User blog:KnightReturns422/Blood Rain

Joch Farlight walked through the maze-like passageways towards the Chancellor's office. He had been told by his master that it was Palpatine's wish to see him about an important matter. Joch couldn't help but feel nervous. But then, why shouldn't he? He had already been in the presence of two Jedi High Council members, but that was a year ago and Palpatine was different. He is after all the commander-in-chief of the entire Grand Army after all, not to mention the leader of the whole Republic, Joch thought to himself. So what does Palpatine want? Had he taken an interest in the young Padawan? Joch didn't know. Perhaps he would find out when he arrived. And speaking of arrival... he stood in front of the Chancellor's office, with two of his red guards standing on either side. Their faces were hidden amid the masks and their appearances looked sinister compared to the Sith.

"State your business", one of them said in a blank tone.

"I am Padawan Joch Farlight. I was told the Chancellor wanted to see me?" Joch tried his best to remain calm, but the red guards seemed to overwhelm him.

"Ah yes", said the other guard. "The Chancellor is waiting for you. Although..." he looked at Joch's appearance. Joch couldn't see his face, but he surmised that the guard was wearing a dubious expression, most likely because of his age.

"Save it for later, Yavug", said the other guard in a warning tone. "Don't keep him waiting, Padawan."

Without saying anything, Joch passed through the doors, the guards remaining silent. A beautiful small circular waiting room was before Joch. Four golden statues were placed on the four sides, and there were soft couches that almost made the person as though he wanted to sleep on it indefinitely. And then he saw him. Palpatine, adorned in blue robes was looking out through the large side-curved window, with a variety of speeders coming and going. And it looked as if Palpatine wasn't alone at all; Joch could make out two other figures sitting in the chairs facing the Chancellor's desk. And suddenly, Joch realized who they were. Reaching out into the Force, master Gram Alnin and Yoda turned to face him, both wearing weary expressions. But there was something else that Joch could sense in the two great masters: concern. Would this have anything to do with the summons?

Palpatine turned around too, his crinkled face turning into a warm smile. It was always polite to bow towards an authoratative figure, but Joch couldn't bring himself to do it.

"Ah, Padawan... Farlight I beleive?" said Palpatine in a calm and kind tone.

"Yes, your excellency". Joch suddenly realized he was being impolite, and bowed, though not entirely.

"Please, do not trouble yourself", said the Chancellor, waving his hand as though warding of a dish he didn't like. "Please, take a seat in between master Alnin and Yoda. We have much to discuss."

Joch did as he was told, and sat, waiting for what the Chancellor was about to throw at him. Gram and Yoda looked at him, both wearing concerned looks.

"As you know, it has been a year since Geonosis", Palpatine began. Joch remained silent, not wanting to cut off the Chancellor's words.

"The Clone Wars have taken a heavy toll on the Grand Army", he continued. "With supplies very little to go by, and with casualties arising, we must look for alternatives." Palpatine paused. He waited as if either Joch, Gram or Yoda were about to input a question.

"What alternatives do you mean, Chancellor?", said Joch feeling somewhat confident in his tone.

"Alternatives such as raiding much needed supplies and to wipe out any enemy garissons to give our troops some breathing space", he said simply. "Are you famaliar with Taral V?"

Joch thought for a moment. "I do. It's in the Calamari sector of the Outer Rim territories. No one's been there for centuries, what with all those jungle animals prowling. And to top it all, Taral V's frequent rainstorms don't improve the mood."

"Indeed. Up until know, Mon Calamari agents found a Separatist base/supply depot for another planned invasion on Mon Calamari. Since their forces are small, they have asked us to intervene. I read your past records, and how you have established yourself as a tactician and fighter; it seems you have... inherited it from your master?"

Joch felt slightly touched by the comment. "Learned would be the better word for it, sir."

Palpatine smiled, knowing that Joch wasn't a "clone" of Kyle.

"I have called you here because you are fit enough to undertake this mission. You will take a regiment of clones to Taral V and to permenantly shut down all enemy operations and to sieze valuable supplies for the Republic effort. I am placing the 32nd Coruscant Regiment under your direct command."

(To be Expanded)