Hi, guys! This story is an old one that was brought back on request. I'll try to post every Friday until it's complete. I do quite enjoy it, and hope you will, too :)

Chapter One

The village being blown up? An accident, according to the news.

The chaos that ensued? An accident. Obviously.

Planet-wide destruction? An accident, in terms of war.

Kissing the soldier? An accident. Kind of.

Stowing away on the Republic warship back to Coruscant? An accident. Well, a deliberate one.

Ending up part of an experiment with the clone army? An accident. Definitely, definitely an accident.


Leslie wasn't sure how she should react. The message was on repeat, playing over and over in front of her.

"Miss Rodriguez, we are pleased to inform you that your above-average scores have been recognized and brought to the attention of higher authorities. As such, a decision has been made in which to best put your skills to use. Please report to the following location at 0700 tomorrow."

A set of coordinates flashed and then the message started again.

"Miss Rodriguez, we are pleased to inform you—"

She shut it off and huffed. On one hand, being recognized for her intelligence and ingenuity was flattering. On the other, having her career suddenly decided for her was not particularly appreciated.

Whatever. Go to the meeting. Pretend you're interested. Come home. Disappear.

Leslie nodded to herself.

Good plan.


She arrived at the arranged location twenty minutes before the scheduled meeting. She cleared security and guards thirteen minutes before the scheduled meeting. She found the room seven minutes before the scheduled meeting.

She decided she had to use the bathroom three minutes before the scheduled meeting.

She entered the room four minutes after the scheduled meeting.


The man sitting at the table gestured to the chair across from him. Silently, Leslie sat down. He gave her a polite smile.

"Miss Rodriguez, let's get right to the point, shall we?"

The man paused. She knew he was waiting for a response. She was silent. Watched. Waited.

"Your university scores were unusually high in all aspects of your studies; near perfect."

He paused again. Leslie decided to speak.

"Yes, I know."

He blinked, seemed surprised by her response.

"Because of this, it was brought to the attention of many powerful people. There was discussion on whether to enlist your help and put your abilities to use for the Republic or not."

Leslie leaned back slightly, eyes narrowing just enough to display her suspicion.

"How so?"

The man tapped his fingers on the table for a moment before reaching down and pulling out a file. He slid it across the table to her. She looked at him, at the folder, at him again.

"You are aware of the current war."

He paused. She watched. He sighed and continued.

"As you might also know, the Jedi are the leaders of the clone troops, but they are thinning out. There are some mercenaries and bounty hunters that have also become leaders of lone squads, mostly for special operation assignments."

He sighed again and his posture slouched slightly. Leslie remained silent.

"The Chancellor and the Jedi Council have come to the understanding that outside resources may be necessary to help win this war. A few eligible candidates have already been handpicked for this experiment."

Leslie decided it was a good time to interrupt.

"I've been chosen to be part of an experiment with the Republic Army because of good test scores."

It wasn't a question. Not really. More like a sarcastic statement, scathing look included. The man hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Leslie stood up.

"No thanks. You can give it to someone else."

The man sighed. His next words were almost gentle.

"You don't get to say 'no', Miss Rodriguez, you get to say 'thank you.'"

Leslie closed her eyes.

Fek.


She looked through the file, memorized it. The main idea of it was pretty simple: get extraordinarily skilled civilians to become the leader of a small group of clones. Send them on assignments. If it works, new source of man-power for the Republic. If not, sweep it under the rug, no harm done.

She knew she was under surveillance. A quick scan of her apartment confirmed it. They thought she would run.

They were right.

Of course, when she'd opened her door, two clones had been standing there.

"We've been ordered to escort you to the base immediately, ma'am."

She closed her eyes for a moment.

So close.

Everything she needed or wanted was packed in a bag slung over her shoulder.

"Okay." She took a deep breath. "Let's go."


It was night, but the city was alive. Leslie had declined the speeder, preferring instead to walk the small distance to the base. Her clone escorts had been confused, but complied.

She knew from experience on her home planet what they looked like under the helmet, how easy it was to make them blush, how gentle and kind they were.

How well they kissed.

It really was a good kiss, though.

No one paid any attention to the young woman with black curls and two clones beside her. The clones were on edge, though. She could tell.

"It's just a short walk, guys."

She smiled at them.

I remember they aren't used to smiles from females.

They hesitated for a moment. She gestured with her head.

"C'mon. Almost there."

They relaxed. She smiled again.


It was the same man as before. He looked exhausted. And exasperated. With her.

"Please, Miss Rodriguez. This has been decided the best way to conduct the experiment."

Leslie crossed her arms, cocked a hip, lifted her chin.

"I don't want to."

The words were spoken nonchalant, almost monotone.

The man sighed.

"Please, Miss Rodriguez, get on the ship."

Leslie raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not going to Kamino."

The man rubbed his temples. She took pity on him.

"I'll make a deal. You tell me everything right now, and then I get on the ship."

The man looked at her.

"That's against protocol."

She raised her other eyebrow. He sighed, gave in.

"From studying the clones' growth and behavioral patterns, and due to your lack of military knowledge and understandings, the Kaminoans have advised that it is best to send the candidates to Kamino so they can begin working with their designated squad six months before the clones' graduation."

Leslie gave him a sweet—albeit sarcastic—smile.

"I appreciate the opportunity to put my skills to use."

She stepped onto the shuttle.


There were four clones aboard with her. Two were there to pilot.

Two are to make sure I don't run.

She remembered how friendly they were when given an opportunity. She smiled at the two who were in the room with her.

"Hallo."

Her accent made a sudden appearance, putting an odd twang to the word. She winced. Her accent could identify her. It's why she tried to hide it.

The two clones hadn't removed their helmets, but she felt their gaze on her suddenly.

There was a moment of silence.

"Hello, ma'am."

She kept the smile.

"You can just call me Leslie."

They nodded in sync. She sighed silently.

"Any special name I can call you?"

A head shake.

"No, ma'am."

Leslie changed to a hopeful look.

"You sure? It's a long flight. I'd like to make some friends."

Another moment of silence.

"I'm Copper, ma'am."

She looked at the other one.

"Jess, ma'am."

She smiled again.

"Leslie. Not, ma'am. And it's nice to meet you."

She held out her hand. They looked at it simultaneously. Slowly, Copper grasped her hand, shook it. Then Jess.

She could hear the smile in Copper's voice.

"It's nice to meet you, too, ma'am."


There was a Togrutan Jedi waiting to greet her. As well as about fifty clones, though they pretended they weren't watching.

"You must be Leslie Rodriguez."

Leslie nodded once. She was aware of Copper and Jess waiting behind her. The Jedi offered a small smile.

"I am Jedi Master Shaak Ti. I oversee the operations here on Kamino, including the most current projects."

The Jedi turned and Leslie followed. She checked over her shoulder for Copper and Jess. They remained a respectful distance away, but they were there.

Good. I need friends.

"The group of clones you will be working with have been briefed and are waiting for you in their barracks."

Leslie nodded.

"I have not been explicitly informed on my role in this experiment, Master Jedi."

The Jedi glanced at her.

"You ranked extremely high in your test scores for all subjects mental, physical, or emotional. The idea has been brought up that perhaps sharing this knowledge with some clones and having fresh mindsets leading would help bring an end to this war."

Leslie nodded once. The Jedi paused in front of a set of doors.

"This is where I am during the majority of the day if you need me. I will have someone escort you to your men."

Leslie pressed her weight into her heels.

"I'll find my way, Master Jedi."

The Togruta studied her for a moment. Leslie blanked her mind, guarded her energy the way her mother had taught her when she was a child.

Finally, the Jedi nodded.


Copper and Jess were good companions for walking through the Kamino facilities. They explained things, cracked jokes, told stories.

Copper looked at her.

"How many more laps would you like to take around the facility?"

Leslie sighed, smiled sheepishly.

"I should probably go meet my new squad."

Jess smiled.

"This way."

The trip to the barracks was much shorter than she would've liked. Both her new friends halted outside the doors.

Copper answered her questioning frown.

"It'd be best if we didn't go in with you."

Leslie huffed, looked at the closed door in front of her.

I really don't want to do this.

She turned to her friends.

"Thanks, guys."

Their helmets had been removed at her request so she could talk to them face-to-face. She placed a quick kiss on each of their cheeks.

They each blushed. She smiled.

"Maybe I'll come back to you if this doesn't work out."

She gave them a wink, turned to face the door, took a deep breath.

I really, really don't want to do this.


The group of five clones snapped to attention. Leslie blinked, raised her eyebrows.

"You can relax."

They moved into a modified parade rest in sync. Leslie blinked again.

"Right. I'm Leslie Rodriguez. I've been assigned to this experiment because my test scores looked pretty on the paper."

The clones remained silent. One stepped forward.

"Sergeant Rev, ma'am."

Leslie looked at him curiously.

"You're the leader, right?"

There was another moment of silence and she could see the sergeant's ears turning light pink in embarrassment.

I just made this awkward for us all.

"No, ma'am. You are."


They were all in her quarters. The clones stood cautiously, looked around curiously. Leslie gestured them further in.

"It's okay, guys. Just sit wherever."

Their movements were slow and hesitant. Leslie sighed.

This'll be harder than I thought.

"You guys want anything to drink?"

More silence. The sergeant looked at her cautiously, hopefully.

"I'd like some water, ma'am."

Leslie offered him a smile.

Smile. It's the best way to start things.

"Sure thing. Anyone else?"

They glanced at each other, looked at her, looked at Rev. Leslie kept her smile.

"Should I just get water for everyone?"

The identical expressions of relief made her smile widen. She turned into the little kitchen area provided and dug through the cabinets.

One cup, two cups, three cups. Found them.

She filled them with water and took them three at a time out. When everyone had their water she sank into the small couch.

"So."

They all looked at her. She took a sip of the water.

"Let's start with introductions?"


It was a long process. While the clones weren't rude or hostile, they were awkward and unsure. They didn't know how to act around a civilian.

They didn't know how to act around a female civilian.

But they reacted to her smile. Light blushes, shy smiles returned, the cautious easing closer to her.

So she kept smiling.


The others had shyly introduced themselves, and she had studied them for a moment, identifying particular characteristics of each one.

Ink had a tattoo peeking from the edge of his armor on his neck.

Falcon had piercing blue eyes that near matched hers.

Ray had the longest hair, the edges curling around his ears.

Dagger had nothing about him that strayed from the regulations she had read.

Sergeant Rev was the first to give her a full smile.


"Ma'am."

Leslie looked up. It was Ray.

"Yeah?"

He hesitated, looked down.

"Am I allowed to keep my hair, ma'am?"

Leslie tipped her head to the side.

"Of course. Why wouldn't you be?"

Ray blushed, still refused to look up.

"One of the trainers threatened to cut it off in my sleep. When he learned I was being put under your leadership he said you'd deal with it. Ma'am."

Leslie moved onto the floor to sit next to him.

"Well, it does look a bit irritating to have under your helmet. I could do something with it. If you want?"

Ray glanced up at her, swallowed nervously.

"Whatever you want, ma'am."

Leslie smiled. His blush intensified.

"I asked what you wanted. Screw what I want."

Ray finally met her gaze. He looked lost. She kept her smile.

"You can think about it. If you don't want to do anything with it, that's fine."

Ray nodded, gave her a small smile.

"Thank you, ma'am."

Leslie winked.

"Leslie. My name is Leslie."

Ray nodded. His face had turned bright red.


The first week was awkward. They told her about their training. She watched some of the lessons and simulations. Every night they were back in her quarters as she tried to ease their cautions and hesitations.

The second week was better. Ink cracked a joke, forgetting for a moment Leslie was there. They froze, stared at her. She laughed loudly, and they gave small smiles. She started playing music in the background when they came to her quarters. It seemed to help them feel more comfortable.

The third week was funny. Ink, it turned out, was the comedian of the group. Falcon and Dagger were the pranksters. Ray was the instigator. Sergeant Rev made sure nothing got too out of hand. Leslie laughed a lot. They started making song requests for her to play at night when they were in her quarters.

The fourth week was easy. Easy jokes, easy pranks, easy laughs. Easy smiles. Easy conversations with easy topics. Easy nights with easy songs.

Maybe this'll work.


"Miss Leslie, ma'am."

Leslie held up one finger. She was thoroughly absorbed in her puzzle.

Almost done.

He could wait a moment.

"Miss Leslie, ma'am."

Leslie sighed and turned around, glowering at whoever dared interrupt her. Dagger shifted uncomfortably.

"Sergeant Rev sent me to tell you that General Ti is requesting you."

Leslie softened her gaze, smiled.

"Thanks, Dagger."

He returned her smile slowly.

"You're welcome, ma'am."

Leslie sighed.

"Leslie. My name is Leslie."

Dagger nodded.

"Yes, Miss Leslie."

Leslie sighed and gave up.


The Jedi Master was waiting on one of the observation decks used to watch the cadets training.

"Yes, Master Jedi?"

Leslie was irked she couldn't finish her puzzle. The Jedi turned to her, gave her a small smile.

"How is your group?"

Leslie leaned back against the railing.

"Good."

The Jedi nodded.

"Part of this program is that you are involved in the training."

Leslie raised an eyebrow, stayed silent.

"Because you are untrained in the arts of fighting, one of our trainers has offered to assist you."

Leslie raised her other eyebrow.

"The Jedi get their special training, the clones get their special training, I got my special training."

The Jedi seemed unimpressed.

"It is not wise for you to go into a war without the necessary knowledge."

Her tone was diplomatic, gentle even.

She honestly is trying to do good. Be nice.

Leslie smoothed her face over.

"I appreciate the effort, but it's not needed."

The Jedi Master studied her for a moment, nodded.

"Very well."


Leslie hadn't been to her squad's barracks since the first day of introductions. She got lost on her way there, disrupted a few Kaminoans, irritated a few bounty hunters.

Finally she arrived.

The door slid open, she stepped in, everyone in the room froze, turned, stared. Leslie paused.

"Miss Leslie, ma'am."

Ink gave her a smile. Leslie returned it.

It's good to have friends.

"Hey, Ink."

She joined him on the bench spaced between lockers.

"Are you looking for Sergeant Rev, ma'am?"

Leslie shook her head.

"I just have questions."

Ink handed her a piece of a gun. Leslie tossed it into the air, caught it, tossed it again.

"What about, Miss Leslie, ma'am?"

Leslie tossed the piece from hand to hand.

"How is Rev already a sergeant if you guys are still cadets?"

Ink started putting the gun back together.

"He's been given training a bit different from ours. He'll leave Kamino a sergeant. The rest of us will just be troopers. Ma'am."

Leslie tossed him the metal piece. He caught it easily, clicked it into place.

"Why am I here then?"

Ink finished assembling the weapon.

"It's an experiment, ma'am. The Kamies are fond of those." Ink glanced at her. "Ma'am."

Leslie took the gun from his hands and aimed it at the lockers.

"The Jedi thinks I don't know what I'm doing."

Ink took the gun from her hands and set it on the far side of him.

"Is she right? Ma'am."

Leslie sighed.

"Don't call me 'ma'am' every time."

Ink started taking apart another gun. Leslie grabbed a piece out of his hand.

"Yes, Miss Leslie."

She shot him a look.

"The Jedi is wrong."

Ink started putting the gun back together.

"As you say, Miss Leslie."

She raised an eyebrow. He held out his hand for the piece.

"Ma'am."


It was storming. It was almost always storming. But this storm was different.

The waves were bigger, the thunder was louder, the lightening was brighter.

The lights flickered for a moment and Leslie smiled. Thunderstorms were beautiful and exciting and everything wonderful.

The lights flickered again.

Thunder banged right outside her window. The lightening flash was brighter than the others. Leslie snuggled deeper into her blanket.

Someone knocked on her door.

"It's open."

I'm not getting up at the moment.

The lights in her room were dim. The lights in the hall were bright.

"Miss Leslie, ma'am?"

She nodded.

"Yeah. Come in."

They filed in, settled in their familiar places.

"What's up?"

Another flash of lightening, bang of thunder. She almost missed their reactions. The way they flinched, tensed, jerked.

She wouldn't have noticed if she hadn't spent the last month and a half with them.

Leslie turned the lighting up, moved onto the floor with them. Her blanket came with her and she snuggled on the floor.

"Is it okay we're here, Miss Leslie, ma'am?"

Leslie passed Falcon a pile of pillows. He took one and passed the pile. After everyone had a pillow she settled the blanket over them all.

"Of course it's okay. I was getting lonely."

She turned on a movie, curled into her pillow on the floor, smiled into her blanket. They were scared of storms. They had come to her.

They trusted her.

Maybe this'll work.


I forgot how much I adored these clones haha

Read and review.

Kisses!