Mandalore

The Badlands

The three Aratech speeder bikes swept into the Badlands, an area in Mandalore rendered unusable and uninhabitable from the years, generations of war in Mandalore's past. Parts were slowly regenerating but it would take centuries before it was anywhere near inhabitable, without some kind of habitation dome like the ones, where Sundari was located.

Niner had reported to HQ they were following a lead here, out in the middle of nowhere based on the Intel Rede had supplied. He didn't like doing it; it went against his nature, lying but he'd done more of that recently. He'd been accused of being straight as a die, sticking to the regs too much and he even argued the point with a Null, A'den. Now he'd finally had enough; it was time for him to retire with Darman. He still couldn't quite believe they were here and ready.

Darman was as quiet as he normally was, but there was an edge to him, Niner had watched him carefully and assumed it was the anticipation of finally seeing Kad, of being with him permanently, watching him grow up. He still couldn't comprehend what his brother had gone through losing his wife. He wondered if he would have acted differently but he was different; he probably would never have got in that position.

Would he?

Niner was looking forward to seeing Fi, Atin and Kal; and the Nulls, they were all brothers in the Mandalorian sense. Then finally resting, taking some time out although they hadn't been as badly treated as the regs because of his Sergeant, his Buir and he wasn't sure what he would be doing. But this was not the time for introspection and he signalled for them to pull over. Now he had a conversation to have with Rede.

They parked up their bikes, just as if they were on a mission; Darman pulled out his water flask and took a long drink.

Rede looked out over the bleak landscape, rocks and sand and very little in the way of vegetation, "So this is what happens to a planet when you're continually fighting." He said by way of a statement.

"Over generations, yes." Explained Niner, "But where we're going it's not like this."

"To these Mandalorians, your old training sergeants?"

"Yes."

"You said they didn't like the Empire. Are they Separatists still or rebels?"

"Neither. All Mandalorians don't like anyone trying to take over their home, wherever it may be. But they're not exactly rebels. They just want to live life as they want to, by their rules and no one else."

"So who are they?"

"Like I said. Kal Skirata, is our old training Sergeant and there are other clones there, our brothers."

"Clones?"

"Yes. Members of our old squad. Brothers we had grown up with."

Rede processed that; he had never had that closeness.

"And you want to be with them?"

"Yes. Exactly."

"Are you meeting them to get Intel?"

"No. We're going to stay with them. Not undercover."

"But that means deserting."

"It does."

Rede was silent.

"But we have a problem." Niner continued and looked him straight in the eye.

"Me?"

Rede looked at both Commandos, he couldn't fight both of them.

Niner nodded.

"You're sure about this?"

"Right! We've done our part for more than three years. It's time we lived the rest of our lives."

Rede looked at Darman, he was edgy. Niner saw him.

"Darman is a Father. He should be with his son."

"Father?"

"Yes. That's not for discussion now. So what do you want to do?" This was Darman asking.

"Do I have a choice?" Rede asked.

"Everyone has a choice." Niner answered, being reasonable, "But choices have consequences."

Rede couldn't contemplate how you would feel if you had a son you couldn't see. It was totally out of his experience or concept and nothing he had ever thought about.

"What would I do, if I don't fight?"

"Anything you want, ner vod." Niner sounded just like Kal now.

"Anything?"

"You can take time out to find out what you want to do, just like all those people we've fought for do. You can make your own choices." Something else that Kal had told them.

Kriff! Although he sounded just like Kal. He still wasn't sure himself what he wanted to do. He just knew he wanted out.

"So what are we doing here then?" Asked Rede.

"You do understand what we mean?" Darman asked.

"You're deserting!" Answered Rede looking down and checking his equipment.

Niner and Darman looked at each other; Rede usually wasn't this slow.

"And if you come with us, you'll be deserting."

"Of course, ner vod. Is that how you say it?" Rede looked at him hopeful.

"Once we do it. There's no going back. You've heard the rumours of what happens to clones who don't follow orders."

"They're Regs. But yes. There's no going back." He stopped and looked at Niner, "Is that why you didn't shoot the youngling who was watching us? You had the perfect shot lined up."

Niner remembered, he saw him through his scope; he remembered taking the decision not to shoot, moving his rifle a fraction to the left. The boy felt the bolt shoot past him and hit the tree behind him. He looked back.

He was a Mandalorian, he knew when someone had deliberately missed.

Niner saw him nod fractionally then disappear into the undergrowth.

"He was no danger to us. Didn't want any more interest in us. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I gave him a break. I made the call."

Rede looked at him, unsure if that was true, or if he had already 'retired'.

"Okay then. I'm with you." Rede had made up his mind.

"I'll contact them and arrange it." He felt a weight lift off his shoulders, once that decision was made.

He pulled his helmet back on and contacted Kyrimorut; it only took a few seconds before a familiar voice answered.

"Good to hear from you son. Are you both alright? Any problems?"

"Yes we're fine Buir. There'll be three of us."

"Good. Ordo's taking charge."

There were some shuffling noises then— "Niner, ner vod." Ordo's voice came on, "Are you ready? What do you need? What's the time frame?"

.

Kyrimorut

Ryssa had to get out of the house. The atmosphere was getting to her; perhaps she was a little too sensitive at this time, perhaps she didn't have the Mandokarla, as Kal was so fond of saying but the intensity with which they were all focused on getting Omega back safe and sound, was giving her a headache. She couldn't, wouldn't blame them; she just needed to get away from there sometimes. She didn't want to get in the way either.

And now she had a splitting headache, or rather a migraine; she hadn't had one of these in years and thought she had outgrown them. Possibly hormones, she deduced.

She wandered over to the Pond; it always seemed peaceful by water and the pond was no exception. She sat and watched it ripple where the flying insects landed on its mirror-like surface. Mandalore's moon was shining down on it, and the bench she was sitting on was in the perfect place to see this. She sat contemplating its beauty; she had always been able to see beauty in many things but nature was not something that was readily available on Coruscant, except in the Gardens. This was right on their doorstep, literally.

She lifted her hands and looked at them, they were trembling again; she sighed, she kept hoping they would get better despite wha5 she had been told.

Mird sat next to her; she scratched his head to give one of her hands something to do. It distracted her from the tremors. He moved slightly and then the creak of armour, alerted her as someone sat next to her, "You shouldn't worry you know. You're as safe here as anywhere."

She was surprised to see Mereel sitting next to her and he was watching her hands, "Thank you. But I'm not sure if that helps or not." She rubbed the side of her head.

"Headache?" He asked.

"Yes."

"I can get you some painkillers." He offered.

"I'll sit here quietly for a little while. It may wear off."

"Okay if I still sit with you. My brother worries about you and they are in the midst of planning."

"Yes. That's fine. Aren't you helping?"

"Done my bit. Know my role. The others are sorting theirs out and then it's a waiting game. So I'm the surrogate father to be."

She smiled and nodded.

"I hate waiting too." She rubbed her Temple again,feeling nauseous.

"Are you sure you're alright, you look pale? Paler than normal."

"Yes. I'll be fine. Ooh!" She winced.

"What?" He jumped up.

"He hits a nerve sometimes. And you're taking this Surrogate father business very seriously."

"I'm a serious man."

"Sometimes." She said, twisting around to get comfortable.

"Sometimes." He echoed, "Can I?" He held his hand out. She carefully placed it on her stomach where she felt the movement.

"How far along are you now?"

She frowned at him.

"I just want to know so I can prepare."

"For what?"

"Back up for A'den." He wrinkled his nose, "Unless you've agreed Mird can do it."

The Strill sat watching him, seemingly understanding the conversation. Ryssa was so used to him following her now, it was second nature for him to be there.

"I can't imagine either of those scenarios happening but I am coming up for five months."

"Wow! He's strong isn't he?" He kept his hand there, resting gently, "Oh!" He frowned, "He's stopped."

"I'm sure he can sense your hand and voice. A'den talks to him all the time."

"I'd like to see that." He removed his hand, "I'm sorry for being a Di'kut years ago and possibly more recently."

Ryssa looked at his face, there was something different about him, not as hard or intense as before. She felt this was Mereel, the brother that A'den knew.

"It's okay, you're forgiven. You were only looking after your brother. It's good that there are more of you, to look after each other. I appreciate it."

"Good. Because I want to be the first to train my nephew in everything. Number One Uncle."

"What about his Buir?"

"He'll have his hands full with the younger ones. A'den wants six. Hasn't he told you?"

"Six?" She stared at him wide eyed.

"At least."

She sat open mouthed. A'den had never mentioned that number. More yes but not that. She was thinking two or even three.

"Gotcha! I don't know how many he wants, that's between the two of you. But from the look on your face, possibly not six. But you look better. Has your headache gone?"

Ryssa smiled, "It has actually, thanks."

"All part of the service." He bowed.

"Hey!"

They turned to see Scout running towards them.

"We've got incoming!"

"Omega already?"

"No Vau! There's some injured too."

"Timing!" Muttered Mereel, all serious now.

"I'll—" offered Ryssa.

Mereel put a hand on her shoulder, "Sit there for a bit until we find out exactly what's happened?"

She opened her mouth.

"Don't argue. A'den says you argue. Don't!" He was all business now and she still felt a little off, so took his advice.

Ryssa watched the two rush off and when they disappeared into the house, she stood up, steadied herself through the dizziness that hit her as she rose and walked slowly back to the house.

.

Vau's ship - Inbound to Mandalore

Zey knelt next to Coric, his hand still on his chest.

"How is he doing?" Asked Maze.

"Really needs a Bacta tank. I'm just keeping the damage at bay. Are they expecting us?"

"Yes. Although I can't guarantee the welcome we'll get."

Maze and Zey exchanged a glance.

"I could sense nothing on him that could track him,"

"And I checked his equipment."

"I know." replied Vau, glancing back at their cargo, "But I want to find out where he came from because it wasn't Kamino and he's too old to be Spaarti despite their even more rapid ageing."

"So a Fett clone? First or even second generation."

"He didn't act like a first Gen, and I thought they were all regs." Maze commented.

"Maybe second generation but could have been modified." Vau said with distaste, "We can get him autopsied and his equipment examined. We'll be dropping out of hyperspace soon, on the far side."

The ship dropped smoothly out of hyperspace unlike some older ships.

"Vau here. We have injured on board. Need medics on landing."

"Copy that." It was a Null that answered, voice a little strained but it sounded like Kom'rk. They all had their own voices.

He plotted his course and came into land using all the Empire's blind spots the Nulls had found or engineered. Kal was right; they were clever but they had to be. They all did to keep ahead of the Dar'jetii.

He landed and as soon as the ramp was lowering the little jedi that Mij had acquired ran up.

She hesitated for a moment, seeing Vau's face but then responded on seeing Zey.

"Master Zey!"

"It's Coric. I've done what I can but he needs a Bacta tank."

A repulsor gurney followed, pushed by Fi, who went to help Maze put the injured on it.

Then she saw the other clone lying on the floor.

"Don't worry about him, my dear. He's gone and I have other plans for him."

.

Kyrimorut

Ryssa headed towards the medical building, as fast as she could, and as soon as she opened the door Mij was there.

"We're okay, Ad'ika. We can manage. There's only one serious case." He narrowed his eyes, "You're looking pale and they'll be here in a minute so you go and rest. I mean it. I don't want to have to deal with you and them so go. Rest! Doctors orders!"

She huffed, opened her mouth to argue, until she saw the look on his face and then let the door close slowly; she heard the distant sound of a ship coming into land, the engines winding down. She wandered to the landing zone despite Mij's warning, confirming the saying that Doctors made the worst patients.

Mird followed her and now sat next to her expectantly, patiently waiting for Vau.

"Vau! What in Haran have you been doing?"

Ske heard Kal's voice before she saw him but he didn't sound as angry as he normally did with Vau; A'den told her of the fights they used to have on Kamino. It couldn't have been bad today, as they walked off together, talking. She frowned, relieved Mij didn't need her, the headache had returned.

.

Ryssa saw Coric in the Bacta tank, as soon as she entered but she was surprised to see another clone watching him.

"The doc did a good job. He'll be okay. The damage was extensive despite what Arligan had tried to do to mitigate it."

Maze remembered seeing the hole in his vod's chest and thought it was the end for him. Another brother gone.

"He's a good Doctor. One of the best. I can't—not anymore."

His eyes dropped to her stomach.

"Not that. This!" she held out her arms. Her hands trembled uncontrollably. "The Inquisitor."

"Karking Dar'jetti Shabuir."

"How long will he be in there?" A'den asked, from behind her; she had not heard him approach but it made sense. He was still a little jealous about her friend and former lover but she had made her choice.

"At least seventy two hours." Maze replied, "Then they'll see but he'll probably go straight back to Altis with myself and Zey. Tann is coming back with us. We've more Jedi healers there."

Ryssa nodded, A'den was silent but she felt him relax slightly; she reached back for his hand and squeezed it.

Maze wandered out of the room, muttering about seeing a Jedi about an Akk Dog.

"When are we expecting Omega?" She asked.

"Tomorrow. Tonight they set off an explosion, destroying their bikes. We'll pick them up and then sit tight with them for a day to see what comes out of the woodwork, if anything. When it's all clear, we head back here."

Always protecting the Bastion.

"You're going aren't you?"

"Yes."

She knew he would.

"Are you expecting anything from the Empire?"

"Not really. Their record on how they treat clones is worse than the Republic."

"I thought we were still on the list."

"We are. That's because we are really good and they know it. And if we put our minds to it could be a real thorn in the Emperor's side."

"We could, couldn't we." She smiled to herself.

"I don't like it when you get that look on your face."

"Just a few thoughts."

"I'm retired." He pulled her to him, as they watched Coric, "As are you and we will have a family to look after."

"We will." She agreed, as she rested her hands on his forearms, now resting around her stomach.

"It's just….."

"Just what?"

"After what they did to me and are still doing to others, I feel I ought to do something. Not necessarily physical but something. I don't know what yet."

"Hmm!" A'den leant his chin gently on her head. He knew exactly how she felt and he was torn but his family came first at this time.

.

Kal stared at the body on the table in Vau's ship.

"Any intel on Delta?"

"Not much more than before. A place called Tantiss might be useful but nobody knows where it is, even Rampart."

"Rampart?"

"Gone. Won't be able to trace it back to us."

"Good. I'll let A'den and Ryssa know."

Vau stared at the corpse, "We need an autopsy."

"First or second generation?"

"We don't know. Different weapons, a new ship."

"Not Spaarti."

"No, too old!"

"We have one of those lads joining us."

"With Omega?" Vau turned to Kal, that explained why he hadn't lost it with him.

"Yes."

"You happy with that?"

"Niner and Darman have been with him for a while now. Niner seems satisfied and I trust Niner. He's steady."

"He always has been. But we need to know about this one. I was going to ask Mij to autopsy him and your lads would be able to look at his equipment."

"Mij's busy at the moment but Prudii and Jaing would love to have a look at the tech. I'll get them. It may have to wait."

"He's going nowhere." Vau pushed him back in his chiller unit. A hangover from his Bounty hunting days to keep bodies fresh. He wasn't squeamish but the smell of decomposing bodies lingered.

Jilka stood on the ramp, high enough up that she could hear what was being said. She listened to the men's voices. She had watched the increasing activity preparing for Omega's return, over the last few days and now this. Corr had been full of it; his old squad finally deserting, they would all be together.

Hope rose within her, that all this activity would provide the catalyst to finally take her home. The conversation in the ship ended and she snuck away.

Jaing had answered his fathers call, while Prudii was checking something. He stopped before he turned the corner past the building, wondering why Jilka was standing on Vau's ramp, ducked down to the side. Then she slipped away. He had to keep an eye on her.