Chapter Fourteen

It was strange not to be with Skywalker. Ella felt a little on edge without his knowledge to cover for them if anything were to happen. Obi-Wan was a great jedi. Acompassionate friend, but he a jedi all the same.

What would happen if he discovered their love?

Would he report us?

Ella doubted it, but she could take no chances. If Anakin and Padme were found out, the worst that could happen was a story for the holonet and Skywalker being reprimanded by the Jedi Council. A slap on the wrist compared to what Echo would face.

She sighed and took Cody's hand as she climbed into the walker.

She wished that she and Echo had been sent with Captain Rex, Jesse, Hardcase, and Kix to scout.

Where were they? And why hadn't they updated them? Were they alright?

Hours ticked by, and still no word. Ella rested her head against the wall of the giant machine, praying that her friends were still alive.

Night had well and truly fallen when they finally received word. Kenobi jumped down next to her from where he'd been perching on the roof.

"Ella," he said gently, "I know you've been waiting for word from your friends for some time now."

She nodded, leaning forward.

"Well we just got word from Jesse," he continued. "Rex was shot."

Ella gasped, and began to shake her head. No, no, no! No! Not Rex! Please, not Rex!

"Ella, it's alright. He's alive," the man soothed. "They found him safe lodging for the night, and he was cognizant when they left him. He's going to reconvene with us in the morning."

She sighed in relief, "Oh thank the Maker!"

Obi-Wan glanced around, then, seeing that no one was listening, whispered, "It's him isn't it?"

Ella shook her head as her mind did a record scratch.

Wait a minute… WHAT?

"Um… sir?"

He chuckled, "When you wanted to go confront Bane, he suggested being your backup. You're always hanging out together and there's inside jokes. I hinted to Anakin that I thought a romance was developing between you and one of his troopers, and he got all stuttery before telling me that I was wrong multiple times. That usually means he's lying. So, it's Rex?"

Ella gulped. What was she going to do? She didn't want to condemn her real lover, but neither could she do that to Rex. He'd been an amazing friend to them, to her.

"Uh…" she said sagely.

Kenobi laughed, "I knew it. He always acts like he's hiding something."

Huh?

Ella shook her head, "General Kenobi, I'm afraid you've got it all wrong," she tried. "Rex and I… it's true that we're close. I consider him one of the best friends I've ever had - like the big brother I always hoped someone would be to me. It's hard to be the oldest sibling sometimes - you find yourself wishing someone would be that for you, care that much. But as for anything else, we don't see each other that way."

He looked suspicious, "But Ella, you forget I have the force. When you were around him, especially that day, I could sense your feelings."

Ella sighed. He was determined, she'd give him that. There seemed there was no way to get around this.

Dear God.

"General Kenobi," she hissed beneath her breath. "What I am about to say you won't repeat to anyone. The person I love could suffer terribly if you did."

His eyes widened, but he nodded. "You have my word. It's one of them isn't it? If it isn't Rex, it's one of his brothers." He guessed. "The one who was with him during the interrogation of Bane. It was him?"

Ella hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. It's him."

"Echo?"

She nodded. "Please, please he could be—"

"I gave my word, did I not?" he assured. "Ella, I have no intentions to harm you or Echo. I'm unaware of what could happen should I decide to, and knowing it's unpleasant to say the least, I'll keep my silence. Believe it or not, I'm not as oblivious as some would think."

What does that mean?

"Tell me though. A Jedi wouldn't be lost during this war, especially for something of that nature. To be let go at this time would have to be something catastrophic. We're spread thinly as it is. Let's say my padawan was found to be in a relationship," he said, a playful smile on his face. "He'd likely be given more tasks and reprimanded by the Order. But I doubt anything beyond that would happen. I might be in a tight spot, being his Master and all. Tell me, how bad is it for him?"

Ella shook her head, "What you just described is like failing a math test. Echo would either be executed or worse."

"Worse?" Obi Wan asked.

She nodded, "They call it reconditioning. I'm not sure what it is exactly. I just know I heard one shiny say he'd rather be sucked out an airlock or die on the battlefield alone than face reconditioning."

The jedi looked terribly sad. "I will have to look into this reconditioning if I can. In the meantime, rest assured. I will not endanger either of you. And, believe it or not, I'm happy for you."

"Really?"

He nodded. "Yes, Ella. I am." He sighed. "You aren't a jedi. Neither is he. I partly understand why the Kaminoans want the clones not to fall in love. No increasing the population and all. But in the end, it's unfair to them."

Ella nodded. "I know."

He sighed. "Well, when is the wedding?"

Ella smiled, "I'm not sure but soon. He wants to meet my father the next time we're on leave. He told me he wants to get me a ring. He wants me to have the wedding of my dreams."

"And you?"

She shrugged, "I'd marry him tomorrow at a courthouse if he asked me… or in the alley behind it if it came down to it."

Kenobi chuckled, "You're a wonderful girl, Ella. You have a good, pure heart and a compassionate soul. The men in the 501st speak highly of you; I've heard them. My padawan likes you too; he told me you are like a ray of sunshine flitting through and brightening everyone's day. I'm glad that you will have this happiness."

Ella blushed, ducking her head. "Thank you, General Kenobi. Thank you very much."

Then he grinned, "I can officiate if you wish. Jedi do have that power."

Ella hugged him, "Thank you so much, General Kenobi!"

He chuckled, "Obi Wan will do just fine."

He then stood and walked back to his men to check on the Grievous situation.

"Is everything okay, Ella?"

She smiled and squeezed Echo's hand as he discreetly checked on her. "Yes. I think we were worried about Obi Wan for nothing."

Echo looked surprised, then grinned. "That's great, vheh a'oatr."

Ella nodded. It really was.

•~§~•

Rex wasn't too happy. Scratch that, he was grumpy.

Echo had to smother a laugh as he looked at his captain. The man was grousing, laying back against five pillows, his arms crossed carefully over his chest as Ella reprimanded him for trying to break bedrest. Again.

"You could reopen the wound and then where would we be?"

"Heaven," he shot back irritatedly.

She rolled her eyes at his attitude. "Really Rex. You are being ridiculous. I'd expect this from Hardcase. Not you."

He grumbled and sank back into the pillows farther. "I should've stayed with the farmer."

Ella swatted his arm, "Quit being a pain in the shebs. You're better than this."

"I want to move."

"No."

"Then this is the best you'll get from me."

Ella grew her hands up in despair. She was about to stalk away when a wicked grin spread her lips. She pulled out her comlink and began tuning stations.

Rex's eyes widened. "What are you doing?"

She just shrugged, "I just figured there was a commander who is concerned about you and would like an update on your progress."

He glared. "You wouldn't dare."

She locked eyes with him as she honed in on Cody's station and pressed the button to call him.

"You're evil. You're a sadist. A fiend!" he spat.

She tutted, "Rexypoo, I haven't even started."

"Cody here."

"Hello Cody! It's Ella from the 501st."

"Oh. Hello Ella! Is there something I could do for you?"

She smirked at Rex. "Well we have a grumpy captain over here who has tried to escape bedrest no less than five times in the last hour."

Cody swore. "That shab'la di'kut! I'm coming over and bringing my two best men with me. Hang tight."

"You're a gem, Cody," she replied sweetly, the epitome of dark innocence.

He signed off, swearing up a storm about the cantankerous bunch in the 501st and how they should be regularly anesthetized.

Rex groaned and buried his face in his pillow. "What have you done!"

Ella giggled and pocketed her comm. "Ensured that you'll be safely on bedrest for however long I decide. You brought this upon yourself, Rexypoo."

He growled. "Don't you dare call me that again, Elevator!"

She pretended to be offended. "Oh, it sounds like they're here already!"

Rex buried himself again.

Cody burst into the medbay with a box under one arm. His face was a mix between concern and annoyance as he plopped down next to his friend. "Vod'ika, I swear, can you never accept bedrest as a normal part of getting injured? I mean, you could avoid it by not getting shot so much, but no. He has to wear his battles, isn't that right?"

"Look, Cody—"

"Don't 'look Cody' me!" the commander bellowed. "Now pick the holofilm. Leap Day or Seven Brides for Seven Brothers?"

Rex groaned, "Why!"

"Because you like them and won't admit it, now choose!"

"Why are you forcing me to choose!"

"Because you're a stubborn di'kut, that's why. Now pick."

Rex groaned. "Seven Brides."

Cody nodded and placed the chip into the data pad. "See? That wasn't so hard."

Rex sighed and glared at Echo.

"What did I have to do with this?" he defended.

"I don't know. You always have something to do with it."

Echo rolled his eyes, "Ella is he on enough meds?"

Ella nodded. "He is."

"Would it kill him to give him a little bit more?"

She laughed. "Come on, Echo. Let's go get something to eat and leave them be."

"Bless your beautiful hide!" the main character of the movie sang spiritedly.

"Yeah," Echo agreed. "Good timing."

•~§~•

Ella and Echo were laying on the floor of her room when the call came in. Ella leapt to her feet and answered.

"Ella? Am I coming through well?" Padme asked.

Ella nodded, "Yes! How are you, Padme?"

The woman smiled. "I'm very well, and so are you from what I hear from Ani and Obi Wan."

Ella smiled and beckoned Echo to come into the the chat. He sat beside her and took her hand.

"We are," she replied, leaning on his shoulder.

Padme smiled. "I have an idea of where you might be able to be married."

Ella squealed delightfully and her beloved laughed at her excitement. "Oooh! Where!"

Padme explained that there was a garden in Naboo owned by her friend Riyo Chuchi. Riyo remembered meeting Echo on the trip to Orto Plutonia and had overheard a conversation between him and Fives about Ella. She kept her silence until Padme asked her if she still had the garden.

"She immediately guessed that it was you two," Padme said. "She said she'd looked into the consequences of it becoming a well-known fact, and is shocked. She and I are going to be working on a bill in your favor very soon, Echo."

Echo flushed, "Thank you, ma'am."

"Now, I want you two to meet her. It's kinda important you know. She's eager to meet you as well. There's a ball coming up here. She and I will be attending. Is it possible you'd be able to make it?"

Ella bit her lip. "I want to say yes. It's just that everything is kinda up in the air. Your husband probably knows better than we do."

Padme beamed, "Ah! It's so good to hear someone say that! I can't even say that about him. I finally have someone to talk to!"

Ella winked, "Right back atcha."

"So we also need to have a dress fitting," Padme said. "And we need to plan who is going to be in your bridal party and the food."

"I really wanna invite my best friend, Galene Ingrid. She's been close to me since we were in elementary school."

"Would you say she is trustworthy?"

Ella nodded. "Yes. I've actually written to her since the beginning. She's been incredibly excited for me."

Padme nodded and wrote something down. "Other than her?"

Ella shook her head. "Just my own family and the guys in the 501st. You, Anakin, and Senator Chuchi obviously. Obi Wan offered to officiate for us."

"What about food?"

Ella grinned. "What if it's a morning wedding? We serve muffins, bacon, you know, breakfast stuff!"

Padme clapped her hands, "And you know that everyone loves your cinnamon muffins there so nothing will be wasted. I can have someone make a cake. That won't be a problem. Do you have a Holotrest account?"

Ella nodded and gave her the information.

"Good. You have wedding ideas. I can go off of these easily," the woman exclaimed. "Alright. Well, I have to go now. I have dinner with Riyo in an hour. I can't wait to talk these over with her!"

"Thank you so much for doing this for us, Senator Amidala!" Echo exclaimed.

She waved her hand, "Please. Call me Padme. I think we of the secret marriage club are on a first name basis."

Echo chuckled, "Yes ma'am. Thank you!"

"Yes, thank you so much, Padme! And please tell Miss Chuchi the same!"

"I will! Have a wonderful evening!"

The hologram faded and the room was cast into the soft tones from the fairy lights once more.

"It's awfully nice of her to do this for us," Echo murmured.

Ella nodded. "It really is."

They remained in their spot for a few more seconds before Echo swept her up into his arms and carried her to the bed. "I missed snuggling with you," he said, climbing in with her and pulling her against him.

She sighed and cuddled into the familiar embrace, reaching out a hand to dim the lights a little. Echo's kiss on her forehead created a warm and fluffy feeling in her heart, and she squeezed him tightly.

"I love you, Ella," he slurred sleepily.

She sighed, "I love you, Echo."

•~§~•

It was twenty-three-hundred. Echo always came to bed at twenty-one-thirty at the latest.

Fives huffed and stood up, padding across the cold metal decking on bare feet. There was only one place he could be at this hour.

It took a few minutes for him to navigate his way to room H35. He knocked lightly, then once more. When no one came to the door, he entered the code and slipped inside.

The room glowed as if lit by a thousand tiny candles, all winking on and off one after another. Fives felt like he'd stepped back into Saleucami and was surrounded by thousands of glowy bugs. What were they called again? Something to do with lightning or fire?

He heard the soft breathing of his brother and tiptoed to the bed, a smirk on his face.

His prankster intentions immediately evaporated when he saw the couple in the small bed. Echo was completely curled around Ella's tiny figure, his hands securely around her slim waist and back. One of the girl's hands held his shoulder, and the other was wrapped behind his neck and held his head against her shoulder. Both their expressions were peaceful and faint smiles caressed their lips.

Fives took Ella's datapad and quickly snapped a picture, sending it to himself.

They're so cute!

Not wanting to interrupt that adorableness, he silently crept out again and back to the barracks.

"Did you prank them?" Jesse mumbled against his pillow as Fives crawled back in bed.

"No," Fives replied. "I couldn't wake them. I did get a cute picture of them though."

Hardcase yawned, "Show us to-OO!-morrow."

"Enough chatter," Kix growled. "Go to sleep before I sedate you all."

They laughed at his grumpiness but acquiesced.

"Goodnight vode," Fives muttered.

"Goodnight," the others replied.

Not long after, a chorus of snoring could be heard from the barracks, the soloist with the powerful lungs being Hardcase, the whistler being Jesse, and the mutterer… Fives.

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Mando'a Translations

Vheh a'oatr - earth angel

Shab'la - screwed up

Di'kut - idiot. Pronounced 'dee-koot.'

Vod'ika - little brother.

Vode - brothers. Pronounced 'voe-dee.'

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I hope y'all enjoy this chapter! Thank you again for the positive reviews!