@Edgehawk , @Shlambate , @satkaz , @Kymrel , @Matt Skywalker , @Sterf , @SHADOWGUARD CHAMPION and @Stneu73

A galaxy at war! Although the clone wars is only in its first year of conflict, countless lives and untold destruction has plagued the galaxy! To counter the endless droid forces of the sinister Count Dooku, the Republic is forced to produce more and more clone troopers to send to the battlefield. On the planet Kamino, Jedi master Shaak Ti casts a watchful eye over the new recruits of the Grand Republic Army. But clone troopers alone are not enough it seems. In these trying times, auxiliary units are called to action, training with clone troopers before being led into battle by the Jedi generals and commanders. One can only hope that this is enough to drag the galaxy back from the brink of destruction!

Cyclone squad was one of the few squads to have been attached a non-clone specialist in an experiment to see how effective a tactic this is. Although their specialist had only been with them for a few days, the clones themselves had been together since their birth. Non one knew them better than each other, and that was a fact. They had been under the tutelage of an elderly Rodian called Krann Jcoc. It was said in his youth he was a celebrated hunter on his home planet before age finally caught up. Now he spent his time on Kamio, training squad after squad of cadets, with Cyclone squad being his latest endeavour. Like the rest of the troopers in the city, Cyclone squad were sound asleep for the moment within the pods set into the wall, though they were about to receive a very rude awakening. The door to the room that Cyclone squad shared with a few other squads would hiss open, pale light from the corridor spilling into the room. This would be accompanied by the light clink of a couple of small cylinders rolling into the room, coming to rest dead centre. All at one there would be a terrific bang followed by the hiss of gas filling the room from the cylinders. It would not take long for the noxious fumes to begin to seep into the sleeping pods as the rooms alarm system begins to blare, and the red emergency lights begin to flash to life. Within moments of this, the pods would begin to fly open as the confused and sleep deprived cadets leap from their beds, coughing heavily as they inhale the gas. There is utter pandemonium in the room as clones bump into each other, yelling to try and make head or tails of the chaos, looking for their armour and squad mates. Most would make a dash to leave the room through the open door to the corridor in an attempt to escape the gas rapidly reaching the ceiling of the room.

Stood outside the room was the suspet who had begun all this madness. He was a true giant of a man, at least seven foot tall and built like a professional wrestler. The uniform that only just contained his bulk was that of a drill sergeant, and across his chest was a bandoleer of the canisters he had thrown into the room. In one hand was a genuine swagger stick and in the other a battered looking megaphone. Perhaps the most imposing thing about the man was his face though. His hair was cut short around his skull, except for his beard, which was fiery red and so big and bushy it looked as if a someone had stapled an animal to his chin. Above this were a set of eyes that burnt almost as brightly as his beard, flicking rapidly from side to side as he examines each clone upon their escape. His drill sergeant cap is pushed firmly over his head as he chews on a smouldering cigar, making a foul smell waft about the man. It is safe to say that the clones of Kamino had never seen a man quite like this.

Still clenching the cigar in his teeth, he would raise the megaphone and at point blank range bellow into it with the equivalent decibel of a small space battle. 'Good morning children! I hope you are bright eyed and bushy tailed, because as of five minutes ago, it became morning, or at least it became morning for you sorry sacks of poodoo! Now line up against the wall, don't keep me waiting! Come on, quicker, quicker!' He would carry on bawling at the cadets until the last one was stood to attention against the wall opposite him.

Meanwhile, a Republic Corvette was making its way through hyperspace, heading for the planet Kamino. It's cargo, a single Jedi Apprentice, on route to the planet as part of a new test the Republic carried out. Unlike the clones on the surface, the Padawan had a luxurious and uneventful journey in on the the more opulent cabins. There would be a light nock on the door to the cabin before it hisses open, revealing a clone trooper. 'Sorry to disturb you commander, but we have almost reached Kamino. We will be dropping out of hyperscape in a few minutes'. With that the door would slide shut, leaving the Padawan alone. They little had been disclosed of the purpose on Kamino, but it would not be long before the truth was known.

After almost a year on Coruscant, it feels good to be out in the world again, on a ship headed to a faraway planet. But for Jedi Padawan Anler Tar, this trip brings up mixed emotions. He recalls his time with his fallen master. The large, clumsy-looking Ithorian had been his mentor for just over a year, and his death had hit him hard. Perhaps his disposition had been the reason there was no new offer from a Jedi Knight to take Anler as a Padawan. Or perhaps it had been the fact that so many knights and masters had fallen at the onset of the war, there simply weren’t enough masters to train all the masterless Padawans.

And now he had been sent to Kamino for reasons that had not been explained to him. He is in the middle of a meditation routine when a clone trooper disturbs him, telling him the ship is about to jump out of hyperspace.

“Thank you, corporal,” he replies to the clone soldier. He looks over the quarters given to him on the Corvette and quickly gathers up his belongings. Not that there is much to collect. A few changes of clothing are stuffed into his bag and his tool belt is strapped around his waist. He puts on his brown robes and attaches his lightsaber to the belt.

As he does, he can feel the shudder as the ship jumps out of hyperspace, and then again as the Republic Corvette enters the atmosphere. He gets out of his quarters, the bag with his clothes over his shoulder, and heads to the bridge. Once there, he says farewell to the captain and the bridge staff. As the ship lands, he’s already at the airlock. As it hisses open and he walks out of the ship, he is immediately soaked by the heavy rain as he hurries to the large, white building next to the landing pad.

As he does he can't help wondering why the Force has led him to this alien world.

"What the!?!" CT-4216 thought as the gas canisters clinked on the floor. This was definitely a novel way to wake up, but he could do without the gas spreading throughout the room.

"Alright, time to wake up." In his head, he thanks that little clerical error that pulled him from medical training to vehicle training for a while. It taught CT-4216 to react to sudden changes, as no one wanted to be stuck in a closed compartment when something wrong was happening. Some of the squad was already up, but the rest seemed to be getting up slower than needed. It took a bit to get the armor on, not helped by the fact that the Kaminoans apparently didn't understand how the human shape worked.

"GET UP! GAS, GAS, GAS!"

CT-4216 bashes his fist outside of the pods while yelling, making sure more of his squad gets the message. For the ones that are up, he points to the door. "EVERYONE, GET OUT THERE!"

Still, the first few coughs were a sign that the gas was starting to affect him...

CT-9182 woke up abruptly when he could no longer breath easily in his sleep pod. Coughing and wheezing he looked around at what was going on. ' Tear Gas?!? Why was there Tear Gas in the barracks. ' He thought to himself.

Getting out of his pod he yelled, " Cover your mouths Boys till we can get our Armor on . This stuff is... " he Started coughing again a bit worse than when he got up, " Nasty. "He noticed CT-4216 already up and pounding away at another member of Cyclone Squads pods. " Cover your mouth Brot..." his sentence interrupted by a hacking cough, it seems 9182 may have sucked in a bit more Tear Gas than most of his brothers. He have CT-4216 a look to confirm that the message was delivered.

Something's not right.. That is CT-5472's first thought, as he awakens with a start. Already rolling out of his pod, he starts to... Gas?! "Gas!! Gas!! Up Up All Hands! Gas!!" Grabbing his helmet first.. "Cyclones!! Roll-out! Helmets first! Keep low until your helmet's secure! Gas!" ...the cadet gathers the rest of his armor and his DC-17s, and makes his way to the exit, checking on the members of his squad as he goes.

Along the way, he helps steer a stumbling cadet who is obviously experiencing some difficulty. He can't tell if it's a squadmate or not, in the chaos, but it's a trooper in trouble.

The corridor outside the barracks is no less frantic, with the klaxons and emergency lighting. This is impossible.. "Cyclones!! Sound-off!" He starts the roll-call: "5-4-7-2!"

Loud noise wakes CT-8128 up. He notices he can't breath properly. As he hears his squad members shouting warnings about gas, he immediately starts the trained procedure. Put on your helmet first, then the rest of your equipment. Unfortunately he manages to get his helmet but struggles to get the rest of his equipment in the chaos.

Finally he manages to take his position next to his squadmates in the corridor, but he knows he was too slow. The look on the face of the sergeant confirms that.

Lana summers expected rough, not tear gas. This was the worst

She couldn't breath. She could barley think. Finally she stood like the rest

The tear gas was getting to CT-4216 for a moment before he heard CT-9182's advice. "Should have paid attention a bit more in class...I'll have to thank 9182 later."

Covering his mouth, he nods at 9182 before heading further in the room to grab his own helmet and DC-15 blaster rifle. On the way, he notices that CT-8218 is struggling with getting his armor up. "Must have been scattered in the confusion. At least he has the helmet on. He'll be fine."

A moment later, CT-4216 notices that another trooper and the former thief from Nar Shadda, Lana Summers, aren't doing so well. The trooper struggles with his own helmet, while Summers seems to be standing haphazardly.

"Here, let me help." CT-4216 helps the trooper get his helmet on properly. "You good, brother?" The trooper nods and thanks 4216 before heading out the door.

As for Lana, CT-4216 went up to her. "Here, ma'am, let me get you out." Draping one of her arms around his neck, holding her arm with one hand and DC-15 on the other, he starts walking towards the corridor. As both of them walked out of the room, CT-5472 was starting a roll-call.

" 4-2-1-6, here! I got Summers with me!" After confirming that Lana was well enough to stand on her own, CT-4216 stood to attention with the rest of the squad.

As summers leaves the room she looks at the clone helping her. "Don't touch me!!"

"Alright, alright, letting go, letting go." CT-4216 says, backing away a bit with hands raised. Clearly, he didn't expect this reaction.

"...Guess you're alright." He would have said more, but the look on Lana's face said otherwise. "Take care, ma'am."

As he headed towards the now-forming line, CT-4216 shook his head. In his mind, if anyone in the unit was in trouble, he needed to make sure that they survived. Blaster bolt fire, shrapnel, or a gas attack, it didn't matter.

Surely, the auxiliaries would have appreciated someone watching their health. Guess that wasn't the case.

"...They're confusing, that's for sure."

But CT-4216 had to push that thought in the back of his head. There were other matters to attend to.

" 9-1-8-2 Present and accounted for " he said as CT-5472 called out for roll. CT-9182 could see that his brother's were not nearly as badly affected as he was however the mercenary sent to train with them, Lana wasn't doing much better either.

"I'm in agreement. And thanks, brother."

Noting that CT-9182's eyes were bloodshot, CT-4216 spoke "After this, rinse your eyes out with cool running water. Shouldn't be hard to find."

"Now...let's get in line. Wouldn't want to be the last man out of place."

" Water on a Planet like Kamino, sounds easy enough... Maybe I'll go for a swim. Thanks for the advice Doc. " CT-9182, stood himself between 8128 and 4216, awaiting further commands from the Drill Sargent who was timing all the clones in the barracks.

CT-5472 eyes the line, listening as his squad sounds off. The position of Squad Leader rotates during training, allowing them all to experience the responsibility the role entails, but he takes his turn at it seriously. Miss Summers is shaking off CT-4216's assistance, as they both emerge from the barracks. Her attachment to the squad has not been well-received, but they have it from on-high that it is not a temporary thing- they will need to embrace the Specialist as a member of their team, like it or not... Acklay Squad is getting ready to report, and CT-xxxx is still out-of-ranks... "4216, 8128: Find CT-xxxx and get him out here!"

The novice leader hopes he does not find himself in the unenviable position of reporting half his squad out-of-ranks...

CT-4216 responds "Yes, sir!"

He pats CT-8218's shoulder before motioning him to follow. "We got a brother to find, 8218."

As they head back to the room, CT-4216 is feeling a bit embarassed. "How did I miss a fellow brother in there?"

CT-8128 reacts immediately, following 4216. "You search to the right, I'll cover the left side."

"Got it." As CT-4216 swept the room on the left side, he made sure to check each and every pod. "ANYONE IN THERE?" he yelled, seeing if there was any response. None responded.

"Funny if some of our brothers slept through the noise and confusion." he said to 8128 as he cleared another pod. "If that were the case, we have some heavy sleepers...and people in serious need of medical attention."

"We probably have stragglers, though. Let's find them." And so, CT-4216 kept on checking the pods on the left side, taking a glance further down the room just in case someone was just struggling with armor.

"Thank the Force for these helmets. Makes it very easy to get through the gas."

CT-7777 slid down the ladder from his bunk on the top row of pods stopping once he neared the bottom and could make out some voices, it seemed the drill sergeants were having fun the auxillaries and his fellow clones, not so much. It would be best to get as close to his armor as possible before dropping down so he grabbed hold of the nearest bunk and used it to swing himself closer to his locker. Once there he quickly opened it and pulled on his helmet, he would have to thank 9182 later, and then quickly donned the rest of his armor. He grabbed his DC-17 and hjs snap batton before heading out of the room, "I think that's it." He calls before grunting in fursteration and heading back in t help check the bunks with 8218, and 4216. He had almost forgotten a squadmate, that wasn't a good thing to do.

The pouring rain of the planet soaked every inch of the landing platform, so much so it was a true miracle of engineering that the city did not disappear beneath the water. It was still pitch black as young Padawan Tar disembarked from the corvette. It was not more than a few minutes before the roar of engines forced the mass of metal back into the sky, flinging cold spray of the Padawan, as well as the three figures who were making their way to the platform.

The first was easily recognizable as a Kaminoan, perhaps female judging by their attire. She was dressed in the long white robes her species so often wore. In on hand she held a data pad, which she was failing to keep protected from the elements. Her graceful strides were followed by two smaller figures, both being buffeted around by the gale force winds that whipped across the city surface.

The second individual was dressed in the phase one clone trooper armour. The clone was partially illuminated by the lights set into the path, revealing a white and red shark like grin painted over the lower part of his helmet, which also featured a protective peak over his visor, and a small set of powerful lights that lit up the Padawan as he approached. Painted square on the chest of his armour was a large black crosshair, and along the top right side of his helmet was the phrase 'Back from the dead', written in basic. He also wore shoulder pauldron and kamas, both dyed a coal black with a thin white outline. The lower legs of his armour had also been painted the same shade of black, and a thin line of the colour ran up both arms, covering his shoulder pads and the collar of the armour. The crest of his helmet was the same black colour, and ran down the front of his helmet to his chin. Judging by the four red vertical lines on his armour, this clone was some kind of ranking officer.

The third would be easily recognizable as the Jedi Master Shaak Ti. The hood of her robes would be pulled over her red and white face as the brown material whips behind her like bat wings. She seemed to be fairing marginally better than the clone, but it was obvious which of the three had spent the most time dealing with this weather.

'Padawan Tar?' Shaak Ti would shout as loud as she could to be heard over the rain. 'Please follow me, let us get out of this rain so we can be heard'. She would gesture for the young Padawan to join her before going to hurry back to the large domed building they had emerged from.

Emerging in the main entrance, Shaak Ti would lower her hood, sighing slightly as she turns back to the Padawan. 'Apologies for the weather young one, it is a common occurrence on this planet'. She would gesture to the drenched pair that stood with her, introducing them. 'This is ZU Purro of the Kaminoan administration'. The Kaminoan would dip her head in greeting, though would not say anything, simply busying herself with the data pad. 'And this is CT-1274, a major in the Grand Army of the Republic'. As Shaak Ti introduces him, the major would go to remove his helmet, revealing a clean shaven head, the phrase from his helmet tattooed in the same position on his skull as it was on the helmet. 'The men call me Zombie, pleased to meet you commander' he would say, snapping of a quick salute. 'I'm sure you have a lot of question about why you are here' Shaak Ti would say in a soft voice as she begins to lead the others down the a corridor deeper into the building. As she does there would be a low thud in the distance before the red warning lights in the ceiling blink on. 'A drill' Zombie would say quickly as the others glance up. 'The new drill sergeant must have introduced himself to the men'. A thin smile would appear on the Jedi masters lips. 'Well, perhaps we should go see what this training is?'

Meanwhile, the clones were offered a much less hospitable greeting from the drill sergeant. 'You maggots have five seconds to get up against that wall before you find out how cold the ocean out there is when I throw you in there!' he would bellow, pacing up and down the growing line of bleary eyed clones.

As CT-8128 emerges from the room the man would reach out, grabbing the clone by the scruff of his armour as he practically yanks him off his feet. 'Nice of you to join us snail trail! If you don't get it together I will shove my boot down your throat so far that I can polish it with your intestines!' he would roar in the clones face before releasing him, moving along the slowly forming line. 'What is it boys? Tear gas not enough to wake you lot up? If this had been a Separartist attack you'd all be dead! ****, I could have beaten half of you to death with my bare hands in there!'

Seeing a few of Cyclone Squad dive back into the room, his mouth would drop open as if in shock. 'What the **** is this? I don't know what is worse, this embarrassing response time or the fact you left a brother in there! I am embarrassed to be stood here watching you disgraces!' He would jab his swagger stick at the smoke filled room as he bawls at the clones inside. 'If you are not out in three seconds, I will shut this door and let you all suffocate! Now get a bleeding move on!'

Sighing as if in despair the sergeant would turn away, pacing back up the line as he begins to bellow once more. 'I have to say, I have never seen a more disappoint sight in my life! I have trained men, I have trained women, I have trained aliens that were more animal than sentient being, but I have never tried to train children before! You can't be much older than my daughter, and I wouldn't let her in this building for fear she'd kill you all!'

Finally the pacing would stop. 'My name is drill sergeant Swapar, you will call me sergeant but as of today, I am your lord and saviour! Crossing me will land you in a fiery **** that no battlefield can match! I am taking over from old man Jcoc, who has left to spend the rest of his days with his kids. Fortunately for you, I have no kids to see, so I will be spending twenty-four seven stomping you into the ground as long as you are on this rock!'

"Well, that isn't good..." CT-4216 muttered to himself as he got the straggling trooper's helmet on.

"Alright, 7777, let's get out of here! Don't want to dig a deeper hole than we're in now, and 8128's already out."

Assisting the trooper out of the barracks, CT-4216 could only imagine what punishment was there in store. This drill sergeant was different from many others, and CT-4216 wasn't sure if his punishments were going to be like the rest or if it was completely out of left field.

On the other hand, there was a twinge of responsibility and guilt building up on the clone trooper cadet. "I did leave a comrade in here...I should deserve what I get."

These thoughts stressed him out, but he had to push on.

One thing for sure: whatever was going to happen when he came out, it was going to be nasty for him and his squad.

7777 grabbed the console and plugged in a series of commands, he knew there were two possabilities: one scanned for life signs and the other would vent the gas. Apparently it was life sign. Just himself, 4216 and the other cadet left in the barracks. Time to move. He ran to 4216 and helped him carry the other trooper out of the barracks. This wasn't going to be a fun day.

" He's a real ray of sunshine isn't he Doc " gesturing with his eyes at the Drill Sargent, CT-9182 whispered as he spoke to 4216. 9182 stood back at attention when the Sargent began to turn back toward Cyclone Squads attention ' I bet you could take us on, Sargent... Though only because you had the element or surprise.' he thought as he awaited the certain punishment that was to befall his Squad.

"Definitely." CT-4216 replied in a whisper.

He was quick to stand back to attention after responding to 9182's statement. "Oh, boy...here we go." he thought as the sergeant was fast approaching.

CT-5472 stands at attention, unflinching, as the Sergeant's wrath washes over Cyclone Squad, crashing down upon them like the violent waves outside. Falling into their places, he is surprised to realize that 3478 was the straggler.

Built like a bantha, that one.. can't imagine a little tear gas slowing him down much..? The acting Squad Leader suppresses a smile as he imagines the fierce brawler engaging the gas with his fists...

Catching the barest hint of a whisper in the ranks, he knows things are about to get worse for his squadmates. Knowing it is probably not his wisest move, but hoping to distract the rapidly approaching instructor, CT-5472 permits the slightest hint of his suppressed smirk to show on his face...

Coruscant, the council’s chambers in the Jedi Temple, earlier

“I still think his attitude might be a problem, we should go with Padawan Che-Fitt,” Jedi Master Mace Windu says with an authority that usually allows him to get what he wants. “Padawan Tar has doubts about this war, and has ever since his master died. Master Wuum was a great diplomat, but even if he had survived Genosis, he would never have been a good battle commander, and his attitude seems to have rubbed on to the boy.”

When Windu falls silent, the eyes of the rest of the members of the council fall on the diminutive form of Jedi Master Yoda. “Right you are, and yet send him we must,” Yoda says quietly.

“I agree with Master Yoda,” the Nautolan Jedi Master Kit Fisto interjects. “He is the perfect candidate for this experiment. He will find the clones quite enthusiastic, so his doubts might rub on them a little, making them more careful, tempering them a bit. And from the clones he will certainly acquire a bit of the fire and drive.”

As Master Windu seems to be about to say something, Kit Fisto holds up his hand, and continues speaking. “We will see early on if we have made a mistake.” He looks at the holographic image of the Togruta Jedi Master Shaak Ti . “I belief Master Ti will be able to keep a close eye on the Padawan and see how he progresses. The council must trust her to pull the plug on the experiment quickly if it seems doomed to fail.”

The rest of the council murmurs in agreement. Master Windu seems unhappy, but he acknowledges that he is in the minority . “Very well, Master Ti, you have our confidence.”

The holographic image of the Togruta bows slightly in acknowledgement. “Very good. Now, if you will excuse me, I have matters I need to attend to.”

Master Windu nods. “Of course.” Once the holographic image of the Togruta Jedi Master has winked out, he raises his voice a little. “Send Padawan Tar in, please.”

-------------------

Kamino, the present

Although the torrential rain is shocking, after spending almost a year in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, Anler welcomes the wind and the rain, not bothering to put up the hood of his cloak. It feels invigorating somehow to be battered around a bit by the elements.

He recognizes Jedi Master Shaak Ti, but the Kaminoan is, of course, unfamiliar to him, as is the clone. He only nods his head when she asks if he is the Padawan she has been waiting for. Asking was a matter of protocol, clearly the Master knows who he is.

Master Ti introduces first the Kaminoan administrator, Zu Purro, and then the Clone Major, CT-1274, who apparently goes by the name Zombie. “Mistress, Major,” Anler says by way of greeting, nodding respectfully to the pair.

When the Major suggests visiting the clones immediately, before Master Ti has had a chance to tell him more about why he’s here, Anler is at first taken aback. After a short pause, he nods. “Certainly, Major, I am excited to see the training methods employed here.”

As they approach what looks like a barrack area, he can smell the teargas. Memories of the riot on Ferton IV spring to mind, but he dismisses them, focusing on the present. As he goes around a corner he can see a yelling man he assumes is a drill sergeant yelling at a squad of clones, half-dressed in training armor.

“Interesting technique,” he says quietly, as he watches the clones.