Journey to Prison (2)

The bounty hunters's ship wasn't small by any means, but when the doors on top of The Sincerity opened, and the ship passed through, the difference was quite big.

Waiting for General Di, Ragout and the clones to disembark was a full platoon. General Di hadn't really explained why Aurra Sing needed so many guards, so Commander Keeli had to step up and expose her deeds. All in all, Sing had captured a padawan, killed at least six clones and made two attempts to escape.

Taking all of those in account, although it seemed like stupidity for her to try to run in a Republic cruiser, Dageer felt it was good to be prepared.

The clones lined up at the sides, first saluting General Di and his apprentice, then later Commander Keeli and Dageer. In the end, Aurra Sing and her Nikto accomplice were pushed out of the ship by Brain and Metal, and received by the lieutenant in command of the platoon.

"Dageer, take Sing to the prison level, and then meet me at the command bridge. We have a report to make, and General Di want to discuss about our time out."

"Yes, commander. Lieutenant, let's go."

"Sir, permission to go to our quarters?"

"Permission granted. Also, Brain, Metal, scrap that dirty out of your armor."

"Yes, sir."

Being followed by the lieutenant and ten clones, Dageer took the group through a maze of corridors that were well known to him. Unlike the time on the ship, Sing spent the entire course without saying a word. Dageer hoped that the truth - that she was going to prison for real - had found her way inside her mind. Or maybe it was just another one of the many personalities that the bounty hunter had.

...

The prison cells if a Venator-class cruiser were very simple. A room with a bed and that was all the furniture. On one corner was the bathroom, which had transparent glass walls until the prisoners entered it, turning the walls in a dull gray for seven minutes. If the prisoner spent any more than that, or took any object that the scanners believed to be dangerous and prohibited, or tried to remove something, the walls would become transparent again, and a guard would be called for inspection.

Under the watchful eyes of Dageer, Sing was put in one of such cells, and the orange ray shield sealed the entrance. General Di had especially ordered that two guards should be guarding the cell at all times.

The first thing Sing did after being locked was stare at Dageer, and say venomous words.

"Sweetheart, what is your name? I would like to remember the clone who arrested me. For when I come out..."

"You won't come out. There is no need to know a clone's name."

-----------------------

Dageer, Commander Keeli, Admiral Dao, General Di and Ragout were having a meeting in the command bridge. Dageer had come here right after delivering Aurra Sing, so he didn't have the time to clean himself or his armor. Commander Keeli was the same.

After greeting the admiral, who was livid for not being warned, Dageer rested his hands on the hologram table. The meeting was an informal one, and he didn't have to worry so much, but he still kept his posture. As usual, General Di was the one to open the meeting.

"Our next stop will be on the heart of the Republic, the planet of Coruscant. The normal period of rest that a legion receives is two weeks every four months, but due to the unexpected strength the Separatist showed, this period was cut in half. For all legions."

Dageer let out an audible sigh. As a clone who passed every moment of his life side by side with his brothers, he knew the Clone Army was tired. Battle after battle had worn out even the most battle-thirsty of the men.

"For the last few months, we have fought in many corners of the galaxy. From Geonosis to Rhen Var and Mon Cala, the 303rd won many battles, and lost many members. Keeli, during this week we will receive new troops. I want you to organize then, and make sure they are ready when we depart. If what we have fought until now means anything, then we are likely to be thrown back in battle as soon as possible. Dageer, you are, of course, to assist him."

"Yes, general."

"Admiral, I believe you would like to meet your family, right?"

"Yes, that would be great, sir."

"Then just make sure to leave the fleet in good hands."

"Thank you, sir."

"Ragout, you and I will return to the Jedi Temple. After our last few days, I believe it is good for us both to train our senses. Master Yoda can help with that."

"... Yes, master."

"That is all, then. Keeli, Dageer, we will be arriving at Coruscant after another jump. After that, Sing will be handed to the Coruscant Guards, and this matter will be officially out of our hands. Make the arrangements for the disembark."

"Yes, general. Dageer, you are on it."

"Yes, commander. Uhhmmm... general, may I speak with you?"

"Yes. Come over here."

Dageer followed General Di to the end of the command bridge, from where they could see the blue and white streaks of light from hyperspace.

"What is it, Dageer?"

"General, I have heard some rumors and questions from not just one clone, but many of the men. And not only ours, but also from the Scuba Troopers on Mon Cala. I wanted to confirm with you."

"What kind of rumors?"

"Well... word is that the Republic army is going to change. Since the Clone Wars is going to take much longer than previously expected, some officers are saying that a reorganization is going to happen. Just today Berro talked to me about it. He asked if the legions are really going to change."

"Ohh. I see it. I don't know who told the soldiers about it, but it is true. As a result of the previous battles, the Senate is voting a bill, and it is almost sure to be approved. From the moment the Senate agrees on it, a new kind of armor is going to be introduced to the clones. New recruits will come with it from Kamino, and for those soldiers who are already on the battlefield, the armor is going to be changed little by little."

"And... about the... rest of the rumors... general?"