About three months later...
Cad Bane was not in the bounty-hunting business to seek revenge. That particular aspect of life was a dangerous road to travel down in his line of work, as it was all too easy to be consumed with a desire-a need, some might say-to screw over those who screwed you over and lose sight of the bigger picture, the reason for even playing the game. Money. The blue-skinned Duros tossed a stack of credits to the Weequay dealer in the Coruscanti shipyard and nodded to the merchandise he'd been eying for months, that he was at last able to afford. "My butler droid will load it on the ship," he said, his guttural voice pitched low enough to make the Weequay have to lean forward to hear him. "See that everything's in one piece-I'd hate to have to come back for a refund."
The Weequay, his scaly skin flaking with age, nodded as he double counted the creds, not bothering to give the bounty hunter a second glance once the money was in his hands. Bane shook his head slightly as he returned to his ship. "No manners at all," he muttered to Todo 360, his techno-service droid who was making some minor repairs to the sensor array. "None of these dealers know how to treat a customer anymore."
Though Bane knew that droids were emotionless, the little round-bodied droid was certainly doing an admirable job of looking pensive, stopping his work to close his delicate hands at his sides while his unblinking yellow eyes seemed to look anywhere but in the direction of his master. Finally Bane sighed. "What is it, Todo?"
"Are you alright, sir?" The droid's voice was hesitant, cautious.
Bane frowned but made no response as he ran his eyes over the ship's nav system.
Todo made a sound that mimicked a Human clearing his throat. "I only ask because you seem a little...on edge. Ever since the Jedi interrogated you, I mean. Remember?"
He did, indeed. No hope that I could forget that little encounter, he thought as he checked over Todo's work. The Sleight of Hand's sensors had been acting up, which was a dangerous thing for a bounty hunter. Though he was careful never to completely rely on it, Bane still needed his tech to function at one hundred percent at all times; a faulty circuit here or a mislaid wire there could mean the difference between success and failure. In his line of work, failure was not an option.
The fact that it had taken not one, not two, but three Jedi-two of whom were Masters-to break into the recesses of his mind offered little comfort to the Duros as his large, red eyes studied the console of his ship. Most of the time he tried very hard not to remember that incident. Glancing at Todo, he pointed to the Weequay, who was just visible beyond the opened hatch of the ship. "Make sure the new engine jammers are installed correctly," he said. "I don't trust that earworm with the blunt end of a hydrospanner." With that he moved to step off of the ship, Todo following in his wake.
"But where are you going?"
Not that he owed the droid an explanation, but Bane turned anyway, his face shadowed beneath the wide brim of his hat. "For a drink."
At first, Commander Stonewall thought that she had gone utterly insane.
"The Naeids?" he asked again while they studied the holographic projection of the planetCoraux-located in the nexus of the Expansion Region-in the late hours of the night. Or perhaps it was morning; he wasn't certain anymore. Presently they were seated in her tent in the center of the clones' makeshift camp, the glow from the projection acting as the only light.
Kalinda Halcyon sipped her favorite tea-an aromatic blend of vanilla and spices-as she nodded, pointing to the vast section of ocean that dominated the mineral-rich planet. "They're quite prominent on this world Stone; they could be powerful allies. If you can get them to help us, we will have a huge tactical advantage over the Separatists."
"If...I can get them to help us?"
"Yes." A smile crept to her face at his look of disbelief. "Why do you doubt yourself, my pseudo-Padawan?"
He frowned. "Because I'm just a clone, Kali, Force or not. I can't do this...that's a Jedi's job."
"You absolutely can do it, Stone," she replied. "You must, because I have to meet with the settlers, who demanded to see a Jedi Master." She frowned at her newly-appointed term. "If they pull out of their agreement with the Republic, it will be a huge blow to our resources."
Stonewall shook his head. "All our intel confirmed that no one's even spoken to these people. Can we talk to them? I don't think our protocol droid survived that last mission." He looked at her. "Not that I doubt your judgment, Kali...it's just...what am I going to tell the others?"
Her dark eyes regarded him over the rim of her mug. "Tell them the truth: that we're going to make contact with an exciting new species and win this planet back, Commander." Setting the cup down, she placed her hand on his armor-clad forearm. "Trust the Force, Stone," she said. "And trust yourself. I know that you can do this."
Apparently she had been correct, for he'd had little trouble convincing the ocean-dwelling Naeids, (he still had trouble wrapping his tongue around that name), to help them oust the Separatists who were overwhelming the smaller, land-dwelling population of settlers-originally come to the planet to farm the rich minerals that could be found in the soil. What began as a routine mission culminated in Stone and his troops riding the backs of giant, sea-thrantas that carried them easily over the towering waves that developed at the height of the monsoon season to launch a surprise attack on the droid forces that had been herded to the ocean's edge.
The clankers didn't stand a chance, not after Kalinda lead a smaller battalion of his men and the locals had led them to the shoreline, setting the droids up for what was essentially a "clean sweep," of an operation. It had been one of the most exhilarating moments of his short life, riding on the back of the sea-thranta who skimmed over the cresting waves like a bird in flight; it was worth all of the initial confusion and mistrust that the Naeids felt over him and his troops, though he had eventually managed to use the Force to some degree to communicate with the aliens, as Kalinda had instructed him. The obliging sea-thrantas dropped him, his men, and the Naeid warriors off on the shore where Kalinda and the others were already engaging the enemy. Though the local Naeids were only equipped with rudimentary weapons like spears and bows, they were masters of the sea and were able to drag many, many droids down to the depths where they were crushed by the massive pressure.
In short, it was a triumph.
Later that evening when the men were celebrating with some of the locals and their wine, he had been approached by the leader of the Naeids, a young male named Osh'en. "Thank you for your efforts, my friend," the Naeid said to him, looking down at the clone commander. Naeids were tall and slender, standing about a meter above a Human, with skin the color of sea-foam and a series of thin scales that ran across their sinewy bodies. In some ways they reminded him of Kaminoans, though their heads and necks were not nearly so long and fragile-looking, and their faces were much more elongated.
Though not entirely sure of their language, Stonewall had figured out how to get the gist of what was being said, as well as make them understand what he needed to communicate. "We did our duty," he replied with a small bow. "I'm glad that your people's homes will be safe, sir."
Osh'en nodded. He was the youngest son of the last ruler, the rest of his family had been killed in skirmishes by the Separatists and Stone didn't envy him the task of putting his world back together, a challenge he knew that none his brothers would have thought to consider. "I have heard legends of the Jedi warriors who are skilled in battle," the Naeid replied. "But only now, after watching you, do I believe it."
"No, sir," Stone said, shaking his head. "I'm no Jedi. I can just use the Force a little bit."
The prince's head cocked to one side as he regarded the clone. "Again, this 'Force.' I still do not quite understand." His elongated head turned as Kalinda approached them, her boots in her hands as it was a relatively mild night. "But this one is a Jedi, yes?"
Stone nodded as he watched her. "Yes. She certainly is." When she reached them, she gave a low bow to Osh'en. "I thank you for your help, Prince," she said, in Basic, though the Force was behind her words. "We could not have taken the droids out without your help. The leader of the land-dwellers would like to meet with you to discuss a treaty. If you would like, I will be happy to act as an intermediary." Her tone was formal, but Stone could detect a trace of weariness in her words.
Osh'en took a moment to consider before he nodded slowly. "It will be as you say, Jedi. But not until tomorrow; tonight is for our brave warriors." He bowed his head low to them before stepping off to join his people who were congregated by the ocean's edge, leaving Kalinda and Stonewall alone on the sandy beach.
Stone looked up; Coraux had no moons but a series of rings that from this hemisphere cast an unearthly glow at night, the wide bands filling up about an eighth of the open sky. The air was still, edged with a salty tang and the constant hiss and drag of the waves. He looked at Kalinda, who had moved to stand at the edge of the ocean, her boots discarded on the pale sand with her leggings rolled up past her knees. After a moment he walked to stand beside her, letting the water lap against his armor, which was still dripping wet from the day's efforts.
"I never get tired of watching it," she said after a moment. "The sea," she explained to his perplexed look. "It is a constant wherever it is found; in the earliest days, before we had starships and hyperdrives, we had only the sea to explore, to carry us to new lands." She inhaled deeply.
Stonewall frowned. "On Kamino, the ocean is a force to be reckoned with; it's not peaceful or pretty like this one. It's wild and dangerous." Like you, he almost said, though he held his tongue, thankful that he was growing more adept at hiding his thoughts and emotions from her.
She nodded almost absently, then pointed to a spot about thirty meters off shore where he could make out several nebulous, glowing shapes moving beneath the surface of the waves. "Look at that! Some kind of phosphorescent life-forms..." Her words trailed off as she watched them for a moment before turning to him. "I'm going to check it out. Want to come?"
"Do you think they're dangerous?"
"No," she said, shedding her outer tunic and tossing it alongside her boots. "I think they're interesting." He declined, instead watching as she waded further into the water, pausing only to let an incoming wave break at her waist before she slipped beneath the surface; Stone tracked her progress, feeling the Force propelling her along until he was certain that the creatures were not a threat. At that point he turned and headed towards the main cluster of his men, who were gathered around a roaring bonfire enjoying the local spirits and using what was left of the clankers as makeshift seats. At his approach they quieted and sat up straight, watching his every move as he reached for a mug of the local wine. Stonewall looked at his recently-promoted Captain, a very capable clone named Boxer. "Not bad," he said as he sampled the drink. "A bit strong though."
Boxer nodded. "We won't indulge, sir." He glanced at the others, who began setting their cups down until Stone shook his head.
"You've earned a break, lads," he said as he took another sip. "Just try not to overdo it." At his words, the others grinned and reached for the cups again.
One of the newer boys-Milo-lifted his mug. "To victory!" The others chimed in, clinking their cups together before drinking deeply. Stone sat with them for a few minutes, watching, listening, and considering the next step.
We'll have to make sure that the seawater doesn't corrode any of the gear, he thought. And I still have to do my report, of course. Probably should be doing that now, anyway. Need to find some time to practice meditating as well...
"Sir?" He glanced up at the sound of Boxer's voice. The clone captain stood beside him, a hesitant look on his face. "I wanted to congratulate you again on your success with the Naeids; I wish I had been there, but some of the other lads told me about it. I was wondering...how did you manage to communicate with them?" His brow furrowed. "I can't make heads or tails of anything they say, especially since we don't have a protocol droid."
Stonewall paused to consider his response, as he had been reluctant to let anyone besides the Jedi know of his recently discovered abilities. Finally he raised his brows at the younger clone and pitched his voice in what he hoped was a nonchalant tone. "Travel the galaxy with a Jedi, Boxer, you pick up a few tricks of your own."
The other clone nodded, though he looked unconvinced. However, something in the distance, beyond Stonewall's shoulder, caught his eye; turning, Stonewall spotted Kalinda walking towards them from the sea. The clone Commander automatically rose from his seat to stand at attention.
"General Halcyon." Milo said as he got to his feet; the others had followed Stonewall's example as she approached, barefoot, dripping wet, and wringing out her hair. The clones stood at attention, watching her with a mixture of curiosity and attentiveness.
Kalinda regarded them for a moment before breaking into a smile. "I never did get to tell you guys 'well done,' did I?" Stone watched as his men straightened and saluted almost in unison. "Thank you, all of you."
"We only did what we were bred for, General," Boxer replied, the others nodding in agreement.
"You did more than that," she said. "I'm lucky to have soldiers like you to work with." They still stood, staring at her so she chuckled and shook her head. "At ease, for goodness' sake. Tonight is for you." At her words, most of the men took their seats again and the mood returned more or less to what it had been. She moved over to Stonewall, who had remained standing and took a seat n the remains of the droid next to him as she continued to squeeze the last of the sea water from her hair; he joined her after a moment.
Meanwhile, Milo had edged closer to her. "General?"
She smiled at him. "Milo?"
"Would you mind playing for us tonight?" he said, his voice hesitant. Some of the others in earshot chimed in and she nodded.
"Certainly, though I'll need some more participation this time from you."
Nodding eagerly, Milo sat back down, a look of relief crossing his face. Kalinda glanced at Stone's mug, sitting beside him in the sand. "Is this the local ghree I've been hearing so much about?" she asked, reaching for his cup and taking a sip. She pulled a face before swallowing. "It's very...fresh. And strong."
"Commander Stonewall's already warned us not to go overboard, sir," Boxer said, his back straight as he took a seat across the fire from her. "They'll be no hangovers tomorrow, I assure you."
She nodded and handed the cup back to Stonewall. "Commander, may I speak with you for a moment?"
He followed her away from the others, walking down the beach beneath the pale glow cast by the massive rings. Neither one of them spoke for a moment until she turned to him. "I'm really proud of you, Stone," she said. "And not just about what you did for the Naeids, I mean. Though that was excellent work." Her skin was cast in luminescence by the light of the rings as he looked down at her.
"Thank you, General," he said.
A smile pulled at the edges of her mouth. "I have something for you." She unclipped a lightsaber from her belt and handed it to him.
"Your lightsaber?" he asked with a frown. "Why..."
"Look at it, Stone," she said, her head shaking. "It's not the one I use, see the hilt?" He peered at the cylinder; indeed, upon closer inspection it was decidedly different than the one he'd seen her use. "Why are you giving this to me, Kalinda?" It was heavier than he'd imagined it would be.
"Because I think you're ready," she replied. "Though, I did adjust the power setting so that you won't be cutting off any limbs-for the moment, anyway." She showed him what she meant on the device. "Give it a try."
He glanced around. They were a good distance from the others, the large rock formations on the beach would shield the light from his men. The energy blade sprang to life with a familiar hiss, glowing brightly blue in the darkness. He gave an experimental swing, grinning at the sound and the heft of it in his hand.
She was smiling again. "What do you think?"
"It's fantastic," he replied. "Where did you get it?" The light arced through the air, leaving tracers of electric blue in its wake.
"I made it."
He paused mid-swing and lowered the blade to look at her. "You made it? For me?"
"When I was a Padawan," she explained, extending her hand. He passed the hilt to her and she examined it while she continued. "This was the saber that I made when I was...oh, thirteen or fourteen, I think. All Padawans have to make their own, at some point. It's part of our training." She slid into a fighting stance, the blade extended above her head. "It feels different than I remember." She gave it one last swing before handing it back to him. "We'll have to add sparring to the lesson plan."
He looked at her usual saber, which he now noticed was still clipped to her belt. "Did you make that one as well?"
Using the Force, she brought the hilt to her hand and activated the blade, which glowed a brilliant yellow. "No. This was my first master's blade. I took it after he died." She looked away for a moment, her eyes unfocused and lost in memory before she sighed and smiled back up at him. "I'd almost forgotten about my old one, but the last time we were on Coruscant I was reminded about it; I thought about you."
"I'm not sure I'm ready to wield this," he said after a pause. "I mean, it's an honor to have, but I don't think I'm ready." He made to deactivate the blade but was stopped when she moved the yellow saber towards him, touching her blade to his; beneath their feet, the sand was cast in a greenish hue.
"I think you are," she replied. "But that doesn't matter." At his frown she explained. "Of all the people in your life that you'll have to answer to, Stone, there is ultimately only one of them that really matters. There is only one person in this world that you have to trust, that you have to believe in, above all others."
"You."
She frowned. "No, Stonewall." Her hand moved to rest on his armored chest. "You."
"I'd love to believe you," he said. "But you should know that that goes against pretty much everything I've ever been taught. My faith is in my brothers; in the group is where our strength lies. We clones aren't so great on our own."
Abruptly, the yellow glow of her saber disappeared into the hilt. "You have everything you already need right here," she tapped his chest again. "If you dare to look for it."
There was no response that came to his mind so he nodded, watching her as she regarded him. They stood before one another, closer than they should have, and he couldn't help but recall the feel of her lips beneath his, the soft murmur of his name on her mouth as they kissed. Though Mundali had been over half a year ago, he could never quite shake the memories. But that didn't bother him. Not really. He was bred and trained to survive the harshest climates, the most deadly battles and considered himself pretty good at being uncomfortable; though being near her was very often distracting and slightly painful he knew that he would rather be by her side than not.
