Hey everyone! Sorry it's a bit later than usual. School and editing got in the way. This chapter has a lot of setting up for later stuff.
IrishDrunk14 - Hmmm I seem to be missing a comment? I didn't get one with emojis.
Paladin Stormwind - I mean, does anyone like Burtoni? And just you wait for Crosshair and Omega interaction. I got plenty for you in the future!
Guest - They shouldn't have to, but they do because SOCIETY SUCKS. Omg the Nala Se pun is amazing. Thank you so much!
lionkingfactsguy3 - You are correct he is probably doing that, especially to keep his mind off of what's happening to Rex.
Mando'a translations at the end!
A few days later, Ahsoka got a message from Obi Wan. They were in constant communication, once she had learned of his new status. He'd tell her of the troubles of being Mand'alor and she'd tell him of how Rex's recovery was.
This message came with a request to visit. He'd been trying to find the time, but being leader of a planet 'tended to take up one's time.' Ahsoka eagerly gave her permission. She missed Obi Wan. It had been months since they had seen him. She missed Anakin, Padme, the twins, and her men, but Obi Wan had been missing for longer than the clones had been on Kamino.
Rex stood silently with her as they waited for Obi Wan to arrive. He hadn't reacted much when Ahsoka had told him that Obi Wan was coming. He had, however, asked to be there with Ahsoka.
Soon Ahsoka caught sight of a landspeeder coming their way in a cloud of dust. Kal wandered out of the main house at this point, peering at the cloud.
"Almost here, huh?" He said. "Might as well pay my respects to the new Mand'alor."
He chuckled. He continued to find the entire situation hilarious. Another one of the Cuy'val Dar that lived around the same area, Walon Vau, had gotten into a shouting match with Kal over it. Vau apparently loathed all Jedi and was furious that Obi Wan was Mand'alor. Kal had responded that if Vau didn't like it, he could challenge Obi Wan for the title.
Obi Wan's presence became clear in Ahsoka's mind. She relished in the familiar feeling. Once they got close enough, Ahsoka could see that the speeder was nice. It was decorated with gold and blue paint in the geometric Mandalorian style. Ahsoka raised an eyebrow as she realized that the speeder held two helmeted Mandalorians. Obi Wan was embracing his role.
"Ahsoka!" The Mandalorian in blue and green called in Obi Wan's voice as the speeder came to a stop.
Ahsoka grinned as he removed his helmet. She stepped in for a hug and he accepted it with a smile.
"It's good to see you, Master." She said.
"It's Mand'alor." Kal said, sounding highly amused.
"Oh, I can make an exception for my grandpadawan." Obi Wan said, releasing Ahsoka. "You must be Kal Skirata. I must thank you for sending Doctor Gilamar to my aid."
He extended a hand and Kal took it.
"I've heard plenty about you." Kal said. "Your commander had a habit of bragging about you to any clone who would listen."
"Oh, really?" Obi Wan said. "That's quite the surprise. He tended to scold me about what I could be doing better."
Kal snorted.
"The clones tend to be baatir'ika." He said.
Obi Wan turned to Rex and his eyes lost their amused look.
"Hello, Captain." Obi Wan said kindly. "How are you?"
To Ahsoka's surprise, Rex spoke.
"7567 is functional."
He stood awkwardly for a moment, struggling.
"Am I glad to see you." He finally muttered.
"You as well, Rex." Obi Wan said.
He seemed confused by Rex's odd way of speaking.
Ahsoka realized Kal had gone stock still. The other Mandalorian had gotten out of the speeder and removed his helmet.
"Boba?" Kal asked.
Ahsoka realized that the young man was a younger Rex, save for a mop of dark hair instead of Rex's blonde.
"Skirata." Boba Fett said.
His tone was cautious, but not necessarily hostile. Kal continued to stare at him.
"Ah, yes." Obi Wan said. "Boba here has been quite the help in keeping me in line with Mandalorian tradition, as well as being vital for the fight against Maul."
An awkward silence fell. Boba was trying to look nonchalant, but the sight of Skirata had clearly shaken him.
"Ni ceta, Boba." Kal said quietly.
Boba looked away.
"I'm not one of your sons." He said. "Why should you have cared?"
"I cared about Jango." Kal said. "And I care about you."
"People have said that." Boba said. "The only one I believed was my dad."
"Bob'ika." Kal said. "Come in and we can talk."
The use of the nickname seemed to make Boba grow years younger. He nodded and he made his way to Kal. Kal put his hand on Boba's shoulder and guided him inside the house.
Ahsoka turned to Obi Wan, who was watching them go.
"That poor boy." Obi Wan said. "He was misguided, but he is like his brothers."
Ahsoka nodded.
"You said he helps you?" She asked.
"Yes. He got us onto the planet in the first place and has decided to stay here." Obi Wan said. "He has been through much, but I think spending time with his father's people has helped."
"Are you doing okay?" Ahsoka asked..
"Oh, I manage." He said. "The Mandalorians are more, ah, straightforward than the Jedi."
"You must hate that." Ahsoka said with a smile.
"It's refreshing." Obi Wan said with a shrug. "Though I have figured out a way out of my position."
Ahsoka looked to him sharply. She had been worried about how this would end up.
"The Darksaber must be won through combat." Obi Wan said. "I don't believe it's too specific on who must be fought."
Ahsoka raised an eyebrow at him.
"Who'd they fight, besides you?"
"Each other." Obi Wan said. "A tournament of sorts, for those who wish to claim the Darksaber. The winner is awarded the title of Mand'alor. They still will win it through a show of might."
Ahsoka nodded thoughtfully. From what she understood about the Darksaber and its wielders, the most important thing was the qualities that led to the Darksaber being won.
"I've spoken to a few Mandalorians about it." Obi Wan went on. "And they agree that it is a reasonable plan. I will make sure that Mandalore is stable, and then I will make the declaration."
Ahsoka smiled at him.
"Good. I would hate to lose you because you made yourself too obnoxious to the Mandalorian people."
Obi Wan laughed. Then he turned his gaze back to Rex. Rex was staring at them, quietly attentive.
"What do you think, Rex?" He asked.
Rex's breathing became labored as he tried to respond.
"It's not impossible." He finally said.
Obi Wan's expression grew confused.
"Rex finds it easiest to communicate using quotes right now." Ahsoka said. "But he's getting better. Right, Rex?"
Rex nodded. Obi Wan sighed.
"I understand." He said. "I was just under the impression that the clones' troubles would be over once they had been liberated."
"Things are better for all of them." Ahsoka said. "But you know the galaxy, Master. Does anyone's troubles simply go away?"
Obi Wan shook his head.
"I suppose not. But it is still disheartening to see those you care about bend under them."
Ahsoka looked at Rex, whose eyes had gone blank again.
"I know." She said.
CT-7567 followed Former Commander Ahsoka Tano and Former General Obi Wan Kenobi around the compound known as Kyrimorut. Former Commander Ahsoka Tano and Former General Obi Wan Kenobi spoke of what the clones did there. Occasionally Former General Obi Wan Kenobi would ask 7567 a question. Sometimes 7567 could answer. Sometimes he could not.
The sun began to set.
"How late did you plan on staying?" Former Commander Ahsoka Tano asked.
"I am waiting for Boba to give the word." Former General Obi Wan Kenobi said. "I feel that he and Kal Skirata have much to discuss."
There was a bench under one of the trees at Kyrimorut. Former Commander Ahsoka Tano had 7567 sit with her and Former General Obi Wan Kenobi.
Former General Obi Wan Kenobi let out a long sigh.
"It has been too long since I have sat down and watched a sun set." He said.
"There's no better place on Mandalore to do it." Former Commander Ahsoka Tano said. "At least, that's what Parja says."
7567 did not understand. He looked at the sunset. It was merely the orbiting of Mandalore around its sun. He did not understand why it was so intriguing to his companions.
He stared harder. He knew he was missing something because of his condition. Had he enjoyed sunsets before? There were a few memories of that, with other clones, and with Former Commander Ahsoka Tano.
"Kenobi!"
Alpha and Former Sergeant Kal Skirata were coming from the buildings.
"Let's get going." Alpha said as he drew near.
"You're welcome to stay the night." Former Sergeant Kal Skirata said.
Alpha hesitated and then shook his head.
"Can't trust Vau to not murder Kenobi in his sleep." He said. "Come on, we don't want Rau to send a search party after us."
"Goodbye, my dear." Former General Obi Wan Kenobi said as he hugged Former Commander Ahsoka Tano. "Keep in touch."
"Of course." Former Commander Ahsoka Tano said. "Keep yourself safe and good luck with your plans."
Former General Obi Wan Kenobi turned to 7567 and held out his hand. There was an unspoken order to take it. 7567 did so.
"Good luck, Captain." Former General Obi Wan Kenobi said. "I look forward to your progress."
"Thank you." 7567 managed. "See you around, kid."
Former General Obi Wan Kenobi raised his eyebrow, but smiled. He and Alpha left, walking towards the speeder still parked in front of the buildings. Former Sergeant Kal Skirata left as well, leaving 7567 alone with Former Commander Ahsoka Tano.
7567 concentrated again on the sunset, trying to see what the others could.
Former Commander Ahsoka Tano looked at him.
"Let me help, Rex." She said.
She placed her hand on his temple.
For a moment nothing happened.
Then 7567 saw the beauty.
He gasped softly as he took in the colors blazing in the sky. He jerked his hand up to where she was touching him, overwhelmed. But- no, the colors were pleasing. The spectrum from blue to purple to red was mesmerizing. He noted that there was an orange the same shade as Former Commander Ahsoka Tano's skin.
7567 relaxed. He kept his hand where it rested over hers.
Then Former Commander Ahsoka Tano slipped her fingers from under his and the majesty of the sunset seemed to drain away. Former Sergeant Kal Skirata had returned.
"Food'll be done just about now." Former Sergeant Kal Skirata said.
Former Commander Ahsoka Tano looked at 7567.
"Are you ready to go in?" She asked him.
7567 hesitated. He looked back towards the sunset. He- he wanted to try and see the beauty in it again. Perhaps if he watched it for a while longer. He shook his head.
"Oh!" Former Commander Ahsoka Tano said. "Okay. Are you going to be okay out here by yourself?"
7567 nodded.
"Okay." Former Commander Ahsoka Tano said. She ran her hand down his arm. "I love you."
Something twinged inside 7567's heart at her words. He wished he could say it back, though he still didn't fully understand them.
Former Commander Ahsoka Tano and Former Sergeant Kal Skirata left. 7567 turned back to the sunset. He observed the colors. Was that a trickle of emotion in his chest at the sight? He wished for it to be so. But the colors were fading. 7567 had not been able to replicate the experience from before.
He sat in the dark as the light evaporated from the sky. The night sky was not lacking, however. Pinpricks of stars slowly came to life, twinkling down at 7567. He looked up at them. There should have been beauty here too. He traced the pattern of stars in his mind. They spread across the sky. Slowly, as the stars became clearer and the night became colder, 7567 felt- awe. It was not sudden, like the experience earlier when Former Commander Tano had helped him see. It was gradual, like the stars becoming visible.
Something in his mind shivered and he looked up to see Former Commander Ahsoka Tano walking towards him.
"You've been out here for a few hours." She said. "Ooh- it's cold."
7567 hadn't noticed, but when she spoke he became aware of the shivering of his body and the smarting of his hands.
"Do you want company?" Former Commander Ahsoka Tano asked. "If you still want to stay out here, that is."
7567 nodded. She sat down next to him, close enough that he could feel the warmth from her body.
"Oh, your hands." She said, looking down. "Let me see them."
7567 obediently placed his reddened hands in hers. Former Commander Ahsoka Tano brought them to her lips, blowing warm air into his fingers. The warmth ached at first, but as she rubbed his hands, it became a pleasant feeling. When she raised his hands again to breathe on them, he thought he felt the brush of her lips on his skin.
He shivered, but not from the cold.
"I brought gloves, if you want." Former Commander Ahsoka Tano said.
7567 did not remove his hands from her warming grip.
Former Commander Ahsoka Tano looked up into the sky. 7567 did so as well for a time, but found himself looking at her face instead. The same feeling of awe creeped over him as he looked at her.
She noticed him looking at her and smiled at him. He did not smile back. There was pain in her expression as her smile faded. Her eyes closed.
"I love you." She said so quietly he nearly could not hear. A tear ran down her face.
7567 looked at the tear track. He- did not want her to weep.
He wiped the tear from her cheek.
By the time she opened her eyes in shock, 7567 knew that it had been too much. His strength was fading, his mind returning to the comfort of nothing but rules and regulations.
But- it had felt good to create a new memory with her that he could cherish.
"Omega, have you responded to Burtoni?" Echo as he unwrapped his ration bar.
They, along with Hunter, Crosshair, and Wrecker, were taking a break for lunch. Omega had the ability to sample all sorts of foods now and she took ample advantage of it. Today was a spread of Alderaanian curries and stews. Most of her brothers seemed to enjoy their new diet, especially Wrecker. Echo opted to stick with ration bars most of the time. His digestive system was temperamental and he mostly ate blander foods.
Omega stirred her stew for a second before looking up at Echo.
"I'm meeting with Lama Su to discuss it." Omega said.
Echo looked sharply at her. It had been a week since Burtoni had made her request and Nala Se made her threat. Omega had initially decided to reject Burtoni's request but-
Crosshair had suggested that they could use the endorsement as leverage. Tech had agreed that it had been a good plan.
Omega felt- dirty. She had heard of politicians using their power to get things they wanted, but she had never thought she'd do it. But- she was doing it for her brothers. It wasn't for her own power or prestige. She just wanted to protect her family.
"I didn't think he left Kamino much." Hunter said.
"He doesn't." Omega said, biting her lip. She looked at Echo and Hunter, trying to gauge what their reactions would be. "I'm- going to go to Kamino."
"What?" Hunter and Echo said at the same time.
They both, along with Wrecker, stared at her as if she were crazy. She probably was crazy. Nala Se could easily take her by force if she went.
"When are you going?" Echo demanded. "Why didn't you discuss this with me first?"
"Calm down." Crosshair said. Omega was grateful for his composed presence. "The Kaminoans aren't going to hurt a Republic representative on their planet."
Hunter frowned.
"When are we leaving?" He asked.
Omega swallowed. She, Crosshair, and Tech still hadn't quite figured out how they were going to dissuade the others if the others insisted on coming along.
"They haven't gotten back to her about dates." Crosshair lied smoothly.
Omega quickly nodded.
"You sure you wanna go?" Wrecker asked. "'Mega, you've been real nervous ever since Burtoni came. I don't think it'd make you feel better to go."
"I'm fine, Wrecker!" Omega said.
It came out harsher than Omega had intended. She immediately felt bad at the look on Wrecker's face. She knew he was just trying to make sure she was okay. It wasn't his fault he didn't know about the danger looming over them. She didn't understand how Crosshair and Tech were so calm about everything.
"Sorry." Omega mumbled. "I am a little nervous, I guess. But it's my job to do this stuff, even if it makes me uncomfortable."
The rest of the meal passed in a mildly awkward fashion. Hunter and Echo kept giving Omega sidelong looks.
"The Senate meeting is in twenty minutes." Echo said. "Are we clear to head up there?"
"Let me do a sweep first." Crosshair said, standing.
"The Senate Guard will have just finished theirs." Omega said.
"I know." Crosshair said.
He swung his rifle onto his back and left to, in his mind, properly sweep the area.
"When's he gonna admit that the Senate Guard can do their jobs?" Echo said once Crosshair had left.
Hunter shrugged.
"They have to sweep the entire building." He said. "Crosshair will be able to do our section more thoroughly."
Omega saw Echo's brow furrow slightly. Crosshair and Hunter still didn't trust the regs as a whole and Omega knew it bothered Echo.
A few minutes later, they received Crosshair's comm.
"You're clear." He said.
Other Senators and their guards were flowing through the hallways as Omega and her brothers made their way to their Senatorial pod. Many of the Senators gave polite nods to them, others just ignored them. Few were openly friendly.
"Hello, Senator Omega, Senator Echo!"
Omega smiled at Senator Riyo Chuchi as the Pantoran Senator approached them.
"Hello, Senator." Echo said. "Thorn."
The red armored clone hovering near Senator Chuchi gave a nod. Senator Chuchi was one of the few representatives who had sought out the clones as bodyguards after they had returned from Kamino.
"You can tell your sniper that he doesn't have to go over the area again." Thorn said. "Our boys do their job."
"I'm sure Crosshair is just being thorough." Senator Chuchi said before Omega or the others could reply. "He does have two senators to keep safe."
Thorn shrugged noncommittally.
"The session starts in a few minutes, ma'am." He said. "We should get going."
"We should too." Hunter said as Thorn ushered his charge away.
They got to their assigned pod only a few minutes before the session was set to start. Chancellor Amidala's pod was already in place, the broadcasting droid hovering before her.
Wrecker plopped down into his seat with a sigh.
"How long is this one supposed to be?" He asked. "Last time it was like four hours and nobody even tried to kill anybody."
"Not long, Wrecker." Echo said. "At least, based on what Chancellor Amidala wants to get done."
"That's what you said last time." Wrecker grumbled as the lights focused on Chancellor Amidala.
"Greetings, fellow representatives of the Republic." Chancellor Amidala said. "To start, I will have Representative Lonk read back the minutes of our last session."
Omega tried to look prim and proper as the Gungan representative read off the minutes. She heard Wrecker groaning behind her as the reading continued.
"Thank you, Representative Lonk." Chancellor Amidala said. "For our first order of business, it is time to vote on the War Relief Bill."
Omega straightened, listening intently as Chancellor Amidala briefly went over the bill that would allow the relief efforts of the Republic to spread to formerly Separatist worlds.
"You want to hit the button, or should I?" Echo muttered to Omega.
There was a twinkle in his eye. He knew that Omega liked to be the one to formally cast the vote. It made her feel more of a Senator. They had to decide together, however, what way to vote, as their delegation only had one.
"You can, if you want." Omega told Echo.
Echo chuckled.
"No, go ahead." He said. "I've got my part coming up."
Omega nodded and waited for Chancellor Amidala to stop speaking. Once she opened the vote up, Omega quickly entered in her 'aye' vote. There was no question about it. Everyone deserved their help.
Including the Kaminoans. She thought.
But was she just trying to justify her plans? Was giving the Kaminoans the endorsement they needed a betrayal of the clones as Echo seemed to think? And wasn't it wrong to withhold their aid if the Kaminoans didn't give them what Omega specifically wanted?
The chime indicating that the votes had been cast cut into Omega's thoughts.
"The votes are in." Chancellor Amidala announced. "The results are as following. 579 ayes, 394 nays, and 1,027 revision votes."
Omega could tell Chancellor Amidala was a little annoyed. This was the third time that the bill had received a majority 'revision' vote. That meant they had to poll every senator that had cast a revision vote to see what they wanted changed, compromise on that change if needed, revise the bill, and present it again in front of the whole Senate.
"At least it's not rejected." Echo said under his breath.
Omega nodded in agreement. At least they could try again soon.
"Very well, the revisions have it." Chancellor Amidala said. "For those who voted revision, please prepare a statement on what you wish to be revised. We will be in contact soon. For our next order of business, I would like to call Senator Echo to the stand."
The pod moved beneath them and Omega went to go sit with Wrecker and Hunter. Echo stepped forward into the light and looked straight into the broadcasting droid's lens.
"Since its inception earlier this year, the faction I represent has had no name. It has been referred to as the clone faction in most cases, but due to the possibility of future individuals known as clones, it is not feasible to continue referring to us as such." Echo said. "From now on, the faction comprising the clones of Jango Fett will henceforth be known as the Tal'solus faction, to honor our Mandalorian roots and our status as clones."
Applause filled the Senate Chamber, though Omega thought a lot of it sounded half hearted. At least no one was booing-
"Aruetiise!"
A sharp voice broke through the clapping.
Omega stood, trying to find the source of the shout. There, in a doorway near the bottom of the chamber, she could see a figure in gleaming armor pointing a blaster up at their pod.
Omega squeaked as Wrecker grabbed her and flung the both of them to the ground. Less than a second later, a blaster shot rang out. Omega could barely see Echo jerk himself to the side to dodge the bolt and return fire. There was the sound of the bolts hitting metal and then the Mandalorian burst into view, hovering with a jetpack.
Omega had to watch, protected and pinned by her brother, as the Mandalorian thrust forward with a vibro blade. Echo was barely able to shift out of the way in the crowded pod. People were screaming now. Hunter had flipped out his own vibro blade. He leapt on the edge of the pod and Omega's cry was lost with the rest of the cacophony of the chamber. There wasn't enough space for a fight! Someone was going to fall-
A laser bolt shot from the ceiling and through the Mandalorian's neck. Omega looked up as best she could and caught a glimpse of Crosshair's scope gleaming in the light.
Everyone kept asking if Omega was okay, even after they had the medics check her over, had her wrapped in a blanket, and given her a cup of tea. 'Everyone' ranged from her brothers, to the Senator Guards, to Chancellor Amidala, to a few Senators including Senator Chuchi and Senator Organa. In fact, the tea she was drinking was from Senator Organa's personal supply.
"Why is everyone asking me if I'm okay?" Omega complained as Hunter peeked, for the fifth time in as many minutes, into the side room she and Echo had been deposited in.
"Cause you're not a soldier." Echo said. "Though you'd think that would mean letting me out and about."
He sounded as grumpy as Omega felt. He hadn't been hurt, and neither had the rest of her brothers. In fact, Omega came out of the whole thing with the most injuries: bruises from Wrecker squishing her. Wrecker had apologized again and again when he realized he'd hurt her.
Finally, Crosshair, Wrecker, and Hunter returned.
"It looks like he was the only one here, if he was working with more people." Hunter told them. He looked exhausted. "We can't find anyone else."
"That doesn't mean another attempt isn't going to happen." Echo said with a sigh.
"We should expect one." Crosshair said.
"Omega, you're going to have to cancel your trip to Kamino." Hunter said.
"What?" Omega said. "No, I-"
"Let her go." Crosshair said. "He was focusing on Echo. It might even be safer for Omega to go off planet for a few days."
"By herself?" Hunter demanded.
"I'll take Crosshair." Omega said.
For a moment, Hunter looked hurt. Then he looked to Crosshair.
"You trust me, don't you?" Crosshair said with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course." Hunter said. "We can call Tech in while you're gone."
Omega let out a long breath as Hunter turned back to Echo. She glanced at Crosshair, who met her gaze. He gave a small nod. Omega nodded back. Their plan was still on.
Mando'a:
Mand'alor: Leader of Mandalore
Cuy'val Dar: those who no longer exist. Elite group of one hundred people summoned by Jango to train the clones, mostly the Commandos. Reference here to the group that remained with Kal Skirata who care deeply for the clones.
Ni ceta: a rare, groveling apology. Lit. I kneel.
Bob'ika: Little Boba, affectionate
Aruetiise: plural of aruetii, traitors, foreigners, outsiders
Woo, where to start with this one. I decided early on that Obi Wan was going to figure out a way to get out of being Mand'alor without getting himself killed. I think his plan of basically a tournament where they fight each other is the best way. The new Mand'alor still proved their strength, and Obi Wan doesn't have to die. Win win.
Rex is still speaking in quotes. I'm still trying to figure out when he'll be able to grow out of it, if ever.
The sunset/star watching scene was the result of me wanting to write Rexsoka and this chapter needing some extra padding. Though I think it turned out very well and sweet.
Omega's off to Kamino at some point! And she's lucky that some Mandalorians have taken offense to Echo in particular, otherwise she would have never been able to shake off Hunter and Wrecker.
And yes, I changed how votes work because I can.
Ugh, I thought I'd have more to say but my brain is rejecting thought. Oh well.
Stay safe, remember to review, and have a great week!