[b]Surface of Ord Mantell
Inside the now Republic Stronghold
185th Attack Battalion[/b]

Commander Zeta switched on his night vision as the dust cloud from various explosions blocked out the alien sun. He activated his commlink. "All Captains get your wounded to the infirmary and all your other men to work on repairs to fortify this place. Then report to the north barracks." He turned to Major Ice, "Ice, help get this place up and going, direct the companies to wherever they're needed. I'll brief you on the battalion's condition when I get back." Ice shifted his gun to his shoulder, "I think I should be there at the briefing, I am your second-in-command." Zeta scowled behind his helmet, turning back and saying firmly "You will do as your ordered, Major. There is no need for you to be at the briefing. Now get going." Major Ice gave a sharp, if resentful, salute and ran off. Zeta sighed and made his way towards the north barracks.

His Captains were already there when he arrived, he took off his helmet, revealing his bushy beard and republic logo tattoo on the side of his head. Captain Pine, with his well trimmed goatee and twinkling eyes. Blade, with his scowl, burned face and milky eye. Ryker, his curly blonde hair and bizarre tribal tattoo. And Peck, his mohawk and mustache combination as strange as ever. Zeta set his helmet on the table and looked at Blade, asking solemnly "How many men did you lose?" Blade's scowl deepened "Thirty-Three." he replied. Zeta nodded, clasping his hand on Blade's shoulder. "We couldn't take the stronghold without their sacrifice." Blade shook his head, but said "I know." Zeta looked at the rest of the Captains. "What about your company, Pine?" Pine grinned and gave a thumbs up, "Minimal causalities, sir." Zeta looked at Ryker and Peck "And you two?" Peck stepped forward "Without the addition of Blade's remaining Platoons, I feel our casualties would have been much more significant, we only lost 4 or 5 squads." Zeta nodded. "Good work men, now, we have to get this place up and running for further operations. I'll report to Blue with our results. Dismissed." They all gave a sharp salute and marched out. Zeta sighed and picked up his helmet and slid it on, walking out as well.

[center]****[/center]

[b]Padawan Wae Koo
Aboard the Red Draigon[/b]

Padawan Wae Koo walked the halls of the Red Draigon towards the hangar. He had just been informed that the first Regiment had taken the CIS stronghold, led by his new master Jiyan Krik. He had never met Master Krik, though he had heard of him. Wae nodded to a passing clone as he entered the hangar. He saw the shuttle waiting to take him down to the surface. He leaped off the entry ramp and hit the ground in a roll, barreling towards the shuttle. An ancient technique that was taught to him by his brethren when he visited Mygeeto two years ago. He leaped again just short of the shuttle and landed right in front of his pilot, who briskly saluted him. "At ease, my friend, what is your name?" he inquired. "Lackluster, sir." Wae nodded, walking up the ramp. "Very well, Lackluster, please take me to the stronghold our forces have captured." Lackluster followed him up the ramp, "Right away, sir."

Soon after they were out of the hangar and flying towards the planet.