#left to right: kix dogma (jesse) tup appo hardcase

[arodatnak]

Early morning

[spacemagicandlaserswords]

The Clone Wars 4.10 ‘Carnage of Krell’ Reaction Take 2

Rex still trying to do everything he can to save Fives and Jesse

I hate Krell so much. So fucking much.

Ugh Jesse, why are you so broad. Those shoulders. Hnnnnnnn

Oh Jesse’s face here. My emotions

That line from Fives is a really good example of how smart and perceptive he is. Firstly, he’s figured out what Krell is doing (using Rex’s loyalty against him to control the clones) and then telling Rex this, planting the seed to finally push Rex far enough to the point of going against everything he’s been told to do and mutiny against Krell. Rex knows what is happening is wrong but he’s been stuck between the ultimate rock and a hard place.

I really get the sense Jesse is decidedly unimpressed with how this has turned out. He knew there'd be consequences but a firing squad?!

Ok, I’m just going to copy and paste what I said in my first reaction post about Kix being in the firing squad because it still stands.

WHY THE FUCK DID THEY PUT A MEDIC IN A FIRING SQUAD?! WHAT WAS KIX DOING THERE?! WHY?! WHAT KIND OF MESSED UP NONSENSE IS THIS?!

You can even see his medic symbol on his shoulder! I know from a practical, logistical perspective that he’s there because they’re running out of recognisable clones that we know. Fives and Jesse are the ones in front of the firing squad. Hardcase is dead *sobs*. Dogma is running the execution, because of course he is. Rex is there because he has to be. We don’t really know what Appo looks like. The only ones left are Tup and Kix. 

“Well, I’ve officially lost my sense of humour.” *more chest clutching and pained noises*

Oh Rex can’t look. He bows his head and closes his eyes when Dogma shouts “Aim.” He looks so sad and lost. AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH

Omg Kix’s face during Fives’ speech. He’s so anguished. AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH

Rex closed his eyes when they fired. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

This whole scene is just ALL OF THE EMOTIONS

When the whole firing squad throws down their weapons. YAAAAAAASSSSSS

“Good luck finding anyone to do it.” Rex with the badass one liners again

“It’s Captain, sir.” THE UNHOLY NOISE I LET OUT AT THIS. FUCKING GET HIM REX.

Omg Rex’s glare after this. Ugh.

Oh god, this scene. It’s so heartbreaking.

The first shot of the 212th clones in their gold getting shot and I just nooooooooo *more pained noises*

I watched this entire scene through tears while clutching my face and trying not to cry. It’s just so heartbreaking. It’s utterly emotionally devastating and one of the best scenes out of what I’ve watched in the TCW so far, and The Bad Batch as well. It was just as heart wrenching watching the second time and now I have to watch it again to try and catch all the moments that just rip out your heart one after the other.

Rex realising something’s not right

Oh, the shot of the dead 212th clone with his head tipped back and you can see his neck and chin and it’s not an Umbaran and *deeply pained noise*

Rex running through the battlefield desperately trying to get his brothers to stop firing on each other. He’s so desperate here.

The music here is fantastic and really hammering home how devastating this is.

Rex is running through an active battlefield, completely in the open, shots still flying and taking off his helmet. He’s completely exposed and that is so much guts and desperation. You can hear it in his voice too. Every time he says “clones” there’s so much urgent desperation in his voice.

Aaaaaaaah, the way Rex desperately dives and tackles that 212th clone, rips his helmet off, flips him around and basically hugs him to his chest to get everyone to see that they’re all clones *gross sobbing*. He’s holding a brother in the middle of them all trying to kill each other without realising it.

The utter look of shock and horror on that 212th clones face when Rex rips off his helmet is also just as heartbreaking.

Ok, I know this is an utterly heartbreaking scene but the shot where the 212th and 501st clones step up to face each other is so beautiful and so well done. The cinematography throughout this entire arc has been stunning and utterly gorgeous.

A lot of the 212th clones look like standard regulation clones whereas a lot of the 501st clones have personalised and individualised appearances, like tattoos and different hair. This is only something I noticed when all the 212th clones took off their helmets and stepped up opposite the 501st clones in the shot above. I’m curious as to why this is and, baring logistical animation reasons, I wonder if there’s a little bit of hero worship in there for their Marshal Commander. Apart from his very distinctive facial scar, Cody looks just like a standard regulation clone. I should imagine the 212th really look up to him and there might be a little bit of trying to emulate him in the way their appearance appears so standard. They all want to be like their ori’vod.

Oh the utterly anguished faces on Rex and that 212th clone. And then the way he falls onto the floor in despair.

Rex falling to his knees and clutching his head. *DEEPLY PAINED WAILING*

I am still tearing up at this.

Omg Tup’s “What have we done?” is so full of pain, anguish and horror.

This is the start of Dogma realising everything’s gone wrong.

“He’s still alive.” Kix, delivering that line, in that manner, that’s not a good thing. Meaning he’s still alive, but he’s not going to be for much longer. Oh Waxer.

Waxer lying slumped there with a sticker of Numa on his bucket. *pained noises*

Rex is so gentle and caring and comforting here. You can tell just how much he cares.

I didn’t realise Waxer puts his hand on Rex’s shoulder.

Just realised these are literally Waxer’s dying breaths. Now I’ve made myself even more sad.

“But…it was…*tear falls*...you”

The way Waxer’s tear falls and the little almost sob he makes before he says “you” and the terrified and horrified expression on his face is just, I don’t have the words.

Rex has this really open, sad and devastated expression and then his face hardens and his jaw moves and sets. That man is out for justice and nothing is going to get in his way. Rex is on the warpath now.

That moment when all the 501st and 212th clones step forward as one after Rex basically asks them to commit treason. That was so badass. Yassssssss

This is where that gif of Rex and the clones marching and looking all badass as Rex puts his helmet comes from. I was kind of expecting it to be a bigger moment but this is something I’ve come to realise that a lot of these major moments for the clones that appear in gifs all the time are often really quick, blink and you’ll miss it moments in the show.

Dammit Dogma, you were so close to figuring it out!

Love the way the fancy sci-fi floor of the brig moves down and Rex comes right into view standing there looking all badass.

Rex standing there facing Krell, flanked by his men and backlit by the fancy sci-fi lighting. He just spends his entire time looking all badass.

“It’s treason, then.” Yes fuck face, time for you to die!

“Explain your actions.” Ahahahahahah yassssssss get him Rex.

One thing I don’t get is why some of the clones are running at Krell? You’re just going to get sliced in half with his lightsabers! There’s one shot of a 212th clone just running straight at Krell and that's exactly what happens. What did you think was going to happen?!

“...by creatures bred in some laboratory!” Fuck. Right. Off.

Ffs Dogma

I really get the sense there’s a lot of meaning and experiences behind Rex’s little speech here. Especially the references to not being droids. This is where that quote “You have to learn to make your own decisions.” comes from.

You can see Dogma doubting himself the entire time here but it’s Tup that finally gets through to him and makes him lower his weapon.

Lmao of course the evil baddie gets the disembodied monologue with the echoing voice and the maniacal laughter.

Holy fuck we just see a clone get impaled by a lightsaber. So much for being an “animated kids TV show”. That was brutal. Omg it happens 3 more times as well, fuck. And then Krell just breaks the spine of another clone over his knee. Flinching at this.

Oh, that is clever Tup.

Didn’t notice this before but that’s Kix next to Rex when he’s telling the troopers to lure Krell towards Tup. You can see the medic symbol on his shoulder.

Omg Krell just impaled another clone. Fuck me this is brutal.

When Krell is running towards Tup, just before he steps on the Umbaran sarlacc tentacle, you can see Tup lower his blaster and sort of slump and turn away.

Deeply enjoying seeing Krell getting thrown around by the Umbaran sarlacc.

Yaaaaaaaaasssss go Tup!

Also enjoying Rex roll Krell over with his boot. Kind of harks back to earlier in the arc when Krell did the same to a dead clone. Have some of your own medicine you bastard.

Yes yes, serious scene and all that, but Rex standing with his legs wide apart as the sci-fi floor in the brig descends is just uuuuuuugh. That is a stance.

“Because you’re inferior.” This is just fuelling my hatred for Krell at this point

Jesse’s concerned face and little nose scrunch listening to Krell saying the Jedi are going to lose the war :(

Oh Dogma, you poor thing. His little heartbroken and devastated face. He thought he was doing the right thing and he was just being manipulated the entire time.

It’s a really tiny moment but when we get the shot of Rex snarling in disgust at Krell, you can see Jesse and Fives over his shoulders. Jesse still looks concerned, worried and shocked at what he’s just heard about how the war is going to end. Fives just looks pissed and completely unimpressed. 

I saw this earlier but forgot to note it. Rex has a little darker mark on the back of his head. It’s in the middle, just above his hairline. 

Ah, so this is what Appo looks like. No wonder I can never recognise him. He’s got a standard regulation clone haircut and no tattoos. The only way I can tell it’s him is the white downwards pointing arrow on the forehead of his bucket. He does have blue pauldrons though and a slightly different blue marking on his chest plate that kind of looks like an abstract version of the Eiffel tower.

That’s the moment Rex realises he needs to kill Krell

Oh the utterly devastated look on Dogma’s face. You poor, poor thing.

I get the distinct impression Fives is pretty unimpressed with Dogma, which kind of makes sense seeing as they’re basically opposites. Fives believes in doing what is right, even if it means disobeying orders and especially if the orders are wrong. He said as much in his speech. Dogma’s entire existence up until this point has been about following orders, no matter what they are.

“On your knees.” Yes very serious scene and all that but also omg sir yes sir immediately sir

Jesse’s little nose scrunch as he angrily jabs the Umbaran control panel. I adore him so much.

Oh man, you can really see how much Rex is struggling already. It’s written plainly across his face.

“I said, On. Your. Knees.” The unholy noises that just came out of me. Omg sir I just hnnnnnnnnnn

Oh poor Rex. He’s struggling so much. He’s shaking. When have we ever seen Rex shake before? You can see how much he’s battling with himself. He’s going through so many emotions you can basically see his internal battle play out on his face. 

I think there’s a moment where Rex realises he can’t follow through with it before…

FUCK YES DOGMA

That shot is definitely framed so it initially looks like Rex has shot Krell before he lowers his gun and we see Dogma holding Fives’ blaster. It's even smoking.

Both Fives and Dogma’s faces here are utterly heartbreaking. Dogma looks so broken and Fives just looks so sad. I think in this moment he also realises he’s been wrong about Dogma. Or at least respects him for what he did.

So the last we see of Dogma is him being loaded onto a LAAT/i in binders. I wish we found out about what happens to him.

Rex looks so sad and resigned as Fives tells him that Umbara’s been taken.

Fives saying “We took Umbara.” immediately followed by a shot of a clone on a stretcher and other injured clones really hammers home the message of how pointless this all was.

“What’s the point of all this? I mean, why?” Rex saying what we’re all thinking.

“But I do know that someday this war is gonna end.” Oh Fives, if only you knew *sobs*

“Then what? We’re soldiers. What happens to us then?” Oh Rex, if only you knew *sobs harder*

In the group shot at the end, it’s Tup, Fives, Jesse and Rex. Out of all of them, only Rex makes it out alive. Tup, Fives and Jesse all die. And all of their deaths are caused by, or directly connected to, the inhibitor chips. Fuck that’s grim.

Ok I’m emotionally devastated all over again so I’m going to go curl up into a ball and sob about clones again.

[airasilver]

Headcanons, also AU:

501st/Torrent:

Tup is always the baby of Torrent, Dogma is Echo’s baby (in that he is exactly like him before Echo realized things), Echo is the oldest out of him and Fives, Jesse is the second oldest but acts like he’s younger, Hardcase is the middle child, Kix is also the middle child but he’s the only one other than Rex they listen to (if Kix gives orders even Rex listens), and Rex is Buir/ori'vod depending on who’s with him. (Tup, Fives, and Echo for sure he’s Buir.) I also, thanks to fanon, headcanon Kix and Jesse as both married and siblings. Same with Echo and Fives being twins/in a relationship. Dogma and Tup are usually brothers to me.

Appo is really in charge with Vaughn being SIC. The two of them decided that they rather not deal with the craziness. So Rex, who's as crazy as the rest, he just doesn't act like it most of the time, was nominated to be 'in charge' by them. Jesse can actually be really mature, he just likes being a nuisance, which is why he's the SIC. Appo still fills out all the paperwork. It's an open secret but no one does anything because it works.

Anakin is close to Padme and yes they married but they aren't really together. It was a ruse in a way. They're going to divorce/annull it after the war. He also is calmer and never killed the Tusken children or their mothers. Just the men.

Ahsoka knows she can get away with anything....until Cody or Obi-Wan get involved. She stays with Anakin and calls him master but everyone in the two battalions know that she's Obi-Wan's Padawan. Since Obi-Wan is in charge of the 7th Sky Corps he's in alot more serious battles than Anakin, it's safer for her to stay with the 501st.

I got nothing on the others.

212th/Ghost:

Wooley is the baby hands down, Longshot is actually older than everyone except Cody and more put together, Boil and Waxer are in love/siblings. Crys is technically the medic of Torrent but when Kix came along he asked for a transfer. He thought it be quieter in the 212th, Crys forgot, until it was to late, that most of the 501st was part of the 212th to start with. Not to mention Obi-Wan is actually worse than Anakin. He just looks like he is better when they are together.

Cody won't admit it but he said the adoption vow to Anakin as soon as he could, like two minutes after meeting him. This was after meeting Obi-Wan face to face and before falling for the red head. Anakin knows he's adopted by Cody, he just doesn't want to admit it. Ahsoka though was adopted as soon as Cody could do it after Christophis. It was while on a com with Windu and Plo and no Wolffe, she's my daughter, not yours.

Obi-Wan never hid the fact he had to fake his death from Ghost, he tried to hide it from his kids but Cody told Anakin and Ahsoka after the 'funeral'. (Anakin was more mad at the fact that Obi-Wan wouldn't tell them but the Vode than he was that Obi-Wan was 'killed'.) Obi-Wan does sleep and eat. It just doesn't seem like it. He and Cody alternate on who answers comms and etc, it's just always Obi-Wan that people see.

The Wolfpack:

Wolffe got his name not because of his biting or howling, that's something they all do, the Wolfpack is the only one to admit it, but because of his eyes and grin.

Comet might have come late into the pack but he's never left alone or wondering if he belongs. He's their baby, Wolffe adopted him right away. Contillary to belief Plo doesn't adopt all his battalion. That's Wolffe. Plo adopts but he also shares with others (Ahsoka, Anakin, Bant being examples).

Corrie Guard/Quinlan:

Boba was 'technically' never in jail. Palpatine and the Senate were told he was. He was visiting his family/hiding when Obi-Wan went in. The escapes? Was part of Fox's plan to help Obi-Wan. Quinlan will say it was his plan but it was Fox's.

Boba stays on Corescant because that is where Jango is stationed. He just hides because of Sidious and Dooku trying to get him to use him against his siblings.

Fox is in charge of the Vode when on Corescant. The Alphas are over all, even Cody, with Jango, pretending to be one of his ad, actually in charge.

Quinlan just showed up at the Guard station one day and never really left. If he did another Shadow took over his duties, the Guard didn't have a Jedi at first but when Vos showed up they got one.

Jedi/other Vode:

Yoda talks about commitment and love but he adores everyone of the Jedi. His favorite is not Obi-Wan surprisingly. He is a favorite but not his favorite. That privilege goes to Cal, Grogu, and Feemor.

Feemor might seem as if he doesn't know Obi-Wan, Anakin, or Ahsoka but he does. They all live together with Torrent and Ghost always rotating in and out.

Mace had adopted Depa and Caleb is his baby grandson, no I'm not giving him back. He's also adopted Obi-Wan which means he's technically Anakin's grandfather.

Depa knows Mace is in love with Ponds but won't do anything. So she and Grey conspire. They are now married with Caleb and Stance as two of their oldest (Mace loves the fact that he has more grandchildren). Ponds is the first who makes a move, he was captured but not killed since it was to get Sing, after Grey and Depa get married. Neyo is not interested in relationships so he and Adi Gallia just laugh at all the chaos.

Cal, Caleb, and other Padawans are not allowed on battlefields if under a certain age, 16. The Council uses technology that Tech made with other vod to make it seem as if they are there when they aren't. It's usually a shiny pretending to be the Padawans. The Vode consider it to be a honor to be chosen. (Jabiim was where the technology was first used. The Padawan Pack is 'dead' but actually with Mandalorians that Jango trusts.) While the Council and the rest of the Jedi know it's used, no one ever is told for certain to protect themselves and others. Even Ahsoka uses the technology except when she can't.

Omega is not on Kamino. She's with Arla who is the one that disperses the Padawans, cadets, littles, and younglings among the Mandalorians.

Satine is the figure head but she, doesn't like it, goes along with Jango's orders. Death Watch is still around but Pre isn't in charge/part of it. He and Jango did fight for the Darksaber and when Jango won, Pre went to, with Jango's permission, the Children Of The Watch. It's keeping his family safe.

Children Of The Watch are the spies of Mandalore. They are in a lot of the galaxy so they send information back all the time. They are also where brings who want to disappear but still be Mandalorian go. Basically the Mandalorians version of witness protection.

[greaterawarness]

501st and 212th Workout

(I wanted to write a story with the clones with more realistic military things. So here's what a PT day looks like in the military.)

It was 0400 by the time Rex made it out to the grinder. It was a brisk morning with dew settled on every surface making goosebumps appear across Rex’s exposed arms and legs. Today was PT for the 501st and the 212th. They usually worked out in the mornings together at minimum three times a week when not on deployment. Rex stands towards the front of the grinder in his PT uniform which entailed a white shirt where Ahsoka had drawn his jaig eyes on his back and blue shorts. He began to rub his arms wishing he had worn the long-sleeved shirt and workout pants.

“Morning!” Cody calls walking onto the grinder in his white shirt and yellow shorts per the 212th PT uniform.

“Fucking cold!” Rex yells back. Cody was one of those anomalies who loved early workouts. Didn’t matter the weather or what type of workout he was always gearing to go. The man hasn’t even had any caf yet, but he wears a big eager smile on his face when he approaches Rex. They’re the first ones out there which is no surprise to either of them. Rex results to hopping up and down to generate some warmth by the time the men start showing up. Kix being the reasonable and smart man he is wears his long-sleeved shirt and long pants while Jesse winces the second he steps outside the way Rex did. Hardcase always wears the long-sleeved shirt and the shorts no matter the weather. They approach Rex and Cody looking more eager to go back to bed then to stand in the grinder waiting to start a workout.

“Morning.” Kix says softly. Jesse says nothing with his shoulders hunched and teeth chattering.

“Morning.” Rex and Cody say chuckling at Hardcase who can barely keep his eyes open. After those three arrive the rest of the men begin pouring out onto the grinder. When Fives and Echo approach Rex, Fives has his hands up rubbing his nipples through his shirt.

“First round at 79’s is on me if the first words out of that boy’s mouth aren’t ridiculously stupid.” Cody mutters to Rex.

“Fuck Cody I don’t want to play this game.” Rex mumbles back already knowing Cody will win. Echo opens his mouth to speak but Fives beats him to it.

“My nipples are hard boys.” Fives says still rubbing them and looking around to see if anyone else was doing the same. Rex lets out a long and disappointing sigh through his nose with a small shake of his head. Cody turns facing behind Rex with his hand rubbing his chin in an attempt to hide his laughing. Echo closes his eyes to possibly stop himself from smacking Fives.

“Good morning Captain.” Echo says opening his eyes again.

“Morning Echo.” Rex sighs before Echo elbows Fives in the ribs.

“Fuck Kix switch shirts with me!” Jesse finally pleads before they start forming up with the other men.

“I’m not rewarding you for being unprepared.” Kix says as they take their spots. The 501st form up on the right while the 212th form up on the left.

“Okay first, it is cold and even mynipples are hard, so I don’t know if that really constitutes as something ridiculously stupid!” Rex hisses to Cody when his men are out of ear shot. Cody just throws his head back laughing. Ahsoka slowly emerges from the crowds of men with a deep frown on her face.

“I’m offended by how cold it is this morning.” She mumbles standing beside them. Rex grins crossing his arms.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Cold? Commander Cody is it cold to you?” Rex asks. Cody tilts his head as if thinking.

“No, not familiar with that word.” He says. They both grin while Ahsoka rolls her eyes.

“Its to early for you two.” She groans rubbing her face.

“I’m cold!” Jesse calls from the ranks. Rex shakes his head as they wait for the last few stragglers to form up. Boil walks up from the 212th with a datapad.

“Here’s the roster.” He says with a yawn. Cody takes it and scrolls through the names. Appo finally makes it to the front with the datapad for Rex.

“Cutting it late there you think?” Rex says taking the datapad from him.

“Had to make sure the new guys had PT gear.” Appo shrugs. Rex frowns while scrolling through the roster. That’s right. Clone Force Zero. Rex watches as they walk around the rows of men to stand in front. They all wear 501st PT gear looking uncomfortable. X stands bored. Side-eye can’t stop yawning. Stitch and Flex can’t stop looking around the grinder while rubbing their arms from the cold. Ghost looks like he had just walked out naked and pushes himself against Side-eye with arms hugged tightly to his sides.

“How was your first night?” Rex asks trying to pull a smile on his face. X gives a shrug.

“It was like sleeping on a bunk bed in a warehouse full of snoring men.” X says crossing his arms. Rex keeps the forced smile on.

“Oh good.” He says through gritted teeth. “You can just fall in with the 501st.”

When they’re walking towards the back Rex lets out a sigh and shakes his head.

“Was that the clones Master told me about?” Ahsoka asks staring after them.

“Yeah, odd bunch that one.” Rex says trying to focus on the roster. Appo turns and waves into the crowd for someone to come up front. Rex watches two clones slowly walk forward.

“Captain, these are the two new members that got in last night.” Appo says with the two clones standing at full attention. Some men in the ranks laugh at their stiffness.

“At ease men,” Rex chuckles. They loosen up but in a stiff way. “What’s your names?”

“CT-5385 Sir!” The clone with a bun says snapping back to attention. Rex holds up a hand to try and calm the seriousness from these two.

“No, not the CT numbers,” Rex says hearing Cody chuckle beside him. “I’m Captain Rex, this is Commander Cody. And your names are…?”

“Ah I’m—I’m called Tup Sir.” The one with the bun says. The other one who Rex stopped before spouting CT numbers has a V tattooed across his left eye.

“I’m Dogma Sir.” Dogma says. Rex gives them a smile.

“Welcome to the 501st,” Rex says. “Fall back in so we can start the warmup.”

Appo leads them back into the ranks of 501st. Rex signals Fives to fall out. He hands him the datapad.

“You get to take muster.” Rex says. Cody hands the datapad back to Boil before they both stand in front of their men.

“Atten-tion!” Rex calls making both the 501st and 212th pop to attention. He steps back letting Boil and Fives walk forward.

“501ST attention to muster. When you hear your name sound off!” Fives starts. Boil does the same for the 212th. While they give muster, Rex has to fight the urge to spill everything about Clone Force Zero but not wanting to disclose anything to Commander Tano to soon. He peaks down at Ahsoka who rolls her shoulders slowly waking herself up.

“I don’t know how you talk me into these things Ani…” a voice sighs to the side. Rex smiles at Senator Amidala and General Skywalker walking across the grinder. It wasn’t odd for the Senator to join their morning workouts.

“Good morning Senator. Working out with us today?” Rex greets her. She gives him a warm smile and then an eye roll at General Skywalker.

“Yes, I was talked into it somehow.” She says eyeing the General. The General just grins with his hands on his hips more energetic in the morning then normal.

“It’s good for you,” The General starts. “Besides, the boys always seem more motivated when you’re around.”

He gestures out at the men who have perked up since seeing the Senator. Rex and Cody exchange a look before General Kenobi walks through the ranks.

“Blast this morning chill,” He says standing next to Cody. Both General’s wear the same PT gear as the clones except with a brown shirt instead of white. Ahsoka does the same except Rex and Fives tried drawing her face markings on her back. It doesn’t really look like them, but they tried. Many of the men have decided to make even their workout uniform unique. Hardcase scribbled GET THESE GAINS on the back of his. Kix had #MEDIC. Jesse proudly wears I DON’T WANT TO BE HERE on the back of his. Jesse’s wasn’t Rex’s favorite. Fives has IF FOUND RETURN TO ECHO while Echo has, I’M ECHO on the back of his. Echo still insists to have a blue handprint stamped over the right side of his chest. Rex got a kick out of all the messages his men wrote on their shirts. It started somewhat of a trend with the other clones. He’s been noticing more and more clones have been writing or even drawing things on their workout uniforms. “Well don’t delay on my behalf. Let’s get this over with.”

When muster is over, they start the warmup. It’s a series of basic exercises with ten four counts. The 501stand 212th try and outdo the other by who can count the loudest. Rex always felt sorry for the nobles living near the Jedi Temple. They probably never imagined they’d be woken up at 0500 to a clone army warming up. when the warmups done, they decide to do a Temple run.

“Alright, fast runners will be in group A with General Kenobi while slow runners will be in group B with General Skywalker.” Cody explains with the men breaking up into two groups. Ahsoka starts towards group B.

“Uh-uh come on kid.” Rex says leading her back to group A. she lets out a groan but doesn’t argue further. Cody stretches at the front of group A with General Kenobi. Normally General Kenobi would lead group B but with the Senator here General Skywalker volunteered to lead the slow group. All of Clone Force Zero stands in group A with mixed emotions of boredom or eagerness to get started. X turns his head meeting Rex’s eyes as if he could sense him staring. Rex looks away feeling a chill run up his spine. His thoughts are interrupted with Fives shouting towards the back of group A. Rex walks towards the back raising an eyebrow.

“Curse you and your slow running speeds!” He yells back to group B where Echo holds a hand up shielding his face as if it could hide him from Fives dramatics.

“Fuck sakes Fives its just a run.” Kix says in group A. Jesse leans on Kix’s shoulder.

“Yeah, Hardcase is a slow runner too but you don’t see us crying over it.” Jesse laughs giving a little wave to Hardcase in group B. Hardcase shoots Jesse the bird.

“Well since you’ve abandoned me, I’ll have to find a new running partner,” Fives says before grabbing the first clone he sees. He wraps his arm around Tup’s shoulders. “I’ll just run with… what’s your name again?”

“Tup.” Tup says uneasily.

“Tup!” Fives yells. Echo rolls his eyes while Jesse and Kix laugh. Rex walks back to the front where General Kenobi and Cody raise an eyebrow at him. He just shakes his head and waves them away in a you don’t want to know manner. With everyone in their groups they begin.

Group A always takes the lead in a steady pace with group B not far behind. Clones weren’t slow but some definitely were better runners then others. Rex had always struggled with running in the past. He never had that natural speed that others like Ahsoka or Cody had. He had to work for it and he still has to maintain a decent running schedule to keep his pace. Once they hit the one mile mark the groups begin to fizzle into everyone’s own speed. Group A and group B have now turned into a long line of runners around the Temple. Rex was impressed to see Tup near the front with General Kenobi, Ahsoka, Cody, and Rex. Fives struggled to keep the pace with his new running partner.

“Why don’t you fall back to Echo? He probably misses his running buddy?” Rex calls to Fives.

“Yeah… Echo… probably… does miss me!” Fives pants before slowing his speed. Rex gives Tup a grin before slowing his own speed. Cody gives him a look before slowing his own speed so they could run beside each other. With everyone a mile and a half in they were focused on their breathing and running speed.

“What’s going on?” Cody asks calmly. Rex peaks back at X and his men. They aren’t far behind them, but they also look like they haven’t even broken a sweat. They aren’t even trying. They could probably blow right past Rex and the other leading runners. Rex tells Cody everything he heard from X’s little meeting. Cody doesn’t answer at first as they take a turn.

“I mean… who gave them their orders? It wasn’t the Jedi that’s for sure.” Rex says with a small shake of his head.

“I keep thinking back to the first time we saw them fight. I’ve never seen any clone fight that way and I’m guilty of going hand to hand with droids all the time.” Cody says. Cody glances at Rex. “You don’t think they could be with the Seppies do you?”

“I’m not sure… If they are then how did the Seppies get ahold of five clones? Did they desert and make a deal with them like Slick?” Rex thought out loud. When they hit the two-mile mark, he was having a harder time thinking. Cody looked unfazed with only the sweat dripping down his forehead as sign of struggle.

“And another question is where did they get those weapons? I know they aren’t from Kamino.” Cody nods. “I have a bad feeling about this Rex ol’ boy.”

“Me too. But we can’t just start making accusations without proof. We’ll have to keep an eye on them until we have something we can bring to the Jedi.” Rex says. Cody opens his mouth to say something when someone runs past them so fast it nearly caused Rex to trip. X and Side-eye run ahead passing General Kenobi and Ahsoka. Rex frowns feeling his speed pick up.

“Hey!” Ahsoka yells before chasing after them. Rex and Cody reach General Kenobi who frowns after X. Ahsoka catches up to him. He smiles and says something they can’t hear. Ahsoka says something back before laughing and running beside them the rest of the way. Something stirred in Rex that made his blood hot. Rex can’t keep his eyes off X and Ahsoka. He didn’t think X would actually try and hurt her out in the open with two clone battalions running behind him. And even if he did Ahsoka was more than capable of handling herself but he still felt protective over her. She was just a kid after all.

When they finally reach five miles they come to a panting stop in the grinder. There was a small victory in seeing X and his men panting as much as Rex. When General Skywalker and Senator Amidala reach the grinder, she bends over to put her hands on her knees panting. Running at her speed was no challenge for the General who looked less worn compared to everyone else. Hardcase rolls on his back when he reaches the grinder and pants loudly while complaining.

“He lives!” Kix calls before walking over to Hardcase. Jesse places a foot on Hardcase’s stomach who makes a gaging noise.

“He pukes, you two clean it up!” Rex says snaping his fingers at them. Echo and Fives roll in with Echo placing his hands on his knees while Fives walks around with his hands over his head. They watch as all their men reach the grinder and slowly crawl back into formation. Not wanting to waste any time Rex and Cody stand in front of their men leading them in stretches. When the cooldown is down, they let their men go.

“501ST, we have duty tomorrow! Stand by for the watch bill!” Rex calls out before being answered with groans and moans. He looks over at Ahsoka and X still talking and sharing laughs. General Skywalker walks up to them when Rex does.

“Nah, I beat you!” Ahsoka says putting her hands on her hips.

“You must have used the Force or something because I was in the lead.” X says placing a hand on his chest.

“Master, tell X I’m faster then him!” Ahsoka says looking to the General.

“No way. I’m staying out of this.” He says with a chuckle and putting a hand on his hips.

“Fine, you won. But I want a rematch Commander.” X says crossing his arms.

“Oh, you’re on.” She says with a grin before walking back towards the temple.

“Settling in nicely I see.” The General says to X. X pulls a smile on and nods at the General.

“Everyone’s been very hospitable.” He says eyeing Rex who shifts his weight beside the General.

“Glad to hear,” The General says before looking back at the Senator as she approaches them. “If you’ll excuse me boys, I have to make sure the Senator makes it home safe.”

“I’m more then capable of doing that on my own.” The Senator raises an eyebrow at him with a smile.

“I know but it’s my duty as a Jedi ensure your safety!” The General says as they start walking away. When the General is out of ear shot X’s smile fades.

“Well,” X starts when Rex faces him. “This was a nice little jog. Me and the boys are going to shower. See you around Rex ol’ boy.”

The hair on the back of Rex’s neck stands on end. He watches X walk back towards the temple with his men. Cody and General Kenobi walk over to stand next to Rex.

“I don’t like that bunch.” Rex says narrowing his eyes at him.

“Patience Captain,” General Kenobi sighs. “They will reveal their true intentions in time.”

With nothing else to do Rex makes his way towards the Temple with Cody and the General. They change the subject to past tactics, but Rex couldn’t keep X out of his head. There was something off about him and it wasn’t just his armor or his weapons. It’s how he carries himself. How he acts. Everything about him was so familiar but Rex couldn’t pinpoint from where. Rex shakes his head. Maybe he was just paranoid. He decided he wouldn’t think about them for now. Now he has to prepare a watch bill for tomorrow and keep the 501st out of trouble while they awaited their next deployment. That alone was hard enough.

Click HERE to read full story on AO3.

[megafrost4]

UMBARA

Episode 7: Darkness on Umbara

The first step towards loyalty is trust

Krell is helping Obi-Wan’s 212th to meet Anakin ARC trooper Fives accompanying 501st

Anakin: does my battalion have to do everything?

“You hangin in there, Tup?” 🥺

“so far, so good, Captain” ☺️

Walkers charging the Umbarans…this is a spooky planet😳

One trooper didn’t even land off the ship and got shot…🥺

Rex: The other battalions are counting on us!

Tup: I can’t even see the enemy

Jesse: that’s why they’re called the shadow people, Tup!

OMG those monsters 😱

Hardcase: that’s not right!

Way to go Fives throwing a grenade down 🙌🙌

Nice work, Fives

Fives: Hardcase, yeh?

Hardcase: that’s what they call me

Rex! Hello bae ❤️

Rex: the General’s given you an order

Anakin: good thinking, Rex ❤️

HE TRUSTS HIS CAPTAIN! I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING HERE, FILONI...BUT IT'S OK, WE DESPISED KRELL FROM MINUTE ONE

Jesse: good old Oddball, always on target

Hardcase: that’ll teach em

Krell...🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Anakin: I can’t just leave my men

Rex: don’t worry about a thing, sir 🥺

Anakin: you won’t find a more loyal trooper anywhere ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rex: it is an honor to serve you, General ✊

Krell is a BITCH 🤬

Rex: just treat him with respect, and we’ll all get along fine 🥺

Krell: anyone else wanna stop & play with the animals? Keep moving!

They’ve been keeping up for 12 hours???? Baes…I’m so sorry 🥺🥺

Krell: the men don’t need rest 🤬🤬🤬FUCK YOU🤬🤬🤬

HOW DARE YOU CALL HIM BY HIS NUMBER 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

With all due respect, sir…

Krell: are you questioning my order? 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Rex is trying SO DAMN HARD to be respectful

Krell is the rudest bitch 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Hardcase

Jesse: well, leave it to Hardcase to dive in head first 😏

Fives: well, what if he’s wrong, then what?

Rex: this isn’t the time for debate

Tup: eh, it’s too quiet out there

Hardcase: YOU WANT A PIECE OF THIS????

Jesse: I think Hardcase made em mad!

Hardcase: MAKE EM EAT HEAT!!!!

Rex: if we can pull them back we can see them, if we can see them, we can hit them YES BAE, LOOK AT HIM

FALL BACK

Krell: feeble minded clones, get in there and save their necks! 🤬🤬

Hardcase: HAHAHA WHERE YA GOING? GET BACK HERE!

CT7567 do you have a malfunction in your design🤬🤬🤬

FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU I WILL KILL YOU

Krell HOW DARE YOU JAB HIM IN THE CHEST 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Meanwhile, Fives 😳

Rex: not clones, MEN 🤬

I also have another duty to protect those men

Krell: all right Captain Rex, your opinion has been noted

HE ADDRESSED HIM BY HIS NAME 😳

FILONIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Episode 8: The General

The path of ignorance is guided by fear

Rex: Jesse take the right flank, Dogma, take the left

Kix: you’ll be ok, buddy, this will ease the pain 🥺❤️

He still calls him Captain Rex, so…yay? 😒

Jesse: you know I wasn’t sure Krell was crazy before, but now, I’m sure

No reckon, no air support *bangs head with helmet* GOSH YOU'RE SO ADORABLE JESSE

Rex takes Fives aside

Rex: that’s the price of war, Fives

Fives: you believe that, or is that what you were made to believe? 🤨

Rex: I believe my code, that’s what I believe 😠

Rex, Fives and Hardcase each lead a group

Oh, skrag…

Dang these centipedes are awful 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

Kix: I got him…I got him KIX TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS GO OFF

Kix drags him away

Good job Rex!

Krell watching up top like a 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 BITCH

Rex got yeeted by the force of the blast but got up like a boss yes! HE'S SO GOOD LIKE THAT...MY MAN CAN HANDLE ANYTHING!

Rex just shooting him as he walks by, so casually 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Rex: hey, Kix, leave it 🤣

Krell just watching like a 🤬BITCH

Sergeant Appo with Krell

Kix: help me with the wounded!

We gotta get these guys out of here 🥺🥺🥺🥺

Rex: forget it we have to leave them 🥺

Kix: we can’t just leave them 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

You sound like General Krell, now…😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳

CT7567 where are you? 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

“Or you will be relieved of duty…” 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Rex: I’m trusting Fives and Hardcase

Hardcase: I’m sorry, that’s just how I am…made me, hyperactive I guess AND WE ADORE YOU FOR IT, HON ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Hardcase: uh…how am I supposed to do this exactly….🤨

Fives: figure it out! 😒

Hardcase: figure it out, how about you figure it out…I'd prefer a good fight to all this sneaking around 😒😒😒😒😒😒

Fives: I never thought that would actually work 🤨

Hardscase: so how do I start this thing? 🤨

Fives: well, how should I know? Start pressing buttons! 😠

Hardcase: giggling as he spins

Fives shooting them upside down laughing THIS IS SO WHOLESOME

Omg they’re so adorable! Damn Rex, with his rocket launcher like yes

Them laughing is so precious they are having so much fun!

WAY TO GO BOYS!

ATTA BOY, HARDCASE

Krell: impressive…🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Flames seen in his eyes…could it be more obvious? 😒😒😒😒

Rex: despite Hardcase’s flying, you two saved us all 🤣

Rex is upset they lost a lot of men…clutches his fist 🤬

FILONIIIIIIIII

Episode 9: Plan of Dissent

The wise man leads, the strong man follows.

Hardcase checking up on Fives working on a ship

Gosh, Rex is so beautiful

Krell: blasted insurgents🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Rex cuts his eyes angrily 😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠

Rex: what can I do? I tried to reason with him

Jesse: great, another suicide mission 😒

Dogma: obviously General Krell knows what he’s doing

Fives: HE HAS NO RESPECT FOR US TELL THEM BAE!

Rex: sir, with all do respect…

He is still treating Krell with respect REX YOU ARE TOO GOOD

Krell: are you troops now pilots? 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Rex: but they are able to learn and adapt quickly ❤️

Rex: the…assault on the capital will continue as planned

Jesse: so that’s it 🤨

Fives: we just do our plan

Rex: you will be court-marshalled 😠

Jesse: come on if Hardcase can do it

Tup: yeah, he was just crashing 🤣

Jesse: uh, here comes Dogma 😒

Dogma: what’s going on? 🤨

Hardcase: uh, nothing 😳

Rx: we are not independent of one another

Fives: but I am not just another number, none of us are! 😭

Hardcase: I got it…bumps

Fives: Hardcase, what are you doing? 🤨

Hardcase: If I knew I wouldn’t be doing it! 😱😱😱😱😱

Krell: what’s going on down here?? 🤬

Fives: uh, nothing’s out of control here…uuuuuhhh, we are decrypting the alien hardware, sir

Krell: who is this? What’s your CT number

Hardcase: got it. I got it. It’s easy…😳🤗

Fives: what are you crazy???? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Hardcase: it’s a malfunction, no harm done

Sir…the booby trap, went off 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

…if I had not taken control…

Fives: nice work

Hardase: we can sneak in and be out before Krell knows anything

Jesse: I’m in…we just need a plan

Fives: already got one 😎

Rex lets Hardcase, Jesse and Fives do their plan

Rex: I can’t help you if you get caught

Clones snoring is so cute❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Dogma wakes Tup up, noticing they’re gone

He wants to tell the General

Dogma: do you really want to be court-marshalled?

Rex: smiles curiously at them flying off

Jesse: you know, I’m only doing this cause I don’t like him 😒

Hardcase: I’m just doing this for fun 🤣❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Huge space fight!

Fives: Easy Hardcase, don’t get an itchy trigger finger

Rex took responsibility so they could not get in trouble, aw 🥺

Hey, where are you two going? I asked you a question troopers!

Dogma and Tup…HE IS YOUR CAPTAIN

Dogma: on second thought, it was not that important

Rex: yeah, that’s what I thought 🤬

[missiles whooshing]

Hardcase: this is for the 501st, do it for them!

Jesse: if I know Hardcase, we better leave

Damit Hardcase! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Rex smirks when he sees it explode in the sky

Rex turns to look over his shoulder

Krell has summoned them 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Rex takes initiative once again…it was my idea 🥺

Rex: Fives!

Rex…poor things…

Krell: make no mistake for crossing me you will pay the price 🤬🤬

FILONIIIIII

Episode 10: Carange of Krell

Our actions define our legacy

Rex asks one more time to reconsider

Krell: some clones are just…defective 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Krell: I’m afraid they’ll need to be disposed of 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Rex: what? But sir! 🥺

Fives: eh don’t beat yourself up about it…we made our choice 🥺

Rex feels so bad, he tried so hard 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Kix and Tup are lined up to shoot…led by Dogma

Jesse: uh, I’ve officially lost my sense of humor

Fivs: I hope you can live with yourself Dogma 😠

Fives: wait, this is wrong, we all know it 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

We follow orders..we are men!

They shoot behind them

BITCH! TELL EM, BAE! GO OFF, BAE Krell growls

Rex holds his ground

The enemy has our weapons and our armor

THEY’RE SHOOTING AT EACH OTHER

STOP SHOOTING AT EACH OTHER

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Rex: everyone stop firing we’re shooting at our own men! dramatic opera music WITH ME GROSS SOBBING IN THE CORNER

Dammit

Tup: this can’t be happening what have we done?

Waxer is still alive! Kix found him

Rex: Waxer tell me who gave you the orders to attack us?

Waxer: it was General Krell

We thought they were wearing our armor

He dies as a tear falls😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Rex tightens his jaw

“We all know who did this, but we don’t know why…what I’m about to ask is treacherous

My orders are we arrest General Krell for treason against the Republic"

MARCH ON KRELL

Rex breaks Fives and Jesse out

Rex: General Krell, you’ve been relieved of duty

Krell: it’s treason, then 😳 PARALLELISM PARALLELISM

I will not be underminded by creatures bred in some laboratory

Rex: lower you weapon Dogma…

Rex takes his helmet off: I used to believe that being a good soldier met following orders…we are not droids

Krell: you should have listened to the ARC Captain from the beginning, captain. He was right, I was using you…evil laugh

Now he just did the Bane-Batman break on his back! 😱

Tup come on, Tup…yes, the creature Tup: I stunned him, sir

Rex: nice work, Tup ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rex on that platform like a BOSS

Krell: a new power has arised the Republic will fall apart from the inside

Rex: you’re an agent of Dooku

Krell: not yet

Dogma: you made me kill my brothers! 🥺

Rex: I said, On. Your. Knees.

Krell: you’re shaking aren’t you?🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

You can’t do it, can you?🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Dogma shot him ”I …I had to..he betrayed us🥺🤬

Dogma gets ushered off…and that’s it???? WHERE IS HE

Rex looks so sad

Fives: we did it, we took Umbara

Rex: what’s the point of all of this, why? 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Fives: I don’t know, sir

Rex: then what? We’re soldiers. What happens to us then? 🥺🥺🥺

FILONIIIIIIIIII TELL US MORE PLEASE! THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES THEY HAVE EVER GONE THROUGH, AND IT JUST GETS SWEPT UNDER THE RUG??????? COME ON

[ironmandeficiency]

refreshing

pairing: hardcase / jedi!reader

word count: 4122

summary: you’re able to convince (read: blackmail) anakin into letting the troops take a pit stop on your home planet of naboo for a couple days of morale boost.

request:  hi i’d like to order a hardcase combo with a side of smooching (u write him so well i’m a mess!!!)

warnings: unprotected sex, outdoor sex, slight exhibitionist kink?

a/n: my first time writing a full-length fic with smut!! always remember, wrap it before you tap it.

“we are not stopping there, y/n. there’s no time.”

“just like there wasn’t time for you to make a ‘very important call’ to someone that wasn’t even a jedi right before our last battle.”

“how did you-“

“i have more than two brain cells, anakin. now next time you speak to the senator, make sure you tell her i said hi.”

silence. then he tersely orders the pilot to set the coordinates to naboo, silently beginning to contemplate a way to get payback.

you entered the clones’ barracks by anakin’s side, a wild grin still crossing your face at the success of your plan. heads turned to the sudden entrance of two generals and several shinies abruptly stood at attention before being relaxed by older brothers. neither you nor anakin enjoyed the idea of your men dropping everything for something as time-consuming as a salute.

“good news men,” anakin begins while barely stifling a groan. “before we return to coruscant, we’ll be making a brief pit stop.”

that was a poor way to explain it. several groans filled the air, thinking that there was yet another mission to be completed. the men hadn’t been on leave for several long and testing weeks and the idea of such overworking was rather repulsive.

“boys, don’t look so glum! we’re going on vacation!” your giddy shout shocks several of them and confounds many others. why the kriff would they go on vacation? they were soldiers fighting a war, there was no time for something so trivial. even if there were, they were clones. clones weren’t given vacations.

anakin takes a moment to enjoy the bafflement before clarifying your statement. “on paper we’re touching base with the local government to ensure friendly republic relations. once we’re there, however, we will have two days of pre-leave leave. a vacation, if you will.”

rex was dubious. “are you sure this is allowed, sir?”

oh rex, always dependable when it came to the book. his sense of duty was unrivaled, and moments like this made it clear. “anakin and i have both done far worse things without the council’s approval. surely an impromptu morale boost wouldn’t even hit the top ten.” your grin disarmed several troopers, them finally beginning to accept that they were indeed getting a small vacation.

“as long as you’re sure, general,” a small smile graced the captain’s face as he turned to speak to his brothers. “men, we’re going on vacation.”

“but sir,” dogma spoke up. you turned to him and took in the way his eyebrows and tattoo were twisted in concern, finding it very fitting for the trooper. “what planet are we going to?”

“good question, dogma. we’re going to naboo.”

after a few hours spent at the palace, you and anakin were free to join your men. you had to at least make your twist of the truth convincing by actually visiting the naboo palace, even though queen jamillia wasn’t expecting any sort of jedi visit. didn’t need anyone finding loopholes in your future cover story in case they went to looking.

the five-oh-first was currently stationed in a wooded meadow dotted by several tiny ponds and vibrant wildflowers. some were swimming, others were wrestling in the daisy patches, and there were a few napping on moss-covered rocks or logs. everyone was smiling and/or laughing, though, and that was the best part.

the speeder anakin drove you back in skirted to a stop at the edge of the clearing. he offered you a hand to help you off, his driving being the kind that would quite easily disorient someone not used to his methods, and you took it with a smile. there was no way you would be letting him drive again, that was for certain.

it took seconds before your arrival was noticed. “hey everyone, the generals are back!” fives shouted to his brothers that were in one of the small ponds with him. the information spread like wildfire and soon you were both surrounded by men competing for yours and anakin’s company.

“come swim with us, general!”

“no, come join us for sabacc!”

“we’re wrestling in the flowers over there and need an unbiased ref!”

“our pond has a better view!”

“no it doesn’t!”

anakin laughed before bringing about a compromise. “we have two days, guys. we’ll both try to spend as much time with you all as we can, but i’m going to start by judging a few fights. y/n, you know where to find me.”

jesse and spears were excited to have won general skywalker’s attention, neither containing the whoops as they pulled anakin toward the match continuing on without them. from the looks of it appo was winning against jude, which was an interesting turn of events.

now you were left with a choice. you could go play sabacc with kix or go swimming in either hardcase’s pond or tup’s, both of which had spectacular views of the countryside. the decision was a bit biased (which you would tell no one) but you had to put effort into making it look like you spent more than two seconds making a choice.

hardcase was shirtless in front of you, clad only in his soaked briefs that left very little of his body to your vivid imagination. geometric lines decorated his chest, beads of water sliding down or beginning to dry against him in the sun pulling you in. it was hypnotic and quickly becoming a fuel source to your less jedi-like dreams.

you already had plenty of sources to draw from but it never hurt to add more. there was the wild gleam in his eye when taking down clankers with his z-6 and the way he’d comfort his younger brothers when they struggled with anything from night terrors to painting their armor. this wasn’t even mentioning the time you’d gotten a nasty blaster wound to the thigh and he had to carry you to kix and coric, the strong arms a cocoon of safety (kix told you later that you had called hardcase honey in your blood loss delirium and he flushed redder than a tatooine sunset).

he hollered in victory when you slung an arm around his shoulder, letting him guide you to the pond that he was sharing with queen and daze.

hardcase had to be frank with himself when he examined his motives behind wanting you to join him. it did have a lot to do with how he enjoyed you as a person, but he selfishly wanted to bear witness to the way you’d look with the pond water clinging to your skin and underclothes.

but that isn’t to say he only wanted you for your body, maker that couldn’t be farther from the truth. to hardcase, you were more than a general or jedi, and far more than a beautiful body. there was a selflessness he got to see when you interacted with civilians and compassion you showed to him and his brothers that endeared you to him. you were fun and wild and adventurous, and he couldn’t get enough of you, he wanted more.

you spent a few hours playing games in the pond, chicken and marco polo being the favorites. the guys banned you from being it during marco polo, realizing early on that the force was the reason you were finding them so easily and it was most definitely not hardcase splashing you like a child every chance he got. nope, that was not it at all.

the company rotated throughout the time you spent in the pond, the only constant being hardcase. it was pleasant being able to spend so much time with the heavy gunner without having to worry about protocols or codes. you got to just be yourself and spend time with hardcase while doing it, the recipe for a perfect day.

the sun was setting and campfires were built around nearly every pond, both flames and night stars reflecting off the water beautifully. ration bars seemed to taste better on naboo, and dinner was spent singing drinking songs and telling stories of brotherly shenanigans.

you were recounting one of the occasions anakin reprogrammed temple mouse droids to hit people in the ankles on purpose when you noticed it. hardcase’s eyes hadn’t left you for a while, and right now they felt as if they were dissecting you on a laboratory table with their intensity. you wanted to know why but that wasn’t your information to know right then. if he felt comfortable telling you then he would do so in his own time.

nearly everyone was tuckered out by the excessive fun of the day, quickly falling into a peaceful slumber in their bedrolls the likes of which they hadn’t had in a long time. but hardcase, he was far from tired. he was far more awake now than he had been when you were on his shoulders during games of chicken played with fives and tup.

you were enjoying the crackling of the fire paired with the occasional snoring from troopers on all sides when hardcase stood and moved next to you. he had set his roll down on the opposite side of the fire, a decision he now was regretting as he had to maneuver himself carefully around the bodies of sleeping vode.

he eventually made it to your side without waking anyone and let out a sigh of relief as he plopped down next to you. his shoulder lightly bumped yours as he scooted closer and you couldn’t help but be glad he hadn’t put a shirt back on after getting out of the pond for ration dinner.

peaceful silence was achieved (outside of snoring) as you enjoyed each other’s company. you weren’t expecting him to break the silence so soon, but you especially couldn’t predict the way he broke it. “i had a good time today,” he spoke quietly (a true feat for the man) and moved a hand to rest on your knee. “thank you for convincing general skywalker to let us stay here for a couple days.”

the crackling fire illuminated his face just enough for you to see the patches of red on his cheeks and tips of his ears as he continued. his eyes held your captive with their sincerity, emotions swirling wildly just below the surface. “i really enjoyed spending time with you, gen-“

“call me y/n, hardcase. please, it makes everything so much easier.” you had come to a decision a couple hours earlier about how you felt about the man next to you and what you would do about it. there was nothing in you that could maintain the semi-distance you had with him prior to today, not with the way his laughter quickened your pulse and sent waves of joy over you. even his force signature was intoxicating under the nubian sky, you couldn’t get enough.

perplexion overtook his features. he had no idea what you were talking about, silently hoping that you hadn’t lost your mind to fun. “makes what easier-mmm-“

you cut him off with your lips, silencing his question before he could finish. he responded in kind, hands pulling you into his lap without breaking the kiss. it started all tongue and teeth, the adrenaline and arousal beginning to flow through your veins as steady as your blood.

“gen- y/n,” he broke the kiss to catch his breath, quick to correct himself to using your first name instead of rank. his chocolate eyes were blown out with desire, his hands had ventured toward your ass, cradling it with the utmost care. “i-is this what you want? do you really want me?”

your answer was first given with legs wrapped around his waist, mouth meeting his for another breath-stealing kiss. but then you sensed hesitation as his hands gripped your waist and slowly began to detach you from him. he was worried and you had to reassure him, make sure he knew how you cared about him. “more than anything in the galaxy, my dear.”

your eyes conveyed this truth to him the very same way your words did, and the answer given satisfied him. he returned his hands to your backside and gripped the flesh hard before continuing the kiss. you opened your mouth to invite him in and he obliged, his tongue swirling around yours and maker did he taste good.

kissing hardcase was euphoria unlike anything you’ve ever encountered. there wasn’t a single part of you that wasn’t aflame where your body met with his, the burn being one you’d relish in for as long as you lived.

one hand left you for a moment before coming back with a loud smack! that produced a whine from your throat. hardcase would do anything to hear that sound again, so he brought his hand down harder and groaned when his ears caught the mewl he ripped from you.

you slid a hand between your bodies and palmed his cock, giving it sweet resistance when his hips thrust into your hand. he felt thick and hot even through his blacks and you could only imagine how he’d feel inside you.

then a grumble from nearby harshly reminded you both that if you weren’t quiet, there would be an audience. hardcase grinned like a loth-cat before rising to his knees, arms holding you up and against him. “let’s take this somewhere a lil’ quieter, sweetheart.”

with the change in position you could feel his member press deliciously against where you wanted him, grinning in triumph when you wiggled your hips against him and wrestled a groan from the back of his throat. he was standing in seconds and barely bothering to avoid stepping on sleeping vode in his haste to get you as alone as he could.

he walked you both to the edge of the meadow, one of the tiniest ponds being only mere feet away from where he set you down on the ground. you pulled him down to you by his hips, not wanting any space between you as he nipped at your neck and jaw. he sucked hard at a sweet spot just above your collarbone and he nearly ascended to the stars at how beautiful his name sounded from your parted lips.

you tugged at your tunics desperately, wanting hardcase to take the hint and rip them off you. he was smarter than some gave him credit for because it took seconds for him to work them off you, tossing the fabric to the side with abandon. callused hands ran across your chest like the flowing rivers this planet was known for, learning the terrain of your breasts and stomach like battle plans.

his mouth descends lower and latches onto your nipple, tongue swirling around the bud before biting it gently. you’d never felt anything like it before and it drove you wild, his name stumbling through your lips.

“you say my name so pretty, y/n,” he smiles against your breast, lustful chocolate eyes looking at yours under long lashes. you reached your arms around his back and let your hands wander the waistband of his blacks, trying to tell him he was wearing too much but most of the words left you. the resulting sentence was fragmented and flooded with desperation that you didn’t bother trying to hide.

“‘case,” you breathed, “g’t ‘em off, please,” the offending fabric was hiding him from you and you weren’t going to put up with it any longer. he chuckled against your skin before moving back to remove his blacks. his boxers had long since dried from swimming and through the light grey fabric you could see spots of precome.

the boxers were peeled off seconds later and once they were low enough on his legs, he kicked them off to leave him completely exposed to you. his naked body rivaled those of marble sculptures kept in the elite coruscanti museums of art, and exceeded the expectations of the artists that had never been blessed to see such beauty in a man before. the tip of his cock was littered with pearlescent droplets you wanted to both taste and have inside you at that very second; you weren’t picky, either one would have you reaching nirvana in record time.

you sat up and brought him into a bruising kiss. he slithered a hand into your underwear and slid it between your folds, eyebrows raised when he felt how wet you were for him. his hand left soon after and, after breaking the kiss, let your lips wrap around the slick-soaked digit. you swirl your tongue around it and sucked lightly, hardcase loving the way you eagerly tasted yourself around him.

pushing him backward into his back, you straddle his lap and slide yourself across his length. hardcase growls at the contact and his fingers move to grip your hips and move you faster. but you wanted more, you wanted him to split you open and fill you up the way only he could. so you raised your hips up slightly and took his cock in one hand, steadily lowering yourself onto it with a moan.

once he was fully sheathed inside of you, your walls clenched around him and for a millisecond you thought you’d killed the heavy gunner with the way his eyes rolled back at the sensation. it was almost painful for hardcase to keep his hips from fucking up into you but he wanted you comfortable; not to brag but he was thicker and longer than average, and he didn’t want to hurt you by going too fast.

the stillness was sending you up a creek. you wanted him to move, to take what you were offering to him, yet he was resting while buried inside you. you were impatient and decided to take initiative, rising halfway off him before sinking back down. it was divine, the way he stretched you out as you went back down on him, and you could tell he was thinking the same when your name was emitted from hardcase with a primal grunt.

it took only a couple more movements on your part before he had you in a bruising grip, holding you up and pistoning his hips into yours recklessly. it was rough and wild and feral, the only goals being release and staking a claim into the other.

your head was thrown back, neck bared to him as he pounded you. in a moment you didn’t expect, he had you on your back and his head buried in the juncture between your neck and shoulder, continuing to bite and suck at the skin in a way you were positive would leave delicious evidence of the night’s activities.

the new angle aided him in finding your g spot, which you were both immensely grateful for. you were seeing stars that weren’t the ones above you when he found it, a choked whine indicating to hardcase the specific way to thrust to continue hitting it with precision only a soldier could have. his forehead pressed against yours as he fucked you, maintaining eye contact no matter how fast he went.

“fuck, hardcase!” his balls were slapping your ass as he went harder and faster, the man holding nothing back. he pressed a finger against your mouth before panting, “gotta be quiet for me, sugar,” he paused to give you a particularly hard thrust that threw you closer to the brink. “don’t want anyone findin’ us, do we?” the rasp and growl of his voice was unreal but he kept talking, and you buried your head into his neck to ground you.

he smelled of a smoky battlefield and fertile earth and honey sweeter than you’d ever tasted. a delicate lick at the sweaty sheen coating his skin had your tastebuds in paralysis and hardcase grunting mando’a curses as his pace grew erratic. he was close.

your walls began to flutter around him, you telling him that you were close with a moan.

“that’s it mesh’la, i want ya to come for me, you can do it beautiful,” he gripped your thigh and pulled it up his waist, spreading you further open for him and oh force it was unbelievable.

“come with me, please!”

“i’m about to, i’m gonna- where do you want it?” images ran through your head of him unloading onto your tongue or your chest and it nearly made you one with the force, but there was plenty of time in the future to experiment with that. you wanted him in you, to fill you up in every sense of the word.

“cum inside me, hardcase!” suffice to say, hardcase was not expecting that reply, shuddering in ecstasy at the thought of his seed leaking out of you.

“sugar, you’re killin’ me, i- holy kriff!” he thrusted a few more times before slamming into you balls deep, making sure that not a drop of him spilled out of you in that moment. you flexed around his cock and milked him for everything he had as the sensation brought you over the edge with him, his name repeated like a prayer.

he braced himself as much as he could before collapsing partly on top of you, sweaty skin mingling against sweaty skin. he was still inside you and the slightest movement ran the risk of overstimulation, but you didn’t want him to leave you empty yet. so you wrapped your arms around him and rolled you both on your sides, facing each other while still keeping him inside you.

you brought your hand to cup his cheek, running your fingers feather light across the lines and dots that decorated his face. he hummed in pleasure, eyes shutting in bliss. his hand not supporting his side was gently stroking the crook of your hip. neither of you spoke for several minutes, just letting yourselves bask in the afterglow.

then hardcase has an idea.

“hey sweetheart,” he begins softly, still hesitant to speak but just as badly wanting you to hear what he has to say. your hum of acknowledgement spurs him on. “wanna go for a swim?”

this man was sent by the gods.

that’s what you told yourself as he slowly slid out of you and helped guide you to the edge of the closest pond. you slid in and he was right behind you, immediately pulling you as close as he could. he didn’t try to continue the prior activities, just simply leaned against the edge of the pond and held you close.

you couldn’t remember the last time you were held for a reason outside of warmth and self-preservation. it was bliss, so comforting and peaceful and safe. you floated and let hardcase anchor you to him, fully trusting him to keep you above the surface as he held you and talked about anything and everything.

the conversation was easy and the touches soft as you talked away the night. you eventually wrapped your arms around his neck and used his chest as a pillow, taking comfort from the way his hands smoothed over the bruises he made in your skin a few hours earlier. his heartbeat was steady against your, the thumping strong and true.

“hey sugar,” he whispered into your hair before slowly unwrapping your arms from his neck. you let him and the water move your body, your back pressed against his chest and his arms holding you in place once again. “look over here.” he pointed to the sky where the sun was beginning to rise, the sky painted in pastel pink and lavender and marigold.

it’s been too long since you’ve gotten to watch the sun rise on your home planet. sharing the moment with hardcase made it all the more a beautiful. “hardcase, it’s gorgeous.”

he smiled and kissed your crown. “it doesn’t compare to a certain jedi i know, don’t even come close.”

“i didn’t know you had a thing for anakin, dear. i’ll be sure to let him know.”

he sputtered in indignation, laughing at the insinuation but taking it as a challenge as well. “you know that’s not who i’m talking about, beautiful.” one hand slides down through the water and comes to rest between your thighs, his index and middle fingers teasing your clit. you push your ass against his dick in retaliation and reeling as you feel him stiffen against you.

you spent the sunrise w in ith hardcase slowly thrusting into you, lips locked together and hands caressing your bodies gently. your legs were wrapped around his waist as he pressed you against the pond’s edge, taking his time with you as the stars faded from view.

[brothers-all]

Aru'e Tio'r (Enemy Within)

Heyy everyone, sorry for the late update! Stuff is happening and these things are getting a tad hard to write (keeping it kinda mysterious, following my main idea, giving everyone enough screentime...) so the updates will be kinda slower, sorry... Hopefully it won't kill the mood for any of you! ^^

So, yeah, some more stuff happens here, some plot development and some insight into the 112th! Yey? Read, review and enjoy~

[Ch.1] [Ch.2] [Ch.3] [Ch.4] [Ch.5] [Ch.6] [Ch.7] [Ch.8] [Ch.9] [Ch.10] [FanFic] [AO3] [Master-list]

More about the 112th [Standard Headcannons] [Happy Version] 

Chapter 11

“Everyone! Group up!” Ahsoka called as she deflected enemy fire. But only a few of them actually gathered together – most kept their distance.

“They’re coming in from everywhere!” Appo managed to blast a few of them.

“How did they breach the base? Did we not set up security systems?” Krell growled lowly, using the force and pulled an Umbaran fighter from the air, crashing in into the Umbarans.

“Must have been a malfunction or something!” Boomer managed to say before he got hit in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground.

“We can’t hold them off – they’ve got a full assault squad here!” Kano spotted the incoming tanks and fighters raining death from above.

“We can’t leave – we’ve got too many wounded and missing!” Slasher yelled over the screams and explosions, checking on Boomer.

“Look, there!” Ash pointed at the edges of the base, where Umbaran soldiers were dragging clones away and into empty hangers or prison blocks. “They’re taking prisoners?”

“This is not good!” Ahsoka thought, eyes going from the fallen to the captured. She could also feel the ground shake as the spider tanks walked, eliminating waves of soldiers in one fell swoop.

“I’m going to go look for Rex! He has to have a plan! Maybe I’ll run into Fives as well!” she said, unable to see or read the horror and sadness coming off her brothers.

“Don’t bother. He’s dead,” Pong said emotionlessly, and her body turned numb.

“…W-What?” she barely managed to react to blaster fire coming her way, her head swimming. She forced herself to focus, to try and find that familiar flicker in the Force but there was none.

“He was patrolling near the tower – it was the first target. He is either dead or captured. We cannot waste time on a dead man,” the Besalisk continued, throwing one of his sabers and slicing apart an incoming wave of Umbarans.

“Commander, what are your orders?” Appo asked and Tano froze for a few seconds. The world seemed to move slowly, she could see the blinding lights as soldiers fell, hear their screams their pleas. She saw the fires and the smoke rising from the base and saw the abled helping the wounded. They can’t win.

“Everyone, this is Commander Tano! I’m ordering a retreat! Help anyone you can and move into the forest!” she said into her communicator, fingers shaking and voice stuffy.

“You’re running away?” Krell asked in disbelief, sounding angered even.

“Yes, we are! We can’t continue to fight like this – we’ll die!”

“Victory to death, youngling,” Pong gave her a hard look, before jumping in the air and landing further away from their small group.

“Master Krell!” she couldn’t believe it. Was he seriously going to continue fighting like this? Or was he buying them time?

“Commander!” Appo gently took her shoulder. “We need to leave!”

“Right, let’s go! I’ll cover you!” she swallowed as she turned her back to the tower, to her friends and brothers. She felt like she was betraying them all, but there was nothing she could do right now.

“We… we had a plan,” Fives started weakly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “To destroy the supply ship.”

“And you succeeded,” Reeve said, giving a small nod. He had sat down on a nearby chair, sending away any onlookers and letting the medics work.

“At what price?” Jesse was clenching his fists, eyes hard. He almost moved again, but managed to stop himself before that.

“You’re all still alive, aren’t you?” there was a sadness in the Captain’s tone as he looked at them, his broken gaze casting them in silence.

“Things would have been better if Krell had just – just,” Jesse couldn’t even word it, but the 501st saw the tension rise around them. The medics stopped, staring at them with wide eyes and Reeve cursed under his breath.

“General… Krell? You were working with him?” one of them asked, his gaze slowly moving to the Captain. “…Did you know?”

“…” Reeve closed his eyes and refused to speak or look at anyone else.

“Did you know why he left?” another medic hissed and Fives and Jesse suddenly felt like they were intruding on a personal matter.

“I did,” the Captain said simply, looking at them with emotionless eyes. “What of it?”

“He got to manipulate, break and destroy others – and not just any other battalion. The 501st! The ones we look up to! How could you just-!”

“What was I to do?” Reeve’s anger suddenly flared as he stood up. “He left us here alone, for the first time since I can remember. I didn’t see it important as to why – and if I remember correctly, neither did anyone else!”

There was a tense silence in the tent now, as the medics shrunk into themselves and the Captain looked exhausted and guilty. His next words were a whisper and he turned his back to the newcomers.

“Better them than us.”

“C’mon Kix, work with us here…” Patch said quietly as he checked over his brother.

“…I’m fine,” Kix insisted, but didn’t struggle against the cold tools.

“Yelling and punching our Captain doesn’t really show that,” Scar sighed, looking over at the scans they did.

“He deserved it,” Kix winced as the words left his mouth, but didn’t try to deny them.

“You can’t blame him for what Fives, Jesse and Hardcase did. They knew what they were getting into,” Fixer gave him a steady glare.

“…”

There was silence for a few more minutes as they worked, before screams and yells got their attention. Seconds after, the sounds of fighters and tanks moving around made their hearts skip a few beats.

“Umbaran attack?” Scar asked, walking closer to the door and seeing a group of brothers getting blown to bits.

“We can’t fight them like this – there’s too many wounded!” Patch glanced behind himself and saw the hurt brothers either trying to show they can fight or looking in worry.

“Lock down the doors – we can’t let them in,” Fixer said as he saw one of the less injured soldiers working on the panel.

“What about the others?” Kix was looking between all of them in shock.

“We can’t risk it – I’m sorry,” Fixer said and set a hand on his shoulder.

“…I’m not going to sit here and let them all die!” Kix shrugged off the arm and made a mad dash for the closing doors. The yells and calls of his brothers were lost on him as the echoes of battle filled his limbs with adrenalin. He dropped down and slid across the floor under the door just in time, before it closed and he stood in horror at what he saw.

“I’m surrounded!”

“Can’t shake them off!”

“Anyone got a clear shot?”

“Hold on, I’m on my way!”

“There’s too many!”

Cody clenched his fists and glared at the battle before his eyes, biting his lip hard enough to draw blood. This was a massacre. And where were their reinforcements? If this goes on, the entire division could be lost.

“Everyone, converge on me – we’ll strike at the heart of this enemy,” Kenobi said as every pilot seemed to let out a breath of relief. But it didn’t last long as they had to continue the battle, already exhausted.

“Commander! We’ve got incoming fighters!” Algo called and Cody spun around, eyes wide. He was about to order evasive maneuvers and to help, when Log cut in.

“They’re our sir! Reinforcements have arrived!” the wave of relief washing all of them in the command room could almost be seen as the Commander turned back out.

“Everyone, backup has arrived!”

“Apologizes everyone, we got careless,” General Tiin said as he flew in overhead, blasting the nearest enemies.

“It’s quite alright – you’re here now,” Obi-Wan replied as he led a squadron. “Now, how about we take care of these Umbarans and see if we can provide some assistance on the surface?”

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

He was running just like everyone else, following the ones at the front into the forest. The Commander’s order had gathered them together and they were moving.

“Anyone seen Tup or Dogma? They were in a hanger near the tower!” an older brother called as he looked around.

“Haven’t seen them sir!” Ink answered, but there was a shake in his voice.

“Kriff! I’m staying here in case someone else comes around – you follow Lieutenant Luv to the rendezvous point!”

“Sir-!” Topaz tried to speak, but the veteran cut him off.

“That’s an order rookie! Now go, get out of here!”

And just like that, they were running and moving again. The planet was as inhospitable as before, but now things seemed more crazy. In his head, he tried to pretend it was all just a simulation from Kamino as he and his brothers ran. The battle at the airbase was getting further and further away, but he felt like a traitor. Leaving his brothers to die back there, even if he was just a rookie, felt wrong. But he wondered how many veterans have felt this way? Maybe it was part of becoming a soldier.

“Hey, Sunny, you okay?” Ink asked him and he shook his head to clear his mind.

“Y-Yeah, yeah, fine… Just,” Sunny hated his how voice trembled. “This is insane…”

“Yeah, true there,” Seal said and gave out a nervous laugh. “But hey, at least we’re still together, right?”

“Right.”

Seconds later, the ground shook and a turquoise light seemed to appear all around them. A spider tank walked in from the high trees and Sunny was frozen there, staring at the weapon of death. There were screams all around him as brothers tried to fight or flee, but as the tank charged its cannon, he fell to his knees, shaking. Death awaits, he thought and closed his eyes. A moment later, there was indescribable pain, before it all vanished and he felt nothing at all.

“Lieutenant Luv, come in! Where are you and your squad?” came a broken staticy voice in an abandoned helmet as bodies lay all around the small field.

“Lieutenant? Answer me! Lieutenant!”

“Lieutenant? Answer me! Lieutenant!” Ahsoka was nearly pleading into her com. link, before closing her eyes and putting a hand over her face.

“Commander… If,” Appo started, standing by her side. “If they couldn’t make it, we need to leave… There are others counting on us. Different rendezvous points we’ve set up.”

“What’s going on here?” she whispered, fear in her eyes as she looked at the Sergeant.

“…A lot has happened. But I think it’s best we discuss it when we’re someplace safe. Umbaran’s are likely scattered all over in these woods,” Appo let out an exhausted sigh. If Rex really was… dead or captured, then he’s the one who replaces his command.

“Let me just – just do a quick scan. To see how many are alive and where they’re gathered most. And to try and find Rex or Fives,” she kept the last bit to herself as she sat down, legs crossed and heard the boys moving around her in a protective circle.

“Focus…” she said to herself, exhaling and concentrating on the Force flowing around her. It was wild and rapid, biting and almost cutting, but she endured it and expanded her focus from the woods. She sensed the others, the older ones leading and directing, the younger ones scared and confused… The dead and the dying in the woods, multiple flickers vanishing in an instant. It made it hard to breath.

Taking a shuddered breath, she continued and tried to move closer to the airbase, but just when she cleared the fog around it, she hit a wall. It sent a shockwave through her body, making her yell and lean on her knees, panting.

“Commander?” Kano asked as the others looked around for any danger.

“I – I can’t… sense anything inside the base…” she said fearfully, eyes wide. “Not a single vode, not the Umbarans… not even Master Krell.”

“…” the boys shared a look as Kano helped her stand, since she was still in a bit of a shock from the sudden block she ran into.

“We should get moving… Do you know where the others are?” Appo stepped closer.

“Yeah, I can lead us there…” Ahsoka nodded weakly.

“Sir!” Reeve heard just as he left the tent, his expression more tired than before. He didn’t linger after the small outburst inside, and the medics returned to what they were doing, even if more silently. The two 501st soldier didn’t say anything either, but he could clearly see the pity and sadness in their expressions.

“Yes?” he saw a rookie medic rushing to him, looking out of breath.

“The – The third one! 9112 finally finished the surgery!” he explained, but his expression didn’t seem to mirror the good news.

“How is he?” the Captain swallowed a lump in his throat. He was there when they found this trio and he saw the damage on the third one – didn’t look good at all.

“Alive,” the kid said firstly, but his expression was still sorrowful. “But… Well,” he fumbled, scratching the back of his neck.

“What it is?” now Reeve was starting to worry as he glanced at the main medical tent.

“His head sustained the heaviest damage and… well, we had to work on the most critical parts first so…”

The kids next words seemed to shake the old Captain’s world as a chill went up his spine. Of all the things to happen… He closed his eyes after the news, shaking his head even, and needed a few seconds to fully accept it.

“…Should we tell his brothers?” the kid asked in fear, eyes going past his superior and to the tent behind him.

“I’ll tell them… It’s best if they’re prepared for it,” Reeve said with a small nod. “Tell 9112 to get some rest – he’s been on his feet for a few days now.”

“He looked ready to fall down actually, but will do sir!” the rookie saluted and ran off again.

Reeve let out a tired sigh as he watched him and couldn’t help the pity that came to his eyes. There were so many young brothers here… Krell always seemed to get them early. And none of them had names. Any they managed to get on Kamino were dismissed and discarded once they joined this battalion. Maybe it was easier for them than the older ones… They haven’t gotten a real chance to use the name, so it might have been easier to revert back to numbers. It doesn’t make it right or any less painful, but it makes it easier for the Captain to tell apart the new and the old. After all, it seems they all have that same broken and empty expression now…

“So we’re stuck here now?” Fives said more than asked, a sigh following.

“Seems like it…” Jesse mused, staring at the top of the tent. “At least we’re all together eh?” he tried to lighten the mood, even giving a weak smile.

“Haha, yeah, true enough,” the ARC let out a small chuckle, before reaching carefully with his hand to the burned spot on his head.

“Hey, Jess?” he said quietly, staring off. “Do… do you think we can be what the Jedi are?”

“…What do you mean?” Jesse blinked, looking at his brother. “Force Sensitive?”

“Y-Yeah…” Fives cleared his throat, scratching his neck. “I told Rex before but… I um…” he swallowed before looking down at the other man. “I’ve been having dreams. Like, weird dreams, but they seem like stuff Ahsoka used to talk about. Seeing the future and all that,” he explained, throat stiff and voice low.

“What kind of stuff do you see?” Jesse wanted to understand, but it was something he couldn’t really wrap his head around.

“Like… It’s happened twice now,” Fives started, biting his lip a bit and putting his hands together on his lap. “I saw – heard,” he closed his eyes, unable to really explain it. “…Echo. I – I heard him in those dreams and… And not just him. I – I think Rex was there too, as was Krell and… and someone I can’t name,” just thinking about it made his body cold and his throat felt stuffy again. If he closed his eyes, he could almost see the dream again.

“A lot was happening and I was confused as hell, but… I know it was Echo.” He opened his eyes and saw Jesse staring at him in disbelief.

“Second time it happened… was just before I woke here,” a nervous smile was on the ARC’s face as he looked away, feeling a stinging in his eyes. These memories… they weren’t present to remember.

“The airbase was being attacked… Rex and Krell got into a fight but I couldn’t see what happened after. It – it was dark and hard to see and ended so fast I couldn’t-!” he took a deep, shuddered breath before continuing: “And – and Ahsoka was there, but she – she,” his voice kept breaking and he had to swallow again. “She was fighting Krell.”

He paused, catching his breath and turning back to see Jesse still looking confused and unbelieving as his brow furrowed. Fives was shaking now, his body cold and he bit down on his lip to avoid his teeth chattering. Why was he so damn scared? Because of the Force? Is that it?

“Fives…” Jesse said with a sigh, rubbing his face with both his hands. “That’s-,”

“Crazy, I know, but-!”

“I was going to say weird, yeah, but… I don’t know, feels entirely possible? You saw what Krell is like – I wouldn’t put it past him to do some of this stuff.”

“…And what about Echo?”

“…I honestly don’t know… A recording maybe? Your memories?” there was a pause as they only looked at each other, puzzled and worried.

“Ahem!” Reeve cleared his throat and got the attention of the two 501st boys. They seemed shocked, and wondered how much of the conversation he actually heard.

“I got some news for you two,” the Captain said stepping closer and saw them tensing, likely knowing what the news would be about.

“Your friend-,”

“Hardcase,” the two said immediately, knowing he likely had no idea what the man’s name was. But given so few brothers here had names, they just had to make it clear.

“Hardcase,” Reeve gave an acknowledging bow of the head. “His surgery is finished, however, there are some… complications.”

“What kind of complications?” Jesse nearly got up again, but Fives put a hand on his chest to keep him steady.

“…His head took the brunt of the damage and since there were other, primary injuries to take care of, our medics didn’t – couldn’t work on it fast enough,” the Captain avoided looking at them.

“You’re ignoring the question!” Jesse was feeling his heartbeat rise and breathing was becoming harder. He can’t lose another brother. Not like this.

“…His memory won’t be intact. 9112 said Hardcase will have gaps and missing pieces. Amnesia. How much, he can’t tell. But your friend, your brother, likely won’t remember the last few weeks at least.”

The silence in the tent was deafening. Jesse was choking on air, unable to form words or even move as Fives started with wide eyes and an open mouth. Amnesia. Seriously? He’s alive, that’s fantastic, but if he can’t remember…

“I’m sorry,” Reeve said and it sounded like he’s said so many times, he doesn’t believe in its meaning anymore. “But at least his duty won’t be hindered. He’s still a fully functional soldier.”

“And is that all that matters?” Fives had no idea where his anger came from as he stood up. Maybe from all the carp he’s had to deal with from Krell, or all the things he wishes he could have said to Rex back then. But it was burning his insides and he had to let it out.

“It’s how this works – the system we’re in. We can’t escape it, he won’t get off easy because he can’t remember,” Reeve managed to keep calm, but his eyes narrowed.

“That may the system, but it’s wrong!” the ARC clenched his fists. “I’m not just another number! None of us are!”

Another silence as Fives seemed surprised at his own words, Jesse was still looking in horror and Reeve seemed taken back. It lasted a few seconds, before the 112th soldier lowered his gaze and spoke up.

“…I used to believe that,” the Captain said quietly, as if scared someone would hear him. “There used to be so many of us with names, even when Krell was our General… But he changed one day, and forced us to numbers.”

“Then why-!”

“Because you either did as he said or you got killed!” Reeve’s own anger sparked, but his eyes carried only sadness. “My former squad mate, Loto, was killed – neck twisted by the Force – because he dared to speak back to Krell. Young brothers were getting slaughtered in suicide missions and we didn’t even have names for them! And all the while, here I was, carrying a name so many wished they could have!” the Captain was torn between anger and sadness as he spoke.

“I wore it like a badge of honor for a long time, before I saw what it really was. A mark. His mark on me, one I am never going to escape. I don’t have my name because I earned or deserve it. I have it, because he allowed it! Since then, it’s been a chain of shame…” his voice dropped as he started at the floor.

“So, forgive me if I don’t share your view on our lives. Because here? In the 112th? You are just a number. I try my best to help the rookies, or ease the veterans, but in the end, I’m more broken than any of them. I’m the oldest one here,” a humorless laugh escaped him as the two finally saw tears in his eyes.

“I can’t even do what some others have… Take my own life, on my terms. Because that’d mean leaving everyone here behind. I can assure you, Krell is not going to be happy. Having a broken Captain like me by his side is easier than trying to find a new one…”

“Things are calming down,” Tup said quietly, leaning over the edge of the hiding place. He was nervous, but at least he wasn’t alone.

“This is crazy,” Dogma whispered back, gripping his blaster close to his chest. They hid as soon as they could and managed to remain so while the Umbarans attacked all around. They wanted to help, but the logical parts of them told them they’d only get killed or captured. So, they stayed away and watched to try and find a chance to escape.

“Is that… General Krell?” Dogma asked in shock as the Besalisk landed by the tower entrance. For a few seconds, he felt relief because a Jedi could handle these bastards easy. But a second after he landed, Pong deactivated his sabers and the Umbarans seemed to… greet him? They certainly weren’t attacking him.

“What the-?” Tup asked in fear as they saw the Jedi talking to an Umbaran who seemed to be the leader, given the additions on his armor.

“Shh!” Dogma hissed and pulled his friend back behind the wall just as some Umbarans turned towards their spot.

“Is – is he working with them?” the question seemed to echo in both their heads as they felt cold. So cold. And watched.

“W-We need to move!” Dogma was shaking, entering a near panic as his voice was hardly raised. But before either could really move, something big and menacing jumped behind them, lightsabers drawn and a smirk on the Besalisk’s face.

“What have we here?” Krell asked, voice sadistic as the two soldiers trembled under his sheer strength. It was like they were suffocating and couldn’t even aim their weapons.

“Take them to the lab – we have more volunteers,” the General said and suddenly Umbarans surrounded the two and cuffed them.

The two couldn’t even speak as they continued to stare the monster before them, bodies cold and almost numb as their minds tried to understand and process what the hell was going on. They just knew it wasn’t good.

Cut! Phew, we were jumping all over the places weren't we? Hopefully it wasn't confusing ^^" If any of you have questions, feel free to ask and I'll try my best to explain (without spoilering the story) Thanks a lot for reading! I hope you enjoyed and if you did, please review! I love hearing what you lovely mates think! =D Till next time~

[ahkmenrahdaley]

How did the 501st/Ahsoka/Rex react to finding out the gender of Aheshla ? ( And I guess Shaaka and Duraa too)

They made bets several months before the baby was born. Half of them put credits towards it being a girl, and the other half were convinced it would be a boy. It passed the time that the lack of war gave them. The Jedi said they should be appreciating the time off with more meaningful pastimes but to the 501st and a certain Commander from the 212th, the gender of their brother’s child was more important than investing in a talent they’d never be able to pursue once another war happened - and with this ‘democracy’’, that was bound to happen.

Cody, Fives, Echo and Hardcase bet on the first baby being a boy. They hadn’t a reason for it, simply picking a side when asked, but Hardcase came up with the crazy logic that because of where it was conceived it had to be a boy. The other clones weren’t sure if that factored, but they didn’t question it. They found it was better not to ask..

That left Dogma, Tup, Kix and Jesse, who said it would be a girl. Again, they had little reason, but when there was a chance at winning credits they didn’t want to let a bet go to waste.

When the baby is born, Cody, Fives and Hardcase are the first ones to find out since they made it their job to go and check. Ahsoka was relaxing in bed when they came in. Rex was cuddled up beside her, looking down lovingly at the small togruta child that was sleeping in Ahsoka’s arms.

“She’s beautiful,” Rex said, completely unaware of his brothers standing at the doorway..

Cody sighed. “Too bad we betted on a boy.”

“Yeah, you’re after losing me a load of credits!”

Rex barely turned away from his new daughter - how could he? He still could believe that she was there, right in his hands reach.

“I can’t believe you made credits from betting on my daughter. She’s your niece.”

“Make credits?” Fives asked. “None of us made any credits, that’s the problem.”

Rex rolled his eyes but he didn’t bother saying anything else. He was too afraid it would turn into a fight and he didn’t want that on today of all days. But Ahsoka seemed eager to keep it going. She smiled up at them weakly and said, “So, what did the others win?”

“A few hundred credits and a drink on us at 79s.” Hardcase turned to Fives and whispered angrily, “I told you we shouldn’t have added that free drink.”

“Don’t put this on me. It was Echo’s idea.”

“Yeah, ‘Echo’s idea’.”

***

When the other clones were introduced to their niece, Dogma, Tup, Kix and Jesse were given the credits and the free drink that they were owed. Rex still wasn’t happy with them betting on their child, but that didn’t stop them from doing it the next time and the time after that.

After Ahsoka announced her second pregnancy, the boys sat around a table at the cantina and lay out their cards.

“Right,” Fives said and counted who was there. “Whatcha all think? Girl or boy?”

For a girl, it was Fives, Hardcase, Echo, Jesse and Tup. For a boy, it was Kix, Dogma, Cody and Appo, who joined in last minute.

The prize the second time around was a lot of credits, obviously enough, as well as another free drink at 79s and the satisfaction of getting to come up with the kid’s ‘clone name’.

Of course, when the birth of Shaaka was announced the boys who won got their fair share of prizes. Dynamite, Hardcase called her as he hustled through his newly won credits, he had plans for this kid that Rex probably wouldn’t be too agreeing of.

The last bet was cancelled when Ahsoka went into early labour and nearly lost their child as well as her own life. They knew that it wasn’t fair to do that to her, or make a celebration out of a near tragic event despite the birth of a child supposedly being a happy occasion.

Rex has never been so grateful to them for being considerate.

[brothers-all]

Aru'e Tio'r (Enemy Within)

*insane laughter* Guess who managed to crawl to this chapter? Hahaha... I need sleep...

Now, this one is early because I'm crazy, but please, don't expect fast updates here. These chapters take a lot of work and polish and I need a breather every now and then. Still, I'll try my best! Read, review and enjoy~

Chapter 2

When they finally stopped, the men didn't even care why. They took the break in moving as best they could, and for once, Krell wasn't breathing down their necks about it.

"We're close to the enemy now. A good place to make an attack," Appo informed, using his macrobinoculars to see through the shadows.

"Right. We'll set up a perimeter through the line there," Rex pointed to the small hills and piles of earth. "Should keep us out of sight, but provide easy access to the road."

"Who'll lead the first strike?" the Sergeant asked, looking at the blonde.

"Fives. He'll take the heavy cannons and clear the path," the Captain nodded to the ARC on the edge of the road.

"And then we follow up from the side and behind. I remember General Skywalker's plan," Appo grinned as the Captain nodded.

"Yeah, I just need to tell General Krell…" Rex's tone dropped slightly and the Sergeant's let out a breath.

"It's a good plan, even he needs to see that."

"Yeah, let's hope he does…"

"Sir," Rex said as he walked towards the Besalisk. He kept in mind to 'be at attention' as he did so, hoping they were past the rough parts now. "We're ready to bring our forward platoons in for a surgical strike on the city's defenses," he stopped in front of the Jedi, looking up and keeping his expression passive.

"There won't be any need Captain," Krell said, one arm motioning through the air. The blonde tried not to react to the fate the Force user finally used his rank, not his number. Maybe they were finally going to be able to get along. However, the small bit of hope was diminished when Rex processed what he said.

"Sir?" why wouldn't there be any need? It was a plan. Did the General have his own? And if so, why didn't he say anything?

"All platoons will execute a forward assault along the main route the city," Pong said, moving past the soldier and motioning to the road.

"But, sir," Rex forced himself to speak respectfully, even if he found the idea insane. "General Skywalker's plan was to surprise them with multiple attacks," Rex said, walking around the Jedi as he did before, never looking away. "If we come from the main route they're likely to engage in a full-frontal assault!" he explained as clearly as he could, that that idea, would get many of them killed. But Krell simply looked away.

"Change of plans Captain. I'm in command now," came the blatant answer and Rex looked in disbelieve for a second or two. Is this for real?

"With all due respect, General, we don't know what we are up against," the Captain walked closer, looking up again and hoping the Besalisk would reconsider. "It might be wiser to think first-," he didn't even get finish as Krell snapped to him, lowering himself to be able to look the soldier in the eyes.

"Are you questioning my order?" he accused, eyes wide and furious. He straightened back soon enough, bringing up a holo-map. "This battalion will take the main road straight to the capital," he turned the map so the Captain could have a clear view of it.

"You will not stop and you will not turn back regardless of the resistance you meet," he said, no, ordered, closing the map. "We will attack them with all our troops, not some sneak attack with a few men. That is my order, and you will follow it explicitly," his tone rose as he pointed at the blonde again.

"Do I make myself clear, CT – 7567?" he leaned closer again, face inches away from Rex's and the man had to lean back. The Besalisk clearly didn't want to and wasn't going to listen to anything he had to say. The fact he continued to use his number, just further showed he didn't care of his rank.

"Yes, General," he looked at the ground, accepting defeat. There was no point in arguing. And if he and the General started yelling at each other, then the men would lose faith as well. And that's the last thing they need right now. Good soldiers, need to follow orders…

"Now engage!" came the final order and Rex instinctively gave a quick salute, walking away from the Jedi. But as he passed him, the Captain gave a quick glare from the corner of his eye, feeling his anger spike. Keep calm… Deep breathes… He had to remain calm and collect or there are going to be severe casualties. Just in case any emotion escaped him however, he quickly put on his helmet.

Fives was staring off into the woods, waiting like the rest for orders. The break was much welcomed and most of the boys managed to find some spot to relax. The medics finally got a breather and took care of themselves and the shinies could regain their ground. He saw Tup and Dogma chatting, Hardcase, Nitro and Bombs sitting down on some rocks and Kix, Patch and Scar looking out for each other. It, sort of reminded him of the good old days…

"What're you brooding about?" the sudden voice almost made him jump, but the ARC only snapped his head in the direction from where it came. Jesse stood there, bucket under his arm and a grin on his face as he walked closer.

"Nothing," came the stoic reply from the ARC as he looked back into the forest.

"Right, sure…" the bald soldier gave him a knowing look, following his gaze, before plopping himself down on the ground near him. "You should enjoy the break while you can. I'm sure once Krell gets us moving again, there won't be another one for a while."

"Then why are you here?" Fives just wasn't in the mood for this right now.

"…" Jesse didn't speak, and when the ARC looked down to see if the man was even still there, he saw him gazing into one of those red plants. But before Fives had a chance to speak up, the bald man beat him to it.

"Each of us has a story you know," Jesse didn't look back, but he took in a deep breath. "Each one of us has a reason for why we're like as we are…"

The ARC felt like there was a lesson somewhere in there, but his annoyance at previous events kept him from seeing it. And since Jesse clearly wasn't going to just, give up and leave, he didn't see another choice.

"And I'm guessing you know those stories," he let out a deep breath and sat down a bit away from the already sitting man.

"No, just three," Jesse turned to him, a small smile on his face. "Although they're actually one, if you think about it…" he mused, rubbing his chin in thought.

"Really now?" Fives knew who that was aimed at, but still played along. Maybe it'll help him release some of the stress.

"Back when we first joined the army, there were two more brothers with us," Jesse started off, sparing a glance at Kix and Hardcase. "Spots and Oberon," he added almost like an afterthought, looking back at the forest.

"…I'm sorry," Fives knew that those two weren't around anymore, otherwise they'd be here right now. And he's seen that expression before. In the mirror…

"You know Hardcase's whole thing about symmetrical armor? And the fact the tattoo over his eye kinda gets in the way?"

"Yeah, but I didn't think there was much reason for it. Other than aesthetics I guess…"

"Haha, fair enough. But it's actually because of Spots. He and Hardcase were… well, like real brothers so to say. They wanted to be considered twins even, though they weren't those tubmates," Jesse turned back to face the ARC, who in turn let out a small chuckle.

"Spots and Hardcase wanted some way to be seen like that, you know? Like they'd always be brothers. Add the fact they were mostly inseparable, and you got each of them painting only half of their armor, with the other having the other half."

"So, they each had some pieces colored and then only together you get the whole pattern?" Fives was actually impressed by the idea. He hasn't heard something like that before.

"Bingo. Spots had the same tattoo over his eye, but on the other side. You know, the symmetrical side that's missing," Jesse pointed at his left eye.

"What happened to him?" Fives grew interested before he could even realize he did so. Maybe he really did need this.

"…That, kinda ties in with Oberon…" Jesse's eyes dropped slightly and he let out a deep breath. "So, to know the full story, you need to know about Oberon."

"…" Fives remained silent, seeing the other man was collecting his thoughts and how to best explain it all.

"Ober was the original medic in our squad. Kix was, interested, but Ober was the one already working on becoming one. He was that older-brother type, ya know? Hardcase and Spots would drive him up the wall, but he'd always be cool about it…" the bald man gave a weak smile as his eyes seemed distant. "And we lost both of them on the same day…"

"I'm sorry," the ARC said instinctively, knowing how that can feel. He lost Heavy, Cutup and Droid Bait in a matter of hours.

"Spots got infected by some… unknown virus. Hardcase, Kix and I were off fighting when Oberon said he could help the man. Problem was, the virus was highly contagious, so Ober quarantined a small medical tent where he could work in peace… But he wasn't fast enough… The virus killed Spots and infected Ober. It's around then that the rest came back because things were getting weird. No other medic was allowed to go near," Jesse clenched his fists and shut his eyes, jaw locked. He needed a second before he managed to relax his muscles and go on. Fives just didn't have the heart to speak up yet.

"When Ober found out he won't be able to save Spots, and that he was infected as well, he couldn't let it get out," he paused, biting his inner cheek. "We still don't know what he used exactly, but the whole tent, a ten-meter radius and those two as well, were blown up."

Fives opened his eyes and mouth wide, looking in shock, then horror and finally sadness. He couldn't even speak at hearing that.

"Their bodies were only recovered when the fire died down, an hour later… They were hardly recognizable… But," Jesse choked on air and needed to swallow to calm himself. "At least they went out together… and they kept the rest of us safe. The virus didn't get out to infect any more of us…" he hung his head, fingers poking the dirt under him. "After that, Kix swore to be the best medic he could, to honor Oberon and make sure something like that doesn't happen again. And Hardcase… he finished the pattern of his armor, but never had the heart to finish the face tattoo… Maybe he thought that, if he did finish it, it would mean Spots never existed in the first place…"

Fives still hasn't found his voice, but he finally understood what Jesse was getting at. He wasn't the only one to have lost a dear brother – or more than one at that – due to this war. And yet, he was the one who still acted so bitter about it. Kix and Hardcase both did something for their brothers' memories. What has he done?

"Just because you lost Echo, doesn't mean you can go around, trying to join him so quickly," the words came back to him and he let out a deep sigh.

"What did you take from them then?" the ARC asked, just needing something to fill the silence.

"Personalities, I guess. Also, don't tell Kix or Hardcase I said anything," he actually looked slightly panicked at that bit.

"Haha, no worries. Your secrets are safe with me," Fives lightly elbowed him in the shoulder.

"Thanks, you're a life savior," the bald man rubbed the spot.

"Thank you, Jesse, for telling me," Fives nodded at the man.

"Anytime brother," Jesse lightly shoved him back in the shoulder.

He sat in the transport ship, arms folded and a frown on his face. The pilots were waiting for him when he got back to the Resolute, and he made sure to give Ahsoka some extra instructions. And yet, he still felt like there was something… wrong.

"Something troubling you, sir?" he looked up, slightly startled by the sudden call. Commander Thorn sat across him, helmet on and voice impassive. The Chancellor had sent them for pickup, just to assure Skywalker would arrive safely.

"I feel like I'm abandoning my men…" Anakin admitted, looking down. "I should be with them, fighting on the front lines…"

"…" Thorn was silent and the Jedi figured he was just asking to break the silence or something. But then, the Commander spoke up.

"We don't see much action, back on Coruscant," the soldier took of his helmet, showing he kept the same hair as his brothers, yet there was a scar from the left edge of his mouth to the edge of his left eye. Looked painful and probably done with a vibroblade.

"But we hear a lot about our brothers out there," he continued, eyes steady as he watched the General. "And we've heard a great many things about the 501st. About their skills, their abilities, commands… All of it. In fact, most of us are envious," a small smile came to his face and Skywalker mirrored the expression. "The Legendary men in Blue," he added, almost like an afterthought. "From the battle of Geonosis, to Christophsis and even to the Citadel. Feats most would think impossible. And yet, you did it. All of them."

"But nothing without sacrifice…" Anakin couldn't stop himself, biting his lip as he recalled the many deaths that occurred on each of those battlefields. So many dead…

"But you still succeeded. And this time, even with a different General, the 501st will do it again."

"You sound very sure of that," the Jedi looked up, seeing the amused expression of the solder.

"The only thing us Guards can have for our brothers out there, is faith," the Commander's words made Skywalker pause and wonder. It felt strange, speaking to a clone who hasn't seen so much battle as his own men. But then again, it must be hard for the Coruscant Guards as well, watching their brothers walk into battle, into death.

"Hah," a humorless chuckle escaped him. "If you can have such faith, then I better as well."

"I'm sure you'll be back with them soon sir," Thorn gave an assuring nod.

"Captain?" Appo felt a chill up his spine when Rex walked closer. The man's body language was just… wrong, compared to how it was before.

"New plan," Rex's voice was stiff and hard, like he was forcing himself to speak. "All platoons will move in through the main route."

"…I take it Krell didn't care for General Skywalker's plan?" the Sergeant kept himself from sighing.

"He did not," the blonde hasn't even looked at him since he came closer.

"I know you did what you could," Appo gazed towards the road ahead. This wasn't going to be pretty…

"Tell that to all the men we're about to lose," the Captain said, and honestly, Appo couldn't argue. There was no way all of them would survive this assault. But they had orders.

"I'll get the men prepped."

"Thanks."

"…And Rex?" the Sergeant paused before turning. "None of this is your fault."

"Ahaha," a broken and humorless laugh came from the man. "I wish I could say that…"

The men readied themselves, their movements stiff and hard. When the Captain passed them, they gave him a simple glance if even that and Rex couldn't blame them. Many were just wondering if they would be the ones dying this time, or maybe their closest brother. Fives was waiting by the edge, staring off into the shadows of the path ahead. When the blonde stepped by his side, he didn't react at first, before tilting his head to be able to see the older man.

"The men are ready," the Captain said, eyes glued to the lights on the road. Like rails to death or a highway to hell… Just inviting them to walk over.

"Where's the General?" the ARC asked, following the blonde's gaze.

"Back with Appo – top of the ridge."

"…" Fives barely kept himself from saying something again. This wasn't the time.

"We should get ready. You and I are taking point," Rex said, finally turning to the younger man. "If we do die, we should be the first."

"We won't die. We've done harder and gotten out alive."

"…" there was a small silence around them as the boys behind them readied themselves. They both knew they were kidding themselves, but what else did they have?

"Let's move out."

They walked silently, eyes open and ears peaked. With Fives and Rex at point, the others followed bravely behind, but they were skittish. No information about what they were up against, the terrain was against them and the Umbarans had a clear path for an ambush. But still, they moved on.

"So, why aren't we sticking to the original plan and probing the city defenses first?" Tup had asked, looking between his older brothers. Not everyone knew of the changes.

"We can do this, let's take 'em!" Hardcase assured, sounding far too eager for all of this.

"Yeah, leave it to Hardcase to dive in head first," Jesse joked, hoping to ease off some of the tension around. Anything to help them cope right now.

"The General's new plan is reckless!" Fives complained, he knew he couldn't be the only one who saw that. But he was apparently the only one who spoke up about it.

"You ever think that maybe the General knows what he is doing?" Dogma actually spoke up, almost sounding offended. And he was defending him? Rex is one thing – he's a Captain, he has to give the man in charge the benefit of the doubt. But they didn't.

"I know you think, this is bad idea," Fives ignored the rookie and walked closer to Rex. He was trying to get him to at least admit it. Because so far, he's only been keeping it to himself.

"I raised my objection to General Krell's plan, but he didn't agree," Rex said in short, voice wavering slightly there. "So, this is it," it sounded like he wanted to tell himself that as well.

"But what if he's wrong? Then what?" Fives kept pushing, because the last time they talked about this, things didn't go so well.

"This isn't the time for a debate. Right now, we need to stay alert," Rex brushed him off, as before, though he sounded more urgent this time around. And Fives saw that, yes, this wasn't the best place. He was just getting really frustrated with this whole thing and Rex seeming just trying to ignore it all.

"Eh… It's too quite out there," Tup was still fresh, and that kept him more vigilant than the rest. And although they heard and agreed with him, they continued. So far so good though.

And not a minute later, everything went to hell.

They all knew they had to keep their eyes open for any traps and ambushes. But they just weren't prepared enough for what the Umbarans threw at them. When Oz moved and blew up, it was just a second too late to keep Ringo from following suit. The rest stopped, with Rex even calling out: "Nobody move!" The soldiers dropped down, anxious and tense as they waited for the ruble to stop and the smoke to clear. There was no telling what other surprise might be waiting for them.

When it finally did clear, the Captain was the first to stand, pointing at the fallen men with a silent command. Zed and Niner – the closest two – moved to inspect, but they weren't sure what to expect.

"Oz is down."

"So is Ringo."

Two men down. Could have been worse, given they're walking on mines. But should have been better. Should have been prepared. But they couldn't think about that now.

"Can you sweep 'em?" Rex turned to Fives, knowing the ARC had some gear to help him with his special missions.

Fives moved forwards, using a Sweeper Gun as they called it. It sensed the electronic lengths of bombs, made almost for tasks like these. As he moved, he marked each one he spotted in his mind, before moving along.

"There're more over here," he informed, keeping the sweeper on it. "Looks like the whole road's been booby-trapped," he added, easily seeing a few more along the way. "Everyone watch your step," he led the way, knowing the others would follow in his movements or avoid the ones he avoided. And it was only a few seconds later, that things went from bad, to worse.

Something smacked behind them into the road, creating a small crater. The men instantly turned but the Umbarans were already coming at them, weapons raised and firing. The soldiers collected themselves quickly and started fighting back but-

"We're completely exposed!" Tup called over the blaster fire, shooting the nearest enemy he could.

"Hold your ground!" Rex ordered, using his dual blasters. They had orders – they had to follow them. They could do this. They had to.

"You want a piece of this?!" Hardcase spun around with his cannon, mowing down the enemies. He was just happy for some action.

And then another one of those weird blasts came. It was a glowing sphere of energy and it took down three of the soldiers instantly.

"I think Hardcase made them mad," Jesse still found some way to joke about it, even if it was more to keep himself sane than anything else.

The Umbarans proceeded to come at the soldiers more closely, but that was a mistake. All clones had hand-to-hand combat back on Kamino, so they could handle themselves fine. Besides, the Umbarans weren't that strong. Tup managed to throw one down and shot him in the helmet, releasing the gas inside. Another one of those energy balls flew in and took down a walker, with Zigger on it.

"We're blown!" Vor called, seeing they weren't getting anywhere. Brothers were falling all around and the enemy wasn't backing off.

"The Umbarans are advancing!" Fives called as he blasted two of them in rapid succession. They haven't gained any ground at all.

"Make 'em eat heat!" Hardcase was still blasting, killing a wave of them as they tried to get in closer.

Rex was clearing the area around him as best he could, while trying to figure out what to do. Which way to go. The enemy gave him something to focus on, other than the pained cries of his fallen brothers.

Fives wasn't far away from him, when an Umbaran jumped down next to ARC, engaging in hand-to-hand. This one was better at it than the others – but still not good enough. Fives got him on the ground and smashed his elbow into the Umbaran's helmet, cracking it and releasing the gas inside. The native started franticly speaking something along the lines of: "Not my helmet, not my helmet!" Clearly they need the gas to survive. Fives hesitated for a second – make them suffer a painful death – before shooting the poor soul out of his misery. It's more than they deserve.

Rex rolled past him, blasting at his own opponents as more and more Umbarans came running at them from all around. They've already lost ground, men and energy. They couldn't do this much longer.

"They're coming from all directions!" Dogma sounded scared as he said, looking towards anyone who would give an order.

"We don't have any cover!" Fives hissed, blasting more enemies as they tried to get the jump on him.

"We need to pull back. Get them to follow us. If we can draw them out, we can see them!" Rex finally had an idea, now if only they could make it work!

"If we can see them we can hit them!" Jesse caught up quickly, slowly backing away from the woods.

"All squads! Pull back now!" the Captain ordered and the men followed. Not everyone even knew why, but they didn't care – they were getting away from this spot of death and that's all that mattered.

"This can't be good," Tup muttered to himself, worried what was going on. He wasn't able to hear what the Captain said, but he followed suit.

As they were retreating, the Umbarans pressed on to attack. More of those balls of light came crashing down and those who could, tried to avoid them. Others got blasted. But still, the soldiers managed to return some of the fire.

Appo was watching them from the far, holding his breath and hoping they would all make it. The retreat was a good idea, but the General probably wasn't going to like. What else were they supposed to do? Stay there and die?

"Fable minded fools," Krell said behind him and Appo lowered his macrobinoculars to look at him. What would he do now?

"Get in there and save their necks!" the order came as a surprise, but none of them even hesitated. Didn't even wonder, didn't question. Krell gave them an option to save their brothers – they sure as hell weren't going to waste it.

"Get ready, here they come!" Fives jumped over the terrain, seeing reinforcements coming. It made breathing easier, but he had to remind himself the battle wasn't over yet. However, the odds have turned in their favor, and they could fight back again.

They made a line, blasting the enemy and forcing them to pause. Everyone who could, stood their ground and fired – they had to get them off their shebs.

"Stand back and hit 'em with everything you've got!" Rex advised, figuring if they kept a distance, those balls of light couldn't reach them. And soon enough, the Umbarans started retreating, going back into their shadows.

"Hahah! Where're you goin'? Get back here!" Hardcase laughed, tempted to follow them but managed to hold himself back. He was just starting to enjoy it!

"They're pulling back!" Fives called, relived, but things weren't going get any better. General Krell was walking towards them, and he wasn't looking happy.

"CT – 7567," the Jedi started off, heading directly towards the Captain and even shoving into the ARC who was just catching his breath. "Do you have a malfunction in your design?" Rex put away his weapons, preparing himself. He figured this would happen when he gave the order. But what exactly, he couldn't even really imagine. Still, he'll take it. Anything is worth saving the lives of his men. "You 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!" Pong poked him with his finger, his strength great enough to actually shove the small man, forcing him a few steps back. Rex wasn't about to argue – they'd be no point. But then-

"General Krell," Fives spoke up and the Captain could see the shock and anger in the Jedi's eyes. How Fives must have the audacity to even speak to him, must have been what the Jedi was thinking about in that moment.

"In case you haven't noticed, Captain Rex just saved this platoon!" the ARC went on and the blonde felt a shiver up his spine as Krell slowly and slightly turned towards Fives. "Surely you won't fail, to recognize that!" Fives almost hissed the words and Rex's fingers twitched when the Jedi turned fully to his brother. This wasn't going to end well.

"ARC – 5555," Krell started so calmly, that even Fives was stunned. And then, he activated his lightsaber, moving it closer to the ARC – hell, inches away from his head. The soldiers around held their breath and had their eyes wide open. What the fuck was going on?

"Stand down," Pong still spoke calmly, but there was a layer of malice under it as Fives looked from the weapon of death to the one wielding it and swallowed inwardly. He's never been this close to the lightsaber before. It was… terrifying.

"Sir, yes sir," Fives said slowly, looking back at the weapon inches from his head. That was more fear and instinct than his own mind, but if that's what saved him from decapitation, so be it. Things just got a lot more horrible. He looked back up, giving a glare from under his bucket, knowing the Ojamo wouldn't see it, before moving away and letting Rex speak. Still, the near-death experience made him move stiffly and numbly.

"Sir," Rex walked over, managing to regain himself after the initial shock. He was afraid Fives would say something more and get himself killed, but luckily, that didn't happen. Now he just had to deal with a very pissed off Jedi.

"If I may address your accusation," he started, but saw the Besalisk was still eyeing the ARC as he moved. Almost… studying. "I followed your orders, even in the face of a plan, that was in my opinion, severely flawed," he said, but Krell wasn't looking at him. Hell, probably wasn't even paying attention to what he was talking about!

"A plan that cost us men," his frustration was showing as he took of his helmet, revealing his pent up anger in his eyes and expression. "Not clones, men!" he glared and frowned, sick of the way the General was treating them. He's heard about and seen it before – clones weren't real people. They were tools. But they weren't! He wasn't going to let it be like that!

And finally, Pong looked at him, expression impassive, but his eyes showed he was thinking about something, maybe even considering his words. The Captain took the opportunity of attention, calming himself, before speaking again.

"As sure as it is my duty, to remain loyal to your command, I also have another duty to protect those men," he pointed at the gathered soldiers and Krell followed his motion, his expression… considerate. Maybe, just maybe, he'd finally understand.

"You have a spark of tenacity Captain," the Jedi said after a few seconds of silence, deactivating his lightsaber, eyes still on the gathered men. "I'll give you that," he turned to the blonde and Rex sighed in relief inwardly. Captain. Finally, using his rank. And he sounded… almost apologetic. Guess that's the best they're going to get.

"I know I don't command like the Jedi you're used to serving," the General spoke, looking awfully bored as he did so. "Certainly not like General Skywalker," to the men, there was a hidden insult under those words, but they did well to not show their anger. "But I have my way. It may be difficult, but these are difficult times. And it's proven effective," he sounded so self-righteous and important, as if that was the only way to go about things.

"I suppose your loyalty to your men is to be commended," that wasn't something they expected to hear, but Rex took it anyway. "They seem to admire this. That's important to an effective commander," that came off strongly analytical, but they figured it was just the past few minutes of battle, still keeping them on edge and paranoid.

"Alright Captain Rex, your opinion has been noted," the soldiers behind Krell exchanged a surprised glance, with Rex barely keeping his shock from showing. Fives did so freely under his bucket however. That's… a lot of change in both manner of speaking, way of addressing and attitude in one sentence compared to before. And although they really wished they could take it just as simply as that, none of them particularly felt good about it.

"Dismissed," Krell finished off before turning and leaving the men.

"I think he almost complimented you," Fives stepped closer when he was sure the Jedi was out of hearing range. That really was something.

"Ah, it's hard to tell," Rex sighed, the annoyed and angered look still dwelling on his face.

"Incoming!" Hardcase suddenly yelled, moments before another ball of light crashed near their current position. And soon after, enemy fire accompanied it as well. The men were still exhausted from the previous battle and the shock of what happened, so they weren't prepared at all for the attack.

"The Umbrans must have regrouped for a counter attack," Fives grumbled as he and Rex readied themselves for another wave.

"Everyone, we must hold this position!" the Captain ordered as the men moved, ready to face the enemy again.

"You think General Krell still intends to take the capital using this strategy?" Fives voiced his concern, in a calmer way than before. He still hasn't fully processed the fact the Ojamo almost sliced his head off.

"I don't know," Rex said blatantly, almost giving a shrug. "I'll get back to you on that one if we survive this battle," ah now that was the cynical and sarcastic Rex of the old times. He always did sound like a tired old man when speaking that way.

"If we don't then maybe he'll be forced to find a new strategy," Fives chipped in with his one bit of humor and could almost hear the blonde snort.

"I'd love to see that actually," Rex was smiling under his bucket. Things have cooled down now, and a lot of the tension was gone. Things might turn for the better yet.

"Hah, then we better make it back!"

He listened to the carnage behind him as he walked away, hands behind his back. He was deep in thought of recent events with the clones and a frown came to his face as he thought back on the ARC trooper.

"Brave or stupid…" he thought, looking at the ground. "But very outspoken… The others respect him," he could gather that much from the Force. A near-death experience like that revealed everyone's true feelings and he could sense the clones. The ARC himself was terrified, yet resolute. The Captain was similar, yet anger and hate were quickly behind. The rest were fearful but prepared to fight him. Fight a Jedi… Ha! These clones really must care for each other that much.

"I can use that," he looked up, at the shadowy sky and grinned. "The Captain as well… Their loyalty will be their downfall." He honestly thought that the Captain would be less of a bother, given how quickly he agreed to his orders and the defeated pulse around him in the Force. But it seems that was not the case. He'd need to keep a closer eye on those two from now on. They were likely the first to turn against him, should anything happen. But he can't have things end just yet – if the clones die so soon, other Jedi would rush to help. Can't have that…

"Time and patience… They'll break eventually."

Cut! So, yeah, we're slowly getting somewhere. Also, please keep in mind that this is all based on my personal ideas and views *cough* backstories *cough* and hope you can respect that. Thank you! I honestly have no idea when the next chapter will roll around, but I hope to see you all there when it does! Anyway, hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading! Consider reviewing? That really makes me want to writer faster and better! Till next time~

[brothers-all]

Vod’ika 13

Alrighty, new chapter! Another request, this time from GreyjoyStarkgirl1985. I just wanted to let you all know I'll probably take a short break from posting chapters on this story, since Memory (Tome'tayl) is now getting updated - thanks for understanding and feel free to read that one!

Okay, so, this is another fun one, so don't look too much into it xD Read, review and enjoy~

As things were, he really wished an alert came up. Maybe a Separatist attack. A distress call. Anything really, that would make these idiots stop trying to kill each other with anything they could get their hands on. But at least this time, he got his mug of caf.

"Are you sure you don't need any help? No negotiations gone wrong? No Grievous super weapons? Nothing?" Rex asked, sitting by a desk with the holo-com on.

"Is it really that bad? I mean, we've never had this, but given what you told me last time, I'd figure they'd learn," Cody couldn't stop smiling at his friend's misery.

"I haven't stepped out my room this morning, Cody. I don't want to see Dogma running around, hair dyed a blinding yellow, screaming with a voice higher than a Bith on Dreamdust again," the Commander laughed full out at that and the Captain just sighed.

"I never imagined this is what the 501st would do with a week of free time," Cody managed to calm down enough to speak.

"Believe me, I had better plans…" there was a crash outside his room, followed by curses before it stopped. They probably realized who was behind the door.

"You should make sure no one's gotten really hurt," Rex was already standing, putting on the last pieces of his armor.

"Well, after a rookie messed up and dragged the General into this, he set up some ground rules. No damage to the ship. No permeant marks. No fights. Also, pretty sure they're scared of every single medic," he smirked at the amused expression of the older man.

"Well, at least you have someone on your side."

"Yeah, well, Ahsoka is also joining in on the fun so…"

"They're just letting the stress out, you know that."

"I know; I know… And that's the only reason I'm really allowing it."

"Well, good luck Rex ol' boy."

"Thanks, I just might need it."

He opened the door and heard someone running down the hall. With a sigh, he stepped out, determine to at least get to the mess hall. He wasn't entirely sure if it was just luck, or if the others were too scared to, but he hasn't gotten pranked himself. So far.

"Morning Captain," he saw Jesse appear out of nowhere, smiling.

"Morning," he nodded back and spotted Tup running towards them. Seemed normal enough, though he saw leftovers of something on his cheek.

"Wait up sir!" the rookie looked a bit panicked but became relieved as he joined them.

"You two seem unharmed so far," Rex raised an eyebrow as they moved.

"Well, mine wasn't so bad… glasses, hearts and whiskers drawn with a marker," Tup admitted, giving a weak smile.

"Yeah, well, I was lucky," Jesse grumbled, looking over his shoulder.

"…Lemme guess, I'm a 'safe spot' from all you idiots," Rex let out another sigh, spotting Hardcase planning to toss a bucket of… something on either of those two, but as soon as he saw the Captain, stopped himself.

"Kinda, yeah. So is the General and medics. I think they're leaving Joker alone too, but he probably bribed them…" again, the blonde could only sigh. Just, make it to the mess hall.

The doors opened and the Captain heard a call of 'Ah, kriff, no!' and had just enough instincts to duck. Jesse and Tup both let out yelps as something landed on their faces.

"He's fast…" Cinder whispered as Rex stood back up, taking a deep breath.

"Yeah, lucky for us…" Fives whispered back.

Tup and Jesse wiped off what landed on their faces and turned around, grumbling something under their breathes. They weren't going in there for a while again…

Looking around the mess, the blonde saw many of the men were already settled, chatting and eating. Naturally, none of them wanted to mess around with 'Captain Killjoy' here, but he could live with that.

"Rex," Kix nodded in a greeting and the blonde gave a nod back. "Finally woke up I see," Kix himself only had a mug of caf.

"I wish I hadn't…" the blonde sighed when he got his own mug of caf.

"I'm just waiting around to see if anything happens… I swear, this is going to be one long week…" the medic saw Oz enter with his hair spikier than a Trandoshan's teeth.

"I don't know, maybe they'll freshen up soon and stop," Rex shrugged and Kix gave him a look. Was that mischief he saw in the Captain's eyes?

"I should probably head back… Reports to do and things to consider," the older man refilled his mug to the top. "Mind making sure all the equipment in the infirmary is working fine later?" he took a step before turning and asking.

"Sure thing," Kix nodded a bit confused, but the Captain was gone soon after.

The day was coming to a close and most were heading back to the barracks for some rest. But even there, hardly anyone was safe.

"Oh, haha guys, real funny…" Echo sighed, seeing only a towel left in the fresher.

"Be happy that's all they did to you…" Jesse emerged from the fresher, his skin a deep blue. Echo snickered, but managed to control himself. Fives and Hardcase however, were heard laughing from outside. A few others had ignored the fresher for that very purpose and were planning to get to bed, when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Fives called, putting off his armor. Again, only a knock.

"Oh I'm not falling for that one," Jesse rolled his eyes, not giving the door a second look. The knocking came again.

"C'mon man, cut it out," Hardcase had enough and walked to the door, opening it only to find… emptiness. Moments later, the lights everywhere were turned off.

"What the-?!" the boys panicked and shared a look. There was a crash as Oz tried to get out of bed but smacked his head into a wall and everyone jumped.

"Not funny!" Echo called, still only in a towel.

"Powers out everywhere!" Hardcase called, standing in the hall.

"Yeah, same here!" another brother yelled from further down as everyone got out to check what was going on.

Kix was just planning to head to bed when he passed the infirmary and remembered what Rex wanted him to do. With a sigh, he decided to check the machines – got nothing better to do anyway. He approached the first one, when he spotted a bucket on it.

"Night vision?" he checked and saw it was already activated, but there was no mark or name to show who it belonged to. A few seconds later, the lights went dead and he felt a bit of panic, but the doors opened and someone stepped closer.

"Care to join?" Kix put on the bucket, seeing clearly who it was and what they were offering.

"…Do I have a choice?" the medic asked, but already knew the answer.

"I can't find the General, Captain or Commander," Appo said as he stood outside in the hall. Everyone had scattered, trying to figure out what was happening. Some went to check the engine room, but there's been no answer so far.

"What is going on?" Fives was confused, not getting any of it.

"Maybe we should-!" Echo didn't get to finish before he let out a pained yell and dropped to the ground, holding his arm.

"Echo!" Fives dropped down bedside him, reaching for the arm and feeling something sticky and liquid.

"A gunshot?" Appo snapped around, before he himself felt something hit his stomach. He hit the ground as well, holding the spot in pain.

"We're under attack?" Hardcase yelled, hearing more and more brothers drop and groan in pain. Everyone was getting shot down.

"Contact the-!" not even Fives could stand up to the shot as it hit him in the chest. He felt the liquid splatter on him as he dropped in pain.

As he readied himself to head out, he passed a few grumbling brothers. Dogma, Link and Mako were all walking a bit awkwardly, each holding a spot on their body.

"What happened to you?" Rex asked as he passed.

"Someone turned off all the lights last night and had a shot-em-up with paintballs…" Dogma growled, wincing as he moved his shoulder.

"Not one got too hurt, right?" he asked in concern.

"No, we're fine… But we got no idea who actually did it," Link grumbled, rubbing the sore spot on his back.

"I just know we're never getting involved in this thing again," Mako added, shaking his head.

Rex continued down the hall, seeing many more sore and grumpy soldiers. Each one told the same story – some even showed the bruises and left over paint. And yet, no one had a clue as to who made any of this. Some believed it wasn't even one single man.

"Rex," Kix greeted again as the blonde grabbed his mug of caf.

"I see you're not hurt," the Captain gave a weak smile as the medic smirked.

"Yeah, the weirdest thing happened last night…"

"Really now?" at that moment, Skywalker walked inside, heading straight for the caf machine.

"General," the two nodded as the Jedi returned the nod.

"Quite a lot of action last night, wouldn't you agree boys?" Anakin smirked and the two managed to hide their own grins in their mugs.

"No one seems to know who's to blame. But they all agree whoever did it, did so because of revenge. They won't be doing this again any time soon."

"Good to hear. Would hate to have that happen again."

"Morning Skyguy, Rex, Kix," Ahsoka came by, carrying her plate. "Did you know the caf ran out last night?" she smiled at them as they looked down at their mugs.

"Yeah, I don't know what you're drinking, but it's not caf," Kix slowly put the mug down, Rex choked what he just drank out and Anakin's face slowly grew in horror.

"Maybe next time, you'll include me in your prank group," she winked and joined a sore and fuming Fives by the table.

"…I think she officially won…" the medic gave a blank look.

"Ugh, I don't even care anymore…" Rex just wanted the taste out of his mouth.

"At least it's over," Skywalker sighed and just ordered some food.

Cut! As I said, short and fun. GreyjoyStarkgirl1985 - hope you liked it mate! As I said, I'll probably take a small break from posting here, but I'll still write for it so no worries - there is some more to come. Thanks for reading, hope you all enjoyed! Feel free to review what you thought! Till next time~

[brothers-all]

Vod’ika 8

Okay, here's the new one - started it before anyone sent in the requests, so I'll work on those next!

So this one is mainly just... stress relief. Nothing to be taken seriously so please, just, enjoy it xD

There are things he can handle, like battling horde after horde of droids. He can handle being thrown off a giant wall and then caught by an invisible force inches before hitting the ground. Heck, he can handle leading the 501st into battle! But what he can't handle, is his younger brothers and their adopted sister doing pranks on everyone before he's had his first mug of caf. No. Thank. You.

They finally had a few days of a breather after the long and exhausting week of constant battle. The Techno Union just wouldn't give ground and their weapons were always so annoying to deal with. But, they managed and were now enjoying some well eared rest. Or, attempting to anyway…

"Man, I am starving!" Jesse sighed, hands behind his head as he walked.

"I hear that. It was a long battle," Kix nodded, stretching his arms. It was still early as they walked to the mess hall, hoping to avoid the flood of brothers that was to come. Most were still sleeping, but they knew Fives and Hardcase had gotten up surprisingly early.

"Let's just hope Hardcase didn't eat everything yet," they laughed as they opened the door, stepping inside. And then everything went to hell…

The doors locked behind them, the lights were turned off and there was an animalistic growl echoing all around them.

"What the kriff is this?" Jesse yelled, checking the door to see what's wrong.

"I got a bad feeling about this…" Kix whispered, eyeing the darkness. He accidentally bumped into his brother, causing both of them to jump. But before either had a chance to say anything, the lights were turned back on and they screamed at what they saw.

"Man, I don't remember the last time I slept so good," Zed laughed, looking at the others.

"Haha, yeah, true. I could get used to it," Vid yawned, smiling.

"We got a few days now, so we better make the most of it," Tup grinned, turning the corner.

"You rookies have it easy. Wait until the General gets another of his special ideas," Fiddle shook his head, recalling the many plans.

"C'mon, let the boys have their fun," Joker rolled his eyes, nudging his brother in the arm.

"Yeah, I remember you said the same thing when you first joined," Hopper smirked, seeing the door now.

The six clones were making their way down the hall, to the mess. A few others were awake, in the refreshers or just stretching their legs.

"Okay, okay, fine!" Fiddle said as they opened the door, surprised to find the whole place still empty.

"Looks like we're the first ones here," Tup blinked when they entered, going towards the kitchen when…

"Why is the cooking droid offline?" Joker looked in confusion.

Suddenly, there was a noise as they looked to the cupboard, which was open wide, moving slowly as if being blown by a wind.

"This is weird…" they scanned the room, but found no danger. Just what was going on?

"Isn't it a bit too quiet?" Tup asked, not hearing a thing. It might still be a bit early, but there was at least a constant buzz on the ship.

"Yeah, what's up with that?" Joker looked to his right, before letting out a shriek. "Fiddle?! Hopper?!" he turned around, but couldn't see either of his brothers.

"Vid's gone too!" Tup and Zed panicked, moving closer to the pilot.

That's when the plates started flying all over the cafeteria, crashing into various places. The cupboards were slamming shut and open, with glasses falling all around. The trio tried to make a run for it, but a table was flipped and flung in their way, effectively stopping them. Sudden laughter filled the mess hall and they turned around, each letting out a yell.

"What was that?" Appo asked as he raced down the hall.

"You got me," Kano was already running scenarios in his head.

"Think we're under attack?" Dogma was right behind them.

"That's impossible!" Oz added, rounding the corner.

"Whatever it is, we'll find out soon," Niner grumbled as they ran towards the door.

"HELP!" they saw Joker, Zed and Tup in the middle of the hall, hiding behind a table as all sorts of items flew around the room.

"What the-?!" the new arrivals were frozen.

"Hurry! Before the doors close!" instinctively, Appo shoved the nearest brother out the still open door, and that just happened to be Dogma.

"Get the Captain or General or Commander!" he yelled before the doors closed and locked yet again. The ones inside heard a grumble, some more laughter and then the lights were turned off again.

Dogma raced down the hall again, passing the confused and surprised brothers. He was aiming for the Captain's cabin, which was down the hall and left. He could almost see the door now, when a shadow suddenly stepped into his way and he crashed into them. There was a clung as he dropped on his behind, dizzy and looked up, ready to yell. But he couldn't as his eyes opened wide, seeing who stood before him.

He couldn't even speak before the figure grabbed him, hand over his mouth and dragged him to the side, never letting go. Dogma thrashed, trying to break free. He was so close to the Captain and he would figure this out.

"Don't be such a killjoy," there was a sudden tear as he felt someone press over his mouth. A second later, he saw it was silver duct tape, and a couple moments later, his arms, legs and even around his chest was tied with it. But that wasn't enough as the figure hummed and dragged him off, towards the cafeteria…

He woke up due to all the chatter going around his room. Why were they so chatty so early in the morning? Or was he just grumpy? Probably that – hasn't had his morning caf just yet…

With a sigh, he made his way out, rubbing his face. The mess hall was pretty close, so he could grab his caf and work on those reports.

As he walked, he saw the halls were surprisingly… empty. And silent. The closer to the mess he walked, the stranger it got.

"They better not be having another food fight…" Rex muttered, already imagining another explanation for everything. But as it turned out, that wasn't the case…

The doors opened and he suddenly regretted ever waking up this morning. There were at least three fires in the mess, Jesse, Kix and Appo were huddled behind a table, with Jesse being tied up in a rope. Tup, Zed, Vid, Gim and Remond were running around, being chased by the droid cook. Joker, Hopper, Fiddle, Diver and Sky were tied together by a chain, trying to walk around but had problems. He saw Dogma, Link and Mako duct taped to the walls. Kano, Viper, Diz and Cinder all had some sort of bowl on their head or stuck on their arms. And in the middle of it all, Fives, Hardcase and Echo were laughing, with Ahsoka using the Force to do all kinds of things.

"Oh, morning Captain!" they called, their voices a bit too high for his liking. So they were all on some sugar rush… just perfect.

"Nope, not worth it…" he closed his eyes, trying to calm himself. "It's too early," he really wished he'd have gotten at least one mug of caf before all of this. With a deep sigh, he turned around, not giving a second glance at the chaos in the mess hall and walked down the left corridor.

"Morning Rex," Skywalker greeted and the blonde nodded back, before pausing.

"…Heading to the mess, sir?" he looked over his shoulder.

"Yeah, need to eat something before I take care of all the reports," the General sighed, running a hand over his face.

"…I suggest you reconsider that sir…" the Captain said, eyes going to the door. When he got a confused look back, he shrugged. "I hear the nearby planets have amazing take out. Maybe even caf. We could go there," he suggested, trying to lower the suspicion.

"…I shouldn't even open that door, should I?"

"Best not to sir."

There was a crash, a yell, a curse and they both sighed. Yeah, take out sounds amazing right now.

Cut! I had a different summary planned for this one, since the current one spoils everything, but well, it's still kinda hilarious. Just want to toss this one: I got a couple more Star Wars stories you can check out, so feel free to do so! Feel free to drop an ask or prompt! Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed and if you did, maybe review? That'd be really great! Thanks! Till next time~