The Darkness of War - STAR WARS (English version)

Chapter 2 Shadows on Kranos

Star Wars and all characters and elements of the universe are owned by Lucasfilm and Disney. I do not claim any rights to these characters or this universe. This work is fan fiction created for fun and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights.

Boro (CT-7778)

The planet Kranos was as beautiful as it was terrifying. This place was full of contrasts – dense, steaming jungle, whose lush vegetation pulsed with life, and rivers of volcanic lava that regularly flowed from cracking rocks. The entire planet seemed to vibrate beneath the surface, as if its heart beat in rhythm with the unpredictable volcanic eruptions.

For Boro, a clone from the 41st Legion with the number CT-7778, Kranos was like a living nightmare. Reconnaissance missions were always tough, but in such conditions, in such a hostile environment, every second felt like an eternity. The humid, sticky air forced its way through the helmet's filters, and the constant sounds of animals and volcanic eruptions made the planet a place that offered no respite. Danger lurked from every side, not only from the enemy but from the environment itself.

The scouts of the 41st Legion were the best at what they did. Their mission was a reconnaissance one – to scout out the positions of the Separatists on the planet's surface, estimate the enemy's numbers, and then return with the information to the Republic's command. Boro led a four-man team – these were his brothers, whom he had known for years. CT-4412, nicknamed "Smyk," was an expert in tech and navigation. CT-5538, or "Crow," was a fearless soldier, always ready to face any challenge. The last in the group was CT-3009, a sniper, silent and calm, who always stayed at the back, observing the terrain with cold professionalism.

At the moment, the four of them were slowly moving through the dark, damp jungle of Kranos. Thick branches and giant leaves brushed against their armor, and the traces of earlier volcanic eruptions were visible everywhere. Kranos was something between paradise and hell, and although its fauna and flora were impressive, Boro knew that any carelessness could end in tragedy.

"Boro, do you see that?" Smyk whispered through the communicator as they reached a small rise in the jungle. "We have a view of the valley; the Separatists have set up units. Battle droids to the south, forming a line."

Boro pressed himself to the ground, bringing the rangefinder to his eyes. Through the device, he observed the valley below – a vast, rocky terrain surrounded by volcanic ridges that twisted grotesquely, as if the planet itself was in agony. At the bottom of the valley, among the rocks and ravines, he noticed numerous B1 battle droids moving in regular formations. Beside them were AATs, the Separatists' heavy tanks, patrolling the area. The droids seemed to be guarding something more important – something not yet visible to the naked eye.

"Check their numbers," Boro whispered, sharing the rangefinder's image with the rest of the team. "This isn't a standard patrol. They've set up camp for good here. They're planning something."

Crow looked at the rangefinder and frowned.

"They seem to have a solid position," he said thoughtfully. "Maybe we should head back and report this to command. This is more than we expected."

Boro considered this for a moment. The decision to retreat was safe, but he wasn't sure if they had seen everything yet. The droids were well-organized, and the number of heavy units suggested that the Separatists were not only defending the area but preparing something bigger. Boro suspected that there might be additional forces hiding here – possibly even a command center.

"We're not going back yet," he said firmly. "We need to get closer. If this is their main base, we need to be sure. I don't want to return with unfinished business."