Landing Point of Rain Part 1

Believe in yourself
Or no one else will

Counterattack! With the clone army stretched in desperate attempt to engage General Grievous' Starfleet, Separatists planets that were once thought secure are now rising up against the Republic. On Geonosis, Separatist leader Poggle the Lesser, safe in his newly ray-shielded factories, create thousands of terrible new weapons which march off the assembly line against the outnumbered clone army.
The Jedi, resolute in the effort to restore order to the Republic, mount a massive invasion to retake Geonosis and shut down Poggle's factories once and for all . . .


~*~*~*~*~*~*~


The Jedi Cruiser, the Resolute, and dozens of ships from the Republic fleet approached the planet Geonosis, Jedi Masters Kenobi and Mundi stood on the bridge looking out from the bridge windows to the planet's surface.

Kenobi          I cannot believe we're back here again.

Mundi           It is unfortunate, the resistance from the native Geonosians were stronger than we anticipated.

Kenobi          The same could be said for their loyalty to Count Dooku.

Mundi           A fact that is often overlooked.

Anakin and Ahsoka had just arrived to the bridge and joined Obi-Wan and Mundi.

Kenobi          You're late.

Anakin          Sorry master, Ahsoka and I were busy routing the Seppies near Dorin.

Ahsoka          My squadron alone had fifty-five kills.

Anakin          Yeah but mine had seventy-six.

Ahsoka          Show off.

Kenobi          Well I'm glad you two are yourselves.

Anakin          Hey it's just a friendly competition master, nothing to worry about.

Kenobi          What I worry about is the way this war seems to be drawing out with no end in sight.

Mundi           Which why it is crucial our invasion of Geonosis meets with success.

Anakin          Agreed. Ahsoka, contact the Outer Rim Command. We're ready for our briefing

Ahsoka          They're already waiting for us.

In the war room Obi-Wan, Anakin, Ahsoka and Mundi were around the holo-table where holo images of Masters Yoda, Windu, Unduli and Chancellor Palpatine

Kenobi          Our ships are in position and we are ready to begin our campaign against the Geonosians.

Windu           And what about Poggle? Any report on his location?

Looking over the holo-table where images demonstrated the attack plan while Obi-Wan explained the attack.

Kenobi          It seems he's holed up at the primary foundry here. The factory is protected by a shield generator. Anakin Ki-Adi and I shall attempt a three-pronged attack through their defense lines to a staging area just short of the shield. Once we have landed, we shall knock out the shield generator. That is our primary target.

Palpatine       Isn't it risky committing three generals to one area of the attack? If something went wrong we could be dealt a serious blow.

Yoda            To ensure that rise again Geonosis does not, capture Poggle we must.

Palpatine       Of course. As always, I shall leave the strategy to you, Master Jedi.

Kenobi          Our thanks, Chancellor.

Palpatine       We will also be sending you a new officer to assist you in this invasion.

Kenobi          A new officer?

Palpatine       His name is Commander Toboe.

Anakin          A commander? As in a clone commander or a padawan?

Windu           That is not important. What is important is that he will aid you in this fight to take back Geonosis.

Palpatine       He is a courtesy from our . . . . good friends.

Unduli          I see, is this Commander Toboe reliable?

Palpatine       Well actually he has never been in a war so this is his first assignment in this war and he may be a bit young for the job. But I assure you that he was handpicked by myself and I strongly believe he will be a valuable ally.

Yoda            And worry not; knows his duty he does. Arriving at your ship soon he will; look forward to meeting his new allies and his first mission he is.

Kenobi          Well then, we would be looking forward to meeting him as well.

Windu           May the force be with you.

With the briefing finished the holo images of the Jedi Masters and Chancellor dispersed disconnecting the communications.

Kenobi          Well I suppose it is safe to say with our new officer joining us it may go along much smoother than we thought.

Anakin          I don't know, a brand new officer who we never even met . . . or even heard of?

Ahsoka          You mean you never met him master?

Anakin          No, but even though he is recommended by both high ranking Jedi and the chancellor himself we cannot determine what sort of person he is until we meet him face to face.

Unduli          Agreed, the last thing we need is an untested officer among our ranks.

Anakin          . . . . . . . I just hope Master Yoda and Master Windu know what they are doing if they believe he is capable of handling his tasks.

Then there was a transmission from the holo-table, Obi-Wan pressed the button forming a holo-image of a clone officer.     

Clone           Republic ship Resolute, this is the shuttle escort. We are entering the Geonosis System from hyperspace, are we clear for docking?

Obi-Wan Yes, enter through the hanger. They'll clear a place for your shuttle to land. We are eager to meet the new commander.

Clone           Yes sir, the commander and Lady Hakubi shares the same feeling in meeting you. We'll be arriving in five minutes; standby.

Anakin          Wait, did he say Lady Hakubi is there also; Hakubi as in Washu Hakubi of the Guardians?

Despite it being over a decade since the Republic has allied itself with the mysterious group, only a small number of the Guardians have associated with their Republic allies. And only a few has ever been seen more than once with Washu Hakubi as one of them. Washu is known for her genius intellect of various scientific fields, from technology to biology to robotics that she was a whole different level than many of the Republic's own leading scientists. But she was also called the Mad Scientist due to her tendency to of doing strange analysis or experiments on subjects that caught her interest be it the Republic technology and clones or even the Separatists war machines and droids. She was known to examine Republic gunships and AT-TE tanks, experimenting on Separatist battle droids of various types, from standard battle droids to the dreadful magnaguard droids (it was still a mystery of how she even got her hands on them in the first place.) Once she even went so far as to taking apart an entire Republic Cruiser or two just to see what makes it tick much to the chagrin of the navel personals. She also was somewhat interested in the clone troopers themselves which created some tension between her, their Kamino creators and clones who were unlucky enough to have caught her scientific eye.

Nevertheless, despite the tensions, she was a valuable asset to the Republic as one of the bridges between the Republic, the Jedi and the Guardians themselves as well as their own allies. While Faramir and Mitsumi serves as the representative senators of the Guardians in the Republic Senate, Washu acts as one of the leading voices of their order. It was through her the Senate and the Jedi must go if there are any negotiations or developments made when involving Guardians who participated in the war or any Republic occurrences. But while she is a reasoned orator, a prudent ally and does seem to genuinely care for her fellow Guardians, Washu was still a powerful force to be reckoned with as sometimes her behavior is . . . . unpredictable.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Out from the cruiser the Republic shuttle carrying the new officer just came from hyperspace and flew closer to its destination. The clone who had just spoken to the admiral then addressed his passenger who stood in the back of the cockpit.

Clone           We are now approaching the Resolute ma'am, we will be docking soon.

Washu           Very good captain.

She turned towards the other passenger sitting on the seat in the back.

Washu           Take a good look. That is where you will be staying from now on.

Figure          . . . . . . . . . . .

Washu           Take us aboard captain.

Clone           Yes ma'am.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Back on the cruiser.

Kenobi          Well we'll be meeting the new Commander Toboe.

Mundi           Shall we be in the hanger to meet him?

Anakin          No, why not have him come here.

The door opened where the clone officers Rex, Cody and Jet arrived.

Anakin          Ah Rex just in time.

Rex             Sir?

Anakin          A new commander will be joining us in the invasion of Geonosis. He will be arriving here in a few minutes. Would you mind going to the hanger and you escort him here?

Kenobi          A decent idea, Cody why don't you accompany Rex and meet with Toboe and escort him here to the war room.

Mundi           And Captain Jet why don't you go as well.

Cody and Jet    Sir?

Anakin          Not a bad idea if I do say so myself.

Kenobi          Now I know you just got here but everything will be explained momentarily once the new commander arrives. We just need you three to go and bring him here.

Cody, Rex and Jet               . . . . . . . . . .

Kenobi          Well go on, Commander Toboe will be arriving any minute now.

Cody, Rex and Jet               Yes sir.

The three clones quietly made their way down to the hanger barely understanding what just happened several moments ago.

Rex             Do you have any idea what just happened?

Cody            . . . . . No. Jet?

Jet             I've no idea, I just got there the same time you two did remember?

It wasn't long before they arrived to the main hanger when an attack shuttle flew through the shields and into the hanger several feet from them as the hanger crew directed them to their landing zone. As the shuttle landed Rex, Cody and Jet approached the shuttle, stopping and waiting for the shuttle door to open and meet the new commander. It was about a minute or two when the shuttle door finally opened and slowly lowered, when it at last hit the ground the three clones anxiously awaited the unknown commander to walk out. At first they couldn't see anything but slowly was able to make out two shadows standing up in the shuttle, for a moment the figures just stood there and then walked down the plank one after the other and into the hanger. The moment they laid their eyes on the first figure they immediately recognized it was Washu; well Rex and Cody did at least.

Cody            (Thinking) Uh – oh.

Jet             ???

Rex             (Thinking) Oh god no, not her again.

Speaking of unlucky clones, Cody and Rex had been the most recent unlucky candidates to have caught Washu's scientific eye not merely two weeks ago. Stripped half-naked, suspended by her machine units and given a series of tests for over five hours? Not exactly how neither clone would have liked to spend their day. Washu was approaching quickly as Rex silently made a quick prayer to whoever god is listening hoping that Washu wasn't the new officer.

Cody            Ma'am; it is uh very nice to see you.

Washu           Ah Cody good to see you and you too my dear Captain Rex. (She turned her attention to Jet) And I don't believe I've met you did I?

Jet             I don't believe so ma'am; I am Captain Jet.

Washu           Jet huh? . . . . It is a pleasure to meet you.

Jet             Ma'am.

Rex             Uh tell me ma'am are you . . . .

Figuring out what he was about to ask she smiled at him; but not before letting the captain worry with the thought of her being the new officer for a few moments.

Washu           No, no you can rest easy captain; I am merely here to make sure your "real" new commander is transferred here safely. Which begs the question . . . what are you doing here?

Cody            The generals sent us to escort the new commander to the war room ma'am.

Washu           Ah, of course they would. Well then you three will be the first to meet your new commander.

She turned and waved towards the second figure still in the shuttle motioning him to come. The figure obliged as he left the shuttle. The moment they laid their eyes on the figure the first thing they thought was "What the?"

Out from the shuttle stood a clone, or at least they think he's a clone. The person in question wore the familiar clone armor with some differences; make that a lot of differences. Most of his armor was painted black with some silver paint customizations. The shoulder plates, hand plates, his utility belt, even the greaves and armor boots were completely painted silver. While a thick silver strip ran straight down on both the bicep plates down to the forearm plates. One more thing that added to the silver category was eleven silver bracelets he wore on his wrists; six on his right wrist and five on his left. On his belt were what they assumed to be two DC-17 hand blaster pistols tucked in the silver painted holsters; common weapons for high ranking clone officers. Whether he customized them as well they couldn't tell, while still in their holsters at least. What they also noticed that along with his silver utility belt, he was wearing a belt of black leather with a third holster carrying a rather large gun (at least they thought it was a gun, and it was silver) hanging horizontally from behind him. But what was another intriguing feature from the total black and silver was the helmet. The helmet was black like the rest of the armor but the T-shaped visor on the other hand was different, usually the visor of all the other trooper armor was made of black material, this one however was silver.

Clones usually do not paint their entire armor (glancing towards Jet's orange themed armor) well unless they served some purposes like camouflaged armor, but other than that . . . . . . The clone walked towards Rex, Cody and Jet and stopped behind Washu and looked up at them. Wait "looked up?" That was yet another suspicious trait they noticed from this strange clone, they and pretty much most "grown" clones were practically all the same height, approximately six feet. This one was several inches shorter at the very least. They literally had to look down just to see eye to eye with the strange clone, or in this case visor to visor.

Rex             (Thinking) Who's this kid?

Cody was just as curious but knew he had to stick to protocols.

Cody            Is this Commander Toboe I presume?

Toboe           . . . . . . . .

Washu           Come now Toboe, don't be shy; come greet your new colleagues. You would do well to be well acquainted with them seeing as you would most likely be working with them a lot.

Toboe slowly made his way towards Rex and the others and slightly bowed to the three of them. He's certainly polite they thought.

Rex             So you're the new commander?

The little clone nodded.

Jet             Who was supposed to help us with the invasion?

He nodded again.

Rex             Are you sure there isn't anyone else in the–!

Cody elbowed Rex to shut him up. The small clone seemed to know what he was asking since he slowly shook his head. Feeling a little empathy for the new commander Cody slightly bent forward and in a gentle voice he asked:

Cody            You don't talk much do you?

The clone shook his head again.

Rex             (Thinking) Great just what we need; a mute general.

Washu           Well then, did you just come here to talk or are you going to escort us to Master Kenobi and the others?

Cody            Oh yes ma'am; please right this way. Admiral Yularen and the Jedi Generals are awaiting your arrival on the bridge, Commander Toboe.

Cody gestured the small clone to follow them back to the bridge. As they walked down the many halls of the cruiser they couldn't help but occupy their thoughts of the little clone. Apart from the bizarre armor, his small height and silent nature they also noticed several other traits; he was a lot thinner and leaner than the average clone. Another thing that was odd about his armor was that while the armor of most clones bears the marks and scars of battle, he didn't have a single scrape on his. Having combat scars on a clone's armor was seen as a mark of being an experienced soldier. Anyone without scars, are called with the mock nickname "Shinies" which were usually the rookies. This one's armor had nothing on it, no burn marks from blasters, no grime or dirt, not even a scratch anywhere; aside from the odd paint job, it was pristine, clean and almost brand new. It was like he never even set one foot into a battle before. They also find it strange that he was very quiet, clones usually liked to socialize with one another especially with their fellow "batchers." It was usually encouraged greatly by many of their Jedi commanders as it was a great way to build teamwork and form friendship. But this one was quiet like he didn't want to talk to them or anyone.

Cody            Is he always this quiet ma'am?

Washu           He's just shy that's all. I'm sure once you get to know each other you'd all be best of friends.

Despite Washu's (albeit creepy) optimism, Rex for some reason didn't feel the same and it seemed to him, Toboe did not either. Cody on the other hand was a little more willing to be more open and attempt to be friendly with the new commander. By the time they came to the door that leads to the bridge Rex, Cody and Jet stopped in front of the closed door. They could imagine the looks on the faces of those inside once they opened the door and saw the "great" commander.

Rex             Well here goes.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Cody pressed the button opening the doors, as the group walked inside they could feel the many eyes of the other clones in the war room looking at them wanting to see the commander they were escorting. However they couldn't see on account the other clones were in front of Toboe. But they could hear whispers in the air as they walked by until they came to the holo-table where the generals and commanders were waiting. It seemed during the time they were gone Admiral Yularen had also joined them in the war room as it seemed he too had heard of the new officer's arrival.

Kenobi          Cody you're here is our new arrival with you?

Cody            Yes sir.

Anakin          Well where is he?

From behind the clones Washu stepped out.

Washu           Well hello there, so nice to see you again my dear Jedi Knights.

Kenobi          Ah Lady Hakubi it is a pleasure, welcome to the Resolute; though I believe your stay is only temporary is it not?

Washu           The pleasure is mine Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Unduli          I do hate to interrupt but time is running short; we have an invasion to carry out, we must have the commander here to discuss our plans. Please tell us where he is.

Washu           Why my dear Luminara Unduli, he is right here.

Yularen         Here? Where?

Clones          . . . . . . . . .

Rex and Cody looked at each other then back to them.

Cody            Um, Commander Toboe . . . . sir.

He, Jet and Cody stepped aside to reveal the little clone behind them; the clone stood with his hands behind him and looked at those assembled at the table. They too were astonished at the general's outlandish color design and were shocked to learn that the asset was . . . . a clone; and a small one at that. But is he a clone?

Yularen         Commander Toboe we presume?

The small commander nodded. He didn't seem to notice or perhaps ignored the astonished looks of those around the table or even everyone in the room. Master Unduli and Admiral Yularen found themselves having a difficult time hiding their surprise and confusion. Whereas Anakin and Ahsoka were utterly shocked to learn the identity of the so-called "great" Commander Toboe, to be a smaller version of the clones dressed in clone armor with the most bizarre color design they have ever seen. Not even the oddest clone would go to such lengths to customize their armor just for style; and what is with the helmet?

Washu           May I present to you your new officer, Commander Toboe; I assure you he is very much anxious in working with you.

Anakin          You are Commander Toboe? The one Chancellor Palpatine suggested to help us with the invasion of Geonosis? (Toboe nodded) No there must be some mistake . . .

Yularen         Please excuse General Skywalker, but I must agree to his concern; this invasion is very crucial for the Republic to gain the upper hand in this war. Our main objectives are to destroy the droid factory located here on Geonosis and to capture Poggle if we wish to bring this war to an end soon.

Unduli          Able officers to whom we and our troops can rely on are essential in these times of war. Failure to do so in these conditions is not an option. There cannot be any room for mistakes.

Obi-Wan and Mundi felt Toboe feeling uneasy and discomforted at their words and they understood that this could be overwhelming. Oni-Wan glanced at Mundi who nodded before walking around the table, towards Toboe.

Kenobi          Please, we do not wish intimidate or discourage you, we are just simply trying to explain just how important this mission is and how much is at stake here. We also want you to understand that during this time we will be expecting much from you. As a member of the commanding officer ranks you will be given an enormous responsibility not only for the troops but for the billions of lives throughout the Republic that depend on us. As well as your ability to lead and the capability to carry out whatever assignments you given.

Toboe remained motionless as Obi-Wan approached him until he stood in front of the little clone.

Kenobi          And as General Unduli and Admiral Yularen have said this mission is very crucial that anything but success is not an option and we are in need of dependable men that our soldiers will follow without question. As a commanding officer you will be assigned to lead a squadron of troops and are responsible throughout the missions you will be given. Do not take your position lightly as the men will be depending on you and on your choices as leader. And it is your choices, no matter how big or small could affect the results of your assignments as well as the lives of your men. What I am saying is they will be placing their faith in you to lead them and they will be placing their lives in your hands.

Mundi appeared and stood next to Obi-Wan where both Jedi Knights stood in front of the little commander.

Mundi           Now let me ask you young one; are you ready to take the responsibility of being the one who not only we, but our troops can place their faith in?

Toboe           . . . . . . . . . .

One minute passed when Toboe looked straight at them in the eye. For a moment they thought he would falter until they felt the sense of determination when he clenched his gloved hand in a tight fist. He then nodded his head sharply which made Obi-Wan and Mundi smile as Obi-Wan patted him on the shoulder.

Mundi           Good answer little one; we will be watching your new career with great interest.

Kenobi          And we'll be counting on you; don't let us down . . . Commander Toboe.

Toboe nodded again. Obi-Wan and Mundi led Toboe to join the others around the holo-table and stood at Washu's side.

Washu           (Thinking) Good boy.

Kenobi          Oh yes I'm sorry where are our manners, allow us to introduce ourselves, I am Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Mundi           I am Ki-Adi-Mundi.

Unduli          My name is Luminara Unduli.

Yularen         Admiral Yularen at your service.

Anakin          Anakin Skywalker and my apprentice Ahsoka Tano.  

As Toboe and Ahsoka nodded to each other Anakin tried to peer into the small clone with the force, but for some reason he could barely get any reading on him what so ever, not even his mind. The only thing he was able to find was that the kid is a polite individual with an innocent and naïve demeanor. In other words he was like a sweet child with a kind soul; not exactly the sort they were looking for in a situation as essential as this. Toboe seemed to have noticed his probing when he looked at him and tilted his head slightly; Anakin felt a soft wave of confusion and curiosity coming from him. Anakin went to his former master and whispered to him so Toboe won't hear.

Anakin          I still say this is a mistake, we can't have this . . . kid here. He can't be a commander he's . . .

Kenobi          He was recommended by Chancellor Palpatine himself and with that we must oblige to his advice and let the young one be given a chance. We must not be so judgmental just because of his appearance. Besides like they say, experience is the best teacher, let Commander Toboe prove himself when we begin the invasion.

Anakin          So what are we to do? Babysit him?

Kenobi          Are you volunteering?

Anakin          What? No, I already have one that I have to babysit and one is enough. Besides are we really going to let him join the invasion?

Kenobi          I understand your concern and frustration Anakin but I don't see why not.

Yularen         Since now we are all here shall we start our debriefing?

The admiral then began to discuss the plan for invasion of Geonosis to Toboe with the others watching him to see how the young commander will react during a briefing. As he was explaining the plan Kenobi noticed Toboe crossing his arms like he was giving the admiral his undivided attention and listening very intensely. But that was not the thing he noticed. He also noticed when Toboe crossed his arms Toboe's nature had changed. He no longer felt the innocent nature; instead he sensed something completely different. This time it was a more serious nature, he seemed pensive, collected, observing and even cunning. He was a completely different person than he was a few moments ago. Just the sort of person suited for the job they were going to assign him.   

Kenobi          (Thinking) Perhaps there is more to this one than meets the eye after all.

Kenobi          Cody?

Cody            Sir?

Kenobi          Please explain to Commander Toboe the coordinates for the rendezvous.

Kenobi pressed a button where the holo-table showed a demonstration of the attack.

Cody            Yes, sir, when we hit the ground, we'll create a perimeter there. Getting past their defenses here will be the trick.

Colored images of gunships appeared flying across the plains landing near the shield where it protected the droid factory as Cody explained the plan.

Cody            General Mundi will come across the defensive lines from the north. We will make our assault from the middle. General Skywalker will make his attack on the defensive lines from the south, and we'll meet at the rendezvous point at 0700 exactly.

Mundi           If we meet with strong resistance and are forced down away from the landing zone, hold out until we join our forces before attacking the shield generator.

Ahsoka          Their front lines are heavily fortified. Look at that giant wall with all the gun emplacements. (Regarding a large red wall tucked between a canyon) That won't be easy to get past.

Anakin          Don't worry. We're not going anywhere near that.

Kenobi          Come, now. What happened to all the enthusiasm I saw earlier?

Anakin          Don't worry about us. You just make sure you get yourself to that landing zone in one piece.

Kenobi          Yes, I shall be waiting for you, when you finally arrive.

Yularen         (To Toboe) Well Commander Toboe? Do you have any suggestions? (Toboe looked at him as he was surprised) As part of this invasion you are expected to contribute to this briefing and are free to offer any ideas that could help us?

They all looked at him waiting for him to speak, well more like wanting to see if he talks at all. Washu, having no part in the invasion of course, just stood on the side line watching for any sign of response from him.

Unduli          If you have any suggestions we would very much like to hear them.

He didn't speak but was looking at the holo-table where it played out the plan, one arm was crossed over his chest and the other was upright, his hand to his mouth, deep in thought. When they thought he wasn't going to say anything, he did what they didn't expect; he began to press the buttons of the holo-table causing the holo-images to move.

Yularen         Commander Toboe?

Toboe then began to move the gunships that represent Master Kenobi, Mundi and Skywalker's troops, replaying the plan again by making them repeat the plan of them flying to the landing point behind the Geonosian shields, but then he pressed more buttons creating another gunship and displayed a scene where the enemy's weapons was shooting and the Jedi's troops. Then the additional gunship following the Jedis' ships from behind began to shoot down the enemy weapons. He pointed at General Kenobi, Mundi and Skywalker, then to the three groups of gunship; then he pointed at himself and then the fourth gunship last. It took some time until Mundi began to understand Toboe's proposal.

Mundi           So you are suggesting that while we fly towards the landing point your gunships will act as air cover against the enemy lines? (Toboe nodded)

Kenobi          An interesting suggestion to say the least.

Anakin          But do we even have enough gunships for this sort of strategy?

Yularen         . . . . No not at this time, I'm afraid we have only enough for the three prong attack.

Anakin          Well it seems we won't be able to execute "Commander" Toboe's strategy? Better luck next time squirt.

Kenobi          Anakin!

Anakin          What? I'm just stating the obvious.

Kenobi, Mundi and Yularen looked at Toboe who was shrinking back a little like he was embarrassed; Kenobi placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Kenobi          Don't let General Skywalker's comment worry you young one; that really was an interesting strategy you came up. Next time will be different.

Mundi           Indeed, we'll be looking forward to seeing your opinions in the near future.

Toboe spirits seemed to have lightened up from the Jedi Masters' comments and nodded; Washu silently smiled. Ahsoka became curious to the new silent commander and approached him. Even though she was a commander like him still she didn't want to make a bad impression of herself to him. So first she stood next to him and didn't say anything just yet. But then she saw he noticed her standing next to her and did a quick glance at her, the next thing she noticed was that he started to scoot to the side . . . away from her. Surprised and a little confused as to why he was moving away from her, she decided to try get next to him again. Again as she half expected he shifted further down the table as if trying to get away from her.

Ahsoka          (Thinking) Shy little guy isn't he?

She decided not to give up on chasing him around the table; truthfully (and a bit rude as it was) she found it a little fun to tease him a bit. While the generals and the admiral were discussing the plans, they seemed so busy they didn't seem to notice the two's scooting, only Washu Rex, Cody, Jet and the other clones in the war room did. Washu smirked as she let out a small chuckle; Jet, Rex and Cody watched as the two little commanders played cat and mouse. They could hear the poorly suppressed laughs from the men; even Cody and Jet found it difficult to not crack a smile, good thing they were wearing their helmets.

Cody            Well, well, it seems the little one is quite shy.

Rex             (More like to himself then to Cody) I can't believe this guy is a commander.

Finally at long last Ahsoka caught up to Commander Toboe by trapping him between her and Washu. She stood next to him silently pleased with herself, the little commander between two people who were taller than he was looked a bit awkward for his taste. He didn't glance up at Ahsoka this time but merely kept his eyes forward to the hologram display of the battle plans. Silence crept between the two for a moment when Ahsoka then whispered to him.

Ahsoka          My master may have introduce me but, I think it would be better if I introduced myself formally, my name's Ahsoka Tano (she smiled as she offered out her hand) nice to meet you Commander Toboe.

Toboe glanced at her and her hand; at first it didn't seem that Toboe was going to take when a moment later he slowly reached out and grasped it. After they shook their hands Ahsoka smile got wider and even giggled a little. And even though she couldn't see his face so she didn't know what expression he wore but she could feel a sense of jovial coming from him. When the debriefing was finished Washu finally spoke up.

Washu           Oh yes and one more thing.

Yularen         Yes?

Washu           During his time here he will be handling a few . . . experiments for us.

Kenobi          Experiments?

Washu           Yes, we have just finished producing several new products of both weaponry and technology, but we have yet to do any genuine examinations on any of them. We have been able to do a few mock trials and so far the results were adequate, albeit they were but small successes. This invasion will be the first true field test of a few of our new items and Toboe will be managing their trials. He will also be reporting to us the results of any successes and failures on and off the battlefield or whether or not the products will be useful in other circumstances. He of course will be conducting more experiments on future products for us during his time here in the Republic Army.

Unduli          Even during whatever possible missions that he will be assigned?

Washu           Of course; what better way to test out weapons and technology than on the battlefield?

Kenobi          Perhaps when looking from that point of view.

Unduli          Yes . . . . . But . . . .

Washu           Yes?

The Mirialan Jedi Master turned her attention to the young clone.

Unduli          Forgive me but I must express my concern and ask if he is capable for the upcoming battle?

Toboe           . . . . . . . .

Washu           You are in doubt of his abilities?

Unduli          Well this is the first time we have met him so we know next to nothing about him let alone what he could do.

Washu           You want him to prove himself to see if he can lead? Let him do so in battle, or . . . . .

Washu glanced at Toboe who looked at her. A moment later something must have passed between them when Washu nodded her head which Toboe took that as a signal of some sort as he turned his attention to the Jedi Master. Toboe and Unduli eyed each other for several seconds; neither moved or said anything until Toboe broke the contact. He unbuckled his belts, both the utility and leather ones and placed them on the table and turned to the clones. The three clones felt uneasy at his sudden stare when Toboe pointed at them. It took a moment for them to realize he was pointing at Rex; Toboe then pointed at himself.

All             ?

Kenobi          What is it you want young one?

Washu           He wants to do a short spar with Captain Rex.

Rex             HUH?

All             WHA-?