evident. "He's strong, Captain" he replied after a moment. "Stronger than he seems. But the Force works in mysterious ways. We can only hope it's enough."

They stood in silence, the weight of the unknown mission and the fate of their brothers hanging heavy in the air. As the Venator roared to life, carrying them towards the heart of danger, only time would tell if Karno and his team would emerge from the shadows of Ryloth victorious, or become another tragic footnote in the ongoing war.