Jedi Knight Storm had now made it to the Jedi Temple as he was to report back. He entered the Temple as he made his way to the communications room, the door opened but to Storm's surprise, there was his master herself.
"Master Luna," said Storm bowing his head.
"Jedi Knight Storm," said Luna as addressed her student. "Were you successful in your mission?"
"Of course, I managed to save the prisoners and bring those responsible to justice. Though, I did have help from someone," said Storm.
"See, you're already trusting others and working well. I believe that you and my sister's student will get along well," stated Luna.
"Yeah, don't count your chickens before they hatch." mumbled the boy. "Speaking of that, am I meeting her now?" asked Storm.
"Not quite, right now the main concern is getting the supplies to the people of Christophsis. We've yet to figure out how to get past the Separatist blockade, but I feel we're close to finding a solution," informed Luna. "But before I send you to rendezvous with General Skywalker, we need to be somewhere else. Come along."
Luna then began to lead her and Storm as they exited the room. The pair then made their way to the courtroom as there was a ship that was landing. Both master and student now stood as they waited. Eventually, the door to the ship opened as the walkway descended as some smoke appeared. Standing before the pair were three individuals, or rather clone troopers.
Now Clone troopers were soldiers that the Jedi commanded when they went into battle. And while most clones were from the same genetic code and had similar faces. Each clone also had its unique personality. Not to mention there were different clones for a different form of combat training. And the rank of a clone was determined by the type of armor they wore. Usually, clones that were considered rookies or newcomers wore shiny armor, and then as they advanced through the ranks they would upgrade. Also, each Jedi had clone commanders that were in charge of their battalion.
"Storm, meet our platoon," said Luna.
"Platoon?" said Storm as he knew of the clones, but never expected Luna of all people to have her own troops as she felt like she didn't need them.
"We're at your command, General Luna." said the leader of the platoon as he and the other two all stood there at attention. The leader happened to have colors that matched Luna's hair and outfit on his armor as Storm saw some blue and black outlines on the white uniform.
"At ease," said Luna, "Now Storm, I know that since the sudden creation of the clones, I expressed how I didn't want any to command as I felt we were fine without them. But as you know, the war is taking a heavy toll on us. So I requested to have my own troops to command, not a whole battalion, but rather a small platoon." said the woman.
"So, who are they?" asked Storm.
"Storm, meet Commander Sark and his soldiers, Ricochet and Claude," said Luna.
"I appreciate you in lending me your services to fighting under our command. As you know, you've been ordered to listen to any instructions given by me. But you will also obey the directions of my student. Should I not be around, you report to him. Understand?" addressed the Jedi Master to the clones.
"Yes, General!!" said the three clones.
"If, I may General?" asked the clone named Claude.
"Yes?"
"Your student is a bit younger than we expected." said the trooper.
"Yes well, he passed the Trials very young. But even then he showed maturity for his age and with his training, he's earned the rank of Jedi Knight," stated Luna.
"Of course, sorry for asking, General," said Claude.
"Now then, Storm, I have a quick meeting to attend with the High Council," informed Luna.
Storm just nodded as Luna left to the gathering room as she left her student with the troopers. The boy then looked at the clones that were under him and Luna's "command" as it seemed they were waiting for the boy to give them orders. Storm just stared at them as he didn't know what to do or say, as he never expected to lead soldiers given his training with Luna.
"What are your orders, sir?" asked Commander Sark.
"Orders? Uh, I don't know," said Storm. "How about maybe taking off your helmets so I can see your faces?"
The clones then did as they were told. They removed their helmets as they allowed the teen to see their faces as they were similar.
"Okay, that's a least a starting point. So, maybe give me a bit more info about you guys?" asked Storm.
"Certainly, sir," said Commander Sark.
"You don't have to always refer to me as sir, you can call me by my name."
"Certainly, si... I mean, Storm," stated Sark.
"Soldier Ricochet," said the solider named Ricochet.
"And why are you called that?" asked the Jedi.
"Let me show you," said the clone as he tossed two small metal objects into the air.
They were hanging in the air as the clone then pulled out his blaster and then aimed it at the objects. He then pulled the trigger as a blast came out and then hit one of the objects as true to his name, ricocheted to the second object and it then began to bounce in between the objects for a bit as it went off into the air. The objects then landed in the clone's hand as he showed them off to Storm as they had a hole made from the blast bouncing between them.
"Impressive, but..." Storm then used the force as he put one of the metal objects in a nearby tree as he put some obstacles in front of them. "Can you hit that?"
"Watch me," said Ricochet as he put his helmet back on and aim his blaster.
He looked through the scope as he was finding the correct path, once he had it, he then fired. The blast initially hit the tree and the branch above the object, before hitting the side of the obstacles while making its way to the object and blasting it to pieces.
"Nice!" said Storm as he was impressed by the clone's skill.
"Clone Claude," said the next one. "Weapon specialist for the team, also a sort of medic if need be. Not to mention I've had training in tactical strategy."
"Alright then," said Storm.
"You already know, I lead the two of them," said Commander Sark.
"Well, I seem to like you guys. Though I do ask: if I give you a command, would you follow it?" asked Storm.
"Yes, sir."
"If I gave you a command, to either save others and leave me behind, would you do it?" stated the boy. His response got the others to all look at one another as they were some mixed emotions.
"If it meant saving innocent lives, then... yes," said Ricochet.
"What about when it comes to serving me and Luna? Would you guys retreat to save yourselves while leaving the two of us?"
"We serve you two, no matter what, we would never abandon our commanding officers. We're willing to die for you," said Claude.
"Then... what if... you were tasked with hunting me down? Tasked with killing me for some reason? Would you do it? Would you kill me or Luna, if a situation came up like that?" asked Storm.
That question got all three to think; Luna mention that despite being only in his later teen years, Storm was rather mature for his age. And here he was, asking them a rather serious question. Their primary duty when assigned to the Jedi Knight and his master, was to not only follow their orders but to also think for themselves when the situation called for it. That meant, informing them about any concerns or worries they might have during each battle or mission. Even though they were nothing other than soldiers, they were human at least and they had emotions. All three collected their thoughts as they nodded as Sark looked back at the boy to answer.
"No," said the commander. "We would never be able to carry out that task. We may be soldiers, but we were taught to look out for one another. That includes our commanding officer. We would never think about betraying you or General Luna."
"Is that so?" asked Storm.
"Yes, sir!" shouted all three as they stood at attention.
"Well, then... I think we're going to get along just fine." smiled Storm at clones. "Welcome, friends."
"Friends, sir?" asked Ricochet.
"Hey, just cause we have different roles in battle, doesn't mean we can't be something else off the battlefield." informed the Jedi.
"General Luna was right, you're quite matured for your age," said Claude.
"Yeah, I get that a lot," said Storm. "Now then... care to have fun?"
The clones just shrugged as they began to follow one of their commanding officers as Storm knew that if he was going to put his life in the hands of these troopers, then they needed to trust one another and know that they each had the other's back. And the best way to do that was to bond with each one of them and get to know them a bit more personal. Ultimately, Storm was looking to become friends with his soldiers and in hope, vice-versa.
"I understand," said Luna as she had stayed behind after the meeting ended as she was talking with a friend.
"The Separatists are still blocking our path to Christophsis. And if we don't break through soon, the people will suffer and we'll lose some significant ground in this war," stated Obi-wan as he was walking with Luna.
"Any word on Skywalker?" asked Luna.
"Anakin is... being rather... difficult," stated Obi-Wan. "He wants to engage the enemy head-on, but I've told him not to. Our main concern is to get the supplies to Senator Organa who is in desperate need of them."
"And with the blockade blowing out our ships, we won't be able to deliver the supplies," said Luna as the two reached a balcony and looked out in the courtyard. The pair was seeing Storm as it seemed he was bonding with the clones as they were smiling.
"I see your student is already making strides with your platoon. Though I do ask, Luna? What changed your mind in having you soldiers to command?" asked Obi-wan with a smug smirk.
"Obi-wan, you know well that war is taking a toll on us. Every day thousands of lives are being dragged into this conflict. As Jedi, our purpose is to keep the peace and restore order to the galaxy." stated Luna. "Seems, I felt my way of fighting without soldiers would prove something, but it's still too much for one master and her student to take on by themselves. So I asked the residents of Kamino to create me some clones, I told them that I didn't want a whole battalion like you and the other Jedi. I simply, wanted a small squad to help ease Storm into one day commanding an army of clones of his own."
"That's quite a tall task for young Storm to take. Passing the trials at his age, isn't unheard, just a rare case," said Obi-wan.
"I don't know how long this war will last, Kenobi. Even though it's been a while since this all started, it feels like we've been fighting for years," said Luna as she looked at her student. "I just want to prepare Storm for what might happen. I tell him that this war will be over and that we'll both be here to see it end. But... what if it never ends? What if something bad were to happen to him? What if... I wasn't here when the war ends? I've taught Storm to not hold too much of an attachment, so in the case that I do end up not making it, he doesn't let the loss of his master get to him. Affect his mindset and potentially lead him to the Dark Side of the Force."
"I tell Anakin the same thing," mentioned Obi-wan. "He's powerful, but he needs to know that even that alone, can't end this war."
"I just want Storm to know that when the time comes for him to lead an army, he won't feel overwhelmed with the burden of a thousand soldiers and their lives in his hands. War doesn't come without sacrifice, and that requires accepting those who fall in the name for a better tomorrow," responded Luna. "I just hope that when the time comes for Storm to step up and become the leader I know he can be, he'll rise to the occasion, and then he'll have finally achieved the rank of Jedi Master. Even if I shouldn't see that day come, I know the Force will be there to guide him and through that, I'll be happy."
"Wise words, Luna. Now if only you can help me tell Anakin the same thing, it might help to ease my mind and keep me from getting gray hairs," said Obi-wan.
"Kenobi, you know the Jedi can't fall in love. So are you trying to flirt with me?" asked Luna with a smug smile as she looked at her friend.
"If only," chuckled Obi-wan as he played along with Luna's antics as both let out a laugh.
"So... you don't know your parents?" asked Sark.
"Yup," answered Storm.
"And you never once asked Luna about your birth family?" asked Ricochet.
"As far as I can tell, I'm an orphan."
"Well, technically, you're not," said Claude. "If I may, Storm. Unlike us clones, you are born biologically, meaning that for you to be here, you needed to have a father and mother have intercourse which in turn allowed you to be developed and in time you were born."
"Well, either way, I have no recollection of my family. Luna found me and tried to find my parents but to no avail. All she said was that I cried a lot when she found me. In the end, she took me under her care and soon saw that the Force was strong with me. I learned the Jedi arts under her and soon became her apprentice. Then I passed the Jedi Trials and now I'm a Jedi Knight." stated Storm. "But I'm far from what Luna is."
"Of course, but in time we believe that you may be the one directly taking over," said Sark.
"We'll see. Besides, we need to see this war to an end. And I pray that all of us will live when that moment happens." said the young Jedi.
"And know that we'll be by your side and General Luna. We too want to see this war end," said Commander Sark.
"If I can ask you guys, what are your ambitions for when the war ends?"
"Pardon us, sir?!" said all three.
"I mean, think about. Once this war ends and we win, I suppose you guys won't be needed since peace will finally be achieved. So it makes sense that you would want to pursue and live your lives. So, any plans?" asked Storm.
"We don't know," said Sark.
"Well, do you guys have any hobbies? Other than just fighting." stated the teen.
"Well... I do tend to draw," said Ricochet.
"Let's see," said Storm as he pulled out some paper and pencil from his robe and handed it to the clone.
Ricochet took the supplies from the Jedi and began to look at the tree in the courtyard as he began to draw it. The sound of the pencil scribbling on the paper could be heard as it sounded like the trooper was taking time to create it. After a few moments, the clone then flipped the pad over as he showed his drawing. And to everybody's surprise, it was so life-like for a bunch of lines. Add in some colors to the drawing and it would appear almost like the real thing.
"That's well-executed," said Storm. "You got some talent, Ricochet."
"Appreciate it, Storm."
"What about you, Claude? Anything you might do after this conflict is over?" asked the Jedi.
"With my skills, maybe repairman or if I really wanted to increase my medical knowledge, a doctor, perhaps." said Hic.
"Not bad," stated Storm. "What about you, Commander?"
"I... don't know, sir," said Sark. "All I've been told is to listen to my commanding officer and just focus my attention on the war."
"I get it, but... we've got time before that day comes. So... I'm sure you'll find what you want to do after the war. For now, let's focus on getting there."
"Yes, General!!" shouted all three clones.
"Now then... let's see how you guys are in combat," stated Storm.
They were now inside the simulation room as Storm and three clones were running a training drill. The four of them started the simulation as they entered the room and were opened to some enemy fire by training droids as Storm deflected some blasts as the three hid behind some barracks while firing.
Ricochet then reached to his back as there was a sniper strapped on as he grabbed it and then propped it on the box. He then looked through the scope as he began to snipe off some of the enemies. True to his name, when there was a huge number of droids, he fired his shot as it began to bounce between enemies taking several of them out.
As for Commander Sark, he was currently wielding dual blasters while engaging the enemy up close as he showed off some of his close combat experience. Claude was grabbing some grenades and bombs from his belt as he activated them and tossed them. They landed near the droids as they went off. He then tossed another one as it created a smokescreen, as it provided him cover as he began to lower the device on his helmet to his eye visor as he began to fire the droids in the smoke as he could see them past the screen. He then pushed forward as he slid past them while taking them out.
Storm was upfront as he was deflecting the blasts and using the Force as he was leading his troops in the training. Eventually, the three clones all pushed back their wave of training droids and then converged with the Jedi as all four of them were standing their ground as they were overwhelming the massive numbers. Above, Luna and Obi-wan were seeing the training going on as they wanted to see how well her squad and her student worked together.
"General! We've nearly breached the line, but the sentry is gonna give us a problem!" said Claude as he continued to fire while hiding behind his cover.
"Leave it to me!" said Storm. "Sark, can you and Ric draw the enemy fire?"
"On it sir!" shouted the commander as he and his comrade began to move to the side as they were doing what Storm asked for as most of the enemy concentrated their attention on the clones.
All three of them then hid behind some boxes as it allowed them some extra cover.
"Got anything idea, Claude?" asked Sark.
"How about this commander?" stated Hic as he pulled out another bomb while firing.
"What the hell is that?" asked Ricochet as he fired his blaster without looking as he took the heads off of three droids.
"Toss it," said Claude as Sark grabbed it and then tossed it with a good aim as it landed in the middle of the horde as it exploded and some electricity went off as it short-circuited the enemy.
"EMP bomb. Something I've been working on in my spare time," stated Hic as he was proud his invention worked.
"Nice one, Claude," said Sark as he was pleased with his partner as the three continued to hold their position.
Meanwhile, Storm was making his way to the sentry gun as it was heavily guarded by droids and super battle droids. He was deflecting with his lightsaber as some of the blasts were shot back to droids as they fell over. Soon Storm did a huge leap as the shots followed behind him in the air. He landed and then slashed quickly as he dodged the shots of the sentry and then stabbed it with his weapon as it shut down. Over with the clones, they managed to hold their ground and soon started to push the droids back as they saw the red flag on top of a podium as they got on it and picked it up as that marked the end of the simulation.
"Well, your student knows what he's doing," stated Obi-wan.
"So he does." Luna was smiling as she saw Storm and the three clones all high-five each other and give some pat on the backs as they proved they could work together. "This is the first step on becoming a Master and leader, Storm."
"He'll make a great Jedi, he may not be the chosen one to bring balance to the Force. But he's a great warrior, and he had a great teacher to guide him," smiled Obi-wan.
"Well, then. Is everything ready?" asked Luna to her friend.
"Just about, I'm gathering the final preparations for my ships. But I'll send Storm ahead to meet with Anakin."
"Thank you, Kenobi. Meanwhile, I've got a small mission to carry out on my own. And I'll be borrowing the clones, it shouldn't take long. Once the job is done, I'll send them to Christophsis to help aid you all."
"Very well, Luna. May the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you, Kenobi," said Luna as she left to talk with her student.
"Good work, Sark, Claude, Ricochet." said Storm as he was glad to have some troops who he could count on.
"We've got your back, Storm." said the Commander.
"Excellent training," said Luna as she made her presence to the group. "You've displayed some exceptional leadership skills, Storm. This is the first step to helping you understand what it means to lead an army under your command."
"Thanks, Luna."
"Now then, time to head off and meet with General Skywalker. I have a small mission to carry out and I'll be taking Sark, Claude, and Ricochet with me," said the Jedi Master. "Once the mission is done, I'll send the three of them to you. By then I hope that you'll have broken past the barricade and gotten the supplies needed to Senator Organa and the people below."
"You can count me, Master," said Storm. "Well, guys. I've got to go, but I'll see you soon. Just get ready, 'cause we're gonna be on the front lines."
"Good luck, Storm!" said all three clones.
"Storm, don't forget about the partnership that I mention about you and my sister's student. You'll be meeting her soon, for now, focus on helping the people and saving Christophsis. May the Force be with."
"Always," answered Storm to Luna as he gave a small bow and waved goodbye to his clone friends as he started to meet with Obi-wan.
"I was wondering what was taking you so long," said Obi-wan with some sarcasm.
"I had to say goodbye to Luna and wish her luck. Is the ship all fueled up?" asked Storm.
"She's prepped and all ready to fly," stated Obi-wan. "Remember, meet with Anakin and don't do anything rash. I have a plan that might work, but we need to make sure that Anakin doesn't do anything dangerous. So can I trust you to at least provide some level of sense with him?"
"I'll do my best, Obi-wan. But it's Anakin we're talking about, he tends to do things differently," said Storm.
"If only he would listen to what I say."
"A part of his behavior is because you're so strict and uptight. No wonder you're no fun." mocked Storm.
"Just get going," said Obi-wan with a groan. "Once I have the secret weapon all ready, I'll head out to help you."
"Roger that, see you soon, Kenobi." Storm then hopped into his ship as he turned it on.
It then began to activate as it tucked in its landing gear and then exited the hangar as he started to ascend into the atmosphere. Storm's ship was now exiting the planet's orbit as he then typed in the coordinates as he then made the jump to hyperspace.
The planet of Christophsis was in view as all around its orbit were tons of ships as some were trying to head to the planet only for them to be blasted and destroyed by the ships guarding it. Storm had just come out of hyperspace as he saw the scene in front of him.
"Seems, Anakin is already engaging them. Well, at least he started without me so now Obi-wan can't get mad at me for his actions," said Storm. He was then making his way to Anakin's star cruiser as he opened his frequency channel.
"This fighter #472, General Storm. Requesting permission to open the hanger and land."
"Fighter #472, you're cleared to land. Welcome General." said one of the clones as he opened the hangar bay doors and allowed the Jedi to land inside.
The doors opened as Storm piloted his ship into the hangar bays as they closed behind him. He landed on the hangar bay next to some other ships as the hood of his ship flipped open.
"Well, look who Obi-wan sent." said a person.
"I thought you'd be happy it's me and not the old hermit." joked Storm as he looked at the person who addressed him as it was another Jedi who was a bit older than him.
"Who are you referring to? Obi-wan or Luna?"
"Hmm, both." joked Storm as it got the other Jedi to laugh as well. "Good to see you again, Anakin."
"You as well, Storm." said the older Jedi as Storm got out of his ship.
"So, what's the report?" asked the younger Jedi as he began to walk with Anakin.
"Well, I'm sure Obi-wan and Luna told you, but right now we're struggling to get past the ships that are guarding Christophsis. And if don't break through soon, then Senator Organa and the people won't last much longer," stated Anakin and he and Storm made their way to the bridge. "Right now, we're gonna try to see if we can get through."
"Then let's hope we can, cause people are counting on us," stated Storm.
"By the way, I heard from Obi-wan that Luna got some troops of her own. So, how's it feel being a General of clones?" asked Anakin.
"You know what they say: Desperate times call for desperate measures." smiled Storm. "But right now, we need have a mission to fulfill." Both were heading forward to engage as tons of blue and red blasts were being traded between the two sections of ships.