Hevy side-steps a repairman and an attentive Guard as he makes his way to Senator Amidala's door, rapping lightly with his knuckles to alert her to his presence. There's a brief moment of silence before it slides open, and Hevy pokes his head in.
"Ma'am, Flak wants to know if we have an estimated time of departure," he tells her quietly. The Senator is standing over a table in her room with a box half-full of essential items in her arms. A bag, already packed with clothing, is hanging off of her shoulder. The golden protocol droid stands dutifully at her side. She sighs at the question, picking up a carved necklace from the table and placing it into the box with care.
"Have the guards been stationed at the new location?" she asks, eyes scanning over her room wearily. Hevy curbs his curiosity and doesn't follow her gaze. Her privacy has already been violated enough in the past few hours, and he's trying to glimpse as little of her private chamber as possible.
It's too dangerous for her to remain in the same penthouse. Someone knows where she lives, and the first thing Commander Thorn had done when he'd learned of the attack was order her relocation.
"They're already in place, ma'am," Hevy tells her. "We can go when you're ready. But if you need a few more minutes here, you should take them."
She looks down at the box and shakes her head slowly.
"No… it's alright," she responds. "I have what I'll need for the next few days. The rest can wait until the team can relocate everything."
"Are you sure, Senator?"
"Yes, Hevy," she tells him with a smile. "Don't worry. This isn't the first time I've had to do this."
Hevy frowns.
"Alright," he says as she grabs the box in both hands and makes her way over to him. The protocol droid follows her, limbs whirring.
"Pardon me, Mistress Padme, if I could offer my assistance—"
"I'm fine, Threepio, thank you," Senator Amidala says, but Hevy gently takes the box from her hands when she gets close enough and hands it off to the droid anyway. Senator Amidala shakes her head at him with a smile, shifting the weight of the bag on her shoulder to carry it better.
They make their way through Senator Amidala's lounge. There are repairmen putting a new pane of glass in the window and several Guards on high alert nearby, hands on their weapons and eyes scanning for trouble. They nod at Hevy as he leads the Senator into the hallway.
Senator Amidala shivers as they pass the blackened markings on the floor.
"Any word from Commander Thire?" she asks in a low voice. Hevy clenches his jaw and shakes his head, a pang of sorrow resonating painfully in his chest. Thire and Rys had returned to the barracks, subdued and sorrowful. A friend is gone. Hevy is trying not to think about it too much, busying himself with seeing the Senator safely to her next location instead.
Scorch marks line the walls as they leave Senator Amidala's penthouse and make their way down the stairs. When they step outside onto the landing pad, Hevy automatically tenses, lifting his gaze to the buildings surrounding them. They're too exposed here. He quickens his pace a little just in case, urging the others along. Flak is waiting in a Nu-class Republic Shuttle, the engine already running. Hevy steps aside to let Senator Amidala and Threepio ascend the ramp first. He follows them in, and Flak takes off without prompting.
They've only been in the air for a few minutes when Hevy gets a comm. He picks it up.
"Hevy, this is Commander Thorn. What's your status?"
"We're in the air, sir. There was no trouble on the way out."
"Good," Thorn responds. "The Senator's personal guards are already stationed at the new location, but I want you to stay with Senator Amidala today. We can't be sure that whoever's behind this won't try again. I'll assign a few men to switch out with you and we'll get a rotating schedule set up."
"Yessir," Hevy says solemnly. He'd promised to General Skywalker that he would watch her back, and he intends to keep that promise. Senator Amidala sighs.
"It might be boring," she warns. Hevy shrugs.
"This is more important," he tells her. "I'm sure I can find something to do. Don't worry about me, ma'am."
"Good, that's settled then," Thorn says. "The assassins that we captured haven't given us any clues about who ordered this attack. They're both already registered in the Republic's archives as criminals, and each one claims that there was no contact between themselves and the employer that ordered the hit—there was a mediator delivering their messages. They revealed the location of a base of operations, but the place had already been scrubbed clean by the time my men arrived. I'm sorry I don't have more to tell you."
"That's alright, Commander," Senator Amidala tells him. "I know you'll do what you can. Let me know if you find anything else."
"Will do, sir," Thorn says, and drops the call.
Senator Amidala's new apartment was designed with security prioritized over comfort. Hevy approves. He's not sure who picked it out, but they knew what they were doing. It's not the ideal living quarters for a normal citizen, but it doesn't have any large windows and there are several good defensive points that Hevy can use if it comes down to it. Senator Amidala's sleeping chamber doesn't even have a window and is centered in a way that it's not possible to directly access it from the outside of the building. Little mercies. It makes Hevy feel less tense. One of the Senator's personal guards reports to him when he arrives and gives him a quick run-down of the place before heading back to his post at the Senator's front door.
Senator Amidala tries to get back to work as soon as she's settled in the apartment, but Threepio nags her until she reluctantly retires to her room. Hevy spends a while poking around the apartment in more detail while she naps. It's not as large or as illuminated as the last one, but still extremely nice. There are several plush cream couches in various spots around the lounge. The carpet is springy beneath Hevy's feet. He's never felt anything like it. He almost wants to take his boots off, half to better feel the texture and half to avoid sullying it, but he decides to keep them on. Taking down enemy assassins barefoot doesn't sound fun.
He eventually settles himself down on the edge of one of the couches, one hand on his gun and the other bouncing restlessly on his knee. He's only been there for a few minutes when Senator Amidala suddenly bursts out of her room. Hevy jumps, raising his gun instinctively before he can stop it. He manages to freeze before he can actually aim at her.
"Sithspit, Senator, I could have shot you!" he exclaims as she approaches him, datapad in hand. "You're supposed to be asleep!"
As if to emphasize this, Threepio shuffles his way out of her room, where he had also been powered down as well—the Senator must have reactivated him.
"Mistress Padme, I must insist that you return to bed! The human body requires at least—!"
"This is important, Threepio," Senator Amidala says, so firmly that Hevy blinks in surprise. Threepio goes quiet. Hevy looks more closely at the Senator's expression and starts when he realizes that her eyes are wide in distress. He grips his gun tighter and rises to his feet, automatically scanning the room for the source of her unease.
"Senator, what's wrong?" She waves a hand at him and sits down heavily on the couch, gesturing for him to join her. He does so warily. "Ma'am, what—?"
"I received a datafile from a GAR battalion stationed in the Mid-Rim a few minutes ago," Senator Amidala tells him gravely. "It's… better if you watch it for yourself."
Hevy frowns. Whatever it is, it's enough to rattle Senator Amidala, and that can't be a good sign. He steels himself as she holds the datapad out between them and taps it to start the video file.
It's a HUD video recorded from a clone scout's helmet. A crowd of clones are huddled around a holoprojector in the middle of an unfamiliar barracks, completely silent. Hevy himself is projected in front of them, standing side-by-side with Senator Amidala and mid-speech. Hevy has seen the recordings from the Senate several times now—they're all over the holonet right now, but each time he sees himself it throws him for a loop. He'd never thought that one day his words would be listened to by the entire galaxy, and the fact that they are still stuns him a little.
He doesn't realize that something is wrong with the scene at first, but the longer the video drags on, the more things he notices. The troopers don't move, don't jostle each other or comment or nod along to what Hevy is saying. They watch in tense silence, absolutely still except for minor fidgeting from a few men. The scout recording isn't even fully focused on the hologram, head turning to keep his eyes on the door as well. The camera angle changes with every tilt of his head.
Most of the men seem to be shinies. There is a clone captain among them, armor marked with a few splotches of maroon, but other than that Hevy only sees four or five men with paint. He glances at Senator Amidala with uncertainty.
"Senator… what is this?"
"Just watch," she replies grimly. Hevy drags his gaze back to the video.
The other Hevy in the hologram is speaking loudly when the door of the barracks slides open without warning. A clone hurriedly steps through, slashing one finger demonstratively across his throat. There is an explosion of movement and hushed, panicked whispering. The scout whips his head around so quickly that for a long moment, all Hevy can see is a colorful blur. He has no idea what's happening. When the shaking stops, Hevy narrows his eyes in confusion—the clones have scattered, and are assembled in casual little groups around the barracks. The holoprojector is dark. The clone Captain is standing in front of it, fiddling with his datapad with feigned interest.
Then the door opens again, and the clones snap to attention as one. The image jerks as their cameraman does as well, head swiveling towards the door. Hevy gets a good long look at the newcomer. A Besalisk towers in the doorway, two pairs of arms crossed over his chest and two more tucked behind his back. He's glaring into the barracks with poorly disguised disgust.
"General Krell, sir!" the clone Captain barks out formally. Hevy feels his stomach drop, dread overtaking him and squeezing his insides.
Kriff. This is Krell. Hevy remembers Fives' story. He eyes the lightsabers clipped to Krell's waist and feels a slow dread bloom in his chest on behalf of the men in the recording.
Krell takes a few steps into the barracks. A trooper near the front of the crowd, armor unmarked as of yet, twitches reflexively, as if he wants to move away but catches himself at the last moment, remaining stiffly at attention.
"Captain." Krell's voice cuts through the silence, thrumming with something dark that Hevy can't identify. "What is the meaning of this gathering? I was not aware that I had approved any such thing."
The clone Captain stares straight ahead, back straight. The perfect picture of professionalism.
"An occasion to socialize is good for the morale of the men. I approved it and take full responsibility for the situation, sir."
Krell lifts an eyebrow at him.
"Indeed," he says smoothly. "Socializing… in the only barracks equipped with a holoprojector. An interesting choice of location."
The Captain tenses minutely. Krell sees it, eyes narrowing in satisfaction.
"Are you aware of what is going on right now on Coruscant, CT-2937?" he asks dangerously.
The Captain shakes his head.
"No, sir."
The corners of Krell's mouth turn down, revealing pointed teeth. One of his hands waves casually through the air, and Hevy's eyes widen when the holoprojector behind the clone Captain surges to life once more to show Hevy standing in the Senate.
The Captain lets out a tiny, fearful breath, barely audible from beneath his helmet.
"Sir, I—"
"I do not appreciate being lied to, clone," Krell snarls, a hand clenching suddenly in the air. The Captain chokes, shuddering violently, but he doesn't move from his spot, arms at his sides. Krell stalks forwards until he's directly in front of the Captain. A terrifying rumble emerges from the Besalisk's chest.
"This kind of drivel will not be permitted among my battalion," Krell growls, turning to observe the assembled men with a critical eye. "I won't have the clones under my command thinking that they are anything more than what they are. You were bred to die for the Republic. That is your sole purpose. Am I understood?"
"Sir, yes, sir!" the clones shout at full volume. Hevy winces, a tight feeling settling in his gut.
The clone Captain splutters suddenly, a wordless noise that drags Krell's attention back to him. The clone is swaying ever so slightly, shoulders jerking as he tries to keep himself at attention. Hevy can't see anything wrong with the Captain himself, but one of Krell's hands is still balled into a fist.
"You lied to your commanding officer, clone," Krell sneers at him. "Surely I don't need to tell you how foolish that was."
He moves too quickly for anyone to react, grabbing the Captain with one hand and flinging him across the room effortlessly. The camera whips around to follow the Captain, who shouts as he slams into the wall next to the door. He crumples to the floor. His helmet comes loose, revealing wide eyes, and he gasps desperately for breath, chest heaving as he pushes himself to his knees and coughs.
The camera gets jerked back to Krell at the snap-hiss of a green lightsaber springing to life. A few men flinch at the sound. Krell doesn't spare the Captain another look, stepping up to the holoprojector and narrowing his eyes at Hevy's image. He watches it for a moment, and then scoffs in disgust.
"A warning, to you all," Krell growls. "Any clone found entertaining this blathering nonsense will be considered a traitor and dealt with accordingly."
He raises the lightsaber and stabs it through the holoprojector in one fluid motion. The machinery goes dark with a plaintive whine. Krell slides the lightsaber free, but doesn't deactivate it, swinging it through the air as he turns. It has a massive reach. One clone has to throw himself backwards to avoid getting slashed in half. Krell advances on the clone Captain, who is just barely pulling himself to his feet. The man freezes when the tip of the lightsaber settles just underneath his chin.
"Give me one reason why I shouldn't execute you right now," Krell drawls.
The Captain swallows. He closes his eyes and sets his jaw.
"Sir. I-if you've decided that I am to be executed, there is no reason why I shouldn't be."
The surrounding men jerk in horror. Someone mutters out a quiet curse, but none of them move to defend their Captain.
Krell hums lazily. The sound is cruel and almost mocking.
"Good, clone. Very good." The lightsaber retracts. "You know your place. Fortunately for you, our next campaign has the potential to be a very complicated one, and training your replacement would be too much of a hassle in such a short amount of time. I will forgive this failure, but I will not show mercy a second time." The Captain sags in relief, dropping his gaze to the floor as Krell steps back.
"I trust that this is the end of the issue," he announces as he reattaches the lightsaber to his belt. "Do not expect such graciousness from me again."
He leaves, and the door slides shut behind him. No one moves. A full minute passes before anyone dares to, and even then it's only a medic, hurrying quietly to the Captain's side.
"Holy kriff," someone finally mutters. It breaks the spell. The clones allow themselves to relax, shoulders slumped and heads bowed. They start to gather into little groups, reaching for their brothers for comfort. A shiny scoops the Captain's helmet from the floor and hands it back to him with shaking fingers.
"H-here, sir. Are you… alright?"
The Captain grimaces as he tugs the helmet back over his head.
"More or less, kid. It's fine."
It's not fine. Hevy is trembling with rage. He had known that it was going to be bad the moment he had seen Krell, but that doesn't make it any easier to witness. Senator Amidala is pale next to him.
The scout makes his way closer to stand at the Captain's side. The Captain is silently allowing the medic to check him over, but he turns his head to acknowledge the scout.
"What is it, Exit?"
"Sir…" the scout says quietly. "I just thought you should know. I recorded that. I wanted to rewatch the speech later, so my holorecorder was already rolling."
The Captain sighs.
"I can't help you if he finds out you have it."
"No, sir, that's not what I meant. During the first half of the speech, they showed those video clips that troopers had sent. As… evidence. Remember? We could get in touch with some of the other battalions and find out where to send—"
The Captain stiffens, catching on immediately.
"He'll kill us if you do, Exit."
"Only if he finds out," Exit protests, grabbing the Captain's shoulder. "He won't, Kyber."
"You can't promise that," Kyber growls. "It's not worth the risk. Don't try it, that's an order."
"Kyber, I know you want to protect the men, but half of these shinies are going to be dead in a few days and then we'll just get more and the cycle will continue. We've got to do something—!"
"You're out of line," Captain Kyber snaps. Exit snarls in frustration, jerking his hand up abruptly to his helmet—
The recording cuts off. The video ends there.
Hevy stares at the black screen of the datapad. He wonders numbly if Exit had eventually gotten the Captain to agree with him, or if he'd just sent it in himself and hoped for the best. Neither he nor the Senator say anything for a long time. Horror and shock hang thick in the air, almost tangible.
"Oh dear," Threepio mutters quietly behind them, breaking the silence. Hevy closes his eyes in agreement and exhales loudly.
Sithspit. This is bad.
"I didn't know a Jedi could be capable of such cruelty," Senator Amidala finally says, voice shaking just a bit. "I've never seen anything like that. From regular officers is one thing, but this..."
Hevy inhales slowly, bringing a hand up to scrape over his face. Fives doesn't like to tell the story of Umbara very much, but it's jarring enough that Hevy remembers the important details. He knows that Krell had set the 501st against the 212th. The Besalisk had cut down entire squadrons of clones and would have sided with Dooku had Torrent Company not been able to apprehend him (He thinks he remembers Fives saying that a clone ended up killing the Jedi, but he can't recall exactly).
This video doesn't mark Krell as a traitor to the Republic, not as far as Hevy can tell, but it does label him as abusive, and Hevy thinks it's something they could use.
"So what do we do with this?" Hevy asks Senator Amidala. "We can't just let this happen. It's wrong, and the men can't do anything about it!"
"I agree," she tells him, pursing her lips. "We need to notify the Jedi Council. They're the only ones that could help."
Hevy taps his fingers anxiously on the couch.
"But can they do it without risking Krell's entire battalion? The clones are terrified of him finding out. Krell doesn't seem to make empty threats."
Senator Amidala reaches for her comlink.
"We'll find a way," she says determinedly. "We're putting a stop to this."
Commander Tano has been bouncing excitedly around the Resolute ever since Hevy's big debut at the Senate. It cracks Cutup up almost every time he sees her—it's amusing in a charming sort of way, how she's just as ecstatic about it as the rest of the battalion. Today is no different as Domino squad rounds the corner to meet her in front of one of the more obscure training rooms. Cutup grins as she rises up onto her tiptoes and waves at them cheerfully. General Skywalker is standing behind her.
"I thought you were going to be late!" she calls. Fives chuckles.
"And get stuck scrubbing down the hangar preparing for the new shinies to arrive? Not a chance, sir!" he answers. Cutup snorts. The 501st has been saved from deployment for a few more days because they're waiting for a shipment of shinies straight from Kamino. They're also expecting Tipper and Zeer on the same ship, which is even more reason to anticipate it—Del, Nax, and Coric have been pacing around the barracks ever since they'd heard the news. The expected arrival has spurred a number of cleaning projects that are typically overlooked during long stretches of deployments.
The medics are already bracing themselves, readying equipment to start performing brain surgeries as soon as possible. The goal is to get every newcomer de-chipped before the 501st gets deployed again.
"Good to know that you're not a fan, Fives," General Skywalker comments mischievously. "I'll have to remember that for the next time you get yourself into trouble."
Fives winces.
"Uh—no, that's not—uhhh, sir—"
Droidbait laughs gleefully. Commander Tano's montrals twitch from the force of her grin.
"So what's the plan, sirs?" Echo asks curiously. "Anything different today?" General Skywalker has sat in with them a few times now, explaining what the Commander can't and encouraging their efforts. Domino squad has been improving. This is the fifth time they're coming together to practice.
General Skywalker shrugs as he enters the training room. Commander Tano trails after him, and Cutup follows. His batchmates are right behind him.
"If you're comfortable with something new, then maybe. But for now, we just wanted to meditate for a little bit and see how you're all doing. Sound good?" Domino lets out a chorus of agreement. The floor of this training room is covered with squishy mats, and General Skywalker sits down in the center of the room, crossing his legs under himself and unhooking his lightsaber from his belt. He puts it down in front of him as the rest of them pick their spots. Cutup settles down in between Echo and Fives. Droidbait is farther out, and Commander Tano sits closer to her master.
Cutup knows the drill by now. He focuses on his breathing, grounding himself here with his brothers and seeking the resonating calm that comes with meditation. He lets his shoulders drop and exhales slowly.
A jumble of soft clicks reaches Cutup's ears. He glances over at General Skywalker and grins in awe as the Jedi's lightsaber slowly rises from the mat, disassembling itself as it goes. The metallic pieces gleam in the light as they hang suspended in the air, rotating slowly. A crystal is revealed in the core of the metallic parts, glinting softly in the light. General Skywalker himself doesn't hold still in meditation, eyelids flickering, body twitching as he maintains his Force-hold on the saber and struggles to find tranquility.
The sight makes Cutup marvel. He's seen it before, but he can still hardly believe it. General Skywalker had explained to them that meditation isn't easy for him, and that he has to be doing something in order to calm himself. Normally, that includes some kind of machinery, and his lightsaber is a convenient option.
Cutup has never seen the Force used in such a precise way. He'd only seen it on the battlefield before now, in rippling waves of power that throw droids off their feet or allow a Jedi to leap hundreds of feet into the air. It's fascinating to watch as the pieces of the lightsaber gyrate around each other, drifting free and hovering above General Skywalker's head.
Commander Tano falls into meditation much more easily. She's been doing so since a very young age, after all, and she's already gone still at General Skywalker's side, eyes closed, expression relaxed. Cutup follows her lead and lets his eyelids droop.
It's hard to describe how meditation makes him feel. It's as if he's drifting, mind blank while his body is safe, protected between his brothers and his friends. He feels grounded. Like nothing could ever harm him.
He's not sure for how long they meditate. Cutup loses his sense of time until General Skywalker clears his throat suddenly, snapping Cutup back to reality.
"You boys doing alright?"
"Yes, sir," Fives mumbles, sounding like he's trying extremely hard to focus. Droidbait just hums. He understands the concept of meditation well. So does Echo. Fives has more trouble with it, but he's doing better now that General Skywalker has explained that he doesn't necessarily have to hold completely still.
"Yes, General," Echo adds, already sounding completely normal. He falls into the haze of meditation the fastest, but he's also the quickest to recover once they're done.
"Ready to try something new?" General Skywalker asks them. Commander Tano opens her eyes and shifts, tucking her legs underneath her. She glances at her master with wide eyes.
"Master, are you sure?"
"Calm down, Snips. I'm not gonna do anything crazy."
Commander Tano doesn't look convinced. She turns her concerned gaze on Domino, meeting Cutup's gaze for an instant. Cutup tries to offer her a reassuring smile.
"We're fine, sir," he tells her. "Don't worry. We're here to learn."
She huffs, but it's more fond than exasperated.
"Okay, Skyguy," she grunts. "But I need my squad afterwards, please. Don't be a nerf herder."
Cutup feels a surge of affection at her words. General Skywalker raises an eyebrow in offense.
"Who's a nerf herder?" he asks incredulously. "I'm not going to push them. I'm just going to let them see what it feels like. I may not have the most finesse in the galaxy when it comes to this stuff, but I am a Jedi Knight, and I'm not going to let anything get out of hand."
His words seem to comfort Commander Tano a little more. She nods. Cutup frowns, looking between them curiously.
"Sirs… what exactly are you going to do?" Droidbait asks warily. General Skywalker tilts his head and reaches out a hand. Cutup stiffens as he feels the General's presence brush up against his mind, not invading, but solid, undeniably there. From the muttered curse Fives lets out, he guesses they can all feel it.
The way the Jedi can just fling their minds out to fill the whole room is still so foreign. Cutup feels tiny compared to General Skywalker's casual display of power.
"Meditation is good, but it isn't our end goal," General Skywalker announces. "It's just the beginning. Now, we need to try and apply that in a more aggressive situation. The concepts you learned are vital to shielding your mind. Ahsoka, can you explain?"
Commander Tano perks up.
"You want your mind to be clear and focused, like during meditation. You have to build a wall of calm around you. That's the strongest way to defend yourself. If you're thinking of too many things, if you're panicking or afraid, your shields will be weak, and are easily broken."
Cutup frowns. How can a mind make a shield?
"Cutup, can you help me?" General Skywalker asks lightly. Cutup knows he could say no. Instead he nods his head, too curious to be afraid.
"You'll want to try and meditate," General Skywalker instructs. "Or at least try and remember the same feelings you have while you're meditating. That's what you want your mind to reflect."
Cutup nods, brow furrowed. It's harder to feel the peace when his batchmates are tense around him, waiting for something to happen, and General Skywalker's Force presence is still tangible in the air, but he tries. He remembers that blissful serenity and closes his eyes, trying to block everything else out.
"I'm going to take a look at your shields, Cutup," General Skywalker explains. "It won't hurt. Just relax."
Cutup doesn't bother with a response. He's trying to keep his mind clear, to not think about whatever the General is doing. His efforts are wasted when General Skywalker's presence suddenly condenses, narrowing in on Cutup. It doesn't hurt, but Cutup feels it settling around him as a heavy pressure in the air. It makes him nervous. Cutup remembers what Commander Tano had explained, about the wall of calm, about clarity and focus, and tries to maintain it as best as he can. He tries to wrap the calmness around him so that it consumes him, so that General Skywalker can't see anything else. For a moment, it seems to work. General Skywalker's presence comes no closer.
"Good, Cutup," General Skywalker compliments, sounding pleasantly surprised. "Excellent, actually. Now, hold on."
General Skywalker doesn't attack, not exactly, but his presence taps sharply at Cutup's brain without warning. It's jarring. It feels like ripples of vibration are being sent through his skull. Cutup inhales sharply, panicking at the sensation. The calmness flickers away and Cutup reaches desperately for it, but it's too late. Control slips through his fingertips and leaves his mind exposed. General Skywalker backs off immediately.
"I'm done, Cutup," he says gently, pulling his presence away from Cutup. "You can open your eyes now."
Cutup opens his eyes and realizes that his fists are balled in his lap. He blinks in confusion, meeting the General's concerned gaze.
"You alright?" General Skywalker asks. Cutup nods.
"Yes," he says hesitantly. "Sir… what...?"
The Jedi smiles proudly. Cutup is almost startled to realize that the pride is directed at him.
"Your shields are going to be strong. They were strong until I startled you. With experience, you'll be able to keep it up even if I'm trying to knock them down. Good work!"
Cutup beams. Commander Tano flashes him an enthusiastic thumbs up.
"General," Fives says eagerly, raising a hand. "Try me next."
The corner of General Skywalker's mouth twitches. He nods in assent.
Cutup turns to see better, fascinated as Fives stares General Skywalker down, jaw working. He doesn't close his eyes, just glares fiercely at the Jedi. Cutup can see when the General focuses in on his mind, because Fives twitches involuntarily before taking a deep breath, expression softening—trying to apply what they've learned.
There's a long moment of silence. Eventually, Fives hisses in annoyance and jerks his head to the side. General Skywalker laughs.
"I'd say that was a mix of calm and sheer determination, Fives," he says, amused. "That's probably what mine looks like half of the time, though, so I can't say anything. Good job."
Commander Tano giggles. Fives looks a bit smug.
"Wait, you can do that? I thought you just had to be calm," Echo asks. General Skywalker shrugs.
"Calm is a good route to take, but Ahsoka did mention focus as well. Determination can be utilized as a form of focus, as long as it's strong enough to keep me out," he explains. "Okay, who's next?"
Droidbait and Echo share a look. Echo looks extremely wary.
"Sir… I don't really—" he starts to say, but gets cut off when the door opens and Captain Rex steps through, datapad in hand.
"Sorry to interrupt, General," he says. "I have a few things that you need to sign—oh." He looks surprised to find that the Jedi aren't alone. Cutup shuffles under the weight of his stare.
"Care to join us, Rex?" Commander Tano calls out cheerfully. Rex frowns, considering.
"There are things that I should get back to, sir."
"But it's nothing that can't wait fifteen minutes," General Skywalker urges, patting the spot on the mat next to him with his biological hand. "Come on."
To Cutup's surprise, Rex relents without further argument. He rolls his eyes and crosses the room to settle next to the General. There's an air of familiarity in the motion. The Captain doesn't seem rattled by his sudden inclusion.
"Sir… have you done this before?" Cutup asks curiously. Rex nods.
"Practice shielding? Yes, with the General's help. I've had one too many encounters with the Sith."
Cutup's eyes widen. Next to him, Droidbait gasps.
"You've fought a Sith, sir?"
Cutup shares his awe. It's one thing to know that the Jedi fight Sith. It's another legend entirely to know that a brother has done so and gotten out alive. Fives chuckles knowingly, and Echo hides a smirk. Cutup resists the urge to glare at them.
Rex smiles, but his eyes go dark.
"Ventress. On Teth."
Cutup flinches. No one talks about Teth. Not even the Teth survivors. It's a touchy subject. The battalion had been decimated. Cutup doesn't know every detail, and he's never asked, either.
"I taught Rex how to shield his mind after we got back from that mission, and we've been practicing ever since. Rex is a natural," General Skywalker adds with a smirk and a sideways glance at the Captain. Rex shifts to watch him out of the corner of his eyes, jaw tensing minutely, and General Skywalker narrows his eyes in concentration. Cutup looks between the two of them curiously.
"You're teaching them this because of the Force thing?" Rex asks, voice slightly strained.
"Yes," General Skywalker answers. "Obi-Wan is supposed to be looking into it, but he hasn't gotten back to me yet. The 212th are—"
"Getting deployed again, I know. Cody sent me a message," Rex says, and then winces. "Force. You're not holding back today, sir."
General Skywalker relaxes, nodding in approval.
"Not with you, at least. Your shields are as solid as ever, Captain," he comments. "Maybe you could teach Domino a few tricks."
Rex chuckles.
"Perhaps, sir. But I'd say as the Jedi, you know best."
"Right, then. Echo…? Droidbait…?" General Skywalker prompts. Echo twitches, expression souring for a moment. Cutup blinks at him, confused by Echo's hesitation, but then he thinks for a second more and realizes that Echo's reluctance makes sense. He's had too many people mess with his head during his two lifetimes.
Doesn't hurt, he signs at Echo in tiny motions so that the Jedi won't notice. Just strange. Not bad.
Echo grimaces.
I know, he signs back, but he doesn't look convinced.
"Communication deck to Captain Rex. Come in, sir."
The voice from Rex's comm comes out of nowhere. Rex offers everyone an apologetic look as he answers.
"Rex here. What is it?"
"Sir, we've received a priority transmission from Coruscant. It's Hevy. He wants to talk with you and Beta squad."
Rex's eyebrows shoot up. He looks at Domino, but Cutup and his batchmates only shrug, just as clueless.
"We'll be up in a few minutes. Thank you."
"He doesn't need us?" General Skywalker asks, gesturing at himself and Commander Tano. Cutup bites his tongue, uncertain of how to answer that. If Hevy's calling for just Beta squad and Rex, he could want to discuss something from their past lives. In that case, the Jedi aren't yet.
"We'll let you know if it's something that requires your attention, sir," Captain Rex covers smoothly, already rising. "Bait, notify the rest of Beta squad. Have them meet us at the holoprojector on B deck in ten."
"Yes, sir," Droidbait answers, reaching for his comm as Domino squad climbs to their feet. General Skywalker frowns.
"Yeah, yeah, fine. Ahsoka and I have some training to do anyway. Let me know if anything interesting happens."
"Of course, sir," Rex agrees, and turns to leave. Cutup hovers in the doorway for a moment, turning back.
"Thank you, sirs," he says quietly. General Skywalker and Commander Tano smile at him.
"No problem, Cutup," Commander Tano answers. "Say hi to Hevy for us."
Cutup grins and turns to follow his brothers.
Nax and Del had been in the medical bay visiting Coric. Jesse, Hardcase, and Kix had been in the mess hall. It takes a few minutes for everyone to converge on B deck, but once everyone arrives, it doesn't take long for the call to come through. They cluster around the holoprojector as Hevy appears, helmetless, but gaze fixed on something out of sight.
"...so that it won't bother her, Threepio," Hevy says. "She's barely gotten any sleep as it is."
"Of course, Master Hevy," a robotic voice responds, and Hevy sighs, looking up and smiling at Beta squad. He looks exhausted. Cutup recognizes the tired slump of his shoulders.
"Hi, Hevy," Echo greets. "You… okay?"
Hevy huffs out a weary laugh.
"Yeah, yeah, I guess," he answers. "It's just… uh. Lots of things have happened today. I'm tired."
"We can tell," Nax mutters. "If those bags under your eyes get any bigger you could carry a womp-rat in each one."
Cutup snorts. Hevy rolls his eyes.
"I think they're stress-induced," he says, rubbing one gloved hand over his face. "Del could probably back me up on that. Or Kix."
"Well what the kriff happened?" Jesse asks. "You were fine just two days ago!"
"I was fine up until someone tried to kill Senator Amidala last night," Hevy counters gruffly. "It was a kriffing nightmare. She's fine, but… we lost a friend in the attack. I've been acting as her bodyguard ever since."
Cutup stiffens, heart stopping for a moment. Oh.
"I'm so sorry, Hevy," Captain Rex says softly. Hevy swallows and nods his thanks.
"It's alright," he says. "I'm alright. It's just all happening so fast. I would have called you sooner, but things are kind of crazy around here right now."
"Start from the beginning, then," Del prompts gently. Hevy takes a deep breath and obeys, recounting his harrowing experience with the assassins.
"So who's behind it, then?" Hardcase asks, drumming his fingers on the surface of the holoprojector. "Did the Kaminoans order the attack? Senator Burtoni looked pretty angry on the holonet a few days ago. Or was it… y'know. Him?"
Hevy shakes his head.
"No one knows yet. The hired hitmen that the Guard captured don't know anything. If it's the Chancellor, he doesn't want it to be traced back to him. If it's the Kaminoans… same thing. Though technically the Separatists are still options as well. Senator Amidala has nearly as many enemies as General Kenobi."
"An impressive amount, then," Cutup mutters under his breath. The 212th seems to take pride in the fact that their General can make enemies faster than a rancor. It's a popular conversational topic whenever the battalions get together.
"You haven't slept since then?" Droidbait asks incredulously. "That happened last night… you've been awake for two days?" Hevy shrugs.
"There wasn't time," he admits. "I've been tasked with guarding the Senator. Thorn was going to replace me a few hours ago so I could rest, but something came up, so I told him to wait. Besides, two days isn't that long. We can go longer."
"That doesn't mean we should," Kix replies dangerously. Hevy holds up a hand to appease him.
"To be fair… I have a really kriffing good reason." He looks directly at Fives. "It's about Jedi Master Pong Krell."
Fives swears so violently that Cutup flinches. The ARC bares his teeth, eyes burning. He leans forwards and braces his hands against the holoprojector.
"What about him?" Fives grits out. "Krell's a slimy piece of worm-ridden filth."
"Fives," Rex interrupts quietly. "You know him from your other life, correct? This Jedi is the one who…"
"Who tricked us into shooting our own brothers on Umbara, tried to have Jesse and I executed, and was ready to lick Dooku's dirty boots and betray the Republic," Fives hisses, straightening. He clenches his fists. "So many brothers died on that campaign. Kriffing—Hardcase died because of him!"
Hardcase reaches out and puts a hand on Fives' shoulder.
"I'm not dead yet, brother," he reminds Fives, a half-grin tugging at his face. Fives tilts his head to look at him and relaxes a little, fingers unclenching. He exhales harshly through his nose. Cutup feels a surge of relief and shifts a little closer to Fives, bumping their shoulders together.
"What about Krell?" Fives repeats, much more calmly this time. Hevy smiles.
"I guess this'll be especially good news for you, Fives. This morning we received a transmission from a squadron of clones under Krell's command. It contains undeniable evidence that he's abusing them, and it was… pretty bad." Cutup shivers at the way Hevy's eyes darken. Based on Fives' description of Krell, he really doesn't want to imagine the evidence. "What the holorecording showed wasn't enough to get him arrested immediately, not until we pass this bill, but Senator Amidala sent it to the Jedi Council and apparently it is enough to get his status as a Jedi Master questioned. Cruelty isn't the Jedi way, apparently. We were in a really long holocall, and I think General Koon nearly had a heart attack when he saw the video, and I've never seen General Secura look that upset..."
"So what did they decide?" Hardcase bursts out. Hevy smirks.
"They're sending Generals Unduli and Windu to confront him under the guise of sending more backup for Krell's upcoming campaign. Except Krell only knows about General Unduli."
"They're going to arrest him?" Jesse asks incredulously.
"They want to bring him back to Coruscant to be judged by the Jedi Council, and I'd imagine that will involve a bit of arresting, especially if he resists," Hevy states smugly.
Fives punches the air and lets out a shout of victory.
"Serves him the kriff right!" he cheers. "I hope General Windu cuts off all four of his arms! Force, Hevy! This is the best news I've ever received!" Fives is practically giddy, shaking out his arms and bouncing on his toes like he can't stay still. Cutup laughs.
"Sithspit, that pile of bantha fodder is finally gonna get what he deserves. Hevy, you are amazing. I can't believe this!" Fives exclaims. Hevy ducks his head.
"Y-yeah, well. I didn't do that much. Krell's men did the hard part. Keep it down, will you? Senator Amidala is finally sleeping."
"Yeah, yeah," Fives says, dropping his voice and waving a hand. "I got it. Send her my infinite thanks, won't you?"
Cutup doesn't think he's ever seen Fives this excited. Hevy looks all too pleased with himself.
"Yeah, I'll tell her when she wakes up," he says. "Hopefully she'll sleep for a long time."
"Hopefully you'll sleep soon," Kix interjects. "Hevy, I'm not above sending a message to Fox—"
"Oh, please don't," Hevy mutters. "That man is up to his ears in paperwork already, he doesn't need that too."
"So find yourself a replacement and get yourself some rest, Hevy," Rex says calmly before Kix can continue with the threat. "You can't protect the Senator if you're dead on your feet."
Hevy rubs at his eyes, deflating a little.
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea, sir. I'll comm Commander Thorn. The chaos is over for the moment, I hope."
"Good man," Rex says. "We appreciate the update. Let us know if there's anything else you need after you rest up, understand?"
"Yes, sir," Hevy replies, tired yet optimistic. "I'll keep you posted."
His image flickers and disappears. Fives tips his head back in relief.
"I still can't believe this," he mutters happily, and then lurches when Echo shoves him playfully.
"Calm down, laser brain. They still have to arrest him, after all."
"They'll get him," Fives says with a snort. "He's good, but we took him down eventually, and we're just clones. The Jedi shouldn't have too much trouble, especially if there are two of them."
"I have to admit… I wasn't expecting any of this," Del says, voice low in disbelief. Cutup agrees.
"So… does this mean we won't get sent to Umbara?" he asks. Fives shrugs.
"I have no idea how much this'll change," he admits. "We could still go. But even if we do, without Krell it'll be so much easier."
"From what you told me, Fives, Umbara shouldn't happen for a long time," Rex says. "The Umbara system is still technically part of the Galactic Republic, they haven't seceded yet. Isn't that right?"
"That's right," Fives confirms. Rex nods curtly.
"So, what's next? Once these shinies arrive tomorrow we'll be sent out again, and we'd best prepare ourselves while there's time. We can worry about Umbara when—if we get there."
"Malastare," Echo tells them. "They'll send us to Malastare next. There's… aw, kriff. The Zillo Beast. That's not gonna be fun."
"What can you tell us about Malastare?" Rex asks. Cutup shudders at the mention of the Zillo Beast. He's only heard Fives' and Echo's descriptions of the thing, but just their descriptions of it remind Cutup of the Rishi eels a little. It's the first time he's thought of Rishi in a while.
"We'll tell you everything we can remember," Fives says, and Beta squad settles around them to listen.
Hevy wakes to the muffled beeping of his communicator, tucked against his side to act as an alarm. He slaps it unenthusiastically and takes a deep breath, languidly refusing to move for a few self-indulgent moments before he shakes himself and rolls out of bed.
He hadn't been woken in the middle of the night, which is a good sign. Senator Amidala should be alright, then. No one else had tried to kill her while he was gone.
It had felt unrealistically blissful to crash onto his hard mattress, mind emptying of his worries of rights and Krell and assassins for at least one night. But it's a new day. Hevy feels refreshed, and there's no time to waste. He's switching with the Senator's current Guard in less than an hour. He starts fastening on armor while he glances up to check on Flak, fast asleep in the upper bunk. The pilot could probably sleep through a supernova.
"Flak. Get up."
No response.
"Flak. How were you not always on sanitation duty for sleeping in?"
"...mmmmmno."
"Come on, are you five?" Hevy mutters quietly, not wanting to wake Rys, who is facing the wall in his bed opposite him and Flak. "You're on duty in a half hour, too. Let's go."
"I'm actually eleven," Flak groans out groggily. "And a half. Leave me alone."
Rys suddenly lets out a small sound that makes Hevy freeze in the middle of attaching his chestplate to his blacks. He glances down guiltily and meets Rys' tired gaze.
"Sorry, Rys."
"Don't be," Rys rasps. "I was about to get up anyway."
Rys tips his head back and stares up at the ceiling, eyes dull and pained. Hevy reaches out slowly to place a hand on his shoulder. Rys leans into the gesture. Jek's empty bunk above them is a painful reminder of what they've lost, his absence gaping and raw. Even though Rys is holding himself together well enough, he carries a heavy grief around him like a stormcloud. Hevy can't imagine how he feels. Jek had been Hevy's friend, but Jek and Rys have been together since Kamino. Hevy has lost batchmates before, but Cutup and Droidbait technically hadn't been gone long, and there hadn't even been time to mourn their original deaths in the wake of the droid attack. It doesn't compare.
"I'm okay, Hevy," Rys says in a small voice after a few moments, chest rising and falling as he sighs. "Thank you."
Hevy gives Rys' shoulder one last squeeze before stepping away and continuing to put on his armor. Flak is finally stumbling out of bed, mumbling Huttese curses under his breath. Hevy slaps him on the back. The pilot shoots him a dirty look.
"I'll get you something from the mess hall," Hevy tells him, amused. "Thorn did tell you that you're taking me to the Senate building today, right?"
"Yeah, yeah, he sent me a message," Flak huffs crankily, reaching clumsily for his armor. "Don't get me any of those weird Onderon fruits."
"No promises," Hevy tells him. Flak throws a greave at him, but it's worth it to hear Rys' surprised laugh. "Maybe I'll get one just so you'll be faster at getting up next time."
Flak throws his helmet this time. Hevy dodges it on his way out the door, grinning wryly as Rys laughs again. If the least Hevy can do is make Rys laugh despite his grief, he's more than happy to keep bothering Flak for the rest of their stay on Coruscant.
Senator Amidala's office inside the Senate Building is well-lit and comfortable. Senator Amidala has little souvenirs on her desk—a shell from a distant sea shore, a tiny wood fathier carved in mid-gallop, and a delicate little tree made out of twisted metal and crystal. Hevy runs his finger over the back of the fathier, marvelling at the detailed craftsmanship while keeping one eye firmly fixed on the door.
Coruscant and Senate Guards alike are constantly roving through this building, but Hevy still doesn't trust that they're safe. Burtoni is here somewhere, and the Chancellor very well could be as well.
The assassination attempt hasn't slowed Senator Amidala down at all. She barely seems phased, actually. When Hevy had arrived to replace one of her Guards, she'd greeted him warmly, well-rested and already working. She's been writing rough drafts of the Clone Rights bill for the past two hours. Hevy is impressed by her dedication. Every so often she'll pick up a comm and call Senator Organa or Senator Chuchi to discuss various amendments, and she engages Hevy in small talk when she's not deep in concentration. For the most part she is silent as she wracks her brain and types doggedly on her datapad. Hevy tries not to disturb her too much—this is important, and she needs to focus.
Hevy snaps his gaze towards the door as a gaggle of Senators pass by, conversing loudly, and shifts his weight uneasily. The other three Guards are stationed protectively at the door, but Hevy still feels on edge. Senator Amidala glances up and smiles gently at him.
"I told General Skywalker about the assassination attempt this morning," she tells Hevy, leaning back in her chair to take a brief break. "He wasn't thrilled."
"I can't imagine he would be, ma'am," Hevy replies. "What did he say?"
"That I should pack my bags and go into hiding on Naboo," she answers with a derisive snort. "But he says that after every attempt on my life, so I told him no again."
Hevy chuckles.
"My suggestion is that you should carry around a bigger blaster, Senator," he offers, thinking of her sleek little ELG-3A pistol. "I bet if you were hefting around a Z-6 all the time, less people would try their luck."
"You'll have to teach me," Senator Amidala says pleasantly. She looks back over her datapad and narrows her eyes when something displeasing about it catches her attention. "I doubt… hmm. I doubt that I would be able to wield one very well."
"Oh, I bet you could," Hevy says, imagining it and stifling a grin. If the Senator were able to wield a Z-6, he thinks she would be terrifyingly competent. "We could work our way up with weights until you can lift it." She nods.
"Once this bill is passed, perhaps I'll consider it."
Hevy laughs and doesn't comment, waiting to see if she's trying to concentrate again. She doesn't continue the conversation, so he grabs a hold of his patience and waits. He doesn't mind being a bodyguard, even if it does mean long bouts of silence sometimes.
A third hour passes. Hevy is sitting in one of the extra chairs in her office facing the door when she huffs suddenly and pinches the bridge of her nose in exasperation.
"Senator?" he says. She sighs.
"It's alright," she tells him. "Just… the complexities of military trials can be frustrating, that's all. I think a break for lunch would do me some good. Are you hungry?"
Hevy blinks.
"Uh. I could be, sir. If something was placed in front of me, I'd probably eat it."
Senator Amidala smiles at his answer, rising to her feet.
"Let's go, then."
Senator Amidala comms Flak to let him know they're coming. They step out of the office and into the large hall, making their way towards the exit. The Guards fall into step with Hevy, nodding at him as they take up their positions. Various Senators stride past them, nodding politely (and a few not-so-politely) in acknowledgement. Hevy tries not to feel too self-conscious when he realizes that they're looking at him just as much as they are the Senator.
"Senator Amidala!"
Hevy jerks at the familiar voice, hand jumping down to his gun. He and Senator Amidala turn to see Senator Burtoni shuffling towards them, two Senate Guards on either side of her. Hevy is dreading this interaction already.
The old Kaminoan points one long gnarled finger at Senator Amidala, ignoring Hevy completely as she comes to a halt.
"The Prime Minister of Kamino isn't very pleased with you, Senator Amidala," she hisses. "He is most offended that we were not consulted before your presentation during the last do not want to make an enemy out of the Kaminoans." Hevy narrows his eyes, automatically taking a step forward to place himself in between the Kaminoan and Senator Amidala. The other three Guards close around Senator Amidala, putting her in the center of a ring of wary clones. Senator Burtoni raises an eyebrow at the sight of them, unimpressed.
"You, clone, had no right to speak in front of this Senate," she tells Hevy, slinking closer. Hevy holds his ground. "Your mouth belongs to us. It should speak what we tell it to."
Hevy bristles, gritting his teeth. Hot rage rises up before he can tame it.
"Maybe if you had manufactured droids it would," he shoots back angrily, unafraid to confront her now that there aren't camera droids recording his every move. "But you didn't." He'll punch her if he has to, regardless of the Senate Guards around them. Maybe starting a fistfight in the middle of the Senate building isn't the best idea, but Hevy's fired up enough that he's considering it. The Coruscant Guard will undoubtedly come to his aid. Burtoni's still a prime suspect for the assassination attempt, after all.
Senator Burtoni makes a small noise of frustration, lowering her head until she's staring him in the eyes. Hevy glowers at her, unflinching as she puts her face in front of his, neck swaying back and forth like a serpent.
"You are more of a droid than you know," Senator Burtoni whispers, quiet enough that Senator Amidala and the rest of the Guard won't hear. Hevy jerks, fear congealing in his chest, because is she referring to what he thinks she is—?
"Execute order forty-five," the Kaminoan breathes into his ear.
No.
Hevy freezes. Ice shoots through his veins.
She knows about the chips. And Hevy is chipless and doesn't know what that order is off the top of his head, has no way to fake it even if it is something he can attempt to falsify.
Senator Burtoni steps back, a smug look on her face. The satisfaction shifts to confusion when Hevy doesn't move, rooted to the spot with horror.
"Clone," she urges. Hevy reels away from her.
Senator Amidala steps past a confused Guard and grabs Hevy's arm to pull him to her side. She's glaring at Senator Burtoni.
"Senator Burtoni, we will be taking our leave now," she says, no room for argument in her tone. She tugs at Hevy's arm, but he doesn't move, staring at the Kaminoan in shock. Senator Burtoni stares right back at him… and then realization flashes through her eyes like lightning.
"How—?"
"Hevy!" Senator Amidala cries, and Hevy whirls to obey her, turning his back on Senator Burtoni. The Kaminoan doesn't try to stop them again, but Hevy's heart is pounding a hole in his chest. The Guards flank them as they leave her behind, hands clenched on their weapons uneasily. They don't understand what's happened yet.
Burtoni knows.
"She figured it out," he whispers to Senator Amidala as they hurry for the exit. He barely suppresses a groan of sickly dread at the admittance. "She knows that I'm not chipped."
"What?" Senator Amidala whispers back incredulously. "How?"
"She tried to give me an order," he answers, mind whirling. He feels nauseated. They must warn the 501st. They could fall under suspicion now. Senator Amidala gasps but doesn't respond, quickening their pace instead.
Flak is waiting for them outside with the ship. Senator Amidala practically shoves Hevy inside the transport ship, followed closely by the rest of the Guards.
"Flak, get us out of here," she orders. Flak takes one look at them and frowns in bewilderment as he makes his way quickly to the pilot's seat. They get into the air. Hevy bows his head as he sits down on one of the ship's seats.
"What the kriff happened?" Flak asks. "I thought this was going to be a peaceful lunch outing, but you look like someone just killed your pet tooka."
"Senator Burtoni tried to give me an order and found out that I don't have my chip," Hevy hisses quietly, unable to respond to the joke with sheer terror constricting around his throat. He curls his fingers over the seat of his chair in agitation and reminds himself to breathe. Flak swears. The ship jerks abruptly. It's the first time Hevy has ever seen the pilot slip up during a flight.
"Well that… certainly puts a damper on things, doesn't it," Flak mutters grimly. Hevy shudders.
Senator Burtoni knows that something is wrong with Hevy's chip. This could ruin everything they've been planning since the beginning of their second lives.
Hevy is trying not to panic. This is bad. This is extremely bad. If she knows, then there's a chance that she'll tell Palpatine, and if Palpatine knows he could send out orders to the entire GAR, and they'll come after Hevy to see if he's removed his chip or if it's broken and they'll go after the 501st to see if it's the same and everything they've done will be for nothing—!
Suddenly he feels more helpless than he has ever felt in his entire life.
"Comm General Skywalker," he manages to force from his lips, drowning in fear. "I… I don't know what to do."
A/N: *muffled sobbing* HAPPY MAY FOURTH EVERYONE IM DEAD.
I dunno if this chapter will help y'all or just make the suffering worse. But... here it is regardless.
lancerfate is my fearless and incredible editor, as usual!
The plot... is picking up the pace.
The most entertaining part of this entire chapter for me to write was Fives' different reactions when they're talking about Krell. I was pretty proud of myself, honestly.
my lips are absolutely sealed about all spoilers in this fic except for the fact that Jesse will live, because I'm saaddd and he deserved better.
Before everyone asks me what order 45 is, just know that it'll be mentioned in the next chapter so you will eventually have your answer!
Thank you for you infinite support! Clone wars means so much to me. I dressed up in a jedi robe and went to a theater with my family in 2008 to see the clone wars movie, and that moment has lead me to incredible friendships and inspirations that I will never forget. Come hang out with me at meridiansdominoes on tumblr any time! 3