Chapter Six

Echo groaned and curled himself into a ball under the blanket, trying to push away what he'd just witnessed. The words he'd heard exchanged.

Ella and Kix. He could see her, her head on his shoulder, his arm around her back.

"... you too, Kix."

She loves him. He loves her. I had no chance from the beginning. How could I be so stupid!

"Hey, Echo. There you are," a familiar voice announced. "Fives is looking for you… are you alright?"

Echo nodded, not wanting to meet his captain's eyes. He held too much pain in his own. It's against regs. It was against regs from the beginning, and I let myself fall for her anyway. This is why they exist.

The mattress dipped as his ori'vod took a seat. "Echo, you can't fool me. You never laze around," Rex said. "What's wrong?"

Echo swallowed and shook his head.

Two hands pulled him up by the shoulders. "Son, you can tell me or I'll order you.

The boy considered, then darted his eyes to the captain's before dropping them again. Rex was adamant. It was written all over in big, bold, capital letters. He wasn't getting out of this.

His cheeks heated up in embarrassment. "I… it's stupid, Captain. A waste of time."

"Did you lose someone?"

The younger man's throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. Yes, but not how you mean it.

"Who was he?"

Echo shook his head, "Not he. And they're not dead. Just…"

Rex's eyes widened with understanding. "Ella?"

He nodded, his ears red.

"Lover's quarrel?"

"No," he explained. "She… she doesn't love me."

Rex's eyes narrowed in sadness, face pinched. "Oh Echo… but how? I'd have bet my pistols on it that she did!"

Echo shook his head. "I saw her in the medbay with Kix. He had his arm around her and she was leaning on his shoulder. He said something to her, and she said, 'you too, Kix.'"

The captain's eyes widened. "Wait. So you didn't hear what Kix actually said?"

Echo paused, then shook his head.

Rex sighed, "Vod'ika, he could've said anything. Like 'good job' or 'you're a pain in the shebs.' It could've been anything!"

"But… they were… it looked…" Echo groaned and buried his face in his hands. "Sir, I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to deal with this."

But Rex patted his back and pried his hands away, "I'm a brother first and foremost, a commanding officer second. I want you to know because I mean it. You're my family. This - this talk we're having - is the highlight of my week. Or month, really, if I'm being honest. It's special, and it doesn't happen often either."

Echo had never thought of it that way. Ever since he'd been a cadet, he'd heard stories of the infamous Captain Rex, leader of the 501st under the Hero with No Fear, Anakin Skywalker. Stories that commanded respect and valor, reverence for the name and the person attached to it. He'd been an idol, someone to be revered and to strive to be.

Somewhere in that flow, he'd forgotten that Rex was also human - a brother just like everyone else. Who talked to Rex about girls? Who asked him about his favorite holofilm, or what he wanted to do after the war? Who joked with him and said pointless but hilarious things to him at one in the morning? Who confided in him, and became his best friend?

"Sir…" Echo licked his lips nervously.

"Yes?"

"Do you… have a brother by choice?"

Rex nodded grimly, "I… I did."

Oh.

"Who… who was he?"

Rex's eyes got a faraway look in them, and he sighed, "Keeli."

"General Di's captain?"

Rex nodded. "He died on Ryloth, trying to do the same thing that we're going to do. We're going to finish what he died starting."

"Are we even going to the surface?"

Rex shrugged, "Not sure. The 212th is. Keeli was closest to me," he explained. "But I met Cody and Wolffe before they shipped out. Even trained with them for a while."

"Command school?"

Rex chuckled, "That wasn't an option back in the day, Echo. You were a reg, or a reg, or, if you're lucky, a reg. You worked your way up. No command school. You had to prove to your men and your General you were worthy of that place, not just because you went to school and got through it."

Echo chewed his lip. "You know anyone who went through command school?"

Rex nodded, "They're good men too. Just… I don't know. I wouldn't say they had it easy. I haven't been through command school, of course. But… I will say that my experience was a little different from theirs, which makes it harder to relate. But once you get past that, it's all well and good."

"Who?" Echo asked interestedly.

Rex smirked, "Ponds, Bly, Fox, Thorn, Stone. More, of course."

"They're the really serious ones."

"Yeah. Kinda."

"What do you mean, kinda?"

Rex smirked wider, "I can't ruin their reputations, can I?"

Echo just smiled innocently. "I won't tell."

Rex considered, then nodded, "Okay. So Fox is actually a fun character. I think that the Corrie guards are all wound tight because of the constant pressure to be perfect and polite. They have the public eye on them more than us, if you'll believe it."

"I mean, it's not like they're not the police force," Echo quipped.

Rex chuckled, "Yes. They get a lot of heat. A lot. From the Senate, Jedi Council, and the public and press. There are mobs almost weekly they have to deal with. They can't engage even when being abused. And on top of that, they have to have a positive attitude."

"That's awful!"

Rex sighed, "It is. A few months ago, Thorn was beaten up bad by some protesters. The Senate had done something they didn't like or something. Well since he was not allowed to defend himself, Stone got pummeled. Broken ribs, dislocations, contusions, lacerations. Bad concussion. Was out of service for a week, even with bacta. No justice. Nothing. It wasn't like no one knew. It happened on the front steps of the Senate. The protesters were - get this - paid to surrender. Can you believe that? They beat him until he lost consciousness, put him in the medbay, and then walked away scot free, and paid."

Echo shook his head, "Did Stone recover?"

"Yes."

"I can see why they're wound tight. Does that happen often?"

"More than you'd care to know. But anyway, Fox really likes fizzy drinks," Rex said, trying to bring the conversation back to its point. "We got him some orange flavored thing in a can and he just loved it. He likes oranges too. I'm getting beside myself though. So midway through the night, Bly says something that makes Fox kinda mad. He waits until he's not paying attention, then pours his drink down the back of his armor."

Echo gasped.

"It was icy cold. There were actually frozen bits that slipped in," Rex said brightly, his face lighted up as he remembered it. "Bly was squealing like a teenage girl, hopping around everywhere trying to get the ice out. Then he turned on Fox and chased him, squeaking whenever the ice moved. It was the most hilarious thing ever."

"What about Ponds?"

"Ponds is the most devious person ever. He will come up with the simplest, cruelest pranks ever. They're so mean."

"Tell me!" Echo begged. This was all so juicy!

"He got me good once. Put salt and lemon juice in my caf."

"Ugh!"

"I know."

"Did you get him back?"

"I didn't. I tried once. Bad idea. He thinks things through so well. Nothing gets past him. I learned that if you don't react to his prank in a vengeful way, he won't hurt you. But you do something to retaliate… oooh boy. You better run."

Echo laughed, thinking he sounded a lot like Kix. "And the others? Stone, Thorn, and Bly?"

The night continued on like that. Rex told stories about the commanders, or his own memories from Kamino, his first squad. The capers they pulled.

Echo listened and learned that Rex was a bit of a troublemaker himself, but was very strategic about playing his cards. He also noticed that the captain was relaxing more and more as they continued. He even leaned back against the bunk, a loose smile on his face. This was doing him good.

It was late, and some of the men were returning when Rex stood up. "I'm always waiting, Echo," he said. "It's not like I'm busy or anything. We're in a bit of a lull right now. And even when we're on the job… I don't know, let me know and I'll make time."

Echo grinned at his captain, "You know, it goes both ways, sir."

Rex's smile as he said goodnight was so big it looked almost goofy. Just a few hours ago, Echo would've thought it treasonous you suggest that his commanding officer could ever be 'goofy.' He knew better now.

•~§~•

Ella was the first to embrace Ahsoka when she got back from her mission. She was barely even out of her fighter when the girl was tackled by her friend.

"I knew you could do it!" she exclaimed.

Ahsoka smiled, hugging her back. "Thanks Ella. Your talk really helped me. It gave me something to hold onto and get my confidence back."

"Anytime, Soka," she replied, then let her go.

"I have to go see Master," Ahsoka said apologetically. "Can I… after we're through, can I visit Axe?"

Ella nodded gravely, "He's coming out of bacta today."

"How is he?"

The girl sighed, "He's okay. His back was pretty messed up in the explosion. There's gonna be a lot of scarring. His spinal cord remained intact, which is a miracle. His brain and skull are also untouched. I think some angels had their hands on him to work that bit out. His left rotator cuff and a few vertebrae were damaged, but we're optimistic about it. I'll be working with him over the next few months in physical therapy."

"So it's looking up?" the girl asked.

Ella smiled, "At this point, yes."

She sighed in relief. "Thank the Maker."

"You care about your men, and they know it. It means a lot to them. I don't think they're used to it."

"Used to what?"

"People who care."

Ahsoka frowned, shaking her head sadly. "That's a shame. Well, I have to go before my master comes after me. I'll meet you in the medbay?"

Ella nodded, "Yes. I'll be there."

Ahsoka hesitated a moment, then stepped forward and hugged her one more time before turning and streaking towards Anakin, who was stumbling out of the escape pod.

Ella sighed and began her trek to the medbay, wondering if she'd get a chance to see Echo soon. She couldn't understand exactly why, but every time she was with him, she felt… alive, and at peace. And full of joy. It was a completely new feeling than any she'd ever experienced before, and it left her hungry for more.

What is this that I feel for him? It's so strong but so shy. I can't fathom it or even begin to try diagnosing it. What is this?

•~§~•

Kix was checking on Charge when the medbay door opened. He turned, expecting a short little woman with long curly brown hair.

He was surprised to see a brother instead.

"Echo!" he greeted cheerfully. "Sorry I wasn't expecting to see you here!"

Echo nodded. "I suppose it is strange."

Kix led him to a bench and patted it, sitting down at one end, "What brings you here? Are you not feeling well?" A serious look washed over his face.

Echo shook his head, "I'm doing fine. I just… I came in last night, and—"

"You did? I didn't see you! I'm sorry, Echo. It was really slammed last night. If it weren't for Ella, we'd have been working until morning, and I don't think some of these guys would still be here." He glanced around at the full beds.

Echo nodded, "That's what I came to ask you about, actually."

Kix looked a little quizzical, and leant forward on his elbows, "Oh?"

Echo nodded, shut his eyes and took a breath, then dove in. "It's Ella. I wanted to know… you two are close and… I mean, sometimes it seems like you could be… I'm sorry, it's stupid."

"You're asking if we're together? If we have feelings for each other?" Kix questioned.

Echo nodded. "Yes. I just wanted to be sure if…"

Kix's eyes widened, "You're in love with her."

Echo flinched and looked around, as if expecting she would pop out of nowhere and discover his secret. "Why… how did… I mean—"

"Save it, vod'ika," Kix laughed, holding up a hand. "I could explain, but it'd waste time. You're a terrible liar," he chuckled, then calmed himself and shook his head. "No, Echo. There's nothing between us but friendship, maybe that of siblings if we're going into depth. You're right. We're close. But not that close. I had a feeling you liked her. If something was up, I hope you know I'd tell you."

Echo nodded silently and looked at his hands.

"There's something more, isn't there?" Kix prodded.

Echo sighed, "I thought you told her you love her last night."

"What?" the medic asked, confusedly.

"She was leaning on your shoulder right here," Echo explained. "You said something and she said, 'you too, Kix.' And I thought…"

Kix shook his head, "I told her she did good. She said I did too. I'm sorry you misunderstood. I'd never want to make you hurt."

Echo just waved it off and chuckled lightly, sighing in relief on the inside. "No. It's really alright. I… I'm paranoid."

"I think you have a right to be."

"Thanks."

Kix nodded, and opened his mouth to say more, when the door opened again. "Ah! Hi Ella!"

•~§~•

Ella was surprised to see Echo here. He didn't usually hang around the medbay, having said before that it made him anxious. Yet here he was, chatting with Kix.

"Hey Kix! Echo! What are you doing here? You okay?" the girl asked concernedly.

Echo nodded. "I'm fine, Ella. I just wanted to talk to Kix. I also hoped," he shifted slightly, "you'd be here too."

She beamed genially, closing the distance to hug him. "Well you're in luck then. I missed you. When are we gonna read again?"

Echo chuckled, "Not tired of the regs yet?"

She shook her head. "No. They're funny."

Kix gagged.

She swatted him, "Quit dissing my literature!"

"Literature?" he protested. "The Selection Series is literature. It is a disgrace to even suggest calling the regs literature."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Yeah right. That's because you can't see the humor in it."

"No. I can't see humor in a bunch of rules. Forgive me for seeing clearly," he replied sarcastically.

"I came by to ask if Axe was ready to come out," she explained.

Kix nodded and stood up. "I'll get a stretcher. You drain the bacta."

Ella nodded and threw herself into action. Echo followed her to the machine.

"It's strange to think that floating in jello can make you heal from all kinds of severe injuries," he thought aloud.

Ella nodded, grabbing a towel to clean him with. "Yeah. It's cool though."

"Yeah."

Kix pushed a stretcher over to them and opened the door, hefting the limp man onto the hovering bed on his stomach.

His wounds were much better, but the scarring burns stretched from the tops of Axe's shoulders to his knees. Ella washed him down quickly and toweled him off, then spread some sort of salve on the scars.

"It helps prevent infection and speeds up the healing process," she explained to Echo, then helped Kix apply a thick layer of padding to his entire backside.

Echo helped maneuver Axe into the loose-fitting shorts and then assisted Kix to get him comfortably reclined when they got to the bed he'd been designated.

"There," the medic declared, stepping back after inserting an IV line. "Tell me when he wakes up and I'll give him some morphine. He'll probably need it."

"Did you scan him?"

Kix groaned, "You always suggest it the second before I do it!"

"Really?"

He didn't answer but quickly scanned the affected areas. "Can you grab my data pad?"

Ella nodded and walked towards Kix's storage box, when Ahsoka entered, looking nervous.

"Hey!" she greeted buoyantly. "He's over there, with Kix and Echo. I'm grabbing the data pad so we can review his scans."

The girl nodded and followed the nurse.

"Here's the pad, Kix," Ella said, handing it to him.

"Thank you, Ella." He plugged the scanner in and waited a few seconds for the results to be displayed. "Okay. There's good news. A lot of the nerve and muscle damage around his shoulder and across his back has healed efficiently. His vertebrae are closer to being healed. I think you're looking at some therapy within a week or two."

"How about the deep tissue burn scars?" Ella asked.

"If someone helps him put some of that lotion you introduced us to, I think he'll heal even better and possibly get some to disappear."

"That's wonderful news!" she exclaimed, bouncing giddily.

Kix smiled and patted her shoulder. "Yes. It is. So calm down before you go springing up into the galaxy with all the momentum you're building."

They laughed and she joined in, not minding that the joke was at her expense in the least. "Alright. I will."

"I think that's about it," Kix announced. "If he wants to see his results I'm sending you the scans. Echo and I are going to eat something in the mess."

He grabbed the younger clone by the bicep and pulled him toward the door.

"What if he wakes up before you get back?" Ella called.

"You can give him some morphine. I'll send you the official order. Goodbye!"

Ella and Ahsoka looked at each other and laughed once they'd disappeared.

"Boys."

Ahsoka rolled her eyes.

"Come on. I'll explain my plan for Axe's therapy to you. You can even help if you want to," Ella said, pulling up a stool for her to sit on while they waited for the pilot to awaken.

•~§~•

Ella had just gone to get them both a cup of water when he began to stir. Axe's eyes tightened, then squinted open. He groaned and stilled, looking around through slitted eyes.

"Axe?" Ahsoka ventured cautiously.

The pilot groaned once more and shook his head. Then he recognized her voice and stilled, opening his eyes a little wider as he lay immobile. "Commander."

"Do you remember what happened, Axe?" Ahsoka asked sadly.

He nodded. "We went into a dogfight. I got blown up. Whew." He shook his head, "How many live people will ever get to say that?"

She shook her head, staring at her fingernails. Three on her left hand were shorter than the others. She'd bitten them close in her concern for her men and what she was going to do now and how she would ever manage to get past this herself, let alone prove her worth.

Axe surveyed her, then shook his head. "C-Commander," he murmured. "S'okay. I'm alright."

Her eyes filled with tears. "You almost died, Axe. I lost Tucker and Slammer. Swoop and Kickback made it; they helped me go back and slaughter the tinnies. But if I'd been careful and obedient, and hadn't let myself get cocky with the Admiral and General…" she glanced around. "None of that would've happened. You'd be fine. The men I lost would probably still be here too. And so would the men on the Redeemer."

A hand on hers made her pause in her self-accusations. She glanced up at Axe in surprise.

"Forgiven, Commander," he rasped. "Now, you have to too."

She shook her head and wiped away a tear, "I can't. If I do… if I don't remember this, remember how this feels and what I did, I might do it again. And I can't… you guys are family. I can't just—"

He squeezed her hand weakly. "No. Don't forget. Forgive. Two things. Learn and remember, forgive and move on."

Learn and remember, forgive and move on.

She nodded solemnly. "I will. Thank you, Axe."

He smirked drowsily, "Got your shebs, Commander. Always."

Ahsoka sniffled and nodded, her own smile breaking through, wobbly and unsure.

It would be okay.

•~§~•

Echo and Ella sat in an abandoned room near the bridge a few hours later. Her head was pillowed on his chest, which rumbled with laughter as he read her the reg manual, eighth edition.

"'You won't go skinny dipping in the Senate's fountain!'"

She hooted, laughing along with him as he continued. "There's one I never thought I'd hear!"

"Skinny dipping at the Senate?" Echo laughed, shaking his head. Must've been one of the 41st.

"Hey Echo?" Ella asked, her voice soft.

"Hmm?" He looked down at her, putting the book aside.

She snuggled closer. "This is nice. I like hanging out with you."

Echo blushed and smiled so big he thought he'd broken his entire face. "I like hanging out with you too, Ella," he said, scratching behind his neck.

Echo looked down at her and smiled adoringly. She looked like a child almost, so innocent and sweet. Her smile was magical, like a fairy's from one of her stories that she devised just for him. Her eyes were shut, the lashes fluttering just a little every now and then.

"Do you know what you'll do after the war?" she suddenly asked.

Echo paused to think, then warned, "It's simple; not exciting to some."

But she only nodded at him to continue.

"I want to find a place to build a home," Echo said. "I keep thinking of a meadow and a river, and some trees here and there. On a mission, I passed by a house with a wide porch, and a swing on it, under a tangle of flowers and ivy that crept up the side of the house and curtained the swing so you could only just see it from a certain point. And there were a few tookas lounging about, little kittens and their mother. And a dog barked at me as I passed by, then went back to the house and sat down across the front steps, protecting it."

"That sounds beautiful," Ella breathed in her 'I'm imagining it' voice.

"And... I want to find a girl," he confessed. "I want to marry and have a bunch of little children with my eyes and her hair. I want to teach the little girls to defend themselves and the little boys to be ready to come to the rescue if they can't manage on their own. I want to live a life like the civvies do, and grow old with someone I love."

Ella opened her eyes, humming softly, "That's a delicious plan. I think it's beautiful, and I hope it comes true."

So do I, he thought, imagining reading in an armchair after a long day with a little girl in his lap; a little girl with his chocolate eyes and her curly brown hair.