A.N. ~ here's the third last chapter of 'The Lies Continue'. And, it's also seven chapters since the last disclaimer, so know that in this story, I only own my ONs. Bye!
"Haar'chak, why won't you work?" Twitch muttered. She tapped the comm of her gauntlet in frustration, hoping to knock a loose wire back in place if that was the problem.
"Anything?" Ajax walked into the living room.
"Static. Either the comm is damaged or something's blocking the signal." She scowled at the device before moving on to a different frequency. More static greeted her. "Kriff. We may just have to suck it up and take a hike." He sat beside her on the couch and looked at the weapon. Twitch opened the gauntlet up and started poking around a spaghetti-like mess of wires. "Nothing is wrong with the comm." she hissed.
"You know what everything in there does?" Ajax asked, impressed.
"Most of it. If they malfunction on the battlefield I need to know how to fix them."
"How's it going?" Saundra entered, swaying slightly with the weight of her swollen belly.
"Are there any local dampeners? Something's jamming the comms." Twitch asked.
"I think I know what's causing the problem. I'll be right back."
"Are you sure? Shouldn't you...sit down?" Ajax protested unsurely.
"I'm alright." The woman assured before walking off.
"You're gonna have to wait 'til she's in labour before she'll admit to sitting down." Twitch joked.
"Oh..." The sergeant realized that pregnancy was new and nearly unheard of for most clones, released from service or not. She would know. Another pang of mixed emotions over her injury assaulted her.
"Ah, the whole pregnant thing is new to me as well." She said.
"What? But...you're a girl... Not that you've actually been pregnant. It just seems like you'd know about this sort of thing."
"I'm fourteen."
"Don't they teach kids this stuff, though?" Ajax scratched the back of his neck.
"Do I look like a civilian to you?" She paused and glanced down at the black clothing. "Oh, right..."
"What happened to maternal instinct?"
"That's when a woman is pregnant or recently had her child. We need to have a talk about female stereotyping." Ajax looked slightly perturbed and crestfallen after that, becoming quiet and self conscious. "You're one of the younger clones, aren't you?" Twitch asked gently, seeing his discomfort.
"Hadn't even finished training when we were released from service." He muttered.
"Fought on Geonosis?" He nodded.
"Well, colour me impressed. The fighting even sent Commander Cody for a trip to Kaliida.
"A lot of other guys like me made it." Ajax deflected.
"Good for you all."
"Try now." Saundra called from somewhere in the house. Twitch switched to her squad frequency and activated it. For a heart-stopping moment, all they heard was static, then a voice as the crackling stopped.
"Jax here." Twitch sagged with relief.
"You have no idea how glad I am to hear your voice, Jax." She said.
"Sarge? Sarge! Where in haran have you been? Fives has been giving us death glares ever since you went missing. He and the Captain are out for blood!" Twitch winced at the news.
"I'll fill you in later. For now, is everyone still planet side?"
"Yeah, but the interviews are almost over. Are you alright?"
"Fine. Could you do me a favour and tell Captain Keeli I'm with one of his men? Let him know that Ajax is alright."
"Sure thing. I'll tell both your captains."
"Thanks. We'll standby for incoming transmissions." Twitch cringed at the thought of explaining what had happened to Rex as the call ended
"The Cap is gonna have my hide." Ajax fretted, voicing both their fears.
"You aren't the only one. If Rex doesn't sock me for this, Fives will." Twitch agreed.
"Did it work?" Saundra walked in.
"Yes, thank you. We're just waiting for someone to call back. Then we'll be deciding wether or not to hide from our superiors." The young girl joked.
"Wait. Sarge?" Ajax asked.
"The youngest in the army. Relevant to physiology." Twitch elucidated.
"And you didn't tell us." Saundra clicked her tongue disapprovingly.
"I don't mind the rank, but hate being called by my tittle."
"Well, Sergeant, you're just going to have to get used to it." The wife teased.
"Noooo." Twitch groaned while laughing.
"Comm is active." Ajax noted. Twitch turned it on.
"Twitch! What in the name of the Force have you been doing?" Rex thundered.
"I missed you too. Jeph was on a revenge streak. I'm bunking with some friends, along with another trooper who was also captured."
"How did he catch you?"
"With my guard down. And I'm only admitting it once, so don't expect it to be said again."
"Are you two alright?" Rex asked.
"I'm fine, sir, but Twitch—"
"Is also fine." The sergeant interrupted with a fierce glare. "One question, Rex. Is Tail alright?"
"Well, he won't be going into stasis. Wether he lives or not is still in question." Twitch blanched slightly.
"Oh."
"So, you have a means of transportation?" The Captain asked. Twitch was about to say no when Saundra cut in.
"Yes, Captain, they do. How soon do you want them back?"
"As soon as you can, ma'am. I don't want Twitch blowing up inside your house."
"Your consideration is appreciated."
§ § §
Saundra had sown Twitch's clothing back together as a temporary measure until the sergeant could get a replacement. It was a kind gesture that was appreciated.
Captains Rex and Keeli were waiting as a speeder holding Ajax, Twitch, and Saundra came up. Ajax was embarrassed to be in only his body glove, despite the garment having been cleaned while he was at Ruby district, and wished sorely for his armour once again.
The two soldiers got out, though Rex noticed how Twitch belied to uphold her usual vault out of the vehicle. Instead, she sat on the edge before swinging her legs to the ground. Keeli spotted the bruise forming on Ajax's left jawline.
"What happened?" The two growled in synchronized sternness.
"We were attacked by flying eopies." Twitch said tiredly.
"And one shot you." The beaten trooper received an elbow to the ribs.
"Haar'chak, Ajax, I was trying to avoid Kix finding out!" She hissed.
"Twitch, med tent. Now." Rex ordered.
"Ah, kriff. Thank you, Saundra. It was nice seeing you again." The sergeant groaned.
"You too, Twitch. Try not to die before meeting the baby."
"Heh, no promises."
"And Ajax, I expect you to visit." Said trooper's cheeks became a dark shade of red as Rex and Keeli tried not to laugh at the mothering tone,
"Yes, ma'am." Rex grasped Twitch's ear and she yelped.
"Ow! Rex, no, please! I'm going, I'm going, agh!" Keeli couldn't help but crack a smile at how the same kid who'd faced down death countless times was howling like an ordinary teenager.
"Can I be sure of that?" Rex challenged.
"Check in with Kix! You can cut off my ear if he reports I didn't visit the med tent."
"Deal. And if I hear you didn't, I'll use your own arm-blades."
"See? I have wonderful parental figures!" Twitch called to Saundra with a wave as she walked away.
§ § §
"Twitch, this bolt—"
"I know, Kix, I know. Just don't tell anyone, alright?" The medic nodded.
"Cross will need to know."
"I'll tell him. Just please, keep this to yourself."
"Of course. I'm sorry." The medic murmured.
"It's alright. Wasn't planning on having kids, anyway."
"Right. You're cleared for light duty. As long as you take it slow. Too much movement and you could start bleeding internally."
"Oh, fun." Twitch left and slowly made her way back to the tents her squad was using. Most everyone was present, since their interviews were over.
"Twitch! You di'kut, how could you have let Jeph pull that off!" Spitfire greeted.
"You've been eavesdropping again, huh?" Twitch asked.
"Of course I have. What kind of ninja would I be otherwise?"
"Twitch, you alright?" Cross quickly approached her, his usual shyness not present as he checked her over.
"I'll fill you in on all the medical details later. For now, is everyone alright?"
"Fine, less one. Why do you ask?" Wing answered.
"Oh, I got a few local sleemos angry and they've been out for revenge lately. Just worried the leader would try taking it out on you guys."
"Sergeant Twitch?" The young girl turned and saw Ajax.
"Unless there's a mission, call me Twitch." She said.
"Um, uh, a—alright." He stumbled.
"Ajax, are you alright?" He recovered, relieved at a question.
"I'm fine, but there's something you need to see. Down by the river." His tone was serious and she recognized that look most troopers wore when something bad happened. It was the look they wore when seeing their dead brothers after a battle.
§ § §
Near the river bank, Captain Keeli and a medic stood over something. Twitch hurried over with Ajax. She looked over the mangled body with shock. Blood smeared the mud, and the person had been arranged so her arms were stretched out as though she was making a snow angel.
Carved into the small, bloody arms, were the words 'your move, Sgt. Twitch'. It was a small girl, with coppery blond hair and pudgy features. Twitch backed away, her face white as she stared at the girl's face.
"Oh, kriff. No, not her. Why did he pick her? Oh, kriff." She muttered as she sat down, grabbing her head in her hands. Keeli put his hand on the sergeant's shoulder.
"Twitch, who is this?" She looked up as tears rolled down her face.
"This is Aris. Saundra and Tsudek Lynn's daughter." Ajax looked back to the girl with recognition. He sat down as well, not crying, but certainly horrified.
Twitch wept openly, not embarrassed to be hurt over the loss of the little child. The small, sky-blue eyes that had once sparkled with life and joy were closed forever.
Spitfire, naturally curious and always ready for eavesdropping, saw what happened and slipped back to the squad. Eventually, Twitch finally managed to stop the tears. She wiped her face with her hands before standing.
"Twitch, are you alright?" Keeli asked.
"This feud," she paused to swallow hard before continuing, "this battle, has gone too far. This isn't a grudge; this is war." She turned and started walking back to her tent. Ajax and Keeli had seen the look of pure fury and determination on her face.
"She's out for blood this time, sir. Jeph started a war, and I think she's about to end it." Ajax spoke.
"I think you're right. And I'm willing to bet she's able to do it. We better get the generals before she gets her guns."
§ § §
"Jax, I'll be out for a while. You're in charge. Spitfire, I know you followed me. Don't get any ideas. And don't fight with the others. Jax has the authority to ground you if he sees fit." Twitch ordered without glancing at her squad.
She grabbed her belt, complete with guns and holsters, before turning and preparing to move out. Aris' tiny, lifeless body floated behind her eyes. It was her move, so she was ending it. That was her move, wether she died trying or not.
"Sarge, what's going on? Who's 'Aris', and Tsudek and Saudra?" Jax asked.
"People that don't concern you. I'll be back later."
"Sergeant!" Someone barked. She froze and turned, standing at attention as Skywalker and Ghynna stalked forward.
"Yes, sir?" She replied.
"Where are you going?" Anakin demanded.
"Stopping Jeph before his insane power play kills someone else."
"You can't go running off. You know this." Skywalker growled.
"Sir, I apologize, but Jeph has made this personal."
"What do you plan on doing, hmm? You cannot hope to capture them all." Klairen demanded. Twitch looked down angrily. Realization hit the two Jedi.
"Twitch, no, you can't. That won't make things better." Skywalker implored.
"No, sir, but it'll protect lives. This man nearly wiped out the entire city. He needs to be stopped before someone else dies."
"Stopped, yes. Killed, no." Klairen said.
"So, what happens once he's captured? Death sentence, right?"
"Maybe after a trial, but you don't get to play judge and jury." Ghynna reprimanded.
"Then let me capture him. Force knows, I've done things like this enough times!" The two Jedi exchanged glances.
"On one condition." Skywalker bartered.
§ § §
"I can't believe I agreed to this." Twitch muttered.
"Hi to you, too." Echo grumbled.
"Twitch, I've seen you angry before, but even this is overkill. What happened?" Fives asked as they slipped through an alleyway.
"Jeph pushed his revenge streak far. Way too far. He's resorted to killing little children."
"And I take it you knew this kid?"
"She was like my little sister. Now be quiet. We need to get on the roofs before one of Jeph's bunch sees us. They have guns and know how to use them." Twitch started climbing up a fire escape, quickly and quietly. The two ARCs followed, exchanging glances through their visors.
"So, this is pretty bad?" Echo asked through the private comm in his helmet, Twitch oblivious to the conversation as the helmets' dampeners hid the words from her ears.
"I've never seen her this angry before. Some times come close, but even Rex's faked death didn't do this to her." Yelling at Darys had been scary, but now, instead of yelling, Twitch was holding in her fury and had become a silent killer.
"So, you know each other pretty well?" Echo wasn't one to be prone to jealousy. He, Fives, and Tup were all close friends. The way, however, that Fives spoke about Twitch was...intimate.
"Fairly. And don't even think it. Her brother-by-choice is up at Kaliida, recovering from Geonosis."
"She has a brother-by-choice?" They cleared the roof and started running, low and silent.
"Ah, they don't really say it, but it's pretty obvious. The two get along and argue like brother and sister."
"Who is her family?"
"Whomever she chooses." Fives replied just as Twitch froze and dropped onto her stomach, crawling forward to peak over the edge of the roof. The two men joined her.
"You delivered the girl?"
"Yes. She's lying near the river, just waiting to be found." Another man snickered. Twitch's fists clenched until her knuckles turned white. She reached for her gun, then stopped.
"We need to see if anyone is nearby." She hissed, backing up.
"At least you're fighting with a level head." Fives commented.
"Fives, I may be ready to kill Jeph, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let my anger impair my judgement." She replied, slipping past him to skirt the nearby alleyways and streets.
A.N. ~ if I didn't hate myself after killing half of Pyro Squad, I definitely hate myself now. The next chapter will be posted ASAP.