Project Ares Gold Edition

Chapter 20 - The night that never ends

501st campsite - Umbara

Both Rex and Fives were not happy with their current situation, especially regarding their new "leader". Having just been pushed back from the main highway to the Capitol and receiving another awful verbal session with the General, the pair were relieved to find out that they would be getting some reinforcements to continue on their mission.

Recalling the briefing the received from General Kenobi via hologram on the Resolute, the plan was for all the heavy armour and artillery to go towards the eastern assault up the more aggressive side of the mountain while the 501st retained their AT-RTs and some transport speeders. The reason for this decision was for the 501st to use their small infantry tactics and surprise the Umbaran Capitol with small hit and run tactics along their south-western border.

Unfortunately, Krell did not share this vision and kept on ordering the men to move in large groups in order to "inflict maximum damage" on the Umbarans. This strategy was severely demoralizing the men and had already caused major casualties. With the emphasis on supporting the 212th and the other divisions, chances of getting reinforcements were slim to none, so when Rex and Fives learnt that they were getting some help, they didn't hesitate to accept.

Though they were cautious to let their hopes get too high, the pair were severely disheartened when they only saw a single gunship coming in. Watching the craft come down, Fives was really hoping that there was a big gun or a different general inside to relieve Krell of his command. This train of thought was soon derailed when the doors opened and revealed non-other than the Master Chief in all of his glory. He had some light scorch marks littered across his armour from the almost countless amount of firefights he had seen since their last encounter. In his arms, he carried the heavy Z-6 rotary cannon along with his assault rifle attached to his back and two pistols at his sides. "Chief, it is good to see you here. It has been a kriffin mess ever since Skywalker left, Krell is sending us on these suicide missions without fire support and minimal reinforcements."

"Where is he?" Chief responded menacingly, when he was still on the gunship he reviewed Krell's battle plans for taking the Capitol. It was safe to say that he was not happy in the slightest with Krell's decisions. Approaching the general near one of the ground speeders, Chief halted right in front of the Jedi Master and saluted in acknowledgement of his command. "One one seven, your reputation proceeds you, it is good that you are here to show these clones what a real soldier looks like."

"With respect sir, these men are some of the best soldiers you will find in the galaxy. I have served alongside these men numerous times and they have never let me down." Chief replied calmly but with a hint of anger. He strongly disliked when officers saw the clone troopers as just soldiers that are meant to follow orders like droids. They were men, men that give up their lives for the Republic without ever asking for recognition. Less than 30 minutes ago, six men from Boil's squad sacrificed themselves to eliminate an anti-aircraft site before more lives were lost.

"I see that you have grown soft on the clones 117, need I remind you that they are inferior to us in every way possible? They lack basic social understanding and can't be trusted to think for themselves. Moments ago I was informed that a group of clones had taken it upon themselves to proceed with an unauthorized reconnaissance mission. When their bodies were found, it was already too late."

"What are the primary and secondary objectives sir?" Chief replied with some more anger showing. He was starting to strongly dislike this general, not as much as Tarkin but he was starting to think that Krell may get there as time goes on. However, the sooner they could end this fight, the sooner Krell would leave the 501st alone and Skywalker would take point again.

Explaining to Chief that the primary objective was to seize the Capitol by any means necessary, Krell briefed him on what the plan was to accomplish this mission. Informing Chief of a major airbase to the north of their immediate position that was supplying critical supplies and air support to the front lines, he was on his way to give the order to move out to capture this base before the Master Chief arrived.