NOW
Christophsis
Going to sleep wasn't all that hard. Training on Kamino taught you how to just knock yourself out when you hit the hay. Close your eyes and relinquish all feeling in just a few seconds. It never worked instantaneously, of course. Stress and adrenaline can't be turned off on a dime. Still, a disconnection to reality helps quicken the slumber.
Dreams? Dreams were worthless. Fantasies. Beautiful nightmares.
On the other hand, waking up was like a snap of the fingers. It was an abrupt transition from darkness to your eyes wide open. Imagine floating in space in zero gravity, cold and unfeeling as you slowly drifted along. And then – comes the snap. Your feet suddenly hit a foundation, as if you were a game piece plucked by a giant hand and placed down on the playing board. Your heart clenches and skips a beat, forcing yourself to awaken.
The last item on the list, waking up, always punched Pawn right in the gut.
When he came to, Pawn refused to open his eyes. His body lay supine, still wearing his bodysuit and armor. The air was cold but familiar, the same as the squad's quarters. Stretching his fingers or his cheekbones brought some slight aching, and the events of the day before started spiraling back.
Slick killed Livewire. That's the sum of it.
Pawn placed a hand softly against his face. A bandage was plastered under his left eye. He tore it off and flicked it to his side. A disgusted groan was heard afterward. Pawn opened his eyes to see Captain Rex flinging the plaster off the pauldron over his shoulder. The exit door hissed shut. Rex's frown did not dissipate when he and Pawn made eye contact.
"4214," Rex enunciated slowly as he took a step forward, "I –"
"Where's Slick?" Pawn interrupted, plopping onto his feet. He wobbled a bit but regained his footing in an instant.
Rex put up his hands in an effort to placate Pawn. "He's waiting for his court-martial. We have him on 24-hour watch…. So," Rex pushed Pawn forcefully back to sit on his bunk bed, "he won't be going anywhere. He'll get what's coming to him, trust me."
Pawn grimaced, giving Rex a sideways glance. The good captain was no doubt just as upset as Pawn about Slick. Good men died because of Squad Fourteen's Sergeant, and who was in charge of assigning NCOs among Torrent Company?
"Good job taking in Slick," Rex remarked calmly, removing his hand from Pawn's person. "His face is so bruised that it'll take a week's worth of bacta just so he can open his eyes." There was an unspoken question in Rex's statement, especially with the way he was glowering.
"Slick ain't complaining, is he?" Pawn stood up, stretching his arms out to alleviate the soreness. "I remember when we had one of those misfire episodes on Kamino. Slick spent two months in the medbay getting his pretty boy face patched up. Shame he –"
"Don't give me that osik. Be serious. If Cody and I came a second later, you would have killed Slick."
"Would that have mattered?" Pawn's helmet was on the bed across from his. He moved to pick it up and examined it. "He got enough of us killed, didn't he? A clone killing him, then we have poetic justice and all that."
Just as Pawn was putting his helmet on, Rex gruffly pushed him against the wall. Rex's arm pressing against Pawn kept the trooper from shoving his way free.
"Captain?!"
"Be straight with me, Pawn," Rex muttered, eyes never wavering while Pawn kept reeling his head back and forth. "Moral's down with Slick turning traitor, and we have droids threatening to overrun the city. I know Livewire… Livewire's gone, but I need you to stay focused. No more outbursts. Can I rely on you or do I have to send you back on maintenance duty?"
Pawn stopped squirming, his voice lowering an octave to match Rex's. "Where's Cypher?"
"… With the rest of your squad, waiting for orders."
"Orders." That's what it always came down to. As everything comes crashing down all around you, you follow orders, or you don't, and you deal with the consequences. "I'll follow your orders… Captain. You can count on me."
Their stare lasted a moment longer before Rex gave a vigorous nod. He took a step back, eyes still tense, giving Pawn room to breathe.
Rex's voice returned to a normal level. "Good. Your squad's at the south exit. Get you gear and meet up with them." He turned to leave but gave Pawn one final look. "There's going to be some intense fighting for the next few days. If you let yourself slip like you did with Slick, remember that you'll put your own brothers at risk. Try not to let that happen." Then he walked out.
Before leaving, Pawn looked through his locker. His datapad was still there. Opening up the list, he scrolled down until he found Livewire's name. Underneath, Pawn typed out Slick's name, pressing each button one at a time.
Slick was a slithery bastard, but a man of his word. He makes a promise, he makes good on it, no matter what.
Pawn tossed the datapad back into the locker.
Just forget about Slick. Like Rex said, focus. Focus on keeping as many as men as you can alive. Make the Seps pay. Focus on taking them out.
Mourn Livewire later. Just a little bit later. There's time for that later.
Look out for Cypher, no matter what.
X
Two days later…
"Is it dead?"
"Yes, it's dead, Jester. Get over here already."
Jester kicked the fallen Tri-Droid; its multiple legs strewn messily; before moving to join where Pawn was beckoning for him. Gus was lying on a stretcher, waiting patiently to be carried back to the medical tent. A ship flew over their heads and landed behind friendly lines. Reinforcements, hopefully.
The highway of classic Christophsis mint and seafoam colors was littered with the corpses of battle droids and clone troopers. Rifles were scattered about, along with some debris collapsed from the skyscrapers surrounding the battlefield. At the moment, the clankers were retreating, leaving the clones to pick up the pieces.
As Jester walked away from the giant droid, Pawn looked to the rest of his squad. Cypher and Sketch were standing near Punch, Kix kneeling over him. The squad had equipped jetpacks to assist General Skywalker in disabling the Tri-Droids, but Punch had a nasty fall and couldn't move his legs. Rex commed Kix to take a look before the Captain regrouped with the Generals.
Chopper was allowed to remain in the fight despite his illegal arts and crafts project. Nevertheless, his dead body was currently buried under the Tri-Droid's, making the whole revelation of his battle droid finger necklace pointless.
Yeah, Chopper definitely was a "lone wolf." Preferred to get things done his way, but Slick more often than not went against him. Training sergeants back on Kamino always kicked Chopper's shebs for it.
Just when Jester and Pawn were at a steady pace bringing Gus down the highway, Cypher radioed in on their squad comm. "Punch is dead. Blaster shot through his shoulder blade. We're bringing him in now."
Cypher tears had dried early on. Rex wasn't lying about the intense fighting. Practically nonstop for two days, so Cypher had to toughen up quick. Consequently, Cypher had been very, very quiet, with no energy to his voice. When the droids were in retreat, he just stood there for a solid minute, staring at all of the bodies.
They needed to win this battle, soon. The more time it took for the Republic to retake the planet, the less time there was for Pawn to talk to Cypher.
Kix gave Squad Fourteen a genuine promise to get Gus back on his feet by the end of the week before bringing him into the medical tent. Sketch asked to be alone with Punch for a little bit. Cypher, Jester, and Pawn were considering heading back to retrieve Chopper's body when Rex walked up to them.
"Vode, you still able?" he asked with his helmet under his arm.
"Still ready to fight, Captain," Jester answered, straightening his back. Cypher and Pawn, long drained of such youthful liveliness for today, just sat down on an ammo crate. Rex trained his eyes on them the moment they even made the motion to sit. His eyes could have softened a fraction, or that could have been Pawn's sleep-deprived mind playing tricks on him.
"That's good. I want you three to follow the generals and greet the transport, help out any way you can." Without waiting for an affirmative, Rex spun around and went on his way. He joined another group of clones, Coric's squad, and led them off the highway.
The transport in question was just landing, right in the middle of the road. The three troopers slung their blasters over their shoulders and jogged to catch up with General Kenobi and General Skywalker, the pair already strolling along toward the ship.
Pawn liked it when he was assigned to be near the Jedi. He was taught that Jedi were supposed to be these all-knowing, serene monks. However, Kenobi and Skywalker always bickered about something or other, be it piloting skills or even their food preferences. It was a nice little culture shock to experience.
The trio of white-clad soldiers marched right behind the Jedi. The generals seemed to be having another debate over the arrival of Kenobi's new apprentice.
"Do you really think it's a good idea to bring a Padawan learner into all this?" Skywalker asked.
"I spoke to Master Yoda," Kenobi responded. "You should put in a request for one as well. You'd make a good teacher."
We don't need two untrained, undisciplined children here. At best, they'll slice up some more droids. At worst, they'll get people killed. Despite these lingering thoughts, Pawn kept quiet. Lack of military training aside, any Force-sensitive was supposed to be useful on the warfront, so said the flash training. Thus, Pawn'll take what he can get.
The transport's door opened up. Walking out from the shadows was a Togruta girl… and a young one at that. Stripped lekku and dangling lightsaber were prominent, as was the orange skin around her upper body.
Where's her armor? She doesn't even have a robe, or, anything! What are the Jedi thinking of sending a little girl to assist us?
Ahsoka Tano, she introduced herself as. What a sweet name.
At least there's only one of them.
"Cypher," Skywalker said, kicking Pawn's mind back to reality, "you and Jester help unload what supplies the ship brought. Pawn, come with us, help make sure that the comm system stays stabilized."
"Yes sir." Pawn motioned his squad mates to do as asked. Jester gave an animated nod, but Cypher went on wordlessly. Despite how much Pawn wanted to speak with him, Pawn turned and trailed behind the three Force users. Orders came first, after all.
After a bit wirework and a little assistance from R2-D2, the holo-image of a clone naval officer finally materialized over the holoprojecter. Pawn continued fiddling with the wires while the Jedi had their conversation. However, it was cut short when Master Yoda's hologram fizzled out. General Skywalker shot a look to Pawn. "There's nothing wrong on our side, sir," was the defensive reply. The Jedi began to converse with one another while Pawn attempted to reestablish a steady signal.
"Pawn," the younger General said quietly with an edge to his voice, "let's check up with Rex on the lookout posts." Pawn raised himself, picked up his rifle, and complied.
"Better take her with you," Kenobi called from behind. Skywalker paused momentarily in his steps before moving on. Pawn decided to greet the young one.
"Ma'am, I am CT-4214, or Pawn, if you'd like."
She smiled goodheartedly. "I'm Ahsoka. Nice to meet you, Pawn."
"If there's anything you need," Pawn continued as politely as he could without questioning Tano's choice of attire, "please let me know."
Sure hope you have some common sense and don't get anyone killed, Commander. Still can't believe fourteen-year-olds outrank even white jobs.
They strolled off the highway, taking a side path and staircase up one of the adjoining buildings. The central lookout post was on a balcony at said building. As they walked, Skywalker gave the impression that he was sulking over something, if the way he arched his back and closed his fists were any indication. Tano appeared intrigued by her surroundings but silent. Pawn guessed Tano annoyed the General somehow. The clone chalked that up as a point against her. Should she prove useful in the oncoming battle, perhaps he'll retract that point.
When they caught up to the Captain, Skywalker, all business, asked, "What's the status, Rex?"
"Fine, sir, for now, but the droids are gearing up for another assault." Rex immediately noticed Tano looking about the troopers close by that were scoping out the city. "Who's the youngling?"
She snapped back cheekily, fists at her hips as she leaned forward. "I'm Master Skywalker's Padawan. The name's Ahsoka Tano."
Perplexed, Rex turned to Pawn, who could only shrug helplessly. Then he faced Skywalker. "Sir, I thought you said you'd never have a Padawan."
"There's been a mix-up," Skywalker said dismissively. "The youngling isn't with me."
"Stop calling me that!" Some troopers twisted their heads at the small outburst. "You're stuck with me Skyguy," she finished off with a smirk, "get used to it."
Rex let out a few chuckles and had to cover up his mouth. Pawn grinned at the "Skyguy" nickname. It was better than Coric's "Starkiller" nickname for the General, that's for sure. Some of the troopers to the side chuckled as well. They soon went back to business once the Jedis' comments escalated into a snarky argument.
Tano, Rex, and Pawn eventually found themselves walking next to the row of heavy cannons on the highway: the line that had to be held, or they'd lose the battle. Rex was happy to indulge the girl with her questions while Pawn hung back. As the commanding officers chatted, a concentrated collection of footsteps incited Pawn look over his shoulder. Squad Fourteen approached, sans the dead and wounded and imprisoned.
"Sir," Sketch began. "Is that General Kenobi's new protégé?"
"Her name's Ahsoka Tano." She waved to the squad before resuming her talk with Rex. "Apparently, she was assigned to Skywalker instead by Master Yoda himself."
Jester nearly dropped his gun. "Master Yoda? Himself? Really?"
Cypher sighed. "Jester, stop being such a fanboy already. With the war going as it is, and how high-ranking Yoda is, I doubt you'll ever get to meet him again."
"You weren't there when I met him, Cypher. If it weren't for him, my squad would have been crushed back on Geonosis."
"Lucky you," was Cypher's curt response.
Before Pawn could intervene, a crimson color appeared in the corner of his eye. He craned his neck and saw a ray shield in the shape of a hemisphere materialize. Slowly but surely, it was growing in size. Pawn retrieved his binoculars from his belt and observed the enemy tanks on the other side of the highway making their way for another assault.
Another wave. Already. Damn it. At this rate, we need a miracle to save our shebs.
X
Later…
"Captain Rex," Pawn pressed his comm link, "We've set the mines and are retreating back to the buildings."
"Good. Get back here ASAP."
"Copy that. Pawn out."
"That shield's getting awfully close, ner vod."
"That's' why we're running back now, Jester. Stay calm and we'll all pull through this."
When they arrived to the building where their unit was hidden, a clone ushered them inside. It was Sergeant Coric. "Rex and the General are upstairs with Kix's team. They'll rappel down as we give suppressing fire. They'll strike hard, strike fast, and then disappear into the shadows."
"Like from a vid you once saw, right?" Pawn sarcastically asked.
"Yup. I think you saw it, too. It was called –" An explosion prevented him from sharing the movie title. The droids were marching virtually right on top of them. Pawn's squad took positions behind the front entrance. Pawn crouched and picked his targets. It was always a plus when the tinnies walked in straight lines; made things easier to shoot. Unfortunately, there was an overwhelming amount of Super Battle Droids. Rex had to order a tactical retreat.
Moving past the crowded, broken infrastructure, Pawn inadvertently ran head-first into the back of one of the SBDs. The combat robot turned around and grabbed Pawn's neck, choking him. He drew his sidearm, but it was knocked away. As the oxygen stopped making progress down his throat, he tried kicking the SBD, but the droid stood firm.
Luckily, General Kenobi swooped in and cut the droid in half. A trooper amid the crowd suddenly appeared and helped Pawn back up as the clones continued back to the heavy cannons.
Rex contacted Kenobi's second in command. "Cody, get some men on those turrets. The droids are closing in." As they were running, Pawn snuck a glance back. Kenobi was surrounded, droids all around him, but Rex was yelling for everyone on the comm to retreat.
While on their way back behind one of their improvised barricades, Sketch suddenly fell forward. Shab. Smoke floated from a blaster wound on his backside. Pawn swerved around his brothers to grab Sketch's body. He dragged his it under cover, the remnants of a Seppie tank, and examined the wound.
Another godforsaken name.
Pawn stood behind the tank and unloaded his magazine into the crowd of droids. He vaguely picked his targets, but spraying and praying was the best he could do under the circumstances. However, the droids' slow advance soon overwhelmed the first barricade. Once Pawn was out of ammo, he grabbed Sketch's blaster and ran toward the secondary barricade with everyone else.
He spotted Captain Rex, plopping down on to reload his rifle. "Captain," Pawn leaned back on a ruined piece of scrap next to him, "there's nowhere else left to run. The tanks are almost on us."
"We've got to hold out!" Rex vehemently responded. "We can't let that shield reach the cannons. Keep fighting!" The two popped out of cover alongside the rest of Torrent Company and started returning fire. Unfortunately, it wasn't long until the droids reached the last barricade.
"There's' too many!" someone yelled out. More clones were falling. Too many were dying. Pawn spotted Jester and Cypher. He caught their attention, and they all moved further back, toward the cannons. If they stood their ground now, it wouldn't matter if the Separatist shield was deactivated by then.
A stray grenade detonated to their side. A trooper – Jester, shab, why Jester? He's just a kid – was knocked to his back. He didn't get up.
"Cypher!" Pawn screamed. Cypher had tumbled over Jester's body. Pawn tackled him and shoved him under a fallen support column. Cypher huddled underneath, Pawn wishing to whatever god watching out there to make all of this end.
Finally, the shield began to pull back into itself. Rex immediately shouted, "All cannons, fire on those tanks!" As the enemy forces were pounded on, larties started coming in overhead.
"Cyph'ika," Pawn spoke on the squad's private helmet comm, "are you okay?" Torrent Company stopped retreating and turned back to chase after the receding tinnies. "You injured?"
"I'm fine... I'm not hurt," Cypher replied. His voice was a step away from shaking. "Where is everyone else? Sketch, Gus..."
"We'll look for them," Pawn reassured him. He grabbed his brother's shoulder, trying to show that he wasn't alone. Neither of them were. "Keep breathing. We'll look for them."
"Will we even find their bodies in this mess?"
"We'll sure as hell try."
More names to the list, more bodies to terminate, more brothers to remember.
They're not gone, merely marching away. Nu kyr'adyc, shi taab'echaaj'la.