#can we call this krell? no

[sweeneydino]

Krang Leader and Chrell, trapped in the Prison Dimension.

Why won't he die, the lil fucker just keeps coming back. Surprised he isn't more purple.

Without lighting.

Okay, here me out. I'm not shipping it, I just noticed they looked like a bickering couple here, so I just added blush. Cause it looked funny.

Please believe me.

[david-talks-sw]

Debunking more myths in the GFFA: the Jedi and the clones.

I wrote a post debunking the various myths about how "the Jedi condone slavery", a while ago. Something I had omitted (because it's such a big topic) was the following two statements that concern the clone troopers' relations with the Jedi:

"The clones were genetically bred to have accelerated growth, so they're technically child soldiers."

"The clones were slaves of the Jedi."

Both the above statements are inaccurate, let's explore why. 

"The clones were child soldiers"

Let's get the easy one out of the way first, because it's a logic that cuts both ways. If age is our only determination of the maturity of a Star Wars character, then Grogu is not a baby. He is aged 50, and is thus a middle-aged man.

Who cruelly eats the babies of a woman...

... and knowingly tortures animals for his own sadistic pleasure.

Of course, I'm kidding. Grogu's none of the above things.

The narrative frames him as a cute baby who does innocent baby stuff. Him eating the eggs is played off as comedic, as is him lifting with the frog. To this day, some fans still call him "Baby Yoda".

Conversely, despite the clones being 10/14-years-old, their actions, behaviors, way of thinking, sense of humor, morals etc, are all those of an adult.

Like, Ahsoka is technically older than Rex in this scene.

The scene doesn't portray them as peers, though. This isn't written as "a teen and a tween talking". No, Rex looks, acts and behaves like a grown-up and is thus framed as such by the narrative.

You can make the argument "they're child soldiers", but (unless you're doing so in bad faith) you'd also have to argue that "Grogu's an adult".

"The clones were the Jedi's slaves"

Nope. For all intents and purposes, they're in the same boat as the Jedi, who George Lucas stated multiple times had been drafted to fight in the war.

Again: both the Jedi (monk/diplomats untrained for fighting on a battlefield) and clones (literally bred en masse only to fight) are being forced to fight by Palpatine and the Senate.

Though, on paper, the clones were commissioned by Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, it was actually done by the Sith (who either manipulated or assassinated Sifo-Dyas then stole his identity, depending on the continuity you choose to adhere to). The rest of the Jedi had no idea these clones were being created.

So while the clones are slaves... they're not owned by the Jedi.

They're the army of the Republic, they belong to the Senate. This isn't exactly a scoop, they refer to the clones as something to purchase...

... and manufacture.

As far as the Senate’s concerned, clones are property, like droids. 

Like there's a whole subplot in The Bad Batch about this very point: after the war, the clones are decommissioned and left out to dry because they literally have no rights, they served their purpose.

The only trooper to ever canonically blame the Jedi for the clones' enslavement is Slick, who the narrative frames as having been bribed and manipulated by Asajj Ventress into betraying his comrades.

Also, the only canonical Jedi shown to ever be mean, dismissive or mistreating the clones in any way, is Pong Krell.

And it's eventually revealed he’s in fact a full-on traitor, hence why the story frames him as an antagonistic dick from the moment he's introduced. He doesn’t represent the Jedi in any way.

We know this because the other Jedi we’ve been shown are always prioritizing their clones’ lives over theirs, if given the chance.

Finally, if we wanna get even more specific... as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the clones belong to Palpatine. 

Palpatine who is a Sith Lord. 

Palpatine who arranged for the creation of the clones and had them all injected with a chip that would activate upon hearing a code-word...

... and forced them to murder their Jedi without hesitation or remorse.

When you bear all that  ⬆️  in mind and when you read this quote by George Lucas...

"The Jedi won't lead droids. Their whole basis is connecting with the life force. They'd just say, 'That's not the way we operate. We don't function with non-life-forms.” So if there is to be a Republic army, it would have to be an army of humans."    - The Star Wars Archives: 1999-2005, 2020  

... narratively-speaking, everything falls into place.

Sidious knows that:

If he orchestrates a war designed to thin the Jedi's numbers, corrupt their values and plunge the galaxy into chaos...

If he wants to draft the Jedi - peace-keeping diplomats who’d never willingly join the fray - to fight in his war...

... then the only way they won't resist the draft and abstain from fighting is if they think joining the conflict will save lives.

So he creates a set of cruel, sadistic villains for them to face, opponents who will target innocent civilians at every turn...

... and instead of lifeless droids, he prepares for the Jedi an army of men... living, mortal people who, despite being well-trained, will be completely out of their league when facing the likes of Dooku...

... Ventress...

... Grievous...

... Savage Opress...

... or the defoliator, a tank that annihilates organic matter.

Thus, in order to save as many clone and civilian lives, the Jedi join the fray despite knowing that doing so will corrupt their values. 

And as the war rages on, a bond of respect is formed between the two groups.

Clearly, the Jedi don't like the fact that the Republic is using the clones to fight a war, but for that matter, they don't like being in a war, in fact they advocated against it.

However, it's happening regardless of their issues with the idea or personal philosophies. Said The Clone Wars writer Henry Gilroy:

"I’d rather not get into the Jedi’s philosophical issues about an army of living beings created to fight, but the Jedi are in a tough spot themselves, being peacekeepers turned warriors trying to save the Republic."

And bear in mind, the Jedi are basically space psychics, the clones are living beings that they can individually feel in the Force... 

... so the Jedi feel every death but need to move on, regardless, only being able to mourn the troopers at the end of every battle.

We see this in the Legends continuity too, by the way.

(that is, when the writers actually try to engage with the narrative)

Also, if you ask the clones, they’re grateful the Jedi have their backs.

When Depa Billaba voices her concerns about how the war is impacting the Jedi's principles, troopers Grey and Styles are quick to make it clear how grateful they all are for the Jedi's involvement:

So the clones aren't the Jedi's slaves. If anything, they're both slaves of the Republic (considering how low the Jedi's status actually is in the hierarchy).

Only I'd argue the clones have it much, much worse. 

The Senate sees the Jedi as "ugh, the holier-than-thou space-monk lapdogs who work for us"... but a Jedi has the option to give up that responsibility. They can leave the Order, no fuss or stigma. 

A clone trooper cannot leave the GAR! If they do, they’re marked for treason and execution. Again, they’re not perceived as “people”.

And it doesn’t help that the Kaminoans, the clones’ very creators, see the troopers as products/units/merchandise. A notion that the Jedi are quick to correct whenever they get the chance.

How The Clone Wars writers describe the clones' relationship with the Jedi.

George Lucas hasn’t spoken much about this subject aside from the quote from further up. But to be fair... the Prequels aren’t about the clones’ dynamic with the Jedi, so it makes sense that he wouldn’t talk on that subject so much.

He did mention that part of The Clone Wars’ perks is that he could:

“Do stories about some of the individual clones and get to know them.”

But that’s as far as it gets. 

So for this part, I'm just gonna let Dave Filoni, showrunner of The Clone Wars and the upcoming series Ahsoka, and TCW writer Henry Gilroy - both of whom worked closely with Lucas - take the wheel. They make themselves pretty clear on how the clone/Jedi dynamic is meant to be viewed. 

Here’s Henry Gilroy:

"In my mind, the Jedi see the clones as individuals, living beings that have the same right to life as any other being, but understand that they have a job to do."

"The clones see the Jedi as their commanding officers on one hand, but also, at least subconsciously, they look to them for clues to social/moral behavior."    

"Some clones may find themselves getting philosophical leadership from the Jedi that helps them answer some of the deeper questions of life."    

"We thought this was a great opportunity to show how the Jedi interact with clones. Specifically, Yoda in a teaching role of the clones, who were socially new, who kind of grew up— who were created to fight, and he really broadened their horizons and helped them realize there was a great big universe out there that was bigger than just fighting and killing."    

And here’s Dave Filoni’s comments:

"I truly believe that the Jedi try to humanize their clones and make them more individual, as Henry says."    

"I think we saw that in Revenge of the Sith, when the Clones were colorful and named under the Jedi Generals, and then in the final shots of the film with Palpatine and Vader near the new Death Star, the ships are grey, the color and life is sucked out. The Stormtroopers are only numbers and identified by black and white armor or uniforms in A New Hope." 

"The soldiers have become disposable to the Emperor."    

"That is something the Jedi would never do."    

"Yoda teaching the clones much like he taught Luke. ‘Cause that was kind of natural for [the Jedi], a natural instinct to take to these clones like they’re students."    

None of the above quotes from two different writers of The Clone Wars, who had many interactions with George Lucas, frame the Jedi and the clones’ relationship in a negative way. 

How much more proof do we need that "the clones were slaves of the Jedi” isn’t the intended narrative?

My point being that while the clones' ordeal is indeed horrible, the Jedi have nothing to do with it. The narrative of The Clone Wars always frames it as the fault of the Sith, the Senate and the Kaminoans.

If you go by the intended narrative, the Jedi were the clones' teachers and brothers-in-arms. The clones and the Jedi were not just comrades.

They were friends.

[vizslasaber]

FRIENDLY FIRE ──── ii.

SUMMARY | The mission continues, and with it, your growing suspicion of Krell’s authoritarian methods. But the troopers relying on you—including Rex—lead you in the right direction: one of unyielding kindness, even when it’s hard.

PAIRING | Captain Rex x female Jedi!reader

WORD COUNT | 3.7k

WARNINGS | Combat/action, mentions of injury & death, Krell being a bitch as usual, gender neutral use of the term “sir,” gratuitous use of Mando’a, and one (1) curse word. Also, a Shakespeare reference because I’m a historian & couldn’t help myself.

A/N | Yay, chapter 2! As you'll probably notice, I changed the reader's story a little bit, and I like it better now as it adds more tension to the plot. Enjoy!

< PREVIOUS CHAPTER

SERIES MASTERLIST | TAGLIST | NAVIGATION | AO3

For once, you’re glad to have woken up early. It gives you time to get in a pep talk you know will motivate the men rather than bring their morale down, as you know Krell’s speech—which he gave upon arrival—would have done.

“Alright, men,” you call briskly, brushing a loose strand of hair from your face as you pace back and forth in front of the battalion. “You would all do well to remember that it’s not just the safety of the Republic relying on our success—the other battalions have placed their trust in us. Generals Kenobi and Tiin will stop approximately two kilometers outside the capital city, waiting for us to get close enough to begin our initial assault.”

You glance at Rex, who’s standing beside you, and nod for him to continue.

The Captain steps forward. “We’re about elevens klick behind them right now, and fifteen klicks from the capital,” he says. “We’ve got to make good time—and it’s going to be hard, what with the enemies we’re sure to meet along the way. The native population doesn’t play around, and neither do their weapons capabilities. Is that understood?”

“Sir, yes, sir!” comes a unanimous shout from the rest of the troopers. They start to disperse, packing up camp faster than your eyes can follow, and you nod to yourself in satisfaction.

“Rex,” you start, then hesitate as he turns to you with a raised eyebrow. “Is it… are you alright with forgoing titles? I always seem to forget to use them.”

Rex looks almost torn—likely between protocol and what you’re asking—but eventually nods. “Of course, sir,” he says, then blanches. “I mean…”

“It’s okay,” you assure him. “I just don’t want to feel bad if I slip up.” He smiles slightly, one corner of his mouth quirked upwards. “As I was saying—do you have a chief medical officer that I can talk to?”

“Yeah, that would be Kix,” Rex tells you, then frowns. “Is… everything alright?”

“Yes, don’t worry.” You adjust one vambrace, looking out at the men, then at General Krell on the far side of camp, who’s been surveying the battalion tempestuously since you began to speak. “I just… wanted to ask him something. About battlefield medicine.”

“Are you a medic?” Rex asks, shifting his helmet to one hand.

You grimace at the clinical, militaristic term. “Something like that.”

Rex looks doubtful, but motions to a trooper with an intricately buzzed haircut who's putting supplies into a pack. "Kix—get over here!" he calls, before nodding to you and leaving as he puts on his helmet.

"General," the trooper greets with a crisp salute, and you notice that his pauldrons have the universal sign for medic painted on them in a bright, obvious red. "How can I help you?"

"Actually," you say with what you hope is a courteous smile, "I was hoping to ask you the same question. You're the battalion's CMO right?"

Kix tilts his head. "Yeah..." he says. "I'm not the only medic, though. Got a whole team of 'em. We specialize in what we do, sir, train for it our whole lives, so I don't want to be rude, but—"

"Don't worry about that," you cut in, shaking your head. "I'm not a medic—I haven't been trained in combative tactics—but I am a healer."

"So, like," Kix pauses, searching for the right word as he does so, "a Jedi doctor?"

You snort. "That's... one term for it, yes." You watch as Kix moves the weight of his medpack from one shoulder to the other. "Force healing is an ability that a Jedi is born with. Not every Jedi can become a healer—using the Force to reverse the effects of an injury is not something that can be learned."

There's a pause as Kix nods slowly. "Reversing the effects," he echoes, fascinated. "Even bacta can't do that—it just speeds up the healing process. Sounds like we could use your help."

"Yes," you say. "That's why I wanted to speak with you." You let out a sigh, remembering one of the first things your master told you as a Padawan. "But it's not all-powerful. Just like bacta can only heal what is able to be healed, Force healing cannot create a life force where there isn't one. If someone is near-death, trying to bring them back would render me unable to defend myself from exhaustion."

"Right," Kix replies. "So no resurrection."

"No resurrection," you affirm, smiling. "But I can help. And I know triage."

"Oh, that's even better!" Kix exclaims, then holds out his wrist comm. "Here—we've got a medic frequency—" he waits for you to scan his comm to yours, and when the happy little chime sounds, he pulls away. "Thank you, General."

"Of course," you say as he turns to leave. "And thank you, Kix."

The battalion falls silent and prepares to move out—but just as you’re double checking your armour, a cold, sharp presence casts a shadow over you. Turning around, you make eye contact with General Krell, who's now standing just a short ways from where you and Kix were talking—like he was listening.

“Conspiring with the soldiers, General?” Krell sneers, putting a mocking emphasis on the last word. You raise an irritated eyebrow.

“Conspiring?” you repeat, glancing at the hastily assembling troopers. “They're hardly the enemy, Master Krell. I only want us to win this campaign as quickly and smoothly as possible." Before you can reign in your impulse control, you add, "And continuing to let the troopers rest will get us there faster."

“Rest is a luxury we cannot afford!” Krell snaps, and you jump in surprise at his excessive volume. He leans forward, acrid breath forcing you to resist the urge to cough. “The other battalions are far ahead of us, and you think we have time.”

“We do,” you reply calmly, despite your quickening heartbeat. “The men are keeping a good pace, especially with this difficult terrain. Fifteen clicks isn't far, especially with the supplies we have.” You purse your lips. “Now, I suggest we set off. Talking will slow us down as well, Master—and as you so wisely pointed out, luxuries are not something we can ask for.”

You walk away, then, and feel a rush of satisfaction enveloped in a Force signature that you’re almost positive belongs to Rex. Resisting a pleased smile, you let your hands drift to where your lightsabers are clipped to your belt before moving to walk beside Rex.

“Captain,” you greet, taking notice of the way Rex’s shoulders tense just slightly. “Shall we?”

“Yes, General,” Rex replies, voice clipped. He motions for the battalion to follow, and soon the two of you, along with a still angry General Krell, are leading the troopers through the unwelcoming terrain of Umbara.

The journey is precarious and—as much as you hate to admit it—tiring. Hours pass, and soon you’re almost to the checkpoint Rex had pointed out on the map, situated just outside the city’s heavily fortified border.

You stop for a moment, leaning against the glowing trunk of a colossal tree, and fidget anxiously with the tabards of your tunic.

“Sir,” Rex says, and you turn around. “We’re ready to bring our forward platoons in. What do you suggest?”

“We should continue with Anakin’s original plan,” you say quietly. “A surgical strike on the outer defenses—we must take great care not to needlessly damage any of the city’s buildings. I'd prefer minimal collateral damage when we’re done.”

It is a plan you’ve been turning over in your head since you’d landed on the Umbaran surface. Hopefully—and assuming there were no hindrances—it would succeed. Despite being overly idealistic, and sometimes a little too impulsive, Anakin is nothing if not a strategist—when he wants to be.

“If I may,” sneers Krell from behind you, and you set your jaw. “I do not think that General Skywalker’s futile plan will be necessary.”

In spite of yourself, you clench your fists at your sides. “And why not?” you grit out, not bothering to turn around as Krell comes to stand at your side, towering over your figure.

“Captain Rex and his insolent men have already brought it up with me, and I explained this to them as well. I hold the authority here, and I am ordering all platoons to execute a full-frontal assault,” Krell continues, seemingly unfazed by your irritated expression. “We will travel along the main route to the city and force them to yield.”

“Force them to—” you cut yourself off and draw in a deep, calming breath. There is no emotion, you remind yourself vehemently. There is only peace. “Master Krell. With all due respect, we can't just storm in there with no plan. Casualties will rocket if we try something that impulsive. I just don't think—”

“Need I remind you, General Neridian,” Krell interrupts scathingly, “that you are only one week into Knighthood? We may be of equal military rank, but I am a Master, and therefore hold precedence over your commands.”

“This isn’t about me or you,” you hiss, swiveling to face Krell as your patience is finally pulled taut. Ignoring the shocked stares you know the troopers have fixed on you, you cross your arms. “It’s about this campaign. It's about our mission, and it's bigger than us. So I suggest we agree to disagree, and carry on with General Skywalker’s plan—”

Krell clicks his tongue. “Losing your temper already?" He asks, and you could swear he's taunting you, waiting to see when you'll do something mortifying like raise your voice (but then again, he's done it several times already and it's only been a day). "How unfortunate. Perhaps the Council should not have been so adamant that you face the Trials so early."

You blink and take a step back. He's right, and you know it. You're one of the youngest Padawans to face the Trials in generations, as are all your peers, thrust into a rushed end to your training at the beginning of the war. So many of your friends—Darra, Galene, Ferus, and of course, Anakin, the most tenacious of them all—seem to have risen to this unique challenge with their heads held high. But all you can seem to do is flinch away from the ugly parts, the parts that remind you of just how unprepared you are for these new and daunting responsibilities.

Unclenching your fists, you swallow the bile in your throat and try to stop your hands from trembling. “The Council,” you say, voice tight, "made their choice. And so must I make mine." You turn to Rex, who's standing just behind you and gripping his helmet with both hands. “Captain—prepare the troops. We’re going with General Skywalker’s plan.”

“I…” Rex’s knuckles have gone white with how hard he’s clutching his helmet, and he looks strangely helpless. “I’m sorry, General, but—the regs state that General Krell outranks you due to his status as a Jedi Master.” He presses his lips together and averts his gaze from yours, cheeks red with what you know is anger. “I’m afraid that General Krell’s orders do indeed… take precedence over yours.”

Beside you, Krell looks more satisfied than you’ve ever seen him. The Besalisk turns to the battalion and crosses his upper set of arms over his chest.

“Troopers!” he barks, and the soldiers stand at attention simultaneously. “Prepare to move out!” He presses a button on his wrist comm, and a holomap flickers to life. “You will take the main road straight to the capital. You will not stop and you will not turn back, regardless of the resistance you meet. We will attack them with all our troops—not some sneak attack with a few men.”

You close your eyes and clasp your hands behind your back. There is no emotion, there is peace.

It feels less like a mantra and more like a meaningless, empty chant. Peace, you think despairingly, looks to be farther than ever.

"Sir." Rex clears his throat, making you look up to see him watching Krell like one might survey a blown fuse at risk of setting fire to a building. "Sir, General Neridian is right. This is practically a suicide mission. I don't think—"

“What you think, Captain, is irrelevent. You have my orders, and you will follow them explicitly,” Krell growls, then leans forward, turning to the Captain. “Do I make myself clear, CT-7567?”

Your eyes widen in shock and you glare at Krell, crossing your own arms over your chest to mimic Krell’s stance. “It’s Rex, General,” you snap. “Captain Rex. That’s how he introduced himself, if you've forgotten?”

Many troopers turn to you, and you can tell—even under their helmets—that they’re clearly surprised at your derisive tone. You ignore them, turn on your heel, and storm away, but not before you hear Rex mutter, “Crystal, General Krell.”

The path is lit with some form of concentrated bioluminescent light, making it easier for you to see where you’re going. The clones have the advantage of night vision built into their visors, which makes it hard not to envy them. That alone, that feeling so unbecoming of a Jedi is enough to make you feel a sting of shame, not unlike the feeling that so often came with a scolding from Master Venn when you were still a Padawan.

You wonder for the millionth time if you’ve been forced into Knighthood too soon. Of course, there is nothing to do about that now—every war needs warrior, after all—just like there was nothing you could do when Master Venn told you the news just one week years ago.

She was grim when she told you, and your stomach goes cold with the memory of how she delivered the news, like she was handing you your own death sentence. Now, you know why.

And some have greatness thrust upon them, you think bitterly, remembering how often Master Venn made you read ancient poetry as a Padawan, the kind so old it's still stored on dusty books instead of firmware.

“General.”

You turn to find that Rex has fallen into step with you and smile. “Captain,” you acknowledge. “Forgive me. I was just…” you clear your throat. “Lost in thought.”

Rex—now wearing his helmet—nods and turns his gaze to the path ahead. “Thinking about the plan?”

“No,” you admit sheepishly. “Just about—” you gesture vaguely to your surroundings “—all of this. This war, this strife.” Shaking your head, you fidget with the one of the lightsaber hooks on your belt, clasping and unclasping it. “How fast I've been thrown in, and whether or not it’s necessary.”

“Hm.” You can hear the frown in Rex’s voice. “If it’s any consolation, we clones have mixed feelings about the war, too.”

You raise an eyebrow and turn to look at him. “How so?”

He gives a one-shouldered shrug and turns his head away. “Just that… well, I’d rather do without all the lives lost, but... without it, we wouldn’t exist, would we?”

Frowning, you consider this. “I suppose you’re right,” you concede. “But it is the will of the Force that you came to be. And,” you add, shooting Rex a sly smile, “the galaxy would be very different if you hadn’t, hm?”

There’s a moment of silence, during which you get the feeling that the troopers behind you are listening to your conversation. Rex seems lost for words, until he clears his throat. “Me specifically, sir?” You nod, and Rex adjusts his helmet. “I—I don’t know. I’m just one man, aren’t I?”

“That may be so, Captain, but you’ve made more of a difference than you think,” you inform him. “I think I’m correct in assuming that you’ve saved General Skywalker’s arse more times than he alone can count.”

Behind you, someone lets out a surprised laugh, then tries to cover it up as a cough. You smile at Rex and continue.

“And even without that, you’re responsible for many of the Republic’s victories in this war.” You shake your head. “The smallest insect feeding off of a single flower’s nectar has an impact on the entire garden. In the Force, we are all an entire world, a whole galaxy. Never assume that you do not make a difference.”

You feel a ripple of shock, gratitude, and something else—something you can’t quite place—flow through the Force. It’s a refreshing change from the tension and stress of the mission, and you’re just about to open your mouth to thank Rex when—

A white-hot warning flashes in the Force, and there’s a split-second warning as you scan your surroundings for the threat. Then—

“Get back!” you shout, and the troopers in your immediate vicinity immediately scramble off of the path.

They’re just in time—the sheer force of the explosion is enough to knock you off your feet and send you flying backwards. You land on something hard and feel all of the air get knocked out of you.

“Mines!” someone shouts. “Nobody on the path move!”

You freeze as you realize that the surface you landed on is, in fact, Rex—specifically, his armour. Your back is pressed to his chest plate, and you can feel his nervousness as though it is your own, but neither of you move for fear of setting off another mine.

Your cheeks burn when Rex finally leans forward, void of his helmet—it must have been knocked off it the blast. He's close enough to your ear to whisper, “Left. Slowly.”

It sends chills down your spine, but you shake them off. Drawing in a deep breath, you oblige, easing left and onto your knees, so you’re kneeling beside a disoriented-looking Rex. He looks shaken, but quickly gathers himself and cautiously stands up as he scans the area for his helmet.

“Oz is down,” you hear one of the medics say grimly. “So is Ringo.”

Rex spares you one last glance before swooping down to pick up his helmet, brushing the dirt off the visor. He moves to inspect the dead troopers. “Can you sweep ‘em?”

For a long moment, there’s silence as the medics gently move the bodies aside—you respectfully avert your eyes, feeling the sting of grief from the other troopers—and set them down on the side of the path. You hear Kix declare happily that there are no injured despite the two casualties and smile to yourself.

There’s no time to bury the dead troopers, so you settle for approaching Rex and placing a hand on his tense shoulder, over his pauldron with fading and scratched blue paint. “Nu kyr'adyc,” you murmur. “Shi taab'echaaj'la."

Not gone, merely marching far away.

Rex turns his head, and this close, you can see his wide eyes through the visor of his helmet. He takes a deep, shuddering breath, then raises his hand and places it over yours. It lasts for a split-second; the next thing you know, he’s pulling away, talking quietly to Fives and Kix.

“Come on, men,” you call to the rest of the battalion. “We need to—”

Chills fly up your spine and you stiffen, just as a loud, shrieking sound engulfs the path and—BOOM! More troopers go flying into the air. There are shouts of Basic, Mando’a, and Umbaran, and the firefight begins, during which you realize—

An ambush. You draw one lightsaber to deflect an oncoming barrage of blasterfire, but it's not enough, and there's no cover afforded to the terrain.

“Shit," you mutter under your breath as you switch on your shoto saber, calling on your knowledge of Jar'Kai to deflect the bolts with both blades. You raise your voice and call over your shoulder. "We’re fully exposed! Retreat to the forest!”

“We can’t, General!” shouts a voice, and you turn to see a blue-painted helmet accented with a small red arrow: Fives. “They’re coming from all directions—” he grunts and fires another blast “—we don’t have any cover!”

You feel your blood run cold. There’s no way for you to retreat—and it’s all Krell’s fault.

“We need them to follow us!” Rex answers, standing with his back to yours as he fires his blasters rapidly. “If we can draw them out, we can see them—and if we can see them, we can hit them!”

“Good idea,” you breathe, even though you know it’s too loud for Rex to hear you. Raising your voice, you lift one lightsaber so the other troopers can see the path. “All squads, pull back now!” You close your eyes for a moment to call on the Force, then propel yourself upwards and leap through the air so you’re at the back of the group. “I’ll take the rear! Cover me—sword and shield maneuver!”

The troopers obey, and soon you find yourself at the center of a tight semicircle formed by clones, all firing mercilessly on the Umbaran soldiers. You bite your lip and shift to Soresu to parallel the blasterfire more easily, deflecting the barrage as quickly and efficiently as you possibly can.

Just behind you is an AT-RT walker, defending your flank. Beside you is a trooper with intricately painted markings on his helmet, firing a rotary cannon and shouting, “Ha-ha! Where you goin’? Get back here, you wimps!”

You grin at his sheer audacity. “Careful there, trooper,” you admonish playfully, deflecting another blaster shot.

“They’re falling back!” Fives shouts, then, and you can hear the smile in his voice. The troopers all holster their blasters while you hook your lightsaber onto your belt.

“CT-7567, do you have a malfunction in your design?” You turn around and raise your eyebrows as Krell approaches Rex, looking furious. “You’ve pulled your forces back from taking the capital city. The enemy now has control of this route. This entire operation has been compromised because of your failure!”

You feel your hands start to shake. “Master Krell,” you say, trying your best to remain calm, “I gave the order to pull back, not Rex. We were completely surrounded and couldn’t risk losing any more men.”

Krell, looking furious at worst and disgruntled at best, saying nothng. Seizing the opportunity to walk away, you turn on your heel and breathe through the anger, urging yourself to keep going, trying to find a quiet place to rest and meditate for just a few minutes.

And you do. Closing your eyes, you lean against the firm trunk of a glowing tree, wiping sweat from your brow. It’s quiet, and you can hear the steady chirping of crickets (or something else) in the phosphorescent grass.

“General Krell,” says a trooper’s voice. It’s more firmthan Rex’s—Fives, you're pretty sure. “In case you haven’t noticed, Captain Rex just saved this platoon. Surely you won’t fail to recognize that.”

Blinking in surprise, you start to return to the group, wondering if this is an argument you’ll be able to break up—but the hum of a lightsaber being drawn makes you stop in your tracks.

“ARC-5555,” Krell growls. “Stand down.”

You feel your mouth go dry and approach the other troopers. Krell is standing with his back to you, but you can clearly see the green blade of his lightsaber from where you stand, hovering next to Fives's neck. If only Esya could see this, you think, horrified.

Don’t make any sudden moves, your Master’s teachings remind you. He could strike, and then you’d be responsible for the death of yet another man.

Just after the tense conversation between Fives and Krell, the Umbarans returned, sparking yet another firefight—this one with more casualties than the last. You were forced to retreat with the platoons, exhausted and spent.

Now, you sit on the ground, leaning against a fallen tree trunk in a brief moment of rest while the troopers drive away a small squad of Umbarans. In your hand is a pocket holotransmitter, refracting a cluster of blue light in the form of Esya Venn.

“I feel your discomfort from here, young one,” the older Theelin Master is saying, one eyebrow raised skeptically.

“Impossible,” you scoff. “You’re all the way on Coruscant, there’s no way.” There’s a moment of silence, during which the hologram flickers. You add, “And I’m not so young anymore, you know.”

Esya smiles wanly—you notice the shadows under her normally bright eyes with a pang of sadness—and shakes her head, her long colorful hair swishing lightly.

“You're still young to me,” she says softly, gently. "And you're avoiding the subject."

“I’m fine, Master,” you sigh. “Really.”

"You must not know me as well as I thought," Esya replies primly, a hint of a smile showing through her stern expression, "if you think you can lie to me like that."

You sigh again, frowning down at the flickering hologram. "It's just..." you shake your head, staring off into the foggy distance. "I'm concerned about Master Krell's tactics. They're aggressive, nothing like what you taught me of strategy, and they don't take into account the fact that we need to strive for as little casualties as possible—on both sides."

"Hm." Esya crosses her arms. "I have heard of Master Krell's... unconventional style. Is there anything else that concerns you about him?"

"I mean—everything, really," you admit, lowering your voice. "He has a blatant disregard for life that I haven't seen in a Jedi in, well... ever. He refers to the clones by their birth numbers, not their names, and he sees the native fauna as just—objects. Nuisances." You place the holotransmitter on the ground in front of you and shift your sitting position. "I fear that, to him, no life is sacred."

"If that were the case, I do not think the Council would have granted him the rank of Master," Esya says, but she looks thoughtful, like there's something she isn't saying. "Who is the commanding officer?"

"His name is Captain Rex," you say. "He's Anakin's first-in-command. I think he's just as worried by Master Krell as I am, and..." you trail off, unsure how to voice your next thought.

"What is it?" Esya prompts, light eyebrows raised.

"There's something about him—about Rex," you say finally, reluctant. "It's like the Force is trying to tell me something. That—that he's important. But I can't figure out why." You huff, fighting back a frustrated scowl. "I wish the Force would just tell me. But the answer is so—so elusive."

"As is everything since the start of this war," Esya replies, shaking her thorned head. She fixes you with a fond expression. "But, Padawan... you must remember that the Force is not your enemy, but your ally. If you open your eyes, it will show you the way."

"Yes," you murmur, tucking a lock of hair behind your ear. The sounds of talking from the group's position behind you make you frown. "I have to go. May the Force be with you, Master."

“And with you. Always,” Esya replies before cutting off the connection seconds later.

You stand, tucking the transmitter into your pocket, then make for the rest of the group and move to stand beside Captain Rex. He's observing General Krell talk to General Kenobi via comlink.

“The capital city’s too fortified,” General Kenobi is saying grimly. “We still need your battalion to help us take it.”

“Resistance from the Umbarans has been greater than anticipated,” Krell replies. “We’re holding our ground at the moment.”

You swallow, averting your gaze to your boots. Holding our ground… what does Krell think is happening? Surely he hasn’t failed to notice the heavy casualties your battalion is sustaining.

“We’ve gathered intel on an airbase to the west,” General Kenobi replies. “It is resupplying the capital’s defenses.”

Taking a step forward, you cross your arms over your chest. “Should we attempt to take control of the airbase, then?”

Turning to you, General Kenobi nods. “Yes,” he answers. “Doing so will sever the capital’s supply lines, allowing the rest of our forces to move in.”

“I’ll see to it that the airbase is placed under our control,” Krell says decisively. It sends a wave of nausea through your stomach.

“Remember, Master Krell; Knight Neridian,” Kenobi says, mouth pulling into a tight frown, “The entire invasion depends on your battalion.”

Krell nods and severs the connection, then turns to you. “Neridian, have those coordinates mapped when you’re finished here, and make sure all troops are ready to move out immediately.” He walks away, leaving you alone with Captain Rex.

You watch Krell retreat with a feeling of incessant dread. “Right, then,” you say to Rex. “What do you say the odds are that we finish this thing his way?”

“Good question, General,” Rex says, and you can hear the smile in his voice as he watches the Umbaran sky darken with more eerie purple clouds. "I guess there's only one way to find out."

NEXT CHAPTER >

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[fanfic-obsessed]

Anakin Faces Consequences

Thank you @killjoypolitics for the submission

I love all your ideas! I was wondering if you had any ideas for a fix-it where the Jedi or Clones (somehow) prevent Order 66 from happening but Anakin still falls. How do you think the Jedi/Senate/public would respond to his attempted murder of the Jedi? Or the marriage? Or the murder of the Sand People? I’m just so curious as to how you think people would handle it! Do you think Anakin would be able to admit he was wrong and try and make up for what he did?

Hmm those are some intriguing questions. Reading them did give me some immediate ideas. Let’s explore them. 

I think, for this to work, we need to shift some behind the scenes for the Clone Wars. To start with Anakin’s…let's call them his less than stellar command decisions is noticed and noted, even if no one can do anything about them (because he is technically not doing anything wrong). It damages the trust the Clones, other Jedi, and even his own Padawan have in him.  These decisions include but are not limited to: Spending Clone lives to collect R2D2 (whose memory-properly wiped of sensitive information- is backed up to the central Jedi Temple databanks and had outright stated that it had no attachment to its current body), Anakin’s focus on Padme during the Blue Shadow virus, and his reaction to the Rako Hardeen arc (he was literally the only person in Obi Wan’s life to react poorly to finding out Obi Wan went undercover and faked his death, everyone else got Opspec). 

So by the time of the Wrong Jedi arc, no one is actually trusting Anakin with any more information than they absolutely need to. He kind of doesn’t notice because he wasn’t paying that much attention in the first place.  When the Senate demands Padawan Ahsoka Tano for the temple bombing, the Council calls her in to see them, without Anakin, and ‘We know you are innocent, we know this is a trap of some kind, would you be willing to go along to spring the trap and hopefully find who is framing you’ and Ahoska, being partially trained by Obi Wan, agrees.

No one tells Anakin. At the end of the Arc, Ahsoka agrees to continue undercover (as having left the Jedi) and working with the Shadows to figure out what is going on. So Ahsoka ‘leaves’ the Jedi, Anakin none the wiser. She also starts working much more closely with the Coruscant Guard (who had been aware that she was innocent and going along with things to spring the trap). 

This brings us to where Fives finds out about the chips, reports to Rex and Anakin, then is ‘killed’ (his death was faked and he was sent to join Ahsoka).  Anakin suppresses the report because he does not believe that his friend Palpatine could do anything like that. He orders Rex to ignore the report as well, specifically not to bring it up to the Jedi Council. But he does it in a way that still implies Anakin will be bringing it up to the appropriate authorities.  Rex does not trust Anakin, particularly not with anything that would make Palpatine look bad. However if Rex did an end run and went directly to the Jedi Council, it would be very obvious. So instead Rex reached out to Ahsoka with Fives report. 

Ahsoka, now working with the Shadows, gets the report and they are able to investigate the chips.  Though they cannot remove them, for fear that the wrong person will find out too early and activate the rest, they are able to quickly find and manufacture a way to neutralize the control portion of the chips. 

This brings us up to ROTS. To Order 66 and Anakin’s fall.  Anakin leads the march on the temple, and the 501st follow along (not sure where he was going with this), until Anakin strikes down a temple guard while ordering them to open fire. Had it been almost any other Battalion with almost any other Jedi, the Fallen Jedi would have been able to kill many more before he could be stopped.  But the 501st learned some difficult lessons from Pong Krell and Anakin was not gnarly as trusted as he thought.  Anakin is stunned.

Palpatine’s Empire as announced but without the control chips to make the clones kill the Jedi, Palpatine’s Empire lasts 3 days which end with Palpatine’s death. It takes another two weeks for everything to calm down enough to bring Anakin forward to face what he had done. 

Palpatine’s former supporters, the ones that are not outed and ousted during the transformation from Republic to Empire and back, flock to Anakin as the wronged party. Their spin is that Anakin was moving to protect the legal head of the government from an insurrection in the form of the Jedi. 

It gained no traction, because even though Palpatine’s Empire lasted 3 days, it was still enough to see how many of these people would react. Frankly, there were more than a few of those supporters (beings like Tarkin) whose support of Anakin did more harm to the cause than good. 

For many of the Jedi, Anakin’s actions didn’t really rate notice. Not above the horror of the chips, both from the view of ‘all of us would have died’ and ‘the clones would have been forced to kill us’.  Throughout the war Anakin had, mostly unconsciously, been distancing himself from the Jedi. A distance which grew as they realized he could not really be trusted. 

 For most there was sadness, of course, as more of his actions from the war and just before are revealed. But it was the sadness of an old friend going down the wrong path, not the betrayal of current family trying to hurt them.   Finding out Anakin had betrayed his oaths by marrying Padme and had committed murder was just one more thing that had happened. 

The public reaction was mixed. Many bought into ‘The Hero with No Fear’ mythos and could not believe he would attack the Jedi without reason, even after he admitted that his reason was Padme not anything the Jedi had done.  The scandal of it, though, keeps it in the public eye. And it is a seemingly unending  well of scandal for Anakin, Padme, and any number of their supporters.  Not the least of which is the news that Anakin murdered the Tuskans, but Padme’s forgiving him for it was legally binding (As she was acting as a Senator) so he could never be prosecuted for the murders, even if Tatooine and the Tuskens could make an official complaint about his behavior. That Anakin then married Padme made it even worse. 

I think, for Anakin himself, if he gets to the point of falling he would not be willing to admit he had done anything wrong. He seems like the kind of person who would double down and insist that he was right for his decisions.

[awkward-tension-art]

Darkness on Umbara Chp.10 (Rex x Reader)

Chapter 9. Chapter 11.

Mayhem and Chaos

cw: Rex x Reader, Reader is a medic, incorrect military procedure, graphic descriptions of injuries, blood, swearing, death and battle, Spoilers for the Umbara Arc, Pong Krell is an asshole, reader insert, names of non-canon dead clones, Mentions of breakdowns, reader is gender neutral, no use of (Y/N), if i miss a tag LMK

Minors DNI

As predicted, Fives and Hardcase were causing trouble. Were you going to stop it? No. Would you get involved? No. 

Would you standby and watch? Absolutely. 

At some point Kix had also joined in, aiding the troopers in their toying with the starships. 

You sat back, hoping you didn’t have to use life saving measures on any of these lovable idiots. 

“All right…” Fives typed away at a console next to the ship Hardcase had chosen. After some tinkering, the ARC trooper looked back up, “Okay, there. Should be a little easier.”

Hardcase rolled his wrists, adjusting to the controls. After a few moments to prepare, the Umbaran fighter lifted into the air, hovering unsteadily.  You weren’t entirely sure what they had changed from the first time, but you really really hoped nothing was going to explode.

After a couple of moments however, the ship jerked forward and the trooper inside overcorrected backward. One of the wings slammed into a stack of crates, sending them flying into the far side wall. Fives ducked, narrowly avoiding getting struck by the ship as well.

“Hardcase! What are you doing!?” He shouted up. 

“If I knew I wouldn’t be doing it!” Hardcase snapped back, clipping another umbaran fighter and dislodging from its holdings. 

You grabbed Kix and dove out of the way, barely dodging the thing as it hit the ground and knocked over shelves of metal boxes. The ship was out of control, spinning in the air and nearly hitting two other troopers. 

“Look out!”

“Move!”

Fives gripped the console and shook his head, “Great. This can't get much worse!”

As if on command, an intercom from a different dashboard buzzed before Krells voice boomed out, “Trooper, what's going on down there?”

The ARC trooper shoved the soldier out of the way, “Er... Yes, sir. Everything's fine in the hangar, sir.” He answered sounding as unconvincing as possible, 

Hardcase slammed into two other starships, sending them to the ground with loud clangs. You flinched, knowing this was going to be hard to explain.

“Then why have the alarms been triggered?!” The Jedi snapped over the console.

Fives stuttered before barely coming up with a response, “It's just a drill, a safety drill, sir!”

You and Kix managed to get behind a knocked down pile of crates. Both of you watched helplessly as Hardcase spun out of control, ramming into the wall and bouncing off of it. 

“Safety check occurs at 0600. Who authorized this drill?!”

The ARC trooper choked on his words before coming up with another excuse, “Uh...We are decrypting the alien hardware, sir. Standard operating procedure!” He finally found an answer to tell the General. 

Clones can not lie for shit! You threw a dumbfounded look at Kix before running to another spot for safety. 

Hardcase hit an already downed ship, sending it bouncing in one direction before screeching to a halt. Apparently things could get worse because the damn starship began to rapidly fire green bolts everywhere. 

“Shit!” You ducked down behind an open metal crate, next to Jesse “Hardcase, can you land the fucking thing!?”

“Let me try!” He called down to you. After a twist of his wrist, one of the large cannons attached jerked slightly and charged up a bright bolt, “No, no, no, no, no!” Hardcase desperately tried to undo…whatever he triggered, but was too late. 

The bolt launched, hitting directly into the hangar doors, causing a burst of light and the metal to melt into ash. 

“They’re dead. Krell is going to kill them.” Kix mumbled, sitting next to you, and Jesse, who was laughing too hard to speak. 

You had your face in your hands when Hardcase managed to land the Umbaran fighter, “Got it. I got it. It's easy. Just level your hands.” He had a proud smirk when the ship was fully on the ground and the cockpit opened. 

Five dashed forward, exasperated at what happened, “What, are you crazy? You could've gotten us killed! Not to mention ruining our hopes of flying this mission!” 

“It's a malfunction, no harm done.” The other trooper tried to calm his friend. Before he could say anything else, another voice cut through the air. 

“Explain this,” Krell demanded as he stomped towards the clones, “Now.” He was followed by captain Rex who looked more concerned and confused than mad.

Fuck! Clones really can’t lie for shit! You shot up, instantly speaking, “It was a trap, sir!” You could hear Jesse repress his snickering as you continued, turning the Jedi’s ire to you, “They were decrypting the enemy craft when what appears to be some sort of preventative failsafe went off.”

Rex’s eyes widened at you, but he remained silent, praying the Jedi wouldn’t see right through you.

“A trap!?” The General leaned forward at you, glaring. 

“Yes sir,” Hardcase spoke up, covering for your lie, “The fighter went haywire and had I not been able to get control of it, and aim the missile at the doors, something worse might've happened.” He was standing at attention as the besalisk stared him down. 

You kicked Jesse who hadn’t managed to stop his laughing. Rex, on the other hand, looked damn near stupefied. Kix had his face in his hands and you swear you could hear him praying.

Krell put his arms behind his back, a critical gaze on the troopers in front of him, “Is this true?” His question was directed at Fives who flinched at the sudden attention. 

After a second to stutter he nodded, “Yes, sir. That is what happened, no doubt.” 

The jedi General huffed, “Well, Captain Rex, looks like I was correct. The Umbaran fighters are dangerous and not fit for flight,” He turned and began to walk out of the half-destroyed hangar, “Lock down these fighters. I don’t want anything else exploding.” 

Rex shook his head and cast a look at Fives and Hardcase before turning to follow the general. 

You sank to the floor, putting your face in your hands. Jesse managed to calm down enough to get up and give a friendly clap to the two soldiers, “I thought the plan was to destroy the enemy ship with the fighters, not blow up our own hangar.” He had a grin as he put a hand on his hip. 

You were about to say something when your comm beeped, “Doctor, you're needed in the medical bay. A patrol’s been injured.” Without waiting another beat, you dashed out of the hangar, Kix close behind you.

The two of you had arrived to a broken patrol of 5 men. 

The most healthy was Cloud, holding a broken arm. But he was standing, and not your concern at the moment. 

Blue had a hand over his charred shoulder. His helmet was off and he was breathing, awake and aware of his surroundings, However, next to him was a trooper laying on the floor. You could see the blood seep from under the helmet and pool onto the sterile white tiles. 

Forty. His name is Forty. You remembered, spotting the ‘40’ he had written on his helmet. 

Bind was on the floor, normally white plastiod stained a deep red. His helmet was off, jaw barely hanging on to his skull by shredded muscle and ripped tendons. It looked like he took a blaster bolt directly through the mouth, melting his tanned skin. 

In his shaky arms was Thrall, heavy amounts of blood streaming from his stomach and chest. It looked like he had been ripped open by a beast and then thrown around. He was unmoving, and you weren’t even sure if he was even breathing.

“Kix, take Forty!” You commanded, immediately leaping into your training. Within minutes you had Thrall on one of the medical beds and hooked up to life support machinery.

Visually, you assessed the damage. To be safe, you used your new umbaran scanner to confirm. 

Broken ribs. Ruptured diaphragm. Collapsed right lung.

Your medical mind put the pieces together. You prioritized. 

Stabilize the lung, restore oxygen. Then, control the bleeding. Repair the diaphragm. Stabilize ribs. 

So you got to work. Your hands were fast and efficient, setting the chest tube correctly to inflate the lung. From there, you focused on the sources of bleeding. However, your repairs weren’t quick enough. 

Thrall’s heart rate took a nosedive. You fought against his death as long as you could, using a cardiac massage and other life restoring methods to keep him alive. As hard as you struggled and tried to save him, his body gave out. 

Thrall succumbed to his wounds, and the list of the dead forced its way into your head. 

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia. Silk. Thrall.

“I’m sorry, He’s gone.” You informed the others before getting to Bind’s side. Kix was still working on Forty, and you couldn’t see exactly what the medic was dealing with.

Bind was breathing heavily, clearly in agony over the damage that was done to him. He was trembling, terrified and now grief stricken from losing Thrall.

“Bind, don’t worry, I got you.” Your voice took a soft tone as you injected him with the strongest painkiller available to you, “What happened to you five?” 

“Krell sent us to a backroad West of here,” Blue responded shakily, “Said it could be used as a supply route, but…”

“He didn’t tell us traps were set over there.” Cloud finished his comrades sentence, “When we commed him for a scanner to sweep the area he said there wasn’t time. We needed to secure the road.” 

“Krell…” You growled.

Bind flinched, jumping slightly when your finger brushed over an exposed nerve. 

Immediately you felt sympathy. As someone who, just a rotation ago, had your own nerves exposed to open air, you knew his pain, “I’m sorry Bind.” you murmured softly, “I know it hurts…”

He stared at you, brown eyes filled with unshed tears. 

Soldier bravado…of course…

“Blue,” you called to the trooper, “Come here, and let him squeeze your hand. He’s in a lot of pain.” You hid the true intentions of your request. 

Hold his hand so he doesn’t feel alone. 

Blue did as asked, clasping his trembling brother's hand. 

Kix slammed his hands down on the surgical table. He swore, sweeping the medical supplies onto the tile floor where they clattered, “He’s gone.” His voice was trembling from emotion. 

Forty.

Cloud slid onto the floor and ripped off his helmet before throwing it. It bounced a couple of times on the ground, “I fucking hate Krell!” He snapped. You didn’t comment when you saw the tears on his cheeks, “He’s purposely trying to get all of us killed!” 

Kix sat down next to you, aiding in Bind’s jaw. This time, Blue spoke up, “How many men have we lost?”

“Too many.” Your answer didn’t seem to make him happy, so with a sigh you told the truth, “Assuming any MIA are casualties…almost a third.” You’ve seen the numbers. You’ve seen the names. The list you replayed in your head were only those who died under your hands that you blamed on Krell. There were many more. Those you couldn’t get to. Those who perished in the field that would remain as they decomposed. Those Kix lost. 

There were too many that have died on Umbaran soil.

With Anakin and Ahoska, these numbers would never get so high. When they would lead, Kix and you were enough to handle the 501st with the Venator on standby to take the more seriously injured off the field. 

But with Krell? It was clear that two medics wasn’t nearly enough. 

If you had known this was going to happen, you would have contacted those you knew in other legions for support. You were sure General Plo would have gladly given his medics in the 104th to support the 501st. 

Fuck, if General Plo was leading the 501st, you were sure Kix and you wouldn’t even have injured to help.

“One third.” Cloud whispered, “one third of our brothers…”

You stabilized Bind’s jaw and let Kix finish up. Wordlessly you went to the emotional trooper's side to begin to help his broken arm. Before you did so, you reached up and wiped his tears from his cheeks, “I’m sorry,” you whispered, “When we get out of this, and we will get out of this, I’m going to reach out to some contacts to punish Krell for all of this.”

“Will that even work?” Blue asked from where he was, now being tended to by the clone medic. 

With a sigh you gave an honest answer, “I’m not sure,” you admitted, “But I know some senators. Even helped a few, so I’m sure they’d be willing to at least listen to me.”

“Just give up, Doc.” Cloud sniffled, looking away from you, “No one cares about us. We’re clones. We’re meant to be thrown onto the battlefield and then thrown away like trash.” 

“Not if I can help it.” You responded, “I’ll become a senator just to stop that from happening if I have to.”

Blue snorted, “I’m gonna tell you, Doc. it's talk like this that has Captain Rex in love with you.”

Oh, shit did they know? Play dumb. Kix glanced up at you before looking back down at Blue’s shoulder. 

Your words were steady and calm as you spoke, “He’s not in love with me, we’re just good friends.”

“You might see that,” Blue continued before wincing at something Kix had done, “But every time you turn your back, the Captain gets this lovestruck look in his eyes. He looks like a puppy, I swear to the Maker.”

Bind nodded in confirmation.

You couldn’t help but laugh softly. Oh if only they knew the truth.

Then an idea came into your head.

“What else does he do?” You asked playfully, taking full advantage of this. 

“Well, that last planet, on Sataran.” the trooper continued, “there were three women and two men that tried to get with him. And not only did he turn them all down, he was looking for you directly afterward.”

You remembered that. Poor Rex had been so flustered to have been flirted with so aggressively. 

“He’s in love with you, doctor.” Cloud chimed in quietly, “You make him happy.” 

These guys needed a distraction from their grief. That much was clear. It's why Blue was so quick to start gossiping about their captain. All you could do was smile softly.

“All set,” you stood once Cloud’s arm was stable, “Bind, I want you to stay here, take the bed on the far left. Blue, Cloud, you two can go to the barracks to rest.” They all gave you a salute before following your command. 

Once Bind was under the effects of painkillers and sedatives, you took a deep breath, “How long was that?”

“Couple hours at least,” Kix murmured, sitting down on a stool next to one of the medical consoles, after a few moments he sighed, “So one third of the 501st is dead?”

You confirmed with a nod.

“Maker, we suck at our jobs.” He mumbled, rubbing his face in his hands. 

With a bitter snort, you began to evaluate the other soldiers. You use the scanner you cracked earlier. Their wounds differed of course. Severe burns, broken bones, head injuries, but the anomaly in their brains was consistent. 

Perhaps it’s just a clone thing…

As you were working, the doors opened again. Dogma and Tup walked into the med bay. The longer haired trooper looked tired, as if he had been woken up against his will and dragged here by the former. 

“Are you two alright?” You spoke first, thinking perhaps they needed something for their sleep. It wasn't unheard of for troopers to need medicine in order to get a proper amount of rest. 

“Well, doctor,” Tup cleared his throat, “We-”

“Where did Hardcase, Jesse, and Fives go?” Dogma demanded. 

Oh boy…

“If you two are just here to waste our fucking time, you may as well leave.” Kix snapped, standing to face them. 

Dogma, however, didn't seem entirely phased by the medic, “If you know where they are, you need to tell the General. Otherwise it's insubordination.”

Poor Tup looked like he didn’t want to be here. You noticed the trooper looked extremely uncomfortable and unsure. 

Your anger spiked, “Fine,” You approached the demanding trooper and grabbed his wrist, “Let me show you what we’ve been doing.” Your steps lead you to the surgical table that Thrall was laying on under a sheet. Still holding his wrist, you threw back the white cover, revealing the dead trooper. 

“That!” You snapped, glaring at Dogma as he yanked his wrist back, eyes wide. “We don't know where those three are because we have been trying to fix that!”

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia. Silk. Forty. Thrall.

Your emotions surged. Your vision blurred with tears. 

Fuck. Calm down. Keep yourself together!

“Your ass kissing of an incompetent General hasn’t done anything to help us.” you seethed, “So get the fuck out of my sight and don’t bother me unless your fucking dying!” 

He scrambled out of the medical bay, most likely to find Rex. Tup stopped in front of the door before looking back, “I think you're doing the best you guys can.” He sounded genuinely sorry for the situation, “Thank you for working so hard, and…I’m sorry.” He left quickly after Dogma, maybe hoping to talk him down. 

Kix sighed and shook his head, “You ok?” He asked quietly. 

No. I’m not. You thought before lying to your medic friend.

“Yea, just…yea. I’m fine.”

[seeking-elsewhither]

Currently woozy but guess who watched the Umbara Arc in one sitting

I'm in my Rex feels right now, because Anakin remarks that Rex used to be very uptight like Dogma which implies that it took Rex some time to ease up. And he's the only blonde in the GAR, a cosmetic "defect" sure but he's also a gen 1 clone. He must've struggled so hard to ensure he wouldn't get decommissioned, must have stuck to the rules and followed orders to the letter just so he'd survive.

And here comes Krell demanding about his insubordination. Threatening against it. Don't tell me Rex wasn't thinking of his cadet-hood when Krell called him by his CT number. My man was going through it.

Tangent!

Okay, see, the thing is, when I watch the clones, I can literally see the times their past life on Kamino and their cadet-hood bleed into their present behavior.

Take Hunter, for example, when he's quietly doing as Shand tells him to in s3. I wonder how many times he's had to comply as a cadet for the sake of his brothers' safety.

Take Crosshair on Tantiss, resisting torture at every step of the way. Maybe he was trained for it. Maybe he trained himself for it.

Take Omega on Tantiss, keeping herself busy, never once giving up hope. I wonder if that's how she lived in Nala Se's private lab, always hoping to reunite with her brothers and eagerly waiting for a chance.

Basically, I've always felt like tcw and tbb give us the past of the clones implicitly in their behavior. Or maybe that's just me reading too much into it.

Okay, back to Umbara

@margindoodles2407 from whatever I've seen of Fives so far, your analysis is spot-on.

Even Jesse's far more chill than him.

And HARDCASE MY BELOVED <333

Please, he's such an optimistic feller. He would've loved Hevy, Cutup, and Wrecker.

I was cheering every time Fives got to say a bad word on Krell.

Love how the episode moves from Rex bending under the weight of Krell's nature until he decided he could take it no longer and snapped upright. "It's Captain, sir."

Rex and Fives are such father-son, I swear. Such first and second-in-command, what with all the times Rex pulls Fives away to talk with him.

Okay, so Tup is officially the baby of the 501st, right? And by baby I don't mean he acts like one, I mean he's the vod'ika that every clone will coddle because he's new, even if he does murder in cold-blood.

Rex giving off huge eldest son vibes with his "I have a duty to protect these men."

Hate that Rex had to stoop that low and use the "They're not just clones. They're men!" rhetoric. As someone who firmly believes where you come from should have no effect on your worth as a person, this irked me as much as it must've irked Rex and the other clones.

Petition for Fives to deck Krell.

I mean, yeah Dogma gets him good at the end, but Fives should have got the chance. He knew just what Krell was going to be like from the first moment he saw him. Retribution would've been sweet (neither the Christian nor the Jedi way, but c'mon! we all hate this guy)

What sort of hologram is that? With cubes and stuff? It looks so cool, but why is it like that?

Is tcw just going to constantly test Rex's beliefs the entire time? First Cut, then Fives.

Hardcase and Fives laughing and giggling as they flew in those Umbaran ships and blasted the enemy had me crying because they're so happyyy :')

Sorry but Krell calling Rex by his CT number those first two times is hilarious, how do you keep a straight face and say it like that?

Rex, on the other hand, seemed like he was traumatized on so many levels.

Fives is just. So brave, so bold, so fearless. He stands for what he believes in, he will not bow down or cower in the face of adversities. He's got that touch of recklessness, but there's an air of sternness and cleverness about him. He knows what he's doing. He's the madness to his method.

And he's a poet. No take backsies. Some of the best speeches have been given by him. He literally used the word "ire".

He's like a knight of yore. He's got the chivalry, the nobility, the honor, the courage. He's unflinching, he will look death in the face and slay it with his bare hands.

Even at his end, the speech he gave was not with his life in mind but the lives of his brothers.

You've heard of great men, you've heard of good men. And then there are men of high valor like Fives.

Rex's uncertainty is obviously meant to stem from his awkward stance as the bridge between Jedi and clones, but I can't help but see him thinking of his time when he was another defective clone cadet trying his best to survive.

Hardcase why'd you have to gooooo

That reveal, that tear running down Waxer's face, the little Numa painted on his helmet, I'm gonna cry.

Dang, wouldn't want to cross Tup.

"You sound just like Krell." I'd rather be shot with a blaster than be accused of mirroring that demagolka.

When Krell refuses to call for Kenobi, I just knew Rex felt the sinking feeling that he was going to be on his own.

Krell's freaky because throughout the entire thing he never once shows the signs of being a Seppie. Sure, his hatred for the clones is as clear as day, but otherwise, you never realize it's him.

That's all I have for now. Margin, feel free to add on, because the last time you did, you managed to cover stuff I'd been thinking of but had forgotten.

[abstractppsychopomp]

┃➤ARC trooper Jesse and why he matters so much to me

Jesse is one of those characters we know so little about, that we can make up about them anything we want. Like with almost every clone.

Like many other clones in The Clone Wars, Jesse is seen only in a few battles and arcs, that tell us just what we need to know about him to feel bad when he inevitably dies, since clones are doomed in this franchise one way or another.

And what really treated us with a bunch of interesting characters and development arcs was, of course, the Umbara arc, where Jesse is one of the clones who rebels against Krell's unsuccessful strategies and his disregard of their lives, who gets almost executed by his own brothers because of it and survives to see Krell's death.

There are many little things that make us love him, first of all his acts of disobedience.

At first, as audience we can't really justify Krell's decisions with 'It's war, and sacrifices are to be made" like some of the characters who are soldiers do, so we can't help but wish that they would not follow his orders, and Jesse is one of the first ones to do so, with Fives and Hardcase- who we know for a fact Jesse has known for a long time, since Hardcase was there back when they met the clone deserter on Saleucami. Hardcase dies, but they respect his sacrifice.

The clones' loyalty is not to the Republic, or at least not as much as how they wrote it. They serve the Republic and they fight this war because without them the war would be lost, since they're the only thing fighting the Separatists. And, of course, because they were made to do so. They were created for this, and this is what they know. Their life is long enough that they will fight as long as the Republic (as the Sith) needs, and then they will die, maybe thirty-five years after their birth, and it will be like they never existed.

This was the plan behind their creation, and this happens in the Star Wars canon timeline.

What they know, other than war, are each other, and Hardcase's last words are "Live to fight another day". Funny that it isn't "Fight to live another day", but it's merely because they don't live, they fight. They weren't made to know anything other than fighting, not even living. They don't have to survive a battle so that they can live and be in peace, but because after one fight there's always another.

But by fighting they still survive, and they can save another clone.

With his sacrifice Hardcase saves his brothers, and even Jesse, and they "let him die" because they would do just the same.

"I'm only doing it because I don't like him", this is how Jesse tries to justify his insubordination. Humor is his way of deflecting and coping. Hardcase replies to this with "I'm only doing this for fun", which is just incompatible with what he does at the end and proves that the reason why he did it is was to save his brothers- just like Jesse, who cracked a joke like him but almost died all the same.

So he loves his brothers, and he wants to win the battles he fights, forced or not, and he has a sense of humor- which is great, since we all love some good humor.

He loses it, facing his brothers ready to execute him, but we know he has it, Fives said it.

He's loyal, just like Hardcase, just like every other clone. To whom?

The first answer could be the Republic.

Jesse has a Republic crest tattooed on his head, and also has it painted on his helmet, so of course he isn't neutral regarding the Republic.

But, and here I am with what could be called headcanons, but they're necessary because this show didn't care about clones as much as it should have (don't talk money, if you want to talk money a show about clones could make Star Wars great again).

Jesse is not loyal to the Republic.

What truly made me fall in love with him was the Siege of Mandalore, because we know that he's part of a group of soldiers way younger than him.

He is the personification of the "only one left" trope.

Because we know that, of the 501st clones we got to know and love, he, with Kix and Rex, is the only one left.

Fives, Hardcase, Tup, Dogma, they're all dead, and Echo is with the Bad Batch.

Jesse is a first generation. He's probably been around since Geonosis, as long as Rex, and by this point he still paints his helmet the same way.

How probable is it that, for all that time- and remember clones age twice as fast as humans, so three years are not only three years for him, he was loyal to the Republic, never changing his paint, always loyal, always dedicated?

The clones' loyalty is to their brothers.

Jesse may have been once loyal to the Republic, when he was forced into fighting a war after a life spent hearing that war was what he was made for, but after living out of Kamino for three years?

You know Plato's allegory of the Cave? This is the same.

If you want to believe that the clones were at any point loyal to the Republic, it's almost impossible for them to have still cared for it after having a chance to see, know and understand how the Republic doesn't deserve their loyalty. Not the Republic who bought them and thinks of them as non-sentients, and uses them to fight a senseless war.

To mark himself with the crest, forever, is to be loyal to the point of not only sacrificing himself, but sacrifice others, like what a good General like Krell was supposed to do, which Jesse does, but not of his own volition.

Now to his death.

Jesse dies, trying to kill Ahsoka. Obeying a order he couldn't disobey, controlled by a chip he didn't know the existence of, taking out with him so many of his brothers.

When he sacrifices himself to kill the enemy of the Republic, he does it because he's been forced to. He wouldn't have done it, without the chip.

Jesse is loyal to a fault.

We see it with Ahsoka, and with Anakin, and with Rex.

Do you really think that, had the order come without the chip influencing him, he would have tried to kill Ahsoka with Rex on the line? Rex, who he'd fought with for three years, who he protected so harshly with the Bad Batch, who's his brother?

He is loyal to a fault, just not to the Republic.

Maybe he got that tattoo and later realized how wrong he'd been to do it as he realizes that they're all glorified slaves, and as he goes on fighting for someone who owns him he paints his helmet always the same way almost as a joke, since we know he has humor. They own him, after all, so why not mark himself with their symbol forever? ┃

[captain-charlemagne]

Cosplay Build Breakdown - Stede Bonnet

When I completed this costume a few months ago, I promised I would write up a build breakdown on how it was made, and what it was made of, and provide information in case anyone wanted to build it for themselves. I can't promise that this will be exhaustive, but it will be informative, and you can always reach out to me if you have any questions!

Details under the cut!

The Coat

The coat was made of silk duchess satin and lined in silk dupioni, and because this was a uniquely tailored coat, I had to draft the entire pattern for it myself. The buttons are screen accurate and airbrushed gold, antiqued with a black acrylic wash. The trim along the front edge was hand dyed twice to achieve the dark gold color seen here, and hand stitched on to preserve the curve of the garment. I hand wove soutache braid into the trim as well. The trim toggles along the left side of the coat were crocheted by me out of a gold baker's twine.

The pockets are functional, but that's not what makes them special.

This vertical trim is extant from the 18th century - three hundred years old, sourced from a seller in the UK who specialized in antique trim. Since I couldn't know what was used on screen, I went for something that existed in the historical Stede Bonnet's time.

The shoulder devices are called cockades, and I hand made both of these! They're hand-gathered little beauties!

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat was a modified 18th century waistcoat pattern - I had to draft in the waist seam and alter the pocket placement. The fabric used was the screen accurate fabric from Rodeo Home Fabrics - it's called Metro, and the shade is "Jade". Because this pattern was meant for cis men, I had to add in a (period accurate) lacing mechanism to accommodate the hips I was born with, as w ell as any weight fluctuation. The pockets are functional, of course, and the fob medal is a 3D print by Kitty Krell, modeled after the screen accurate Oddfellows fob medal that we see him wear on screen. Not seen as well is the linen shirt underneath, which was made in the 18th century style. The lace used on the sleeves and linen cravat is not screen accurate - but it is close, and it is vintage! The cuffs are attached with velcro so that I can change them out depending on which outfit of Stede's I am wearing, so I only had to make one shirt!

Other Things

The black sailor's neckerchief was made from black raw silk, and the breeches were made from an 18th century pattern - they have a functional drop front and functional knee buttons and buckles!

The stockings are silk stockings, and come from American Duchess. The shoes also come from American Duchess, but I had to paint the heels red myself and add the silk ribbon. They are open lachet style, just as we see him wear on screen.

The Wig

I styled this wig myself - it was a lengthy blond lacefront from WigIsFashion, which I stitched additional wefts into the back, and put into a whole pincurl set. I steamed the set with a hand steamer, and plucked the recedes while ventilating some hair into the widows peak to better emulate Rhys Darby's hairline. From there, it was just a matter of styling and trimming the wig into the right shape.

And that is about that! My rings were sourced on Etsy and are turqouise, garnet, and aventurine.

Thank you to R.L. Photography for the photos, and an immense, endless thank you to my partner, my Edward, @sonotthekraken for all your endless cheerleading and support. Because of you, I was able to take home the Best in Masters Award at Fan Expo Dallas, and take wonderful, beautiful photos with you. <3

[yoitsjay]

Can you please do one with fives and general Krell’s padawan 👀 Like at first he’s a bit hesitant of her but she’s actually super sweet and not like Krell at all, but is constantly pushed around by her master. Of course, he develops a crush on her and gets a bit protective 🤭

Not me LITERALY about to write an umbara fic when I got this request. Thank you!

The Darkness

Pairings: Fives x older padawan fem! Reader

Summary: your master may be cruel but you are not, and you try your best to protect the clones from your master... but it might not be enough.

Warnings: mentions of past abuse, bruises, krell slapping reader, krell being a dickface. Sweet fives.

Word count: 2,952

“Are you ready padawan?” Krell’s sickly voice called out to you as you gripped the handles of the drop ship. You sucked in a deep breath, nodding your head. “Yes Master Krell.” You replied simply, wincing at the throbbing pain in your side.

Krell snorted, and soon the ship landed. You followed your master, staying close while keeping your head down. You heard many shouts and voices, only looking up as your master told Skywalker that the chancellor needed him back on Coruscant. You frowned, staying silent.

Skywalker relinquished control to Krell, glancing at you, noticing the bruising on your arm which you quickly tried to cover up. Skywalker narrowed his eyes at Krell but sighed and left. you rubbed your arm, standing beside Krell as he talked down to the troopers. You could see them growing agitated, and you couldn’t blame them… though perhaps you could take some of the anger away.

“Master Krell? i agree with the clones- we should-”

“I didn’t ask what you thought, did i Padawan?” Krell cut you off, glaring down at you. You could feel the darkness around him… You gulped. “No sir- but-”

“But nothing. You are here only to observe and do what I tell you, understand?” He asked, though with his tone he wasn’t really asking.

You nodded, once again, keeping your head low as you followed your master. “We’re changing the plan, we will do a full frontal assault on the main road.” He ordered. Though the captain, Rex, tried to argue, he quickly realized it was no use.

Krell turned to you. “You are fighting on the frontlines, i will guard the back with the supplies.” He stated, and you nodded reluctantly, walking up to Captain Rex, and who looked to be an ARC trooper. “Hello… i’m here to help.” You muttered. You could feel the Ark trooper’s eyes on you, but he didn’t say anything.

Captain Rex however, offered you a smile since his helmet was off, shaking your hand. “I'm Captain Rex, this is ARC trooper fives, and Jesse is talking with the other men.” He introduced, and you nodded. “I’m Y/n.” You spoke, glancing around after hearing shuffling from the bushes. “Alert your men, there's something in the forest.” You stated.

And like always, your senses were correct. Mines had blown up the road and killed many men, and right after Umbarans started attacking. You jumped in front of the troopers, igniting your dual bladed lightsaber as you blocked the firepower, redirecting it back at the Umbarans or just to the ground ahead.

“We need reinforcements!” Fives cried out as he shot at the treeline, You let out a huff, reaching out to the treeline as you used your force to find where the umbarans were, before pulling them out of the treeline. “Focus on your fire men!” You exclaimed, doing the same on the other side.

Before long you cleared the first wave, ignoring the pain in your arms as you checked over some of the less injured before returning to Fives, who gave you a little nod.

You had noticed that your master was back, and was shouting at Rex who was surprisingly shouting back. Krell went quiet for a moment, letting Rex win that battle for now. Another explosion sounds however, and your right back into the heat of battle.

But with Krell in front of you again, kill the Umbarans who attack you.

However they just keep coming and more and more of the troopers are losing their lives to an attack that was destined to fail in the beginning. You managed to set up a perimeter to defend, blocking blaster fire beside Fives and Rex as Krell spoke with Obi-wan. You didn’t hear what they said, but within moments Krell was right beside you, his hand squeezing the back of your neck.

“We will be attacking the nearby airbase. Regroup your little friends and we will head there.” He sneered. You nodded, and when he released your neck you turned to the clones. “Gather around everyone! please!” You called out, still blocking blaster fire. “Master Kenobi has instructed us to assault the nearby airbase.” You explained, Krell now stepping forward. “We will advance along the central gorge.” He stated, Rex however spoke up.

He argued that it would be safer to send a few men to scout ahead for a safer route, but Krell was adamant on his plan, his way. At the end of his order, the remaining clone troopers are divided into squads. You were frowning. There was nothing you could do, not without getting yourself killed by your own master…

You lowered your head, your body defeated.

In the meantime, Fives was arguing with Rex about the strategy, and how men were losing their lives because of this order. “His padawan is no help either!” Fived exclaimed, hearing Rex sigh. “Because she can't help fives! don’t you see how she flinches every time Krell speaks? or comes an inch closer to her? i don’t know if you noticed but every time her sleeves ride up i can see bruises in the shape of hand prints.” Rex seethed, Fives eyes going wide.

“What?” he asked, disbelief filling his tone. “He fucking hits his padawan?” Fives asked, Rex sighing in response. “We shouldn’t assume…” He trailed off, before clearing his throat. “Just- listen to me. You, myself, hardcase and Y/n will head down the gorge.” He stated, walking over to Hardcase and some other clones.

Fives sighed, but nodded, walking over to Y/n who was still blocking ocasional fire.

“Hey.” he greeted, and you spun to face him with a light but sad smile. “Hi.” You greeted, sliding down the trench that was built as you disengaged your sabers, clipping it to your belt. “Hungry? I've got some spare ration bars.” He offered, handing one to you. You grabbed it with a smile, thanking him softly as you took a few bites.

As you ate, fives noticed the bruises that littered your arms, and he frowned. “I’m sorry for my master.” You spoke up, looking at Fives as you finished the ration bar, wiping your hands on your pants. “At first he wasn’t like this… he used to be kind…” You trailed off, shaking your head. “I had been his padawan since I was a youngling, and now I'm twenty and he still hasn’t deemed me ready…” You huffed, looking away from Fives who was frowning.

“I’m sorry too.” He started, catching your gaze again. “I was being kind of rude to you… because of your master.” He added, hearing the soft ‘oh’ that left your lips. You then watched as he stood up, offering his hand to you.

You grabbed it with a smile, standing up again as you thanked him. “I’ll try and help as best I can…” She trailed off, but Fives shook his head. “I don’t want you getting more hurt than you already are, Y/n.” He pointed out, and your eyes went wide. He sighed, rubbing your shoulder gently.

“I won’t let him touch you, not here.” He stated. You offered a smile, pulling him into a quick hug which surprised him quite a bit. “Thank you, Fives.” You whispered, pulling away as Rex walked forward.

Soon you, and the other clones entered the gorge, you kept your lightsaber hilt in your hands, keeping your eyes open for any movement or sign of assault. And then it happened, caterpillar tanks burst out of the gorge and started attacking. You jumped from tank to tank, using detonators and your lightsaber to destroy the tanks. But heavy casualties were suffered.

More attacks, more arguments and you were starting to get fed up with your master. You heard him shouting at Rex, again, and you snapped.

You walked up to your master, gesturing for Rex to stand down as you glared at the besalisk. “Enough master! you’re sending these men to their deaths! if you take any more unnecessary risks you will have no men to fight for you!” You shouted, catching your master off guard. We follow Rex’s plan!” You shouted, knowing fives and Hardcase were already gone.

Krell seethed at you, but his anger is cut off as Fives and Hardcase return with the umbaran fighters. saving the lives of the rest of the pen, paving the way to the aribase.

You know as soon as you step foot inside the airbase you're in for a world of hurt as your master roughly grabs your arm, however before he could drag you off, Fives, Jesse and Harcase step forward, coming up with some bullshit excuse to force Krell to let you go.

He does, angrily, taking the chance to throw you to the ground despite the crowd. “At this rate, you will never be a knight.” Krell sneered at you before walking away. Fives slowly helped you to your feet, making sure you are okay before looking at Jesse. “She needs some bacta patches… Do we have any to spare?” He asked.

Jesse walked over to Kix, who managed to spare some bacta gel, Which would be enough to help with the bruises.

Fives led you to an empty room, closing and securing the door as he walked over to you. You had already removed your top robes, and started removing the second pair which revealed your ribs, which were heavily bruised. “That man is a monster.” Fives growled, kneeling in front of you with the bacta gel.

You sighed, nodding for him to start applying the gel despite your winces of pain. However the bacta worked fast, and that pain faded to a dull throbbing. “I know…” You trailed off, cheeks flushed slightly at the clone's gentle touches.

“I’m sorry for what he’s putting you and your men through.” You added, staring into his eyes as he rubbed the gel into your bruised arms. He sighed. “Rex is doing his best… but Krell just has it out for us!” Fives exclaimed, and you sighed sadly. “Unfortunately I think you're right…” You trailed off.

eventually Fives pulled away, and you slid your robes back on, leaving the top robe off. “You should get some rest Mesh’la. I can have a clone stationed outside, to make sure Krell doesn’t come sniffing around.” He said, and you smiled at the man. “I would really appreciate that… wake me up if anything major happens.” You requested softly, watching with a smile as he nodded and left the room.

You allowed yourself to lay down and rest, letting the bacta do its work on your bruises. Eventually you drifted off to sleep, worry plaguing your dreams.

-

The next time you woke up you heard shouting, even if it wasn’t close by. You felt more energized than you had been in a while, checking your bruises which were almost entirely gone. You smiled, mentally thanking Fives before you made your way outside.

A lot of troopers were arguing amongst each other, but when they saw you they had almost immediately rushed over to you. “Jesse and Fives are being court martialed!” One of them exclaimed, and your eyes widened in horror. You booked it from the hanger, making your way into the control room to see Krell and Rex arguing.

When Krell saw you he growled. “And where have you been?” He asked, and you glanced at Rex before speaking. “It wasn’t Fives and Jesse's fault! I was the one who did it.” You blurted, not entirely sure what the men did. Krell glared down at you, getting closer and closer until he was towering over you.

But you held your ground this time, standing tall as you glared at him.

“Then you will be executed alongside them.” He sneered, and your eyes widened as he grabbed your lightsaber before grabbing you by your hair, hauling you down to the prison before he threw you into the cell with Fives and Jesse. Both men caught you before you could hit the ground, Fives smoothing your hair down as he helped you to your feet.

You offered him a smile, nodding to Jesse in thanks before you turned to look at your master. “You kill me and the council will discard you.” You argued, walking up to the ray shield that prevented you from leaving. Krell huffed. “Not if I tell them you tried to kill me.” He said, turning and walking away.

You growled, turning to look at Fives and Jesse. “I'm so sorry.” You whispered, Fives stepping up to you as he pulled you into his arms. “This is not your fault.” He argued, and you allowed yourself to relax in his arms.

Soon, You, Jesse and Fives are taken out to a firing squad led by Dogma, you stand beside Fives, glaring at Dogma. However Fives spoke up, trying to appeal to the clones in front of him. Unfortunately, Dogma still commands the clones to fire… and they do.

but Neither you, Jesse or Fives end up dead. It was quite the opposite. Dogma tries to order them to fire again before turning to Rex who was already glaring at Dogma. “Good luck getting anyone to do it.” He stated, before ordering for you and the two men to be released.

You rub your wrists once they’re free from the cuffs, but no later Krell had you thrown back in a prison cell. Unbeknownst to you, but Krell had turned the clone battalions against each other, and many more clones died from firing upon each other.

Rex had released you from your cell much later, Fives keeping you close as the clones finally revolted against Krell for treason against the republic. You aid the clones in chasing Krell through the forest after he escapes from the control tower, when you're stopped by Dogma you simply move him aside with the force and allow one of the clones to arrest him before continuing on.

Umbara had been so chaotic, and so full of losses. You were done, done following a master who only wanted to lead men to their deaths. Eventually with the help of the clones you manage to detail your master, bringing him back to the brig of the airbase.

You stand in front of him, wanting so desperately to wipe that smirk off his face.

“Why?” You asked, crossing your arms over your chest as you stare at him. Krell laughs slowly. “Oh padawan… I knew you could never embrace the darkness… you've always been weak.” He hissed, glancing at Rex with a smirk. “I foresaw the rise of a new order, a better one. And I would gain power from it. So- I abandoned the jedi… I planned to sabotage the republic by giving sensitive information to the Umbarans..” He trailed off, revealing that he did all of this just to become Count Dooku's new apprentice.

You growled, grabbing your lightsaber hilt as you ignited the blade, pointing it towards him. You keep Krell at saber point as troopers enter and inform Rex that Krell had indeed sabotaged communications, and that Obi-wan secured the capital. But now Umbaran forces are heading this way.

You look over at Fives, who nods to you when you hear Rex mention that Krell is too dangerous to be kept alive. Krell taunts him, and you. But even if Rex hesitates, you don't. You raise your saber above your head before slicing down, cutting Krell’s head off.

You watched as it rolled by your feet, however you kicked it away grabbing Krell’s sabers with a sigh. “Darkness is a plague, Krell… you should have avoided it.” You mutter, clipping his saber to your belt as well as your own as you turn to Rex. “Time to face the republic.” You stated, and rex nodded.

Fives walked up to you, gently grabbing your hand to catch your attention. He smiled at you, and you reciprocated. “I'm proud of you.” He said, his heart warming upon hearing your laugh. You leaned into the man, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I had help.” You muttered, throwing him a wink.

Soon you met up with Obi-wan, and you handed Krell’s saber to him, along with a recording of Krell confessing everything he had done to sabotage the empire. Obi-wan thanks you, and brings that information to the council.

You know you have to stay to clean up, now without a master you're not sure what will happen. You're talking with a few clones when you feel someone tap your shoulder. You spin around, spotting Fives, Rex, Obi-wan and Cody, with Cody holding a hologram of Mace Windu and Yoda.

You bow immediately. “Master Windu, Master Yoda. A pleasure.” You greeted, seeing them both smile. “Heard of your bravery, we did. Heard of the abuse you suffered as well, from Krell.” Yoda spoke up, and you frowned when he mentioned the abuse.

“What we are saying, Y/n, is that you have passed your trials. You have earned the rank of Jedi Knight.” Mace Windu spoke up, and your eyes went wide. “What?” You asked, shaking your head before you smiled. You knelt down as Obi-wan stepped forward, and he congratulated you before cutting off your padawan braid.

Freedom.

It was all you felt in that moment, freedom to be who you wanted to be without Krell breathing down your neck. You thanked the council, and obi-wan before turning to Fives who was smiling at you. You shot him a wink, which he happily reciprocated.

You were free… and now you could explore what friendship had blossomed between you and Fives. Though you could tell it wouldn’t be much of a friendship.

➺

Tag list:

Fives:

Tcw:

All:

@moomoog017

[bun-ika]

The absence of so many brothers was glaringly obvious during the jaunt off the hellish planet Umbara had turned out to be. Tups mind had not stopped running in circles since Krell hit the deck, Dogma's terrified gaze meeting his own over the mans fallen body. *"I had to!-"* the intrusion of his brothers vouce replayed, too loud in his head over the voices that surrounded him. All familliar, and yet *wrong...* Face falling under the cover of his newly painted, not quite as shiny bucket, Tup resigned himself to the horrible feeling of dread that sunk in under his skin. Even with bothers squished together beside them, vibrances bumping along the grabrail, Tup has never felt more alone.

Somewhere in his head, Tup knows any of their brothers, even captian Rex, Commander Cody himself, could die at any given time. It's what they were made for. What he was made for. Somehow, knowing Dogma isn't dead, but snatched up by the Coruscant to be brought back to Kamino where his fate is already decided... it's much, much worse.

His head hurts. His heart hurts. There's a burning inside his chest that spreads, grows like wildfire when the memory knife digs away at memories of his best friend. Maya had called it "anxiety." Dogma had paled at he word while she explained. Clones are not supposed to have *anxiety.* Ever thoughtful and several steps ahead, the nurse reached out to give Dogma's hand a squeeze. *"I would never tell a soul. Just remember, you boys are as human and real as the rest of us. Existing in this life is bound to come with those feelings, but we can manage them."* Tup had felt his own smouldering fire spark as he watched his brothers expression, blank and creased with his concern of the situation. Finally he nodded very slightly, glancing at tup with a slight tug of his lips. *"Thank you."*

That flicker of a smile was the last time Tup had seen the rarity on Dogmas face. Reality came rushing back, hitting hard asthe ship jolted in its journey, beginning to slow its decent.

Blinking as he processed the memory he had gotten lost in, the young man found another blessing inside his bucket, cheeks wet, salt on his tongue.

His head hurts.

Everything hurts.

In his numbmess, taking stock of himself, Tup isn't sure he will ever not hurt again.

Everything is broken.

[talesfrommedinastation]

My redneck neighbor Doug tries to cheer me up with 'The Clone Wars'

CW: Doug-isms. Y'all know it.

-----

(text message exchange today)

Doug: Hey Dr. MM! Can I borrow your rake today?

Me: Sure, ask my husband. I'm busy.

Doug: Everything ok kid?

Me: No, my uncle passed yesterday. I'm sad.

Doug: Aw I am so sorry. He's with Jesus now. Or other types of Jesus. Did he believe in Jesus?

Me: Thanks Doug.

Doug: Oh since I got you here, I need a refresher. What was the name of that guy everyone hated in Star Wars?

Me:....there's a few of those.

Doug: Naw, this one, everyone hated!

Me: Doesn't narrow it down. What did he look like?

Doug: He was on 'The Clone Wars'. He was a Jedi like that robot with all the arms that coughed all the time.

Me: General Grevious? Not a Jedi.

Doug: Okay, but this guy, what was his name? He was a giant frog with a lot of arms with a ball sack hanging from his face. He got fragged by his men after being a dick.

Me: Pong Krell?!

Doug: Yeah! That's it! Pong Krell!

Me: Can we just call him 'Frog with Ball Sack On Face'?

(unsee it. You can't.)

Doug: Works for me kid! Can I borrow that rake?

Doug's a national treasure. He made me smile after a very sad day.

[ninjadeathblade]

Febuwhump Day Four: Obedience

Warnings: Violence, Pong Krell, it's set during the war on Umbara, injury, death

Word count: 1,823

Author's notes: It took me ages to decide on this and a while to write it. But I haven't written for a more mainstream fandom in ages so here! Take some Umbara angst! (Also, sorry if some of the terminology is incorrect, I focused more on getting the dialogue correct) (btw, you can go find the prompt list at @febuwhump)

“Sir, we've been keeping this pace for twelve hours now,” Kix pointed out to Rex. “The men are getting worn down. We should rest.”

The captain quickened his pace slightly, enough to catch up to Pong Krell.

Kix strained to overhear their conversation.

“General Krell, the top of this ridge will make a good place for the men to make camp,” Rex said.

“The men don't need rest,” General Krell replied. “They need the resolve to complete the task at hand.”

“But sir-”

“CT-7567, are you reading me?”

Kix bit back a protest at the use of his brother's designation.

They had names, all of them.

And even though Kix didn't like General Skywalker's less than cautious plans, at least he would respect that and try to learn their names.

To their general, they weren't all the same.

“Excuse me, sir?” Rex questioned.

“I asked you a question, CT-7567. Do you understand the need to adhere to my strategy?” General Krell asked.

“Sir, the terrain is extremely hostile,” Rex reasoned. “Despite the difficulty of the conditions, the battalion is making good time. These men just need a little break.”

The general rounded on Rex, holding out an accusatory finger. “Captain, do I need to remind you of this battalion’s strategic mission in conquering this planet? Look back. See those platoons?”

Kix looked back at the weary brothers that trudged along behind him.

Already so much fewer than had boarded carrier ships to begin with.

“Their mission is to take this city and take it swiftly.” Kix looked back over as the jedi spoke again. “Time and rest are luxuries the Republic cannot afford.”

What?

More men would die if they didn't rest, was the general insane?

“We are the key to this invasion. The other battalion's are counting on our support. If we fail, everyone fails. Do you understand this?”

The general rose his voice. “Do all of you understand this? Now move on!”

Rex merely looked back at his brothers before wearily tilting his head in the direction of the seemingly tireless Besalisk.

Kix stared at the mist-covered floor as they trudged onwards.

He wished that this battle would be over.

~•~

Kix dragged another soldier into relative safety, thankful for the cover fire provided by Rex, Jesse and Dogma.

He removed the younger clone's bucket. “You're going to be okay buddy. This will ease the pain.”

The clone let out another pained groan as he treated them.

The firefight they'd ended up in was horrendous.

General Krell spoke to General Kenobi about something while the clones fought for their lives.

If it were General Skywalker, then he'd be fighting right alongside his men.

“Incoming, incoming!”

Kix flattened himself to the ground as another explosive blast went off nearby.

They fought their way out once the general was done with his call.

~•~

Rex stood in front of all of them. “Alright, listen up. We'll assemble the squads into two divisions. We'll move straight up this gorge towards the airbase at the far side.”

“The casualties are going to be high,” Kix protested.

“Is Krell trying to get us killed?” Tup added beside him.

“You know, I wasn't sure that Krell was crazy before,” Jesse said. “But now I'm positive.”

Fives spoke up. “We had to retreat from the capital because the general pushed a flawed strategy. Now this?”

Hardcase didn't seem to understand the fuss. “I don't know. Could be fun.”

Fun?!

They'd already lost dozens if not hundreds of men, how could any of this be fun?!

“Well, I for one agree with the general's plan,” Dogma argued. “We're running out of time, and this is the best option.”

“No recon?” Jesse asked. “No air support?” He banged his bucket against the side of his tattooed head. “We don't know what we're up against. They have weapons we've never seen before.”

Rex tried to calm the situation back down again. “A few of General Skywalker's plans seemed reckless too, but they worked.”

“Yeah, but General Skywalker is usually leading his men up in the front,” Fives pointed out. “Not bringing up the rear like General Krell. A full-forward assault would leave us too exposed.”

The men around them all murmured to one another, seemingly agreeing with the ARC Trooper.

“We have to look at other options”

“It's going to be a meat-grinder down there.”

How was Fives the one seeing reason here?

Reckless Fives who had always gotten into trouble, who Kix remembers being brought to their battalion by Rex.

Fives who seemed to be his most often patient aside from Hardcase.

Fives, who had quietened down and started being more rational after he lost Echo.

Fives who had locked himself into a medical cupboard one time so he could cry in secret. When Kix hadn't the heart to tell him that he'd heard the younger clone's cries and that was the real reason he was in the medical bay so late.

Fives, who had never been Kix's favourite, but always seemed to have a plan.

How was his captain not seeing reason but Fives was?

Rex and Dogma looked around.

“Fives.”

Kix sighed as Fives followed their captain.

He couldn't hear their discussion but he could tell it was growing more heated as disagreement built between them.

Jesse turned around, shooting him a slightly worried smile. “You know, we'll probably be okay.”

Probably.

It would be a miracle to get through this while obeying General Krell’s orders.

~•~

Kix whirled around as something burrowed out of the ground.

A trooper beside him let out a quiet curse. “Oh skrag.”

The creature- no, machine - must have been huge, metal limbs clicking as ominous blue light filtered from between segments of its body.

One massive blue window took up the thing's face, shining bright in the dark surroundings.

It erupted into chaos as practically everyone started firing their blasters.

Nothing worked but whatever the thing was definitely had enough fire of its own.

The men made a retreat back to the cover of the trees behind them, trying to escape the mechanical monstrosity heading for them.

Kix watched as a couple of the ATs blew up.

“It's head is ray-shieled, we need rocket launchers!”

Some of his brothers were shouting.

Kix could hardly hear it.

All he could think of was to save as many men as possible.

He darted between troops, checking for pulses or breathing and then rooting through his supplies for something- anything that might help in the slightest.

Kix darted over to a rocket-carrier after the insectoid machine crawled off of him.

“Take it, take it,” the injured man wheezed to another trooper.

“I got him,” Kix yelled over the surrounding hurricane of noise, trying not to wince at the yell made when he dragged the injured clone to safety.

Rex ran nearby him, signalling to whoever had picked up the rocket launcher. “Go. Go, go, go! Keep moving, keep moving!”

Kix did as much as he could.

It didn't matter.

He duly noted that the machine screeched and its rounds of fire went everywhere as a rocket did manage to hit its face.

“Everyone regroup, now! Take cover!” Rex ordered.

“Move it! Move it!”

Kix reluctantly tailed them, looking back at the scattered bodies behind them.

“We're safe for the moment. They'll be coming around any second,” Fives breathed heavily.

Kix made a mental note to check him later.

“Bring up the launchers,” Rex instructed. “Spread detonators along that corridor. Trap them into the bottleneck. We're going to blow these things sky high.”

Kix crouched in preparation, chest rising and falling quickly as his vode goaded the machines towards them and Rex detonated the set up explosives.

They took a mere moment to celebrate their meagre success.

~•~

Kix rushed forward, firing volleys as two insectoid animals hovered over a body. “Hey! Still hungry? Chew on that!”

One of them went down with his blaster shots, Rex killing off the other one. “Everyone, keep moving.”

Kix trained his gun on the animal, wary that it might be faking its death.

“Hey, Kix, leave it.”

He slowly lowered his weapon before tailing his brothers.

~•~

Two more large tanks, sending off volleys at them already.

Kix and Rex helped move a wounded soldier to cover.

“Keep the wounded as quiet as possible,” Rex instructed.

Kix nodded, keeping an ear out as he tended to his most recent patient.

“Alright, you heard the general. Let's go.”

“You can't be serious,” Jesse complained.

“I used to think General Krell was reckless, but now I'm beginning to think he just hates clones,” Fives spat.

“The captain is right. Now let's move out,” Dogma replied.

Fives spoke to Rex. “We can't take them on. We need to find another way.”

“You got any ideas?” Rex questioned.

Ah, Kix recognised that tone.

Rex was tired and stressed and he was beginning to break.

All of them were at their limits but as the commanding officer amongst them, he wasn't allowed to show that.

Rex was playing the role he had to play so that no one else would become demoralised.

Kix assumed Fives shook his head.

“Then this is it.”

The captain sprinted out of cover.

“Okay, let's do it,” Hardcase said, as if they had any other choice.

If General Skywalker were here then they wouldn’t have to follow such idiotic orders.

~•~

Kix looked back and forth between a tank and the trooper he'd been trying to help, dismay striking through him as they'd been struck by a bolt of fire.

One of the tank's feet raised, ready to crush him.

Kix jumped back just in time before quickly darting in to help the clone who hadn't dodged, dragging them. “Help me with the wounded!”

Fives and Rex sprinted over to him.

“We’ve got to get these guys out of here,” Kix called.

Fives moved past him to provide covering fire while Rex helped him move the trooper to safety.

Kix began to walk back towards the battle when a hand clamped down into his shoulder. “Forget it. We have to leave them.”

Kix whirled around, pointing to the battlefield while he addressed his captain. “We can't just leave them, sir!”

Rex shook his head. “You don't have a choice. That's an order.” The captain began to walk away.

“You sound like General Krell,” Kix accused.

Rex halted before turning back to him. “Look, Kix, it's more important to save yourself right now. If we survive, you can patch up the wounded later.”

“We're… We're finished,” Tup sighed.

Kix barely heard the rest of the conversation.

He was a medic, his job was to help those who were wounded.

He understood that he couldn't help everyone but the fact Rex had ordered him?

That hurt.

He wanted to leave this planet, and never see it again.

But if he was going to leave it, it would be with his brothers.

[ofteasandherbs]

please tell me about the 804th Space Noodles couple?? ✨

Oh boy!!! So Space Noodles couple is actually not part of the 804th! Vulture is a Corrie guard (sticking with nature named for Corrie guards cause it’s funny) investigator! Siaon is a temple guard for the coruscant Jedi temple!

They met when Vulture was called in to help search for a missing group of younglings that got taken on a field trip. Si and Vulture and working together and this is Si’s first time really interacting with the clones! He is part Miralukan so he uses the force to see and at first was going to be off put due to “clones not having a force signature” (something a certain pong Krell has spread….)

But then when Si meet ls Vulture he’s like.. “wait wait wait you have are a person?” And Vulture at first is so offended lol. “Uh? Of fuckin course I am???” (Vulture is not on senate duty for a reason lol he is crassssss)

After that tho they work together so well! They eventually find the younglings and they are scared cause the captors have all been wearing masks! So vulture and Si remove their helmets and masks and the younglings run up to Si and are like “MASTER SI U SAVED US THANK U” and Si is like “alright younglings I did have some help can we say thank you to the nice coruscant guard member here?” (Vulture has not said his name yet lol) “ THANK YOU MISTER GUARD SIR”

So eventually they keep meeting up at their 3am shifts. Si gets his name eventually and asks him if he wants to go to this fantastic hole in the wall noodle stand he knows about. They make it a point to go as often as they can when their shifts line up at 3am..

Si is so weirded out that krell said Clones had no force signature.. he looks into it, finds the whole sith thing starting up with vulture and uhh. Well. Palps doesn’t like people messing with his plans let’s say. And. The commanders can’t have a member of their guard that is going off the wheels can they?

They don’t. Have much of a happy ending haha..

[queen-of-mandalore]

Em’s Star Wars Rewatch Part 32:

The Clone Wars #30 - Umbara

4x07: Darkness on Umbara

I have both been excited for and dreading this arc. It’s one of the best in the entire series but I was so tense through the whole thing.

The design of Umbara really adds to the ‘fog of war’ aspect of this arc. The fact that it’s constantly dark and foggy and unknown. The terrain and wildlife are enemies in of themselves.

It’s interesting that this is one of the few times where they are fighting people rather than droids. It makes it more real. We see several of the clones shoot the Umbarans almost point blank and fight hand to hand.

The Umbaran weapons are so interesting and such cool designs.

‘I can’t even see the enemy!’ ‘That’s why they’re called the shadow people Tup!’

Hard case and Wrecker would get on so well.

This episode really highlights why Anakin is such a good general - he allows Rex to take a lead, listens to his strategy calls and fights alongside his men. It comes into stark contrast with Krell.

As soon as Krell showed up I became so angry. He might honestly the most hated character in all of Star Wars. At least with the villains such as Palpatine and Maul you kind of love to hate them. Krell I just hate.

The way Rex blinks in surprise when krell makes the insulting comments about clones - he’s just not expecting it having been so used to working with Anakin and Obi-Wan. The same as when Fives just stares at the lightsaber when Krell threatens him like he can’t even believe it.

Even in this first episode you can see Fives’ rebellious spirit. He’s the only one who openly questions Krell.

4x08: The General

You can see how hard Rex is trying to keep things together. He doesn’t agree with Krell, his men are dying but there’s nothing he can do.

This episode highlights how the men admire and respect Fives. They all listen to him when he argues against Krell’s plan. Rex knows this, shown by him asking him to ease the men’s minds.

‘Men. Not clones, men!’

I love Hardcase and Fives together. I bet Hardcase reminds Fives of Hevy.

Poor Kix just wants to save the wounded. Him telling Rex he sounds just like Krell must have hit deep.

The weird caterpillar tanks the Umbarans use are so cool.

I love the way Fives is just manically laughing whilst piloting the Umbaran ship. He was having a great time.

The shot with fire reflecting in Krell’s eyes goes so hard.

The fact that Krell would question whether Rex understands that losses are essential for victory after Rex has lost so many brothers makes me so angry.

4x09: Plan of Dissent

Why does Fives look so hot leaning like that?

I love Fives trying to lie to Krell in the hangar - gives major Han in ANH vibes. Plus the fact that Hardcase seems to be one of the few clones who can actually lie somewhat convincingly.

Hardcase saying they will be sneaky when he has to be one of the least sneaky of all the troopers lol

Dogma and Tup just don’t want to get into trouble, I don’t think we can blame them for that.

The fact that Anakin has told Fives the story about how he blew up the droid command ship as a kid. It’s a small detail but it really shows the relationship Anakin has with the clones seeing as he seems to chat and shares stories with them.

RIP Hardcase - live to fight another day.

Of course Rex tried to take the blame (despite telling them he couldn’t help them if they were caught) but Fives would never allow that. They both have so much loyalty to their brothers.

Krell just wants obedience - that’s all he cares about.

I will forever love Fives’ speech, it’s so powerful.

Watching them unknowingly kill one another hurt my heart. Rex’s voice when he’s screaming at them to stop was just heartbreaking. All their reactions were just too much.

Poor Waxer. The lone tear running down his face 😭

This episode shows Rex’s character development. If you think back to season 1 he would never have even considered turning against his general, no matter what they did.

‘It’s Captain, sir.’

‘I used to think being a good soldier meant doing exactly what they told you.’

Dogma is such a fascinating character. When he realises Krell has been using him you really feel his anguish.

I think making Krell a traitor and a follower of Dooku makes this arc slightly less dark. At the end of the day there is still a line drawn between good and evil. Krell is the bad guy. It would be interesting if they hadn’t made that choice, if Krell wasn’t trying to destroy the republic, he just didn’t care about clones’ lives. It would have made it a lot messier and I think the moral dilemma for Rex would have been even greater.

‘All I know is that one day this war is going to end’. ‘And then what? We’re soldiers. What happens to us then?’

This arc is so good. I wish we had more clone centric arcs as this proves they are among the very best.

[mwolf0epsilon]

Wolffe Wagon Wednesday let's gooo - Wolffe and Dogma - not sure how they'd interact, maybe au where Dogma joined the pack instead?

Despite Everything It's Still You

Summary: They call him Dok. It's a diminutive for the etymology from which 'Dogma' was originally derived from. Despite his remaining reservations over his new posting, he's never been happier to hear that particular word cast his way. [Anon I think you got a little confused by the assignment, I was asking for people to pick one of my OC and a canon character so I could figure out interactions between them. But I will concede because I love Dogma as if he were my own blorbo, and because we could always use more Dogma content.]

---

In all honesty, Dogma doesn't expect to survive the looming shadows of Umbara. Correction, he doesn't expect to live in the aftermath of it. He had, after all, made sure to seal his own fate when he'd picked up that blaster and taken aim. Hells, he'd already been in binders. What was one more step towards the noose?

No, Dogma hadn't at all expected to live much longer, after Krell had been felled by his treacherous blood-soaked hands. The weight of his many regret and the crushing guilt making 8 cutting words echo fresh in his mind.

'I hope you can live with yourself Dogma.'

Words he'd ultimately had a response for in the end.

'I don't have to anymore.'

Except he did. Because, as extremely confusing as it may be to him (considering what he knew of the GAR and it's rather unforgiving policies), Dogma was very much still alive. Even though he didn't want to think he was supposed to...

His "transfer" to the 104th is a blur. Not because it was particularly quick or stealthy, but because he's more than a little sure he spent the entirety of it in a shell-shocked state. Dead to the world, staring at infinity, as his brain tried to process and compartmentalize the entirety of his world coming undone. The horrors he'd faced. The horrors he'd helped to unwittingly orchestrate.

One minute he's in the brig, the next he's standing in front of Commander Wolffe. In the older clone's right hand a datapad full of instructions that he would follow to a T, and the left one resting easily on Dogma's own shaking shoulder.

He'd been crying then. Disgracing himself further in front of his superior officer. The thought made him a little sick with shame to this very day. But maybe not as much as it used to...

The first days as a member of the 104th are also a blur. Not because he's back to disassociating, but because there's just a lot to take in. Many things he has to learn and acclimate to.

It goes like this:

He is CT-7023, otherwise referred to as Dokeî (pronounced like 'okie dokey smokey', according to a grinning Comet). He's a new transfer that came in with the last shipment of Shinies, to replace some unfortunate casualties the Wolfpack had recently suffered. He is the 104th's reserve medic in training, which means he will be assigned medbay work on-board of one of the fleet's venators rather than field work. He will never again see a battlefield or flinch in horror at the sound of a lightsaber, unless circumstances give the 104th no other choice but to throw him to the lion's den. He is everyone's little brother, the newest pup the join the pack, and he is loved. When they tell him all this, they mean it too.

They call him Dok. It's a diminutive for the etymology from which 'Dogma' was originally derived from. Despite his remaining reservations over his new posting, he's never been happier to hear that particular word cast his way...

It's not thrown at him the same way Dogma was. Like it tasted filthy in the mouths who spat it out, or as if it were a most profane curse. A slur of sorts. One he'd done his best to turn into something positive with the encouragement of his only batcher and their original squad. Something he had clearly failed at with his first battalion...

When they call him Dok or Dok'ika, it doesn't hurt the same way it did when the 501st addressed him. When he'd failed to understand something apparently basic, or made his presence undesirable due to the many quirks that made him apparently faulty. His too obtuse opinions that often ended with clashes of ideals. His need to share unwanted information that he'd simply found intriguing. His nitpicky tastes and precise manner in which he did things so that his brain could work right.

None of these bothered his new battalion in the way they did his old one. And it was still a shock to him that he could just be without being too little or too much.

When Bully and Jawbreaker (and oh, wasn't it a comfort to be reunited with them? To have someone that understood his odd behavior and what happened back there on that dark hellscape?) called him Dok, it made his heart flutter with delight. Like he was a cadet again and his ori'vode had gotten him some treats that they knew he'd be able to more easily stomach than the early meal gruel. The feeling of being back home, despite never having really had a home before.

And when commander Wolffe did it, he couldn't help but let himself ease into an actual smile even as he stood at parade rest. None of his 501st superior officers had ever looked at him before and really seen him in the way Wolffe did. They all quickly grew bored of his strict demeanor and sharp adherence to protocol. Sometimes rolled his eyes at him as if he couldn't see the disdain they had for his need for that familiar stability.

If anything, he seemed to understand.

The Wolfpack understood. They all did. And that's all he'd ever really wanted, really. And in being given that understanding, that equal footing, he's never felt so much like himself than he did now. Can finally look in the mirror and see who he was, currently is, and who he will soon be. For once the future really seems like a promise, rather than just a distant childish dream.

"Keep at it kid." his ori'vod smiles from ear to ear, both cybernetic and organic eye twinkling with pride. "We'll make a proper wolf of you yet."

And Dogma believes him.

[awkward-tension-art]

Darkness on Umbara Chp.7 (Rex x Reader)

Chapter. 6 Chapter 8.

Silk

cw: Rex x Reader, Reader is a medic, incorrect military procedure, graphic descriptions of injuries, blood, swearing, death and battle, Spoilers for the Umbara Arc, Pong Krell is an asshole, reader insert, names of non-canon dead clones, Reader has an emotional breakdown, reader is gender neutral, no use of (Y/N), if i miss a tag LMK

Minors DNI

 While Rex and a few others scouted ahead, You took a desperate shot in the dark.

“General Krell,” you had the comm close to your lips, “We need the medical speeder. There's several wounded that need to get out of here.”

You were met with silence.

“Sergeant Appo, if it's you i'm talking to, get me General Krell before I shove my laser scalpel up your-”

“That will be unneeded, Doctor.” the General’s voice came through on the other end, “The wounded will be extracted when the airbase has been taken.” 

“Sir, some of the wounded can’t wait that long. They need to get to a safer location so I can-.” You were practically begging the Jedi at this point.

“I have the utmost faith that you’ll be able to save them from where you are.” He responded, but even on this end, you could practically hear the uninterested look on his face. You were about to respond but the comm cut. Krell was done with you.

You looked around you, taking in the injured. Three of them needed surgery. Two needed bacta tanks ASAP. Five were entirely unconscious from blood loss and missing limbs.

And one, Fisher, was leaning against a broken and destroyed AT-RT. His chest had been completely eviscerated, exposing broken ribs and damaged organs. You couldn’t do anything, you didn’t have the bacta or supplies to save him. Yet, it would take hours for him to die. 

So you held his hand in yours and gave him as many painkillers as it took to stop his heart. 

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Jumper. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. 

“Doc?” Nax had remained close, guarding you while Rex and the others went ahead, “Are you ok?” 

“No, Nax.” You admitted, “I’m not.” 

This wasn’t the first time you’ve had to mercy kill. But you hated yourself every time you did it.

He remained silent as he stepped towards you and offered a hand. He was sweet. Very polite. So you took it and stood, “Thank you.” 

The trooper looked like he was about to speak when the ground rumbled. Terror filled your blood. Were there more of those worm tanks!? The air crackled and burned with fire and explosives. They sounded different from the centipede tanks the men shot down earlier…new weapons? You desperately hoped not.

Several soldiers dove over your cover, breathing heavily. Very quickly others joined, remaining hidden. You didn’t want to risk your head to get a look at what was happening. So you knelt, looking at Jesse, who had made it before Rex or the others. He met your confused and worried gaze before answering, “Heavy tanks.”

Rex, followed by Kix and Fives, got to your position. the captain had his comm on, speaking hurriedly, “Sir, we’re overpowered. we need reinforcements!”

“The rest of the battalion is holding the entrance of the gorge, captain.” Krell was on the other end, sounding about as calm and uninterested as when you called, “They're guarding it so your troops can break through to the air base.”

Jesse jerked his head up, sharing a look with Hardcase. Seemed everyone expected such a cold response, but it was still despair-inducing to hear.

A shot exploded directly on the other side of your cover. The heavy tanks were attempting to break through the trees and roots that protected everyone. Another shot hit right above you, raining scorched plant matter down.

You dove towards an unconscious, bleeding trooper and held him close, using your body to protect him from the debris. Once everything passed, you got to work stabilizing him. 

Rex continued to argue with the General, “But sir, we can’t possibly-!”

“You must stand your ground!” Pong fucking Krell shouted from his comm, “Do you read me!? Captain, are you listening? Do not fall back! That's an order!” 

Your lover was unmoving. He was paralyzed in horror that Krell would still push this suicide mission. After a few heartbeats, he shook his head. 

Two voices cried out from the otherside of the cover. You and Kix shared a look before scrambling over to grab them and drag them with the others. Your hands were on one trooper and getting his wounds under control while Kix was dealing with the other.

“Keep the wounded as quiet as possible.” The clone captain nodded to you before addressing everyone else, “Alright, you heard the general. Let's go.”

Jesse whirled around from where he kept an eye on the battlefield, “You can't be serious!”

“I used to think the General was reckless,” Fives spat, “But now I'm beginning to think he just hates clones.”

Dogma stepped forward, clear on which side he stood, “The captain is right. Now let's move out!”

The trooper, Trident, under your hands spasmed. He seized, and you did your best to get him on his side and let the seizure pass, “With who!?” you snapped, cracking under the stress, “Everyone is injured and exhausted or dead!” Trident stilled in your arms, and once you felt his neck, there was no pulse. 

The traumatic brain injury he sustained was too much for him. 

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Trident.

“Isn’t it your job to patch everyone up!?” He retorted, “With all the dead, you certainly are doing a great job!” 

Your eyes widened and Hardcase shot forward, immediately punching Dogma, sending him to the ground. “Shut the fuck up!” he shouted down at the trooper, “You’d be among the dead without Kix and-!”

“Hardcase! Enough!” Rex stepped between them, keeping his gaze level with the heavy gunner, “Fighting each other isn’t going to help.” Despite his words, he cast a glance at you.

Your eyes met him in his helmet. He was checking on you, in his own way. So you nodded, indicating that Dogma’s words didn’t affect you. You’ve been blamed before. Troopers that were grief stricken would lash out at you, blame you for your failings to save their brothers. Though, later, they’d come to you and apologize. You expected Dogma wouldn’t.

Still, you appreciated how Tup knelt to put a hand on your shoulder. Dogma didn’t look at you as he got up.

“What will help is finding another way to deal with the tanks!” Fives got into Rex’s face, clearly angry. Judging by the way his hands clenched into fists, he was ready to start getting physical too, “We can’t take them head-on.”

The captain remained steadfast, “You got any ideas?”

The ARC trooper looked down and shook his head, keeping silent.

“Then this is it.” Rex looked over at the men who remained standing, and turned to get out into the field. 

Hardcase huffed, adjusting the rocket launcher in his grip, “Ok, let's do it!” He, along with Jesse, Tup and Fives sprinted out. Kix was about to follow before he stopped and looked back. 

“Go. Send anyone hurt to me.” you nodded, remaining with the injured. He gave a salute before rushing to follow his brothers. 

Since the squad of soldiers had run out, all attention from the tank shifted to them. No longer were the trees that protected you threatening to fall or collapse from the shots. You looked over your cover, spotting the second tank that was shooting the trees across the field. Its focus was on the men who were fleeing into the foliage to hide. 

A trooper high in the branches fired a rocket. The explosive didn’t do much other than cause the massive tank to stumble. Once it corrected itself, it blasted the poor clone with its cannon.

You waited for the Umbaran to turn its focus away from that side before moving in. Your feet were quick, diving behind downed AT-RT’s, boulders and whatever other cover you could hide behind. 

Once you made it to him, you realized the trip was worthless. He was dead. Half of his body was gone the moment he was hit with cannon fire. 

But he wasn’t alone. Someone else was down, crying and writhing in pain.

Arm missing. Main problem is blood loss. Still awake. I have time. I can save him.

You got to your knees quickly, skidding on the wet ground as you did so. Your pack was off your shoulders as you began to get as many gauze pads and bandages on him as possible. Your hands were stained with his blood as you controlled the bleeding. 

“Come on,” you draped his good arm over your shoulder and stood, “I’m getting you with the others.”

You watched the tank again, waiting patiently before dashing to another point of cover. Getting back to the injured was slower this time, but you managed to get there. Leaning the trooper against a tree root, you commed Krell again, “General, I need the supplies on that speeder!” 

There was only silence. 

“General Krell!” You were desperate, and your voice was shaking from the fear. Fear for the men. Fear they wouldn’t even get a chance to survive, “General Krell, please!” 

Nothing. Unanswered. 

Your hands were shaking and you let out a frustrated, angry cry. The names of the dead replayed in your head over and over again.

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Trident.

No. You still had supplies on you. You weren’t giving up. You refused. 

A trooper stumbled over the cover, carrying an ARF trooper. You recognized Silk and Hinge.

“Doc, he needs help.” The trooper slid the injured carefully down. 

Before you even inspected him, you could tell Hinge was barely hanging on, if he was even alive. His armor was blacked and scorched. Smoke still billowed from his body. When you approached, you felt his neck. 

Nothing.

“I’m sorry, Silk.” you murmured, taking off Hinge’s helmet. Carefully, you closed his eyes before standing. 

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Jumper. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge.

“...we’re all dead, aren't we?” Silk sat down, leaning against the tree. 

You hesitated to answer. Truthfully, you thought so. You wanted to agree. To accept the truth that Krell won and lead all of you to your deaths.

But…Rex would keep fighting. Your kar’ta wouldn’t go down without taking as many separatists as possible down with him. 

You looked at your hand, testing if you could close it in the brace, luckily, you could. You could feel the movement. Feel your fingers on your palm. Your arm, despite the immense damage, was healing. Your nerves were connecting. Your veins and arteries were directing blood flow again. Your body refused to give up.

You could still fight. Just like Rex would.

“No.” your voice was resolute, “I’m not giving up.” You looked over the injured. More had managed to find your location in various states of bleeding, dying or crying, “I’m not giving up on any of you. Even if I have to pick up your rifles to protect you, I’m not giving up.”

Silk sighed and stood, “Doctor,” he saluted, “I am at your command.” 

You couldn’t help but smile softly, “I’ll need your help. Stay within cover, prioritize your safety, but look for any injured. Bring them to me.”

“I’ll help.” Hem, another ARF trooper stood, rotating his arm to stretch his shoulder, “I’m not too hurt.”

“Thank you both.” you saluted as they climbed out of the safety of the trees and roots. The ground shook with another cannon shot nearby. Thankfully, everyone seemed to be out of view. Or the Umbarans weren’t interested in killing those who couldn’t fight back. 

Still, since those heavy tanks weren’t focused on you, it allowed you to continue your job. These soldiers were your patients. They needed you. They needed your skills. And with whatever supplies you had left, you’d try to save them.

So you got to work. Triage. Deal with the more serious injuries. Prioritize. 

Your training took over. You were on autopilot weaving between the troopers. Your supplies dwindled. You ran out of painkillers and bacta entirely. Your tourniquets were the lifesavers at this point. Using them allowed you to spread your bandages and gauze pads between everyone.

Despite your effects, you still lost a few.

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno.

At some point Tup had made his way back to you, followed by Hem, carrying Zeke. Silk wasn’t accounted for, but you trusted he would be alright. 

“Doctor,” Tup got to your side, “How can i-?”

Wordlessly, you handed him bandage scissors. He looked confused, even as you removed the minimal armor plating on your sleeve. As a field doctor, armor wasn’t the priority, medical supplies were. You had some plates on your wrists, thighs and chest, but that was about it. Everything else was covered in protective clothing to allow more medical packs and more freedom of movement. 

Which came in handy, “Cut the sleeve up to my shoulder, and then cut it into long strips.” you commanded Tup. 

“Ok…don’t move. I don't want to accidentally nick you.” The poor clone sounded unsure, shy even, but did as you asked. Despite his shaky hands, he kept the shears steady enough to prevent any small injuries to your skin. Once the cloth was separated, you slipped your arm from the sleeve and returned your focus to the other troopers.

Tup was an efficient assistant. Not even a minute later he had the sleeve cut into lengthy straight strips. You grabbed them silently and used them as extra bandages. 

The ground rumbled and shook. One of the tanks was getting close. Too close. You looked up, taking a chance to peer out into the battlefield.

Three heavy tanks were damn near on top of you as they chased those on the field. Through their shining spotlights, you recognized the silhouette of Rex and Jesse running across the field. Rex had a rocket launcher, and with a broken heart, you realized Hardcase must’ve gone down. 

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Hardcase…

Hardcase.

“Doc!” You jerked your head up, Silk had returned with another trooper slung over his arm. Once he put the unconscious soldier down, he went back out into the field before you could stop him. 

Kix had found you. He was standing on top of a thick root, back to the tanks, looking over the injured you've collected. Something in him snapped because he shook his head before letting out a cry. Your medic friend began to fire his rifle in the air wildly. 

Tup shot up, “Hey, Kix, put it down! You're wasting aim!” When words didn’t work, he body slammed Kix down to the ground, saving him from the massive foot of a tank.

The Umbaran weapon turned its cannon to where Tup and Kix hit the ground. Before it could annihilate the two, it was hit by a rocket. The explosion caused it to stumble, and its powered up shot hit the branches above your triage area. 

Rex had gotten to your position, standing on a toppled tree that was part of your cover. In his arms was a smoking rocket launcher. Despite the situation, you couldn’t help but think of how handsome he looked. Smoke and ash billowing around him. Back straight, standing tall and determined. You could picture his focused gaze under his helmet now. 

The tank readjusted, stabilizing its huge legs. It focused on the captain and was then joined by the two others. They all charged their shots, ready to destroy Rex completely. You ran towards him, intending to grab his hand and…do something! Save him!

Die with him.

Just as your fingers met his, shots rained down from the dark sky. Two Umbaran starships were shooting wildly. Their guns poured out bright green bolts like water, hitting everything they pointed at. 

You looked up and inside the glowing, round cockpit of the Umbaran ships were Fives and Hardcase! They were laughing, trying to navigate the never-before-seen tech.

They were alive!

“Clear out, captain!”

“The big guns have arrived, sir!”

The 501st captain wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close to his chest as the tanks exploded. He leapt from the position on the tree and held you close. 

Their rayshields weren’t made for their own shots it seemed. They buckled and broke, breaking down and exploding from their own weaponry. That didn’t stop them from trying to shoot at the clone controlled air support. Thankfully, Fives and Hardcase were doing a good enough job flying; they managed to avoid getting shot down.

Fives and Hardcase skillfully cleared the field. They managed to keep control well enough to finally destroy the heavy tanks that have taken so many good men. As the burst and exploded, killing the Umbarans inside, there were cheers and celebrations.

“Woo-hoo!”

“Attaboy, Hardcase!” 

“Way to go Fives!”

Once Rex stood to cheer with his brothers, you dashed to Kix. The medic had calmed down and was tending to the injured, “I’m entirely out of bacta and gauze.” He looked up at you, “and I can see you’re out of bandages.” 

You nodded, snapping your focus back on the injured troopers. The fight had been brutal. Even those that had managed to get to you alive, were fading fast. For every soldier you saved, it was like two more perished from their wounds. 

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia.

You repeated their names. Over and over again in your head. As the quiet took over, Kix helped you with the hurt and dying that crawled their way to your position. You didn’t look up, even as reinforcements ran passed to take that fucking airbase.

“Doc, we need help!” Was the only statement that caused you to bring your eyes up. 

Silk managed to stumble from the smoke. His right arm had been ripped off and his chestplate was shattered. His left hand was placed over his stomach, keeping his innards inside his abdomen. 

“Kix!” You practically howled, bolting from where you were tending to Jesse’s gashed wrist. 

You sent Silk out there! You were the one who asked him to risk his life for others! 

Your hands were on him, getting him to the ground, “I got you, Silk. I got you.” You breathed, ripping off the pieces of his armor. Kix was next to you, scrambling to get the situation under control.

Tup had managed to get a hold of the medical speeder. Krell must’ve finally brought it into the gorge when reinforcements were sent in. Ken and Rin were still on the stretcher, but you didn’t pay them any mind as you threw open crates and bags, scrambling to get supplies. 

Bandages. Bacta. Gauze. Sutures.

Supply levels were low. There wasn’t enough for everyone. But you grabbed everything you could and darted back to Silk.

He was still down, but Kix had stopped trying to treat him. The medic removed his helmet and looked at you, sorrow and despair evident. 

“No!” You dropped what was in your hands and immediately straddled Silk. Your hands were on his chest as you began compressions. The cartilage of his ribs cracked and broke as you began CPR. You were in a frenzy to bring him back, throwing his helmet away to pinch his nose and breathe for him.

Something in you broke. The situation finally hit you and your mind shattered. You sent Silk out to find his brothers. Silk returned injured. Dying. It was your fault. You got Silk killed. 

Dogma was right. You had failed so many of these troopers. They relied on you to keep them alive, and you failed in your duty.

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia.

Tears blurred your vision but you weren’t going to stop. Kix said your name, but you ignored him. He grabbed your shoulder, but you shoved him off, “How long!?” you demanded before getting your lips on Silk’s to force air into his lungs. 

“4 minutes,” Kix informed you, “He’s been down for 4 minutes. It’s time to stop.”

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia.

“No it isn’t!” you snapped. Kix looked up at someone who approached. Another injured soldier? He could deal with it. You had to save Silk.

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia.

5 minutes now of compressions. 5 minutes of forcing oxygen into Silk’s lungs. 5 minutes of forcing his heart to beat. Yet it couldn’t function on its own. There was too much damage.

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia.

Someone grabbed you and you howled as if burned. Your compressions stopped to thrash and fight. You weren’t giving up. Not on Silk. Too many have been lost. You couldn’t handle losing one more. 

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia.

Whoever was holding you had fallen backwards, getting both of you to the ground. They called your name, but you refused to listen. You clawed at their armored wrist, trying to get their hold off of you.

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia.

“I’m not giving up!” Tears were running down your cheeks. You’d finally broken. Under the loss. Under the death and destruction of the soldiers you failed to save. You kicked your legs and tried to get out of the arms that had wrapped around your torso. 

Fyre. Vim. Oz. Ringo. North. Gabe. Tro. Tess. Zeb. Sante. Reign. Pheon. Dawn. Nim. Jamie. Hek. Recon. Mav. Zeo. Fisher. Hinge. Trident. Iron. Mesh. Steele. Bruno. Zeke. Jumper. Aura. Dia. Silk. 

Silk.

Silk.

Silk.

“I know.” Their words, Rex’s, finally reached you. He was hugging you from behind so tightly, “I know, Mesh’la. I know.” His helmet was off and he whispered softly into your ear.

Your breath shook as you let out a wretched sob. You’ve lost soldiers before. They’ve died under your care. But never this many. 

Too many. There were too many! 

You wept, leaning into Rex’s chest, “I’m sorry…” you cried out, “I can’t save them. I can’t…I’m sorry Rex…Please…forgive me!” Your begging and pleading devolved into more sobbing. You’ve failed him. You’ve failed the man you loved and all of his brothers.

Rex remained silent, continuing to hold you.