Some time has passed since we've destroyed about twenty-five percent of the droid battalion. I'm sure they're regrouping as we speak, but three clones, a lone bounty hunter, and a Master Jedi sure is putting in some work, huh? A silent tiredness was sweeping around us. The clones didn't go out of the fourth wave unscathed. The injuries weren't deep, just light wounds from stray blaster fire. I'm sure they would be in much worse condition if I wasn't here.
I was able to test out the Grappling Beam as well. It had the ability to rip through shields pretty effectively. I knocked one of those Rollers down on its knees, allowing Thire to finish it off. Sadly, the clones did end up taking that little bit of damage by the other Rollers. But we had created a wide enough gap that allowed us to retreat the other way. We collapsed several rocks, destroying the rest of the Rollers along the way. Like I just said, we were able to cripple about a fourth of that droid battalion altogether. It was an excellent feat shared between them and me.
Before we realized it, the sun had started to descend. Yoda suggested heading inside the caves for now, and so we did. The holes weren't exactly the largest to wander into, but there was enough space, and the one we went inside opened up. Thire helped carry the clones inside. As the time passed, the remaining seventy-five percent of the battalion began to assemble. More droid patrols. More armored droids. More Rollers. Even the Tanks were being brought into play. They were going all out this time, and it would seem this fifth wave of battling would determine who is the victor, and who is the loser.
Once we got settled inside the cave, the descending star, which acted as the sun, illuminated the cave from the entrance. For the first time since I've arrived, the clones received a momentary respite.
"Good work out there today boys.", I said, attempting to give some encouragement. I could see tiredness in their eyes. I wasn't sure if I was tired or not. My own body is an anomaly.
This is Samus Aran after Metroid Fusion. Her body alone had gone through certain...changes.
Samus initially was infused with Chozo tech. Both biological and technological modifications. Enhanced strength. Enhanced agility and heightened reflexes. Much more agile and flexible. And increased stamina to endure this powerful body. On top of that, Samus's aging has slowed down. I'm probably going to be looking like I'm in my mid twenties for years to come. I don't know how slowed down this change is, but I have a feeling I can live on for at least a few hundred years more, perhaps even half a millennium. Potentially even longer, now that my body is infected with the X Parasites. The Chozo used these modifications on me with hope for me to survive much more dangerous planet climates, compared to the Coral Moon of Rugosa. I'm talking about planets that spew out lava on the surface, or sub-zero temperatures.
Hell, the Chozo made this body to even endure biochemical warfare. I can't recall Star Wars using this much during battle, but if someone launches a tear gas or something, it likely won't have much effect on me, even if I'm not wearing my Power Suit.
And this change was way before me being infected with X Parasites. Samus's only way to live through that hell was to endure surgery by the Federation, and being infused with Metroid DNA no less, at the molecular level. I could only imagine that surgery lasted for ages. And it wasn't even successful. Most of Samus's power ups were lost during it. You would only see a few images of it during the beginning of Metroid Fusion. But for some reason, I didn't come with those downsides.
I am not sure if my body is infected with the X Parasites. But if they are, I'd have heightened sensory detectors. I could probably "feel" where targets were even without this visor and Power Suit. In Fusion and beyond, the Power Suit would become corrupted by the result of the X Parasites bonding with infused Metroid DNA. But here, I have my original, unaffected Power Suit. I wonder, are those changes still within my body? Am I vulnerable to cold temperatures? Or will the Power Suit protect me? So many things to test out.
I had a good initial test run today, testing out a few abilities Adam had given me access to. Seeker Missiles. Super Missiles. Power Beam. Grapple Beam. If I can end up changing my Power Suit to the Varia Suit or Light Suit or something, that may determine if I have X Parasites or not. I could risk going to the Republic to have my body tested, but I am not sure if I'm up for that task yet. After all, I was just brought into Star Wars, and into Clone Wars no less. I'd rather experience these next three years personally before I make any major decisions. I know the day isn't over yet, as the challenge will end by night. I could still test some more of my parameters.
As I thought about the future, I saw Thire nod his head.
"You weren't half bad yourself, Shooter. It's reassuring that we have a sniper amongst our small squad. You said you would cover our sixes, and you sure did alright. We'd likely have succumbed to a lot more injuries if it weren't for you. I didn't expect you to excel in close combat either. I haven't really seen that type of weapon before.", Thire exclaimed, recalling everything that I had shown today.
"An interesting weapon, it is. Vast the galaxies, are. Much we do not know, there is.", Yoda said, also nodding his head in response.
"You think so?", I mused, seeing everyone amused by the demonstration I showed today.
"It don't matter to me what you got, Shooter. We gave those Clankers hell today. I think victory is within our grasp.", Rys said, responding with a confident nod.
"Confidence, good to have it is. Over your head, do not let it be. Rest for now, we must. The challenge over, by night it will be." Yoda said, reminding everyone that we are to rest for now. Now that I think about it, these guys were only given a single day to fight a whole battalion. Since the star was beginning to descend, we likely don't have a lot of time left. A few more hours, maybe? A little more?
I don't know how much of that would factor into me personally. I haven't gotten too tired, unlike these clones. I don't know if I'd consider myself a masochist that I'd determine how long I can stay awake for now that this body of mine is a tri-mix of alien DNA. Part of me even wants to find out how long, but I don't think this will be something I'd personally test. If it happens, it'll happen. Instead I offered the clones that I'd keep watch so they could get some shut eye, even if it was only going to last for a couple hours.
"I can keep watch for the time being, if that's what you boys prefer. You did much more battling than I did. To be honest, those four rounds didn't tire me out much, and my ammo isn't anywhere near depleted. I could tell you more, but trade secret~", I joked, grinning. Of course, they couldn't see my grin. I still had my helmet on, as did the clones. But the part about me suggesting that I'd keep watch is a genuine offer. These clones are likely much more tired than I am. I'd rather them be more ready for the remaining battles that are to come.
"You're just a bundle of energy, aren't you, Shooter? If only the guys back at base could respond like you do, heh.", Thire responded with a laugh. With that initial laughter, the rest joined in, and the tense atmosphere eased a little bit. I'm glad, I could see the clones start to relax. Our lives are still on the line here, but if it's a little assurance I can give, then I'll give it. Even if I have to keep watch for the night.
"An interesting proposal, it is. However, still much there is, to discuss. Leaving the decision for later, we will.", Yoda said. Looks like he wasn't immediately going to decide on what I suggested, huh? I'm fine with that. I'd rather relax now anyways. "For now, reflect on our actions, we will.", Yoda continued.
Reflect on our actions. Was that directed more toward the clones than me? After all they're part of a military squad, while I'm just an additional piece to that. They go through various stages of training. Master Yoda is a teacher in more ways than one. With that in mind, the clones nodded their heads at Master Yoda.
"Well to be honest, it isn't looking good, even with your assistance, Shooter. We've depleted most of our supplies. Even the blaster cannon was used up against the fourth wave of those Clankers. We've only got our blasters left, and a couple grenades at most. I don't think that will cut it against three quarters of a battalion still on the loose.", Thire said, giving a clean description of what is left for us to handle.
That does sound a lot still. We might have been enough to take around a hundred of those droids, but can the five of us take out another four or five hundred? Especially with the clones' ammunition this low?
Yoda simply smiled hearing that.
"All around us is what we need, to prevail. Use the terrain to our advantage. Attack the enemy from both sides, we will. The power of the Force, on our side it is.", Yoda said, giving another round of encouragement to the clones.
"I mean, that's what we've been doing today, and it's been an effective countermeasure to attacking those Clankers. Are you saying to keep up the pace, and we'll come out of this alive, General?", Thire questioned, still a little unsure as to what Yoda had just said.
"Hmm.", Yoda answered, remaining vague. He didn't give a direct answer to the clones, causing them to enter their thoughts. If we really do keep this same pace up, will we win this so-called challenge? I could ramp up my firepower, sure. But just one wrong move, and it could be over for them.
Instead, all Yoda did was speak again.
"Come. Remove your helmet, you shall. You as well, Shooter.", Yoda said, beckoning us over. Yet hearing that last bit alone, I paused.
If I removed my helmet here, I may not be able to speak with these guys like this...