Chapter Thirty-One
"You ready?" Ahsoka asked, hands on her hips beneath the huge brown robe. The massive material swallowed her tiny form, giving her a strange and slightly frumpy appearance, like a child trying on their parent's clothing.
Ella nodded, "You kidding? I've always wanted to try this!"
Rex and Anakin chuckled, "Why didn't you say?"
She shrugged, "We already had one incident."
They laughed in remembrance. It didn't hurt to think of Hardcase now. Not too much. He was such a lively character, full of life and energy. He hated sadness. Remembering him with smiles on their faces and laughter bubbling from their lips was the best way to honor him.
"I doubt you'd have the same scenario, Ella. You have a calmness that he needed," Rex winked.
She smirked. "I sure hope so!"
"Well, we're about to find out," Obi-Wan said amusedly.
Axe nodded at Ella as he came to a standstill beside her, "You'll do just fine. Just remember the training—"
"—but I didn't have any training!" she giggled.
He chuckled, "Forgot you weren't a brother for a minute there." Then he sighed. "Just jump close to the jedi; they will look up to make sure you aren't free falling." She could feel his narrowed eyes even through the slit of the helmet.
Anakin nodded, "We sure will. And I doubt Rex here would let her plummet."
"Oh, but where's the fun in that, right General?" Rex smirked at his CO.
Anakin rolled his eyes. "I can still give you a head start, Rex." He lifted his hand.
The captain shook his head, "No thank you, sir. I can manage just fine on my own, thank you very much."
Ella giggled and shook her head at her friends' antics. Then she jumped when through the speakers, Hawk reported, "This is Valkyrie 2929, we're comin' up on the drop zone."
"Go! GO! GO!" Axe cried.
Anakin led the charge, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan only milliseconds behind. Rex nodded to Ella then leapt off, igniting his jet pack as he slowly descended.
The girl nodded to her friend, who saluted her as she took the plunge. Her jet pack ignited and she fell gently before landing in a nearly graceful manner with her friends.
Nearly graceful because she accidentally cut the engines five feet above the ground and landed in a heap, looking a little stunned.
Ahsoka giggled.
"What?" she asked in confusion.
The other two jedi were trying not to laugh.
The ground moved beneath her with a groan. "Ella, if you don't mind, please get up," the lumpy, bony mass grumbled.
Ella flushed and stood quickly, helping her loyal friend to his feet.
"Sorry," she said bashfully.
He shrugged, "You're not heavy unless someone drops you in midair with a thirty pound jet pack. Don't be concerned. I'm fine."
Anakin nodded to them. "We should get moving then before we all decide to dogpile you, Rex ol' boy."
The Captain just cracked his own back and rolled his neck, then followed him into the underbrush, pulling Ella with him.
"Huh?" she questioned.
"You aren't leaving my line of sight until I get you back on the Resolute, missy!"
She just nodded and followed him.
The wind tenderly fingered through her hair, the night sky reflecting off of Rex's goggles as Ella followed him through the rustling trees. Stars beyond number glittered across the Maker's canvas, a background of violet and periwinkle showcased for the mortal eye's wonder.
The rapid approach of skidding hoofbeats alerted her to another being's presence.
"Stay where you are!" a female voice ordered.
Ella flinched and Rex pulled her behind him as another rider stopped their dalgo directly in front of them.
"Identify yourselves," the woman continued.
Anakin threw back his hood and Ella had to roll her eyes at his drama. She'd swear on a basketful of chocolate that he would kill himself just for the dramatic effect.
"It's alright. We're friends," he said, slowly raising his head with a deceptively serene smile.
"Jedi!" the girl breathed.
Obi-Wan and Ahsoka chose that moment to drop down from above. Rex chuckled.
"Drama kings... and queen."
Ella giggled softly in agreement.
"I'm Commander Tano," Ahsoka said, all business. "We're here to help you take back your planet."
"My name is Steela," their acquaintance stated. "I'll guide you to our secret base."
Her eyes floated across the new faces as the hoods were removed and the clone and second girl stepped out of the shadows.
"I'm Master Skywalker," Anakin continued the introductions, choosing to ignore his master's snort of disagreement. "This is Master Kenobi, the man in grey is Captain Rex of the 501st Battalion. And the little woman behind him is our dear friend and fervent medic, Ella Starrow."
Ella nodded respectfully.
Steela reciprocated then expressed her honor at meeting 'such renowned soldiers and courageous tag alongs.' Then she turned and dismounted, leading the five through the thick underbrush.
Rex pulled Ella beside him. "Not a second out of my sight."
She just shook her head and giggled again. "You are incorrigible, you know that?"
He proved her wrong by maturely sticking his tongue out. An age-old tactic that never failed.
Ella rolled her eyes and sighed, "Rapscallion. Incorrigible rapscallion, that's what you are."
Steela, who had been walking before them and was now suddenly just behind, quirked her brow, "I thought it was illegal for clones to have romantic relationships."
Rex and Ella made a face, then glanced at each other and burst out laughing.
"You think..." Ella huffed, "I'm... with him?!"
"And that I'm with her?!" Rex wheezed.
"EWW!" they both chorused.
Steela looked confused, and blushed, "I... apologize for jumping to conclusions. You just seemed so close."
Ella nodded, "There's no offense taken. Rex and I share the bond of a brother and sister. I look after him, he looks after me. Especially the latter. That seems to be his new favorite hobby."
"And we tease each other plenty," he cut in. "She kinda became everyone's sister waiter being a part of our battalion for a little while."
"Really?" Steela asked.
He nodded.
The girl hummed under her breath, then continued to lead them forward through the thickly tangled forest.
The light of the rising sun was amber bright as it wafted towards them and washed golden over their bodies, like a warm blanket to chase away the slight chill of the long night and the light dew that had been sprinkled on their shoulders.
A clearing was visible as the foliage thinned out, and Ella breathed a sigh of wonder as a pterodactyl-like creature came to rest on a giant stone archway. A young man was astride it, staring down at them intensely.
"Hm. A little rough around the edges, wouldn't you say?" Obi-Wan remarked as he took in the rebels who were gawking at them.
"That's why I brought Rex," his padawan quipped.
"They're not exactly what I'd call shiny sir, but I can work with them," Rex sighed amiably.
Ella gasped along with Ahsoka as the large winged creature departed flew in a wide circle, then landed gracefully before them, allowing its rider to dismount. Up close, she could find easy resemblance to the young woman who took her place at his side across from them. The same green eyes, his a sea green, as if someone had forged the waters of a tropical ocean into a precious jewel and set them in his eyes, sparkling recklessly with life. His left eyebrow was separated in two by a faint scar, running up towards ruffled black hair. His skin was a deep tan, like Steela's.
Brother and sister? she wondered.
"General Skywalker," he greeted, his voice a low pitch, smooth like a polished river rock.
"At your service," Anakin replied. "This is General Kenobi, Commander Tano, and Captain Rex."
Ella narrowed her eyes slightly. Was she invisible?
He chuckled, "Oh, and we must not forget Medic Starrow. Not that she seems willing to let me."
She just smirked, then elongated her smile into one resembling sweetness, greeting their hopeful trainee. "Pleasure to meet you, sir."
"We're looking forward to bringing the fight to those scrapping droids," he proclaimed passionately.
"Yes. All in good time," Obi-Wan said calmly. They'd get there, alright. After long and hard work. They were far from professionals.
"Saw. Saw Gerrera," he introduced chastely.
"He fashions himself as our leader, though no one-" Steela punched his arm in playful frustration, "-elected him."
"Well for now, we're in charge," Anakin said. "And there is much to learn."
•~§~•
Ella leant back against a tree as she watched her friend drill the hopeful soldiers-to-be. She had to smirk as she heard him yelling. He really was getting into it. Better still, he seemed to have relaxed and was really enjoying himself for the first time in months.
"You seem to be close with the clone," a silvery voice noted at her side.
Ella looked up to see a young man around Ahsoka's age, whose brown hair was falling into a chiseled face, brushing just slightly above eyes of steely blue, clear like a mirrored glass.
"Rex and I are very close. Brother and sister if you look past bloodlines," she said. "He's a wonderful soldier and a better man."
"Ahsoka said as much when I spoke with her on Raxus Secondus, before the death of my mother," he said, a strange, almost bitter note to his clear voice.
She frowned, "Lux Bonteri then."
"That I am. And you're Ella Starrow, who she considers a sister," Lux acknowledged. He turned back to watching the grey-fatigued captain who was currently urging on a pair as they ascended the cannon. "He makes it look easy."
"He's having fun for the first time in ages. The flip was a little over the top," Ella said. "And besides, he's trained since infancy for it. You're just beginning. It takes time and practice. You're lucky you don't face the same threats he did if you fall down."
"What do you mean?" He sounded confused.
"Rex and his brothers are not given mercy. Any imperfection, mental, physical, emotional, or otherwise, is enough to send them to death or a worse fate still," she explained. "They serve tirelessly, not only because they believe it's the right thing to do, but because they have no other choice."
"Because they want freedom from the Separatists," he guessed.
"Yes, but it's more than that. Lux, if they do something their higher ups don't approve of, it is essentially a death sentence."
His eyes widened, "But the Republic pays them and gives them sentient rights!"
She shook her head. "Whoever told you that doesn't know what they're saying. He and his brothers have never had rights. There's not even rules against abuse in the GAR to protect them. It's the bonds of brotherhood that they cling to for protection and friendship. Not any bill to keep them safe."
"At least when the war ends, they'll live out their days in peace," he said, the bitterness creeping back in.
What's with him?
"For thirty years at most."
That did it.
"Thirty? But... they're only in their twenties!" he exclaimed. "Why would he not live to eighty, or longer?"
Did he know nothing of clones? "Because they were matured at twice the speed as normal humans. Their accelerated aging has cut their lifespans in half."
Lux's eyes filled with shocked sadness and he turned them back to the captain who was training his comrades. "How old is he?"
She bit her lip, "He's twelve."
"Twelve..."
"He's one of the oldest of his brothers. There are boys fresh off Kamino who are eight now."
"He's just a child."
"Only in some deep place that all of them are forced to hide. It's against the rules you know. Fear isn't acceptable for a soldier. At least for them. They weren't given mothers or fathers to help them along and show them love. They spent no childhood chasing their dreams. From the moment they could hold a gun, their journey to the battlefield began."
He shook his head, "Is there nothing that anyone has done to better their existence? No one has tried to find a cure?"
She shrugged, "Barely anyone sees them as people. I can't tell you how many times I've heard them referred to as meat droids. And still they go out and put their lives on the line, sometimes losing it or losing the ability to keep it due to injuries that the long necks find defective."
Ella was surprised to see that the boy's hands were clenched into fists.
"I want to be angry at them. I want to hate them. They're the ones who killed my father," he muttered.
"They were following orders. They never wanted to take your father from you."
"They never had one," he whispered. "At least I had parents who loved me." Then he sighed. "I cannot hate them, despite what happened to my father."
She nodded solemnly, "I'm sorry for your loss. And I think that Rex would say the same."
"Ella!" said friend called. "I need your help over here!"
She hummed and stood up, leaning against the tree for balance before jogging over to him.
Rex smiled as she came to a stop beside him. "This is Medic Ella Starrow, one of the finest we have in the 501st. Due to her tireless efforts and tender mercies, countless lives have been saved, both on and off the battlefield. Many of the boys I have the honor of leading owe their lives to her, and so do I."
Ella blushed at his praise. It was no secret that he and his brothers idolized her and were forever grateful for her presence. Still, hearing his words was a gift she was unable to thank as well as she wished.
"Never forget that the job of a medic is just as important as any other soldier. In fact, they will outrank you no matter how high up you are on the chain of command when it comes to your health. Give your medics respect. They deserve it. Ella will be showing you a bit on how to use a few medical tools and what situations should be handled a certain way."
Ella stared at the many eyes staring her down, and took a deep breath. Rex handed her her medpack and she nodded.
"Let's see what I can do."
•~§~•
Ella hugged Ahsoka tightly. She didn't want to leave her, but didn't have much choice. Anakin and Rex were both insistent that she come along.
"We almost lost you only a month ago. We aren't risking that again for some time with we can help it," Rex stated, his gaze daring any argument to occur.
So she was forced to surrender and was now wishing her friend a safe shield of protection to last until they met again.
"I'll be careful, Ella; I promise," she whispered against her shoulder.
"You better. I want to go get mani-petti's when we get back!" Ella said.
"Oooh yes! That's definitely worth staying safe for!" Ahsoka exclaimed.
The girls giggled as their masculine friends rolled their eyes.
"See you soon?"
"You betcha."
Then Ella turned and followed her friends back through the city.
"Girls," Rex grumbled. "I will never understand your fascination with putting color on your nails. It doesn't make any sense."
Ella giggled, "Someone woke up on the wrong side of the cot this morning and then missed coffee, didn't you?"
"Correction, I woke up on the floor because Gerrera doesn't know what personal space means and also likes to hog beds."
"Poor you!"
"Yeah. Eh, General, how were we supposed to get out of here?"
Anakin smiled, "Well let's just say I have a plan."
"I'm concerned," Ella muttered.
"That makes two of us," Rex agreed.
"Really, kids?"
"Kids?"
"KIDS?"
The jedi laughed.
"Well, Rex, you are twelve," Anakin smirked. "Technically you're the youngest here."
"Only in age, maybe," he grumbled. "But if we're talking maturity, I wasn't the one who shoplifted Dip'n'Dots."
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked in amazement.
The Hero With No Fear suddenly seemed to pale. "Master it was urgent."
"Right..." the one with more than enough brain cells to go around didn't believe a syllable.
Rex and Ella just worked their hardest not to burst out with laughter as they followed.
•~§~•
"Why am I doing this?" Ella asked as her friend brushed a tinge of pink across her cheeks, then stood back and grabbed an eyeshadow palette.
"Ella... I love you, and I admire how loyal you are. Your marriage was beautiful and Echo loved you and I'm happy you had that. But he wouldn't have wanted for you to stay alone forever," Galene said.
Ella sighed, "Allie, I don't know. It just doesn't feel right. And I don't think I can love someone again."
"That doesn't mean you shouldn't go and have fun. Look. You're twenty. You have your entire life ahead of you. Do you think Echo would've wanted for you to just say no to fun for the rest of your life?"
Ella shook her head, "I'll give it a try. But why aren't we just going to 79's?"
Galene shrugged,"Kix hasn't ever been to a club before. I want to show him a good time."
"We have a good time at 79's."
"And it's your comfort zone. You have to step out of it to actually move on, Ella."
But moving on from him feels so wrong.
Galene stepped back and put her hands on her hips. "You look good. Now come on! Put on that perfume that you love so much and let's go! My man's waiting!"
Ella pulled herself to her feet and smoothed her hands down the few wrinkles in the mid-thigh-length linen dress, thin navy and white stripes racing up and down it. Her eyes darted to the buttons that ran down from her chest to the hem of her dress. Her chest was bared slightly through the gap where Galene had insisted that she leave unbuttoned. The pump sandals gave her a few more inches
She stared at the girl in the mirror. She looked so different from the one she knew was hidden in her heart. The woman who still loved her husband. The one who couldn't reconcile not being married anymore. Didn't want to. Ever.
The two rings in the little dish on her vanity glinted and sparkled in the pale light. They seemed to be calling out to her. 'Ella! Don't forget him! Don't move on! A love like this isn't dime a dozen!'
Galene tugged her and pulled her away before she could reach out to their cries. With every footstep, something deep within her tore and burned like a frayed piece of fabric, fire lapping at the worn edges and singing them black and smoking.
Kix took Galene's hand as they stepped into the cab. "Hello gorgeous!"
"Hey handsome! You clean up nice!"
He scratched the back of his neck, blushing at her compliments. Ella had to admit that he looked nice in his long-sleeved sea green shirt and khaki slacks. A brown leather belt hugged his waist and a tan pair of oxfords were laced to his feet, complimenting the fedora that shadowed his eyes.
He slipped his arm around his girlfriend's waist and kissed her cheek. "You look absolutely stunning."
And she did too in her fitting pink satin dress, starry earrings bursting at her ears and around her throat. White pumps boosted her height so that she could stand almost eye to eye with the dashing man at her side.
"Where to, mister?"
"The lady will tell you," Kix replied.
"To Shaghouse Club, sir!" Galene said.
A few harried minutes later, they stepped out into the bright flashing lights of the club. Kix pulled Galene inside and Ella was towed along.
Not long after, she was sitting at a bar surrounded by shouts for more alcohol and people doing things she really wished they'd do other places.
Someone took a seat beside her and called the bartender. "Gimme a Scot Baipikk, on the rocks." Then he looked at her. A slow smile spread on his face. "Hello there, beautiful! How didn't I notice you there before?"
Ella swallowed hard. She wasn't sure about this. She was beginning to feel like she was around Tal Merrik again. Like cold fingers were creeping up her spine.
Maybe that was just nerves. It had been awhile since she'd been anywhere near this kind of thing after all.
"What's your name?" the man was fair headed with keen purple eyes. An easy aura was about him, like a manner that didn't dampen no matter the weather.
Maybe she could give this a chance. Getting to know someone couldn't hurt, could it?
"Ella," she said, hoping her voice came out louder than she'd heard.
"Sellak," he said, a hungry look in his eyes as he raked them over her form. Ok. He wasn't subtle. "You want a drink?"
She considered, then nodded, "Virgin Sadlie?"
He ordered and the bartender set it in front of her a moment later.
"So tell me about yourself, Ella!" Sellak said. "What do you do?"
She smiled shyly, "I'm a nurse."
"Oh? At the hospital?"
She shook her head, "Sorry I should've said I'm a medic. I work closely with the 501st."
His face remained neutral, "That's interesting."
"Yes."
"I personally run a small trade company."
"Oh? That sounds... interesting."
"Yes. Say would you like to dance?"
She balked, looking at the dancers who were writhing against each other like lust-frenzied animals under the strobing lights. It looked more like some native mating pool than a dance floor.
No I don't want to! her heart pleaded.
"Alright," she murmured, taking his hand.
All she remembered was the bright lights swirling, the bodies all around her pressing like breathing walls, dozens of hands reaching around and running over her as if they had the right. Just getting a breath of air was a task. Oxygen seemed scarce, choked by cheap perfume, sweat, and the stench of alcohol.
And she wanted out.
But she was supposed to be having fun, so what was wrong with her? Wasn't this supposed to be fun?
"Wanna head out?"
Sellak's voice pulled her out of her dazed stupor. And she found herself in another cab before she even remembered agreeing.
"Can't wait to get my hands on you," her acquaintance's voice rumbled at the nape of her neck.
Tears blurred her eyes and she felt her hands begin to shake. This wasn't right! Her stomach turned sour and every touch seemed to nauseate her more.
She wasn't sure how much more she could take. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
They stepped out of the cab and he led her onto an elevator, her back hitting the wall as the door closed.
"Sellak... I don't know about this," she fretted. The knot in her stomach was squirming.
"Just try, okay?" he growled irritatedly.
She nodded hesitantly, feeling dizzy and afraid as he lifted her up, hooking his elbows under her rear end, prompting her to wrap her legs around his waist. Her arms shakily rested about his shoulders.
His lips grabbed at hers and that was it. It crossed the line she knew was somewhere and had been too middle-minded to find.
Her body went slack and he gasped. "Ella?"
Tears rolled down her cheeks and she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Sellak! I thought I could do it! I thought I was ready to move on but I'm not! I can't!"
"What do you mean?"
She shook her head and picked her purse up off the ground. "I was married not long ago. He loved me so much and I loved him, but he died in an explosion and I miss him so much!"
"So you've been leading me on this whole time?" He sounded angry.
"I'm sorry, Sellak. I really am. I was trying so hard to move on and my friend thought I should try to have fun and find someone new."
"I can't believe this," he snapped.
The chime dinged and he got off.
"Just go," he growled. "You've effectively wasted my time. Dirty little bit—."
The doors closed before he could finish his hateful sentence and Ella held her purse to her chest as if it were a shield. Tears spilled down her face and she bolted as soon as the doors were open.
Her feet moved of their own accord, weaving between the throngs that all were wrapped up in their own little world, the sneering faces which flared at her, heedless of her pain and uncaring for her fear.
Up stairs she ran and around corners, stumbling helter-skelter and leaning against walls.
"Hello gorgeous!" a curling voice hissed.
"Go away!" she sobbed, and dashed away frantically.
"Hey, is that Ella?"
"Ella stop!"
Arms grabbed around her and she screamed, squirming to escape. "LET ME GO! PLEASE STOP!"
"Ella, it's me! It's Rex!"
She opened her streaming eyes and saw a blur of brown eyes and blond hair. "R-Rex?"
"Yeah. And it's Fives and Jesse too," he said. "Hey, are you okay?"
She shook her head and buried her face in his shoulder, the hard plastoid suddenly more comforting than a pillow. Harsh sobs shook her shoulders and she clung to him desperately.
"Ella?" The poor captain sounded sorely confused. "What happened?"
Bit by bit, the story came out, and the more she said the tighter the arms held, and the more people joined their protective huddle.
"Oh, Ella..." Rex breathed. "I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have had to deal with something like this especially now."
She sniffled and cuddled into his arms further.
"You're safe now, grayi'r'ika," he whispered.
"We have a cab waiting, sir," Fives muttered.
"You ready to go home, Ella?" Jesse asked.
She nodded mutely.
Rex lifted her up and carried her into the cab, and the other two clambered in.
"Where to?" the driver asked.
"GAR Airfield, please," Jesse said.
"It's gonna be okay, Ella," Rex murmured. "You're okay now."
Ella clung to his words as they rode back. They seemed the only thing that could keep her from drowning in her memories and mental anguish.
I was so stupid, she thought. So stupid to think I was ready.
•~§~•
Scrubbing the makeup from her face furiously, Ella doused her tears in soap. At one point, she lifted her face to see mascara running down her face like tribal stripes, or dead sorrows, ink trails writing poems of her lament for all to see. Casting her eyes down again, unable to bear the sight of her shattered composure, she slapped more water against her face.
"Ella..."
A towel was in her shaking hands and she dabbed at her face, sighing in dismay when she realized the hair closest to her forehead was soaked.
"Ella, lay down and get some rest. You're exhausted," Rex ordered gently.
When she hesitated, he pulled her over to her vanity and grabbed a warm sweater and leggings.
"Change into these. I'm going to get you something to eat and drink and then you're going to bed," he said.
Ella watched her friend leave, her heart screaming unreasonably for him to stay. The closing door answered her with a shaking head and a sigh, as if mocking her pitiful state.
Her own hands felt foreign to her as she undressed and changed into her pajamas. It was as though she was numb.
Her knees were weak, forcing her to drop to the stool before her mirror.
A glint of metal caught her eye.
A sparkling star in a tiny glass dish on the tabletop.
Her rings.
Almost involuntarily, her hands reached out and took them, holding them in the palm of one. She stared at them a moment, drinking in the familiar sight. Then she slipped them on.
She didn't feel so naked anymore with their comforting weight around her finger. Whispers of the vows she'd pledged and the ones Echo had promised returned to her.
I promise to cherish you, and never forget how precious you are.
I promise to comfort you when the times are dark.
I promise to hold your hand and walk beside you, and protect you from dangers, in whatever form they come.
I promise never to betray your trust in my faithfulness.
I promise to never abandon you, and to fight with everything in me to come back to you.
And I promise that I will never forget that the Maker blessed me by giving me his daughter's hand, and that she is a princess and an angel, and deserves the highest form of respect and love.
Ella clutched her hand to her chest and sobbed. She wanted her husband so much. Why did he have to die? They had so much left to do together! So much time to spend. Why did this have to happen?
A sliver of hurting bitterness stung her and she flinched, shocked at her own emotions.
Echo hadn't voluntarily left her alone. He hadn't gone off with the intention of dying.
So why did she still feel so abandoned?
"Ella... sweetheart," and arms wrapped around her.
"Rex!" she cried hysterically. "Why did he leave me?"
He shook his head, "Come on, Ella. You know he loved you more than anything. You haven't been abandoned."
"I know!" she choked sharply, upset at herself for feeling this way. "I know he didn't choose to die! I know it, Rex. So why do I feel like I have been? Why do I feel like that when I know it isn't true?"
He sighed, "You've been through an exhausting and horrible experience. You were right to feel apprehensive about it and shouldn't have been pushed. I'll make sure no one tries to again. If you decide to, it will be in your own time."
She sniffled and nodded, "Thank you, Rex. You're an amazing friend. I'm sorry!" She shuddered, "I'm sorry you have to deal with this—"
"—No!" he hissed sternly. "No you don't need to be sorry, Ella. Don't be sorry. This is no inconvenience to me."
She sighed shakily, feeling drained beyond understanding.
"Let's get you into bed," her friend said gently.
Hefting her into his arms, he peeled back her covers and slid her into the warmth and softness.
"Goodnight, grayi'r'ika,"
Ella stuttered a goodnight, then wrapped her arms around the pillow her husband had so loved. 'It's so fluffy!' he'd exclaimed.
Oh Echo... she thought sadly.
You didn't know how worthy you were of my love, or just how hardit would be for me to find anyone to come even close to who you are.
•~§~•
Ahsoka's face was blank from where she could be seen, standing beside Lux Bonteri. They talked about something that Ella couldn't hear, but it left a smile on his face, even if only faint one.
The boy noticed her and smiled, whispering something to Ahsoka, who turned and saw her as well. Relief and immense sadness crumbled her careful jedi mask, and she ran to Ella as the other girl did the same, crashing into her careless of her wound. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks, and she grabbed at the soft material of Ella's pale blue dress.
"If is only been a second quicker, she'd have made it!" she cried.
"Shhh... it's not your fault. Don't blame yourself for something that was so out of your hands," Ella whispered.
Ahsoka straightened then, as if realizing she was before the eyes of many. She collected the puzzle pieces of her mask and pasted it back on as best she could, wiping the running glue away. "I'm gonna go see Skyguy and Obi-Wan now."
Ella nodded and let her go, sighing as she watched her take a dignified stance between the two higher ranking jedi. She wished that she didn't need to be so emotionless. That she was allowed to be a the child she still was. To grieve when something happened that devastated her. To be in love. To dream of more than the lifestyle she'd been part of since her early childhood.
"She fought bravely," Lux said. "You'd have been proud to see her."
"I am. Always," Ella responded meekly.
He nodded. "I contacted a friend of mine who is a geneticist and who works to find cures for chronic diseases. She's accepted the task of finding the cure for your friends' accelerated aging. I will let you know when she finds it."
Ella couldn't find her voice to speak for a moment. It all seemed too good to be true. Instead she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you, Lux. It means so much to me."
He smiled and hugged her back. "Thank you. You've taught me some things and enhanced my knowledge of the Republic and its brave soldiers. Hopefully when I serve in the senate as the senator of Onderon, I'll also be able to put forward a bill for their rights." He frowned. "No person should be treated as they are. And I want to put a stop to it."
Ella stepped back and nodded, "I wish you the best, Lux. And I hope you know that you ave a friend amongst the medics of the 501st."
He nodded courteously, then walked towards Saw.
Ella sighed and cast her eyes to the blue sky.
Echo would be happy.
Hope this is good! Thank you so much for being so patient and understanding.
Love, Peace, and
LittleBitOfGrace
