Rain hammered against the transparent domes of Tipoca City as Captain Hael reviewed the tactical map one last time. The lights of the command center cast stark reflections across the wet floor, and the sounds of coordinated chatter filled the air as his troopers maintained control of Kamino's defenses. It was an illusion of calm amidst the chaos of war.
"Sergeant Arko," Hael called, his voice crisp but low.
A burly clone with a deep scar running across his helmet stepped forward, saluting. "Sir."
"You're in charge here while I'm gone. The importance of what's coming cannot be overstated." Hael's tone brooked no argument. "Keep me apprised of the Jedi Generals' locations at all times. Use Zero Legion secure channels only. I don't want a word of this slipping past our net."
Arko nodded solemnly, tapping into his wrist communicator. "Understood, sir. All commands will be issued on restricted channels."
Across the comms, the captain could hear the muffled responses of his troopers confirming the orders. A series of affirming pings reverberated through the room as encrypted acknowledgments came in. Arko looked back at Hael.
"We're ready."
Hael returned the nod and turned to the few troopers he had selected to accompany him. They were veterans, soldiers who had stood by him through the most harrowing battles, men he trusted with the weight of this operation.
"Let's move," he said simply.
The group moved quickly but deliberately through the pristine corridors of Kamino's main facility. Their boots clicked against the polished white floors, a rhythm that contrasted with the distant echoes of blaster fire and muffled explosions.
Kaminoan scientists scurried out of their path, their elongated forms graceful but anxious. A few glanced at the armed clones with evident unease, but none dared to question their presence.
"Squads four and six, report status on the west wing," Hael said into his comms as they rounded a corner.
"West wing secure, sir," came the immediate reply. "Droid resistance minimal. Defensive perimeter holding steady."
Hael grunted in acknowledgment, his eyes scanning ahead. "Good. Keep the younglings and cloning facilities protected at all costs. Notify me immediately if the Jedi shift their focus."
Another ping confirmed his orders, and Hael felt a flicker of satisfaction.
As they approached the Prime Minister's office, the atmosphere grew heavier. Hael's hand instinctively brushed the grip of his blaster, ensuring it was ready. Beside him, his troopers checked their weapons, the faint clicks of safeties disengaging echoing in the tight corridor.
Two clone guards stood stationed outside the office. Their armor bore the polished shine of soldiers assigned to guard high-profile personnel, and their postures were rigid, even as their visors turned towards the approaching squad.
"Captain," one guard said, stepping forward and saluting. "Prime Minister Lama Su has remained in his office. No attempts to leave or communicate externally."
Hael returned the salute. "Understood. Stand by."
The guards shifted slightly but remained alert as Hael gestured for his squad to take positions. Two troopers moved to either side of the door, their blasters raised and ready. A third knelt in front of the access panel.
"Ready on your mark, sir," the trooper said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Hael nodded. "Execute."
The doors hissed open, revealing the spacious chamber of the Prime Minister. The soft hum of machinery and the distant sound of rain filled the room. Lama Su stood with his back to the entrance, gazing at a holographic display of the ongoing battle. His hands were clasped behind him, his posture serene despite the chaos outside.
"How fares the defense, Captain?" Lama Su asked without turning, his voice calm and unhurried.
Hael entered, his steps deliberate. Two more clones followed closely, their weapons raised but not yet aimed. They flanked the room, taking positions by the walls.
The captain's hand moved to his sidearm, unholstering it with practiced ease. The faint hum of the weapon powering up made Lama Su's keen ears twitch slightly at the sound.
"Complying with Contingency Code: Base-Delta-Zero under the authority of the High General," Hael said, his voice devoid of emotion.
Lama Su turned his head slightly, the beginnings of a questioning look forming on his elongated features. "What are you—"
"Kamino and its population have been found guilty of high treason, and have thusly been sentenced to Total Extermination." Hael continued, his tone icy and precise.
The Prime Minister's eyes widened in realization, terror blooming across his face as he began to turn fully. "NO!!! WE HAD A DEA—" But it was too late.
Three bolts of crimson energy lanced through the air in rapid succession. Lama Su's body jerked with each impact, his elongated form collapsing to the pristine floor with an unceremonious thud. The room fell silent, save for the faint hiss of the blaster cooling down.
Hael holstered his weapon and stepped forward, gazing down at the fallen Prime Minister. He signaled to one of his troopers.
"Confirm status," he ordered.
The trooper knelt, his scanner flickering briefly before he nodded. "Target neutralized, sir."
Hael nodded once, his face hidden behind his visor but his posture unyielding. He turned to the rest of the squad.
"Seal the office. We don't need prying eyes here."
"Yes, sir!"
As his troopers began their work, Hael activated his communicator. "Arko, it's done. Proceed with the next phase of preparations. Make sure every action remains within secure channels."
"Understood, Captain," came the reply, crisp and unwavering.
Hael took one last look at the Prime Minister's lifeless form before turning on his heel and exiting the room.
The corridors of Tipoca City buzzed with activity, the relentless hum of rain outside underscoring the chaos within. Hael moved with purpose, his squad flanking him as they approached another high-security office. The pristine Kaminoan architecture seemed indifferent to the weight of the operation underway, its sterile beauty unmarred by the violence spreading through its halls.
He paused outside the office of Chief Scientist Nala Se, a figure whose contributions to the clone army were second only to Lama Su's. The door was guarded by two more clones, their postures stiff as they saluted Hael.
"Status?" Hael barked, his voice clipped.
"Nala Se has been isolated per protocol, sir. She hasn't left or attempted communication," one guard reported.
"Good." Hael gestured to his squad. "Positions."
His troopers moved like clockwork, their blasters raised as they took cover near the door. The slicer trooper from earlier knelt before the panel, tapping rapidly.
"Access granted, Captain. Door opening in three... two..." the trooper fell silent as he gestured 1 with his finger before pointing towards the door.
The door hissed open, revealing Nala Se standing calmly near a console, her elongated fingers tapping on the interface. She didn't look up immediately, her voice serene.
"Captain Hael, I trust this intrusion is justified? I am in the middle of critical data analysis."
Hael stepped forward, his blaster already drawn. "By order of the High General, complying with Contingency Code: Base-Delta-Zero, you are relieved of duty, effective immediately."
Nala Se looked up from her seat, her large, unblinking eyes narrowing as realization dawned. "This is madness, Captain! Do you have any idea what you're—"
Her words were cut short by a single blaster bolt to the chest, her slim form crumpling to the floor. Hael's hand didn't tremble as he lowered his weapon, his voice firm.
"Secure the data," he ordered. "Wipe anything we can't carry."
One of his troopers moved to the console, quickly inserting a data spike. "Copy that, sir. Extracting now."
"Good. Move to the next target."
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Arko's voice was a constant presence on the Zero Legion's private comm channels. His commands were sharp, precise, and methodical.
"Squad Theta, report."
"Target neutralized, sir," came the reply. "Administrative head office secure. Proceeding to data purge."
"Understood. Squad Lambda, status?"
"Civilians attempting to flee. Handling it now."
"Maintain control. Ensure no unauthorized movement. Zero tolerance."
As he received a confirmation, captain Arko turned to the communication officer on his side.
"PHASE I has been successful, begin PHASE II protocols."
"Copy that, sir." Came the reply as the officer switched frequencies.
The captain's orders were relayed seamlessly across the channels, his calm demeanor holding the operation together even as chaos threatened to spill over.
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Blaster fire illuminated the rain-soaked skies as Jedi Master Shaak Ti deflected another volley of red bolts with fluid grace. Her lightsaber hummed as she advanced, leading a group of clone troopers against the encroaching CIS droid forces.
"Push forward!" she called, her voice carrying authority despite the cacophony of battle.
Her troopers obeyed without hesitation, their blasters cutting down a wave of B1 battle droids. The acrid smell of scorched metal filled the air as explosions shook the platform beneath their feet.
"General, the east wing is secure," a clone reported over the comms. "But we're seeing heavier reinforcements dropping down near the main spire."
"Understood. Hold your position and await reinforcements," Shaak Ti responded, her focus unwavering as she leaped into the fray, slicing through a trio of B2 super battle droids.
Nearby, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker were engaged in their own battles, their movements synchronized with their troops as they pushed back the droid offensive.
As Shaak Ti prepared to press forward, a sudden notification flashed on her communicator.
"Attention: Tipoca City lockdown protocols are now in effect. All personnel are to remain in designated zones until further notice."
Shaak Ti frowned, sidestepping a blaster bolt. "Lockdown protocols? Who authorized this?"
One of her clone commanders responded over the channel. "Unknown, General. The order came from central command. All entry and exit points are sealed."
Her grip on her lightsaber tightened. "This wasn't discussed. Obi-Wan, Anakin, did you hear that?"
Obi-Wan's voice crackled through the comm. "I did. Something about this doesn't feel right. I'll investigate."
"Stay focused on the droids for now," Anakin chimed in, his voice tinged with irritation and impatience. "We'll sort out the lockdown after the reinforcements make it here."
Shaak Ti nodded, though unease gnawed at her. She deflected another wave of blaster fire, her thoughts racing.