Dear Reader, I am back from a glorious week of vacation in Kentucky. Ah, I love horse country! It also gave me a good chance to review a lot of my chapters and make tweaks, so I should be able to continue to post two or three per week, if all goes well. Over the weekend, I watched a boatload of episodes, and I just really love these guys! Having a blast writing this story. Thanks again to my wonderful reviewers: LLTC, CT-782, Queen Nagaina, captainrexbest35, Sajeua and Christina TM. I hope you will all continue to read and enjoy. Things are about to heat up a bit. Now, you'll see why I had to have all the little "the clones did this" and the "the clones did that" scenes. Peace, CS

Chapter 18 The Watching Eyes

"The proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you."

-C.S. Lewis

Anakin did not usually hover.

But for the past fifteen minutes, he had been making one clone communications officer very nervous, leaning over the man's shoulder, peppering him with questions, snapping orders, and following up with grunts and groans of frustration.

"Have you scanned on all frequencies?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Are you sure you're not missing something?"

"I've run repeat grid patterns and haven't even picked up a single wave that matches any of the frequencies used by the Republic," the officer replied. "I've even requested traces all the way back to Florum."

Anakin knit his brows. "We left Florum two days ago, but that still wouldn't explain why we haven't heard from them. This isn't right. They're way overdue. Keep scanning." With that, he turned and headed for briefing room 2, where Obiwan was going over the ever-changing details of their current mission.

Entering the room, he found General Kenobi standing beside the holo-projector.

"Ah, Anakin, good," Obiwan greeted him. "I've been going over these transmissions from Dooku's ship, and it appears that he used a relay to trick us into thinking he was near Florum. We've been able to trace these comms back to the Nefer system, but we don't know if he's still there."

Anakin completely disregarded Obiwan's assessment. "Something's gone wrong. Rex and Cody still haven't reported in. Even with us leaving Florum and coming out here, it shouldn't take them this long to catch up with us. It's been three full standard rotations since they were due to arrive. On top of that, they haven't called in once, and we have no idea where they are. We need to go find them." His voice contained unmistakable agitation.

"Anakin, Admiral Yularen is working on trying to find the shuttle—"

"They're our troops, Obiwan. We should be trying to find them," Anakin insisted. "The fleet has been running constant scanner sweeps, digging through all comm caches. They've found nothing."

"What makes you think we would have better luck? Trust the admiral to do what needs to be done. We have our own mission, Anakin," Obiwan said firmly. "We need to focus. The admiral will send a team out to search for them."

Anakin shook his head. "That's not good enough. We're talking about your commander, Obiwan. And my captain. Not to mention, a lot of good men. They have important data with them. There's no way they would fail to report in unless something had gone wrong. We don't even know where Dooku really is. This whole thing has been a wild bantha chase."

Obiwan sighed and prepared to go head-to-head. "Anakin, I'm as worried as you are, but we can't go off looking for them. If intelligence is able to locate Dooku, we need to be ready to go after him. We've already blown too many opportunities."

"Then we can blow one more," Anakin stated.

Seeing that he was not going to change Anakin's mind, Obiwan drew in a deep breath. "Why don't we find out if intel has had any luck confirming if Dooku is in the Nefer system? If they're not able to find him, we may be able to go out and search for our missing men."

"Even if intel has found Dooku, I'm going to find my captain and my troops," Anakin said with conviction.

"Anakin . . . " Obiwan placed his hand on his former apprentice's arm. "We've known each other a long time now. You were my apprentice. Now, you're like a brother. We've been through a lot together. So, I hope you will listen to what I'm about to say and not be offended."

Anakin regarded him with an expression that invited him to go on.

"I'm worried that you're too growing attached to your soldiers," Obiwan began.

"Obiwan, I know the rules on Jedi and attachment—"

"But you haven't always been very good at obeying those rules and managing your attachments," Obiwan reminded him. "When you start choosing the lives of your troops over mission accomplishment, that's beyond attachment. Now, you're risking the war effort."

"I don't see why it has to be a choice," Anakin replied. "I can value my men's lives and still win the battle. We're not the only Jedi , Obiwan. Knowing that our men are missing, why can't other Jedi be sent to fight Dooku while we go to find them?" He paused and his manner became very serious. "I know the clones were created to fight and die. But I can't see them that way. Rex is one of the best men I've ever known. I don't think of him as a clone. I think of him as . . . someone I trust more than I trust the Jedi Council."

Obiwan was not surprised by this announcement. Anakin's disdain for many of the Council's decisions was well known.

"I understand how you feel, Anakin; but you have to master your emotions and recognize that Rex, just like Cody and every other clone, is not more important than victory. As for why another Jedi can't go look for Dooku, I would turn that question back on you and ask, why can't we leave it to the search teams to go find our men? That's their job. You need to accept that."

"I do accept that it's their job, Obiwan," Anakin replied. "But I won't turn my back on my men, and I'll go after them if I have to. Admiral Yularen hasn't even dispatched anyone to go look for them yet."

"Give him time, Anakin."

Time.

That was a commodity always in short supply. This much, Anakin knew.

It had quickly become one of Echo's favorite things to do. And he was convinced it was doing his leg much good. He was up before the dawn, just when everything was at its stillest, to take a walk along the paths north of the Seiba Tops and those following the course of the springs.

For the past two days, Fives had gone with him. He was there this morning, as well, albeit grudgingly. Fives liked his sleep, and Echo's early morning strolls were pushing the envelope of friendship. It might be necessary in the future for Echo to undertake his walks alone – although Fives was growing ever more convinced that Echo never had to be alone unless he chose to be so. With his entourage of admirers, Echo could have found a dozen or more people willing to share his morning walk, if he wished. But as a companion, Echo preferred Fives to everybody.

And so, this morning the two squad mates found themselves on the trail that ran adjacent to the northernmost wall. It was a good three kilometers from the Seiba Tops and formed a sort of desert wilderness. It was here that the first spring welled up in a warm, bubbling pool that the clones had discovered was a very nice way to end the day.

Echo and Fives passed the pool on its northern edge and gone perhaps a kilometer and a half into the thicker, almost tropical, eastern corner of the wilderness when they became aware of voices. Right away, they recognized the rhythmic chanting of Vervien prayer; and surely enough, less than a minute later, they came head to head with a group of ni-Doma walking single-file towards them on the same path. They were identifiable as ni-Doma by their blue frocks, the color of which was only just becoming discernible in the growing light.

Echo and Fives stood off to one side as they passed, and the clones could not help but note the diffident, curious glances the women sent their way as they passed.

Echo caught the eye of one who smiled prettily as a manner of greeting, but no words were exchanged and the ni-Doma passed by without missing a beat of chanting.

Fives moved back onto the path to resume walking.

Echo decided to be Echo.

"Excuse me, ladies?"

Fives felt his temperature rise. He could not believe Echo had just disrupted their prayer, as if it were the equivalent of a conversation between brothers.

The ni-Doma stopped and, as a body, turned to face the two clones.

There did not appear to be a leader among the women, so for several seconds they all stood staring but not speaking.

But that was no determent to Echo. He approached them with his characteristic amiability.

"Are we interrupting?" he asked unnecessarily, for the answer was already clear.

"We are in the midst of our morning prayer," one of the ni-Doma replied.

"Oh, well, I don't want to disturb you at prayer," Echo said.

"You already have." This came from the one who had exchanged smiles with Echo as they'd passed.

"I guess that's true," Echo grinned. "In that case, do you mind if I ask a question?"

The ni-Doma looked at each other. The smiler nodded. "Very well."

"How many times a day do you pray?"

Fives tried to hide his discomfort. He was quite certain that Echo was just getting started. There would be many more questions to come.

And there were.

Why did some brothers and sisters walk while praying? What was their god like? What made the ni-Doma want to give up their freedom to pursue a religious life? How long did it take to become a sister? How hard was it to live a celibate life?

And the more questions Echo asked, the more intrigued the women grew until they were all answering his questions with excitement and eagerness.

Then it was Echo and Fives' turn.

For the ni-Doma had a number of questions themselves; and for women in training to be religious sisters, they weren't exactly wilting flowers when it came to subject matter.

What was it like to not have a mother or a father? Was it hard to tell each other apart? Did they all like the same things – was that part of their genetic template? Being raised on Kamino, had they ever had any chance to meet girls? What did it mean that they were property of the Republic? Were they allowed to marry? Were they able to have children?

For over an hour, the two clones and the ni-Doma traded questions and answers.

And then suddenly, one of ni-Doma spoke out anxiously. "Oh! We're overdue for the morning meal! Hurry! We must hurry!"

"Can we join you?" Echo asked.

"Everyone is welcome for every meal," the same girl replied. "But we must hurry. We will surely miss the prayer of Thanksgiving. Our matrons will notice we are late. So will the Doma."

"Then let's get moving," Echo said.

"Uh, are you sure your leg is up to it? Maybe you and me should just walk slowly," Fives suggested.

"You're right," Echo conceded, then to the ni-Doma. "Will you save us a couple seats?"

The girls looked uncertain, hesitant, but at last, they all came to a sort of consensus of agreement. They would save them places. Then they took off – not at a walk, but at a run.

Rex stood outside his quarters, debating whether he wanted to take the morning meal in the hall or in the privacy of his room, when a gaggle of ni-Doma came racing down the path from the north, skidded past him and disappeared towards the Taber.

"They're in a hurry," he said out loud, although no one else was present. He stretched, drew in a deep breath, and stretched again. Seeing the ni-Doma go skittering past had made him want to go for a run himself, but he wasn't well enough yet. Too much activity might aggravate his ribs, and on top of that, his arm still felt a bit sore. Yet, he had no complaints, for he was healing much quicker than he'd have imagined possible.

So, now all that remained was to decide where to take his breakfast.

His room. He really was not in the mood for large crowds, and the peace and quiet of the Seiba Tops was something he was quickly coming to savor.

He turned to go back into his room when he heard familiar laughter; and looking back over his shoulder, he saw Echo and Fives coming down the same path from which the ni-Doma had just come.

Rex stepped out onto the path in front of them.

"Good morning, Captain!" Echo called out.

"Echo, Fives," Rex replied, and his voice contained a note of questioning concern. "Where were you?"

"We just went for a walk along the paths, Sir," Echo replied. "I've tried to do it every morning."

Rex almost dreaded asking the next question. "Did you run into a group of ni-Doma?"

"Yes, Sir." Again, it was Echo who replied.

"They were on their morning prayer walk," Fives offered helpfully.

The color was rising in the captain's cheeks. "Can either of you explain why I just saw them running full-tilt out of there?"

"They were going to be late for the morning meal, Sir," Echo answered, and Fives nodded. "We kept them for so long—"

"Kept them . . . doing what?"

"Asking questions . . . and answering questions." Echo looked puzzled, as if he could not comprehend why his captain was looking so suddenly peaked. "We wanted to know about them and their lives, and they wanted to know about us."

"Is that all you were doing?" Rex pressed.

"Yes, Sir," Echo replied. "What else would we—" He stopped suddenly as the realization hit him. "Oh—Sir, we wouldn't—that—that wouldn't reflect very well on the GAR, if we were to behave like that."

"There are plenty of brothers who, by their actions, reflect poorly on the GAR," Rex pointed out. "But I don't want any of my men to be among them."

"No, Sir! Of course not."

Rex eyed the two of them, and he saw nothing dishonest there. "Very well. Carry on."

As Fives and Echo resumed their way down the path past the Seiba Tops, Rex asked, "Where are you off to, anyways?"

"We're taking breakfast in the hall," Echo replied. "The ni-Doma are saving a couple seats for us."

Rex balked. "I don't know if that's a good idea."

"We could back out, Sir," Echo said.

"That would make us seem rude," Fives put forth. In a funny turn of events, Fives, who had been distressed by Echo's overtures of friendship towards the ni-Doma, now viewed their company as welcome and something to look forward to.

"We should probably ask the Doma if it's alright for you to . . . mingle with the ni-Doma," Rex stated. "I'll come with you and find out."

The three of them headed towards the dining hall.

Right away, Rex saw the Doma in her usual place; and breathing down his reluctance, he approached her, motioning Fives and Echo to wait off to the side.

"Good morning, Captain," Maree greeted him as he approached her table. "You're looking very well today. You continue to improve."

Rex inclined his head. "Thanks to your people," he said politely. He went immediately to the subject. "Do you object to any of my men sitting with the brothers or sisters during the meals?"

The Doma looked somewhat muddled. "Not at all. They've already been sitting with them."

"What about the ni-Doma?"

"Of course, your men can sit with whomever they please," Doma Maree replied with an amused grin. "The ni-Doma are no different. They aren't like the young girls I found—" she caught herself, "—who don't know how to behave around young men."

"I just don't want to do anything to offend anyone," Rex explained.

The Doma regarded him with a knowing eye. "Are you referring to the ni-Doma who just came in late to the morning meal?"

Rex wondered if the warmth he felt in his cheeks was visible. "I was hoping they hadn't been noticed."

"They were noticed," Maree chirped. "But no harm done. Ni-Kepela explained what happened. I think it's good for the ni-Doma to meet your soldiers."

"Are you sure?"

"I have said so. I think you're more worried about it than I am."

Rex hesitated. "I'm not sure how I feel about it," he said honestly. "I'm afraid we're all growing too comfortable here."

The Doma eyed him skeptically. "But not you."

Rex's expression was neutral. "It's my job to make sure we all remember what our mission is. We won't be here for long, and I don't want them to forget their responsibilities."

"I understand," Maree said. "I have no objection to your men socializing with anyone. I trust they understand the nature of our order and that of the Austeniens and will behave accordingly."

Rex gave a noncommittal half-nod.

"Will you join us for breakfast, Captain Rex?" Au-Mikiel asked from across the table.

"Oh, thank you, but not this morning. I'm going to take my meal in the Seiba Tops," Rex replied.

"As you wish," the First Servant conceded. "Perhaps we will see you for the midday meal."

Rex gave a single nod and returned to Fives and Echo.

"Don't do anything to make me regret this," he said to them.

"Does that mean the Doma gave her permission?"

The captain nodded; and even as he gave them his permission, he wondered if he was making the right decision.

"The brothers have started erecting the tents on the Caspa. Tomorrow, we will start putting them up on the Hayla Ground," Au-Mikiel informed the Doma as the two walked past the Taber on their way to check the preparations being made for the reception of thousands of pilgrims due to arrive in two days for the Me'ente Loge festival.

"Excellent," the Doma nodded approvingly. "The sisters have already begun decorating the Taber."

They walked on in silence for a few seconds, then Au-Mikiel spoke cheerfully. "I think it will be an even more memorable event this year."

Doma Maree did not pretend not to understand him. "I had truly believed that the Republic would have come and retrieved the clones by now. They've been here for six days. But, in a way, I am glad that they will be here to celebrate with us."

"They're not believers," Au-Mikiel pointed out. "Do you think they'll join in?"

Maree smiled knowingly. "Most of them, certainly. They don't have to believe in order to enjoy themselves. Food, drink, dancing – what reason would they have for not participating? I think they will be eager to join in – at least for the more festive aspects, perhaps not so much the religious rituals." A pause. "Their captain might be a bit . . . reluctant. And the ones who are still sitting vigil with their friend, they won't come. But the rest of them seem to like a good time."

"I can hardly to wait to see how they react," Au-Mikiel said. "I find them to be very agreeable and quite entertaining."

"As do I."

They came to a foot bridge over the stream that ran between the springs, and here they heard someone calling them from behind. Turning, they saw Fels Au-Gehen and Sister So'Nodor approaching along the path.

"First Servants, might we have a moment?"

"Of course," the Doma replied.

Au-Gehen and So'Nodor came and stood facing them on the bridge. They both looked somewhat discomfited.

At last, Au-Gehen spoke. "Something has been weighing heavily upon me, and I must speak my mind."

"You know you can always speak freely," Au-Mikiel assured him. "Please, go on."

Au-Gehen drew in an audible breath. "I am concerned about our visitors and the impact they are having on our way of life within these walls."

"By visitors, I take it you are referring to the clones and not our other pilgrims," the Doma supposed.

"Yes."

"What it is about them that concerns you?"

"They are . . . bringing an inappropriate influence to the Monastica. Sister So'Nodor has noticed it as well, and we've spoken about it together."

"What influence?" Au-Mikiel asked.

"A lack of . . . prudence," Au-Gehen replied.

"And want of good judgment," So'Nodor added.

"Those are failings we all share; they're not limited to the clones," the Doma pointed out.

"Yes, Doma, that is true," Au-Gehen agreed. "But those who come here usually come willingly and desire to correct their errant behavior. That is not the case with the clones. They are here by accident, and I believe they see nothing wrong with their behavior; therefore, they have no incentive to correct it."

"What behavior are you speaking of?" Au-Mikiel asked.

Au-Gehen hesitated. The color rose in his cheeks. He looked to Maree. "Doma, you have seen first-hand the lack of discretion the clones have displayed. They have absolutely no inhibitions. You must know what I am referring to. Swimming in the nude in public . . . attracting the attention of young, impressionable girls. Never had such a thing happened here until their arrival."

Au-Mikiel gave a muffled laugh.

Doma Maree smiled kindly. "Ah, Fels Au-Gehen, brother, your point is well-taken. However, I think you over-estimate the danger. I am the one who showed the clones the pool and told them they could go swimming there. They thought they would have some privacy. Admittedly, I had no idea they would decide to be . . . so natural; but I think for them, it's perfectly normal. I certainly don't think they did it to attract the girls. Speaking of whom, those young ladies knew they were acting inappropriately, but they are teenaged girls. It's only natural for them to be curious. It's up to us to teach them modesty."

"But that's just it, Doma Maree," So'Nodor spoke up. "The girls knew better, but they acted wrongly anyway. The next day, they spoke of it all over the school. Every young girl in the school is just waiting for their turn to see the same thing. These clones are a great temptation, Doma."

"Is it better to resist temptation or avoid it?" Au-Mikiel queried.

"It is best to avoid it until one learns how to resist it," Au-Gehen replied.

"And how does one learn to resist that to which one is never exposed?" Au-Mikiel posed.

"But that's not all, Doma," So'Nodor moved on with the list of indiscretions. "They have been showing the boys their weapons and teaching them . . . how to fight and—and regaling with war stories."

"And what is wrong with that?" the Doma asked.

"We are peaceful orders!" So'Nodor put forth with passion. "We teach love and compassion, not violence and hatred. We are healers, not destroyers."

"Sister," Doma began, taking So'Nodor's hands in her own. "We are peaceful, but you know as well as I do, that if we were attacked, we would defend ourselves. These soldiers – they are our defenders on a much greater level. They are the reason we still have the freedom to worship as we please. If the Separatists defeat them and take over this planet, we will lose that freedom. The clones are not the enemy."

"Not the enemy of freedom, but of good, sensible behavior," So'Nodor persisted. "Our boys now speak of being soldiers instead of healers. Why, yesterday, the clones were actually firing their weapons at practice targets and letting the boys watch!"

Here, Au-Mikiel intervened. "The boys in the Wayward Houses did not come here to be healers. And it has never been our intention to direct them towards becoming healers. That many have chosen such a life of their own accord has been our good fortune. But that is not the purpose of the Wayward Houses or the school." A pause. "Boys see soldiers, and they see something worth emulating. They see the clones, and there is much to be admired there."

"Then what about the clones who sat with the ni-Doma at the morning meal?" Au-Gehen pressed. "That was a spectacle. You had to recognize the flirtatious manner of interaction – on both sides. Those men were toying with young ladies who are trying to discern their path in life."

Doma Maree gave a closed-mouth grin. "I admit, the clones are charming. Everyone seems to be quite taken with them. I understand your concern, but I do not see the threat that you see. In a matter of days, they will be gone, and everything will go back to normal." She paused, and a glint of recollection came into her eye. "And if it makes you feel any better, I think their captain shares your concern. He's constantly on the lookout to make sure his men don't get too comfortable. He's quite the curmudgeon."

"Doma—"

"Brother, Sister, I cannot and I will not cast them out, if that is what you are suggesting," Maree said firmly. "I will not sequester them away from the rest of us. I will speak to their captain about some of the more . . . indiscreet behaviors. But they are our guests and our protectors, and I will not have them treated with anything but the greatest kindness and respect as befits Verviens and Austeniens."

Au-Gehen and So'Nodor both bowed their heads in concession. "Yes, Doma."

"Perhaps if you spent more time with them, you would feel more comfortable with their presence," Au-Mikiel suggested.

Wordless nods signaled their acknowledgment.

"Thank you for taking the time to hear us," So'Nodor said.

"Thank you for expressing your—" The Doma stopped abruptly. "What is that sound?"

A low rumbling filled the air and made it vibrate around them.

"An earthquake?" So'Nodor asked, her eyes wide and scanning around them.

"No . . . the earth isn't shaking," Au-Mikiel said. "It can't be activity from the shafts that heat the springs. We know what that feels like."

"It's getting louder," Maree said.

"Look! Over there! The sand is being kicked up by something!" Au-Gehen exclaimed, pointing towards the south-west.

"Is it a sandstorm?" So'Nodor asked.

Before any answer was forthcoming, through the cloud of sand there appeared dark shadowy splotches that emerged as the leading edges of a massive craft. A spacecraft.

"It's a ship!" Au-Mikiel announced.

"Is it Republic or Separatist?" So'Nodor asked.

"I don't know," Au-Mikiel replied.

The Doma turned to her companions. "We must get back. Au-Gehen, go to the healing rooms! Make sure the injured are protected! Au-Mikiel, go to the main gate and find out if they are friendly. If not, stall them until we can make sure the clones are hidden; then I will come to meet them. So'Nodor, come with me."

The group split on their separate taskings.

"Where are we going, Doma?!" So'Nodor called out, as the two women ran back along the path.

The Doma's voice contained more urgency than So'Nodor had ever heard.

"To the Seiba Tops! I have to find Captain Rex!"

Starting to develop the Anakin attachment issues. When I wrote the Anakin scene (and rewrote and tweaked and spoke it out loud over and over again), I tried to picture it as an actual animated scene. Would Anakin say these things? Is this how he really feels about his men? I hope it's convincing, because I like to think Anakin would do just about anything for his men.