Barton - IV
Imperial Era
Frustratingly the Ops Room and MedBay had been cleared of most useable, working instruments. The computer system had almost all its files deleted and all she was left with was a mediscanner. Zak was working on what was left on the datapads.
Donca passed the mediscanner over the clone's body and studied the readout. It indicated the amount of trauma expected from being in an avalanche; the other one had obviously got him out in time and he was gone with the rest. They'd cleared every able bodied man and clone with them.
The mediscanner faded and died, 'battery low' it said; she plugged it into an energy cell and counted the clone helmets again, while it charged up. Its battery was suffering from the cold much the same as everything else here, including her. The helmets were all the same style but had been customised; the clones each changed their own armour in some way, despite the insistence of the Empire that they all look the same.
Looking across to her people, she remembered they too had customised what little armour and weapons they had, most of it taken from the Empire. Blasters had been modified etc. Beings liked their individuality despite what the Empire wanted. She thought it might be more prevalent with the clones. A million men, it was said with one face. She reached over and touched the face of the man lying in front of her.
So human. So young. She had heard they aged twice as fast as normal humans. It was a travesty.
The battery beeped, fully charged up again it said but for how long? She turned away from the mediscanner to look at the man again. They were not so different after all.
Sweeping the scanner slowly around his head, she identified roughly where the trauma was, pressure on the brain, a dark shadow; there was no way she could relieve that pressure here, if at all. It required specialist equipment. She had some back at base but it was a long time since she had done anything that intricate, and never with the instruments she had now.
Checking his chest area, his lungs seemed functional, although there was internal bleeding it didn't seem to be from there. She fixed a breather onto him; it would assist, a little. There were the expected broken bones.
She switched it off, it was the brain trauma she was most worried about.
"The weather's turning." Finor notified her, walking through the broken doors.
"How long do we have?" She said before glancing back at the doors, it looked fine outside, almost mild for this area and this time of year.
"A couple of hours."
"Is the repulsor lift repaired?"
"Just. Why?"
"I want to take him with us."
"Donca." He put his hand on her arm, "are you sure?"
"If we can get some Intel from him, it'll be worth it in the long run, possibly even…."
"Even what?"
"Turn him."
"To our side?"
"There's been rumours already. Clones turning against the Empire. They have even less rights than us."
"They also have history, turning against the Jedi. They could turn again."
"It's a risk we need to take."
"I'm not happy about this."
"Noted."
"The others won't be happy either."
"I'll note theirs too."
He sighed. "You're adamant?"
"Yes." She crossed her arms, at that point he knew it was a lost cause. She had made her mind up.
"I'll get the repulsor lift ready. Zak's retrieved the intel." he handed her a disc.
.
Coruscant cruiser staging area.
First year of the Clone Wars.
Mayday marched into the staging area searching the huge expanse for his brother, he had missed him at the barracks earlier and hoped he hadn't missed him this time. They had survived together since before Geonosis.
There was only one Venator-class Star Destroyer in dry dock for resupply pending deployment to the outer rim. But there were any number of smaller cruisers and capital ships ready. He had requisitioned a shuttle to Kamino but may need to share with other recent promotees.
He saw the arm raised in acknowledgement in the distance near the ramp of a shuttle that was being loaded; he jogged towards him as Howzer headed towards him at the same time, his kit bag slung across his back.
They greeted each other as clones did with the Mandalorian handshake, then pulled each other into a slap on the back.
"Glad I caught you!" Greeted Mayday.
"Ner Vod. Me too. When are you leaving?"
"Tonight!"
"A well deserved promotion Mayday, it was about time that they recognised your leadership, especially after Christophsis and Teth. First Major, now Commander. The fastest rise anyone's seen in a while."
Since Geonosis, he omitted to say.
"As was yours, Captain Howzer. How does it feel like going back to Ryloth?"
"Looking forward to it."
"And Cham?"
"We understand each other."
"Good."
"So last night?"
"What do you mean 'last night'?" Mayday asked.
"I know you went with Cody to a club. Privilege of rank?" Howzer grinned.
"It was last minute and the General couldn't attend; he didn't want to waste the ticket. They don't get them very often. And I don't know why I'm explaining myself to you." He put his hands on his hips.
"So it was good then?" Howzer mirrored the stance.
"It was different."
"Different, how?"
"Not like 79's, just music, a band and a singer."
"What was she like, the singer?"
"How do you know it was a she?"
"By the look on your face."
"Huh! What look?"
"That one."
Mayday shook his head. "She was irritating. The meal was better."
"What meal? You never mentioned that."
"We had supper at Dex's Diner."
Howzer whistled.
"Supper at Dex's! What was that like?"
"Brilliant."
"Did she….." he was interrupted by a distorted loudspeaker announcement booming through the staging area and his com pinging at the same time.
Mayday nodded, "You better get that!"
Howzer listened.
"I've got to board. This conversation isn't finished, Ner Vod, I want to know all about her." He said good naturedly.
"There's nothing to know. Be careful out there."
"You too, ner vod." He held out his hand, they shook again, before Howzer jogged away to his berth.
Mayday stood for a few seconds before having to move, a Venator was preparing to take off. He needed to pack himself, clear up some admin duties and transfer his command to the Captain taking over, who, he hadn't been notified yet.
As he walked away, he wondered what Hela was doing, then quickly pushed that thought out of his mind, unsure why he was even thinking of her. He'd only been doing Cody—no his General a favour, making sure she got home, safely. He increased his pace to stride quickly back to barracks.
.
Hela's Apartment.
Hela woke and stretched out; she checked her chrono, her sleep had been undisturbed resulting in her feeling well rested and relaxed for the first time in weeks, until she remembered her Appointment this afternoon. She stretched again before slipping out of the bed and walking over to the fresher. She checked her datapad diary, an easy day, apart from the one Appointment. One which she could never miss, however much she had come to dislike them recently and no more messages for once.
Her domestic droid unwrapped itself from its charging point and trundled around picking up the clothes she had dropped on the floor the previous night.
She switched the large Holonet receiver on and scrolled through the channels and breaking news. She wasn't on it, thank goodness but Padme was —again and the war. Her finger hovered over the button for several seconds before she pressed it. She watched her speech for a little while before she increased the sound. It was worse when she heard her voice, so much like Fé She switched it off still unable to watch.
"Time for a shower before Zur gets here." She said to the droid.
"Yes ma'am. It's clean."
Her thoughts went to the meeting this afternoon, what to wear, whatever would be discussed. What request he would make this time and realising although she had enjoyed these meetings with the Chancellor at first, had been grateful for his interest and sponsorship, and flattered by his interest, now she hated them. He had seemed just like an indulgent uncle she never had, but over the last few years, as she gained more prominence, and he more power, there had been more requests made to attend certain dinners or events and report back. She hated those things, she just wanted to sing.
She couldn't remember actually having the shower, washing herself automatically before dropping the wet towels and dressing in leggings and a top. She would choose something to wear when Zur came.
The droid followed her picking up and tidying after her.
She filled the Caf machine, having one just after rising was the only time she allowed herself one, especially on the days when she was not singing. As the caf brewed she heard her door open.
"Morning Diva!" Zur's voice rang out, "How are we this morning?"
"Caf?" She shouted.
Zur looked around, as he entered.
"Ooh! Good mood then. Yes please."
"I'm always in a good mood."
"If you say so."
She walked out of the kitchen and handed him a Caf, looking over to the rack of clothes he had pulled in behind him.
"A few for you to look over and one for this afternoon." He took a large slug of caf, "Ah! That's a good one." He looked at her as they sat at the dining counter. "You actually do look good. What did you get up to last night? A clone isn't gonna come rushing out at me from the bedroom, any minute, is there?"
She side eyed him.
"I'm not going to dignify that with an answer."
"Yes you are." He smirked as he took another drink.
"He was the perfect gentleman, just like Cody always is. We went to Dex's and had deep fried Nuna eggs and spicy hot tubers."
"Way to live eh? You could go anywhere and you choose Dex's Diner."
"I like it there."
"Okay have it your way."
"Another caf?"
"Yes please. Then we need to look at the clothes and work out what you want to wear and when. Especially this afternoon."
"Nothing too fussy this afternoon. I'm not in the mood." She started the caf brewing again.
"You're never in the mood."
"No, not recently."
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. I think …..it's the war. It's brought back some bad memories."
"Well, that's in the past and the war isn't here. It's in the Outer Rim, or wherever, so don't worry. Now this afternoon?"
She sighed, looking at the outfits he held up, "The blue one."
"Good choice. Very calming."
"Does it need to be calming?" she said panicking slightly.
"Yes, for you. By the way you look at the moment. You were relaxed a few minutes ago."
He swept past her to hang the outfit up in her dressing room, "The dark blue shoes as well." He added before returning. "Now hair?"
"Just a small one."
"Okay."
"You do know how heavy some of those wigs are, don't you. My neck needs a rest sometimes." She snapped.
"I surrender." He said, holding up his hands. "This one?" He pulled out one with a short bob.
"Yes." That's fine, she just wasn't interested in the clothes and she should be. She was wondering what Commander Mayday was doing now and she shouldn't be.
.
The Supreme Chancellor's Office
The door to the Chancellor's Office swished open and he smiled benevolently at her as he always did and called for some tea and refreshments. A tall man dressed in black stepped forward, she had not seen him standing there.
"Hello Hela. It's good to see you."
She stared at him. "Anakin?" She stepped nearer, "It is, isn't it. Your holo pics don't do you justice."
He smiled. She knew he was around, from Ben but had never managed to see him. In fact she rarely saw Ben now, with the war and his meetings at the Council.
"I understand congratulations are in order. You're a knight now."
"Yes, finally." He frowned as he said that, then smiled before continuing, "I never thanked you for singing at Qui Gon's funeral. We, myself and Obi Wan, we appreciated that, under the circumstances."
"It was the least I could do."
"My two favourite young people and both so talented." Palpatine interrupted them. "But I understand you now have a meeting, my young friend."
He addressed Anakin.
"The Council."
Hela didn't think he looked particularly happy about that.
"Be careful, Anakin." Warned the Chancellor.
"Of the Council? Surely…" Hela asked.
"Of the Battles in this war, Anakin is headed out once again." Explained the Chancellor.
"Oh yes. Please be careful."
He smiled at her, "I will." And with that he left them together.
"Now my dear sit down and tell me what you've been doing apart from the rehearsals for your new show. I am truly looking forward to it. I shall be there on the first night, pending the war, of course."
She sipped the tea and chatted away to him. Although she always dreaded these meetings once she was here they never seemed so bad.
Finishing the last of the tiny cakes that had been offered, she dabbed at her lips on the napkin that was left with her. The Chancellor summoned the serving droid to clean away the remains.
"It's always so gratifying to see you eat like that. I remember after the Battle of Naboo and the attack on Theed, there were so many people displaced, so many were hungry and you were one of them, and yet still you managed to sing for the Jedi's funeral."
The Chancellor always managed to bring that up.
"It was when you came and organised the relief that saved me and everything you have done for me since. The sponsorship, everything. I don't know how to repay you."
When she was with him, she could remember it like it was yesterday. His voice picking her out, then offering her the sponsorship at the Naboo Academy.
"You can repay me just by singing and succeeding, like Anakin."
"I only hope I can do you justice, on the first night." She paused, "I was wondering, is there anything I could do towards the war effort?"
That thought had just come to her.
"I would suggest just be yourself, my dear, just sing, ensure everything remains as normal in Coruscant."
The Chancellor checked something on his desk.
"There is something you do need to do."
"Yes?"
"You need to have your check up?"
"So soon?"
"A year has passed my dear and we can't risk anything."
"No, I suppose we can't. But I was clear last time and have been since they started doing the checks."
"I will arrange an Appointment tomorrow, at my personal medical assessment centre. It will be more comfortable and discreet, as I understand you have had some Holonet broadcasters chasing you for a story. For your background, your friendship with me."
"I would never tell them anything."
"I know my dear but the thing with the Press is, you have to know how to manipulate them and you are far too young to be that knowledgeable."
"Yes, Chancellor."
"So tomorrow. 14:00? I'll send someone to pick you up."
"Thank you."
"Now my dear."
"I understand. War business."
She rose and kissed him on the cheek, as she had done so many times before.
"Don't work too hard." She warned him, knowing he would do just that and walked out of the room. As she left she saw three Jedi entering by another route.
She walked away, the feeling of being relaxed with the Chancellor gradually being replaced by one of unease; she could never explain these feelings and why they changed. She checked her diary. There it was the Appointment. She notified Zur.
.
212th Barracks.
Mayday sat at his desk in what was laughingly called his office, he was sure it had been originally designed as a supply cupboard but he had never had chance to look at the plans.
He scrolled through his datapad checking off all the tasks he had completed and swore that for everyone he ticked one off, two more came in. He was always amazed at how much administration the GAR High Command needed.
His door entry system pinged.
"Come!" He shouted.
"Sir!"
"Yes Trapper?"
"The Commander requests your company in the briefing room." He grinned when he said that.
"Why didn't he com me?"
Trapper's eyes moved to his com. Missed messages. He'd put it on silent to get through the work.
"I was passing."
Mayday sighed, this was the last thing he was needing, as he was drowning in flimzi work.
.
"Sir!" He came to attention in front of the Commander, who was studying troop deployments on the holotable, moving them around.
"Mayday, Ready to go?"
"Sir?"
"Are you all finished? Seventeen's been on the com asking for you."
"Sir, the orders were to report there ready for tomorrow. I hitched a ride for late tonight. Plus I haven't cleared all my flimzi work."
Cody moved another battalion into position and studied it.
"You're leaving your left flank exposed sir." he couldn't help commenting.
"Yes. For the moment. Forget about the flimzi work. There's a supply ship leaving in 45 minutes so get on that,"
"Yes sir! Can I ask? Has the training date been moved forward then?"
"No, it's just Seventeen reminding me he was my trainer. Trapper will do your flimzi. He's used to how you work and is temporarily promoted for the time being."
"Sir."
Cody moved some 501st into position.
"Last night go well?"
"Er yes sir. I escorted her home but we did call in at Dex's Diner for supper. But she did get home safely sir."
"Good. She is a friend of the General's."
"Yes sir."
He studied the holotable again.
"Mayday, can I give you a word of advice."
"Anytime sir. But you would even if I said no."
"Never lose your cynicism. A healthy dose of it will be useful in this war. Especially at this rank."
"Yes sir."
"And pick yourself a good team."
Mayday had never heard him talk like that
"That's all Mayday. Enjoy your training." Cody saluted and turned back to the holotable. "Now get your shebs out of here."
.