RCO-6961 "Ace"

Overview

RCO-6961, nicknamed "Ace", is a second-generation Clone and one of the most highly effective operatives in the Republic's Special Operations Brigade. Serving as the leader of HOPE Squad, a highly elite group of Commandos responsible for high-risk counter-insurgent operations and the most sensitive rescue missions.

Even during his training as a cadet, Ace has always been regarded as an excellent soldier. Composed, skilled, loyal, he was what the Kaminoans saw as an ideal soldier for the war's more dangerous battles.

His leadership style is often described as extremely decisive, as one would have to be when leading some of the highest-risk missions in the war. He is also noted of being extremely caring for his brothers, especially those on his squad: RCO-9370 "Vulkan", RCO-3577 "Ducks", RC-3518 "Boma", and their blackout pilot CO-4052 "Thinker".

Military Career

A second generation clone, RCO-6961, was born on Kamino like all other clones before him. When a clone has shown advanced combative ability, they are sent to Advanced Commando Training. This was unusually not the case for RCO-6961.  Despite this, Ace managed to end up scoring among the top of his entire generation of clones, and was in the eye for many battalions who wished to have him among their ranks.

During one of his trainings, RCO-6961 managed a very impressive act in which he single handedly, and in less than 4 seconds, was able to target and take out all the B1-Sniper Training Droids, something that left a very good impression on all of his trainers and brothers, and earned him the nickname "Ace".

Notable Engagements

Defense of Carida

After joining the 41st Elite Corps, Ace was sent to Carida to fight back against the Separatist Invasion. The fighting was intense, waves of battle droids pushing, vulture droids flying overhead, and even Sith Assassin Asajj Ventress causing terror on the frontlines. However, despite all this, Ace, like he did throughout all of his training on Kamino, excelled himself.

During one of the battles, Ace led a squad of 41st clones on a reconnaissance mission. However, they were ambushed by droids lying in wait. Through Ace's skill and leadership ability, he was able to push back the Droids and managed to get his squad back to safety to relay the information he found without any casualties.

After word of his mission had gotten back to Republic Command on Carida, the Republic Commandos who were operating there were suddenly interested in Ace and his performance. So much so that they decided to recruit him into their ranks.

Assigned to HOPE Squad and eventually becoming their leader, Ace would lead his squad in missions throughout the Carida campaign. Focusing on high risk missions and acting as an emergency rescue team for squads that were ambushed and unable to retreat on their own, Ace and the rest of HOPE Squad gained their reputation as one of the most elite units in the Grand Army of the Republic during this campaign.

HOPE Squad was present during the attack on the Republic's final forward operating base in Carida. Many clones believe that without the presence of Ace and his squad, the defense would have turned much differently. After the Separatist forces on Carida were defeated by Republic Forces, it was decided that Ace and his squad would be used in some of the most critical missions throughout the war due to their performance in this campaign.

Counter Spice Missions

While HOPE Squad is known for their high risk missions to rescue Republic Personnel trapped and surrounded by thousands of Droid forces, Ace and his squad were vital in the Republic's operations to counter the spice trade. Disguised as locals, they deployed to Mos Eisley to locate and neutralise a prominent spice dealer.

After spending time in the canteen to gather information, they stealthily followed some smaller local dealers and infiltrated a Crimson Serpent stronghold. After locating their target, Ace, with expert precision, took out multiple Crimson Serpent enforcers and neutralised the spice dealer.

They would go on to repeat this process, gaining a reputation among the Crimson Serpants and being highly successful in damaging the Spice Trade.

Rescue of the Marshal Commander

One of their most famous missions, and one of the most daring ones any clone has tried in the Clone Wars, was HOPE Squad's rescue of Marshal Commander Sand. After being stuck in Rhen Var and faced with torture, intimidation, and abuse managed to hold strong and escape, finding himself in the company of the 21st Nova Corps.

After deciding it is essential that he escapes from Rhen Var, he contacted Republic Command and asked for the best way off world, and so in return, Republic Command sent HOPE Squad. After sneaking past the Separatist Blockade, they landed on Rhen Var and managed to rendezvous with the Marshal Commander.

From there, they worked out a plan to use a stolen Tactical Droid code and a stolen CIS shuttle to bypass the blockade. The mission was risky, and the plan was completely unorthodox. However, if anyone could pull it off, it would be Ace. Doing their best to hide their presence, they conducted operations on the ground to get all they need to escape with the Marshal Commander.

Ace, knowing the importance of this mission, ensured that everything he and his squad did on Rhen Var was done with absolute precision. Leaving nothing to chance, Ace and his squad were set for their escape.

Sitting in a stolen CIS Shuttle, with over forty Separatist Capital Ships against them, Ace's work was put to the test. If any of his missions had alerted the CIS of their plan, they would be destroyed there and then. Ace, his squad, and the Marshal Commander would all die for nothing. However, he had succeeded. The Blockade had no reason to suspect that nothing was wrong, and they were let through and free to travel back to Republic Space.

Operations on Ryloth and Christophsis

After saving the life of the Marshal Commander, Ace and his squad's reputation grew even more. Because of this, the Republic Military Command decided to send HOPE Squad to support operations in both the Ryloth and Chrostophsis campaigns. Two of the largest and most brutal campaigns the Republic was facing.

On Ryloth, they helped both the 212th Attack Battalion and the 91st Recon Mobile Reconnaissance Corps conduct operations throughout the system. Working alongside famed Jedi Generals such as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu.

On Christophsis, like all the forces in that campaign, they were put through the grinder. Due to their elite nature, Ace and his squad usually found themselves in the more brutal areas of missions. Clearing out crashed Venators and tunnels that the CIS have occupied in force is something that has become second nature to Ace by experience alone.

Ace and his squad can currently be found in these two campaigns, waiting for the call to action when a vital mission comes up that only they are suited for.