Ponds was the nickname of a clone trooper commander in the Grand Army of the Republic. Around 22 BBY, the Techno Union foreman and Separatist Council member, Emir Wat Tambor, invaded the planet Ryloth, and Ponds assisted High Jedi General Mace Windu in invading the planet to secure its liberation. Ponds was stationed aboard Windu's Acclamator-class assault ship when the forces attempted to land in the city of Nabat, but fire from enemy cannons prevented the transports from landing. The transports were able to land after High Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi eliminated the cannons, and the invasion forces headed to retake Ryloth's capital of Lessu. Ponds led Lightning Squadron, but en route to Lessu, his unit sustained losses during an encounter with several Confederate tanks. In need of reinforcements, Windu convinced Twi'lek freedom fighter Cham Syndulla to join forces with the Republic. The only access to Lessu was via a plasma bridge, and Windu and the Advanced Recon Force troopers Razor and Stak were able to activate it. Ponds and Syndulla led the charge across the bridge and engaged the Confederate forces, and Windu captured Wat Tambor, freeing the planet. On the back of Ponds' helmet, "Some guys have all the luck" was written in Aurebesh.[4]