“Commander Eri.” The clone stands and moves to reveal his image in the hologram. “Status report.”

“Sir.” Commander Eri nods, standing at attention. “We're within hours of the target. No new intel since the initial information about the Separatist foundry from a friendly agent.” They should have reported further findings long before. Sehun has a feeling the agent has been discovered and silenced.

“I apologize for sending you so far from the action.”

“Not at all, Senator. A break in the violence is good for my men, but we are ready for anything waiting for us.”

Senator Byun smiles at the commander, and Sehun bites the inside of his lip. “I look forward to your full report and inevitable success.”

“Your faith in our abilities gives us strength, sir.” He bows slightly and leaves the cockpit, probably to relay the senator's support to the troop on board. Of the many politicians the military works with, the Hapes representative is a favorite.

Switching to Meese Caulf, the senator addresses Sehun. “Are you sulking? You look blue.” There's an undertone of amusement in the senator's voice, teasing as well as pleasure at his bad joke. “I know it's not as exciting as Geonosis or Umbara...”

“No, it's not, and it could be nothing at all.” He can't hide the bitterness. “I think my master just wanted to get me off Corusant. He thinks the politics will 'cloud my judgment.'” Even in peacetime, politics are active and poisonous. During war, they're murderous. It's just the way things are, regardless of planet or culture.

In reality, the only thing clouding Sehun's judgment is Baekhyun.