Hey everyone, right, so sorry for being quiet for these past couple of months, I've been really busy with school, and I'm going to graduate in the Spring, and everything has just been stressful. Luckily, my semester has ended, and I have some time to relax, and most importantly, write. In other news I turned 24 on the December 14th, and I saw Spider-Man No Way Home yesterday.

Let me just say, the movie was awesome, it has to be one of the best Spider-Man/MCU film to date. I'm not going to reveal any spoilers. So please check it out.

And one more thing. I don't mean to sound petty or needy but, can you all send me reviews? Like ones that criticize me, give me tips or things that I need to work on, or how the chapter was. All I get is the stereotypical 'good job', 'nice chapter', or someone commenting about something in the chapter. I want to know how my work is, and I encourage all of you to review. This goes for this story, and my other stories. Again sorry.

I own none of the content, and please enjoy.


Promotions

Beta Squad was called to the training bay, due to General Skywalker contacting them, and it was important. It had been a couple of days since they had left Geonosis, as well as the Brain Worm incident. The good thing was that the members of Tango Company were going to be okay, a little shaken up but okay. Both Commander Tano and Offee were going to be okay as well, and Beta was glad.

They did joke around with the both of them, which they were glad they weren't there for that trip. Even though it was Scythe who was originally infected, but it could've happened to any one of them. And also joked that the next time they all had free time, they wouldn't watch any scary holo-movies. Ahsoka did chuckle at that, and Barris did seem amused by the attempt of levity, but they could tell she was still dealing with the aftermath, so they stopped.

After everyone was cleared, the 501st was sent to Coruscant to take a breather, and wait for new orders. Beta had just got situated in the Barracks, when General Skywalker at contacted them.

They were planning on going to 79's for drinks in honor of Cutup. They would've asked Commander Tano to come along, but they weren't sure it was a good idea to bring a teenager to a bar.

Then again clones were supposed to be 10, but due to the growth acceleration, they were in their early 20's.

It was probably best not to dwell on it.

Once they walked in, they were met with General Skywalker, Commander Tano, and Captain Rex.

"Sirs." The squad said in unison with a salute.

"At ease." Anakin said. "So, you're probably wondering why I commed you. Well it's for a good reason. Rex."

Rex took a step and stood in front of the squad. He gave them his normal stern look, and Tessa felt slightly off put, and she had a feeling the others did too.

"I don't believe I formally congratulated you all for a job well done on Geonosis. The fighting was tough, and I know the loss of Cutup is still palpable, and you have my sympathies. But he wouldn't want you all to feel sorry for him, and to continue to fight. After reviewing the work you did on the bug home world, and the battles you fought before. I believe you all deserve something."

"What might that be, sir?" Zeer asked.

Rex's lip curved upward, or anywhere close to his version of a smile, and said, "You're all getting promotions. Not just that, two of you, will be sent back to Kamino, for ARC Trooper training."

Tessa's eyes widened, and she looked at the others, they all had varying degrees of shock, as they processed what the Captain just said.

"Congratulations Beta Squad, you make the 501st proud. And you make us proud. And you have my respect." Anakin praised.

"And I couldn't have a better group to be my personal squad. And a group that I can happily call my friends." Ahsoka said with a smile, and Tessa fought the urge to blush at the compliments,.

"We'll give you a few minutes to choose who you'll send back for ARC Training." Rex said, and walked back over to Anakin and Ahsoka.

"I-I can't believe it." Tessa breathed.

Also, for some reason, she felt like screaming out 'Promoted' for some reason, but brushed that thought aside. [1]

Echo gave his sister a grin, patted her on the shoulder, and said," Oh believe it sister. I guess the head brass finally realized how elite we are."

Fives had a matching grin, and said," Cut would be proud of us."

Tessa smiled at her batch mates, she wished that Cutup, Hevy, and Droidbait were still alive, and there with them. She still missed them dearly, and thought about them every day, but she knew they would want her, Fives, and Echo to move on, and keep fighting.

Attie chuckled, and said," I hear that." He said, and fist bumped Nax, Coric and Del.

Zeer cleared his throat, and everyone looked at him. He had a stern expression, but they could tell he was both amused, and happy about what was going on.

"I hate to break the celebration, but, we need two volunteers for ARC training."

Tessa and the squad looked at one another, and it felt like they all knew the answer.

Fives chose to speak, and said," Sir, we believe you should be the one to go."

Zeer blinked, and said," Uh, I'm sorry, what."

Tessa held back a snort, but she did blink in slight surprise. It was rare for the Sergeant to fumble his words. She believed the last time it happened, it was when he found out how casual and close she and Commander Tano were.

"Sir, you welcomed us with open arms, and helped us when we first folded into the Squad." Fives continued.

"And, you kept us together, and made us into who we are now, after what happened on Teth. If anyone deserves to be an ARC, it's you sir." Attie said.

Zeer was speechless, and he looked at the others, they all nodded at him in both confirmation and respect. He felt a swell of pride go through him.

"I accept then. I guess while I'm gone, someone else will be leading the squad, until I get back. Fives, would you be the man for the job?"

Fives jaw dropped, and then said," Uh sir… I don't think that's-"

Tessa gave her brother a one sided hug, and said," Don't be so modest, you di'kut. You were sorta like the mother hen or unofficial leader of us back on Kamino, and after it. Besides, do you want Echo to lead us? He'll just repeat everything."

"Brat." Echo said without any malice, and Tessa winked at him.

Fives took a breath, hoping this wouldn't bite him in the ass later, and said," Alright sir, I'll take it."

Zeer nodded, and said," Good, now who's the one that will follow me for training?"

Tessa had a feeling where this was going to go, and said," I don't think I'm ready yet to become an ARC Trooper, guys. So, I'm good for now."

She knew the others would want her to become one, and she was flattered, but she felt she wasn't ready yet.

"Really? Are you sure, Tess?" Fives asked.

"I'm sure. But, I think Nax should be the one to go."

Nax blinked and said," Really? Why?"

"Well, you're the one who keeps our spirits up. And Zeer puts a lot of trust in you sometimes. And, I can be the only good shot in the squad." Tessa said the last part cheekily.

Nax chuckled, ruffled her hair, and said," I'm the better shot, sister. And I guess I'll volunteer as well. Don't pout once I get back, and out shoot you."

Tessa smirked, and said," I would like to see you try."

The others chuckled at this, and Zeer sighed in slight amusement. Even though ARC training was only going to take a couple of months, he was still going to miss his vod.

Zeer and the others walked over to the Captain, and stood at attention.

"Captain, the squad has reached a decision. Nax and I volunteer to undergo ARC training. Fives will be in charge of the squad while I'm away."

"Good then. The both of you will ship back to Kamino tomorrow. All of you have the rest of day off. Go ahead and celebrate, that's an order." Rex said, and saluted them.

Beta saluted back, and walked out of the room.


"Well boys, we all know who's going to pay for drinks tonight." Tessa said, and looked at the new ARC troopers, as they all walked

The others looked expectantly at Zeer and Nax, who gave them flat looks. Before they could comment, they heard someone approach them, and turned around to see Commander Tano running to them.

Once she caught up to them, she smiled, and said," You guys didn't think you would be able to celebrate without me, right?"

Tessa and the others exchanged guilty looks, with Zeer saying," We did consider you, sir. But, we thought you were uh... too young to drink with us. And I doubt the General and Captain would approve."

Ahsoka had a slightly crossed look for a moment, and then said," Oh I know. Master allowed me to tag along with you guys, but he also said that under no circumstances should I go out drinking with you guys. He'll punish me by more meditation, and other Jedi training I don't like. And Rex said that he would have all your hides, and put you all on latrine duty for as long as he see fits."

They all winced, both parties have been the receiving end of the General and Captain's anger before. And it isn't pretty.

"So, what can we do with you then?" Coric asked.

Ahsoka grinned, and said," I'm treating you guys to lunch. There's this good diner that Skyguy and Master Obi-Wan take me too. After that, you can go drinking."

Tessa grinned, and said," Well what are we waiting for? I'll eat anything that isn't military rations. And also we can talk about how both General Skywalker and the Captain can act like dads."

Tessa held back a laugh at the looks of shock everyone was giving her. But she then laughed, when the others laughed after getting out of their shock. There was a running joke around the 501st that both commanding officers seemed to be the dads of everyone, due to how strict they were of everyone.

The group headed to the entrance, while also talking and laughing.

Things they may be changing, but they were all still close as ever.


Vod: Means brother, sister, or sibling

[1]: For those of you who are Battlefield fans, you'll know that comes from the Youtube series 'Battlefield Friends'.

As you can see, things are starting to change. More things will happen, but you all have to wait and see.

Till next time.