Hello, everyone!

AHSOKA COMES OUT IN THREE WEEKS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

imaginationflies: Oh I'm glad! I always feel like I have to have at least one huge moment because you guys have to wait so long between chapters. I LOVE writing Phee and Tech. There's a reason I shoehorned Phee into this fic. Once this fic is over and I have more time to write one shots, I'll probably be churning out some more of them. It's okay you forgot. I literally have dozens upon dozens of characters in play in this fic and they haven't done much. I think you'll be able to remember them better after this chapter though!

Venomizer: It's so good to see a comment from you! I hope things are going well! And yeeeesssss…I will convert as many people as I can.

In case you missed it, I've got my own Discord channel on the Emerald Library server! Here's the link: discord . gg . / elibrary (without the spaces because fanfiction . net is dumb) (it's free of charge if any of you were concerned) (also I'm not super familiar with how the server works yet but I think what you're supposed to do is say you're a reader when it asks and then my channel is under the misc fandoms/superhero section for some reason)

I'm rather excited about this chapter. A good combo of angst and plot progression.

TW: mentions of suicide and intrusive thoughts

Mando'a translations at the end!

Fives stood up without thinking. A brother needed help. He didn't know what he could do, but he needed to go.

"Fives?" Echo asked.

Kriff. Fives cursed himself.

"I- I have an errand to run." He said.

He doubted Echo would let him go if he knew who he was going to help. He knew Echo didn't like Leaf for the harsh words he had said to Fives. Especially since Leaf and Bits lived on 1313, where Echo had nearly died.

"Fives." Echo said again. "You've gone as white as me. What's happened?"

Fives bitterly shoved the holo towards Echo, who read the message.

"Bits." He said. "One of the clones you met down at the fighting ring?"

Fives nodded. Echo sighed and ran a hand down his face.

"Wrecker." He called. Wrecker, who was drowsing in his chair, sat up. "Do you mind going with Fives down to the undercity?"

Wrecker looked at Fives and cocked his head.

"I thought Tech told ya not to head down there anymore." He rumbled.

"It's an emergency." Fives said quickly.

He was shocked that Echo had said yes, and even more relieved that Echo would not be coming with him.

"You gonna be okay, Echo?" Wrecker asked.

"Better here than down there." Echo said with a slight smile. "Remember last time?"

"Oh yeah!" Wrecker barked out a laugh. "We don't have Tech to fix you up!"

Even as he said it, Wrecker's grin faltered. He seemed to have reminded himself of the anxiety he was feeling over his brothers and sister.

"All right," He said, shaking himself and turning to Fives. "Where're we goin'?"

Fives decided that he wanted Wrecker with him every time he went down here. The crowd split before them as Wrecker stepped forward. Wrecker shot Fives a searching look as they strode down the street. He'd been strangely quiet on the shuttle ride down, always looking at Fives. Fives was glad he hadn't tried to talk to him. He himself has been absorbed in thoughts of Bits and Leaf.

"You know what trouble these guys are in?" Wrecker asked.

"No." Fives said.

That fact was gnawing at him. He'd brought a blaster, but he somehow doubted this was the kind of problem he could shoot away. He wished it was.

"Do y'think you're the best guy for the job?" Wrecker asked.

Fives glared at him.

"What do you mean by that?" He demanded.

Wrecker met his glare with a serious gaze.

"You're hurtin'." He said. "Have been for a while. Thought it was getting better, but then-"

Wrecker shrugged.

"Point is, it's hard to help someone else when you need help too."

Fives stared at Wrecker. He'd always assumed that the large clone was a bit dim. He hadn't really been paying attention to him as of late with everything that had been going on. But that had been a very shrewd observation.

"I don't think they have anyone else to ask." Fives finally said.

Wrecker nodded.

"Not everyone's as lucky as me an' you." He said.

Fives felt guilty at the proclamation. He was lucky. He had Echo, Tech, Rex, Ahsoka, and dozens of other brothers who cared about him. Leaf and Bits had always seemed like they only had the other for whatever reason.

Ungrateful wretch.

Fives took a deep breath and forged on. Maybe having Wrecker scare them a path wasn't as nice as he thought it'd be. Instead of concentrating on navigating his way through the masses, he instead had plenty of time to think about other, less pleasant things. Like of how useless he was going to be to Leaf and Bits.

They were coming up on the derelict apartment building now. Fives frowned. He knew the old GAR barracks were being used as housing for clones who couldn't find their own places. Surely it'd be better than down here.

They received a suspicious look from an Aqualish in the lobby, but no one stopped them from heading up the creaking stairs.

"Uh, I dunno if these are gonna hold me." Wrecker said. He shifted his weight and the stairs groaned. "What floor are they on?"

"Third floor." Fives said, looking up.

"Aw, that's not too high!" Wrecker said cheerfully. "I've fallen farther!"

He started back up the stairs, each step squeaking pitifully as he went. Fives followed him, taking the stairs two at a time. He found his heart was pounding. What trouble were they in? Was it something to do with the gangs down here? Were they being evicted? Was one of them sick or injured? He didn't know how he could help.

Finally he found the rusty door that displayed the correct number. Wrecker stood back as Fives hit the door chime.

"Fives?" A strained, rough voice said.

It was definitely a brother's voice, but it didn't sound like he'd spoken for a while. Definitely Bits, then.

"Yeah." Fives said. "Me and another brother have come."

He thought he heard low voices, and then-

"Come in." Bits said.

Fives opened the door and was met with a ruined apartment. It reminded him of when the clones were being kidnapped by the Kaminoans. The scant decorations were lying broken, chairs were overturned, and a large potted plant lying forlornly in the midst of black dirt and shattered ceramics. Also looking like he'd been hurled into the wall was Leaf. He sat slumped at the edge of the room, his head in his hands. Bits crouched next to him and he looked up as Fives and Wrecker came in.

"What's going on?" Fives asked. "Are you all right?"

"I am." Bits said. "But Leaf-"

Bits' eyes flicked to a blaster that lay discarded halfway across the room.

Fives knew exactly what kind of trouble Leaf was in. Better than most clones alive.

"Kriff." He swore.

He nearly took a step forward, but glanced down at his holster.

"Hold this." Fives said. He handed Wrecker his blaster, remembering Dogma. "Can you make sure no one bothers us?"

Wrecker nodded silently. His brow was furrowed into a serious expression that seemed strange on the usually jovial clone's face.

Fives turned back to Leaf and Bits. Leaf hadn't looked up, but Bits kept his eyes fixated on Fives.

"What happened?" Fives asked. "That made him try?"

Bits' eyes widened slightly, as if he were surprised that Fives understood.

"We tried to enlist." He said quietly. "They wouldn't let him back in. I ship out tomorrow."

"We're in the same boat then." Fives said, and with a pang he admitted, "They don't want me either. Or Captain Rex if you know him."

"It's not just that." Bits said. "It's-"

"No!" Leaf said, cutting Bits off. He had uncovered his face to glare at Bits. "No, I don't want him to know. I don't want him here. He can't know. They can't know!"

His voice was rising with hysteria. Bits put a tentative hand on his shoulder and looked at Fives with desperation.

"I don't know what to do." He said.

Fives swallowed his immediate response, to say, And I do? Was this how Ahsoka had felt when he had tried to throw himself off Umbara's Ledge? Like the weight of what had been attempted was crushing him? Like if he tried to help, he would make everything worse? Like his brother's life was balanced on a razor sharp edge, and could be pushed over with the wrong move?

And he should know what to do. He'd been in the same position. Why didn't he know what to do or say?

He heard a click that sounded like a blaster being put down. Then heavy, creaking steps until Wrecker came into view. Leaf eyed him suspiciously as Wrecker crouched down. Wrecker looked at him a long time. Then-

"Your brothers are real glad you're still here." Wrecker said.

"Brothers?" Leaf gave a hysterical laugh. "I've only got one and he's leaving me tomorrow."

"He'll come back." Wrecker said.

"Or he'll die!" Leaf snapped. "Just like the rest of our squad!"

Fives was beginning to understand a little bit more.

"I'm not going to die." Bits said in his rough, unused voice.

"You don't know that!" Leaf said. "You'll die and I'll be left here to be the scum of the galaxy!"

"Pretty sure you're not scum." Wrecker said with a weak chuckle.

Leaf's eyes appeared between his hands again, flashing.

"You have no idea!" He growled. "You don't know what I've done."

"What we've done." Bits said. "If you're scum, so am I."

"No!" Leaf said. "Not you. It was my idea, I was the one who made us do it!"

His hysteria was rising again. Fives felt panic start in his chest, but once again, Wrecker surprised him.

"How does he feel about hugs?" Wrecker asked Bits.

Bits blinked.

"He- used to like them." He said.

Wrecker nodded and slowly, as if to give Leaf plenty of time to move if he wanted to, engulfed Leaf into his arms. After a moment, Leaf began to sob.

Wrecker looked up.

"You've gotta find a med center nearby." He said. "They should have people to help."

"How do you know what to do?" Fives burst out.

Wrecker gave Fives a solemn look.

"Cause of you." He said and then looked back at Leaf. "I'll stay here with him."

Shaken, Fives tugged at Bits, who was hesitant to leave his brother's side.

"You trust him?" Bits whispered.

Fives nodded. At least, he knew Tech trusted Wrecker. It was good as Fives trusting Wrecker himself.

Bits let Fives lead him away, but he kept his eyes on Leaf until they left the room.

"Do you know of any medcenters around here?" Fives asked.

Bits shook his head, worried.

"Grif knew about Commander Offee being down here." Fives mused aloud. "Bet he knows someone who can help."

There. A goal. Fives could work with a goal. He didn't really pay attention as he rushed down the building stairs with Bits close behind.

Without Wrecker they had to fight their way through the crowds. Fives was glad. He needed the distractions of being jostled and pushed. He could feel his thoughts sinking towards dark places.

What's the point of trying to kill yourself if you don't even learn how to help the others?

"Why does he think he's scum?" Fives said to Bits, desperate to fight the thoughts.

Bits was quiet as he'd ever been for a moment.

"You have to understand." He finally said. "During the Final Battle of Coruscant, it was our first time in combat. Our LAAT/I crashed and- and it fell down into the undercity."

Fives frowned as he and Bits fought their way through the crowd, but didn't interrupt.

"We were the only survivors." Bits went on. "Our comms were destroyed, we were injured, we had no way of getting in contact with the rest of the army. No one would help us down here."

Fives glanced at Bits' face. It was strangely impassive.

"We were on the streets for a while. Didn't know anything. Not even that the war had ended. Eventually, the Pykes found us."

They were growing closer to Grif's. Fives felt a moment's concern that they would get there before Bits could finish his story.

"They said they could help us, if we helped them. I- I was sick. Leaf needed to save me." Bits' voice was nearly a plea, begging Fives to understand. "He became one of their debt collectors down here in the undercity, in exchange for lodging and protection."

Bits had slowed, staring at the ground now.

"I joined him after a while." He said. "We've both done things we're not proud of. I think Leaf saw joining the army again as a way of making up for it."

Fives stared at him and grasped for something to say. He blurted out the first fully formed sentence he thought of.

"The Republic had housing and support for the clones. Why didn't you leave when you found out about it?"

Bits shot Fives the first angry look of the night.

"The Pykes aren't someone who you just walk away from!" He snapped. "How were we supposed to get back to the surface? They don't pay us in credits. That's why we joined Grif's ring! So we could get some money and get out!"

"Why didn't you ask me to take you up?" Fives started.

Bits took a deep breath.

"Leaf- Leaf didn't feel like he was worth it." He said. "Not to mention that he doesn't trust you."

"Well, he's not spending another night here." Fives said. "Once he's in the clear, we'll get him settled in clone housing."

Bits looked doubtful.

"Sinko?" Grif's voice slammed against Fives. "Kriff, kid, you said you weren't gonna be back for a while."

The Besalisk had met them almost as soon as they'd stepped into the fighting ring.

"I'm not here to fight." Fives said. "Do you know of any decent medcenters around here?"

Grif let out a bitter laugh.

"It's the undercity, son. We don't get 'decent.'"

Fives wanted to yell at Grif. That wasn't helpful. He needed a kriffing solution, not a complaint about the status of the undercity.

"What exactly do you need?" Grif said before Fives could start berating him. "We've got other ways of helping."

Fives and Bits didn't say anything. Fives knew he would hate for his own attempt to be aired by someone else. He wouldn't do it to Leaf.

Grif stared at them.

"I want to help, boys." He said quietly.

"Leaf-" Bits started, but his voice failed.

Grif's eyes widened.

"What happened?" He demanded. "Is he hurt? Should I call Riss?"

Bits shook his head.

"Not- not hurt." He said. "But he needs help."

Grif nodded slowly.

"I get it." He said, and then heaved a deep sigh. "It happens too often down here. And we don't have the resources like the Crust does. I'm sorry."

Fives' mind seemed to go blank. The plan- the plan was going wrong. He used to be so good at improvising in times like these, but now he just felt stuck.

He barely registered it when Grif's eyes flicked to something behind him. He turned to see a Mandalorian in orange armor standing frozen in the doorway.

Fives' heart plummeted. No- now was not the time. He tried to brush away the emotions and look away from her. Instead her name escaped his lips.

"Senna."

Her name seemed to jolt her into action. Without saying a word, she strode across the room to him. She took off her helmet to reveal an expression of relief. She hesitated, and then gently placed her hand on his cheek.

Fives nearly collapsed into her arms. Her loving touch was too much. He struggled against the burning shame filling his eyes.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

Fives gave a wild, wet laugh. She was sorry? He was the one who abandoned her, left her when she had bared who she was to him.

"What do you need?" She asked. "How can I help?"

"We're looking for a medcenter." Bits said desperately. "And a way to get there."

Fives expected Senna to frown and shake her head, but instead she gave a quick nod.

"There's a medcenter right next to where my ba'buir and I live." Woor said. "We can take my speeder."

Fives felt some of his tension melt away as she spoke. Someone else was taking charge. They weren't depending on him anymore. The relief seemed to buoy him up from drowning in the responsibility.

"How'd you know what to do?" Fives asked.

Wrecker glanced at Fives. They were at the medcenter, sitting tense in the waiting room. The room was technically white, but nothing like the white of Kamino. Bits was pacing nearby, wringing his hands. Senna was sitting in the chair across from Fives. She hadn't attempted to touch him or even really talk to him since she'd first seen him.

Wrecker shrugged.

"Like I said." He said. "Cause of you."

"That's not much of an explanation." Fives said.

"Well, after your attempt-"

Fives flinched at the casual way Wrecker spoke.

"I talked to Tech." Wrecker went on. "I wanted to know how I could help. He told me that if I was ever around if you tried again, I should talk about the people who care about you and then take you to a medcenter. Figured it'd be the same with this guy."

Fives felt an uncomfortable wriggle in his gut.

"Tech said he didn't tell anyone." He said.

"He didn't." Wrecker said with a shrug. "I just figured it out."

The idea made Fives uncomfortable. Was it that obvious?

A nurse in pale blue stepped out of one of the doors.

"Mr. Bits?" She asked aloud.

"That's me." Bits rasped, hurrying to her.

"Come with me, please." The woman said.

Bits disappeared with her back through the door. Fives watched them go. What were they supposed to do now? Fives had only 'recovered' to this point because he had Echo and Tech. Bits would be leaving tomorrow. Who would Leaf have, even if they moved him in with other clones? He had been hurt so badly by what had happened to him and Bits.

And if Bits died- Fives was sure that it would be the death of Leaf too.

Fives leaned down and put his head in his hands. He didn't want this. He didn't want more and more fear, more worry, more caring.

Wrecker put his large hand on Fives' shoulder. Fives wanted to shrug it off, but even if it were possible, he didn't have the energy.

He was tired of broken brothers and fear. He just wanted to fix it.

I believe there may be a way to bring those we love back from the dead, those who died before their time.

Fives had nearly forgotten about what General Kenobi had asked of him. To help him find a way to bring people back.

And if that was possible, Fives could fix it.

The feeling that came from that thought was like pure light. For the first time in months, the wheels of his mind began to turn.

They needed to get to Serenno and for that, they needed a ship.

His first thought was of General Skywalker, but no, he was too close to Chancellor Amidala and she would never allow it. They would need someone unrelated to the new Jedi or the Republic.

His eyes found Senna. Without thinking he stood and by the time he'd reached her, his mind finally caught up. He stopped dead in his tracks. He'd nearly turned around, but she'd looked up at him. He could see hope and determination there.

"Fives." She said. "Are you all right?"

Fives ignored the question.

"I-" He didn't know what he was going to say. That he needed her help? That he was sorry? That he wanted her in his life?

"Thank you." He decided to mumble.

Her gaze was so soft as she reached for his hand.

"I'm sorry, for not telling you." She said. "When we first met again, it didn't seem like a good time. And after- well, I thought it'd be awkward."

Fives managed a snort.

"You were right." He said. "I don't know if I would have taken it well at any point."

Her brows knit in confusion. Fives cursed himself.

"I wanted to know." He said quickly. "Of course I did. I just- It's not your fault."

"We need to catch up." Senna said. "Not now, of course. But I don't want to lose you again, Fives."

Most of Fives balked at the idea.

"I'm not the same Fives you knew." He muttered.

"I know." She said. "And I'm not the same Senna. But I think the things I- cared for are still there."

Fives vaguely thought that she wanted to use another phrase than 'cared.'

"I'd like to try, at least." She went on.

"I would too." He rasped before he could stop himself. "But before we can, I need to do something. And I need your help, if you can give it."

Senna nodded.

"I helped you in any way I could then." She said. "The same is true now."

Guilt rushed through Fives as he thought of how he was using her.

She'll never want to stay with you, not once she sees what you are now.

But she didn't know that. She thought she would be repaid with a chance of a loving relationship.

That can never be. You are too broken.

"I need a ship." Fives said.

He would find a way to repay her. Credits, favors, anything. Maybe- maybe she even had a loved one they could try and bring back. It just couldn't be what she wanted.

What they both wanted.

Boba peered down the alleyway where the informant had claimed they would meet him. It was like every other alley on Daiyu: grimy, full of trash, and probably had at least one corpse hiding in the garbage. And just like every other alley, it was also full of chakaar'e waiting to gut him and steal his armor.

Did they think he was stupid? This was the third time an informant had claimed to need to meet him somewhere private and then directed him into an obvious trap. Sometimes the reputation of being a bounty hunter was useful. Fear often loosened tongues and the possibility of a bribe practically untied them. But then there was when the person didn't want to tell him anything. They would never merely say no, for fear of Boba just killing them. No, they always had to try and off him with a few of their buddies.

Boba wondered, as he flicked on his heat vision, if it had ever worked. It certainly had never come close with him, and the cowards who were so afraid of him killing them ended up dead.

He could see half a dozen glowing forms in the dark alleyway. From their postures, they were all tensed to spring on him.
Boba sighed and carefully chose a thermal detonator from one of his belt pouches. He held it up.

"I know you're there." He called. He really didn't want to have to blow up an alleyway if he didn't have to. "You've got three choices. You can stay out of my way. Stay in there or run, I don't care, but you don't get near me. If you have actual information about Cad Bane or Tynar Rem, one of you can leave the alley and tell me what you know. I will pay for the information. Or you can go with your original plan, the one that ends with you as scorch marks on the walls of that alley."

It was quiet for a moment. Then, after a scuffle, a scrawny human scuttled from the alleyway. Boba tensed, but a clatter told him that the man had thrown his weapon away. He came to a stop a yard or two from Boba, trembling.

Boba caught sight of angry, dirty faces in the alley.

"Your friends won't be too happy with you." Boba commented.

"Not my friends." The man muttered. "At least, not anymore. I told them they were fools, that when Boba Fett asks you for information-"
"And what is that information, exactly?" Boba cut him off.

The man's eyes darted back and he licked his lips.

"Bane's already been through this sector of the planet." He said. "He knows someone is looking for him. He paid us to shut up. But none of us have ever heard of that Tynar Rem."

Kriff. Boba thought. He'd hoped to keep Bane unaware of him for longer.

"Does he know it's me?" He asked.
The man shook his head.

"Don't think so." He said. "He didn't act afraid."

That made Boba smirk. Even here, they knew that he had beaten Bane.

"Why are you telling me, if Bane already paid you?" Boba asked. "Information from someone who's already bought tends to be questionable."

The man swallowed and shifted his feet.

"Because you're Boba Fett." He said. "And I'd rather have helped the winning side."

Boba cocked an eyebrow.

"You have my thanks." He said.
He held out a handful of credits to the man. The man eyed his outstretched arm suspiciously before carefully taking them. Bane had likely thrown the credits to the ground when he paid them, making them scramble on the ground like animals.

"Hold." Boba said as the man made to turn around.

Boba flicked the detonator on and hurled it into the alleyway. The man beside him yelled with shock as the narrow backstreet was engulfed in flames.

"They were going to kill you once I was gone." Boba said in response to the man's aghast expression. "I just did you a favor."

The man shot Boba a terrified look before scurrying away.

"That seemed unnecessary." A rasping voice drawled.

Boba glanced behind him to see Asajj Ventress sauntering towards him, followed by the Jedi Vos and unfortunately a clone.

"I told him the truth." Boba said. "They were going to kill him, not to mention try to squeal to Bane. What are you doing here?"

"Finishing the job we started." Ventress said. "And perhaps teaching Bane a lesson."

For a moment Boba didn't know what she was on about, before remembering who Bane had stolen the evidence from.

"So you want to help." He said.

"That makes it sound so noble." Ventress said. "But yes, we're here to assist in catching the bastard."

Boba folded his arms. He didn't like the feeling that the Republic was trying to meddle in his work, but he'd be lying if he said he wouldn't welcome their aid.

"Time is running out." Vos said. "The CIS is mustering their forces, as is the Republic and Mandalore."

Boba clenched his fists. He was nowhere closer to finding Bane or Rem since he started and Mandalore was about to throw itself into a war they had no business in being a part of. He needed Ventress and the others if he was going to find Tynar Rem in time.

Finally he gave a short nod.

"He's not in this sector." He said. "No sign of Rem either."

"We just need to find a droid that was worked on by Rem." Vos said.

Boba snorted.

"He's not going to just have left his business cards in them." He said.

"He will have for me." Vos said with a smirk. He held up a hand. "Have you ever heard of psychometry?"

"Is it some Jedi osik?" Boba asked.

Vos grinned.

"Yes." He said. "And it allows me to see the history of an object or place. It's pretty convenient for tracking."

Boba glanced to Ventress, to see if this too good to be true power was real. She gave him a nod.

There had to be at least a hundred droids that Rem had worked on on Daiyu. If they could just find one-

For once in his life, it seemed that things were going to be easier than Boba had expected.

Mando'a:

Chakaar'e: corpse robbers, thieves, petty criminals

From the top!

Hooray! Wrecker actually gets to do something! I've said it before, but I struggle writing Wrecker. You have to strike this balance of child-like but also wise in a way and definitely not completely a child. I like to think I did okay here.

Also, emotionally intelligent Wrecker, who has been watching Fives struggle and has been concerned.

Bits speaks! His names comes from the fact that he speaks only a little bit. But in this case, he needed to.

And finally the story comes out. I once asked my sister what the most shameful job for a clone would be, and we decided a debt collector. They would hate hurting people who they feel they would be supposed to protect. But sometimes, people don't get a choice.

Oh hello, Senna. She was down here actually checking if Fives had come back. She thought it'd be awkward if she just showed up at his apartment.

I love the idea of Wrecker coming to Tech and being like 'yo can I help with Fives' and Tech sweating and being like 'how did you know.'

Fives no you're going to enable Obi Wan and also get Senna mixed up in this mess.

What is with these short Boba sections? I feel like they always turn out really well.

Also, psychometry is OP.

Well, that should be everything!

Stay safe, remember to review, and have a great week!