SWFA - Tukk Tales - Welcome to the team, Checklist!
By Gun Roswell
Preface
Set in the world of Star Wars the Clone Wars and the Fanimation multiverse of things, Captain Tukk and company ready to serve!
There is always room for one more in the team!
Captain Tukk's squad having not only adopted a former Seppie Droid into the mix, Roger.
But now, they are about to get another trooper joining their squad.
(I've only recently got acquainted with Checklist, intel from Mr High Ground Animations himself, so naturally I had to incorporate Trooper Checklist into the Tukk Tales fanfic series as well!)
Part of Tukk Tales fanfic series (the continued saga made in short fics for #TUKKTUESDAY
Notes:
Please check out the teaser trailer on YouTube: TUKK TALES: The Rescue - A Clone Wars Fan Film | Teaser Trailer
Man down!
'Even delusional droids need some downtime to be able recuperate.'
Roger certainly was not a happy camper (clanker) at all!
Having been stuck in the lab part of the med bay for the longest while now. Ever since… well, since their dizzy spells having happened, the poor droid having fainted. It was hardly normal for a droid to just pass out even if Roger was a special kind of a droid for sure. The revelations of Roger's inner self simply pouring like a leaking faucet to their team. It seemed there was always something new about the droid. But, Roger was malfunctioning for the lack of a better term in Roger's case. According to the technicians and the doctors, Roger was far from alright and certainly not in combat condition. Whatever it was causing this sudden instability still unknown.
Tukk and the team were once again at Roger's side. Trying to cheer the poor droid who clearly felt sad and bewildered and perhaps a little hangry too, as Roger was eating human food now too. The technicians were certainly not giving them any kind of food simply keeping the poor droid in fluids. (Some kind of motor oils and whatnots?). Alas, Roger having gotten rather used to eating, fond of it too especially when sharing meals with the squad wasn't happy at all about being refused from the one good thing they got going for them in the infirmary. As there really wasn't a lot to do there. They had all experienced it, the troopers and it was the worst place ever to be stuck in!
The five of them were sitting or standing around Roger's bed. What they could see was that the droid was pouting. The team having gotten tuned into Roger's various moods, and they had plenty of those too! Then again, they could all relate. As none of them liked being bedridden. Being poked, probed and prodded just because of some… illness? Mysterious one at that as there was still no update on what if anything was wrong with Roger.
"So, Rog, any more of those… um, funky sensations you had before?" Tukk was threading lightly. After all, the medical personnel working on Roger had warned the team it could be something of a mental disorder Roger was suffering from as there did not seem to be anything mechanically wrong with the droid as far as they could tell. After all, Roger having stated they were a human a few times now. Then having odd sensations and all, even premonitions. Well, it surely sounded like something of a software failure for sure. But Tukk despite wanting Roger back in action with them had warned the technicians not to reboot the droid. That having been the ultimate solution if all else failed according to the techs working on Roger. And so far, all else had failed.
"You mean the dreams?" Roger asked not really liking where this was heading to. As even if the medical staff around Roger treated them like… well a droid to some extent, Tukk and the team had not done so. The squad only having seen Roger as a member of the team. A friend even and certainly never having taken lightly any of Roger's claims.
"Yes, those things." Tukk glanced at the others, none of them really having much to add in the efforts of cheering up the poor droid. Even if they were supposed to be there to do just that. Simply shaking their heads, as if being totally defeated in their efforts.
It really had been a quiet visit, none of them having too much to say. As the days had dragged on without any hints of getting to the bottom of things, to what was really wrong with Roger. The jokes having been told as had the tales of the days happenings. "No. No dreams. No nothings." Roger was quiet for a spell. Recollecting what had happened while being in the medical area. But there was nothing there, as if the voices, the dreams, memories perhaps having suddenly stopped. There was nothing there to reach out to and so Roger had become to believe they had been wrong all along. Being or having been a human before just a dream, a fantasy Roger had concocted in the efforts of really wanting to be one. And now, it had all faded away. "No new sensations either. There is nothing there except… emptiness, darkness."
Roger sounded so sad, so defeated. It was tugging at Tukk and the rest of the team's heartstrings for sure and in the all wrong ways too. They felt heartbroken, the lot of them.
Tukk stared at Roger, not sure what to say. There were really no words to tell someone something encouraging, them clearly having lost their mojo. As this was how it looked like for sure.
"I am sorry, Rog." Tukk finally said, rising from his seat and hovering over the droid before he leaned down and hugged them. A first for sure. A clone hugging a clanker. But hey, Roger was their teammate, droid or not!
Roger was surprised to say the least. But it was pleasant as well. Having someone hugging them. Making Roger feel… special… almost…well, human.
The rest of them followed Tukk's example. The lot of them giving Roger their version of a hug.
Just then, the technician made themselves known. Having witnessed the rather odd scene then and there. Not that anyone could blame the squad for caring for one of their own. As Roger was that, one of their own. Part of the team.
"Um… sorry to interrupt but we need to run a few more tests on Roger here." The staff used the given name of Roger's having learnt to do so the hard way, something Tukk and Roy had made sure they would do after a few well chosen words.
Roger sighed and simply nodded to their team mates.
"Catch ya later Rog!" Roy told Roger on the behalf of the others as the team left Roger in the hands of the medical technician waving their goodbyes on their way out.
A new recruit?!
'The more the merrier, right? And how bad can it really be? Breaking in someone new to the team?'
"Waddaya mean we're getting a new team member?" Checkmate did not sound happy at all. Then again, neither were the rest of them. Happy to hear this. Having a new recruit, most likely some shiny joining in suddenly? Especially now as one of their teammates was down!"This comes from high up, from the top. Apparently, they have redeemed our squad to be one of the best ones for breaking in new troopers." Tukk sounded clipped though himself having already had the one argument with Cody and Rex about this.
"Top? Since when does top brass decide who joins in our crew?" Gene sounded totally annoyed.
After all, they had a good thing going between the five of them. The squad having been together since the very beginning. Having pretty much trained together from the cadets they had once been, through their shinies stage to having become hard working troopers hey now where with Captain Tukk as their leader.
Then there was Roger. The clanker with a big heart. A soul perhaps? Wanting to be a human.
Roger had joined their team, having literally saved their shebs several times during the brief time Roger had been in the team. None of them wanting to change that. Roger quickly becoming much of an equal member as the rest of them were. Having won them all over with their actions. Because Roger was all show rather than to tell kind of a trooper. Well, Roger did tell too, a lot!Stories, opinions, lately even jokes! Something of a surprise for sure for their teammates!
But now, they were getting a new member? Would this trooper replace Roger? Could they replace Roger? Could anyone replace Roger. They did not even want to replace Roger!
"So what of Rog?" Roy finally voiced the concern on everyone's mind at that very moment. "Will this new Trooper replace them?"
There was a long pause before anyone spoke. The dreaded question having been put out there for sure.
"Roger is in the infirmary, not gone." Tukk tried to counter but the worry was within the Captain too. After all Roger had been… malfunctioning. So, if the brass wanted to… we'll they could easily replace the droid, couldn't they. It wasn't as if Roger was really sanctioned gear… not that Roger was gear, but the brass might see the droids as such.
"We know boss. But if the top wants to get rid of Roger for whatever reason they might thing of, this could be it. Roger was a Seppie clanker after all… and well… need I say more?" Gecko was putting it out there, the fact of Roger's past which they all knew quite well. So no reminder was really needed.
"Yeah. That." Tukk sounded half defeated. But he was the one to be cheering the other's spirits and so. "Look, let's not jump into conclusions before we get all the facts, okay. And let's give this new guy a chance before we decide anything. Can we agree on that at least?"
They all exchanged glances with the others, before turning back to their Captain. But Tukk wasn't wrong either. They did not have all the facts as of now. They were only guessing as to the reasoning behind the new recruit joining their squad.
"We'll do that Cap'n." Roy responded for them all.
As it turned out, they weren't getting a shiny after all rather a fully conditioned Clone Trooper.
The trooper, having been transferred from an other outfit to their team. Well guess first impressions and all plus the fact the the new trooper was a transfer should have rung a few warning bells. Alas, this new clone seemed, fine at first glance.
Neat looking, all trimmed and clean. But also, he was on time.
Alas, they should have all known better. The warning signs were all there. Neat, trimmed, to the point behaviour…
Yeah. Hindsight's and all that!
Checklist, as the trooper was called turned out to be something of an acquired taste for sure!
First missions
'We can agree to disagree?'
"Sir, may I remind you that according to mission protocols we cannot deviate from the given plan without a approved change from our direct Commander." Checklist had been true to his name, clearly having a checklist for anything and everything. The trooper having commented basically on anything the team had been doing during said mission. And it was becoming pretty tiresome and growing old really, really fast!
Tukk rolled his eyes, thankfully his face being hidden under the bucket. But he could sense the others having the exact same sentiment. The reason for the transfer having become pretty much obvious too. Checklist's former squad most likely having had enough of the constant checking of their actions. Assuming of course that was the reason. As everything apparently the team was doing now was somehow wrong in Checklist's opinion. And boy did he have lots of them! Opinions.
"Look, Checklist… you're new… and…" Tukk sighed heavily. "Now don't get me wrong, as I do appreciate your insights…. But. And it's a big but." Tukk paused. Sensing the other's frustration rivalling his own. "While you can and should voice your concerns every now and again, try to keep your observations to the minimum. Understood?" Tukk did not sound harsh even if his words just might have been. "We do things our way. Successfully so. Mostly anyway. And right now, you are wrong."
A hefty silence fell overt the already cramped and somewhat awkward space they occupied. The team waiting to get moving, their goal so close they could taste it. And Tukk knew they would make it if they'd simply made the adjustment to their current plan right there on the spot.
Checklist too was quite. For a change. The trooper having been constantly babbling about the rules and regulations. Something which all of them were familiar with without a doubt. They all having gotten the same training! And this was considered an elite group after all. Having several wins under their belt. So, what the kark was wrong with Checklist? Why did he have to nitpick on each and every move the team had made up and until now. None of them having commented on Checklist's observations so far as not wanting to get to blows with the newbie at get-go. Giving the benefit of the doubt and all that.
Alas. Enough was enough. And right now, they needed to get the mission going.
"Look, Checklist, this is nothing personal per se. But we've done this a long time. Together the five of us and we know what we're doing." Tukk really did not want to start a fight either or make it harder for the new recruit. But if Checklist wasn't about to shut the kriff up and stop making annoying comments of how they should be doing things… we'll, Tukk was about to let him have it.
"Yeah Checklist! If you don't work with us, then we'll simply have to assume you're a Seppie spy and leave you to the clankers to deal with." Gene told the newbie flatly with his best straight face on. Checkmate and Gecko snickering by his side.
Again Checklist did not respond rather stiffing up suddenly.
"You really think that?" He finally managed with a shaky voice. "That I would work for the enemy?"
Realizing his little faux pas Gene quickly corrected himself. "I was joking Checklist! It was said in jest…"
Checklist kept on staring at the others.
"It was made as a humorous remark. Because you being so stiff lipped and all." Gecko tried, but Checklist had his stiff shock face in place.
"I…" Because Checklist wasn't following this… humour at all.
Tukk glared at Gene, urging silently for the trooper to fixit ASAP.
"Look, Checklist… I'm… um sorry. I did not mean to upset you." The situation having turned sour really really fast. "I was simply pulling your leg ya know. But, well, guess not all people have a sense of humour…" Getting a jibe from Tukk followed by a warning glare.
After all, they had no idea what kind of humour if any Checklist had.
Checklist seemed to asses the comment for a moment though, somewhat relenting his stance too.
"I do have a sense of humour, Sir. But I only make use of it when there is the proper time for it. And being on an urgent mission is certainly not it."
"He's a ton of fun ain't he!" Gecko weren't laughing though. None of them were. Only wanting this mission to be over sooner than later. As clearly, the tensions between the team and the newbie were on the rise.
They all stood there for a moment. In silence. Something of a tend.
"I… guess I spoke a bit hastily there too." Checklist admitted as much finally. "You have your ways and I do mine."
Yeah, there really was a wide rift between them for sure. The squad and Checklist.
"Well…. Now that we're on the same page again, can we please move forward." Tukk kind of understanding the sides of them all. But they were on a mission, pressed for time. And so other things would simply have to wait. Like sorting out the mechanics of the team. They were professional soldiers and not shinnies after all. "Now!"
Sure we can make it! Together!
'Adjusting the status quo is never easy. Especially not on an undercover op!'
The mission was moving forward. Rather nicely, until it did not. The unimaginable had happened. Well, missions went awry. This was war after all and so many things able to go wrong , the odds easily to be counted.
"Kriffing Sithspit of a Hellspell!" Tukk totally let it rip, the profanities flying out like flies after a hot day on Tatooine.
"You can say that again, boss!" Checkmate was surprised of the plethora though, even if Tukk swore like a sailor sometimes, it was still rare to have as many swears in one sentence.
Checklist sighed heavily seeing their predicament having risen with the rest of them. But having been warned prior to this, he did not comment. Not even the "I told you do so" was forthcoming. He seemed to have learnt his lesson. Even if now would have been the time for good ideas for sure!
"Yeah, looks like our change of plans turned into a great big SNAFU!" Gecko was rubbing it in. Then again, it had been a joint decision after all to change their plans. Well part from Checklist of course.
"We need options people! Now!" Tukk wasn't too pleased to hear any kind of snide grunts from his team at this point. His helmet gaze going form one trooper to the other, the message clear. They were in it together and only together would they get out of the mess. "So?!"
Checklist sighed heavily again, something of a trait for him for sure.
"Yes?" Tukk pressed him having heard it loud and clear despite their buckets. Sixth sense and all that jazz.
"Well … I'd hate to quote the regulations once again, but guess there is one thing we can do."
They all turned to look at Checklist, only waiting expectantly for him to come up with something. A good plan perhaps?
"Regulation one-four-seven, subsection zero point four."
Checklist stated it like it was something they should have known from get go. And they really should have known the regs. After all, they had all prided in it just moments ago.
Tukk was thoughtful for a moment, the only nodding in agreement having run the list and the numbers in his head.
"Yeah… yeah!" He continued. "Fellas, open an unsecure channel to our headquarters."
Roy looked surprised but nodded and made the call as per ordered.
Meanwhile Tukk turned back to Checklist, the Captain singing in a different tune for sure as seeing Checklist had come through for them after all. "You keep quoting those regs for us, Checklist!"
"Sir, yes Sir!" Checklist was positively beaming, inside of his bucket. But the sentiment was clear.
After all, the idea given by Checklist just had saved their asses, literally and figuratively! The mission having turned on the right track and having become a success after all!
"Funny how many C and G staring names we have! In the team now." Gene being a part of it himself had noticed the very fact.
"And two Checks no less!" Gecko chuckled.
"We'll have to call Checklist List and Checkmate simply Mate from now on! Ya know, for clarity!" Gecko suggested to the two "Checks", them simply shaking their collective heads at the suggestion though.
"Yeah… no." Checkmate told him flat on. "I have a name for a reason."
"But…"
"No!"
"Fine!"
"Good."
"Agreed!"
This time, Checklist laughed out loud. He did have a sense of humour after all!
"You… you can laugh!" Gene was surprised.
"I told you I had a sense of humour. And I think List is funny, but no, I would not answer to that name either." Checklist told Gene then.
Gene chuckled, only glad Checklist had unstuck whatever stick had been caught up his shebs, the trooper clearly fitting better now that he had actually laughed! Gene however was still running his cogs inside of his brain, thinking about all the possibilities having the extra member in their team would mean for the future. The endless possibilities. Gene was full of ideas after all!
"Should we start a band? We could entertain the troops and all! Play in the Red Room on Coruscant… I mean, six, seven with Rog would be the perfect number for…"
"We're not forming a band Gene!" Tukk interjected seeing as this conversation needed to stop right now. Clearly not being the first time Gene's wild imagination had run rampant.
"Well, we have two Rs here too… so going all pirate anyone?" Gene was still on it and definitely on to something.
"No pirates, no bands, no nothings! We're a squad of clone troopers and that should suffice for now! Listen to the Captain." Roy ordered then. Not really seeing the humour in this at all.
Hoping only that Tukk wasn't getting one of his migraines coming on from all the silly talk as Roy put it as, the teammates train of thought sometimes taken a side turn of the main rails and there usually was no end to the "great ideas" they seemed to be having. Apparently, Checklist having adapted rather quickly to the other three's sense of humour as well. Something of a good and bad thing too. Being absorbed to the insanity of the rest of them.
"Fine fine, you're the boss!" Gene admitted then, glaring coyly at the other three.
"Am not." Roy was the second in command after Tukk. But Tukk was the Captain and…
"Sure you're not."
"Tukk's the Captain."
"And?"
"So?"
"Still not the boss."
"Sure!"
"He could be."
"Yeah! He sure got the shebs for it !"
The four of them, even Tukk giggled at that comment.
"Shut up!"
"Hey you know we're kidding right, Roy?"
"Roy's got no sense of humour, so no he doesn't."
"I told y'all to shut the kriff up!"
Tukk was simply shaking his head. Sometimes he wondered about the whys though. Why he even bothered. And clearly, Checklist was loosing it too, big time. The effect of their squad for sure!
"Hey, let's go! We're late to meet Roger and introduce Checklist to them!"
"Yeah! Come on List! You've gotta meet Rog!"
"The Droid? And I told you, I won't answer to List."
"But you did, List."
*Glares at the others for a while*
"Rog is so much more than a droid though."
"They are?"
"Yup! You'll soon find out when we go visit them!"
The rowdy and laughing crowd finally made their way out the barracks and towards the med bay. Tukk following suit, still shaking his head. Thinking about his life choices for sure. Was it too late to pick up painting? Perhaps he should become a pirate after all?!
To be continued