#es-02

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Replacements.

I was sought for my skills, being one of the top soldiers within the galaxy. The Empire had discovered me and immediately recruited me along with three other soldiers, they declared their skills were similar to mine. Of course I didn't believe that for a moment, I knew I'd be carrying the team and I suppose I didn't really mind - it paid well regardless of my feelings. Our squad was assigned a commander, CT-9904 who was also known as Crosshair. Admiral Tarkin had overseen that so of course I trusted him, but something just didn't sit right with me about his presence. He seemed distracted, angry and hostile pretty much constantly. I personally believed he was bringing personal problems to the battlefield which wasn't exactly professional but hey, who was I to complain? My squad didn't last as long as I had originally thought, I was the only loyal standing survivor of them after CT-9904 had reunited with his old squad, the 'bad batch' they had dubbed themselves. 

"I believe it was treason." My words spoke, anger lacing them as my eyes laid upon Admiral Rampart who was listening rather intently. He nodded, a smirk against his lips as he gestured for me to walk alongside him. 

"Treason my dear?" His words were like ice, a tone that only seemed to be familiar among the Empire. "My, that does sound interesting doesn't it?" I nodded slightly along with his words, eyes laid upon the path before me.

"Admiral, what's our next course of action?" He thought for a moment before walking toward the cockpit, eyes trailing across the space before him. 

"We're to capture that clammed clone batch and create stronger inhibitor chips, ones their specific enhancements can't prevent." He nodded to himself, proudly smiling at his plan, "They'll be on our side, voluntarily or not." 

"Sir, what shall my next assignment be?" Rampart tucked his hands behind his back, not once allowing his eyes to leave the empty space before him. 

"Hunt them down and observe, see if Crosshair is with them." Saluting, I turned away, eagerly awaiting the start of my next mission. "Oh and ES-02?" Stopping and staring before me, I heard his words echo around the room. "Don't be afraid to make the kill if you need to, we can always create another with Nala Se here."

"Yes sir."

A while had passed since I had been assigned my mission to bring back the Batch dead or alive. In fact, I had finally located their position with me laying across the mountains gazing through the scope to study their movements and if CT-0994 was there or not. Had he committed treason against the Empire? It really did seem like it when you got news that he had teamed up with them. Staring into the scope you watched as all of the members left the Havoc Marauder into the clearing surrounded by the mountains which you were hiding within. The first to exit was Hunter, he gazed around the area ensuring it was clear but I knew he could feel my presence - but his eyes didn't meet my own. Tech soon followed, his datapad being clung within his hands as he spoke to Hunter about the planet's atmosphere, maybe messing with his senses. The other two soon followed, consisting of the members Wrecker and Echo and not soon after Omega followed after them. She was clinging to Hunter's side on instinct. Poor girl, in all honesty I pitied her. The only home she had was destroyed before her. Her mother-like figure Nala Se was working beneath the Empire, her life most certainly having a timer upon it. Not only that, but she had been tested upon for nearly all of her short life and her brother wanted her dead at one point. With a sigh I began to shuffle a little, watching them set up for what I assumed was a break or a little holiday for them. I knew that they'd get tired of running at some point, this was exactly what I was waiting for. Quickly I activated my comm system, Speaking softly into it,

"Admiral Rampart, I have located the batch." Taking a soft breath inward, I double checked for another member. "CT-0994 is not located with them." Watching intently, I hummed lightly as they set up a campfire with the darkness rapidly chased inward.

"Good work, soldier." The comm fell silent for a moment, " Move in when it's dark and take one of them out, Stunned if possible." A smile fell upon my face, I loved the thought of a challenge. "Once one is within our capture, the rest are sure to follow - they don't leave their own behind." 

"Yes sir, I'll move in when I can." He seemed pleased with my response as he cut the comm signal, a smile still upon my face. Gazing at each member I couldn't help but wonder which one would be the best to take. You watched the goggled man sit closer to the ship, away from his brothers and sister as he typed rapidly into his datapad.

"Him." My eyes continued to follow his small movements, Preparing my gear to move downward. "Tech - he's my target." Climbing down the rocks coated within the dark, I stuck to the shadows and took the longer path behind the attack shuttle gazing at him from behind. Enhanced skills still made such an easy capture. Without a word, I shoved my blaster against his head and placed my hand over his mouth. " If you speak or even make a sound, I have orders that specify I can kill you and the others." I paused for a moment as he dropped the datapad, not putting up a fight as i dragged him behind the Marauder with a smirk. Setting my weapon to stun, I pointed it at Tech's body. " Thank you, Soldier." Pulling the trigger, his body slumped motionless against the ship as you activated the comm again. " Tech is within my capture, I'm moving to my ship now."