Barton IV

Imperial Era.

Rebel Base.

"He's waking up!" Kroll shouted, knocking on her door.

Donca roused herself; it was the first time she managed to grab more than a few hours of sleep in the past week. She pulled on boots and pullover; It was chilly inside, they only had heating in certain areas, having to conserve fuel. She would be glad when they could finally leave this place. The outpost was abandoned, there was nothing more they could do and they would have to move on, possibly link up with others, although it was difficult to find any. She'd not heard any more from Fulcrum.

Oh great.

She was greeted with a disorientated patient, fighting who he saw as his captors and it was taking three of them to hold him down. She hadn't wanted to do this but, needs must — she jabbed him in the neck with a hypo. He slumped back on the bed.

"Get some restraints on. It won't last long. I didn't give him much." She didn't have much to administer.

"Now he's awake, sort of. I'll check him over again."

"Is he unconscious?"

"Not quite."

"What's he saying?"

"I don't know it's not basic but if he can talk it's good."

§

He placed Veetch's helmet next to Hexx, both of them had been two of the best vode a clone could have. His gaze involuntarily ran along all the vode who had lost their lives here, in this Force forsaken planet. These were only ones he was able to retrieve; even Cody was unobtainable now and he feared the worst.

Now this new vod appeared.

"Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum—Veetch, Hexx, Sev, Fi'ika, Rad, Tank…"

"What are you doing just standing around? Those raiders stole two crates of cargo during that attack. Send your troops after them."

Nolan's grating, ineffectual voice disturbed what little remembrance he could give his brothers. He clenched his fist, and breathed deeply and evenly, slowly unclenching his fist as he turned to face him.

"Hexx and Veetch were killed. We don't have the manpower or equipment for a mission beyond the perimeter, especially just to recover a few crates."

"It's not up to you to decide what is of value to the Empire."

"Then I need all your men for this mission."

"And leave the outpost vulnerable to attack! I think not. This task falls to you two and you alone. Recover the cargo!"

§

Donca passed the mediscanner over his body, thankful he hadn't disturbed any of his other slowly healing injuries. She remembered the clones were used to being in Bacta tanks to recuperate but the Empire was clamping down on that particular item, making it difficult to get hold of any regular supplies of Bacta, other than through the Empire, or smugglers. Their last contact had been caught, consequently they had only small amounts here and used it sparingly but he seemed to be healing well. She sat next to him and waited for him to wake.

She didn't have to wait long.

His eyes flickered open and he immediately tried to get up, fighting against his restraints.

"Don't!" She laid a hand on his arm. "You need to rest. You've had surgery."

He opened his mouth but only a croak emerged.

She offered him the water through a straw. He sipped it his eyes never leaving her face.

"Your comrade was taken away by the Empire."

She tried to gauge his response but his expression never changed. He took another sip, and another. She watched as he swallowed. That reflex was working.

"Crosshair. His name —Crosshair." He whispered croakily.

"I'm sorry." unsure why she said that. She gave him more water and watched as he leaned back on the pillow and looked up at the ceiling, his face blank.

"What's your name!"

He ignored her.

She walked away, leaving him to his thoughts. He would soon start to feel hungry and he needed food to recover; it may also be a way to get close to him.

"How is he?" Finor asked, in the outer room.

"It's too early to say but he was able to speak. He told me the name of one of his comrades."

"The clones have names?"

"It would appear so. I'm just going to get him some food. We can go from there."

"I still think it's risky."

"Life's risky, especially now."

"You're looking tired again."

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." even as she said that a wave of nausea hit her.

"Let me get the food for him. You take it in but I want to be there, or Kroll when you're with him. It remains to be seen if we— if you can turn him."

"I still think he could be useful even if it's just his army expertise."

"You're thinking he could train new recruits? That's a long shot."

"Glad you're thinking along my lines." she replied sarcastically, "I hate it when we're at odds." She touched his forearm in thanks.

Finor shook his head.

.

Donca walked in with the thin soup Finor prepared; it was the same as they all ate but thinned down a little. There was some of the local bread they brought with them. It was past its best, but edible, if soaked. Kroll stayed with him.

"Has he said anymore?" She asked, quietly.

"A few sentences, in that language he used before. He said what I thought were some names." Kroll had written them down, how they sounded.

She looked at the words—they looked like gibberish.

"He mentioned the name Crosshair again and what sounded like a list of basic words, they could be names again and then that other language. He swapped between the two."

"Thank you. You go, get some rest."

"Finor says I should stay." He planted his feet firmly.

She smiled.

"Commander?" She turned to the clone.

His eyes opened again, blinking, trying to get them into focus.

"Good soldiers follow orders."

"I've got some soup for you."

"Hela?" He asked, "I've missed you."

"No! It's Donca and you need to eat."

He shook his head and turned away, mumbling something.

"What did he say? I didn't catch it!" Kroll asked.

"Something about soldiers following orders."

She laid her hand on his forehead, touch often made all the difference.

"I think we'll have to put a line in, just to get some fluid in him. He may be delirious." She checked his temperature. "Although he hasn't got a temperature, which is good. We'll just keep an eye on him." She readied the saline drip, if this didn't work it was up to him. They had to wait and see.

.

Coruscant

First year of the Clone Wars

Hela walked through the administrative section of the Senate building to the turbo lift taking her to Palpatine's ceremonial office. He spent more time here than at 500 Republica now and less time seeing her. She stopped automatically, as the Red Guard scanned her, accepting it was his role to protect Sheev and she was happy for that. There had been attempts to assassinate him even in peace time. She owed so much to him. He had requested a quick meeting with her, it sounded informal and it felt different to the last one; she didn't know why.

The door opened before she reached it; the Jedi were leaving. She stood to one side as they passed, Mace Windu, who always looked so severe and didn't even acknowledge her presence. Grand Master Yoda who nodded to her and smiled, she thought and then Ben. He smiled at her as he walked past, she grinned in return before entering Palpatine's office.

"Ah my dear. So good to see you again. The opening night was a triumph and I continue to be impressed by your talent and committment. It's always so gratifying when a protege succeeds. But you must concentrate just on your singing."

"Thank you, but are you okay, you look so tired."

He did, especially today and it always seemed after he'd met with the Jedi. She knew they didn't always agree on the way the war should be fought. The Chancellor wished to keep as many planets in the Republic as possible and reduce casualties. He had often said as much.

"I'm fine my dear. Just these endless meetings. They are draining at my age."

She nodded, he was not getting any younger and had been in power since the Battle of Naboo, keeping the Republic at peace. It was difficult given all the warring interests and factions in the Senate, she did keep up with some things when she had a chance.

"You asked to see me?"

"Ah yes my dear. I wouldn't normally ask but one of the Senators had hoped to catch your latest Opera but has been unable to do so and is returning home soon. He is attending a soirée tomorrow at my private apartment. Just a few select people; if you could give a short rendition of one of the scenes, I would be so grateful. I know how busy you are. The Tenor has already agreed."

"Of course. What time?" She replied, without thinking.

"Seven, my dear. Sly Moore will arrange for you to be picked up."

"There's no need I can….."

"But I insist."

"Okay." Sometimes she felt powerless to resist him.

"And now my dear, I have work to do."

"Yes, of course. I'll see you tomorrow."

She turned to leave and Sly Moore was already in front of her, she hadn't seen her enter.

"6:30 tomorrow." The Umbaran fixed her with a stare.

Hela nodded, in agreement.

.

Hela's Apartment

"There! Done!" Zur teased the last tendril of her own hair into place.

Hela looked into the mirror.

"Beautiful job, as always. I just don't have the patience to do this."

"I know. So stand up!"

She stood up.

He moved back.

"Twirl!"

She twirled.

"Perfect. Not too ostentatious. I keep telling you that cobalt blue suits you."

"I do like it and it's light and comfortable. And the shoes are not too high."

"That's it you're officially getting old. If you're looking for comfortable shoes, you're definitely getting old."

The doorbell pinged.

"That's your ride. Here." He pushed the silver evening bag in her hand and held out her wrap. "If it's one of the boys in blue, you'll match."

Hela rolled her eyes.

"Well I hope it's Taggart or Jayfon. The other one…." She did an exaggerated cringe.

"Call me Faro?" He asked.

"Yeah. Argyus. He gives me the creeps. Wandering hands among other things."

"Other things? Ew! Gross!"

She steeled herself to open the door and pulled it.

"Captain Taggart. At your service ma'am. Ready?"

She let out a sigh in relief and picked up her bag.

"Ready Captain. How's your mother?" She asked as they walked out and down the corridor.

.

500 Republica.

That Orson Callan Krennic received an invitation to this soirée, surprised him, as it appeared to be a very select gathering for Coruscant; he saw Tarkin, observing him and everyone else, as usual. One would have thought that Captain Tarkin was an officer dedicated to the Republic but Krennic himself had observed him from afar on many occasions, as he had most of the people currently in power and like many others in the suite of rooms they currently occupied, he was simply out for himself.

He turned his attention to Mas Amedda, pleased to see that the Chagrian was to all intents ignoring the near human speaking to him, although you couldn't see that unless you studied him closely, which Krennic had.

The Chancellor was being the Chancellor, pleasing everyone and no one. Totally inscrutable and unreadable.

He had not been listening to the singing, to him it was the background, although it appeared that many had. He watched the performers now. The duet finished and they bowed; they were both at the height of their powers and knew it.

The applause was muted, it was only a small gathering. Both the woman and the Tenor looked around the room. He could see when they recognised people.

Initially Krennic wondered what they were doing then he saw it, both were mentally counting down with fixed smiles. He watched the young woman whisper and they parted quickly; both eager to get away from each other whilst trying to keep up the pretence that they liked each other.

They headed to opposite ends of the room.

His assumption was correct, they hated each other.

Having researched everyone who would be attending, she was Hela Nim, one of the Chancellors proteges.

Hela looked around the assembled dignitaries; there was no one she wanted to talk to and mentally gave herself forty-five minutes mingling before she could leave without giving offence, then she saw her. Hela turned away quickly and headed for the door.

"Perfect! She would be here." She muttered to herself, as she walked towards it only to find her way barred by a man holding out a drink.

"I thought you may need this, Ms Nim. It's only mineral water but it's from Naboo, and is filtered through the Gallo Mountains from Dee'ja Peak."

She took it eagerly and turned to talk to him, spotting Padme looking at them, then turning away. Hela wasn't in the mood to deal with her.

"I'm not a big fan of high opera but I did enjoy your rendition."

"Thank you. You obviously know my name so who are you?"

"Orson." He held out his hand and fixed her with bright blue eyes.

Hela took his hand, it was a good strong handshake. She liked that. He also never took his eyes off her, it was flattering and distracting.

"Pleased to meet you Orson…..is there another name?"

"Callan…..Krennic." He finished, still smiling.

"So is it just Orson?"

"To you, yes."

"In that case, I'm just Hela. Pleased to meet you."

"Would you like refreshments?" Krennic asked.

"Yes I would."

They both turned, as they heard the voice.

"My dear!"

The Chancellor was walking towards them, arms extended, as he reached her he bent either side of her face and kissed each cheek.

"Performed as beautifully as ever." Palpatine turned to Krennic.

"Lieutenant Commander Krennic Sir. Corps of Engineers."

"Ah yes. Splendid work on the military buildings, young man and Regalia Station if my memory serves me right."

"I wouldn't…"

"You wouldn't think I would know about you?"

"No sir."

"Orson Krennic, at the age of fifteen, you earned a place in the Galactic Republic's Future Program on Brentaal, where you graduated with high honours. Only the best here, Lieutenant Commander, we have only the best."

Krennic bowed his head but not before seeing Tarkin talking to Amedda over the Chancellor's shoulder, his eyes narrowed as he observed their interaction.

"Now! I applaud your diligence but please enjoy yourselves as well."

With that he moved on to the next person.

"Those refreshments?" Asked Hela.

"This way."

.

"So the Futures programme? With honours. Impressive!"

Krennic shrugged, "It was an honour to get there but to survive the Trade Federation blockade, Internment camps and the Battle Of Naboo to become the toast of Coruscant that is impressive."

"Only with the Chancellor's help. Without his sponsorship and continued support I doubt I would have got this far. Especially here."

"I think you would have succeeded without that." His hand rested on hers, as his gaze never left her face; she found herself warming to him.

.

Palpatine took a drink of the water in his glass, he rarely touched alcohol in private, although he could burn off the effects within seconds using his force powers.

"Krennic?" He asked, Mas Amedda.

"A member of the Strategic Advisory Cell — working on the construction side. He has supervised large onworld and deep space construction projects, including extending the Strategic Planning Amphitheater at the summit of the Republic Center for Military Operations."

"Yes, yes." he waved his hand, "And?"

"He's as ambitious and manipulative, as he is efficient."

Palpatine smiled, "Just the people we need. We'll have to keep an eye on him." he turned to look out of the transparisteel window.

"Yes Chancellor." The Chagrian dipped his head and backed out of the room. He understood when the Chancellor needed to be alone.

Palpatine stared out, looking over Coruscant towards the Jedi Temple and sank into the darkness of the Force. There were eddies and rip tides but it was all coming together.

He thought of the irony of some worlds stating that patience was a virtue.

.

Hela was surprised to find herself sitting in the back seat of a hover taxi next to Krennic who sat there with no expression on his face, staring at the driver; his hand was slowly creeping up her inner thigh and she was not complaining. Her legs were opening involuntarily, as the warmth in her lower stomach increased. Her jaw was clamped shut because there was so much she wanted to do but not in the back seat of a taxi.

She didn't want that all over the holonet.

The taxi circled the landing platform and came to a gentle halt on it. Krennic dealt with the driver and held the door open for her.

"So you have no one permanently in your life?" Krennic asked, as his hand rested lightly on her backside, with enough pressure for her to realise it was there, teasing her with the occasional squeeze.

"No one apart from the Chancellor," she said; he raised his eyebrows, "as a surrogate father and Zur my dresser. He's not interested in me. Not in that way."

By the time they reached her door, she was desperate to get him inside. Leaning against the door, he had nearly undressed her, as she keyed in the code. Her dress dropped to the floor as soon as she entered, and she kicked her shoes off. Krennic's jacket was off and his trousers as they hit the couch.

They never reached the bed.

.

Kamino

ARC Training Area.

Alpha stood in front of them, arms folded across his chest. He stared at each of them in turn, then walked in front of the line, looking them up and down.

Kriff! —Thought Mayday, I'm a Commander but I still feel like a shiny, when faced with Alpha, despite what had happened earlier.

He stared back, taking in the larger build of the slightly genetically different clone. He still had a way to go before he got that big and probably never would. Even though he had piled on the pounds in muscle following the eating and training programme they had been allocated. This explained Cody's slightly bigger build.

So long as he didn't have to go through the 'Sickener' again.

"You all did well in the sickener challenge." Alpha declared.

Mayday nearly swivelled his head around at the unexpected compliment, he compromised with a quick glance. They hadn't lost any candidates from the programme but then again they were all hardened veterans by now. Most of this should not be new to them.

"There is one last test for you all. Urban terrain. Obtaining Intel. Without alerting the enemy. By now you should have all the skills you need to complete this mission to its satisfactory conclusion."

He walked up and down the line again.

"I know some of you could not understand why you needed this training. But if you are going to send ARCs into certain situations you need to know what they can do. This will make you a better soldier, better leader. Do you understand?"

He barked out the last question.

"Sir, yes sir." They replied to a man.

"This is also testing the security of this base."

Mayday tried not to blink, but he swore Alpha said this base.

"This facility?" Mayday couldn't not ask.

"Yes Commander, 'the facility' or rather the next one along, is no longer used."

The trainees all still looked straight ahead.

"More and more of our missions involve urban situations and not just battlefields."

He stood up a little straighter at that. They all knew he had served at the beginning of the war with General Kenobi and had been severely injured.

"This will be your final test."

He muttered something under his breath.

"Most of you serve with Jedi. The Jedi are masters at being lone fighters, a few are competent Generals and leaders. Even fewer are great Generals and charismatic leaders. They are held back by their….." he ground his jaw, "compassion in certain areas. Do not get pulled into that."

He contemplated saying something else, instead pulled out his datapad and pressed a button.

"These are your orders."

He watched as each of his trainees receive their messages.

"You have two rotations to complete your missions satisfactorily. Dismiss."

As his trainees set off, he read again the instructions that Lieutenant Prudii had left. He had to admit the Nulls knew areas of Kamino that no other clone did but he still felt uneasy that they had managed to sell this to the Kaminoans as a 'Security test.'

.