After Hard Contact released in 2004, it was clear the
series was just starting to get strong. In March 2005, a new Star Wars Insider
released with a new story of Republic Commando – Omega Squad: Targets. This
short story detailed a siege at a spaceport on Coruscant which Omega were
called in to help with.
For the UK, the magazine was the only way to have read
the story, though the US also got a second opportunity when Triple Zero
released near the beginning of 2006. This second novel of the Republic Commando
series introduced a lot more into the narrative of the overall series, and
after the initial purchases of novels, this was my next addition.
The first chapter properly introduces Kal Skirata – who
we’d only heard about in the previous book. It does so by taking us back to his
first encounter with the clones – specifically the Null ARCs – and how that
affects him. This first chapter is very strong in showing how Kal reacts to the
situation of eight years before Geonosis, and it has such an affect on him that
it changes his outlook on the universe – as does the eight years of training
over a hundred Republic Commandos. In fact, his outlook has changed so much –
and seeing the effects of the war on his boys – that his motivations are pretty
much solely focused on them.
It’s been a year since the outbreak of the war, and
things are not looking great. Terror attacks are striking the heart of war
operations on Coruscant, and it needs to be stopped. After a bit of trouble
that reunites Omega with Etain – with both being formally introduced to Delta
for the first time – they all head back to Coruscant with no idea they’ll be
spending more than a few days there and will feel the pain upon living a
different life for a few weeks.
While on Coruscant – which is where the rest of the story
stays – the anti-terror op is set. Bardan Jusik was introduced in the last
story and is starting to really become a part of the larger family of Skirata –
which is what he refers to both squads and his Nulls as. The animosity between
Skirata and Vau and the effect that has had on the two squads is explored well
here. There’s also the views of the two squads that Skirata tries to fix before
it comes to serious blows.
Ordo is one of the six Null ARCs operational in the GAR,
and he does what he needs to help Skirata out. He only follows Skirata’s
command, and even goes undercover inside the GAR logistics to worm out the ones
leaking information – and as such is introduced to Besany Wennen, a striking woman
who he immediately suspects.
Etain is glad to be back with Darman, and the bond
between the two of them deepens as they reach the understanding that the
feelings they have for each other are mutual. Fi is happy for the two – as are
the others of the squad – but at the same time is really starting to question
things. All the clones are. They are coming to understand the differences
between themselves and ordinary people and coming to resent their lot in life.
But Fi most of all.
As for the mission itself, emotions are raw, distrust is
everywhere, and things aren’t going to plan. They’re rooting out the enemy
fast, but also having to deal with complications that keep arising. Everything
is dealt with in a way that shows the realities of what this black ops team are
doing, and their feelings on the various matters read great. The
characteristics of individuals are really starting to come out, and now that
everyone is together – including an appearance from Null ARC Mereel, the
interactions between the varying parties really show.
The end is quick and final, with the tone of do or die
set. Everyone gets to play their part, and any grudges are put aside to deal
the blow to the enemy. Once the fight is over, the aftermath plays out fine.
There’s hints as to the next story, and this one ends with the two squads ready
to split while Skirata and the Nulls are ready to act on the hunt.
Out of all the series, this is the one that really starts
to set things in motion. All the key players are introduced here and the
motivations that play out throughout the rest of the series have their start
here. The setting is also an interesting one, with Coruscant being explored at
a more civilian level to really set the differences between the wider world and
the close-knit clone community into stark contrast. This one is another great
read that is highly recommended.
Star Wars Republic Commando Review Series