Chapter Text
The 212th Battalion had been formed and assigned to General Obi-Wan Kenobi not long after the Jedi Council agreed to let me train to wield the Force. Master Obi-Wan and I had already begun training with small exercises centred around focus and meditation, feeling the Force flowing through me and everything around me.
Once the 212th was officially established, General Obi-Wan decided to introduce me to the leading clone marshall commander. To say I was nervous was an understatement. On Kamino, I had never had a positive interaction with a single reg, and I didn't exactly have high hopes that things would be different with the 212th troopers. As General Obi-Wan and I made our way toward the barracks, he turned to me with a gentle tone,
"I can sense your nerves, Astra. Remember to mind your feelings."
My frown deepened, disappointed in my lack of control over my emotions. Taking a moment to focus on trying to relax, I nodded,
"Yes, sir, I know, I'm sorry."
The general frowned, clearly noting that I was struggling to push away the nerves,
"What seems to be troubling you?"
"I..." I sighed, "On Kamino, my squad and I were outsiders because we're... 'defective'. Different. The regs- regularclones were always mean and took any chance to disrespect one or all of us. The fact that I was the only female and of a different donor didn't help my case. I'm just worried that things are going to be the same. Even as your right hand."
"Hm, I understand. But I suggest trying to keep an open mind. Leave the past behind. Besides, I have a feeling things will look up, Astra. Try to relax."
I smiled, thankful for his understanding, guidance, and support,
"Yes, sir. Thank you."
When we reached the barracks, I noted it was mostly empty, assuming the men were training or getting acquainted with one another. The only one standing at attention, seemingly waiting for our arrival, caught my attention. He had the same armour as the rest of the regs but with yellow markings and a visor on his helmet. As General Obi-Wan and I walked over to him, the commander removed his helmet and held it at his hip.
"General Kenobi, sir," the commander greeted with a salute. General Obi-Wan nodded with his kind smile,
"Commander Cody, it's good to see you again."
"You, too, sir."
"Cody, this is my trainee and right hand, Astra. Astra, this is Commander Cody, second in command."
"A pleasure, sir," I nodded, shaking the commander's offered hand in greeting.
"The pleasure's all mine, Captain," he nodded, but the title made me furrow my brows as I turned to the general,
"'Captain'?"
Obi-Wan smiled,
"Ah, yes, I was going to tell you later, but as my right hand, we decided the title of 'captain' suited you best."
I was speechless, looking at him with wide eyes. Even with Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Crosshair, I had never led a team before, but it made me incredibly thankful that General Obi-Wan saw the potential in me.
"Thank you, sir. I am truly honoured."
"I'm glad. Now, you two will be working closely together, so I'd suggest getting to know one another. As I have a Council meeting to get to, I will see you both later."
I nodded,
"Yes, sir."
"General," the commander saluted before turning to me. There was nothing negative in his eyes, and I couldn't feel any negative feelings either, which made me feel a bit more comfortable around him. "So, tell me about yourself. I hear stories, but I figured I'd wait to hear it from you."
I gave him a light smile, appreciating the fact that he had probably heard some unfriendly things from the other regs about me but chose to ignore them. As the man gestured to a bench for us to sit, I answered him,
"Well, sir, I'm a genetically enhanced clone with a different donor than the rest of you. I was designed for stealth. Slipping in and out without being noticed is my speciality. And, as I recently discovered, I'm Force-sensitive, so Master Obi-Wan is training me to wield the Force."
"Hm, I'm excited to see you in action. You seem to have quite the potential."
"Thank you, sir," I smiled, so happy and thankful that he wasn't treating me like an irritating stain on the wall. Commander Cody returned the smile before asking,
"'Astra', huh? How'd you choose your name?"
"My brothers gave it to me." I smiled at the memory, missing the four boys as I reminisced. "I liked to sneak out and look at the stars on Kamino. I thought about travelling the galaxy, seeing all these places, and meeting different people. The stars and my high aspirations led to ‘Astra’."
"It suits you."
"Thank you, sir."
"You don't have to call me 'sir' unless we're on duty, Astra. Just 'Cody' will do."
"Of course, sir- uh, Cody." I grew curious, wanting to get to know the commander better, "How’d you get your name?"
"A brother gave it to me. He was an avid reader, and a character he loved had the name. When we were encouraged to pick a name to distinguish us rather than using our numbers, he was quick to insist I take it."
"I really like it."
"Thanks, Astra."
Cody and I continued to get to know one another until Master Obi-Wan came to collect me for training and meditation exercises. I was thankful to have made a good friend that day. From then on, Cody and I served under General Obi-Wan in many battles. Through everything, we supported, protected, and confided in each other. Cody became my closest friend. My brother. I trusted him with my life, and he trusted me with his. We were always there for each other, and hopefully, it would never change.