Finding the captain overseeing the training of new recruits for the 501st she hesitated to approach him. Turning to look at her he motioned her closer and she began to relax. She knew he could sense her through the force so she wasn't all that surprised when he took a step back so they could speak in semi-privacy.

"Something on your mind?" There was a hint of concern to him that made her smile, if only to reassure him that everything was okay.

"Nothing bad, I promise." Reaching up she brushed some of her long hair over one shoulder, a nervous gesture. "I know that the men like to call me 'vod'ika,' and that it means they accept me as part of the 501st." She began. "I'm honored that you all would include me, really." Rex frowned slightly. Her words sounded like the precursor to a 'but…'

"If it bothers you I can ask them to stop." Her eyes widened and she shook her head.

"Oh, no! I really do like feeling included. I haven't felt like this in years." A pale blush colored her cheeks, she really had missed being part of a group. Growing up surrounded by people who all shared a purpose and then having that ripped away from her- it had hurt her deeply. But now she felt like she was part of something greater again, and it was by grace of the force. She knew this was where she was meant to be.

"So the problem is…?" Liera snorted in amusement.

"I told you there's no problem." She let out a small huff. "While the men call me 'vod'ika' as a way to include me Kix… he… he really means it." Her face turned pink as she looked down, embarrassed. "He really thinks of me like a little sister." Even her own sister had only accepted her because of the existing force bond. Hiena thought she would never have to see her 'ill-omened' twin and had been proven wrong on two separate occasions. Even when Liera had been with the jedi she had only ever felt wanted by her friends and her former master. A lot of people felt discomfited by her abilities and it had made things lonely.

"So I was wondering… if 'vod' means sibling or comrade, and 'vod'ika' means little or younger sibling, then what is older sibling?" Rex watched her for a moment, expression blank, before a wide grin crossed his face and his eyes lit with mirth.

"Ori'vod. The word you're looking for is Ori'vod." She felt a rush of relief at how easily he'd explained it to her. She knew the vode had a very close knit community and preferred to keep some things to themselves. For Rex to explain with no hesitation meant he approved and accepted her interest in delving deeper into clone and Mando culture. Even if she was a former jedi.

That meant she could finally use the few words she had learned for herself but hadn't spoken because she was unsure if the men would accept it or not. She really shouldn't have worried. They were all very kind and open people.

"Vor'e." She said with a playful smirk. The look on the captain's face was certainly worth it.

After picking his jaw up off the floor he snickered at her. "Ba'gedet'ye. Tell me what his face looked like when you call him ori'vod." Liera's smirk turned downright mischievous.

"Probably a lot like yours just now." Rex's face colored for a moment before he started to laugh.

"Walked into that one. I need to get back. Say hi to Kix for me." And with that he was gone, back to scaring the living daylights out of the new recruits to keep them in line.

"Good morning, Jesse." Walking into the small medical room she waved at the ARC trooper, sitting in his usual corner and going over his weapons. He smiled and waved lazily back. Kix was sitting at one of the desks nearby, going over some data work and updating files to include those who'd had the accelerated aging turned off. Looking up from his datapad the hardworking medic of the 501st smiled at her, his eyes softening.

"Good morning vod'ika." Walking over to the desk she stopped, hands behind her back and fidgeting slightly.

"Jate vaar'tur ori'vod." There was a loud clattering sound and she jumped, looking behind her at Jesse who'd dropped the rifle he was working on in surprise. His eyes caught hers before a a beaming smile crossed his face. She could feel his approval-acceptance-love from where she was standing and it made her feel embarrassed. Although it was nothing compared to the deep wanted-loved-accepted-joy that Kix was feeling at the moment.

"Ner vod'ika." Kix said as he stood from the desk and tentatively reached out to her. She could feel his intent and leaned into the hug, sensing that he needed the added confirmation.

"Ner ori'vod." She agreed.

Mando'a Translations:

Vor'e- Thanks.
Ba'gedet'ye- You're welcome.
Jate vaar'tur- Good morning.
Ner- My, mine.

My grandfather passed away about a week ago so chapters of the main story will be a little slow.