Hello, everyone!
Quick note: I got a new job! However, that may mean schedule changes, as it's a full time job and I won't be able to write as much. I don't know for sure, and I don't start for another month and a half. I'll keep you all updated.
Venomizer: Thank you! I'm glad Crosshair is growing on you. I always love dropping in clones, just to remind everyone that they're okay in this universe.
SWNerd4Life: I am living for your in depth analysis lol. It's fantastic.
4thWallBreak: Hopefully it should be mostly progress from here on out!
OneLittleSpark18: Quite soon indeed! I live to break characters, and then put them back together. I might have a problem.
Let's get this show on the road!
Mando'a translations at the end!
Ahsoka stood, arms folded, with several other bodyguards in the observation room for the Senate Guard's interrogation room. The four human assailants were sitting side by side at a table. The apparent leader, a middle aged woman with short blonde hair, sat calmly. The other three, two men and another woman, were younger and far more frightened.
Ahsoka turned to the Senate Guard Commander, one Commander Laz, as he returned to the room.
"Chancellor Amidala asked me to help with the investigation." She said.
"We're set to begin interrogation, then." Laz said..
"I want to be there." Crosshair said with a snarl.
Ahsoka eyed Crosshair. His eyes were narrowed with rage. Hunter had been shot in the stomach and was undergoing emergency surgery. Crosshair's anger was blended with intense fear and worry.
"Crosshair." Ahsoka said. "We're not going to do any physical interrogation. It's against the law."
Crosshair shot her a furious look.
"During the war-" He started.
"The war's over." Ahsoka said firmly. "And technically, it was against regulations."
Crosshair met her gaze and Ahsoka saw his desperation to be doing something against the people who had hurt his family.
"You may not be the best candidate." She said. "I'll be there. I won't let them get away with this. Go help the others keep an eye on the Senators."
Some of the anger left Crosshair's eyes and he seemed to deflate somewhat.
"Fine." He said. "But if you do decide to do this the right way, you know where to find me."
He left the room.
"All right, Commander Tano, shall we?" Laz asked.
Ahsoka nodded and followed him into the interrogation room.
The three younger assassins looked up as they entered. The elder woman kept staring forward.
"All right, listen." Laz said. "We caught you in the act. We have the security tapes. We have hundreds of witnesses. Let's just make this easy on everyone."
"And why would we do that?" The elder woman said in a cool voice. "I have no respect for your time."
Ahsoka raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Laz. She should have known this would not go smoothly. This woman especially seemed hardened.
"Okay." Laz said. "Let's start with names."
Silence. Laz sighed.
"Planet of residence."
Nothing. The older woman scratched at her nose.
"Planet of birth."
The three younger conspirators shifted uncomfortably.
"Ages."
Laz paused on this one, giving them more time. They once a gain kept their mouths shut.
"This one's important." Laz said. "It determines whether or not we can try you as an adult."
The three did look young. It was possible that they were minors.
"Fifteen." The smallest, a tousle haired youth, muttered.
Laz nodded. He marked something off on his datapad. Fifteen meant he was barely under the legal age of adulthood on Coruscant.
"Thank you." Laz said. "Anyone else?"
No one else answered him. Ahsoka guessed it was because they were over sixteen.
"All right then." Laz said finally.
He caught Ahsoka's eye and she nodded to the exit.
"We'll take a break then." Laz said.
"We need to get that kid separated." Ahsoka said. "He's the weak link."
"Agreed." Laz said. "I don't think he'll break with that ring leader in the room."
"Get them separated." Ahsoka said. "You take the kid, get some other men on the other two young ones. I'll take the leader."
The next two hours were frustrating to say the least. Ahsoka was right. This woman would not give up information easily. Ahsoka tried regardless. She would have the most extensive information. Ahsoka stopped asking questions after the first fifteen minutes and instead spent her time pushing down the woman's considerable defenses. All the while the woman stared at her with cold grey eyes.
"You will not break me." The woman spoke up suddenly.
Ahsoka raised an eyebrow.
"You are not willing to use the methods that would force me to give up any information." The woman went on. "You will get nothing if you cling to this false shroud of honor."
Ahsoka opened her mouth to reply when someone knocked at the room's door. Ahsoka slipped out to find Laz.
"The kid's close to breaking." Laz said. "I thought it'd go a bit easier if you had a hand in it, sir."
"Probably." Ahsoka said. "Besides, I'm not getting much out of that one."
The young man was pale as Ahsoka entered the small room. He had light hair that fell into his eyes. How could this group have sent such a young teenager to do this mission?
She tried not to think about how she was younger when she was given her first command.
"Hello." Ahsoka said.
The boy glanced nervously at her. Laz was right. The boy was weakening. Ahsoka pressed gently against his mind, soothing his fear of betraying his companions. An interesting impression hit Ahsoka.
"You didn't really know what was going to happen, did you?" Ahsoka asked. "You were told you were going to help fight oppression. You never imagined it would lead to the Senate."
The boy hesitated and then shook his head.
"They lied to you." Ahsoka said. "They put you in this danger without you truly knowing what it was. Do they really deserve your loyalty?"
The boy looked at her with frightened green eyes.
"Are you going to execute me?" He asked softly.
"No." Ahsoka said. "You're not an adult. I doubt the others are going to be executed either. If the bodyguard they shot survives, they'll most likely go to jail for a very long time."
The boy swallowed and nodded.
"I don't know them. Not even their real names." He said quietly. "I only know who sent us. Her name is Zora."
There.
"What do you know of this Zora?" Ahsoka asked.
"Not much." He said. "She has money and power, at least on our planet."
"Which is?" Ahsoka prompted.
The boy bit his lip.
"You-you won't start another war?" He asked.
"I doubt it." Ahsoka said. "We want peace."
The boy was silent for a long time. Ahsoka watched with surprise as tears filled his eyes.
"Serenno." He said. "But please, we don't want war. We want the people who want war gone."
Ahsoka narrowed her eyes. It seemed Echo and Padme were the main targets, at least from the way the blaster fire had gone. There had been very few injuries outside of Hunter. But- Padme, Echo, and Omega were some of the most outspoken about keeping the peace. What lies were being fed to the CIS?
"Thank you." Ahsoka said. "You've done a very brave thing."
She eased some of his anxiety as a parting gift before leaving the room. She went to the nearby data terminal. Her search yielded fruit immediately: a file from the Serrano census, which included a holo of an older woman with greying dark hair.
Zora of House Serrano, one of the ruling class, and cousin to Count Dooku.
Ahsoka found Padme waiting with the rest of the Bad Batch outside the Senate medical bay. Wrecker had his arm tightly around Omega, who had her face buried in her arms. Echo was pacing back and forth while Crosshair was wedged in a corner with a dark expression on his face. Tech sat, fixated on his pad, with his leg jogging up and down. Hunter's absence was all too obvious. Padme, who had been sitting calmly, stood up as Ahsoka came into the room.
"Any news?" Ahsoka asked.
"They're still working on him." Echo said. "But they say the chances are good."
Ahsoka nodded and turned to Padme.
"We haven't gotten much." She said. "But we've identified who sent them. Her name is Zora of House Serrano."
Padme's eyes widened. Echo looked sharply at Ahsoka.
"That's- troubling." Padme said. "Is she of any relation to Count Dooku?"
"His cousin." Ahsoka said.
"I had hoped that he would continue to spend his exile in peace." Padme muttered.
"We don't know for sure it's him." Ahsoka said. "Sending people from his own home planet seems sloppy for him."
Padme nodded slowly, her brows still furrowed with worry.
"But if he didn't have any other resources-" She mused out loud.
Ahsoka let her think and began scanning the immediate area for threats. One arrest did not an assassination foil.
Her comm beeped. It was from Fives' frequency. A surge of anxiety hit Ahsoka as she imagined any number of terrible accidents that could have caused Fives to contact her. She stepped away and answered it.
"Just checking in." Fives said immediately, as if he knew she would be worrying. "Like you told me to."
Ahsoka took a deep breath.
"Right. I needed to comm you anyway." She said. "We might be a little late tonight. There was another attack. If it gets too late, go get dinner at Rhys'."
"Are Echo and Tech all right?" Fives asked sharply. "Are you all right?"
"We're fine." Ahsoka paused. "Hunter's been hurt. He's in surgery now, but they think he's gonna be okay."
"Kriff. How's Tech handling it?" Fives asked, genuine worry in his voice.
Ahsoka glanced over at Tech, who was curled in on himself.
"I'm not sure." She said. "He's upset, I can tell that much. I don't know. We just have to see when the surgery is done."
"Okay. Keep me updated." Fives said.
"Will do." Ahsoka asked. "How's Rex?"
"Well, we invited some vod'e from the 501st over." Fives said. "We had lunch, and he read some."
Fives sounded overly cheerful.
"Fives." Ahsoka said.
It was silent on the other end. Then-
"He found out about- what I did." Fives said in a low voice. "I had to stop him from scratching. And it turns out he's blaming himself for not being here to stop other brothers from doing the same."
Ahsoka let out a long breath.
"Can I speak to him?" She finally asked.
"Let me see if he's up for it."
The comm crackled as Fives must have put it down. Ahsoka could hear a short, muffled exchange. The comm crackled again.
"I'm here." Rex's voice was quiet.
Ahsoka didn't even know why she had asked to speak to him. She probably shouldn't have the conversation about his self blame over a comm.
"How are you feeling?" She finally asked lamely.
"Better now." Rex said. "I am able to distract myself."
"Good." Ahsoka said. "Well done finding a way to keep your mind off of things."
"Thank you." Rex said.
There was a brief silence.
"I need to talk to Fives again." Ahsoka said. "I love you."
Rex was quiet, like Ahsoka expected.
"Mission accepted."
"What?" Ahsoka asked, but Rex had already handed the comm back to Fives. Ahsoka shook off her brief confusion.
"I talked to Cody." Fives said once he was back on. "He was wondering if we could go check out some occupation options at headquarters. Is that all right?"
Ahsoka hesitated. On one hand, that was the plan. Rex needed something to do. On the other, she wanted to keep him far away from anything that could remind him of Kamino or the war.
"Call ahead." Ahsoka ordered. "Keep it controlled. But- it should be okay."
She trampled her worry as she spoke. Rex needed to be able to handle more situations. She couldn't coddle him for the rest of his life.
"Good luck." Fives said.
"See you soon." Ahsoka replied.
The comm clicked off. Ahsoka sighed and went to go sit with the others.
It was another hour before the door to the operation theater opened.
Five pairs of nearly identical brown eyes latched onto the surgeon who stepped out. The woman smiled wanly.
"It was a success." She said. "He'll be all right."
Omega burst into tears, bewildering all four of her brothers.
"'Mega, he's okay!" Wrecker said in a confused tone.
"I know!" Omega sobbed. "I was so scared and he's okay-"
The rest of Omega's words were drowned by her tears.
"Can we see him?" Tech asked.
"He won't wake for a little while." The doctor said. "But you may sit with him, as long as you're quiet."
Ahsoka smiled to herself as she watched Omega spring from her seat and hurry to follow the surgeon. The rest of Clone Force 99 was close behind.
Ahsoka's smile faded as she saw Padme's concerned expression. The Chancellor was looking at a data pad she had brought.
"What's wrong?" Ahsoka asked.
"It's nothing I'd normally be concerned about." Padme said. "But- it's just odd timing."
Ahsoka frowned and looked at the pad. It was a message from the leader of the Trade Federation, requesting an urgent meeting.
Ahsoka eyed the most muscular Neimoidian she'd ever seen as she exchanged useless pleasantries with Padme. Ahsoka didn't like Neimoidians. She hadn't met one that wasn't a greedy coward. Apparently this woman, Proos Jarnim, was a member of the Neimoidian Royal Guard, whose members were reported to be the best of the people. Still, Ahsoka watched with suspicion. She knew that Padme hadn't had the best relationship with the Trade Federation either. Padme was far better at hiding her dislike.
"You said this meeting was important." Padme said after those vapid pleasantries had been exchanged. "It would have to be in order for you to come all this way from the CIS Senate."
"Yes." Proos said in a heavily accented voice. "You are aware, of course, that we have a number of droid troops in reserve on each of our planets."
Padme nodded. Ahsoka frowned. She hadn't known that. It made sense, she guessed, especially if the Republic was allowed to keep their clone reserve force.
"As a leading member of the CIS senate, I am in charge of the management and upkeep of those troops." Proos went on. "Within the last galactic month, there have been several unauthorized attempts to activate those troops."
Padme stiffened.
"I see." She said in a level voice. "Do you have any idea who is behind it?"
Proos hesitated.
"I might." She said. "A majority of these attempts were on planets nearest to the CIS and Republic borders. There is one exception. On Serenno."
"That slime!" Anakin said, his anger evident through the blue holo.
"Calm down, Anakin." Obi Wan said. He raised a blue hand to his chin. "Though I agree, this is quite the betrayal of trust."
"I feel we should inform the Jedi Council." Plo's holo said. "This might be a matter they would look into."
"Master Plo, there's a reason we left." Anakin said.
Ahsoka stood by Padme as they listened to the three discuss the issue.
"I would like to point out that we have no solid evidence that it is indeed Dooku who is behind these incidents." Obi Wan said.
"Obi Wan, we've caught a direct relative of his trying to kill Senators and someone's trying to use the droids on his planet!" Anakin said.
Obi Wan stroked his beard.
"I'm not sure." He said. "Qui Gon did say that Dooku had a strained relationship with his relatives."
Ahsoka frowned at that. As a Jedi, he wasn't really supposed to have a relationship with his family at all.
"In any case, we must send a representative to Serenno." Plo said. "And investigate."
All eyes turned to Obi Wan. He gave a huge sigh.
"I was under the impression that things would be different when I left the Jedi Order." He said.
"It's not our fault you're good at it." Anakin said with a grin.
"The last time I was sent alone to investigate an issue regarding Dooku, I discovered an entire army." Obi Wan said flatly.
"I'm not complaining." Ahsoka said.
That got a chuckle out of Plo.
"Neither am I." He said.
"I'll take Cody and Kor." Obi Wan said. "Hopefully we have been mistaken."
They all stared at one another.
"Go, Obi Wan." Padme finally said. "I trust you to find the truth."
Obi Wan nodded and the holos flickered off. Padme put a hand to her head.
"Why?" She asked. "He seemed so- tired when we met to negotiate the end of the war. I truly believed he wanted peace."
"I wouldn't know." Ahsoka said. "But you're right to investigate. We've worked hard for this peace and if we can preserve it, we should."
Padme nodded absently.
"Let it be the end of it." She muttered under her breath, like a prayer. "Let us be able to move forward."
Ahsoka wasn't sure if that was possible.
Rex got out of Cody's speeder and looked up at the old GAR headquarters and barracks. He had heard from Kix that the other clones were calling it Yaim now. Home.
It was getting bigger. Rex could see construction on some of the barracks and in the surrounding area.
"What are they building?" Fives asked as he got out too.
"Better living spaces." Cody said. "Some of 'em for families. Plus an actual school building for the littles."
"Huh." Fives said. "Is it just me or is it weird that they're following through with their promises?"
"It's Chancellor Amidala." Rex said. "And Echo and Omega."
"Yeah, from what I'm hearing, they're relentless with the clone support bills." Cody said.
Rex nodded and smiled a little. It was good to hear about how his brothers were being taken care of.
In some matters. Rex closed his eyes as he remembered Fives' sharp voice.
Maybe I was too busy trying to kill myself!
He needed to help with that.
"Well, let's go in and I'll show you how the education and administration side of things work." Cody said. "We can see if anything catches your eye."
The GAR headquarters felt drastically different from the last time Rex had been there. More clones bustled about, many with their helmets off. The air was no longer heavy with solemnity. There was chatter and laughter, even the sounds of younger clones.
Rex's lips twitched up again.
"Hello, Commander." The clone at the front desk said as Rex, Cody, and Fives approached.
"Hello, Taze." Cody said. "I'll be showing Captain Rex and ARC Trooper Fives here around today."
The clone, who seemed fairly young, widened his eyes.
"Captain Rex, sir!" He said, standing and snapping a salute at him. "ARC Trooper Fives! It's an honor to meet you!"
Rex drew back, uncomfortable. This boy had clearly been fed on tales of the front line, of the heroics of the 501st. And of course he would know Fives as the Hero of the Republic.
He didn't want Taze to look at him like that. He was trying to see someone who wasn't there. Rex hadn't recovered everything that had made him that Captain. He was aware of Fives' hunched shoulders and downcast eyes.
Cody, thankfully, noticed Rex edge backwards.
"We've got to go, Taze." Cody said. "Keep up the good work."
Taze nodded enthusiastically, as if Rex and Fives had not just shied away from his admiration. Rex and Fives followed Cody past the front desk and deeper into the base.
"Let's start with teaching." Cody said.
"I- don't think that would be the best for me." Rex said quietly. "I would not make a good teacher."
Cody glanced at him.
"Boil said otherwise." He said. "Maybe it would be good to work with the cadets again."
Rex shook his head. That had been the old Rex.
"Rex-" Cody said.
"Don't." Fives said. "He made his decision on it. Let him make it."
Rex was grateful to Fives for speaking up. Cody looked sad as he shrugged and changed course.
"Then we'll look at administration." Cody said.
They entered a new section of the building and into a large room, divided into smaller sections. Each section had several desks with clones working diligently at them.
"There are six sections." Cody said as they walked. "Finance, Health, Well-being and Integration, Recreation, Employment, and Housing."
Cody led Rex and Fives to each section, explaining what each covered and introducing the clones in charge. Finance, Employment, Health, and Housing were self explanatory. Recreation was focused on making sure clones had something to do outside of their employment. Well-being and Integration was the department that attempted to support the clones by helping them adjust to their new life. Rex listened quietly to each explanation and considered how it would feel to work with them.
"So, what do you think, Rex?" Cody asked as they retraced their steps back to the entrance.
Rex was overwhelmed. Each had its merits, but his mind balked at making the choice. It didn't help that each of the head clones had stared at him with wonder and respect.
"I don't know." He said. "I just- need time."
Cody nodded, putting his hand on Rex's shoulder.
"You'll figure it out." He said.
Rex hoped he was right.
"Hey Cody." Fives said. "Do you think I could get a job too?"
Rex glanced at Fives. He had come merely to stay around Rex and Cody, as Tech was unable to stay with them again. At least, that was what Rex had thought.
"You talked with Tech about that?" Cody asked.
Fives scowled.
"He can't keep me cooped up forever." He said.
"He doesn't want you cooped up." Cody said. "He wants you safe."
"Well, this doesn't have much to do with the Army. It should be fine." Fives said dismissively, though Rex thought he seemed nervous.
They nodded to Taze as they headed out, who gave an enthusiastic salute in return, and stepped back outside. They had only taken a few steps when Rex heard a young voice call out.
"Captain!"
Rex froze as he saw four young cadets barreling towards him from the barracks. Even from afar he knew those little brothers. Owl. Chip. Chap. Ruus. Kilo squad.
His heart twisted and he found he was afraid. It had been months since his initial ordeal. He had come so far since then. Yet he found himself clutching at his wrist as if he were afraid of striking them.
He locked himself in place, forbidding any movement from himself as they drew near.
"Captain!" Chap bubbled. "We were outside because it's mandatory play time and we got bored and were exploring and then we saw you and we knew it was you 'cause of your hair and Chip didn't believe it but it is you!"
The words washed over Rex like a wave, throwing him back to Kamino, but- but before what had happened. He didn't know what to say as Ruus grabbed Chap's shoulder and began apologizing.
"Sorry sir, he's just excited." He said.
"Your squad, Rex?" Cody asked quietly.
Rex nodded. Cody had been there. He had seen Rex betray his promise to his squad. He should know that Rex couldn't be here.
He looked down at their shining grins and his heart broke as he saw their excitement drain away as he continued to just stare.
"Sir," Owl said quietly. "We're not on Kamino any more. You- you can be our brother again."
His words were like a blaster bolt to Rex's heart. He wanted to be their brother again. He had always wanted to be their brother rather than their trainer. But he had proved that he couldn't anymore.
Hadn't he?
Rex finally let his body move. He eased himself down into a crouch and hesitantly extended his arms. Chap was the first to rush into them, quickly followed by Owl. Chip and Ruus weren't far behind. Rex gathered them all up and clung tightly to them. Four pairs of little arms wrapped around him.
"I'm sorry." Rex muttered.
"It's okay, sir." Ruus said. "We understand."
Did they? Did they know what he'd done to Prime?
It didn't matter at that moment. Rex held his brothers for a long time.
"Why haven't you come to see us?" Chip demanded, the first to let go.
The others followed suit and looked up at Rex with questioning eyes.
Rex frowned a little. Hadn't anyone told them? Hadn't Prime?
"I-" He started. "I wasn't well. I'm still recovering."
"The Kaminoans took you away." Ruus said. "Is that why?"
Rex squeezed his eyes shut as memories shoved their way to the forefront of his mind. Darkness. A weight around his neck. His breathing hitched.
"Yes." He whispered, fighting the urge to claw at the scars around his neck.
They seemed to burn now. The only thing that stopped him was the presence of his little brothers. He took a shaky breath.
"Have you heard from Prime?" He asked.
"He writes every week." Ruus said. "And he comes and visits sometimes. Will you come to see him when he's here next?"
Rex found himself nodding.
There was a call from somewhere in the barracks. Kilo squad looked behind themselves.
"Oops. Time to go in." Chap said. "You'll have to come and visit us soon, okay Captain?"
Rex nodded again. He gestured his vod'ike closer and one by one he pressed his forehead to theirs.
"Thank you." He said. "I'll be back soon."
He received a chorus of wide grins before they scurried off back towards the barracks. Rex watched them go.
"You okay, Rex?" Cody asked.
Rex nodded. He turned to Cody.
"Let's go back." He said. "I want to see what Education has to offer."
Mando'a:
vod'e: brothers
yaim: home
vod'ike: little brothers
From the top!
Crosshair is ready for blood. I've just got this image of him lashing out when he's afraid for his brothers. I base this off of his protectiveness of Cody when Rex says they have to move in the initial Bad Batch arc. (also him murdering Ames when Cody is threatened by the governor) I have decided the Senate Guard and Commandos are clones. I will not be taking criticism.
I also decided that the legal age of adulthood on Coruscant is 16, based on them being totally willing to execute Ahsoka during the Temple Bombing arc. Does this excuse what happened to Boba? No. I'm still salty about that, WINDU.
And another piece of the puzzle comes into play! Fun fact, I created several members of House Serenno for this fic and their names are all Legend of Zelda references. This is because, as prequel watching idiots, my siblings and I would mistakenly pronounce 'deku' as 'dooku.' There's always been a bit of a connection in my mind.
Hmm, what does mission accepted mean?
Yay, Hunter is okay! I love the idea of Omega crying with relief and the rest of the Batch are just like ?
The Neimodian Royal Guard are a real thing. They are in fact cooler than the rest of the Neimodians. (also I'm not completely sure if Neimodians canonically have two genders...oh well)
I love the idea that even if Obi Wan has left the Jedi Order, he's still being sent on these 'investigate crap' missions.
I want you all to know that when I was writing this, when Padme says she thought Dooku wanted peace, I added 'A PIECE OF DEEZ NUTS' from Dooku shouting off screen. Yes, I am actually an immature 6 year old.
Rex is doing a thing! It's funny, as we were editing this, my editor lamented that we hadn't seen Rex's squad in a while. And then they showed up. I'm magic I guess.
REX IS TEACHING KIDS AGAIN. NATURE IS HEALING. And by nature I mean Rex's shattered mind. He's probably not going to be allowed to go straight into teaching, but he's going to want to be around his younger brothers.
That should be all!
Stay safe, remember to review, and have a great week!