Chapter 168 - Total Failure (1/2)
The rest of Hell Squad woke up when they heard Cell yelling. Like all troopers, they never slept too soundly, so even a small amount of noise was enough to wake them.
They all gathered around Dageer, the first question being if he was well, and the second being how did the operation go. He, however, didn't have an answer to the second question.
He contacted Commander Thorn, and asked the results, but the clone ordered him to meet face to face instead of giving him the answers through comlink.
”Uhmmm...”
”Sorry, sir?”
”Nothing, Brain. I need to go meet Commander Thorn. You all stay here.”
”Yes, sir.”
...
The headquarters of the Coruscant Guard was as busy as always, but all the troopers seemed, somehow, depressed. They still gave Dageer the normal salutes, but their enthusiasm was null compared to the day before.
Commander Thorn, Sergeant Hound, Lieutenant Thire and Commander Fox were around the hologram table, which showed Jedi General Anakin Skywalker, and the young Togruta that saved Dageer, twice.
”Commander Thorn, Commander Fox. Hound, Thire.”
Dageer saluted the two commanders, and greeted the other clones, who acknowledged him. Then, he turned to the holograms.
”General Skywalker. And...”
”My name is Ahsoka Tano, sub-commander. I am Master Skywalker's padawan.”
”Thank you for your help, General Tano. You saved my life.”
The padawan looked down with sadness, which only confirmed Dageer's worries.
”Unfortunately, I couldn't help more.”
Dageer walked next to Thire, so he could look to the holograms without them having to turn around.
”Commander Thorn, I was in the medical bay until a few minutes ago. How was the operation?”
Thorn shook his head. Like the other clones around the table, with the exception of Dageer, he was wearing his armor, but his helmet was under his arm. Instead of answering Dageer, he looked at the scar on his eye.
”That wasn't due to yesterday's battle, was it?”
”No, commander. I got it on Mygeeto. Was it really so bad?”
The shock trooper sighed, but was interrupted by Commander Fox before he could say anything.
”Not saying it won't change anything, Thorn. It was a total failure, Dageer. Sing, Bossk and Castas escaped.”
Upon receiving confirmation, Dageer punched the table, making the holograms sway a little, and Commander Fox stared angrily at him.
”Sorry, commander.”
”Well, it wasn't a total failure. We captured that mon calamari.”
The soft voice of the padawan pulled Dageer back from his thoughts. He remembered his surprise in seeing Hiigi, who he thought was dead, working with Sing. If he was detained, that meant he might have information on her.
”His name is Hiigi, General Tano. I fought him before.”
”Ugh... don't call me general. It took me ages just to get Rexy-boy to call me commander. Do the same.”
Dageer was unsure of what to do, while General Skywalker barely managed to contain his laughter. After a few moments, Dageer realized that 'Rexy-boy' was Captain Rex, the commander of the 501st Legion. How the padawan managed to come up with such a nickname for the stern captain, he had no idea.
”Okay, Commander Tano. I fought with Hiigi before. He... doesn't like me. That might help if I am allowed to interrogate him.”
He turned to the two Coruscant Guard commanders, who nodded. They didn't have any problem with it.