Log 0: A Command of My Own
I think everyone had the same amount of shock that the Galaxy was engulfed in a war, no matter how they found out. Whether it be through a HoloNet News article, one of the many speeches given by senators, both Republic and Separatist alike, or word of mouth, we were all stunned. I remember exactly how, when, and where I found out.
I was sitting in my office one quiet morning, enjoying a hot cup of caf, just about to start my day when I received an incoming transmission on my holoprojector. I was a bit surprised; I didn’t usually get early morning transmissions. Curious as to who it was, I accepted the request which sprung the holoprojector to life and displayed a human female in her early 30’s wearing a Republic Navy uniform. My eyes widened a bit as I cracked a smile.
“Juli! It's been quite a few years since I heard from you. Not since our CDF days, I believe.”
She smiled back at me, “Your memory is as strong as always, Kio. I apologize for not keeping in touch, the Republic Navy has kept me very busy these last years.”
“I am sure it has. I myself have had my hands full with overseeing just a single section of the Corellian shipyards, so I can only imagine what you have to handle.”
“Yes, yes. Look, I’m sorry if this sounds rude, but I did not call to catch up. I have an important reason as to why we are talking.”
I raised my eyebrow, not with unpleasantness, but a continued curiosity, “Well, best not keep me in the dark then.”
Juli nervously rubbed the bridge of her nose before she spoke, “Kio, are you aware of what happened on Geonosis recently?”
I thought for a moment. I admit, I didn’t keep up with the news as much as I probably should, though the name Geonosis did ring somewhat of a bell.
“Not specifically. What happened?”
“A Jedi strike team was dispatched to the planet to rescue two fellow Jedi and a senator. Many of the Jedi died, with only a fraction of the original force surviving. They too would have perished had it not been for the reveal of the Clone Army.”
I gave a bewildered look, “Clone Army? We have one of those?”
“Apparently so. No one has questioned it, and I doubt they will. We are at war now, Kio. A group of powerful corporate leaders allied together with Count Dooku and formed the Confederacy of Independent Systems with an army of millions of Battle Droids. Geonosis was the first battle, and now systems from all over the galaxy are seceding from the Republic. We’ve been caught on the backfoot, and we desperately need combat leaders. That is why I have come to you.”
I stared at Juli with a mix of confusion and excitement. She was offering the one thing I had always wanted: a command of my own. Ever since I was a child, I had wanted it. Throughout my time in the CDF, I had wanted it. And even in these years as an administrator, I had wanted it. Juli was most likely preying on this dream, since she very well knew about it, but I could hardly resist. I gave a simple response.
“When do I start?”
Juli grinned widely, “Report to Kuat as soon as possible. There you will be given your ship, an Acclamator, and meet your crew. After a short adjustment and familiarization period, you’ll receive your orders. I wish you good luck on the battlefield, Captain.”
The holoprojector shut off as she disconnected the transmission, leaving me alone in my office with a cup of now lukewarm caf. I sat in my chair for a few minutes, collecting my thoughts, before joy overtook me, and I started packing my things. I was an officer now, an officer of the Republic, and I would make it proud.
