The Clone Wars: Changing Tide --Volume 3--

                           Star Wars: The Clone Wars

                           Shifting Tides: Volume 3

         "To succeed in war, you must know your army as well as yourself."

The shadows of Vallen's dreams quickly receded as he rolled over within his bunk to deactivate the alarm. Beeping instantly being silenced by the swift application of force to the button. "If you're that swift on the battlefield…I think we'll be in luck if anything goes wrong." Rex said climbing from an elevated bunk. Vallen rose up, the data-pad being used to plan out the mission slid down his chest landing back in his hand as the other rubbed his eye. He had spent many hours the previous night, organizing the orders to be dispersed upon arriving at Ator.

Halifax's bed was already vacant. "Good morning to you as well captain" Vallen suggested as he pulled his shirt down over his head. The two began walking the corridors, trekking down to the main mess hall.

Walking through an observation deck en route, they looked down at the various sparring and simulations which were being run by both rookies as well as veterans. The distinctive armor of Halifax could be seen from the deck, his kama flapping as he paced down the line of shinnies, newly reserved for the 501st. "I'm sure if this glass wasn't built to buffer the continous thunder, we'd here his orders all the way up here" Rex spoke in jest, a small smile making itself known. As soon as it had come, it slowly disappeared, "..He was there on Geonosis; a baptism of fire that trained us all more than any simulation.  Hal will make sure they are as ready as they can be. Best guardian any batch of shinies could ask for right there."

A short while later the two were facing one another at the head of a lengthy metallic table within the expansive dining hall. Adjusting to food on kamino hadn't taken much effort for Vallen. Though not everything was identifiable, it was lean while being packed with nutrients and protein to boost the troops' fighting bodies, the primary weapon of any army. Within a matter of meals he felt improvements in conditioning, muscle memory, target practice, and lessening fatigue.

       "So why 1 pistol Haide?" Rex inquired, remembering back to the Major's first appearance on the platform a few days earlier. Through his own experiences, the other clone commanders all carried dual pistols modeled after Jango Fett's own personal fighting style.

"Duals are good for suppressive or close quarters, but not for much else. If my rifle fails, I prefer a single sidearm to remain agile and accurate…besides it's a 2- stage trigger. If squeezed and held it can match the firing rate of any pair of your DC's.." grinning with satisfaction before ending, "..a habit adapted from my academy days."

Rex was curious,  but stubbornly replied, "Now that is useful, but I'll be sticking with my dualies! Haven't failed me this far! HaHaHa!"

Beep! Beep! Beep!! Beep!! Beep!! Beep!!!

       Vallen's wrist comlink blinked as the alarm crescendoed in volume with each alert. Putting down the fork from within his hand, he pressed down upon the green square..

"Major Haide Valhallen" his voice sharply spoke. Pausing briefly, the methodical soft, dictating tone of a kaminoan voice came through the small speaker. "Good morning Major. The Formidable and accompanying frigates have emerged from hyperspace. Have your clone troopers prepared for disembarkation at 1900."

"Yes ma'am! Consider it done." Vallen again pressed his comlink as he grabbed his tray and stood from the bench.

"Captain, prepare Salvo Battalion for boarding. I want the men moving on as soon as the pads touchdown."  

"Right away sir!" with a nod Rex moved with haste to retrieve his armor and weapons from the locker. His afternoon just became a busy one..