Happy May the 4th everyone! Well, day before. I dunno I guess I just post on Wednesday nights now when I can. I hope we get some cool announcements tomorrow! (I'd do a double update like I've done before, but I don't have enough edited content lol)
Venomnizer: Thank you as always! (It tickles me so much that you call me the one and only) And I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully things get better for both you and Fives!
OneLittleSpark18: Thank you! Well you see, Leaf and Bits **** ********* ***** ** ****** *** **** * ***** *** ****** ** **** **** ******** *********** ** **** ** **** *** ******** **** ******* **** ****** ***** ** **** **** ******* ****** and that's their story! As for the podcast, I've been working overtime at work and it's been hard finding time to edit it. So it'll be a bit more, but I'll let you guys know when it's ready!
4thwallbreak: Yes, that is this story, lol. My sisters keep having to ask what events happened in what story. It can get a little confusing lol. Having Rex back is a relief to be writing to be honest. It was interesting and fun to write his trauma, but I missed him.
DonSani: YUP BECAUSE STAR WARS IS ALLERGIC TO LETTING COUPLES HAVE HAPPY ENDINGS. It's always funny to me that Fives is probably more happy in Guilty/Absolved, where they're still fighting, than in the fic that the war is over in. Most likely cause I'm evil. And I'm excited to show you guys where this goes!
imaginationflies: Let me let you in on a secret. I LOVE essay long reviews! I love seeing what aspects of the story different people focus on and love! And don't worry about Jesse and Rhys, I haven't forgotten them! I've just had so much going on in the story that we haven't had time to slip them in. They're not in this chapter, but I have a plan for them very soon. Since I struggle with mental issues myself, I know how important it is to respectfully portray them. And honestly, I know that with the proper help, they always get better in some way. Seriously, I keep smiling so much when I read your review. It makes me so happy when I learn that my fic helps people! And you TOTALLY have my permission to write fanfiction on my fic! That would be SO COOL. Please, continue to enjoy!
A Sole Reviewer: Well, I'm glad that I was able to connect with you through my writing! I've experienced pretty bad depression myself, though never to the depths that I have written Fives. I'm hoping that you're in a better place now or that you've at least started that path. I am very familiar with that numb feeling. Sometimes the answer is to change your surroundings if you can, even if it's hard. And there is something always to look forward to, even if it's something as simple as a fanfiction update or a food you like. (and now I feel bad that Fives is barely mentioned in this chapter...)
Before we get to the chapter, I want to throw out an idea to you guys. I was thinking of setting up a or something like that. It wouldn't be one of those where people who donate get early or exclusive content (because 1. Illegal due to this being a fanfiction about Star Wars 2. I'd feel bad for people who can't afford it) But I was thinking that when certain thresholds were met, I could post one shots, snippets, and original versions and drafts of events for the fics. For example, things like when Jesse and Rhys met for the first time. Things that don't fit with the pacing of the fics or just what ifs. Please let me know if this is something you'd be willing to participate in? And don't worry, the Fives Effect and Guilty/Absolved will continue as normal regardless of if this works out or not.
Back to the fic!
It's a bit shorter today, but blame my editors. They said that the extra scene I had needed to be in the next chapter.
But let's see some fallout to that darn memory chip being stolen!
Mando'a translations at the end!
"This is a stupid idea." Mereel said.
Boba glared at the Null as they sat in Renaar's speeder. He had commed Skirata, practically begging him to recall Mereel. Skirata had refused. Apparently he was afraid of assassins from Kryze. Boba had to grudgingly admit that it was a fair point.
"The man has agreed to meet with us." Renaar said. Boba was glad to have her along at least. "Should count for something."
"He agreed to meet with you." Mereel said. "Boba and I weren't in the equation. Not to mention it's probably a bad time with the whole Serenno situation."
Boba grit his teeth. It wasn't the ideal situation. Apparently some evidence had gotten lost the day before and the Serennians were throwing a fit. To make matters worse, the Mandalorians had thrown themselves into the situation. But-
"He'll have to deal with it." Boba said. "If there's a chance he doesn't know what Kryze was willing to do, we have to take it."
"Do you really think that Kryze wouldn't send one of her dogs as the representative?" Mereel asked.
"Any connection to Death Watch could be bad for her." Boba said.
"She is Death Watch!" Mereel said.
"Maul is the face of Death Watch in the people's eyes." Renaar said. "Kryze is more associated with the Nite Owls."
"Maybe it'd be easier to just send a memo to every Mando and remind them where she came from." Mereel said.
They arrived at the Senate building. Boba looked up at it with a grimace. This wasn't where he belonged.
"If only it were that easy." Boba said.
He started up the steps.
Boba felt entirely out of place in the pristine building. The people they passed gave him odd looks too, as if they sensed that he didn't belong here. Mereel seemed surprisingly comfortable.
"I'll be honest, Fett." Renaar said. "The fact that he's mingling with the Republic like this, even on orders, makes me think he's a pompous di'kut."
"Well, Kryze had to send someone who could stand this." Boba said.
He grimaced as he saw a group heading their way. It was the clone delegation, with the brutalized clone, most of Clone Force 99, and the child they claimed was a clone. Boba had heard of her, but it was clear that she was some foundling Clone Force 99 had adopted. He had no idea why they let her lead part of the faction.
Boba felt a stab of discomfort as he drew closer. He'd seen holos of the clone senator, but that didn't prepare him for seeing him in person. The man looked corpse-like, like the cybernetics were the only thing that propelled him. Boba shuddered. Having one cybernetic was bad enough.
He prepared himself for a civil nod to them, which was generous. He didn't hate the clones like he used to. He just didn't really want to be around them.
"Oh!" A young voice said. "Alpha!"
Alpha. He hadn't been called that in a very long time.
Boba blinked and looked down at the girl, who was grinning up at him. He froze.
Her eyes. They were just like his father's. And for the first time in years, they were looking at him with affection.
Boba felt like he'd been hit by a speeder. Kriff, he'd never actually had a good look of the kid in the few holos he'd seen. But she was a clone.
"Oh, I guess they wouldn't have told you." The girl continued. "I'm Omega."
"What the hell." Boba whispered.
The leader of 99 gave Boba a glare as Omega's smile wilted a little.
"Oh, how remarkable." Said the bespectacled one. "We have here the two last pure genetic replicas of Jango Fett."
The mention of his father brought Boba back to reality.
"Did my dad know?" He demanded.
Omega's smile faded even more as she shook her head.
"I don't think Jango knew about me." She said. "At least that any of my batch survived. I think Nala Se was afraid that he would want me too."
Boba felt strange as she spoke. Wanted her too? Boba nearly laughed at that. Boba was Jango's child. His father hadn't needed anyone else.
"Omega, we have appointments." The clone senator said.
"Right." Omega said. Her bright smile returned. "Maybe I'll see you later, Alpha."
"Boba." Boba corrected her this time.
"Oh! Bye, Boba."
The rest of the delegation seemed relieved as they hurried away.
"Well, that was awkward." Mereel said.
Boba rounded on him.
"Did you know?" He demanded.
"Yeah, but what of it?" Mereel asked. His eyes were cold. "I always thought you didn't want anything to do with us."
"I-" Boba said. "I don't know. Let's just get this over with."
"Agreed." Renaar said.
She seemed uncomfortable. Boba supposed many Mandalorians would feel awkward in a civil setting with clones. He suspected that those who hated the clones merely didn't understand how they fit into everything, like himself.
Finally they reached Mirshkata's office. The Mandalorian guard took one look at them before retreating into the room.
"Let's see how this goes." Boba muttered.
It wasn't long before the guard returned.
"Lady Ordo may enter." She said. "But the clones must stay outside."
Boba bristled and was somewhat surprised to see the sour expression on Mereel's face. Boba briefly considered trying to insist but he needed to preserve his patience for Mirshkata. So he pushed past the guard.
The woman resisted, of course, putting out a hand to stop Boba. Boba grabbed the woman by the wrist, whipped her around, and slammed her into the wall.
"Consider this, while we go and speak with Mirshkata." Boba hissed. "Why he's such a hu'tuun that he refuses to meet with someone he claims not to fear."
Before the woman could recover, Boba entered the room.
Mirshkata stood immediately as Boba came in with Mereel and Renaar.
"What is this?" He demanded. "I said only Lady Ordo!"
"Oh, shut up, Mirshkata." Boba said. "If I want to see you, I will find a way. I'm sure you prefer this instead of me showing up at your apartment in the middle of the night."
"Get out." Mirshkata said. "I will not entertain the wretched drippings of a great man's legacy. There is nothing you have to say to me."
"And Kryze does?" Boba said. "You accept that terrorist?"
"Better her than one without a soul."
Boba had had enough.
"Fine." He said. "Fine. I'll leave, damn you. I don't want this. I never wanted this. I just wanted to make sure that what my father loved didn't destroy itself. But it looks like that's what you want."
He wondered if he was humoring himself when he thought he caught a look of shame on Mirshkata's face. If it was there, it was swallowed up by an expression of defiance.
"You have no right to the throne." Mirshkata said. "You are not Mandalorian."
Boba sighed as he turned around.
"I don't remember saying I was."
"That's it?" Renaar demanded. "You kick up such a fuss about meeting him, and then you just give up?"
"He won't listen." Boba said as he stalked down the Senate halls. "And I don't care to try and make him."
"You didn't try that hard in the first place." Mereel commented.
Boba stopped in his tracks and whirled to face the Null.
"Will you for once in your pathetic life get over yourself?" He demanded. "I get it, I was chosen, I was spared from what the Kaminoans did to you. But none of it was my fault!"
"Your kriffing attitude was!" Mereel snapped. "Acting all high and mighty, like you were better than us because by some random chance Fett chose you! It was a one in six chance, Bob'ika. You aren't special."
"I told you to never call me that." Boba growled. "Only my dad should use that name."
"Oh yeah, your precious dad-"
"Yeah, my dad. The one I watched die when I was ten!" Boba said. "You have something I don't. Your father is alive. Imagine, your dad, who loves you more than anything, getting his head kriffing taken off! Leaving you with nothing! The only person who loved you, gone!"
Boba was surprised to see Mereel's eyes widen. The Null seemed actually shaken by what Boba had said.
"Lord Fett?"
Boba and Mereel froze and looked behind them. One of Mirshkata's attendants had caught up to them. She was a diminutive woman in red armor.
"Yes?" Boba asked. He kept himself from snapping at her. Few Mandalorians gave him the respect of a title. "Does Mirshkata want something?"
"No." The woman said. She sounded hesitant. "I'm here on my own. I have questions about what you said."
Boba shared a glance with Renaar. He had been a fool, he realized. Going to the leaders that Kryze had set up was pointless. But the average Mandalorian was far more likely to listen and spread the word.
"Of course." Boba said. "What do you want to know?"
Boba felt much better after the short conversation with the young woman. It felt good that someone from the main Mandalorian faction was willing to listen. A small victory, at least.
Mereel seemed still disturbed as they began making their way out of the Senate building. Boba hoped that his words had finally slapped some damn sense into the man.
"Boba Fett."
Boba stopped in his tracks. He hated when clones said his name. It always shot a horrible sense of hope through him. This voice was slightly huskier than his father's. Boba turned to see the leader of Clone Force 99.
"Chancellor Amidala wants to talk to you." The man said.
Boba glared at him.
"I don't really see what she'd want with me." He said.
99's leader gave him a stern look that was too similar to Jango's.
Boba grimaced.
"Fine." He said. "Renaar, you don't have to stick around."
"I'll see you back at the base, then." Renaar said. "Good luck."
Amidala was surrounded by senators and a couple of Jedi as Boba entered her office, including Omega and the other clone senator. Omega perked up when she caught sight of Boba and gave him a small wave. Boba didn't know how to react, so he turned to Amidala.
"You wanted me?" Boba asked.
"Oh, Mr. Fett." Amidala said. "Thank you for coming."
Boba gave a short nod and waited.
"You might have heard of the situation with Serenno." Amidala said. "Key evidence that would exonerate our people has been stolen by Cad Bane."
Boba narrowed his eyes.
"That's impossible." He said. "I killed Bane."
Amidala looked surprised at that.
"When was this?" She asked. "He hijacked the Senate building when the clones were returned to Kamino."
Boba frowned. He'd shot the bastard in the head before the war had ended.
"I guess it didn't stick." He said. "Never does when you want it to. So you want me to go after him?"
"Yes, if you could." Amidala said with relief.
Boba sighed and rubbed at his head.
"Listen," He said. "I'm involved in a whole other problem. I don't have time to be chasing down Bane."
"I understand that you are working towards regaining control of Mandalore." Amidala said. "And we support you in this. Recovering that data will help your cause. Mandalore has sworn to join any conflict that arises from this situation."
Boba gritted his teeth. He knew Mandalore was involved, but not that they'd gotten this entangled. But Amidala was right. He wanted peace for Mandalore, time to recover before they threw themselves into whatever conflict would inevitably come to them.
"I'll do it." Boba said. And then he surprised himself by saying. "No pay."
The entire room seemed shocked as well.
"Where can I start?" He asked.
"We have information from Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Vos, who were attacked and injured by Bane." Amidala said.
"They won't know where he's gone." Boba said dismissively. "I know how Bane works. I just need to find him."
"I believe I have a contact that may be helpful." A Kel Dor Jedi said. "During the war, the informant Cid was able to provide much information about bounty hunters. She is located on Ord Mantell."
Boba nodded. He hadn't heard of this Cid, but the Jedi had been able to track a lot more bounty hunters better than they should have during the war.
"I haven't had dealings with her." He said. "And if she's been leaking bounty hunter secrets, there's a reason why. She won't be happy to see me and even less likely to talk. I'll need a Republic escort or what have you to make sure she doesn't bolt."
"Of course." Amidala said. "We can provide anything you need."
"I'll just need the escort." Boba said, and he paused. "I can't promise I won't kill Bane."
Boba was impressed at Amidala's determined expression.
"Do whatever is necessary to retrieve that data." She said. "Outside of harming innocents."
"Collateral damage isn't my style." Boba said. "I'll need the night to prepare. Have your escort meet me at my ship at 0500. I'll send you the location."
"Thank you, Mr. Fett." Amidala said.
Boba turned, ignored Omega's attempt to catch his eye, and left.
Boba managed to convince Mereel to stay behind.
"You don't want to deal with Cad Bane." He told the Null. "And I don't want to deal with your dad if you get hurt."
Mereel had merely shrugged and Boba got the sense that he was glad to let Boba go off by himself.
So Boba was alone when he approached the Slave I in the early mists of morning. The hum of traffic was lessened slightly at this hour and it was as peaceful as Coruscant could get. Boba ran a hand down his face. It had been too long since he'd been alone. He'd only get a few minutes before whatever sniveling diplomat Amidala had chosen showed up.
"Boba!"
Boba froze at the voice. It sounded like- no, Amidala wasn't that stupid, was she?
Apparently, Amidala was an idiot, because when Boba turned around, he saw Omega trotting out of the mist. She was followed by the leader of 99 and the bespectacled clone.
"You're the kriffing escort?" Boba demanded.
Omega nodded.
"I want to help." She said. "My brother has had to go into hiding because of what's going on. I can't sit by and do nothing."
Before Boba could recover enough to reply, she gestured to the two clones accompanying her.
"This is Hunter and Tech." She said brightly.
Hunter gave a short nod. Tech merely glanced up from his datapad.
"Before you protest that it is too dangerous," Tech said. "There have been increased attacks on the Senate as of late, as well as increased unrest. It is safer for Omega to not be on Coruscant during this time of turmoil. Chancellor Amidala herself left the planet near the start of the Clone Wars for her own safety."
"I don't care!" Boba snapped.
He didn't want the kid and her bodyguards to come along.
Boba opened his mouth to argue further, but was met with three near identical expressions of defiance. Kriff, if they were half as stubborn as Boba himself could be-
"I'm not getting any other escort, am I?" He asked.
"Nope!" Omega said with a grin.
Boba sighed and gestured towards the ship's ramp.
"Just- don't get in my way." He said.
This will be fun. He thought bitterly as he watched Omega in her fine senator's clothes bounce into the ship.
He hoped that the kid knew how to keep her mouth shut. It wasn't likely.
"They're what?"
Ahsoka looked up from her letter to see Crosshair staring at his own. He'd received it with the stack of messages that had been delivered along with other supplies that day. Ahsoka had received a letter from both Rex and Fives. Obi Wan, Oddball, and Cody had received a few, but Kor hadn't gotten any.
"What're they doing?" Ahsoka asked as Crosshair slammed his letter down.
She assumed that it was the Bad Batch that was doing whatever that angered Crosshair.
"They've gone gallivanting off to find some informant!" Crosshair hissed. "With Omega!"
Ahsoka blinked.
"Is Echo going too?" She asked.
Crosshair shook his head.
"It's Hunter and Tech. They want to help me get out of here." He muttered. "But they're already sending kriffing Boba Fett! They don't need to go!"
He took a step towards the bedrooms of the safe house, but stopped short. Ahsoka knew why. The safe house, provided to them by Kal Skirata, was a small apartment with only three rooms. Despite it having the same amount of rooms as their own apartment, the safe house felt so tiny. It was likely because they couldn't leave and had somehow less privacy. Crosshair had to share a room with Cody and Oddball, who were there reading their own letters.
"You can use my room." Ahsoka suggested.
Crosshair glanced at her with something resembling gratitude before stalking away.
Ahsoka sighed and returned to her own letters. Rex had written his in a firm, neat hand, while Fives' was more of a scrawl. She was glad for them, especially since her and Rex's bond hadn't recovered enough for communication beyond occasional pulses of emotions or thoughts. The last 50 hours had been hard. She felt trapped and alone. Obi Wan was distant, and Cody, Oddball, and Crosshair were agitated. And Kor- well, he was practically a stranger.
She focused back on the letter from Rex. He had closed it with 'I love you.' Ahsoka traced the words with her finger. It was such a blessing to be able to recall his voice whispering those words to her.
He had come back to her. Finally, she had been able to look at him and believe he was the same man she had fallen in love with. She could still feel turmoil in his mind sometimes, but he was Captain Rex once more.
She grimaced to herself. Of course it had to happen right as they had to separate again. But this wasn't bad. They could communicate, she could still feel him, and it wouldn't be forever.
If they're able to find Bane.
Ahsoka pushed away the thought. It was just one man, rather than what had seemed like an entire senate between them. It would be fine.
In a way she was glad it was now. Ahsoka wasn't sure if Rex would have been able to handle it if she left him before. He'd crossed a threshold that night when he had kissed her. He was strong enough to be by himself.
And so was she.
That didn't mean she didn't miss him, didn't pray to the Force that this would be over soon. Being strong enough didn't mean that she was happy here.
Ahsoka was still staring at her letter with its subtle expressions of love when Obi Wan emerged from his and Kor's room. Ahsoka was surprised; she had barely seen him since their arrival.
"How are you doing?" Ahsoka asked.
Obi Wan turned tired eyes towards her.
"I am- well." He said.
Ahsoka raised an eyebrow but didn't press him.
"Who's writing to you?" She asked, nodding to the letters in his hand.
"Oh, just some of the men and Anakin." Obi Wan said.
He was distracted.
"Obi Wan, what's really going on?" Ahsoka asked.
Obi Wan didn't respond right away, staring into the air in front of him with a hand on his chin. It was a familiar position, but this time it unsettled Ahsoka. Finally he spoke.
"There are many who died, during the war, that shouldn't have."
Ahsoka frowned. It wasn't a surprising train of thought, considering that they were on the brink of war again.
"I suppose." She said.
She didn't want to talk about the possibility and consequences of war. She didn't see the point. They would have to put their trust in the Bad Batch and apparently Boba Fett. Hopefully Ventress would be able to get back on the case as well.
But- Obi Wan's words had sparked unwanted memories. She thought of her disastrous leadership of Blue Squad, losing Tucker, Axel, Slammer, and the others. Then, so many others throughout the years. Hardcase, Tup, Denal, boys who had never gotten a name. All dead before they could be free.
Not to mention Katooni and Steela.
"Why does the Force allow so many innocents to die?" Obi Wan whispered.
Ahsoka blinked.
Well, if you ask Master Luminara, it's the will of the Force. She nearly said.
No, Obi Wan didn't need sarcasm now.
"I don't know, Master." Ahsoka said. "But- I believe the Force wants us to do our best and prevent as many deaths as we can."
"But what of those that have already come to pass?" Obi Wan asked.
"There's nothing we can do." Ahsoka said. "As much as I wish there was."
"The Dark side claims to have power over what the Light doesn't." Obi Wan said quietly.
Ahsoka felt a knot form in her stomach. She didn't like where this was going. Obi Wan seemed to notice her discomfort before she could say anything.
"Ah, ignore me. Being cooped up here tends to drive one's mind to wander strange paths." He said.
Ahsoka's insides still churned.
"Obi Wan-" She started.
"It's nothing." Obi Wan said too quickly. "I was just considering the healing abilities of the Force."
"Right." Ahsoka said.
She didn't think that was it. The Force left goosebumps as it settled over her. She took a breath and let it guide her words.
"It was people, not the Force, who chose to take those lives." Ahsoka said. "But the Force preserves life in return. But we can't dwell in the past, Obi Wan."
To her surprise, Obi Wan smiled.
"Your words are wise, young one." He said. "But unwarranted. Do not fear for me."
Mando'a:
di'kut: idiot
hu'tuun: coward, one of the worst insults in Mando'a
Bob'ika: Little Boba. Should be used affectionately
From the top!
Hey Boba! It's been a minute! I know at least one person who'd been waiting for his return. Though Boba, maybe pick a different time?
Awkward family reunion time! Omega wants to get to know her brother! Boba would rather die!
I think Jango would have had a vague knowledge of Omega's existence but not that she survived.
Boba has limited patience and he does not have enough to spend arguing with a guard. So he solves it with violence. And then he doesn't have enough patience anyway!
Not to toot my own horn, but I REALLY like the insult Mirshkata throws at Boba.
(just in case you're confused, like my editors, I imagine that Boba was created in a batch of five or six like normal clones and the Kaminoans chose the most promising kid and just didn't tell Jango. Mereel is saying that it was chance that Boba survived, not anything that he did to deserve it)
Two clones have a trauma measuring contest. The results are inconclusive.
Go to the common people Boba! It's how you CREATE REVOLUTIONS.
AND IT WAS CAD BANE WHO STOLE THE CHIP. Let me tell you, Bane is the ULTIMATE tool for a Star Wars fanficiton writer. Need two Force users to be overpowered? Use Cad Bane, he's canonically done it before. Need a plan to stop the good guys in their tracks? Use Cad Bane, he's canonically done so. Need Palpatine assassinated? Use Cad Bane, I'm pretty sure most readers would just shrug and accept it. HE. IS. OP.
Boba is mildly annoyed that Bane is still alive, but maybe he'll be able to kill him for realsies this time. (Ventress, Vos, and Eon are all right, they just got wrekt) Ew, Cid. Gross.
Omega is here because she has used her super power of 'having her younger/big brothers wrapped around her finger.' And she wants to help and this seemed like a good opportunity to her. (and I might have needed a reason to get Tech to Ord Mantell...) ALSO WHO IS READY FOR AN AWKWARD FAMILY CAR TRIP NEXT CHAPTER.
When you read that part, I want you to imagine Crosshair's screaming in the background.
Obi Wan is continuing to obsess unhealthily about what Dooku suggested! And he's lying a lot about it! My editors and I were going through this part, it was the end of the chapter, we were tired and my sister just goes I CAN'T HAVE A PHILOSOPHICAL DISCUSSION ABOUT THE FORCE RIGHT NOW.
Obi Wan: Do not fear for me
Ahsoka: *fears for him harder*
Okay, that's it for this week!
Happy May the 4th, stay safe, remember to review, and have a great week!