Warnings: Death, explosion, war injuries (let me know if I missed any!)
————
Juliette had returned to her room, and began rummaging around in her desk.
Cosmos leaned in the doorway, “well, you really turned these quarters into your own.”
Juliette smiled to herself.
Cosmos stepped in, shutting the door.
“Okay, I got something serious to talk about with you,” Cosmos knelt down.
Serious? Juliette stopped her search, turning her full attention to her best friend.
“I’m only asking because I care about you,” Cosmos assured, “is everything between you and Fang okay? You two were acting weird all day yesterday and then suddenly you were fine again. He’s not jerking you around, right? If he is, I’ll straighten him out.”
A smile spread on her face, “I knew I made a good choice.”
“Excuse me?” Cosmos held her face, “a good choice in what?”
“My best friend!” Juliette proudly declared.
Cosmos gave her an amused smirk, “oh yeah? Well, charming me isn’t going to make me drop this.”
“I’m fine,” Juliette pat his hand, “Fang just has some bad communication skills sometimes.”
“He should work on that,” Cosmos looked up at her ceiling. “I don’t like seeing you upset.”
Juliette closed and opened another drawer, then paused.
“Talk to me, Starlight,” Cosmos ordered.
Juliette sighed, “it’s just… I feel like everyone is constantly trying to protect me, but I can handle myself. But when I try to prove that, someone always gets upset and says I was reckless.”
“To be fair, for most of us,” Cosmos said, “you’re General number six. The 952nd was originally a Legion at the beginning of the war, but we are more of a relief Battalion now. Who’s to say that if you die, we get disbanded and the 952nd dies with you?”
Juliette blinked, trying to fight tears.
Why did he have to word it like that? I know I’m important, but I didn’t think of myself as their last shot.
“Sorry,” Cosmos dabbed his thumbs under her eyes, “that came out a little too dark, huh? But seriously, Juliette, none of us want to lose you. I don’t want to lose you.”
“But what about you?” Juliette cupped his face, “if I have to hear another one of my friends call themselves expendable, I might lose it.”
Cosmos placed his forehead to her’s, “we were made to die originally, but you make us want to live. At least, you make me want to live.”
Juliette giggled, “want to hear something stupid?”
“Always.” Cosmos leaned back on his hands.
“So, there’s this thing called kov’nyn,” Juliette explained, “it’s when a mandalorian head-butts you with their helmet on, and in gentler settings it’s a kiss.”
“Okay?” Cosmos nodded along.
“When we were in my childhood room and you came in to tell us dinner was being made,” Juliette giggled, “he was doing what you just did, and I was internally trying to figure out if he was kissing me.”
Cosmos laughed, “I knew you looked flushed!”
“Now you know,” she shrugged, “your friend is an idiot.”
Cosmos held her shoulders, “my best friend may be an idiot, but she is my idiot.”
He placed a big kiss on her forehead.
What a goof.
Cosmos slapped his knees, “now, is there anymore bombshells you wants to throw at me?”
“Like what?” Juliette teased. “Like that my boyfriend told me he loves me?”
Cosmos rolled his eyes, “that one was so obvious that he didn’t even have to say it.”
“But I still haven’t said it back,” Juliette waited for his reaction.
Cosmos blinked, “oh. Now you have my full attention. Talk to me, Starlight.”
****
Mirage already knew he was due for promotion.
Commander Colt told him so, but he didn’t think he’d be promoted like this.
Sitting next to his brother, Coyote, who looked torn as Commander Hardwire and Sergeant Cooper whispered to each other.
Poor vod, Mirage studied him, he actually wants this. Maybe I should let him have it and step down.
“Alright,” Hardwire addressed them, “we have a mission today. Consider this your test.”
“Mission?” Coyote sat up straighter, “what mission?”
“We’re delivering supplies,” Cooper explained, “Separatist have been spotted in the area, so it may not be so simple.”
Mirage turned to Coyote, “you ready for this?”
Coyote nodded, “we got this.”
May the best man win.
****
In her room with just Fang, Juliette listened to him talk about possibly sneaking into market to get supplies. For what, he wouldn’t say, but he promised her investment would be worth it.
As she listened, she gathered her gear and scratched at her wrist where her faded scar was.
Rolling up her sleeve, Juliette traced her old burns.
“Are you ever going to tell me where this is from?” Fang asked taking her hand.
Juliette giggled, “it’s not a big deal.”
Fang ran his hand up her forearm, then drew her in closer. She felt the heat rise to her face as his right hand rested on her hip, and his left hand caressed her forearm.
“You mean everything to me,” Fang kissed her wrist.
Juliette turned her head away, covering her face.
Fang chuckled, “blushing?”
Juliette nodded, I’m so pathetic.
Fang pulled her down onto his leg, and kissed her cheek, “sweetheart, you’re beautiful.”
“Are you trying to make me blush?” Juliette hid her face in the crook of his neck.
“Yes,” Fang hugged her, “I love you.”
I’m a horrible girlfriend, Juliette wrapped her arms around his neck, why can’t I say that back? How can he be okay with me not saying it back?
Fang softly hummed, “so, it was suggested I take a break. But I’m not fond of sitting on the sidelines, so I’m coming along. Okay?”
Fang brushed his cheek against her head, snuggling her close.
“I would love to have you there,” Juliette traced his cheek, “but only if you’re up for it.”
“I want to go with you,” Fang kissed her forehead. “Please?”
“Okay, cyar’ika,” Juliette giggled, as he kissed her cheek.
Fang brushed his nose against her’s, “I love you.”
Juliette opened her mouth to say it, but it didn’t feel right to say out loud yet.
“We should get going,” she said instead.
Fang smiled, kissing her nose, “I’ll meet you at the gunship.”
He let her up off his knee, and got off her bed.
His fingers traced her jaw, and lifted her chin.
She could feel the love radiating in his eyes.
Then his hand left her face, and he was heading to the door. Smiling to himself as his finger hovered over the button to the automatic door.
“It was a grenade,” Juliette blurted out, “I was trying to prove to my buir that I could disable it on my own. It backfired, and I learned my lesson.”
Fang looked back, smiled, then left.
She went back to getting ready, listening to the muffled voices she loved outside her door go by.
****
Even though he knew she was fine, Mirage still had his hand out behind Juliette’s back.
In his head, he knew one day she’ll need him to catch her.
Across from him was Shadow, white armor now dawning their purple with a stripe of the light color going down one of his pecs, just like Mirage.
Mirage couldn’t help but smile, he’s copying me. Never thought I’d have someone look up to me like I did Colt.
Then his gaze shifted to Coyote and Fang, both ready to go as soon as those doors opened.
Act like a Corporal, Mirage told himself. Show some initiative, trooper. Colt didn’t train you to stay a Strategist forever.
Outside, he heard heavy fire.
There are Separatist here, Mirage watched as everyone shifted from relaxed to fight mode.
Mirage closed his eyes, feeling it course through him.
The calm before the storm.
As soon as those doors opened, he heard it and snapped right into it like a rubber band.
He waited for Juliette’s move, then followed her right off that ship. Even though he knew it was not his job anymore, he felt compelled to follow her everywhere on the battlefield. If she went down, he’d be right there to pick her up again.
****
Just as the reports said, there was Separatists who began invasion on this Republic planet.
Those droids waited for them, thinking they wouldn’t be prepared to fight.
Clone troopers—as Juliette had learned—are always prepared to fight.
While she could imagine their training was not the same, the lesson to always be on their toes was just as engraved in their blood as it was in her’s. Days and days of training, preparing for something that would come along one day. The day they’d put on their armor, hide their recognizable faces, and take on the Galaxy.
Only difference was, Juliette didn’t know her training was for a war. She doubted her father knew it either, because he might’ve trained her even harder; If that was even possible to do.
The comm chatter was going nuts.
All those similar voices talking over each other, it was overwhelming. First chance she got, she ducked undercover and adjusted the volume.
“Okay, General?” Mirage asked from beside her.
“It’s loud,” she called, “have to tune you all out or I’m going to overstimulate.”
“Gotcha,” Mirage pat her shoulder.
As obnoxious as she found it, it was comforting knowing she had someone following her.
The comm chatter quieted down after a few clicks, all that was left was the battle.
She turned her attention to Mirage. He was holding their position, poking around the wall and firing his blaster.
She lifted up her duo pistols, and tapped his back, “right behind you.”
“Ready?” Mirage ducked back into cover.
She nodded.
Mirage checked again, then gestured for her to move.
She moved around him, and ran into the battle unafraid with her ARC trooper right behind her.
While she didn’t need him, she still wanted him close. Battle zones still occasionally confused her, and who better to have than her ARC who always wanted to be with her?
They ducked undercover with Buck and Mick behind another crumbling building.
“Civilians are safe, General,” Buck reported. “We’re trying to do minimal damage.”
“Tell that to the clankers,” Mick quipped.
“I would, but they’d never listen,” Buck laughed.
Juliette did a scan, seeing everyone scattered in hiding places, including Fang with the Commander and a couple others across from them.
Her gaze fell on a trooper clutching his side out in the open.
Mirage noticed as well, and shook his head at her, “no, no risks. I’ll get him.”
Juliette sighed, I’m indestructible as long as I’m fully geared up.
However, she could figure, the brothers talked. Fang probably voiced his fears to a few of them, about not wanting to lose her. His worries, she imagined, planted seeds in their minds to also worry about her safety.
Juliette twirled her guns, then got back to firing.
Out of the corner of her visor, she saw Mirage grab the trooper quick and fall into the Commander’s barrier.
He tripped, she smiled, but he got him there safe.
She ducked behind the sturdy building, as plasma bolts wizzed by.
“Relax, General,” Buck reloaded his gun. “We’re fine.”
As soon as he said that, there was a flash and she felt like she was flying. Her helmet flew off, the back of her head hit the ground hard, and her ears were filled with a loud ringing.
Immediately, her hands went to ears to block out the white noise.
****
This is all my fault.
“Juliette!”
A yelp of pain, and Fang was down holding his shoulder.
Coyote grabbed the lovesick trooper by his ankle, pulling him back to cover as a hail of red bolts landed where his head just was.
Boomerang crawled over to Fang, “you okay?”
“Juliette…” Fang pushed him away, “she’s hurt!”
“She seems fine,” Cooper said, but his tone was laced with concern.
Mirage stood motionless, looking at the General and two troopers left behind.
Juliette’s face, twisted in excruciating pain as she held her ears. Cooper was half right, she did look fine minus the noise. It was his brothers who looked worse, as Buck laid motionless under the rubble and Mick held his busted hand, quickly scooting to cover.
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————
Prologue:
A long time ago in galaxy far, far away…
The months since the 952nd’s Rescue Battalion found their General, Juliette Trix, the clone troopers have endured many highs and lows.
In their most recent conflict, beloved clone private, Fang, has died. The loss of their brother will not be forgotten, but Juliette has taken the loss the hardest.
With many deaths in her life, the death of her first love will take a drastic toll, and she will face the biggest decision of her life: to stay with her troops or leave the war.
Cooper looked over the reports again, tilting his datapad so Juliette could look too.
According to the agenda, they’d mostly be backing up the 212th. The 501st had plenty, and with General Skywalker and Commander Tano leading them, they had all the firepower they needed.
It was still odd that General Kenobi requested Juliette’s aid. In fact, the request for their aid was for Juliette by name and her best men.
He looked over the ship, knowing full well this was more Hardwire’s opinion of the best than her’s.
I wonder who would of made the cut if she picked for herself.
Juliette brushed his arm, then moved back to Hardwire’s side and taking his hand.
Cooper smirked under his helmet, such an odd group we are.
****
They arrived in the hangers, and unloaded their supplies quickly with the help of some of the 212th and 501st men.
Once the gear was off loaded, the gunships hurried off before the Separatist could realize they slipped through.
Shadow stayed with Juliette and Fury, assisting them with one of the crates. He could write a whole book about all the things he liked about her as a leader and friend, starting with the fact she always helped with the heavy lifting.
“Well, well,” an ARC helped lift her side, “you must be the infamous, General Trix.”
“The one and only,” she quipped, “to who do I owe the pleasure?“
“Fives,” he suavely answered, “they call me Fives.”
“Fives,” another ARC came over, “what are you doing?”
“Making proper introductions, of course,” Fives turned back to her, “that’s Echo.”
“Ma’am,” Echo nodded politely.
“Hello,” she nodded back.
They dropped the crate as Mirage and Boomerang came over, checking out the two 501st ARCs. Although he forgave them, Shadow still moved to the other side of Fury to distance himself from Mirage. His ‘shadow someone else’ comment still stung fresh in Shadow’s mind despite the many days that passed since the altercation.
In better news, Juliette and him grew closer and they began a workout routine together.
“Just finished training a week ago,” Echo said, “first wave of ARCs since the Battle of Kamino.”
“Do they do recap courses?” Boomerang asked.
Mirage elbowed him lightly, “funny, Doc.”
Fury began walking off, heading to where Juliette went rushing off to see Commander Cody and General Kenobi.
Shadow paused, looking at the ARCs chatting and then walked off after Fury too. Besides that, he knew wherever Juliette was going was far more entertaining.
Another reason to like her.
****
“Ah, General Trix,” General Kenobi smiled when she approached. “I’m glad to be working with you this time. I heard great things from Cody through his reports.”
“Well, your Commander is great as well,” Juliette commented, “and I’ve been hearing many more stories about him.”
Cody turned his head, quietly expressing shock.
“All good thing,” she assured.
Fury stood by her side, “she’s referring to the scuffle you had with General Grievous, sir. During the rescue of General Koth.”
“I too am a fan of close combat,” she stated.
Cody chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
“And that makes you perfect,” General Kenobi smiled, “I will be aiding Anakin and his troops on a stealth mission, and you all will be our diversion.”
“Happy to assist,” Juliette turned to Fury, “could you locate my Commander.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Fury walked off.
General Kenobi bowed to her, “may the Force be with you.”
“To you too,” Juliette said, cringing at her response.
As soon as he walked off, Cody said to her, “did you hear one of my men punched Grievous in the face?”
Juliette smiled, “I’m so proud of him.”
“Come on,” he instructed. “Let’s get the boys ready.”
Juliette looked back, seeing Shadow was still with her and held out her hand, “come on. You’re sticking with me.”
He took her hand, quickening his pace.
“If anything goes wrong, I want you with me,” she said, “after all, I taught you how to do a proper spin kick and pile drive.”
“Very useful skills to know,” Cody nodded. “I approve of both tactics when handling droids.”
Hardwire approached, a small smile playing on his face with his helmet tucked under his arm, “why am I not surprised?”
“Oh shush!” Juliette swatted his chest, “I admire your brother.”
“She praised you to the senators last night,” Hardwire told him.
Juliette crossed her arms, “I stand by my opinion that am happy to work with Cody more than everyone else on this mission. Don’t tell Rex.”
Cody laughed, “thank you, General Trix.”
****
Cooper could feel Coyote staying close to him, exchanging conversations with a few of the 212th men they were with. He always had a knack for befriending brothers from other places, whereas Cooper barely had any acknowledge him unless they were told they had to, and for some reason they were always nervous.
“Look, I’m not bashing General.”
“Boil, don’t say-“
“I’m not going to say anything offensive, Waxer. But she doesn’t have a lightsaber.”
Coyote chuckled, “I’d be more scared if she did. Knowing her, she’d probably just have us sit back while she takes down the whole Separatist Army. Sith and all.”
Cooper snickered, she really would.
“She sounds a little nuts,” Boil grunted.
“She is!” Coyote replied proudly.
On the comm chatter, Cooper could hear Cody and Hardwire giving instructions to tanks to get into positions and for Digger to take his men to get an overhead view for them.
Part of him wished that one of the Jedi stayed. Not because he wanted their help, but because he wanted them to see her. He felt like a kid with a favorite toy he wanted to show off, and all the clones from every end of the galaxy knew she was great. The Jedi didn’t know how lucky they were she said yes.
Here we go.
****
“Damn,” Calico chuckled, “I think they’re having a brawl off.”
“Hmm?” Digger hummed, eyes focused on the droids.
“Commander Cody and General Angel,” Zombie said, “if his armor was as tough as her’s, Cody might be going just as showy as her.”
“Oh!” Hound laughed, “a nice roundhouse kick from Shadow!”
“That’s ARC material right there,” Mutt stated.
Digger sighed, “boys. The mission.”
“Yes sir,” they grumbled.
Still, Digger did a quick scan of the battlefield to find her. Just to see what they were talking about, nothing more.
Mutt nudged his macrobinoculars, guiding him a few more clicks to the right and he saw her. She fired a few rounds with a pistol, then used the butt of the gun to bludgeon a droids head off before going back to blasting.
Heh, looks like she’s having fun down there.
Digger lowered his macrobinoculars, seeing four ARF helmets facing him.
“Get back to work,” he ordered.
They turned back to the battle, snickering.
“You like her,” Calico said, “we know it, you know it, even Cosmos knows it.”
“I don’t like her like that,” Digger protested.
“Uh huh,” Mutt mumbled.
“I don’t,” Digger pressed, “she’s just intriguing.”
“Uh huh,” Mutt repeated.
“Come on, think about it,” Digger rolled his eyes, “she’s the only General who isn’t a Jedi. Her weapons are her own. She’s a trained warrior. She’s fascinating.”
Mutt turned to him, “uh huh.”
Digger frowned, realizing what he was doing.
“Shut up,” Digger grumbled, “I don’t like her.”
“Uh huh,” they all mocked him.
“Very funny,” he muttered. It’s not like I’ll ever get her to look at me anyway, other than promiscuous.
****
“Come on, Shadow!” Juliette called, “keep up!”
Shadow laughed inside his helmet. He’d been on a lot of fun missions before, but none as fun as this.
He shot down a few droids, following after her and Fury to get better aim as the droids fell back.
Even though they’ve been at it for hours, he wanted to keep fighting. He wanted to feel useful and needed again.
Juliette stretched her arms, “how am I not use to this yet?”
“You weren’t forged for this,” Fury teased. “Not like me.”
Juliette flicked his helmet, “you’re lucky you’re my favorite ARC.”
Shadow chuckled, but his gaze shifted past them to Mirage. He had been approaching, hand extended out to tap Juliette’s shoulder when those words came out of her lips.
Shadow knew it was playful teasing, that she didn’t favor Fury that way. However, he knew the words would sting Mirage like how his words stung him.
Mirage lowered his hand and shuffled away back to Boomerang and the other wounded.
Don’t do it, Shadow. Don’t feel sorry for him.
Mirage got down and began helping Boomerang calm the injured.
I could just go help Boomerang. If I happen to talk to Mirage, then so be it.
“I’ll be back,” Shadow dismissed himself from Juliette and Fury’s playful banter.
He hurried across the field, over to Boomerang’s little makeshift camp and knelt down.
“Need help?” Shadow asked the medic.
Boomerang lifted his helmet, “hey, good to see you. Could you help Mirage get Trusty and Doubler to the arriving gunship?”
So be it.
“Sure.”
He turned to Mirage, helping Trusty get his arm over his shoulder while trying to balance poor Doubler who was wincing in pain every time he lost balance and lowered his foot.
“Let me,” Shadow took Trusty. “I got him.”
“Thanks,” Mirage muttered.
Shadow followed him, walking through the heavy silence.
“Hey, Raj?” Shadow cut into their private channel.
“Yeah?” He lifted his head.
“Did you mean what you said?” Shadow asked, “about shadowing someone else?”
“No,” Mirage turned to him, “I never meant it. I was just so upset with Boomerang and I was lashing out.”
Shadow nodded, “interesting. You said something you didn’t mean and it hurt my feelings.”
“I can hear your sarcasm,” Mirage groaned.
Shadow helped Trusty on the ship, “let that favorite ARC comment be a lesson to you then.”
Mirage grumbled then followed after him as they headed back, “hey! I didn’t mean what I said, but she could’ve meant it.”
“True,” Shadow said, “but at least you might actually have learned how words hurt.”
Mirage sighed, “look, I’m sorry I said it. Can we just be vods again?”
“I don’t really have a choice,” Shadow said, “you’re my brother always.”
“You know what I mean,” Mirage nudged him, “please stop being mad at me?”
“I was only upset the first two days, then I was annoyed you never apologized,” Shadow said, “why didn’t you?”
“I didn’t know what to say,” Mirage sighed.
“Just sorry would’ve been enough,” Shadow said, “it’s all I wanted.”
“I’m sorry,” Mirage said.
“I know,” Shadow turned to him, “that’s why I forgive you.”
Mirage didn’t say anything else as they returned to Boomerang. The medic had his helmet off, rubbing the side of his head where his hair was slowly growing back.
Shadow nudged him, “so, why’d you do it?”
“Gut feeling told me I had to,” Boomerang pointed to his bruised eye, “does this still look as bad as it feels?”
“Probably,” Shadow looked at his cheek, “at least you can open your eye again.”
“Still wish I got in a few more shots,” Boomerang grumbled.
“I saw you kick a droid,” Mirage commented, “where’d you learn that, Shadow?”
“Wave two incoming,” their comms went off.
Shadow checked his blaster, “the General taught me. Maybe she’ll give you some lessons too.”
****
There was an explosion and the ground shook under Cooper’s boots. Loosing his footing, he started to fall forward when Coyote caught the back of his armor’s collar and straightened him up.
He followed him to cover, and gave him a pat on the back, “thanks.”
“No problem,” Coyote said, as an other explosive dropped where they just were.
If Coyote hadn’t grabbed him, Cooper would’ve been scattered pieces.
“Jeez,” Cooper shook his head, “now I really owe you.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Coyote shrugged.
Another explosion shook the ground, and he swore he saw Coyote shutter.
Cooper nudged him, “I’m right here, you’re okay.”
“I know,” he said unconvincingly.
Another explosion, and Coyote moved back under cover, taking deep breaths.
“Coyote, what’s wrong?” Cooper set his blaster down, “are you okay?”
“It’s the explosions,” Coyote exhaled. “I’m fine, I just need to get my thoughts together.”
“Collect them fast,” Cooper held his shoulder, “I need you here.”
Coyote nodded, then shook off those nerves, and got up again ready to go.
****
“Great shot!” Hound said in his comm, “alright, next target is at these coordinates. Ready?”
Digger was zoning out, watching the battle unfold along with bopping his head to the same song he had become obsessed with in the past week.
He shifted his gaze, to the base catching glimpses of plasma bolts flash inside.
He wondered if this mission would be a step towards finding that man who wants to torture them. He figured not. Considering since the war began, he heard a lot of things have been slipping under the radar.
“I’m bored,” Zombie sighed, “please tell me we’re going drinking after this.”
“We might be here for a few days,” Calico groaned.
“Ew,” Zombie groaned, “I hate that.”
“Yeah, well that’s life,” Calico shrugged, “we fight and fight and fight some more.”
“No, no,” Zombie corrected, “that’s clone life.”
Mutt chuckled in amusement.
“See,” Zombie said, “Mutt gets it.”
“Hmm?” He turned to them, “I didn’t hear you.”
The both sighed, and went back to surveying too.
Digger turned his gaze down to the battle, “did any of you tell them the tactical droid is in the back right tank?”
“Huh?” Hound turned his gaze, “there’s that clanker. Thinks he can hide from us, eh?”
Digger smirked, watching Hound switch back to their tankers channel and giving the coordinates and egging them to just lay all their fire on that one area, so they’d get a big explosion.
Digger stood up, heading back to his walker, “pack it up boys, this base is ours.”
“Woo hoo,” Zombie said unenthusiastically, “a tiny break before the Jedi decide if they want to keep us around.”
“Zombie, do you need a nap?” Calico teased.
Zombie grumbled, “I will backhand you.”
Digger said quietly, “that would be a yes.”
“We have taken the base,” Hardwire announced through the comm, “bring your boys down, Sergeant.”
“Copy that, Commander,” Digger replied.
****
“I think I took down way more droids than you,” Juliette declared.
“My bruised shins will say otherwise,” Cody quipped, “but nice try.”
Fury nudged her, saying lowly, “I counted a hundred kills, twenty of which were physical.”
“Really?” Juliette grinned, “cool!”
Cody’s comm went off and he excused himself to answer it. Juliette turned her attention fully to Fury, noting how he shifted his weight like he was uncomfortable.
“How’s my reliable ARC?” Juliette teased. “Didn’t get hurt out there, right?”
“Not at all,” he answered. “I’ve been tailing you, so those droves… droins…”
Juliette stepped closer, “droids?”
He nodded, “didn’t stand a ch-chance, General. S-sorry for stedd… stuttering.”
“But I like your stutter,” she blurted out, “it’s cute.”
His body tensed up, “r-really?”
She nodded, and began walking with him tailing behind her.
****
Cooper walked with Coyote beside him, quiet and tired as they entered the base.
He turned to Coyote, “you okay?”
“I’m okay now,” he said. “It just took me back.”
Cooper sighed, “I think about my old squad too. Losing all of Pack squad-“
“I wasn’t thinking about that explosion,” Coyote cut him off, “I was thinking of Keks.”
Cooper stopped, letting the realization dawn on him that he never learned how his last squad mate died.
“You didn’t know?” Coyote asked.
“I never asked,” Cooper took off his helmet, “an explosion?”
Coyote took his arm, leading him away.
“I don’t like where this going,” Cooper followed him to an uncrowded spot by the walkers.
“I don’t actually know how he died,” Coyote began, “all I know is he said goodbye, there was an explosion, and he was gone.”
Cooper sunk down, “that crazy trooper. He actually did it.”
Coyote sat down, slowly removing his helmet.
“He use to say, if droids ever tried to take him hostage,” Cooper recalled, “he’d blow himself up. Never thought he’d go through with it.”
“I think he did,” Coyote hugged his knees.
“I know he did,” Cooper chuckled.
“I looked up to him,” Coyote said quietly.
Cooper turned to him, “I did too.”
Coyote turned to him, blue eyes glistening with the threat of more sadness.
Cooper stared off into the distance instead, “being the survivor isn’t easy, little vod. It never will be, but we have to keep going or we end up as heartless as the droids we fight.”
He could see Coyote scoot closer. In ways, the younger clones reminded Cooper of the little kids they saw on relief missions. He admired that even with the war pushing them to grow up, he could see some of his brothers resistance to be just cannon fodders.
Coyote placed his head on Cooper’s shoulder, staring off into the distance as well.
Cooper never was a fan of physical touch, but he allowed it.
Quietly, he said, “if you ever need to talk, kid, you come to me. If you need a shoulder, I will be that too.”
Coyote muttered something he didn’t catch.
****
Shadow walked with Mirage and Boomerang, listening to them trade conspiracies in hush whispers about what they pulled from their brains.
“We could take out mine,” Shadow quietly suggested, “then we’d all have matching scars.”
“Did we ever scan you?” Boomerang asked, “I know we scanned the other two.”
“You didn’t,” Mirage smirked.
“Kriff,” Boomerang groaned, “I’ll do that when we get back.”
“Hey!” Fives came running up to them, “glad you’re okay, brother.”
“I have a medic attached to me,” Mirage quipped, “it’d be concerning if I wasn’t.”
Boomerang took off his helmet, smirking, “kiss up.”
Fives whistled lowly, “what happened to you?”
“Clippers got away from me,” Boomerang sighed, “then the other medic and I had a little disagreement that got out of hand.”
“He’s not much of a brawler,” Shadow added.
“It’s true, I’m not,” Boomerang agreed.
Echo came running up, “would you stop running off on me?”
“Is ARC training hard?” Shadow asked.
“Yes,” Echo stated.
“But worth it!” Fives declared, “we’ve been working hard since cadets to be ARCs, and it was worth every boring mission we had prior. All the action, the responsibility, the armor.”
Echo looked down at his armor smiling, “it is nice.”
Mirage nodded, “also helps with picking up the ladies. Gentlemen too.”
Fives wrapped an arm around Echo, “next leave, you and me are making 79’s our hunting grounds.”
Echo shook his head warily.
Boomerang cut in, “who exactly decides who can be an ARC?”
Mirage turned to him, “why? You want to be an ARC, Doc?”
Boomerang gave him a look.
“Well, usually a ranking officer makes the suggestion,” Mirage shrugged, “and then it’s taken into consideration, and then the C.O. gives the promotion, and off they go to training for a month or two depending on their preexisting skill. Why are you asking? You know how it works because Fang was nearly promoted.”
Shadow’s eyes practically popped out of his head. The idea that Fang was nearly promoted was mind boggling. He was reliant on Coyote and Juliette to keep him together, and he wasn’t nearly mentally stable enough to not have a panic attack on Kamino. However, if he did get promoted, it was possible he’d still be alive.
“Fang could’ve been an ARC?” Shadow gasped, “and still alive?”
“Probably,” Boomerang rubbed his chin, “now that I think about it, we were discussing his promotion about a week before he died, so he’d be in training still right now.”
Mirage said something to occupy Echo and Fives’s attention, stirring them out of asking who Fang was.
There was still one question Shadow wanted answers to first, “Boomerang, why did he not get promoted?”
Boomerang leaned in close, lowly whispering so no one else could hear, “Coyote said not to, on the account of it would destroy his relationship with Juliette.”
Shadow frowned, “I guess you’re right.”
Shadow’s gaze shifted, catching Juliette walking over to Hardwire. As per usual, she had Fury following her.
“I think she would’ve been fine,” Shadow said quietly. “Fang would’ve had his heart broken, but she’d bounce back.”
“She’s currently bouncing back,” Boomerang smiled, “she just is looking for someone to catch her.”
“I predict she already found her safety net,” Shadow said with a smile.
“Really?” Boomerang smirked, “who?”
“No one in particular yet,” Shadow lied, watching them walk together.
Fury took her helmet without even being asked, and stood quietly as Juliette spoke with the Commander.
It’s going to be him. I bet my credits it’ll be him.
****
“So, we’re done?”
“We’re done.”
Juliette smiled at her Commander, “great. Got plans for Coruscant?”
“Actually, yes,” Hardwire grinned, “Fox and I are going to be doing paperwork and then doing patrol together.”
“Oh,” she tried to sound lighthearted, “sounds kind of boring.”
“Yeah,” Hardwire shrugged, “but I won’t be doing it alone. Makes it more entertaining and the time will go by faster.”
“I suppose that’s true,” she said smiling.
“If you want, you may join us,” he offered.
“Nah,” she stepped back, “I got hundreds of troops, I’m sure one will want to hang out.”
Fury stepped towards her, “if I may, I-“
As he was speaking, General Kenobi approached with a sympathetic look in his eye.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” he said, “I need to steal you for a moment, General.”
“Of course,” she turned back to Fury, “hold that thought, Lieutenant. I’ll be back.”
He nodded professionally, handing her back her helmet. She wasn’t sure what his expression was, but he struck her as disappointed that they were interrupted.
Juliette followed General Kenobi up to a control room, a little uncomfortable with the fact he wasn’t talking. Nor was the usually charismatic General smiling, he just looked troubled.
She walked into the control room where the atmosphere was so thick she could cut through it with a knife.
“General?” She finally spoke, “what’s wrong?”
He just led her to a monitor, but instead of a lit screen, she was greeted by a clone helmet crudely painted with her Battalion’s colors. It was not done by a soldier, as it was all over the visor like it was splattered on.
“The helmet,” Anakin spoke first, “we know was bought at a market where bounty hunters typically trade goods.”
“Why are you showing me this?” Juliette looked at them all.
“We found it like this,” a Togruta stepped forward, “but we also found this message.”
The youngling tapped a key, and the monitor lit up with: “go home, baby Trix.”
A chill rolled down her spine, but she kept a neutral face.
“Do you know who this might-“
“Ferris Joster.”
A new questioning look formed on General Kenobi’s face, “who is Ferris Joster?”
“He is a bounty hunter I knew from childhood,” she said calmly. “He claims he is an inventor, but only of means of gruesome torture, he murdered my father, and he is warning me. If I continue fighting in this war, he will come for me next.”
“How much trouble are we in?” the youngling asked.
“Not as much as I’m about to be in,” Juliette turned on her heel, “thank you for showing me this.”
“General Trix, where are you going?” General Skywalker called.
“Next assignment,” she stated, “that coward doesn’t scare me. But if you see him, I recommend taking off his head. He’s less of a threat that way.”
She boarded the lift, relieved no one followed her on.
She wondered if they could sense the darkness looming around her, or just knew that she will kill him on sight for taking away her buir.
The elevator doors opened, and she stepped off bumping into a trooper.
“Sorry,” she muttered, brushing past Calico.
“It’s fine, are you okay?” He excused himself from his conversation with the other three ARFs.
“Far from it,” she grumbled.
Hound, Mutt, and Zombie ran after them.
“You want to talk about it?” Zombie asked.
“Or not,” Mutt said quietly, “we don’t push.”
“I just need a distraction,” she sighed, “I just want to go back to the ship, get to Coruscant, and relax.”
“I hear ya’,” Calico smirked. “We’re going drinking. Digger is helping a friend, so it’ll be just us.”
“Want to join us?” Hound asked.
“I don’t drink,” she shook her head.
“I won’t be drinking either,” Mutt said.
Hound nodded, “we take turns being the designated sober brother.”
“Please join us?” Zombie pressed, “we’ll show you all the best places.”
She cracked a smile.
“Is that a smile?” Hound wrapped an arm around her, “does that mean you will?”
“Sure,” she smiled bigger, “okay. I’ll go out with you boys.”
Warnings: PTSD, anxiety attacks (let me know if I missed any)
————
The town was buzzing with whispers of her arrival, and soon Juliette found people she avoided last time seeking her out as she ate her food. She began to feel self conscious more and more as every time she took a bite, someone new would come see her.
It wasn’t that they thought of her as celebrity, it was that the last time they truly saw her, she was depressed over her father’s passing and running away.
Now, she was back and keeping her most recent loss close to her chest. Nobody knew but her the pain she was feeling, and she was trying hard to keep it bottled up.
As people spoke to her, her hand found the purple stone hanging around her neck. The lepidolite on a silver chain, her only remaining piece of Fang left to offer her comfort now that he couldn’t hold her when she was anxious.
It was getting harder to breathe, and she jumped up hurriedly.
“Juliette?” Cosmos stood up, “you look—“
She didn’t let him finish.
She just ran off outside, only thinking of fresh air.
Even in the cooling evening, the air wasn’t enough. There was too many people, too many blurry faces watching her.
All eyes, watching her fall apart.
She stumbled backwards behind the cantina, clinging to the wall like she’d float away despite her feet feeling too heavy to lift.
She took a labored breath, and sunk down the wall, desperately trying to calm down.
What is happening to me?
“It’s okay,” Boomerang appeared out of nowhere.
Her medic lowered down in front of her, taking her hands and holding them reassuringly.
“Repeat after me,” he instructed, “this will past.”
She shook her head, wheezing on air.
“Please?” Boomerang played with her hands, “how about, I am safe? Can you say that one?”
She wanted to, but she already felt she had no air.
She squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head.
I can’t breathe! Why can’t I breathe? Am I dying?
A scent brushed under her nose, and lingered beneath her nostrils.
Lavender?
She focused on that, and her breathing calmed.
“How’d you know that’d work?” Boomerang asked.
She opened her watery eyes, seeing Fury putting something back in one of his pouches.
“I helped comfort troopers after the Battle of Kamino,” Fury explained, “the survivors were really shaken up, especially the young cadets.”
Juliette lowered her head, unable to suppress a shaky whimper.
Boomerang moved to her other side, rubbing her back, “I’m sorry, Juliette.”
“I thought we’d have a little longer,” Juliette cried, “I didn’t want to say goodbye yet.”
Boomerang mumbled something, unable to find the right words.
Fury—on the other hand—moved in and hugged her.
He muttered in her ear, “I have an idea.”
****
Cosmos looked at his comm, “Fury and Boomerang are taking her for a walk to clear her head.”
Mirage nodded, but Cosmos could see the tinge of annoyance on his face.
Sighing, Cosmos pushed his tray aside, “talk to me, Mirage. What did Fury do that you hold so much resentment towards him.”
Mirage stopped chewing, then swallowed hard.
“When I was a cadet, I really wanted to be an ARC,” Mirage began. “It’s the typical dream of every white job trooper, but I really wanted to be more than just one in a million. I’m not saying troopers like Fang, Buck, Ghost, and every other brother on the frontlines are beneath me or I wanted to be above them. I just wanted to feel like I’m worth something. I worked everyday, perfecting every training exercise and beating every record. Then this rumor spreads that this quiet cadet punched his trainer and is now Commander Havoc’s protégé. I did all this work to even be considered, and he got in after breaking the rules. I don’t remember much of after he got there, it’s all blank. From what I’ve been told by the other ARC trainees, Fury started a fight with Stark and it got crazy. I got caught in the crossfire, and banged my head so hard I had I had a violent seizure and was puking up blood.”
Cosmos bit his tongue.
“Stark says that Fury picked up a helmet and was about to kill me, something about how he was putting me out of my misery,” Mirage put down his fork, “if it weren’t for Stark dragging me away, they all think he would’ve killed me without remorse.”
“That’s bogus.” Cosmos couldn’t contain himself.
“Well it happened,” Mirage stated, “and all the ARCs who were there haven’t contacted me with otherwise.”
“But everything you told me about this accident is all hearsay,” Cosmos explained, “Stark said this, Stark said that. Is this ARC-3000?”
“Yeah?“ Mirage blinked, “how did you know?”
“Because Stickler is buddies with Commander Doom and his boys, and there’s a rumor that Stark got demoted.”
“What?“ Mirage stood up, “hang on, I got to call Blitz.”
“Mirage,” Cosmos called, “seriously?”
The ARC rushed out of the cantina, already bringing Blitz up on his holo communicator.
“Seriously.” Cosmos rubbed his eyes. “So kriffin’ dramatic.”
“Well, you look stressed.”
Cosmos peeked out between his fingers, meeting a Pantoran with golden eyes leaning on the edge of his booth.
“I’m a little stressed,” Cosmos admitted. “It’s been rough these past few days.”
“I could tell Juliette was stressed too, that’s why I told my sisters not to approach her yet,” he ran a hand through his pastel yellow hair. “May I sit with you?”
“Sure, but I think you’ll find I’m lousy company right now.” Cosmos picked at his scraps.
“Perhaps, but I still would love to get to know you,” he smiled, “I’m Baz, by the way.”
“I’m Cosmos,” he answered, relieved to have some company away from the war.
****
“Why didn’t you tell me he was demoted?”
Mirage couldn’t believe his ears, Cosmos was right.
Stark wasn’t an ARC anymore. He’d been demoted and kicked off of Doom Patrol, sent off to Commander Bacara as just CT-3000 again.
“He was causing a lot of infighting,” Blitz explained, “and in every occurrence, Stark was spinning up far fetch stories that were always debunked.”
Mirage touched the side of his head, did he lie about my accident?
Blitz crossed his arms, “are you still treating him like a freak? I’ll have you know that despite the name, Fury is incredibly nice. After the battle here, he’s been guarding the cadets every night. Hammer and I went to check on him and he was comforting one of the kids that was helping defend the barracks. He’s a good man.”
But… Stark said…
Mirage held his head, “what happened the day I hit my head? Do you know?”
Blitz sighed, “you’re going to have to ask Hammer that one. I wasn’t there when it happened, all I know is Fury ran you across the facility and wouldn’t leave your side until you woke up.”
“That’s not what I was told,” Mirage leaned on the wall. “I was told Stark rescued me.”
“And you believed him?” Blitz clicked his tongue. “Stark didn’t even visit you, vod.”
Stupid. I was so stupid. Of course the quiet guy always shuffling his cards wouldn’t try to end his brother’s life.
Blitz sighed, “talk to Hammer. He was there for the aftermath.”
Then he hung up before Mirage could press him for more information.
Stark lied, and I believed every bit of it.
He held his head, groaning.
The door opened, and Anneliese came out clicking her tongue as she walked.
“Do you need help?” Mirage asked.
“I’m alright, I’m not as feeble as I look,” she smiled, “but you may still walk with me, Mirage.”
“How’d you know it was me?” Mirage went to her side.
“Your voice is deeper,” she said. “Cosmos is soft, Boomerang is bouncy, and Fury is gruff.”
“Huh,” Mirage chuckled, “I never realized our voices could be different.”
“Believe it or not, you’re not as perfectly alike as you think,” Anneliese grew quiet.
“Something on your mind?” Mirage asked.
“What are your thoughts on my sister?” Anneliese tilted her head curiously. “She is very drawn to you, and I know you noticed.”
Mirage’s ears burn as his blood rushed up to his face, pooling in his cheeks and nose. “I… um…”
Oh osik.
****
That last time she was at this cliff, Juliette was with her father.
Boomerang wheezed out a breath, “I didn’t realize the walk would be that far. Fury, we’re on leave, that means no mile long hikes.”
Fury shrugged, holding out his hand to help her up a steep spot.
He was so strong, she felt like he could easily pull her up the rest of the cliff with just one hand.
Once she was on stable ground, he offered Boomerang a hand.
Boomerang pretty much let Fury lift him all the way up. Once on secure ground, Boomerang sat down panting.
Fury went to the edge, looking over the rural horizon covered in green with her town a few miles away.
She wasn’t looking forward to the walk back, especially with the orange sun setting.
“Scream.” Fury instructed.
Juliette turned to him, “what?”
“You’re bottling up all your issues,” Fury gestured to the open spaces, “let it out.”
Juliette studied Fury, really looking at this new ARC who arrived to her shortly after Fang’s death.
He was tall like many of his brothers, but his frame was wider. He was built bigger, bulkier than troopers like Boomerang; the medic looked like a twig next to him.
He’s a friendly giant.
“Come on,” he encouraged, “let out all your problems.”
Juliette looked down, “last time I was here… my father was teaching me how to use my jet pack…”
He had his own, and encouraged her off the cliff.
“I’m right here, ad’ika. I won’t let you fall. Swear on my life, I will catch you.”
Anger bubbled up in her stomach.
How could someone shoot you down? You were just having a drink with uncle Xiaber! I was away! Why was I away?
It boiled up her throat.
You didn’t even get to meet Fang! My first boyfriend, and you didn’t even get to give a big speech about how I’m your little girl and he better be good to me.
She opened her mouth, inhaling.
You’re not going to give me anymore life lessons. You’re never going to meet any of my new friends. If I ever fall in love again, you’ll never meet him! If I get married, you’ll never know my husband!
As she exhaled, she screamed.
Is this my destiny? Is the path I’m taking leading me to lose all I love? How many more friends and family will I lose? I’m only twenty-one today.
****
Baz smiled warmly, playing with Cosmos’s hand as words flew from his mouth. He knew Baz was probably just being nice, while secretly regretting asking Cosmos what his favorite thing about being a pilot was.
“I’m sorry,” Cosmos covered his mouth, “I just really like stars. I get carried away, and it drives everyone insane.”
“Don’t worry,” Baz pat his hand, “I like them too, but I never knew they had names.”
Cosmos had to bite his tongue to keep from telling him their names.
Baz chuckled, “tell me their names.”
Cosmos’s heart skipped a beat, “really?”
“I like your passion,” Baz squeezed his hand, “it’s very cute.”
Cosmos blushed, “um… before we continue, I should warn you that I’m still not sure about my preference.”
Stars, I really hope I’m not misreading this.
“How about a date then?” Baz slid his hand in his, “would you like to go out with me?”
Just the night before, he ate dinner with a good look Togruta at a bar. It was casual, nothing intimate.
“I’d like that,” Cosmos said, following Baz out of the cantina.
****
“I vote next time Fury gets a crazy idea like this, he has to carry us,” Boomerang declared, “I’m definitely falling asleep tonight.”
Juliette rubbed her raw throat, maybe screaming wasn’t the best idea.
Fury walked beside her, pointing out raised stumps and rocks in the path.
“You’re really nice,” she croaked.
“Rest your voice,” he smiled. “I don’t want you to lose it.”
“You’re pretty reliable too,” she added.
“Shh,” he hushed playfully. “No more words.”
“I have decided, you’re now my friend,” Juliette declared.
“Okay,” he laughed, “okay, just stop talking.”
“Say it,” Juliette pushed, “say you’re my friend.”
“She won’t stop until you say it,” Boomerang warned.
“Fine, I’m you’re friend,” Fury stepped over a stump. “Watch your step.”
Boomerang rolled his eyes, “what a gentleman.”
“Keep up,” Fury called back, “you can sleep on the ship.”
****
Mirage returned to the cantina, finding it empty besides Xiaber, Nala, and female Rodian cleaning the place up.
“Could I help?” Mirage offered.
“It’s alright,” Xiaber assured, “you could walk Nala home though.”
Nala put the last chair on a table, “but I need to-“
“We have it,” the older couple said together. “Go.”
“Jinx,” the Rodian bumped Xiaber with her hip laughing. “Now you owe me a drink.”
Xiaber smiled, “good thing I own the bar then, lovey.”
Ah, that must be the famous Aunt Livvie Nala spoke of.
Nala brushed her hands together, then ran to Mirage. She held his arm, looking up at him innocently.
You’re nothing like the folks on Coruscant. He mused, “shall we?”
Nala nodded, and they walked out together.
“I already know the way,” he said once outside, “I walked your older sister home.”
“Please tell me she didn’t give you one of those lame protective older sister speeches meant to scare off creeps,” Nala groaned.
“I don’t think your sister thinks of me as a creep,” Mirage said, “although I could tell she was trying to get a feel of who I was and what my character is.”
“And what are you like?” Nala stopped walking.
Where do I begin? Mirage frowned, “I’m gullible and stupid. I make regrettable decisions and poor choices. I did all this work to make myself important, and still feel like I’m disposable.”
Nala brushed his cheek, “so, you lack confidence.”
Mirage traced the scar on the side of his head, “I didn’t think so until recently.”
Nala scrunched her nose, “I think you’re too hard on yourself, Mirage.”
Mirage turned to her.
“How about that dance lesson?” Nala held out her hand.
“Here?” He looked around. “In public?”
“In the street lights and under the illuminating moonlight,” Nala took his hands, “just us.”
Mirage took a shaky step forward, “what if I step on your foot?”
“I’ll live,” Nala guided his hands to her waist.
“You know I got my name because I walked into a wall,” Mirage warned. “They couldn’t believe their eyes.”
“Then we’ll start with swaying,” Nala draped her arms around his neck.
Mirage looked in her dark blue eyes, “I’ve never connected with a civilian like this before.”
She played with the hair at the nape of his neck, “do you say that to all the girls you swoon?”
“Trust me, love,” Mirage rocked from side-to-side, “I look the part of dashing soldier, but I can’t keep up the charade for long.”
“You don’t have to act a different way around me,” Nala said, “I already like your company, and I know full well you like mine.”
She caught me staring, Mirage turned his head sputtering. Dammit. I really am the stupidest ARC in the whole Grand Army. She’s probably taking great joy in having some big oaf following her around blindly.
“Hey,” Nala cupped his face, “I like you too. Juliette told me how incredibly protective you are, that you always are there to catch her and that you give the best hugs.”
Mirage kept his gaze down.
“Mirage,” she pushed, “would you look at me, please?”
He spoke to the ground, “why do you really like me?”
“Honestly,” Nala ducked down to catch his gaze, “because you don’t have that annoying attitude where you think you’re better than everyone else. Plus, I like your eyes.”
Mirage started to smile, “really?”
“Really,” Nala brushed his cheek. “Now, I told you my reasons, you tell me yours.”
Mirage nervously chuckled, “your voice, your confidence, your grace. Seeing you so comfortable on stage just got me.”
Nala giggled, “you’re cute.”
“Cute, huh?” Mirage smiled, placing his forehead to her’s, “you’re the first to ever say that to me.”
“About time someone said it,” she wrapped her arms around him again, “dance with me.”
****
The feeling of Baz’s hand felt right.
His company felt natural.
His voice was comforting.
Yet, there was still an uncertainty in himself.
There was still a shed of doubt lingering inside of Cosmos, making him question if he was attracted to men or something else.
Baz leaned against a wall, still playing with Cosmos’s fingers like he was memorizing them.
“Can I tell you something?” Cosmos asked.
He already knew the answer, but seeing Baz assure him he was listening would be more comforting.
“You can tell me anything,” Baz moved in closer beside him.
Cosmos leaned against the wall beside him, admiring the way the town’s lights caught the gold in his eyes.
“I’m… still unsure about myself,” Cosmos held Baz’s hand close afraid he’d leave. “I’ve only been on a few dates, and yesterday was the first time with another man. I know I feel more right here, but I still don’t know for certain.”
“It’s okay,” Baz brushed his hand along his jaw, “I just wanted to hang out with you longer.”
Cosmos sighed, “I just wish I knew for certain.”
Baz stayed quiet, tracing the scar on Cosmos’s chin.
“I’m sorry I wasted your time.” Cosmos sighed, “I do hope I see you next time I’m here.”
That is if I ever make it back.
Baz stopped him, gently caressing his face in his hands while his face darkened to a shade of indigo.
“May I still kiss you goodnight?”
****
Fury had definitely proved himself her favorite out of all her new recruits. She knew it was bias considering she barely interacted with the new men she was in command of, but none of them would probably take her on a long hike, let her scream her head off, and then carry her the rest of the way back.
“Are we too heavy for you?” Juliette asked.
Fury shook his head, but his pace had slowed greatly since Boomerang had fallen asleep riding on his back.
“I can walk,” Juliette offered.
Fury shook his head.
“You know, you don’t talk much,” Juliette said quietly.
“I don’t have anything important to say,” Fury set her down as they came back to the main pathway to town.
“I don’t believe that,” Juliette held his elbow, “I think you think your words aren’t important.”
“They aren’t. I have abslu… absoluth… a-abs…” he swore under his breath, and went quiet again.
“I stutter when I’m nervous, too. I could barely get any words out when I was telling Fang I liked him back.” She toyed with her necklace, “he told me he thought it was cute.”
Fury chewed on his inner cheek, continuing to say nothing.
“He gave me this necklace,” she ran her thumb over the stone, “it’s actually from my father’s rock collection. He’d collect a new rock from every place he went to, and after he died I gave the collection to Fang. He also likes rocks. Well… liked rocks.”
Fury stopped walking.
“I nearly left. After Fang died, everyone was trying to comfort me that it got so overwhelming that I hid in the refreshers,” Juliette continued, “I didn’t know what to do, so I just sat in the shower stall with the cold water running. I just kept thinking about coming back here and doing odd jobs again, that way I’d never have to see one of my friends die again. Then Cosmos came in and I felt guilty for thinking I could just leave him. Leave any of them to die when Hardwire chose me to lead them. I honestly don’t know why I’m telling you.”
Fury turned to her, “I’m glad you stayed.”
“Me too,” Juliette glanced back at Boomerang sleeping with his face smooshed on Fury’s pauldron. “Jeez, he’s out like a light.”
“Well, he does have night terrors,” Fury said quietly, “it’s common with the medics, but we hide them from the Kaminoans and Jedi.”
Juliette turned to Fury, “do you get night terrors?”
Fury kept his gaze ahead, and said, “we all do.”
The walk back to the cantina was deafeningly silent.
****
Cosmos touched his lips, still processing the final events of his dates.
“May I still kiss you goodnight?”
A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, as he remembered it again. He hoped he’d never forget his first kiss.
“Cosmos!” Juliette ran into his side, wrapping him in a hug. “I’m sorry I ran off on you.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Cosmos ruffled her hair, “where did you three go?”
“Screaming off a cliff.” Juliette explained.
“Did I hear that correctly?” Cosmos laughed, “screaming?”
“Told her it’ll help with getting out her frustrations,” Fury paced with Boomerang snoozing on his back.
I really hope Mirage cooled down, Cosmos looked around, Fury seems like he’s trying outrun that monster reputation.
“What did you do?” Juliette took his hands.
Cosmos glanced at Fury, walking off to the ship, then leaned down whispering just to her, “I had my first kiss tonight.”
She bounced on her toes, smiling and giggling.
“I’ll tell you more later,” Cosmos looped his finger with her’s, “I promise.”
She kissed the back of her hand as he kissed his, locking it in.
“Now, we got to find Mirage,” Cosmos held out his hand. “Any ideas?”
“Well… Nala does have a weak spot for men who look put together,” Juliette teased, “and I saw how he looked at her.”
“I concur,” Cosmos grinned, “where is Nala’s home?”
****
“You seriously ditched Juliette for a boy,” Anneliese teased.
“She went for a hike,” Nala giggled as she played with Mirage’s hair, “and left this sweetie behind.”
Mirage looked back at her from his spot on the floor, “you think I’m sweet?“
“Obviously she does,” Anneliese walked down the hall with her hand on the wall.
Nala held his face, tilting his head back to look up at her. She looked over him with admiration written on her soft face.
“Tell me about the galaxy,” she traced his cheek.
Mirage thought for a moment, then said, “big. I’ve seen a lot of it, and a good lot of horrors in it. There was some good in it, small little slivers spread around in it. This is one of them.”
“See, this is why you’re a sweetie,” Nala moved to the floor beside him. “The sweet face doesn’t help.”
“My brothers and I all share it,” Mirage joked.
“Maybe that’s why you’re all so sweet,” Nala teased. “Promise you’ll come visit me.”
I can’t promise that.
Mirage knew it, but still he said, “I will, only if you still will be happy to see me.”
Nala took his hand, smiling, “I promise.”
****
As Cosmos’s hand went to connect with the door, Mirage opened it. He jumped when he saw Juliette and Cosmos at the door.
Juliette wiggled her fingers, “hello there.”
“Hi,” Mirage walked out, “do you want to say goodbye before heading out?”
“Yes, please,” Juliette went past him.
Cosmos stood on the porch with him, waiting for Juliette to come back out.
“How was your night outside of the Republic?” Mirage asked quietly.
Cosmos sighed, looking up at the night sky glittering with millions of stars.
“It was nice while it lasted.”
“Do you think we’ll ever come back.”
“May I still kiss you goodnight?”
The warm and fuzzy feeling returned to Cosmo’s chest.
Warnings: Bullying, past trauma (let me know if I missed any!)
————
Pacing around the hanger, the pre-battle jitters were beginning to get Hardwire.
It was going to be their first time in the thick of the plasma fire and war effort in over a month and a half. Delaying any longer would raise questions, and as Stickler put it, he could only handle so much idling in space while they had all the real fun.
Cooper caught his arm, “she’s ready.”
Hardwire sighed, “I know.”
“Then what’s the problem?” He asked putting his datapad away.
“Are we all okay?” Hardwire asked, “Boomerang and Mirage have been acting off, Shadow is missing, Coyote gets jumpy if you ask him questions, and Tracks… something just feels off with everyone today.”
Cooper offered a smile, “maybe it’s just you’re worried, sir. You don’t want the boys to get hurt and her to fall back into grief, so you’re stressing.”
“That’s not it,” Hardwire huffed.
“Or it could be that I got news regarding another one of your stuffy parties,” Cooper teased, “got to dress up again.”
Hardwire groaned, covering the burn scar on his face, “wish this wasn’t here so I could switch places.”
“With who?” Cooper smirked. “Everyone is practically hair dyed, tattooed up, or sporting a facial scar or two. Your best look alikes would be Boomerang and Radar.”
“Two of the biggest jokesters here,” Hardwire sucked in his teeth, “not good options.”
Juliette ran over, excitedly jumping to a halt with a big smile on her face.
“Commander,” she playfully saluted him with two fingers.
“General,” Hardwire smiled.
“You must’ve slept great,” Cooper snorted.
“I actually did,” she grinned, “I had two out of however many dear friends of mine I have sleepover, and it was wonderful. Cooper, if you want, you could sleepover one—“
“Pass.” Cooper said, “but thank you.”
“Hardwire?” She looked up at him, those big golden eyes pleading.
Hardwire sighed defeatedly, “I do like our sleepovers.”
“Great,” she hopped on the gunship.
“Actually, General,” Hardwire turned around to face her, “there’s one more thing.”
“What’s up?” She asked.
“Shadow went M.I.A. last night,” Hardwire explained, “no one is admitting to knowing anything, and we can’t find him. Did you happen to see him?”
“I swear I just saw him,” Juliette stepped down, looking around, “he was walking with Mick and few others.”
“You sure?” Cooper asked.
“I’m pretty sure,” she stopped looking, “now I’m positive.”
As she said it, Mick walked by talking to another trooper as Shadow trailed behind. His head ducked in his helmet, looking at the floor.
“Shadow?” Hardwire stepped in front of him, “we’ve been worried sick. Where were you?”
“No where.” He said, sounding broken.
“Shadow,” Juliette approached, “are you okay, love?”
There was a pause, then he shook his head.
“You want to stay back today?” She asked, “take a mental health day?”
He nodded.
“Okay,” she held up her finger, “under one condition.”
He lifted his head, and she beckoned him closer.
Then they switched to helmet comms, and it was silent. However, whatever he said to her made her visibly shocked before she dismissed him.
He walked off, hugging himself as he crossed the hanger back to the main ship.
“What was that about?” Cooper asked. “Any reason for our concern?”
“Not yet,” she said, “after the mission you can be scared.”
“Did…” Hardwire gesture to the two of them, “did we do something wrong to upset Shadow?”
“Not you,” she looked past them, “but one of your brothers said some pretty hurtful things last night.”
Hardwire checked over his shoulder, seeing Mirage walking alone as Boomerang walked with Coyote.
Them? He couldn’t believe it, one of them hurt Shadow?
****
Seeing Shadow in that hanger was a relief, but seeing him look so distraught made Mirage’s stomach tie in knots.
He knew full well he was the one that upset Shadow, and he’d take full responsibility. He just wished that his little brother didn’t tattle on him to the General.
The minute the doors shut, he put his hand behind her as always and she walked off to Hardwire’s other side.
Hardwire scooted over, taking her spot so she could have his, only giving Mirage a brief glance and shrug.
Fine by me, he thought switching hands, my right hand is still throbbing anyways.
Boomerang was over next to Coyote, talking to him inside their helmets. Occasionally, he could see them look over towards him, clearly talking about him.
They’re acting like I’m the bad guy? Really? Sure, I blew up at Shadow and that was messed up. But Boomerang seriously decided to cut open his head and take out an unknown mass from his brain! As a medic, he’s got to know that’s messed up!
The outside of the ship grew louder with noise.
I’m not the bad guy in this. Not entirely… right?
****
It was easy to see something was bothering the General. The minute she got off the ship, she twirled her pistols and got to work blasting down droids and pushing them back.
If Cooper didn’t know any better, he’d think she’d pull a 212th and start body slamming the Separatist.
“Well, I hate to be the trooper who ticked her off,” Grimm remarked dragging an injured trooper to cover.
Cooper provided the medic some aid, “what makes you say that?”
Grimm tilted his helmet, “come on now, Sarge. She was all smiles and rainbows, then Shadow comes around like an injured baby bird, now she’s guns a’ blazing and-“
A battle droid got too close to her, and she immediately spin-kicked its head off.
“-death.” Grimm sounded amused, “she’s a bringer of death.”
Cooper rolled his eyes, “our General is just protecting us.”
“Suite yourself,” Grimm injected his patient, “stop whining. It’s for the pain.”
Cooper moved on, catching up to Coyote who was tailing Boomerang.
“The General is going to get herself killed!” Boomerang barked, “the Hell is she doing?”
“She’s just stir crazy,” Coyote quipped, “we all are.”
“Retreat! Retreat!” The Command droid ordered.
“Run for it!” Another yelled happily taking the order.
They all began falling back, heading to where ever their base was hidden.
Juliette put her pistols back in their holsters, then walked back to Hardwire.
“That worked out,” Cooper sighed in relief.
“You sound worried,” Coyote said.
“You read the file,” Cooper stated, “who are we aiding.”
Coyote groaned, “oh yeah…”
As if cued, General Vos jumped down punching Coyote in the arm.
“Heya, boys,” Vos said, sounding like he was their best friend. “Did you miss me?”
They all mumbled some unenthusiastic jargon, which made Vos smile.
“Good talk,” he said, then went walking over to Juliette.
“So…” Boomerang broke the silence. “Do you think she’ll punch him?“
Cooper sighed, “she’s got another target in mind.”
“Does she?” Boomerang tilted his head. “Who?”
“Whoever made Shadow upset,” he answered, then began walking off.
Coyote said lowly to Boomerang, “should we warn Mirage?”
“Nope.” Boomerang stated.
Cooper kept walking, keeping that new information on file in his mind.
****
Vos must’ve sensed that Juliette wasn’t in a playful mood. When he came over, he complimented her armor with a pat on the helmet, and they began talking strategy.
Vos gave her another head pat, and then turned his attention to the Commander as she walked off contacting the ARFs on her comm.
A chill ran up Hardwire’s spine, making him involuntarily shiver.
“Well, Commander, you seem a little stressed,” Vos quipped. “Usually you’re a bit more hopeful and relaxed.”
“I’m fine,” Hardwire held his hands behind his back, “just my nerves, sir.”
“As long as you’re okay,” Vos said, “can’t let General Twix lose her favorite Commander Hardware.”
Hardwire sighed, “General Trix and Commander Hardwire.”
“Really?” He smiled, “I like my names better.”
Hardwire nodded, “they are amusing.”
He went to go rally up the men when Vos placed a hand calmly on his shoulder, “I’m sorry about your brother. I can tell she loved him.”
He pat his shoulder, and went off to check on the others.
Hardwire looked at his shoulder, then remembered him patting Juliette’s helmet. He remembered hearing rumors that Vos could see things when he touched objects.
Oh kriff.
****
“Alright,” Digger lowered his walker. “I got it unstuck. Try it now, vod.”
Zombie hopped back on his walker, “better.”
“I could’ve fixed it,” Hound mumbled.
“Next time,” Digger said, as someone tapped his shoulder.
He turned, lowering his head to look at his General.
“Which of you is assisting me?” Juliette asked, jumping straight to business.
“No nonsense,” Digger chuckled, “I like it.”
She sighed, “now, Sergeant. I have things to do.”
“So impatient,” he strolled over to his walker, “you’re going to be a joy to work with, Angel.”
“My name is Juliette,” she huffed.
“I know,” he hopped on his walker, “but I prefer Angel.”
She grumbled, “weirdo.”
“I know,” he held out his hand. “You’re riding with me.”
She sighed, giving him her hand.
Softly, he directed her where to put her feet, and rose the walker.
“Calico,” he addressed his second in command, “you’re in charge.”
“Obviously,” Calico saluted him.
They proceeded off, and he could feel her sulking behind him for the first mile.
“Hey?” Digger said softly.
She made an annoyed noise, indicating she was listening.
“You okay?” Digger asked, “you’re usually more optimistic and bright.”
“Not today,” she mumbled.
Digger pulled to the side, lowering behind the thick trees.
“Here’s the deal,” Digger looked over his shoulder, “I can’t focus if I think you’re not okay. Are you okay?”
She sighed, “I’m alright, I’m just annoyed with some of my troops.”
“Is it Grimm?” Digger asked, “he gets under my skin too.”
“No,” Juliette grumbled. “It’s Mirage. He’s fighting with a few of his brothers.”
“Ah,” Digger groaned, “he’s a bit of a hothead when something is bothering him.”
“Still doesn’t give him the right to say nasty things to his brothers,” she grumbled.
“That’s fair,” Digger agreed. “How about you focus on me instead? I’m much more pleasant.”
“Fine, you can tell me about yourself,” she defeatedly sighed, “just get us to that base.”
“Yes, Angel,” he rose back up again, “my favorite dessert is ice cream. Mint chocolate chip with hot fudge.”
“I prefer strawberry,” she replied.
“Strawberry,” he hummed, “noted.”
****
With Juliette off with one of the ARFs, Vos was now in control.
Mirage could see that Hardwire was making himself busy, so he wouldn’t stress out about the fact his General wasn’t there holding his hand as they waited to be called in.
Mirage groaned, rubbing his own hand.
Every time he fired his blaster, it was excruciating pain throughout his whole right hand.
He spotted Boomerang not far ahead, and wondered if he would put their fight aside to take a look at his hand or at least give him something to ease the sting. He got a little closer, but Boomerang looked back and immediately moved off elsewhere in a hurry.
Sighing, he looked around again and spotted Grimm with his blaster and Fury helping with the injured.
Better than no one.
He went over and asked, “could you take a look at my hand?”
Grimm groaned like it was a big job, “fine!”
Fury shook his head, “so dramatic, Grimm.”
“Be quiet,” Grimm passed him his rifle. “And hold this.”
He roughly took Mirage’s wrist, jerking him closer so he could look.
“Hold out your hand.”
He did.
“Wiggle your fingers.”
He did barely.
“Make a fist.”
He couldn’t close his hand all the way.
“Congratulations,” Grimm took off his kit, “you broke your hand.”
“What did you do?” Fury asked, “punch a droid?”
“A wall,” Mirage groaned, “I did it last night.”
“Your hand has been broken since last night?” Grimm asked, “are you serious?”
“What do you want me to do?” Mirage snapped. “Boomerang and I aren’t speaking.”
“Don’t you mean Doc?” Grimm quipped.
“He’s only Doc when he’s my vod,” Mirage rolled his eyes, “and after he choked me out last night, he decided he hates me.”
“Really?” Grimm got off the glove, “kind of sounds like negligence if you ask me.”
“Maybe,” Mirage shrugged. “He didn’t know my hand was broken though.”
Grimm nodded along, “here’s something for the pain and I don’t recommend using this hand, so trade your blaster for a pistol and guard the injured when they inexplicably show up.”
Mirage sighed, “okay.”
Fury passed Grimm back his blaster, and said to Mirage, “if he gets on your nerves, comm me.”
Then he hurried off, leaving Mirage with Grimm.
Joy.
****
Using his macrobinoculars, Digger scanned the area. He counted seven droids on guard, three of which were commando droids.
“What’s your favorite color?” He scanned the next level.
“Pink,” she said, “and you?”
“Yellow,” he answered.
“Favorite flower?” She asked.
“Daffodils,” he peeked over at her, “and yours?”
“Daisies, also roses,” she paused, “lilacs too.”
“You like flowers, huh?” He went back to counting, “I’m more of a rock fellow myself.”
“So was Fang…”
She said it quietly, like she didn’t even realize she said it out loud in the first place.
Digger lowered his binoculars, turning his helmeted gaze towards her. Behind her helmet, she was unreadable, and yet he knew she was hurt.
“I heard a lot about him. Some good, some bad. However, I know just based off those stories he was a loved man, and you were loved beyond words.”
She stayed quiet.
He reached out, taking her hand, “I know you’ve heard all the apologies and sentimental condolences, but trust me when I say this. A lot of us clones don’t live long enough to find someone who sees us and loves us the way you loved him, or even understand what it’s like to be in love. I chased and searched for it, and it got me in the worst situations. The fact you still love him after he’s gone, that says everything.”
She turned to him, “can I ask you something? And be completely honest.”
“Of course you can. Ask away.”
“If I fell in love again with someone new, does that mean I never loved him? Does that mean we were a mistake or just a phase?”
Digger smiled under his helmet, “you can fall in love again. It doesn’t mean you can’t remember him from time-to-time and wonder. Your relationship wasn’t a mistake just because it ended in tragedy.”
“And moving on?” Juliette turned back to the base, “what if the man who wants me doesn’t want to wait?”
“That’s his loss,” Digger stated, “you’d be worth waiting for.”
“Ready, Commander?” Vos asked punching his fist into his palm.
“Yes, sir,” Hardwire answered professionally, with his men quietly rallied behind him.
“Not like that,” Vos laughed, “where’s your enthusiasm? You boys are so stiff.”
Hardwire paused, tilting his head, “sir?”
Vos ran his hand over his face, “you and your General are nothing alike.”
“Ohhhhh…” Hardwire nodded, “I’ll try again.”
Vos asked again, “ready, Commander?”
“Sir, yes sir!” He said more pumped, feeling his boys follow his lead.
“There we go!” Vos declared, “let’s do this!”
They rushed in, following Vos into battle.
Somewhere inside that base, Juliette and Sergeant Digger were using their distraction to steal information from the main computer.
In and out, Hardwire reminded himself. Get the information, destroy the base, we go home in time for dinner.
****
It was weird having his General instead of his squad, but he enjoyed her company. He was also impressed by her enough to let her take point to better watch her.
She skillfully kept them out of sight from droids rushing to aid the battle.
Although, what he really liked was how—despite all his training—she still put her hand on his chest to halt him. He could remind her his main skills are tracking, scouting, and recon, but this was better.
Butterflies flew inside his stomach when she shoved him into a corner, holding him still with both hands on his chest. He didn’t even bother to look at the droids rushing past, he knew they were safe.
Her hands left his dirt stained armor, and she moved out again towards the control room.
He moved to the control panel, and popped it open.
“Think you can hold our position if any droids show up?” Digger teased her.
She pat his back, “you’re safe with me.”
He chuckled, “good to know.”
He began stripping the wires, humming to himself the current song stuck in his head.
“Your music taste sucks,” she remarked.
He snorted, “was my comm still open?”
“Yes,” she giggled, “that song is so old.”
“It’s a classic,” Digger began connecting wires.
“Whatever you say,” she shrugged.
“What’s your favorite song then?” Digger mused.
“If we live,” she said, “I’ll play it for you. Deal?”
“Deal,” he agreed, “get ready.”
The doors opened, and the droids immediately turned in confusion.
“Hey?“ one exclaimed, “how’d you get here?”
Juliette shot him in the head, dodged a shot and went in blasting each battle droid in the head like she was in a shooting range.
Digger let her, smiling under his helmet.
Once the last droid fell, she turned around looking at him still crotched down by the panel.
“You’re amazing,” he complimented.
“Suck up.”
She went to the main computer, shoving the dead droid to the side and pulling up the systematics.
“Huh,” Juliette inserted the drive, “I recognize these designs.”
“You do?“ Digger came to her side.
He was not prepared for what he was about to see listed off on that monitored.
Torture devices.
Brutal, bloody, and violent ideas to do to prisoners of war. They’d be used on him, his brothers, Jedi, any Republic citizen of use to further the Separatist plans.
“These are Ferris’s ideas,” she whispered.
“Who’s Ferris?” Digger asked.
She scrolled through, “he was a boy I knew from childhood. We played games together when we were little. Then he started wanting to hurt people and we drifted apart. My buir never liked him after he tried using me as a test subject.”
Digger felt his stomach tying in knots, “I really don’t like this.”
“Neither do I,” she tapped something, and froze.
An image of a man in all black and a gold metal suit filled the screen.
“Juliette?” Digger nudged her, “is that him?”
Juliette didn’t answer.
“Angel?”
“Murderer.”
“What do you mean? What are you-“
“That’s him,” she growled, “that monster is the man who killed my buir.”
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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A collection of all my short stories and drabbles for my OCs and other cut scenes that didn’t make it into the final book(s). Some stories have been retcon and no longer considered canon.
Spicy/Suggestive pieces are marked: ❤️
————
Originals:
Beach Day
Relationship Clarification with Fox
Undercover Errands
Say Cheese
What Might’ve Been
Veteran Trooper
Favorite Uncle
Tunnel Squad’s Ice Cream Adventure
Ready or Not (JuliettexDigger)
Clothing Thief (JuliettexDigger) ❤️
If We are to Date, You have to Win the Squad (JuliettexDigger)
It wasn’t the fact he didn’t want to talk again openly. There was a very good reason Tracks was keeping his speaking abilities to himself and five of his brothers.
The first was the fact people trusted him enough to share their raw thoughts with him.
The second, it was cheap entertainment and an unique challenge for him. Not laughing at his brothers’ dumb jokes out loud was the biggest one.
He usually ate his food, focusing on what Juliette and Cosmos were talking about, or observing Dabbler sketch out designs for his armor while practicing his own skills.
Today was too quiet.
Juliette just picked at her breakfast, leaning on Cosmos looking tired.
“Could you not sleep last night?” Squirrel asked.
“Not really,” Juliette answered, “it was a very eventful night.”
“You did look beautiful,” Dabbler complimented, “I bet everyone wanted to talk to you.”
Ace came and sat down, “hi, Juliette.”
“Hi, Ace,” she murmured.
“Sleepyhead,” Cosmos chuckled, “you should’ve called me.”
“I’m okay,” she folded her arms on the table, “I’m just going to take a quick nap.”
Tracks smirked, and picked up his tray.
Even on a bad night, Juliette always gets her sleep. She can’t function without it. Therefore, something happened last night. And Hardwire wasn’t the last to see her. Bet this will be a good distraction for Boomerang from his own stress.
****
Boomerang bounced his leg up and down, staring at the biochip that he cut out of his brothers head. If he stared at it long enough, maybe it would give him answers. That was what he was hoping for, even though it was wishful thinking.
The medbay door opened, and Boomerang quickly swiped up the little glass slide.
“What’s your deal?” Grimm grunted as he went to the supply closest.
“Just thinking,” he answered. “Do you actually care?”
“Not really,” Grimm sifted through the different gauzes, “but I’m good at pretending.”
Boomerang rolled his eyes, “comforting words from a medic.”
Grimm found what he was looking for, and closed the supply closet.
“What are you even doing?” Boomerang asked.
“Do you actually care?” Grimm quipped.
Boomerang groaned, “I’m sorry for the attitude.”
“Don’t be, it’s less annoying than your usual wit,” Grimm stated, “and, since you asked, last night the ARFs got into a scuffle. I’m now resupplying my pack.”
Boomerang snorted, “wow, you did your job.”
“There it is,” Grimm rolled his eyes, “the annoying jokes are back. Therefore, I did my job again.”
“Ha!” Boomerang watched him leave, and then Tracks slipped in.
Once the door shut, Tracks turned to him, “the General didn’t sleep last night.”
“Okay?” Boomerang sat up straighter.
“I don’t think it was a tossing and turning kind of didn’t sleep,” Tracks explained, “I sit next to her for almost every meal, and she tells Cosmos, Dabbler, and Squirrel everything. Including nightmares.”
Boomerang grinned, “I love when you give me mysteries to solve. Should we get the gang together?”
“I already told Coyote to get Mirage,” Tracks sat down. “And I have theories.”
****
Cosmos didn’t take himself as much of a reader, but Juliette claimed this was her favorite book. When she asked if he wanted to borrow it, he couldn’t just say no.
It was like his best friend gave him a piece of her soul. He had to decipher why this one was the favorite out of all the books in the galaxy. Why this author’s words spoke to her and why this plot resonated with her.
Which is why he was sitting on the floor of her room, reading a book and snacking.
Juliette was tiredly sketching, occasionally nodding off and quickly shaking her head clear.
“Starlight,” Cosmos cooed, “just take a little nap.”
“I’m fine,” she muttered.
“We’re on Coruscant for one more day,” he said calmly, “go to bed.”
A smile crossed her face.
He knew that smile far too well.
It was the same smile she had when she was thinking about Fang, right when they began dating. The early on smiles, the giddy smiles, the crush smile.
“Talk to me, Starlight,” Cosmos shut the book, “who are you thinking about?”
“No one,” Juliette smiled bigger.
Cosmos gasped, “you stayed up all night chatting with someone. Who?”
Juliette turned to him, her face all rosy and glowing.
Cosmos got up, presenting his pinky, “tell me who.”
She looped her pinky with his, “we’re just talking.”
“Who?” Cosmos urged.
“It’s…” she moved closer to his ear, “Commander Fox.”
Cosmos gasped, “wait, when? How?”
“Last night he called me after my panic attack,” Juliette gushed, “it was so sweet. He was checking in on me, and we started talking, and talking, and… I don’t know, I just like talking to him. It’s just a crush, I think. It’ll pass. We’re not going to get together.”
I mean, I did tell her to consider moving on soon. Fox is pretty safe on Coruscant, and he’s not too bad a vod. She could do way worse than the Commander who barely sleeps. Besides, I know this will be a fling. My choice still has a chance. But, for now…
Cosmos thought for a moment, “If you want, I happen to know his caf order.”
****
“I have connected the dots.”
“You connected nothing, Pretty Boy.”
“Yes I have, because I connected the dots.”
Boomerang groaned, “Juliette loves her beauty sleep. She doesn’t have insomnia now.”
“She might,” Coyote shrugged. “Maybe she took advice from Squirrel.”
“The reason Squirrel doesn’t sleep is because he has bad nightmares,” Tracks stated. “Real bad.”
“Maybe she has bad nightmares too,” Mirage stated.
Boomerang rubbed his temples, “let’s go back to the facts.”
“She had a panic attack last night, she didn’t sleep, she didn’t talk today but was in a good mood,” Tracks stated, “and she didn’t talk openly about it.”
“So what could it be?” Coyote asked, “an act?”
The medbay door opened, and Tracks went dead quiet. If it wasn’t Ace or Hardwire, he wasn’t going to speak a word and blow his cover.
Instead, it was Shadow that entered.
He stood there for a minute, then went over and sat on the bed with them.
“Hey, Shadow,” Mirage said, “what’s—“
“I’m an excellent observer,” Shadow stated.
“Okay…?” Boomerang raised an eyebrow.
Shadow turned to Mirage, “I know you had brain surgery. I know Boomerang found something.”
Mirage’s eyes widened, and Boomerang opened his mouth and closed it like a stunned fish.
“I know Coyote buries himself in work,” then he fixed his gaze on Tracks, “and I know you can talk.”
Tracks felt a corner of his lip tug upwards, “damn, you’re direct.”
Shadow looked at all of them, “I was ostracized in the 501st, and you all wanted me. Specifically you vods wanted me here. I don’t want to be ostracized by you guys, but I feel like you’re forgetting me.”
“Shadow,” Mirage frowned, “we’re sorry.”
“Yeah, it’s just…” Coyote trailed off.
“We kind of are doing some secret stuff that no one can know about,” Tracks explained, “we were trying to keep it on the down low.”
“Like gossiping about the General’s crush?” Shadow put his chin to his fist, “they may have been whispering, but the door to her quarters were open when she was telling Cosmos about him.”
Tracks blinked.
Coyote’s jaw dropped.
“Wait,” Mirage shook his head, “she has a crush?”
“On who?” Boomerang pressed.
Shadow pretended to zip his lip, “I can keep secrets too.”
Boomerang went over, shaking Shadow’s shoulders, “tell us!”
“You can be part of the group,” Mirage coaxed.
“You’re clearly the smartest one here,” Tracks nudged Shadow.
Boomerang fixed him a look, “I will hurt you, Too Tall.”
Shadow grinned, “if Cosmos finds out I found out, you all got to protect me.”
“Deal!” Coyote stated, “just tell me it’s someone who won’t hurt her. I promised Fang I’d watch out for her on his deathbed.”
“Okay, okay,” Shadow held up his hands. “It’s not that bad. Keep in mind it’s merely a crush, they’re not dating.”
****
Cosmos stood with Juliette outside the Republic Military base just looking at the big complex while she gathered her bearings.
In her hands, she held a fresh caf in a warm cup.
“It’s just a thank you gift.” Cosmos reminded her, “it’s not a big, grand gesture or declaration of love. He’s probably going take it, say thank you, make some small talk, and send you on your merry way.”
Cosmos gently placed his hand on her back, giving her a little push to get her feet going.
“There’s nothing to be scared of,” Cosmos assured, “if he hurts your feelings, I’ll go in there and straighten him out.”
“Won’t you get in trouble?” Juliette asked over her shoulder.
“Hardwire will bail me out,” Cosmos assured, after he straightens Fox out a second time.
Warnings: Hypothermia, angst (let me know if I miss any!)
————
Shortly after arrival on Hoth’s Republic base, Cosmos and Squirrel exited their gunship.
“Never seen snow before,” Cosmos gawked.
“I see why Max tapped out,” Squirrel shivered, “I’m freezing.”
“It’s not too bad,” Cosmos laughed, “think I’d get in trouble for going outside?”
“Doubt it,” Squirrel snickered. “I’m going to go find Tag and Frenzy.”
Cosmos watched him go, and then looked for Juliette.
The hardest part about being friends with her meant having to wait. He wondered if it bothered Fang, having to switch from professional to personal and back again.
It felt like whiplash.
Sighing, he walked alone.
He stood over by the hanger door, watching the snow fall against the dark sky. Almost like falling stars, piling on the ground in a blanket of white.
He was so enchanted, that the snowball flying by his helmet jolted him back to reality.
It hit one of the troop’s in the side of the helmet.
The shiny was knelt down, hand in the snow.
He was… drawing?
“Quit slacking.” The snowball tosser snapped, “do you want to get us in trouble?”
The shiny brushed the snow off his helmet, and did a couple more lines.
Cosmos stepped out, holding his arms as the chill brushed through him.
“Whoa,” Cosmos gasped, “is that a gunship?”
The shiny looked over his shoulder, then got to his feet nodding.
“Sir, aren’t you cold?” The shiny asked.
“Just a smidge,” Cosmos admitted.
“Rex is going to be mad,” the snowball thrower hissed.
“So?” Cosmos turned to him, “he’s not my boss, and I would love to see my General tear him a new one.”
“You really think your little girl can take one of us?” He punched his hand, “she’ll be in for a shock.”
“Harm her and you’ll never see another battlefield,” Cosmos threatened.
“Levy, she’s a General,” the shiny warned. “Even if she’s not the one we answer to.”
“If you all are done bickering,” another trooper cut in, “we’re here to relieve you.”
Levy left grumbling, not even apologizing.
Jerk.
“You might want to head in,” the 501st trooper turned to Cosmos, “a cold front is coming. Much colder than this one.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” Cosmos headed in with the shiny. “So? What’s your name?”
“I don’t really have one,” the shiny said, “they call me Lazy.”
“That’s not your name,” Cosmos said.
“Huh, how come every nice brother I find they’re from somewhere else?” The shiny pondered, “what’s your name?”
“Cosmos,” he happily replied.
“Cosmos? You’re the pilot General Trix rescued!”
“You’ve heard of me?”
“Everyone’s heard that story! Although I thought it was rumors she rescued a pilot. Did she actually punch a Jedi?”
“Sucker punched General Vos for insulting clones. He claims he was baiting her, but that’s his story.”
“I would love to meet her.”
“Stick with me, shiny. I’ll introduce you.”
Cooper approached with Keks behind him, “would you mind if we ate in the gunship? Everyone’s talking about the Battle of Kamino, and I think Mirage is still sore on the subject.”
“Of course,” Cosmos wrapped an arm around the shiny. “But he comes with.”
“Hello,” Keks grinned, “I’m Keks, this is Cooper.”
“Sergeant Cooper,” Cooper corrected.
Cosmos chuckled, and led them to the ship.
“I got another question,” the shiny said, “is it true that the General named you Cosmos?”
Cosmos took off his helmet, smiling, “right after she punched General Vos.”
****
Ever since losing his voice, Tracks had noticed everyone tends to talk around him.
Even in a crowd of brothers, he felt like an afterthought.
Goose—who volunteered to be his copilot—always talked for both of them.
Some days, it felt like the well meaning pilot with the obnoxiously loud laugh was putting words in Tracks’s mouth.
As they walked back from the mess, where they were with the other 952nd pilots, Tracks’s gaze fell on a lone trooper in pristine white armor.
They’re sending them out newer and newer each month.
There was no one else around, and this shiny was looked like he was just left there.
Abandoned like a pup.
“…but that’s besides the point. The point is that our General is the best out of all the Generals we had. Sure I wasn’t around for General one and two, but out of the others, she’s the best. I mean how many Generals do you know eats their meals with her pilots and helps name them? Although, Baby isn’t exactly an ideal name, and the trooper with that name is too gruff that it’s almost an insult if you think about it. Not as insulting as Dipstick. Don’t know why Radar is so obsessed with that one. Seriously, what goes on in Radar’s head? Total mystery. I don’t even think he knows what he thinks about half the time.”
Tracks took in every word, nodding. However, he honestly was more curious about the lone shiny.
“I’m talking too much again, huh?” Goose rubbed the back of his neck, “sorry.”
Tracks waved his hands, then gestured to the trooper sitting by himself.
He looked beyond bored under his helmet, drumming his hands on his armored knees.
“You lost, shiny?” Goose approached.
Not how I’d start, but okay.
“Hmm?” The shiny looked up, “no, I’m just… waiting.”
“Not really,” the trooper answered, “just not clicking with anyone yet.”
Tracks held out his hand, offering him aid getting up.
Goose translated, “Tracks wants you to join us.”
“Really, you don’t have to pity me,” the shiny hugged his knees, “I’ll be fine.”
Tracks kicked his boot lightly.
“Tracks says he’s not taking no for an answer,” Goose turned to him. “Right?”
Tracks gave him a thumbs up, close enough.
Goose stood up, “come on.”
The shiny sighed, then took Tracks’s hand, “not like anyone is actually looking for me.”
****
They only had a few minutes to themselves.
As usual, despite the informality, Juliette joined Hardwire. She followed him into a quiet room, and removed her helmet easily. Her gear was not as clunky with snow gear trapping her in.
“Let me,” she giggled as Hardwire struggled.
“I can do it,” Hardwire tried to shoo her hands away, but not once actually hitting her hands.
She popped his seal, and lifted his helmet up, “there’s your charming smile.”
A smile formed on his face, despite him trying not to give into her teasing.
“General,” Hardwire lightly scolded, “you’re forgetting your formalities.”
“Sorry,” she apologized, even though he could tell she didn’t mean it.
He sighed, shaking his head as he went into his pack passing her a ration bar.
She sniffed it, grimacing.
“It’s not that bad,” Hardwire bit into his.
“It smells disgusting,” she gagged. “You men actually eat and enjoy this?”
“It has all the protein and nutrients we need,” he took another bite, “you’ve eaten it before.”
“When I was starving,” Juliette pouted, “now I see why Fang enjoys cooking shows.”
Hardwire paused, “where do you get access to cooking shows?”
“My private datapad isn’t on a clone military network,” she explained, “speaking of, why are clone networks so censored? You can’t access any sort of entertainment other than cheesy radio.”
“Do I have to remind you we’re soldiers?”
“I know that, but you get to go on leave and have some days of freedom.”
“But not for free. We can’t just go everywhere unless we have the credits. Then it’s how’d you get these credits?”
“That’s awful.”
Her lip pouted after she said that.
It was unconscious, like a habit.
Hardwire lifted her chin, “have I ever told you that you’re my favorite person besides my brothers?”
“Really?” Juliette lit up.
“Really.” He tapped her nose.
She giggled, then sat on the desk he was leaning on. Her face twisted into disgust again, looking at the ration bar.
“If you eat it, I’ll tell you some good news,” he offered.
Juliette groaned, then bit into the bar chewing slowly.
“Swallow it,” he scolded.
She groaned, forcing it down, “it’s like eating dirt.”
Hardwire chuckled, opening his datapad, “according to Cooper, the men found some shinies.”
“Shinies?” Juliette forced herself to take another bite.
“It’s what we call troopers who just left Kamino and haven’t seen real action yet,” Hardwire explained, “anyways, they taken a real liking to us and Cooper sent me a request transfer regarding the two of them?”
Juliette swallowed hard, “are you saying two new troopers?”
“Should I forward in the request to General Skywalker?” Hardwire asked.
“Yes!” Juliette gripped his shoulders. “Please! If Cooper likes them then that’s a good sign!”
Hardwire laughed, “alright, alright. Just give me…”
He turned back to her, really processing her words.
“What do you mean by that?” Hardwire asked.
“It’s kind of obvious Cooper doesn’t like me,” Juliette shrugged. “And I’ve heard there’s been a few heated arguments regarding me.”
“Did Fang tell you?” Hardwire asked, forgetting to deny that fact.
She shook her head, “Fang only said once that Cooper is conflicted and to just not push my luck.”
“Honestly,” Hardwire sighed, “he’s just worried we’ll destroy you.”
“Destroy me?” Juliette laughed, “are you planning on killing me?”
Hardwire placed his hand on top of her head.
She quieted down, looking up at him with those hopeful eyes he adored.
“You’re so important to us,” he pat her head, “and when we die, we don’t want you to mourn us. We’re meant to die for the Republic, and you have to let us.”
Without a word, she cupped his face, pulling him down to her eye level, “Hardwire, you are my friend. All of you are so important to me, and I’m not going to cry because I’m sad I lost a soldier. I’m going to cry because I lost someone I will never see again. Even if I’m sad, I’m not going to abandon you or any of your brothers. Do you understand me?”
Hardwire smiled, “crystal.”
She pulled him closer, and kissed his forehead, “no more fretting. I’m banishing all your fears.”
He laughed, standing back up, “I see why Fang fell for you now. Here I thought it was just you saved him from uncertain fate on Kamino.”
“You’re silly,” Juliette hopped off the desk, “clearly he fell for me for my obnoxious personality.”
****
It wasn’t intended, but Cosmos was pretty sure he just kidnapped this shiny he refused to call Lazy.
No one was looking for him, so Cosmos was taking full advantage of having a buddy.
“So, you don’t have a co-pilot yet?” He asked, almost as if plotting something.
“Afraid not,” Cosmos sighed, “with everything that happened on Kamino, we’re being delayed troops. I understand, but at the same time I’d like to not have to hope that someone lets me step in.”
He couldn’t imagine any of them dying again.
He heard Tracks lost his wingman under Merick’s time as General. Whispers when Tracks wasn’t present told of a gruesome scene.
Cosmos came into the 952nd about the same time as Juliette. Along with them, it was his deceased co-pilot, Tag and Frenzy, and another pair of pilots now dead.
They needed pilots just as much as they needed troopers.
“Is piloting full time hard?” he asked, “I’ve flown a couple ships and liked it.”
Cosmos chuckled, “you’d need training, and to be certified as a pilot. Besides, 501st doesn’t seem to be lacking pilots.”
“Oh, I forgot you’re not 501st,” he dropped his head down. “My mistake.”
Cosmos stopped walking, “were… you suggesting you’d be my co-pilot?”
The shiny turned his visor to him, “well, yeah.”
Cosmos stared him, feeling as if his helmet’s audio was messed up.
Are you kidding me? I find a willing volunteer to be my co-pilot, who listens to me, and has a personality that isn’t making fun of each other at lunch. And he’s from another Legion? Cosmos wanted to wrap the shiny in a hug, Universe, you are cruel!
Instead, Cosmos just gripped his shoulder, “if I was able to, I’d make you my co-pilot in a heartbeat.”
“Thank you, Cosmos,” the shiny said sadly. “I’d be your co-pilot in a heartbeat.”
****
Juliette sat on the sidelines, watching as Master Skywalker spoke to the Jedi council.
At the other side of the room, she could see Hardwire and Rex working on the controls, going through channels.
She kept going back and forth between the clones on the communication logs, and the Jedi meeting.
The meeting was more so a check in, and not of much interest to her.
She looked back to the clones, noting Rex’s rigid stance.
She closed her eyes, listening hard.
“They were suppose to check in by now,” Rex grumbled.
“I can assemble a squad,” Hardwire offered.
“It’s getting worse out there,” Rex sighed, “sending out another squad could get them killed.”
Juliette opened her eyes.
She got up, and approached the Commander and Captain.
“Commander,” she cooed, “you know I’m a trained tracker, right?”
Rex looked to Hardwire, then back to her, “General Trix, it is dangerous out there. Not just the cold, the inhabitants as well.”
“I can handle it,” Juliette turned to Hardwire, “you believe in me, right?”
“Of course I do,” Hardwire had a smile in his voice.
“I do as well,” Master Skywalker approached, done with his meeting. “Rex, loan her some speeders and a couple men.”
Hardwire turned to her, “may I suggest bringing Mirage, General. In case you do run into trouble, you might need his assistance.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Juliette followed Captain Rex, already contacting her ARC.
As soon as the doors shut, Rex finally looked at her.
“I heard you rescued that pilot,” Rex said, “you earned a great deal of respect from many of my brothers.”
Juliette studied him, “many, you say?”
“I’m still deciding,” Rex answered, opening his comm, “Jesse, assemble a squad, we got some missing scouts to find.”
****
Tracks and the other 952nd watched in amusement as Mirage excitedly rambled, running a comb through the shiny’s hair with gel.
“Careful, Pretty Boy,” Boomerang teased, “you’re making a clone of yourself. Which I didn’t think was possible.”
Tracks smirked, stealing a glance at Cooper.
He was sitting next to the Sergeant when he sent a request to Commander Hardwire.
If General Trix saw them right now, Tracks thought, she’d kidnap this one immediately.
“Someone has to teach our little brother important life lessons,” Mirage chuckled, “don’t you agree, kid?”
“Yes, sir,” the shiny agreed.
Boomerang and Cooper exchanged a look, acknowledging each other’s standard haircuts.
Juliette hopped on the ship, “hiya, men!”
“Hi, Juliette,” they all acknowledged.
Tracks gave her a wave, wondering why she was so smiley.
“I need my best ARC,” Juliette turned to Mirage, “a scouting group is lost, and Hardwire wants you with me.”
“Anything for you,” Mirage put on his gloves, “I’ll be back, kid.”
Juliette hopped off the ship again, “love the hair, new friend!”
Mirage followed her off, adjusting his helmet as he walked.
Probably not a good idea to walk and fix his gear, Tracks thought.
She moved next to Mirage, holding his arm as he walked.
“She’s a good General,” Goose declared, getting a hum of agreement.
“She has kind eyes,” the shiny stood up, as his comm went off. “Looks like I got to go. Thank you, for your hospitality.”
“Anytime,” Goose hummed.
“See you later, trooper,” Keks smiled.
Sooner than you realize, shiny.
****
The snow was rough.
It was hitting them hard, in icy sharp walls of sleet and snow.
She was grateful Mirage was driving, and she was in the sidecar looking over logs.
Rex gestured for them to stop, and the speeders skidded to a halt.
Juliette reread the last transcribed report. It said someone in the background screamed, then the line went dead.
“It’s going to be impossible to track them,” Jesse stated, “probably froze in the storm.”
Juliette messaged Hardwire to get her the audio.
“We can’t give up on them,” Kix argued.
Almost immediately, Hardwire sent it.
“We got to at least try,” Rex ordered.
Juliette listened to the audio in her helmet, hearing something else besides the trooper screaming.
It was a growl.
She sent another request to Hardwire.
“General Trix, are you even listening?” Rex appeared in front of her.
Hardwire sent a map of caves, and one word.
“Wampas.” Juliette stated.
“Wampas?” Rex asked.
“In the last audio message we got from your men,” Juliette explained, “there’s something in the background, and considering the inhabitants of this planet, I suspect they were taken by a Wampa.”
“And you expect us to take on a Wampa?“ Jesse scoffed.
“Sounds like it’ll be fun!” Hardcase laughed.
Juliette passed Rex her datapad, “I had Hardwire send a map of known cave locations. These two are the closest to their last transmission.”
Rex looked it over, humming, “Jesse, you and the kid go with the General to this location. Hardcase, Kix, you’re with me.”
Rex handed her the datapad back, and went back to his speeder.
Mirage started up the speeder again, and the teams split up.
“Are you sure about this General?“ Mirage called over the running engine. “I hear those things are dangerous.”
“If it was you, I’d come for you,” Juliette stated, “you can rely on that fact always, Mirage.”
****
Hardwire headed down to the hanger, still checking over his datapad as Juliette messaged him.
She suspects a Wampa took the men, he highlighted some caves as he walked. I hope she’ll be okay facing one.
“Well, well,” Boomerang appeared at his side, “if it isn’t my favorite Commander.”
“I hope I’m your favorite Commander,” Hardwire sent the locations.
He glance back to Fang and Coyote tailing him.
“How you all handling this cold?” Hardwire asked.
“Probably better than Mirage,” Coyote joked.
“Even with the heaters running and this extra padding I’m shivering,” Fang shuttered, “after this, don’t expect to see me without a big, warm blanket.”
“Can the next planet be tropical?” Boomerang teased. “I want to make a sandcastle.”
“If only we’d be so lucky,” Hardwire mused as he approached Keks. “All set?”
“Cooper is doing a final check,” Keks said leaning on a crate. “Kind of vish those troopers didn’t get lost. Ve could’ve been leaving with our two new shinies.”
“New what now?” Boomerang exclaimed.
“Cooper said you all took a liking to some discarded shinies,” Hardwire chuckled. “General Skywalker and Captain Rex have approved the transfer. We just need to let the troopers know.”
“Cosmos has one,” Keks stated, “the other vent vith the search party.”
“Where’s Cosmos then?” Hardwire asked.
“Wandering around,” Coyote answered, “with his pilot crew.”
“Of course,” Hardwire chuckled, “they’re a flock.”
Boomerang turned to him offended, “hey, bad jokes are my thing.”
“My bad,” Hardwire chuckled. “I’ll find him later.”
****
They approached the cave, following Mirage.
Juliette wanted to take point, but he insisted.
The ARC lowered his scope, keeping his head close to the wall as he looked in.
“You were right,” he whispered, “there’s two left, one isn’t looking too good.”
“Any sign of the Wampa?” Jesse asked quietly.
“Nope,” Mirage crept around the corner, “it appears to be out.”
“Shiny, keep watch,” Jesse ordered.
“Yes, sir,” the trooper responded.
Juliette followed Mirage in, keeping one hand at her holster as they entered the open area.
She knelt down, looking over the two troopers.
One looked like he was confused, the other was holding him trembling like a small child with his security blanket.
Juliette held out her hand, “I’m Juliette Trix, we’re here to save you.”
The trooper took her hand.
Even through their gloves, he felt like ice.
Poor darling, she removed her pack. He’s shivering.
She took out the blanket and wrapped it around the trooper’s shoulders, “can you walk?”
The trooper shook his head, teeth chattering, “I-I can’t f-feel my toes.”
Mirage helped the other trooper up, “you look like you got tossed around.”
“You have no idea,” the trooper replied groggily.
The shiny backed in, “guys… it’s back.”
Jesse aimed his blaster, “fall back, shiny.”
The trooper glided back on the ice, gracefully dropping to his knee next to Jesse.
Supporting his brother, Mirage and the discombobulated trooper aimed pistols.
Juliette waited till the giant, white furred creature with giant claws rounded the corner.
It bared its gnarly teeth, growling at them.
“What’s the plan?” Jesse asked her. “Hold our ground?”
Juliette looked to her gauntlet, tapping a few buttons, “it’s what? About three meters? A couple hundred kilograms?”
“What are you talking about?” Jesse asked.
“Screw it,” Juliette set it all the way up, “I suck at math.”
She aimed her gauntlet and fired a grapple attached to a wire.
The Wampa looked at the impalement, and cried out when she hit it with a huge shock of electricity.
As predicted, it fell.
Jesse groaned, “damn. You left no fun for us.”
“I love you,” the shivering trooper gasped.
Lucky for her, her helmet hid the rush of blood that went straight to her face.
“Gosh, you could take me out a date before you declare your love for me,” Juliette said, hoping they didn’t hear the shock in her voice.
“Come on, trooper,” Jesse helped the man up, “she’s way out of your league anyways.”
Juliette slid on the ice, “I suggest we leave before he wakes up. Assuming I didn’t kill him.”
The shiny skated on the ice, following her lead.
Jesse and the two other troopers shuffled on the ice, lacking the shiny’s confidence.
Mirage took one step, and slipped down into a painful looking forward split.
“Kriff…” Mirage whimpered as he defeatedly slumped to the side.
Jesse chuckled, then turned to Juliette, “I’ll contact Rex and get these two to the speeders.”
“Thank you,” Juliette glided back to Mirage with the shiny. “You hurt?”
Mirage groaned, “I think I pulled something.”
The shiny helped Mirage up, looping his arm over his shoulder.
“Thanks, vod.” Mirage said, wincing as he slowly limped.
“Vod?” The shiny asked.
“It’s Mando’a,” Juliette supported Mirage. “Basically means sibling, brother, or sister.”
“A bunch of early ARCs picked up bits and pieces and passed it on to us,” Mirage chuckled.
“That explains so much,” Juliette glanced down at the Wampa as they passed. “Yup, definitely didn’t kill it. I vote we never come back to this planet, ever.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Mirage picked up his pace.
They got out to the speeder bikes, greeted by Jesse.
“Mind if your little shadow rides with you?” Jesse asked, “I got the others wrapped up in my side card.”
“That’s fine with me,” Juliette said, “maybe I’ll steal his body heat.”
The shiny chuckled, “happy to be of service.”
Mirage got on his speeder bike, starting it up.
The shiny helped Juliette in, and hopped in beside her.
She kept her gaze on the cave.
“Hey, Juliette,” Mirage turned to her, “not to sound jealous, but couldn’t you have let us shoot it first?”
“Sorry,” Juliette giggled, “I had to make sure this thing still worked before a real emergency.”
“Uh huh,” Mirage chuckled, hitting the gas.
She jerked back into her seat, as she saw a shadow in the cave.
“Aren’t Wampas insanely fast?” Juliette yelled over the engine.
Mirage gunned it, and Jesse stepped on it too.
Leaving the creature crying out at its cave.
Who the heck would make a base out here?
****
Tracks sat on the ship, prepping for takeoff.
Goose popped up in the front seat of the canopy.
“Hi,” Goose said over his shoulder.
Tracks grunted.
“So, I was thinking,” Goose began prepping, “you use to say something about getting the ship to drop points safe and sound, right?”
Tracks paused, feeling dread course though him.
“I’ll get you there safe and sound.”
That’s what he use to always tell Hardwire at takeoff, part for himself and part for Hardwire’s peace of mind.
It was his words.
He didn’t want to share them.
Not even with Goose.
But, he didn’t have his voice anymore.
Goose turned to him, “I’m right, right?”
Tracks felt his shoulders slump in defeat, and he nodded.
They were his words.
Goose crossed his arms over his chest, “safe.”
Tracks straightened up.
Held up his fists, “and.”
Tracks mirrored him.
Then slowly moved on hand over his chest, “sound.”
Tracks put it all together, ‘safe and sound.’
“I got to double check it when we get back,” Goose turned back to the controls, “but you seemed down lately. I’m guessing your therapy isn’t going well.”
Tracks blew some air out of his mouth.
“That bad, huh?” Goose sighed, “well, guess I’ll continue chatting everyone’s ear off while they all wonder how that really tall copilot of mine puts up with me.”
Tracks shook his head, clicking his tongue.
“You know,” Goose laughed, “you’ve gotten sassier since losing your voice. Or were you always like this?”
When Goose turned back to him, Tracks placed his fingertips to the chin of his helmet and extended his palm.
Goose chuckled, “you’re welcome.”
****
Seeing Juliette again was a relief, but also kind of upsetting.
“Guess you’ll be leaving now, huh?“ his shiny said sadly, “maybe we’ll meet again soon?”
Cosmos doubted it.
When the 501st needed aid, it was 212th or 104th who came running.
Still, Cosmos wouldn’t let his disappointment show through his voice as he shook the trooper’s hand.
“When we meet again,” Cosmos said, “you better have a real name by then. Got it?”
“Got it.” The shiny laughed, but there was no heart to his voice.
Cosmos sighed, “I’m going to miss you too, brother.”
The shiny backed away, weakly waving, “don’t crash.”
“Don’t get shot,” Cosmos sadly waved back, turning away first.
This sucks, he thought with every heavy footstep.
****
Hardwire approached Juliette, noting the shivering as she turned to him.
“Cold?” Hardwire teased.
“So cold,” she said, “I’m almost considering snuggling up to you.”
Jesse came up behind her, dropping a blanket over her shoulders, “here. You can have this back. The men are being warmed up now.”
“Thanks,” she said, “by the way, I do remember you.”
“You do?” Jesse sounded just as confused as Hardwire.
“General, we have never worked with the 501st,” Mirage reminded her.
“I meant at 79’s,” Juliette turned to Jesse, “I asked you where the 952nd were.”
Jesse tilted his head like a bird, “wait…”
Hardwire chuckled, “I forgot the 501st were on leave that day too.”
Jesse sputtered, then backed away hurriedly.
“I think you spooked him,” the shiny laughed.
Hardwire looked at the shiny, mirroring Mirage’s stance with his hands folded behind his back.
Boomerang came over, noticing it too, “I like your shadow.”
“He’s a good little shadow,” Mirage agreed.
“Shadow,” the shiny mused, “I like it.”
“Well, Shadow,” Hardwire stepped forward, “I think you should know you’re no longer part of the 501st.”
“I’m not?” Shadow asked.
“You’re ours now,” Juliette declared.
“Welcome to the 952nd,” Boomerang wrapped an arm around him, “our motto is ‘you call, we haul’.”
“Pretty much.” Mirage snickered, “come on, let’s get you on the ship and introduce you again.”
Hardwire chuckled, then turned to Juliette, “I sent Cooper to get the other one. Once they’re on board, we can leave.”
“Great,” Juliette wrapped her blanket tighter around her, “I want to eat something hot wrapped in my blanket.”
“Sounds like a good plan,” Hardwire chuckled.
His gaze shifted to Rex’s boys, frantically talking and gesturing towards her. Rex had joined them, just listening to them debate.
They don’t believe him, Hardwire concluded.
“Want to go say goodbye to Rex quick?” Hardwire asked.
Juliette sighed, taking off her blanket, and putting it under her arm in a ball.
He led her to the four men, and let her take lead.
“Captain Rex,” she extended her hand, “it was a pleasure, I hope to see you again soon.”
Rex took her hand, “likewise, General Trix.”
Hardcase whispered, “it’s definitely not her.”
“But how would she know that?” Jesse briskly argued.
Juliette turned to them, then turned to Hardwire passing him the blanket. She turned her attention back to the men, and placed a hand on Jesse’s arm.
“Please? I’d really love your help.”
Jesse chuckled, backing away almost bashfully.
“Is it her?” Rex teased them.
Kix snickered, “it’s her.”
Hardcase turned to Hardwire, “you’re welcome.”
Hardwire shook his head, softly laughing, “I am truly grateful you guided her to us.”
Juliette gave them a nod, and began walking.
“Good luck out there, Commander,” Rex shook Hardwire’s hand, “and don’t lose another General.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Hardwire stated, then went after her.
She turned to him, extending her hands out for her blanket.
He turned his body, keeping it away.
He could imagine her pouting her lip under her helmet.
“You flirted your way to us,” Hardwire teased.
“Only a little,” she quietly admitted.
They stepped on the ship.
“We’re clear,” he said in his comlink, then the doors shut.
He wrapped her blanket around her, then gently pushed her two steps back to Fang.
The trooper wrapped an arm around her, holding her as always.
But that’s all he did.
****
Once the ship landed, Cosmos hopped out of the canopy not waiting for the ladder.
“You know, that’s bad for your knees,” a shiny approached him.
No way.
Juliette popped up with him smiling, “we got two new recruits. You like?”
Cosmos grabbed her, wrapping her in a hug.
“I do have bad news though,” the shiny got his helmet off, “I still don’t got a name.”
“It’s okay,” Cosmos laughed, “I understand.”
Juliette turned to the shiny, “whatever you do, stay away from Radar. You don’t look like a Dipstick.”
“Absolutely not,” Cosmos agreed, “his name is definitely not Dipstick.”
The shiny awkwardly smiled, “thank you?”
Cosmos released Juliette, “we’ll explain over food. I’m thinking hot soup.”
“I’ll take hot anything,” Juliette took off her helmet, smiling as she took her hair out of a messy, lose bun.
The shiny looked at her, “huh, I see what you meant Cosmos.”
“What did you say, Cos?” Juliette turned to him with worried eyes.
“That you your smile is contagious,” Cosmos tapped her nose.
Juliette giggled, “you’re a liar.”
“Believe what you want,” Cosmos put an arm around both of them, “but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”
****
“Please don’t downplay it. You could’ve gotten hurt.”
The hours had passed. From dinner to bedtime, leading to the moments she snuck with just Fang in her room.
Her head rested on his chest, listening to steady drumming of his heart beneath her ear.
His rough fingers ghosted over her, playing with her hair, brushing her cheek, tracing her arms, and running down her spine. Almost as if he memorizing her through his fingertips.
Her hand found his left, feeling the warmth of his fingers slip between her own.
She brought his knuckles to her lips, “I’m downplaying nothing. I was fine, besides I had Mirage.”
“Mirage said during dinner he slipped leaving the cave,” Fang stated, “and if that Wampa got a hold of any of those troopers, you would’ve risked yourself for them.”
“Isn’t that my job as a General?“ Juliette asked.
She could hear the annoyance in his sigh, and he said nothing.
She never seen him mad before.
Jealousy sometimes occasionally showed up, but never was he this upset.
She sat up, moving up his body to his face.
His head was turned away.
His brow furrowed and jaw clenched.
“Fang?” Juliette swept his curls off his forehead, “please look at me?”
He turned to her, eyes hard as steel.
This really upset him, she concluded as she caressed his face, “Fang, I’m sorry. I get you’re upset with me, but I have to protect you and your brothers.”
“Protecting us isn’t your job,” Fang rolled his eyes.
“Are we fighting?” Juliette asked, watching in horror as he got up.
“Obviously,” Fang hopped off the bed, gathering his armor.
He’s leaving!
Juliette scrambled off her bed, “wait, I’m sorry! I’m really sorry!”
Fang kept placing pieces of armor back over his bodysuit.
“I don’t know what I did wrong,” Juliette felt tears stinging at her eyes. “Fang, please tell me what I did.”
Fang turned to her, snapping, “you took off without saying goodbye!”
She sucked in her breath.
“You went off into a snow storm on a planet that’s temperatures are in the negative hundreds. You went in said snowstorm to rescue two troopers you didn’t even know, and when you realized it was a Wampa that might’ve took them, you went searching for the Wampa!” Fang ran his hands over his face, “you risked yourself for strangers, and I can’t tell if I love that or despise that.”
Juliette sunk down onto the bed, “I didn’t think it was that dangerous.”
“This a constant war zone,” Fang picked up his helmet, “everything you do is dangerous. I’m sorry I blew up at you, but I need to cool off.”
“Please don’t leave,” Juliette reached for him.
He stepped away, repeating, “I need to cool off.”
Juliette felt her lip trembling as he left the room, not even bothering to shut her door.
She held her face in her hands, trying to will the tears away and work up the strength to get up.
The door closed, and she lifted her gaze to the last trooper she expected to see in her room.
