Chapter Fourteen: Riptide

1084 days ABG

It was a strange thing to turn his focus inward and attempt to mend his torn and injured flesh with the Force, but Stonewall was determined to be out of this infirmary as soon as possible. He had lain back against the pillows and sunk into a meditative state – just as he'd gone over with Kali – in order to concentrate on the parts of his body that needed healing the most. Primarily it was his limbs, as the fire had reached those areas first, but he also detected that his lungs had been affected by the carbon monoxide that had breached his suit. It was not easy to focus like this, especially with his stomach growling, but he found that he was unwilling to lie around any longer than necessary when he knew that so much needed to be done.

A soft rap sounded against the entrance and he listened as Crest called out a greeting. Moments later, the door opened to reveal Traxis, Weave and five clone cadets, all of whom looked a bit overwhelmed even as two of them carried trays of food. One of them approached Stone while the other went to Crest. "Kalinda asked us to bring this to you," Traxis said as he watched. "She's been running around this place like a headless nuna."

It was painful to sit up, but Stonewall managed as he took the tray from the boy. "Thank you..?"

"Sir. CC-6014, Captain sir." The boy's face was solemn and Stonewall smiled.

"Just call me Stonewall," he said. "What's your name?" The boy frowned and shook his head. Stone nodded. I reckon that should change, sooner rather than later. "Well, thank you, son." He looked back at Weave, behind whom another cadet peeked out, watching the others. "Is that...?"

Weave nodded. "This is Levy." He glanced behind him and sighed. "He's still a little nervous."

"Hello there, Levy," Crest said. He'd sat up as well and was digging into the food with gusto. "And thanks...?"

"Keo, sir." The cadet stepped back and clustered next to Traxis with the others.

Crest took a large bite of a piece of nerf-steak. "I owe you one, Keo. This is pretty kriffing good." The words were muffled as he spoke with his mouth full, and the lads giggled.

Traxis rolled his eyes. "Way to set an example for the next generation, Crest."

"My pleasure."

Stonewall looked at his brother. "Trax...what's going on? Where's Kali?"

The scarred clone was prevented from replying as the door opened and General Tallis, her Padawan, and Milo entered the room. The red-haired Jedi immediately marched up to Crest and lifted the steak from his hand even as he was leaning forward to take another bite, pushing a dish of greens towards him. "No steak until you're on your own two feet. It's not what your body needs right now." The bald clone opened his mouth to argue but she glared at him, so he snapped his jaw shut.

"Yes, sir." There was resignation in his tone as he sighed down at the greens.

She then looked at Stonewall, who speared his own steak and held the fork out to her, watching with amusement as she used the Force to toss the food into a garbage bin. The clone boys covered their mouths with their hands to muffle their laughter and Stone didn't miss how No-Name's eyes slid to the Padawan as she giggled as well. But before anyone could say anything further, Stonewall felt a familiar presence outside the door and watched as Kalinda entered the room, an elder Human man behind her.

Everyone fell silent.

Stonewall felt a flare of unease rise from the dark-haired woman at the sudden and complete attention of the others, but it faded quickly in light of her new focus. She glanced around the room, then murmured something to Milo and Traxis, both of whom stepped out of the door, returning a few moments later with several chairs which they set around the space, so that everyone could take a seat. In the meantime, she moved to Stonewall and settled beside him on the sleep-couch, studying him for a moment. I see you got something to eat.

Yes, but your Padawan decided that nerf-steak was too intense for those of us on the mend. Crest is a little put out. He smiled as she lifted her eyes to the ceiling. Around the room, the boys and the Padawan watched them, though none of them said a word. Stonewall and Kali exchanged glances and he gave her a wry grin. I guess our secret's out, then?

After a moment of debate, she shook her head and reached for him, giving him a quick but firm kiss. Right now, I could give less than a care. He chuckled and smoothed out her hair, some of his fear receding even as he felt the bewilderment from the clone cadets and the Padawan. When everyone had a seat, Kali took a deep breath and looked around the room. "In case you haven't heard, we just received word that Chancellor Palpatine has been kidnapped by General Grievous; there's a battle going on at this very moment above Coruscant."

At this, Stonewall sat up straighter – ignoring the pain – and put a hand on her arm. "The Chancellor?"

"According to what I could learn on the HoloNet, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have been called in from the Outer-Rim sieges to rescue him." Altis folded his hands in his lap. "If they are successful, it stands to reason that this could be the end of the war."

"One way or another," Traxis muttered.

Kalinda nodded. "I have faith in Obi-Wan and Anakin, and I'm sure that the Council is on top of things." Stonewall felt her thoughts linger to Kenobi, along with a flash of concern for the bearded Jedi that he found he shared.

"It's time for us to go back to the Core," General Tallis said with a nod to her apprentice. "If this war has taught me anything, it's that there is always more than enough work for a healer. With a planet as populated as Coruscant, I can only imagine what the devastation will be." Her voice was clear and Stonewall could sense that she was anxious to be gone, to do her duty. Beside her, the Nautolan girl looked pensive, though she was clearly trying to remain impassive.

"No one can get a hold of the Temple, Honi," Kalinda replied. "I'd like to speak with Master Windu before we go charging in."

At this, Stonewall looked at her. "We?" He felt a thrill of dread when she nodded.

"Though I do intend to come back here, I need to return to Coruscant for now. There are some things I need to discuss with the Council." She met his eyes and it took every iota of self control that he possessed not to shake his head. As it was, he wasn't sure he could speak over the thundering of his heart at her words.

But it didn't matter, anyway, as Weave cleared his throat, causing all eyes to turn to him. "What of the cadets? Will you take them with you?"

Kali took a moment to scan the boys' faces, all of whom were following the conversation of the adults. "What do you think, Weave?" She spoke in Mando'a, and his brother replied in kind.

"They'll be reconditioned, Kali." The words were said without malice or bitterness, as if he was stating the state of the weather, but Stonewall felt their truth regardless.

Her face paled. "How do you know?"

Traxis answered. "They're too different; they've been through too much. The Kaminoans don't take kindly to...unique experiences at their age."

"I was about the same age when they wanted to do so to me," Weave added.

Though he was sure that the boys didn't understand the meaning, Stonewall could feel their agitation in the Force; they were aware that the adults were speaking of them and they didn't like being left out of the loop. He cleared his throat. "He's right, Kali," he said in Basic. "The Kaminoans won't allow them to continue on as they are." His eyes fell on the cadets, who exchanged fearful glances but remained silent. Weave shot him a look that the captain ignored. They deserve to know the truth.

Kali was silent for a moment; finally she took a deep breath and nodded. "Very well. I'm going to defer to your judgment on this, guys." She looked at Altis. "You can keep them here until I return?"

The elder Jedi nodded. "Of course, Kalinda. Any of you are welcome here."

Kali, what are we going to do with five clone cadets?

I don't know right now, Stone. She frowned. But I do know that we didn't go through all of that – including you and Crest almost getting killed – to send them to get slaughtered on Kamino. She looked up at the cadets. "But before anything is decided, I'd like to know what you guys want to do."

They shifted nervously on their chairs and glanced at one another before looking at Traxis, who kept his features neutral. Finally, No-Name spoke. "We don't want to go back to Kamino." His voice wavered a little until Zara smiled at him; at this, he sat up straighter and seemed to grow more confident. "But we're not cowards. We're soldiers. We'll do our duty to the Republic, no matter what, General Halcyon."

"For now, your duty is to stay alive and learn what you can," Weave said to the lads; Levy remained at his side, clutching at Weave's tunic while he listened to the exchange. The squad's medic looked back at the dark-haired woman. "I'll stay with them, Kalinda. For as long as I'm able."

"And me as well," Traxis said, sitting up a bit straighter in his seat.

At this, Stonewall regarded his brothers; through the Force he could feel their determination to keep the boys safe, as well as a greater, as-yet unnamed desire that may have surprised him at one point, long ago. They've found something worth fighting for. He met each of their eyes and gave them each a reassuring look to let them know that he understood.

Kalinda nodded. "Very well. In that case, the two of you can remain here and keep an eye on them. When I get back..." She paused and gave a shake of her head. "Well, we'll figure it out then, I suppose. I don't have all the answers right now." A trickle of laughter rippled through the room at this, and Stone put a hand on her back.

General Tallis nodded and stood up. "So, it's decided, then? When can we leave?"

"Honi."

The red-haired Jedi sighed and took her seat again, arms crossed in front of her chest. It was here that Milo sat up, his expression nervous. "Kalinda, I'd like to accompany you to the Core. I think it's time."

So he spoke with her about his promotion. Good lad. He'll make a fine officer.

She met his eyes and gave him a small smile. "I'll be glad to have you along, Milo. And I'll be happy to write you a glowing recommendation."

At this, the rest of Shadow Squad began to exchange glances. "What's going on?" Crest asked, his voice nervous. "Mi...what are you talking about?"

"Milo's requested a promotion," Stonewall replied. "A well-earned one, if I might add. Though we are going to miss you, Mi," he added, looking at the younger clone, who gave him a smile in return.

After several moments the bald clone nodded, as if absorbing the information and letting his customary good humor take over his reaction; even so, Stonewall could hear the tint of sorrow in his brother's voice. "Way to go, vod. Guess the next time I see you, I'll have to salute or something, huh?"

"Nah. I'll only make you clean my kit," Milo replied. Traxis and Weave exchanged glances but said nothing, though Stonewall figured that would change later.

Stonewall touched Kali's arm, drawing her gaze to him. "When do you want to leave? Normally, I'd say that I should get another day or so of rest before I'm fit to move, but with the Force-healing..." He trailed off at the look in her eyes. "No."

"Stone-"

Ignoring the shooting pain, he sat up as straight as he could and shook his head, trying to quell the fear that was throbbing along with his injuries. "No, Kali. No. You're not leaving me here."

She gave him an almost pleading look, dropping her voice in pitch. "You can barely sit up straight, Stone. Even with the Force, you won't be fit to travel for at least a week...and we need to go back immediately." Something in her eyes made his chest tighten and he realized what it was that she was intending.

You're going to leave the Order, aren't you? Her expression was blank but he knew her better than he knew himself. "You can't, Kali. You can't do it."

Can we talk about this later? Her thoughts were quiet and he glanced around, realized that everyone's eyes were on them, and nodded slowly.

Later.

They held each other's gaze for a moment more before she looked back at the others. "So, other than a few details, it's decided: Honi, Zara, Milo and myself will return to the Core; the rest of you will remain here to heal and look after the younglings. When I return...well...we'll just take it one day at a time." She took a deep breath and leaned back, her body resting against his, and he was gripped with a potent mixture of love and fear, all of which was centered on her.

But there's some for the rest of us as well, he thought as he looked around the room at the others. What will happen to us if the war really does end? Or if it doesn't?

Beside him, he could feel that Kali was trembling.

Zara listened to the Jedi and the soldiers speaking with only part of her brain; the rest of her attention was on the clone boys that she'd become friends with over the last several days. Has it really only been a matter of days? I feel like I've known them for years and years. I suppose that's what happens when you go through an experience like we did. She swallowed and tried to keep her emotions quiet, as she noticed both Master Tallis and Kalinda glance at her as if they could sense her hesitation.

It was nice for a little while, she thought. But I'll miss my friends. That was the word, she decided with a sigh. They're my friends. But I have a duty...I'm a Jedi, after all, and Jedi are not allowed to have attachments.

Of course, that notion had been shaken when she witnessed the kiss between Kalinda and the clone captain, which – though small – was the strangest thing she'd ever seen. Should I have sensed that sooner? While they stared at one another, she cast a look at her master, who was shaking her head at the display. I guess she knows.

After the strange interaction between Kalinda and the clone, the rest of the meeting was fairly uneventful and she found herself hoping she could take another swim before they left. As Master Tallis was speaking to Kalinda, Zara approached her. "Master? When will we be leaving?"

The red-haired Jedi glanced at Kalinda. "That's a good question, Zara."

"Tomorrow morning," the other Jedi replied. "First thing. We'll take the Wayfarer."

Zara nodded. "In that case, would it be okay if I went for another swim?"

"I'd rather you spent the time meditating..." Master Tallis paused at a significant look from Kalinda before nodding at the Nautolan girl. "Very well. But meet me back here in an hour."

Grinning, Zara made a swift bow to the Jedi before stepping over to the clone boys; they were clustered around Levy but they all turned to her, even as she looked up at Traxis, who was engrossed in conversation with Weave. "I'm going to go for a swim...can they come?"

The scarred clone nodded and glanced at the boys, all of whom – save Levy – looked delighted. "Sure thing, Commander." He looked at his brother and spoke in the language that had been used earlier.

After a moment, Weave glanced at Levy. "Do you want to swim as well?" The boy looked at his arm and Weave smiled, tapping the implant around his eye. "It's okay in water. I've tested it myself. But you don't have to go if you don't want to, Levy."

"Come on, Lev," Risky said, playfully nudging his brother's shoulder. "Or are you too scared?"

Zara didn't miss the flare of anger that lifted from Weave, but Levy only grinned and gave his brother a playful punch in the arm, his expression challenging. No-Name nodded and looked at Weave. "He'll be fine, sir."

The adult clone looked doubtful but after a moment he nodded. He lifted his head and said something to Milo, who pulled a comlink out of his pocket and tossed it to Weave. "Here," he said, handing the device to No-Name. "Stay in contact. If anything goes wrong..."

"It'll be fine," Zara replied. "I'll keep them in line." She kept her expression neutral and grinned inwardly at the others' looks of indignation.

Weave nodded again and exhaled, sharing a look with Traxis, who clapped his shoulder. "Come on, vod," the scarred clone said. "Let him go. We have some things to discuss here, anyway." He winked at Zara, who grinned and looked at the others.

"Let's go."

No-Name smiled back. "We're right behind you, Commander."

Weave watched them race out of the room, noting how Levy seemed more at ease than he'd been. Traxis chuckled. "They grow up so fast, don't they?"

"Shut up."

From his place at the bed, Crest spoke. "It's against regulation to have witty banter without me, you know."

The three Jedi were speaking in low tones, and Weave cast a glance at the captain, who'd remained silent, his eyes fixed on Kalinda and his expression guarded. Now what was all that about? He has to realize he's too injured to travel right now. He moved over to Stonewall and knelt beside him, making a show of checking the captain's chart. "I know that she's a pain, but General Tallis is right; you shouldn't go anywhere for a while."

Stonewall frowned and shook his head. "It's not me I'm worried about."

"You mean Kalinda?" Weave glanced at the dark-haired Jedi, who looked to be debating something with her former Padawan. "I think she can take care of herself. And she'll have another Jedi and Milo." Sergeant Milo...that's going to be strange. His younger brother was speaking with Crest, though his eyes kept darting to the red-haired Jedi at the other end of the room. Weave sighed inwardly and looked back at Stonewall. "She'll be okay, vod."

The captain's jaw tightened but he said nothing as his eyes remained fixed on the Jedi. A moment later, Traxis came over and soon the five men were gathered together in relative silence. Finally Crest sighed. "We're going to miss you..." The word "shiny" hung in the air as he paused, causing Milo to lift his brow. "...Mi," the bald clone finished with a grin.

"I guess you won't be a shiny anymore," Traxis added.

Milo nodded. "It's been an honor to work with all of you," he said, meeting each of their eyes. "I wouldn't be the man I am without you."

Damn. I'm going to miss that kid. Weave cleared his throat. "I think I want to go over the Wayfarer again, if you're going to take her to the Core...I could use some help." Milo and Traxis nodded while Crest lifted his hand in an easy salute.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things here." He watched as Trax and Milo slipped out the door before casting a look at Weave. "He'll make a good officer. Should have seen it coming, I guess."

The medic nodded before he followed his brothers. "Yeah. Me too."

Another shorter chapter...but I guess it gives a bit of breathing room, huh?

Please review, comment, and speculate to your heart's content!