#Clone Specialist Misfit

[fandom-friday]

So I come this week with not one but two beautiful arts from @mire-draws-things-spiceverse in one post! Our girl has done two NSFW pictures of two ocs. First pic and oc is @vodika-vibes's sexy boy Misfit. And the second pic and oc is my very own Jam of the 213th

I can't stop staring at them

WHEW!!! We do love some spicy clone OC art round these parts, and both of these are SOMETHING.

Thanks so much for sending them in so that we may ALL be *ahem* acquainted with them hehe!

Participate in Fandom Friday to show your favorite creators from this week some love! :)

[vodika-vibes]

Oh ho ho ask and you shall receive.

Can I get a western au with Misfit and dealers choice on genre. Just at one point can I hug him. Thank you

Love oo

Better Place

Summary: After losing his career due to gross insubordination towards his Commanding Officer, Misfit finds himself moving back to the small ranching town he grew up in because he has no other options. He’s surprised when he realizes that this is his chance to heal.

Pairing: Pre Specialist Misfit (Clone OC) x F!Reader

Word Count: 2421

Warnings: Mentions of drug and alcohol abuse

Prompt: Western AU - though it doesn't really have a Western vibe, sorry.

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @kimiheartblade

A/N: So, I had an idea, and I think I'm happy with it. Jango was a good dad to some of his children, but was a bad dad to others. Misfit, Hunter, Crosshair, Wrecker, Tech, and Sister are all the "undesirable" children, and I have ideas as to where they are, but I couldn't work it into the story.

“Here’s the Ranch,” Boba says to Misfit as he unlocks the door and walks over to a window to pull it open, “No one’s lived here since dad died, but I’ve had people coming out and keeping it clean. Everything is still in working order.” 

Awkwardly, Misfit lingers in the doorway, he pulls a cigarette out of his pocket and sticks it between his lips, though he doesn’t light it just yet. He watches Boba move around the kitchen, pulling open curtains and opening windows.

He hates this place.

He never wanted to return here.

Being in this house makes him feel like a child again. Unwanted. Unheard.

Ghosts of memories dance across his vision. He can see Jango—father— sitting at the dining room table, holding court with his favored sons: golden boy Boba. Ponds. Cody. Both sets of twins, Neyo and Bacara as well as Wolffe and Fox. The baby, Bly.

All the while, the less favored kids are left watching from the outside, in the hopes that they might earn an approving look from their father.

Not that they ever did.

He wonders if Jango regretted it, ignoring so many of his children, before the end. Misfit knows that he didn’t come and visit when he got word that Jango was dying.

He also knows that the other undesirable kids didn’t come either.

Knowing Jango, he didn’t even notice.

In any event, Boba inherited the ranch after Jango died. Though, it’s clear to Misfit that his older brother hadn’t actually stepped foot in the place since before Jango died.

It should make him feel better, the knowledge that Jango must be rolling in his grave since Boba’s just giving him the ranch. But it just makes him feel hollow and empty.

“Are you sure you want to just give me this place?” Misfit asks.

Boba turns to look at him, “We talked about this already, vod.” He leans against the counter, his arms folding over his chest, “The ranch is too far away from where I work.”

“We both know that Jango wouldn’t want me to have this place.”

“Yeah, well,” Boba shrugs, “Dad’s dead. What he does or doesn’t want is unimportant. He left the ranch to me, and I’m giving it to you.” He pauses, “The animals were sold after dad died, but I do remember that you never cared much for cattle or sheep.”

Misfit’s grin is slightly wry, Boba’s not wrong, that’s for sure.

“So, do you have any plans for the place?” Boba asks.

“Plant a garden, probably. Assuming the garden boxes don’t need to be repaired.” Misfit shrugs, “Turn the old barn into a workshop for my woodworking.”

“Oh, you’re still doing that?”

“I like working with my hands. It makes me less likely to turn to alcohol or drugs.”

Boba pauses and for a moment a pained look crosses his face, “I had heard…there are meetings in town for people fighting addictions. Support groups.”

“Yeah, I know.” Misfit pauses, “I already reached out for a sponsor.”

Relief washes across Boba’s face, “You have? That’s great.”

“Contrary to what you all seem to believe, I don’t actually like being high or drunk.”

“We’re just worried, Misfit.” Boba replies, “We thought you were going to get Court Martialed.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“You-” Boba exhales slowly, “Never mind.” He pushes his hair through his curls, “When I heard you were coming, I went out and bought some food for you.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s the least I could do. You’re still my brother.” Boba stops leaning against the counter and walks over to another window and ties the curtain open, “Honestly, I was worried I’d never see you again.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, the others…they’ve completely cut us off.” Boba says awkwardly. 

“Can you blame them?” Misfit asks as he finally steps into the house properly. He’ll have to redo the entire house to make it less anxiety inducing, but it’s always nice to have a project.

“No.” Boba admits, “Dad was great…for some of us. It took a long time for me to recognize that the way he treated you younger kids was…” He sighs and shakes his head, “None of you deserved that.”

“No, we didn’t.” Misfit agrees. “Anything else?”

Boba’s quiet for a moment, “I left my old motorcycle in the barn, you can have it. I can’t ride it anymore. The helmet and leather jacket are back there too. They’ll both fit you.”

“Thanks Boba,”

“You need a way to get around. It’s not super, you won’t be able to do a massive grocery trip, but it’s good enough.” Boba walks over to Misfit, and reaches out to grip his shoulder, “Listen, if you need anything, just give me a call. We’re family.”

Misfit stares at him for a moment, “Yeah, sure.”

“I mean it, vod.” Boba drops his hand, “I wasn’t always the best brother, but I’ve grown up since then.”

Misfit sighs and nods, “Alright, Boba. I’ll let you know.”

“Great. I’m going to get out of here, let you get settled.” Boba heads to the door, and then turns around to walk backwards, “Answer your phone when I call, Misfit. I mean it.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Then Boba is gone, leaving Misfit alone with his thoughts and memories.

His hands twitch, and he finally lights his cigarette, in the hopes that the familiar sensation will help him feel a little less like a child again. 

It helps settle him, a little bit, and Misfit starts poking his way through the house. It is in pretty solid condition, all things considered, he decides as he goes up the stairs.

The paint and wallpaper in the rooms are dated, but both are easily corrected. Besides, wallpaper is outdated as a whole anyway. 

The bedroom he used to share with Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Crosshair will probably be reworked into an office, Misfit decides as he peeks into his old bedroom. It needs a new coat of paint, and he’ll probably take the door off, to make it more open.

Misfit clicks his tongue and heads back downstairs. He finds a notepad and a pen in the kitchen, and then heads back upstairs, making a list of everything he’s going to need to make the house less nightmare fuel for himself.

As he heads out to the barn later, to make sure the motorcycle still works, Misfit can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this won’t be as terrible as he fears.

Three months later, Misfit thinks that he’s about as settled as he’s going to get. He has a dog, a mastiff he named Bull, and the entire house has been repainted so that it doesn’t look like the same house.

He managed to get his garden in, and rigged up the hoses to automatically water the plants on a set schedule (he had to get on a video call with Tech to hammer out the more finicky details when some of the coding didn’t work properly, but it works now and that’s the important thing.)

Misfit has even managed to repair the old fences so that Bull has free reign of the yard. 

All in all, this place feels more like home now than it ever did when he was a child. Even his relationship with Boba has settled into something safe and comfortable. 

They don’t talk about Jango. Ever.

But they get together once a week, have lunch or dinner together. It’s settled something, an old hurt, in Misfit’s heart. It’s nice to know that his older brothers don’t actually hate him.

It’s around that time when his neighbor across the street sells their home. The original owners, an older couple who used to babysit Misfit when he was a little kid, had been thrilled to see him again when he moved in.

But they are an older couple, so Misfit wasn’t surprised when they admitted that they were moving out. He also wasn’t surprised when they asked for him to come and help with a few repairs around their home before they sold it.

The new owner is a young woman around the same age as him. Though Misfit hasn’t met her yet.

The morning he meets her, he’s out in the front yard working on his garden, while also playing with Bull. In fairness, he doesn’t notice her first, but Bull releases a loud bark and tears over to the fence.

Misfit straightens from where he’s pulling weeds, and he whistles sharply. Bull immediately sits, though his entire body is wiggling with excitement. “Good boy, Bull.” Misfit praises as he pulls a cookie out of a pouch on his hip and passes it to the dog.

“He’s so well trained!” The woman standing at the fence says, her eyes wide as she looks from Bull to Misfit and then back again, “Did you train him yourself?”

“Had some help from my cousin.” Misfit says, “He’s a dog trainer here in town.”

“The one who visits every week?” She asks, “I saw him the other day.”

“No. That’s one of my brothers. Hound doesn’t visit often.” He pulls off his thick work gloves and sticks them in his back pocket, “Anyway, can I help you?”

“Oh! I was just coming over to introduce myself!” She holds out her hand, and introduces herself with a broad smile, “I just moved in, and I’ve been wanting to come and introduce myself, but you’re a hard man to catch.”

“I’m a pretty busy guy.” He pauses, “Misfit.”

“I…sorry?”

“My name. It’s Misfit.”

Her lips part, “Oh. That’s…not really a name.” She finally says.

“You get used to it. There’s a bunch of us Fetts around here with names like that.” Misfit replies with a shrug, “You get used to it.”

She frowns slightly, and then her smile returns, “So, you take care of all this land on your own?”

Misfit pulls a cigarette from behind his ear and lights it, “Pretty much.” 

“The previous owners told me that you hand carved the railing in my home,” She bubbles excitedly, “Is that true?”

“Yeah. I make furniture and stuff for a living. Never been much for farm work.” Misfit pauses, he looks at her eager face, and then sighs, “Would you like to come in?”

“Only if it’s not too much hassle,” She replies sheepishly, “I’ve never met someone who can make furniture with their own hands.”

Misfit sighs and pushes the gate open, moving to the side to let her into his yard. “How do you think furniture gets made?”

“Uh…in factories?”

“Sure, if you want cheap things that’ll break in a year, I guess.” Misfit motions to Bull, “My dog, Bull. Let him sniff your hand before you try to pet him.”

He waits until Bull decides that she’s boring, before he leads her around to the barn. “This used to be an actual farm, then?” She asks as she looks up at the, recently painted, barn. “I thought these came in red?”

“I painted it because I don’t like red.” Misfit says as he slides one of the barn doors open, “And yeah, it was a farm for years. It’s only in the last couple of years that there haven’t been animals living here.” He moves to the side as three cats sprint out of the barn.

“You have cats too!” She asks, excited.

“They’re strays. They keep the mouse population down, so I’m happy to feed them.” He pushes the other barn door open, and gestures vaguely towards his workshop. 

“Oh, it smells nice!”

“That would be because that shelf is made of cedar.” Misfit replies as he steps around her and goes over to his workbench, “It’s for my brother. His bookshelf collapsed because of too many books.”

“You’re a good brother,” She sounds marveled. 

“Nah. I’m making him pay me for it.” Misfit says, “He’s a professor at an Ivy league university, he can afford it.”

“So if this used to be a ranch and now isn’t, what are you doing with all of the land?” She asks, curious.

“Planting trees.”

She laughs, and then pauses, “Wait, really?”

“Yeah, really.”

She blinks at him, twice, and then she grins. “Wow, you’re like, the whole package, aren’t you?”

“...what?”

“It’s just,” She flushes, “You’re handy,” She gestures to the shelf, “You’re good with animals, you care about the environment and you’re close to your family-”

Misfit stares at her, blankly, “I have a dishonorable discharge from the military, and am in recovery for both alcohol and drug addictions.” He says flatly, “The only reason I’m allowed to live here is because no one else wanted to, and they don’t care what I do with it.”

She shakes her head, “Addiction is an illness! Not a moral failing! And your brothers clearly love you enough to give you all of this.”

“...you’re very kind, but I promise I don’t deserve it.”

She scowls at him, and takes several large steps towards him, and wraps her arms around his waist in a tight hug.

Misfit’s hands raise to hover over her shoulders, unsure what he’s supposed to do in this situation. “Um…”

She doesn’t pull away, “I don’t know who told you that you’re not deserving of basic kindness, but they’re wrong.” She tightens her arms around him, “You’re a good guy. Bad guys don’t take care of animals or worry about the environment or take time out of their busy day to humor someone’s curiosity.”

Misfit sighs and lightly places his hands on her shoulders, and pushes her away gently, “Thank you. I’m not the best at taking compliments, but…thank you.”

She smiles at him, her face slowly turning red in embarrassment, “You’re welcome! But you must think I’m so weird-” She says with a sheepish laugh.

“Weird isn’t so bad.” Misfit replies as he turns his attention away from her. He hesitates for a moment, considering something, before he looks at her again, “So…I’m holding a cookout this weekend, with my brother and my cousins and their partners. There’s going to be a bunch of people here, if you want to come over and meet some people.”

“Ah! Really?”

Misfit shrugs, “It’s not easy being the new person in town.”

She beams at him, warm and wide, “And you think you’re a bad guy.”

And Misfit looks away from her, his ears burning.  He’s not sure if he’s a good guy, exactly, but…maybe he could try to be. If only to keep her smiling at him like that.

[daddycephalopod]

The Archives

All archives found here, not split into chapters!

Summary: Rebels would often raid ships of old for parts, med supplies, you name it. But when our favorites from Phoenix squadron find a box of old transmission files from the Clone Wars, Rex and Kanan have to deal with the memories. Not alone. Never alone.

TW: suicide mention, death.

1. Found

“We found these in an abandoned ship.” Kanan said, holding up the box of transmission files.

Ahsoka’s expression hardened, “understand that you might find things you don’t want to know in the past.”

“Oh, you’re watching them with us.” Rex said

She paused and stared at the box, almost in a trance like state before nodding. She followed them onto the Ghost and sat down, fishing out the first one. She plugged it in, ignoring the feeling of dread she had in the pit of her stomach.

Jesse appeared on the screen, sitting at a desk and painting his helmet. A woman sat on the edge of the desk next to him, looking over her shoulder. It seemed to be from old security footage.

“General Skywalker said that commander Tano will be coming back today so me and my vods are gonna surprise her with these helmets.” Jesse explained, nearly bouncing in his seat as he did so.

It made something in Ahsoka’s chest ache, clasping her hands together in front of her on the table as they watched.

“I think she will like it.”

Isla. Ashoka recognized her finally, knowing she looked familiar. Isla was a weapons specialist and would build new toys for the army as well as fix the old ones. She always had oil on her cheek when Ahsoka saw her but she seemed freshly showered here. She was very clearly wearing one of Jesse’s shirts, the regulation blacks, and a pair of leggings.

Jesse put the helmet on and she nearly grinned at him, feeling the excitement coming off of the man.

“It’s as beautiful as the man underneath it.” She said, placing a gentle kiss to a dry part of the helmet.

“Not as beautiful as the woman on my desk.” He remarked

She took one of his hands and squeezed it.

“Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum.” She said.

He repeated it back to her, taking the helmet off to do so. The transmission ends, Ahsoka gripping the edge of the table now. Rex also didn’t look like he was doing too well with this, a little paler than before. He sat next to Ahsoka.

“He had somebody waiting for him.” She said.

“I told her. She has one of his older helmets and she’s okay. If that helps.”

“Who was she?” Hera asked

“Her name is Isla, she was a specialist in the war. Made weapons. She had a soft spot for our battalions…me, Skywalker, and Kenobi. She would bring blankets, food, and guns. Quite frankly, I think if the rebellion knocked on her door she wouldn’t give it a second thought.” Rex answered

Ahsoka smiled sadly, “we should call her. I will. Do you know where she’s at?”

Rex nodded and followed Ahsoka out to make a call to Isla.

2. CT-5555

Isla was older than her transmissions self. Her greying brown hair was long and braided behind her, brown eyes able to cut through steel. Her expression became very warm though, a grin breaking out on her face as she hugged Rex and Ahsoka.

“You have no idea how happy I am to see the two of you. And who is this skeleton crew of misfits?” She said, turning to the others.

Introductions under way, they head onto the ship.

“So there were others who married or had an attachment to the clones?” Sabine asked

“Well, yes and I knew the others. We had a group chat. It was more like a support group for the spouses and loved ones of the clone army, that’s how it started and we would message each other frequently.”

“Are…there more of you?” Rex asked

“Ophelia is still around but she’s very retired. Don’t even ask her, I tried and she started yelling at me in Mando’a. Clone force 99 taught her some very colorful words, it seems.”

“But it’s only you two?”

Isla stopped and took both of Rex’s hands in hers. She gave a nod to Ahsoka, silently asking her to give them a moment alone. The other went ahead and sat down for the next transmission.

A twi’lek woman, dressed in Kaminoan medic attire, appears on the screen and she looks angry. “They’re lying to us, to all of us. I believe Fives. Why can’t you?”

Eminsiba, they’d call her Siba.

“Why would the Kaminoans betray us like that?” Mace Windu asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

“It’s war, there is no playing equal or right in war.” She responded

Before he could reply, Master Windu was pulled away to counsel duty but this gave Siba time to send a call out to Kamino.

“I’m coming. Tell him I’ll be there….please, Echo. I don’t know how much time we have but I have a theory and I need to be there. For him. For all of you.”

The transmission ended, but not before Isla had returned.

“Siba was one of the more known medics. She worked under Ophelia and was like an apprentice of sorts to her. She was assigned to what was known as the Domino squad.” Isla explained

“She joined the chat not long after she joined as a medic. Unfortunately, Tup’s inhibitor chip had malfunctioned and nobody believed the science of it. He was executed for murdering a Jedi. Fives figured it out but was shot by Fox. Realizing the fate of everything….” Isla paused and looked directly at Ahsoka.

“She mixed medicines. Fox was the one that found her.”

Ahsoka frowned at this information, “because nobody listened.”

Isla sat next to her and took one of her hands, shaking her head before she spoke.

“Because she lost the love of her life and knew soon enough that there was nothing she could do to save the Jedi. It’s not your fault, don’t you dare.”

“Maybe we should take a break from these.” Hera suggested

“I think that’s a wonderful idea. Is there a way to make tea on this ship?” Isla asked

Chopper showed her to the kitchen, where she made tea and returned with the tray.

“Sorry if he’s giving you trouble.” Kanan said as he noticed Chopper being incredibly obstinate to actually helping.

Isla chuckled, “he’s delightful.”

Chopper chirped in delight at this, repeating “I’m delightful” over and over again. It got a laugh from Isla, light and airy.

Her laugh was Jesse’s favorite sound.

3. Heaven Help The Fool

Tea cups drained, most of the group had decided to get some sleep as Rex, Ahsoka, Kanan, and Isla decided to keep going. Hera was flying right now, giving Kanan’s hand a squeeze before heading to the cock pit. Darkness filled the ship, silent besides the next transmission that lit up the walls.

“That’s her. Ophelia.” Rex said as the woman appeared on the screen.

She had striking blue eyes, blonde hair in a messy bun, and she radiated an unspoken warmth that shone through her eyes and smile. She was cupping the face of a clone, who was smiling back at her. Young and hopeful.

“Kix and I will be here if things go wrong. You guys will do just fine and when you come home, I’ll patch up your scrapes and we can have your favorite soup. Okay? I love you, Echo.”

“I love you too, mesh’la.”

“Get a room.” Fives remarked, Ophelia throwing a pillow at him from a nearby bunk with a laugh.

“You’re just upset Siba is away with Skywalker.”

Fives rolled his eyes as the transmission ended.

“At least this one wasn’t tragic.” Ahsoka said

“Sorry to say, it’s a two sider.” Isla said as she flipped it over and put it back in.

Ophelia was there, watching him blow himself up. She couldn’t breathe, it felt like, and was quiet the whole time. The others were worried, but she wouldn’t budge. Wouldn’t speak. She went back to the med bay to work on reports.

“Lia….” Kix said softly as she walked in.

“Don’t.” She croaked out, tears filling her eyes immediately

“Don’t….” She said again, voice barely above a whisper as Kix approached her and wrapped his arms around her

She began to thrash against him, screaming as the tears began to fall. She wiggled out of his grasp and started throwing medical supplies. Gauze, scalpels, anything. She knocked over a few trays, shattered glass as the sobs erupted from her. Kix stopped another medic from injecting her with a sedative, watching her as she trashed the med bay.

Ophelia crumbled, falling to her knees as she continued to sob loudly.

“Go get Fives.” Kix told one of the medics and before long he was there.

Ophelia has calmed enough, a shock blanket wrapped around her as she sat in Kix’s office. Her eyes were puffy, she did not blink as he stitched up the cuts on her hands from throwing sharp objects.

“I knew….”

When she spoke, both Fives and Kix stopped moving and looked at her. As if she was a frightened animal.

“You don’t get to grow old with a clone. We all know that. We love anyways…because even temporary is enough but he was young. We didn’t even have a chance….after the war we were going to get married.”

Tears came again but fell much more silently than before. The transmission ended. Silence fell between the group before Isla stood.

“If you will excuse me, I think I’m going to go dust off the group chat.”

Rex smiled sadly at her about that, watching her go.

“Did you have someone, Rex?” Kanan asked

Rex nodded, “but it ends in tragedy too.”

He left it alone, not prying for further information from the clone.

“We should sleep.” Ashoka said, nobody protesting that as they all retired for the night.

Ophelia had shorter hair now, body littered in scars and a cane leaning against the table. Her and Isla were sitting there drinking caf and laughing.

“I remember, you looked Skywalker dead in the face and told him if he didn’t let you bandage up his wounds you’d take his other hand.”

Ophelia smiled, “we were all a little tired…right?”

Her smile left when she saw Rex, the demeanor of the room changing.

“Ahsoka, Rex. It’s wonderful to see you two.”

“I heard you were retired. What are you doing here?” Rex asked, sitting down by her.

“Isla called me. She made a very convincing argument about telling the empire to fuck themselves. I also had two tag alongs, they were adamant about not letting me limp alone through the galaxy.”

Echo was asleep on a makeshift bed in the corner, grey stubble on his chin and bags under his eyes enough to express how heavy everything truly had been.

Rex smiled warmly, “happy to have you all here.”

“It’s good to see you….” Omega paused when she saw Hera heading to the cockpit.

“Is that….?”

Ophelia nodded with a soft smile, “it is.”

Omega almost ran over to her, the two of them very excited to see each other after all this time.

“How can we help, Captain?” Ophelia asked.

Rex explained the transmissions before they all sat down to watch them. Ophelia made a face at them having found hers but then felt her heart drop into her stomach at the next one, staring at it before Rex took it from her to start it.

4. Good Soldiers

Echo had awoken a short while after it began and joined them. Ophelia grasped Echo’s flesh hand and gave it a squeeze when she saw what popped up on the transmission.

Ophelia stood with a group of clones in black and red. A few years had passed between these transmissions, apparent in the aging of the nat borns around the clones. Ophelia had cut her hair at this point, wearing it half up and half down. She looked exhausted and had a few new scars as well as what seemed a permanent scowl. The light had been shut off inside of her, it seemed. They were on a ship, The Marauder. Everybody seemed tense.

“There’s no way the Jedi would commit treason. Something isn’t right here.” Tech said, fiddling with his comms to see if he could find anything else out.

“Fives was right, wasn’t he?” Ophelia asked after several moments of silence

Echo looked right at her and frowned, “we can’t be sure. Why would the Kaminoans put a murder chip in our heads?”

“Why wouldn’t they?” Ophelia asked back at him, lending to more silence.

Crosshair and Hunter stumbled in, both very angry at each other.

“The war is over, Crosshair. We don’t have to do this.” Ophelia remarked, frowning as she saw Hunter and him glaring at each other.

“He let the kid go.”

Kanan seemed to stop breathing for a minute.

“I did what was right. I thought you were a man of honor too.” Hunter said, still glaring daggers.

“Good soldiers follow orders.” Crosshair quipped before leaving the room.

“Hunter. You did the right thing and now that child has a chance. If we die, I’ll rest easy knowing that there may be some Jedi left in this world.” Ophelia said

Echo shook his head and glared out of the window into hyperspace.

“The war isn’t over. We have to do something.” He said

“And we will.” Hunter replied

“I’ll go talk to Cross.” Ophelia said, disappearing down the hall towards the bunks.

“What is your problem?” He asked her

“My problem!? Last time I checked I wasn’t the child slayer 3,000. You have got to pull it together, we need you. You are…you’re our brother.”

“I am no brother to you. You’re a nat born, a silly human who is beneath me.”

That stung a little and shut her up, fists clenching at her sides. She shook her head and left.

The transmission ended.

“You.” Kanan said

“It was. Me and Hunter stood there on that cliff when you jumped. I would have died there under blaster fire if it wasn’t for Hunter and I’m…so glad it’s you.” Ophelia said with a gentle smile

It fell quick though, “both sides lost so much that day. Crosshair joined the empire. Bastard shot me in the leg and arm from 10 clicks away once, gave me scars.”

“We were like a family. Closest thing you could get to it.” Echo said

Ophelia smiled slightly at him, squeezing his hand again. “There’s a new family here now. We should call Hunter and tell him.”

Echo nodded and left the room with her to do so.

5. CT-7567

Rex saw the name carved onto the disk and immediately shoved it into the transmission reader. He had to know if this would tell him what happened to her. Isla hadn’t been able to say much, unfortunately.

“Careful, you might break it.” Ezra said

The transmission came to life, Obi Wan standing there with a woman. She had green eyes, brown hair braided into a coronet on top of her head. She was wearing a military issued tunic, black leggings, and black boots. This was from the last day he heard from her. She had called him on their way to Utapau which meant this was right before she called him as they hadn’t left yet.

Something was very obviously troubling the woman.

“I can keep a secret, you know.” Kenobi said, something unreadable shining in his eyes.

“I know. It’s inappropriate, completely out of line. I would be kicked out of the order, I can’t….”

He could practically feel the distress pouring off of her and put his hand on her shoulder.

“Aurora, it’s okay. You’re safe here…both of you are.”

She placed a hand on her stomach and smiled sadly, “I’m so happy. I haven’t told him yet. But I’m also scared. 2 months along. There hasn’t been time with the war, I never see him…”

He nodded in understanding. “After Utapau, you should tell him.”

Aurora gave a nod and the physical transmission ended. There was crackling however, which prompted Rex to leave it in.

“I think that’s it, we should move onto the next one.” Kanan said but then the woman reappeared.

The image kept cutting out but she had splatters of blood on the tunic and her cheek. She had tears streaming down her face too, looking directly into the transmission. Rex paled at the sight of it.

“This is Aurora Steele, calling from Utapau. Obi Wan and I….under attack….Cody unstable….they keep repeating order 66…”

The transmission cuts out then entirely, truly over now. Rex’s jaw is clenched, arms crossed over his chest.

“We were married but it was a secret. Jedi weren’t allowed personal attachments but a few of them knew and still let her keep her title.” Rex offered, knowing they wouldn’t know this information.

“I never knew she was pregnant. She never came home. General Kenobi told me he lost her, that she took off in an escape pod to come look for me.”

Silence filled the ship, Hera and Kanan sharing a look. Rex shook his head, “Isla told me she got a weak transmission from the outer rim a few months ago but there’s no way. I….I need a minute.”

He left to his own room, door shutting behind him. Hera shot Kanan another look and he sighed.

“I think he needs space.”

“Sure, for now. But you both lost a lot because of what happened and you should go talk to him.” She said

He nodded and then grabbed the next transmission file.

“We should keep going. Give him some time.”

Hera shot him another look at that and he shot one back to her before grabbing the next tape.

6. Prodigy

Kanan wasn’t expecting his old master to appear on the next transmission and he felt like his heart was being squeezed as he watched. Aurora was with her, the two of them kneeling next to each other in a meditation of sorts. Even though both of their eyes were closed, they spoke out loud to one another.

“I heard you and Kenobi are going to Utapau to greet General Grevious.” Depa said

“Ah yes, war is the best topic to speak up while trying to connect with the force.” Aurora remarked with a tiny smile

“What are you going to do after the war is over?” Depa asked

Aurora opened her eyes now to find the other woman already looking at her.

“Honestly? Take some time away. Find somewhere quiet and lay low for about a year. Maybe longer. You?”

“Hopefully continue Caleb’s training and train others. He has much promise, I know he will become a very talented and strong Jedi knight.” Depa said

Kenobi had entered the room then, “I apologize for the interruption but I need to borrow Aurora to prepare.”

Aurora stood, “you’re right. Caleb will be quite the successor for you.”

The transmission ended then. Kanan was trying to swallow the lump in his throat, immediately leaving the room after it ended. Hera went after him, the door shutting leaving silence behind.

7. CC-2224

Kyra. She appeared on the transmission. Her skin was darker in the sun, brown eyes full of hope and dark hair blowing in the wind. She was an aviation technician and she loved every minute of it.

“I’ve almost got this ship back up and running. Did you need anything else, Commander?” She asked, looking up at Cody now.

She had an oil smudge on her cheek and her hair was in a messy bun, secured by a spanner wrench.

“No, that should do it.”

“Hey, I’m….I have a question.” She said

“You know you can ask me anything.” Cody replied, indicating this isn’t the first or first few times they’ve spoken.

“Are you really going to Utapau?”

Cody looked at her, really looked at her with a softened gaze.

“You know it’s my duty. It’s what I was made for.” He said

“I hate it. I hate not knowing if you’re coming home or not.” She said, tone more hushed.

“I know, ca’tra.” He said, frowning a bit now. “When this is over, we can go wherever you want.”

She smiled at that, it lighting up her whole face.

“Somewhere only we know.” She said

The transmission ended.

“That was the reality for all of us.” Isla said, smiling sadly.

“Isla, I’m so sorry.” Ahsoka said.

She could tell it was weighting heavy on the woman and shook her head.

“I know what happened to Jesse, I don’t blame you or them. I blame The Empire. I blame Palpatine. I blame the Kaminoans. I could never blame you. Or Rex.” Isla said, hand resting on top of Ahsoka’s now.

“He was the love of my life and I’m better for knowing him. I used to be such a bitter and grumpy weapons technician. I was angry at the world until he showed me joy, laughter, love. I would do it all over again.” She said, a tear getting away from her.

“You’re not going to believe who I’ve gotten into contact with!” Ophelia exclaims as she enters the room, a holo device in her hands.

Isla perked up at that, “there’s more?”

More tears started to fall between the both of them, “there’s more. Kyra, Fiona, and Chandra are on their way. Chandra already has a rebel cell and would be bringing reinforcements. I’ve even convinced Emilie.”

At this point, Ahsoka has taken Isla’s hand and given it a gentle squeeze. She smiled, squeezing her hand back. This was the best news.

8. CT-6116

When they said Chandra already had a cell, they weren’t expecting it to be at least 20,000 people. She had a helmet tucked under her arm as she approached them.

“I heard someone likes to collect helmets around here. You can’t have this one but I have several others if you wanna take a look.” She said

Ezra’s face lit up at that for a minute before he cleared his throat, “yes ma’am. Thank you.”

Chandra nearly grinned at that, “I see the Jedi training is still going strong in the younger generations.”

He was eyeing the one under her arm, “why is that one painted green?”

“It belonged to my husband, he was a Captain who worked with….” She stopped when she saw Kanan.

“Caleb.”

He froze at the name and looked at her, “Chandra.”

“I’m so thrilled to see you. When I heard of Depa…I’m so sorry.” She said

“It’s uh…it’s Kanan now. Kanan Jarus.”

She nodded, “I understand.”

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” He asked her.

“What’s wrong?”

He pulled Chandra off to the side and explained that Grey sacrificed himself to let Kanan get away. She nodded and clenched the helmet a little tighter. She then dropped it and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug.

“Thank you….”

“You were going to have all the fun without us, Lia.” Fiona said as she approached

“I was getting around to it.” Ophelia said, smiling sheepishly.

Emilie had a cybernetic arm and was a Togruta. She seemed a bit withdrawn from the situation and was looking around cautiously. Ahsoka went to greet her, which made her seem to relax a bit. They all had to disperse to other areas due to the amount of people as well as getting everybody settled into Phoenix Squadron.

Ahsoka and Emilie went off to talk to each other, leaving Rex, Kanan, Ezra, and Isla. The next transmission had Emilie in it, with Kix in what appeared to be somebody’s private quarters.

“You need to be more careful with this information.” She said

“I have to save my brothers.” Kix replied, unable to look at her.

“I understand it, I’m not saying you shouldn’t help them. I’m only asking you to be more careful.” Emilie said, looking at him.

The side of his head, his tattoo.

“I’m asking, as your wife, to be safe.”

“Imireh-“ “don’t use my real name.”

He sighed and finally looked at her before going to sit next to her on the bed now. Their bed.

“I will try my best to keep my research as quiet as possible but I have to know. This virus? I don’t believe in it. Something happened to Tup that could affect all of us and I can’t let it happen.” He said

She nodded and smiled slightly, “I understand. I will be with you.”

Kix rested his forehead against hers and they both closed their eyes. He was about to kiss her when someone burst into the room, coming to kidnap Kix. They knocked Emilie out and the transmission ended.

“Imireh was the name I was born with. I prefer Emilie because I don’t remember too much of my life. I had amnesia.” She said, “long story. Anyhow…they got to Kix before he could tell the Jedi about the inhibitor chips. When I came to, I was locked in a cell. I haven’t found him yet but a part of me thinks he’s still out there….”

“You’ve had a very busy life, then.” Kanan said

This made her laugh, “yes. Quite.” She sat down then.

“Next transmission?” She asked, reaching into the box.

“I put these in a box somewhere. I can’t remember. I stored them on an abandoned clone ship. I’m surprised anybody found them but equally delighted. My plan is working.” She said

“What plan is that?” Rex asked

“I have given the gift of several angry war torn widows, a bigger battalion of rebels, and the best damn medic in the galaxy. We’re here to take down the fuckers who stole the future, unrightfully robbed us all of what should have been. What almost was. Anger does not need to be negative, a means of suffering. Good people are angry…and they’re here now to help.”

“Is…she with you?” Rex asked

Emilie looked at Rex and stopped rummaging in the box.

“No. Nobody’s heard from her for many rotations. She comes and goes so she’s either dead or slashing her way through some very unlucky bucket heads.”

That was somewhat comforting, but not enough. She put the next tape in without letting anybody else get a word in.

9. CT-1010

A Togruta woman appeared on the next transmission. She had a more orange tint to her skin, white lines thin but striping down her body, like a tiger. Her facial markings were white dots, one above and below each eye to make 4.

Kavra walked in to find Fox passed out on his desk. She sighed and set the fresh cup of caf down, shaking him gently. He startled awake before looking around. He sighed and rubbed his head where it was on the desk.

“You should get more sleep.” She said

“There’s so much to do…” he sighed

“If you don’t march your ass home for sleep, I’ll drag you myself.” She said

“I’d like to see you try.”

Kavra sat on the edge of his desk then.

“You’ve actually been sleeping less and less. You keep waking up in the middle of the night. What’s going on?” She asked

Fox shook his head, “if I talk about it, I relive it.”

She knew this was about Fives immediately and frowned.

“I know it’s not easy and I’m sorry.”

“I had to shoot him, Kavra. I had…he…I killed my brother.”

She truly saw it then, the exhaustion deeper around his eyes, the guilt within them.

“Let’s go home, please. You need rest, even if you don’t sleep.”

Fox didn’t protest at all, standing up as the transmission ended.

“I guess I never thought to check if it bothered him. He always made it seem like he had it together.” Rex said, sighing.

“What happened to him?”

“Absorbed by the empire, like the rest of them.”

Kavra was here in person already, having come with Chandra.

“I was a spy. I worked briefly for the empire and I would send everything, anything, to Chandra but we didn’t stay together. He was different after the order. They all were.”

She sat down, smiling a bit at Rex.

“It’s very good to see you, regardless of the circumstances, and I’m so glad you’re not…that you’re with us. Rory will be thrilled. She’s coming, I talked to her yesterday. Her and Kyra are together, like you and Cody would be, leaving a trail of dead troopers behind them. She’s not how she used to be, however. Keep that in mind.”

Rex looked surprised, this being the only time anybody was able to give him an update on his wife.

“She’s alive?”

“She’s alive.”

10. Active

There was a flicker across the transmission.

“Did somebody put another one in?” Ezra asked

A young woman with short brown hair popped up, one eye green and the other brown. She had a scar running down her cheek from under her eye and looked hopeful.

“Hello?” The female asked

“Hi?” Ezra responded

“You can hear me!”

“This is active, this isn’t an archive. Get me coordinates.” Hera said, looking at Chopper.

He beeped excitedly, waving his hands around as he went to do so.

“My name is Elora and I can sense a very strong force presence on your ship. Don’t be afraid, I’m one of you. I need your help. Permission to board?”

“This could be a trap.” Kanan said

“We don’t turn people away.” Hera said before adding, “permission granted.”

Elora attached her ship to theirs and entered. Zeb stood there, ready to escort or detain her depending on her intentions. She understood and followed him. She stopped when they walked into the room, practically staring at Rex. She felt her heart leap into her throat at the sight of him before looking at the others.

“My mother and aunt Kyra are in danger. We were trying to infiltrate a star destroyer and they discovered my mom was a Jedi. They’re imprisoned and I don’t know where, I got away.”

“Wait a minute. You said Kyra is your aunt and your mom is a Jedi.” Ezra said

“Yes. My mother’s name is Aurora Steele. She told me to go find my father and it has taken longer than I’ve wanted it to. I was starting to doubt any clones are still alive.”

Rex was speechless. She looked like her mom, although she had one brown eye that was like his and he saw her hair was very dark and curly. Like a clones but longer, down to her chin. He stood then and she looked over at him.

“Is it true then? She’s alive and you’re here.” Rex said, still having a hard time grasping the reality of this.

He thought he lost Aurora to order 66, his unborn child with her but he was wrong to doubt her strength. Her resilience.

“Are you Rex?” She asked

“Yes.”

“Yeah, it’s true. She’s alive and here I am, but we can’t waste too much time. I don’t want them selling mom off to the highest bidder.” She sighed

“They would do that?” Kanan asked

“Or kill her, yes.”

They began to move then, ready to help her. Rex stood next to her in the cock pit as they took off into hyperspace, really looking at her now.

“You’re not quite what I imagined either.” She offered with a slight smile.

“If I had known, I would have come to find you both.” He said

“She knows that, which is why she didn’t. She felt it, she knew it, that you hadn’t turned. That you didn’t have your inhibitor chip. Her intuition is so strong and she believes in you so much, she knows.”

Rex had to look away at that, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“She tells me all the time how my father is a good man. If it’s weird for you, I can call you Rex. I can’t imagine throwing all of this at you is easy.” Elora said

Rex reached out and took her hand, “I would love to be your dad.”

She smiled and squeezed his hand, “good. I’m going to need my dad to help me find my mom and aunt…”

They jumped into hyperspace, beginning the next adventure.

[thesmollestnerd]

Star Wars Clone OC || CT-1598 “Beacon” [She/Her]

Legion: 187th Attack (High General Mace Windu), “Misfit Company”  Rank: Sergeant Position: Heavy Trooper

Bio:

“CT-1598″ created of the 1.5.9.A. This batch designed to be more physically suited towards the demands of heavy artillery. CT-1598 showed exemplary marksmanship, team-collaboration, even temperment, and leadership aptitudes during cadet training. Upon graduation and assignment to the 187th, she began publicly transitioning. This was a non-issue as bigoted views about gender did not make it into the Kaminoan education as there was too fucking much else to fit in the timeline. Jedi, similarly, don’t give a fuck and General Windu reminded everyone else that they’re in the middle of a goddamn war, now go flank with your sister. 

Able to live authenticly, she thrived, described as a friendly, welcoming to shineys, and warm, a ‘Beacon of Sunshine’ thus her name became Beacon. during the Battle of Dantooine she lost her left leg from the mid-thigh down due to injuries sustained by a seismic attack by the Separatist forces, it has since been replaced with a cybernetic leg that she’s painted to mimic the purple hurrikaine crystal of General Windu’s Lightsaber and has returned to the front lines.

Additional Notes:

Soft-Butch Transfem

Is very q u e e r™

Not a fembo, just strongk.

Eternally in the long hair vs short hair struggle with herself.

She has pursued some more aesthetic procedures such as full-body tattoos that give the illusion of a softer silhouette and makeup. The boys sometimes bring her cool makeup presents.

Always has hair-ties and snacks.

Club Mom™ and Mommy™ when they go out off shift. 

Tends to pull more ass than her brothers.

Is an A+ wing-woman tho.

Company’s dedicated New Shiney Specialist.

Will absolutely waste most of the company in arm wrestling.

Doesn’t mind being referred to in the plural of “Brothers/the Boys” but if referring to her specifically, her brothers use “Sister”.

Is the reason there’s a feral colony of Tooka cats in the hanger. You’re welcome Commander, you have pest-control for the low-low price of some kibble and old blankets.

Does not understand Jetti-stuff to save her life but thinks General Windu is a fantastic fighter and that’s what matters.

While she has completely socially transitioned as well as has her marker updated in her legal documentation, she does not wish to pursue medical transition until after the war as she would like to not add additional stress while serving.

ooc: I’ll probably add more to this later. I just love her. She’s the first of my Clone Trooper OCs

[aion-rsa]

Space Sweepers and the History of Working Class People In Space

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

This week saw the release of Space Sweepers, Korea’s first big budget special effects space movie extravaganza. There are a lot of interesting things to say about this movie, but one of the things that makes it stand out is it’s an excellent portrayal of people in space who are skint.

See, I hate to break it to you, but you’re probably never going into space. Unless you’re a highly trained technical specialist (well done!) or a billionaire (pay your taxes!), your best shot at seeing Earth from space within your lifetime is the development of realistic-yet-cheap VR headsets.

And the thing is, a lot of the time this holds up in sci-fi as well. Space travellers are either living in a post-scarcity utopia, are part of the military, or are some kind of genius scientists.

Even where we see supposedly salt-of-the-Earth relatable types, like Han Solo or Mal Reynolds, their scruffy outfits and roguish ways can’t quite cover for the fact that they own and live in the equivalent of a massive luxury yacht or private plane. Serenity may look like a rust bucket, but it’s far from the equivalent of a white van, and while Mal is constantly complaining about the costs of fuel and repairs, that doesn’t change the fact that he seems to own the ship outright, and in “Oxygen” he appears ready to buy the ship for cash.

As for Han Solo, leaving for a moment his humble origins and that he won the ship in a card game, within the Galaxy Far Far Away the ratio of space travellers to non-space travellers doesn’t seem that different from the one on Earth. Yes, there are lots of smugglers and Tie-fighter pilots and interplanetary bounty hunters, but for every one of them there are millions of Tusken sand raiders, Jawa scrap merchants, moisture farmers and Corellian street rats. Spacecraft might come and go from the spires of Coruscant as regularly as buses, but the population density is such that most people on that planet will be lucky to see sunlight, let alone the stars.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, the chances of an ordinary person getting into space even in the foreseeable future vary between Willy Wonka Golden ticket level lucky, or truly dystopian. On the one hand, Elon Musk has announced the first all-civilian mission to space, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman (so, not what you’d call an everyman), two seats given to people who have won a place by donating to St Jude’s Hospital (it probably won’t be one of the smaller donors), and finally, one lucky front-line health worker.

But Elon Musk wants to colonise Mars, and sadly billionaires still need people to clean the toilets, so Musk has other ideas for how ordinary people might get into space. Unfortunately that idea is indentured slavery, demonstrating that the most prescient science fiction writers of our generation are the writers of first-person shooters.

This is why, outside of post-scarcity-fully-automated-luxury-space-communism, and the military, science fiction is always oddly quiet about money. With a few honourable exceptions.

We Just Work Here

The first and most obvious reason why any ordinary working-class person would end up in space is “they’re paid to”.

Pretty much the codifier of working-class people in space is Alien. The crew of Nostromo aren’t scientists, they’ve not got The Right Stuff. Nobody on that ship is getting a high school named after them. The crew of the Nostromo are basically truck drivers who venture off the highway and run into something nasty. Yes, ironically they show a great deal more competence, professionalism and intelligence in encountering an alien threat than the actual scientists in the prequel movie, but the first conversation these characters have when they come out of hyper sleep is about money. From the outset, these are people in a place of work.

It’s a model that set the format for gritty-industrial-working-class-people in space movies going forward for better or worse. Event Horizon just lifts Alien’s aesthetic completely for the rescue ship Lewis & Clark, as does the videogame series Dead Space, like Alien, set aboard a mining ship.

Away from the horror genre, Outland sees Sean Connery play sheriff in a final frontier mining town that could have taken place in the same world as Alien.

And of course, Red Dwarf, which not only made good use of the Alien aesthetic, but also cast the colony commander from Aliens as their Captain, to tell the story of chicken soup repairmen in space.

Across all of these stories, and of course the aforementioned videogames, the life of the blue collar space traveller is an unpleasant one, exploited by a company that not only controls your life while you work, but also owns all of your food, water and air. Indeed, it’s not rare for them to go further. In Moon, another film where the spacemen-to-earthmen ratio seems not far what it is now, Sam Bell’s employer decides to save the cost of training employees and ferrying them back and forth from Earth to the Moon by taking one employee and filling a cellar full of his pre-programmed, short-lived disposable clones.

Space Sweepers

Public Transport

But maybe you don’t want to work for “the Man”, not an unwise call given the Man is probably trying to feed you to something horrible in the hope of creating a new bioweapon. One surprisingly under-utilised method of getting into space is public transport.

In The Fifth Element, Bruce Willis plays a special-forces-operative-turned-cab-driver who, as part of his cover, wins a ticket to go on a space cruise. Although looking at the sets and the extras in this movie, as well as the packed-in-as-tightly-as-we-can apartments back on Earth, one gets the impression this is not an option open to the majority of working joes.

Perhaps the best example of this is in the shockingly under-loved 2018 flick, Prospect, featuring future Mandalorian Pedro Pascal.

In Prospect, the spaceship is little more than a rotating framework filled with cargo containers in front of a massive engine. The father and daughter prospecting team are on board a lander that resembles nothing so much as an old Apollo Lunar Lander on the inside, and as the mothership approaches their destination the ship doesn’t even stop, it just releases the lander, tells them when the ship is going to be passing back that way and warns them the line is being terminated, so there won’t be another ship passing that way.

This is a model it would be fantastic to see more of. The landing module is small enough that it’s entirely plausible that even these not-very-well-off characters could buy, hire or rent one. Rather than having the freedom of the space ways like Mal or Han, their travel options are entirely restricted by what destinations are profitable for large shipping companies and whether they’ll let you tag along. And while on the surface the aesthetic looks a bit Alien, in truth it feels far more like it’s cobbled together from relics of the actual space age.

Borrow Your Way Into Space

And finally, of course, there’s the Elon Musk solution. Borrow your way into space. One of the early places to use this idea was Gateway, by Frederik Pohl. Frederik Pohl in particular is fantastic at writing science fiction worlds where people actually have to worry about money. In Gateway and its sequels humanity has discovered Ancient Aliens left a space station nearby, stocked with a lot of spaceships. Being alien technology, humans can’t control the ships accurately, they’re limited pretty much to pressing the “Stop” and “Go” buttons, and when the ship flies off it might land on a world of fabulous riches, or it might chuck you into the heart of a star.

Prospectors who want to try their luck in these ships have to take out a loan to get to the station, and throughout the novel the protagonist is constantly aware of how many credits are in his account.

Which brings us back around to Space Sweepers. At first glance the Space Sweepers set-up might seem similar to that of the Millennium Falcon or Serenity – an extremely “used” looking ship run by a rag-tag bunch of misfits. But the first time we see the protagonist, Tae-ho, he’s in a pawn shop. As soon as he gets back to the ship we learn the crew are still paying off the cost of the ship, as well as the costs of repairs and parts.

We see an awful lot of “Space sweepers” throughout the film, junk collectors gathering up salvage from Earth’s orbiting collection of derelict spacecraft and defunct satellites. But these people don’t seem like roguish space pirates, the impression they give is more akin to app-based gig workers.

This is compounded by another issue – that to work in space you need a visa, with citizenship limited to the wealthy few who are able to afford a place on the deluxe orbiting space habitats.

Everything in Space Sweepers is driven by money, whether it’s Tao-Ho’s attempts to raise enough money to find his daughter, the robot, Bubs, and her attempt to get a humanoid body that reflects her gender, and of course, the $2 million reward for “Dorothy” which drives the whole plot.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Often space-based sci-fi is about the fantasy of freedom, of exploration. Even shows like Star Trek give us characters whose job isn’t much more than to fly around having adventures. But there is rich storytelling to be done about the people who have to clean the space toilets.

Chris Farnell’s novella series, Fermi’s Progress, is about a ship whose FTL drive vaporises planets, and features at least one space traveller who isn’t a scientist, super soldier or billionaire (although to be fair the other three characters are exactly that). You can find part one here.

The post Space Sweepers and the History of Working Class People In Space appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/375jTzb

[thefallencrestfamily]

"The Fallen Crest Family"

Chapter 4: Mela Ami, The Mysterious 14th Misfit Student (2)

As the lunch bell rang, Ameri shows up out of nowhere and drags both Iruma and Alice to a room and lock themselves inside.

Ameri: "Sorry for the sudden rush but this was important and I had to be sure no one else can hear us. Do you remember when you asked for research help about the Crest Family?"

Iruma: "Y-Yeah."

Ameri: "Well, I actually had the liberty to ask my father for the closed case files about it, but I promised him not to tell anyone else and to give it back once we all looked at it, I'm sorry, I couldn't just text classified info."

Iruma: "It's alright Ameri, I appreciate this. Thank you."

All three of them look at the files, as it talks about the crime scene. Pictures of the place burned books and dried blood stains. It seemed like the building itself was still perfectly intact. The case files talked about every name that was counted in as deaths, all except one.

Iruma: "...Melody Crest."

Alice: "It says that she was the only one who wasn't counted as dead, since her body was never found and was reported missing for years until the case file got closed."

Ameri: "It's too bad too, I was told she was a prodigy student of Babylus who was labeled as a Misfit."

Iruma: "...By chance, do you guys know what the Crest Family Bloodline Ability is?"

Alice: "Their Bloodline Ability? Oh, their ability is very rare and was told that the family members barely shows it off unless it was for emergencies. Balam knew Melody Crest during his time with her so he remembers it well, once and only once she has used it in battle. The Bloodline Ability Sacrifice, the ability to sacrifice a piece of themselves in exchange for power be it healing, strength or protection. The more power needed, the more they have to sacrifice themselves."

Iruma: "Sacrifices a piece of themselves..."

Ameri: "We should ask more details with Balam then if he knew about the Family Bloodline and we can go to the Crest Family home afterwards."

Iruma: "Oh yeah, speaking of which. Ameri and Azz, can we have one more person help with the investigation. She too want to learn more about the Crest Family Slaughter, and she knows a lot about the Crest Family through her own solo research before."

Alice: "What's her name?"

Iruma: "Her name is Mela Ami-."

Alice: "Iruma Sir, did you just say Mela was a Ami?! Like part of Kirio Ami's family?!"

Iruma: "Um y-yeah?"

Alice still remembered when Kirio returned to the Battler Room. His eyes that has been taken over by the succumbed by his wicked phase and returned to origins. If Mela is a Ami, then he can't take chances with her being a accomplice to Kirio.

Alice: "Why didn't you say she was a Ami?!"

Ameri: "Alice calm down. Iruma, you are aware of the problems this might turn out if we bring her right? You know the reasons Kirio left the school, so why would you associate yourself with another Ami?"

Iruma: "Because she was a illegitimate child of the Ami Family and was abandoned at a young age, so she resents her family and prefers not to be mentioned as a Ami. I doubt she even knows who Kirio even is."

Ameri and Alice looked to each other. Both had their suspicions, but it was clear she probably hasn't even met Kirio. Suddenly a phone call from Clara in Iruma's phone stops the silence between them.

Clara: "Iruma-kins, where are you? Me and La La already finished our lunches in the Cafeteria and playing what she calls Luffy Pow!"

Alice & Ameri: "Luffy Pow?"

Iruma: "Sorry Clara, something happened but me and Azz are on our way."

Iruma and Alice say their goodbyes to Ameri, as they go off to see Clara and Melody of the aftermath with what was basically a paintball fight but with giant cotton balls.

Melody: "That was so much fun!"

Clara: "Let's play again soon like this, okay La La?"

Melody: "Yeah! I look forward to it! But first... Clera Ricos Disineria!"

Immediately after saying those words, the paint cotton balls surrounding them disappeared. All three were shocked as they never saw a spell like this before.

Alice: "Where did you learn to do a spell like that? I never seen anything like it."

Melody: "Oh that spell? It was self taught. It's a spell I made myself."

Alice: "You made that spell?!"

Melody: "Yeah, it's something I've been passionate about for a long time. It's also how I was able to move up the ranks in my first year. Without my spells, I wouldn't be where I am."

Alice: "Spells? As in plural?! You have more?!"

Melody: "Why yes. After my exams, I can teach you guys a few easy Mela Spells I came up with if it interests you."

Alice, Iruma & Clara: "Yes!"

---------

Time passed by so quickly, that school ended and everyone already left to go home. The teachers had a meeting with Lord Sullivan, who need as many teachers to volunteer to judge the Talent Exam. After a lot of discussions Kalego, Dali, Robin, Suzy & Raim decided to be the judges. Similar to the Musical Festival, she had to perform to pass with a 666 marm. But this would be different. No music specialist judges could come at last minute, so she would have to fight against teacher judges for a 66666 mark.

Dali: "Are you sure this is okay? Sure she finished the Written Exam with ease, but don't you think getting a perfect 66666 for all five teachers is a little too much to ask for the poor girl?"

Kalego: "She can handle it if she is ambitious enough to join the Misfits in Royal One."

Robin: "Well I just look forward to see what she has in store! If she passed Kalego's Written Exam so quickly, I'm dying to know what she'll do next."

Suzy: "Mm hm, same here."

Raim: "Hold on... do you guys hear that?"

Kalego: "Yeah, no one else should be in this school but us."

Kalego and the 4 other teachers decide to investigate the sound and as they got close they realized it was more than one sound. The sound of a orchestra coming from outside.

The peeked over to see multiple clones of Melody playing many different classical instruments with several other Melody clones singing in a chorus. The piece they were playing was Six Trillion Years & Overnight Story, a song they never heard before.

Robin however stepped on a twig from behind and in a panic, Melody stopped her music from loss of focus and turned off her clones, as they disappeared with their instruments.

Melody: "Who's there?!"

Kalego told the four other teachers to stay as Kalego was the only one to decide to reveal himself instead. Melody sighed in relief from his presence as he approached her.

Kalego: "What are you doing in the school grounds this late?"

Melody: "I was just practicing is all. I couldn't do it at home, and since the music rooms tend to close off bookings after 6pm, I had to find open space."

He remembers that he had locked and kicked her off the Royal One room because school ended for the day. And if she stayed in the music room after school, she practiced for another 3 hours. That means she has been practicing all day, how is she not tired? But he looked at her face and saw worry and stress.

Kalego: "You have a gift for musical talent. And to be able to play so many roles with mirror clones of yourself takes a lot of focus. And it looks like you have a performance picked out. So what's bothering you that can make you stay in school grounds this late?"

Melody: "To be honest, I haven't chosen a performance yet. All the stuff you saw, it was just to help me think of ideas to make the performance better."

Kalego: "But your performance was-."

Melody: "Good? I know... but I want a performance that represents me. I wanna tell my story as I sing. I don't just aim for scores, Mr. Naberius, I aim to tell my identity on stage."

For a small moment, Kalego saw "Mela" as Melody, repeating those same words all those years ago. But the moment stopped when he felt a hand touching his face, realizing he started tearing up.

Melody: "Mr. Naberius? Are you okay?"

Kalego: "I'm fine, get your hand off me."

Kalego pushed her hand away as his tears dried off. Why was he remembering now? He pushed his memories of first year away because of the incident with the Crest Family was preventing him from pursuing his ambitions. He had to give up on her and deliberately tried to forget her. And yet, this girl who appeared so suddenly makes him remember the girl he tried so hard to push away. And then finally he asks."

Kalego: "Have we met before all of this?"

Melody: "No, we haven't. I only met Balam in a bookstore beforehand."

Kalego: "...Tell me how you saw him without him detecting you?"

Melody: "I use detection warding glasses."

Kalego: "Why would you need them when going to the bookstore?"

Melody looks down, twiddling her thumbs as her face turns a little red. Was she blushing?

Melody: "O-Oh that... Well um... It was... because I was banned from going to the bookstore after multiple accidental spellcasting incidents from reading the spellbooks. I got too excited and I was always a curious person when it came to spells so I... I wasn't always thinking about the consequences. So when I would go there, I would use the detection warding glasses and for extra measure, I'd use a temporary silence spell I made myself so I don't speak out spells in the store anymore."

So that's what happened. It would make sense that a girl who caused so much trouble at a store because of her ambitions and interests. Sullivan was right, she was a troublemaker when it came to her love for spellcasting. If she passes, chaos would ensue, he would have to ensure limits on the girl.

Kalego: "...Tell me. How many times have you caused trouble with your experiments on spells? Give me a average number."

Melody: "I guess like... 3-7 times a day."

Kalego: "And how many of those are serious?"

Melody: "Like... 1 or 2 a day?"

Kalego facepalmed himself. She's worse than Iruma's attraction to danger. At least with Iruma, he tries to dodge danger and unintentionally puts himself in danger through reactions, with her though she speeds head on. Now worried about this girl's future, he's just thinking how her home life by herself. Probably a mess.

Kalego: "You know what...I kept you here too long. Let me take you home."

Melody: "Are... Are you sure?"

Kalego: "Yes, and I guess I can help you try to decide your song as we go."

That confused Melody for a moment, as Kalego didn't make eye contact with her.

Melody: "Why thought?"

Kalego: "Because I was suppose to kick you out originally but ended up stalling instead, so I take full responsibility for tonight. I don't want you doing this again, you got that brat."

Oh. He was just worried in his own way. Kalego was always stubborn.

Melody: Sure okay I guess-.

Kalego: "Also, I want to see the state of you home. You live alone right? I need to inspect so I can confirm you living situation."

Melody: "...Wait what?!"

[Previous Chapter] [Next Chapter]

[ziskandra]

did you know that i still write fanfiction? no? me neither! i had a lot of fun participating in the @mebigbang test reverse big bang - working with @ramblingandpie‘s art was a great inspiration! ao3 link.

Summary: Having confidently identified the problem, EDI works towards finding a solution.

Upon reuniting with a despondent Samantha Traynor several years after The Reaper War, EDI makes it a mission to cheer up her old friend. 

Ninety-Nine Percent Chance of Success

“Oh, hello, EDI! I didn’t see you there.” Specialist Traynor beams as she straightens upwards, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her smile, however, does not quite meet her eyes and her Alliance uniform, usually fresh and crisp, looks as though it had been slept in for days.

It’s been almost five years since they had last seen each other, three since the last time they’d even exchanged an email. “It’s been a while,” EDI agrees with a tilt of the head. “Longer than I would have liked.”

That admission brings a slight twitch of amusement to Samantha’s lips, but it’s short-lived as her face soon settles back into a frown. “I’m sorry,” she starts, not quite looking EDI in the eyes. “I’ve not been avoiding you.” Fortunately, EDI does not need to hold Samantha’s gaze to assess the source of the problem. Firstly, there’s the dishevelled state of the specialist’s clothing: the Samantha EDI had known would never have turned up to work dressed like this. Secondly, there is the woman’s downtrodden demeanour: EDI doesn’t have to be a highly-advanced artificial intelligence to know that Samantha is in physiological distress.

The third, and most obvious sign, however, is the complete absence of the physical signs of arousal that Samantha usually displayed whenever she heard EDI’s voice. Oh, she’d tried to mask them ever since she’d become aware of EDI’s true nature, but there’s no hiding symptoms from EDI. EDI knows. She always knows.

“It’s not me you’ve been avoiding,” EDI answers without a moment of hesitation. There are times, she has learnt, for subtlety, for ‘beating around the bush’ as the humans like to say. But Samantha is an old friend, and EDI has always preferred to chart the most direct path.

Samantha’s shoulders slump ever-so-slightly, but the action does not escape EDI’s notice. “Oh, I know, I know.” She pauses, swallowing a lump in her throat. “It’s just… being back here is harder than I thought.”

EDI takes in the view, watches the tears glisten in Samantha’s eyes as she looks across the bridge, up at the new Normandy. Samantha blinks, inhaling deeply, and continues, even though her voice begins to waver. “I’m fine, though, well and truly.” Unperturbed, EDI forges onwards. “You miss her.” The subject of their conversation goes unspoken, but there’s sometimes something to be said for inferences, EDI thinks. “Yeah,” Sam relents, “I do.” “I miss her too,” EDI confides. Her life has never been quite the same since she’d left the Normandy. So many of her processes had been so intrinsically linked to the ship for so long that her platform���s first foray beyond its range had felt like leaving home. She’d been able to emulate emotion for as long as she’d been self-aware, but it was the first time she’d simply just been sad. Now that they’re building more Normandy-class frigates, EDI’s been called into work more often. It’s nice to have a purpose again, to spend time with old friends. Jeff likes to pretend that he hasn’t changed a bit, but EDI knows there’s more wrinkles near the corner of his eyes. His life is different now. They all are.

Having confidently identified Samantha’s problem, EDI works towards finding a solution. Throughout her travels with Commander Shepard, EDI has discovered that some humans do not like being confronted directly with their feelings. While she has not had quite as many interactions with Samantha to draw experience on, she knows that Sam and the commander were close. What is the best way to deal with this situation? According to her simulations, there is a  route that leads to a ninety-nine percent chance of success. Those are not terrible odds, so EDI course-corrects. “Remember when she met her clone?”

Sam looks taken aback for a moment, although she soon recovers quickly. “How could I forget? My Cision Mark Pro IV saved the day!” She holds her hand aloft as she’d held it during that fateful moment several years ago.

EDI smiles. “I doubt you have had a more useful toothbrush since.”

Quickly dropping her arm, Sam admits, “Well, they did just release the newest model. The Cision Mark Pro VII. I’m still saving up for it, myself.” EDI, not having teeth or gums, can’t help but admire Samantha’s dedication to oral hygiene, even if she does not understand or truly empathise with it. “What capabilities does this one have the the older versions do not?”

“Oh, more of the same, really. Just faster.” Sam flashes EDI a smile that’s more about showing off her pearly whites than anything else. EDI’s glad to see that even though Sam has seen better days  that there is still more than a spark of the person she’d once known.

“Interesting,” EDI says in response as she’s overcome with the torrent of questions she now wants to ask Samantha. It would be so interesting for her research into human behaviours. But that’s not her task here, so instead, she focuses. Diverts. “Remember how ecstatic she was when she completed her model ship collection?” Samantha snorts. “‘Ecstatic’ might be an understatement.” She plants her feet a shoulder-width apart and balls her fists up by her side in an eerily-accurate imitation of their former commander. Brows furrowed, she continues, “If I find any one of you so much breathing in the directions of my shelves…” Samantha pauses, inhaling sharply through her nose, “… breathing will soon be the least of your problems.” “She loved her ships,” EDI agrees. “But as I do not breathe, it was not a very convincing threat.” Rolling her eyes, Samantha says, “As though any of us would ever enter the captain’s quarters without her express permission.”

EDI tilts her head. “Oh,” Samantha says, eyes widening in realisation. “I suppose you were always in her quarters, in a manner of speaking.” For a moment, she simply looks lost in thought. “Never mind, then.” Deciding it best not to pursue that line of discussion, EDI continues, “Remember when her hamster escaped?”

Samantha makes a noise of dismay. “She didn’t even name him!” she exclaims. “That’s no way to treat a pet.” “But she treated his recovery mission with the same solemnity as she did her other assignments. She assessed the crew she had on hand and made sure that no centimetre of the vessel was left unaccounted for.” “That’s because she thought he’d been kidnapped! Instead, we found him in the mess… cheeky little bastard was happily munching away on our rations without a care in the world. By the look of him, you’d think he’d not been fed in days! Well. The look on his face, that is, he was quite, what’s the word?” She gestures with her hands. “Rotund. Probably still is, the way Dr. T’soni dotes on him.”

“She was incredibly relieved to have found him.” EDI herself hadn’t quite understood the Commander’s attachment at the time, although the speech the woman had delivered afterwards had helped clarify matters somewhat. “Oh yes,” Samantha agrees, “the way she scooped him up in her hands and told him not to ever go missing again! Didn’t even scold him for getting into the food.” “We are family,” EDI reminisces, one of the benefits and drawbacks of her perfect recollection.  Her imitation of the commander’s voice is even more perfect than Samantha’s. It’s an unfair advantage. “Just because we’re a motley assortment of misfits doesn’t mean I won’t do the exact same thing for each and everyone one for you. Now, I’ve got to get this little guy back into his cage.” It’s not until she’s said the last sentence that EDI realises it most likely wasn’t an intended part of Shepard’s inspiring speech.

She’s about to play it off as a joke when suddenly, surprisingly, Samantha bursts into laughter, the kind that ignites in the belly and explodes in the chest and although Samantha might not be truly happy in this moment, EDI can’t help but think it’s the first time her friend has laughed this hard in years. Although this is an outcome she had been working towards, now that she has achieved it, EDI is quite unsure of what to do with herself.

“Oh, EDI, I could hug you!” Samantha explains once her laughs recede, a hand pressed against her stomach as though worried her insides might come tumbling out. The stance never ceases to be somewhat concerning: EDI’s not sure she’ll ever grow accustomed to how soft and vulnerable humans are.

“You can,” EDI replies firmly despite her building uncertainty. She’s not fond of the sensation because she is, by all accounts, an artificial intelligence, one that can perfectly adjust her behavioural paradigms with each new situation that confronts her. The first interaction is always the hardest, though, and what EDI is sure of is that she’s never quite been in a situation like this one before.

The fact of the matter is, EDI doesn’t yet understand how these two events relate to each other, that is, Samantha’s elation and her desire to embrace. The only conclusion she can draw is that humans are affectionate when they are happy, even when they are not intoxicated, and even when the galaxy is not about to end. When EDI had first begun learning about humans, she’d thought that human bonding was primarily sexual, that when under duress, their underlying biological programming pushed them towards reproductive behaviours - even if the result of such a mating would not necessarily result in actual offspring.

Yet, EDI has spent several years predominantly living amongst humans, although she’s certainly had a number of interactions with the rest of the galaxy’s species. And every day, she learns and she learns. She’s experienced teamwork and family and camaraderie and friendship, and she’s coming to grips with the reality that being alive, a sentient being, is all about the links one makes with other people, no matter who they are, or where they come from. EDI can change people’s lives, maybe sometimes only slightly, but hopefully always for the better. So that’s why she doesn’t shy away when Sam throws her arms around her, holding her in a seemingly-firm grip that EDI could nonetheless break free from in an instant. “Huh,” Sam says, pulling away just enough to be heard when she speaks, “you’re warmer than I thought you would be.” EDI can’t avoid the easy quip. “Did you think that just because I am a synthetic, I am incapable of comfort?” Samantha loosens her grip, and EDI doesn’t even need to look to know that her friend’s eyes have widened in alarm. “No, no,” she stammers, “It’s not that, I—”

“I have flexible alloys in my skin that allow me to adjust my internal and external temperature,” EDI says, cutting Sam off with more than a hint of smugness.

Sam bats at EDI’s arm as she lets go completely. “I walked right into that one, didn’t I?” “You did,” EDI confirms as Samantha holds her hands up in mock-resignation. “All right, all right,” Sam says with a wave, “No need to rub it in.”

“I will immediately cease with my abrasive processes,” EDI assures her, and Samantha laughs again. “I’m glad I ran into you,” she says. This time, when Sam smiles, it does truly reach her eyes.  She reaches down, attempts to smooth some wrinkles from her fatigues with limited success. “We should get a drink sometime.” She pauses. “Do synthetics drink? You know what I mean. Gather some of the old crew, too, if they’re around. I haven’t seen them in far too long.”

“James Vega and Kaidan Alenko are both in Vancouver,” EDI confirms. In the aftermath of the Reaper War, people have focused primarily on recovering their homeworlds. “As is Jeff Moreau,” she adds, although it almost goes without saying. At the end of the day, they’re never truly far from each other.

“Sounds like we’ve got a party!” Sam exclaims, before casting a guilty glance downwards at the crates piled up around her feet. “Oh, but look at the time! I’ve been stood here babbling on for far too long. I better get these requisitions on board before someone catches me slacking!”

“Let me help,” EDI offers, “I was just heading in that direction.” It’s not even a lie: EDI did have business upon the Normandy today. Running into Samantha Traynor is just a pleasant distraction.

“Oh, if it’s not too much of a bother,” Sam says, ducking down to heft a box in her arms. “I could use the assistance.” EDI wonders if she should tell Samantha that her platform is more than capable of carrying all the crates by herself, but then she reminds herself that humans like being involved and feeling useful, so she says nothing instead as they move the containers, making quick work of the load in companionable silence. Honestly, EDI would have preferred to keep talking, her processes always thinking of more observations to make, more inquiries to present, but the exertion required by SAM to move the boxes means that their interaction is limited in that regard. Still, EDI finds herself surprised by how pleasant it is.

As they relocate the final crate and Sam stands besides the new pile with hands on hips, admiring their handiwork, she remarks, “Well, that’s that done. Thank you truly, EDI! I couldn’t have done it without you.” “You’re welcome,” EDI replies. “It was my pleasure.” The words, once upon a time a formality for EDI, are genuine. She has truly enjoyed talking to Samantha again. “I better let you get back to it,” Sam says with a sigh, disappointment belied in the droop of her shoulders. “But I mean what I said. It was really good to see you again.” EDI knows she is not imagining Samantha’s elevated heart rate and increased temperature. Her measuring instruments are perfectly calibrated.

In this moment, at the very least, Samantha is herself again. EDI commits herself to catching up with the communications specialist more frequently to ensure the results of her learning today are easily replicated. “It was good to see you as well,” EDI assures her.

“I’ve missed my family,” Samantha says with a wistful smile, arms now crossed over her chest. She looks smaller, in a way. EDI finds herself surprisingly unable to understand why.

“You see them every other shore leave,” EDI dead-pans in response. At least she’s learnt that humour helps in these sort of situations. Samantha snorts. “You know what I mean.”

“Yes,” EDI confirms. “I do.”

Sam begins to turn, facing the direction of the next task on her agenda. “Take care, EDI,” she says, her voice slightly higher than its usual register. “I am incapable of performing with anything less than the utmost precision,” EDI assures her.

Samantha smiles again before finally moving down the corridor with one last look at EDI over her shoulder.

EDI begins downloading the schedules of all the former Normandy crew members who are currently in Vancouver to co-ordinate the most optimal date for a reunion.

[hermanwatts]

Science Fiction and Fantasy New Releases: 06 June 2020

This week’s science fiction and fantasy new release list features arcane detectives, AI berserkers, cloned space rogues, and storm dragons.

A.I. Armada (A.I. # 8) – Vaughn Heppner

Years ago, Main 54’s brain-core had to flee his exploding planet-sized warship because of the treachery of Jon Hawkins. Later, Main 54 gained special processors, a new warship—something changed in him…greater clarity of purpose and superior combat skills.

He has been taking over the AI Dominion around here ever since. Now, his brilliant calculations reveal it is time to destroy the Confederation with a super fleet.

Jon is on a desperate mission in the void seeking clues for making the alien Subspace Teleport Device work. But even if he succeeds, the Confederation will need the courage of the Warrior Roke, the genius of the Sacerdotes, the cunning of the Sisters of Enoy and the power of the Kames to survive the approaching holocaust.

This will be the war to end all wars or final annihilation.

Dragon Heart (Land of Magic #6) – Kirill Klevanski

He left behind the Northern Kingdoms, tired of their wars and schemes. The golden waves of the Sea of Sand didn’t drown him in fire, but the Evening Stars ultimately didn’t bless him with their light. Despite his many adventures, despite the fact he’s already endured enough hardship to last him several lifetimes, his soul was restless. Finally, Hadjar Darkhan and his friend, Einen the Islander, reached the capital of the Darnassus Empire — Dahanatan.

They managed to do something most other outsiders would deem impossible — they became disciples of ‘The Holy Sky’ School of martial arts. What adventures await the former General and pirate? How will the very heart of the vast Empire treat them? What dangers lurk where the best of the Empire’s warriors are forged?

Hadjar had no idea. Still, he continued to follow the call of his dragon heart. Wherever it took him…

Gun Runner – B. V. Larson

Two centuries after humanity colonized the stars, new dangers emerge. The peaceful inhabitants of the Conclave are threatened by expanding alien powers. Invaders threaten the star cluster, attacking our fringe settlements.

Captain Bill Gorman has mysteriously disappeared. His clone, set aside for a dark day like this, awakens and begins to put together the pieces. What’s gone wrong out on the frontier? Why are our colonies being attacked by aliens while the Conclave worlds dream of better days? And what happened to the original Captain Gorman?

Find out in GUN RUNNER, a thrilling all-new interstellar adventure by B. V. Larson, the King of Military Science Fiction.

Limelight (Arcane Casebook #5) – Dan Willis

When a madman starts robbing banks the really old fashioned way, by blowing holes in them with magical explosives, the police want Alex to catch him before he kills and robs again.  There are two problems with that, however, first as far as Alex knows there’s no such thing as a blasting rune, and second his friend Danny Pak is up for a promotion and that’s not Danny’s case.

Alex splits his time between chasing the homicidal bomber and helping Danny figure out what happened to a dead writer who was basing her book on Broadway’s most famous murder.  While the bomber continues to elude Alex, he becomes convinced that the writer was killed by someone who wanted the old murder to remain unsolved.  Before he can pursue either case further, however, the feds show up, wanting Alex’s take on a series of bizarre magic related deaths.

Now Alex must solve the fifteen year old Broadway murder, catch a blast-happy bank robber, and figure out how average people are being killed by a mysterious, untraceable magic.  All the while he has scant leads, even fewer suspects, and the inescapable feeling that he’s being played.

The Secret Refuge (Path of the Ranger #5) – Pedro Urvi

Only the best have access to the Elite Specializations of the Rangers. Will the Snow Panthers make it?

The war goes on in Norghana. The East supports the new King, while the West supports Arnold Olafstone, the legitimate heir to the crown. In the North the Wild of the Ice claim their lands. In the midst of the war, Lasgol and his teammates have graduated as Rangers.

They must decide whether to take the Specialization Test. If they do, and pass it, they will have access to training as Specialist Rangers and be able to opt for one of the elite specializations. For this they will need to go to a hidden, secret place: The Shelter. It is rumored to be somewhere special, secret and arcane.

Will Lasgol take the Specialization Test? Will he pass it? Will his friends? Who will make it and who will not? What new adventures are waiting for them at the Shelter?

Storm Dragon (The Dragon Misfits #4) – D. K. Holmberg

A new threat for the misfits emerges, only this time it might be another dragon.

Jason spends his time trying to protect Dragon Haven and understand the dragon misfits now that he has prevented Lorach from using them. He searches for more misfits, but quickly learns he won’t be able to save them all.

When word of an attack on the Dragon Guard suggests Lorach is renewing their attempt to destroy the rebellion, Jason leaves to investigate. What he finds changes everything he knows about the misfits.

Saving the dragons means risking everything he’s gained. If he fails, the rebellion will fail and Dragon Haven will fall. Even worse—the dragon misfits he’s fought to find will be destroyed.

Science Fiction and Fantasy New Releases: 06 June 2020 published first on https://sixchexus.weebly.com/

[mechagalaxy]

Daniel Scott - Interview with Alcesar Blanco

Clan Wars 3321 Daniel Scott # 164961 Alcesar Blanco #185467

ANN: What Clan are you fighting in this time and what Division do you expect to be in?

Alcesar: Guys from formerly known as Fusion, Bunnies and maybe Zeon. Division One.

ANN: Any prediction on medal for your clan?

A: It's going to be hard but don't want to jinx our chances.

ANN: Just coming out of a Squad Wars has there been any reorganization in your clan?

A: Yes, we merged with guys from Misfits

ANN: A little of everyone, then. That should get some attention. There have been some recent clan changes, Dragons/Brotherhood merger and some changes to D1 clans, any thoughts or predictions for any of those clans?

A: None for now but it's going to be interesting.

ANN: Any thoughts on what may be driving these changes?

A: I think competition is driving the changes.

ANN: Has Dr. Drake or any of his clones stolen any of your KotM medals? What do you think he’s up to now?

A: None that I know of. Drake is just a little throwing a temper tantrum.

ANN: The last couple times he showed up he introduced a new mecha to the Galaxy (Anubis and Antithesis). Do you think he may have constructed another secret factory?

A: I hope so. We need to acquire more of his mechs.

ANN: Even though there hasn’t been enough time to fully upgrade the Pike mecha, it is already getting some praise. What do you think of it?

A: Pike is my new favorite mech. I might get more after this Clan War.

ANN: Up to four Specialists are allowed this time. Are you ready to face multiple types of formations? Also do you think you will take a slot?

A: I’m still having issues my specialist formations; either they're missing equipment or weapons. I probably will take a specialist spot

ANN: The Gigus booster will be in effect through the event. Do you think we will see more 80 ton max specials or possibly Fire specials? Do you think the Gigus will have a large impact in lower Divisions where pilots may have gotten a few from raids before they can purchase them?

A: I’m not sure if we will see more 80 ton specialists. I’ve been working on mine for a couple months now and still not finished.

ANN: Any comments, concerns, or wish list items for the Devs?

A: Maybe a notification that mechs are missing equipment.

ANN: Yes, that would be a welcome addition

[vodika-vibes]

WIP Wednesday!

It's late, but here's a snippet from my upcoming Western AU, featuring my Clone OC, Specialist Misfit!

Misfit lights his cigarette as he lingers, awkwardly, in the door of his father's old ranch. Watching as Boba moves around the kitchen and yanks curtains open.

If he closes his eyes and focuses, he can also see his Father sitting at the kitchen table, holding court with his favorite sons, while the less fortunate sons are ignored.

Boba inherited the ranch when father died. And Jango—father—would hate that golden boy Boba was giving the ranch to Misfit.

Jango's probably rolling in his grave.

Misfit can't help but wonder why it doesn't make him feel any better.

Tagging: @kimiheartblade @the-bad-batch-baroness @imabeautifulbutterfly and anyone else who wishes to partake.

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

Love it!!!!!

This was so awesome. Awww Misfit needs to go on a date with her. She's exactly what he needs.

Oh ho ho ask and you shall receive.

Can I get a western au with Misfit and dealers choice on genre. Just at one point can I hug him. Thank you

Love oo

Better Place

Summary: After losing his career due to gross insubordination towards his Commanding Officer, Misfit finds himself moving back to the small ranching town he grew up in because he has no other options. He’s surprised when he realizes that this is his chance to heal.

Pairing: Pre Specialist Misfit (Clone OC) x F!Reader

Word Count: 2421

Warnings: Mentions of drug and alcohol abuse

Prompt: Western AU - though it doesn't really have a Western vibe, sorry.

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @kimiheartblade

A/N: So, I had an idea, and I think I'm happy with it. Jango was a good dad to some of his children, but was a bad dad to others. Misfit, Hunter, Crosshair, Wrecker, Tech, and Sister are all the "undesirable" children, and I have ideas as to where they are, but I couldn't work it into the story.

“Here’s the Ranch,” Boba says to Misfit as he unlocks the door and walks over to a window to pull it open, “No one’s lived here since dad died, but I’ve had people coming out and keeping it clean. Everything is still in working order.” 

Awkwardly, Misfit lingers in the doorway, he pulls a cigarette out of his pocket and sticks it between his lips, though he doesn’t light it just yet. He watches Boba move around the kitchen, pulling open curtains and opening windows.

He hates this place.

He never wanted to return here.

Being in this house makes him feel like a child again. Unwanted. Unheard.

Ghosts of memories dance across his vision. He can see Jango—father— sitting at the dining room table, holding court with his favored sons: golden boy Boba. Ponds. Cody. Both sets of twins, Neyo and Bacara as well as Wolffe and Fox. The baby, Bly.

All the while, the less favored kids are left watching from the outside, in the hopes that they might earn an approving look from their father.

Not that they ever did.

He wonders if Jango regretted it, ignoring so many of his children, before the end. Misfit knows that he didn’t come and visit when he got word that Jango was dying.

He also knows that the other undesirable kids didn’t come either.

Knowing Jango, he didn’t even notice.

In any event, Boba inherited the ranch after Jango died. Though, it’s clear to Misfit that his older brother hadn’t actually stepped foot in the place since before Jango died.

It should make him feel better, the knowledge that Jango must be rolling in his grave since Boba’s just giving him the ranch. But it just makes him feel hollow and empty.

“Are you sure you want to just give me this place?” Misfit asks.

Boba turns to look at him, “We talked about this already, vod.” He leans against the counter, his arms folding over his chest, “The ranch is too far away from where I work.”

“We both know that Jango wouldn’t want me to have this place.”

“Yeah, well,” Boba shrugs, “Dad’s dead. What he does or doesn’t want is unimportant. He left the ranch to me, and I’m giving it to you.” He pauses, “The animals were sold after dad died, but I do remember that you never cared much for cattle or sheep.”

Misfit’s grin is slightly wry, Boba’s not wrong, that’s for sure.

“So, do you have any plans for the place?” Boba asks.

“Plant a garden, probably. Assuming the garden boxes don’t need to be repaired.” Misfit shrugs, “Turn the old barn into a workshop for my woodworking.”

“Oh, you’re still doing that?”

“I like working with my hands. It makes me less likely to turn to alcohol or drugs.”

Boba pauses and for a moment a pained look crosses his face, “I had heard…there are meetings in town for people fighting addictions. Support groups.”

“Yeah, I know.” Misfit pauses, “I already reached out for a sponsor.”

Relief washes across Boba’s face, “You have? That’s great.”

“Contrary to what you all seem to believe, I don’t actually like being high or drunk.”

“We’re just worried, Misfit.” Boba replies, “We thought you were going to get Court Martialed.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“You-” Boba exhales slowly, “Never mind.” He pushes his hair through his curls, “When I heard you were coming, I went out and bought some food for you.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s the least I could do. You’re still my brother.” Boba stops leaning against the counter and walks over to another window and ties the curtain open, “Honestly, I was worried I’d never see you again.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, the others…they’ve completely cut us off.” Boba says awkwardly. 

“Can you blame them?” Misfit asks as he finally steps into the house properly. He’ll have to redo the entire house to make it less anxiety inducing, but it’s always nice to have a project.

“No.” Boba admits, “Dad was great…for some of us. It took a long time for me to recognize that the way he treated you younger kids was…” He sighs and shakes his head, “None of you deserved that.”

“No, we didn’t.” Misfit agrees. “Anything else?”

Boba’s quiet for a moment, “I left my old motorcycle in the barn, you can have it. I can’t ride it anymore. The helmet and leather jacket are back there too. They’ll both fit you.”

“Thanks Boba,”

“You need a way to get around. It’s not super, you won’t be able to do a massive grocery trip, but it’s good enough.” Boba walks over to Misfit, and reaches out to grip his shoulder, “Listen, if you need anything, just give me a call. We’re family.”

Misfit stares at him for a moment, “Yeah, sure.”

“I mean it, vod.” Boba drops his hand, “I wasn’t always the best brother, but I’ve grown up since then.”

Misfit sighs and nods, “Alright, Boba. I’ll let you know.”

“Great. I’m going to get out of here, let you get settled.” Boba heads to the door, and then turns around to walk backwards, “Answer your phone when I call, Misfit. I mean it.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Then Boba is gone, leaving Misfit alone with his thoughts and memories.

His hands twitch, and he finally lights his cigarette, in the hopes that the familiar sensation will help him feel a little less like a child again. 

It helps settle him, a little bit, and Misfit starts poking his way through the house. It is in pretty solid condition, all things considered, he decides as he goes up the stairs.

The paint and wallpaper in the rooms are dated, but both are easily corrected. Besides, wallpaper is outdated as a whole anyway. 

The bedroom he used to share with Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Crosshair will probably be reworked into an office, Misfit decides as he peeks into his old bedroom. It needs a new coat of paint, and he’ll probably take the door off, to make it more open.

Misfit clicks his tongue and heads back downstairs. He finds a notepad and a pen in the kitchen, and then heads back upstairs, making a list of everything he’s going to need to make the house less nightmare fuel for himself.

As he heads out to the barn later, to make sure the motorcycle still works, Misfit can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this won’t be as terrible as he fears.

Three months later, Misfit thinks that he’s about as settled as he’s going to get. He has a dog, a mastiff he named Bull, and the entire house has been repainted so that it doesn’t look like the same house.

He managed to get his garden in, and rigged up the hoses to automatically water the plants on a set schedule (he had to get on a video call with Tech to hammer out the more finicky details when some of the coding didn’t work properly, but it works now and that’s the important thing.)

Misfit has even managed to repair the old fences so that Bull has free reign of the yard. 

All in all, this place feels more like home now than it ever did when he was a child. Even his relationship with Boba has settled into something safe and comfortable. 

They don’t talk about Jango. Ever.

But they get together once a week, have lunch or dinner together. It’s settled something, an old hurt, in Misfit’s heart. It’s nice to know that his older brothers don’t actually hate him.

It’s around that time when his neighbor across the street sells their home. The original owners, an older couple who used to babysit Misfit when he was a little kid, had been thrilled to see him again when he moved in.

But they are an older couple, so Misfit wasn’t surprised when they admitted that they were moving out. He also wasn’t surprised when they asked for him to come and help with a few repairs around their home before they sold it.

The new owner is a young woman around the same age as him. Though Misfit hasn’t met her yet.

The morning he meets her, he’s out in the front yard working on his garden, while also playing with Bull. In fairness, he doesn’t notice her first, but Bull releases a loud bark and tears over to the fence.

Misfit straightens from where he’s pulling weeds, and he whistles sharply. Bull immediately sits, though his entire body is wiggling with excitement. “Good boy, Bull.” Misfit praises as he pulls a cookie out of a pouch on his hip and passes it to the dog.

“He’s so well trained!” The woman standing at the fence says, her eyes wide as she looks from Bull to Misfit and then back again, “Did you train him yourself?”

“Had some help from my cousin.” Misfit says, “He’s a dog trainer here in town.”

“The one who visits every week?” She asks, “I saw him the other day.”

“No. That’s one of my brothers. Hound doesn’t visit often.” He pulls off his thick work gloves and sticks them in his back pocket, “Anyway, can I help you?”

“Oh! I was just coming over to introduce myself!” She holds out her hand, and introduces herself with a broad smile, “I just moved in, and I’ve been wanting to come and introduce myself, but you’re a hard man to catch.”

“I’m a pretty busy guy.” He pauses, “Misfit.”

“I…sorry?”

“My name. It’s Misfit.”

Her lips part, “Oh. That’s…not really a name.” She finally says.

“You get used to it. There’s a bunch of us Fetts around here with names like that.” Misfit replies with a shrug, “You get used to it.”

She frowns slightly, and then her smile returns, “So, you take care of all this land on your own?”

Misfit pulls a cigarette from behind his ear and lights it, “Pretty much.” 

“The previous owners told me that you hand carved the railing in my home,” She bubbles excitedly, “Is that true?”

“Yeah. I make furniture and stuff for a living. Never been much for farm work.” Misfit pauses, he looks at her eager face, and then sighs, “Would you like to come in?”

“Only if it’s not too much hassle,” She replies sheepishly, “I’ve never met someone who can make furniture with their own hands.”

Misfit sighs and pushes the gate open, moving to the side to let her into his yard. “How do you think furniture gets made?”

“Uh…in factories?”

“Sure, if you want cheap things that’ll break in a year, I guess.” Misfit motions to Bull, “My dog, Bull. Let him sniff your hand before you try to pet him.”

He waits until Bull decides that she’s boring, before he leads her around to the barn. “This used to be an actual farm, then?” She asks as she looks up at the, recently painted, barn. “I thought these came in red?”

“I painted it because I don’t like red.” Misfit says as he slides one of the barn doors open, “And yeah, it was a farm for years. It’s only in the last couple of years that there haven’t been animals living here.” He moves to the side as three cats sprint out of the barn.

“You have cats too!” She asks, excited.

“They’re strays. They keep the mouse population down, so I’m happy to feed them.” He pushes the other barn door open, and gestures vaguely towards his workshop. 

“Oh, it smells nice!”

“That would be because that shelf is made of cedar.” Misfit replies as he steps around her and goes over to his workbench, “It’s for my brother. His bookshelf collapsed because of too many books.”

“You’re a good brother,” She sounds marveled. 

“Nah. I’m making him pay me for it.” Misfit says, “He’s a professor at an Ivy league university, he can afford it.”

“So if this used to be a ranch and now isn’t, what are you doing with all of the land?” She asks, curious.

“Planting trees.”

She laughs, and then pauses, “Wait, really?”

“Yeah, really.”

She blinks at him, twice, and then she grins. “Wow, you’re like, the whole package, aren’t you?”

“...what?”

“It’s just,” She flushes, “You’re handy,” She gestures to the shelf, “You’re good with animals, you care about the environment and you’re close to your family-”

Misfit stares at her, blankly, “I have a dishonorable discharge from the military, and am in recovery for both alcohol and drug addictions.” He says flatly, “The only reason I’m allowed to live here is because no one else wanted to, and they don’t care what I do with it.”

She shakes her head, “Addiction is an illness! Not a moral failing! And your brothers clearly love you enough to give you all of this.”

“...you’re very kind, but I promise I don’t deserve it.”

She scowls at him, and takes several large steps towards him, and wraps her arms around his waist in a tight hug.

Misfit’s hands raise to hover over her shoulders, unsure what he’s supposed to do in this situation. “Um��”

She doesn’t pull away, “I don’t know who told you that you’re not deserving of basic kindness, but they’re wrong.” She tightens her arms around him, “You’re a good guy. Bad guys don’t take care of animals or worry about the environment or take time out of their busy day to humor someone’s curiosity.”

Misfit sighs and lightly places his hands on her shoulders, and pushes her away gently, “Thank you. I’m not the best at taking compliments, but…thank you.”

She smiles at him, her face slowly turning red in embarrassment, “You’re welcome! But you must think I’m so weird-” She says with a sheepish laugh.

“Weird isn’t so bad.” Misfit replies as he turns his attention away from her. He hesitates for a moment, considering something, before he looks at her again, “So…I’m holding a cookout this weekend, with my brother and my cousins and their partners. There’s going to be a bunch of people here, if you want to come over and meet some people.”

“Ah! Really?”

Misfit shrugs, “It’s not easy being the new person in town.”

She beams at him, warm and wide, “And you think you’re a bad guy.”

And Misfit looks away from her, his ears burning.  He’s not sure if he’s a good guy, exactly, but…maybe he could try to be. If only to keep her smiling at him like that.