Fifty Five

Gem stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, moving from side to side she inspected her abdomen. She was now thirteen weeks into the pregnancy. The morning sickness had gone, as if someone had just flipped a switch. She had lost her waist, finding that more often than not, she had to leave the top button on her pants or skirts undone. It was subtle though, no one would have suspected anything other than a slight increase in weight. Happy with her choice of outfit, she turned and left the apartment, heading directly towards the Hanger Bay Viewing area.

He was coming home, and she wanted to be there the second his foot hit the tarmac.

#

"Niner," Rex extended his hand to the Commando in the passenger bay. He took in a deep breath and let it out, all the while shaking his head. "I'm not sure thank you will suffice in this case. Without your crew we'd all be dead."

"I'm sorry you lost those new recruits sir," his jaw still tight even after two days in the tank.

"You're a credit to your rank Sergeant."

"It was a pleasure sir."

Rex looked back at the three other men in the grey armour. "Thank you gentlemen." Darman thought for a moment before he stood and extended his hand which the captain grabbed. Their eyes locked eyes momentarily before the commando pulled him in hard and tapped his head against the more senior officers forehead. A Keldabe kiss. Right there, right then, they had surpassed rank, they were men, all equals.

Mandalorians.

#

General Kenobi had in fact, arrived in the nick of time. Ahsoka and Niner had been evacted from the surface of Kashyyyk, leaving what remained of the 501st, including the commando's to oversee the relocation of the Wookiee clan.

The two injured were raced to a medical facility on Naboo, and one worried young Jedi General. The bolt the rogue Wookiee had shot at the Padawan had pierced her right lung and she needed immediate surgery to remove the upper lobe. Now thin and dressed in clothes provided her from Padmè, Gem watched as Ahsoka walked unassisted down the ramp, small and frail, dwarfed by the two Generals.

Commander Cody with a small contingent of 212th came down next followed quickly by the four commandos.

'I wonder why they were on board?'

Then the familiar blue.

Hardcase along with Coric powered down the ramp, walking fast they had their helmets off and were deep in discussion. The sound of boots and armour crunching loud throughout the area. Hardcase noticed the lone figure and placed his hand behind Coric. "I'll see you in there," he said to the medic as he stepped aside to address the young representative.

"Ma'am."

"Hardcase, good to see you." She stepped forward and reached out a hand towards him. Hardcase flinched, her action was quick and he didn't see it coming.

"Sorry Ma'am," his clenched fists not going unnoticed by the woman.

Gem was taken aback at how tired he looked.

"Cap's coming out in a sec, signing off some orders, shouldn't be long."

"Thanks Hardcase, you look as though you need a hot cup of caf?"

"That, and about twenty hours sleep."

"Tough one?"

"You could say that Ma'am," he looked down quickly, mentally seeing the brown mammal in his mind again.

"When are you going to stop calling me Ma'am?" She had momentarily snapped him out of another slump.

He smiled, "Gem," and nodded his respect as he left.

She took in a deep breath and turned toward the ship, waiting anxiously for Rex to come out.

Then he appeared. He too had his helmet off and was talking to another officer, shaking his head. Gem could tell by his demeanour that he was anything but happy. Startled at her presence in the viewing area often used for people to welcome dignataries, not soldiers, he stopped mid sentence. The junior officer stopped as well and followed his line of sight.

"Sir?"

"I'll deal with this later today. Dismissed Lieutenant."

The Captain marched forward with purpose and immediately swept her up into his arms, maintenance men and other soldiers transfixed at the unlikely display of affection.

"You are a sight for sore eyes," he breathed into her shoulder. "I have twelve hours off and I intend to spend at least eight of them in you." He pulled back and looked into her dark brown eyes, it scared her, the intensity of his gaze. "You have no idea how glad I am to be home." He stressed the last word, remembering the message he sent to her when he left on the simple mission that went horribly wrong.

"Come on, let's get outta here."

There was something distant about all the men. Little did she know that the death of the three young soldiers was a catalyst for things to come.

#

"Hey Hardcase, ner vod! Blue milk run buddy?" It was Jesse who saw his brother and followed him quickly down the corridor to their quarters.

"Nothing light about that mission," the gunner mumbled as he swung into his room.

Jess was happy to have his friend back, none more so than Kix, who had to be the replacement brother to his incessant joke telling, trouble making and general loneliness.

The medic watched as Hardcase flung his bucket and pack onto his cot, and began unclipping his armour.

"Is it true Omega saved your sorry shebs from the Trads?"

"Yeah," Hardcase replied, still not looking at either of them. He checked the charge on his data pad, flicked it back on the bed and snatched his shaving kit and towel and headed straight to the refresher.

"Whoa! Take it easy will ya? Was that HC?" The ARC moved aside to avoid a collision to his shoulder. They had all missed the gunner and when they heard that he was back, they flocked to the barracks to find out about the mission that had cost three newbies their lives.

Jess didn't let it go, following him into the refresher.

"Hey HC, you gonna tell us what happened? Hardcase?"

"Can I just wash up?" It was unlike Hardcase to avoid talking. Fek, it was unlike him to want to wash up first.

"What's up vod?"

"Fek! Will you give it a rest?" He yelled.

"Fine! Enjoy your wash," Jesse replied petulantly leaving the white tiled room.

Kix didn't say anything but waited fifteen minutes before he decided to check on Hardcase. He casually walked into the room, relieved himself and looked over at the man sitting on the bench clad only in a towel. "Hey, feel like talking?"

Hardcase looked up at the unit medic. His face scrunched, Kix knew the look, it was quickly followed by a stifled cry from the back of his throat. Hardcase sat with his head in his hands, his shoulders shuddering. Kix sat down quietly, waiting for him to decide when he would finally divulge what was weighing so heavy on them.

"You know," he said in between sobs, "I never realised just how big a Wookiee was. You think nothing of knocking down the tinnies, but this, this was different. They were supposed to be on our side!" He wiped his face, back in control of his emotions. "three men, we lost the three new recruits. They were good guys Kix."

"We know Hardcase. Jess was beside himself with worry, believe me, I'm the one who had to deal with him," he smiled, "come on, get dressed and let's grab some caf." Kix stood up and left Hardcase to dry off and collect himself.

Hardcase then dressed and headed towards the Mess. Jess was at a table near the back, sitting alone with a pastimug situated in front of him.

"Hey," Hardcase said. Jesse turned his sullen face to the left. Hardcase continued to sit down next to his brother. He sat for a minute before he began.

"How do you know when a Gun-gun does a brain fart?"

Jess began to smile, "his ears flap?"

Hardcase chuckled, "OK, what do you call a Gun-gun with two brain cells?"

"You got me," Jesse looked at Hardcase for the answer.

"Pregnant."

They both fell forward laughing. The ice was broken, no apologies needed.

"You OK?" Jess asked when their collective mirth subsided.

"Yeah, I'm good." Hardcase replied looking into his brothers eyes, "I'm good."

#

"Can I see you?"

"I'd like that."

"When?"

"Tonight. I'll wait for you outside in a speeder taxi."

"22:00?"

"I'll be there."

#