End of Peace/Act 3

Trigg wiped a bead of sweat from his brow as he pressed forward. Grey squad had spread out around him, while Zay walked beside him. A line of AT-TE walkers marched slowly behind them amidst a cluster of clones and scout walkers. General Kolar was present in one of the walkers, looking over reports and communicating with Admiral Kilarin aboard the Reclaimer. Trigg looked ahead, like a stone as he maintained a visual on their surroundings. At his call, Grey Squad would be ready to fire at a moments notice, and Zay would be just as quick to fight as he had demonstrated earlier.

They had been in the pass for nearly a half-hour, as fog began to settle over the top of the cliff ridges. It was unsettling, both mentally and strategically. Trigg found himself running scenarios in his head, and planning the best possible response, another skill he had developed in the ARC program. His mentor seemed to be pretty impressed with the ability aside from his namesake. He turned his head slightly, looking at Zay. The young man had dirt on areas of his face. He was looking downward with his hilt still in hand; not on his belt. It only took Trigg a moments glance to realize what Zay was thinking. He was dwelling on past thoughts. Zay turned to the commander inquisitively," Trigg, tell me more about the ARC program. I heard about it when we got back from Geonosis, and I was curious."

"What I can say about it, is very little sir."

"Well by all means," he said as they continued to walk.

"After Geonosis, a few of us clone officers were pulled back to Kamino. In the program, we were taught to learn what made us different, rather than what made us the same. Sometimes that was physical or mental. I grew close to a couple of them. There was one man in particular, by the name of Dodge. A great commander, and greater friend."

"You two fight together on Geonosis?"

"Not together. My unit was part of the group that accompanied Grand Master Yoda into the arena. He wasn't in our platoon."

"Do you know where he's stationed now?"

"Not a clue sir. He commands the fifty-sixth boys, who like us, are no joke. They know how to get it done, so there's no doubt they are on the front-lines like us. Before we graduated the program, we were given our assignments. I was assigned to General Kolar. For Dodge, I believe he was sent to serve under a woman by the name of Viera Cacete.

"I know of her. I ran into her a few times while training at the Temple. Quite a sight."

Trigg raised a brow at Zay, who only responded with a shrug. "Jaing," the commander said as he turned to his right, "causality report."

"One gunship, and one all terrain assault transport. We have about ten wounded, and five dead."

"Statistics for Grey Squad?"

"We're all clear sir. No injuries accounted for."

"Just wait till we get to the city wall," Shad called out behind the three of them.

"Or, when we get inside," Flade added as he jogged up beside Zay.

"I expect all of you to be ready at all times," Trigg interjected.

"Yes commander," Flare responded.