Disclaimer:

I do not own star wars and I make no money with this piece of fiction.


It was strange, how much could happen in such a short time.

"Looks good Hardcase."
Kix hung the data pad to its dedicated Spot at the foot of Hardcase's bed. He gave his brother a encouraging smile.
"Just a few more weeks and you should be fit to return to our company. You are lucky."

Hardcase grinned, bright teeth flashing. "I know Kix, I know and I also know that I am the last one you are supposed check on. Now, go get some rest brother. You look worse than I do."
The last comment was chorused by the rest of the room. The five hundred first had taken heavy casualties once again, but much less than they could have.
Many brothers, that would have been send back to Camino had gained a second chance here.

Kix left the room with a chuckle, dimming the lights, so that his brothers might find some rest.
On the other side of the room someone waited.
"A good morning, Kix. Master Skywalker informed me I would find you here."
Apparently she was waiting for him. The medic stood up straight, facing the Senator and former queen of Naboo.

"Ma'am. How may I help you?"
"I would like to take a walk Kix, there is something I have to ask you."

The woman smiled and Kix understood, once again, why General Skywalker seemed to enjoy her presence. She was a remarkable person, some would call her beautiful and she treated him and his brothers as equals, sometimes even asking their input on the situation.

As Kix fell into step besides her He hoped this would be another of these occurrences.
They usually ended with an approving comment from their General or their Captain.

"First of all, I have to ask you something. What is your opinion about the center Kix?"

"It is a good institution Senator. My brothers are well cared for and we get chances, we otherwise would not have had."
Although Amidala had been one of the people to unveil what was Happening to his brothers Kix felt uneasy addressing the issue directly.

The Senator nodded. "I am that we have the same opinion. But I am sure you have also noted that this place, no matter how well maintained is too small."

They had reached a small balcony. A warm breeze carried the scent of the kitchen garden. Meals were prepared in the facilities and among the best the troopers had had. There were quiet a lot of complaining and storytelling in the mess every time men returned from the facility.

"It is Ma'am' but nevertheless the men are glad to be here. They miss their brothers, but you should hear them reminiscing about the time here." He trailed of, remembering fondly the late night talk. "You and your project have saved many."

The senator shifted, leaning slightly away from Kix. She seemed to be uneasy. "Several people have announced their interest in participating in a second project Kix. It is only a matter of how we raise the money and interest of the public. We are on a good way, but to ensure the progress we have made, we cannot stop now." She paused, carefully observing Kix's reaction to her words.

" I know what you are talking about Ma'am and I fear That it won't be as easy as you think. Perhaps I should suggest a different unit for a second documentation."

The senator shook her head. "The Sponsors we have gathered so far are quiet adamant about the subject. They want the five hundred first and," she added," they want the ones who did the first documentation."

Kix stiffened. Senator Amidala continued.
"What we have now is one center for the entire army and a few people who are changing their minds about how you and your brothers must be treated. That is not enough. We cannot stop now. To have the entire republic change their view upon the clone's rights it takes more work than just one documentation."
She turned towards him, watching him intently.

"Kix. We need you, we need your brothers. Please."


Christina wrung a piece of flimsi in her sweaty hands. She had dressed in a simple shirt and trousers, forgoing current fashion in an attempt to feel more comfortable.
Now, she was standing in front of a small tap-caf. The same, which Eisabeth had frequented regularly during their vocational education.
She had not believed her eyes when one day, finally Kix had written her, asking for this meeting. He was not the one she had expected to contact her, but had stopped wondering when anxiety had overwhelmed her questions. She had found the medic to be thoughtful, pleasant company but had not spent much of her free time with him.

That had been reserved for Echo. She flinched at the memory and before she could start mulling about his visit a few weeks earlier she gathered her courage and entered the small establishment.
It was not hard to find her company. In their armor Kix and Echo stood out like a sore thumb.
The plush cushions and frilly decoration made a strange contrast to the scuffed armor.

It also didn't hurt that Elisabeth radiated a discomfort that was nearly physically palpable.
As if he had sensed her gaze Kix raised his head. He gave her a small nod, waiving her over.
"Good that you could make it." He raised a can and pushed a cup over.
"Care for some caf?"
"No thank you, I'm fine."

"You don't look like it." Echo's voice had taken a dark undertone since the last time she had met him. He had gained some weight; his face was no longer so thin, although the tired, hard look had yet to leave his eyes.

"Well, you look better. Did you get Five's picture?"
He nodded and decided to get right the reason of their meeting.

"The rehabilitation center is going well. We have to partially thank you for that."
Elisabeth wanted to Protest, but he cut her off.
"I am not over what you have done, but Kix raised a good point when he asked me to come here."

Kix took over.
"One center is not enough. The staff is doing what they can, but they have only so many resources, only so many shifts they can do. What the fund needs is a second round of donations. There are still some, but they have slowed down significantly after the news turned to other matters. You know what we mean?"

Elisabeth nodded. "A second vid series, but, why us?"
Echo took a sip of the caf, then eyed it suspiciously.
"Because the sponsors that the help fund had are adamant the wanted you to be in it. And our brothers and we agreed."

"What?" A short exclamation escaped Christina. She knew she should be happy that the troopers had agreed to it, but she couldn't help herself gape at the two clones sitting at the opposite side of the table.

A smile showed on Kix's face. He reached under the table, retrieving a small holo camera and setting it on a table.
"The people want to know just who captured us in such an intimate way and we want to know too. You told us that what we saw was the real you, but even if you tried to act like usual you had a goal and a secret to keep. I see the destruction war brings and I am thankful for the chance you gave my brothers and me."

" We are hurt, but we see what you wanted to do. You were vital in giving our brothers a second chance. We want to give you a second chance too." Fives picked up the camera, switching it on.
"Will you take it?"

Elisabeth and Christina smiled. "Yes."
"Well then, Elisabeth, you can start with telling me just how you made it through your vocational education despite this caf. It tastes like warm water."


A.N.:
And, the end.
I would say seven chapters is not too bad for my first multi chaptered story, is it?
Actually, the whole fic turned out different than I had thought it would. Overall I am strangely satisfied with it.

And another plot bunny is already gnawing on my ankle. Concerning plot bunnies, the cancellation of the clone wars has come quiet unexpected to me.
( More of that on my profile page, I don't want to clutter the AN with that rant.)

After the end of a series part of the fandom tends to let go quiet quickly. I have experienced this before with other fandoms and it is hard to see how less and less fics are submitted.

I promise that I won't do that. It will be a hot day on Hoth before the colorful, vibrant world of the clone wars will let me go.
Of course, I ,might stray now and the, but for now there are enough plot bunnies to keep me busy for a long while. See you soon!