#Annie my oc bby

[annwayne]

The Red Logs: Return to the Temple Ch. 14

Last Chapter <- -> Next Chapter

Fem!OC X Crosshair

Word Count:  2070

Fic Summary:

There are benefits to owning a clone bar. Underworld lords don’t threaten you to pay for protection. Clones are great company. And the drinks taste great. However, there are also risks to owning a clone bar. Like, for example, becoming the fuck buddy of a special clone task force member so your life gets threatened when a Separatist puts out a bounty for your capture in order to use you as blackmail. Also your sleep schedule gets wrecked. But Anya Tougt is a little more capable than an average bar owner.

Ao3 Link Here

Warnings apply to whole fic:

Canon typical violence, descriptions of panic attacks, alcohol, swearing, 18+ themes (eventual smut), trauma, religious trauma parallels, mild gore

Authors Note:

I’ve been big depressed and struggling a lot, but managed to get a chapter done, so a chapter is posted. If ya like it give it a reblog and like.

26 BBY. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Anakin smile so much in one day. He was thrilled to hear about his mother. She had me deliver a holorecording to him. Other Jedi would deny her request. Anakin was incredibly thankful. Obi-Wan was not pleased.

“When?”

My helmet laid between my feet as Tech applied a bacta patch to my forehead. I hissed in a breath as the sting grew stronger with each application of cleaning and healing supplies. Apparently I was pretty banged up. Might even end up with a scar or two. Wonder what kind of story I’ll make up for them.

“When I knew about Anya Tougt, the bar owner my brother had been seeing or when I knew Annie the padawan was Anya Tougt?” Tech’s cadence felt taunting, but I’d heard enough from Crosshair to know that was rarely the case.

“Both, let’s start with both.” My eyes met his and we lingered. A mixture of exhaustion and frustration met softness in Tech’s expression.

He sighed, then dropped his gaze back towards the limited medical supplies sitting beside him and pulled out a needle and some sutures. “Before, before he met you I mean, Crosshair would go off on his own during leave but he never spent the night out.” He paused, looking up at me, then gestured for me to lift my arm. I obliged. “As I am sure you know, Anya, clones talk.” Now that he had some slack, Tech pulled my Jedi robes loose to reveal my injured shoulder. “It didn’t take long to find out your identity and your penchant for clones.”

My scowl told him to move on.

“But I did not know you were a Jedi, are a Jedi?” The clone shook his head before continuing. “Your public records started only a few years ago, but that is not odd on Coruscant. Even less so for someone living in the lower levels.” Calloused fingers delicately stitched my shoulder back together. “Annie was nowhere to be found in the Jedi Archives, however.”

I shot him a surprised look. “Those aren’t public records, Tech.”

“No, they are not.” He didn’t even look up from his work. “Only after I saw your reaction to the message I showed you on The Negotiator did I think of checking the records for Anya.”

“Lyn.” My breath carried her name.

“Yes, she was the first clue.”

First clue? My eyes narrowed. “You knew. When you came to talk to me that night, you knew I was Anya Tougt. You knew why there was a bounty on me.” Betrayal laced my words as guilt stirred in my chest.

Tech took in a deep breath, then set down the needle he had been using to sew up the deep cuts that snaked down my shoulder- almost like a doll hinge. “I only had my guess.” There was no malice in his words. No intent of harm. “Confronting you was the only way to prove or deny my hypothesis.”

That spark of anger cooled into annoyance. “I understand.” Hesitation lingered in the silence. Tech helped pull my robes back up-as best we could due to my limited mobility. Then he spoke.

“What I said, that was real, Anya.” Brown eyes met mine as Tech leaned into view. “I am sorry your trust was betrayed.” A small chuckle left his lips, and his eyes lit up. “Though, I’m not sorry it led to meeting you. I see why Crosshair became so fond of you.”

A choked laugh left me as I felt that familiar sting of tears pull at my eyes. This moment alone with Tech, drifting through the vast empty space, felt so similar to the quiet conversations I shared with Qui-Gon. “Meeting Crosshair’s brothers was a highlight.” Laughter turned into sobs. Not tragic sobs, but relieved ones.

Someone knew me.

We laughed, mine accompanied with tears, and Tech opened his arms, letting me lean into his careful half hug. We stayed like that for a moment, just long enough for the high of my emotions to level out. Then he moved back, picking up my cracked helmet, and handed it to me.

“You’ll need a new one.” He said with a smile.

After I wiped whatever tears were still left on my face into my cheeks, I pulled the helmet back on. Luckily it would still suffice as a means of concealing my identity. “No, there’s no way Obi-Wan will ever let me go on missions again.” My assurance did not hide my disappointment.

Tech closed up his med kit and put it back into the pack he usually carried. “You are not part of the Jedi Order, correct?”

“Yeah.” His expression was difficult to make out through the crack running down my viewfinder. But I caught a hint of a sneaky smile.

“That means you are a civilian,” Tech continued. “Which means you could officially apply to be a civilian consultant for Clone Force 99.” My gaze lifted. “There aren’t many in the GAR, but the position will not be difficult for you to obtain. Especially with my recommendation.”

The information froze me. I could keep going on missions with the squad? “Wait, really?” Then a slew of doubts flooded my thoughts. “Do you even want that? I mean,” My gaze dropped to my hands. Death and disaster seemed to always find me, no matter how far I ran. “I’d be more of a burden than help.” There was more I wanted to say. More to point out why this was a bad idea. But every thought slipped away before I could catch it.

“I know what I want, Anya, but do you?” Our eyes locked.

Then rattling came.

“Tech, The Negotiator just arrived.” Hunter’s voice filled the small pod. “They’re pulling us in now, we’ll meet you two in the Hangar.”

“Finally! We’ve been drifting fo-” Wreckers celebration was cut short when Hunter closed the comm.

Right as the Marauder detached from the Separatist command ship, an explosion caused the attack shuttle to lose basic flight controls, leaving them stuck floating in the debris ridden space just like us. Luckily everyone was okay, enough at least, but the wait had been longer than expected.

“Copy.” Tech answered and closed his comm, then glanced my way.

I sat in a bath, a normal bath, and replayed the messy dreams that filled my mind while I was healing. Technically, bacta isn’t the reason for those dreams–something about the medically induced sleep messing with the REM cycle–but it was a common enough phenomenon for the bacta in the bath to be blamed.

Flashing lights. Blaring alarms. Vekek’s tiny body atop Tech’s. My lightsaber, heavy and cold in my hands. Blue cutting through flesh. Life going limp. The dreams were clearer than the memories. She didn’t even make a sound.

No. I sunk deeper into the floral scented bath water. There was no other option. Vekek had to die.

My attention turned to my nose. Bacta smells horrible, like something sterile. So I scrubbed at my skin to try and rid myself of the scent. Even though the bacta bath had healed my wounds, I was incredibly sore. Every movement made my joints creak like a rusty droid. My gaze caught one of the new scars. It was thick and jagged, crawling over my shoulder and back–but I couldn’t see that part without a mirror. There was another at the base of my skull. I could feel the tough skin wind up my skull and past my hairline. At least they were pale, scarring lighter than my actual skin tone. Maybe no one would notice them.

A sigh left my lips. The scars didn’t upset me. It was what followed the scars that I dreaded. The questions. The lying. “I’ve done it for years.” My voice echoed back to me in the small square room. It didn’t sound convincing. I looked at my hands, fingertips all pruny from how long I’ve sat in the hot water.

Finally, I lifted myself from the silky water, the oils clinging to my heat-reddened skin as I stepped out of the rectangle bath. While drying myself off, my reflection caught my eye. I lifted up my hair, checking how deep the scar went. About five centimeters. The bald patch felt odd. A frown looked back at me. Without another second to think myself out of it, I dug through the small cabinets and found a black rectangle in Obi-Wan’s things. The razor buzzed loudly as I shaved the bottom quarter of my hair off–enough to make the bald patch look intentional.

A few minutes later I exited the refresher dressed in a fresh set of Jedi robes and with my remaining hair braided down. Obi-Wan sat casually on the single sofa in the small room, only glancing up to see me putting on my armor.

“Actually, you’ll find a gift in that bag there.” His head tilted behind me.

Unzipping the bag revealed clone armor, but it was different from standard armor. I could already feel how light the boots felt compared to what I had been wearing. The colors were different too. This plastoid was decorated with red accents and designs. As I clicked the pieces in place I noticed they fit much better than my previous set.

“How did-?”

I turned to ask Obi-Wan who shook his head in answer.

“Hmm..” Finally I held my helmet; a smaller and sleeker one than the clone design. Red stripes cut diagonal through the helmet's visor. “The batch made this, but why?”

With a sigh, Kenobi put down his datapad and looked up at me. “Yes. They made you armor.”

“That sounds like the beginning of a lecture.”

Obi-Wan squirmed. Which meant he stood and walked around the sofa. “Tech left you this.” He produced a thin data pad addressed to me.

“What?” My brow furrowed and I snatched the thin datapad from Obi-Wan’s hands. “The civilian consultant form, with his recommendation.” A small smile grew as I read the review. He had done all this?

“I can’t say I approve of this, Annie.” Kenobi’s words wiped the smile off my lips.

I pulled on my helmet, hoping to hide the emotions running across my face. “Well… It’s a good thing I don’t need your approval.” The words tasted bitter, like disappointment.

He turned back to me again, pacing along the length of the couch. “I thought you wanted to live a civilian life. To leave behind the ways of the Jedi and disconnect from the force. How can you do that when you’re pretending to be my padawan?”

“Call me a knight then.”

“Anya!” Obi-Wan broke his pacing to face me.

“Do I need to remind you that the council is the reason I’m here? They dragged me out of my life, my normal, non-Jedi life, for a bounty!?” A rip in my throat made my words crack. “And now suddenly you think I can go back, as if everything's the same?!”

A nasty crease pulled Obi-Wan’s face down. He glanced left and right before landing back on me. “You aren’t made for war.”

“Neither are children.” It was a low jab, and the hitch in his breath agreed.

Obi-Wan remained silent. We stood, staring. Pounding in my chest squeezed my fists. After a pause I thought would never end, he spoke. “Anya.” His gaze dropped from my visor. “You killed someone.”

Finally.

My jaw clenched. “To protect Tech. It wasn’t out of hate, if that’s what you're worried about.” I looked away from him. It didn’t help the hurt in my chest. “You have done the exact same.”

“Out of hate or not,” Obi-Wan approached me, that stern master’s look knitted into his face. Then he reached forward and I realized I’d been backing away. “You haven’t taken a life since Tali-”

I caught his extended hand, stopping his lips in an instant, and met his eyes.

Too many words rushed forward.

My jaw clenched.

His eyes softened.

“You don’t know that.” The hiss came out vile.

Those eyes hardened.

Before he could get another word in, I ripped my hand from him and headed to the door. Something paused me and squeezed a mumble from my lips. “You’re not Qui-Gon and you’re not Tali, so stop trying to be.” And then I stepped out, into the wide halls of The Negotiator.

Authors end chapter notes:

What do you think Tech wants when he says "I know what I want" What do you think he feels about Anya? Do you think Anya's killed someone else after leaving the order? Why do you think Anya and Obi-Wan keep getting into arguments? Let me know your thoughts if you have any! Thanks for reading :D

Dividers by Djarrex   

[imjustalilboi]

I'm bored so have some Thomas and Friends OCs I made and things that happen to them

Lillian

- An L&YR Class 27 engine (Yes, that means she's related to James)

- She has a somewhat bubbly personality but can get upset at times

- She was painted in the usual L&YR black but was later repainted in the NWR blue

- She was given the nickname "Bad Luck Lillian" from how many accidents she was involved in during her stay on the BR and was constantly harassed for it on her past railway (She still has trauma from it but hides it)

- Her number is 52321

- She works in the Sodor China Clay Pits, taking heavy and long clay trains to the docks

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Christopher

- An LB&SCR E4 Class engine

- He is outgoing and extroverted as hell (He WILL legit introduce himself to a random engine at any time with no warning)

- He has a passionate and optimistic personality, always trying to see the good in things

- He has two rolling stock, a 7 plank truck painted blue (Miles), and a push-pull coach painted in the usual orange (Clarissa)

- He works on the Little Western with Duck and Oliver

- His number is B470

- He was painted brown when he arrived on Sodor, but was repainted in the NWR green

- When he worked on the Southern Railway, he had an incident similar to Thomas' with the guard, but he willingly had cowcatchers put on him, liking how they look on him

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Taylor

- An N-1 2-8-4 Berkshire

- She is introverted and a bit slow thinking

- She has a timid and kind personality

- She was shipped overseas from America to work with heavy goods and passenger trains

- Her older sister is No 1225, or better known as Pere Marquette, one of the locomotives mostly known for the inspiration for The Polar Express

- She has four Pullman coaches, named Victoria, Terry, Rika, and Stephanie

- She also knew Nic while she was in America (The name for Nickel Plate Road 765 for my AU)

- She enjoys it when it snows, not really needing a snowplow and getting to pull special Holiday trains, her coaches repainted for the events

- Her number is 1221

- She mainly works on the line from Knapford to Vicarstown

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Crashes and Incidents

- On November 7th, 1966, Lillian ran into the back of an idle goods train while pulling a clay train, crashing into a bog

- On May 24th, 1954, Christopher's left coupling rod and cowcatcher came undone from a close shave with Oliver at a junction

- On December 1, 1977, Taylor flew off a bend from slipping on icy rails while going down Gordon's Hill on a particularly snowy evening while pulling a coal train

On April 18th, 1933, Lillian backed past a danger sign by accident during bad weather, derailing her tender in a ditch

On November 7th, 1979, Taylor hit a lorry on the line while pulling a goods train, only derailing herself along with a few trucks and vans

- On September 5th, 1966, Christopher reversed and accidentally ran through the buffers, derailing Miles into a muddy ditch and nearly tipping over Clarissa

-----------------------------------------

Rolling Stock

- Victoria is a little bit lazy, always yawning and annoyed when she has to work while she's tired

- Terry is somehow almost always asleep, not even waking up during passenger runs and not feeling a thing

- Rika is absolutely fucking FERAL, snarling at anyone and always angry at everyone (Except for Miles because he is bby boy and nobody picks on him)

- Stephanie is the only inquisitive one out of her four siblings, the observation coach always asking questions and is the most positive

- Miles is one of the only well behaved trucks on the island, never pushing or taunting

- Clarissa can be quite snobby at times, yet she doesn't mean any harm behind it (She'll occasionally be in the coach shed with her two siblings who were also on the island, Annie and Clarabel)

- Lillian has a coach she's familiar with, Roly, occasionally taking him with workmen when they need to be moved

[citizenstarlight]

Your Annie is the sweetest little girl ever, you give me a rough time when we interact with me as my Ben muse, cause he's supposed to act like an asshole and you make it so hard for me, you almost make me break character! Your portrayal is spot on, the Starlight we all deserve and need out here, keep going like this because you already reached the maximum level of perfection with her. I just want to hold her and tell her she's so adored ♡♡

★ ╼ hey…how’s my portrayal? ♡ | accepting 

this means the world to me you don't even know. thank you sm. i love your ben sm, even though he is an asshole and gives annie a run for her money. but he mixes it with enough tolerable moments that make it worth it for her. not to mention the perfection of your maeve. the creativity of your ocs i can't wait to interact with. i adore you bby. thank you for rping with me.

[slothberryshortcake]

Drew my OC Annie!! I’m learning digital again, and getting advice from the nicest folks >v< that I’m happy to know!

[nightfall-kachiniko]

How about mikasa with a Pregnant s/o? I hope you get better btw!

Ah thank you anon! I hope I do aswell! And I love mother kasa concept! :D

『Mikasa with a pregnant s/o』

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[ MAJOR! AOT SPOILERS UP AHEAD! ]

THIS CONTIANS MAJOR SPOILERS REGARDING TO 139 AND CHAPTER 138

- after you guys left the survey corps,she practically BEGGED you both to be parents. And all thought you wanted to, you wanted to spend some years alone with her.

- Ever since Eren passed away, your girlfriend never smiled the way she used to. But that all changed when you told her you were pregnant with a baby girl. This woman bursted into tears smiling a smile you hadn’t seen in a while. She picked you up and spun you around the room kissing you as you to began to cry tears of joy.

- You told her you were pregnant with a small version of her scarf, hinting at it. And as soon as she got it, she looked at you shocked, making sure you were serious, “d-darling are you serious..?” She said a small smile on her face. She looked at the small scarf and the baby clothes that laid in the box that you gave her as a gift, twirling around the outfit examining it.

-you gave her a soft nodd as you wiped away a tear, “Your going to be a mommy” you said with a smile. She put down the baby clothes and looked at you, still in shock. “Your not joking R-right!?” She said a bit more happier. “No I’m serious!” You said, beaming with a smile.

-she scoffed a bit as tears began falling down her face. Mikasa smiled as she picked you up, twirling you around, while crying tears of pure happily ness and joy. “T-this is all I’ve ever wanted” She said, kissing you while wiping away the both of yours tears.

- Throughout your whole pregnancy, all she would do would show you support in every way possible. She may be a bit over baring at time but this woman just wants to insure that your safe and well token care of. If you try to even pick up something, she’s scolding you, saying its dangerous and what if you fall or trip? All you’ll hear is, “y/n! Be careful dear! Let me take care of that.”

-Oh you best believe she gives you baths. One wrong move and you could get hurt, to her at least. Mommas wants to take care of youuuu ૮₍˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶₎ა! Plus, if you think she’s overprotective then, SHEESH BUDDY YOUR IN FOR A RIDE DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY.

- This woman goes out her way to make sure you and the baby are safe. She doesn’t like you going out into town since a ton of people would crowd there and god for bid if someone knocks into you.. Let’s just say they are gonna get beat to the ground.

- For names, i think she’d like something unique, mystical even. I think she’d like something like a word that means a unique feeling, like the word Heriath; Homesickness for a home you can’t return to, or that never was. That’s my OC’S kid with her’s name anyways lol. Lacuna, Moira, jouska and others i think she’d like! You suggested if it was a boy that you wouldn’t mind naming the baby after Eren. She turned to you and smiled saying that she loved the idea of that, but, she couldn’t call him that without bursting into tears. You understood completely and was accepting of that aswell : D

— AND BOY OH BOY WHEN YOU WERE IN LABOR- Mikasa tried her best to stay calm. You both decided earlier on to have an at home birth with (just in case) a widwife to make sure you were okay. She held your hand and hugged you as you gasped for air, pushing as hard as you could. Mika would tell you things like “It’s okay baby.. your doing such a good job..” hike holding your hand, reassuring that you would be okay.

- When the baby came out, all you both could do was cry. I’d say if its a girl, she’d look more like mikasa with black hair and her Asian eye shape with your eye color. But if it was a boy, they’d look more like you with mikasa’s eye shape and mouth shape.

- She knows how sentimental of a moment you both as parents were experiencing, so she made sure you as the one who gave birth should hold the baby first. She kissed your head as you held the baby, caressing your hair.

- when mikasa held the baby, the first thing she did was wrap the baby in her red scarf. After Eren died, she turned the meaning of the scarf around. Eren showed her how to live, so she made a promise to show you how to live. And now that she has a baby, another piece of family, she vowed over her life to keep the both of you safe and sound.

- Her first words to your both’s baby was “I will always protect you, I promise you, over my life” She was so happy to be a mother. After all the chaos, she was so happy to finally live peacefully with the person who she loves the most.

- She has SO MANY DAMN RULES FOR WHEN ANNIE AND ARMIN COME OVER LMAO- No holding the baby standing up. All sharp objects aren’t allowed on you when touching the baby. No turning into a titan or she’ll cut off your face (these mainly apply to Annie LMAO) But after a while she chilled down. Annie was allowed to hold the baby ofc ofc.... Under MIKASA’S supervision ÙnÚ.

— the day your baby first walked, mikasa Litteraly cried at how big they had gotten and you had to calm her down like “Mika! Chill they aren’t even 1 yet and your already acting like they are going off to join the military!”

- Oh and speaking of military, your baby’s not going into the military- Hell n o. Momma mika would lose her shit even at the thought of her baby going out into gunfire. So if you wanted a military baby, sorry its not happening with her kid.

- The baby’s first words were “Muma” which was when they were referring to you. Everything this child does makes her so emotional. Litteraly even if the baby just picks up a spoon she’s almost in tears. She a proud momma dont let her down >:3

- I think our both’s baby would call her a unique version of mom. Like they would call Mika “Ummie” or “ummuma” But sometimes they’d just call her “mommy” so your momma and she’s ummie and mommy. (Lmao you call mikasa mommy too dont lie ;)

-OMI- YOUR KID AND ANNIE AND ARMINS KID ARE LIKE BEST FRIENDS. Your baby loves when they come over so they can see armin and Annie’s kid :D! AND OML- YOUR BABY LIKE LOVES ANNIE- She calls her “auntie awnnie” and always likes pulling at her bun while mikasa just stands and watches from the kitchen, eyeing annie down making sure she ant gonna touch her bby 😤

- Your child LOVESSSS Annie’s titan roar and everytime she comes over, they beg for annie to turn into a titan and do the roar. All you’ll hear is, “awuntiie awmmie! Titan! Titan!! 🥺” While annie rolls her eye with a small “fine” As she goes outside and transforms into her titan, roaring while your chid giggles. MIKASA HATES IT SO DAMN MUCH- SHE’LL ALWAYS SAY “You better be careful or I’ll kill you”

- of course, over the years Mikasa lightened up to annie and they are now best friends, but she cant help it... Over protective strong momma. but she wont allow armin to do it since his titans to big and dangerous ad trust me armin completely understands.

- Overall, she’s such a good momma. Always caring for you and her baby, making sure you both are safe and okay. She wouldn’t ever wish for a different life when she’s with you, and the sweet little one you two made <3

BRO THIS WAS SO LONG TO WRITE -

[emiliachrstine]

can i please have the tea on annie 🥺

oh my precious bby annie!!

Some of these details are not set or are subject to change. What I have so far is that Annie is a long time friend of my other oc Derek who becomes John’s closest friend. Derek knew Annie when he lived up in Maine but kept in contact with her after he moved to New York. John doesn’t meet Annie until a bit into next gen. Annie moves down to New York for a nursing job.

So Annie is incredibly attentive and empathetic. Has a real passion for helping others, hence why she became a nurse. Comes from a middle class family, she’s the only daughter and youngest child. Has three older brothers so she’s  definitely tough and a little bit of a tom-boy I guess. And given that she lived in Maine with access to a lot of parks and trails, she’s definitely a nature girl, loves being outside. She always took hikes with her family and continues that as a solo adventure once she moves to New York. However, when she and John start to get a little more involved, she convinces him to take hikes with her and honestly like what couple goals, I love them.

From what I have planned, Annie doesn’t come into the picture until about half way into John’s story. Again this could all change. But they meet at a house warming party that Derek throws for her when she moves to New York. And their first meeting is nice. She’s nice and he’s nice, they share a good conversation. They aren’t the whole “they hit it off right away” because neither was looking for a relationship. John doesn’t go out of his way to flirt with her because 1) my boy isn’t trying to get into the pants of every woman he meets, and 2) by this point he’s pretty much trained himself to not get too involved with relationships. Of course, Annie changes all of that and John can’t help but fall in love with her. I think the first big shift is when Derek finds John wounded after a bad meetup and he takes John to Annie’s apartment where, much to his disagreement, stays to recuperate. 

Annie is strong-minded, stubborn, resilient, and incredibly tough. When she realizes that she loves him, it’s like the very definition of heart eyes emoji. Like I mentioned how when John falls in love, he falls HARD. He would do anything for Annie. But I have to say, Annie loves him just as much. She sees John in a light that only a few people know about. Despite how he is with his job, John is actually fairly quiet and laid back. A good time for him is putting on music and reading a good book. And he’s a lot more emotional than he lets people to believe. When he talks about Jackie to her, Annie sees how much love he has for her. He’s open with her. Shares how steve rogers is his father, how he hates his dad and he doesn’t understand why he resents him so much and it actually upsets him quite a bit. Again, there’s still a lot he keeps from her, but Annie is so good at peeling back the layers without invading his privacy. She shows him that he can trust her with anything, that she would never think any less of him no matter what. And just a side note, Jackie, Steve, and Madison all LOVE Annie like they 100% approve, AS THEY SHOULD! I have quite a bit of angst planned for them because this is the renegades universe, ANGST IS REQUIRED.

I honestly love these two so much. I can’t wait to write them but I do plan on making more edits for them. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ASKING ABOUT HER!!

[minirokushi]

So my new laptop doubles as a tablet and I loveeeeeee it.

This are two of my OCs, Annie and Ash.

Annie’s a werewolf and Ash is a vampire bby.

[annwayne]

The Red Logs: Return to the Temple Ch. 16

Chapter 16: Disembark

Last Chapter <- -> Next Chapter

Fem!OC X Crosshair

Word Count: 3235

Fic Summary:

There are benefits to owning a clone bar. Underworld lords don’t threaten you to pay for protection. Clones are great company. And the drinks taste great. However, there are also risks to owning a clone bar. Like, for example, becoming the fuck buddy of a special clone task force member so your life gets threatened when a Separatist puts out a bounty for your capture in order to use you as blackmail. Also your sleep schedule gets wrecked. But Anya Tougt is a little more capable than an average bar owner.

Ao3 Link Here

Warnings apply to whole fic:

Canon typical violence, descriptions of panic attacks, alcohol, swearing, 18+ themes (eventual smut), trauma, religious trauma parallels, mild gore

Authors Note:

I am thrilled to get this chapter out. I've written all but the final chapter of this fic and I'm just so excited to see what everyone following this story thinks of the progression. :> Also some nice little self indulgent moments because why not >:3c

25 BBY. Master Tali’s words linger in my mind. Jedi have always enforced peace throughout the galaxy–what difference was this? Our presence alone changes other’s behaviors. Few dare upset a Jedi. But those few are growing, from the sound of it.

I laid on my stiff bed wearing only a towel and covered my eyes from the bright white lights of the room with my arms. Everything felt sore, which meant everything would feel worse tomorrow morning. My body was paying for those years without exercise. Luckily tonight marked the last night aboard the Negotiator. One more night in a stiff bed and thin sheets. Just one more night till I was home.

With a groan, I sat up. My eyes took a moment to adjust to the light, then landed on the chrono sitting across from me. Another sigh and I stood. It was nearly tomorrow, so if I wanted any sleep I needed to get moving. I threw the towel onto a piece of metal that jutted out just slightly more than the rest of the wall then turned to my duffle for pjs. As I pulled on a pair of underwear, knocking came from my door.

“Annie, it’s Tech, may I come in?”

“Just a-”

Despite my response, the door swished open and Tech stepped through the threshold, though he was looking behind himself and did not immediately see my half-naked state. “We need to talk-” He froze, finally looking up to see my exposed body.

“No please Tech, come in.” I muttered as I quickly threw on a nightshirt.

As soon as he realized his blunder, the clone turned his head away from me and tensed his shoulders. “I apologize, I did not want anyone to see me enter your quarters.” The tips of his ears had turned a shade redder than the rest of his face.

As awkward I felt with the interaction, Tech didn’t strike me as the kind of clone to try and sneak a look–something I had learned how to spot in the men that made up the GAR. I sighed, waving it off. “It’s fine, just don’t do it again.” Tech slowly raised his head, eyes darting side to side before landing on me once again. “Besides, I’ve been wanting to talk to you as well.”

“You have?” Tech stepped forward, all previous hesitation now forgotten.

I nodded my head as I sat down. “We haven’t had a chance to talk alone since the escape pod.” Tech sat on the edge of the bed across from me as I spoke. “And considering you volunteered me to be Clone Force 99’s resident force user, well I have some thoughts.” Our eyes met, both stern and stubborn.

“While I may have been… enthusiastic,” Tech’s eyes fell, shifting like he was choosing words from a catalog. “My prediction was correct. You chose to become a civilian consultant, I simply prepared.”

“Yes Tech, you were right.” I rubbed my eyes, trying to hold back the annoyance in my voice. “But what would have happened if you were wrong? If I went back to my bar on Coruscant and never went on another mission with the Bad Batch? Never touched my lightsabers or Jedi robes again?”

Across from me, the clone stared down at his hands with furrowed brows. “I understand your concern, Annie, however I knew that wouldn’t happen.”

There was a twitch in my jaw at his absolute confidence. “How? I didn’t even know if I was going to fill out those forms.” A moment passed, Tech still watching his hands while I watched him. Long enough passed that I opened my mouth, ready to continue without Tech’s input.

“Crosshair.”

Tech spoke just before I could, leaving me with an open mouth and missing words. A crease grew between my brows as I closed my mouth, then opened it again like a resetting console. “What do you mean Crosshair?”

Tech raised his head, meeting my eye once again. “I mean Crosshair is how I knew what you would decide.” After no change from the look I gave him, he continued. “You’ve now seen what we face, and knowing that your presence on this mission saved mine and Wrecker’s lives, you could not forgive yourself if something happened to Crosshair after you refused to come on missions with us.”

I stared back at him, dumbfounded and feeling more vulnerable than when he walked in on me changing. Of course I was worried about Crosshair, I had always been worried about him but this didn’t change that.

“And for that reason, I cannot allow you to continue to lie to Crosshair, or anyone else in my squad.”

“Wait, Tech, what?”

“This is what I wanted to speak to you about, Annie.” Tech stood pacing the short width of my quarters. “Not only are you putting the cohesion of this team at risk, but you will also hurt my brothers. They will see your keeping this secret an issue of trusting them, rather than your own insecurity.”

A crack of a laugh escaped my lips. “Insecurity? Tech, any insecurities I have, they aren’t related to this.”

“Aren’t they?” Tech adjusted his goggles, the light’s reflection obscuring his eyes from view for a moment. “Why were you so adamant about keeping your identity as a Jedi secret from clones? From my brother?”

“Because that’s not me anymore. No one needs to know about it.” My words spilled like sand.

“You fear others knowing about this aspect of you Anya, this is directly related to your insecurity.” Tech’s words landed like boulders.

“Get out.”

Tech remained where he stood. “Not until I know you will stop this, that you will tell Crosshair.”

I stepped off the bed, standing at its side and pointed towards the door. “Don’t make me do it for you.”

A dark eyebrow raised slowly, debating the likelihood I wasn’t bluffing perhaps. “If you do not tell him, I will.”

Neither of us moved. We stood across from each other in a tiny CO’s room, Tech puffed up and determined, myself glaring and doubting. Doubting his resolve. Doubting my guts. The chrono’s red light bled pink as it touched the brilliant white ceiling lights. Only the humm of Hyperspace and occasional creaks of the ship spoke for us.

“Not tonight.”

The Negotiator groaned as it descended through the atmosphere. Three days passed in what felt like a manner of minutes. Obi-Wan stood at the helm, arms crossed with a focused crease between his brows. Beside him stood Admiral Yularenal, a man I had only seen maybe two times this whole trip. Cody stood beside some control panels, watching clones input directions at his command. Flying a ship this huge took way more people than running a bar, but the latter was much more interesting so I left for my quarters.

In my room I began packing. Not that there was much to pack. But it was something to do that distracted me.

Distracted me.

”You aren’t made for war.”

His words were ghosts, and I was their decaying house. Obi-Wan and I had not spoken since our interaction in his quarters. A fact that only made the impending council meeting more dreadful. What would he say? My chest pounded as I stuffed blacks and some spare armor into my duffel. I hissed at the thoughts. “No one’s made for war!”

“We are.”

I jumped, turning to see Crosshair stepping into the room, with Tech’s scowl close behind.

Before I could get a word in, Tech hesitantly stepped through the door’s threshold, eyes darting across the room as he did so. “No wait, Crosshair you shouldn’t! Annie.” His quick change from scolding to greeting gave me whiplash. “We knocked.” Tech gave an anxious look as he stood beside his brother.

“You didn’t seem to hear us. So I tried the door.” Crosshair explained. His previous words went without further notice, even with my helmet locked on him. Then, to make a crowded room packed, Hunter and Wrecker joined us.

“Which is a breach of privacy, Crosshair.” Tech frowned at the sniper, who barely shrugged. My head turned to look at each clone, spending a second longer on Tech, studying the limited face I could see under his goggles. Our last conversation crawled up my neck.

“There’s a lock if she wants privacy.”

Tech huffed, but did not push the issue further.

“What are you all doing here?” I asked, taking advantage of the lull between the brothers. Then threw my duffle over my shoulder.

“We came to take you to the general, and also,” Wrecker rubbed the back of his head. “Well we wanted to say goodbye.”

Wrecker’s shyness broke the wall Tech’s conversation built last night. “And does everyone who works with you get a farewell like this, or am I just special?” The grin on my face audible through my voice.

Wrecker laughed. “It’s not everyday a Jedi gets assigned to us!”

“Partially,” Tech corrected his brother, only for creases to appear around the bridge of his goggles. “A better description would be ‘on loan.’” Brown eyes flicked up to my bucket.

I folded my arms. “Well, I appreciate the enthusiasm. I look forward to future missions with this squad.” Tech’s chin lifted at my words.

“You’ll never be bored with us, that’s for sure!” Wrecker beamed, patting Tech’s back hard enough the clone temporarily lost balance. This started a loud conversation between the two about spines.

Hunter took the distraction as an opportunity to step forward. “Annie, Thanks.” He spoke softly. “Regs rarely try to get along with us and Jedi mostly ignore us. It was nice working with someone who…” His dark eyes searched for the correct words.

“Respects us.” Crosshair finished Hunter’s sentence.

A feeling I couldn’t name puffed up my chest. “You’re brilliant soldiers.” Tech and Wrecker quieted down. “I should be thanking you. Without your help, there’d still be a bounty on my head.”

The clones beamed at the compliments, each of them expressing their pride at a mission well done. Something I felt they rarely shared with outsiders.

“We should get going, the ship’s just landed.” Hunter turned, gesturing for the other clones to follow him. Crosshair and Wrecker did. Tech moved towards me.

“Annie, before you go.” Tech pulled out his datapad. “I’ve added my information to your contacts list so we may communicate through less official means.” He showed me his profile which featured a blurry photo of him and what I thought was a tiny Wrecker in front of a giant explosion. He lingered, holding the data pad to his chest. Finally he spoke, “Also… I wish to apologize.” He said in a lower voice. “I upset you. That was not my goal.”

A long breath escaped me. “Just give me some time, Tech.”

“Promise me that you will tell him before our next mission together.”

“Tech I-”

The look he gave me under his goggles stopped my protests. Instead I rolled my head, like the words needed to fall out of my mouth. “Promise.” Needles grew in my chest.

Satisfied, Tech nodded his head once in confirmation and then left me alone to finish packing. I took a final look around the quarters. This place served me well for a few days. But now, I looked forward to going home.

Clone Force 99 and I made our way down the star destroyer to the loading bay. Tech peeled away from our group early on to fly the Marauder out of the Negotiator. Clones bustled about performing various duties to keep the ship running smoothly.

As we exited the massive ramp to Coruscant ground, several different ships flew in and out of the destroyer. Tech beat us to the ground, and stood by the now parked Marauder with a satisfied grin. With a final wave goodbye, I headed towards the lone Jedi watching various supplies and clones come and go from his ship.

“Kenobi.” I gave him a curt greeting.

The general nodded at me. “Annie, I trust you are ready for our report?”

What bantha crap.

“Ready as ever.”

“Obi-Wan, Anya, good to see you both back in one piece.” Mace Windu greeted us within the confines of the Jedi council room. Today, unlike the last time I stood in this room, only Mace and Yoda were present. Apparently this debriefing didn’t need the whole of the Jedi council.

“Yes, it is good to be back.” Obi-Wan answered. His voice was steady, but I could feel an air of weariness surrounding the Jedi master.

Yoda looked to me, likely expecting a reply. Or maybe he was just feeling out my emotions. “Clone armor, you wear?” He finally spoke, lifting his wooden cane to my helmet.

I straightened up. The armor had become a second skin, I completely forgot I still had it on. That must have been interesting to see. “Yes.”

“The bounty hunters assumed Anya was on Coruscant since she was last seen here.” Kenobi chimed in, adding to my minimalist explanation. “Keeping her face covered ensured we did not run into bounty hunters while searching for her bounty’s sponsor.”

Yoda and Windu nodded their heads.

“And why did you go investigating Obi-Wan? Why did you take Anya with you when you understood the potential danger?” Mace asked.

This felt less like a debriefing and more like an interrogation.

“I believed that if the mystery behind Anya’s bounty was to be solved, she needed to be involved. Only Anya could understand things from her own life, after all.”

“Solve the mystery, did you?”

“Yes.”

Here it goes. How would the council react to a former Jedi having relations with a clone? Let alone this clone? My gut twisted.

“It was me. I was the reason that Anya was targeted.”

I couldn’t help but quickly glance towards Obi-Wan at the fib.

He continued. “Miyaeli Vekek discovered information that connected Anya and myself. Our missions together back when she was Tali’s padawan, for example.” I kept my chin up as thoughts of our last interaction filled my mind. Such an argument, and yet, he was still covering for me. “Because of this Vekek thought she could use Anya to blackmail me into spying for the Separatists. For obvious reasons, she was the only separatist commander to think this way.” Either Kenobi knew the order would not react well to the truth, or he didn’t know and didn’t want to find out.

Mace exchanged glances with Yoda, but they said nothing while Obi-Wan recounted a very different story than the one we lived. There was no mention of my relationship with Crosshair, of my desire to keep my identity a secret from the clones, and especially nothing about my life draining ability we had discovered on that ruined moon. Eventually we got to the part when he stayed on the Negotiator and I stayed with The Bad Batch.

“I asked to stay with the clones.” It was my turn to tell a story, though this one was more familiar. “Considering the stakes I wanted to be involved. While I may be a little rusty, I was still trained in the ways of the Jedi and had been in combat before.” Yoda nodded his head–something he was doing a lot. Mace stayed quiet, with a hand on his chin.

“So we parted ways and I completed our mission with Clone Force 99.”

“And you killed Vekek?” Mace held his arms, and used the one previously holding his chin to gesture towards me.

My jaw tensed. “Yes. An explosion separated myself, Tech, and Vekek from the others. Vekek got free, likely from the impact damaging her binders, and was strangling Tech when I came to. I was severely injured and my thinking was limited.” Windu furrowed his brows. “So I did what I needed to do.”

“Kill Vekek?” Yoda tilted his head.

Irritation boiled beneath my stomach. If they thought they were clever, that I wouldn’t notice their suspicions–of course not. This was Yoda and Mace Windu. They knew exactly what they were doing and wanted a reaction from me. I was the fool for thinking anything within the order had changed.

“Save Tech.” Finally, I answered, the edge in my voice not lost on the Jedi masters standing around me.

Yoda and Mace exchanged glances before turning their attention back to me. I took the opportunity to glance at Obi-Wan. His expression was stone.

“One last question, we have. Then go, you may.” Yoda broke the silence.

“As we understand it, Anya, you applied to be a civilian soldier to work alongside Clone Force 99?”

That was an interesting choice of words. “Yes.”

“Why?” Yoda asked the final question.

For once in my life, standing in the center of that cursed room, I stood tall and lifted my head in response. “I’m not a Jedi, not any more, but I have strength and power that could help the galaxy. Offering my assistance to a squad of clones that the Republic sends on death missions seems like a good fit for what I can do.” Not to mention my possible death would do nothing to the war effort. But no one would acknowledge that outloud. “If they want it, I’m ready to help them with the full extent of my abilities.”

Once I finished a sense of certainty fell over me. I would use my lightsaber and robes again. I would go on missions with Clone Force 99. I would be a soldier in this terrible war.

Robes shifted beside me, but Yoda and Mace seemed satisfied. They dismissed us, giving me a farewell. The restraint in their goodbye’s told me they did not think this was the last time they would see me–in what circumstances, I could not tell. As we stepped out of the council room and entered the lift, I looked at Obi-Wan.

“You…” No. “That was unexpected.”

He glanced at me. “Do you think so little of me, Annie?”

After a long pause I answered. “What I think of you changes with every interaction, Obi-Wan.”

Blue eyes fell. “We share more similarities than you think.”

I almost laughed, but this wasn’t the time. “That’s hard to believe.” Coruscant’s surface grew closer as the lift plummeted. “You’re a Jedi Master and have a seat on the council. That’s as different from me as you can get.”

“I’m not talking about our status.” His voice was calm, but heavy. “We might have made different choices, but our hearts have something in common.”

My mind rushed back to the Marauder, after our first mission when Kenobi agreed to let me stay with the clones and find my bounty’s sponsor. “You don’t mean Satine?” He only gave in when he figured out Crosshair was my… whatever Crosshair is.

He answered by meeting my helmet’s visor. “Like I said, we made different choices.”

She wasn’t just another fling? The lift came to a stop, but I was glued in place. The Jedi beside me also stood still. Coruscant’s loud symphony called to us through the open lift doors. There was more to say, but neither of us could muster the strength to say it.

“Good luck, Anya.” Kenobi broke the silence and stepped out.

“You too, Obi-Wan.”

Authors end chapter notes:

Well well well, isn't this an interesting development.. Anya's only context for any of Obi-Wan's romantic and/or sexual relationships in the past had all been flings... But now Obi-Wan's alluding that Satine was more. Crosshair is endgame, but do any of you ship her with Tech? They certainly have some good moments together.

Dividers by Djarrex   

Tag list: @midnight-sun-0

[annwayne]

The Red Logs: Return to the Temple Ch. 15

Chapter 15: The Mess

Last Chapter <- -> Next Chapter

Fem!OC X Crosshair

Word Count: 2225

Fic Summary:

There are benefits to owning a clone bar. Underworld lords don’t threaten you to pay for protection. Clones are great company. And the drinks taste great. However, there are also risks to owning a clone bar. Like, for example, becoming the fuck buddy of a special clone task force member so your life gets threatened when a Separatist puts out a bounty for your capture in order to use you as blackmail. Also your sleep schedule gets wrecked. But Anya Tougt is a little more capable than an average bar owner.

Ao3 Link Here

Warnings apply to whole fic:

Canon typical violence, descriptions of panic attacks, alcohol, swearing, 18+ themes (eventual smut), trauma, religious trauma parallels, mild gore

Authors Note:

Laughing at the title of this chapter. Didn't even see the double meaning when I picked it. Got another chapter finished so another chapter gets published. Even though I had told myself I wouldn't post another chapter till the whole fic was finished, well I didn't expect there to be another chapter to write. So in my defense, I've got yet another chapter to write before the fic is done... Also yeah, there will be a series. This story is no where near done. (Well, this part of the story is near done but-you know what I mean.)

25 BBY. Unrest has sent several Jedi Masters and their Padawans out into the galaxy, but Tali requested we stay on Coruscant. When I asked why, she told me she doesn’t agree with making Jedi into enforcers. But, isn’t that what we’ve always done?

Eventually, I found the mess hall. Bacta always made my stomach flip, but for a place to hunker down away from Kenobi I was willing to stand the stench of what they considered food on these ships. The clones left me alone, though their confusion was tangible through the force. The thought snapped my spine up. I hadn’t noticed emotions so strongly through the force in years. A glance through the clones confirmed that none of them were overtly high emotionally–something that’s easier to detect. Now it was tangible. Almost visible, but not like looking at something with my eyes. More like looking with my mind.

“Annie,” A voice calling out to me pushed away my thoughts. “We’ve been looking all over for you!” Wrecker waved at me as I glanced up from my hands to see four men walking my way. “We stopped by the general’s quarters, but he had no idea where you went.”

“Neither did I.” Irritation crossed my arms and brought a furrow to my brow. But then Wrecker’s expectant look forced a smile on my face. “Am I right to guess that you had a hand in this new look?” With flourish, I stood and gestured towards the new armor on my body.

“Yeah!” Wrecker grinned ear to ear. “If you’re going to be working with us, you shouldn’t look like a reg.”

“Oh?” Behind him I caught Tech’s hazel eyes watching me before flicking back down to his tablet. While the effort was appreciated, I hadn’t told Tech I was completely on board with his plan. He didn’t look back up. “So, Tech told you…?” I slowed my words hoping one of them would fill in the details I was unaware of.

Wrecker sat across from me, while Tech took the seat beside me.“That you asked Obi-Wan for assignments with us more often! In a way, that makes you our Jedi!”

“Not that we need one.” Crosshair sat beside Wrecker, giving his brother a light shove with his elbow in jest.

Hunter sat down beside him, exhaustion clearly written under his eyes. He said nothing, instead opting to shovel mush into his mouth. All the others had a similar tray of food before them.

“Already eat?” Crosshair asked.

I shook my head. “Bacta makes even the most appetizing food unappetizing…” With one hand I waved towards their trays. “That’ll require a stronger stomach.”

“So you came to the mess to sit around?” Again, the gravelly voice questioned me.

Beside me Tech shuffled. Wrecker watched me between bites. Hunter didn’t pay us any attention.

“Wanted to stretch my legs.” My arms crossed as I leaned back on the thin bench that made up the seating at the table. “Don’t usually feel so stiff after a night in the bacta tank.” I rolled my shoulders for emphasis.

The clones exchanged glances.

“What?” I leaned forward and uncrossed my arms.

“You were in the tank for three days.” Beside me, Tech answered with that attentive voice he gets when someone doesn’t know something. “Did General Kenobi not inform you of the complications with your healing?”

“What?” I had rushed off to the refresher for a bath before either the medical droid watching over me or Obi-Wan could get a word in. When I finally got out… “We had other things to discuss.”

“How’d you think we had the time to get your armor painted? Took two days of free time to do it.” Wrecker grinned at their accomplishment. “Another day just for Tech to round up the pieces.”

The lost time started to dawn on me as I recalled my stiff joints and the extra strong scent of bacta. “Complications?” The question was more or less rhetorical, but Tech was at the table.

“You were much worse off than I estimated.” Tech’s eyes avoided my own as a thin frown set on his face. “Due to your lucidness, I thought the injuries did not cut so deep. Looking back, I realize I saw the signs of deep injuries and I dismissed them. Apparently force users have a significantly higher pain tolerance than the other members of their species.”

“Tech.” Thanks to his modifications, there was finally emotion in my altered voice. “You didn’t know.”

He shifted his gaze to his tray. “Yes.”

Before I could try to reassure him further, Crosshair spoke. “Not that it mattered, she’s perfectly fine and got to sleep through half the journey back. Seems like a bonus to me.” He held his spoon out, pointing it at me, but gave a smirk to his brother.

“Some of us like to use our time more productively than just sleeping.” Tech shot an annoyed look at the sniper, but lifted his shoulders from their slouched position.

“Speaking of, commander, now that you’re healed you should join our training.” Hunter finally joined in the conversation. “We only have a few days of travel left, so we’ll have to make the most of it before we land.”

“Wait, you’re not leaving The Negotiator?” The surprise in my voice was not subtle. Each clone gave a shake of their head as I scanned the table for their responses. “That means you’ll be on leave when we get to Coruscant?” Again, I scanned. This time they nodded.

“We usually go on a few missions before going on leave again, but considering the complications of this one Obi-Wan specifically requested we be given time off.”

Helmets were really useful. “Oh, That’s good, that you get a break, I mean.” My eyes drifted with my swirling thoughts till I was looking at nothing in particular. What was that Jedi up to? “When’s training?” I asked, slowly pulling my eyes back into focus as I turned to Hunter.

“In a few hours, when the ship goes on Night Shift.” Hunter answered.

“We like to use the gym when it’s empty.” Wrecker added.

“Two and a quarter hours, to be exact, Annie.”

I nodded my head in response, still mulling over the implications of Obi-Wan giving the batch leave immediately. No chance I’d be able to go home right after we land on Coruscant. The council will likely require a debriefing. That means Crosshair would probably beat me to the bar. I won’t have time to get Stinky, fill in Jayas with whatever lie I’ve yet to come up with and–

“Have you got your room assignment yet?” Tech’s question cut off my spiral of thoughts, though part of me felt he didn’t even notice my change in mood.

“No.” My lips pursed under my helmet. “I left before Obi-Wan could say…”

“No worries, I’ll check the ship’s system.” Tech tapped away on his data pad. “If you’ve got a room assignment, it’ll show up here.” He tilted his screen towards me, showing me a list that looked like a mess of numbers and letters.

“Thanks, Tech.” I slid closer, trying to get a better view of the datapad.

Across from us I could feel someone staring. I glanced up to see a reticle aimed at me. Crosshair had finished his meal and was now sitting with his arms crossed while Wrecker talked to him. He didn’t look away when I caught him staring. Instead, the sniper twirled the toothpick resting between his lips. My head tilted down, an involuntary action as I attempted to guess what the sniper was thinking.

“Deck 3, Room 371.” Tech, once again, snapped my attention.

“Now I just have to find it.”

“Actually, that is why I asked in the first place. Since you are still unfamiliar with The Negotiator, I wanted to offer directions.” Tech swiped his screen, showing me what looked to be blueprints for the star destroyer. They didn’t help with my understanding of the ship.

“Didn’t you need to sync the nav system?” Before I could answer, Crosshair questioned his brother.

Hesitation parted Tech’s lips. “...Well, yes. But that will take me no more than an hour.”

“Tech.” This time Hunter spoke. “Last time you said that we were nearly three hours behind departure. Just enough time to finish before training.” Hunter’s soft expression clashed with his commanding tone.

“Leave the Commander to me, I’ll make sure she gets home in one piece.” Again, Crosshair met my gaze. Despite almost always wearing a glare, this piercing look dug deeper than usual. Movement beside me turned my head. Tech glanced between the toothpick wielding clone and myself. A look of uncertainty furrowed his brows together.

“That’s fine.” I answered in a tone that did nothing to help Tech understand my thoughts. All I could do was hope this was about something other than my identity. Even still, my stomach turned in fear.

With my acceptance, Crosshair stood, carrying his tray to the nearest bin. I followed, leaving Tech to watch us exit the mess. We matched stride in the halls, passing clones and a few droids, until we turned a corner into a less traveled corridor. Only our footsteps and the various sounds of the ship echoed down the long hall. Until, “My brother is off limits.” Crosshair spoke, but kept his head straight forward.

Relief escaped in a sigh. Then the confusion set in. “What?”

“You seem to have left an impression on Tech.” That earned a side glance. “He’s the one who orchestrated your new gear and has been pitching your involvement with our squad since you’ve been in the bacta tank. His attitude about you has significantly changed since your time in the escape pod with him.” There was a hint of accusation in that last sentence.

“Hold on,” I took an extra step forward and turned to face him. My movement forced him to halt, landing him a few centimeters from me. “You haven’t explained what ‘off limits’ is.”

A silver eyebrow shot up and the clone gave me the most confounded expression I had seen on anyone before. “Fucking, Annie. Don’t fuck my brothers, especially Tech.”

My helmet did not help me this time. “No! You think I want? From him?” That earned a frown from Crosshair and glare to match. “He’s not my type?” Unfortunately, my words weren’t muffled by the foot in my mouth.

Crosshair sighed and stepped around me, continuing our path to my quarters. His pace was faster than before. After a moment of internal screaming I chased after him.

“What I mean to say is, while Tech is handsome and most likely perfectly good in bed, I have not thought of him, or Hunter, or Wrecker, in that way.” Now I was the one forced to stop.

Crosshair turned suddenly, staring silently at me. His toothpick twirled slowly.

“What?” The scrutiny of his gaze was wearing through my patience.

“Tech, Hunter, or Wrecker.” Crosshair lifted the toothpick from his lips and pointed it at me. “But you didn’t say anything about me.”

“We weren’t talking about you.” I answered too quickly.

His smirk, that stupid pretty smirk I could get lost in, grew. “Uhu.” He returned the pick to his mouth. “Well, so long there’s no issue.” Crosshair turned on his heels, yet again leaving me behind to silently scream.

“There isn’t!” I called after him.

Luckily our journey was over.

Crosshair stood in the doorway while I entered the small room. It was stuffy, like a rarely used supply closet. My things laid on the bed, evidence that even Obi-Wan had a limit I pushed past. As I zipped open my bag, Crosshair followed me into the room. The slide of automatic doors pulled my head up.

“If you aren’t trying to get in my brother’s bunk,” The sniper cocked his head at me. “Then why’s he taken such an interest in you?”

My eyes returned to the contents of my duffel bag. “Me?” To my surprise my personal datapad had been returned to me. This had to be some kind of breach of security, right? I tucked it to the side. “You’d have to ask him about that.”

“I’m asking you.”

Footsteps neared the bed. My spine crawled. Before Crosshair could reach me, I turned on my heel. “Why? I told you nothing has happened or will happen between Tech and I. What more are you fishing for?” The words came out breathy.

Only a nose from me, Crosshair looked into my visor, seemingly trying to replicate the expression of an emotionless helmet. My question gave him pause. After what felt too long under his reticle, Crosshair spoke. “You’ve worn a bucket the entire mission. At first I thought you were smart; a Jedi wearing head armor for once. But then it didn’t come off in the ship. Or while we trained in the cargo bay. You never took it off.”

Anger and fear welled up in my chest and scratched at my throat. How could one bartender playing spy put me through hell? This wasn’t my life! I shouldn’t be here. I… I answered.

“Don’t ask me to. Not yet.”

Authors end chapter notes:

Is Crosshair being a presumptuous ass thinking Annie is into him? I mean, we know the answer but technically he doesn't. They weren't talking about him!.. right? �� Let me know your thoughts if you have any! Thanks for reading :D

Dividers by Djarrex   

Tag list: @midnight-sun-01

[annwayne]

The Red Logs: Return to the Temple Ch. 13

Chapter 13:

Last Chapter <- -> Next Chapter

Fem!OC X Crosshair

Word Count:  2437

Fic Summary: Blood

There are benefits to owning a clone bar. Underworld lords don’t threaten you to pay for protection. Clones are great company. And the drinks taste great. However, there are also risks to owning a clone bar. Like, for example, becoming the fuck buddy of a special clone task force member so your life gets threatened when a Separatist puts out a bounty for your capture in order to use you as blackmail. Also your sleep schedule gets wrecked. But Anya Tougt is a little more capable than an average bar owner.

Ao3 Link Here

Warnings apply to whole fic:

Canon typical violence, descriptions of panic attacks, alcohol, swearing, 18+ themes (eventual smut), trauma, religious trauma parallels, mild gore

Authors Note:

Enjoy ;)

26 BBY. Master Tali sent me on my first solo assignment. Tatooine, what a dreary planet. Anakin wasn’t exaggerating when he talked about his home. He asked me to check on his mother for him. Of course I agreed. His Master may drive me up a wall, but Anakin is a friend.

I stepped through the door first, lightsaber ignited and emitting a faint blue glow in the darkness of the room. Tech and Crosshair filed in behind me as I stepped further into the pitch black. My skin crawled with each step deeper into a room that felt too still. When the door closed behind us the only light left was my lightsaber.

“My sensors aren’t picking anything up.” Tech’s voice cut through the inky silence. “There is no one else in here, droid or organic.

Bump

There was that prickling sensation on my skin again. “You sure about that?” Crosshair’s doubts earned a scoff from his brother. Their movement behind me sent a shiver down my neck- but what was causing this constriction in my chest? Our steps slowed.

Bump

“Hmm, this is strange. My night vision will not respond. What about yours, Crosshair?” A grunt answered him, but Tech had already changed his focus. “Annie, why have you stopped? We need to find a control panel to light the room.” Words passed through my ears but I did not pick up their meaning. It was stronger now.

Bump

“We are not alone.”

Immediately searing white burned my vision and several blasters fired off. Plastoid armor clanked and then I felt a strong grip yank me to the ground. When I reached out my fingers felt cold metal. We were behind some kind of wall, and Crosshair’s rifle blasts had joined the noise of battle. While keeping my head low, I looked down at my hands. Or better, where my hands should be. Instead I only saw white. A warmth in my left hand told me I still had my lightsaber.

“Tech, check on her.” Blaster fire accompanied the sniper’s words.

Then Tech moved on my other side. We were sitting slouched against something solid. “Annie,” His voice made my head turn. Only white. “Can you see me?” Something fluttered near my helmet.

“I- No, everything is white.” Once again, Tech shuffled beside me and I felt Crosshair duck behind our cover. Then whatever was above our heads shattered and rained down on us. The sharp pieces stung my exposed skin. “Vekek knew we were coming.” I hissed as I pulled out a shard of glass from my forearm. “Tech needs to upload the virus while Crosshair and I go after her.”

“I believe you experienced the worst of the flash, which means you could be blinded at maximum an hour.” Tech fired off his blasters, followed by two thuds as the droids he hit collapsed. Then his shoulder bumped mine again. “How do you expect to chase down Vekek while still blinded, Annie?”

“We can’t wait an hour.” I hissed. Suddenly, alarm shot up my back and spurred me up with it. Without hesitation, I activated my lightsaber and impaled whatever caused the panic. Crackling fizz confirmed a droid was down, due to my hand. “It’ll be like training as a youngling.” My words were more for myself than the others as I began reflecting bolts I could not see.

“What kind of training makes you blind?” Crosshair’s voice came from my side, he must have stood up.

“Lightsaber training.” Before either clone could further object I stepped through the shattered screen and closed my eyes. Everything was white anyways. I had hesitations using the force after leaving the order. But some skills were impossible to drop. They became second nature, and occasionally, I even forgot the force was behind them.

Bolts bounced off my saber as I stepped forward. Plastoid footsteps and shifts in the room’s stale air alerted me to Crosshair and Tech’s movements. Metal clanks and droid vocalizations gave me a clear picture of the obstacles we needed to remove. As a unit we moved, droid after droid fell easily to the clones’ blaster fire and my lightsaber strikes. I sliced my lightsaber forward, cutting horizontally through an enemy in my path. Then I plunged my saber overhead into more metal that fizzed. Blaster fire slowed, eventually ending with Crosshair’s Firepuncher ringing out as the final shot.

Immediately Tech rushed. “Uploading the virus now, looks like the system still has all of the research, but she could have made copies. ..What is..” He grumbled to himself until a spark and pop announced wires were pulled from their sockets. "..Kriffing interference..."

A presence approached my side. Quietly, while Tech went on about Vekek’s security system, Crosshair asked, “Vision back yet?”

Hesitantly, I opened my eyes and blinked rapidly at the change in my sight. Crosshair became a fuzzy outline I could barely squint at. Not to mention all the spots covering my eyes. “Ugh- if you can call this vision..” A throbbing headache slammed against my skull.

He nodded his head before turning to look Tech’s way. “Room’s empty. She slipped out, but not through the door we came through.” Crosshair scanned the room while holding his rifle near his chest.

“That’s impossible, the schematics showed that door was the only entrance to the laboratory.” Now on his knees, Tech studied the underside of the terminal.

A fuzzy arm pointed towards something on the back wall. “Schematics include any of those?”

Tech hissed as a spark of electricity popped at his hands. Then, he turned his gaze to follow Crosshair’s hand. “Vekek has the advantage in tight spaces. Perhaps we should attempt to cut her off at the escape pods?”

“No.” I spoke sharply. We were close. She was close. “That leaves too much up to chance. Finish here, then meet up with Hunter and Wrecker.” If Tech had any objections, he didn’t air them. Then I turned towards the sniper. “Come on Cross, we can’t let her get away.” My legs moved before my words were finished.

Behind me, Crosshair remained unmoving, helmet trained slightly down as if he were in deep thought. Right before I called out to him again, his head snapped up at the sound of me prying off the grate covering the access port. In seconds he was at my side. Another steadying breath and I stepped through the threshold.

Exposed wires and tubes snaked the low ceiling, forcing me to duck down occasionally. Crosshair didn’t have that luxury. Instead, the tall clone was forced to stay hunched over to avoid hitting the mess above us. Rows and rows of hallways stretched on what felt like kilometers.

By now my vision was much less blurry but still full of spots. We kept close together, silent, and listened for the sounds of movement. This was a horrible place to get caught in a fight, especially against an Ardennian.

Clatter drew my gaze to the left, down another thin shaft. That was a mistake. With a thud, our target dropped down from the pipes and swung something heavy into the back of my helmet. Immediately those spots turned into stars. Searing pain rolled my head and I hissed. When I regained sense of location, I whipped around only to meet air. Crosshair backed up to me, watching the tubes above us with this rifle scope.

Taunting laughter echoed down the shafts. Crosshair tilted his helmet down a path, then urged me towards another. Too many horor-holos told me splitting up in an environment like this was a bad move. But I trusted his judgment.

Every time the Ardennian moved through the pipes lining the ceiling I could hear rustling that was softer than the clatter that led me to this growing headache. My lightsaber hummed and a blue glow mixed with the red lights dotting the tight corridors.

Then, clatter. I followed it down an eastern path, but this time I was prepared. As the small scientist jumped down behind me I stepped around her, leaving the metal pipe aimed for my head to clang against the floor.

"Oh, this one is clever." She shot me a toothy grin as I gripped my lightsaber tightly. "But not clever enough."

Red shot from a blaster I hadn't seen. Searing heat forced my lightsaber to the ground. With a clunk the laser sword closed and rolled down the corridor. I glanced back to see the pipe raised and aimed at my shins.

If I dodged in here I'd land on my side.

Any other quick movement might get me tangled in low hanging wires.

Instead I threw out my arm towards the rolling lightsaber and braced myself.

Time was out.

A blast echoed through the halls and ended in a thump. Crosshair stood where my lightsaber- now back in my outstretched hand- had rolled to. Vekek was unconscious from the stun blast and slumped on the ground. I stood, using the thick wires as support against my back.

“Thanks.” Relief slowed my breath as Crosshair stepped into the hallway. Horror-holos be damned, splitting up was the right idea.

“No problem.” He grunted in reply, focused on binding the four arms behind Vekek’s back. “Hit her with a low stun, but it’ll be a few minutes before she wakes up.”

I nodded my head once and tapped the com on my helmet to let Hunter know of our progress. “Alright,” He huffed, breathing heavily. “Meet us in the main corridor, then we’re gone.” I picked up the unconscious Ardennian and nodded towards Cross.

We sprinted through the ship, coming across no droids as we met up with the others. An eerie tightness squeezed my chest as we started running towards the Marauder’s location. Everything was going well. Even in my bar I knew that was a bad sign.

That’s when the ship started to shake. Blasts, likely from another cruiser, caused the floor beneath us to tremble. I stumbled, nearly falling on my face.

“Woah, who’s shooting at us?” Wrecker questioned.

“Didn’t think Kenobi would be here already.” I answered.

“Didn’t think he’d fire while we’re still on board.” Crosshair pointed out.

I hadn’t thought of that.

“No, actually,” Tech fiddled with his datapad as he ran up to be beside me, showing me the information on it’s screen. It meant nothing to me. “That is Admiral Trench, firing on his own command ship.”

“What? Why’s-”

And then a blast.

Loud.

Ringing.

And pain.

Where was the pain? Haze clouded my eyes and a crack ran down my right eye. Barely, I could make out one of the brothers across from me. Something hot was digging into my neck. Yells joined the noise of creaking metal. Something of a conversation, though I couldn’t tell if it was one sided. I tried to turn, to look towards those voices but gray metal met my eyes instead. Moving hurt. And I was so tired. I just needed…

A gasp tore through my body and I felt death’s door knocking against my skull. But a garbled voice forced my feet up. Cackling turned my head. Through the crack in my vision I saw Vekek’s small body atop Tech, his helmet thrown off and blood staining his armor.

Her hands were around his neck.

That garble quieted.

Her hands were killing Tech.

Killing.

Tech.

Another scream joined the clatter and I was closer, somehow. Rage and terror filled my pounding head as I stumbled towards the pair.

My lightsaber activated.

/ activated my lightsaber.

And that buzzing blue light, somehow, slid through the small Ardennian’s chest. All grip in her hands lost. She slumped forward.

I fell on my ass.

Tech coughed, sitting up too quickly for someone who nearly died, and checked on me. “Annie, oh my maker..” His voice was miles away, yet still clear. “You’ve lost a lot of blood.”

That made sense.

I sat up, also too quick, my head spun but I grit my teeth and stumbled anyway. “We gotta go, this ship is falling apart.” Some semblance of awareness returned to me as I looked around us, noticing the straining metal and thuds of ion blasts growing as whatever was left of the shields was failing.

Either my words or the rapid blaring alarm convinced Tech. He slid under my arm and stood fully, helping me like a crutch as we ran towards the nearest escape pod. Droids, functioning and not, were everywhere. But they didn’t pay much attention to us. Their high pitched voices cried out about death and their circuits. We slipped into one of the few remaining pods and launched, being hurtled into space away from the action.

“Do you think they made it?” I hissed at the return of pain pounding against my skull. They had to have made it… All of this was-

“Yes, I believe so.” Tech sighed, pushing his goggles up to rub the skin under. His helmet had been left behind. “Now,” He said after a pause. “I need to stop that bleeding.” Then, he reached for my helmet.

“Woah!” I blocked him, throwing my arms up, but searing pain forced them down with a yelp. Tech's eyes widened but he made no move for me. His gaze pushed me against the back of the tight pod as much as I could. “Don’t. Touch my helmet.” Knifes plunged behind my skull. Another groan escaped me.

Irritation crossed Tech’s face. “We do not know how long it will take the others to find us. As I said before, you have lost a lot of blood and will continue to do so if I do not patch you up.”

My cheeks flexed as I grit down my molars. Now that the adrenaline was dying, I was paying for my injuries. And yet. “You can’t.” My lips trembled as the voice modulator died, leaving only my real, human, voice to speak. Tears threatened at the edges of my eyes, but a tightness in my throat threatened more. “I can’t.”

Slowly, carefully, Tech shuffled over to me. The clone made sure to broadcast all of his movements before making them, it was like I was some wild animal. Maybe I was. Eventually he was sitting right beside me. Our thigh armor clanked against the other. With that same intense care, he twisted so as to face me. I had never seen such a look from him before. Those dark eyes were heavy with concern and knowledge, the kind of look that reminded me of Qui-Gon. My eyebrows furrowed. One of his hands raised to cup the side of my helmet, my cheek if it were bare.

“Anya.”

My name, my real name.

“I know.”

[slothberryshortcake]

Annie can understand animals, and that tends to be really hard on her. (These are my seal sisters Annie and Ellie)

(Sharing some art that I forgot to!)

[annwayne]

The Red Logs: Return to the Temple Ch. 10

Chapter 10: Down Time

Last Chapter <- -> Next Chapter

Fem!OC X Crosshair

Word Count: 3194

Fic Summary:

There are benefits to owning a clone bar. Underworld lords don’t threaten you to pay for protection. Clones are great company. And the drinks taste great. However, there are also risks to owning a clone bar. Like, for example, becoming the fuck buddy of a special clone task force member so your life gets threatened when a Separatist puts out a bounty for your capture in order to use you as blackmail. Also your sleep schedule get’s wrecked. But Anya Tougt is a little more capable than an average bar owner.

Ao3 Link Here

Warnings apply to whole fic:

Canon typical violence, descriptions of panic attacks, alcohol, swearing, 18+ themes (eventual smut), trauma, religious trauma parallels, mild gore

Authors Note:

man it’s been a long time but progress, tiny tiny progress has been made. Gif is mine.

28 BBY. A huge temple and I still can’t avoid Obi-Wan. That terror of a youngling he brought back convinced an R2 unit to let him into the speeder bay and onto one of the speeders for a joy ride. I just happened to be in that speeder bay when they peeled off, so I got the luxury of telling Obi-Wan himself where the kid went. The temple still hasn’t calmed down.

Bustling noise was the first thing I noticed about The Negotiator. The massive ship hummed with life as we stepped out of the Marauder. Clones, more clones than I had ever seen in one place, rushed to prepare everything for the battles yet to come. Speeders and Bombers lined the long bay. Tech and I pushed crates of supplies into the Marauders loading dock. Hunter chatted with Cody, occasionally glancing my way. Crosshair sat in the loading dock glaring at any reg who dared look his way. And hopefully, Wrecker was peacefully asleep in his bed. 

“I believe that is everything. Thank you for your help, Annie.” Tech dusted his hands after deactivating the last anti-grav plate. “Once Hunter is finished talking with Cody we’ll be on our way.” 

“Of course. I couldn’t just sit around doing nothing and watch you work.” I tilted my head towards Crosshair who shot me a narrow glance. 

“Tech’s a big boy, Commander.” He snipped with a glint in his eye. 

Ever since my comment refusing to accept any titles, Crosshair added them to his bag of ammo and he wasn’t shy about using those words against me. That was on me, I should have expected the little shit to push my limits. It’s all he ever did back at the bar, just with different tools. “What’s taking Hunter anyways?” I peaked my head around the docking bay walls. Now Obi-Wan had joined the conversation. 

“You, likely.” Tech stood beside me tapping away at his datapad. All the information we downloaded was a mess of different languages, encryption, and codes. He had been working to untangle the mess since we set out to intercept The Negotiator. “A brand new Padawan joining our mission with their Jedi Master is one thing, but now you’ll be left alone with us. There are certain regulations that need to be observed.” 

I struggled to hold in a massive scoff. Regulations? This was the last squad in all of the Grand Army of the Republic to care for regulations. Precautions sounded more apt. “New to the GAR, not to being a Padawan. I was one solar cycle away from being Knighted before my previous Master was murdered.” Flashes of my true Master came to mind. Tali, what would you think of me now? Even back then I knew I was a shit Padawan. Yet Tali put up with my questions, my rebellious nature, and even those nights where I refused to leave the temple gardens. Those nights she would sit silently beside me and we’d watch the lightning bugs dance to the music of the city-planet. 

Wearing a helmet made daydreaming way too easy, as Tech had to pull my shoulder to get my attention back to the present day. “Annie, could you look at this?” He brought the datapad up between us so I could read. A message in a language I didn’t understand took up most of the screen, but at the very bottom there was a name.

“No kriffing way.” Quickly I looked back up at Tech. “What’s the message say?” A few clicks later the text translated itself into Basic. Slowly I read the message.

“Meet me at the coords below. Bring double my normal price and come alone. You’ll be glad I came to you.”

-Lyn Parreva

“She couldn’t…” Deep sorrow pulled my shoulders down. Rage snapped my head up. Flashes of the young twi'lek only added fuel to the mess of emotions I was feeling. Betrayal, regret, and pain forced me forward. “Who was this sent to?” The genius clone couldn’t see the rage in my eyes, but he could hear it on my lips.

“It appears we have identified your bounty’s sponsor, Annie.” Tech adjusted his goggles. “Their name is Vekek, Miyaeli Vekek.” That name meant nothing to me. 

“So then where are we headed?” Plastoid boots thudded against the ship’s ramp as Hunter boarded. Once he was clear, the sergeant slammed the button to close the Marauder back up.

Without missing a beat Tech answered. “Ryloth. From what I’ve read Vekek was the lead scientist behind the serum we saw in action.” Hunter kept walking down the gangway. Tech matched his pace as he explained. “There are records suggesting they were planning to introduce the serum to the population of Doashim on their home planet. Hunter,” Tech’s call turned his brother’s head. “This was recorded only two cycles ago.”

Crosshair hopped down from his perch atop stacked crates. “We barely took out one of those monsters.” He followed his brothers through the doorway separating the docking bay to the midship. I stayed a step behind, listening but adding nothing.

“Exactly,” Tech opened the door to the cockpit. “We will need to eliminate any Doashim injected with the serum and destroy everything pertaining to the formula.” He slid into his seat and began flipping toggles and pressing buttons to bring the Marauder to life.

Hunter sat in the co-pilot’s seat, but turned to look back at Crosshair and I. “Annie, the general requested I keep one of us with you during battle. In fact, he recommended Crosshair stay at your side in combat.” Murder. I was planning a murder now. “So, I want you two to train together, get familiar with each other’s fighting techniques. As much as you can, we have a cycle and half of hyperspace before we reach Ryloth.” 

“He did, did he?” I hissed between my clenched jaw. Surprisingly, the voice modulator still managed to catch my words. Crosshair cocked an eyebrow at my reaction, but said nothing. 

And then, we were banished from the cockpit. Together we returned to the docking bay, just about the only place with enough space to practice any close combat on the ship. After I stacked a few crates higher than regulation standard with the force, we had a decent sparring area. Crosshair held his helmet against his hip as he started talking. 

“So, Annie, what is your combat training and experience?” He watched as I stretched my limbs in preparation. 

“Well,” Of course there was the training I received while living at the temple, but how was I supposed to explain the random street fighting I had picked up from Jayas? “My previous Master focused on teaching me stealth and using an opponent's momentum against them. However, I do know some less refined styles of hand to hand combat.”  

Crosshair barely crooked his head at my words. A grin I couldn’t pin between entertained or surprised grew on his lips. Maybe it was both. “Alright, let’s see what that looks like.” The clone donned his helmet and stepped forward. 

Immediately, he threw the first punch. In response I threw up an arm to block him and pushed against his forearm to force his fist towards the ground. He retaliated with a cross that I deflected again. Then he threw up his knee that forced me back and off balance to avoid the hit. He took advantage of my opening and landed a hook into the side of my helmet. My vision danced. Crosshair continued with the offense. He threw punches aimed for my gut this time that again, I deflected. Our heavy breathing and plastoid armor clanking filled the cargo hold. 

“Come on, Commander,” He said between quick breaths. “You’ve got to know some offensive moves.” 

He grabbed my shoulder and sent a knee towards my helmet. I twisted out of his grasp and landed behind him, then returned the favor. In fluid movements I hooked his elbow with mine and flung him forward. The momentum sent him hurtling backwards till he regained his footing. Then I closed the distance between us and threw my forearm towards his helmet. Just as I thought he was surprised, he deflected my attack with the same technique I had been using all this fight.

“Good.”

Like a dance, we circled each other around the room. Punches, grapples, and kicks were thrown and usually deflected. Occasionally the marksman would land a blow against my helmet or gut, but I had yet to land a punch on him. I caught him off balance, swept his legs out from under him so he fell forward, and even managed to flip him when he attempted to restrain me, but not a single punch met its destination. 

Eventually, I was a second too slow and landed square on my back. Before I could stand back up, Crosshair’s hand was on my collarbone and his knees at either side of my legs. Fucking hell. This was not a good time to get turned on. Maker, this helmet was putting in work.

“My win.” His grin was audible. He hopped up, then offered a gloved hand my way. I took it. 

“Yeah, yeah, you likely have more hand-to-hand combat experience. Jedi tend to focus on saber techniques.” I gestured towards the hilt on my hip. “Not that it’s useless, but droids don’t exactly have the mobility to move like this, so why start here?”

Crosshair removed his helmet and ran a hand through his gray hair. “Some can, commando droids. Besides,” He smirked. “Hunter wanted us to get familiar. There’s no better way to learn how the other moves.”

I could think of one, but that was not battle friendly. “Right.” 

“Now, how do you move with that?” He stared at the weapon on my hip. 

“My lightsaber?” I grabbed it and turned the hilt over in my hand. Silver metal caught the bright ship lights. “Nothing special, but I hope you aren’t suggesting shooting at me. Those bolts have to go somewhere.” 

The sniper chuckled and shook his head. “Nah, Hunter would have my head if I made a mess of the Marauder.” He crossed his arms and leaned back against the ship hull. “What about your forms?”

“What are you getting at?” 

“If we get in a tight situation I’d like to know where that,” He glanced down at my lightsaber hilt. “Tends to end up.” 

That… actually made sense. I pressed the button on my lightsaber and watched as the blue glow filled the room. With a deep breath in, I started moving.

Tech leaned back in his seat with datapad in hand, swiping through loads of information. He had identified the coordinates on Ryloth where Vekek would most likely be, and confirmed the information with a call from Rex, who was currently stationed on the planet with the 501st. They would be alone in their efforts to prevent disaster from genetically altered Doashim, however, as Rex explained they were in the middle of another siege. 

“Why do you think she reacted that way?” Tech had nearly forgotten Hunter was still sitting in the chair beside him. He had been so quiet for so long.

“Considering their tense relationship, I suspect General Obi-Wan suggested Crosshair in order to get a rise of some kind from Annie.” His voice was followed by a few taps at his datapad. 

Hunter held his chin and narrowed his eyes. Her heart rate jumped when he asked them to train together. In fact, that happened a lot with her. When Obi-Wan first told her she would be on watch with Cross, he had felt her heart pump a little faster than everyone else’s. “A rise?” Hunter mused more to himself, but Tech was here so his question would be answered.

“It’s likely she’s physically attracted to him.”

Tech’s eyes locked with Hunters. “Should I be worried about that?”

A mischievous smile crossed Tech’s face. “Only if Cross finds her attractive too.” 

Hunter let out a long exasperated sigh. “I’m going to check on Wrecker. I can hear him stirring.”

Hunter had offered his CO room to me again. Something I suspected wasn't solely motivated by politeness. Kenobi had said something. Dank farrik, why didn’t he let me tell my own lies? But this was useful. I could sleep and shower with less worry than if I was staying in the squad’s sleeping quarters. The room was tiny, just large enough to fit a desk, chair, and the connected refresher. A single bed was built into the wall.

I stepped out of the refresher and began toweling off my hair. Wearing a helmet was starting to feel normal. Being able to touch my face felt odd. Carefully, I started weaving my hair into three tight braids. The flatter my hair was the more comfortable the helmet sat. Once I tied off each braid I met my cloudy reflection in the small mirror. With the towel I used to dry off, I wiped a streak of steam away. Now a little less fuzzy, I could see my face.

Wearing the helmet constantly, I forgot how much I was used to seeing myself in reflections. In mirrors, shot glasses, the clean bar top. Technically nothing had changed. Yet everything felt different. These eyes held secrets I thought were long buried. My lips carried new lies to bury those secrets again. When this was all done, would the cost outweigh the success?

Knocking. Knocking against the door and then a voice interrupted my thoughts. “Annie, could I come in?”

Tech. “Just a minute!” I called back, rushing to throw on my clothes. With one final glance at my reflection, I lowered my helmet over my head. Then I walked to the door. “Yeah?”

“May I come in?” 

Right, I was blocking the doorway. “Oh, um, yeah.” I stepped to the side and watched the clone enter. Behind him the door shut automatically. “What’s up?”

“Annie,” The worry in Tech’s voice caught my attention, but his expression is what threw me off guard. “We need to talk about what happened after you saved me from the collapsing building.” Under my helmet, my brows furrowed. So much happened in such a short time I didn’t know what Tech was referencing. Either he guessed or wasn’t done speaking. “You nearly blacked out. Considering the feat of strength you demonstrated to save Wrecker, it was not from exhaustion.”

My head slowly lifted as the memory became clear. “The anxiety attack! I had forgotten it completely.” Apparently my reaction was not predicted because Tech’s lips parted, but no words came out. So I continued. “Looking back on it, I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner.”

As Tech processed this new information his brows furrowed. Behind those eyes I could see thoughts flying in hyperspace. Finally, he settled on what to say. “Let me see if I understand correctly.” He held his hands clasped together and pointed towards me. “You already knew you were prone to anxiety attacks and you expected one while we were on mission?

“Well, not exactly.” I walked towards the bed and sat down. Tech leaned against the desk across from me. “Sure, I’ve had a few anxiety attacks in the past but I didn’t expect one.” My gloved hand gestured loosely.

“Do you know what triggered it?”

If he could see my expression that would have answered him. Instead, I took a moment before saying, “The force. Things got messy after-” I clenched my jaw. Before I had talked so easily about her death. But now… After regaining my voice I continued. “After Master Tali was murdered I had some trouble connecting with the force.”

Tech furrowed his brows even more. One hand adjusted his goggles. “Yet you had no issues catching me, dragging debris out of the way or saving Wrecker.”

A tired sigh rang through my helmet at a low tone. “Anxiety doesn’t exactly make sense, Tech.” After a moment with no response I stood up again. “Was there anything else?” 

That snapped the clone from his deep thoughts. His head lifted up and recognition filled his eyes. “Yes, actually. I wish to know why Vekek placed a bounty on you.” 

This was not at all what I expected after that conversation. My hips shifted and I crossed my arms. “Like I told Hunter back on Coruscant, I don't know.”

His top eyelids lowered and a clear expression of annoyance unfolded. “Maybe back on Coruscant that was the truth, but now?” Tech shook his head. “That name filled the gaps in your knowledge.” 

There was a pause before I spoke again. “I can't answer that, Tech. You know I can't answer that.” Even the voice modulator managed to accurately portray the gravity of my voice.

In this tiny, dimly lit room, Tech began pacing. “Annie,” Plastoid boots met metal as he talked. “I need to know the consequences if you are captured.” He brought up his hands to aid in his reasoning.

That determination in his furrowed brow and quick gestures told me he would not leave until I gave a satisfactory answer. My eyes glazed over as I imagined different lies and their outcomes. Nothing felt real enough. Then, it hit me. “Alright, fine. But this is as much as I’m willing to tell.” Technically there was no harm in telling him the reason, only the name. He stopped his pacing and turned all attention on me. “You’re right, the name confirmed a possibility I hadn’t taken seriously.” It was true enough. “I have… connections,” My word choice was important here. “With someone important. Someone that would react poorly if my life were threatened for their compliance.”

Tech narrowed his eyes. “Blackmail? Why wouldn’t you think of this connection sooner?”

“I did,” This was true. “But the few who knew, I trusted completely.” Those words hurt coming out. 

His expression softened, but there were still questions in those eyes. “What kind of connection are you talking about, Annie?” 

A short laugh buzzed through my modulator. “The kind Jedi are forbidden from. The kind that clones are discouraged against.” 

At some point I must have sat down, because I was gripping the bed sheets. My head dropped slightly as the implications of Lyn’s name settled. Before I was angry. Now, I was thinking. Thinking about the early morning hours we spent chatting after closing the bar. Thinking about the many clones who complimented Lyn’s listening skills. Thinking about how it was all a means to an end.

“Annie?” Tech was seated beside me. One of his gloved hands rested on my back in an attempt to comfort me. It was working. “I’m sorry that you found out this way. That someone…” His voice fell as that brilliant mind struggled to find the correct words. But there were no correct words for this. 

My breathing slowed as I came down from the frenzied thoughts of before. That grip on the bed sheets released. “I know.” The hum of a hyperdrive engine rattled between us. 

Dividers by Djarrex

[annwayne]

The Red Logs: Return to the Temple Ch. 7

Chapter 7: Meeting

Last Chapter <- -> Next Chapter

Fem!OC X Crosshair

Word Count: 3246

Fic Summary:

There are benefits to owning a clone bar. Underworld lords don’t threaten you to pay for protection. Clones are great company. And the drinks taste great. However, there are also risks to owning a clone bar. Like, for example, becoming the fuck buddy of a special clone task force member so your life gets threatened when a Separatist puts out a bounty for your capture in order to use you as blackmail. Also your sleep schedule get’s wrecked. But Anya Tougt is a little more capable than an average bar owner.

Ao3 Link Here

Warnings apply to whole fic:

Canon typical violence, descriptions of panic attacks, alcohol, swearing, 18+ themes (eventual smut), trauma, religious trauma parallels, mild gore

Authors Note:

Anya’s relationship with Obi-Wan is complicated, to say the least.

32 BBY. He’s… dead. And that padawan, Obi-Wan, let him die.

Immediately Tech began asking me questions in rapid succession which quickly devolved into speculations from the clone. Wrecker laughed, something about Seppies putting so much effort into kidnapping a single Jedi, a padawan at that, entertained him. If only he knew the full extent, he’d probably be rolling. They flanked me as we practically jogged to an unknown location. During our conversation before, I had lost track of the various turns. I had no idea where we were or where we were going.

“Tech, Wrecker? What are you doing, who is that?” A voice I had heard growl into my ears many times before took over my senses. Goosebumps crawled up my back before I even had time to turn and look at the clone. I hoped Hunter wasn’t nearby, because he’d easily hear the jump of my heart.

“This is Annie, she got us the bombs after the armorer denied our request!” Wrecker proudly announced.

“She’s also the target.” 

Heat swelled to my ears. If Crosshair somehow knew the true name in that communication everything would be lost. He would never look at me the same way again, and whatever happened yesterday would never get a chance to blossom. 

“No shit?” Those familiar hazel eyes lingered on me. “She doesn’t look much like a security risk.”

Habit raised a single eyebrow at him in disbelief. Yup, he had no idea who I was. And he was treating me with that exact same charm. “Speak for yourself, twig.” I signed with an extra bit of snappiness in my wrist.

Before anyone else could speak or translate my words, Hunter walked up. “Tech, did you get the supplies you need?” Half of the clone’s face was covered in black ink. The tattoo circled his eye, followed his cheekbone down to the edge of his lips, and then lined his jaw up to his sideburns. Two oval cutouts cut through the black around his lips. It was a skull. Feeling my eyes on him, his darted back towards me. 

Only an arm thrown around my shoulder cut my stare. “Yes, thanks to this little Padawan here!” Wrecker lifted me slightly as he squeezed me into a side hug. With my arms pinned I couldn’t sign. I was damn smart to keep my voice quiet, but holding back surprised yelps was harder than expected.

Tech slid forward, whispering in Hunter’s ear. His eyes narrowed and returned my way as Tech informed him of who exactly I was. “Wrecker, put her down.” I staggered a moment before regaining my footing. Hunter stepped towards me. “What can you tell me that could help us with this mission?”

Crosshair scoffed. “Please, if Cody wouldn’t tell us why would a Jedi?” My eyes landed back on the lean man. Up until now, I had considered the idea of kidnapping me for blackmail out of the question. Up until now, I had not realistically considered what Crosshair would do if he learned of my capture. “See, not a thing.” He lifted his hand to gesture towards me. 

“Aside from the obvious, I got nothing.” My eyes darted back to the Sergeant before me. “Any Separatist could be targeting me. I’m sorry I can’t help more.” My apology was genuine. They didn’t need to know I was Crosshair’s fuck buddy. Not even Crosshair. But I felt bad that revelation didn’t assist in understanding who would target me. 

“It’s okay, we’ll take care of this.” Hunter gripped my shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly. I noted that Tech did not need to translate for him.

“Wait, wait, no way in hell I’m letting you go off without me. I’m joining this mission, this is my shit-” My hands stopped mid-sentence as I spotted Obi-Wan down the hall. His nervous glances down every corridor he passed told me he had discovered I was missing. Before he could spot me I ran past the clones and approached my fake master, pulling him around a corner for more privacy. 

“What the hell?!” He began to speak before I started signing towards him. 

“Lecture me later- I figured something big out. Also Hunter is right there and can hear really well, and I kind of let them all think I’m mute. Also do not call me Anya. Call me,” A sigh escaped my lips as I realized what I was saying. “Annie, call me Annie.” 

Later, Kenobi would have a field day with this, but not now. “What have you done?” Obi-Wan lifted a hand to his forehead.

“Find me a voice modulator and then I’ll explain, okay?” 

Back in the confines of the private quarters Obi-Wan had first brought me to, I pulled on my now modified clone helmet. Obi-Wan leaned against the wall as he held our empty plates in his hands. No doubt the Jedi Master was pondering how he even got into this position. After he ordered the bad batch to wait in the Marauder, I was able to explain the events that led up to when I approached him in the hall. I even explained why I was taking so many extra precautions with my identity. 

“Remember how I told you I own a clone bar?” Obi-Wan only nodded his head in response. “Well, one of the clones I know fairly well is part of that squad.” His head raised up as the connections started to fall into place. “And I think he’s someone that might be more inclined to…”

“Take action if you went missing?” Now it was my turn to nod in response. “What kind of relationship do you have that an elite clone would-”

My face gave away exactly the kind of relationship I had with Crosshair.

“Fuck, Annie.”

“Yes, we do that too.” 

I don’t think I had ever seen a more undignified facial expression on Obi-Wan’s face before. After that, filling in the details about saying I was his new Padawan and using my childhood nickname was easy. At first he had objected to my participation in the mission. But then he saw the fire in my eyes and something within him understood. But there was a catch.

“All ready to go?” My ‘Jedi Master’ asked.

“You really don’t have to come along.” I adjusted the vocal range till my voice sounded more like a dorid’s than a human’s. His narrowed eyes and furrowed brow answered me better than any words could. With one last pat, I closed Stink’s carrier and looked towards Obi-Wan. “So you’re sure Cody will be okay taking Stinky back to Jayas’?

“Yes, now let’s go board that ship.”

“We don’t work with Jedi often.” Tech didn’t even look up as I walked into the cockpit. He sat in the left of the two pilot chairs and was looking down at the controls, messing with something. In the midship Crosshair and Wrecker were chatting; if you considered a one-sided conversation chatting. Obi-Wan and Hunter had disappeared into the commanding officer's room to go over the plan. “Maybe this will be an easy mission for once.” 

A mechanical laugh echoed from my helmet. I crossed my arms and leaned against the doorframe. “Trust me, history has proved anything that puts Kenobi and I together ends in disaster.” After a second my smile dipped. The realization of how true that statement was caught up with me. I looked down at the metal flooring of the ship. In moments, this felt like a dream. Like I was about to wake up at any minute to see Crosshair in bed beside me, telling one of his war stories to help me sleep. But that was not the case.

“I was under the impression that you were a rather new padawan?” Tech swiveled his chair to face me.

His expression barely changed when I lowered my head and sighed. This was routine now. Roundabout truths to answer lies. “Back when he was a padawan learner, Obi-Wan’s Master was like a mentor to me.” I stepped forward, taking the empty chair and turned to face the clone. A small laugh escaped me as the memories started to fill my thoughts. “That first conversation we had in the temple gardens was the first time I felt understood. He made the force make sense in a way Yoda never did.” Once I caught sight of Tech’s intrigued expression I remembered why I started talking to begin with. “So naturally Obi-Wan and I ran into each other fairly often.”

The clone took a moment to think before he spoke again. “And those previous exchanges ended poorly?” Through his goggles I could see questions building in his familiar hazel eyes.

My head fell slightly. “You could say that.” Flashes of Tali’s blaster burned body came to mind. 

I wasn’t sure if he noticed my shift in tone, but Tech moved the conversation on. “So you are a new padawan, but,” He visibly struggled to find his next words. “Forgive me if this is rude, you are much older than most padawan I’ve seen.”

That elicited a huff of air from me. “Yes, I am. Before the war it was rare to see a padawan that was 18, let alone the kids that are running around now.” I shook my head. Children leading squadrons of men to war. Even with all my doubts and criticism, I never thought the Jedi order would end up here.

Tech nodded his head slowly as he processed my answer. “Even still, would they not have made you a padawan sooner, at the start of the war?”

So far, Crosshair was two for two describing his brothers. If he wasn’t talking your ear off about the information he knew, Tech was grilling you for the information you knew. Describing the whims of the council was out of my reach though. So instead, I opted for the truth. “Oh, I was a padawan well before the war. My previous Master died a few years ago.” Tech’s face softened immediately. His lips parted just slightly and his eyebrows raised up slowly. Death was not as familiar to him as it was to most clones. 

“Annie, Tech, could you come in here?” Obi-Wan’s voice cut off whatever Tech was about to say. He glanced out the cockpit door, then looked back at me. I was halfway to the door before Tech stood up to follow. 

“Obi-Wan?” I crossed my arms and leaned all my weight on my right side. Crosshair raised an eyebrow at my clear lack of decorum. Odd, seeing how little his squad cared for regulations. Maybe they held Jedi to a higher standard?

“How long have you been awake?”

The question threw me back. “Uh.” I tilted my head as I tried to visualize a clock. Quickly, I gave up on that endeavor as I realized I couldn’t keep track of the cycling numbers in my mind. “Longer than usual.” 

“Then you’ll get first watch with Crosshair here.”

Fuck.

Hunter called out the rest of the watch order, but I didn’t pay attention. There’s no way Kenobi knew which of these men I was sleeping with, right? I purposely kept that information vague. My head snapped up at a dull thud. Wrecker had dropped the gonk droid he was using as a weight. The large clone stretched his arms up into the air with a yawn. 

“Pre-mission naps, my favorite!” His grin spread to the others.

“Yeah, yeah, try not to snore.” Tech teased, following shortly behind. 

“Guys…” Their voices disappeared as they stepped through a doorway. 

Instead of immediately joining the parade to sleep, Obi-Wan stepped close enough to whisper to me. “Wake me immediately if anything goes wrong.” His eyes stared holes through my helmet’s visor.

My temptation to make a snarky comment at his concern disappeared when I studied the expression on his face. Whoever I knew Kenobi as before was not the same man standing in front of me. He had already surprised me once by letting me come on this mission, and something in his expression told me he would continue to do so. 

“Right.” I nodded my head once. At my agreement he turned, following the same path as the clones into the sleeping quarters. 

Once his steps faded I noticed movement at my side. “What’s up between you two?” Crosshair pulled the toothpick out of his mouth. “I can’t tell if you’re fucking or hate each other’s guts. Well, both could be true at the same time.”

“Hmm,” I placed a hand on my hip. “Things would be easier if we truly hated each other.” I tore my eyes away from where Obi-Wan disappeared to see Crosshair’s reticle tattoo aimed at me. His eyes dragged up my clone boots, along the curve of my legs, then jumped up to my hidden gaze. A moment passed and multiple reasons made my gut twist. Some of it was the excitement I had grown used to from being studied by those enhanced eyes. Most of it was fear. Fear of being caught.

Finally, he spoke again. “I didn’t hear a denial.” His smirk curled in entertainment. I forgot what a little shit he could be. His eyes waited for me to retaliate, hoping for a little fun messing with the new padawan. The smart move would be to stay far away from the marksman.

Instead I walked towards him and sat beside him on the large supply crate. “I’d bet money that Obi-Wan doesn’t keep the celibate life style Jedi are supposed to uphold, but it’s certainly not me he’s fucking.” Our shoulder pieces clinked together. If he was surprised by me, the sniper didn’t show it on his face. 

Crosshair leaned back against the ship wall and twisted the toothpick in his mouth. “Alright, who do you think he’s fucking?”

“Her name is Satine Kryze.” I didn’t try to hide the irritation that name brought to my voice. “She’s the big shot in charge of Mandalore. Back when Kenobi was a padawan he spent a year with her on assignment. Obviously he was protecting her.” A glance towards Crosshair revealed a stoic expression on his face. “But isn’t there a reason people say danger makes the heart grow fonder?” I gestured my hand for emphasis. 

A scoff escaped between his lips. “Absence, not danger.” He didn’t bother asking about the sour tone.

“You sure about that?”

The slight upturn at the corner of his mouth washed away the frustration that came with thinking about Mandalore. “Then what about you?” His low voice questioned.

“Me what?” I pulled one leg under me as I shifted to face towards the clone. 

“Something tells me you don’t keep to that celibacy thing either.”

I couldn’t stop the sputtered laughter from bursting out of me. “Yeah, I’ll give you that one. I have a healthy appetite.” Those words sounded comical with my current voice modulator settings. 

“For?” He asked.

“Well, Clones are all men, so that’s it so far.” 

Beside me the sniper lost his toothpick as he began coughing. He lurched forward and grabbed at the bottom of his throat before finding his breath again. “You’ve only fucked clones?” A hoarse strain lined his words. I only nodded my head in response. “Is it a fetish thing or…?” That drawl told me he wasn’t going to finish his sentence. 

“Convenience, mostly. Though, I do genuinely enjoy the company of most clones.” Komm and his posse flooded my mind. Plastoid armor clanked as I tilted my head against my right shoulder. The glove on my hand felt odd, so I messed with the fabric without thinking. 

Crosshair returned to his relaxed position leaning back. From this position I got a good look at his sharp profile. “You aren’t like any Jedi I’ve met before.” A new toothpick appeared where the other had dropped from.

“No.” My gaze returned to the gloved hand.

Perhaps it was how quick I answered or maybe the plain honesty from me, but it gave Crosshair the first full smile I had seen since running into him. We waited for the rest of our watch time to pass in silence, enjoying the hums of the lightspeed engines and quiet company.

Dividers by Djarrex

[annwayne]

The Red Logs: Return to the Temple Ch. 8

Chapter 8: Monsters and Men

Last Chapter <- -> Next Chapter

Fem!OC X Crosshair

Word Count: 3246

Fic Summary:

There are benefits to owning a clone bar. Underworld lords don’t threaten you to pay for protection. Clones are great company. And the drinks taste great. However, there are also risks to owning a clone bar. Like, for example, becoming the fuck buddy of a special clone task force member so your life gets threatened when a Separatist puts out a bounty for your capture in order to use you as blackmail. Also your sleep schedule get’s wrecked. But Anya Tougt is a little more capable than an average bar owner.

Ao3 Link Here

Warnings apply to whole fic:

Canon typical violence, descriptions of panic attacks, alcohol, swearing, 18+ themes (eventual smut), trauma, religious trauma parallels, mild gore

31 BBY. Today is the anniversary of Qui-Gon’s murder. Somehow I’ve kept going. Yoda has been talking with me more than he did before. I think he’s being less harsh with me. But this leeway won’t last forever. A Jedi is not supposed to form attachments, after all. One year is unusually long to mourn.

Crosshair woke up before he needed to. Honestly, he could rarely sleep peacefully before a mission. So consciousness was a welcome distraction. He sat in the same spot as usual, twirling his toothpick and thinking. Thinking about the strange padawan that had openly shared so much with him. As much as he began to find enjoyment in her company an uneasy feeling kept returning. Something was off. 

Hunter sat across from Crosshair. Like his brother, he wasn’t sure what to think of Annie. What confused him the most was the clone helmet. She had not taken it off like he expected when they started their long flight. Even the most rule obedient Clone removed his helmet while waiting in hyperspace. And she most certainly did not seem to care about any regulations. He scratched the back of his head at the puzzle. Then he stood to stretch his legs and check on their progress. It was time.

“Cross, go wake the others.” He ordered from the cockpit. The thud of falling footsteps answered him. 

Wrecker, Tech, and the Jedi Master slept in the regular sleeping quarters peacefully until Crosshair slapped the lights on in the tiny room. “Nap time’s over. Get up, get dressed.” A slew of swears flew out of Tech’s mouth as the bright lights irritated his eyes. Quickly the clone pulled on his goggles and threw a middle finger at his brother. Wrecker jolted awake as he usually did, confused and drowsy. Even Obi-Wan slowly sat up and groggily rubbed his eyes. Cross stared in awe at the very human moment. “I’ll wake the sleeping beauty.” He took one step out of the doorway before Obi-Wan stood up.

“No need, Crosshair. She’s my responsibility.” Obi-Wan’s charming smile unsettled the clone. The Jedi shuffled past Crosshair, who partly blocked the door, already fully clothed and ready to go. Hazel eyes followed behind Kenobi’s tan robes. He still couldn’t shake the feeling that both Jedi were hiding something from the squad.

Obi-Wan wasn’t sure how Anya- No, Annie- fell asleep. While awake she was a tightly bound ball of anxiety. Finding enough peace to fall asleep despite that was actually impressive. He respected the effort she put into keeping her civilian life a secret and didn’t want that work to fall apart. Especially not just from a clone waking her up. He walked into the CO quarters and waited until the door closed behind him to turn on the light. Annie shot up, a wave of nerves so strong he didn’t even have to reach out in the force to feel them emanating from her.

“Woah, hey, no worries. It’s just me.” Obi-Wan chose his words carefully, aware of the enhanced abilities of the clones aboard the ship. “It’s time.” 

I followed Kenobi back into the body of the ship to see all of Clone Force 99 geared up, including their helmets. Wrecker carried the bag of explosives I had given him earlier that cycle, last cycle? Time seemed to lose meaning while traveling through space. Once Hunter ensured we were all paying attention, he began detailing the plan one final time.

“Crosshair will be stationed up here on the ridge, if the maps are accurate.” He pointed at the holo-map in his hand. “Technically, there shouldn’t be anyone waiting to greet us, but the chance of some heavy duty droids getting plopped down on this moon doesn’t elude me.” He scanned the sea of helmets before continuing. “Me and Wrecker are going to lay down the mines here and here, hopefully nothing will try to come at us from above.”

“That shouldn’t happen. Albek are small reptilian creatures that cannot fly. They can, however, use the force.” His helmet turned to face Obi-Wan and I. Animals using the force wasn’t common, we would have to be on our guard.

“Right.” Hunter continued. “Tech, you and the Jedi will search for any terminal access you can find. Anything that still lights up could hold information not only about our mystery man but also Seperatist secrets. I can’t imagine they bothered with wiping anything while getting attacked by those lizards.”

“Unless they had a kill switch.” Crosshair drawled out his words. “Then we’d have come here for nothing.” 

“Hopefully, that’s not the case.” Hunter addressed the sniper. “Once Wrecker and I finish laying down the mines, I'll join Tech and the Jedi. Wrecker will meet up with Crosshair and watch his back while he watches ours.”

  At his last word the hyperdrive engines shutdown, announcing that we had come out of hyperspace. Tech moved to his seat in the cockpit. Hunter followed, but remained standing behind his brother. 

“Scans show no life forms. And we haven’t been shot at yet.” Tech spoke more for himself than the crew. 

Obi-Wan stepped into the cockpit at that point. Wrecker sat in one of the crash seats without pulling down the impact brace. Crosshair remained leaning against the wall. “Annie, come check this out.” Kenobi called. 

“Yeah, what’s-“ Out the viewport a beautiful teal ocean glinted from the sunlight. Its waves lapped lazily at black sand. “Wow.” I leaned forward against the empty seat to see more. Coruscant could never compare to natural beauty like this.

“Yes it is a pleasant environment.” Tech responded. 

“She’s never seen an ocean before.” Obi-Wan clarified my awe. 

“Never?” Hunter looked my way. 

“I didn’t know natural water could be so clear.” Even from this height I could see the bright colors from coral and fish beneath the surface. 

Then, the base came into view. It sat against the ocean across from a short ridge. Said ridge sloped down into the patch of grass that held the base. Trees hugged the east side and the west was clear. Everything looked like the maps said it would, at least the natural landscape did. The base itself was in ruins. Metal structures appeared half demolished. Chunks of rubble dotted the land. 

“Small lizards did that?” I turned to see Crosshair standing at the door frame. 

“It’s likely damaged droids malfunctioned and caused the excess damage.”

Somehow that didn’t make me feel better. 

We broke out of the ship and began running the short distance to the abandoned military outpost. Instantly I noticed how heavy the salty humid air was.  Since no one shot at us as we descended there was little need to land far away. So far the place was devoid of both life and droids. Obi-Wan unsheathed his lightsaber as he ran, but I kept mine at my hip. As we neared, Crosshair slowed his stride, taking his position exactly where planned. Next Hunter and Wrecker split off, going opposite directions to lay down mines faster. Obi-Wan and I jumped down the cliff side and both landed with careful thuds. Tech followed shortly after us. His body tensed up as he plummeted through the air. In sync, Kenobi and I lifted our arms to catch Tech with the force. When we set him down I caught Kenobi watching me. Right. He had no idea where my skills truly were. Not that it mattered, after this mission I would never get roped back into Jedi affairs.

“Wow, that was mildly terrifying.” Tech huffed as he caught his balance after we dropped our hold on him. After a moment he nodded his head, he was ready to resume.

We slowed our pace from a sprint to a light jog. While there were no active droids shooting at us, we had no idea if the base was booby-trapped. Stepping lightly was the smart move. Droid parts littered the lush ground. I could only imagine the carnage we would be witnessing if the Separatists used living soldiers in their army. When there wasn’t a building or stacked rubble blocking my view, I could see Hunter and Wrecker on either side of us in the distance. They ran in zig-zag patterns to gain more coverage with the mines.

“Everything’s clear from up here.” Crosshair finally reported. His voice was low with focus. Maker, I couldn’t let him distract me so easily.

Finally, we reached the main building. Tech first attempted to fiddle with the door panel. “Kriff,” He muttered. “It’s broken. I couldn’t open this door even if it wasn’t locked. 

Obi-Wan glanced my way. “Shall we?” 

I looked down at the lightsaber in my hand. Two years had passed since I last used it. Somehow, I felt too calm about this. Like a storm was just over the horizon. “We shall.” Might as well get to work. With a sizzling whoosh, the blue saber came to life. Together we plunged our weapons into the thick black metal and created a large circle opening. After Kenobi force pushed the heavy metal forward, it fell with a thud and opened up our new access point.

“Hm, well that’s handy.” Tech noted as he climbed through first. I followed after, then Kenobi. Together we opened our lightsabers to illuminate the dimly lit control room. Somehow the space inside seemed tiny compared to the large structure that contained it. “Anything that looks functional and has some sort of access port, try to activate.” He ordered.

“How’s things going?” Hunter checked in over the coms. 

“We’ve just entered the main control room. Most everything looks dead.” Tech’s scowl was audible.

As I dragged debris off various objects, Obi-Wan used the force to sort through the damaged machinery. That seemed… much more efficient. Catching Tech had felt like a given, I didn’t even flinch at the idea of using the force then. But now, at the prospect of lifting debris I hesitated. Obi-Wan tapped the com in his ear twice before I heard his voice in my ear. “It’s still part of you, Annie. Jedi or not, you can use the force. Use it for good.” From the lack of a reaction from Tech, I could only assume Obi-Wan had switched his com to only connect with mine.

Strangely, the advice brought a level of confidence I had not felt in a long time. Obi-Wan was right. This was a part of me that would never fade, no matter how much I wanted it to. This last cycle had been a day of boldness and I saw no reason to stop now. Carefully, I focused my thoughts and began to pull objects away. As I peeled layer after layer of destruction back, a faint light glowed from under a massive fallen pillar. Was all this destruction from malfunctioning droids?

“Kenobi, Tech, over here!” 

Both men dropped whatever they were looking at to rush to my side. At sight of the glow, Tech’s excitement grew. “Can you two lift that beam?” He asked quickly.

Obi-Wan and I shared a look. This would be much heavier than a single man. After I nodded affirmatively, he lifted his arms. Once again, we moved in sync as the massive beam, and everything above it, wobbled to our will. My arms burned, as though the weight of the object were pulling them down. Once there was a gap large enough for whatever was glowing, Tech ducked under the floating pillar and started to drag what looked like a large data terminal out of the way. A bead of sweat ran down my temple as I felt the strain begin to buckle my legs. 

“Tech! Hurry!” I gritted my teeth. Beside me Obi-Wan started to shake.

“Clear! I’m clear!” 

Immediately a deep boom reverberated through the floor as our combined grip let go of the heavy beam. I don’t know how, but I was still standing on my legs. A wide grin spread over Obi-Wan’s face as he nodded congratulations my way. 

“What was that?” Crosshair’s voice cut through our small victory.

“Annie and General Obi-Wan lifted a metal pillar so I could retrieve a functional terminal.” Tech answered, oblivious or ignoring the snarl in his brother’s voice.

“What? That’s my job!” Wrecker complained over the coms. “Tech, how big was it? Could I have lifted it?”

“Wrecker, later.” Hunter returned the conversation back on topic. “So what do you say Tech, is it worth anything?”

“Unsure. This terminal has a damaged visual interface. I will need to upload its full contents into my datapad to tell if anything useful was stored here.” Tech lifted his head up from his kneeling position beside the large black rectangle. “That may take some time. We should keep searching.” 

“Hunter.” Crosshair hissed through the comms. 

“I know, I know!” 

We couldn’t see outside, but we could hear. Crosshair’s rifle kept a steady beat while Wrecker and Hunter’s blaster fire created a chaotic melody. Then the first explosion went off, shortly followed by three more. While my ears burned I rushed through the command center trying to find another door. Tech seemed to catch on to my idea- the CO’s office would be a gold mine if it was still intact. Together we pushed over debris blocking a small hallway and began checking each door we could open. My lightsaber crackled as I cut open holes when Tech could not hack a door open. Kenobi stayed behind in the main room, keeping watch over the data being downloaded onto Tech’s data pad. More explosions rang out.

“This one!” I called out for the clone to join me. Just like all the others, this room was a disaster of droid parts and equipment. 

“How do you know?” Tech questioned. 

“A feeling.” I stepped through the threshold and approached the holotable that was miraculously in one piece. I slid my fingers under its lip until-

“It’s on.” Tech rushed in behind me. 

Then, our comms blew up with voices. “Tech, you better hurry up!” Blaster fire accompanied his yell. 

“Guys, I found something weird.” Wreckers voice chimed in next. 

“Tech, the data pad has finished its download. I’m taking it, I suggest you hurry. These bastards have started climbing through our exit.” Lightsaber swings harmonized with Obi-Wan’s update. 

Strange growls and clicking claws gradually replaced the blaster fire as the dominant string in this chaotic orchestra. I forced the door closed then pushed a pile of debris in front of it as a poor barricade. “How’s it coming, Tech?” Urgency flavored my words. 

“I’ve found a file that looks promising. But, I think there was something more than just a standard military base going on here.” He plugged in a small stick, downloading the new information. 

“Guys…” Wrecker’s voice was dreadful. “Why’s there an empty cage here? That looks like it was ripped apart?” Over the comms we heard the murmuration of flying fauna taking off at once.

“Oh shit.” Crosshair gasped. “Something big is coming.” 

Suddenly, the symphony stopped. For one second, the moon fell frighteningly silent. Even the Albek stopped their scampering. Tech met my eyes. Before our chance was lost, I yanked out the drive. At my action the clone beside me began to search for a possible exit.

“Here, Annie.” He knelt down by the far wall and started moving pieces of scrap. Together we uncovered a hole barely big enough to crawl through on our stomachs. Sunlight hit our knees. By now the noise had resumed. A clamber of scuttling running away. That was never a good sign. Grass dragged against my face as I pulled my body forward with my forearms. Finally I cleared the wall and stood up. Tech was right behind me, his torso already through the tight clearing. Then we felt the tremors.

Panic gripped the clone’s eyes as the structure shook around him. Another tremor threatened to dislodge the precariously stacked beams until the one directly above Tech snapped free.

Without Kenobi’s help, I felt the weight of this wall push my heels into the ground. “Anytime!” I squeaked through the physical pain. Now aware of why he wasn’t split in two, Tech shuffled his body forward. Milliseconds felt like hours. My legs wavered, but he was still under. “No.” I growled. Various emotions swirled inside me, but I focused on one. An extra second. That’s what anger gave me. One extra second to keep Tech safe. Then the wall crashed down with a screeching metallic thud. 

Every muscle in my body was on fire. My lungs couldn’t get enough air and a sudden dizziness started to spin my vision. Rapid beating overtook my ears and chest. Plastoid armor clanked as I fell back against something that wasn’t there before. Something kept knocking, trying to pull me from the spotty black that quickly swallowed me.

“Commander!” That knocking became a voice. And it succeeded.

“Fuck, Tech?” Black dots retreated from my vision. He wasn’t in front of me, instead he was the object I collided with. Beneath our feet the ground vibrated as heavy thuds fell nearby. 

“We need to go.” He was looking up. 

A horrible, deep, roar threw my hands up to the sides of my helmet. Quickly I pressed a button on the plastoid armor. The roar became muffled as the sonic-dampeners activated. With a new crispness, Crosshair’s voice warned us over the comms. “Run.”

Our feet slammed against the grassy earth as Tech and I sprinted around the large structure. Obi-Wan was the first face I saw. His expression was one I had only seen from him once before. Fear. 

“Wrecker, on my mark throw the last of the mines. General, can you-” Hunter began giving out orders.

“Yes.” 

“Cross, if you see a shot take it.”

“Always.” Even while running for my life I could hear the smirk on his lips.

Together, Tech and I sprinted to where Obi-Wan and Wrecker stood near the west slope. As soon as we passed behind them Hunter gave the order. Immediately, I skidded to a halt and turned just in time to see a handful of mines hurtling towards a giant monster with deadly claws and terrifying horns. It’s crimson eyes were the last thing I saw before Obi-Wan dentonaded the bombs. Plumbs of gray smoke hid the beast from view. 

“I think that’s a Doashim!” Tech yelled over the explosions. We all tensed, waiting for the smoke to clear. 

No one was surprised when the creature stepped through the smoke cloud. At nearly 10 meters the Doashim was unnaturally large for its species. The claws on its front arms hung heavy. 

“Anyone got any ideas?”

Crosshair answered. “That plating is too thick to shoot through. I need an eye shot.”

“Right,” Hunter began firing shots from his position at the east of the base. The blaster fire did no damage, but it did annoy the Doashim. “Everyone, let’s round it up.” Immediately we all sprang into action. Hunter’s distraction meant the monster was headed his way. We each ran different paths to trade off its attention. Before it reached Hunter, Tech started firing from behind. Then Obi-Wan used the force to throw rocks at the Doashim’s face. This was an extremely dangerous game of pinball. Wrecker gained its attention next with loud hollering and blaster shots. 

“Wait, Wrecker!” I yelled. This thing was fast, and that clone was too close to gain its attention.

My warning came too late. Massive green legs moved in a blur forward as the beast used its left arm to grab Wrecker. Razor sharp claws dug through his armor as the Doashim raised its hand to its jaws. None of the blasts from Tech’s and Hunter’s blasters distracted the predator from its catch. Even Crosshair’s rifle shots at its back did nothing to slow the monster.

 Instinct took over as I threw my arms up and focused on the Doashim’s arm. Wrecker’s body stopped moving towards the beast’s open mouth. Those crimson eyes darted around before landing on me. My grip forced that arm back, dragging the massive creature along with my footsteps towards the ridge. We moved at a terribly slow pace. One by one, those claws opened. Then, right as I was directly in front of the cliff wall, Wrecker fell from the Doashim’s killer grasp. It wasn’t facing me fully yet. I needed to keep my hold on it.

“Annie, stop!”

Instantly my attention snapped. Three things came to mind. Obi-Wan was the owner of the voice that broke my attention. A large circle of dead grass surrounded me. And the Doashim was poised to kill. Curled horns, a nasy snarl, and those horrible claws came barreling directly at me right as a single shot echoed out. A searing black hole replaced one red eye and the creature stumbled, moving forward only by leftover moment. It skidded to a stop right before my boots.

Dividers by Djarrex

[annwayne]

The Red Logs: Return to the Temple Ch. 4

Chapter 4: Return Home

Last Chapter <- -> Next Chapter

Fem!OC X Crosshair

Word Count: 2482

Fic Summary:

There are benefits to owning a clone bar. Underworld lords don’t threaten you to pay for protection. Clones are great company. And the drinks taste great. However, there are also risks to owning a clone bar. Like, for example, becoming the fuck buddy of a special clone task force member so your life gets threatened when a Separatist puts out a bounty for your capture in order to use you as blackmail. Also your sleep schedule get’s wrecked. But Anya Tougt is a little more capable than an average bar owner.

Ao3 Link Here

Warnings apply to whole fic:

Canon typical violence, descriptions of panic attacks, alcohol, swearing, 18+ themes (eventual smut), trauma, religious trauma parallels, mild gore

Authors Note:

Ah, look, the story is starting. 

33 BBY. Master Qui-Gon found me hiding in the gardens today. Yoda’s classes went on too long. I just needed a break. But, unlike the other Masters, Qui-Gon Jinn didn’t scold me when he found me skipping class. We talked until his padawan found him.

Low murmurs of conversation and an electrical engine mixed to create a soft background for my thoughts. I gripped the handle above me tighter as I recognized the different streets we passed. My chest thumped faster as the vehicle came to a slow stop. Once the doors slid open I quickly stepped off. Before me was the building I spent most of my life in. 

The Jedi temple was something most found comfort in. Those who saw the impressive architecture daily took for granted its symbolism. For those who looked up from the lower levels of the planet, it was a shining beacon of hope and peace. At least that’s what the tour guides would sell you. 

I stepped under its shadow and pulled up my hood. The message from this morning on loop in my head. 

“Dearest Anya, the Jedi council requests your presence at 14:00 in the council room.” 

No context. No clues. Just a summons. Around me temple workers shuffled to their shifts. A few gave me suspicious glances but said nothing. Finally, I parted from the crowd and approached the guest entrance. A pair of sentinels stood at the doors, checking everyone’s ID. After a moment, I stepped up and showed them my invitation and identification. Their masked faces looked at each other. 

“Guest entrance is for guests right?” I pinched the bridge of my nose, guessing what had given them pause. Another moment went by before the guards stepped aside, letting me through the towering doors. 

And suddenly it was like I was back in time. Jedi of all ages milled through the ornate halls. High walls created an echo chamber that turned footsteps and chatter into static. A voice cut through that white noise and raised the hair on my neck. “Padawans!” I instinctively turned my head and watched as a Jedi Knight addressed a small group. I shook the shock off and started walking.

Two years later, I still knew the layout of this building by heart. The path was clear, but I took my time getting there. My heartbeat filled my ears as I stepped into the lift that would take me to the High Council. As much as I tried to keep calm, my face felt hot. I kept my eyes down and counted the tiles that made up the floor.

“Annie?” A familiar voice snapped my head up. A face I knew too well was looking right at me. He stepped into the lift and started talking to me. Behind him another man I recognized followed. “Is that really you? You grew out your hair! It’s been-”

“Two years.” Of course the Jedi I wanted to see the least ran into me. “I’ve been rid of this place for two years, and now your high council requests my presence.” I snapped from the nerves building in me. “Also, don’t call me by that nickname. Just my name, Anya.”

Kenobi opened his mouth, but decided against speaking his mind. Behind him a stifled chuckle escaped the other man. I felt some shuffling between them before the other finally spoke. “I see you still have your charm, Anya.” When I didn’t respond he continued. “Though, I do remember you being less hostile.” 

That earned a scoff from me. “Try to remember better, Anakin.”  I kept my head forward. “I haven’t changed much.”

 The lift came to a swift stop and opened its doors to the outside hangar. Anakin slid past me and stepped out. Before the doors closed again he bid us farewell. “Master, Anya.” His grin disappeared behind the lift doors and we resumed the journey up.

A moment of heavy silence passed between us. I gripped my clothes and held onto them like a lifeline. Then I made the mistake of glancing up. “Anya,” Obi-Wan took my glance as an invitation. “What happened here before-” 

“Was a mistake? You think I believe that?” I cut him off. I took a long breath in and held it. After a moment I slowly exhaled. “Rich, you trying to say something now.” I focused on my breath and kept my eyes fixed to the floor. 

“I know. It was a tragedy.” My fist loosened its grip on my cloak. “That day I failed Tail, and every day after I failed you.” I glanced up at the Jedi. “At the time I thought seeing me would only make you more upset. But now I know that was just guilt.” Obi-Wan made no movement towards me. “If I could do it again maybe you would have stayed with the order.” Instead he gave me a sad look. 

My mind raced as I processed this information. Fate continued to string us together just as it did when I was a youngling and then a padawan. A slow breath escaped me then I shook my head. “No, nothing would have made it right. Leaving the order was my path, is my path.” I clasped my hands together. “But,” I met his gaze. “You have no idea what it means to hear you say that.”

Before either of us could speak again the lift opened its doors to the council room. I hesitated before stepping forward. Memories of the last time I stepped out of this lift into this short hallway flooded my mind.

“Anya?” Obi-wan cut through the haze. 

With borrowed confidence I stepped out into the hallway and followed the Jedi to the council room. 

“Today we meet over unfortunate news.” Mace Windu’s commanding voice almost relaxed me, but the subject prevented that. I stood in the middle of the red room. Around me Jedi masters sat, either physically present or projected from a hologram. “Council, we have intercepted a strange message from the border of Separatist space.” He looked me in the eye. “Someone has put out a bounty, specifically for live capture, on Miss Anya Tougt.” He raised a hand towards me. 

“What?” I whispered in panic.

Mace continued, “We don’t know why or who exactly, but our intel confirms a Separatist commander sent the message.” 

Master Plo spoke next. “Anya,” He addressed me directly. “Do you have any idea why the Separatists may want to capture you?”

“Well-”

“Perhaps information you may know?” Fisto added to the original question.

“Right, um,” My mind raced for answers. But thinking was not an option with so many watching and waiting for me. “I can’t think…”

“Nothing at all?” I recognized Master Windu’s voice. 

Eyes I once knew starred daggers into my skin. Their furrowed brows told stories of disappointment. Pity colored their downturned lips and annoyance painted their body language. Everyone was thinking it, a useless ex-Jedi had no place here. Why did they even bother with this meeting?”

“Anya.” An incredibly soft voice opened my eyes. When did I close them? Yoda stood in front of me, his hands holding one of my own. Immediately I noticed the many empty seats in the council room. “Remember your lessons, you must.” He must have sent the others away. Kindness and concern painted a gentle expression on his face.

At his words I nodded my head and breathed in deeply. Suddenly I was back, a normal padawan doing breathing exercises with my master. With each breath all the conflict and fear washed away. A moment passed before I opened my eyes once again.

“Good.” His smile was contagious. “While a Jedi no longer, control your fears you must.” Then the Grand Master gestured over to the only other Jedi in the room, Obi-Wan. “Work together you will, to solve this mystery.” 

Obi-wan met my eyes before nodding his head in agreement. “So, Anya,” He spoke while gesturing softly towards me. “Do you have any ideas on who is targeting you? Or why?”

With less eyes and less pressure on me my mind could function again. “Master Windu said the bounty wanted me alive right?” Kenobi nodded his head affirmatively. “So obviously they want something from me, or to use me for something?”

“Blackmail?” Yoda mused at my suggestion.

“Yes, exactly! Though…” I pursed my lips while tapping my chin. “I don’t know how effective that would be. Sure I know the Jedi order and a ton of clones but, well, to be blunt none of you would sacrifice the safety of the Republic for me.” My nonchalant tone did not surprise the Jedi.

Instead Obi-Wan tilted his head at a different surprise. “You know... clones?”

“Oh, yeah. I own a clone bar. Come in contact with hundreds of clones every night.” Talking about the bar relaxed the remaining tension in my shoulders. “Many of them know me and are fond of me, but like I said, I can’t picture any giving up secrets of the Republic for me.” Since I was feeling better my words flowed out with ease.

An idea popped into Obi-Wan’s head. He lifted his hand and snapped his fingers at me. “But what do you know about clones? About tactics? Have you ever learned anything that might seem confidential?”

My laughter echoed through the tall room. “No, Sorry. Even drunk clones don’t talk that kind of shop.” Obi-Wan frowned, then his expression quickly shifted to one of pride.

Yoda stepped forward, causing our attention to shift. “Solve this, you will. But stay safe, you must.”

“I agree. Anya, you should consider staying here at the temple until we learn more.”

“Woah,” I lifted my hands to protest. “Isn’t there a different place I could stay?” Too many memories sat in these halls undisturbed for a reason. Staying here would disturb them.

“Well…” Obi-Wan stroked his beard. “The clone barracks are not far from here. And it would be just as secure.” 

“Wait, clone barracks?” My heart rate began to rise. “I’d rather not.” Two years of work, all to be thrown away if my customers recognized me in their barracks, with a Jedi. 

“Stay at the temple, you will?” Yoda looked at me carefully. After weighing the options, I nodded my head. “Then decided, it is.”

“But I need to go back and collect a few things first, as well as get my business in order.” Obi-Wan and Yoda shared a glance before finally Yoda gave an approving nod.

“So, a clone bar?” Obi-wan remarked. We stood side by side on the transport to the lower levels of the city. Around us people stared. Either they were not used to seeing a Jedi so low in the planet or they weren’t happy to see one at all.

“Clones are people too. They deserve a place to celebrate that.” I responded absently. My head was full of all the worst things that could happen while I was away. And what about Crosshair? His visits were inconsistent but reliably at the worst times. Knowing my luck he’d be sitting in the bar right now with a grin and story about how their mission got delayed another cycle. 

“I agree, Anya. I’m remarking it’s a unique choice, especially if you wanted to put distance between you and the Jedi Order.” 

The transport swayed as it took a sharp turn. “You take the chances given to you, I guess. The universe is nothing like the Order.” I braced myself for the next turn. Then the transport landed. 

As the door opened and the passengers exited, Obi-Wan pulled his hood up. “Drat, it’s raining now.” 

I stepped out and followed suit. Rain on Coruscant smelled metallic and was always cold. “Come on, the bar’s not far.” Together we started the walk home. 

After a few blocks my building was in sight. I glanced towards Obi-Wan. “I want as few people as possible to know about this,” A gesture towards the Jedi emphasized my point. “So we’re entering through the back.” 

Kenobi raised an eyebrow at me. “You’re that ashamed of me, Anya?” 

I rolled my eyes in response and the man quietly chuckled. "There's the Obi-Wan I know, smartass comments and stupid grins." Rather than grace my comment with a formal response, he elected to return my eye roll. Once we reached the backdoor I pulled out my keys. With the door unlocked we stepped in. “Stay here, I’ll be back in a minute.”

“I’m not sure I’m comfortable losing sight of you.” He kept up with my pace until we reached my office. I shot him a frustrated look then opened the door. 

“Jayas,” I began. “I need-“

In a blur of motion Jayas jumped up from his seat and aimed an old blaster at Obi-Wan. “Who’s this?” He asked as he pulled me away from the Jedi. 

“Right attitude, wrong target, Jayas.” After I pulled the blaster from his grip I moved past him to pick up the datapad on the desk. “Look,” I said while typing out some notes. “Long story short, the Jedi are going to protect me from a bounty that some Separatist put out on me.” He didn’t notice when I held out the datapad for him to take.

Instead Jayas looked between me and Obi-Wan, mouth open but no words coming out. Finally, he shook his head as if to reset and asked, “Wait, that’s a Jedi?” He threw his arm towards Obi-Wan, who gave my assistant manager a grin. “Did you say Separatist?!” Jayas whipped his large body around so fast he knocked a few boxes off the filing cabinets. 

I raised my hand up to calm him down. “It’s fine, they’re Jedi.” Obi-Wan gave me a curious look. “They will keep me safe.” This time Jayas took the datapad from me. “Now listen, I wrote down some instructions. Most of it you already know, but there’s a few things added just in case.”

“In case?” Jayas repeated my words.

“Also there’s information on how to contact me.” If he noticed my dodge he didn’t say anything. “Only for an emergency, Jayas.” I started to step towards the door. “They shouldn’t give you any trouble, but I doubt you’ll need to contact me.” I hesitated. “And, you’ll hear if,” This wasn’t fun. “If things go wrong.” 

Behind me, Jayas closed the gap between us and turned me into a big hug. I couldn’t tell if it was to comfort me or himself. “Miss Anya,“ he whispered. “I still owe you a milkshake, so come back in one piece.”

Quietly I answered. “Of course, Jayas.” One more squeeze then he let me go. After a final goodbye we left the office. 

“Did you mean what you said?” Obi-Wan waited until we were up the stairs before speaking again. He didn’t need to clarify which part. 

It's fine, they're Jedi.

“Sure.” 

Dividers by Djarrex