Dagger made her way into the barracks, Kix walked with her. She wanted to drop off her gear, excited to show Echo her new armor. Making her way to her bunk she threw her duffel up on top before setting the armor case on Cody's old bed.
She straightened up and surveyed the room. There were more people than usual in the room, but it was almost silent. It also seemed like everyone was looking in her direction. Fleeting glances at her or behind her, no one was willing to make eye contact for too long even through the helmet.
She turned to look behind her, at first she didn't see anything wrong. Rex was sitting in his bunk leaning back against the wall. Something in his lap.
Then she looked at what was laying in his lap, or rather who was laying in his lap. Echo, passed out on Rex. While Echo sleeping on the Captain was a rare occurrence, that was not what spurred Dagger into a burst of action to get to his side.
Echo was covered in bruises. One eye swollen, his nose looked crooked, and his cheek was split open. Small trails of blood had dried on his face while he slept, all of the injuries looked fresh.
Dagger crowded onto the bed in the open space, fingers ghosting over Echo's face, "What happened to him?"
She looked up at Rex, shocked at the state of her friend. Her searching gaze was met with one of stone faced neutrality, "He'll be ok."
Dagger gaped at him, mouth falling open as she tried to find words, "What do you mean? Who did this to him?"
"I did," was Rex's reply. He looked away from her, unwilling to watch as she recoiled away from him slightly. He had never meant to upset her.
"Rex? Why?"
"Punishment to fit the crime," he said, "Some taboos should never be broken."
Dagger stared at him for a long time, he did not return her gaze. She couldn't tell what was going through his mind. Was this all her fault? If she had never hidden her face then Echo wouldn't have had to protect her secret. Then he wouldn't have kissed her, which is the only reason Dagger could think of that would explain why Rex did this to Echo.
She looked up as he tapped her lightly under the brim of her helmet. His knuckles split and bloody, "Hey. None of this is your fault. Echo isn't mad at you, it is just something that had to happen."
"Is he going to be ok?"
A new voice spoke from behind her shoulder, "He looks fine. Just surface damage. You must have had a hell of a time holding back Rex."
Dagger looked up at Kix. What did he mean by that? Rex let out a deep sigh and turned away again, "It already went further than I it meant to."
She was distracted by slight movement below. Echo shifted slightly, almost nuzzling closer to Rex. He let out a small noise and Dagger tilted her head in thought. He didn't even seem like he was in pain. When was the last time that Dagger even saw Echo this relaxed?
Rex lifted his hand from where it had been resting on Echo's shoulder and ran his fingers through the ARCs hair. There was so much more he wanted to say, to explain. However, he knew that no matter what he said it would only serve to confuse Dagger further. Maybe she would understand in the future, but not right now.
Kix put a hand on her shoulder and she looked up at him, then around the room to see everyone still watching, "Might want to wait on that thing we talked about earlier, kid."
She nodded, she didn't want anyone to be able to see her face right now anyway. Confusion and a type of hurt had to be contorting her face in all kinds of different expressions.
She turned away from the pair and grabbed her case of armor and tossed it up onto her bunk next to her duffel. She really didn't feel like putting away clothes right then, at least not with the sick feeling in her stomach. So she just leaned up against the duffel and held the armored case on her thighs.
She popped open the clasps and looked into the case again. The painted beskar still shone bright, probably the cleanest piece of armor she had ever laid eyes on. Dagger brushed her fingers over the grooves around the signature T-vizor of the helmet.
Just looking at it calmed her nerves. The juxtaposition of the elated feeling of receiving such a gift and the shock of seeing Echo was startling to say the least.
She knew there was nothing for her to do now, so she just tried to ignore the pair of soldiers on the bunk below and across from her. Instead she focused on the armor, a happy and familiar feeling settling in her heart. Jango had always worn armor like this, it was nice to see Mandalorian armor, even nicer to know that it belonged to her.
On the side of the helmet, by the right jaw line, along the bottom rim was a series of symbols engraved into the red metal. Mando'a that read Kotep Runi. Dagger smiled as she brushed her gloved thumb over the familiar words. A reminder, a promise.
She examined the rest of the armor closely, something that she had not been able to do earlier. There were multiple grooves and blank slots along the armor, especially the vambraces.
Open spots for customization, Dagger could put anything she wanted there. Her first thought was a flamethrower, but she quickly dismissed the idea. Tinnies wouldn't care about a puff of heat when they are made of metal and it would only be a safety hazard on the ship.
Her next thought was much more reasonable, a forearm holster for a dagger. Perhaps her old GAR blade that had been sitting in her drawers since she had been given the Kotep'an blade.
She nodded to herself, that might not be a bad idea. The only thing better than one dagger was two daggers. She thought about how she wanted it to look and what other modifications she could make to the armor for a long time.
Such a long time in fact that she almost completely forgot about what had happened with Echo. Dagger was just off in her own world, admiring the armor and taking note of every piece.
Kayda would have been a very lucky person if they had survived long enough for this armor to fit. She wished that the Kotep'an had the armor, it would have been a sight to see a proud Mandalorian wearing it. A small selfish part of Dagger was glad that the child hadn't survived. It was wrong and she pushed the thought aside almost as soon as it came into her head, but it was true. If the child had survived Dagger would not have been given the armor.
She thought about trying it on now, but it was mid day and she didn't trust going into the locker room to change without anyone walking in. While she did want to tell everyone, perhaps that was not the best way to go about it.
What would be the best way to tell them? She certainly didn't want to hide any longer and it might be difficult to get everyone together at one time. Except dinner. Everyone ate together in the mess hall, Dagger always left to go eat in Rex's office, but the entirety of Torrent Company would be there.
Dagger smiled, a plan forming in her head. She would go get her food with everyone like normal then sit with them. Not a rare occurrence as she liked to talk with the boys for a while before leaving. Then she could just take off her helmet and start eating.
Her heart raced even as her mind told her to not make a big deal out of it, don't make a whole scene and then there won't be a huge reaction to it. Maybe. Is that how things worked? Dagger honestly had no clue, but how else would you show that many people the one thing you have been keeping a secret the entire time you have known them?
Suddenly a head popped up in her vision and Dagger startled slightly, "Echo?"
He grinned through a split lip and immediately started to climb up the ladder to her bed. She snapped the case closed and pushed it aside next to her duffel to make room for him.
The ARC trooper sat next to her on the left, feet hanging off the side of the bed and threw his right arm over her shoulder in a side hug. Dagger leaned into the embrace and looked up at him once they separated.
Echo smiled again, "I'm glad you are back safe. How did it go?"
She nodded and let out a small laugh, "It went really well. Just the usual sepperatist attack and bounty hunters."
He joined her in her laughter, "Oh, just the usual then? I'm sure you kicked ass."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," she replied, "Do you want to see what I was given by Duchess Satine?"
Echo nodded enthusiastically and Dagger pulled the case back onto her lap opening it up again. She smiled under her helmet at his little gasp. His hands moved forward eagerly to trace over the hard lines of the armor. He surveyed it intensely analyzing every piece and tapping it to test the density or integrity of the metal.
"I wonder if we could ask for an exception in the regs for you to wear this instead of our duraplast armor," Echo murmured aloud.
Dagger's head backed up slightly, she had not been expecting that reaction, "What?"
Echo picked up the helmet and rapped his knuckles against the side, "This armor is all beskar. It will protect you better than any of our armor ever could. This helmet wouldn't blow up in your face like your last one did. Safer."
"Hmm, I didn't even think about that. But I really like my helmet and that armor doesn't cover as much. It is more plating than a full suit," Dagger said.
"You don't have to ask if you don't want to, just something to think about. This is really cool armor. Have you tried it on yet?"
She shook her head, "Maybe later."
He nodded his head. A silence lapsed over them and Dagger had to steal her nerve before she could break it, "Are you ok?"
Echo leaned his head back against the wall, he swallowed thickly, "I'm better than I was. Don't be mad at Rex, he did his duty. He protects the unit and I got what I deserved."
Dagger studied him, "I'm sorry."
He looked at her sharply, "What? Why are you sorry?"
"This never would have happened if I didn't hide my face all the time," she explained.
Echo's hand came down to rest lightly on her leg, "Don't apologize for that. This isn't your fault, I should be the one apologizing to you."
She sighed, "I'm going to tell them."
Echo's eyebrows rose comically high, "Who?"
"Everyone," she replied, "I told Rex during the last mission and I think it is time to tell everyone. I don't want to have to hide anymore Echo. I don't want to be afraid of what they will think."
He nodded, a small smile on his face, "I think that is a great idea Dagger. Do you need any help?"
She shook her head, "Will you just sit next to me in the dining hall during dinner?"
"Of course."
~B~
Dagger's stomach was doing flips as everyone was making their way to the dining hall. She had spent the last few hours talking with Echo. Telling stories about the mission and the new people that he had met. Now it was time for everyone to go eat.
She hung back until she walked at the back of the group. She looked up as a hand rested on her shoulder. Rex was watching at her, "Hey? Are you ok?"
Dagger nodded, "Just nervous."
He nodded, "What's up?"
"Captain! Dagger!" came a call from down the hallway. They both turned around and saw General Skywalker walking towards them at a fast pace. Their heads tilted in unison, they weren't due for a mission debrief until later.
"General?" Rex asked.
"I'm glad I caught you. I need you both, you are being assigned a new mission," he explained aas he gestured for them to follow him.
"Sir? We just got back from a mission, haven't even debriefed yet," Rex stated, "What happened?"
"The senator that was almost kidnapped, that wasn't the first time that a situation like that has happened. Those bounty hunters seem to be working for someone who wants to take out influential members in the senate. I chose you for an assignment to get to the bottom of this."
Dagger was beyond confused at this point, "Sir, if I may, that sounds like a job for the Jedi."
"I agree, but the council refuses to assign any jedi to the case," he explains, "However, we have received authorization from Admiral Yularen to assign GAR personnel to the case."
"And you are talking to us because you chose us?" Rex asks as their path leads them to the barracks once again.
"Yes, you will be briefed more on the way, but you have to leave immediately. Grab your things," he said.
Rex and Dagger shared a look, did they not even get to say goodbye? Dagger grabbed her duffel from her bunk and considered her case of armor. She grabbed the case and nodded to the General that she was ready.
As soon as the Jedi saw that they had their things he was already out the door and headed to the hangar bay. Dagger looked down at the floor, so much for her plans. She just hoped that Echo would be ok and not be too upset that they left without saying goodbye.
They got to the hangar and saw that the ship was already running and waiting for them. Even if she commed Echo or Fives now there would be no way to make it in time before they left.
The pair walked onto the ship and looked back at General Skywalker who was watching them from the hangar floor, "I can't go with you, but Commander Thorne will brief you on the way to Coruscant. Good luck and I'll see you again soon."
"General," Rex called, "Look after the men."
"Always Rex, you two look after each other, ok?"
The troopers nodded in unison and the ship's door closed. They were sealed inside and they strapped in for take off. Dagger's head was spinning at the speed at which everything had just happened. One second she was just getting back from a mission and was going to tell her vod her secret. The next she was pulled away and being put on a ship for a mission that the Jedi weren't even allowed to do.
She had so many questions that she didn't even know where to start. Dagger looked to her side and was slightly relieved to see that Rex looked just as confused as she did. Then again, if Rex was confused did she even have a hope of understanding the situation?
~B~
Echo ate quietly in the dining hall. He seemed to be the only one to think that anything was wrong. Dagger never showed up, he had lost sight of her on the walk here and now she was nowhere to be found.
Neither was Captain Rex for that matter. Echo just assumed that the Captain was working on some sort of officer duties, but it was strange for Dagger to not be here. Especially after she had requested for him to sit next to her during dinner. She wanted to show everyone her face. Echo thought that maybe she had second thoughts about the whole thing.
He ate as fast as he could with his jaw still aching from earlier. He stood once he was done, not even bothering to say goodbye, it's not like he was going anywhere important. The ARC didn't see Fives' look of concern or the way that he stood and followed him out of the mess hall.
Echo made for the barracks at a quick pace. Maybe Dagger would be there, something about this didn't feel right to Echo. There was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Dagger would have said something if she had changed her mind, not just disappeared.
He strode through the barracks doors, quickly followed by Fives. The entire room was empty. He made his way to Dagger's bunk and his brows scrunched in confusion when her duffel and armored case were both gone. He checked the drawers to confirm that they were still empty.
Dagger had taken her things, she was gone. Echo couldn't help the small noise of frustration that came out of him. Where could she have gone? Why hadn't she said anything?
He turned at the feeling of a hand on his unarmored shoulder. Fives was facing away from Dagger's bunk and gestured in front of him. Rex's bunk was just as barren as Dagger's had been. Both of them were gone.
"Where did they go Fives?" he asked his ori'vod.
The ARC trooper just shook his head, "I don't know."
"I heard General Skywalker call them away just before we left for the mess hall," Jesse stood in the doorway of the barracks, "I think they got assigned a new mission. Had to leave immediately."
Echo's face crumpled, "A new mission? They just got back from one."
Jesse held up his hands in a placating gesture, "That's all I know, you will have to ask the General if you want anything more than that."
The three troopers all just shared a look. No one liked it when vod had to leave without saying goodbye. Sometimes they didn't make it back to say anything again. Too many words had been left unsaid that way. Echo just prayed to the stars that his vod would be safe on this mission.
~B~
Once the ship was safely in hyperspace, they unbuckled and sat patiently, waiting for things to be explained. There was no use in asking questions before any information had been given, no matter how tempting it was.
The door to the cockpit slid open and a red painted trooper emerged. Rex and Dagger stood to greet him. The man took off his helmet and smiled at them. Rex and the Commander grasped each other's arms in greeting.
"Commander Thorne, it's good to see you again."
"You as well Captain Rex. Dagger it's nice to meet you," the man, Thorne, said.
"Likewise Commander," she said.
"So did the General brief you at all on your mission?"
Rex shook his head. Thorne made a small noise, "I see, well first of all this is an undercover mission. You will be infiltrating a group of bounty hunters with the objective of finding who has hired them. They have been targeting senators and we need to get to the bottom of this. The hunters aren't enough, we need to find out who they are working for and how far this goes."
"Undercover? As what? We are clones, it's not like we really blend in," Rex said.
"Well from what I hear," he gestured to Dagger, "You don't necessarily look like the rest of us. Your GAR profile is now hidden in a private server so no one could find it even if they tried. Rex your cover is as a deserter, your GAR profile has already been changed to reflect this. You were left behind in the confusion of a battle and Dagger saved you. Now you both are looking for work and want to get in with a group."
He took a breath, "That's where we are headed now. The bounty hunters were spotted on Coruscant. You will be dropped off there and will try to meet up with them. Your mission is to do everything you can to become a part of their group and get information out of them."
"If Rex is a deserter, what is my cover?" Dagger asked.
"Ex-military from Alderaan," Thorne said.
Dagger looked over her shoulder at the case she had brought, "I have a better idea."
Thorne raised a brow as she retrieved the case and set it on the table in front of them. She opened it up, "How does rogue Mandalorian for hire sound? I could say I picked up Rex in my journey through the outer rim and he has been operating as my teammate ever since."
Rex nodded thoughtfully, "Being indebted would be a good way to explain why we are together. I think it is a good idea."
"Not quite sure how you got that but yeah, that sounds like a good plan. We don't know how deep this operation will go. We can't send you in with any trackers or they could find them. However, there will be an encrypted comm channel open all day every day in case you need to report to us."
"So, to put it plainly," Rex started, "Get in with the hunters to earn their trust, work with their crew until we can find out who they work for, and then what?"
"Then contact us, if we can take out all of the parties then you can come home. It all depends on what you are able to find out. I really have no idea how long this mission is going to take. Could be a week or it could be a month, maybe even more."
Rex and Dagger shared a look, this is certainly not how they were expecting any of this to go. Orders were orders, and they had to be followed. Dagger couldn't really protest the mission, but she had her doubts about why she was chosen for this job.
They asked questions and ironed out details for the rest of the flight. They agreed that Thorne would drop them off near the GAR barracks with a comm. They would get new clothes and then check in to get the coordinates of the bounty hunters and then ditch the communicator before going to try to get in with their group.
Dagger and Rex went through their duffel bags and started to take out the GAR clothes that they had. Where they were going, they wouldn't be needing their blacks. They stored the clothes in bins in the ship, Thorne promised to take care of their things until they returned.
The few hours that it took to get to Coruscant felt like just minutes with how busy they were. With sorting their belongings and solidifying their back story, Dagger barely had time to even think about why this was happening. There was only time for it to happen and there was nothing she could do about it at this point.
Thorne set the ship down on the landing pad on top of the GAR barracks. He handed Rex the communicator and a bag of credits. Rex whistled at the weight of it. There were a lot of credits, hopefully it would be enough to get them by until they joined with the crew and started working with them.
The Commander wished them luck as they made their way out of the GAR building. They shared a look as they finally walked out onto the street. Their first objective was to get new clothes.
Dagger smiled, it would be nice to see a friend again. She motioned for Rex to follow her as she walked along the street. Taking the same sidewalk that she did all of those weeks ago she led them to a clothing store.
She grinned as she opened the door and saw the owner standing behind the counter. Dagger held up a hand, smiling bright under her helmet, "Astra!"
Astra's head shot up and she saw the two troopers standing in front of her, "Dagger is that you? And Captain Rex?"
Rex smiled as he took off his helmet and nodded to the woman. Dagger took off her helmet as well and Astra gasped, "Dagger! Your helmet!"
She nodded, "It's ok Astra. I wish we came here just to visit, but we actually need your help. We are going on an undercover mission and need some clothes to blend in. Anything not standard issue from the GAR and can be worn under armor."
Astra nodded, her mind already running a mile a minute thinking of what they could get, "Well, you two came to the right place then. You know I'll hook you up."
It didn't take long until they were in new, civilian, clothes. The apparel could still be considered tactical gear, but it was far from standard issue. Rex wore dark grey pants and a black long sleeve. He put back on his vambraces and shoulder armor, opting to leave behind his asymmetrical pauldron and all other armor. He was still debating bringing his helmet or not, but he figured he could decide later.
Dagger was similarly dressed in dark cargo pants and a long sleeve shirt. They were all black and form fitting. Rex watched as she started to put on her new armor, he was a little jealous that she would have a full suit of armor where he could only bring a few pieces of his own.
She lifted the cuirass over her head and tightened the straps of the chest piece. Next, she attached the thigh pieces and secured her holster to her right thigh, dagger back in its rightful place. She secured the rounded shoulder armor and then the vambraces to her forearms.
Rex watched closely as she did all of this, he found himself also wishing it was a more complete set. He would rather Dagger be covered head to toe with the beskar instead of it just protecting strategic points. It would keep her safer, so he really wasn't in any position to complain.
He gave a nod of approval when Dagger was finished and she looked at him. She looked damned good in the Mandalorian armor. It fit almost perfectly and if he didn't know any better he would have said that it had been made for her.
With their outfits picked out, she secured her helmet under her arm. Astra, who had disappeared while they were getting ready, returned. With her she brought two black duffle bags.
Dagger tilted her head in question, "What are those?"
Astra let out a playful huff, "What do you really think I was going to send you off with one outfit a piece? No hunny. I have more clothes in here for both of you and room in the bags for any extra things that you might want to bring or pick up along the way."
Dagger smiled and accepted the bag that was offered to her, "Thank you Astra. You have been a huge help."
The woman beamed at her and held up a hand as Dagger started to reach into her pocket, "No no, don't even think about paying me for this. You know that you are my friend and my friends don't pay here."
"That hardly seems like a good way to conduct business," Dagger protested.
"What can I say? I'm an entrepreneur and I'm thinking this investment is going to pay off," Astra said as she started to herd them towards the door.
She didn't notice Rex discretely place a small stack of credits on the counter on their way out. He was thankful for her kindness and what she didn't know right now wouldn't hurt.
The troopers both thanked her profusely before heading out again. Astra waved goodbye and made them promise to come see her again if they could. They agreed and set out again.
Thorne still hadn't checked in and told them a location yet, so they figured they had time for a short pitstop. Dagger once again dragged Rex along to a shop. This time, at least, he knew where they were headed.
They walked into the weapons store and Dagger smiled as she saw the man inside. He looked up at them and also smiled, "Greetings! Captain Rex I haven't seen you here in a long time."
Rex waved and Dagger spoke up, "You probably don't remember me, but I sure remember you Mr. Bean."
He took in her armor and tilted his head, "The last person who came in here with armor like that left a legacy behind. What can I do for you ma'am?"
Dagger patted her thigh where her dagger was held, "I'm Dagger, I know you didn't see my face last time I was here, but I have the dagger you gave me."
Old Man Bean brightened up at that, "Dagger! It's great to see you again. I'm glad you both have been safe enough to make your way back here, and with the dagger no less. I'll say that armor is spot on to the traveler that dropped off the dagger all those years ago."
"It was a gift," she replied.
"We came to get a few things," Rex spoke up, "Do you have any civilian type armor. Or at least protective gear?"
The elderly man thought for a moment before nodding and leading them over to a section of the store with a bunch of gear. They looked through the racks for a while. Rex found a black tactical vest that he liked, it had armored plating in it that could help protect his core.
He grabbed that and picked up a few types of explosives on his way. A few grenades and some directional blasts that could be useful in getting into places. With the vest in place he elected to put on his shoulder holsters to carry his dual blasters.
He found Dagger eyeing a sniper rifle, a blacked out M110. He cocked his head to the side, "Going hunting?"
Dagger smiled at him over her shoulder, "What can I say? I liked being in the sniper position on that last mission."
She grabbed it off the wall and picked up a few boxes of the matching ammo. It was a traditional weapon, not plasma powered like his blasters were. She found a strap for it and slung it across her back with the strap bisecting her chest in a diagonal.
Rex and Dagger looked around the rest of the store, picking up different things to help them on their mission. Rex picked up a pair of matte black brass knuckles with a fixed blade knife attached to the bottom. He never really had much use for brawling in the GAR, it was easier to just shoot the mechs.
But with this mission they were working with nat borns, maybe he would actually get some use out of these. Nothing to do with the fact that he liked them and the weapon fit perfectly into the front of his vest for easy access. His heart raced with adrenaline at the thought of knocking someone out with the brass knuckles or plunging the sharp knife into an enemy's neck.
When they finally had everything they needed they made their way up to the front to buy it all. Old Man Bean raised an eyebrow at the sheer amount of weapons they were buying, "And here I thought that the Republic armed you guys."
"The Republic is paying for it," Rex responded.
Bean tallied up the cost and Rex counted out the credits before handing them over. They packed up or put on their new gear as it was applicable. Rex was just shoving his helmet into his duffel as his commlink beeped.
"This is Rex," he answered.
"Rex, it's Thorne. We found them at a bar near your location, I'm sending the coordinates your way now. Is there anything you need before you head off?"
Rex and Dagger exchanged a look and reached a silent agreement before he responded, "Not that we can think of."
"Ok, just be sure to ditch the communicator before you go in. I'll be monitoring that encrypted frequency, try to check in when you can. Good luck boys."
"Thank you Commander, hope to see you soon."
(Nothing ever seems to go to plan for Dagger or Torrent company. I'm super excited about this new arc and I would love to know what you guys think of the curve ball or where you think it is going. There is also a missing scene at the beginning of this chapter that I didn't include because it was really long in itself and because I couldn't quite figure out how to fit it in. I am planning on posting it has a separate story if anyone is interested. Probably sometime soon I will put it up on AO3. If anyone is interested I have the same account name on that website as well and I would love it if you went and checked it out when it is posted. Wow, this is a long authors note... Anyway thank you for reading and please leave a comment if you would like.)