Late Night Recon (OPEN) [Clone Wars]

[Arina Fawzi]

It was dark, the stars shining brilliantly in the night sky above the tree line. There was hardly a breeze, the air thick with the scent of leaf litter and muggy, but fresh, air. The troops had dropped a few miles from their initial rendezvous point, but upon completing their march to the camp it was discovered that they were needed in a different location. Unable to transport that many troops with the ships they had, it was necessary to go by foot. This not only allowed the ground forces to conserve fuel, but gave the men a feel for the thick forest.

It was Sparky that had found the location for the camp during his scouting trip. There was an area in which the forest had small breaks, almost like the holes in swiss cheese. This allowed tents to be pitched and sleeping arrangements to be… flatter and thus more comfortable. Once orders were barked, each squad set to work in setting up a temporary camp; as the late afternoon progressed, a common area was built where the men, commander, general, private and all alike could sit on their breaks. That was almost six hours ago though…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Second Dog Watch - 1930hrs

Day 2 - Log 37

It is already dark, and a fire has been burning in the common area for many hours now. It's almost impressive on how short the days are... probably because the trees are so tall. The dinner wasn't bad. Upon arrival we were issued food from the locals, and while it was heavy to carry... definitely worth it. Besides, that's what the tanks are or right?

*chuckle*

I replace Shredds in a half hour's time, maybe I'll do a bit of reconnaissance further up ahead tonight.

Sparky out.

Cutting out of his personal log, Sparky sat back on his fallen tree, bench. He had gotten his meal a little while ago, and had only just sat down to eat it. He was a bit further off from the others, who were seated around a roaring fire in the common area, and somehow found more comfort in the soft sounds of the forest around him. He glanced over at his brothers, tempted to join them... but the dancing orange flame made his shebs stay planted where they were.
With a small sigh, he dug into his food.



((Shebs - Buttocks))

[Ahsoka Tano]

((Hello!))

Ahsoka sat with her back to the fire, her eyes searching the horizon for her Master. The Jedi was fully capable of taking care of himself, but Ahsoka still worried. Plo Koon had left several hours ago for the village, in search of some resources and tools. Ahsoka had wanted to go along, but her Master told her she was to stay with the clones and keep an eye on things.

The young Padawan sighed. She was itching for something to do. She had already set up her tent, conversed with the clones and eaten her share of the meal. She could hear jokes and laughter from the clones gathered in the background. She didn't feel much like joking. The war had been pulling her down lately, her cheerfulness stifled by the gloom and destruction. She naturally keep up appearances, Jedi were to be examples to everyone. Plus how many times had Plo Koon commented on bolstering the clone's spirits?

Ahsoka picked at the grass, pulled up each individual blade. It was nice to be out in nature though. Ahsoka ran her hand through the thick carpet of grass. The Jedi lay down in the grass and stared up at the sky. She loved seeing the different star views from the various planets she'd traveled to. She put her hands behind her head and let her eyes linger on the dark night landscape. Another clone cracked a joke and the laughter floated over to her.

[Arina Fawzi]

((How nice of you to join me! ))


With his elbow on one knee to support his head and his food tray balanced on the other, Sparky absent mindedly carried the food from his plate to his mouth. He wasn't too particularly hungry, in fact, he just wanted to get back to work. He loved his brothers as much as any clone, but he found comfort in the silence the forest seemed to offer him. It told a story, the broken twig trails to the way the leaves lay in the dirt... it showed wind patterns, animal trails... where enemies could hide... where they could put traps.
Enemies. Traps. Fire.

The harshness of the memory returning to him was such a surprise that the little jump caused the plate to slide off his forest camouflaged armour and tip into the dirt. He started at it blankly.
'Was almost finished it anyway.' With a heavy sigh, his gaze lifted from the remaining half of his meal to the campfire where his brothers were laughing. A new figure was present, laying in the grass.

The fact they weren't in armour was enough to tell Sparky that it wasn't a trooper. From what he could see, it was Commander Tano... a jedi; someone troopers like him didn't commonly see. To be honest, aside from holographic projections of their faces, Sparky had never met one face to face.
His head cocked to one side curiously, and it took him a moment to realize he was staring.
Snapping back into focus, he picked up his tray and began stacking what bits of food he could (to avoid attracting animals) back onto it.

[Ahsoka Tano]

((Thank you for asking me!))
Ahsoka felt eyes upon her, or maybe she just imagined it. The Jedi sat up and glanced around the camp. Several clones stood on watch, a few gathered around different tents, while the majority of them stood around the fire, the red flames flickered across their faces. To many all clones appeared the same, but to a Jedi all the differences between them were more evident. Each was unique and important. There were the outspoken jokesters and the more quiet reliable clones. Ahsoka glanced from the rather animated clone telling a story about his comrade's sleep walking, to a clone crouching on the edge of the forest, seeming to be enjoying the solitude.

Ahsoka's gaze slowly drifted back to the horizon, impatience bubbled within her. It would be time for the watches to change pretty soon here. Ahsoka got to her feet and brushed grass from her skirt. Might as well make herself useful, she was not going to sleep until she heard from her Master. If he didn't show up soon, or contact her, Ahsoka knew something was wrong.


Ahsoka picked up her tray and headed back to the heart of the camp. Some of the men had gathered water for clean up, and some for drinking. Ahsoka set her plate on the makeshift table and dipped the community ladle into the water barrel. Ahsoka was careful not to spill any water as she lifted the ladle to her lips and took a drink. The water tasted differently then the usual stuff, but it wasn't bad. The Jedi put the ladle back and grabbed her plate. She walked over to the edge of the table and grabbed a rag. No reason to leave more work for others. Ahsoka scrubbed the tray and dipped it in the sudsy water.

[Arina Fawzi]

The ARF trooper watched the Commander take her leave, and when her back was to him he exhaled with relief; thankful he didn't have to explain himself. Sometimes being at the bottom of the chain of command sucked, especially when it came to addressing superiors. Crushing whatever crumbs were left into a dust, he scooped up his helmet and slid it over his eyes. The familiar sight of his HUD came into view as he stretched lazily and switched to night vision.
It was time for that Recon he wanted to do.
Grinning to himself, he approached the cleaning station to stash his tray.


"Hey Sparks! Where you been?! Get over here!"

Sparky had just enough time to drop his tray before being grabbed by the upper arm and being hauled away. Digging in his heels, the scout prevented his brother for dragging him any closer to the campfire. As much as he wanted to join them, he actually had to go now.
"Hey hey, now! Unlike soooomepeople I've got work to do! We all can't curl up all cosy like in front of a fire, now can we? Chuckling, he wiped the man's arm off his bicep.
The other seemed disappointed briefly, before giving a hefty clap on the shoulder.
"If you say so, Sparky. You going recon up ahead?"
"Definitely. I'd like to find the path with lease resistance for tomorrow. That way there's nothing for you to complain about in the morning."

Chuckling, the two parted and Sparky backed up to continue caring for his dish. It may be best to fill his canteen with fresh water as well. Spinning on his heel he came face to face with Commander Tano. She must have come here for the same reason he had, judging from the rag in one hand and a soapy tray in another.
If he had taken another step he might have run into her.

Immediately springing back a half pace, he snapped to attention (not really knowing what else to do).
"Appologies, sir!"

[Ahsoka Tano]

Ahsoka was slightly startled by the sudden appearance of the clone. She must really be distracted by her Master's absence not to sense the clone sooner.

"Relax Trooper." Ahsoka smiled slightly trying to put the clone at ease. "You haven't done anything wrong." Ahsoka glanced at the tray in the clones hand. "There's another rag over there if you want." She motioned to the table.
Ahsoka searched her memory trying to identify the Clone, she didn't believe they had ever met. "So what's your name?"

Ahsoka preferred to call the clones by their names, it felt more personal. She wouldn't want to be called Togruta or a random number, it seemed logical that the Clones wouldn't like it either. Though part of her realized they probably were use to it.

Ahsoka scrubbed at the tray with a renewed vigor. she wanted to get this task done so she could scout the edges of the camp. That way she could make sure nothing was suspicious, and get her mind off of her Master. The clone next to stood like he was on a mission himself, and she assumed it wasn't just a clean tray.

[Arina Fawzi]

Sparky relax visibly. Even though his face was well hidden behind a helmet, the small slack in his shoulders was enough to show that he was feeling more at ease.
"It was clumsy of me though, sir-" He cut himself off. She had stated that he hadn't done anything wrong, and yet here he was trying to cover up his tracks as if he had. "It won't happen again, sir."

He followed the Commander's line of view until he spotted the rag. Smiling, he picked it up and immediately started to scrub with fierce determination.
He stopped when she asked his name.
Looking up form his work, his head cocked sideways for a moment as he studied her. Yup, she was being serious.

Straightening up proudly, he spoke. "Spark, Sparks, or 'Sparky', sir." He smirked. "Most people I know prefer 'Sparky'. They say it fits me better." He chuckled, but there was no doubting the pride in his voice and in his body posture. CT-6887 was less so a number now, and more so a name since his near fatal incident several years ago.
Upon awakening from his 'induced coma', he swore that every face he saw was a separatist in disguise. He said nothing but the typical interrogation routine over and over again; number and squadron, number and squadron despite the attempts of his colleagues. The commander that was present said he had a 'spark' in his attitude, a 'sparky' personality.

"I'm an ARF trooper, a scout." He stated casually. ARF (Advanced Recon Force) troopers trained separately from normal troopers, as well as clone commandos and the ARC troopers. There was a specific standard that needed to be upheld, and their training was quite crucial and unique. He wasn't sure if the Commander didn't know of him because of that barrier, or because he was normally out five miles ahead of everyone else.
"You're Commander Tano, correct?"

[Ahsoka Tano]

"Sparky, I like it." Ahsoka smiled at the clone. She agreed it did seem to fit the clone, from what she gathered he was determined and confident. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips, she had gotten the nickname Snips from a Jedi who had gone on a mission with her and her Master. The name had stuck after that, although annoying at times she did still like it. Perhaps she and the clone had more in common then she originally thought.

Ahsoka nodded. "I could tell from your armor." She glanced over at the clone. "I know the Jedi don't tell you and your brother's very often how much we appreciate your commitment and sacrifice, but we really do. It's not the Jedi who will win the war, it's the combination of the Jedi and the clones." Ahsoka smiled kindly and went back to scrubbing her tray.

Not many people knew of the clone that Ahsoka owed her life to. He didn't save her out of duty, or programing, or because she was a Jedi. He saved her because she was a friend and she was someone who needed help. Ahsoka didn't doubt he would have done the same for anyone, no matter who they were or weren't.

Ahsoka's thoughts were broken by Sparky's inquiry. "Yes." Ahsoka nodded. "That's me." She glanced towards the horizon out of habit. "My Master and I were assigned to head up this part of the transportation. He went in town for supplies with a few of your brothers." Ahsoka dipped her tray in the washing water and set it on the stack of clean trays. She glanced off toward the words. "If your not doing anything Sparky, you could help me with securing the area. The last scout went out several hours ago so it's about time for a follow up." Ahsoka brushed her hand over her lightsaber and glanced back at the clone. She was itching to get out there, but another set of eyes wasn't a bad idea. Besides, her Master wouldn't be pleased if she wen't off on her own. He was overly protective in that way.

[Arina Fawzi]

Sparky couldn't help but grin, tracing a smile across the muzzle of his helmet to indicate so. He liked his name, and he couldn't help but feel a bit proud that he had a bit of 'approval' from the commander. He studied her for a moment as she seemed to fade off into thought, before wiping the remaining dirt from his, now clean, tray.

He slowed his cleaning as he absorbed the commander's words, not once looking up at her. He didn't really know what to say, what could he say?! It was a harsh, and very different life from all that he's witnessed from his deployments across the galaxy. Here he was being told that their lives were appreciated, where as the Kaminoians thought of them as a product. He frowned, their whole existence was very complicated. Sparky knew nothing but his job, his life alongside his brothers, the routine... but it was still nice to know that someone was still noticing them as beings.... someone that recognized their tribute to this whole war.

At the mention of her 'master', Sparky looked over at her. She must be referring to the General, for he was the only one he knew of that had gone ahead. He was silent, his focus completely directed to her as he absent mindedly rinsed his plate and stacked it on top of Ahsoka's. Help her secure the area? Naturally he would help; that was his job!
"Yes, sir!" He said cheerily. "I have the First Watch, and replace Shredds in 10 minutes. We can get a briefing from him, tour the camp, then do a bit of... exploring, if you'd like, sir!"

[Ahsoka Tano]

The clone's demeanor changed almost immediately at Ahsoka's suggestion. He must be itching to get out of this drab camp as much as she was. The jokes had died down with the fire, and most of the clones were relaxing and enjoying the rare moment of laziness. Laziness was not Ahsoka's type of thing, unless it was a fun type of laziness. Which this certainly was not.

Ahsoka nodded in agreement at the clones suggestion, getting a briefing would be a wise use of time. She smiled and tossed the rag back on the table. "There's nothing I like better then exploring. I'm going to grab my pack and I'll meet you by the main tent, we can find Shredds from there."

Ahsoka walked briskly through the maze of tents. It was always interesting to see how the clones reacted to her walking past. The ones that knew her would wave and continue with their conversations, some would even shout out a greeting. The ones who didn't know her would get really quiet until she passed and then continue with their conversation. They always made her feel like an intruder, an out of place Jedi who didn't belong among so many clones.

Ahsoka reached her tent and crouched down to look inside. It felt as though something was not quiet right. Where was her stuff?

"It's right there silly."Ahsoka muttered to herself. Her pack was by her mat, just where she left it. The Togruta grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. She couldn't shake the feeling of trouble, but couldn't see anything immediately wrong either. Paranoia must be setting in. Ahsoka half laughed at herself. She really needed to relax.

It didn't take long for Ahsoka to make it to the tent.

[Arina Fawzi]

"Yes sir! Right away!" The trooper saluted quickly, spun on his heel, tossed the rag and tray into their respective places and took off to fetch his gear. Weaving his way to his squad's tent location on the edge of the camp, Sparky slipped inside and grabbed his pack.
He knew it was already set to go; it was always set to go.
This evening he was aiming for recon, thus it was a lighter load. Spare rations, water, first aid kit, and a few bits of gear was all he needed... plus clips of spare ammunition. Clipping his pistol to his hip, he then proceeded to attach a sling to his DC-15x Sniper Rifle and hang it over his shoulder.
He was about to leave when he saw a small device sitting by his pillow. He rubbed the muzzle of his helmet in thought, before quickly running over to snatch it up. This would definitely come in handy.

Satisfied, he left the tent and jogged a few metres over to the tent where Shredds would be meeting him. Approaching from the treeline was a familiar shape; the paint on the front of his armour was designed in long streaks, almost like claw marks, across the front. That was Shredds, without a doubt.
Grinning, the two approached and greeted with a firm grasp of each other's forearms. The Mando'ade that trained them (what felt like a long time ago) had taught them much of their 'DNA donor's' heritage, their heritage... and shaking hands wasn't really one of them.
Chuckling, friendly insider jokes were briefly exchanged before the two approached then briefing tent.

Brushing the flap aside, the pair entered shoulder to shoulder. Spotting Commander Tano, and his Sargeant, the troopers snapped to attention.
"Sir."
"Sir."
They both spoke in unison, waiting to be addressed by the superiors. The time was 1955hrs, right on time. There was no being late for a scout; a late scout usually means trouble... a lot of trouble.

[Ahsoka Tano]

((Hope this is alright. ))

Ahsoka had been speaking to the Clone Sergeant. Apparently she wasn't the only one concerned about Master Plo's absence. She has attempted to contact Master Koon and had only gotten some static. When they attempted to locate him with some of the tracking equipment he, and the clones who had traveled with him were non existent. Completely wiped from the board.

With no way to contact the Jedi, and with the assumption that the mission had been compromised Ahsoka was left in charge by default.
Her heart pounded in her stomach. She hated dealing with uncertainties. It was easy to make a decision if you have all the facts, but there were so many uncertainties and unknowns. How was she suppose to make the right decision?

The Jedi crossed her arms across her chest, she had to look like she was calm, cool and collected. This wasn't a time to freak out. "At this point we're on high alert but otherwise continue the transportation and mission as planned. " Ahsoka glanced from the Sargeant to the rest of the clones in the tent. "We also need to send a small squad to investigate what happened to Jedi Plo Koon and the three clones with him." Ahsoka glanced down at the map. "Any thoughts Sargeant? I was thinking-"

Ahsoka turned at the sound of the Sparky and Shredds entering the tent. She didn't say anything so the Sargeant finally spoke.

"What's the report?"

[Arina Fawzi]

Immediately once he saw the pair, Sparky regretted entering the tent. He had interrupted, how cold he tell? The way his Sargeant slowly put his hands on his hips. Clearly he wasn't to entirely impressed, and Sparky mentally winced. They were trained to be the best, but when one of them slipped up, it made the higher ranks' maintenance of discipline look bad. He would hear about this later; osik.

Shredds must have thought the same thing, for he cleared his throat before taking one pace forward. Sparky stayed put, at attention, by the doorway flap of the tent.

"Nothing much to report in terms of proximity to the camp, Sir. It's all quiet, with no signs of anything large and troublesome within a 3 mile radius. The treeline, in assistance with the cloud cover crawling from due west, is providing enough cover to hide the campfires from our camp. For now, we're off the radar. The forest alternates from coniferous and deciduous trees with moist conditions, suggesting recent rain. Tree cores display no signs of recent droughts.
Throughout the whole report, so far, Sparky hadn't moved a muscle... until now. He twitched slightly at the neck and shoulder, the movement ever so slight. The fact that it was damp conditions meant soggy troops, not so good, but no fires... very good. He was thankful for the helmet, for he couldn't help but smile in relief.

"All squadrons have reported green conditions... minus one, sir. The general and his accompanying squad are overdue for their sitrep." Approaching the holographic table in the centre of the room, Shredds removed a chip from the back of his helmet and slid it into the reader. A map of the area shone before them, displaying elevations, rivers, and other landmarks the team had managed to locate. Filtering through different modes, Shredds brought up what looked like a roadmap of red lines.
"This blue patch is the camp. This solid red line indicates the General's and his squad's path. Each little red circle is where they punched in co-ordinates. Notice that they stop." With a small wave of his hand, Shredds followed the path and the sudden halt of red line. Around the 'camp' spot were several green lines, in spiral patterns that went no further than three miles. "The thin green lines are the scouts' paths throughout the course of the evening."
He backed up a step, and resumed the position of attention, indicating that he had finished.



((Osik - crap, crud... really quite impolite ))

[Ahsoka Tano]

Ahsoka clenched her jaw, staring at the little red line that came to an abrupt halt.

"Thank you for your through report Shredds." Ahsoka nodded to the trooper before returning her gaze to the map.

"Have the troopers widen their scouting an additional mile while we're on high alert." Ahsoka began programming a handheld tracker the coordinates of the Jedi's last known location.

"I'll go in with two clones to investigate the General's disappearance. If myself, or one of my team doesn't contact you every thirty minuets I want you to move out as quickly as possible. A Jedi's disappearance is not to be taken lightly." Ahsoka picked up the generals tracker as well as those of the clones. With a few clicks she permanently deactivated them. The red line turned yellow.

"I don't want to chance someone discovering the trackers and linking them back here." Ahsoka picked up her device and pack. "Now Sparky is one of the clones thats coming, I like to have a good ARF trooper watching my back." Ahsoka looked to the Sargeant.

"I would like your opinion in this situation, as well as a suggestion for the second trooper to come with. Speak your mind, you have my permission."

[Arina Fawzi]

Shredds gave a small nod and backed up to stand alongside Sparky; his work was done, and although the clone may not be willing to admit it, he was looking a bit tired.
All eyes were on the Commander as she delegated her orders, and very logical ones at that. There had been many a time where Sparky had witnessed ill given commands, not to mention people that had put the safety of his brothers last. This commander displayed confidence in her orders.
He watched the red line turn yellow.

"I don't want the chance someone discovering the trackers and linking them back here."

It was silent in the room, but the Commander definitely had their attention... and now their respect.

At the mention of his name, Sparky nodded briefly to notify the Commander that he had heard. Boy did she know how to stroke one's ego, for her praise was unexpected. He hardly even noticed that he had swelled up a little, straightening his shoulders and height a little more, in pride.

The Sargeant studied the map, and almost hesitated when the Commander asked his honest opinion.
"Shredds. Dismissed."
With a firm, 'sir', Shredds left the tent without a second thought.
"To be honest, sir --- I would go just the two of you. Sparky is excellent at his work, and is definitely very careful and observant."
The two troopers exchanged looks momentarily.
"We'll have a small team set to join you should you need backup, and worst come to worst, a squad set to deploy to your location within minutes. Two is harder to spot than three, and Sparky can become invisible should he so choose. I don’t know, but it’s just a gut feeling--" He stopped, cleared his throat. "However should you feel safer in a group of three, I know that any member of my squad is quite capable. "