Chapter 3: The Lawquanes
A violent storm causing trouble! After reuniting with his old Padawan Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker and his men are caught in a storm while in a gunship and get thrown far away from the battle lines! After crashing into a native farmland, Cut Lawquane, a friend of Captain Rex discovers the crew, mistaking them for violent intruders! After both men realised who each other are, Cut invites the Jedi and clones to his home to catch up on the war!...
Saleucami Lawquane Farm:
The walk to Cut's house was short. The farm that the gunship had crashed into was very close and could've hit the house if the wind pushed them a little further.
Anakin walked casually with Ahsoka at his side. He was glad that Ahsoka was with him once again and he really wanted to talk to her about a lot of things, but right now he was more focused on Rex, as this looked like a part of his captain's history that he definitely didn't know. Ahsoka didn't know any better.
"Master, do you know that man? He's definitely one of the soldiers for the republic, but I don't ever remember seeing him." Ahsoka asked.
"I don't know either, Snips. Rex is usually honest about these types of things. We're just going to have to learn about what's going on here." Anakin said back. "Let's just keep listening and see if they've got something they're hiding."
Upfront of the Jedi duo, Rex and Cut were fifteen feet ahead and both clones had their heads turning to one another as well as watching where they were going. Rex asked questions to the country-styled clone and he responded back casually.
"The farming life here is still the same. Everyone has their duties to get up in the morning and water the gardens so that the crops grow without and disruptions." Cut explained while waving his left arm to a lined field. "As the adult of the household, it is my duty to make sure that the kids get the health that they deserve. The life out here though, it has gotten a bit more difficult lately." Cut explained and his expression changed from happiness to sadness just like that.
"Difficult how? I'm sure both you and Suu can figure things out." Rex said supportively.
It seemed the mere mention of that name hadn't boosted Cut's moral. His expressions dampened more darkly and he turned away in a sort of disagreement. Rex couldn't have noticed any better. He also noticed that each of Cut's steps had gotten heavier, drawing more dirt up into the air and fading into nothingness. Rex didn't get why he seemed more distressed. What did he say to get the man to act more rough? He wanted to know and maybe help out where the trouble is happening.
At the back of the line was Jesse and Kix. The two men felt some sort of familiarity as they walked along the path. Both men had their helmets tucked to their sides, feeling a gush of wind hit their face. They knew it wasn't the tornado that had been blowing at them, or at least they had hoped not. Kix had given Fives the pilot he was holding so he could walk better. If the pilot had been in any worse condition, Kix would've refused the offer.
"This farmland is no doubt a place we've been before, Jesse." Kix stated. "Just by looking at the building up ahead I know for a fact that it is the place we took the captain when he got injured."
"Yeah, I see what you're saying. That was when we were with Hardcase." Jesse exclaimed. "'The first battle of Saleucami'. That's one battle that felt a bit easier."
Kix chuckled in response. "That's because you liked riding around on the speeder. I'm surprised how serious you were during that battle. "
"C'mon, I'm just as serious as any other trooper in the legion." Jesse responded in laughter.
Kix smiled at that response. Jesse was always a clone who liked to joke around. But being serious was also a good quality he had. When it came down to it, he was speaking the truth. His attitude was a quality he loved, and he was glad Jesse was still with him. He was glad the war still hadn't taken him away yet, and the medic hoped that he and his brother would live through this galactic war.
The group had arrived to the front of the house and it was pretty quite outdoors. Last time he was here, Rex remembered that it was more lively than this. He had expected to see the kids playing outside like they loved to do. They would ask Cut and Suu if it was alright to play outdoors and be cheerful about it. The clone captain smiled at that memory. Even during the middle of war, some children would still be happy and feel free when at home. That smile quickly dampened into a frown of confusion, because he noticed a change around the household. From a bit of a distance, the house looked normal but up close, it was clear some changes had taken place. Saying 'some' was only a minor term compared to how the home really looked. It didn't have any windows shown now, as they were sealed up by what appeared to be old bent metal. Rex didn't ponder on what type it was, as he noticed some blaster scorches all over the walls and door.
"Uh, Cut?"
"We had better get in doors, quickly." Cut said, ignoring the captain's question.
"Uh, alright then."
While Rex accepted what was telling him to do, Anakin stared at the back of the farmer with a suspicious look, thinking something wasn't being explained. He was going to keep an eye on this man.
"Come on, Skyguy." Ahsoka said jabbing a finger into the waist of her master. Anakin did what Ahsoka said and moved to the door where Rex and Cut were entering. Anakin knew his captain felt a bit off about what was happening as well, but it seemed as if Rex was insistent to get in the middle of it. Rex wanted to know what was going on and so did Anakin.
Once everyone had gotten indoors, Cut walked back to the door and looked outside carefully while holding the edge of it. He was being very watchful right now and everyone noticed it. Once he closed the door, a thick silence had surrounded the room. Cut looked at everyone, who started back at him. Being stared at like that sent a shiver down his spine. He knew why he was being watched like that but didn't want to dwell upon the reason. Instead he had decided to go on about a different subject.
"Well, I didn't expect to have any company tonight, but since there's still a fair amount of day left, I'll prep us all something good to eat." The tone in his voice was noted as fake enthusiasm by the Jedi and the captain. They knew something was real off, especially Rex. Last time Rex was here, he knew that Suu usually made the dinner, but now Cut has taken that role. He had only stayed for one night before, but even so, this order of things felt foreign to him.
"No, tha-" Anakin started but responded the same time as Rex.
"That sounds... great, Cut." Rex responded turning to his general.
Anakin's face read of disapproval and a small shake from his head translated to Rex as 'bad move, Rex'. Cut didn't catch Anakin's side in this and clapped his hands together with a smile.
"Great, I'll get started!" Cut responded before turning away. "Jek, Shaeeah, we've got visitors!"
The mere mention of those names made Rex's emotions shot up positively, because he really did like those kids. He was glad to know that they were here. He wanted to say hi to the both of them, and Suu if he got the chance.
Anakin didn't know who the kids were and slowly drifted his cybernetic hand to his lightsaber. Ahsoka and Fives noticed this and did the same with their weapons, bracing themselves for the worse. Once the two kids had rounded the corner, the three went back to their stationary positions.
"Dad, who are-" Jek started, but the eyes of the two twi'lek kids instantly darted at Rex. The look in their eyes was rather curious. Was it hope that generated from them?
"Rex!" Both the children cried in relief before running at him.
"Hey!" Rex chuckled while dropping down to his knees to greet them with his arms open. "It's great to see you two again. I missed you both."
"Do you still remember us, captain?" Shaeeah asked excitedly.
"Of course, you're Shaeeah and your bother is Jek." Rex answered pointing to her brother.
"Of course he knows who we are, dad just called us before." Jek retorts.
"That's enough, Jek." Cut said smiling. "Rex and his friends here are joining us for dinner tonight, so I want you two to be on your best behaviour. "
The two children looked at everyone in the room. There was Anakin, Ahsoka, Rex, Fives, Kix, Jesse, Tup and the two clone pilots who were leaning against a wall holding their legs and chests in pain.
"Yes, dad. It's good to have some nice people around for once." Jek said with a sniff and a tear to his eye. Shaeeah puts an arm over her brother's shoulder and let a tear out as well.
Anakin and Ahsoka sensed the distress between the siblings and wondered what was wrong with the two. They were curious to find out what was happening in this household. All was not well in the Lawquane house.
Cut looked to the backdoor which was located in the kitchen and he had a mental debate going on. The debate he was feeding himself was tough one, but in the end it had won. He sighed with a bit of a shake and looked at the two kids.
"Go, and play outside you two."
"Play..." Jek.
"...outside?" Shaeeah.
"You heard me. I need to talk to Rex for a moment, alone if that's okay?" Cut explained and turned to Skywalker with a soft frown. "And please look after the kids."
Anakin eyed Cut deeply for a moment before shrugging and nodding. "Alright, I'll do it. Come on men, let's go."
"What about the injured, sir?" Kix asked.
"There's always the barn that Rex was placed in last time. You can patch them up there if you want." Cut offered before turning away and whispering. "Or whatever's left of it..."
"That'll do nicely. Thank you, sir." Kix said happily.
As everyone left for the backdoor of the house, Anakin looked back to Rex and Cut who were looking at each other directly. Even though the captain wasn't looking at him, he knew that he general was looking at him. They had served together long enough to know each other well.
Anakin closed the door behind him slowly and the two men had started talking. Cut sighed heavily as he was left with Rex now. He was glad the awkward tension had finally dissipated.
"At least that's over. I know your general doesn't trust me." Cut confessed.
"He's a... very cautious person, Cut. He just doesn't know you well enough or what your situation is." Rex said back reassuringly.
"That's true, and the same goes to you as well at the moment." Cut responded.
"What do you mean, Cut? Is there something I'm missing? Where is Why?" Rex asks.
Cut didn't respond directly after the questions. His eyes read of an emotion that made him look broken. Rex pondered upon what this brother was trying to tell him. After what seemed like only a second, Rex came to the conclusion with his eyes widening.
"Wait, are you saying she..." Rex started.
Cut had a tear drop from his left eye. He closed them briefly and continued talking with a cracking voice. "Yes Rex, you're right. She... we were living happily as a family for a while after you left, then roughly three months ago, a local band of pirates had arrived on speeders and set up a base near this area of Saleucami. Things didn't affect us too badly when they first arrived, but then they started coming around in big groups and demanded credits every week. Anyone who refused to pay or didn't have any credits would end up paying the price or losing someone they loved." Cut explained carefully while choking up.
"They murdered Suu?" Rex asked probing deeper into the story and placing his left gloved hand on Cut's right shoulder.
"Yes, but they did it in a monstrous manner. When... when Suu got killed, not only was it on the property, but the kids were with her too." Cut had begun violently gripping onto the edge of the bench at this point. "They had seen enough from the war as it is. That pirate that did the job was no civilised being, but a savage who only cares about credits! Doing that in front of kids to, that makes it worse both of them."
"Where were you at the time?" Rex asked.
"I was out on the field maintaining the crops. I had no idea they had arrived. T-they said that they would come the first day of every week. But it was a day earlier and I still could've stopped it from happening. It was when I heard a shot in the distance and the kids crying for their mother that I knew what had happened. I wanted it all to be just a bad dream... I-I-I..." By now Cut had gotten down onto his knees, and begun to breakdown.
Rex had gotten down to his knees and put his left arm around Cut's back. He really needed a moral boost. "Cut, this isn't the time to be grieving. You need to stay strong for the children. Jek and Shaeeah are relying on you to raise them now. You need to show them how to be strong and let them move on."
"I... I can't, Rex. I don't know what to do. I can't replace their mother. She was their real parent. I can't compare myself to them. I'm not worthy to raise them if I can't protect them." Cut said negatively.
A strong swoop to the face stopped Cut from talking and he looked at Rex who looked disgusted. He wasn't going to accept this giving up attitude. He needed to make a point clear.
"Cut, I've had it with this quitters attitude. You're disappointing not only me, but also your kids. You couldn't save a mother from dying and that's something anyone with a heart wouldn't want to live with. But if you don't start standing up now, then your children might share the same fate."
"I... I won't let that happen! I can't let that happen!" Cut said back after hearing Rex's warning.
"If you don't want it to become a reality, then you had better stop blaming yourself for what has happened and focus on what you still have. Understood?" Rex questioned strictly.
Cut thought about Rex's words for a moment and realised that he was right. If he was to keep wallowing in his own depression and guilt, then how was he supposed to protect the children?
"Sir, yes sir." Cut responded getting back on his feet.
"Just what I wanted to hear." Rex said with a smile. "Now, let me help you start cooking dinner. It seems like you'll need the help."
"Thanks Rex, I appreciate the help." Cut responded now feeling more positive.
Outside of the house, Anakin was leaning on an old fence with his arms crossed. He wasn't comfortable being here when there was a war going on elsewhere on the planet. Master Fisto must be wondering where most of the leaders of the five-hundred and first were. A general, a commander and a captain were missing in action.
Ahsoka felt Anakin's tension well. She didn't expect things to turn out like this. Then again, stuff like this happened when she fought alongside Anakin a majority of the time. She had expected to just simply finish the battle and return to the Jedi Temple to finally talk to Anakin personally, without being rushed.
Currently, Kix was in the barn observing the two men carefully. Tup was with him as well, acting as what people would call a nurse. The title wouldn't bother him, but it got annoying when Jesse brought it up. He liked to bring up the title when he had received an injury. He meant it well in good humour, but Tup couldn't help but imagine sedating him when he got too loud. Kix thought the same as well, maybe a little more.
Jek and Shaeeah were playing with a ball and throwing it back and forth. The Jedi watched them, because that was what Cut asked of them. Everyone else seemed consumed in other things, while they were being responsible about.
Currently, Fives and Jesse were talking to each other about the battle going on elsewhere. While the storm had cleared up a bit of space where conflicts were happening, it was pretty clear skirmishes were still playing out. For the two Jedi, they could feel the disruptions in the force as the violence rumbled so far away, soldiers lives slowly ending because of the droid army moving attacking.
"A lot of droids are still around. We should be out there blasting those clankers back to the factories." Fives stated putting his right fist in his left hand.
"Yeah, I'd like to see who can scrap more out of us two this time." Jesse said looking out to the fields.
"You can't stand to an ARC trooper, Jesse. I've seen the way you shoot. I'm not sure you have your helmet on straight." Fives joked back.
"Hey, I admit my aim can be slightly off at times, but my hits are still good." Jesse said awkwardly while rubbing the back of his with his left hand. His right hand shifted as he bounced his helmet off his armoured leg.
The ARC trooper was going to keep going with the conversation going, but felt something bounce at his left boot. Fives looked to the ground and examined what had hit him. It was obvious to understand what it was that got him. It was a ball, an old one. It was carrying a worn red appearance with evidence of dirt scarring the surface. Fives couched down and picked up the ball. He turned to the two kids who were playing with a ball before too. Clearly it was theirs, because they were looking to him. He noted a look in their eyes that looked fearful, he wondered why they were so afraid.
"Hey kids," Fives started casually. "it seems you two need a bit of a practice. "
The ARC trooper walked over to the kids with the ball being thrown up and back in his hand perfectly. He stopped abruptly where he was and the three stood in a triangular pattern. Fives turned to Shaeeah and threw the ball smoothly to the girl. The Lawquane daughter caught the ball in both hands and looked into the eyes of the Jango clone. He smiled warmly and asked a question to them.
"Do you mind of I join you two, maybe help you throw better?"
Jek and Shaeeah looked to each other, debating mentally how they should answer. Jek was younger and he feared answering a little more. Shaeeah was older but was braver than her younger brother. If anything were happen, she would protect her sibling.
"Yeah, it- it should be fine." Shaeeah responded turning back.
"Thank you, I've been meaning to stretch my arms out for a bit." Fives said with a chuckle. He turned back to Jesse who watched the ARC trooper curiously, carrying a smart smirk.
"Hey Jesse, think fast!" Fives cried as he flung his right arm forward, setting his ARC trooper helmet at his brother. Jesse went wide-eyed at this and barely caught the helmet. His catch was barely successful as the rangefinder was the only thing he managed to grab upon.
"Hey careful, I don't want you putting anymore marks on that thing. I just cleaned it recently." Fives warned his friend.
"You caught me by surprise. I didn't think you'd do that." Jesse responded defensively.
"Then your reaction needs improvement besides aim, brother." Fives joked.
"Oh yeah?" Jesse challenged. He took both helmets by their bases and placed them on the top of two planks holding the fence up. He stomped over to the ARC trooper with his arms stretching around. "Let me play and we'll see who is better with reaction and throwing! "
"You had better ask the kids then. It's their game, not ours." Fives responded a bit more seriously, as well as point to the Lawquane kids.
"You're alright with me joining the game too, right?" Jesse asked with a soft tone.
"That... Would also be fine." Shaeeah responded unsurely.
"Thank you, ma'am." Jesse responded happily with a salute to the girl. He clapped his hands together and looked at the other three players. "Alright, let's play!"
Saleucami Battleground:
Commander Appo ran with a group of clones as they stormed the lines of lines droid forces. The Republic units were facing waves of B1 and B2 droids. The dust was thick and made it hard for most units on each side to see. The five-hundred and first commander was charging at a super battle droid with his DC-17 hand blasters firing at its chest. Once he was right in front of it, he fired a few more rounds at the metal face and kicked it down hard. It fell backwards and made dust fly. The other clones had fired shots at other B2s but didn't kick them. Instead they kept firing blue bolts until they dropped. After that wave was down, the group moved past the deactivated bodies and shot more droids, the next being generic B1s.
"Don't let them advance! Push the line towards them!" Appo shouted while looking back.
"These clankers don't know when to quit!" A basic 501st soldier cried.
"More clones, blast them!" A B1 battle droid cried.
The droids continuously fired their E-5 blasters at the approaching clones, but their efforts were useless as they were mowed down. The five-hundred and first kept pushing forward but the line sometimes shifted back.
Appo ran past the now destroyed droids and his men were still following him closely. He saw another group of super battle droids heading their way and he fired rounds at them quickly. The other clones did the same and they were taking them down fast. They a few groans as the B2s were taken down. After they were taken down, Appo's communicator started beeping. He momentarily stopped and he went into a crouching position. He men continued on to attack without him. He pressed his answer button and waited for an answer.
"Commander Appo, have you heard from general Skywalker?" Master Fisto asked.
"No sir, I haven't had any indication of the general or the captain's whereabouts." Appo didn't mention Ahsoka, as he found the rank mentioning annoying. "Do you think they might've been taken out?"
"That's unlikely. If Skywalker had fallen, I would've felt it. Remember, he has resourceful ways to get around obstacles, Appo." Fisto reminded the five-hundred and first commander.
Appo didn't admire many Jedi, but Skywalker was his exception. He had proven himself but he didn't like many others. He honestly didn't care for Ahsoka like the chosen one or Rex did. He found the Jedi involvement in the war effort a waste, besides general Skywalker of course.
"Understood sir, the lines are getting complicated to control!" Appointment said loudly.
"I agree, we just need to keep going. The droids will be coming until they're all destroyed. Have faith, commander."
Appo couldn't agree with Fisto. He found that the Jedi focused too much on hope, which annoyed him to great lengths. He wanted Jedi to more acting and less hoping. He had more hopes for a brother to fight than most Jedi.
"Understand... general Fisto."
Saleucami Lawquane Farm:
Rex and Cut had been very busy in the kitchen, getting the meat and vegetables cut and sorted. The two were getting along more positively as they did their tasks. Rex had his gloves removed so that they wouldn't get dirty as well as the food. He had made sure to clean his hands before working. The captain had done all he could think of in order to make Cut happier. He told him about funny experiences in the barracks, good moments when drinking at 79's, as well as telling jokes that he had heard from Jesse far too many times.
"...and that is the reason why commander Fox can no longer drink. Jumping over rails sure made him drop to the ground quite hard."
Cut was laughing quite a bit after hearing what Rex was saying. He liked it when stories like that had popped up for him to hear. It was fun hearing it, especially when he had a positive reaction to it.
"Wow, you've sure had some good times, Rex."
"I wish you were around too. We would've had a lot of good times, Cut. We would've made a great team." Rex responded in agreement. "Though the war had have some... obstacles here and there. Some I wouldn't want to go through again."
"Well, at least you're still here now. Plus you aren't shot up like last time. You're taking good care of yourself. " Cut commented.
"Sometimes it amazes me that I still breathe, but the general has been a good example of survival many times, even the commander out there." Rex commented.
"That's great, I wish I had a general like yours, Rex." Cut admitted. "I hope we can resort to peace soon. I know he must be a good man and I'd rather we said bye as friends."
"He's a complicated person, Cut. But don't let it get to you. You're not the first he's had his suspicions about." Rex explained reassuringly.
"That's one good way of looking at it I suppose." Cut said with a shrug.
The two had continued with their tasks as the food had begun to cook. The dinning table was currently being set, with enough chairs to go around. Cut had made more for visitors whenever they came around, but Rex had seen any signs of anyone else being around. Being a farmland, the captain understood the reason for less people around, but it seemed like there was an absence of life.
"Hey Cut, what are your neighbours doing these days? Did they move out of the area?" Rex asked placing a final chair in place correctly.
"That's... another tragic part of our lives here too, Rex." Cut answered more directly.
"Oh, you mean is was the same as..." Rex started awkwardly.
"Yes, the same way as Suu." Cut replied. "Those criminals, they have no hearts. They show mercy to the innocent. "
From what Rex had heard about the pirates, he couldn't blame Cut's title for them. There was clearly a grudge held high the this clone.
"They killed our neighbours. The father, the mother and the children."
Rex gasped at Cut's words. He didn't explain anything about that. The five-hundred and first captain couldn't blame him for the hate. He sometimes asked himself 'Why? Why would someone living want to take another's life, even a child's?'. There is a war going on that's taking more innocents lives but others still feel no reason to help. Rex didn't understand the motives of some individuals.
"I don't know what to say, Cut. That's awful." Rex expressed sincerely.
"The worst part about it was that the kids were very close friends with their children. I had been out on the farm at the time, and was close enough to hear the fight breakout. When I had heard some blaster fire and screaming, I ran to their house with my rifle. By the time I had gotten there... all of them were..." Cut stared down to the floor of the dining room with pained eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Cut. I wish I had been here for you." Rex said regretfully.
"I need your help, Rex." Cut bluntly blurt out.
"What is it?" Rex asked.
"I'm sick of these constant encounters with the pirates. They keep coming back here, demanding we hand over supplies, supplies we cannot afford to lose. They keep trying to bring us down, but I refuse. Every time they come, they know I refuse and they shoot up the house. I need to project both Jek and Shaeeah, but I'm only one man. I can't make things better by myself." Cut turned to right and landed a punch into the wall next to him, making Rex jump a bit.
"Cut..."
"I want them gone, Rex. All of them. I can't stand living under this pressure." Cut confessed. "Rex, I really need your help."
The captain was in a tight position. He felt a great weight on his shoulders. A simple question to keep the conversation going had turned it into this. Rex wanted to make life easier for the Lawquanes, but the general wouldn't like it, because they were needing to head back to battle soon. Then again, the general really disliked it when people were treated this way.
"I... I don't know, Cut. I'd have to talk to the general first. He's the one in charge. I have to follow my orders." Rex answered, hoping not to make Cut feel worse.
"I know Rex, but I really need to help the kids live freely. They shouldn't have to live like this."
Rex shifted his left hand behind his neck awkwardly, not knowing how to help. Cut wanted to finish the pirates off, but only the general could give permission to Rex to help Cut.
"Look, I can't promise anything, but I'll make a request to the general. He may take this into consideration and maybe, just maybe, he'll help." Rex explained.
"That is all I can ask for. Thank you, Rex." Cut responded. The retired clone turned to the outside door and then clipped back to the five-hundred and first captain. After thinking for a moment, Cut questioned Rex once again. "Would you... like to see where she was buried, Rex?"
Rex breathed in softly as he thought it through. He didn't expect Cut to ask him that. Rex didn't get told what happened to Suu's body after she had been murdered by the pirates. He would've assumed that she have been cremated after death, but this confirmed otherwise. While Rex didn't know her completely well like Cut did, he felt an obligation to pay respects to her. Besides that point, he knew he owed her after letting him take refuge on her property. While only being offered the barn, it was still more than what other locals would've accepted.
"It would be an honour to pay my respect to her, Cut. After all, she basically saved my life when I couldn't fight. It only seems right." Rex responded.
Cut smiled sadly and pats Rex's left shoulder respectfully. "I knew you would say yes. She would appreciate that."
"I know, Cut. I know." Rex responded with a calmed sigh.
"I'll take you to her now." Cut said back and turned to the door leading outside. "She isn't far from the house. It's only about a minute we have to walk."
"Lead the way, Cut." Rex said in compliance.
Outside, the game was still going. Jek three the old ball to his older sister, who caught it and flung it at Jesse. This throw however was rather fast and the clone's eyes went wide as the ball charged at his face. He was caught off guard and then there was a slam and a thud to the ground. Jesse had fallen over backwards and he let out a humorous 'yelp!' after the impact. The ARC trooper and the two children giggled as Jesse had been taken down. This had also taken the attention of Anakin and Ahsoka and both of them smiled in response. The felt the two children's happiness through the force, which made both of them less on edge.
As the laughter continue, Kix came running from the barn and directly to the general. The medic didn't seem alarmed, so he must've ran by choice. He had his helmet to his side as he ran to his leader.
"How are they doing, Kix?" Anakin asked.
"They're alright, general. The injuries are obviously not life threatening, but they won't be seeing any combat for a while." Kix explained. "Currently Tup is keeping an eye on them, so I don't think we should be worrying." Good work. You both make sure they're as comfortable as they can be."
"Of course, sir." Kix responded with a salute.
As Kix ran back to the barn, the door to the kitchen opened with a creaking sound, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. Cut came out first while looking down to the dirty covered ground, followed by Rex who had more of a saddened face.
"They took long enough." Anakin said quietly, loud enough for Ahsoka to hear. "Wait, where are the going?"
"I don't have a clue, master." Ahsoka responded. "I thought they were subtle enough in their kitchen."
"This isn't making any sense, we had better follow them." Anakin commented. "Come on, Ahsoka."
"Right, master." Ahsoka responded with a nod.
As the two started follow the two men, they noticed the children were feeling down again. The two Jedi stopped in their tracks when this emotional shift happened. They immediately forgot about the game and decided to follow their adoptive father. Fives didn't get it either as well as Jesse who was still on the ground and rubbing his forehead. They also followed closely.
Cut and Rex walked silently down a path behind the house beyond the fence line and went to where a small pond was located just outback. Rex was surprised that he didn't see it the last time he was here, but he never really took the chance to look around last time. Besides all the bad things happening, he found this place rather peaceful. He could see why Cut liked living here. Upon closer inspection, he noticed what appeared to be a cross imbedded ten feet away from it, as well as disrupted dirt that almost looked like it was near resettled. Rex couldn't have mistaken it for anything else. It was Suu's personal burial ground. Finally, the two were now standing in front of the final resting place of Suu.
Cut crouched down to his knees carefully and rested his head forward with his eyes closed. Rex understood the motion well. Many of his brothers had done the same for each other when someone close to them died. This wasn't a brother though.
Although they thought they were alone, everyone who saw the two men go outside were right behind them, not making a sudden sound. They were curious as to what was going on. Jek and Shaeeah knew better though.
"It may sound like a strange thing to you Rex, but every time I visit her here, I like to say a few words and believe that Suu can hear them, where ever she is." Cut explained, resting his hands on his thighs. "I hope you can understand that. "
"It's fine, Cut. I believe she can hear you." Rex said, encouraging the father.
"Thanks, pal." Cut responded before taking a breath. "Suu, my darling wife. I'm sorry for all that's happened. I wasn't there for you when you needed me the most, when Jek and Shaeeah needed me the most. I know that no matter how many times I say that, it will not undo the damage that has been done. You taught me a lot over the last two years. I was engineered to fight a war, but you taught me how to live. You and the kids opened me up to who I truly can be and you three made me the happiest man in the galaxy. With you gone, I realize now that I have to make sure I can learn myself and help the children grow up. I could never replace you, ever, but I'll make sure that I'll risk my life to let them live happily. I promise you, that no more harm will come to this family. I love you, Suu. But most importantly, so do your kids. With you gone, I feel lost, but I will not let it get in the way of protecting the kids. It is my duty, as a father to them. I will get them their freedom." The clone got up on his feet slowly and a tear had sprout from his left eye.
Rex put an arm around his friend's back and pats him softly. "That was beautiful, Cut. I'm she heard it."
Cut didn't respond, because he felt something touch his back. He turned back as Rex let go and saw the two children standing there, tears filling their eyes.
"Dad..." Both kids said shaking.
"Come here, kids." Cut said going back down to his knees and wrapping his arms around the two kids.
"Dad, we, we didn't mean to..." Shaeeah started.
"Shhh, it's alright. You're not in trouble. There, there..." Cut said softly.
Rex looked at the family for a second before turning to the general who looked unhappily at the captain. He pushed his cybernetic arm outwards and waved his hand towards him. He wanted to speak to Rex.
Be had been waiting for this situation but still needed to prepare himself for the earful he might receive. Ahsoka was standing with him, but he still felt a bit cold. The general walked closer to the house area with Ahsoka and Rex with him.
"Rex, I'm very disappointed with you for keeping this a secret from me. Not only are we wasting time here, but you didn't alert me of a clone not fighting in the war effort. Do you know he is committing treason? Do you know you've committed treason?" Anakin asked.
"Sir, you have to understand the situation he's in, he-"
"He..." Anakin started, pointing to Cut. "...isn't doing his duty. He abandoned the war effort to raise a family, thinking only about himself. He has a duty to the Republic, a duty he isn't following. I don't know what he is doing here, but I have to make sure the Republic knows he is here."
"General, please, don't be so rash on him." Rex pleaded.
"I'm sorry, Rex. But it has to be done. As soon as we regain contact with master Fisto, the situation will be handled." Anakin said angrily.
"Master, you can't!" Ahsoka butts in. "You're being so cruel."
"I'm not, Snips. I'm doing what's right." Anakin responded. "We can't have men abandon the war. If we let the soldiers leave, then we'll have nothing to fight with."
"So you're just going to let him be decommissioned? Take him away from his kids?" Ahsoka asked. "That's just wrong."
"Look, I wouldn't mind letting the men live freely and not go into warzones, but things have gotten much more complicated." Anakin explained.
"How so?" Ahsoka asked putting her hands on her hips.
"Rex, you know why. Explain it to her." Anakin ordered.
"Yes, sir." Rex sighed. "A few months back, the Republic had lost a lot of key systems that were vital to our production. After they had been completely taken over, the enemy had started mass production of droids and ships. We've been working as hard as possible to keep certain fronts from being lost and Saleucami is one of those battles we were fighting in. That's why we can't spare many men." Rex finished before turning to Anakin once again. "But sir, Cut deserves to stay with the children. He's seen fair enough from this war already."
"Look Rex, a lot of the men have seen a lot from this war. Your experience with Krell is very obvious to remember, but you have to understand, we need every man we have on the front lines, otherwise we might not win this war."
"He's only one man, sir. He deserves to be here." Rex pleaded. "I was originally thinking about turning him in when I met him, but he joined the family well and that shouldn't be taken from him. We'd be taking away his freedom."
Anakin thought about what Rex was saying. He was feeling conflicted about the way he thought about this. The war had been rough for him, giving him more stress from seeing thousands of his men killed by droids. To be fair, everyone went through hell who was linked in the war. But Anakin had been fighting it for a lot longer than most soldiers, and as the war got more involved from both sides, it plagued him mentally. He had become more strict and far more rough. When listening to Rex's words, Anakin realized the way he was acting. It was unjust, considering how he was like at the start of the war. He needed to be more open to the way he normally used to be.
Anakin dropped his head down and let out a rough breath. He blinked while going through the thoughts once more and turned back to Rex. "So he's been here for long, Rex? How many battles has he seen?"
"He's... he was only in the battle of Geonosis, sir." Rex responded.
"The first battle?" Anakin asked.
"Yes sir, but he wasn't directly on the front lines when he had escaped the war. He-" Rex tried to continue, but the sudden sound of what appeared to be speeders could be heard in the distance. Judging by the intensity of the sounds in the distance, there was definitely quite a few.
"Dad?" Both children exclaimed while looking up to their guardian.
"Back into the house, kids! Just like we planned!" Cut started loudly.
"Yes, dad!" Both children complied. Judging by their fear, they didn't have the idea to go against their father's orders.
Once the kids started running to the house, Anakin, Ahsoka and Rex moved out of their way and stared directly and Cut with confused and concerned expressions. Cut moved away from the burial and the other two clones. He moved quickly and encountered Rex for another brief moment.
"Rex, if you have any weapons in your crashed gunship, then I suggest you move quickly to grab them. The pirates are coming and they're not kind with weapons. You have enough time to grab them. Just be careful. " Cut warned.
Rex turned to Anakin to see his response to what Cut was saying to him. The Jedi sighed at the situation and shrugged to his captain, giving in to what the farmer was saying. "Alright, let's go Rex. We'll take Fives and Jesse with his to give us a hand." The general turned to the ARC trooper and the other trooper. "You boys ready?"
"Yes, sir!" Both clones responded.
"Good, and we need to make sure that Kix and Tup get the wounded men inside safely. We can't have injured men dying if they can't defend themselves." Anakin explained.
"Wait, what about me, master?" Ahsoka asked.
Anakin had realized that he had forgotten Ahsoka and turned back to her awkwardly. Their meeting with each other should've been more personal, but learning something new about Rex had gotten Anakin on edge. He didn't know what Ahsoka could do so he offered her a filter task. "You... just make sure that the kids stay safe. If we don't beat the pirates back to the farm, then someone will need to fight. Another Jedi is suitable for defence, and I trust you can hold your own."
Ahsoka frowned at Anakin's response. She detected the absence of herself in the plan and felt a bit annoyed that he had forgotten. Though while she wasn't initially included at first, she could understand why that was the case. Since her leave from the Jedi order, Anakin's style of tactics and plans would've moulded differently, meaning she was pushed out of the way and someone like Rex... or Appo would've taken her place as a second. She understood why Anakin didn't mention her. She forgave him. Her frown quickly turned into a grin though. "You can count on me, Skyguy."
"Alright, let's move." Anakin commanded his three men.
Cut ran into his house after the kids had gone in, followed by Ahsoka who was close behind. The first thing that was done when they had entered the house was clear the kitchen table of plates and cutlery. It didn't take too long with Cut moving it all, as it looked as if he had been through this situation before. Ahsoka just looked around the house to see if there was anything she could do to increase the security. When she saw the front door, she opened it and looked outside. A brief scan with her eyes had shown her lots. She spotted smoke from the distance flowing into the sky from a location not too far. The togruta however was more interested in her master, who was in the field ahead with Rex and the other men. They sure weren't wasting any time.
"Hey Jedi, I could really use your help in here!" Cut exclaimed loudly through the house.
Ahsoka closed the door and quickly ran to where Cut's voice was echoing from. Once Ahsoka had reached him, the padawan noticed that she was in a living area. Cut was at a wall and appeared to be tearing off a plank that was loose. He turned around and waved to the padawan.
"Over here, Jedi! I need help getting this off! It seems a bit jammed!" Cut explained.
"I'm on it, and the name's Ahsoka." The togruta explained.
"Understood, Ahsoka. Thank you for the help. I just need to ensure Shaeeah's and Jek's safety." Cut explained.
"I know. I've protected children before. I would never let any get harmed." Ahsoka responded.
"Then I'm glad you're here." Cut said back calmly before getting back to the matter at hand. "I've removed this plank before for when I need to defend the house, but now it seems like it was forced back in too hard. With force, we should've able to bring it back out."
Ahsoka nodded and the two proceeded to grab each side of the plank with their hands. It was hard getting the wood off, as it seemed naturally stuck in. Both of them were straining themselves getting it out. As they kept pulling, their faces were positioned away, keeping them from noticing the wood slowly slipping. Once the wood had slipped off, the both of them wailed in shock as they flew back. Cut fell back into a chair while Ahsoka fell to the floor. The wood had also landed on her as well. Cut had quickly gotten back up and went to the Jedi. He removed the wood from Ahsoka's chest and offered his hand to her. Ahsoka looked at Cut's hand and accepted his help.
"Thanks." Ahsoka said great fully.
"No, thank you." Cut responded.
"Where are your kids?" Ahsoka asked fearing for them.
"Don't worry, they've gone upstairs to keep away from the pirates when they come close." Cut explained. "All we have to do is wait for Rex and the others to come back and then we can hold the line."
"Fair enough, anything else that needs to be done?" Ahsoka asked.
"Only a few minor things, I'll show you." Cut explained.
Out in the field, Anakin lead the men to the gunship fast, cutting trough crops and tools that were in the way. The gunship wasn't too far out as they were already in front of it. Considering the walk to the farm, it was no surprise that it would be quicker running back.
"Alright, we better make it quick. Anything we left behind before, we should take." Anakin explained.
"Cut said we should take our weapons. He didn't say we should recover anything else." Rex explained.
"Well Cut isn't in charge, Rex. We're taking everything so that the pirates wouldn't claim it themselves." Anakin retorts.
"Yes general, I understand." Rex responded.
"Come to think of it, why didn't we take our stuff when we crashed in the first place. Code fifty-seven in the clone handbook is to never leave supplies behind when crashing, unless the enemy is coming." Fives commented.
"The clone handbook isn't an official rule to follow, Fives. That's just something we made up." Rex responded.
"Though you have to admit, the rules aren't exactly bad ones." Jesse commented.
"Just gather the stuff, men. Don't waste time." Anakin commanded, ending the banter.
Everyone looked around and inside the gunship for equipment that was dropped or left behind. Fives found his DC-15A quickly as well as Kid's. Jesse had found Tup's DC-15A as well but just as easily found his Z-6 rotary blaster cannon partly buried in dirt, mainly at the barrel. He grabbed the handle and barrel and pulled it out easily.
Anakin and Rex looked around and noticed a few ammo clips lying around, scattered across the flat bed of the gunship. All of which belonged to the blaster rifles. They were disappointed to find little remainders or their equipment. The only other piece of equipment that was left was a broken communicator that barely seemed useful, but Anakin still wanted it.
"Anything broken should be taken too. We can't let them get any information from our forces should they fix it." Anakin said.
Rex nodded and picked it up. He placed it on his belt securely. Once the were sure everything had been grabbed, Anakin led everyone back to the house. The group made sure to come back fast, because the speeder sounds were getting louder and more rough.
In no time, Anakin and the group had made it back to the house and entered straight through the front door. Once inside. Kix had come rushing down stairs with Tup behind him. The two went to Fives and Jesse and took their blasters.
"Where are the other men?" Anakin asked.
"They're safely secured upstairs with the children, sir." Kix explained.
"We hope you don't mind, mister Lawquane." Tup respectfully said to Cut.
"That's fine. The ones who can't fight shouldn't get involved. We must protect those who cannot fight." Cut said bravely.
"That's some fine words, Cut." Rex said to the farmer with his helmet now on.
"Thanks, Rex." Cut responded. Suddenly he removed his rifle from his back and held it tightly. He listened carefully. "Listen." The sounds of the speeders hard gotten louder as he focused. This time they seemed like they were just down the path. Cut could tell. "They're here. Take up positions at the wall and we'll hold our ground there."
The clones did as the farmer said and grouped up in a line together with their weapons poking out and aiming outward around that side of the farm. Due to night settling in, the weapons were getting easier to keep hidden. From left to right was Jesse, Fives, Cut, Rex, Kix ad Tip. Most had settled down easily except for Jesse who couldn't get into a good position. He grunts annoyed as he positioned his rotary cannon multiple times.
"What's wrong, Jesse?" Fives asked turning to his friend.
"It's the cannon, I can't position it properly through this opening." Jesse explained pulling his weapon out.
"Take mine, I already have my side arms." Fives offered pushing his rifle to Jesse.
"I owe you one Fives, maybe a few rounds later?" Jesse suggested.
"Deal." The ARC trooper replied with a grin under his helmet.
"Stay focused, they're here." Cut announced.
Cut couldn't have said it any sooner, as the pirates were already blowing dust to the front of the house. Everyone remained silent as they came to a sudden stop. The speeders were all black, with pirates who consisted of rodians, weequays and twi'leks. One of the speeders was however built up like a skiff.
Anakin and Ahsoka were both standing back from the wall but the general couldn't help but peak through. While these seemed like generic pirates, he felt as if he had seen one of them before. Or at least he had sensed a familiar force signature he had encountered years ago. Ahsoka saw the curious expression plastered on his face but didn't understand as he did.
"Master, what's wrong?" Ahsoka whispered.
"Something isn't right here, Snips. Besides the pirates being around, there is something that I feel I've encountered before. What's funny about it is that that it is coming from the biggest speeder. I don't like this." Anakin explained as quiet as he could.
"Well that can't be good." Ahsoka said back.
As the people in the house looked at the raiders, the bigger skiff lowered a ramp down and two heavily armored twi'leks jumped off. None of them was the one that Anakin had sensed however, but the presence still remained on the speeder.
Finally, another rodians had appeared from the speeder, with a standard side arm in a holster on the right side of his belt. He didn't bother to remove it, as he seemed confident enough to not use it. Anakin pronged more intensely at this rodian, because he was the one who generated the signature the Chosen One felt. He took a second to observe the rodian more carefully before making the final judgement.
"That's… Greedo?" Anakin commented.
"You know him?" Cut asked to turning to the general.
"He's…" Anakin started before being sent back to his past. Remembering Tatooine when Greedo claimed that he was cheating in the Boonta Eve Classic. Both of them were only children at the time, but Anakin still took offense to that. It wasn't the worst experience he had faced on Tatooine, but it wasn't a good one either. They both were fighting in one of the streets in Mos Espa, until Qui-Gon had intervened and ended the fight. After leaving the dust ball of a planet, Anakin never though he'd see him again. "He was someone I used to know."
Cut seemed to accept the answer and continued to watch the enemy with the rest of the clones. Ahsoka however knew Anakin well, meaning there was more to this than what he explained. She wouldn't bring it up right now though.
"Cut Lawquane!" Greedo shouted, speaking in basic. "You've been living on our land, refusing to pay the compensation you owe us! Your stay has been long overdue, so unless you pay everything that you owe us, then we're going to burn you and your children out alive!"
"I don't think so!" Cut shouted back. "There is only so much that you can do before someone begins pushing back! You aren't getting anything back… Greedo!"
The rodian in charge was taken aback by Cut's usage of his name. Dispute this, he decided to continue.
"Your term here is completely expired, then." Greedo finally commented. He turned to his heavily armed twi'leks and shouted an order to them, in the rodian dialect.
Cut tried to make some sort of sense to what he ordered. He didn't understand the rodian language, but Anakin did.
"Get… the… big toys?" Anakin said before going wide-eyed. "Everyone, back away from the line, now!"
Everyone looked at each other confused but followed what Anakin said, thinking he had the best idea at the moment.
Outside of the house, the two twi'leks had gotten in the speeder and come back out with what appeared to be salvaged Z-6 rotary blaster cannons. Both were completely black and were powering up with the whining sound increasing.
"Show them our power!" Greedo shouted in his language.
The two twi'leks complied and went berserk on the house, releasing red bolts heavily into the interior. Everyone down stairs ducked with their arms covering their heads. They were packed in tightly, as bits of the walls chipped off fast. Everyone but Cut was worried about the house collapsing on them. The farmer was thinking about the safety of Jek and Shaeeah, who were still hiding upstairs. Despite the noise being loud, Cut could hear the sounds of both kids screaming in terror. However, he knew that if he was to stand now, he would be hit, most likely killing him.
Outside the house, Greedo too heard the screaming from upstairs. This proposed an idea in his head that he thought seemed 'sweet'. He turned to three other rodians and gave them an order.
"You three, climb the house and take those children. We're going to have more slaves to sell."
The rodians nodded and ran to the side of the house. They expressed their own athletic styles by jumping many feet high in the air and flipping onto the rooftop of the house. The room was located where they had jumped and with enforced gloves on, they bashed through into the room.
Inside the kids' room, the two children got severely shaken up by violent bangs that caused carnage to their room. They shrieked in fear as they thought this was the end. The two clone pilots were situated on the beds and attempted to move and protect the children. They stood up, feeling unable to balance themselves. They rushed to the breaching rodians, only to be gunned down by what appeared to be E-5 blaster rifles. They yelled as they were killed so easily. The kids could only watch in horror as they witnessed death in front of them.
"Hey kids, looks like you're becoming… workers." One of the rodians said darkly.
Back down stairs, everyone was still ducked, literally pressed down to the floor, because of the bolts and rubble dropping down on them. Cut still listened as the fire continued. However, he heard what he had most feared, blaster fire in the bedroom where the kids were and more screaming.
"DAD!" He could hear the kids scream.
"NO!" Cut roared. "Jek! Shaeeah!" He hated being stuck down here, on the ground, helplessly waiting to help out. He watched as the blaster fire rippled in waves of thousands. It was almost as if time had Sloan down… or sped up. He didn't know what to do. After what seemed like minutes, the red bolts had finally stopped, leaving a silence that creepy everyone out.
"DAD!" The screams started again. This time however, Cut got up and looked through the opening in the house, because he knew one-hundred percent that it didn't come from the house. When he looked outside, two rodians were pushing the kids inside the main speeder.
"That's good enough, let's go!" Greedo shouted.
All the other speeders had cleared out, but Greedo's was still being packed in. The last two to entered were the heavily armed twi'leks. Cut quickly pulled up his native rifle and fired two quick shots at their backs. The hits were direct, but they lacked much effect. He was stunned and didn't know how to react. The two twi'leks looked back and gave him a smug look through the wood. While they couldn't tell where he was exactly, they knew he was aware. Once fully loaded up, the speeder had left. Leaving the house the way it was.
Many minutes later, Cut sat on a barrel with his hands covering his eyes. His life felt likes nightmare. At this point, being shot down in a gunship couldn't compare to the fear he felt as of now. He felt like this was hell and he had to live it out.
Anakin was speaking to Ahsoka and Rex about this mess, knowing that they had stumbled deep into the situation. Anakin looked more angry than what he was like when speaking to Rex. In fact, it would be more than fair to say he was beyond infuriated. The way he spoke to Ahsoka and Rex made them both look nearly ashamed, as if it was their fault.
Kix had come from the inside of the house and made the announcement that both clones upstairs were KIA. Anakin turned away and looked towards Cut with disgust. He walked to the farmer with his stance proving how he felt. His presence was so strong that even Cut could feel him approaching. He had removed his hands from his face and looked dead in the eyes of Anakin, wishing he didn't.
"You disgust me. If you cared for those children, then they wouldn't have been taken." Anakin said darkly.
"How can you say that?!" Cut bursts out, stepping up from the barrel. "I tried my best to raise them! I didn't chose the way everything turned out! I fought so hard to keep them safe!"
"You didn't do a good enough job, then." Anakin responded. "If you cared for those kids, ten you would've at least left the area! Did you think about doing that?!"
"If only you would listen! You don't understand how life works around here!" Cut shouts. "This isn't a city planet like your beloved Coruscant! Here, there is less! We aren't property equipped to fight off hoards of pirates, or droids. We're only few compared to many other planets!"
"Why couldn't you have just gone to one of the towns?! I know this planet has a fair amount and everything you say is merely cowardice. Did you think of that? Did you?!" Anakin shouts. "You should never have come here."
"That's enough, general!" Anakin heard behind him. He turned and found Rex standing there with his face showing signs of anger.
"Why do you continue to defend him, Rex?" Anakin demands.
"Because I know what he's like. Despite what you might say, Cut is still a stand up man. He may not have the situation under control, but it ISN'T his fault." Rex said pointing at his general. "Yes, he may have left the army and decided to live here, but it doesn't make him a bad man." Ahsoka walked to Rex's side in agreement. "He along with his wife helped build the family up and make it into something more. When I first came here, I didn't agree with his lifestyle, but I know now that it is what he deserves. The Republic might be needing more soldiers for combat, but that shouldn't bring injustice for who Cut is. General, you have to understand that he is a living being, who has emotions, who bleeds the same as we do! We aren't just cannon fodder in war, we are men! We all are!" Rex was now shouting.
Anakin's expression had changed from anger to sadness now. "I know you don't fully agree with abandoning the war effort and neither do I, but Cut has shown that he is a man too. And with Suu gone, he is the only parent left of those two children. Taking him away breaks this family apart, and with him gone, who would look after the kids? I don't see anyone else who could raise them better than this man. The pirates may have taken the kids, but the situation here was what allowed them to be taken. Cut could've tried to leave but from what I can tell, that's complicated."
"They have sensors that alert them when someone stumbles far out of their homes. We were basically grounded." Cut explained with his head down.
Anakin closed both of his eyes for a moment and thought through everything said to him. Rex displayed pretty good views. The way the general was seeing himself right now was horrible. The way he had been treating Cut was fast out of line. He didn't want to bully his lifestyle, but he basically did anyway. He was so ashamed of himself at this point and knew he deserved the lecture from his captain.
"With… due respect… general. " Rex finally.
"You're right…" Anakin finally said. He then turned to face Cut who looked at him sadly. "I guess I have pretty much been out of line this whole time I was here. I'm so sorry, Cut. I… I didn't mean to disrespect your household and your lifestyle."
"Don't worry about it… general Skywalker." The two had a hand shake before letting go. "I only just wish the kids weren't taken. They're probably…" Cut said but couldn't finish.
"Actually, I wouldn't assume the worst scenario already, Cut." Anakin cut in.
"What do you mean?" Ahsoka chimed in.
"I mean I know the way pirates operate. They wouldn't resort to kidnappings unless they had another motive in mind, Snips. We might have time to save them." Anakin stated.
"Does this mean…" Rex started.
"Yes, Rex. This means that we're actually going to fight these pirates and save the kids." Anakin answered and turned to the farmer. "Cut, we're going to make things right for you, I promise."
Cut looked at the general with what appeared to be a hopeful face. He couldn't help but plant a smile on his face. Jek and Shaeeah may be saved yet.
"Thank you so much, general. Really, I mean it." Cut said.
"I, must thank you too, general. I didn't mean to snap at you before." Rex apologized.
"Don't worry, you did what was right." Anakin responded waving his hand at Rex. "Are you ready to go, Cut?"
"If I'm going to fight with other men, then I'm going to need to look the part." Cut responded before running to the house. "Give me five minutes."
Everyone just looked at each in confusion but let Cut have some time. They waited roughly about the time Cut said to give him. During that time, Fives and the others had come back from searching around the house to see the damage done. Cut came running back out of the house with stuff on that made everyone look in surprise.
Cut had come back more slowly with what appeared to be Phase I clone armor as well as the original helmet in his left arm and a DC-15S held in his right hand. The armor looked dented, assuming that the gunship crash he was in caused it. The armor also had remains of old dried dirt stuck to it as well. He stopped in front of Anakin and placed the helmet on his own head. He held his blaster in both hands now and resumed his clone duties for the moment.
"Ready to do my part, general Skywalker."
Rex smiled and placed his helmet on his own head as well. "Nice to see you still kept it. I thought you would've disposed of it, Cut."
"It serves as a memory, Rex." Cut shot back.
"Alright, we don't exactly know where it is located, so we're going to need your directions to their base. Alright, Cut?" Anakin asked.
"Of course, I honestly can't wait. Their pirate operations need to end." Cut expressed. "Follow me."
The now active clone walked down the path that leads directly away from the house, with Anakin and the others following closely behind, knowing that everything from here on out was going to get more interesting.
End of Chapter:
I have to express that after the end of the house attack that I literally felt as if I could've done better to improve. Because I'm lacking a computer right now, fan fiction writing has become quite a hassle. I'm currently writing this on a tablet, but the functions on it are disappointing, as everything crashes, even before I open anything. Besides that, I've come to realize that typing on a tablet makes words change sometimes without a proper notice to inform the word doesn't match the sentence you write, which could be evident in earlier lines in this story. For that, I apologize.
Some may also wonder why Anakin seems much more critical than how he is like normally. Well, I decided that since he is once again reunited with Ahsoka that he should also feel more stressed with the way the war goes and eventually add it on as a means for pushing him further to the dark side. An empty push perhaps, but what's Anakin got to complain about if things aren't always bombarding him left, right and center? Plus, with the absence of Ahsoka, that sure would've left Anakin with a fair amount of pain.
I suppose I should also note about my whereabouts the last half year. Well, parts of it are already explained in the first line. The problems lately are also the fact that I have literally written chapter 3 of season 2 of Clone Rebellion three, maybe four times now and it demotivated me to keep writing it. Currently my latest attempt is on my dead computer, but I haven't extracted the contents yet. If the crashing didn't happen, then maybe there would've been two more chapters for it. But as of yet, there is only two for it. Don't worry, I haven't given up Clone Rebellion. I think about it every day.
Anyway, until next time, which probably won't be for a while. And thanks for supporting my story!
~SaintsOfAllSaints01