Chapter Text
Gottem laughed loudly from his seat next to Watchim, along with the other clones as Commander Kestis tripped on his own feet and fell on his back, losing his grip on his lightsaber.
Watchim himself had to hold back a snicker.
Commander Kestis sat up, face turning red and scrunched in embarrassment. He snatched the lightsaber back up from where it had fallen and glared furiously at the still cackling clones.
“I’m trying!” The commander pulled himself to his feet and kicked the dirt. “These forms are hard .”
”They’re for your own good, kid,” Watchim said firmly. “General Tapal wouldn’t ask you to do them if there wasn’t a purpose.”
“I couldn’t do those, Commander,” Patience shouted from across the camp.
“He knows!” Gottem said, smirking. “You couldn’t spend five minutes on sharpshooting practice.”
Patience hoisted his machine gun up and grinned. “That’s why I’ve got this .”
Commander Kestis laughed, his embarrassment forgotten.
Docnician got up from his seat and grabbed his helmet. “I should go check on Lex and the others. You’re doing great, Commander, don’t let them fool you.”
The commander nodded and ignited his lightsaber again, sliding quickly into the beginning stance.
”Begin!” Docnician grabbed his medical tools, put them in his helmet, and headed in the direction of the medical tent.
Commander Kestis began with clean but clumsy motions, his lightsaber cutting through the air as he did a small spin.
This time, the commander managed to make it to the end, having pulled off two whole flips without falling, and ended the form with a quick slice upwards.
The clones who had been watching started clapping and cheering, Watchim included.
General Tapal, who had come over halfway through the form, nodded firmly. “Very good, padawan. I believe that is enough training for today.”
The commander beamed at the general, deactivating his lightsaber, and immediately shot off towards the medical tent.
General Tapal pulled Watchim off to the side. “Commander Watchim. I’m sure you are aware of my padawan’s ability to get himself into situations he cannot get out of?”
”Yes sir.”
“I want you to assemble a team of your most capable soldiers to watch him during missions, and I want you to lead it. You already are aware of his power.”
Commander Kestis had the Force power of psychometry, which would leave him vulnerable to blaster fire or other enemies. Watchim had been briefed when he became commander.
”Make sure this team is aware of this too.”
”Yes sir.”
General Tapal stared intensely at Watchim. “I trust you with his life, commander.”
”And I will do my best to keep that trust, sir.”
”Good.” The general walked off.