Stec Verut

"The aftermath of war stains the galaxy, stained it more than it did to me." - Stec
Alpha-22 or "Stec Verut" was an Advanced Recon Commando serving the Republic and Trebuchet Battalion under Kandosii Squad during the Clone Wars, often taking orders from Keldrr Ramt'ii, Jado Kattesi and Commander Pandora. He viewed military service as an honor, and he always completed his mission. Fond of using mid-range rifles such as the Advanced Westar-M5, Stec wore his armor and colors with pride to convey his loyalty. His loyalty to the Republic and his Jedi Generals was absolute, but even Stec, this dedicated veteran soldier found himself plagued by doubts as the Clone Wars claimed more lives and brought ruin to more worlds.
== Biography. ==
"Defending the sovereign citizens of the Republic is more important than defending the corruption of the senate, 2nd Lieutenant." - CC-3182 'Crackerjack' to Stec.One of the officers of the 501st Legion's Trebuchet Battalion, ARC-22 - better known as Stec - was an exemplary clone trooper, brave under fire and dedicated to the mission. As a no-nonsense, by-the-book trooper, Stec had to adjust to the maverick Commander Pandora and his headstrong Jedi Commanders.. Despite his lifelong training and discipline, Stec came to admire and sometimes emulate Pandora's levels for improvisation and his willingness to bend the rules.
Stec believed in the Republic, and he had been trained to believe that a soldier’s highest calling was doing his duty despite long odds and orders he might not understand. But as the war ground up more and more of his men and orders became more skeptical, Stec began to wonder what the point of the conflict was, and what price the clones would ultimately pay.
=== Battle of Kamino. (22BBY) ===
"They grow up loyal to the Republic, or they don't grow up at all." - Alpha-22 quoting Jango Fett.Stec was deployed for the first time during the Battle of Kamino, a separatist attack force was invading Tipoca City: a major site for the Republic during the Clone Wars and the home of the Cloning Chambers necessary for the war. Alongside, Alpha-17, Alpha-59, and Alpha-72, Stec cleared the way for Clone Cadets to exit and reach the evacuation shuttles, lecturing the cadets they could fight themselves. After fighting with ferocity, Stec and his teammates were pulled to the outer platforms to engage droids outside, and to provide cover for Alpha-17 as he activated the self-destruction sequence to Tipoca City, to stop the Separatists from capturing clone youth. The battle ended with a victory for the Republic and deactivation of the self destruct sequence with many of the ARC Troopers being assigned across the galaxy among the different System Armies. 
=== Battle of Muunilinst. (22BBY) ===
Months later, Stec was transferred to the 501st Legion under the at the time controversial Kandosii Squad. Having served and creating a friendship with Alpha-77, Captain Fordo. Stec was sent to Muunilinst and engaged multiple Separatists Battle Droids and disabled a massive Confederate Anti-Air Cannon and eventually helped capture the leader of the Banking Clan, San Hill.
=== Battle of Hypori. (22BBY) ===
Following Muunilinst, Stec was reassigned to rescue Jedi Master Barrek and his jedi strike team on Hypori. Going toe-to-toe with General Grievous and being forced to evacuate with only three survivors. The Battle on Hypori was chaos, with all Republic Forces, with the exception of Ki-Adi-Mundi, Aayla Secura, and Shaak Ti, found dead or taken prisoner. 
=== 2nd Battle of Geonosis. (22BBY) ===
"It's mostly the rocks and the heat that get to you down here, sir." Stec to General Ramt'ii upon his arrival.Stec, alongside his best friend Lieutenant Alpha-59 and Sergeant Helljumper was moved to Geonosis. A rocky, desert wasteland that served as the sight for the first battle of the Clone Wars, and a spot of nostalgia and pain for veterans stationed there. Stec served as Kandosii Squad's pointman, and its temporary leader at the time. Running multiple scouting parties, Stec became close with General Ramt'ii who joined Trebuchet Battalion for the first time ever and aided him with his first leadership assignments over Trebuchet Battalion.
=== Time with Aurek Company (22BBY) ===
"You won't be any less dead if you get your orders wrong, and I really hope Muffle schooled you well in this, because I'll be pretty hacked off if you get trigger-happy and blow this op." - Stec to Aurek Company Clone TroopersAs the dust settled from a previous Commanding Officer whose ideas were seemed "extreme." Kandosii Squad was reassigned under Aurek Company, Trebuchet Battalion's main Infantry Detachment. Stec wasn't pleased, but he wasn't against it, he understood that those in Aurek Company require discipline, something he can teach. He built relationships with the men in Aurek Company, such as Corporal Guts, Hutt, and Slicer who he has a slight distaste to, although he personally considered them friends he kept the relationships strictly professional to maintain his demeanor and some sense. At this point in Stec's life he started to feel guilty about the attacks and invasions he was in, and even wondered to himself if he was on the right side, but at the end of the day he kept himself in line and remembered why he fights. 
=== Mimban Campaign. (21BBY) ===
As the war dragged further into the Galactic East, Stec was ordered to aid leading Aurek Company in the disastrous and chaotic campaign on Mimban, an "Expansion Region mudball" as Stec described it. Carrying heavy effects on his psyche but giving him joy and fond memories of his comrades such as Sergeant Helljumper and Private Longshot. Telling stories around a campfire of the times and experiences Stec had with Jango Fett, and how he learned to cook and create a passion for it. On Mimban, Stec met CT-3359, nicknamed Longshot by Stec due to taking out a Battle Droid Sniper at almost 150 yards. He took Longshot over his wing as his protégé, and began to mentor him into becoming a exemplary soldier. Within the trenches, Stec also began to enjoy the presence and consider Captain Crackerjack his friend, he built up a respect for his tenacity and leadership abilities, going so far to risk his neck out to make sure the Republic has him still around. During an attack on Separatist fuel reserves, Sergeant Helljumper sacrificed his life, taking out dozens of droid units and vehicles in the process, and putting a damper on Separatist movements in the sector but also deeply effecting Stec mentally with the loss of one of his close friends. 
=== Coruscant Insurrection. (21BBY) ===
Stec was present during the Coruscant Insurrection, and fought against multiple battle droids within the Jedi Temple itself, and carried out orders for the entirety of the Legion to acquire blueprints and tactical data on the Jedi Temple's interior, in which he told his trusted General, Keldrr Ramt'ii about secretly, maintaining a level caution and informing them he thinks something is off. After moving to the streets alongside General Ramt'ii, Stec encountered one of Count Dooku's acolytes and only survived due to the bravery and swift action of Ramt'ii who bought time for Stec to clear out and regroup with the other squads. The insurrection came to a grinding halt after the Acolyte was eliminated by Ramt'ii and his Padawan, Jado Kattesi. 
=== Operation: "Name Pending." (21BBY) ===
Name Pending was one of Stec's most significant battles despite being minor in the grand scheme. The Republic Venator Hammond went dark 6 months prior, with all its crew and intelligence going off radar without a word. Having reappeared sometime before the operation by a subspace probe, Republic Intelligence deemed the Hammond's recapture and recovery code three priority. Upon boarding the Hammond, Trebuchet Battalion was immediately greeted with the lack of pressurization and gravity, having sealed their suits and pressing onto the Bridge. 2 of Count Dooku's acolytes ambushed Stec and his squad, leaving them disgruntled and alert. Cutting up a majority of the attack force, Stec went in a face-to-face with one of the acolytes, eventually killing him for slicing his protégé that nearly bled out. With the situation on the Hammond getting continuously worse, Stec recollected back to Mimban and the loss of his comrades and friends and reminded himself of the Mandalorian teachings of brotherhood, he recalled the attack force onto an AT-TE walker, informed the Phalanx, and vented the walker into space to get them all out of their alive, leaving the Hammond behind.
=== Fleet Week. (21BBY) ===
thumb|310x310px|Stec, Kad, and Slicer sometime after Mimban.
Command, now dissatisfied with the loss of the Hammond, reassigned Trebuchet Battalion - including Stec - to Naboo for the yearly tradition of Fleet Week. Stec, although displeased at not being on the frontlines, was impressed with the displays shown at Fleet Week, specifically the ARC-170, ETA-2, and Phase II armor presentations, in spite of the fact that a majority of displays had many inaccuracies. After dealing with small and petty criminals, Stec and the rest of Trebuchet Battalion were put back aboard the Phalanx, and sent off back to battle.
=== Mentoring Longshot. (21BBY) ===
"All my life I've been told that I'm a soldier. I've been told that a good soldier follows orders. I've come to realize that a good soldier doesn't mean a good person, and I'd rather be a good person than a good soldier." - Longshot to Stec.The mentorship of Longshot was difficult for Stec, he found him irritating, ignorant, but he took it as a challenge and did his best to train him into becoming a great soldier, teaching him that sometimes it's best to follow an order even if you disagree, so that Longshot doesn't put his neck out there and get himself killed. Longshot was disgusted by the fact, but understood nonetheless. A bit into the mentorship, Longshot began to drift away from Stec and start using other officers as a way to learn, although disheartened, Stec acknowledged why and let Longshot continue his path into Zerek Company. Thankfully for Stec, he was assigned as tactical advisor for the current Commanding Officer of Zerek Company, Songbird. 
=== Battle of Jabiim. (21BBY) ===
"Stec, if you don't get in the damn walker, you're being demoted!" "Then you'll just have to demote me."
- Slicer and a wounded Stec.Stec continued to serve with the 501st as an active member throughout the latter months of the second year, getting involved in multiples battles and conflicts and even customizing his armor to his liking like a true Mandalorian. The war was eventually brought to Jabiim, with a massive Republic Invasion force alongside the brand new All-Terrain-Armored-Transport (AT-AT.) Stomping through enemy territory, Stec helped lead a ground force into a staging point dubbed "Fort Zero" for an attack planned on the City of Choal.
The attack on Choal didn't go well for the Republic, with major casualties and no sign of the Jabiimi Nationalist leader, Alto Stratus, forcing the Republic to continue proceeding throughout Jabiim in a manhunt for him. Deciding to attack Razor Coast, the headquarters of the Jabiimi Nationalists, Stec, Slicer, and Aurek Company moved out with the scattered remnants of Trebuchet Battalion. Fighting with walkers and infantry, Stec was leading his squad down to a small valley where - upon rappelling - he was engaged and shot multiple times by stray fire from a nationalist. 
=== Supposed Fate. ===
"This fight isn't over, and neither am I. Kote Darasuum." - Stec to Kad.
Having taken multiple shots to the chest with minor internal bleeding, he laid himself down next to a small rock surface, resting his head looking upward with the sounds of battle and chaos around him. Denying medical help from his superior, he told them to go on and ushered Alpha-59, his closest friend, by his side telling him he's not making it out of this. Stec was presumed dead on a muddy battlefield on Jabiim.
=== Survival. ===
"Nothing meant more to me than the Republic, I would've killed anyone for it a year ago. I have killed for it, and I would've most certainly died for it. But Palpatine was pushing too much death, and I wanted no part in it." - Stec to Fenra VerutThe chaotic events that unfolded on Jabiim were surely not his last moments however, after the attack force that Stec was being escorted with moved off he pulled himself together. Healing and licking his wounds, Stec took the corpse of a dead Clone Trooper designated "CT-4010" and took his identity temporarily. Disguising himself as a standard Clone Trooper amongst what remains of Trebuchet Battalion, and putting CT-4010 in his old gear to fake his death. Stec fought during the raid at Razor Coast, gunning down dozens of nationalists & battle droids in his new identity. Following the unsuccessful mission and being present at his own funeral, Stec with Trebuchet Battalion escaped Jabiim at Monsoon Mesa and afterwards he deserted the Grand Army of the Republic fleeing to Mandalore. Exhausted of war. 
=== Time on Mandalore. (20BBY) ===
"You won't find the corruption of a government here, predominantly because there is no government." - Fenra Verut.
Stec arrived on Mandalore 2 months after the defeat at Jabiim, using a refugee transport to arrive. Visiting Keldabe, the planet's capital, Stec was despised by the local Mandalorians. Thought to have been a bastardized version of Former Manda'lor Jango Fett and Spar. Fleeing into the wilderness, Stec survived for a month and was almost killed by the local wildlife until he was saved by a local huntsman, Fenra Verut. Clad in orange beskar, Verut was enjoying the lust for life and aided Stec in surviving on Mandalore. Living with him for a year, telling him the history of Mandalore and Stec telling Verut the history of the Republic and his time in the war. Verut was a mentor to Stec during his time on Mandalore, eventually adopting Stec as his son via the gai bal manda. Thus assuming the name of "Stec Verut." 
=== Finding a Home. (19BBY) ===
"The Verut Clan isn't your normal Mando group, it's a place of brotherhood, family. We're not warmongering fools like those di'kuts over in the Frau Clan. We're a group of individuals who want nothing but to spread our ways throughout the galaxy, though not at the expense of them being annoyed. Right, vod?" - Fenra VerutAlthough missing many of his brothers from the war, especially his best friend Kad, Stec found acceptance and belonging under Verut. Gaining recognition in the Verut Clan as a seasoned veteran and hunter, bringing back big game to their home near the Town of Enceri. Stec was finally in a place he called home, and although tired of war: He was always willing to fight one if it meant defending his family, new or old. This time almost came when Stec went toe-to-toe with members of the Frau Clan over a dispute of the better hunter. However the dispute was quickly solved by the clan heads, Fenra Verut and Tarlos Frau. Being with the Verut Clan, Stec found himself sporting solid white Mandalorian iron, in tradition to signify that this was a new beginning for him as well as to symbolize he previous occupation in the Grand Army.
=== Mandalore Invasion (19BBY) ===
"Empire's here, pack everything up. We're leaving." - Kad Verut Late in 19BBY, the Empire invaded Mandalore & its surrounding systems. Seeking out clans such as the Frau, Io, and Jaro Clan. Stec, with a majority of the Verut Clan including Kad were on Concord Dawn for Mandalore's winter season. Hunting small game and aiding in the beskar mining of the sector to help out new members inducted into the clan. Unfortunately for Stec, the Empire caught wind of Frau Clan movements. Although aiding the Empire in taking out the Frau Clan, Stec was captured. Telling Kad to warn the clan.
=== Imperial Servitude (19BBY-17BBY) ===
Stec was captured and detained on the Imperial Star Destroyer Exactor which was holding orbit over Mandalore. Given an option to act as a spy, or serve as infantry for a tour of duty. Stec chose infantry as he thought that was his best option. He was assigned in Aurek Company as an enlisted trooper. Although in despair from being separated from his clan, Stec served regardless. Aware that once the Reconquest of the Rim is over, he'll be allowed to retire.
=== Reunited Yet Again (17BBY) ===
The Reconquest of the Rim ended, any debt that Stec did have with the Empire was long gone. After packing up his gear and leaving on a transport: Stec found himself back on Concord Dawn. Meeting with elements of Clan Verut, Stec reunited with his podbrother; Kad. Sharing drinks and talking the night away, one-sided as it was. 
Later that year, Stec & Kad embarked on a mission back to the Core Worlds to investigate criminal activity under the Black Sun who've been harassing ships in Mandalorian Space. Ambushed in a local cantina, Stec & Kad fought back against the Black Sun's gangsters, saving some non-combatants who were used as hostages in the process.
== Personality and Traits ==
"Well, it's 50/50. Dead or Alive at the end it." - Stec regarding an upcoming battle.Stec was meticulous, fierce, and calculated when it came to being apart of the Grand Army of Republic, but he was known to have a soft side for those he cared about in life. He was often motivated by his allies, and as such his loyalty was reserved to them and those he respected. His efficiency in terms of leadership led him to aid an ARF Trooper named Songbird in his leadership. 
left|thumb|283x283px|Stec and Kad usually ate meals and shared drinks after missions.
Stec kept himself in top condition, frequently training in his gear and equipment, and sometimes even venting himself outside into space onto the Phalanx's hull. As an ARC Trooper, he was intelligent, having prudent tactical awareness and skills. As well as being fluent in Galactic Basic and Mando'a, he was able to read Aurebesh, Mandalorian, and had his Heads-up display on the High Galactic writing system. Nonetheless, he would always prefer a more hands on approach to his missions, usually getting up close and personal with his adversaries, this includes hunting on Mandalore which Stec found as a mission. 
thumb|287x287px|Kad and Stec.
Stec kept a cool demeanor when calculating his every move, always playing to win or survive as a clone of the infamous Jango Fett, he knew best when to make use of his skills and evasion. 
Following Jango Fett's teachings and experience, Stec created his own moral code. Basing it off of Fett's code. 
==== Stec's Moral Code ====
* Trust only your allies, use those against you.
* A warrior must always be ready to go anywhere and face any danger.
* There are no enemies. Only adversaries. 
* Always be polite to those that can kill you.
* A warrior never complains.
* Attachments strengthen you, encourage them.
* Life feeds on death.
* Vary your routine. Patterns are traps.
* Never call attention to yourself.
* Say no more than necessary.
* Always be polite. Especially to your enemies.
* He who enlists my hand, enlists my whole self.
* Do that which you fear most, and you will find the courage you seek.
* Imagination is a warrior's most important weapon.
* A warrior never gets distracted by the big picture. He knows it's the little things that count.
* Never tell the whole truth in a trade.
* A favor is an investment.
* Skills are power.
* Watch out for things that go too well.
* If you must die, do so with valor.
=== Relationships ===
==== Alpha-59 'Kad' ====
thumb|276x276px|Kad (left) and Stec (right) onboard an LAAT/I Gunship.
Having been trained alongside Kad under ARC Training by Jango Fett, Stec enjoyed Kad's presence and frequently spoke with him off and on the battlefield, although they were mostly one-way conversations that Stec didn't mind. He thought of Kad as a great listener, someone who can agree and disagree with everything simply for not being vocal which allowed Stec to pour his thoughts out to him regarding any situation. Having been with Kad since before the war, Stec thought of him as his best friend and he was more than joyful to reunite with Kad following the war. Although hearing about the events of Operation: Knightfall left Stec baffled.
==== Keldrr Ramt'ii ====
To be added.
==== 'Helljumper' ====
To be added.
==== CT-3359 'Longshot' ====
Stec met CT-3359, later Longshot, during the Mimban Campaign when Longshot was transferred to Trebuchet Battalion for the first time. Following seeing Longshot with his own Westar-M5 after sliding it to him, Stec thought of him as someone to look after and to continue Stec's and Fett's teachings, despite his measly attitude and ignorance to Mandalorian culture at times. Stec enjoyed being Longshot's mentor.
==== CC-3182 'Crackerjack' ====
thumb|303x303px
Stec encountered Captain Crackerjack on Stec's first days within Trebuchet Battalion, but it wasn't until the Mimban Campaign that Stec grew accustomed to Crackerjack, and even began to respect him. Whilst they didn't speak often, or recreationally, there was a mutual respect for the pair. Enough that Crackerjack continued the legacy of Stec, keeping a majority of his equipment such as his Westar-M5 and his survival backpack and planting them within his office on the Phalanx's Port Bridge.
==== CT-6172 'Zulu' ====
left|thumb|221x221pxZulu was Kandosii Squad's assigned pilot, although bit lightheaded, Stec came to respect Zulu for his genius level starfighter skills often having Zulu ferry him from place to place for missions and even sometimes accompanying Zulu as a Y-Wing or NTB gunner. Stec thought of Zulu's lightheadness as a advantage, frequently allowing Zulu to think outside the box and use the ARC Training Stec gave him.
==== Fenra Verut ====
Verut was a mentor to Stec when he first arrived on Mandalore, teaching him the Resol'nare and the overall Mandalorian ways that helped shape the culture as a whole. Stec rarely found enjoyment back under the Republic, but being on Mandalore made him a very happy man, and with Verut adopting Stec: he couldn't have been more honored. Being taught further on being a Mandalorian was the best moment of Stec's life, and he couldn't be happier with the Verut Clan.
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