War... Bloody and heartbreaking war.

Countless souls subjected to his inclemency, to his heartbreaking thirst for blood.

Countless souls who lose their lives... Most... as mere accidents that could have been avoided. Innocent... Innocent souls who were simply in the wrong time and place.

And at the same time... the lives of those soldiers who fight for what they believe is just. Lost brothers in arms. Blood brothers separated by the kiss of desire. But no one suffers more than those who, even death, were denied.

Those who saw their own fall before their eyes. Those who lost part of themselves in the blaster field and the smell of iron and burning flesh. Some, whose minds will never be the same before the traumas caused... Others, whose mutilated bodies will never find rest between prostheses and cybernetic implants.

Silent corridors of the medical stations of the Republic are filled with the noise of footsteps and cries of the wounded and medical workers. Every cruise ship that arrives at its ports brings with it misfortune and pain. However, that momentary chaos will never compare to the absolute silence of loneliness. And it is in one of those hallways, where footsteps desecrate the vigil of constant calm.

Pablo: - How are you? - The general asked the paramedic who was with him, clearly nervous about his Padawan's condition.

Doctor: - His body is stable, but I couldn't say about his emotional state. We believe that when his bionic eyes burst, large bursts of energy may have affected his brain. -

Pablo: - Could that mean any permanent impact? -

Doctor: - I couldn't tell you. The Lieutenant is young and in good health... But the mind is still a mystery even in this millennium with all our technology. Giving an exact diagnosis will be impossible until the respective tests are performed. -

Pablo: - Are you awake yet? -

Doctor: - Yes. He opened his eyes just a few hours ago. I guess seeing a familiar face will help. -

And so, the Jedi Master followed the medical clone through the station. The rumble of his footsteps in the silent hallways made the Jedi feel a strange tingle on his back... Like a prelude to bad luck. A hunch?... It would be very difficult to define. And finally, they both reached the door that led to the room where the young padawan lay.

Pablo: - Here? -

Doctor: - Yes. Remember. No strong emotions. He should rest as much as he can so that... BUT WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING!? -

The doctor's sudden displeasure was not unjustified. As soon as they opened the door, both clone and Jedi were surprised to see the Padawan doing push-ups on the living room floor. He wasn't wearing his robe, and judging by his sweaty face, it's possible he had been that way for a while before his arrival.

Roy: - Ah, teacher, Doctor. It's good that they arrived. I wanted to order something to eat. I'm terribly hungry. -

Doctor: - He is supposed to be resting. -

Roy: - Mmmm... I feel good. -

Doctor: - Whether you feel well and your body is well are two different things. He should be lying down. -

Pablo: - Calm down doctor. My padawan is usually quite stubborn. -

Doctor: - Well... You know him better than me. But I still need to examine it. -

The young human did not object to following the health worker's instructions. A series of tests and physical examinations to check the state of his organic parts, since Roy was more machine than young after all. And after the boring checkup, everything seemed to be stable.

Doctor: - Well... That's all from me. I'm leaving for now. -

Roy: - Remember something to eat. -

Doctor: - Yes yes... I will inform the staff so they can bring you something. -

And so, the doctor retired, leaving teacher and student alone. They both couldn't help but laugh when they saw each other, before Roy sat on the bed and Pablo on the living room couch.

Pablo: - You know... I always wondered how... the issue of eating works for you? -

Roy: - It's not very different... I still need nutrients, so I have a system that separates the components of food and sends them to my organs. Too bad my sense of taste is intact... Otherwise, I wouldn't have to taste those military rations. -

Pablo: - With some luck... You'll be able to eat something different this time. -

Roy: - May the Force listen to him... And... How is the rest? -

Pablo: - Worried... Everyone is eager to see you. -

Roy: - I see... Me too. -

It was a pleasant talk, but soon Roy's face lost the smile and shine that usually characterized it.

Roy: - I found out about Collin. - Pablo sighed when he heard it.

Pablo: - Khorm... It really was a difficult campaign. We lost a lot of good men... Collin was one of the best. -

Roy looked at his teacher. The young man felt satisfied in some way, now that he saw how even a full-fledged Jedi was even beginning to value the clones under his command. Still, Roy leaned against the back of his bed while resting his hands on his head.

Roy: - Four months... I've missed a lot of things. -

Pablo: - Quite a bit... They have been quite curious times. - I mention with some amusement.

Roy: - Wow... That's new. Coming from you. -

Pablo: - Things change, young Padawan... Things change. -

Roy: - I see. -

They both saw each other again, happy for the sudden changes and the reunion... But it was time to talk about less pleasant topics.

Pablo: - Roy... Look... I know you won't agree but... some council teachers disagree with you continuing your military service. And I... I agree with them. -

Roy: - I... I understand it but... I... -

The padawa's face darkened again. I knew he was right. He knew the advice was right. But... How would I be able to just turn my back on everything?

Pablo: - Some of us have talked about it... You will be granted the opportunity to be part of the Temple Guard... You have shown that you have skill, and that you can protect the secrets of the Jedi... I believe it too... .And I think it would be the best for you. -

The young man thought about it for a moment. It wasn't a bad offer considering his condition and what happened. War was simply no place for a teenager like him... but...

Roy: - I... Master... I understand what both you and the council decided... I am aware that it is a difficult situation but... I can still give more... I want to protect this galaxy in the best way What is... On the front... Next to the clones... Not behind some walls on Coruscant. I implore you... to speak to the council... When this war is over I will carry out your will without refuting... But give me the opportunity to be useful in this cause. -

Words that came from the young man's own heart, regardless of whether it was circuits and cables. His will was still burning. I wanted to fight... I wanted to be useful. Not for honor... Not for revenge... Not for fame... Pablo already knew that Roy was not attached to any of that... He was only motivated to fight for what he believed was right. So... so be it.

Roy watched with some concern as the Jedi stood up and turned his back on him. He feared the worst, especially while he waited for the response from the one he called master. I wouldn't be ready for the truth though.

Pablo: - I'll see you in bay 7 when you finish eating. -

Roy: - Huh? That? -

Pablo: - Wasn't this what you wanted? -

Roy: - Yes but... So easy? Aren't you going to try to convince me or anything? -

Pablo: - Not really. Master Yoda knew you were going to say that... So I'm not surprised. -

Roy: - That little guy knows me too much. - He said funny.

Pablo: - You are not the wisest of all of us in vain... Lieutenant... I await your return... Report as soon as you are ready. - He said in a military tone.

Roy: - Sir, yes sir.- He responded in the same way.

And so, the general left the room, heading towards his destination while the young padawan sighed in relief as he fell onto the mattress.

He would fight until he had no strength left. He would protect his men and his ideals with every ounce of his being. Giving up was never an option, and this opportunity was not going to be wasted.

Maybe he should talk to Ashoka and ask about that rigorous training that Master Skywalker imposed on him.