The room was secure, so Fox was happy. He stood behind the Chancellor's seat, hands behind his back and eyes vigilant as he and the Chancellor waited for her pod to be raised into the bowl of the Galactic Senate. Chancellor Palpatine hadn't been in the habit of bringing any of his personal guard with him into the Senate chambers, but Chancellor's Chuchi's youth, the relative unimportance of her home planet, and the unusual circumstances of her election all made her a tempting target, and Fox wasn't about to take any risks.
Chancellor Chuchi took a deep breath, righting her long red chancellor's robes and settling herself behind the podium that would, in only a few brief moments, lift up and into the very center of the Senate chambers.
"Don't worry, ma'am, you look perfect," Maja said with a bright smile, the white of her teeth forming a sharp contrast to her viridian Mirialan skin.
The Chancellor offered Maja a tight smile, her fingers clutching the folds of her robe tightly. She turned her head to Fox and he focused his attention on her, though from behind the helmet he doubted she could tell. "Fox, do I really look a mess?"
"No, ma'am."
"What, is my word not good enough?" Maja asked with false outrage.
The Chancellor grinned at her friend. "Certainly, but you're too kind. Whatever Commander Fox is, he isn't a liar."
Maja giggled and Chancellor Chuchi looked back to gauge Fox's reaction. She'd been doing that more and more frequently, like a scientist testing if he had a soul. He remained silent and immovable behind the mask of his helmet.
The Chancellor sighed, the smile falling from her face, and Fox almost wanted to humor her. Then the roof above them opened up, Vice Chair Elba Ek joined them on the platform, and with a whoosh the pod rose into the midst of the Senate.
Over a thousand pods surrounded them in a giant dish of democracy, and the Chancellor looked like she was about to be sick. She'd been doing this for a half year now, but still Fox saw the terror in her eyes before every session—a terror she always managed to banish seconds before raising her face to the crowd.
She opened the session with all the usual pomp and circumstance while Fox kept his eyes on the Senate and his hand on his blaster. The opening rituals passed by without incident, and the Chancellor gave the floor to Senator Organa to introduce the bill freeing the clones.
Fox realized he should probably be more excited about this moment, but the feeling didn't come. It was difficult to believe that any clone would know a life outside the GAR, no matter what a piece of flimsi said. And as the Chancellor herself often said, it was the budget that revealed what the Senate truly intended to do, and no money had been allocated to any transition or retirement programs for the clones.
So it was with little personal interest that Fox watched Senator Organa's pod float out into the open air of the Senate for his speech. He addressed his colleagues, reciting the words Taam had written and the committee had workshopped over and over again to get just right, and to their credit the other senators appeared to listen intently.
"A government is only as good as its actions during its darkest hour, and I am afraid by that measure our Republic has fallen short," Senator Organa began. "In our desperation to defend ourselves, we conscripted an army of sentient beings—of Human men—to fight our battles for us. Clones these men may be, but they are individuals with hearts and souls, and as it stands now our Republic has committed the grave sin of enslaving these individuals."
A low roar rose up from the Senate, which was to be expected. Slavery was a cruel, dirty word, and it wasn't a word anybody wished to associate with their own government, but Fox found some satisfaction in witnessing the senators be forced to reckon with their own misdeeds. Fox caught the hypocrisy of that last thought and grimaced.
"Order! Order!" called Vice Chair Ek, his gravelly voice amplified to fill the chamber.
Vice Chair Ek, a Human representing Hosnian Prime, wasn't a close friend of the Chancellor and had been a surprising pick for Vice Chair. His appointment had introduced a lot of stress into Fox's life as he triple and quadruple-vetted the politician and never felt quite comfortable with his one-on-one meetings with the Chancellor. Still, the alliance with a representative from a central, important system was probably wise for the Pantoran Chancellor.
Senator Organa waited for the chaos to die down, then continued. "We propose that, effective immediately, service in the Grand Army of the Republic become voluntary, that any clone who wishes to leave may do so, and that no clone is to ever be considered property again."
"How can this be proposed?" Senator Burtoni objected. Predictable, Fox thought, his helmet hiding the roll of his eyes. "Is the Republic to unleash a hoard of men bred for violence onto the civilian population without any skills or resources to make ends meet?"
The corner of Chancellor Chuchi's mouth ticked downwards, but she quickly caught the involuntary motion and returned to a look of calm control. There was no way the Kaminoan Senator's objections were in good faith, but they were valid nonetheless, and the Chancellor and her allies would need to address them. Though Chancellor Chuchi wanted to pass the bill as soon as possible, it wouldn't be practical for any soldier to actually take advantage of it until some assistance was made available to them.
"The Armed Services Committee is working on a program to support retired soldiers as we speak," said Senator Organa, "and we will pass such a bill as soon as possible. However, no matter what program we pass, slavery will never be acceptable in the Republic. That will not change, and this is a wrong we should correct as soon as possible. We need to send a message as clear as daylight that slavery is not tolerated within the Republic—that our government abides by its own laws."
The clones didn't particularly like the term "slave", but Fox could understand the tactical import in this situation. It just felt so much nobler and more palatable to see themselves as disciplined, obedient, self-sacrificing soldiers who willingly defended their Republic than property of said Republic with no other options.
Nevertheless, the facts were that the clones could not leave the GAR, did not have citizenship, and were technically property of the Republic, and thus the term "slavery" wasn't entirely inaccurate. Fox hated it, but it was true. It had taken him a long while to come to this recognition, largely because it had hurt to allow himself to see how deeply the Republic he served and loved did not love him back.
Senator Rathin, representing Shili, spoke up enthusiastically. "Hear, hear! My people have been the targets of slavers in the very recent past. How can we trust that the Republic will prosecute such crimes if they do not acknowledge slavery enacted on such a grand scale?"
"If the Republic truly intends to release all of the clones from their custodianship, they should be returned to Kamino," Senator Burtoni said.
Senator Organa levelled the older woman with a frank stare. "You do realize that systems dealing in slavery will not be tolerated in the Republic, don't you? Are you proposing Kamino withdraw from the Republic?"
"I said no such thing!"
Debate continued, though opposition to the bill was flaccid. Nobody wanted to be seen opposing a bill denouncing slavery, after all. Though the bill wouldn't make much of a difference to his brothers' lives until further legislation gave it teeth, Fox couldn't help but feel some hope that things might actually go in a positive direction. It wasn't a very familiar feeling.
After several hours of back and forth, Chancellor Chuchi called for a vote, and the yeas and nays were quickly tallied.
"The bill passes with 856 votes in favor," Vice Chair Ek said, banging his ceremonial staff with a resounding thunk.
Fox felt the vibration of the staff through his boots, and his reality subtly shifted around him. It surprised him. He'd worked protecting the people in this building his entire adult life, but had never before felt like the things that happened here could affect him. But now the colors of the senators' robes and frippery appeared more vibrant and alive to his eyes, the sounds of their voices echoing throughout the cavernous chamber more sonorous to his ears. Sure, there may be no practical way for him or his brothers to walk away from GAR right now, but the possibility was there, in a vital and real way.
He allowed a tiny smile to quirk up the corner of his mouth and his gaze flitted back to Chancellor Chuchi. She smiled in genuine pleasure at their success, and the now-familiar satisfaction of protecting someone he believed deserved his respect filled his chest.
The Senate moved on to other bills and procedures, and Fox tuned out any noise that wasn't relevant to the Chancellor's security. Regular check-ins from troopers stationed at each door came in like clockwork, feeds from various security cameras looked standard as he cycled through them on his HUD, and his visual spotchecks of the chambers all registered as normal. Eventually, Vice Chair Ek banged his staff again and Chancellor Chuchi brought the proceedings to a close. The podium lowered, the roof above them closed, and the session was over.
"What's next on my schedule?" Chancellor Chuchi asked Maja.
"You're meeting with…" Maja squinted at the datapad in her hand before realizing it was the wrong one and hastily swapping it with another, "Commander Fox's recommendation for the clone seat on the Armed Services Committee. CT-7567."
"Oh yes. In my office, right?"
"He should already be there."
Commander Fox followed after the pair silently as they headed to the Chancellor's office, the prospect of actually introducing the Chancellor to CT-7567 making him wonder if perhaps this recommendation had been a mistake. Rex might not be willing to work with Chancellor Chuchi if he couldn't forgive Fox.
As Maja had said, Rex was already waiting outside of the Chancellor's office when they arrived. He stood on their approach, helmet tucked under his arm, and saluted sharply. The Chancellor approached him with delicate cornflower hand outstretched, an easy smile on her face.
"Captain Rex, so pleased to meet a friend of Commander Fox."
Captain Rex raised an eyebrow at Fox, likely wondering something along the lines of who told her we were friends?
"Likewise, Madam Chancellor," Rex said, shaking her hand.
The Chancellor led them into her office and she took her place behind her giant desk while Maja, Fox, and Rex sat across from her. The desk easily took up a third of the area of Chancellor Chuchi's office—the very same office she'd occupied when she was still a lowly junior senator. Though Fox had enumerated the many security advantages of the old Chancellor's office, Chancellor Chuchi had flatly refused to take up residence in those sumptuous rooms.
"Madam Chancellor, CT-7567 is one of the finest officers in the GAR," Fox said. "He'd make an excellent addition to the Armed Services Committee."
Rex's eyes widened. "Armed Services Committee?"
Chancellor Chuchi nodded. "Yes. It's absolutely appalling that the committee that makes major decisions for the GAR doesn't have a single member with military experience. Commander Fox said that you were well-suited for the job."
Rex looked sideways at Fox in surprise. "Sir?"
Fox shifted in his seat, unused to having to explain himself about these kinds of things. "The 501st is well-known for being a personable, tight-knit group. You're close to your junior troopers and understand where they're coming from, and you're good with civilians."
Rex cleared his throat, as uncomfortable receiving Fox's compliments as Fox was with giving them. "Thank you, sir."
"Captain Rex, the Armed Services Committee helps write legislation related to the Republic's military forces, military research, and veterans affairs. The committee will be working on developing legislation that will reduce the size of the GAR and assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life, and it could sorely use your insight and perspective."
"That sounds like a worthy cause, Madam Chancellor."
"Are you willing to join?"
Rex hesitated only a moment. "Yes, ma'am."
Chancellor Chuchi leaned forward across her desk, her arched eyebrow raised. "This isn't an order, Captain. You can refuse."
"I understand, ma'am. I'd like to join the committee."
Chancellor Chuchi smiled and she clasped her hands in front of her. "Excellent!"
"Will I be removed from my current position?"
"You'll retain your rank and place in the 501st, but you'll be given this role as a temporary assignment. While working on the committee, you'll be relocated to Coruscant and won't be a part of any deployments with the GAR—at least until the legislation is passed," she said.
"Understood."
Chancellor Chuchi went on to go through some of the logistics while Maja gave her increasingly meaningful looks. The Chancellor was always doing that—getting too far into the weeds now that her job was the highest of the high level. It was something Fox could relate to. As Commander of the Coruscant Guard he'd often had to resist the urge to get too personally involved in whatever issue was at hand. That was one of the nice things about being Chancellor Chuchi's personal guard. It was a simple task he could devote his entire self to without any distractions. Fox liked that.
Eventually the Chancellor took her assistant's hint and thanked Captain Rex for his time, accompanying him to the door of her office. Rex thanked her back and turned to Fox, an uncomfortable look on his face.
"And, um. Commander Fox," he said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other before deciding on a crisp salute as a farewell. Fox supposed that was about as good as he could ask for.
Captain Rex went one way down the hallway and Maja and the Chancellor went the other way, on to continue the seemingly endless parade of meetings and committees and public appearances that each, in their own special way, provided the Chancellor's many enemies with a fresh opportunity to kill her. Fox melted into the background where he was most comfortable, always wary, always at the ready. He hadn't always been this way. He used to lead from the front, used to inspire bravery in his men and fear in his enemies, used to be the public face of the GAR. He didn't deserve that anymore.
He followed the Chancellor and her assistant, always three steps behind, existing in her shadow. Where he belonged.
Riyo said goodnight to Maja for the fifth time, and this time the organized Mirilian finally couldn't think of a single additional note or reminder to give her to drag out this interminable day. Riyo retreated into her apartment, shucking her shoes by the door and dragging her feet to the couch where she promptly collapsed.
She closed her eyes and let out a massive exhale, letting her bones liquify into the plush couch. The heavy steps of Commander Fox's booted feet chased her into the apartment, their steady rhythm now as constant in her life as her own heartbeat.
"I wish you would take your boots off inside," she said, eyes still closed. "Who knows what you're tracking inside."
Fox sighed, as he had every other time she'd brought this up. "I can't take any part of my uniform off when I'm on duty. But I wipe them off every time, to please you."
Riyo sat up, a smile growing on her face as she turned back to him. Sometimes, usually at night after all her meetings were over, he opened up just the tiniest but—like a door cracked open just enough to let a sliver of light through. Those moments made her new life just a little bit less lonely.
"What do you think of Captain Rex?" she asked.
Commander Fox shrugged as he paced around the room in his nightly ritual, checking first the windows, then the doors, then any potential hiding places. "I already told you. He has an excellent reputation, is known as a people person, is well-respected by his men."
"Yes, but it seemed like there was some… tension between you. I wondered why you would recommend him considering you two don't seem to get along."
Fox's shoulders tensed, but he didn't break his stride as he continued his inspection. "I don't have a lot of friends, ma'am. Rex is a good soldier, and that's what you need."
"Hmm…" Riyo said, disappointed but unsurprised by Fox's unwillingness to elaborate. She folded her arms across her chest and put her feet up on the coffee table, relieved to finally be able to adopt an undignified posture. Sometimes Fox seemed just as lonely as her, but she knew if she ever tried to broach the subject it wouldn't go well. That was fine—everybody had their ways, and it was no use trying to force him to change. In Riyo's experience you got the best out of people when you let them be themselves.
Fox finished his sweep of the apartment and retreated to his favorite lurking corner, where he typically stayed put until the shift change at 0000. His departure reminded Riyo of a discussion she'd had with Maja earlier over dinner.
"Oh, Fox, can I run something by you?" she asked, wanting to catch him before he fully retracted into his bodyguard shell.
"Yes, ma'am."
Fox walked back to Riyo, standing in front of her with hands behind his back and feet shoulder-width apart.
"Now that service in the GAR is voluntary, do you think people will start leaving?"
Fox remained perfectly still as he answered, helmet still on. "There are over a million of us—I'm sure at least some will leave. But probably very few. We still don't have citizenship or any form of assistance."
Riyo sighed. "Yes, I know. We're working on that, but I'm worried that even after such assistance is made available, many soldiers will be reluctant to leave the only profession they know behind."
"That's likely to be a problem, yes."
"In light of this concern, I'd like to make a request of you, specifically."
"Yes, ma'am?"
Riyo motioned for him to sit, and he reluctantly obeyed, taking his helmet off without her prompting. Riyo leaned forward in her seat, understanding that what she was about to ask might mean much more to him than she could comprehend. "Will you be the first to leave the GAR?"
"I'm… not sure that I understand."
"I can imagine that it may be difficult for many clones to imagine a life outside of the GAR, that the majority will want to remain soldiers simply because any alternative seems foreign and frightening. You're the highest ranking member of the GAR. I believe if you set the example—show that it is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of—others will follow."
Fox stared hard at Riyo, his eyes deep and unsettling in their intensity. She worried if she'd mortally offended him, but couldn't imagine why.
"No, ma'am."
"Pardon?"
"No, I won't retire."
Riyo's eyebrows climbed high onto her forehead. This was the first time Fox had ever refused her anything. She'd known this might be a thornier issue than she understood, but she'd never imagined outright refusal.
"I know the legislation is not yet passed, but I can personally guarantee you lodging and a salary upon your discharge. You can even stay on as my bodyguard, if you'd like. It would purely be an opportunity for you to lead the way for your fellow soldiers."
"I understand that, ma'am. I still won't retire."
Riyo stared hard at the inscrutable Commander, his passive expression betraying none of his reasoning. "Truly? I won't force you, but is there any chance you might be persuaded?"
"None, ma'am."
Riyo held his gaze for a long moment, then let her face fall into her hands in defeat. "If I can't convince the one clone I know personally to retire from the GAR, then what chance do I have of convincing anyone else? This whole proposal is doomed to fail, isn't it?"
"...I'm sorry, ma'am, I didn't mean to upset you-"
"It's not your fault. It's important the people around me be honest with me and keep me grounded."
"No, I-" Fox started, then cut himself off.
Riyo looked up at him through her fingers and was surprised by the unprecedented sight of Fox at a loss for words. His jaw ticked nervously and his brow furrowed, his brown eyes looking soft and uncertain.
"Your plan is a good one, Madam Chancellor," he said eventually. "My reasons for not resigning are… specific to me. Please don't take my personal issues as a fault in your legislative agenda."
"...Then why…?"
The vulnerability vanished from Fox's face, and he got to his feet, putting his helmet back on. "You'll be able to find someone else to be the first to retire, ma'am. I'd suggest speaking with Commanders Cody or Thorn."
Riyo narrowed her eyes at him as he retreated to his corner of the living room, tempted to order him back but knowing she'd get nothing from him like this.
Riyo slumped back into the couch, closing her eyes and just breathing for several long minutes. Then she braced herself and hopped up from the couch, ready for another late night of writing memos, urgent phone calls, and digging into budgets. Maybe her plans wouldn't work, but there was no direction to go but forward.
