Sorry for the wait mates, but I've been really busy! Hopefully it was worth the wait...

nurbb: Ah, thanks! Glad you enjoyed the story so much! It did get the more popular vote as well ^^

Andrew: Ah, well, that's a shame... I got your last ask and tagged it as 'Andrew' so you could find the answer more easily

Guest: Alright, thanks for voting!

OakyTheOaktree: Aw, thank you! It does take a while, but I try my best! ^^ And the 'keep it' one actually won so...

Darth Pancake: Hah, I do think the 'keep it' won =P

Alrighty people. The votes for the question was that, more wanted me to keep the old Rex history. If you want to know more about it, you should read Aliit ori'shya tal'din (Family is more than blood) and Memory (Tome'tayl) but when the past does come into play, it'll be a spoiler for the story. And even given how long it is, there should be enough time to read it. I think. If nothing else, I'll 'recreate' it or something as I did for Hardcase, Jesse and Kix.
Okay, anyway, read, review and enjoy~

Chapter 5

"This way," Fives nodded towards the direction of the airbase as they moved behind the main group of soldiers.

"I never was one for these sneak tactics," Hardcase grumbled, climbing over some large roots and dropping down.

"Then it's about time you learn them," the ARC turned around, checking if they were being followed. Everything was clear.

"Pff, that was never our style," the hyper man said, before he seemed to freeze for a second. "I mean, back when Jess, Kix and I were still shinies."

"…" the older man glanced at his friend, glad his helmet hid his expression. But then he spoke up: "I know what you mean. Back with my other brothers, we were all headstrong… Well, maybe Echo not so much," he looked up at the sky, imagining what it may look like behind the shadow and mist.

"…I heard about the Rishi Moon and the Citadel… I'm sorry," Hardcase followed his gaze.

"Thanks… I actually only recently got a reminder they're all probably hitting their heads on a wall or something because of how stupid I am… And well, they'd probably want me to survive all of this," Fives turned to the younger brother, smiling under his bucket.

"I never thought of it like that…" Hardcase admitted, still staring at the sky.

"Keep it in mind next time you charge in headfirst. And know that you've still got brothers here, wanting you to live too."

"Commander," Anakin spoke up after the silence. They've been flying constantly, but there was still some time before they'd arrive at Coruscant. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course sir," Thorn gave a firm nod, resting his head on his helmet as it sat on his knee.

"Do Guards get along well with ground troops?" the Jedi looked at the man, both of them keeping stoic faces. "I imagine there might be some… disagreements between you?"

The soldier took a few seconds to think the question over, before speaking: "It's far less disagreeing than many would believe. Yes, they may envy us for being so far away and in a safe place. But at the same time, we hate being stuck so far away, feeling useless as they die in battle. But," he spoke up before the Force user could.
"We also know we each have our roles to play. Pilots are stuck in the air, medics watching brothers die, officers putting all deaths on their shoulders… And us, feeling like we're betraying our brothers. Yet when the times comes for us to do our duty, we do so as best we can. Us Guards may be lost in any of the many plants our brother fight, but when they come to Coruscant, then it is our duty to protect and lead them. Because we know this battlefield. Just like pilots know the sky and space."

There was a silence as Skywalker watched with an open mouth and wide eyes. He wasn't entirely sure what to think of all of this…

"Forgive me General, that clearly wasn't an answer…" Thorn let out a breath, ready to speak again when the Jedi stopped him.

"Actually, that was a good answer. Better than I thought I could get," he smiled, seeing the soldier return it, albeit weakly. "It's good to know and hear, some still hold their brotherhood and family so dearly."

"…We only have each other sir. If we go against one another, there won't be anyone left when the dust settles."

"The second they spot us, I start blasting!" Hardcase aimed his weapon, pretending an enemy was in front of him. The two of them have managed to get in closer, focusing solely on the task at hand.

"Hardcase, can't you take it easy for once?" Fives sighed inwardly. Despite the conversation, the man was still as wild and headstrong as ever.

"I'm sorry, it's just how I am. My Commander on Kamino said my growth acceleration chamber had a leak. Made me, hyperactive I guess," the younger man laughed as they moved closer to an electro fence.

"There's the airbase," the ARC said quietly as they snuck closer, finding cover next to a large tree.

"Hmm…" Fives eyed the fence, trying to figure what it was. "Some kind of sensor wall." They moved to the next tree – the one Fives saw could probably reach over the wall with its branches.

"Use the tree to get over the sensor wall," he said, opening up the pack the hyper man had and taking out some detonators.

"Ah… how am I supposed to do this, exactly?" Hardcase looked up, lost. Did he expect him to just fly up there?

"I'm sure you'll figure it out," Fives gave a small chuckle as he moved around the tree.

Hardcase looked at him for a second, before glancing back up. He did have an idea, yeah, but it's one he and Spots used to be scolded for. It worked though.
"Here we go," he said to himself and aimed his weapon upwards, firing a hook and edged it into the tree trunk. "Figure it out… Yeah, I figured it out… Climbing this tree like a Loth Cat… Could you do it?" the younger man grumbled to himself, making his way up. When he finally made it to the top, he let out a sigh. "Great. Nice view."

As he did that, the ARC set up the detonators on the trunk. He probably should have told Hardcase about it, but the man was clearly busy as he moved down a branch of the tree, right above the wall.

"I prefer a good fight to all this sneaking around…" Hardcase muttered and lost his footing on the branch, slipping. But he managed to catch himself on the glowing pellet at the end. He took in a quick breath before dropping down and landing over the wall.

As Fives reached the top, he pulled the cable along with him, but didn't see the Banshee sneaking up behind him. It started flying around just as he stepped on the branch and even when he tried to smack it away, it persisted. That turned out to be a bad idea, as he lost his balance and first dropped the weapon he was holding and then fell off the branch, only barely being able to catch himself.
The creature was still flying around and Hardcase took the opportunity. As it was focused on his friend, he fired the weapon he caught and pinned the Banshee to the tree, watching it squirm until the light of its life faded. Literally. The ARC made his way down the same way the hyper soldier did and needed a second to catch his breath.

"Wow, I never thought that would actually work," he admitted, giving a small chuckle, before the two of them rushed off to the air base.

Fives and Hardcase managed to sneak into the airbase, and although there wasn't much resistance, they kept an eye out. One could never be too carefully, especially in a place like this. They made it across the open field and hid behind one of those spider tanks – just how many more did the Umbarans have here?

Once near the entrance, Fives activated the detonators on the tree and it exploded. That caused an instant panic among the shadow people as they rushed towards the breach in their security. And while they went there, the two soldiers moved towards the fighters. They came across a guard, but they quickly got rid of him.

"So, how do I start this thing?" Hardcase asked, watching as the ARC stepped closer to the fight and sit down on the chair.

"I don't know. Start pushing buttons?" Fives shrugged and suggested, pressing something to activate a bubble of sorts around the chair. This was going to take a bit, so he took off his bucket. It'll probably help to be able see.

Hardcase moved to the next fighter, setting down his gear and taking a seat. He also randomly pressed some buttons to get small projector in front of him. And then, there was a big bubble around him, his hands and he moved. Bad idea.

"Whoa!" he laughed nervously as the bubble started flying around, spinning. And it seemed the Umbarans finally caught up to them, as they rushed to where they were messing around.

They started to fire, but every shot bounced off.

"Glad these things are ray shielded!" Hardcase grinned, looking towards the older man, who just managed to get his bubble attached to the fighter. Well, eventually. Took some yelps and a few spins, but he managed to get the bird in the air. In a way…

"Whoa whoo ha!" Fives felt worried, excited and slightly crazy at the same time as he tried to control the ship, but he wasn't that good at it just yet. It smacked into the ground, turned upside down and slid across the ground, sending sparks everywhere. Bad! This is bad! Whose idea was it to let me drive anyway?

Hardcase had some more luck and managed to get properly in the air, but he wasn't really feeling that sure about it. "I don't think I can do this!" he called, eyes panicked as he randomly moved his hands around trying to keep in control. But as he continued to float, he got turned upside down and just – laughed. This was so insane but too fun. He managed to get the fighter to fire and obliterated the Umbarans below.

Fives got some control himself and managed to aim at the other ships, blowing them up so the enemy wouldn't be able to use them anymore. And then he proceeded to lose control again and spin around, blasting at anything on the ground while laughing. Hardcase joined in on the destruction soon after until the landing ground was nothing but fire.

To the two of them, this was the best thing that's happened in a long time. A good way to release stress after the shit Krell gave them, and an amazing story to tell when they get back. If, they get back. They still weren't in total control over the fighters as they continued to drift for a while before finally, finally, getting it.

"Let's hope this trip was worth it," Hardcase chuckled as he increased the speed.

"Alright, let's go!" Fives called after, matching his speed.

The others were locked in battle with the Umbarans, but their side was losing badly. With the tanks up front, the enemy didn't have to send in ground troops to help, while the soldiers didn't have another choice.

Rex had taken up a rocket launcher as Bombs got wounded, and fired it directly at the tank cabin. It did no damage and only brought the attention of the machine to their position. A few of them managed to actually get in behind the tanks, trying to shoot it from bellow, but again, no real effect.

"They're driving us back!" Dogma yelled across the battlefield as another wave of brothers got vaporized by the tanks.

"We need to hold out!" Rex turned his attention to the rookie, but that was a few moments too far away from the tank. One moved in closer to him, ready to stomp on the Captain. For a second, the blonde froze because he could hardly handle this anymore. They may be built for war and battle, but they were only human.

That's when a rocket hit the tank, stunning it for a few seconds. It was just long enough for Rex to regain his senses and get out of the way. He panted slightly before aiming his own launcher and firing, but as always, nothing. He only managed to piss the Umbaran off more and almost got stomped – again – but rolled out of the way soon enough.

"Kix, no!" Jesse grabbed the medic's forearm to stop him from running out where the tank was walking. And just in time as well. The machine stepped down and crushed the wounded brother he was trying to save.

"Let me go! I need to – I need to save them!" Kix pulled at the arm, trying to get out of its hold.

"You can't save them Kix!" Jesse yelled back, swallowing a lump in his throat. "They're both gone! No matter who you save, you won't bring them back!" the medic stopped fighting and dropped his shoulder, shaking even. "C'mon, there are brothers who need you."

In that moment, a squad of soldiers got taken out, blown in the air and Kix only watched the chaos. And then he lost it.

"AGHHHH!" he screamed, blasting at the machines, not even caring that there were tears rolling down his face. Not like anyone could even see him with his bucket on. He actually smacked into Jesse and staggered him a few steps back in his wild swinging.

"Hey, Kix, bring it down! You're wasting heat!" Tup stood next to him and had to tackle the medic to the ground to get him to stop.

"I don't care!" the older man tried to shove the shinie off, but didn't have the strength to do so. Instead, his breath hitched and he shivered.

"Hey, hey, look at me! Focus on me!" Tup didn't know what to do here. He was still new; he didn't know that many brothers here. But he knew he had to calm the medic down.

"Kix! Ober wouldn't want you losing it like this!" Jesse regained himself and rushed closer, kneeling by their side.

"…" the medic's breathing started to relax and even out. He was calming down. "I just want to save my brothers…"

"We all do… Trust me, we all do…"

Rex was still trying, breathing heavy now as he almost crawled away from the tank, but fired another rocket, right at the cannon on top of it. It actually seemed to damage it, but at the same time, the Umbaran controlling it went insane and rushed towards him like a wild animal. For a second time, he thought he was going to die. But then he heard fighters incoming. And not just him. Everyone heard them, and looked at the sky to make sure. The whole battle seemed to be paused, as no one dared move too much. Was it really…?

"We're out Captain!" Fives came in through the com. link.

"The big guns have arrived sir!" Hardcase added and the blonde came close to laughing. It really was them. They made it. They were actually going to survive this.

Instantly, the tide of battle changed. The Umbarans were now focusing on the fighters, but the ships were too fast and too small to be properly aimed at. And all the while, the two soldiers returned fire, until they managed to damage and near-destroy the tanks. Anyone standing to close to the machines moved away, as fire already started spreading on the enemy and one even exploded.

"Whoa hahah!" Hardcase was still enjoying it so much as he spun around, not fully in control yet, but it'll suffice.

"That's the stuff!" Fives cheered as well as they blew up tank after tank, brightening the whole area up with the explosions.

"Way to go boys!"

"Yeah! Whoo!"

"You did it!"

The ground troops cheered, relief and peace washing over them for the first time since they started this mission. That truly was something to see.

"Alright, let's bring it home," Fives grinned as they both… floated, the fighters in the general direction of their makeshift camp.

"Impressive," Krell actually admitted, watching the entire ordeal with the macrobinoculars. "Sergeant! Their defenses are down! Send in the rest of our forces! Attack the airbase!" the General ordered as he glanced at the man behind him.

"All units, move out!" Appo ordered into the com. link as the rest of the battalion started to move towards the base.

Pong used the Force and scoured the area. Many were dead. More than he'd believed, but fewer than he'd wish. A lot of them felt… glad. But each of them held anger and hate deeper inside. Anger towards the Umabrans and towards him. He could almost see it, the burning fire emerging from the gathered clones. It was as magnificent and beautiful as it was deadly. He'll need to think about his next move… The chess pieces are too connected and are protecting each other.

When they all made it to the airbase, they rallied up the Umbarans there and made sure the place was secure. A few of them met on the landing field.

"Despite your flying, you two saved us all," Rex looked at the would-be pilots, a ghost of a smile on his face. He'll still need to deal with Krell after this…

"Ah, it wasn't so though," Hardcase grinned back, sharing a look with the ARC.

"You sure? You looked a little green when you came out of that fighter," Jesse took the opportunity to tease him a little, smiling. He was just glad his dumbass brother was alive and well. Hardcase pouted slightly, before Jesse nudged him in the shoulder. He returned the shove and the two were about to go into a tug-of-war, when someone walked closer…

"Captain, report! What is our situation?" Krell sounded as bored and uncaring as ever, as he glanced around the airbase.

"General, we have taken the base and cut off supply lines to the capital," the blonde stepped forward, holding his posture just in case the Besalisk isn't happy.

"Luck has smiled on your today, Captain. Consider yourself… fortunate," the Jedi said, eyes set on Rex. Damn bastard…

"It wasn't all luck, sir," the Captain took a few steps closer, hiding his anger. "A lot of men died, to take this base," and that's something they won't forget. Even if Krell will.

"The price for such victory," Pong motioned to the base. "Perhaps someday, you'll realize this," he looked down on the blonde, a look of annoyance on his face.

Rex frowned and clenched his fist, locking his jaw to keep himself from speaking up. How dare he! How dare he say that, while he was all the way back there, hiding, while men died senselessly all around!

The Jedi stayed for a few moments longer, before turning and leaving, arms folded. "Dismissed," he added, just to finish up his damned point and insult. Rex closed his eyes and let out a breath through his nose. What is he supposed to do to get the Besalisk to understand?

"He's the one, who will never realize," Fives stepped next to him, trying to reassure the man. He can't imagine what must be going through his head… Probably feels responsible for everyone they lost today.

"Then we'll keep losing brothers…" came a weak and almost distant answer. He was finally feeling the fatigue and exhaustion and was ready to fall down.

"…If you keep leading us, we'll be able to save most."

There was a pause, where they only watched the Force user leave, each of them sending a small glare at him.

"Someone should check on Kix, Scar and Patch. Get the men sorted out, some food and water… It's been a long day," Rex let his shoulders drop as he spoke.

"Copy that," the gathered soldiers nodded and scattered to handle the task. If it'd help the Captain get some stress off and some rest, they're more than willing to do it.

"Right back at you," the ARC set a final hand on the man's shoulder. "We need you."

"I'll be fine, Fives. Don't worry."

"Saying stuff like that just makes me worry and you know it."

The two of them shared a small chuckle, before the ARC finally left. He'd go see what the rest are up to.
As Rex still stood there, he couldn't help the twisting feeling in his gut. There was a… whisper or sorts, breezing past his ears. He couldn't understand it, but it left chills in his bones. Things weren't over yet…

"…Do you really still think General Krell is right?" Tup asked, sitting on one of the bunkbeds as he watched brothers mill about or sleep.

"Yes," Dogma said flatly, taking off his bucket and setting it on the top bunk.

"…" the long-haired man looked at the ground fiddling with his fingers. He instinctively started biting his lip until the other man dropped down.

"What? You don't think so?" Dogma actually sounded confused and concerned.

"It's just… His way of command is so… bizarre."

"Neither of us has served long enough to judge, Tup. Think about how General Skywalker does it. That's no less bizarre."

"Well, yes, but-,"

"But what?"

"But the others clearly don't agree and they know better!"

The two shared a quick look of surprise. Tup was shocked at his own outburst and Dogma sure as hell didn't expect it.

"We need to learn to adapt, Tup. They're all veterans who got too used to one man leading us. Who knows when General Skywalker will come back?" Dogma tried to reason. "For all we know, General Krell could be leading us from now on."

"At least General Skywalker treats us like people! He uses our names, he jokes around, he fights with us! General Krell is the complete opposite!" Tup stood up, clenching his fists. "I don't want to feel like I'm back on Kamino… Do you?"

"Tup…" Dogma started, eyes downcast. He swallowed and let out a calming breath, running a hand over his face. "I'm – I'm sorry… I didn't- I wasn't trying to…" he fumbled with words, unsure how to say it.

"Look," Tup scratched the back of his neck, the uncomfortable atmosphere getting to him. "I'm sorry I yelled but… Please, just, don't pick fights with the others… No one likes being here."

"Y-Yeah, yeah you're right…"

"Good. Now we should probably go grab some food before the heavy gunners get it all."

"Alright, you're good to move, but don't put too much strain on it just yet," Kix nodded to Nitro, finishing bandaging his leg.

"Right, will do," Nitro winced slightly as he stood, but managed to hobble to where Niner and Bombs were and grab a ration bar.

"Brother, you need to take a break!" he heard a familiar energetic voice and spun around, seeing Hardcase, Jesse and behind them, Fives.

"Maybe one day," the medic shook his head and moved, but stopped himself. He looked at the two and hesitated, before moving again and pulling them both into a small hug. "I'm so glad you both made it…" he whispered, eyes closed.

"…Same here," Jesse patted his back, a sad smile coming to his face.

"We live to fight another day," Hardcase squeezed back tightly, earing weak chuckles from his brothers.

"Spots always did like saying that…" the three shared a quick final look, before seeing the ARC standing awkwardly at the side.

"Thanks for keeping an eye on him," Kix said, nodding to the hyper soldier.

"Hey! I am fully capable of taking care of myself!" Hardcase put on a fancy voice and raised his head, before him and Jesse erupted in laughter.

"Hah, we had a great time, didn't we?" Fives grinned and stepped closer.

"Can't wait to do it again!" the two tapped their forearms together, smiling.

"I'm coming with next time," Jesse grinned and folded his arms.

"I don't think anyone's ready for the end of the world yet," Kix sighed and shook his head as the trio laughed.

"That's the last of them," Appo said as he opened the cell door and allowed the men to move the captured Umbarans in.

"Not that many if you ask me…" Kano mused, backing away, blaster still aimed at them, until the cell closed again.

"Most are probably out in other bases," the Sergeant sighed, glancing at the enemy. "Ya know, thinking about it… they've got every reason to attack and kill us… We're invading their home." He glanced at the other Sergeant. "Remember how it felt when Kamino was attacked?"

"Yeah, I remember… But we got orders Appo. You can't go getting soft right now."

"Don't worry, I won't."

"Sirs, how many more prisons like this are here?" Boomer asked, looking between the two.

"A few more I believe? Three? Not really sure. We haven't searched the entire complex so thoroughly just yet, but we're getting there."

"Vitori, Slasher and Boomer – you're guarding this cell. Chroma, Neza and Ash will switch out with you in a few hours," Appo said and turned to the soldiers, who all gave nods or salutes back.

Rex decided to do one last round around the base before he'd try and get some sleep. He saw Appo and Kano leading away some of the Umbarans and couldn't help as he tensed up. He didn't particularly like that the base they were in, belonged to an enemy which was this close. But there were regulations. They weren't about to mass murdered a bunch of unarmed natives who surrendered. Though he was surprised the General hadn't said anything about this.

Next he checked in on the wounded and the medics. He imagined they're as hardworking as ever and the wounded are eager to get back in the action. To his surprise, he saw Fives, Jesse, Hardcase and Kix standing close to the entrance to the make-shift infirmary they set up. He couldn't hear anything, but caught the hug between the latter three. He didn't enter however, only watched. Bonds like that… they can win wars at times. It just made this battle and fight all the more gut-wrenching. So many lost their brothers… and more would be lost. If not this time, then the next. It's not like they knew when the war wound end. How many would be left by the end. If any?

His last stop was by the barracks. Maybe he could grab a spare blanket before finding a comfortable spot on some crates. He saw Tup and Dogma by the far end, talking at first, before apparently getting into an argument. Despite his curiosity, he steered clear from them and simply grabbed a blanket still on a pile. "I don't want to feel like I'm back on Kamino… Do you?" He instinctively caught the part of the conversation and froze momentarily in the doorway. Poor rookies… They just got off that water world, and now they're being tossed into Umbara, where Krell treats them worse than the Kaminoans. They never even really got a chance to actually be themselves because they haven't been given the chance most others have…

As he made his way to the silent and dark spot in the hanger, he couldn't help this… coldness passing by – through – him. It only lasted a second, but it felt… familiar, in a way. Like, he's felt this before but not so… cold. It was warmer then… Maybe? Or maybe that was just his exhaustion kicking his brain in. He really needs some rest.

Krell had arrived the command tower and moved towards the edge, where he had a clear view of the whole base. A grin came to his face as he watched, following the petty movements by the clones. They milled about, as mindless as ever. Or so he at first believed. But he's learned better by now and knows there are some clones who aren't as simplistic as he first thought. The Force revealed the strong pings of the ones he's been keeping an eye out, but irritation quickly spur in him. The strong ones gave strength to others… like in the infirmary. They recovered from a near breakdown to relief and then joy. These 501st clones certainly were stronger than most he's met…

He even found the Captain, but his signature was… weak. He wouldn't let himself be deceived again however – he knew that was simply the clone growing weary. A deeper probe revealed a strong and steady beat within him. And then he recalled the conversation they had. He had expected the Captain to actually strike back, bear his fangs and revolt. But he was clearly in control of his emotions and his strength. Still, it was amusing to watch his inner struggle.

A final check revealed a spike of anger, but it was coming from different signatures at once. Ones were the clones, yes, but there were more. The Umbarans. Of course, they were imprisoned on their own base. There was anger towards the clones, towards the Umbaras, towards the Jedi and towards himself. He actually couldn't really tell whose hatred was which, but it gave an interesting point. Somethings to bear in mind.

Cut! Alright, the last kinda 'true to cannon' chapter, I think? From here, a lot will be, you know, changed, so... be ready for that. And, as I said, I'll be using the past I created for Rex in this story, so feel free to check that out =D
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and if you did, do leave a review! I love hearing from you people!
Till next time~