Chapter Thirty-Four

"Tup!"

Blackness surrounded him like heavy oil, suffocating him. His mind was a mess of information, nothing coherent, nothing sensible. Where was the oxygen? Was he in space? Was he dying? What was happening?

"Tup, open your eyes vod'ika," a voice so like his own resounded gently but sternly.

Rex? Where are you?

"Come on. You can do it, brother."

It took forever to realize that his eyes were closed and could be opened. It took longer to actually get them to work.

His arms ached like he'd been straining them all day. Why did they hurt?

Binders, his mind supplied when his wrists couldn't move an inch apart, locked behind his back securely. Why am I in binders?

"Tup, can you hear me?"

"Yes, Captain?" Tup replied, groggily, blinking his eyes open, turning towards the sound of his friend's voice.

He was tired. His head hurt like hell. One minute he was fighting. The next...

What the hell had happened?

"What happened out there?" Captain Rex asked. He sounded angry, betrayed, fearful... that's strange. He was usually so calm and kind, a refuge and an anchor for his little brothers.

"Sir?" Tup asked. What had happened? He was just as confused. "I don't know... what do you mean? I can't remember... anything. What happened?"

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Rex asked.

Suddenly, the pain in his head spiked. An endless mantra ran across his vision.

A good soldier follows orders.

Jedi. They betrayed us.

There was one of them! She had him cornered! He felt so alone. He was never alone before. His brothers... he couldn't see them, couldn't hear them. They were right there only a moment ago. Where were they?

She must've killed them. How could she?

He wouldn't go down without a fight.

Tup lunged at her, determined to at least try to head-butt his way out. Maybe he could escape and warn his other brothers.

It was no use.

She caught him in a force hold and flung him against the back wall, letting him dangle there, frightened.

He felt so helpless. He couldn't get away. His chest felt tight, his vision swam, his head... ohhh his head! His legs flailed in a useless attempt to escape. He began to hyperventilate in a panic. Would no one come to help him?

He saw General Skywalker talking to her. General Skywalker always looked out for them, strengthened them, risked his life for them. He'd comforted them when they'd come back from Umbara. He'd promised - promised - he'd always stand for them!

Tears filled Tup's eyes and spilled over as the pressure in his skull pounded unbearably harder.

Help me! Please!

Suddenly, she released him. He fell on his side and curled in on himself. He was surprised by the gentle touch of soft, small, feminine hands upon him; hands that wiped away his tears and held him, rocking him back and forth. A soothing voice sung to him.

Blackness began to overcome him, and he slumped forward into that somebody's arms, succumbing to unconsciousness again and feeling a little safer. Someone cared.

•~§~•

He couldn't move. When he opened his eyes, he was blinded by a bright, white light. Several familiar voices surrounded him. He blinked until his eyes adjusted to the light.

Tup realized that he was strapped down to a medical bed in an infirmary. Fives, Kix, Rex, General Skywalker, and General Tiplee stood around him.

It was strange that General Tiplar wasn't with them. She and Tiplee rarely parted, their bond was so strong.

And where was Ella?

Maybe she ran to the bathroom, or got called away? No, more likely she's with the injured.

"Where am I?" he asked.

Fives came up and leaned towards him. "Tup. Hey buddy. Do you remember anything that happened?"

Tup shook his head, "No... what's happened, Fives?"

"You murdered General Tiplar, Tup."

No.

It couldn't be true!

General Tiplar who was always so kind and gentle.

General Tiplar who had held a downed trooper's hand to comfort him through his pain.

Tiplar who was such a fierce, yet loving force of nature, gentler than a kitten, but stronger and more alive than a blazing inferno.

He couldn't have killed her! He didn't remember anything besides blacking out!

"No. No, no, no, no! I could never... I could never! Fives, I... that's impossible! I could never-!" He struggled to escape the straps.

A hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Tup... you did. We all saw it."

"No..." he shook his head, trying to cover his face with his hands as tears of guilt and shame overwhelmed him. A lump formed in his throat. "How could I have done this? How did this happen! This is some cruel, twisted, sick joke! I'd never kill Tiplar!" he insisted. "She's so kind and... I respect and admire her so much! Tell me this is a dream! This isn't real! It isn't!" he pleaded.

Rex shook his head, "Tup... I'm sorry. It happened."

"But… but I-I!" He managed, his voice sounding pitifully weak. "I don't understand!"

A medical droid picked up a syringe and moved towards him to administer whatever was in it. A jolt of fear raced down his spine. Was he being exterminated? He struggled to wriggle away, scared.

"What's happening to me, Fives?"

The droid moved closer and his panic spiked.

"Fives!" he screamed, terrified of the unknown.

The guilt was horrible enough, but to die now?

What if it isn't a euthanization stim? his mind supplied, sending his panic to the next level. If they weren't putting him down now, that meant…

"No! No, please, please, no!" he begged.

The needle loomed eerily over his skin. A tear rolled down his cheek as his chest rose and fell in a ragged, rapid motion. The area around his heart felt tight and he gripped the sides of the bed just as tightly, secretly wishing someone would hold his hand, tell him it would be alright, assure him he'd never go there.

The familiar pinching sting of the hypo bit into his neck, and he cried out again before the syrupy folds of oblivion swirled in and pulled him under, drowning in waves of fear and guilt.

What have I done?

•~§~•

"My head... my head, my head, myheadmyheadmyhead! Unnn!"

Ella jerked awake to see her friend thrashing against the straps, piteously crying. She ran to the far side of the room where she had left her comlink, and hurriedly called Kix.

"This is Kix speaking," the medic answered.

"Kix, Ella here. Tup is in acute pain. He says his head hurts. Please come quickly!"

"En route now, Ella. ETA: 5 minutes. Try to distract him from the pain. I'll be there soon. Kix out."

"H-Help!" Tup whined, trying to curl in on himself, but being hindered by the straps. His hands desperately pawed for something, anything to keep him safe. Tears rolled down his cheeks and his chin and lower lip trembled. His searching hands turned to fists which clenched and unclenched.

Ella ran to his side and unbuckled the straps.

When he felt someone unbind him, Tup immediately launched himself at the unknown person, desperate for someone to anchor him. He cried out and fell back down when the frantic movements hurt his head.

Ella sat down and pulled him into her lap, and rocked him back and forth, hoping this was comforting to him. She whispered tender words to him, telling him she was with him.

As soon as he recognized who was caring for him, Tup nestled further into her embrace.

"El-lla?" he hiccuped.

"Shhh… it's okay. I'm right here," she soothed, then began to sing softly.

"Be brave little one.

Make a wish for each sad little tear.

Hold your head up when no one is near.

Someone's waiting for you.

Don't cry little one.

There'll be a smile where a frown used to be.

You'll be part of the love that you see.

Someone's waiting for you.

Always keep a little prayer in your pocket.

And you're sure to see the light.

Soon there will be joy and happiness.

And your little world will be bright.

Have faith little one.

Till your hopes and your wishes come true.

You must try to be brave little one.

Someone's waiting to love you."

As she was singing the last line, Kix ran through the door, panting and out of breath. Rex and Fives were right behind him.

"Tup, little brother, it's me, Kix, and Fives, and Rex," he panted. "We're here to help you. How bad is the pain and where's it located?"

Tup's voice was strained and pitched high, "I-I don't know! All of it!"

"What kind of pain? Throbbing? Shooting? Stabbing?" Kix questioned.

"I can't-! I can't! Kix, it hurts!" Tup's eyes were filled to the brim with liquid agony and begged Kix for relief.

Kix sighed, "Ok. Morphine mask. Keep you sedated. You'll be in a coma but you'll be able to hear us when we talk to you. When you get to Kamino -"

"Kamino?" Tup whimpered, turning his head away from the mask that would put him to sleep. "Please, don't- not there! They - aghn! - so much! Please- Kix, don'tletthemtakemethere! I can't... can't!" he begged, sounding so small, so heartbreakingly young.

"I'm so sorry, Tup, but it's the only way. Nothing showed up on your scans. We gotta get to the bottom of this. You'll have to be brave, Tup. I know you are brave. Keep on breathing with whatever you've got," he whispered, planting a gentle kiss on his brother's temple.

Tup swallowed hard. He knew he had to be brave, but it was so difficult to be brave when you faced such horrors.

"It'll be okay, Tup," Ella whispered. "You're gonna be okay. You're gonna get through this. You're gonna make it."

"Ella…" he whined, "please don't go! Please don't leave me!" He sniffled, "It's so dark! I don't wanna go there! You don't know what they… they do such awful things!"

Ella kissed his forehead and undid his bun, which had somehow held up under all the constant movements. The moment she ran her fingers through his hair, lightly scratching his scalp, he mewled and relaxed a little, eyes drooping exhaustedly. The mask in Kix's hands looked like the doorway to peace.. His head was hurting so badly, and he just wanted it to stop.

"Come on, Tup'ika," Kix whispered coaxingly. "Let me help ease your pain. Let us help you rest for a while."

Tup turned his head and let him place it onto his face. He hastily gulped the gas that it pumped to him. As the pain ebbed and gentle rest seeped in, he had never felt more grateful for Kix and Ella in his life.

•~§~•

"What do you mean, 'you're not going with him?'" Ella asked, her voice dangerously low and livid. "If he wakes up, and he's alone, it will only put more stress on him! He doesn't need that!"

"You can't go with him on that ship." Anakin sighed, "Look Ella. I know that you want to be there with Tup. But the people on Kamino won't let you. You couldn't be with him or anything."

Ella sighed, "Fine. You win."

They turned to see the medical team escorting Tup's gurney towards the frigate.

Ella leaned over and grasped Tup's hand, then ran her fingers through his hair in what she had found out was a comforting feeling for her friend.

"You're not alone, Tup. You're with your vode, and on your way to healing. Don't be afraid," she whispered.

Tup turned his head slightly in her direction, as if trying to be nearer to her.

"Good... good soldiers... follow orders. Good soldiers follow... orders," he whispered.

"You'll be alright, Tup," Fives mumbled. "We'll get you all fixed up, and in no time, we'll be going to 79's again for a drink, eh brother?" Fives quipped.

"Good soldiers... follow... orders. Good soldiers..." Tup insisted. His face was tight with pain.

"You are a good soldier, Tup." Fives assured.

"A good man," Ella declared.

"It's time to go now," Winter cut in, eager to be en route.

"Be safe," Anakin warned.

"Yes sir. We will be," he replied, then pushed Tup into the ship.

"Rogue!" Ella called after her friend.

He turned, waiting patiently.

She sighed, "Be safe and take care of him. Okay? You better get back here alive or I swear I'll eat all of your secret candy!"

He gasped, placing his hand over his heart as if appalled, "Ella! However did you find my hiding place?"

She winked, "I'll tell you when you get back."

"Don't worry Ella," Winter said, wrapping his hand around Rogue's wrist, ready to tug him inside. "We'll make it back just fine. Tup will recover and this will all be like a bad memory."

"I hope you're right, Winter."

"When am I ever wrong?" he joked, smiling cheekily as he yanked his brother inside and closed the doors behind them.

Ella sighed and turned away, winding down the hallways until she came to her room. Her stomach bubbled most unpleasantly, as if a million butterflies were warning her that something awful was about to happen. She tried her best to shake off their nagging warnings.

Tup would be fine. He was surrounded by people who could help him, several medics who could keep him sedated and relatively pain free. Rogue and Winter were there; they loved the kid like she loved Amon! She was overreacting, right?

She had literally just forced herself to sit down when her comlink sounded.

"Ella. It's Rex. I have some bad news," Rex's voice informed.

"What is it?" Ella asked, her stomach churning.

"Tup's ship was attacked a few minutes ago."

No.

She was suddenly glad that she wasn't standing as thoughts of her friends raced through her mind. Rogue, Winter, and Tup were all so dear to her. She needed them! She couldn't lose them too!

Dang you, Rogue and your uncanny ability to attract danger!

"Is he...? Are they...?"

"We don't know. Fives, General Skywalker, and I were going to head over. I wanted to let you know. You can come with us if you get here in time. Hangar 5B. Hurry."

Ella nodded, then realized he couldn't hear her head moving. "I'm on my way."

•~§~•

The ride to the wreckage was silent and solemn. As they drew nearer, Ella could see so many men floating lifelessly, eyes glazed over like an icy shell.

"This is awful!" Ella murmured.

"Let's get in there," Anakin sighed, his voice a growl of anger and worry.

Ella gasped at the bodies she saw, frosted from the chill of space, expressions of pain and fear on their faces. She had to look away for a moment, trying to convince herself she wouldn't find her friends with the same horrible grimaces frozen to their faces forever.

"Tup's gone," Anakin said. "The restraints have been cut."

"The clankers took Tup? Why?" Rex asked no one in particular.

"They must be the ones responsible for what's happened to him," Fives deduced.

"Well, they certainly went to great lengths to get him. We have to get him back," Anakin said.

Ella tuned out their chatter and listened around her. She was sure she heard a noise. She turned her head to see a blond medical officer.

Winter?

Ella moved over to him quickly, steeling herself before turning him around.

It was Winter. And he was alive. Somehow, by some miracle, he was alive.

The poor man was trying desperately to breathe, his face taught with immense pain and his lips turning blue from lack of air.

"Easy," she whispered. "I'm going to help you. Don't give up now." She grasped his arm and tugged him towards their ship.

Winter kept up his desperate struggle, his chest spasming with every attempt to breathe. He was a fighter if there ever was one.

"Anakin, Rex, Fives! Help me!" Ella called. "I found Winter!"

Rex turned and 'swam' towards her, grasping his brother behind the back and surging forwards. Anakin made it to the ship first, and quickly used the force to pull them into the shielded area into oxygen.

The medic took a massive gasp of air, as if he were a man who had been drowning for an eternity and finally surfaced again. He was too weak to move, so he simply lay on the ground, raggedly gasping for breath, a look of absolute relief spreading across his face. A second later he groaned, grimacing.

Ella noticed the cause of his discomfort originated from a burnt circle on his stomach. She moved her hand to rest next to it. He stiffened and looked at her with fear. She smiled gently.

"Don't be afraid. I'm going to help you now," she assured, her voice soft. "Fives, please hand me my medkit."

Her friend quickly rushed to retrieve the item, tripping all over himself in the process. "Here."

She bit back a smile, "Thank you." Rummaging through it she drew out a stim and an oxygen mask. Slipping it over her patient's face, she injected the painkiller and waited for it to kick in as she unbuttoned his jacket and tended his wound.

Fortunately for the survivor, the drug kicked in almost immediately, sighed as the pain ebbed away, blinking languidly to keep from succumbing to the tempting offer of sleep.

"Do you know what happened, Winter?" Ella asked, cupping the side of his face as she slipped her bunched up jacket under his head.

The man's eyes shifted to her, and he rested in the maternal comfort she had gifted him. He tried to speak, but found that he was unable to do more than rest and continue panting for the precious air that had been given to him. His body needed more oxygen before he'd be able to partake in the strenuous task of a conversation. He begged her with his eyes to understand.

Ella saw his plight and smiled tenderly, then turned to her friends, "He's too weak right now to answer any questions. Can you get Winter a blanket? He's probably freezing."

The medic was quickly set up on a stretcher, a warm blanket draped over him and a hot water bottle at his feet. He managed a very weak, barely visible smile.

She smiled back and then turned to her friends. "I'm going back out to see if there are more survivors. If he was able to stay alive til we came, maybe others were as well. Anyway, I'm not going to leave without checking." She wasn't going to leave Rogue alone in the vacuum of space. Dead or alive she'd bring him back.

Anakin nodded, "I'll stay with him. Fives, Rex, go help her."

"Anakin," Ella warned, "don't try to get him to speak until I get back. He needs to let his body relax and work through what is going on. He's been through a traumatic kissing-death experience, and physically needs time to assure himself he's not about to die and he is safe enough to calm down."

He nodded, "Don't worry, sweetness, I happen to have excellent bedside manner." He winked.

The clones chuckled while Ella rolled her eyes at the nickname and shook her head, "Just try not to terrify him then. Come on Fives."

"Yes, sweetness," he joked, saluting. His antics earned him a playful swat. Fives laughed as his captain let out a very undignified snort at the amusing interaction.

"Ok, my lovelies, let's go save some lives," Ella teased back.

They made their way back to the wreckage and quickly went about the task of searching for signs of life amid the floating bodies.

"Ella, I've found Rogue." Rex called, dragging over an armored brother who was not breathing. "He has a pulse, even if it's weak. Poor fellow was shot a good many times as well. His abdomen and leg."

"Get him back to the ship and put on life support. Send Fives out. Tag team with him until we've found all that live." Ella instructed.

"Yes, sweetness." Rex called as he pulled his brother to the ship.

"Have Axe maneuver the ship as closely as he can to the wreckage so that we won't have far to go," she called.

Ella moved from trooper to trooper. The vast majority of the dead saddened her, and she had to blink back tears. On the flip side, she was overjoyed when she found two more living men. She relayed the information back to Fives and Rex, who came and retrieved them. After that she found two pilots and one more medic who were all clinging to life with all the strength they had left. No more were found after they were rescued. Only seven men had survived the deadly surprise attack.

Winter was able to speak again when she returned. He turned to her and saw that she was pulling the other medic into the inclosed airspace. He smiled.

"He's my friend," he said. "We studied medic stuff together."

"Well, you both fought hard for life. You all did," she replied.

"The droids shot everyone but Tup. They took him. Had him in some sort of elaborate case," he explained. "They just came out of nowhere."

"Thanks, Winter. You get some rest now," Ella whispered.

"But what about the others? What about Rogue?" he fretted, weakly trying to rise. A little push on his chest stopped that notion easily.

"No sir, you stay right there and sleep. Rogue was messed up bad - like usual - and I'm going to help him. The others will be just fine." She lay a gentle hand against his cheek. He sighed, his eyes fluttering shut as he automatically leaned into the touch and fell asleep.

Ella worked her way through the wounded, treating them as best as she could until she came to Rogue. Rex had placed a hand on his right shoulder, holding him in place and comforting him simultaneously. His other hand was clutched in the Rogue's weak and trembling grasp, like an anchor.

"Hey," Ella whispered close to his ear. "I'm starting to think you're trying to turn yourself into a cheese grater with how often you come back all riddled and barely alive. Is there a bucket list I'm not aware of?"

He managed a weak groan at her teasing. "Ella don't make me laugh, it hurts!"

She sighed. "You're going to be okay. Try to relax." Then she smirked, "I'm so gonna eat all your candy for this. Do you know how badly you scared me, tough guy?"

He shrugged weakly, "Keeps it spicy. Can't let you get bored."

She laughed and quickly gave him a sedative. Gradually his breathing slowed until he was limply resting in Rex's arms.

"Hey. Are you okay?" she asked.

He blinked languidly, then turned his head towards her and nodded.

"Are you in any pain?"

He shook his head, fighting to stay awake.

Ella smiled at his resilience. She ruffled his tousled hair affectionately and kissed his forehead.

A yawn crept from his lips and he blushed.

Ella giggled and shook her head.

"Sleep now. You're tired. Just rest. You'll be safely back on the Resolute soon."

He didn't argue, but quickly succumbed to the powerful sedative

Rex eased his sleeping brother down onto the cot and waited for Ella to finish treating his injuries, then covered him with a blanket.

"Can we head back to the Resolute and get these men to Kix? I'm sure that they'd appreciate the rest," Axe suggested.

"You can tell Wander and Vutyc that they have some more brothers to pamper," Anakin laughed "Let's go get Tup."

•~§~•

Ella stayed out of most of the fighting, sneaking her way to Tup, who appeared to be in great distress. She hid behind his stretcher as Anakin took down the boss droid as Fives walked up and lay a hand on his friend's shoulder. Tears filled her eyes as she watched him toss his head in distress.

"How is he doing?" Anakin asked.

"Not well," Fives said, "Not well at all. I think he's dying, sir."

Anakin sighed, his eyes hard. "We have to get him to Kamino."

Ella nodded. "Let's get going. He needs help fast."

Rex shook his head sadly as he watched his brother's suffering, unable to do anything to stop it.

"Let's at least lay him on his back. Those tinnies have no hearts," Fives said.

Rex nodded and slowly adjusted Tup's stretcher to a resting position.

Ella undid his bun and lifted his head to slip her jacket under it, cushioning it slightly. Tears filled her eyes and she sniffled, caressing his silky hair.

"Oh, Tup… I'm so sorry!" she whispered, regret thick in her shaking voice.

Rex's heart clenched and he walked over to his friend, wrapping his arms around her, pulling off his helmet. "He's going to be alright, Ella," he whispered. "I know this whole ordeal has really been hard for you to watch. He'll be alright."

Ella burrowed her face in his neck and clung to him like a lifeline.

"I thought he was gone, and he's in so much pain," she sniffled.

"I know. He's safe now. You've done everything you can for him, and he'll be better soon," Rex whispered.

She cried softly, tears flowing down her cheeks. " I can't do anything. I can't even take away the pain and give him some relief. It's too much, I can't help him!"

"He feels safe with you," Fives said. "Everyone does. And you're doing a lot just by being here for him."

Rex smiled at his brother. "Couldn't have said it better myself."

"I'm so tired."

He nodded. "Then rest. You've been on your feet for a long time. Take a minute to just relax a bit."

Leaning against the wall, he pulled her against him, sliding to the ground.

"We'll be back on the Resolute soon, grayi'r'ika," he whispered. "I'll carry you onto the ship if you don't wake when we arrive. Just rest."

Ella nodded, too tired to argue. "Thank you ori'vod."

"Anytime,"he replied as she sighed and fell asleep.

•~§~•

"You think one day, you'll have what Echo and Ella had, Rex?" Fives asked as his captain lay their friend on the bench and settled against it, watching Tup sleep. Their ship smoothly launched into hyperspace, finally en route to Kamino.

"I'd be an idiot not to hope so. How about you? You thought about settling down at all?" The captain inquired.

Fives came and sat beside him with a sigh. "I'd be lying big time if I said no. I don't know, Rex. I don't think I'd ever want to put anyone through what Ella's been through since Echo passed away."

Rex nodded, "I don't think she'll ever really be over him."

Fives nodded, "I know. I walked in to update her on something one day and she was reading the letters Echo sent her when we were in ARC training." He shook his head, "Echo loved her so much. He told me to take care of her if he didn't make it back. I told him he was crazy. Of course he'd make it back. I guess he knew."

Rex nodded, "I miss him too, Fives; I know he was your best brother, but I understand what it's like to lose your whole squad, one after another."

"You never talked about them." Fives said. "Not to us at least."

"I told Echo a little once. I'll tell you a bit now." Rex said. "Typhoon, Kipper, Soarin, and Keeli. Keeli and I were close, out of all of us the closest. Typhoon was the first. He got shot on Rinba. It was bad. He was in a lot of pain, and they couldn't get him to the medbay quick enough. He died on the operation table. Kipper and Soarin were attacked by animals three weeks later. Soarin was dead quick. Chomped right through his heart. Kipper… he suffered. I… I had to end it for him. He was choking on his own blood and the medic could do nothing. We were depleted of supplies and in the middle of nowhere. So, I put him to sleep." Rex swallowed hard.

Fives winced, "That has to haunt you."

Rex nodded, then continued, "Keeli and I made it out. He made it to the Battle on Ryloth."

"We heard about the death of Ima-Gun Di's regiment. Captain Keeli… he sacrificed his life to save the Twi'leks."

Rex nodded, "He did. I'm proud of him. I just… I miss him." He turned and fixed Fives with shimmering honey-brown eyes. "He was my best friend, Fives. Trust me when I say that I know what it was to lose your closest vod."

Fives nodded. Then he smirked, "I'm bored."

Rex's eyes widened. "No. Not in here. You may not do anything crazy for at least another rotation, please!"

"Aw, come on! I just want to see if I could fix the light that's flickering over there. Oooh! Shiny buttons! WHat do they do?" he exclaimed, opening an electrical box.

"Fives, no!" Rex hissed, lunging at him and tackling him to the floor.

"Eeesh!" the ARC squeaked as the captain pinned him for a second. "But they're shiny! Come on, Rex! It'll be fun!"

"No!" the captain growled, holding onto his legs desperately as he squirmed, trying to get away and back to the shiny-buttoned electrical box. "We do not need another problem right now! Fives, be reasonable!"

"You need to loosen up!"

"And you need to sit the kriff still for once! What are you, twelve?"

"Thirteen Rex. I can't believe you forgot!"

"Listen here, you little—!"

"Ahem!" a familiar voice interrupted.

The two sprang away from each other and were back on the bench in a second

"What's going on?" Anakin asked as he took a seat across the aisle.

"We're just talking to each other. How about you?" Rex deadpanned.

"Really?" Anakin scrutinized. "What did Fives do this time?"

"What? When have I ever been anything but angelic, Master Jedi?" Fives defended innocently.

"Uh, always Fives. And you couldn't lie your way out of a soggy paper bag."

Rex laughed as Fives sulked immaturely. Then he gasped and shushed him hastily. "Hush! You'll wake her!"

•~§~•

Ella groaned as she awakened to the pitter patter of rain on the frigate's metal exterior. Her head was pillowed against a familiar chest, and she lifted her face to see that Rex was snoring softly, his head rested on the arm of the uncomfortable bench. She was sandwiched between him and the back.

"Hello, Ella!" a familiar voice whispered. Ella looked up to see a blond medic.

"Winter! You feeling better?" she asked, her voice hushed.

"Yes!" he replied. "I'm well. Thanks to you."

She blushed. "Like I'd ever just leave you there." She winked.

"I just wanted you to know that we are arriving in ten minutes. Fives is asleep over there... I have no idea how he contorted himself like that, or how it could possibly be comfortable. But he's asleep," Winter informed.

"And Tup?" she asked.

He shook his head. "He was low on the pain meds, so I gave him a new mask. It seems to have worked a bit. He's still moving, making faces and breathing hard, but it's lessened a little."

Ella nodded. "I wish we didn't have to bring him here."

Winter nodded, "I know. Me too. But hopefully, with the equipment here, he'll be healed and make a full recovery."

Ella yawned her agreement. "I'd better wake him. I'm glad you're okay. Please stay safe."

The medic nodded. "I will. You too."

Ella gently shook her friend. "Rex. Come on, it's time to get up."

Rex groaned and blinked his eyes. A sleepy grimace (he meant it to be a smile) passed over his face.

"Hi," he yawned. "Nearly there?"

She nodded, "Five minutes now most likely."

He nodded, "I'll go untangle Fives from his own limbs. Stay here."

She smirked as he peeled himself off of the bench and walked stiffly over to where Fives lay.

"I'll be jiggered if I know how he gets into this twist every stang time!" Rex laughed. He pinched his nose shut.

Fives' eyes flew open and he tried licking the offending hand. An indignant flame passed over his eyes and he launched himself at his captain.

Rex chuckled and shook his head, wrestling him back to the ground.

"Quite a wake up call, you shabuir!" Fives growled.

Rex laughed and spun out of his reach. "Just thought you would like to know that we're about to land."

"This is your pilot speaking," a voice called through the intercoms. "We're about to land on Kamino, please take your seat and wait until we've given the all clear. Thank you for choosing Air Republic. While you're on Kamino, don't forget to swim. No sunblock necessary."

They laughed and Rex called, "If you hear us, you're hilarious."

"Thank you, sir," the pilot replied. "And I would not recommend mess food. They serve three items; ration bar, ration block, and ration disc, which is new. All are the same color, and vary only by texture. Tastes the same."

Fives hooted.

"Avoid most people with long necks. Except one sweet lady by the name of Taun We. Our resident jedi is Shaak Ti. Don't tease her about her lekku. You will regret it. We have touched down, and you are cleared for departure."

"What's the name?" Ella asked.

"Quip, ma'am. Thank you for asking." His voice was a little bashful.

"I look forward to flying with you again, Quip!" She said.

"Aww shucks, ma'am."

Rex laughed. "Come on, sweetness. Don't tease him. The poor kid's face is probably the color of a tomato now. Safe flying, Quip."

Rex and Fives pushed Tup's gurney down the ramp and was inside. The ailing man's body shuddered with cold and pain.

"You're gonna be okay, Tup. It's gonna be alright," Ella whispered, pushing him inside out of the rain.

The smell of cleaning liquid and cold metal met her nose as she entered the bright white of Tipoca City.

•~§~•

"You must come with me," Shaak Ti said, and began explaining to Fives that they needed to test him to see if there was anything that could lead to diagnosing this attack.

"If I may, General Ti," Ella requested.

"Yes, Nurse Starrow?" the jedi asked.

"I believe whatever we may be dealing with is something to do with his brain, whether psychological or physical, or possibly a combination," Ella supplied.

"Thank you, Ella. Captain Rex, you've been called back to the war zone," the jedi informed. "You are to leave immediately."

Rex looked at his friend and sighed. She bit her lip then nodded. She'd promised to stay on the Resolute, though her heart begged her to stay with Tup.

"Sorry Fives," Rex sighed. "I wish I could, stay but… duty calls."

"It's fine sir. Fighting a virus is a nice change of pace from all those clankers."

"Take care of yourself," he said, resting his hand on his shoulder. "And Tup."

He finished the brotherly armlock and nodded grimly. "You keep your head about you, Ella. And make sure to keep Rex outta trouble." He leaned forward and whispered, "And for heaven's sake make him relax! He's wound tighter than a spring!"

Ella giggled and nodded, hugging him unabashedly. "I will. Don't you worry about that."

He returned the embrace and sighed, "I'll miss you, Ella."

She rolled her eyes, "It's just a little while. Don't talk like that. You'll be back soon and we'll go to 79's."

"That does sound fun," he mused smugly. Then he nodded, "Injections await by the dozen, so I better go."

She winced in sympathy, "Okay tough guy. See ya soon?"

"How else am I gonna redeem that trip to 79's?"

Then he waved one more time as he reluctantly followed a med-droid into the room adjoining his friend's.

Rex sighed heavily as they walked away. "I don't want to go back. Do you feel like it's wrong to leave them here too?"

She nodded, "Yeah. It just doesn't feel right."

A pause.

Then, "Maybe it's just that we got used to not having to dodge lasers every few minutes," Rex guessed, trying to tone down the anxiety.

As Ella stepped out into the rain, she really hoped he was right.

•~§~•

Ahsoka waited for Ella to arrive, nervously twisting her aquamarine bracelet as the minutes trickled by.

The bell above the door jingled and in stepped a young woman with ocean eyes and long red hair. She smiled when she recognized her, coming over after placing her order.

"Hey! How've you been?" Galene asked, sitting down in front of her.

She shrugged, "Same old. Work and no play. Well… mostly."

Galene laughed spiritedly. "I know what you mean. I don't really count what should technically be play as that because it's mostly necessity. Friends are my play."

"Same here," Ahsoka agreed, taking a sip of her coffee. "Has Ella texted you?"

"She's not here yet?" Galene asked worriedly. "She said she was en route five minutes ago. She should've beat me here."

Ahsoka frowned. "Strange. But maybe it's traffic. You know how Corrie is."

"Yeah. I'm gonna call her though anyway. Better safe and annoying than sorry," the she excused, dialing in Ella's chrono number.

She picked up on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Hey. Are you okay? You said you were on the way almost ten minutes ago and I'm here now," Galene asked.

Ella sighed wetly, "Um… I hate to do this, but I'm gonna have to cancel."

Galene groaned, "Another mission? You just got back!"

"I know, I know. It's just… one of the boys needs me right now. It's urgent. And classified. Not even… well, this doesn't get repeated to anyone, ok?"

Galene's brow furrowed. "You know it won't be. What's up?"

Her friend sighed, "You know about what happened on Ringo Vinda, right? With my younger friend?"

"Yeah. Kix told me it was really confusing but that he was seeing someone who could help him and had the right equipment for the job. Is something wrong?"

"Tup died."

She gasped, her eyes widening as she covered her mouth in shocked horror. "Oh Ella… I'm so sorry!"

She sniffled, "Thanks, Allee. He was just… he didn't deserve what happened to him. He had a tumor in his brain which caused the issue, and after it was removed he died in Fives' arms. His body is supposed to be… you don't want to know. It's awful."

Tears stung Galene's eyes and she shook her head, "Ella… I'm so sorry. I understand. Don't even worry about it. Just take care of that friend okay? Me and Ahsoka will be fine."

"What's going on?" Ahsoka asked, feeling very concerned and befuddled.

"Can you handle the special package this week for me? I don't know when I'll be able to be home."

"No sweat. I gotcha covered," her friend promised.

Ella sighed in relief, "Thank you so much, Allee. You're a gem."

"Hey, I'm here for you. Go on and do what you gotta do. I'll be here when you're free," she said.

"Thanks again."

"No probs."

"Bye."

"Bye."

"What was that about?" Ahsoka asked as she turned off her comlink.

Galene shook her head, "Not here. Let's take this back to Ella's place. I have her spare key."

•~§~•

As soon as Fives had called her, she had jumped into motion. Tup's life depended on her getting there and rescuing him.

When Fives had told her that their friend had died on the operating table, she almost passed out. If he hadn't immediately told her that Master Ti had been able to bring him back and was currently hiding him in her own quarters and was going to try covering for him as much as possible to investigate the tumors, she'd be knocked out on the floor.

But then she thought of her friend and how he was counting on her to make it in time to get him away, and she launched her plan… or came up with one as she hurried to try something.

So here she was, hurtling through space like a wrecking ball, praying that this would work.

Her comlink chirped and she answered it. "Ella."

"It's me."

She hummed, "I'm approaching Kamino. You know the plan?"

"In five minutes, I circle back with AZ and get inside. Shaak Ti sneaks Tup out to you on a docking bay and you hand her something you brought her to cover for the visit."

"You're golden," she replied.

"Thanks, but… how are you going to get away if they catch onto you?"

"Don't worry about that. I'll get him out. You just stay safe on your end and do that research."

"Proximity check?"

"Dropping out of hyperspace… now," she answered.

"Breaking and entering… now," he informed jokingly.

She landed smoothly on the docking bay and opened the on ramp. Grabbing the case of books, she lugged it out and waited for the General.

A moment later, she appeared, followed by a trooper in blank white armor, his face concealed by his helmet.

"Thank you for bringing them to me at such short notice, Ella. You're really so kind," Shaak Ti played along, gasping at the weight of the cargo.

"The stuck some chocolate and tea in there with it," she informed.

She hugged her, "You really are sweet. Thank you. Ella," she whispered, "Tup is okay, but needs to be completely hidden from the GAR or he will likely be brought back with no chance of escape. You have a plan?"

She nodded, "Absolutely."

Just barely moving her head, she motioned for Tup to get into the ship. He nodded and quickly obeyed, trying his best to look natural.

Fortunately, they had a friend working on the inside. The cameras were down, and his escape was well covered. No one was out and there were only a few windows that overlooked this bay.

"Thank you so much, Master Ti," Ella murmured. "I can't thank you enough for helping us."

"I could say the same to you," she winked. "Now go. I'm sure you have quite the journey ahead of you."

She nodded, squeezed her hand once more, then turned and walked back into the ship.

"Tup?" she asked hopefully as she approached the clone sitting in the copilot's seat.

He took off his helmet and smiled shakily, his teardrop tattoo sticking out in the dim light. "I thought I'd never see you again, Ella. I'm so glad… thank you for coming for me."

Ella smiled, "I'll give you a hug as soon as we get out of here." Then she sat down and maneuvered the craft into the air and towards space.

Within a few moments, bright stars shone white against an almost blackened sky all around them, the ocean world fading from view. Ella made the jump to light speed, then slumped in relief.

They were safe for now.

She quickly turned and hugged her friend, who nestled against her neck, holding on tight.

"You're okay now, Tup. You're free. No more fighting. No more death and pain. Just time to build a life and be free in peace," she said. "I'm so glad you're alive!"

He chuckled. "Ditto on that one. But Ella… where are we going?"

She smiled.

"We're going to visit an old friend of Rex's that he told me about not very long ago."

•~§~•

Saleucami wasn't much altered from the time she'd last set foot on it. There weren't tinnies. Thank God. But the mosquitoes were over abundant.

"A farm?" Tup asked confuzzledly. "I didn't know Rex knew a farmer."

Ella smiled, "I didn't either until three months ago." She mounted the steps of the small house and knocked on the door.

A bubblegum-pink Twi'lek opened the door, scrutinizing them both. Her eyes widened when she saw the clone armor, then narrowed dangerously. "What do you want here?"

Ella smiled disarmingly. "You have no need to be concerned. My name is Ella Starrow. I'm a friend of Captain Rex. We came because we need your help."

"Who's there, Suu?" a drawling variation of an oh-so-familiar voice inquired.

Tup gasped as a clone with a pinkish-red head of hair came to the door, leaning against the frame almost lazily. His eyes widened at the sight of his brother and he shook his head.

"I'll come quietly if you leave my family alone," he said softly, sadness lacing every note.

Ella shook her head, "It's nothing like that, Mr. Lawquane. We're actually here because we're in a horrible situation and need your help. It's an imposition, but we're left with no other choice aside kicking my friend into some faraway planet alone."

Tup tensed and shuddered at the thought.

Cut's eyebrow raised, "Go on. How did you know I lived here? And my name?"

"I'm a close friend to Captain Rex. He only old me a few months ago," Ella said.

"He trusts you, then?"

"Yes sir," Tup said. "Everyone in the 501st loves Ella. She's our sister. Or our mom sometimes," he added with a blush in his pale cheeks.

Cut hummed thoughtfully. Then he sighed, "Come in and tell us why you're trying to get away."

They cautiously followed them inside, blinking in the slight darkness. When their eyes adjusted, they saw two children sitting at a table over schoolbooks.

A mottled blue and pink girl who looked slightly older than Amon raised her head, amber eyes glowing with interest. She elbowed her brother, nudging her head towards them.

"Shaeeah. Jek. This is Ms. Starrow and her friend," their mother introduced.

The two stood and came forward. Jek gasped.

"You're one of my dad's brothers, aren't you?"

Tup blushed, "I am. My name is Tup. And you're Jek, right?"

He nodded, "That's me!"

"How old are you?"

"I'm six. But I'll be seven in three months, a week, and five days!" he informed with an air of importance.

Tup smiled at him warmly, "I guess that makes you the second-in-command when you help your father, doesn't it?"

Jek beamed, his chest puffing out with pride. "Yep! Do you know Captain Rex? We met him a few years ago when he and Dad took down command droids here."

Tup nodded, "Yes. He's my captain, and, more importantly, my ori'vod."

"Like how Shaeeah is my ori'grayi'r!" he exclaimed.

"I've taught them some mando'a," Cut said.

"They're pretty fluent?"

Suu snorted, "Especially in the more unsavory words." She cut her eyes at her husband who shifted and chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck.

"What do you do Ms. Starrow?" Shaeeah asked.

Ella smiled, "I'm a nurse. I work with my friends, Kix, Wander, Vutyc, and Winter in the 501st."

"Her main job is patching up Rogue after every single mission."

"It is a miracle he's still alive. Sometimes I think he gets injured just to make me crazy!" Ella joked.

"Real magnet for trouble?" Cut laughed.

"You have no idea," she replied. "He once bet me that he could escape the next five missions completely unscathed. I collected my winnings an hour later when he came in on a crash cart with a broken leg and both arms out of socket."

The farmer grimaced. "Explosion?"

She nodded. "He's fine. No missing fingers or toes, all limbs and organs accounted for. But I really think he just has a guardian angel that has to recruit backup every hour and they all work overtime to keep him alive."

Suu sighed. "Will you be staying here for the night?"

Ella glanced at Tup. He shrugged.

She sighed, "We need a huge favor from you."

Cut looked at his wife and they seemed to have a full conversation just through eye contact. Ella remembered how sweet and intimate those conversations were; as if she and Echo were sharing each other's minds, fusing them together to solve a problem or make a foolproof plan.

"Come sit down and have something to eat. You look pretty tired, Tup," Suu said, setting a dish of fruit and a cup of water in front of him.

"Thank you, ma'am," he replied.

"You kids can go play with your tookas in the barn," Cut said, pulling out a chair as brother and sister squealed gleefully at the break from their studies, racing outside. "Now let's start from the beginning, shall we?"

•~§~•

"So you want us to take Tup in?" Cut asked, finally arriving at the reason for their visit.

"I know it's asking a lot," Ella sighed. "The simple truth is that I can't bring him back to the 501st. We can't protect him there. He'll be taken away and we can't do a thing to stop them."

"And he hasn't had any experience with civvie life, have you vod'ika?" The farmer smiled at him.

Tup shook his head, "No sir. None at all."

Cut sighed heavily and glanced at his wife. She nodded.

"We're sorry but could we have a moment to discuss this?" he asked.

Tup nodded, standing and walking with Ella to the door. "Absolutely. I understand."

The early evening air was surprisingly cool, and there weren't so many mosquitoes as earlier. Fireflies began to wink at them from the falling stars, each shining brightly through the kaleidoscopic sunset.

"What do we do if they say no?" Tup asked.

She shook her head, sitting down on the step. "I could ask my parents to let you stay with them. It's the next best place, though I think you'd be safest here. I don't know, Tup."

He sighed heavily, cradling his head on his crossed arms as he sat beside her. "I'm sorry you have to go to all this trouble, Ella. I'm such a burden on everyone these days."

"Hey!" she objected sharply. "That's my friend you're talking about. Don't say such things about yourself. You are no burden. You're my little brother who I love very much, and I protect my family."

Tup glanced at her shyly, "But… Ella, first I killed Tiplar and set the rest of my brothers up for suspicion by their generals and just the common population. Then, I get kidnapped by the seps and a lot of brothers die or are severely wounded to get my kriffing shebs to the long necks. Then, Fives has to risk his neck to save me, which puts him under direct threat of reconditioning. Shaak Ti brought my sorry soul back so that she would have to hide me from everyone to keep me alive, while Fives had to get himself into more trouble to serve as a distraction. And now," he chuckled bitterly, "here I am after you dropped everything and flew halfway across the galaxy to get me, and we're asking a family with kids to harbor my fugitive self. How is that not burdensome?"

She grabbed his shoulder, looking directly in his eyes and speaking slowly and with emphasis. "None of that matters at all. You weren't in control on Ringo Vinda because of the tumor. You were mentally ill. Medically proven. The consequences are not to be lain on your shoulders. Your brothers have proven their loyalty time and again for this shab'la Republic. If this accident makes the Jedi questions that seriously, they need some cognitive recalibration of their own."

She shrugged then with a smile.

"Do you really think you could stop Fives from being his chaotic self? He's like Rogue. A magnet. He just can't help himself. And it wouldn't matter if it were you, or Jesse, or Rex. Fives would still have done exactly the same thing. And so would you had the roles been switched. Shaak Ti is one of my favorite jedi because of how kindly she treats your brothers, and how much she values your lives. She is worthy of respect and admiration, and was right to do as she did to save you and help you be free. I've heard rumors that some of your brothers under threat of reconditioning suddenly disappear before the process is able to begin. I think I know the culprit and I'm proud to be her friend. And speaking of which, I'd consider myself a horrible friend if I didn't do what I'd did and get you here. I don't care about you interrupting my 'important day.' I can always get coffee and chat with Ahsoka and Allee. But there was time sensitivity and I eagerly took the chance because I care about you."

Tup's eyes filled with tears and he leant his head on her shoulder.

"I'm scared."

She hugged him tight and nodded. "It's okay. That's completely normal for this situation. You'll be okay though. Hey," she drew back and smiled. "This is the start of a new journey for you, Tup. A journey where you'll be free. A journey to redefine yourself with tools the Kaminoans and the GAR hadn't allowed you to use. Who will Tup become?"

He managed a watery smile right before the door opened.

"Shaeeah! Jek! Come here kids!" Cut called.

Both came running from the barn, trying to beat the other to the porch. Shaeeah let her brother think he was winning, then sprinted ahead of him, stumbling up the porch steps and flinging herself into his arms.

"Wha… what is it… Daddy?" she panted raggedly.

He smiled and pecked her forehead. "Your mother and I want you to know that we're adding another member to our family."

Jek groaned, "You're having twins?"

Suu shook her head and laughed, "No, just one. But the other member is already grown up. Maybe you'll help him remember what it's like to be a kid?"

She winked at Tup.

The boy smiled so brightly it outshone the spotlight moon. "Thank you, ma'am! I'll work hard, I promise!"

She scoffed, "None of this 'ma'am' business. You're my brother-in-law. Family. That makes it more than acceptable to call me Suu."

Tup stood up and hugged her gently. "I didn't realize you were pregnant, ma— I mean Suu. Congratulations!"

She smiled. "Thank you! And that is quite kind of you to say. I'm only two months along though. Soon I'll be huger than the eopies."

He chuckled, "I doubt that seriously. Pregnant women always think they're bigger than they really are."

Cut looked amused, "And what do you know about pregnant women?"

He opened his mouth to reply, then stopped, eyes wide as he realized how painful the subject he was about to bring up would be for Ella. He looked at her apologetically.

Ella had paled a little, mouth set in a rather decided smile, but she nodded, "He was around me a few months ago," she said quietly.

"I'm surprised you left your baby so early! Most of the time, mothers are practically welded to them!" Suu exclaimed.

Ella just shrugged. "I don't think I would've but…" she trailed off, biting her lip.

"Their father's caring for them?" Cut asked, lifting Jek in his other arm. The boy giggled and snuggled into the warm embrace.

Ella lifted her eyes to the ebony sky, sighing melancholically. "Yes. He is."

Only Suu seemed to understand, since her husband was too wrapped up in the two treasures cradled in his arms. She pursed her lips, gazing at her with sympathy.

"Come inside and eat something. Tup, we don't have very much. For now you might have to stay in the loft above the animals. The house is rather small and crowded. We were going to add a nursery that would become one of the children's rooms when they get older, but have been so busy with the harvest that we didn't have time," the mother said, quickly ushering them in. "Shaeeah and Jek, can you set the table while I get supper?"

"Let me help, Suu," Ella insisted. "Anything I can do?"

She smiled gratefully. "Yes please. Cut, how about you take Tup to the loft and set about making it livable?"

He nodded, "Right away, mesh'la."

"Aww, Mom can I go too?" Jek begged.

"After you finish the table," she said firmly.

"Alright!"

"You have wonderful children," Ella said, smiling at Shaeeah. "They must be a huge help to you."

Suu smiled weakly, "Yes. I don't know what I'd do without them." Then she looked at her meaningfully. "The father and child… what happened to them?"

Ella sighed, "My husband died on a mission. It was only after his death that I realized I was going to have Ayah. She was killed when a sith-wannabe decided he had enough of me and caused me to miscarry her."

She shuddered, "I'm terribly sorry for your loss."

But Ella put on a brave smile, "Thank you. I miss them very much. But they would have me be joyful in every possible circumstance than to spend my life moping around."

"You're quite a nice person," Suu complimented. "Not anyone would do what you did for Tup."

"He's my friend. My family. Family is precious."

"Amen to that!"

•~§~•

"Can't you stay just one more night, Ms. Ella?" Shaeeah pleaded from where she had flung both arms about her waist in a string but affectionate vise.

"Oh, I'd love to Shaeeah, really. But my friends are going to worry if I'm away for too long. But I'll visit again when I get the chance!" she swore solemnly.

"Be careful," Cut warned.

"I will be," she affirmed, then hugged Suu. "I can't wait to hear all about your little one!"

"I'll definitely let you know," she agreed.

Jek tugged on her sweater and hugged her leg. "Do you think when you come back, you can bring Naboo raspberry macaroons? I had them once and they were really good."

Ella giggled, "I'll see what I can do." Then she stepped forward and hugged Tup. "I'll miss you, vod'ika. Suck all the joy from this journey that you can. There's always something to smile about, and when you can't, just remind yourself that it won't last forever. There will be a sunrise after every sunset."

He squeezed gently. "Thank you so much, Ella. You're a model friend. Tell Fives I said thank you, will you? And tell Rex that he's a wonderful ori'vod and likely saved my life by telling you about Cut."

She kissed his cheek, "I will." Then she sighed and stepped back. "I'll see you all very soon."

"May the Maker bless your paths until they lead back here again!" Suu called.

"Thank you! Goodbye everyone!" she called as the ramp closed.

"GOODBYE!" they called frantically before their voices were drowned out by the silence.

Ella took off swiftly, waving at the family until they grew to small to discern.

As soon as she entered hyperspace, she cleared the log of their travels and had it route a course to Naboo instead. Using some skills that Jesse had taught her, she made the computer accept that this had been their full journey.

When she arrived back at Coruscant, she stopped at a busy shipwash. It took a while, but when she finally came through the other end, not trace of Saleucami remained in the Helpmeet. There was only her clothes and herself to worry about now.

Ella had just stepped out of the shower at her apartment an hour later when her comlink chirped.

"Ella speaking," she answered, wrappinga towel around herself.

Someone sucked in a wet breath and sighed heavily, hiccuping. "Ella? Are you… are you home from your downtime?"

"Yes. Is this… Rex, is that you?"

The strange gasping noise was heard again, and he hummed in acknowledgement. "Y-Yes. Oh… Ella please… where are you?"

"At my apartment. Rex, what's wrong?" she asked, for she had finally realized that he was crying.

Rex sobbed painfully before he answered, "I… Ella, I should've put them back in my holsters! I should've… then he wouldn't have been—"

"What? Who?" she asked with mild confusion and mounting concern.

"Fives!" he cried. "Fives is gone! He's dead!"


Mando'a Translations

Vod'ika - little brother

Ori'vod - big brother

Grayi'r'ika - little sister

Ori'grayi'r - big sister

Shabuir- jerk, but stronger

Kriffing - bad cuss word. Take a guess. Y'all are smart.

Shebs - Shake it. Don't break it. It took your mama nine months to make it.

•~§~•

I know. I'm a horrible person. Why did I kill Fives but let Tup get away?

The people I resurrect won't be the ones we know well. Tup's story ended here in canon, but his death didn't cause as much action as the cause of it. (The chips were found before the surgery. I'm of the mind that Fives would look for answers no matter what, and the same results would happen.)

I struggled with this decision y'all. I eventually arrived at this conclusion:

We saw Tup on Umbara then the chip business.we don't really know much about him that canonical. Fives is a main character to the whole show. He's in waaay more episodes and we get to know him so well.

I'm sorry for the 'oh it's happy? Let's make them die inside' turn. I promise good times are going to make a comeback. We haven't gotten to season seven yet!

Hope you can forgive me?

Love, Peace, and

LittleBitOfGrace

PS: props to any of y'all who know where the song is from!