stretched, getting used to the new armor. The engineers had finished installing the equipment and testing all the systems, so the armor was completely ready. It was slightly heavier than the previous one, but my body had long since adapted to such loads and accepted the weight without much discomfort.
"It suits you, Master!" Togruta smiled. "It's even better than the previous one, and your arm isn't as noticeable."
"That's for sure," I couldn't help but agree.
The new armor fit better than the previous model, and its internals were more advanced. I'd have to spar with Ahsoka a couple of times to learn all of its capabilities and limits of movement.
By the way, my Padawan had gotten a new outfit as well. Although it was more... reasonable now (certainly better than two strips of fabric), the theme of pieces and straps remained. Was it just her quirk? Or Togruta fashion in general? But she was raised in the Temple, after all — maybe some subconscious habits lingered? Still, the fact that the entire garment was made of woven armor somewhat offset its flaws. And according to the Togruta herself, she'd made a small cloak from the leftover material, remembering my words about the rain — which could also serve as extra protection.
"Sir." A messenger ran up to us. "A ship has arrived from Coruscant. It brought three clones. They say they're here for us — waiting in the main hangar."
"Roger that, Sergeant." I looked at Ahsoka. "Well, let's go meet these 'specialists.'"
"Do you know who they are?"
"Yes. They're clones from the very first batch — or, more precisely, the second trial batch. They're part of the hundred Jango Fett personally trained." Seeing the confusion on the Togruta's face, I almost slapped my forehead. "In short, Jango Fett is the donor from whose genetic material all the clones were created. Don't let them see you don't know who he is — they'll be offended."
"Yes, Master," the girl replied, following me into the turbolift cabin.
Reaching the hangar, I confidently headed toward the trio of clones standing apart. It was immediately obvious they weren't locals. Coming closer, I began to examine these "special forces."
Standing before me were three colorful personalities — clones in non-standard armor, with distinctive markings. One had painted his plates with blue stripes, another with red, and the third with green. Each radiated his own personality.
"Sir, are you General Vikt?" one of them asked, not removing his helmet.
"Yes. And this is Commander Tano," I introduced Ahsoka. "Who are you?"
"I am Alpha Seventeen, and these are Alpha Thirteen and Alpha Fourteen. General Shaak Ti sent us as reinforcements — and assistants."
"Oh, I see. Well then, welcome to the Thirteenth Legion."
"Sir, it seems you command a corps? Then why call it a legion? Doesn't that sound a bit strange?" asked Seventeen.
Hmm, time to put these cocky guys in their place. Talking to Fett clearly didn't do them any favors.
"I don't care what you think about it. By the way, do you have proper call signs?"
"I don't think that's important, sir," one of them muttered.
"Well then, Seventeen, you'll be 'Puck.' Fourteen will be 'Devil.' And you, 'Mr. Lucky Number,' will be 'Lucky.'" I smiled, making sure they knew who was in charge here. "Now, let's get down to details…"
***
The Jedi Council was busy as usual, with several Masters away on other assignments. Master Windu was speaking quietly with Yoda, while Shaak Ti was discussing the situation on Allanteene with Even Piell and Ki-Adi-Mundi. At that moment, a transmission came in from Lantilles. Jedi Knight Mikore Vikt appeared on the holoscreen.
"Honorable Council," the man said with a nod. "I report that the corps is ready for transfer to Jabiim. We're departing in an hour."
"Excellent," replied the Cerean. "You've prepared in a remarkably short time, Knight Vikt."
"We had to work hard."
"Good luck, Mikore," said the Togruta. "And may the Force be with you."
***
Well, here we go. There isn't much quiet time left — best to spend it wisely.
After finding our engineer, I gave instructions regarding the free A6 Juggernaut. Back at the site, after inspecting this massive vehicle — with its powerful armor, solid weaponry, excellent mobility, and spacious interior — I concluded that I couldn't find a better headquarters for myself.
Now the machine was being gradually upgraded. The observation tower was slightly shortened and equipped with transceiver antennas for the communications node, which was located on the third floor, right behind the medical station. The medbay was fairly substantial — twenty-four bunks, a large supply of medicines, and three medical droids: one surgeon and two universal units. I ordered a small storage room and two compact cabins to be installed in the remaining space. The first was intended for Mirro and me, and the second for Ahsoka and Sumeragi. You can't get too fancy — so, "boys to the left, girls to the right." Yes, it's cheeky, but I'm the general, aren't I? I'm not about to sleep in the dirt, after all…
The command post itself occupied half of the second floor, and the technicians were just finishing the equipment setup. Several surveillance screens — with a couple of cameras mounted on the vehicle's roof — appeared on the walls, and a tactical table stood in the center. Operators for tactical coordination systems and other staff services were stationed at the corners. Immediately behind headquarters were the landing force and security in one person— a platoon of infantrymen and three squads of close-combat specialists. Plus, a couple of flamethrowers, just in case. The models here were safer than their Earth counterparts, so I wasn't particularly worried about accidents — nor was anyone else. Still, people looked at them askance, though for a different reason: flamethrowersweren't a common weapon in GFFA.
"Ahsoka, how about a little training?"
"I'm all for it," the Togruta perked up, anticipating the fun.
"Then let's train. Four hours should do. After that, we'll rest. Once we arrive, we'll have plenty to do — and there definitely won't be time to relax."
"Yes, Master."