Hey, hey mates, I'm still alive! School is keeping me busy, so updates are going to be... weak. Still, I hope you all stick around!

Darth Pancake: Ah, thanks mate! I am trying to explore his character some more while in the story, humanize him and all... Glad to see it works! #NoPromisesMate2017

Andrew: Ah, school happened to me as well, so I feel you. Though, hope your brother isn't too hurt and that he gets better! Fingers crossed.
The prototype thing could easily have happened before the actual war or what we saw (even with other species they've cloned) so anything is possible really.

Okay, onwards to the chapter! This one can be... confusing? But I just want to say, don't jump to conclusions =D
Read, review and enjoy~

There was mist and fog everywhere, but unlike the one he's seen so far. It was… calming, but he couldn't see anything.

"…Hello?" he called, voice echoing all around him. "What is this place?" he asked himself, voice carried over again.

"…help…" a whisper came across his ears as he spun around, looking in all directions. But there was only mist.

"Who's there?" he knew this was a dream – it didn't feel right. But, it didn't feel like any ordinary dream either. There was a… heaviness to it. Pain, almost.

"Please…" the voice grew stronger, but still very distant. "…Help!" His eyes grew wide as he heard it again. The voice. It sounded so familiar.

"Someone… please… help…!" he didn't even think about it before he ran off, towards where he presumed the voice was coming from. That was impossible. It couldn't be-!

"Silence!" a different, stronger voice hissed and his blood ran cold. He knew that voice.

"How goes the invasion?" that same voice asked, but no matter how hard he ran, he wasn't going any closer.

"As predicted. Although there are some who are beginning to…" that was a new voice but he still knew it, even covered in static. A transmission? But it faded away soon after. Still, he ran. He didn't know what was going on, and could see figures in the fog but then… So much noise surrounded him he stopped and had to cover his ears to try and not lose his mind in it.

"Good soldiers, follow orders…"

"All units, move out!"

"How could you…?"

"Help!"

"What have they done to you?"

"Eliminate them now!"

"AGH!" he had to scream out to try and regain himself. There was too much. He couldn't focus on anything. On anyone. Another scream ripped out of his throat as he dropped to his knees, writhing in pain. There was only one last thing he heard, before passing out.

"Don't bother. He's dead."

A few hours after they captured the airbase, and the ones who decided to grab some rest were woken up. There was still plenty to handle, but for the moment, it was bearable. Some switched out, the rested moving about and a few more trying to get some sleep.

"…You want to wake him?" he heard at the edge of his senses.

"No, you do it," another voice and he stirred.

"But I don't want to…"

"Don't be a baby!"

"…What do you want?" Rex finally asked, a low groan escaping him as he sat up on the crates and cracked his bones to get the stiffness out. Not comfortable, even for a few hour naps.

"Sir!" Dogma and Hardcase stood beside him, giving quick salutes. "Sergeant Appo was looking for you, sir! There are still some things to take care of."

"Right," the Captain let out a sigh and got off the crates. "We'll handle it. You two get some rest," he nodded at them.

"We did sir," Hardcase relaxed, giving a smile. "The bunch of us in the infirmary got some sleep, though I don't think the medics did…" he said almost like an afterthought.

"That sounds like them," Rex chuckled and shook his head. "I'll talk to them. See if I can get them to lay off the hard work."

"Wow, what happened to you?" Jesse asked, seeing Fives getting a bandage wrapped around his head and a patch on his neck. "You look like a Wookie jumped on your head for a day."

"Yeah, feel like it too…" Fives muttered weakly, a low groan escaping him. "I fell off where I was sleeping and… stumbled into… something. I don't even remember much…" he added, putting a hand against his forehead.

"I found him passed out in the hall. Probably a restless night," Kix said, finishing up the bandage.

"You could say that…" the ARC muttered, glancing at the ground.

"It's the place…" Jesse said, eyeing a crate to the side. "Doesn't make it easy to sleep…"

"Hardcase seemed to be doing fine," Kix shrugged. "I don't get it."

"Maybe you would, if you'd ever sleep!" the two frowned and glared at the medic, who let out a weak, sheepish smile.

"Sleep is for the weak," was his answer, a sly smirk on his face. "You have no power here!" he added, mimicking an evil laugh.

"Was that a challenge?" Jesse put on a fancy voice and grin.

"Sorry to break up the fun, but someone with real power is making his way here," at Fives' words, the two thought it was Rex, but looking at who he was talking about, found out they were vastly mistaken.

"Appo, what's the situation?" Rex asked, walking closer to the Sergeant.

"The insurgents have stepped up their attack. And we're still having some issues with the Umbaran security. Xin, Frost and Fangs are working on it, but it still might take a bit," Appo explained in short, as they moved closer to the main tower.

"At least we're making some progress…" the Captain let out a tired breath. "Has General Krell said anything about the situation?"

"Surprisingly, no. I'm not even sure where he is at the moment," there was a hit of a concern in the Sergeant's voice as he spoke.

"Sirs!" the two turned and saw Frost running towards them. "We received a transmission from General Kenobi! Says it's important!"

"…We need to find the General. He'll probably want to hear it," Rex said, looking at the two soldiers. Krell was still their superior officer and that transmission was probably aimed at him. They had to get him.

"Sir!" most of the boys in the infirmary snapped to attention as Pong walked in. Those unable to, tried, and held in the pain as their bodies disagreed. The only other person who didn't salute, was Fives. He simply stared at the Besalisk as he moved closer.

"Why are so many of you still here? The enemy will not cease until they reclaim this base!" the Jedi looked around at them, a deep frown on his face. It only deepened, when he spotted the ARC, standing passively.

"Sir," Kix clenched his fist and took a step forward, eyes hard. "These men are in no condition to be moving yet! They need more time to heal!" the men felt a coldness run through the room as Krell seemed to raise high above the small medic.

"Perhaps they simply do not wish to heal. They'd rather stay here, willowing in self-pity than fight for what is right," his eyes almost shone in anger and hate.

"And what is right, in your twisted world?" Fives almost yelled, stepping closer and shoving Kix back into Jesse's arms. "To die without reason? To run into enemy fire, blindly?" Fives was inches away from the Force user, but showed no fear.

"You insolent, lab-grown fool!" Krell instantly had two of his hands in front of him, Fives was levitating in the air, choking and reaching with his hands at an invisible hand at his neck. "You will do as you are told you!" the Besalisk quickly spotted the others reaching for their weapons, and although no one has aimed yet, they were close. But it was the surprise of fearlessness and readiness emitting from the ARC that made him release his hold and drop the man. That… did the Force almost backlash at him? From a clone?

"Fives!" Kix tore away from Jesse and ran to the ARC's side, eyes wide and checking for any wounds. Jesse had murder in his eyes as he watched Krell, not even blinking.

"General Krell!" Appo rushed into the infirmary, confused by what was happening but shook his head when the Jedi turned to him. "General Kenobi sent a transmission – you may wish to hear it," he chose his words carefully, feeling the uneasiness in the room.

"Very well then," Krell said simply, hands behind his back as he walked away as if nothing happened. The Sergeant looked at the gathered men, as if someone might tell him, but all he got were angered looks, shakes of heads and breathes of relief.

As she flew past enemy fire and destroyed fighters, there was a constant chill in the back of her mind. She didn't really have time to focus on it as the enemy kept coming and attacking, but she knew it was something bad.

"Anyone else notice the enemy's having less ships in the sky?" Hopper's voice came over the chat as she flew in formation.

"Yeah, seems like our boys on the ground managed to take out the airbase," Broadside did a barrel roll and returned fire.

"Commander, everything alright? You've been awfully quiet," Skydive asked as they cleared another wave and she saw the unit move to a different section.

"I'm fine, just worried…" she admitted and noticed she finally had some time. Maybe now she could focus on that feeling…

"We all are. But we just need to believe they're doing alright…" Fiddle said, but there was worry in his words.

"Is this how you all always feel?" Tano asked, eyes closed as she focused. The Force was weak on the planet for her, but she knew something was off. It was cold and hot at the same time… conflicting. But, that usually only happens when there's a fight between a Sith and a Jedi. So what was going on?

"Pretty much, yeah… Stuck in the sky, listening to chatter if we're lucky… Otherwise, we get news only when the fighting's over," Killer said before their sensors picked up enemy signals.

"They're back fast."

"Then let's get rid of them."

"We'll follow your lead, Commander."

"Sir," Rex was waiting by the command tower entrance when he saw the Jedi and Sergeant walk closer.

"Captain," Krell didn't even look at the blonde, walking past him and into the tower.

"…" the two soldiers looked at him before the Captain sighed. "And here I thought getting the base would put him in a less foul mood…"

"Something happened in the infirmary," Appo said, voice dropping slightly. "I don't really know what, but it had something to do with Fives."

"Oh brother…" Rex ran a hand over his face. "He's going to get himself killed!" his anger spiked, but it was laced with worry and concern. "I need to go there to check on them later anyway. I'll try and talk some sense into him."

"Good luck with that. I'm pretty sure he's not the only one anymore," the two shared a knowing look before the Captain gave a nod and walked into the tower as well, following the Besalisk up.

"You seriously need to stop doing that," Kix said, eyes locked on the marks around the ARC's neck as he gently set a bacta patch over it. "First was the lightsaber, then it was the Force – you only have left that he uses both!"

"…" Fives hasn't spoken since Krell dropped him onto the ground and left. His eyes were distant and avoiding looking at anyone, but he was clearly aware what was going on.

"Believe me Fives, you aren't the only one who wants to punch the Ojamo in the face. But we can't take him – not on our own and not like this. He could easily get us court marshaled," Jesse spoke up, arms folded and leaning on a few crates opposite his brothers.

"…" still, the ARC sat silently, hardly even wincing when the medic examined any other wounds he may have received.

"Wow, what happened to you?" for the second time that day, someone asked him that and Fives just let out a deep breath.

"Krell," Jesse answered as Hardcase walked closer, eyes wide with worry. "But he's not here anymore. General Kenobi called," he added and saw the slight drop of tension in the hyper soldier.

"Can he even do this?" Hardcase asked in disbelieve, as the medic finished up his examination. They saw the ARC wince, but put it on the pain. Fives however, recalled the reports and rumors he's heard about Krell mistreating his men.

"It's his word against ours. Not even the Captain's. We got nothing," Jesse gave a defeated shrug, getting off the crates. "C'mon, we better move. There's still some stuff to take care of around here."

"Where is he?" Krell asked as he walked into the tower, Rex right behind him. In the middle of the room was a large plate of sorts, from which small blue cubes began to emerge and take form. "General Kenobi, do you read me?" Pong asked as the cubes finally shaped the ginger Jedi.

"Congratulations on your capture of the Umbaran airbase, General. Refreshing to have good news," Obi-Wan said, voice slightly distorted but understandable. Rex glanced at the Besalisk, as if hoping that hearing it from another Jedi would show Krell they did in fact, achieve something great.

"There will be time for celebration when we've taken that capital," Pong said simply, folding his arms. The Captain couldn't help but look at the ground, disappointed. There really was nothing they could do to get him less of a cold-hearted.

"Yes well, I'm afraid that's going to be more difficult than anticipated," Kenobi rubbed his beard as he spoke, glancing away. "Their attacks have increased. And their long range missiles have forced us to retreat from our positions."

"I was hoping we cut off arm shipments and supplies when we took this airbase," Krell said, but he sounded so bored and annoyed at the same time.

"It seems they're receiving new arm shipments directly from a supply ship orbiting-," Kenobi's image started to waver and flicker.

"General Kenobi?" Pong asked, both him and the Captain eyeing the cubes.

"Ah, we're – zzz – having difficulties – transmitting. They –zzz – must be –zzz- jamming our signals," Obi-Wan's signal was growing weaker and weaker.

"Can't we destroy the supply ship?" Rex stepped closer, looking from one Jedi to the other. Getting rid of that ship will allow the 212th to get closer, and alleviate a lot of pressure and demand from the 501st.

"We're trying," Kenobi's voice took on a very sympathetic one as he saw the blonde. "But with little success. Their fleet outnumbers ours and the extra ships we were promised have not yet arrived," despite the blue glow and the disfigurement, the Human Jedi's expression seemed almost apologetic.

"We'll just have to take that capital regardless of the missiles," Krell spoke up and both Humans gave him a quick look of shock and disbelieve. Rex even looked scared as the Besalisk continued to speak. Was he seriously planning to march them into missiles? Knowing that beforehand? "My Battalion will meet you at the rendezvous coordinates," seems he was. The Captain simply lowered his gaze, trying to avoid getting attention to his look of utter disbelieve and helplessness.

"We cannot expect-!" Kenobi was about to speak, when his image scattered and faded.

"I'm trying to get him back sir!" Frost called from one of the control panels.

"Don't bother. The enemy is jamming our transmissions. We're on our own," the General make sure to glance at the Captain as he spoke and turned around to leave.

Rex looked at the tech experts in the room, each of them staring at him, probably asking the same thing. What're we going to do? And all he could do, was drop his shoulders and let out a tired breath. Those two or three hours of sleep he managed to get seemed like nothing now, as he was exhausted all over again.

"Connection lost sir," Wiz said, working around the control panel. "We're not sure when we'll be able to establish the link again."

"I don't like how we left the conversation…" Obi-Wan stroked his beard, a small frown on his face. "General Krell was planning on marching at the capital."

"…That's insane," Cody's voice was weak and filled with disbelieve as he stood opposite the ginger. "Sir, you can't let that happen!"

"There is nothing I can do," Kenobi shook his head, eyes sympathetic. "I wish I could, truly, but without a proper way of communication, I'm afraid they're on their own."

"…" the Commander clenched his fists before calming down, letting out a small breath. "I just hope they figure something out before it's too late."

"Knowing the 501st I am sure they will think of something. They've learned a great deal from Anakin, and he always improvises in situations like this," the Jedi tried to comfort the man.

"I doubt that'll be the problem, sir," Cody looked up at him, slightly unsure. "It's General Krell. He likely won't agree with whatever plan they come up with. Then their only option is to disobey orders."

"…" Obi-Wan was silent for a few seconds before giving an assuring smile. "Whatever they may come up with, I shall vouch for them. Given the results of their actions are necessary and assist us in this matter."

"…T-Thank you, sir!" Cody gave a grin, and a salute. If they're going to be backed by the General, then the 501st just might get away with nothing but a warning.

"Make sure we know at least something of what is going on planeside and be ready for the 501st to improvise. As usual," Kenobi gave out the order as the tech experts nodded and cranked up the sensors.

"If there's one thing we can count on for sure, is that they will come up with a crazy idea which will work," the ginger added. They've been in so many battles together that it'd be almost an insult if they weren't ready.

"Good thing we're always ready to give them a hand," despite everything and how different the two battalions were, the 212th was always by the 501st side. One can only hope it'll stay that way.

When they got out of the tower, Krell was already throwing out orders as the men still worked around the base. Things were going quicker than any of them really expected and it's not working in their favor.

"Have the battalion ready to move out in 12 hours! We're advancing on the capital," Pong glanced at the Captain, the order firm and absolute. They weren't getting out of this one.

"Sir, should I try to get a message to General Kenobi? Shouldn't we coordinate our attack, especially in light of the recent threat?" Rex suggested, wanting to have some backup available when this blows up in their faces. They've done things like this in the past, collaborations between the 212th and 501st and it's always worked.

"General Kenobi has his hands full, same as us. We need to throw everything we have at them, now!" the Besalisk was annoyed as usual, clearly not used to a clone giving out his opinion. Too bad that's not going to change.

"We'd be marching into a blast zone, sir," the Captain stated bluntly, eyes hardening and face impassive. Just then, bombs went off by the edge of the base, almost as if to drive home the point, as both officers turned to the explosions,

"Blasted insurgents…" Krell cursed as Rex turned to face him, silently asking if he was seriously still sending them into that.

Pong looked down on him and his features seemed to… relax, ever so slightly. He wasn't glaring and frowning anymore, even if he was still mad.

"I realize you haven't agreed with all my strategies, Captain. But you are smart enough and loyal enough to obey my orders! Now prep those troops!" Krell's usual demeanor returned and the blonde looked at the ground. Good soldiers, follow orders…

"To what am I loyal?" he asked himself, watching the Jedi leave. But he knows. He knows who he needs to be loyal to. If not, the other loyalty will mean nothing. But even still, he can't do it. It's not as black and white as some seem to think. The only thing he can really do, is the same thing he has so far. Go around the orders. Because he himself mustn't disobey orders. That doesn't mean someone else can't. Rex can always take the blame, but Krell won't get rid of him. Not now. A Captain is too important a piece in war.

"If that's the only way, then I'll do it," he told himself as he moved to the hanger, infirmary, where most of the men should be.

"…Fives…" the simple call of his name by the Captain made him tense up. So much for trying to avoid this. "What happened?" there was a gentle hand on his shoulder, the voice dropping to concern. They were off in a small hallway, away from the rest to have a proper conversation.

"Krell is insane…" Fives' voice was weak and fragile, barely above a whisper. "He almost killed me, just for speaking out," the ARC let out a shuddered breath and the blonde could feel him tremble under his hand. "And he used the Force to do it."

"…" Rex honestly didn't know what to say. Fives probably didn't expect him to say anything either. They just stood there, in the silence, as the younger man slowly calmed down. "What do you want me to do?" he hated how his voice sounded. Like a lost soldier, who needed orders. Who just wanted to go back to following orders, not questioning every decision his superior made. But then again, all of them needed that.

"…Admit that this isn't right…" Fives turned around, bags under his eyes and face pale. "Promise we won't become another 112th with Krell here… That he won't reduce us to kriffing numbers or slaves," the broken eyes held fire deep inside and Fives gripped the older man's forearm tightly. "We can't let it happen to us."

"…We won't," Rex hesitated, but said it none the less. Even if he wasn't sure if he could keep it. But he'll try his damnedest none the less. Krell won't do as he pleases here, not with his brothers, under his watch.

It was a second later that the two heard quick footsteps and doors sliding close. By the sound of the steps, it was a brother. Question was – which one? The blonde let out a sigh as the ARC relaxed further letting out a breath.

"Get some more rest Fives. We got 12 hours before we move out," Rex gave a final squeeze of the shoulder and was about to leave, when Fives didn't let go.

"…There's…" he hesitated, not sure how to talk about this. How to even begin to explain it. "I need to tell you something…" he looked fearfully at the Captain. "Just, promise you won't think I'm insane."

"Oh, Captain, Fives," Hardcase greeted as they walked into the hanger, both looking better than before. Though they seemed a lot more worried.

"I see you managed to convince the medics to get some rest," Jesse said from the control panel by the ships.

"It was easier than you'd think," Rex gave a small grin as he watched the boys work on the ships. Setting in translators and removing any traps would help them in the long run.

"So, what are our new orders?" the two older soldiers shared a look before the Captain explained the situation.

"He wants us to march on the capital, while the missiles are raining down on us," Rex didn't even try to sugar coat it as the men gave him a disbelieving look.

"Those missiles have a hundred megaton yield. We won't make it to the Delta," Fives added simply, the men confused as to what they were trying to tell them. Because they weren't worried and didn't seem to care.

"Great… another suicide mission," Jesse blinked at them, letting out a sigh. He really wasn't that surprised by it.

"Why does it seem like he has it out for clones?" Tup said, standing on a wing and working on the engine.

"…" Dogma opened his mouth to speak, but glancing at the eldest two around, snapped it shut and looked away. The two shared a quick glance, but said nothing.

"Please tell me you have a different plan?" Jesse asked, staring at the two. They wouldn't be acting like that if they didn't have something in mind.

"Actually, we do," Rex nodded towards the ARC, as if giving him the stage to speak.

"We're going to use these star fighters to destroy the supply ship," Fives started off, motioning to the ships. "We got their access codes and their own hardware," the ARC smirked as he saw the boys share a look. "We managed to crack it. We can sneak right past their blockade. Get where our ships can't," the men looked in excitement and fear, because that was an insane idea but it was their kind of insanity.

"If we take out that supply ship, then we cut off arms to the capital," he finished off and the soldiers were either smiling or shaking their heads in amusement.

"Does the General know about this?" Jesse had a knowing look in his eyes as he folded his arms, looking at them.

"…" the two shared a look, with the Captain letting out a sigh. "Not yet. But we do need to tell him."

"You, need to tell him," Fives actually stepped away, waving his arms at the blonde. "I'm not going near him again." His brothers all looked in concern and worry, not sure if he was just messing around or being serious. The ARC's mouth twitched slightly, making most believe he was joking, but some saw the fear in his eyes.

Rex stood in front of the entrance to the control room and took a deep breath. So far, he's been able to keep his nerves in check and away from the prying senses of the Jedi. A trick all Captains and Commanders were thought when they were ranked. It served to keep the Sith from sensing them, as well as distracting Jedi since they automatically felt the Force. This time however, he consciously put up that wall, so that Krell won't know.

As he entered, he saw the General watching and analyzing the base layout, hardly even glancing at him as he walked closer. A quick breath and he steeled himself.

"Sir, with all due respect," he started off, holding his bucket under his arm to avoid shaking. "Might I suggest another option to help us secure the capital," he walked closer, trying to avoid staring at the Jedi, who still hasn't looked at him.

"What would that be Captain?" Krell rubbed his chin as he asked in a dismissive tone.

"My men have cracked the Umbaran codes. With the star fighters, we could sneak past the supply ship's defenses. We take it out, we cut off arms to the capital," the blonde spoke clearly, able to cover up his initial anxious feelings.

"And who do you propose would fly these star fighters?" Pong turned to the Captain, not very sold on the idea. "Are your troops now, pilots?" the mockery in the voice was unmissable though.

"My men may not be pilots, sir, but they are able to learn and adapt quickly. A few of them have already demonstrated that."

"I'm afraid I can't afford to waste any clones on frivolous adventures. We're going to need everyone to take the capital," at the General's words, Rex felt a pang of anger again. The way he spoke – waste clones. It seriously rubbed him the wrong way.

"Sir, incoming! Sector Delta, long range missiles!" Fangs informed, as Krell changed the holo-projector to show the incoming danger. They all saw the missiles fly down and explode not far from the base, though no one said anything.

"Don't you have troops to prepare Captain?" Krell said, still looking out the window, hands behind his back.

"…Yes sir," Rex lowered his gaze and turned around, eyes closed. What now? He knew what he had to do, but knew it was wrong. He clenched his fists and frowned, glaring at the wall opposite him. He knows what he needs to do, however. And he already said he'd do it.

As he watched the sky and the missiles, he felt a spike in the Force – right outside the door. And he knew it. The Captain. His frown only deepened as the spike turned into a sword – no, a shield. A Protector.

He waited until it – he – left before turning and leaving the room. None of the clones even tried to ask question; they clearly knew they had no business asking him anything. He made his way to a private room, one he had picked for himself. It had what he needed – a holo-table, connected with the Republic database. It also had private communications off this planet should he need it.

He wanted to make a call, but decided against it, going with the databank first. It's best if he knows something before asking for more. As the holo-table turned on, he quickly found what he was looking for. Some of it, anyway.

"…Interesting…" he read through the files, committing certain things to memory. He hated how names were part of it, but it had to be done. And then he tried to access more information about certain two, but found himself unable.

"Sealed records?" he almost growled. The ARC was understandable, but why the Captain? He saw that the only people allowed to view such information were Skywalker and the Council. How irritating.

With a hint of fear, he turned to the communicator and turned it, waiting until the person he called answered.

"Lord Tyranus," Pong bowed his head, eyes closed.

"Master Krell… Why have you contacted me?" the Sith didn't sound very pleased.

"The clones are… getting out of hand. They are not as simple minded and weak as anticipated," Krell sounded almost ashamed.

"And? What do you wish for me to do?" the Lord frowned, looking down at him.

"Perhaps you could gain some information I lack. From your sources."

"…We shall see," the Sith cut the com. link after that and he let out a deep breath. That went better than expected.

Cut! I feel like a lot of stuff happens in this one, so I hope it wasn't too disorientating. Reminder to any who haven't read Aliit ori'shya tal'din (Family is more than blood) or Memory (Tome'tayl) to read it if you don't want to be spoiled the story later on in this one.
Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed! Please, do review, because it gives me a lot of motivation to continue writing!
Till next time~