//------------------------------// // Cut Off // Story: Rainbow Dash's First Trial: Clone Wars Year 2 // by Hikarikurai24587 //------------------------------// Chapter One: Cut Off Rainbow Dash was not sure how much time had passed, the days seemed to drag on as she sat in her cell. The Clones had been separated from her the moment they got onto the ship. She knew that they were not on board the vessel. Their lives were now in her hands, if she escaped they would die. The spirits each sat in their own corner. If they left they soon returned and had a discussion but she was never alone. Footsteps could be heard nearby, a figure approaching the cell who was revealed to be Dooku. He eyed Rainbow Dash for a moment as if to study her. His hand was stroking his beard, as he proceeded to say. “Miss Dash.” “Count Dooku.” Rainbow said, opening her eyes, clear of all emotions, the dark energy covering her hands completely. “You’ve proven to be quite the formidable adversary, and you have powers unlike anything the known galaxy has seen.” Dooku said as he stood there watching Rainbow Dash like a statue. Rainbow Dash watched him saying. “So this is the true reason why you have taken me. To gain control over me and my abilities. It is why you keep my squad on a different ship keeping us apart just to hold them over my head. How am I doing?” All was delivered without a single drop of emotion in her voice. Dooku’s facial expression remained motionless as he replied. “You are quite on point. My Master has shown an interest in your powers, someone like you could prove to be a valuable asset. However, should you refuse us, not only will we kill your clone friends we will also attempt to either extract your powers into a living host or through the use of cloning. I would say the option most in your favor is your cooperation.” “There is a flaw in your plan.” Rainbow Dash said, holding up her hand. “Not with holding my squad hostage. Cloning me will not allow a power transfer nor can it ever be given to anyone else. It was given unto me and has become a part of my soul not my body.” “Do not underestimate the powers of my Master. Through the use of the Dark Side of the Force many unnatural things can be done. To us, it is not impossible.” Dooku said in return with a scowl. Rainbow Dash saw Etaitiv from the corner of her eye but her attention remained on Dooku as she spoke her next words. “Never underestimate the power of magic.” “Oh no, of course we won’t. There’s still little that we understand, that is why we seek your cooperation. I will give you some time to think it over.” Dooku replied as he started turning to walk away. Rainbow watched as the Emperor’s Wrath’s head turned to watch Dooku leaving. His form was much clearer than the others, the blue and orange spirits had some features but the rest were humanoid shapes of colors. Wrath’s lips formed a sneer as he growled. Rainbow Dash listened to the spirits talk to each other, Wrath calmed down somewhat before rising to his feet and following after Dooku. He couldn’t harm the Separatist Leader, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t watch him. Dooku stopped moving and stroked his beard. "I've been sensing multiple presences here and yet I can't see them. It's probably for the best I do not leak anything of vital importance." He thought to himself as he continued walking. Rainbow Dash closed her eyes as she began to meditate knowing that Anakin would not leave well enough alone. Colonel Pir paced the room, he had received orders that the rescue of Rainbow Dash was not as important as rescuing the clone squadron she had been assigned to. He growled under his breath passing a group of officers standing around talking. He was getting a feeling that they truly didn’t understand the importance of what he was trying to do as well as underestimating the skillset of the recruits. He needed the Clones to have the support of the Republic and it felt like he was being stonewalled at every turn. He didn’t like it one bit. Tarkin was present talking to some of the officers when he took notice of Colonel Pir. "Ah, Colonel Pir, it's a pleasure." “Captain Tarkin.” Pir greeted with a salute, keeping his face neutral. “Something I can do for you?” "Not at the moment, I was just observing today. I admire your work, I have always felt that training non Clone recruits to be of utmost importance." Tarkin replied with a smile, though it didn't feel sincere. Pir observed Tarkin for a moment as he formed his response. “Not many agree with  you it seems. This war needs all the support it gets and sometimes it feels like we’re fighting an uphill battle. These recruits can help support our efforts if we give them a chance. Instead they are placing the most promising of them in janitorial or delivery positions.” Tarkin's smile faded as he folded his hands behind  his back. "Indeed, such a waste. Instead they choose to use those Clones as the meat of the military.  I believe that there's far more value on a...normal recruit. One who volunteers willingly and not designed in a factory." “Now don’t dismiss the Clones Tarkin, they have proven their worth. If the Separatists manage to destroy the cloning facilities we need willing volunteers and those with experience in war to be able to train them. The Clones have the experience and the recruits have shown a willingness to protect the Republic.” Pir told Tarkin, he knew that he was still rising through the ranks and knew that they needed to work together under the same goal. The Clones were a part of the Grand Army of the Republic while they were in the newly militarized Navy. They had a lot to learn from each other. "I do not dismiss their role in the Republic, they are a necessary evil." Tarkin said as he turned to the side. "I do not believe that they should remain after the war however." Pir thought about what Tarkin said before realizing something. “Would any of us still be needed after the war?” "Our inability to prepare for a war like this is why we needed this Clone Army in the first place. We should always be needed, I thought you of all people Colonel would know that." Tarkin replied, unmoving. Pir nodded his head before pointing out. “It might not be up to us, I would still serve the Republic to the best of my abilities. Funding, however, will always be a problem.” He chuckled before shaking his head. “I’ve got a lot on my plate at the moment.” "Indeed." Was Tarkin's only reply, he was deep in thought but did not want to relay them to Pir. Pir chuckled before patting Tarkin on the shoulder. “You’re doing a great job so far! Keep up the good work!” Tarkin still remained motionless, something was on his mind as he began to walk away from Colonel Pir. Pir watched him leave before continuing on his way to his office.  When the door opened Pir couldn’t really consider it a surprise to see Anakin there. “General Skywalker.” Pir said, saluting the Jedi. “I assume this is about our situation.” "Yes. I am frustrated that the Jedi Council won't take more action in rescuing Rainbow Dash and the Clones. If it was up to me…" Anakin said as he slammed a fist onto the wall. Pir nodded his head before realizing his orders. “What if it was up to you? My superiors want me to organize a rescue for the Clone Squadron that was with Rainbow Dash. However, according to intel there are two possible locations that they are being held. Both are ships, Eiwsail had intercepted a Separatist communication regarding their more recent captives and keeping them separated.” "If it was up to me I would have rescued them yesterday." Anakin replied, still facing the wall. Colonel Pir shot him a grin saying. “Well according to regulations no assignment can be carried out without the aid of a Jedi. This has been mostly ignored since the start of the Clone Wars, but regulations are regulations. So what do you say?” Anakin turned to face Pir and returned the smile. "I say that I'm in!" “Excellent, I believe our first step is to put together a team that we know can work well together.” Pir said, crossing his arms, his grin growing larger. “And I think we know just the people to be able to pull this off. Our troops have been waiting long enough, it’s time to get them out of there.” Anakin nodded in agreement as he left the office with Pir. It had taken them a few days before they finally had a team made from the recruits completed and a plan formed. The plan was to use one of the ships for Planetary Support and Relief to smuggle themselves into Separatist space and have “cargo” containers with the squad hidden inside. They would have to make it enticing enough to bring it to the command ships that the squads might be on. With both of the squads separated they would be able to locate the missing team and hopefully Rainbow Dash. Shae sighed wondering why she was always the go to when getting snagged for potentially dangerous missions. Kory had gotten settled in with a few non critical missions and was now a well working combat medic. Jovcar just kept to the medical stations a lot more often actually liking working with Kaminoan doctors. Shae seemed to be the favored medic, a lot of the Jedi would bring her along due to her proficiency to work well on the battlefield protecting and healing clones while blaster fire was overhead. Anakin approached Shae and put a hand on her shoulder. "I know, you're probably wondering why you have been picked again. I think the answer is simple, you're very skilled in what you do and I trust you." “Thanks.” Shae replied being sincere with her words. She saw the group ahead of them all standing by getting ready for transport. She had to hold back her laughter when she saw Xestu among the group. “Does it bother you Xestu is coming along?” Anakin asked, hand still on her shoulder. Shae looked at him with a raised eyebrow saying. “I trained with him, I was going to ask you the same question. I mean I’ve heard he’s cooled it with his insults towards the clones.” “Yeah, and I was surprised how he willingly came along given that we aren’t just rescuing Rainbow Dash, but the Clones too.” Anakin said as he released his arm and gave her a smirk. Shae looked at the group of Clones as Lassyl approached Anakin saying. “We’ll have to mask ourselves leaving Coruscant, can’t let my ship get flagged for being Republic.” “That shouldn’t be an issue, R2 is taking care of that as we speak. Still, I’m glad you brought it up anyway.” Anakin replied as he started to look around. “Say, where’s the Colonel?” “He’s finishing with the briefing.” Lassyl said, pointing him out through the crowd. “You know, I’m surprised that Command is actually allowing you two to go through with this plan.” "Well…" Anakin rubbed the back of his head as he looked away. Lassyl giggled. “You just gave them the basics and left out the fact that you’re going to be rescuing both the squad and Rainbow Dash?” "Youuuuu might say that." Replied Anakin who just gave Lassyl a smirk. Lassyl shot Anakin another grin as she headed towards the ship saying. “If you weren’t so recognized as a General I would love to have you along on some of my missions.” "Tagging along with any of you is worth it." Anakin said with a nod.  Pir approached him saying. “Everyone has been briefed.” "Very good Colonel. Let's get moving everyone!" Anakin ordered as he headed to the ship. The group was heading towards the ship as Shae took a deep breath. She wondered what kind of cargo would be seen as valuable to take from a smuggler. Pir was mum on that to everyone and the only other person who knew was Lassyl. She heard a few grumbles from Xestu and a quick order from Kimble silenced his complaints. Shae decided to look at the Clones who were assigned to come along with them on the mission. She spotted two clones standing by each other and decided to say hello, for once. She walked up to them and took a breath but the words caught in her throat. She wasn’t sure what to say and backed off slightly. One of the Clones took notice of Shae and gave a quick. "Hello." “Sir.” Shae said, giving the Clones a salute. “I am your medical personal for this mission, my name is Shae Lyrua.” "My name's Echo." The Clone who spoke earlier said with a salute. Shae took note of the name before glancing at the other one. “And what’s your name?” “Fives, ma’am.” the other Clone replied and Shae nodded her head before straightening her shoulders addressing them once more. “You two should probably head inside, I’m not sure how we are going to get smuggled in but I’m sure it won’t be easy.” "Er, you mean to say that you don't know?" Echo asked, confused. He looked at Fives and tilted his head. Shae sighed as she rubbed the back of her neck saying. “Pir mentioned that I need to be prepared to handle any emergencies after we board the Seperatist vessel. This means that it is a rather uncommon way of boarding… not that I expect any different from one of General Skywalker’s plans.” She thought back to wearing pressure suits and sitting in a walker being prepared to be dropped over the vessel holding Cad Bane. Fives looked at Echo silently asking if they should tell her. Echo shook his head whispering. "If they were told they might not have come, that's my assumption anyway." Shae glanced at the both of them hearing the signal for them to board. “That’s our cue.” Echo nodded as he walked on board. Fives was right behind him. The door was sealed as Lassyl began to take off and Shae noticed Ahsoka was there as well. Lassyl looked at R2 saying. “Take over, I’ll let them know about the finer details.” Lassyl walked by the group saying. “Alright, so I know for a fact that I get stopped by the Seps everytime I try to deliver goods and they always take the most valuable things from my cargo hold. Jerks. So we’ve set up bait too good to pass up.” Lassyl stopped in front of two very large cargo containers, opening them up for a second revealing rare crystals and ores. She continued to speak after closing and resealing the containers. “How you guys are getting in is a little more complicated. I’m going to freeze you all in carbonite. Hope none of you freak out at the thought.”