Fixer's peaceful slumber was shattered by an ear-piercing metallic sound. His commando training immediately kicked in and he woke up ready for battle. Fixer scanned his surroundings: All personal possessions were packed up, personal living quarters were pristine and within recommended standards as always. Therefore the disruption was coming from somewhere outside.

He got out of bed and opened his datapad to see if there was an explanation for the disturbance. Fixer read through his unopened messages:

At 0235 hours: Delta Squad's advisor sent an urgent communication requesting to meet up with him as soon as possible.
At 0359 hours: A clone trooper from the night shift sent him surveillance footage of Scorch's failed souvenir heist.
At 0500 hours: Sparks, his other half in Gamma Squad, sent him a message commemorating their 2-month anniversary.

Fixer allowed himself a brief smile as he read the details of the last communication. Unfortunately, he still had no explanation for the grating screeching noise which was somehow getting louder.

Fixer looked behind him and saw a sharp weapon pierce the wall near him, emerging inches near his head! He jumped away from the wall before letting out a groan. The weapon and noise came from Scorch's bedroom next door.

Fixer went to confront his neighbor and observed the demolition clone stood on his own bed, stabbing his vibroblade against their shared wall.

Fixer looked at his squadmate, simultaneously unimpressed and unsurprised. "Delta-62, it is 0600 hours!"

Scorch realised he had company and finally stopped his ear-piercing vandalism. He turned to Fixer before looking through the paper-thin wall and saw he had broken through to next door. "Oh, sorry Fixer. Did I get you?"

"It's a Katarn-class vibroblade. If you had 'got me', you would have killed me." He said candidly. What are you even doing?"

"Trying to cut off a piece of the prosecutor for myself." Fixer waited for him to elaborate but Scorch went back to slashing the wall.

"…What?" he asked in confusion.

Scorch took a firm swing, causing sparks to fly. "Souvenir before we leave. Martz gave me the idea. I wanted a torpedo warhead but uh… she convinced me to change my mind."

Fixer gave a smirk as he remembered the video he was sent earlier. "Seven-Five just messaged me about your little keepsake caper. I'm surprised you didn't wake the rest of the squad up."

"Oh, I did. I just didn't wake you up." For once, Fixer was taken back. He was never the biggest fan of Scorch's antics, but he never expected to be excluded from them. "Who's Seven-Five? You talking 'bout Tats?" Scorch asked as he tried to saw through the wall.

"I am talking about CT-7675 from the night shift." Fixer shouted over the irritating noise of the vibroblade scraping against metal.

"So yeah, Tats."

Scorch paused his wall defacement when he came to a realisation about his brother. "Fixer, why don't you ever use nicknames? It would save you so much time. I mean everyone calls you Fixer, but you've never once called me Scorch…"

"It's called being professional, Six-Two. I suggest you try it. What if someone from the high counsel finds out about your actions?"

"Then they'll see I'm the best the republic has to offer."

Fixer couldn't help but scoff. "You know, you've never once called me Delta-40. Maybe if you start acting more like a proper commando, I'll start using your nicknames." Scorch ignored him and went back to slashing the wall. Fixer turned to leave before quietly adding. "And if I remember correctly, it was you who gave me that nickname. I never liked it when people call me that."

Scorch gave him a look of confusion. "Don't you like it when Sparks calls you Fixer?"

"Spar-" Fixer snapped before quickly composing himself. "Gamma-75 is a very special… exception." he explained, not making any attempt to hide his irritation. "If you'll excuse me Delta-62, I've got a meeting with our advisor CC-01/425."

"You talking 'bout Addie?"

Fixer ignored him and left the den of disruption. He made his way to the advisor's office who clearly had some important news.

"Good morning, Delta-40. I'm not sure if you heard the news, but Gamma-99 accidently shot himself in the foot with a Corellian blaster."

Fixer couldn't believe what he just heard. "A member of Gamma Squad accidently shot themselves?" he exclaimed out loud.

"Yes, I think they got bored and played a game of 'Shoot the Boot'. What's the first rule of being a commando? Don't play 'Shoot the Boot'."

Fixer looked at his advisor, wondering if this was another joke he didn't understand. "I'll... I'll bear that in mind, sir."

The officer continued. "So whilst he recovers, the squad urgently need a new second in command and you came very highly recommended by Gamma-75. After talking to myself and Captain Martz, Gamma-lead has formally requested for you to transfer to his squad. I think he also tried to get a reference from Delta-lead but it seems he slept through it."

Fixer couldn't help but smile to the advisor's amusement. "So when will I be transferring sir?"

"Tonight." Fixer's smile immediately dropped which the officer noticed. "Before dropping off Delta Squad, the Prosecutor will be passing by Corellia which is where you will meet up with Gamma Squad.

Fixer thought for a second before giving a confused look. "But I thought Delta Squad was assigned to Selonia? Wouldn't I be dropped off after Delta Squad?"

The advisor was mildly impressed at Fixer's quick thinking. "There's been a recent change of plans. Nothing you need to worry yourself about. And apologies for the short notice. Gamma squad will be going on an intense mission and urgently need to decide on their second in command. Believe me, the timing isn't ideal for us either especially with…" The advisor quickly went silent before he accidently revealed anything.

Before Fixer could say anything, the advisor continued. "I will be sending you some information for when you meet up as Gamma's sergeant. You will also need to decide on your replacement for Delta Squad. That being said, I'd advise you to get started on that at a later time. You can always refuse your promotion but if you decide to transfer, the last time you see Delta Squad will be when you leave here tonight in just over 17 hours' time."

After absorbing all this information, Fixer finally broke out of his trance. "Wait did you say…sergeant?"

"That is correct, you are promoted to acting sergeant until the transfer at which point you will be officially promoted. Congratulations Delta… Or I suppose I should say congratulations Gamma-40." The advisor smiled as he shook Fixer's hand firmly.

"Thank you, sir." Fixer said absently, his mind swarming with so many different thoughts and feelings. "Gamma-40." He whispered to himself, completely lost in his own mind as he continued shaking the officer's hand.

After an awkward minute had passed, the advisor finally broke his hand free of the vacant soldier's iron clad grip. "And if this is goodbye, here's my last bit of advice. However you feel RC-1140, don't be an RPA."

"RPA?"

"Recently Promoted Asshole." He explained.

"Aye-aye, chief…" Fixer said whilst giving a two-finger salute to his own surprise.

The advisor was slightly taken aback. "Exactly like that, Acting Sergeant."

Fixer cringed. "Sorry sir."

Author notes:

So for future reference, I will try to upload a chapter every 3 days since I have 2 more stories planned for the end of the year. As always any comments, critiques and theories are very welcome.

If anyone is confused about Sparks from Gamma Squad, read the previous story in this series 'Man's best friend'.

Mini Fun Fac: The Advisor's nickname of 'Addie' is from a RC fanfic which I was unable to locate. If anyone finds it, let me know so I can credit it properly.

There's also a reference to a popular sitcom in this chapter, let me know if you get it!