The Clone Wars: Changing Tide --Volume 2.0--

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Changing Tides: Volume 2.0

War is an uneasy business. Escape it when you can."


The three officers continued down the luminescent corridors of Timira City. Every element of the hall white to human eyes with slight hints of blue, pink, and purple hues. As the door before them swirled open, it divided into three segments. The first curling to the ceiling while the others swiftly slid down into their positions within the floor.

Looking to his left, Rex's attention was stolen by a gap in the wall which revealed a view of hallways undergoing further construction. "They're expanding the cloning facilities here as well as Tipoca City. Apparently a result of an executive order from Chancellor Palpatine. In order to explore more "efficient" cloning methods." Vallen intuitively answered before Rex thought to pose the question.

Rex's eyes pursed together straining to see what details his vision could reveal. He knew the army needed to be expanded. DNA of the original host, provided by Jango Fett, were getting harder to replicate without defects. The captain wondered why an executive order straight from the top had been made when all that was necessary for an expansion of forces was a simple speech followed by an easy senate committee vote. His brow rose, releasing the internal debate from deeper thought. Turning to Halifax and Vallen, "The more troopers we have, the harder we can take it to the Seppies!" "Ha ha ha, Hazzah to that Captain." Vallen said, his signature one sided grin revealing itself as they continued.

They stepped into their officers' quarters. The walls starkly contrasted against the brightly lit white walls that dominated Kamino. Halifax looked at the walls curiously, "Is this a new officer upgrade? Yes or no, I'll enjoy not having to sleep in my helmet when I'm home." The trio laughed in agreement. Rex smiled as he laid down on his cold rack, crossing his arms behind his head, "Complaining has never been my strong suit, but having the use of my eye lids, this is good.." Vallon, nodded his head, "I wasn't sure what you'd prefer being born here, but we can't afford for your eyes to adjust and readjust due to our quickly approaching deployment. Never hurts to grab up a few scraps of metal from the construction area though."

BoWEEP WEEP!!    BoWEEP WEEP!!

A red flashing light blinked on the hologram table at the center of the room. Vallen approached the table pressing down the button with both middle and pointer fingers. Clicking into place, the humming and crackling of the hologram began to emanate from the projector. Rex and Halifax snap quickly from their bunks and draw near the table.

A hologram of Jedi General Anakin Skywalker appeared. "Rex. Commander. Its good to see you two after receiving the battle reports from Umbara. I should have never left the battle." "It's a war General.." Halifax struggled to finish the sentence, but found himself unable to find logic in the actions of Krell. Rex quickly interceded, "..and war determines which of the strongest will rise..THAT was us sir." "As always Rex, your perseverance sets a high standard for the 501st as well as myself" calmly said the hologram. "Me too Rex!" a playful voice blurted from beyond the hologram as Ahsoka popped her head into the blue message, delivering a lighthearted smile, "Rest up Rexy old-boy!"

Skywalker continued with the briefing while shoving Snips out of range. "Alright. Your next mission will be executed by the Major, who has my consent to utilize full operational command- second only to Rex and myself. Your mission is as follows: The cruiser, Formidable, will be arriving to pick up Salvo battalion in a day or so. The battalion's arrival in the Ubese system directly corresponds with the ongoing negotiations taking place on Ator. Master A' Sharad Hett and Knight Sakiko Ryuuzaki are meeting with the planet's current regime to discuss terms of Republic guardianship. Since they are an inner core system, it is necessary that a presence be there to serve as an early warning system for Coruscant. Simply rendezvous, demonstrate minimal presence, bring the Jedi back, and a post will be set up if all goes well."

"Consider it done General." Rex said confidently with a nod towards the glowing blue figure pictured above the table. "I'm glad. The task couldn't be in more capable hands. May the force be with you." "And you sir!" The three said as they snapped to attention. The blue lined figure of Anakin faded down into the table leaving a void in the barren room.

"Concise and to the point. Best Jedi for briefings." Halifax stated, turning to his rack removing the armor from his forearms. "I guess that's where you get it from then." Vallen said lightly causing a smirk from Rex, who was unsnapping the connectors on his customized chest plate.

"Lets get that drink, shall we?" Vallen inquired, throwing on his cleanest shirt adorned with the 8 pronged emblem of the republic...