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izzyovercoffee · 5 years

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Prompt number: 08. “Can you stay?” Fandom: Mass Effect / SW Crossover Rating: PG Warnings/Tags: none that I can tell, ask to tag Summary: Michael and Dr. T’vasan of MandoSeC have a polite conversation on the merits of dying in a hospital bed or on Illium. Kind of. And Mereel’s there. Notes: Some of you might remember the crossover I constructed for Mereel---which included acquiring and then building a PMC based in Illium. I had also constructed a handful of OCs that were, essentially, his “inner circle” before any of his null vode traveled over. Cherry and Michael are two of that circle.

##. the good news is it only took him five days

It was always busiest in the hospital in the wake of a visit from Commander Shepard, the Commander Shepard. Michael could practically predict the rush of security, the hustle and bustle that came with everyone falling over themselves to get a glimpse of their savior of humanity.

Michael was not, in any way, jealous or bitter---just that he remembered, quite distinctly, the way her face changed when someone had called her that to her face. Like a mixture of anger, and grief, and something dark and unplaceable flashed across her expression---there, and gone, in a glimpse.

The average person wasn’t always on their toes, on edge and kept an eye out for the kind of dramatic micro-expressions someone might give, but Michael wasn’t exactly…

Well, he wasn’t exactly a normal kinda guy. Or he wasn’t, right up until his right leg got cut short at the knee, and then he got put on medical rest. So there’s that. He wasn’t on duty, but he still saw what he saw.

She’s just one person, and the hell out there he’d seen needed something more than hero. Took more than a single “savior.” He couldn’t imagine the weight on her shoulders, though he wondered if maybe his CO did.

“I see you thinking, Michael,” Dr. Por’shata T’vasan’s lovely voice cut through the haze of his contemplation, and he smiled a wide, toothy grin at her. “I see the wheels turning, in there.”

Her mottled, reddish-pink skin took on the cold fluorescent lights of the hospital’s wing and cast her in an almost sickly sheen of purple, instead of the vibrant red he found so familiar in the field.

But here, in the hospital, codename Cherry was just another Asari, treating just another human male soldier who lost a part of a limb in some totally predictable mayhem.

“Doctor Cherry Bomb,” he said, “You know I ain’t had a single thought in my life, and I ain’t about to start now.”

“Mhmm,” she hummed in agreement, and though she tried to school her expression he could see she wanted to laugh.

He wanted to see her laugh again---it’d only been an hour, but it was something of a favorite thing of his. But, he also had a more pressing thought in mind.

“Your birthday’s comin’ up. You doin’ anything fun?”

Her smile died, and he realized he’d asked the wrong thing.

“I, uh…”

His CO took that moment to interrupt, entering the room with the ease of a man Michael always aspired to be. Neat suit, pressed, no tie, shirt unbuttoned by one at the neck, hair the perfect kind of unkempt.

“How’re you holding up, Michael?” Skirata asked. “They fit you with the prosthesis yet?”

“Yeah,” Michael said, and leaned over to the window at his immediate right, to the shelf just below the frame to pull out the leg. The mold perfectly fitted to the stump at the end of his thigh. “Just takes some gettin’ used to.”

Mereel circled around the medical bed, gently brushing past Cherry with a hand at her shoulder, and Michael felt something hot burn in his throat. He swallowed it down, and watched as he continued on, to get a better look at the prosthetic.

“Kandosii,” he said to himself, clearly reverent and admiring, even if Michael’s translator couldn’t parse out what he’d just said. “They got the model right this time.”

Michael snorted. “Only took ‘em four tries.”

“Four tries and a very earnest man knocking on many office doors at all hours, repeatedly,” Dr. Cherry said under her breath.

Mereel laughed. “Fourth time’s the charm, right?”

“I think it’s supposed to be third.”

“Well in my case, I’d say it’s seventh---but who’s counting?” And then he laughed again, though Michael didn’t really get the joke. It flew over his head, and he couldn’t be sure if Cherry understood, either---her expression only said exasperation, but…

But Michael saw plenty of ladies also look at Skirata with exasperation that said something more.

Wow, he needed to cut that jealousy shit out.

“Why’s Doctor Cherry Bomb busy on her birthday, Mereel?” Michael asked, right to the point. “You two throwing a party without me?”

Mereel’s brow rose, and he angled a meaningful look at Cherry, who kept her eyes fixed on the medical datapad in her hands. Mereel turned his attention back to Michael.

“We’re getting called back to Illium,” he said---straight to the point. Michael felt his heart drop. “There’s activity in Asari space, and it’s spreading. We’re needed there.” He paused, looked at Cherry, and then back at Michael. “And I can’t say when we’ll be back.”

“What about me?” he asked, immediately. “You can’t leave me here.”

“Michael,” Cherry said, “it’s not safe---”

“Fuck safe,” Michael snapped. “Safest place in the galaxy for me is with you.”

Cherry’s eyes widened.

“Oookay,” Mereel said. “Awkward.” He rubbed the back of his head, and turned towards the door. “I’m gonna go. Let you two talk that out.”

“Mereel, wait---” Cherry turned, reaching for his arm.

Mereel sidestepped her grip, and paused at the door to the room. He stared down the hall, at something, or someone, Michael couldn’t see. The noise outside, though, told Michael that Shepard was still out there, somewhere.

“Tell you what,” Mereel said, and turned back to look at Cherry, then Michael. “You find a way to get comfortable with your upgrade---” he motioned to the prosthetic, “---and I’ll expedite your release.”

“Mereel, no.” Cherry shook her head. “You can’t do that.”

“I can do that, actually,” Mereel replied. “And he’s right, Por’shata. You know he is.”

“We’re going to be---”

“You saw the report,” Mereel interrupted. “You saw the comparisons.” His eyes went back to Michael, and then to Cherry. “Michael’s seen them, too.”

“What?” She looked at him, and slapped his shoulder---gently. “You don’t have clearance.”

“Since when do I ask permission?” Michael asked, and got another gentle smack in reply. “Ow!”

“You got a week,” Mereel said. “Maybe a little more, if I can find transport to squeeze you two in. I’ll have to check with Hector.” And then he stepped out into the hall, bringing his arm up to trigger the gauntlet around his wrist. The orange glow of a hologram opened up---and Mereel looked at Michael. “A week starting now. I’ll be checking in.”

And then the door cycled shut, closing out the noise and chaos of the wing and leaving Cherry alone with Michael.

“What is wrong with you, Michael?”

She looked mad. He expected that.

“I don’t wanna die in a hospital, Cherry.” He reached over to the prosthesis, and brought it down next to the end of his right leg. “And I don’t wanna die in a bed.”

“You’re not going to do either of those things.” She sounded less mad, and more… sad. Like something caught in her throat. “But you will die if you come with us.”

“Then I die,” he said. “I ain’t got nothin’ left, ‘cept y’all. ‘Cept you.”

“I want you to know that I’m incredibly angry with you right now,” she said, voice steady, as if talking to him with the distance of a doctor to a patient and not a friend to a friend. But then her hand touched his shoulder and squeezed, and he looked at her. “But I can see that you’ve made up your mind, and I’ll help you.”

“I know you’d do the same,” he said, and covered her hand with his. “I know you.”

She closed her eyes with a soft exhale. “Alright, so I’m a hypocrite. That too.”

“Ain’t we all.” He laughed.

She leaned down, and pressed a soft kiss to the dark curls at his temple. “You’re such an idiot.”

“You love it,” he said.

“I hate it.”

“No, I’m pretty sure you love it.”

She smacked him again, and he laughed.

#writing: fictober19 #writing: mine #writing: mass effect #writing: repcomm #writing: mandosec

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ryder-s-block · 5 years

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Jaig Eyes (Ch 32)

Jaig Eyes (32/?)

Captain Rex x OC

Always available here.

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Chapter Thirty-Two: Risky Choices

“99!” I heard Echo shout, like in my vision. “No!”

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I could risk everything. Right in that moment. I could save 99 and hope that the clones in the room would say nothing. Or I could let the vision I’d seen come true. Stay in hiding. Stay safe.

Echo raced forward, desperate to take out as many droids as he could as 99 found his feet again, slinging the bag over his arm. Rex looked desperate, but unsure what to do.

I closed my eyes, my hand lifting.

Screw it.

“Kida,” Rex started, shock and worry overpowering his fear for 99. My eyes opened in determination as I rolled to a crouch, facing 99 entirely, my hand still outstretched. Beside me, Cody paused, looking back in confusion. “Don’t--” Rex started, but it was too late. I was intent on ignoring him.

As the two shots I knew to be his killers zoomed past me, I willed the force to obey me. I didn’t ask nicely. I didn’t ask permission. I demanded that it listened to my will.

And for some reason, through my desperation and refusal to allow an event to come to pass...it listened.

My fingers clenched with focus, sweat sprouting on my forehead as 99 was thrown down by the force. He seemed scared. Confused. I had thrown him down, but the blaster shots had still hit him. Though, there was only one chest wound, the other being on his shoulder. I reached out in the force. He was hurt...but he was alive.

I decided that hesitating was for a hut’uun. I stood, turning back towards the droids, my pistols raised. For some reason, I was completely calm. Determined. Focused. The blaster shots slipped past me almost slowly...like I could see them coming before they actually did. They zipped past my body easily, never touching my armor.

“Commander Cody,” Skaak Ti said through the comms.

“Yes sir,” I heard him say, shaking off the shock from what he’d just seen.

“The droids have been pushed back to the main hangar.”

That was certainly good news. It meant the men I’d fought with before had regained their ground. And that Kamino was safe. Hopefully, so long as Anakin succeeded in protecting the DNA.

With the newfound thirst for vengeance, considering the clones didn’t know 99 was alive, the droids were defeated quickly. The cadets reemerged from the sleeping pods as I walked towards 99 briskly. They kicked at the fallen droids, excitedly realizing that we’d won.

I knelt beside 99, pulling him onto his back. He wasn’t breathing much. I breathed my nose slowly, placing my hand over his chest wound. I didn’t know how to do it...but it seemed to have worked with Ahsoka all those months ago. Back when I was sure we were all going to die from a virus we all thought was extinct.

That felt like a lifetime ago.

I closed my eyes, feeling his weakening heart. His struggling lungs. Fluid was building up in his chest, due to his chest wound. I pushed my feelings into his chest instead, forcing the fluid away. His breathing became easier. Sure, the fluid would come back. But as I willed his body to heal, even a little, I knew that the medics could help him.

I knew that he’d live.

“99!” Echo yelled, he and Fives rushing to my side, where I knelt beside their brother.

“He’s alive,” I said softly as they stopped next to me, both of them removing their helmets to inspect him. I glanced up as Rex and Cody approached, Rex removing his helmet to reveal a worried face. It wasn’t for 99, though. It became clear that the expression was for me, as he glanced at Cody, who had yet to remove his helmet. Despite that, I felt his gaze on me. Boring through my skull to try and figure out what threats I could possibly pose.

“What were you doing, 99?” Fives whispered hoarsely, his hands skating uselessly across 99’s chest.

“He was being a soldier,” I said curtly, bringing my comm to my mouth and tapping it to life. “General Ti, please send a medic to the barracks. We have a man down.”

“There are many casualties around the city,” she responded immediately, “Could you get your man to a medical bay, or does he need a satellite team?”

I looked down at 99, seeing his face contort with pain as he regained consciousness. “Standby,” I said softly, touching 99’s shoulder gently. “Easy,” I said to 99 now. “You’ve been shot.”

“I-I know,” he responded, wincing. “But before--”

“Nevermind that,” I interrupted immediately, just barely keeping myself from glancing back at Rex. As much as I wanted to, if my cover was blown, I didn’t want anyone knowing that Rex had known and been in on the secret. “Can you stand?”

“Of course he can’t,” Echo started, exasperated. “He’s been shot--”

I shot the man a look, silencing him. “Let him try.”

“I-I can do it. I know I can.”

I couldn’t help but smile, offering my hand to 99, who took it gratefully. I practically heaved him to his feet, the man barely able to stand without my help. Fives and Echo stepped forward immediately, dipping under 99’s arms and taking his weight off of me. “Let’s get him to a med bay,” I said gently, leading the way without looking up at Rex and Cody.

As we passed the cadets, Jax stopped, his face cracked with a small smile. “Thanks for your help, Kida,” he said quietly. “Again.”

I chuckled, 99 even managing a grin. “Hey, if you keep popping up on all these adventures, you’re going to be an ARC trooper before you even graduate from this place.”

Jax laughed, shaking his head at me. But, I could see the gratitude in his eyes.

Thankfully, considering we were in a massive cloning facility, there were a lot of med bays. Thus, we arrived at one rather quickly, despite the bustling around it. Injuring clones littered the corridors outside the medical wing, waiting to be helped. Those that were waiting had small wounds...non-life threatening.

I took that as reason to plow my way into the medical bay, considering my man was going to die without help, no matter what force tricks I used. When I entered, I saw clone medics everywhere, including Kix. Said clone began to approach when a Kaminoan stepped before him, blocking his path.

“Taun We,” I greeted, doing my best to not spit her name. I had nothing personal against her, but she was as cold as the other cloners. The men and boys I’d fought beside that day were not people, but a product, in her eyes.

“Captain,” she said back, having clearly conversed with Lama Su. “What are you doing here?”

“One of my men was badly injuring in the battle,” I said formally, gesturing behind me to reveal 99, wedged between Fives and Echo. Rex and Cody weren’t behind us anymore, and I chose not to worry. It was likely that Cody was running off and reporting what I’d done. Hell, maybe Rex was, too.

“A maintenance clone?” Taun We asked, recoiling slightly. “Why would I waste my resources on him when I have other, more able-bodied clones, to treat?”

I simmered under her gaze, my lips pursing in distaste. “Because he’s one of your clones, who was injured while contributing to this battle,” I started, trying to keep my temper under wraps.”

Taun We waved her hand, moving to walk away. “I will not put this clone’s life above others.”

“I’m not asking you to,” I argued as evenly as I could manage. “I’m saying to not place his life below any of the others. Save his life.”

“He is not worth the resources,” she dismissed.

It occured to me, in that moment, that considering whatever report Rex and Cody may have been giving, I was possibly about to lose any rank I held in the GAR. Might as well use it while I could.

I grabbed her arm as she tried to turn away again, pulling her back to face me. All the clones around us froze in fright. No one ever grabbed the Kaminoans. I stood as tall as I could--which looked pretty short beside her--and stuck my finger in her face.

“I’m not asking, Doctor,” I spit, officially angry. “I’m ordering you to save this clone’s life and treat him as you would any of these other clones that were injured in the battle to protect their homes--which, I’ll remind you, if also the facility that makes you obnoxiously wealthy!”

“You forget your place,” she tried scolding, her head held high.

The room rippled with the darkness that pooled off of me, my gaze cold. “No, you forget my place. Not just my position in the Republic, but my position in the underworld. The people in my pocket. The mobsters and politicians alike you owe me debts.”

“Are you...threatening me?” she asked incredulously.

I couldn’t fight the smile on my face, seeing all the clones watching Taun We squirm. “Did I not make it clear enough?” Despite her attempt at looking impassive, I felt her twinge of fear at my calm smile. I lowered my voice, so only she, Kix, and I could hear. “So why don’t you get to helping out this soldier who was willing to give his life to keep the barracks safe? Hmm?”

Taun We watched me closely. I knew there’d be hell to pay, whether it be down the grapevine from the Republic or from the Kaminoans themselves. I didn’t really care. 99 would be treated, I concluded happily as she nodded slowly.

I stood, giving Kix a nod in greeting while he and another medic took 99 from my friends, a small echo reaching my ears.

“Jorso'ran kando a tome.” I looked around at the sound of the familiar song, the lyrics hitting my eardrums with beats of nostalgia.

“Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an.” The clones were singing. Softly. Enough to not be the loud chant I’d once heard it was. But it came from the mouths of those resting in the beds. From those tending to the wounded. From the clones waiting in the halls.

“Kandosii sa ka'rta, Vode an.”

Fives touched my shoulder gently, his face filled with pride as he looked around the room, taking in the chant beside me. I looked up at him, giving him a small, disbelieving smile.

“They’re chanting for you,” Echo breathed, touching my other shoulder.

My comms beeped as I was about to respond, making me flinch slightly. “Captain,” I said, noticing the signal from Rex’s comm.

“Kida,” he said formally, telling me he wasn’t somewhere private. “When you’ve delivered 99 to the med bay, the three of you should report to the western hangar.”

I swallowed, my nerves aflame with worry. “Yes, sir.”

Echo and Fives gave me worried looks, considering my little outburst, but nodded their heads towards the door, nonetheless. I sighed, leading them from the med bay and past the soldiers lined up there. Their lips moved only slightly, their chant following us down the strikingly white halls.

“Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.”

As we drew closer to the hangar, even the two clones behind me could see the tension in my shoulders. What was going to happen? I’d openly shown my abilities to a clone that was notorious for following the rules. I’d be reported. Maybe the Jedi Council would have me imprisoned, just so I wasn’t a threat to them.

Would they have me killed? Were they so cold-blooded? They were certainly paranoid enough…

Slipping past the destroyed Republic shuttles, having been crushed by the Trident Drill crafts, we stepped out into the chilly air of Kamino again. I breathed in slowly, closing my eyes as stopped near the edge. The endless breeze and misting rain cascaded over my face, soothing me.

“Are you...alright?” Fives asked softly, standing behind me.

I breathed slowly, looking out over the raging waves. “When I first came to Kamino with Jango,” I sighed, reminiscing. “I’d never seen so much water before in my life. I’d seen rain, but nothing like the storms you get here. Prior to Concordia, I hadn’t really seen rain in years.” I felt the brother’s confusion, making me smile. “Kadavo and Tatooine don’t get a lot of precipitation.”

“Was it scary?” Echo asked suddenly, looking past me towards the water. “The storms, I mean. We got used to them, but when we were just cadets...I remember some of the worst ones keeping our entire troop up.”

I hummed thoughtfully. “There was a terrible storm, worse than any I saw over the years after, when I was first here. I was terrified...but Jango forced me to relax. He took me to a hangar like this one and forced me to sit and watch it.”

“That’s... “ Fives struggled to find the words, but I could feel his distaste.

I chuckled. “It seems cruel, I know. But I was grateful for it. He sat next to me during the storm and told me the story of Akaanati’kar’oya.” A twinge of recognition pulsed in the two men. I leaned against the hull of the Trident Drill that laid on the hangar beside us, my arms crossing. “He helped me see the beauty in the storm. Helped me recognize that it was good, because it was such an incredible change from what I’d grown used to.” I smiled to myself, finally turning to look at Fives and Echo. “I always stayed up to watch storms after that. Even now, I find myself watching storms on whatever planet I’m on...even without Jango.” I glanced away again, having seen Rex and Cody approaching in my peripheral vision. “None of them have compared to this, though.”

“I’ve...never looked at it that way,” Echo admitted, offering me a small smile.

I was about to respond, but stopped when I heard Rex’s voice. “Echo. Fives,” he said in greeting as they approached. I stayed facing the water, leaning against the crashed craft, my eyes chasing the waves below.

Fives and Echo stood at attention behind me, awaiting whatever their commanding officers had to say. “You both really stepped up in the heat of battle,” Cody started, making my ears perk. I tilted my head ever so slightly to listen. A part of me had wondered if Cody and Rex would just dismiss the guys to scold me. Or maybe use them to arrest me.

I chastised myself mentally. Rex wouldn’t do that. Despite the doubts swirling in my mind, I knew he wouldn’t. He couldn’t.

“We did what we had to do, sir,” Echo responded formally. Still, I could feel the pride rippling in both him and his brother.

Fives spoke now. “What any clone would have done.”

Rex stepped forward, moving a bit closer to me. “Both of you showed valor out there. Real courage. Reminded me of me, actually.”

No one else reacted with humor, but I nearly did. I cleared my throat as quietly as I could, masking the snort of laughter that had forced its way from my chest. I’d known Rex was a dedicated and fearsome man. But...I’d never pegged him as vain.

Maybe he wasn’t, but the occurrence showing his pride was amusing to me.

“Echo, Fives,” Cody said, drawing my attention again. “You’re both officially being made ARC troopers.”

Shock and pride surged from the two men, mixing with my own. I smiled openly, but kept facing the water. Still, I’m sure they could see my head lift, along with the puffing of my cheeks from my grin.

“I don’t think the Separatists will be coming back anytime soon,” Rex commented. “But if they do, Kamino will be lucky to have clones like you defending it. Good job, men.”

The four saluted, the younger two alight with excitement and pride.

“Dismissed,” Cody said curtly, both Fives and Echo casting me glances of worry and happiness before they stepped away.

Rex cleared his throat behind me, forcing me to finally turn away from the raging ocean and to his golden gaze. “What?” I asked, forcing a smirk on my face. “Am I being made an ARC trooper, too?”

Rex’s lips quirked slightly, but it faded just as fast. “No, Captain.” My heart sunk at his formal address.

“So why call me here if you just wanted to talk to the boys?”

Cody sighed behind Rex, gently pushing his hesitating brother out of his way. “I don’t know how you hid it this long, but we both saw what you did in the barracks.” I sucked in a worried breath, holding it while I waited for the man to continue. “I don’t know why Rex feels compelled to protect you, but he’s denying all that happened.” I glanced at Rex, seeing that he had taken up my position, staring over the water. “So since he feels inclined to not share, I’m leaving it to you.”

My gaze snapped back to Cody, my eyes wide. He was asking me to tell the truth. “I...am not sure what you’re asking me to say.”

Cody moved closer, any sign of kindness gone as he tilted his head to look down at me. “Did you or did you not use the force to push 99?”

“Would it matter if I did? If I did, I’d have saved his life.”

Cody’s hands reached out quickly, gripping my arms almost painfully. “Did you. Or did you not.”

Even Rex seemed more on edge, turning to look at the two of us in mild fear. “99 was shot in the leg. I saw him fall, just as you did.”

Cody sighed lowly, releasing me as he stepped back. “You’ve disappointed me, Kida.” He turned to walk away, his mind reeling. He knew I was lying.

“What are you going to do?” I called after him. “Report me to Kenobi?”

“It’s my duty,” he said back, not looking at me. It was just like how Rex had said it...all that time ago, back with Cut and his family.

I watched for a moment as Rex hesitated to chase after his brother. With a low breath, I lifted my head high. “The Jedi Council already knows,” I declared, making both clones pause and look at me.

“Kida,” Rex said softly, urging me to quiet down. I understood his logic. If Kenobi already knew, Cody reporting to him would be no issue. But that wasn’t enough for me.

“And what does it matter to you?” I continued, moving after Cody. “I saved your brother today.”

“You’re not a jedi,” Cody declared, his gaze a mix of worry and fear.

“No.”

“Then what are you?”

I shook my head, looking down at my gloved hands. “Untrained. On all accounts. I’ve only just started learning to control it, from watching the jedi.” Cody still hesitated, watching me warily. “I’m not a threat, Cody.”

“Are you sure of that?”

Huh. In reality, he had a bit of a point. The jedi were afraid of me because of my Sith heritage. I’d been having darker thoughts ever since I spoke with Vizsla. Not to mention the dark presence that had shown up in my dreams. Was I sure that I wasn’t a threat? With my abilities only growing...what if I lost control? Hurt the people I...loved?

When I didn’t answer, Cody turned on his heel and walked away, likely to report to Kenobi himself. Rex stepped towards me, but I turned away.

“Thanks for the help,” I said lowly, my voice like ice.

“What did you want me to do?” he asked, forcing me to turn and look at him. “If I spoke, I’d be lying to a superior officer. I defended you by saying nothing.”

“And if the Council comes back and has me arrested?” I responded, meeting his gaze. “Would you still say nothing?”

Rex’s mouth dropped open, as if he was going to respond, but paused...unsure. That was enough of an answer for me. I pulled away from his hand, walking back across the hangar and into the city.

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I wasn’t sure how I’d found my way there, but my feet had guided me to the doorway I’d come to only dream about. My hand hesitated at the panel of the sparkling white door for only a moment before activating it.

The door slid open, revealing a room that looked untouched. I was surprised, actually, considering the Kaminoans’ tendency for efficiency. Then again, what purpose would they have for a suite if Jango was dead? What could it be used for now?

I swallowed thickly before stepping into the familiar housing. It was a bit messy, both from disuse and from what looked like a hasty packing--likely from when Jango and Boba had to flee the planet. My eyes caught something metallic on the floor, making me stoop to pick it up beneath the fallen Mandalorian tapestry and boots from a younger Boba.

It was a holoprojector. I recognized the residual stains from the time Boba had decided to paint its base, only for Jango to make him wash it off--along with the other doodles that had appeared on the walls that day.

It looked like it had been thrown to the floor. It wasn’t an accident. Perhaps done in anger? Sadness?

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I was hit with the image of a younger Boba, his face blotchy and tear-streaked. He entered through the doorway, soaked with rain, his boots still stained with the dark sand of Geonosis. He looked around the room, hair flopping in his face, as if he expected something.

It occured to me that some part of him was waiting for myself or Jango to appear. It registered for him that neither of us were there. Jango was dead. He’d sent me away.

The boy collapsed in tears for only a few moments before the room shifted, filling with anger. Anger at me for not stepping in. Anger at his father for getting himself in that mess. For leaving Boba up on that balcony while he foolishly went to fight a jedi.

Boba rose from the floor, angry tears still streaming down his face, as he rushed to the Mandalorian tapestry and ripped it from the wall. It fell, tearing down other ornaments that had once been precious to him. In the dim glow of the night lighting, Boba caught sight of the only holo-photo in the room. It flickered just slightly as he approached the faintly blue colored illumination, his hand trembling.

I watched as Boba lifted it to his face, examining the three figures. Jango was in the middle, a rare smile on his face. He didn’t show any teeth, but the smile lines around his eyes were crinkled, showing that the grin was genuine. On his right, tucked under his arm and smushed against his side, was a smiling Boba. Boba’s face was still chubby from youth, his eyes bright...like they were before Jango died. Under Jango’s right arm was a younger version of me.

I remembered it being taken. Boba had insisted, wanting an updated family photo with his new sister. Jango hadn’t officially adopted me, the scar on my cheek still red as it took its time to heal. My hair hadn’t been cropped short yet, but it was washed and pulled away from my face in a braid. My eyes, while weary, showed genuine happiness. I remembered feeling calm for once. Safe.

Just as suddenly as Boba had stilled, he screamed angrily, throwing the holoprojector to the ground, hearing a satisfying crack as the image fizzled out. The boy turned on his heel, snatching up what remained of his father’s equipment before storming out.

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“Kida?”

I whirled, drawing my pistol and aiming it at the door, only to freeze. Obi-wan stood calmly in the doorway, hands lifted by his head to show peace. Still, he didn’t seem bothered in any way...nor concerned that I would shoot him.

I lowered my gun, holstering it silently. “Sorry,” I whispered, still holding the holoprojector in my other hand, cradling it near my chest.

He didn’t comment, only giving me a small nod as he stepped fully into the room, the door hissing closed behind him. I wondered briefly how I hadn’t heard the door open, but brushed it off, considering the visions I had were rather vivid.

“I figured I might find you here,” the jedi commented, looking around the white room.

“Oh?” I asked, turning as I lifted the tapestry from the ground, putting it on the table.

Obi-wan crossed his arms, unmoving from his place in the middle of the room. “No one had seen you since you conversed with Cody and Rex in the hangar. I decided to check here.” He finally moved, glancing around the room, his gaze gravitating to the holoprojector in my hand. “I only got to see this place for a short time. But I don’t remember that.”

“Jango deactivated it if there were ever visitors.”

“Why?”

I smiled slightly to myself as I sat at the table, popping open the side paneling of the mechanism. “He didn’t want anyone to know about me.” Obi-wan gave me raised brows, making me chuckle slightly. “I was a target. An escaped slave, in some people’s eyes. He didn’t want anyone recognizing me from Jabba’s Palace, or from Death Watch. If anyone ever showed up, he kept any evidence of my existence quiet.”

Obi-wan was quiet for a moment, his face contemplative, watching me work. “Cody came and spoke to me.”

My hands faltered, nearly ripping a crucial piece from the holoprojector. “Oh?” I said again, refusing to meet his gaze.

“Indeed. He said that you saved a clone in the barracks...using the force.” I didn’t respond, still tinkering with the mechanism. Kenobi sighed slowly through his nose. “Master Windu mentioned that you had reached out to him through the force during the business with Boba, warning him about Aurra’s involvement. Is this true?”

“Does my answer really matter? Will it change what you or the Council decides to do?”

Finally, I met his gaze, my fingers still holding the delicate pieces of the holoprojector. He was thinking, but his eyes were soft. “The Council is already aware of your growing abilities and they are wary.” I figured that. “But they have still permitted the decision to lie with me, as thus far, I have not been wrong about you.”

I sat in silence as he regarded me, by shoulders rising slowly with each breath that I took in an attempt to calm my nerves. Obi-wan stepped forward, his fingers touching the tapestry to pull it closer, letting him look at the Mandalorian sigils.

“After Cody gave me his briefing of what you did for the clone, 99,” Obi-wan started, “Rex came to talk to me.”

I jumped slightly, my eyebrows lifting. Still, I forced myself back into composure, returning my attention to the holoprojector. “And what did the captain have to add to Cody’s report?”

Obi-wan surprised me with a chuckle. “Nothing, actually. He didn’t comment on what you’d done apart from that you’d done it to save one of his men. And that he knows that you’d have done it to save any of them.” I stilled in my work, listening. “He defended you. Defended your actions, recounting the deeds you’ve done for the Republic and how you’ve never broken a contract in your history as a bounty hunter. Considering you’re employed by the Republic, he insists you won’t break that vow until we release you from it.”

“That’s...very kind of him.”

Obi-wan hummed, rubbing his beard. “Yes. The captain seems to have a bit of a soft spot for you. It’s rare, but I’ve only seen him defend his men that have truly gained his trust. You seem to have achieved that.”

I glanced away, pulling my emotions inside myself so Obi-wan couldn’t read them. “What does this matter, Obi-wan?” I was touched. Excited, even. That Rex had defended me. I’d challenged him at the hangar. I’d questioned where his loyalties lay. He’d chosen to defend me, despite possibly jeopardizing his position.

“I trust Rex,” Kenobi admitted, straightening from where he looked over the tapestry. “And I trust you. Cody worries that you may be a danger to the GAR. Do you agree?”

I was quiet for a moment, replacing the last wire to see the holoprojector spark to life. I regarded the flickering image, my heart clenching. Mind reeling. “I don’t know,” I admitted in a whisper. “I don’t want to be.”

I looked up, meeting Kenobi’s gaze worriedly. He sighed lowly. “I believe you. Though,” he added, his tone lighter. Despite that, I still tensed. “I have some concerns about your growing abilities. I can’t train you, nor can we bring you into the Jedi Order.”

I found a spark of humor, glancing at Kenobi with an incredulous look. “You think I could handle being a jedi?”

“No, I don’t,” he admitted, getting me to actually laugh. “But, off the record, I don’t want you using your abilities around the troops. The less people know, the better. Still, I can’t have your abilities lashing out in moments of desperation. You must learn to control them if you’re going to remain under my command.”

I looked up from where I gazed at the holo-image. “You’re letting me stay?”

“Of course. I ordered both Rex and Cody to practice discretion on the manner, even to superior officers other than myself.”

“I...didn’t expect that,” I admitted.

“I’m sure,” Obi-wan teased. “And you likely didn’t expect me to offer this: I will teach you in secret. Not to use your abilities, but to keep them in check. These are my terms for you to remain. Otherwise, you are welcome to leave the service, but you must leave now. If you don’t agree to these terms and stay, I must allow the Council to take any action they deem necessary.”

“Why are you protecting me?” I asked suddenly, watching his face in the faint blue glow of the holoprojector. “What’s in it for you?”

“Why must there be something in it for me?” I shrugged as Kenobi smiled at me. “You’ve spent too much time in the company of bounty hunters, Kida. I have nothing to gain apart from being right about you. Of course, the Republic will benefit from your assistance, as well.”

I hummed. He was a jedi. Sure, he cared about the Republic, but did he really think one hunter was someone who could influence a war effort? “Alright,” I whispered, looking up. “I don’t know your motives, and I doubt this do-gooder face you’re putting on,” I teased, making the jedi grin at me. “But I’ll agree to your terms.”

We were silent for a moment as we both looked at the holo-image. “I’m sorry,” Obi-wan said softly. “What the war did to you.”

Admittedly, I appreciated the gesture. But he was wrong. “The war didn’t do anything to me,” I responded. “In reality, the war got me more jobs. Times have never been better for a bounty hunter than when there’s a war.”

“I meant-”

“I know what you meant,” I cut him off. “But the war didn’t break my family. I’ve said before that Jango acted on his own accord.” I sighed lowly. “The war is horrible and it’s hurting people, I know. But I’ve been able to find friends in it again. Maybe even the start of something I could consider a family.”

“The jedi,” Obi-wan started slowly. “Don’t believe in attachments. Therefore, family is quite a different meaning for us than it is for others. But…you know more than most how jedi can struggle with this notion.”

I didn’t respond verbally, only giving him a nod. I’d known about his attachment to the duchess of Mandalore, which had yet to cease. But I also wondered if he knew about Anakin and Padme. It’d be a damned miracle if he didn’t. It felt like the worst kept secret in the Republic, yet no one seemed to actually know.

Obi-wan cleared his throat, stepping towards the door. “I know some of the men are going to eat. Anakin and I may as well. Care to join us? It’s been a long day.”

I stood, moving the holoprojector back to its place on the mantle. “No, but thank you. I’m going to go visit the medbay, I think.”

Obi-wan gave me a respectful nod before leaving. He paused in the doorway, looking back at me. “Oh, Kida. Need I advise you to not yell at the Kaminoans in the future? They are making our army, after all.”

I chuckled at him as he left without another word. There was nothing left to be said, after all. Rex had defended me. Obi-wan had given me another chance to remain in the GAR.

I’d heard that his former master, Qui-Gon, had been a rather rebellious jedi. Despite how much Kenobi denied it, he was much like the man who had taught him.

After scanning the image to my wrist gauntlet, I left the room, heading straight for the medbay.

The halls were still littered with droid parts, bustling with the clones that were still able-bodied enough to work. Some were helping clean up while others had been relieved of their work, likely heading to eat or bunk down. Obi-wan wasn’t lying when he’d said it was a long day.

The medbay had significantly lessened in numbers by the time I reached it, most of the small ailments having been treated already. Still, those who were up and had been there when I’d brought in 99 whispered to each other as I entered.

Despite no one singing, it was like the chant still echoed through the room. My eyes caught the shaved inscription of a familiar medic’s head. A good droid is a dead one. Kix saw me as I approached, smiling.

“Captain,” he greeted. “That was quite the spectacle today.”

I hummed. “I guess. Obi-wan already scolded me for yelling at Taun We.”

“I can’t imagine why.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, touching Kix’s shoulder. “It’s nice to see you, my friend. How’s 99?”

“He’s going to be fine, thanks to you. I don’t know if the Kaminoans would have allowed us to save him if you hadn’t forced it on them.”

I smiled. “Can I see him?”

“Of course. It’s late though, Kida. Are you sure? You should get some rest. You look tired. Have you eaten?”

“I’m fine, Kix,” I chuckled, moving past him towards where he’d taken 99. “Why don’t you go doctor someone else?”

The medic rolled his eyes, but gestured to me which room 99 was in so that I could find my way. He left me to my own devices, going about his work. We hadn’t spent an absurd amount of time together, but there had been enough to allow him to know when to leave me alone.

I entered the medical room, seeing 99 hooked up to monitors, an IV in his arm and bacta-patches covering his shoulder and chest. I sat beside him, pulling the chair as close as I could to the side of his bed. I’d gotten to know the man over the years, since he had swept me out of the way in time to avoid a run-in with the Kaminoans more times than I could count. Each time, he’d chide me gently and tell me some lesson, only to let me go and have to jump in again on my next mishap. Realistically, I think he enjoyed it. Interacting with someone other than soldiers. With kids that would be kids longer than a few short years.

“Kida?”

I lifted my gaze from where I stared at the sheets to see 99 cracking open his eyelids. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Y-you didn’t,” he assured. “I-I’m just thirsty.” I grabbed his cup of water immediately, offering it to his good arm. He took greedy sips before returning the cup to my hand. “Thank you. You were always a good kid.”

I chuckled. “I’m not a child anymore, 99.”

“I-I know that.” He seemed almost sad at that.

I decided to change the subject. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m not dead, so that’s always good.”

“What were you thinking?” I asked softly. “Running out into the line of fire like that?”

“I-I was just trying to do my duty,” he defended. “I’m a soldier. Like my brothers. Like you.” I touched his hand softly, quieting him.

“I know you are, 99. But you could have died.”

“My brothers die every day. Hevy died.”

I sighed lowly, sitting back to regard my old friend. “People talk like dying is a noble deed. That to die for someone is the hardest decision someone can make. But they’re wrong.” 99 looked at me with shock, but said nothing, letting me continue. “Living for someone is even harder. It’s horrible, because that person is gone. But you know that they’d want you to keep living. Keep doing what you thought is right.”

“D-do you think Hevy…” he trailed off from his question, but I knew what he was getting at.

“Hevy gave you his medal to hold onto until he came back. He couldn’t come back because he died to save both his brothers at the outpost and Kamino. Kamino includes you, 99. Hevy died to save you. Don’t go wasting that sacrifice.”

99 nodded slowly, passion taking over his face at my speech. I smiled at him, resting my cheek tiredly in my hand. “Have you eaten?” he asked suddenly, making me chuckle.

“Kix asked me the same thing.”

“A-and?”

“I’m fine, 99.”

He rolled his eyes at me, turning to grab an untouched tray of food beside him. “P-please. Eat.

“That’s your food, 99.”

He shrugged his good shoulder, giving me the tray. “The medicine is making it hard to keep anything down. I-it’d be a waste on me. Besides,” he said, gesturing to his IV. “Th-they’re keeping me alive just fine.”

I smiled gently at my friend before obliging. The food, being from Kamino, wasn’t anything extravagant. Still, I was pretty hungry after the battle and knew I needed to keep up my strength. While I dug in, I found 99 staring at me.

“I-I wanted to thank you for what you did for me today.”

“You don’t have to,” I tried to dismiss. “Taun We can suck my--”

“That’s not what I meant.” 99 sighed lowly. “I-I don’t know what you did, but I know it was you who kept me alive. I-I could feel it.” He leaned forward, wincing as I paused, food halfway to my mouth. “You have...abilities, don’t you?”

Obi-wan’s words of caution echoed in my mind. 99 was a friend...but would I be endangering him too, if I told him the truth. “99,” I sighed, “You were shot. Three times.”

“Yet I-I lived and was able to walk a-all the way to the med bay.”

“Bragging now, are we?” I was trying to convert the conversation to humor, but he wouldn’t let me. He fixed me with a look--one very much like what he would give me when he stopped me with a hand on my shoulder, a lesson on his tongue.

“I-I understand that you probably can’t talk about it. I-I...I just wanted to thank you.”

I swallowed slowly. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re alright.”

“Now,” 99 chuckled, letting the topic of my abilities fall. “What’s between you and Captain Rex?”

I blanched, nearly spitting out the food I’d put in my mouth. “I beg your pardon?” I said as 99 chuckled.

“I-I saw the way you looked at him. You care for all of us, but he-he’s different, isn’t he?”

“That would be breaking regulation, 99,” I chastised softly, despite my tone showing how noncommittal my words were.

“Like y-you were ever one to follow the rules.”

I chuckled at that before sobering. “Maybe I’m not, but Rex is.” 99 only hummed at me, giving the implication that he knew more than he was letting on. I was surprised, given how focused on brotherhood 99 tended to be. Rex and I...wouldn’t that cause a separation between him and his brothers? Or maybe 99 knew that I cared for the clones. A light touch to his mind proved my idea. He thought that I was a good person, having spent my time and been trained by Jango.

“It’s inevitable, y-you know,” 99 said, interrupting my probing at his mind. I mentally scolded myself for digging. It didn’t seem ethical.

“What is?”

“That a c-clone would fall for you.”

I raised my brows. “No one has fallen for--”

“I-I told you that I know my brothers, Kida.”

I fell silent, huffing. “Why would they fall for me, then?”

“You’re a warrior, like we are. Trained by Jango. But you’ve always been kind. You care about other people.”

“I appreciate that, 99, but--”

“Deny it all y-you want, but I-I know.” 99 smiled at me. “And your secret is safe with me.”

I returned the smile, bobbing my head in appreciation. “Thank you, 99. You’ve always been a good friend to me.”

99 watched me as I finished his food, the bags under my eyes only seeming to grow with each passing second. “Y-you should get some rest, Kida.”

“I don’t want to leave you alone.”

“Alone? I-I’m a clone in a cloning facility. I’m the furthest from alone a-anyone could be!” He leaned forward with a small wince, touching my hand. “Get some rest. I’m going to be fine.”

I smiled at him gently, squeezing his hand with my own before standing and moving towards the door. I stopped suddenly, a thought occurring to my mind. “99?” I asked, turning back to him. He looked tired too, and I almost felt bad for pushing him further. But I had to know. “Do you happen to know what cyare means?”

“Cyare?” 99 asked, his eyebrows shooting up before a grin cracked his face. He even surprised me with a chuckle.

“What?” I worried, wondering if it was something bad. Maybe not even bad...but what if it was something ridiculous? Or embarrassing? “What does it mean?” I pressed when he still laughed.

“Cyare,” 99 started, sobering and speaking softly. “It means beloved.”

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

MANDO’A

Hut’uun-- coward (worst possible insult)

Jorso'ran kando a tome.

Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an.

Kandosii sa ka'rta, Vode an.

Motir ca'tra nau tracinya. --- Mandalorian chant (Vode An) taught to clones by Jango.

Vode An Translation:

We shall bear its weight together.

Forged like the saber in the fires of death, brothers all.

One indomnible heart, brothers all.

Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.

Akaanati’kar’oya--- The War of Life and Death (ancient Mandalorian creation tale)

Cyare-- beloved

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

AUTHOR’S NOTE

I couldn’t bring myself to kill 99. It was too horrible the first time around. Besides, his survival doesn’t necessarily tip the balance of any future arcs, so I felt safe countering the canon for this one.

In addition, I wanted 99 to be the one to tell her what cyare meant. I’m glad she finally got to find out!

Please be aware that the next arc will be completely from me, rather than from the series. The next adventure has been planned since day 1 and is necessary for the continuing of Kida’s story.

As always, likes, reposts, and reviews are welcome!

-Ryder

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