#Tcw kix

[techwrecker]

it’s all fun and games until Rex gets served captain crunch.

Most important meal of the day

✨Kix✨

[yunyun160]

Where It All Began

[lepplum]

snacks

[artist-kreating-stuff]

Four Times Kix Saw Someone He Wanted To See + 1 Time He Saw Someone He Didn’t Want To See

1. A Commander

The planet was in the night cycle. Crimson Corshair had decided that the weather was pleasant enough for the crew to enjoy outside the confines of their ship. Reveth was able to strike up a fire using fallen branches and Squeaky was able to cook up a feast using what spare rations they had. The few bottles of alcohol they had came out of hiding and were passed around their little circle as they shared stories of their lives before coming to the pirate life. More alcohol landed on the ground than in their mouths from all of their laughing.

The only one who didn’t laugh as much was their newest member. Kix still had yet to find his footing with the pirates, and he didn’t feel quite as comfortable sharing his personal stories with them yet. He had a few drinks, listened to a few tall tales, then excused himself as politely as possible and left to take a walk. Crimson Corshair waved him off with the usual half-hearted threat that if he wasn’t back by sunrise, they would leave without him.

Kix travelled until he was far enough for the small campfire to become nothing more than a minuscule wavering dot between the trees. The light breeze was a mercy against his uncovered face and neck, gently lifting the hair that he had allowed to grow out in the past couple of months. With the pirates still laughing in the distance, he took a moment to simply look up at the stars and sigh.

How did I end up here?

“Hello there.”

Kix startled and whipped around, his hand flying to his blaster holster. What sparse starlight there was outlined the figure standing behind him. They were a Togruta - Kix could tell from the lekku and montrals. Their face and lekku were creased with age, the markings on each were faded, they stood with a hunched back, they wore a worn cloak that hung heavily on their withered frame, and a crooked walking cane waited patiently beneath their folded hands.

But any trooper worth their armor would recognize their commander anywhere.

“C-Commander Tano!” Kix stammered. Years of built up instinct kicked in and he immediately assumed parade rest, bringing his right hand to his forehead in a respectful salute. “CT-6116, Field Medic, 501st Clone Battalion,” He fired off.

His Commander lowered her head and laughed warmly, her lekku swaying. Her laugh was like the rest of her, old and worn. “Oh Kix, of course I recognized you,” She told him jovially, surprising Kix even further. “I was in your med bay so many times, you practically gave me a punch card! I may be over 70, but neither my eyesight nor my memory has gone yet!”

Kix’s hand was shaking as he lowered his hand. “Over 60… that’s right…” He murmured distantly, hardly believing any of this was real. “The war… it ended over 50 years ago… everyone we know… they’re gone…”

Commander Tano’s face softened in sympathy. “Oh, Kix…”

Kix’s chest began to heave as his emotions started to swell and combine, with the sudden need to explain himself outweighing all the others. “I knew about the inhibitor chips, sir!” He burst out. “I got suspicious after Fives was killed, so I did some digging of my own! I learned the true purpose behind the chips… I even had mine taken out…” He dejectedly gestured to the pale line in the side of his head, his hand still shaking.

“B-but somehow, I was found out. The Separatists found me… put me in a cryo pod for the past 50 years…” He recalled the horror stories he had been told, the ones of the clones turning against the Jedi, hunting them down until they were all but extinct. The picture of his brothers, the ones he had fought beside and shared a laugh with, had shared hopes and dreams for after the war with, acting in such a mindless manner made his stomach turn. “Order 66… the Jedi… I wasn’t there…”

Commander Tano’s eyes, blue as her Master’s lightsaber had been, widened with her own surprise. “I sensed at least that much,” She admitted weakly. “I hadn’t seen hide or Force presence of you since before I left the Order, and you still seem so impossibly young after all this time, but… I never could have guessed with the rest… oh, Kix…” Her walking stick clacked against the hard ground as she moved closer to him.

Kix shook his head slightly before he hung it in shame. “I wasn’t there, but I should have been,” He said, voicing his deepest regret. “I should have been more discreet with my research… I should have alerted the Jedi Council sooner… I should have stayed with the 501st…” His fists clenched harder, his breath came faster until he was almost hyperventilating. “Maybe if I was there… I could have stopped it!”

A cool hand rested against his arm, drawing him out of his feverish state and back into the present. “I’m no stranger to ‘what-ifs’ when it comes to the war, myself,” Commander Tano revealed, her face creased with decades of sadness. “What if I had stayed with the Order? What if I had gone with Anakin?” Her gaze grew inward, unfocused. “What if I had been… had been…”

“More?” Kix supplied.

A weary smile creased Commander Tano’s face even further. “Indeed,” She agreed with a small nod. Her hand patted his arm gently. “Master Kenobi always taught me that the Force works in mysterious ways… I like to think he’s right. Yes, it took a couple of decades, but the galaxy is on its way to becoming even better than it was before. We’re still here, aren’t we?”

“Is that supposed to be a blessing or a curse, sir?” Kix asked weakly.

The once young Commander was still smiling, though her eyes no longer appeared dry. “I wonder that sometimes, as well,” She admitted.

Kix exhaled shakily. “We’ve been through a lot, haven’t we, sir?” He asked rhetorically, giving his best attempt at his own smile. When Commander Tano nodded, he asked one of his more burning questions, “The Jedi… were they able to recover?”

Commander Tano hesitated, but nodded once more. “Very few were able to escape Order 66,” She explained. “But those who survived found others who were Force sensitive, and the Order has been steadily rebuilding itself since.” She glanced down at her walking stick, facial markings raised as if amused. “I myself have been, er… retired for the past couple of years, but I’ve met some of these new Jedi. Some of the best fighters I’ve ever seen.”

Kix opened his mouth to ask another question, but stopped when a different voice flitted through the trees, “Hey, Kix! You’ve been gone for a while - are you okay?”

Reveth, Kix clocked before Commander Tano glanced in the direction of the voice and asked, “Friends of yours?”

He winced. “Traveling companions, more like,” He amended.

Commander Tano smiled knowingly before patting his arm once more and stepping back. “Well, don’t let me interrupt your little get-together,” She said breezily, turning as if to walk away.

Kix panicked and reached out to grab her wrist. “W-wait, sir-!”

She glanced back at him with nothing but warmth and kindness in her gaze. “I’ve had enough excitement for one lifetime - all I wish for now is to spend the rest of my days in peace!” She told him. She used the hand that was still on her wrist to pull him towards her, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “Though if an old friend were to stop by every now and then to have a chat and catch up, I certainly wouldn’t complain.”

Kix’s own gaze grew watery as he stared at her. He knew this Togruta, had given her medication when she was sick, had patched her up and lectured her when she got injured, had listened to her orders on the battlefield, had listened to her cry over her perceived failures into the shadows of his med bay. He had seen her grown up, and now she was older than him and offering him a place of solace whenever he needed it. It was almost too much for his already overwhelmed psyche. “Commander…”

“It’s Ahsoka, Kix,” She corrected him. She winked before politely pulling her wrist out of his grasp. “You know where to find me, and then I’ll find you.”

“Kix!” Reveth called again before he finally spied her familiar red lekku making their way through the trees. “Hey, there you are. What are you doing out here?”

Kix glanced back at Commander Tano… no, Ashoka, only to find that she had vanished into thin air. Kriffing Jedi, He thought fondly, thinking of her promise that her door would always be open to him and smiling. “Just… talking to an old friend,” He told Reveth vaguely, happy to keep at least more secret from the pirates.

2. A Brother

It was during a supply run. The crew had landed on some shady Outer Rim planet, one that was popular with smugglers and pirates, to barter for rations and information. Crimson Corshair had gone into a tent to haggle with some big time trader, leaving the rest of the crew to stand in various places in and around the tent to keep watch.

Kix was in full kit, standing apart from the others. It was this part of their little excursions that he always found the most boring, even more than when they were in hyperspace. At least then, he could find something on the ship to fiddle with. Here, in public, he was expected to at least appear alert and ready. Even when he was truthfully bored out of his mind.

“Take off your bucket.”

Startled out of his reverie, Kix glanced to his right to see an adult Mandalorian, also in full kit, with painted green armor. The armor had clearly seen its fair share of battles, which played in with the Mandalorian’s gruff demeanor. “E-excuse me?”

“You’re wearing Phase 1 clone trooper armor,” the Mandalorian stated by way of explanation. They leaned forward menacingly. “Your bucket. Take. It. Off.”

Kix wasn’t sure what the big deal about his helmet was, but he couldn’t find an excuse that could appease a battle-hardened Mandalorian. He raised his hands placatingly before putting them on his bucket. A few strands of sweat dampened hair stuck to his forehead as he pulled it off, reminding him that it had been a fair amount of time since he had seen a proper ‘fresher.

The Mandalorian was silent, the dark visor on their own bucket probing as they took in his features. Kix was starting to sweat even more by the time they finally muttered, “So it’s true… the clone troopers aren’t extinct.”

Kix bristled at the tone the Mandalorian took when mentioning his brothers. It was a tone he’d learned was often used when discussing the clones, but it didn’t get any easier to hear. “And? What’s it to you?” He asked, trying to match the Mandalorian’s menacing persona.

The Mandalorian was quiet for a few extra moments; Kix was beginning to think it was their MO. He waited as patiently as he could before the Mandalorian sighed and reached up to remove their own bucket. “Truth be told, I already knew they weren’t extinct,” the uncovered mouth revealed.

Kix took a step back, shocked.

He was looking at a much older, paler, grumpier, scarred version of his own face.

Another clone? He thought with a rush of emotion. He almost allowed himself to hope before the Mandalorian frowned even deeper. “Don’t get too excited, clone. I’m not one of your fellow troopers.” He drew himself up to his full height and looked at Kix with an air of self-pride. “I am Boba Fett. My father was the bounty hunter Jango Fett. I assume you recognize his name?”

The genetic template for the entire GAR? The reason for Kix’s existence? Yeah, he recognized his name. He also recognized the name of the man in front of him, though what he’d heard of him had not exactly been pleasant.

“Yeah, I’ve heard of him, and of you,” Kix told him through gritted teeth, his grip tightening around his bucket. “As I recall, you made it very clear during the war that you were not one of us.”

“Because I wasn’t,” Boba stated firmly, the brown eyes that all clones shared blazing.

Keep telling yourself that, buddy, Kix thought with a barely restrained eye roll. “So if you’re not a clone or a trooper… what gives? Why approach me now?”

Boba finally seemed at a loss for words. His jaw worked as he took in Kix from head to toe once more before sighing. “I don’t know, I… I guess it’s just a relief to know that… my father’s legacy isn’t entirely gone. Not yet, at least.”

Is that an admittance? Kix wondered. Rather than voice that thought, though, he sighed and nodded. “The feeling’s mutual, Boba,” He agreed, gazing at the face he thought he would only ever see again in a mirror.

The bounty hunter returned the nod. He looked like he wanted to say more, but was interrupted by the sound of Quiggold calling out. “Kix! The Captain was able to broker a deal,” The Gabdorin explained, sidling up to their little duo. “We’re expected to…” His voice trailed off as he caught sight of Boba, the Mandalorian fixing him with a scathing glare. Quiggold’s tiny eyes blinked rapidly before his wide mouth split into an even wider smile. “Well, put a saddle on me and call me a rancor! You actually found another clone!”

“Not a clone,” Both men corrected him. As Quiggold spluttered from embarrassment, they looked at each other in surprise before breaking out into twin smirks. They may not both identify as clones, but at least they were able to reach some kind of understanding.

3. A Sister

It was during another break between their exploits. They were helping themselves to the local cuisine of a small planet, whose natives were very welcoming and didn’t seem to mind that they were pirates. Their trusting nature honestly worried Kix, and he took it upon himself to keep a close eye on the crew to ensure they didn’t take advantage of their hosts’ kindness.

Like usual, Kix was sitting off to the side, away from the crew. He was getting along better with the crew members, but he just couldn’t seem to gel completely with their law free nature. He honestly doubted that he ever would, a fact he was perfectly fine with. With a plate of food in his hand and fireworks of exotic flavors in his mouth, he was as content as he could be.

“Um, excuse me, sir… but are you a clone, by any chance?”

By this point, Kix was used to people coming up to him when he was by himself, so he didn’t even blink when he turned to address his new company. When he saw who it was, though, he did have to blink to clear his vision.

He was looking at his own face.

Well, sort of his own face. The one in front of him was older, with laugh lines around the eyes and mouth. The lips were softer than those he’d seen on brothers, and the head was topped with streaked blonde hair instead of black.

Also, it was attached to a female body.

“Um… yes?” He said cautiously, not daring to jump to conclusions. “Can I help you?”

The woman gasped with delight, her hand coming up to press against her heart. “I knew it!” She declared, then tried to backpedal. “Actually, I only kind of knew it. I didn’t want to believe it at first - it’s just been so long since I’ve seen someone with your face, and so young, too! It’s almost unbelievable.”

Understatement of the galaxy, Kix thought ruefully. The truth behind his apparent youth was not one he thought anyone would envy.

The woman seemed to realize something, her face turning apologetic. “Oh, I’m sorry! I haven’t introduced myself!” She declared, offering her hand. “I’m Omega! And believe it or not, I’m actually a clone, as well!”

Kix stiffened in surprise before he slowly placed his hand in hers. “You… are?”

The woman, Omega, smiled as if they were sharing an inside secret. “Mhm! I wasn’t given the accelerated aging gene like the other clones, so I never saw combat during the Clone Wars, but I was created from Jango Fett’s genetic template just like the troopers,” She explained, giving his hand a few enthusiastic pumps before letting go.

Kix smiled weakly, hardly believing this was happening. “I… didn’t know there were female clones,” He admitted. It was true - to his knowledge, the Kaminoans had only created male clones, since Jango Fett was also a male.

“Trust me, I thought I was the only female clone,” Omega agreed. “But as it turns out, I wasn’t. There were actually a handful of female clones created! Though from my understanding, they were only allowed to take positions like tacticians and medics.” She sucked her teeth in annoyance. “Such a waste, if you ask me.”

Kix finally allowed himself a real smile. “Hey, I’m a medic,” He jested. “So watch your mouth.”

“You are?” Omega asked excitedly, taking the information as her cue to sit down next to him. “What’s your name? And what battalion were you in?”

“Kix, and I was in the 501st,” He told her, offering his plate. What little hunger he had left had been replaced with excitement at the prospect of a new (alive) family member.

Omega gasped as she graciously took a piece of his proffered food. “No way! That means you knew Captain Rex and Echo!” She realized.

“Ah, those are two names I haven’t heard in a while,” Kix said wistfully, using every fiber of his being to refrain from coating his words in sadness. It really had been a while. “Though last I’d heard from Echo, he’d left the 501st to join the…”

“The Bad Batch,” Omega supplied with a knowing grin. “Yep - that’s my family!”

Kix did a double take. “The Bad Batch raised you?” He asked incredulously. At Omega’s answering nod, he blew air through his lips. “I was only involved with them for one mission, but from what I saw, raising kids wasn’t exactly their expertise.” Another memory crossed his mind and he winced. “And no offense, but I wasn’t on the best terms with that Crosshair guy.”

Omega only nodded again. “None taken. He made more enemies than friends as a trooper,” She agreed.

Kix laughed slightly before a more somber question came to mind. “The Bad Batch,” He ventured carefully. “Are they…?”

Omega’s face took a look of sadness. “I’m sorry… the last member passed away a few years ago,” She told him softly. “To be honest, I thought I was the last of the clones until I saw you.”

“I thought the same,” Kix agreed, taking in the features he had seen on so many brothers, just not a sister.

“I think about them everyday,” Omega admitted, taking another piece of food and staring at it as if she could see the members of her family in its surface. “They taught me everything they knew. How to use a blaster, how to repair multiple mechanisms, how to defend myself, and more importantly, how to fly.” Her tone started to gain strength once more as she popped the piece in her mouth and continued. “I was actually a pilot for the Rebellion, you know. I was even active during the Battle of Endor, when the Empire fell!”

“Really? That is impressive!” Kix replied, secretly proud that a member of his family had had a hand in the decisive victory, small as that hand was. “Are you still a pilot, or…?”

“Oh, the battle’s not over yet,” Omega told him, her tone becoming serious. She looked towards the sky with her jaw set and her gaze like durasteel. It almost made Kix cry with how familiar it was. “The Empire’s not gone - another wave called the First Order has been rearing its ugly head lately. They’re trying to pick up where the Empire left off.” She smirked defiantly towards the stars. “If they think they can take back the galaxy we fought so hard to liberate, they have another thing coming!”

She looked back at Kix and smiled the largest smile he had seen yet. “I may be over 60, but I still have more than enough fight left in me!” She assured him. She rolled up her sleeve and flexed, adding a confident wink to the mix. “Trust me, the galaxy is in good hands!”

The idea of the tyrannical Empire coming back in any form made Kix more than a little uneasy. Looking at Omega’s bright and open face, however, he let himself believe that it was all going to be okay. “If you were raised by the Bad Batch, I have no doubt about that, Omega,” He told her truthfully.

Omega rolled her sleeve back down and winced, looking embarrassed at her little outburst. “What about you?” She asked him, taking another piece off his plate. “With the Clone Wars long over, what have you been up to?”

“I met some…” Kix started to explain, flinching when Squeaky laughed a little too loud not far from them. “Traveling companions,” He finished with a grimace.

Omega smirked as she took notice of the crew. “Pirates?” She clarified, amused.

“It was my only choice at the time,” Kix told her dejectedly.

Omega only laughed and helped herself to another piece of food; the plate was almost empty. “I knew a few pirates during my travels as well,” She revealed wistfully. “If these pirates are anything like the ones I’ve met, then I’d say you’re in good company.”

“They haven’t done anything too bad yet, so I’d like to agree with you,” Kix acquiesced, sighing. “There’s still time, though.”

Omega laughed again before patting his arm and standing up. “Alright, I’d better get going,” She said, sounding reluctant. “We only stopped here for a supply run - the others are probably wondering where I am.” Her brown eyes, so much like her brothers’, gazed down warmly at him. “It was nice meeting you, Kix.”

“Nice meeting you too, Omega,” Kix agreed with a nod. Before she got too far, however, he called out to her, “Hey - do you think we can see each other again? It’s nice catching up with family.”

Omega paused before looking over her shoulder with a grin. “I’m a pilot and you’re a pirate,” She told him. “I’m sure our paths will cross again someday.” With that, she continued her trek back to her ship and her crew.

Kix smiled after her, his nearly empty plate clasped between his hands. I’m not the only one, He couldn’t help reminding himself, still hardly believing their interaction had happened. I’m not the last one.

4. A Captain

It was during one of their exploits. Crimson Corshair had caught wind of an large treasure on a distant planet in the Outer Rim, a treasure that many collectors would pay big credits to have. It was too big of a payoff to pass up, so the crew readily took up the challenge. They located the planet, landed, and started asking the natives about the treasure, trying to find a lead to its location.

But all the natives would give them were warnings. They warned them not to look for the treasure, that it was protected by a group of guardians that would not be kind to those who tried to take it. When asked to elaborate about these “guardians”, the natives admitted that none had ever seen them and lived to tell the tale. All they would say was that the guardians had always protected the galaxy and would always protect the various culture of its people. “If you are idiotic enough to anger them,” They were cautioned. “Place your spoils on the ground in front of you, bow your head, and pray that they will show you mercy.”

Kix had quickly learned, though, that Crimson Corshair’s pirate crew was not one to be deterred. After finding at least one trader on the planet that wasn’t so easily scared off by tales of the treasure, they were able to find a general location of where the treasure may be. And after much searching and searching, and digging and digging, by all the stars, they were able to find it.

It was such a large find that even Kix was excited that they had found it. They were so caught up in the discovery that they forgot all about the native’s warnings. They removed the treasure from its resting place and brought it back to their ship, ready to bring it off world so they could deliver it to the highest bidder.

But the ship wouldn’t start.

And then the sound started.

It sounded like hundreds - no, thousands of pairs of feet hitting the ground, marching, steadily growing stronger as it got closer. It got to the point that nearly everything in the ship started to rattle. Corshair yelled at Reveth to get the ship in the air, but she only yelled back that everything was offline and nothing she did was getting it to start. It seemed that the natives’ warnings were true and the crew was about to face justice for their crime.

Well, if the warnings about the guardians were true, perhaps the advice on how to evade them was also true. Kix quickly gathered the treasure into one pile in the center of the ship and lowered himself to the floor, pressing his forehead to the cold durasteel and yelling for the others to do the same. His order was met with several noises of indignation, but it was clear as the sound got closer that they had no other option, and they quickly mirrored his stance.

The sound increased steadily until it sounded as though it was right outside the ship, then stopped. Then came the sound of someone (or something) knocking on the hatch door. Kix couldn’t bring himself to answer it, and from the hollow sound of it, no one else could, either.

So then came the sound of the hatch door blowing open on its own.

Everyone flinched, but no one dared to raise their heads. They stayed silent as the sound of someone entering the ship echoed throughout the small enclosure. They stayed silent as the foot entered the space where they were all bowing. They stayed silent as the footsteps paused and then started moving again.

Kix flinched when he realized they were coming for him.

He stayed as still as possible as the guardian stopped in front of his folded form, then went quiet. He stayed still as he waited for his end to come in the form of a spear, or a knife, or a blaster, or a combination of the three as a very creative punishment. But it never came.

Instead came the single breathed word, “Brother.”

If Kix was still before, he was a statue now. He knew that voice - it was the same as his own. He cautiously lifted his head. He knew those boots - he’d once worn a similar pair. His head lifted further. He knew those Kama and those blasters - he’d once seen them on the battlefield, flared and fired with an unmatched ferocity. Even higher. He knew that shade of blue - it had decorated his own armor once. Even higher.

Of course they would be the guardians. They had sworn to protect the galaxy, and being dead would not change that.

Of course they would be here. They had always been everywhere, for the people’s sake.

Of course they would send him. He had been one of the best, the one to look towards in any given situation.

Of course they would send…

“Captain?”

The soft question slipped out before he could stop it, but it was true. There he was, standing in front of him, his painted jaig-eyes on his bucket staring down sadly at Kix. His hands barely whispered as he reached up and slowly removed the armor, revealing shaved blonde hair and deep brown eyes that gazed at him with an even sadder expression.

It’s him. It’s really him. Captain Rex.

The captain Kix and the entire 501st would have followed into all hells possible slowly lowered himself until he was at Kix’s eye level. His bucket held in one hand, he reached out with the other to gently clasp Kix’s shoulder. A thousand explanations and even more apologies bubbled into his throat, choking him, but the look in Rex’s eyes told him that he already knew everything he wanted to say, and that he understood.

“I’m tired, sir,” Kix wept quietly. “I’m so tired of everything. I just want to go with you and the others. I just want to be done.” Tears dripped down his cheeks as he begged, “Please… please just take me with you…”

Rex gazed at him sympathetically, his hand still placed comfortingly on Kix’s shoulder. His head shook almost imperceptibly, though it was enough to dislodge even more tears from Kix’s eyes. He moved his hand from his shoulder to his neck, gently pulling Kix towards him until his lips ghosted his ear.

“It’s not your time yet, brother,” His captain told him, his words barely even a whisper. “Keep marching, trooper - we’ll be waiting for you at the end.”

Rex pulled back to look at Kix again. Tears were still streaming down his cheeks, but he swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. None in the 501st could ever say no to Rex.

His captain gave his shoulder one last encouraging squeeze before he got to his feet. He gave Kix a sad smile, then put his bucket back on and gave him a salute. Tears still falling and hands still shaking, Kix weakly returned the salute before Rex turned on his heel and exited the ship.

It was only after he was out of sight that Kix realized he had somehow taken the treasure with him.

Curiosity pushed him to his feet and caused him to hurry after Rex. He left the crew, still in their bowed positions, and hurried towards the hatch door, wanting to at least watch his captain as he left.

Once he got to the threshold, he had to pause.

There, waiting patiently outside the ship, were his brothers. Rows upon rows of clones standing at parade rest, wearing armor of every type. Phase 1, Phase 2, pilot, SCUBA, galactic marines… they were all there, a beautiful proud rainbow of martial strength. He could see the bright blue of the 501st, the golden orange of the 212th, the bold red of the Coruscant Guard, the dusty gray of the 104th, or Wolf Pack, and he could even make out the dark armor of the Bad Batch.

They were all there. Doing as they always did.

As soon as Rex rejoined their ranks, the entirety of the GAR turned on their heels and started marching away, the sound of their feet a magnificent drum that spoke of bravery and courage. Kix longed to rush after them, to join their ranks as well, but Rex’s words kept him in the threshold of the ship. It wasn’t his time, he’d told him, and that he still had work to do. Though when it was time, he had the feeling that he would be welcomed into their ranks with open arms.

Eventually, the marching started to fade and his brothers started to disappear from sight. One by one, they marched on and vanished into the sky beyond.

Back into the galaxy they always did and always would protect.

Kix later made Corshair promise to leave treasures of cultural significance alone. Now that he knew for sure that his brothers’ eyes were on him, he wanted to make sure he did them proud.

+1. A General

In retrospect, Kix probably should have seen it coming. With all of the familiar faces he had been seeing during his travels, it only made sense that he would also want to make an appearance.

Didn’t make the encounter any less painful.

It was after one of their exploits. Kix was on his own in the makeshift med bay of the ship, cleaning and doing maintenance on his various tools. He may not be completely comfortable living and traveling with a bunch of pirates, but he certainly doesn’t want them to die from filthy equipment. His morals as a medic would be called into question.

“Kix.”

His hands stilled. It was a voice Kix hadn’t heard in a long time and thought he would never hear again. A voice that had offered him what solace it could when he lost a brother during battle or on the table. A voice that had pushed him to do his best even when the going got tough. A voice that had called to him from across the battlefield, alerting him to a downed brother.

A voice I still don’t want to hear, Kix decided, clenching his jaw and getting back to work, hoping his new audience would get the message and leave.

“Kix,” The voice tried again. He stifled a groan. So much for hoping. “It’s… been a long time.”

Kix didn’t want to hear it. He kept his head down and kept working on his tools.

“Kix… I’m sorry.”

Oh, that kriffing does it.

“Don’t,” Kix burst out, feeling the residual shock of his audience. “Just… don’t. The last person I want sympathy from is you.”

The second party seemed to struggle for a moment before they tried again, firmer. “Kix, just listen…”

“No, I don’t want to hear it!” Kix yelled. He decided to put his tools down, unwilling to break his instruments during his much needed outburst. This was a long time coming - he needed to get this out.

“I heard the stories, you know,” He started, clenching his fists, barely keeping his emotions in check. “The stories about you… what you did… what you became…”

“Kix…”

“The stories about how you turned against the Jedi - your own people!” He continued through gritted teeth. “You slaughtered them all… had them hunted down like animals! And my brothers… you roped them into your mess… didn’t even give them a choice…”

“That was-”

“My brothers turned against the very people they were sworn to protect!” Kix cried, not caring for his excuses. “They didn’t even realize they were doing it… we were all taught that ‘good soldiers follow orders’, but those teachings became our downfall… and that of the Republic… the very Republic you were sworn to protect!”

“I didn’t-”

“Yes, I know the truth of what happened to them, but what good does it do them now? They were still turned into mindless droids and forced to shoot down their allies! And you… you helped them. You chose to follow him. You chose to listen to him. As a result, everything we ever knew, everything we fought and died for, was for nothing!

“All because of your choice,” He seethed, his fists rock hard in his lap. “One decision, one wrong choice… cost us everything.”

“Kix…” Came the voice, a silent plea. It was so pathetic, it made him furious.

“GET OUT, SKYWALKER!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!”

The shock of the second party was almost palpable. Kix was left shaking and seething into the quiet. If he still had his tools in his hands, they would’ve been piles of debris by now.

Luckily his audience seemed to finally got the gist that he wasn’t open for discussion and fell silent. Once he was sure he was once again alone, he put his head in his hands and allowed himself to fall apart.

—————

Kix deserves closure.

That’s all I have to say.

(BTW, bonus points for any Netflix fans who recognize the movie scene that inspired Kix and Rex’s scene.)

[flashthescalesian-art]

Kix: We are not mad. We are just disappointed.

Volt: No, we are mad.

Kix: Yes. We are. We are livid. But we are going to let this one slide.

Volt: No, we're not!

Kix: I am not a mind reader, Volt!

[fireweeed]

Last clone standing 🥲

[urban-crisis-responce]

Nihlus: *lights a joint* I had a body count in triple digits before you were born, isn't that weird

Kix, so drunk he can't see straight: can yuo put that out on me

[littletroggo]

nice and easy portrait sketches :) i say as three of these idiots have the worst tattoos to draw

[blackseafoam]

Wish fill for @leapingbadger for the @galactic-gift-gathering !!

Prompt: “missed connection”

This was just a quick doodle but it was a composition that got stuck in my head when I read this prompt!! It got me thinking about Jesse’s potentially complex feelings about Fives. What did Kix tell him about their interaction? Did he feel like he was replacing Fives when he was made an arc trooper? What did he do when Kix disappeared?

[ghostymarni]

Idk if this will help...but for your art block - what about Alpha-17 or Kix? 👀

if it doesnt, then totally disregard 😅

💜💜💜

let’s go bother the medic!!

[brittandbiscuits]

WIP of a comic I’m working on with Kix, accepting guesses for who’s the patient based on the pinch of his brows alone.

[secretly-a-trekkie]

[shadowphantomreaper]

🪕New Beginnings, Old Strings🪕

Hours Before Midnight

Being a Mandalorian drifter can have its ups and downs especially when your people are scattered across the galaxy or staying hidden depending on the sect a Mandalorian belongs to with no real leader to finally unite as one people makes it hard to celebrate and keep up with traditions. With the Clone Wars waging across the galaxy made keeping up with celebrations even harder. Before that it didn’t stop my family, the Briggs Clan, for coming up with traditions so as to not lose one’s self of keeping a balance of warrior and civilian traditions. Thankfully it’s because of those traditions I carry with me to someday pass it along to my foundlings.

And that is where we begin New Year's Eve on a neutral planet called Harmonia Prime, named by the inhabitants of the planet, standing for unity and celebration by expressing through acoustic music festivals or known Bluegrass. Harmonia is one of many planets located in the Outer Rim but also near the Mid Rim. It’s also not well known to those high powers for them to visit for a vacation if it doesn’t have pools and a beach house with servants waiting on hand and foot. Then, no, this is not a place for the wealthy and powerful. From past experience there are typically 11,000-15,000 beings from all over the galaxy attending along with their ships spread out various distances, enough room for people to walk around especially with people selling business from their homes or playing their acoustic instruments. The campsite is set up with five states all spread for everyone’s benefit. With the musicians altering between stages so everyone can have a chance to listen to their music.

I landed my ship a bit away from all the excitement, but not far enough away not to hear the noise of the music and the cheers. What caught my eye more than looking forward to the festival and reuniting with my friends and family was there was two gigantic Republic Attack cruisers grounded farther away from the camp and festival ground. Emotions ran through me making me nauseous, this could be really good or bad really bad if these ships are here on the planet. I have heard and seen Separatist’s in slave neutral planets all because they won’t choose a side and that is their choice. If anything happens to disrupt the festival the Harmonian people will take things into their own hands and it is not pretty. Depending on how bad it is will determine if beings are blacklisted or banned for a curtain amount of time.

Taking multiple deep breaths before going back to getting ready to visit the booths set up along the camp grounds. Taking off bits and pieces of my armor putting on black and rainbow tie-dye boho pants, beige cotton tank top crop top, white lace see through cardigan, topped with grey headband. You would think I would feel naked without my armor, but no it’s my bead that feels vulnerable with something to cover my head. Of course I keep a few pieces of my armor on me, my right Kom’rk (gauntlet) to keep a vibrio blade hidden, and my left Tadun’bur (Grieve), along with a few other assortment of weapons hidden on me. Grabbing my Boho crossbody bag, and putting on my sandals before walking down the ramp into the warm air. Making sure the ramp closed and my ship was on lock down before heading toward the hordes of beings and the smell of cooking food.

The day was filled with familiar and new experiences. Sounds of the stages playing in the far distance mixed with groups of families looking and talking with the beings running the booths. Children running around laugh and screaming in excitement. Some booths are playing their own instrument to pass the time if business is slow. Those selling food were just as mouth watering especially those covered in so much spice your eyes also watered. Every once in a while I’d see Mandalorians armor on or particularly off like me either running their booth or just browsing like I am. The best thing about the festival is that no one running a booth is yelling or calling to passer buyers to buy their product. No, they know if someone likes their stuff they know it will be bought. Catching up with familiar faces from previous years.

What was known is to see groups of clones - either wearing grey’s with or without a hat, armor on or missing the top half - looking with excitement and curiosity. Interacting with those behind the booths with genuine enthusiasm and not having to worry about being shunned for being a clone. Bringing a small smile to my face. For one these boys are experiencing what it’s like to be treated like an actual person and not a droid. Another thing I notice is the clones are all in groups and not walking around by themselves. From what I’ve seen there are at least one or two senior members watching their younger brother who definitely haven’t had the experience of being treated like trash or worse killed.

Catching one of the senior’s eyes, and gave him a smile and a sympathetic look before moving on without seeing what his reaction would be. Once I did my initial run through the booths, I started my way back knowing that I know what I want to get before I head back to The Painted Scythe to find my Buir’s ship, Brushfire Marauder. With second go around I noticed more group of more experienced and battle hardened clones also in various stages of dressed, who appear not to have to babysit their shinier members are having a bit it fun with a group of very beautiful beings varying from woman, males, or in between lingering around a decent tent and the faint sounds of moans could be heard if you're looking for it. One the women grabs an arm leading the clone into the tent. Mentally smirking at his luck.

On the opposite side a few tents down one man, about middle age, is selling various types of pipe weed. A few clones are trying a sample and seem to be holding it together as if they were used to smoking. Most likely the cheap stuff if they could scrape up the credits. The best thing about this kind of festival, it’s not just about credits, one kind haggle the price or trade something worth the price. Greeting the booth keeper and was willing to his popular blend of pipe weed. Pulling out my pip from my purse, well are of the curious stares I’m getting from the clones. When the man handed me a sample with a smile. Lighting my pipe for me as I take a few puffs trying to save the flavor. Exhaling smoke out my nose. Taking a few more hits before deciding I liked it, purchasing two tins and another two of different kinds with a variety of mind in the blend. Putting only three in my purse and giving the fourth tin with the popular blend to the clones, who wore faces of shock before they thanked me once it wore off in a few seconds. Giving them a sharp nod and a smile in return before heading my way.

Another good thing about this festival is that it will be going on for another few days, not just today so I have time to enjoy the stalls before I have to buy anything. But I did want a henna design or two before I go find my family for the New Year get together.

Heading towards a familiar booth decorated in hippie tapestries and the hint of incense sticks. Willow, a beautiful Miraluka woman in her mid twenties, eyes covered with a decorative bandanna, wearing a cotton baggy one piece tank-top jumpsuit. Her dark blue hair was put up in a messy bun. Taking a seat at her table.

“I was wondering when you were going to visit me?” She said, amusement in her voice.

“Ya know me I have to look at everything before I even decide what I want.”

“Indeed.” Holding her hand. Giving her my arm with my palms up no questions asked. A routine we both know by heart. Having met so many years back I became Willow’s favorite customer since I let her do what I want on my inner arm. And every year when I come to her booth she asks for my opinion to compare each previous year if the piece is way better than the last one. As she draws on me we catch up on what has been going on this past year. If it’s one thing we - actually everyone here knows don’t talk about war or politics- this place is a safe haven from the negative things going on in the galaxy.

About half way done with my arm do I hear someone,more like two someone’s calling my name. Turning my head to the voice to see two clones in dress grey’s if not an unbutton from the top walking my way. Recognizing them by their tattoos and haircut. One clone with the Republic logo tattooed on half his face and shaved head, the obvious dark outline of a clean shaven face of Jesse and his partner in crime Kix with his lightning bolt haircut. Both smiling as they head towards Willow’s booth.

“Hey, Corvina!”

“Friends of yours.” Not a question. Willow's lips ticked up a bit more than usual.

“You can say that.” Returning the smile to the clones. Waving at them, trying not to move my body.

I met Jesse and Kix on a job where the war came to the planet not long after I landed. I am still here to complete the job. The battles didn't make it any easier on me or my target. I had no way of getting off the planet with the war happening not only on the ground but also in the sky. My ship was hidden behind a hill where the clones were trying to relocate them out of fire range. Which wasn’t working since the droids were attacking them. Not letting that stand I shot them down with my ship guns giving them time to get their injured to safety. The soldiers set a perimeter around the will and my ship. Since I got involved with saving their injured might as well go all the way. That was how Torrent and Anakin Skywalker. I spent most of my time with Kix and Jesse if I wasn’t helping with the injured. Giving them my resources when Skywalker said the Republic would repay me in everything I have to help them win the battle. That wasn't what I worried about, I only cared for the injured clones who needed help but I still took the offer so long I didn't have to replace everything with the credits I earned that same day. Two birds with shot. Help troopers and get all my supplies restocked by a government who is taking part in a war, fine with me. In just those two days I grew more close with Kix and Jesse than I have ever been with anyone in my entire life. But sadly when time came to a close they had to move out and prepare for the next battle when they still had the chance. The long goodbye and a kiss out cheeks was the last time I saw them till today. That was close to ten months ago. I’m a drifter. You tend to move on from things like this.

“Well, what do you know? Long time no see you two. It’s been a while.”

“It sure has.” Jesse said. Kix nodded in agreement.

“How have you both been?” I asked, genuinely curious. I was afraid they were both killed when the next battle started back up.

Jesse sighed, “the usual, fighting and trying to stay alive. You?”

“Same, jumping from job to job, trying to stay alive to make it to the next day. Right now I am enjoying my day off.”

“Speaking of enjoying yourself,” Willow cut in. “You are fished.” Wiping the tip of the tube. Examining her work, with the two clones on either side of her also admiring Willow’s work. It was a banjo with sunflower petals surrounding the head of the instrument and the neck is used as the stem with two leaves on either side of the neck. There were little vines here and there between petals.

“It’s lovely, Willow. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like it.” She said, sounding proud of her design. Pulling my purse up to wards me to grab a few credits. No matter how many times she says doesn’t want me to pay, she still pays her with a tip. She won’t take more than that. Since then she hasn't said anything. Before she could say anything I beat her to it, “yeah, yeah, try not to smear it. Be careful. I know.”

“Doesn’t hurt to remind you sometimes.” She playfully huffs.

“You forget I got henna of my own. I know the drill.”

“Uh huh.” Standing up from the booth. “I’ll see around, hun.”

“Give your family my regards for me?”

“I will.”

“And you two young men keep her out of trouble and enjoy your evening.”

“We will ma’am.” Kix says, giving me a knowing smirk. I return it with a question brow. Looking up at the sky to notice the sky is dark, hints of the sun poking out in the horizon making it look the sky is on fire. Relaxing I need to start heading towards my family’s ship. Not thinking about I grab of Jesse’s and Kix’s hand as I lead them away from the booths and towards the camp of ship. Passing groups surrounded campfires or playing together. The farther back we go I see a familiar ship with the ramp down with the canvas’s up to give shade when needed and under it is a long table with a built in seating for a large group of people. I could see buir’s set up around a campfire and a fold out table for putting together the food before being put on the fire. Along with a few other table set up for multitasking.

“Corvina, there you are hun!!” A gruff masculine voice called out in greeting. “Afraid you wouldn’t make it”

“You know I never miss out on this opportunity and besides I met up with a few friends.”

Coming down the ramp sporting a farmer's tan was a tall slim human man with some obvious muscles in his late forties early fifties with shoulder length silver hair and a long mustache also silver with a hint of pepper still there. Only wearing the bottom half of his gear, his long black under suit was showing. Looking at Jesse and Kix with an assessing look.

“Is that so?” His voice is going deep and threatening.

“Buir, knock it off.” Turning to the two soldiers who were also eyeing her father looking for weak points as any good soldier and Mandalorian would. “You too, boys.” Getting down to business before it ends with a dog fight over me. “Jesse, Kix this is my Buir, Warwick Briggs. Buir, Jesse and Kix. The two clones I told you about when I went on that job and had no way of getting off the planet.”

“You don’t say.” Not drooping the death glare on the two clones.

“Buir-“

“For Manda sakes, Warwick, stop glaring at the two boys.” A woman's voice said in that tone that makes a man want to run. Which he would ‘cause the newcomer smacks the back of Warwick’s head with a loud ‘SLAP’ with what looks like a flip flop. A short Iridonian Zabrak woman, barely reaching the father’s shoulder, mid thirties with fair skin, short platinum blonde hair, horns on her forehead like a crown, tribal tattoos decorated with her face down her neck disappearing under her tank top. Also matching her husband in only wearing half her gear.

Warwick grunted in surprise but also in pain gritting through his teeth. “Was that necessary?”

“Yes, our daughter brought guests. Instead you hear you are having a pissing contest on who has the right to be with her.”

“No one will be perfect for our daughter.”

“And your ‘daughter’ is standing in front of you and telling you I have the right to be with anyone I want with or without your permission. Anyway, mom, this is Jesse and Kix. Jesse, Kix, this is my mom, Jetta.”

Ending the subject right there by grabbing the two clones hand leading them to the rest of the clans who are departing the ramp to see the chaos that was happening. Besides her father the rest of the family was far more inviting and friendly. The night kicked off conversations between Jesse, Kix and the Brigg’s clan. More made their way to their camp from family to very good friends. Once everyone was there dinner was served with multiple side dishes and desserts. Everyone waited for the trooper to take the first bite when they didn’t get a reaction. Well, that just made respect for them go up a bit more in the Briggs Clan. Even if they didn’t know it. Even Warwick was impressed, even if she doesn’t show it. Jesse and Kix told stories about the war that no one is ever to get a more detailed description without it sounding like shit. Everyone was hanging off of their words waiting for what happened next.

I was laying up against Kix. He had an arm wrapped around me as we watched Jesse tell another story how Generals Skywalker, Kenobi, Mundi managed to get out of another sticky situation on a second go around on Geonosis. How they couldn’t make it to their respective landing zones on how prepared the bugs were. All the while gently plucking my acoustic guitar and watching my henna break apart from drying. Giving it a smile as I turned back to what Jesse was saying.

“….ome to find out. Those brain invaders managed to take over a supply run. It wasn’t till we managed to figure out they don’t like the cold. So Commander Tano managed to get to the heating and cooling system to make sure the worms had nowhere to go when they left their hosts….”

“Sure, that's a good idea to tell them that story?” I whispered to Kix. “We are going to have to sleep sometime tonight.”

“From what I’ve heard from your family they’ve encountered worse than brain invading worms.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s not someone’s secret nightmare.”

“Alright, I think that’s enough for one night.” Jetta said, getting a chorus of ‘aw’s’, and ‘come one more’. The Zabrak woman just gave ‘that I don’t take no BS from anyone look’ which shut everyone up. “There are going to be fireworks at midnight.” As is that is all there needs to be said she left with her husband to find a place to watch the fireworks. Everyone scattered to get in place to watch the fireworks. I put my guitar in my case.

“Want to head to my ship? We can watch from there.” I suggested.

“Will parents be alright with that?” Kix asked, unsure if they should.

“I’m of age they can’t do shit so don’t worry.” Not bothering to look at the troopers. Carrying my guitar case, leaving for Brigg's camp. Both clones followed after me. Jesse offered to take the case. I gave it to him as he put it in his other hand and took mine. Kix also took my other free hand. Once we made it to my ship. Turning off the defenses. Jesse put the guilt case on the first surface he found. Both troopers did not want to lose sight of me. I grabbed a big wool blanket to wrap around three people. Climbing up the ladder to the roof of my ship. Once all three of us were accounted for we wrapped the blanket around each other and sat down up against the cockpit window. Sitting between Jesse and Kix, both have a free arm wrapped around me and their others wrapped around them.

As we waited I lit my pipe of my new stash. Passing it around as we pass the time. Deciding to break the silence.

“I didn’t think I would see you both ever again.” I confessed.

“I’ll be honest with ya, there have been close calls.” Jesse admitted.

“War is unpredictable. Time is the enemy there is no telling if we’ll make it to the battle. All we can do is survive and hope for the best we’ll see another day.” Kix said.

“I thought I could forget about both of you. A drifter who passes from planet to planet, job to job. But I can’t do casual relationships and I haven’t gotten close like this with anyone else. All they want is sex when all I want is something more. But I understand if either of you don't have more than we already have right now.” Both men were silent. It doesn’t matter if you are a soldier in a war or Mandalorian, you don’t know when one day will be your last. But I can’t do it fast, no matter how much it hurts.

Suddenly both clones move closer and hug me a bit tight. Placing a kiss on my forehead and cheek. Also relishing my cheeks are wet.

“We’d be honored to have whatever you give us.” Kix whispered.

“No matter how long it takes we’ll wait for you so long as you wait for us.” Jesse ends.

“I will. I will wait for you both. Either in this life or the next. I’ll wait.”

Out of curiosity I checked the time to see we got seconds before midnight.

“We only got a few seconds before it’s time, kiss me.”

Both men look at each other as if they’re unsure how to kiss someone at the smear time. I smirked. Still so innocent. I grabbed both of their head towards me sticking out my tongue with a piercing in 501st blue. Both men groaned and stuck out their own tongues and we started frenching each other with only a few seconds to spare. The fireworks started going off with loud cheers all over the camp yelling.

“HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!”

Pulling back to look both men in the eyes with love. Both men looked at me with love as well.

“Happy New Years.” I whispered. They simultaneously repeated my words and went back to making out with more tongue than lips.

The End

~~~~~~~~~

I want to say thank for @lornaka for creating the helmets and @freesia-writes for adding the dividers. Happy New Years Y’all!!!

[lepplum]

The couple in the infirmary

@collophora its commission

[cuddles-with-dragons]

"how many fingers am I holding up" but the medic's flipping you the bird

[star-farer]

no door

Summary: Sick ARC Troopers make for stubborn ARC Troopers. Tagged: @margindoodles2407

Author's note: I saw prompts 5 and 12 from this prompt list and I thought of this interaction and I just had to write something. Margin, also, considering your present state, I dedicate this to you, ner vod <3 Hope you get better soon!

“Kix?”

“Yeah?”

“Why is he on the floor?”

Reluctance was obvious in the way Kix pulled his eyes from his datapad. “Hm?”

With a roll of his eyes, Rex inclined his head pointedly at the shivering lump half atop Fives’ lap, bundled in layers on layers of blankets. “Why is Echo on the floor?”

“Oh,” said Kix, tipping his head back down to his datapad, “He forgot the barracks have a door.”

Rex blinked. Turned his head to take a good long look at his twins. Turned his head to take a good long look at his medic. Blinked once more.

“What?”

A loud sigh brought his attention back to where Fives was stroking back sweaty curls from a flushed face. “He’s running a fever,” explained the ARC, “Currently more delusional than a sentient on spice. Or as I like to say—”

“Shuddup,” sniffled the bundle, sneezing hard enough to make Rex wince.

“—more tubie than vod’ika.” Fives grin was as cheeky as it was charming.

“Hate you.”

“Aww, love you too, Ech’ika.”

“Stob id.”

“Maybe once you’re well enough to see five fingers instead of sixteen, I’ll think about shutting up.”

If he didn’t put an end to this, Rex was certain it could escalate into a brawl. Not that Fives was aiming for it, but that glint in Echo’s watery eyes betrayed his stirred ire.

A sick Ech’ika was bad enough. A sick and injured Ech’ika was something Rex just didn’t have the energy for.

“Okay, that’s enough out of both of you,” said Rex definitively, taking a few steps up to the boys, “Echo, come on, vod, let’s get you to bed.”

Unexpectedly, Echo’s eyes took on a new shine, features suddenly a trembling mess. “I cad’t.”

“What do you—”

“The barrags,” he sniffed, “Hab no door.”

Rex, he, well. He eyed the, the, well, the door, just a couple of steps away. Turned his gaze back in time to catch Fives smothering a snort behind Echo’s head.

“I’m—I’m pretty sure it does, kid.”

“No it doesn’t!” Echo’s eyes were wide now, and sure enough, there were those treacherous tears piling in their lower lids. “I searched eb’rywhere! There’s no door. There is no door.”

And with that nasally declaration, Echo broke down into heaving sobs in Fives arms, tears pouring down his face as he blew his nose in a handkerchief he pulled from somewhere amongst the blanket’s folds. Fives, of course, shushed him and rubbed his back accordingly, his grin smooshed where his cheek sat atop the blanket-hooded head.

Pinching his nose-bridge between forefinger and thumb, Rex resigned himself to his fate.

He took a deep breath in, silently begging the Force for patience. Crouching down, he placed a hand on Echo’s shaking shoulder and said, “Vod’ika, you need to rest. You — and Fives, of course — can’t stay on the floor like this. We need to get you warm.”

“I am warm,” frowned Echo petulantly, burrowing deeper into Fives’ embrace. His traitor of an elder twin did nothing to aid Rex’s cause, except muffle a laugh into his palm.

I’m taking away your dessert privileges, signed Rex with narrowed eyes.

Fives jaw dropped open. You wouldn’t.

I would.

You wouldn’t.

“Echo, how about I get you a gurney instead?”

Rex scowled over his pauldron at the clear attempt to draw a ceasefire between ARC Captain and ARC Trooper. With wide eyes, Echo peered up along with Rex to where Kix was sat kneading a thumb into his temple, his datapad abandoned on his lap.

“You’d do ‘at?”

Kix gave him a deadpanned stare. “I’m literally the CMO. It’s part of my job description.”

Echo looked like he was ready for a second round of heavy crying, so Rex quickly cleared his throat: “That’s perfect, Kix. Send for a gurney.”

“Ad thabk you,” wailed Echo, sniffling and wiping his face.

Kix, the little osik, walked over, patted Echo’s blanketed head, ruffled Fives’ perfect hair, and shot Rex one of his smug but lazy I-can-get-away-with-osik-that-you-can’t salutes. Clicking a sharp about-face, he strode out the room, presumably after the required gurney.

Fives yelled insults after his disappearing form while Echo sobbed like he'd been offered the entire galaxy.

Rex sighed, head falling to his chest.

This was gonna be a long day.