Chapter Text
It was supposed to be an uneventful day. That is what Clone Commander Fox thought. That was until something on his data pad caught his attention. A sigh falls from the weary Commander.
“What’s wrong, sir?” One of Fox’s subordinates asks.
“The Jedi council wants to send another Jedi to lead unit ninety-six,” Fox replies. The other clone’s eyes go wide. If there was anything that Fox knew about Unit ninety-six, it was the fact that whilst they had the best stats of any of his units, they were not the most by-the-book Unit. In fact, Fox would go as far as to say that their methods were orthodox. Yet they consistently pulled the best stats of any of his units. Before the other clone has a chance to speak, a rather annoyed-looking Jedi joins them. The clones shot to attention.
“At ease, men. I was told to report to Commander Fox before heading to the precinct belonging to Unit ninety-six,” the Jedi remarks.
“Yes, there are a few things that we need to go over,” Commander Fox confirms.
At the same time, at a location farther away, the sound of boots striking the ground can be heard as a pair of clone troopers belonging to the Coruscant Guard runs through the streets. They are matching the suspect’s speed. Despite their best efforts, they have yet to catch the suspect.
“Jax, do you have any idea where the inspector is?” One of the clones asks. Before the second clone has a chance to answer, someone’s boots strike the suspect’s shoulders, causing them to fall into a heap on the ground. Luckily for the woman who made the jump, her fall was broken by the suspect.
“There she is. Good timing, inspector,” Jax says as she helps Inspector Star Laskin up.
“Thank you, Jax. Now for the best part of my job,” Star announces as she handcuffs the now apprehended suspect.
“We are going to have a hard time writing our reports...,”
“I’m sure you would be able to figure it out Levi. We have done worse,” Star responds. If there was anything that Star hated, it was the mountains of paperwork that she and her team had to do. It was the only downside of her team’s unusual methods.
It has been a few minutes since the trio arrived back at the precinct with the prisoner in tow. Once he is comfortable in the holding area, Star and her clones are about to get to work on the paperwork when the sound of the outer doors opening catches their attention. Two newcomers soon join them in the bullpen. One is Commander Fox, and the other is clearly a Jedi.
“Commander on deck!” Star’s words cause the others in the bull pen to snap to attention.
“At ease, everyone. I want to introduce you all to Jedi Master Scarlet Terraneu,” Commander Fox announces, causing Star’s eyes to go wide. The last time Star’s team served alongside a Jedi, it didn’t go well.
“Hopefully General Terraneu lasts longer than our last Jedi,” Levi responds.
“Well, I am sure whatever caused your last Jedi to leave won't happen again,” Scarlet responds, causing Commander Fox to send a concerned glance in the direction of the others. It is clear to them that Scarlet doesn’t realise how bad things are going to get for her.
“Is there anything I need to be concerned about?” Scarlet asks, having noticed the unusual glances.
“Well, as I was saying before we arrived, Unit ninety-six does things in an unorthodox manner. That is why I wished to join you for a few rotations just to make sure they don't give you any trouble,” Commander Fox explains.
“With all due respect, Commander, I don’t think that would be necessary. Unorthodox or not, I will be working with Unit ninety-six. Why should I try to change something that is working?” Scarlet’s words catch the others by surprise. Star knew that the reason for the Jedi to intervene with her Unit was to try to get them to follow the rules. A sigh falls from her mouth. As much as Star has faith that Scarlet knows what she is doing, she knows from experience that it is going to end in disaster.
“Inspector, let’s talk in private. Maybe you can shed some light on why Commander Fox is concerned about my assignment,” Scarlet remarks as she gestures for Star to join her.
“We’ve got the paperwork under control, Star,” Jax says in a bid to reassure the inspector.
“Well if you say so,” Star responds before turning her attention to the Jedi. Luckily for Star, Scarlet’s idea of somewhere private is to go for a walk.
After a couple of minutes of taking in her surroundings, Scarlet finally speaks up.
“I want your honest opinion. Why is everyone so concerned about my assignment?” Scarlet cuts to the chase. The look on her face tells Star everything she needs to know. There is a hint of doubt.
“They are concerned because the last Jedi we had decided that it would be a good idea to try and bring us in line with the standard Coruscant Guard protocol. Of course, it backfired. The clones and I saw no point in changing our methods when we were getting the results Commander Fox wanted. Not only that, but the previous Jedi treated the clones like dirt,” Star recounts her understanding of events. They were a series of events that Star wishes to avoid repeating. The paperwork alone was a nightmare.
“I’m sure you will at least treat the clones as the people that they are, but if you try to change the way we operate, then I think you might as well leave now,” Star adds for good measure. Star knew that the best way to keep her team together was to treat them with respect. In fact, the longer she worked with clones, the more she began to respect them.
“I assure you, Inspector, your men will be treated as equals, and as I said before, I am here to work with you, not against you.” Scarlet is quick to reassure Star, but unfortunately, she is not convinced. Like many in her line of work, she needs proof that Scarlet will do what she says she will.
“I sense unease from you. You need me to prove myself,” Scarlet says, pulling the troubled inspector back to reality.
“Don’t take it the wrong way, but yes. I don’t want anything to happen to my Unit. At this point, they are my Vode,” I explain.
“Vode?”
“Brothers. Since the clones’ host was Mandalorian, most of the clones find it respectful to learn Mando’a as a second language,” Star explains. Of course, she has learned various phrases from her men, but she still can’t string a full sentence together. The thought brings a smile to her face. Learning another language was the one thing that Star could not figure out.
“Anyway, we should be heading back to the precinct. I have a feeling that we have our next assignment waiting for us,” Star remarks in a bid to cover up her giggle.
It has been a few minutes since then, and Star and Scarlet have arrived back at the precinct. As if on cue, Star’s the comms device on her vambrace beeps to get her attention.
“Go ahead,” she acknowledges.
“Senator Organa wants you and your team to provide security for a conference that he is holding on Alderaan,” The voice belongs to a member of the Senate Guard. The voice doesn’t sound particularly happy about the mission. The fact that a Senator has asked for a Unit from the Coruscant Guard doesn’t inspire Star with much confidence.
“Copy that. You can inform the Senator that we will meet him at the Senate building.” Star responds before ending the communication.
“Well Scarlet, this mission will be a good chance for you to prove what you said to me earlier,” Star turns her attention to the Jedi. After a long five minutes of preparation, Star’s team is finally ready to go.