Chap. 3 - Steel Wall

Roy swung his lightsaber without holding back, slicing through the hundreds of tins displayed in front of him. The OOM unit in charge of the defense had no idea what was happening, and by the time the reports came in it was too late. The gate of the capital city of Gala had fallen, and the thousands of troops of the 194th poured like a white tide into the city.

With security assured in the area, Pablo-Jill and the commander met at the entrance.

Pablo-Jill: - Commander. Good job breaking those defenses. -

Clone Commander: - Thank you very much, General. -

Pablo-Jill: - And... Where is my Padawan? -

Clone Commander: - This... you'll see... -

Pablo-Jill: - He's in front with the rest, right?

Clone Commander: - Yes... sir. -

Just as the clone claimed, the enthusiastic Roy couldn't sit idly by while the rest of his men hogged all the fun. The capital city of Gala was practically surrendered and only a few isolated groups remained. Even so, the Padawan remained at the head of a very enthusiastic group.

While the young man reflected the shots coming from the droid formations, the clones behind him responded under the security of their new commander, and at his side was a very particular clone. He was a captain, with his characteristic blue patterns decorating his armor. He was leading a sizeable group of troops and recklessly wielding a Z-6 rotary cannon. A brutal weapon that devastated the battlefield.

Roy: - Nice toy. - He said jokingly while reflecting several enemy blasters.

Clone captain: - Yours is not bad either, boy. -

Roy: - Roy. Roy Cameron. -

Clone Captain: - Hammer. -

Roy: - I thought you guys didn't use names. -

Hammer: - We may be clones, but we are all different. -

Roy: - A pleasure to fight by your side, Captain Hammer. -

Hammer: - Same here, Commander Roy. -

After seeing a gap in the enemy defenses, the captain ordered his troops to advance. Roy led the way, making a perfect shield for the clones, who welcomed the young Padawan's presence. The young man was somewhat temperamental and stubborn, but he seemed to have a notion of how to protect his own.

Combat continued for several hours, clearing the capital city of every trace of droids, until completely unexpectedly, the droids stopped firing and shut down. As if they had suddenly run out of power. The clones remained attentive, even so, Roy approached the closest one to see what had happened. He punched and kicked them a couple of times, but this one just wouldn't budge. Until the captain received a call on the commander's holo-comm.

Clone Commander: - Good job gentlemen. He informs us that the Lucrehulk ship was shot down, and with it, all droid control in the sector. Gala is freed from the separatist occupation. Officers, meet me at the entrance. Commander Roy, if you're hearing this, the general wants to see it. -

The clones turned and looked at the young Padawan, who had the face of someone who knew he was in for a good scolding.

Hammer: - First day and you've already made the general angry. Congratulations. It's all a record. I doubt anyone can top it. - The comment provoked laughter from all the clones who heard it.

Roy: - Ha ha. Very funny. - He said ironically.

Hammer: - All right, guys. Pick it all up and take those scraps to the nearest recycling center. -

Clones: - Yes, sir. -

Roy and the clone captain left the rest, and headed for the designated location. A large number of LAAT/i descended from an Arquitens cruiser, which served as a temporary station to secure the planet. Fresh clones replaced the ones that had fought, taking up multiple positions throughout the city.

Under the shadow of the huge city gates, the clone commander stood with three other captains who had already arrived, discussing the previous events, the casualties suffered, and the resources recovered. And next to them, General Pablo-Jill, who wasn't particularly excited to see his new Padawan.

Pablo: - Finally you arrive. -

Roy: - Hello... - His lack of protocol made the officers a little doubtful.

Pablo: - I must say that I had my doubts, but you did a good job capturing that fortification. -

Roy: - Well... The truth is that... - He tried to tell the truth, but the clone commander beat him to it.

Clone Commander: - If you allow me to speak, General, the commander's participation was very appropriate. He made the most optimal decision to avoid the least amount of casualties possible. -

Paul: - Is that true? -

Roy: - Eh... Yes... It is. - He said surprised while looking at the commander, because he did not expect such an intervention.

The Jedi Knight looked at both individuals for a moment, his large eyes exchanging glances as he scratched his chin with his finger in doubt, but in the end he decided to believe his story. Or by giving him to understand that.

Paul: - Very good. Commander, assemble your men and prepare to leave in two hours. Roy, come with me. Now that the battle is over, we have a lot to talk about. -

The Jedi retreated to a LAAT/i, which brought them back to the fleet's flagship Venator. The Unpolluted. A massive space cruiser with massive firepower, large engines, and a large deflector shield. The jewel of the Republic fleet.

Meanwhile, on land.

Hammer: - Did you just... cover it up? -

Clone Captain 2: - It seems that the "calm commander" is giving in a bit with his attitude towards superiors. -

Clone Commander: - He's young and kind of crazy, but he knows what he's doing. And stop talking. We have things to do. On going. We'll have time later. -

Captains: - Yes, sir. -

Aboard the Venator, the Jedi Knight and his Padawan were discussing the battle when they received a call from the command post. It was Master Yoda, whose image could be seen through the holo-projector.

Pablo: - Master Yoda, it's a pleasure to see you again. -

Roy: - Hello teacher. - He said very informally.

Pablo: - Show more respect, Padawan. - The little scolding was interrupted by Yoda's slight laugh.

Yoda: - Your Padawan is very energetic. -

Pablo: - My most sincere apologies, teacher. I have not yet been able to teach him discipline and respect. -

Yoda: - Worry about that you shouldn't. There is always time to teach. An important mission I must entrust to you. -

Paul: - What should I do? -

Yoda: - Very rigid you have always been. This new padawan will also teach you. They must go to the Christophsis system. Reinforcements for Generals Kenobi and Skywalker will be. -

Pablo: - We will leave immediately, teacher. May the force be with you. -

Yoda: - May the force be with you. - And the transmission ended.

Pablo: - Admiral, have all the troops board immediately. We will leave for Chistophsis as soon as possible. -

Admiral: - Yes, sir. -

Pablo: - And you, Padawan. Come with me. -

The interior of the Venator was in chaos. Thousands of clones moved from one place to another arranging supplies and taking up positions, and in less than ten minutes, a small flotilla of three ships commanded by the Impoluto. Even so, in a room far from all hustle and bustle, were the jedi knight and his padawan.

Pablo: - Very well, Padawan. It's time for your first lesson. -

Roy: - Great. I can't wait for your teachings, masters. -

The young human took the lightsaber in his hand. He didn't turn it on, but was ready to do so any time his master gave the signal. His face showed great emotion, but Pablo dampened all the enthusiasm when without saying a word he sat cross-legged on the metal floor.

Pablo: - Sit down, young padawan. Your first lesson is going to be a long talk. '

Roy: - Really? - He asked discouraged. - I thought that... '

Pablo: - Sit down, now. -

The Padawan immediately understood his master's look. He put the lightsaber away without another word and sat up slowly the same way the Jedi knight was. And with a simple glance, it was possible to understand perfectly who was the one with the authority. Then, when Roy had recognized his place, the teacher spoke.

Pablo: - You are too impulsive. Disrespectful. I don't know what they were doing with you in the Temple, but I assure you that here it will be very different. This... is war. And I cannot allow such an irresponsible attitude under my command. Have I been clear? -

Roy: - Yes, teacher. - He said crestfallen.

Paul: - Good. You will start from the lowest rank. Even lower than the privates if necessary. Understood? -

Roy: - But... -

Paul: - Understood? - He cut him off.

Roy: - Yes... general. -

Roy's final tone was different. Roy's face changed. That cheerful air that emanated from him faded, giving way to a colder, expressionless look. Something that Pablo noticed very clearly. For a second he wondered if he had gone too far, but then he stood his ground. Roy was very emotional, not at all suitable for a Jedi. He had many flaws, and if he wanted to abide by the rules of the order and become a Jedi one day, he had to acquire discipline. It had to be straighter. And Paul had to stand firm before him.

Paul: - Very good. Now let's meditate. -

Roy: - Yes... teacher. -

They both closed their eyes, and meditated as they traveled through hyperspace.

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