Battle of Christophsis (13)

Anakin Skywalker stood before the wreckage of a crashed APOD-33 transport ship, staring silently at the dozens of metal canisters torn open from within.

"General, we've checked the composition of the surrounding air and found no abnormal pathogens. That means it can only really be some kind of monster," Rex said as he walked over.

"Or a ferocious beast created through biotechnology." Anakin examined the claw marks that had gouged outward through the metal canisters.

"But if it was a beast attack, what puzzles me is where the victims' bodies went." Ahsoka Tano was investigating the other side.

Anakin looked around. There really were large amounts of blood, along with scattered weapons, helmets, even severed hands and feet, yet there was not a single body in sight.

He frowned. "That shouldn't be possible. Judging by the scene, there should be at least ten bodies..."

"Something is strange. It looks like we'll need to commit forces to thoroughly search the sites where these transport aircraft crashed," Rex said.

Anakin shook his head. "There's no time. After receiving reinforcements, the Separatist fleet has begun its counterattack. Obi-Wan's situation is extremely dangerous. Damn those treacherous Hutts!" As he spoke, he slammed his fist through the air.

"General! We found survivors over here!" a Clone Trooper suddenly shouted.

"Survivors? How did I not sense them?" Ahsoka Tano looked over. According to her senses, there should have been no living people in that direction.

Yet under the Clone Troopers' tactical flashlights, several people really were standing with their backs to them in a corner. They were all dressed as local Christophsian soldiers, but they merely stood there, repeatedly smashing their foreheads against the wall. Their arms did not move at all throughout the motion, making the sight utterly bizarre.

"Hey! What's wrong with you?! What