"How long has he been in there?" Fives asked.

"Less than an hour," Kix said, "and thirty seconds since you last asked."

"How long do these things take?" Fives cast an irritated glance toward the scanning room.

"Could be another hour, maybe two."

"Two hours!" Fives slapped his armored thigh, the sound echoing in the wide corridor like a whipshot. Several med-techs gave him a wide berth and hurried on their way. "What could possibly be taking so long?"

"The scanner uses high-res ion conductance microscopy so it probes living biological cells on a nanometer scale. For further accuracy, the scan combines a series of images taken at different angles around the body and uses digital enhancement to create cross-sectional slices of the bones, bloods and soft tissues. The benefits of this type of scan are myriad and include-"

"You're saying it will take time." Fives glared at Kix, arms folded across his broad chest.

"Yes, as I said," Kix wondered how he could have explained himself any clearer.

They'd been at ArmyMed for two hours and the staff had been accommodating after receiving the directive from Admiral Yularen. They'd been allowed to stay with Echo throughout the admissions process. They'd only been separated when the ARC had been sent for the high-res scan. Fives had grown edgy the moment Echo had disappeared behind closed doors.

"How do we know what they're doing to him?" Fives said, pacing the hallway. "We should be in there."

"We can't," Kix said, "the radiation levels are too high."

Fives inhaled sharply in alarm. "Then why are they using it on Echo?"

"Because the benefits outweigh the risks. We have to find out what is wrong with him. Fives! Stop pacing." Kix blew out a breath, and tried a different tact. "Come on. Let's go find something to eat."

Fives wavered. His stomach growled at the thought of actual food. They'd eaten nothing but rations and Kazzie fruit since leaving Ord Cestus.

"Rex warned us to stay with Echo at all times."

Kix pointed to the entrance of the scanning room with the radiation symbols clearly listed on the door. "Yet, clearly we cannot go in there. You need food. I need food. We can't help Echo if we're falling down on our feet. And, you certainly intimidated the techs thoroughly to ensure they would keep us informed about everything."

"Good communications are the key to all effective battle strategies," Fives defended.

"Yes, and you terrified them with your good communications skills. Come on." He headed off down the corridor without waiting to see if Fives would follow.

Fives stared down the corridor after Kix's retreating back. He gave one last longing look at the closed door of the scanning room and then followed Kix with slightly slumped shoulders. He was tired. And, worried.

He was also, as it turned out, starving.

When Echo had gone through the admissions process, they'd been issued security badges that granted them access to the patient floors. (This did spark immediately spark Fives' curiosity into wondering what floors he did not have access to with his badge.) Their temporary badges also allowed them to obtain meals from the ArmyMed mess.

As Fives walked through the serving line, he immediately noticed the quality was much better than the fare served to them aboard the cruisers. Although, at this point, anything that wasn't a crumbly rations bar or more of that damned purple fruit would look amazing. He stacked his tray precariously high and then stacked a few more items on it for good measure, relying upon his lightning-fast clone reflexes to keep it all balanced. He settled down at the nearest available table, not waiting for Kix, and started shoveling in bites of some lentil mixture.

Kix joined him a minute later, staring down at him with a tray loaded nearly as high. "Slow down, Fives, or you'll choke."

He slid across from him at the booth, and started shoveling in enormous mouthfuls of Alderaani stew.

Fives raised up an eyebrow at him, since the medic was eating equally as fast as him, but then again the medic tended to lecture them not to do things he inevitably ended up doing himself.

Kix finished his first bowl of stew, pushed it aside and dove it into a second one.

The set-up in the 'mess' looked more like a Coruscant diner than any mess hall Fives had eaten in. The seating was a combination of both booths and tables of various sizes, most colored in black and grey, but there were splashes of red for a bit of contrast. Fives took note of the colors idly as he continued to swallow down his food as quickly as possible. It was force of habit. One never knew when a red alert would sound, so it was always best to eat as quickly as possible. He wondered who'd chosen the color scheme in the place. He preferred blue and white, not only because they were the colors associated with his brothers, but they reminded him of being outdoors. There was a sense of freedom with those colors. Black and grey reminded him of darkness, and storm clouds, and it was all somehow very... oppressive.

"You have that look again," Kix said, diving into a plate of corn clusters.

"What look?" Fives demanded, in between bites of a large banana Dantooine flapjack with a double shot of syrup. A dribble of syrup ran down his chin and Kix deftly handed him a napkin, with all the practice of a medic performing surgery, before the errant syrup hit his pauldron.

A voice startled both of them. "Ah, you must be Fives and Kix."

Fives tensed, his fingers tightening on his sporknife as if he intended to use it as a weapon. Kix had no doubt Fives could do terrible things with cutlery, and an all-purpose utensil in the ARC's hands was a recipe for disaster. He snaked his hand across the table and gripped the ARC's wrist. "Hold."

A clone who looked to be about ten standard or younger, dressed in an ArmyMed standard-issue uniform, gazed at them curiously.

"Who are you?" Fives growled, still brandishing the sporknife in a threatening manner.

The newcomer's lips quirked up with amusement. "Yep. I see now why they sent me. You are a badass. No one else wanted to come."

Fives frowned. "Come to do what? What is that supposed to mean?"

The ArmyMed clone ignored the question. "Corellian cream puff! My favorite!" He made a grab for the dessert in the corner of Fives' tray. "Shove over. Make room for a brother." He bodily pushed the ARC over and settled in next to him.

Kix gaped at him. "Uh, I wouldn't-"

The clone grabbed the dessert off of Fives' tray and took a huge mouthful.

"What are you doing here?" Fives' stared at the newcomer, his voice still had a tone like he was considering using the sporknife.

"This is for you," said the creampuff thief around full bites of pastry. He pulled a datapad off his belt. "No one else wanted to deliver it." He gave Fives a curious look. "What did you say to them?"

Fives stared at the newcomer, trying to figure out his intentions.

"From ARC Trooper Echo, his scan," the clone clarified, setting the datapad down. He continued to calmly eat the dessert, licking his fingers. Both Fives and Kix made a grab for the pad at the same time. "Hey, hey, easy! That's my personal pad."

Fives had faster reflexes and picked up the datapad first, his facing lighting up with the blue from the screen. "I don't know how to interpret this data. What does this mean? White matter hyperdensities. Light and dark spots. Is that good or bad? Arteriovenous malformation. That's bad, right?"

"Fives." Kix held out his hand for the datapad and read the results carefully, his lips moving as he studied the results. "This is amazing. I've never seen a scan with this level of detail."

The cream puff thief grinned. "We've only had the ion res scanner for about two weeks. I'm one of two medics with expertise in interpreting the results. I'm Sly, by the way."

"Is that your name," Fives asked, glancing down at his tray where the cream puff used to reside, "or your personality type?"

The clone laughed. "Both, I guess. I'm a medic assigned to..." he grimaced and gestured around, "... this place."

Kix made a slight gesture, still absorbed in his reading. "Kix. Senior Medic. 501st."

"I know who you are. I think everyone knows the 501st. You guys were already a big deal in the brotherhood before, kind of legend, you know? But, fek almighty, now that you've all come back from the dead?!" He leaned in and lowered his voice. "Troopers everywhere are recasting that broadcast from Commander Cody where he dictated terms to General Windu- a High Council member, no less! I almost have the whole thing memorized word for word. I mean, what clone has the shebs to do that? That never happens! Every trooper has been talking about it. No one can talk about anything else-"

"Yes, Sly, I was there," Kix cast the clone an exasperated look. "Speaking of talking about something else. Can we discuss ARC Trooper Echo's scan results? Kix interrupted, drawing his fellow medic's attention back to the datapad.

"Right, of course, that's why I'm here," Sly polished off the last of his dessert with a cheerful smile and reaching for another from Fives' tray. The ARC pulled his tray back out of the way with all of the swiftness of dodging enemy fire. Kix pushed out an exasperated breath and pushed his tray toward Sly. The Coruscanti-based medic took his time selecting a slice of fruit-pod pie before taking control of the datapad again. "The first scan shows the penetrating torso trauma. This tangential stab wound is obviously not superficial. His medical records state he has been in bacta for several days, so CT-1409 should-"

"His name is Echo," Fives' growled.

Kix shot his brother a censuring look to shut up and let the medic speak.

"Fine," Sly agreed, "Echo, then." He rolled his eyes. "I'm sure there's a story there." He sighed and continued on. "Echo should be showing more evidence of tissue regeneration. Something is preventing him from healing, even with the time in bacta."

"What?!" Kix took possesion of the datapad again, and stared down at the results. "That can't be right."

Sly nodded. "I've never seen anything like it. I suspect there is some disregulation in his CNI, but the results of this test are indeterminate-"

"Back up," Fives demanded, "explain."

"His central nervous system is malfunctioning," Kix said simply.

Sly nodded. "There's more. He has a host of neurologic symptoms that back up the CNI involvement, that are suggestive of pressure on the lumbar area. But, you see, the results were indeterminate in that area, as well."

"I thought this scanner was supposed to be-"

"Fives!" Kix hissed.

Sly continued on undaunted. "After I read the results, I ordered they keep him there for a second test. I think something is going on with his brain. That is what is causing this cascading effect of issues with his other systems. The second test will have triple contrast and go much deeper-"

"A second test?!" Fives objected, sputtering on a bite of lentils. "Echo's very weak. Why didn't you check with us first?"

"Fives," Kix said, "let him continue. Go on. What do you hope to achieve with this second test?"

Sly glanced over at Fives, completely unperturbed by the ARC. "If there is something going on with his brain, it will account for all of these strange readings. I also recommended a puncture to study cerebral fluid for cell count, protein and glucose levels. This allows a cross-reference against the scan results."

Kix nodded with approval. "Excellent approach."

Fives scowled and pushed his tray back as if he'd suddenly lost all interest in food. Sly gave a speculative look at the remains. "Fine, help yourself," Fives grumbled. "So, what you're saying is we know something is making Echo sick, but we don't know what it is or how to fix him?"

"Exactly," Sly said.

"So, how does this help Echo get better?" Fives demanded.

"It's a starting point," Sly said. "He needs more tests."

"Fine," Fives grumbled. "But, those tests better fekkin' find something."

# # #

"Up you go. It's almost 0600. Commander Fox will be here soon to pick you up."

Cody opened a bleary eye and peered at Silver. He pushed himself up on elbow. "Where... where is my armor?" his voice still sounded thick. He didn't seem to be wearing... anything.

"I opted to put you in for a short dip in the tank to speed up your healing." The medic's voice dropped low. "It's best if you are in perfect health before you head into lockup."

Cody nodded. "Fine. Where's my armor?" He blinked blearily, staring around the overly bright medbay. It felt like he'd only closed his eyes a second ago. He tried to push himself upright, but found his muscles still didn't want to cooperate.

Silver pushed him back down and pushed the bunk upright. He shined a bright light in Cody's eyes.

"Gah," Cody winced at the light, "you're worse than Cavil."

"Cavil! I went through training with him. How is he? He was such a smart fekker."

"He... he... was the best medic we could have asked for- saved our lives time and again. He... died saving trooper lives at Darkknell. Cryseefa gas."

Silver sighed heavily and hung his head. "What about Keen? Those two were never separated."

Cody shook his head, feeling the oppressive guilt of not being able to save his men. It was particularly hard losing medics. They were the ones who had saved them time and again. What could he have done differently so-

"Silver, is he ready to go?"

Cody startled at Fox's sudden arrival, but it was a welcome distraction from the memories which haunted him. He needed to get dressed. "My armor." He tried to push up and off the medbay table and nearly toppled to the floor. Silver caught him and pushed him back in place.

"You don't wear armor in this place. You got some medbay blues for him to wear?"

Silver nodded and reached to a nearby cabinet to pull out a shrinkwrapped back of clothes. He tossed them to Cody.

"Great," Cody grumbled, tugging open the packaging and slipping the loose fitting top over his head. "This is much better than armor."

"We need to get your flimsiwork processed," Fox informed him. "Everything has to be filed in fekkin' triplicate and I've had at least a dozen comm calls about you already this morning." His tone made it clear that Cody was complicating his life tremendously. He dropped his voice down low. "You've angered a lot of people, Codes."

Cody tugged the loose fitting pants out of the packaging and was attempting to slip them on while still sitting down. His dizziness hadn't improved much. But, he was sure he was doing a good job of hiding it from both Fox and Silver.

"Does he need a stim or something? He looks weak."

"Weak?" Cody scoffed, immediately trying to stand on his own to prove Fox wrong. He had his 212th Airborne Pride, after all. He promptly toppled forward again and both men caught him at once and pushed him back onto the medbay bunk.

"What he needs is more rest," the medic announced.

"I'll settle for caf?" Cody offered up.

"Give him a stim," Fox grumbled. "They're calling for his head. I've got to get him processed."

Silver gave Cody an exasperated look which said 'what did you do?!'

The medic balked. "We all know this is only going to prop him up for a few hours and then he'll crash again." He reached over and tugged on Cody's pants with quick, practiced moves.

"Spare me your wiseass commentary Silver and just do it or I'll find myself another Chief Medic."

The medic pulled a hypo off of his belt and injected Cody in the neck. "Right, I'd lose this plumb assignment," Silver muttered under his breath.

"Watch it," Fox hissed sharply at his medic, "I can get you reassigned anytime, Silver."

Cody tried to push up again. The medic assisted him to his feet, holding on to him. This time his body functioned more normally. He'd pay for it later, but at least he was back on his feet.

Silver pulled Fox aside. "As soon as word gets around there is a commander locked up in here with the rest of them, they'll-"

"That's enough," Fox glared at his medic. Cody was quickly realizing there was no brotherly love lost between the two.

"Commander, you must realize that-"

"I don't need a lecture from you. I've had enough comms this morning. This is not up to us. This is coming down from the highest levels."

Cody had a terrible feeling about this. But, he'd brought this on himself. He needed to face the consequences of his actions. He nodded to Fox. "I'm ready."

# # #

"You'll be alright?" Rex asked Ahsoka as they headed into the lift leading down to the hangar bay.

"Yes," the Jedi padawan laughed, "that's the third time you've asked me."

Rex scowled and then scrubbed at his face. "I don't see why you have to head back to the Temple now. The rest of the 501st is headed back dirtside in six hours. Why couldn't the Council wait-"

Ahsoka laughed again. "Rex, when have you ever known the Council to wait for anything?"

Rex's lips twisted up in a slight teasing smile. "I thought they were Jedi. Known for their patience."

"You would think so, but no."

"I could accompany you, it is my duty as your Captain-"

She poked him playfully in the chest. "And, you would go crazy every minute you were there, worrying about how the men are getting on. You want to leave Trapper in charge?"

Rex looked aghast, and then sighed, relenting. "Comm me on a regular basis, alright? And let me know if you hear anything about Cody, even if it's just a rumor-"

"Yes, Rex, we've been all through this," she shook her head, and studied him with a fond smile, ruffling his short-cropped hair, "you haven't changed a bit."

He allowed the brief show of affection for a second before squirming and backing away from her touch. "I have changed," he insisted stubbornly, folding his arms across his chest.

"But, not in all the ways that matter," Ahsoka said, her face lighting up with a hint of a smile.

A claxon sounded to signal an incoming ship landing and they turned to see a shuttle clearing the shield. The ship landed swiftly and two Jedi Rex didn't know emerged, accompanied by two royal guards.

"That's my ride," Ahsoka said, giving Rex a final nod. "Captain."

"Commander."

Ahsoka headed over to the ship, disappearing inside. He watched the ship swiftly depart, feeling the separation between them as clone and Jedi once again. He turned and almost collided with Trapper.

"Trapper," he grumbled.

The 212th trooper shoved a cup of caf into his hands.

"What's this for?" Rex asked, staring down at the plast-cup in confusion.

"Caf."

"Yes, I can see that. Why are you giving it to me?"

"I convinced one of the transport pilots to give me caf out of his galley. This is real trooper caf, not Kazzie caf."

Rex stared down at the cup in amazement. The aroma suddenly hit him. "Trapper," he looked at the clone in gratitude.

"Call me, Trap. My closest friends do."

Rex sighed and took a sip of the caf. "Oh, fek."

"Good?" Trapper asked, watching his reaction.

"You're not going to have any?" Rex asked.

"Nope," Trapper said, "don't have much. Been trading what little I have for stuff all over the ship."

Rex's brow furrowed. "Out of curiosity, what did you trade the pilot to get the caf?"

"Kazzie fruit. I convinced him it was a rare delicacy from the far Outer Rim."

"You're a true Jango."

Trapper beamed from the compliment. "Thank you." He handed Rex a datapad. "So, our new barracks are ready. They said we can start heading down planetside early if we wish."

Rex studied the data as he walked with Trapper back to the lift leading to the bridge.

"These barracks are new, sir. Not far from our old ones," Trapper said enthusiastically, "but these have never been occupied. They're fully equipped with the latest tech."

Rex savored the taste of the caf as he read the report sent over by Admiral Yularen. The barracks had recently been built for the 952 Battalion. But, they'd been wiped out in the Battle of Riordan. Then, the quarters had been reassigned to the 365th. However, the 365th had lost half their forces at Arda and was now combined in with the 875th which had also lost half their number. It was devastating to read how many tens of thousands of clones had died in the two months he'd been gone. He and Cody had brought their men back home, but it almost seemed insignificant compared to the rate at which clones were dying in the war.

"Are you alright, sir?" Trapper asked. Rex realized the 212th trooper was expounding upon the features of the rec room at their new barracks.

"Yes, fine," he stepped out onto the bridge. He stared down at the city planet below and his gut twisted. Fek. He was back. So, why didn't he feel like he was ready to go down to the planet? Why was his gut telling him not to go? He steeled his shoulders and decided he needed to face whatever awaited him down there. "We will deploy planetside on schedule." He turned to Captain Ko. "Begin preparations to turn command of this ship over to Admiral Yularen and Republic Intelligence at 1300. All crew will be departing planetside."

"Acknowledged."

"A transmission came in for you, sir, while you were down on the hangar bay. The Jedi Council requests your presence as soon as you are planetside," Denal said.

Rex's gut twisted a bit tighter. "Did they say anything more?"

"Only that they had a number of questions."

Rex took a deep breath. Of course they do.

Trapper appeared by his elbow, with another cup of caf in hand. "More?" he asked quietly.

Several troopers looked up suspiciously, sniffing the air and gave Trapper a questioning look. Rex accepted the cup, but poured half of it into his existing cup and handed the other half back to Trapper. "Thanks, Trapper. Go take a few minutes."

Rex could see now why Cody relied upon Trapper so heavily. There was much more to the trooper than initially met the eye.

Captain Ko relinquished the command chair and Rex took his place. Rex sank down in the oversized Kazzie chair. He'd gotten used to this ship. He gestured toward Ko to take a break, as well. Ko nodded his thanks.

Rex sat back in his chair, slowly savoring his caf and reading reports as they came in from various areas of the ship as troopers shut down the ship and prepared to head down to Coruscant. Any problems that came in were routine and easily solved. They were the types of problems he was used to dealing with as a Captain. No politics. The routine of it relaxed him. He was sure once he set foot on Coruscant life was about to get complicated again.

# # #