Chapter 53 - Goodbye

Author's Note: Enjoy more Animega bonding! :D

~ Amina Gila

Kamino isn't what it used to be. Omega notices it everywhere she goes now – it hurt being separated from her brothers when Nala Se was still here, but at least the Kaminoan was... easier to be around than the new Republic scientist here.

Hemlock.

He's human, and Omega doesn't really know why he's here, or... anything, but he doesn't always seem to get along with the Kaminoans. He's far more detached and cold than Nala Se ever was, and there's something about him that seriously unsettles her.

He's also always very vague about what he's doing. And about what he wants with her, because sometimes, she's taken in for examination, and they do minor tests on her that she doesn't understand the purpose of. They're... studying her for something, and she doesn't know what.

She might not have minded as much – it's always been a part of potential role, after all – if not for the feeling she has about it.

And really, Omega misses her brothers. She misses being with them, being able to do something. Now that she's stuck here on Kamino again, it's... hard.

Hemlock's speaking to someone in the next room, where she was left temporarily in his lab, and she silently approaches the door to just... listen and see what she can hear. It's only occasional word fragments, but they're planning something.

"... will be ideal test subjects."

"... can get more clones from the girl."

"... need to study her more."

What are they talking about?

Omega has a very bad feeling about it, and she... doesn't want to stay here to find out. Not that she's ever wanted to stay away from her brothers, trapped here, but it's different now. She doesn't think staying here is safe anymore, even if she doesn't know why. She needs to get out of here.

But it's not like she can run away and go back to them, either. They'd never be able to hide her, and it would only get them in trouble. She doesn't know what to do, though, so the next chance she gets, she contacts them.

"Hey, kid," Wrecker greets, cheerful as ever.

"The comm is... secure, right?" Omega asks, uncertainly. No one's monitoring her here, she doesn't think, but they have to be careful. She's learned that much about secret communications, while she was with them.

"Of course, it is," Tech replies.

"What's wrong?" Hunter asks, frowning.

"Things are changing on Kamino," she explains, hastily, "I don't like it. Hemlock is up to something, and I think it's... bad. I don't think I should stay here anymore."

"Are you sure?" Hunter queries.

"Very." Omega almost wishes she could say no to that, because it's clearly something... bigger, something she doesn't know about, and it could be dangerous. For all she knows, it could affect all clones.

"You can come with us," Wrecker offers, hopefully.

"She can't," Crosshair speaks up.

"That would be against every regulation," Tech concurs, "If it were discovered, we may risk being decommissioned."

"I can't stay," Omega says, again, "But I... don't know where to go." That's what scares her the most. And it will mean she won't have any way of seeing her brothers at all.

"If you don't think it's safe, then... you should leave," Hunter tells her, "We can take you somewhere safe."

But that might make them a target, too. Things are changing, too fast, and Omega doesn't like where it's going. For all that she wants to leave, she won't let them get dragged into this, too. "But you'd have to leave, too," she protests.

"Any direct involvement would be a risk," Tech points out, "As soon as they discover she is gone, they will question the rest of us first."

It's going to put them in serious danger, and she can't do that. "I can find a way," she offers, even if the prospect of trying to run away all on her own is terrifying. Where should she go?

"The Jedi may be able to help," Hunter suggests, "Perhaps they could confirm what Hemlock is doing."

Maybe. But... she doesn't know if they know, even if she can't say why. "I can contact Anakin," she suggests, brightening.

He'll help her – there's no question about that. And if they can't get any answers about what's happening, he'll be able to find a way to get her off-planet, too. She's certain of that.

**w**

Keeping a secret from his newest master is probably not the best way to start out their relationship, Anakin knows – Obi-Wan had been very angry about that – but he doesn't know what Ahsoka would have to say. She'd probably agree, but sometimes, she's more inclined to put the mission ahead of individual's safety, and... Anakin's not going to risk Omega like that.

"I asked a little about Hemlock," he tells the hologram of her, the moment he has time to make a completely private call. It's strange, having new quarters on board Ahsoka's cruiser, instead of the one he was so used to throughout the war. (Sometimes, he still misses that, and... the normalcy of everything back then. He misses Obi-Wan, but in so many ways, if feels like... like he's actually still dead. Like whatever they had is so broken that he doesn't know if it could be remade, if there's even anything to remake in the first place. Because if his once master could do something like that...)

"And?" she asks, cautiously.

"He's mostly a ghost story, but there are... records of him performing experiments on human subjects completely against regulation and without consent. Nothing good." He sighs. "From what I gathered, the Council knows little about him. I think you should leave."

She nods. "I've thought about how to get out, but I don't know how to get off-planet."

"I've thought about that already," he assures her, "Ahsoka and I are on short leave, and we'll be coming to Kamino for training exercises. I think I could get you off while that's happening."

Omega perks up. "I'll be ready when you get here."

"If Tech is around, getting something to dye your hair dark brown would be a good place to start. I don't think I'll be able to get you that," Anakin says.

"...Why?"

"Otherwise, you'll stick out too much," he replies, "The goal is not to be noticed." She still isn't sure she likes that idea, but... she concedes the point, anyway.

**w**

"What's this all about?" Hevy asks, almost warily. Anakin called all of Domino Squad off somewhere private when no one was paying attention. He does like working closely with them – even if he misses his friends from the 212th a lot.

"I need your help," he explains, bluntly.

"With something the General didn't approve of?" Fives deduces.

"Was it that... apparent?" He doesn't want to cause problems with them and Ahsoka, but he needs this.

"The General would never go to such lengths to conceal something. She would tell us directly," Droidbait points out.

"Don't worry, we're on your side," Cutup assures, cheerfully.

"What is it?" Echo asks, warily. He's grown used to the mechanical limbs he got after the Citadel, but Anakin knows it's still hard for him sometimes.

"Omega needs to get off Kamino," Anakin explains, "Things are... happening there, and she might... get hurt if she stays there."

"What do you want us to do?" Fives asks, immediately.

"Are you certain of this?" Echo queries, cautiously.

"I am. I know it's against every regulation, but no one will know you're involved. I just need two of you to take her to Naboo, to a refugee entry point."

"How will we get a shuttle, with no one questioning why we're leaving?" Hevy wants to know.

"I already swiped Ahsoka's clearance codes," Anakin replies. Which... okay, she will definitely not be happy about that part of it, if he's caught. Though he doubts she would really mind what he's doing, at least not nearly as much as Obi-Wan did when he did things like this. But it's easier not to risk it right now.

"Of course, we'll help," Cutup volunteers instantly.

"Thank you," he says, sincerely, "Fives and Echo, you can take Omega. The rest of you, cover with me here."

And now, Anakin just needs to find Omega.

It's not that hard, given that there's nothing suspicious about him wanting to go spend time with all the roughly five – or technically, ten – year-old clones here to being shown around. They're clambering all around him in seconds, eager to meet their first Jedi, and be on a cruiser.

Except one who's suspiciously hanging to the back, and a closer look very easily reveals the obvious slight differences in facial features.

Anakin excuses himself for a 'fresher break, and Omega slips out too, when the others are distracted.

She throws her arms around him the moment they're in a private corner.

"You made it," Anakin murmurs, relief flooding him as he hugs her back. He has no doubt this could go very badly if anyone so much as catches wind of what they're up to. Technically, he's stealing Kaminoan property, and it's despicable that they're even able to have such a claim.

"Barely. The other clones kept talking to me, and they thought I sounded weird. I couldn't change my voice enough," she replies.

It's a good thing the clones are young enough that their voices haven't become that distinct, or no one would have bought it. But of course, their first thought would never be he sounds like a girl when they don't know there's even such a thing as female clones. "But you still did it," he compliments. He can feel the fear lingering around her – it couldn't've been easy to do, but she was brave to do it.

She nods. "What now?"

Anakin pushes a button on his comm. "Fives, Echo, we need you here now." He glances up. "They'll take you to Naboo. That's where my mother is living – you can go stay with her."

"Your... mother?" Omega echoes.

Anakin nods. "She'll love to have you."

"I don't know what... parents are like," she admits.

He doesn't either, because he's hardly known his mother, and Obi-Wan – he harshly cuts off that line of thought there. He always saw him as a father – still does – but a father would never... do that. But with Omega, she's never had anyone to look up to at all. The closest to a parent figure she's ever had is Hunter, her once baby brother. "She'll help you fit in there," he promises, dialing another frequency on his comm again. "Hevy, are you monitoring the halls?"

"I am," comes the reply, "Our path is clear."

Fives and Echo show up moments later to take Omega, and they take off through the halls together, to the hangar. In case anyone sees them, Anakin can just... guiltily explain one of the cadets had really wanted to see ships up close, and he volunteered to take them. Everyone would believe it.

"I hope you're not going to keep your hair like that," Anakin comments as they pause by the ships.

She reaches up somewhat self-consciously, touching her now-dark brown hair. "I'm not," Omega promises. "I might try a different color, though."

"May the Force be with you," Anakin says as they move for the ship.

Omega pauses, turning back. She seems hesitant, as if she's considering saying more, but doesn't know what. "Thank you," she offers finally.

"Of course," he nods. "Just – stay safe."

She nods in return, following Echo and Fives aboard the ship. Silently, Anakin hopes this won't be the last time they see each other.

**w**

Omega's used to being alone, but somehow, it feels almost overwhelming out here on Naboo, now that Fives and Echo are gone. They left her at one of the refugee camps, so she's being granted citizenship. No one even thinks that she's a clone because of how different she looks, but she can't stop fearing what might happen if someone does realize who she is.

But at least she's away from Kamino, and she's never been so relieved about that. And she can still talk to her brothers, even if she doesn't know when she'll see them in person again. But it hasn't really been any longer than it normally is between missions. Yet. For some reason, she has the feeling she doesn't need to worry about that.

Anakin's mother must've already been notified, because when the officials are discussing where to send her to help get her settled in, or if they should leave her here for now, some woman approaches them, saying she's here to pick her up.

"You're Omega?" the dark-haired woman asks, crouching in front of her.

She nods, suddenly feeling almost shy.

"I'm Shmi," she tells her – something about her reminds Omega of Anakin, even if it's without the strange almost overwhelming brilliance and intensity he always has. "Anakin told me you were coming."

"He said I could... stay with you?" she asks, trailing behind her as they move away from the facility for a waiting speeder.

"If you want," Shmi says, "I know he and you are good friends."

"We are," she admits, shyly, "I... I've never met a parent before."

Shmi looks momentarily amused, even if her smile is soft as always. "I imagine there is much you haven't seen, being on Kamino so many years. Have you thought of what you will do, now that you are away?"

"I don't know," she replies, "I was always a medical assistant, and then, I finally got to fight with my brothers. That's what I want to do." It's all she wanted to do for years – to be like them.

"You are young for that," Shmi tells her, "I wish this war could end so none of you would have to fight in it anymore."

"What would happen to the clones then?" Omega wonders. She's never thought about it, until right now.

Shmi pauses. "I expect the Republic would keep them in service for something. Or perhaps, they would all be given a chance to settle down like you."

Omega leans on the side of the speeder as it takes off, watching the trees and water rushing past. It's amazing here. There's so much to see. It's beautiful, but she just wishes her brothers were here. That she wasn't alone.

"Given your age, there are... some school requirements here," Shmi speaks up, "We'll have to look into that."

"... School?"

Somehow, Omega thinks she'll have a lot to learn about how natborns live.

**w**

Ahsoka's enjoying the temporary break away from the frontlines more than she thought she would. In truth, Kitster was right on so many levels. Ahsoka has never really had breaks before, at least she's never let herself take any. It's relieving to not be so constantly stressed, and she didn't even realize she was.

Maybe they should do this just a bit more often, but at the end of the day, the galaxy does still need them in active combat. That's what they're meant to do. Even if, for a few moments, she can't help wondering if she... really wants this, or if she wants something... more.

It was a good time to get used to working with Anakin, though. It helps that they already know each other so well, so the fact that she's his master hasn't changed that much of their relationship. All it means is that she's the one teaching him now. (And that Obi-Wan isn't constantly hovering.)

As expected, though, they're in the Council room only right after returning from their break when an urgent call comes in.

"The only way to reclaim Onderon will be through armed struggle," Saw Gerrera from Onderon is saying. Ahsoka's mildly surprised to see them. The last time she heard anything of Onderon was when Mina Bonteri had been calling for peace. And that hadn't gone anywhere. "But we lack sufficient supplies and hardware."

"Onderon is under your king's rule," reminds Obi-Wan, "And at the outbreak of the Clone War, he chose to align it with the Separatists."

"Our true king has been silenced. The one you recognize is a traitor and a Separatist minion. We need your help to survive this."

"What about Senator Bonteri?" Ahsoka asks, "Where does she stand on the issue?"

"She still firmly believes in the Separatist cause," Saw replies, bitterly, "We will get nowhere with her."

Well.

That... complicates things a little.

"Find a way, we shall," Yoda declares, before they end the connection.

Ahsoka's mind is already whirling with ideas on how to handle this. She's thought about this in the past, and it would be a perfect time to test out the theory. Although, she's certain the Council will disagree with her purely on principle. That doesn't stop her from speaking up, though. "There are pockets of rebels on many Separatists worlds like this that just need guidance and training. If they had the resources, they could attack soft targets while the Republic engages the main droid forces elsewhere."

"That sounds like terrorism, Ahsoka," Obi-Wan objects.

Her eyes narrow. "They are not terrorizing anyone. They are fighting droids. Not killing people. If this will help them free their planet from its unjust occupation, why would we not use the opportunity?"

Anakin shifts silently next to her, crossing his arms. He often does that, as though he's trying to fade into the background and be invisible. She's well accustomed with what that used to be like, and now that he's her padawan, she sees it on him a lot more.

"A means to an end, fear cannot be," the Grandmaster argues. "Stop those who spread terror, the Jedi must."

"That's precisely why I'm proposing what I am," she replies, annoyed. "If we press the Separatist forces on two fronts, we will destroy them faster. That's what the entire war is for."

"It may be a risk worth taking," Mundi speaks up, surprising her. This is one of the very first times he has ever sided with her. On anything. "The war is growing worse, and we need more support. I recommend sending two Jedi in as a test run."

"Funding rebels to overthrow a legitimate government may put innocent lives at risk, especially given the people may be divided," objects Plo, "There is no need to cause a civil war there."

"Those who support the Separatists will see in time," she replies, firmly, "I don't believe we can afford to miss this opportunity."

The Council members exchange glances.

"Train and observe," Yoda finally concedes, "Send advisors we will."

"I'll assemble a team," she decides, "We'll leave as soon as possible."

"We need you elsewhere," Mundi speaks up, "Our forces are spread then, and Knight Olin needs reinforcements."

"I will make it as fast as I can," she assures. She doesn't miss the way Obi-Wan's gaze is lingering on Anakin as they head from the room, though why, she doesn't know.

"We need to call the boys and tell them to get ready. This will be an... interesting experience," Ahsoka muses.

Anakin hesitates, lingering a few steps behind her. "Are you... certain of this, Master?"

Ahsoka stops, frowning. "Of course, I am. You know we cannot afford to send all our resources to every planet. They have to learn to fight for themselves."

"It's just – They're not wrong that this could spark a civil war between the people," Anakin replies, "Sometimes, there are... people who truly support the Separatists."

Is he serious? Of course, she knows that's true, but better to free them now, before they have to realize being part of the Separatists is not in their own best interests.

Besides, she doesn't think this is the real reason he's questioning it, anyway. He's always had a hard time disobeying the Council because of his past, and it's something he needs to learn to let go of – she knows she never had an easy time with that when she was younger, either. "You don't need to question this simply because the Council has reservations, Anakin. They do not know everything."

He shifts, looking clearly uncomfortable. "It's not only that. They... did have a point."

"You're letting your desire to please them cloud your judgement," she replies, firmly, "I know how it is. With the past we both had, it can be... hard to question superiors or admit that they do not know best, but that tendency will only enslave us again."

Anakin looks stung. "I'm not – that's not... that's not true," he protests finally. "I believe in what I'm doing. I –"

"Do you?" Ahsoka demands, frustrated. She doesn't believe him. He's been even more uncertain than normal since the Festival of Light, assuming he wasn't always this way, and she just never noticed because they didn't work closely together.

"Yes. I..."

"I know what I've seen," she interrupts, "You have always... submitted to them. Even if you know what they're demanding isn't right." She didn't mean to bring this up now, but it's something they'll have to address if he's her padawan – she can't have him constantly objecting to her orders because of it. That would only cause more problems, and their relationship is... difficult as it is. She doesn't fully understand how to do this. The only example Ahsoka's had as a Jedi Master is Obi-Wan, and she really doesn't want to follow his example in anything anymore.

"They're trying," Anakin objects, "They –"

"But they can still make mistakes," she says, "But that isn't really the point right now. I know you have... always had a difficult time with this, but we must focus right now. People are waiting for us. We can't let them down."

He looks... like he's considering saying something, then decides against it. Or maybe it's because of the very mentality she's trying to discourage. Instead, he only nods, and she leaves it at that.

**w**

Something about the conversation with Ahsoka leaves Anakin feeling so... he doesn't even know – lost and confused and hurt, probably. He doesn't even get it, because she's never made him feel that way before; she's never talked to him like that before, until now.

Obi-Wan was... He often left him feeling like that, but not in the same way. Or maybe it's just that he never expected Ahsoka would. His former master has never been... very sensitive about things. That's just how it was.

He can't stop thinking about what she said, either, though. Is she right that this is just his past? How much of it has interfered with his duty, already? Anakin can't deny that he worries about it constantly, ceaselessly. He's thought about it ever since Zygerria. A part of him was left living there, trapped, and he can't let it go. He doesn't... know what's right anymore. He's always stood up for what he thought was right, but things are changing.

He doesn't even know what to think anymore. She's not wrong that the Council can make mistakes, but so can she, and he's hardly in a place to decide who is. He has no idea what to do.

He's distracted from his brooding when he finally reaches the hangar to see Kalifa preparing to board the ship with Ferus – they must be leaving on whatever mission the Council was mentioning.

"Hey," he greets, approaching her. Even if he doesn't really... want to talk to anyone right now.

"Anakin," Kalifa replies, brightening, "Didn't think I'd have time to see you again, before I left."

"I heard about your mission. Ahsoka will be coming in later."

"What about you?"

"I'm... on something classified." The Council already mentioned they don't want word of this getting out right now.

"Tell me about it when you can," she offers, "If it's anything interesting."

"It's nothing I've ever done before," he replies, something tightening in him as he thinks about the mission. He can't focus on that without remembering... that conversation with Ahsoka. "So I'm sure it will be."

"I'll look forward to hearing, because all I'll be doing is more droids. And I can't even share my count. My master never does that."

"Obi-Wan hated it when Ahsoka and I did," Anakin replies. Somehow, the comment only makes everything hurt worse.

"They might find more things fun if they weren't so serious all the time," Kalifa says in a low voice, muffling a laugh, "Never repeat that."

"Promise," he tells her, dryly, "But I shouldn't keep you."

She nods. "May the Force be with you."

He has no idea why, when she walks away, he can't shake the strange feeling that... that this is actually a goodbye.

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