Revised: July 6, 2019

Chapter 29

Appo was leaving medical. He was thrilled to be heading back on duty. Or, at least light duty. His one shoulder was still out of commission, but he was allowed to return to barracks while he finished his recovery. He hadn't expected both Coric and Denal to be waiting for him when he emerged from bacta. They helped him shower and dress since he was still very stiff. Coric conferred with the senior medic on duty, and officially took over Appo's care. In less than an hour, they were headed back over to the barracks.

The three of them walked through the streets of Coruscant, dressed identically, in their burgundy fatigues. It was just past dawn, and despite the early hour, the streets of Coruscant were already abuzz with people headed to work. A few citizens cast them confused looks at their identical appearance. Clones in armor were becoming more commonplace in the streets. But, Appo had come to the realization few Coruscanti understood there were men underneath the armor. Appo wasn't sure if he welcomed the anonymity, or found it ironic, considering he was a clone. After all, this was the Republic they were supposedly fighting for and these citizens seemed content to be so blessedly ignorant in all but their own narrow interests.

"You OK?" Coric asked.

He hesitated, considering his answer. During their long hours imprisoned together on Darkknell, he and Commander Tano had spoken at length on many topics. She'd outright told him his "people skills needed work." She also said he needed to be more "open and approachable" and this "worked well for Rex." He didn't like being compared to the Captain, but couldn't argue with how well regarded and respected he was by his fellow clones.

"I… uh… was thinking…" he started, and then stopped. Fek. He sounded like an di'kut. But, he could hear Ahsoka's light teasing voice in his mind, telling him he would never get a different result unless he tried a different approach. He took a deep breath and plunged ahead. He gestured around him with his good arm at the Coruscanti they were passing. "They look at us. But, they don't know who we are."

"So?" Denal asked, giving an unconcerned look around him as if it mattered little to him either way, "what of it?"

Appo resisted the urge to be offended by Denal's flippant response. He continued on and tried to explain himself. "They're supposed to be the ones we're fighting for, and yet they know nothing about us." He tried to voice what he was feeling. "They don't care to know anything about us."

Denal laughed and put a hand gently on his uninjured shoulder. "You think too hard. Be careful. You'll hurt yourself."

It was the sort of good-natured, teasing comment he'd heard the men make back and forth to each other many times as they laughed together. The sort of talk he 'd always been excluded from... until now. He smiled. And, Coric and Denal talked with him constantly on the way back. He was content simply to listen and be included. Some of the news was of no consequence and mixed in with it was bits of more interest. Denal described their first meal back at the barracks in great detail. Coric told him Generals Skywalker and Kenobi were out of medical, and were expected to make an appearance later today. Everyone hoped there were be announcement about getting a new ship, or new armor. But, most of all, the men were hoping they could get some news about what was going on with Captain Rex and Commander Cody.

"What?"

Appo took in this last piece of news, and his good mood faded away. Commander Cody was not his concern. But, there was a high probability Rex might be assumed back under his command. "What happened to Rex?

Coric and Denal exchanged a look.

"He was sent to the RMB for contempt of Council," Coric finally answered.

Appo stopped in his tracks, refusing to take another step. Annoyed Coruscanti citizens walked around them, glaring at them for impeding their progress. "Explain."

"We don't know the details. He is being held until he has a hearing. But, it is by order of General Windu."

Appo tried to keep his expression even, but his thoughts were racing. Contempt of Council? Rex? He never could have imagined. This was likely a positive development, though. He and Rex did not exactly get along. So, maybe the problem had just taken care of itself. Coric and Denal were studying him intently. He would need to proceed very carefully to avoid losing the ground he'd made today.

"I see," he said, keeping his voice even, "eh... hopefully, the Generals will have an update for us... " He jerked his chin in the general direction of the barracks. "Shall we proceed?"

Coric cast him a suspicious look. Denal shrugged and launched into a humorous incident involving the purple Kazzie fruit. Appo wasn't listening, fortunately the clone didn't seem to care.

Would Rex be sent away again? The 501st Captain was gaining a reputation for himself. Appo would have to watch him very closely from now on.

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Revision history:

June 12, 2019: This scene was considerably shortened.

July 6, 2019: Notes on Appo. I haven't seen too many other fanfic authors write Appo in-depth in their stories. The universal consensus seems to be he is a despicable clone. I've struggled to write his character because the movies and the animated series doesn't give us a lot on him. He is promoted too quickly and comes across as a lackey. His rank and quick rise doesn't make sense. I've tried to explain it within the context of this story. It is different than how it is portrayed in the animated series. Appo has more "typical" clone qualities in this story than we see in the series. He is a fierce fighter and values honor and duty. But, there are underpinnings of ambition, which we don't see in other clones. His experiences on Darkknell, and being locked in a cell with Ahsoka, have left him confused. I've decided to downplay these experiences in the revised draft of this story. Initially, my thinking was a love triangle would make for interesting reading. But, this will derail too much from my primary storyline.