Chapter Twenty-Eight

"Ugh! I give up!"

Ella turned to look at Rex, who had basically busted into her room unannounced. Which wasn't normal for him. He usually waited at the door until she came to it. But today he had frayed his last nerve of patience.

More like Krell did.

Rex slid down the wall and rested his forehead on his knees, "I can't keep track of Hardcase and Fives and Jesse. I know they're going to do something ingenious but crazy that could get them killed, and Krell is always breathing down my neck. When I asked the Maker for my General to cohere to the rules a little more, I didn't mean this! I meant the laws of physics and gravity! Not forcing his men to walk right into long-range missiles!"

He paused, then quieter,

"I just... I-I can't do this anymore! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I want Skywalker back! I'll even let him yeet me!"

Ella giggled at this statement and slowly plopped down beside him. "Gosh. Do you... want some tea?"

He nodded sullenly.

Ella moved to the mini water heater that she'd packed and took out tea bags while the water brewed.

"What else?" she asked, pouring the boiling liquid into disposable cups.

He shrugged, "They're going to fly up there tonight. I'm... I'm really worried. They might not make it... and if they do, they'll get in a lot of trouble. I don't think that Krell has ever heard of pulling punches. In fact, I think he's completely opposite. They could... they could be killed."

She sighed, "That's not good."

"I mean, I see where they're coming from. I actually... don't tell them I said this."

Ella nodded and handed him his tea, sitting beside him again.

He huffed, "It's not even the time or training. I think they can do it. I just... it's Krell. I don't want to lose them to him. To his stupidity. His malice. Ella... what if I can't protect my brothers from him?"

Ella set her tea down and took his hand, looking him in the eye. "Rex... I don't know. Truly. We don't know what will happen tomorrow, in an hour, or even in the next few seconds. But I do know that you're a man of integrity. And you will do what you know is right, no matter how difficult it is. I know you care for your brothers. But if something happens to anyone, that's not your fault. You can only protect someone as best as you can. You can do everything that you are capable of doing. Sometimes that's just not going to be enough and that's not your fault. That just means that it was out of your control, or beyond your capabilities to combat."

He sighed, rubbing his eyes, "I'm so tired of this, Ella," he admitted. "I'm so tired of all this fighting and all the pain and death. I'm tired of losing people I love, and watching them suffer helplessly, unable to do anything to help them. I just want it all to end!"

His lip quivered at this confession, his voice wobbling. And for the first time, Ella was struck by how young he really was. Rex was so young, and so heavy laden with all the stress and responsibilities of war. On top of that, people barely considered him to be sentient. How cruel it was that he was forced to live a life of violence when all he wanted was some peace.

She could easily imagine him as a builder or a craftsman, peacefully working away at a house or a speeder, or something of that sort. Maybe he'd be a farmer one day, spending his hours working with the sunshine on his skin, his only worries being those of a civvie's life.

Not whether or not he could defend his brothers against a inhumane jedi who was sending them all on a march into death.

Ella wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "I do too, Rex. Someday it will. Someday it will be all behind us and we can finally rest. Someday there won't be anymore killing, or death, or pain. Someday it will be beautiful, and more than we can imagine."

He leaned his head on her shoulder, sniffling. "Do you think that he'll let us in there too? The Maker?" he asked waveringly. "Will he let us into that beautiful place where there isn't any death? I mean, we're just clones. People say we have no soul to lose or be saved."

Ella shook her head, "How can that be true when you are living and breathing people? You're no droids. You're just as human as I am. You're a child of the Maker too."

"Really?" She heard the hopeful tears in his voice.

She nodded, "Yes. He loves you, Rex."

He let out a quivering breath, "I've never been anyone's child before. Not really. I've been a product of the Kaminoan government, a soldier. Never someone's child."

Oh, Rex...

Ella's heart broke for him, and she sniffled in her own tears, "You've always had a father who loves you. He says so."

"Really?"

She nodded, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

"The right?" he whispered, breathing a laugh, "We have no rights. Nowhere."

"If he says you have the right, no one has any authority to say otherwise. His word is higher than any general's, any chancellor's, any government official's. He has the right to adopt you in. And he calls you son. That's something that nothing can ever change."

Ella talked to him and answered his questions, telling him how the Maker loved him and made it possible that he could be with him if he died. That he was never going to leave him, and that he'd help him in the hard times. He'd guide him and tell him what to do. The thing she returned to most was that he loved him so much, he made it possible that Rex could be his son. His ad'ika. Precious and irreplaceable.

Rex was amazed, and sighed in relief at her words, "Thank you, Maker. Thank you for calling me your son. For making it so that I could be given that right," he prayed breathlessly.

She nodded, unable to speak. Through her heartache, she was able to feel joy for him. He'd found a place where no one would call him by number. No one would call him a lesser. He was son. Nothing could take that away.

"I think I can do it, Ella," he said bravely. "If I know he's always with me, and I'll never be cast out of his family, and that if I die in this battle, I'll be with him, and that I'll see my brothers again and see you again... I can face Krell. I can face him and even death."

She smiled and kissed his forehead, "He will never leave you. You will never be alone. I promise you. And he will guide you through the hardest times."

He hummed, "I have to go help prepare for the mission. The men will be wondering where I am."

She nodded, "Take your tea with you."

He smiled and stood, groaning and popping his back, "I will. Want a hand?"

She nodded and took his hand, letting him heft her to her feet. "Thanks. Standing and sitting take a lot of effort these days."

He chuckled, "If I had a watermelon attached to my stomach, I think I would find it hard to move around too."

She giggled, "More like waddle around." She groaned, "I'm like a bantha!"

"Ducks waddle. Everyone thinks they're cute," he pointed out consolingly. "Little baby ducks are cute and they waddle. Everyone loves them."

She hummed, grateful for his efforts at keeping her from loathing the weight she was carrying. "Thanks Rex."

"Anytime, grayi'r'ika. Anytime," he said, then bid her a good night's sleep, and went to help with supplies.

Ella put on a tee shirt and some flannel pajama pants, and crawled into the bed. It took a while to get comfortable, but when she'd finally contorted herself into what looked like the most grotesque but absolutely perfect position, she quickly fell asleep.

•~§~•

A knock woke her.

Ella groaned and considered some rather disgruntled words to describe to the disturber of her sleep just how slowly she would end him.

"Please, Ella... it's Dogma."

Dogma?

Ella sighed and slowly moved to her feet, waddling across the room to the door. "Yes?"

"Oh. I woke you, didn't I?" he whispered apologetically.

2 points for Captain Obvious.

"It's okay," she said. "What's wrong?"

He shifted uneasily. "Can I talk to you?"

She nodded and stepped out of the doorway, letting him in. "What's wrong?" She sat back on the bed and patted a space beside her.

He sat with her and sighed, biting his lip. "They did it."

"They destroyed the supply ship?" she asked excitedly.

He nodded morosely. "Yes."

She frowned, "Then what's wrong?"

"The General had Jesse and Fives thrown in the brig," he said slowly.

Her eyes widened, "How did Hardcase get let off the hook?"

His lips twitched, "Ella... he didn't make it back."

No.

Pain seared her heart as she thought of Hardcase. He was always so eager to help her, to include her in their fun. He'd always wanted to make her laugh, to make her feel better when she was sad.

One time when she had morning sickness, he had made her a 'get better soon' card. This prompted the rest of the men to follow his lead, and she was suddenly up to her ears in cards and little shows of admiration and appreciation.

Everyone I care about is being taken away, she thought fearfully. Oh, poor Hardcase!

"Ella?" Dogma asked quiveringly.

The girl looked at him and saw that he was desperately fighting back his own tears. The boy ducked his head abashedly and swiped at his eyes.

"I liked him too, you know," he mumbled shyly. "I know it probably comes as a surprise, because I'm so..." he shrugged, a broken look on his face. "But he was always... nice to me."

Ella squished him to her side and kissed his forehead softly. "I think he liked you too, Dogma."

"He did?" he asked, shocked.

She nodded, "Hardcase isn't... wasn't the type to just dislike someone for no reason."

"He had reason," the boy muttered.

"Trying to follow the rules isn't reason enough to hate you," she said. "He liked my husband, and Echo was the original stick in the mud."

Dogma sighed, "I wish I could have known him better."

"Hardcase?"

He nodded, "Yes, but... Echo too. Maybe he'd tell me..."

"Tell you what?" she prompted.

He hesitated, then shook his head. "It doesn't matter."

Just then his comlink chirped. He jumped and answered it. "Yes?"

"Dogma?"

"Yes, it's me."

"General wants a word with you."

Dogma stiffened, "M-Me?"

"Yes. Immediately."

He swallowed, "I'm on my way." He sighed, then stood, soldier mode taking over. "May I see you later, Ella?"

She nodded, "Yes. Anytime."

He nodded, then headed out.

Ella sat back on her bed, wondering why he'd been called away, and thinking about Hardcase's sacrifice.

"Well, Echo," she murmured, "your brother's coming home. You take care of him, you hear me?"

She knew better than to even hope for some sort of reply.

She stood up and began to dress. It was supposedly morning. It was hard to tell when Umbara was always covered in a thick mantle of darkness.

Then her comlink chirped.

Ella pulled her sweater dress over her head and shuffled over to where she'd left it on the bedside table. "Hello? It's Ella."

"Ella..."

"Rex?"

He sighed heavily, "Please get over here as soon as possible. Something horrible is happening, and I can't do anything to stop it."

"I'll be right there. Where are you?"

"Heading towards the landing field at the back of the tower. Ella... please!"

She'd never heard him sound so afraid and helpless before. It frightened her, and she didn't know what to expect. "I'm coming."

Ella threw the comlink into her pocket and walked as fast as she could towards the back of the tower. From a distance, she saw a line of men standing with guns at the ready. Someone was commanding them.

She got a little closer and gasped.

The prisoners were Fives and Jesse.

No!

Breaking into a cautious jog, she tried to quicken her pace.

Fives started speaking to them. She couldn't hear everything, just bits and pieces, and it was hard to piece them together when she was so focused on just moving quickly without hurting her baby.

She knew she'd never get there on time, and her fears were proven true when the person charged with the execution threw his arm ahead of him, and cried, "Fire!"

"Stop!" she screamed.

But it was too late. The whole line had already shot.

Rex caught Ella and eased her to the ground, somehow knowing that her knees were weak.

"I can't look, I can't!" she breathed, her voice choked and pained.

"Ella... look!"

"Rex, I can't—"

"What... what happened?" Dogma asked.

The sound of the guns clattering to the ground is what finally forced her eyes open. She gasped.

They were alive!

Rex stood and stepped up next to his younger brother, "They're doing the right thing, Dogma; because if this is how a soldier is rewarded for heroic actions, then one day, every man in this battalion may face a similar fate. Take off their binders!"

"No!" Dogma protested. "We have orders! We have to go through with this!"

"Good luck finding anyone to do it," Rex whispered, a mix of disgust and sadness in his voice as he went to Jesse and Fives.

Ella tried to stand, and suddenly she was lifted under the arms to her feet.

"Thank you."

"Anytime, Ella," Tup said, shaken.

"You going to be okay?" she asked.

He nodded, staring at the two he almost executed with wide, haunted eyes.

"Hey..." she said, "it's okay. They're alive. You didn't hurt them."

He sucked in a harsh breath and slowly let it out, "Why did he pick us? Why was it me and Kix who were in the firing squad? Why did it have to be like that?"

She shook her head, leaning towards him and hugging him, "I don't know."

Over his shoulder, she glimpsed Dogma. No one else had seemed to notice that he hadn't moved from the spot before the empty space where the squad had been. He continued to stare out into the emptiness, a terrified look in his eyes. His hands were shaking and he fisted then together, trying to stop.

"The General wants to see you and Dogma in the tower," someone said.

Rex nodded, "Come on, Dogma. Krell wants a word."

He didn't move.

"Dogma? Hey. Come on! You've been given an order!" Rex tried again.

This time he snapped out of his thoughts and turned to follow.

Ella watched them go, noting that Dogma didn't walk beside him, or even slightly behind, at his shoulder. As he got closer and closer to the tower, he moved closer to following him, his body shielded by Rex.

Hmm, Ella thought, scrutinizing his increasingly anxious body language. Something is really wrong.

•~§~•

Rex was very confused by Dogma's steadily rising nervousness, and especially how he hadn't appeared to even hear him until he was ordered.

When they entered the front doors, one of the guards said, "Back already, Dogma?"

Already?

Dogma just shrugged and continued onto the elevator.

"Is he okay?" the guard asked Rex.

Rex shook his head, "I don't know."

The ride up was quiet. Uncomfortably so. Dogma was almost completely behind him, though a foot or so away. He hadn't spoken, or tried to. He just stared at his feet, shivering.

It's kinda cool, but not cold in here, Rex thought worriedly. What's going on?

Maybe it was because of how he'd tried to push the orders? Maybe because he just witnessed and had to partake in something traumatizing, and his shock and gumption to follow orders were head butting?

There's too many possibilities and not enough time to probe.

The doors opened and Rex led the way. Out of his peripheral, he saw that Dogma tightened, his eyes avoiding the General.

Rex's stomach churned; he didn't like this. None of his or anyone else's men should ever be afraid of their general. Not like this.

"You wanted us, sir?" Rex asked, not letting his voice waver at all. He had to be brave for Dogma.

"I ordered those clones to be destroyed," he growled, turning and grabbing his shoulder, getting up in his face menacingly, "You are making a mistake by crossing me, clone."

I have had it with his disrespect. He can't intimidate me.

Rex looked right up into his eyes and confidently declared, "It's Captain... sir."

Krell snarled; he'd gotten the message.

"General!" Rogue interrupted. "There's an incoming transmission."

"Put it through," he bit out.

The blurred image of one of his men knelt before them, hovering in the air as he gave them some disturbing information.

Umbarans in clone armor? That wasn't good.

"Looks like you have your stay of execution... for now," Krell hissed brusquely.

He walked past him and Dogma, who shrunk back a little, towards the door. Again, the knot of unease tightened in Rex's stomach.

"Lock the traitors in the brig, and prepare your platoons to move out immediately! We need to preempt the enemy by hitting them now with everything we've got. We're finally going to take the Capital. And Captain," he turned slightly to face him, "make sure the troops are aware that the enemy may disguise themselves as clones, to try to trick us."

"I will, sir," Rex agreed.

When the elevator began its descent, he glanced over at Dogma. He hadn't even looked at Krell during the entire briefing, and was studying the blank wall beside him.

The younger man felt his worried gaze and slowly, hesitantly, met him with his own. For a moment, Rex saw fear and pain in his eyes, then the shields slammed down and he turned his head back to the wall, not looking his way for the duration of the ride.

Rex sighed. Something was horribly wrong, of that he was sure.

They stepped off the lift, and everyone froze. Ella was standing by Jesse and Fives, and all the men were surrounding them protectively.

"We need to move out immediately," Rex said, trying to calm the high tension rolling off his men in waves. "The Umbarans have ambushed a platoon and made off with weapons and armor. We can't let them reach this base, and if we hit them hard enough, we may be able to seize the Capital as well."

Ella made direct eye contact with Krell, then Rex. He read her message and shook his head slightly. She relaxed, squeezing her friends' shoulders in assurance.

"Lock those two back in the brig," Krell ordered. "We have no time now for an execution, but do not be deceived; we will later."

Ella glared daggers at him, daring him to try. The sight warmed Rex's heart. It wasn't every day that someone cared this much about him and his brothers. They were just clones, after all.

No, he reminded. Remember what she told you. We are so much more than expendable.

"Officer," Krell said.

Dogma flinched. "Sir?" he answered quietly.

"I have a matter I must discuss with you immediately." He turned, indicating that the boy was supposed to follow.

Rex could almost swear he watched his face pale until it matched the white of his armor.

"Yes sir," was the barely audible reply.

And he slid his helmet over his head and did as he was ordered.

Rex watched his forced steps until they disappeared around the corner. He waited, then followed stealthily.

When he reached the corner, he stuck his head around and saw... no one.

Rex looked around desperately. Where could they have gone so quickly?

But it was no use. They weren't there, and in the rush of people getting ready, no one would have noticed the General and Dogma.

He groaned, slumping back against the wall and shut his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to think around the flaring distress.

There was nothing he could do as of right now. He had his own orders to follow, and an impending battle to fight.

Sighing heavily, he kicked off the wall and trudged back to his men. Ella looked at him sharply, asking without words where Dogma was. He sighed, letting his shoulders slump. She bit her lip. Clearly she understood.

"I know this is just about the worst timing imaginable," Rex addressed his men gravely,"but the Umbarans don't care about the inner workings of our company, except to take advantage. We've been given intel that they are amassing in our own armor with our weapons. Ella," he said, "can you stay with Fives and Jesse until we return?"

Ella nodded, "Absolutely."

"Call if…" Kix pleaded, trailing off as if he couldn't bear to even think of something going so horribly awry.

"I will," she promised.

Rex sighed, then looked around. "Alright. Let's get moving, boys."

Ella escorted Fives and Jesse back to the brig. Rex wished he could spare more men to guard them all.

What good could they do against Krell if he really lost it though? he thought worriedly.

It wasn't until they were marching off base that Dogma finally came falling into line.

"What took you so long?" Vaughn asked teasingly.

Dogma shrugged and didn't respond verbally.

"The General needed a word," Rogue filled in.

"Sir," Chopper murmured to Rex, "I don't know what happened, but… I'm concerned about Dogma."

The captain nodded, "So am I. But we have to focus on the mission for now. The sooner we finish this battle, the sooner our real general can return."

"I never thought I'd say this," Kix huffed, "but Skywalker is easy to deal with, and I'd take him any day. Especially over Krell."

"Yeah," Rex agreed. "Let's just… let's get this finished. I'm ready to go back to the Resolute."

"Sir, yes sir," Chopper said teasingly.

•~§~•

Ella was getting terribly sleepy. Ayah was finally giving her some time to rest. A precious break in all the madness.

She looked over at Fives and Jesse, leaning against each other as they snored loudly. She smiled. They trusted her so implicitly to keep them safe, even with a nightmare of a general so near at hand. A general who was set on ending their lives.

She sighed and shut her eyes. She wouldn't give into her wish for rest. No. She'd just let herself feel peaceful for just this moment; like a breath of air in the eye of the storm.

Her comlink blipped, and she answered it quickly. "You've reached Ella."

"El-Ella?" a broken voice stuttered. She heard a wet snuffle.

"Yes?"

Another snuffle, "It's Tup. Something… something really bad happened."

She swallowed. "What is it, sweetheart?"

He let out a broken sob and breathed fast, trying to calm down. "We… we killed them!"

"What?"

"The… the 212th! We… he lied, Ella! He lied!" the boy cried. "He sent us to kill our own brothers! I… I shot my own brothers, I-I… I killed them!"

Tears flowed down Ella's cheeks and the comlink fell from her shaking fingers, clattering against the ground. She was thankful that she wasn't standing, or else her legs would've given out.

"Ella?" Fives asked, wide awake.

"Ella, what's wrong?" Jesse begged.

She shook her head, "Krell… he's lied to us. He sent them and the 212th into a friendly fire. He… oh!" She picked up the comlink, "Tup? Are you still there? I'm sorry, I dropped it."

He sighed, "It's okay. I… we're almost there. Can you go get Fives and Jesse their armor? They'll need it. We're going to arrest him."

"What else can I do?" she asked, standing to her feet.

"Stay with them. And be on the lookout. If he has any idea we know, you'll be a target. He's a traitor, Ella. We're all positive of it. He wouldn't hesitate to hurt you. The only reason he hasn't so far is probably just to keep his cover."

"Ok. Be safe, Tup."

"I will," he promised, then the line went flat.

"Well," she said, "I'm going to go get y'all's armor. Stay put."

"What do you expect us to do? Use the force?" Jesse asked, trying to find some humor in this horrible and morbid situation.

"Be careful," Fives begged.

"I will," she said, and quickly descended.

When she got to the bottom, she unholstered her blaster and kept to the walls and shadowy places, sneaking towards the barracks.

She was about twenty yards away, when someone grabbed her from behind, pulling her back. Ella screamed into a cupped, gloved hand. She flailed and kicked, stamping in a booted foot with all her might.

"Ella! Stop! It's me!" a familiar voice hissed.

What? Back already?

Ella stopped fighting and turned, breathing a sigh of relief, "Rex, don't do that! I thought you were—"

"Much shorter and more armored than Krell?" he finished.

She blushed, "You came up and grabbed me from behind. Your fault."

He rolled his eyes, "I'm gonna walk you to the barracks. The men are assembling below the tower between it and the woods, just in case."

She nodded and followed him inside.

After retrieving the armor, they were faced with the more difficult task of getting back to the brig.

Krell could be anywhere. Watching. Waiting. Didn't force-users know things and read emotions? Oh, stang, he probably already knew they were coming!

Rex opened Jesse and Fives' cell and handed them blasters. They took them and gratefully accepted the rest of their armor from Ella.

Suddenly, Rex looked uneasy.

"Rex? What's wrong?" Ella asked.

He sighed, "I'm sorry, Ella."

Her eyes widened, then she found herself lifted off her feet, and inside the cell her friends had just occupied. Rex tossed a blaster to her right before Kix locked her in.

"Hey!" she screamed indignantly, bearing on the opaque walls. They actually took a step back and flinched.

Rex shook his head, "I'm sorry, Ella. But you have to be locked in here. It's the safest place for you right now."

She humphed, crossing her arms and glaring at him, "Well you could've just told me that instead of springing it on me! I'm not completely unreasonable!"

He looked sheepishly down at his boots, "Forgive me; I thought you would be more inclined to argue about it, seeing as you're so protective of the men."

"My boys."

"Huh?"

She shrugged, "I claim you all. You're mine. End of story. Continue apologizing, it's getting interesting."

He snorted, "Hopefully we can get you out of there soon. Just until he is captured. I don't want him taking you as a hostage. Or worse."

Ella sighed and nodded, "Just be sure to bring him in quick."

He nodded. "Be prepared just in case."

She nodded again and sat back, watching as the elevator lowered and took them away. Ella prayed she'd see them again.

It was weird, sitting in a cell like a criminal, surrounded by Umbarans who were all staring at her. Though not all of them were glaring.

There were a few who were simply interested.

Suddenly, the lift descended and she gasped.

Dogma was handcuffed between two troopers, one 501st and the other 212th. The boy wouldn't meet her eyes, shrinking back into himself, his head hung with shame. He stepped in the cell beside hers without a fight.

"What happened?" she asked.

"He tried to stop us from going after Krell," a 212th man sneered.

"Called us all traitors," the other of his two escorts.

Dogma shrunk back against the wall, almost in a fetal position.

They didn't stay or give more information, but made sure he was secure and left with nods to Ella.

Immediately after their exit, he buried his face against his legs.

There was silence as Ella scooted over to the wall closest to him, laying her hand against it. It felt funny, like a strange, liquid fuzz.

"Dogma..." she breathed.

His breath hitched.

"Honey..." she murmured, "Dogma, what happened? Please help me understand."

He struggled to keep himself composed, then answered, "I am a coward."

She didn't comment, though she wanted to. He was talking.

"I was scared of going against Krell, and I wanted to stop them too," he gritted out. "I didn't want... you care about the Captain, and Fives, Jesse, and Tup. I just wanted..." he trailed off.

"You just wanted to protect the people you love," she finished for him.

He nodded miserably. "Everyone hates me, Ella," he lamented. "I don't think even Tup wants anything to do with me anymore, and I can't blame him. Back on Kamino, I was always different from the others. I always agreed with command, and they wanted to try something new. But they still liked me."

He took a steadying breath, as his voice had begun to tremble more than he liked, then continued carefully.

"I didn't want it, Ella," he confessed. "I never wanted… with the firing squad. I didn't want to be the one in charge. But... but I couldn't say no! He ordered me to!"

"Oh?"

He nodded, "He said I must or—" He stopped abruptly, eyes widened as if he'd divulged something he shouldn't have. The next moment, his face went scarily blank as he shut down, turning away from her.

"He threatened you," she stated. "But he didn't just threaten... he hurt you."

He shrunk further.

Ella sighed sadly. She'd had a feeling that this was it. That Krell had done something

"Dogma," she begged, not moving away from the window.

He didn't respond.

She sighed, "I know you don't think it's true, but your brothers do love you. Rex, and Jesse, and Fives, and Kix, and yes... even Tup. I know they do."

She paused, hoping that he'd turn around and face her. He didn't.

"I know you feel like you don't deserve to be loved by them after what happened," she tried. "I understand that. But you are. Dogma, I think that you are a wonderful person, and a good friend. Sometimes you find it hard to fit in... just like my Echo did. But that doesn't make you an outcast."

"I called them traitors," he admitted softly.

"And I'd bet they've already forgiven you."

"Why?" he asked desperately. He risked a glance over his shoulder. Dogma's golden-brown eyes sparkled with tears and he shook his head. "I'm just defective. Why would they?"

The girl smiled and whispered sincerely, "Because that's what you do when you care about someone. You forgive. You fight and you quarrel, and you'll mess up, but you forgive. And you make things better together."

He sniffled, "Maybe for others, but they wouldn't waste their forgiveness or their time on me."

She bit her lip. "Dogma... you could never be more wrong, about yourself, and about how much they'd do to prove to you they care."

He didn't reply anymore, keeping his face safely out of view, unable to hold her compassionate gaze.

Ella rested her head against the wall and shut her eyes, praying that soon, everything would be okay again. That her friends would return with Krell and they could finally be finished with this terrible world of darkness.

•~§~•

"Ella... come on, sweet girl... wake up."

"Echo?" she murmured.

A sad sigh was her response as she opened her eyes. It was Rogue.

"Sorry, Ella," he said. "Came to tell you that we got him and we need you out of this cell now."

She nodded and took his hand, standing up. "Thank the Maker."

Rex, Fives, and Jesse all maneuvered the seven feet of scoundrel into the cell then locked him up.

"Ehh..." Jesse said uneasily, "should we sit him up or something?"

"Why?"

"Does that position look comfortable to you?" he asked.

Ella giggled as she had to agree. Krell was face down on the floor with his behind in the air, his neck twisted at a ridiculous angle.

"Let him rest," Fives snorted. "Besides... I think he deserves a crick in his neck after all the pains he's put us through."

"Um..." Ella cleared her throat, "Do y'all mind taking me up? Please?"

"Why?" Fives asked obliviously.

Rogue shook his head, "She means, there's no 'fresher in here."

"AND I want to see the injured!" she pleaded. "How many injured, by the way?"

"He cut off Winter's leg," Rex said.

"That piece of bantha—"

"Okay!" Fives interrupted. "Um, Ayah has little ears?"

She sighed, "I think he did it just to spite me. Who else?"

"Almost everyone has some kind of injury. We've got a lot of stab wounds. Lot of spinal injuries that will likely need to be better treated in the medbay back on the Resolute," Rex informed dutifully. "Broken ribs and the like. Basically an assortment. Wander, Vutyc, and Kix are up to their eyebrows in there, so they'd likely appreciate the help."

Jesse started the lift and grabbed Ella as it began its drift upwards, steadying her.

"I... I talked to Dogma," Ella murmured.

"Oh?" Rex asked.

"He didn't confirm anything, but," she hesitated, "I believe he was threatened, then... hurt in some way."

"I think the same," Rex sighed. "What makes you sure?"

"When I brought it up, he froze up and turned away. It was like he just... turned off."

The occupants of the elevator all shared a collective sigh.

"I want to kill that... that demagolka!" Fives exclaimed, his fists clenched.

"I think we all do," Rogue agreed.

"Um..." Ella cut in as they stepped off the lift. "There was something else that I think you should know."

"What's that?" Rex asked.

"He believes he's defective."

Everyone stilled.

"And," she continued, "that everyone hates him."

No one moved or spoke for a long, taut moment.

Then Fives found his voice.

"Because of being a by-the-book kid?" He scoffed, "He is nothing compared to how Echo was at his age. At least he doesn't spew regs when he's angry."

"I think it's partly that," she agreed, "but also his involvement with Krell. Being in charge of the firing squad... calling you traitorous and attempting to stop you."

"We can't hate him," Jesse said. "I'll admit that I was a bit shocked that he'd press the execution. But if it's like you say, and he was afraid of being hurt by Krell... but why wouldn't he say anything?"

"Because he doesn't think anyone would care enough to help," Rex supplied. "We need to have a talk with him. That kind of mindset is what makes a trooper stop dodging the blasts fired at him, or, when that doesn't work, resort to doing the enemy's job themselves."

"I agree," Ella said. "But may I go check the injured and take advantage of a 'fresher first?"

He nodded, cracking a tired smile, "Absolutely."

"Sir!" a young voice called.

"Tup. How is it all in the medbay?" Rex asked as his younger brother ran up and skidded to a stop before him.

"They need Ella," he panted. "There's something wrong with Charge. He was breathing fine a minute ago, and now, with difficulty."

"Alright. She's on her way," Rex said, turning to head back into the brig.

"If you'd let me, sir!" Tup began, following him. He stopped when faced with his captain's attention, shifting nervously.

"Yes, Tup?"

"May I... may I go with you?" he tried quietly. "I... I want to see Dogma. I don't feel good about... I just have a bad feeling, sir."

Rex nodded, "Rogue, would you mind escorting Ella to the medbay?"

He nodded, "Right away, sir."

Ella followed him into the medbay, bracing herself for the onslaught of pain and fear that nearly always came with it after battles or skirmishes.

It was a good thing she did.

Nearly every relatively uninjured man was trying to nurse a badly injured brother. Which meant about half of them. Kix was frantically working over Charge, who was turning blue in the face from lack of oxygen.

Elk hurried to him. "Charge, it's Ella. Do you hear me, honey?"

His eyes locked on her and he tried to speak, but couldn't around his panicked gasps. Ella noticed droplets of blood on his lips and face, and grabbed a clean rag to wipe it off.

"Shhh... it's okay, honey. Don't try to talk. Can you sign to Kix what is wrong? Do you have any idea?"

He made signals to his brother, who nodded and sighed in relief, spinning around to a medical tray and grabbing a plastic packet labeled PNEUMOTHORAX.

"He says it's his chest. I hadn't had a chance to check him more thoroughly yet; he had broken ribs, but he was okay so I went to help with one of the guys with lightsaber wounds," Kix explained. "I looked back and he's coughing up blood and gasping on the floor."

"So it's a puncture?"

"Something had to make that lung collapse, and I'm betting one of his ribs has been slowly puncturing this whole time," he replied, opening the little container.

Charge saw the huge needle and his eyes widened. He shook his head desperately, trying to back away.

"Charge," Ella soothed, taking his hand and gently applying pressure to his collarbone to urge him to lay back on the biobed. "I know. I know this isn't what either of us wants, but this will help you breathe easy again. You're going to be okay."

His hand reached out wildly and she caught his hand. Carefully, she hefted herself onto the bed and pulled his head into her lap... or as far into it as he could get. Her womb was swollen with the growth of her baby, and it was getting so she could forgo using tables as it was a perfect substitute.

"This won't be easy, Charge," Kix said in his 'medic mode' tone. "But you must stay still. I don't want to hurt you worse, and you need air."

He nodded at this, and made another sign.

"Yes. After I get this done, I'll give you something for the pain," Kix nodded. "Just stay still and it will be over before you know it." He nodded to Rogue, and lowered his voice, "If he can't stay still, I'll need you to hold him down."

His brother nodded grimly, and stood to the side, taking Charge's other hand.

The patient tightened his grip intensely as the medic inserted the needle. His mouth opened wide as if to scream but he couldn't without air. Instead his face crumbled and screwed up tight, his whole body trembling from head to toe as he fought his flight instincts.

Ella ran her fingers through his hair and spoke soothingly, telling him everything was going to be okay, that he was so strong, that it was almost over.

Kix stood up and hooked the little tube connected to the needle to a plug in the wall and flipped a switch.

Charge took a huge inhale of breath as a tear spilled from each eye, relief painting over pain across his expression. Ella wiped the tears away and kissed his forehead.

"See? You did it, Charge. You did it. It's all over now. Doesn't that feel so much better?" she cheered sweetly.

He managed a watery smile and nodded, "Th-Thank you."

She and Kix smiled.

"You're welcome, vod'ika," the medic replied, injecting his thigh with a strong painkiller. "That should tide you over for a while."

The last remnants of pain left the boy's face and he relaxed against Ella. His hand unclenched from hers and deftly rested upon the round belly propping his head up.

"M'okay Ayah. Sleep tight," he slurred.

She smiled, "She's been much kinder on me today. I think it takes more effort for her to move around now, with her being so close to fully developed."

He yawned and nodded, "She'll be sweet, just like you."

This made her flush and she kissed the complimenter's cheek, spreading the bloom to his own face as he beamed in ecstasy.

"You should get some rest," she advised

Charge was already tired out, and quickly complied with her suggestion.

Ella reluctantly slid down and hurried to the 'fresher, then back to help again.

Winter grabbed her attention first, as she passed by. Literally. His hand flew out and grabbed her wrist desperately.

Chopper was applying a thick coagulant to his gushing wound, his face furrowed with focus and determination.

The poor boy on the stretcher whimpered, and breathed, "I'll take your medicine now."

Ella held him close and pecked his cheek, "Shh... it's okay."

"Please. It'll... it-it-it'll fix th-this... right?"

Ella looked down at his leg and shut her eyes. It was severed completely below the knee.

"Honey, I'm not sure even my medicine can do that," she said sadly.

His lip quivered and he held on tighter as Chopper finished and wrapped his stump thickly with bandages. "I'm... I'm gonna be reconditioned. They'll take me away and I'll be used for what's left of me! I don't... I don't want- I can't—" he couldn't speak around his hyperventilating and terrified sobs.

"No. No, that won't happen," she asserted. "That won't happen!"

He didn't try to argue, but just clung to her and shivered in fear.

"You won't be reconditioned, Winter," she swore. "Not while I still breathe."

Chopper returned with a mask and grunted, "Morphine. Until we can put him in bacta."

She nodded, "Sweetie, we have something for you that'll take the pain away."

He cautiously untucked his face from her neck, then saw the mask. He looked up at her, eyes pleading piteously.

"I promise, Winter," she said. "We won't let that happen to you."

He sighed shakily and let Chopper cover his face with the mask. In a few seconds, he'd slipped into a deep sleep.

"Thanks, Ella," her friend sighed. "This has been one hell of a day... or night... or whatever."

She smiled and shrugged, "It has. But it's not over yet."

She continued working on the boys until things were relatively under control. The minor injuries were given attention, and the major ones were either resting or being submerged in bacta as soon as the opportunity arose.

Ella was just bandaging up Ego's ribs, when her comlink chirped at her.

"Yow!" he yelped, his hands tightening on his white and orange thigh plates.

"Sorry," she whispered, finishing the job quickly. She eased him down to a reclining position, then walked a distance and answered it. "It's Ella!"

"Ella, it's Tup."

Ella smiled, "Hey, Tup. What's up?"

"We're going to execute Krell, I thought you should know."

Ella gasped. "I'll be right there."

"Ella, they said you shouldn't—"

"Rex is the one with the most authority to do this, and even with that, he could be reconditioned. There's no way I'm not going to be with him," she said.

He sighed. "Alright. I told them to wait for you."

"Thanks Tup. You come in here and see what can be done to help."

"Almost forgot. Kenobi took the Capital and the remaining Umbarans are heading here, so everyone is gearing up."

"That would explain the fact that there's barely anyone in here anymore," she mumbled. "I'm on my way there."

"I see you," he said. The line dropped as she waved at him.

"Be careful out there, okay?" she said, stepping into the lift with Jesse, Fives, and Rex.

He nodded, "Will do, Ella."

Then the doors closed and they began their descent.