Just Another Clone Trooper

Baptism by Fire

The Kaminoan training facility was bustling with activity, but for Blaze, Shield, Kibbi, Grizzly, and Static, the world had narrowed to this one moment—their final test. They stood in the preparation area, fully geared, waiting for the signal. The sterile environment felt unusually tense. Everything they had been training for over the past several months had led to this.

"Stay sharp, boys," Shield said in his usual calm tone. "We've been through worse, but this is the real deal. No screw-ups."

Blaze was practically vibrating with energy. "I'm ready to burn through this drill faster than a blaster bolt through a battle droid. Let's make the instructors remember our squad."

Static stood, his helmet tucked under his arm as he adjusted his gauntlets and nodded in agreement with Blaze.

"Yeah, no pressure," Kibbi added with a chuckle, leaning back on his heels. "Just another day on Kamino, right?"

Grizzly shook his head, the tension clear on his usually stoic face. "Let's not jinx it, Kibbi."

They all lined up, waiting for the briefing. The familiar sound of footsteps echoed through the hall as their instructor, Sergeant Balar, entered the room. His gaze swept over the squad.

"This is it, troopers," Balar said, voice clipped and sharp. "Your final exam will test everything—teamwork, tactics, marksmanship, and endurance. You'll be facing off against a series of scenarios, from infiltration to full-blown assault."

He stepped forward, tapping a screen behind him. A three-dimensional map of the training zone appeared. It was a simulated urban combat environment, complete with towering buildings, narrow alleys, and open plazas. Hostile droids and other obstacles had been placed throughout.

You'll begin by infiltrating the central command post, eliminate any resistance, and secure the data terminal. From there, you'll proceed to extraction. Simple enough. But remember—this isn't just a test of your individual skills. It's a test of your ability to function as a squad."

Blaze smirked. "Sounds like fun."

Shield shot him a warning look. "Stay focused, Blaze. This is serious. Everything is on the line now."

Balar glanced at them one last time, his cold eyes lingering on everyone for a moment before he turned and left the room. The door slid shut behind him with a hiss, leaving the squad in silence.

"This is it," Grizzly said, hefting his rifle.

"Ready?" Shield asked, looking at each of them in turn.

Static gave a short nod, his grip tightening on his blaster. His mind was clear and focused, failure wasn't an option.

The squad moved out, their boots pounding against the metal floors as they made their way to the simulation entrance. As they stepped inside, the environment changed in an instant. The sterile walls of Kamino faded away, replaced by towering buildings, flickering street lights, and the distant sound of enemy droids patrolling the area.

"Blaze, you take point," Shield ordered as they moved into formation. "Kibbi, you've got overwatch. Static, Grizzly, cover the flanks."

Blaze was already ahead, his eyes scanning the streets ahead. "Copy that. Looks clear for now."

They moved cautiously through the urban environment, keeping to the shadows and minimizing their exposure. The simulation was designed to mimic a real-world city, complete with crumbling walls, narrow alleys, and the occasional hover car wreckage.

Suddenly, Blaze held up a hand, signaling for them to stop. "Droid patrol, three o'clock."

Kibbi knelt down, bringing up his rifle. "I see them. Three B1s, moving in a straight line. No sign of reinforcements."