#arc training program

            Commander Fordo is the first to poke his head out of the opening where the ship door flew off in the crash. Rex waits, watching the other ARC Troopers to gage their reactions. They all watch the Commander intently until finally, he gives the signal. Bacara and Gree are the first ones out. If he asked them why they would probably say because they were the closest to the opening or because they were eager to see some action. But Rex knew that crash stirred up some unpleasant memories still fresh in all their minds. They wait again when Commander Fordo is out of the gunship. After he assesses the area he gives another signal for everyone else to follow. Its all surreal to Rex. The ARC Troopers are dead silent making the sound of every step, every gesture, every shift of the blaster feel deafening.

            Rex takes position near the nose of the ship, blaster ready for any sign of movement. Captain Alpha stands near him in a similar stance as Commander Fordo continues to scan the area. Rex wants to ask why they aren’t advancing but he already knows why. Their ship was shot down meaning the droids aren’t far behind. Rex swallows and adjusts his blaster so he has a better grip. Then a blaster fires. At first, he thinks he’s set his off on accident but then he hears a blood chilling thud behind him. he glances back only for a second to see Trooper in white gear on the ground, red pooling beneath his head.

            Rex opens fires along with the rest of their squad. He’s not aiming at anything in particular. His eyes are blurry with from another surge of adrenaline. Bacara and Gree are on the other side of the ship. Wolffe is towards the aft end of the ship. that wasn’t one of us. But that’s wrong and he knows it. Just because that Trooper didn’t train with him didn’t make him any less of a brother. A sour taste coats his mouth and he grits his teeth. His eyes adjust and focuses on movement from a balcony of the building in front of him. He lines up his shot and fires, not lowering his blaster until he hears metal hitting cement.

            Captain Alpha moves drawing Rex’s attention to fall back with the rest. The huddle behind the gunship with Commander Fordo still near the nose of the ship. Rex and the others don’t stop firing until the Commander turns and gives another signal. Rex and Trooper from the group assigned with the ARC Troopers step out from their cover and draw the droids fire. Behind him he hears someone move close aiming a scope at the building where most of the enemy fire is coming from. When he falls back, Colt rushes forward, falling to one knee and fires a missile. He fires wherever the Trooper with scope points until the fire ceases. Commander Fordo scans the area again before finally giving the ‘move forward’ signal.

            Rex wants to speak so bad it almost hurt but even if he could he didn’t know what he would say. He wanted to ask about the Trooper who survived the crash only to be shot down the second he stepped into the light. Who was he? How many battles has he fought in? How close was he to the others assigned to the squad? Why him and not Rex? That thought punches Rex square in the chest. He feels out of breath and has to fight to get his breathing under control. He forces his eyes to focus on Havoc walking right in front of him. when Commander Fordo holds up his hand telling them to stop, he then motions for someone to move forward. Gree’s right behind him and moves to his side. Rex’s ears ring as he tries to make out what he’s hearing. It’s not until it turns the corner heading in their direction does, he realizes it’s a tank. They immediately open fire on it even though it was futile. Commander Fordo lowers and gives another signal but it was too low for anyone in the back to see clearly. It’s not until he sees the rope fall from one of the buildings and Captain Alpha repels down does he realize the Commander wasn’t signaling them. Rex hadn’t even realized the Captain was gone. The Captain moves so quickly as he rolls towards the tank, leaps up the side, climbing to the top, jumps, fires down creating an opening, before falling through. They cease fire and wait until blaster fire shoots from within the tank in all directions. Rex grits his teeth unable to tear his eyes away from the tank until Captain Alpha leaps back out of the tank and dashes away before the tank explodes.

            Commander Fordo must have given the advance signal but Rex doesn’t see it. he’s still focused on the black spot that used to be a tank. Blitz knocks his shoulder in passing snapping Rex out of his daze. The other non-ARC’s seemed to be in a similar daze as they struggle to move their feet. When the Captain joins their line snaking their way through the city, he gives a look back at Rex and the others. Rex just knows he’s grinning ear to ear which nearly makes Rex audibly laugh. Luckily, he swallows that laugh before he makes any noise. When they move further into the city, they finally spot their target. A giant heavy canon that is placed at the top of the banking clan headquarters. They stop so Commander Fordo can pull out his com and message General Kenobi.

            “General Kenobi, target sighted.” The Commander says as little as possible.

            “Very good, Commander. Proceed with the next phase.” The General is just as brief before the transmission is gone and the Commander gives them their next signal.

            Scaling the side of a building is a first for Rex. They’ve practiced with the citadel, once outside on a platform above the sea, and that one time Neyo threw Fox’s shoe at the ceiling with a big glob of glue stuck to its sole. But a building that seemed to stretch all the way to the sky? This had Rex checking five times to make sure he had a firm hold before letting himself get pulled up. Commander Fordo, Captain Alpha, and Colt were the first ones up and immediately opened fire. Rex was a little embarrassed to say he was one of the last and his legs trembled for at least three steps before returning to normal. Things were moving smoothly with the ARC’s leading the way. Rex felt like every time he lines up his shot, one of the ARC’s would take it out before he could pull the trigger. Two times it was Captain Alpha who would give a look his direction. Rex couldn’t tell if it was a “Gotta be faster then that, cadet.” Or a “Beat you.” Look. Only after Colt fires another missile at the control tower of the building and all the droids are put down do they lower their blasters. Rex spots Commander Fordo holster his left blaster but gives his right one a spin before holstering that one. Rex immediately wanted to try that but he doesn’t have his dual blasters and would be really embarrassed if anyone saw him try the first time.

            When they finally scale up to the giant heavy canon, they get busy setting the charges. Rex is kneeling to keep the shaking to a minimum. He could just see himself tripping on thin air and plummeting to his death. He tries to focus on the charge in front of him. When Havoc walks towards them carrying two more charges, the canon fires with a deafening crack that sends a shock through Rex’s body. Even with the hearing protection in their helmets his ears still ring from the blast. Havoc’s arms sway from the shifting of the canon beneath his feat. He gives an aggravated “Ugh.” Earning him a few glares from Commander Fordo and Captain Alpha. He looks back at them, noting their glares before facing forward again and going even louder, “Ugh!”

            This time Rex lets out a laugh and doesn’t feel to bad about it. it wasn’t like the droids didn’t know they were here, and it was to late for the droids to stop them from blowing the canon. When they’re all set and armed, they shoot their extension cables once more to the top of the control tower. This time Rex doesn’t waste time checking and rechecking his cord. He races up the side with others desperate to get off the canon. When the bombs go off the blast is almost as loud as the canon itself. The heat burns through Rex’s gear and seems to push Rex faster to the top. that or the shear fear and getting caught in the blast. When they finally reach the top, they take up position looking out over the city. Smoke can be seen lifting to the sky in several parts of the city as gunships continue to lower to the surface. Somewhere out there Cody is fighting on the frontlines. Rex’s ringing ears struggle to make out the fighting from the main horde. He hopes Cody is having as smooth of a time as they are.

Cody

            Cody knew they were doomed when Neyo shouts, “I have an idea!” and the General smiles.

“That was it?” Neyo mutters when he walks past. 7567 keeps walking until he’s in the refresher to wash his bruised face. Cody and Gree walk in behind him. Gree stands at the door to keep the others from coming inside just in case Fox or Thire wanted to finish what 7567 started.

“So, did you get it out of your system?” Cody stands next to him with arms crossed. 7567 doesn’t meet his eyes.

“He deserved that.” He mumbled while gently padding his bruised eye with a towel.

“Maybe.” Cody shrugs.

“Definitely deserved it.” Gree calls from the door. Cody rolls his eyes and leans against the neighbor sink.

“Don’t let him get to you. The Captain will give you a name after his meeting.”

7567 meets his eyes. “What makes you think that?”

“Because you’re way to good at what you do to have gone unnoticed.” Cody reaches out to pat his shoulder. 7567 forces a small smile and nod. They start for the door.

“Hey, at least you aren’t named after NEYOOUUM.” Gree nudges him. this makes all three of them laugh. They walk back over to the bench and take a seat. They finished cleaning their gear awhile ago. Now they find themselves laying around with nothing to do. Something they weren’t used to.

“You need to wait for the Captain to come back.” They hear Wolffe say across the room. Neyo holds one of his modified contractions in his hands. Or at least he tries. Apparently, it’s a new blaster he plans on attaching to the speeder he’s fixing up with the Captain and Bacara.

“Relax. It’s filled with rubber ammo anyway so it’s not like anyone’s going to get hurt.” Neyo argues. Gree shakes his head at them.

“He’s going to send one of us to the infirmary.” He snorts. Cody leans back on the bench.

“Then I’m sure the Captain would make us do sprints until we puked.”

7567 looks back down at the ground as he remembers that he’s the only one without a name. he thought he was getting better with the two hand pistols. He’s even stopped tripping over stuff as much. Maybe he was only kidding himself by thinking he deserved to be here. He stopped to think of how he contributes to the squad. Cody was a natural leader that doesn’t back down from anything. Wolffe is practically a master strategist. Gree is the biggest brainiac 7567 has ever seen. Fox, the jerk that he is, can tell by one look what your greatest weakness is. Thire practically invented stealth. Neyo was fast on the battlefield and he’s showing real promise with mechanics. And Bacara had enough strength to go toe to toe with the Captain himself. When 7567 really thinks about it, he doesn’t hold a candle to the others. 7567’s thoughts are interrupted when the doors open the barracks. They all jump to attention when Prime Minister Lama Su walks in.

“Hello cadets,” the Prime Minister says in his monotone voice. “I’m looking for ARC Captain Al—”

Before he can finish his sentence, Neyo drops his contraction so he can pop to attention but doing so sets the thing off. The rubber bullet shoots out of the weapon shooting past the Prime Minister only to bounce off the wall and hit him square in the back of the head. The Prime Minister falls to the ground landing on his face as the room falls to a dead silence.

“What just happened…” Fox asks quietly before shouting. “What just happened?”

This erupts everyone else into instant panic.

“Everyone, calm down! It’s fine. We’re fine. We’ll be fine.” Cody says but as he says it his hands begin to shake as he struggles to believe his own words. Wolffe begins mutter strategies to himself before slowly sinking down to the floor. Bacara is frozen with his eyes locked on the knocked out Minister. Fox keeps saying that we’re dead and going to die. Thire is pulling all of his things out of his locker and shoving them into a bag. Gree begins to hyperventilate next to 7567.

“Guys,” 7567 slowly walks out towards the Minister.

“You did this!” Fox yells towards Neyo who hasn’t moved since.

“It was an accident!” Neyo yells back once snapped out of his daze.

“I told you to wait for the Captain to come back. I told you!” Wolffe joins in with Fox. Thire is at their side now forming a gang around Neyo.

“It was an accident!” Neyo yells again but to no avail. Cody keeps muttering It’s going to be fine under his breath over and over again. Gree can barely stand and Bacara is just a statue now. Really no different then normal honestly. 7567 runs a hand through his hair trying to think. The others yelling grows louder and louder.

“Would you all shut up and let me think?” 7567 finally shouts at everyone. They all turn their eyes to him. he looks away to try and form full thoughts now. He looks to the Minister and then to the doors leading out. He turns to Wolffe. “How much longer until the Captain is back?”

Wolffe blinks a few times before his mind can function again. “An hour if we’re lucky.”

“Okay,” 7567 says with a slight nod. “So, we have an hour to figure out what to do.”

“We leave,” Thire steps forward. “You think they’re really going to let us live after this? They’re going to see this as an attempted murder to the Prime Minister of Kamino.”

“Okay. Fair point,” 7567 says surprised at how calm he is compared to everyone else. “Running is an option. But if we ran, they would catch us. You know that. We all know that. So, what else do we got?”

Everyone looks around waiting for someone else to step forward. Cody finally squeezes his hands into fists in an attempt to stop the shaking.

“We could try and make it look like an accident,” he starts. When Neyo opens his mouth he continues, “An accident not caused by one of us.”

“How could we do that?” Thire asks with Wolffe and Fox deep in strategy mode beside him.

“The chairs,” Gree’s voice is small from the bench under the bunks. They stare at him until he’s able to continue. “The chairs in his office. They come down from the ceiling. I’ve seen them. They can come down pretty fast.”

“So we… find a way to get him to his office and… make it look like the seat came down to fast and knocked him out?” 7567 works it out slowly.

“How are we supposed to get him all the way to his office?” Neyo asks. Wolffe shakes a finger as a thought strikes him. he walks towards one of the holotables in the back of the room used for lessons. They all follow their brother praying he was on to something. He pulls up the layout of Tipoca City. He points to a spot on the map.

“This right here is his office. That’s a good distance away and not only that but cadets aren’t allowed in that area without being escorted by an actual Clone Trooper.” Wolffe explains.

“This isn’t going to work. How are we supposed to get an unconscious Prime Minister all the way there without being noticed anyway?” Cody shakes his head. 7567 grabs his arms suddenly as a thought comes to mind.

“When I helped 99 carry boxes we took it to a storage room here,” he points to an area near the Prime Ministers office. “We could carry him there if he was in a container of some kind and say we’re taking it to this storage room.”

7567 watches their faces as they think it over. Gree shakes his head.

“Look, there is a clear path almost from here to that storage room, but it never turns down the way towards his office. We would clearly be out of the way for the storage room, and someone would notice.” He explains. Fox pats his shoulder.

“That’s true but look what we pass on the way. The cafeteria. Not only that but there are pipes in the cafeteria that are connected to the water system in the kitchen that stretch out above the corridor here. So, if, let’s just say, a fight broke out in the cafeteria and the pipes just happened to get busted and flooded the corridor…” Fox explains.

“Then we would have a reason for taking another route.” Cody nods catching on. Bacara finally seems to have snapped out of his trance and leans over the map.

“We still have the problem of needing an escort. Not to mention that the Captain and the other ARC Troopers are still in the building. What if one leaves for a moment before the meeting is over and sees us?” Bacara leans on his elbows while everyone thinks.

“I can hack into the security cameras and watch the hallways.” Gree says now fully back to normal.

“And I’m good at staying unnoticed. I can go ahead of you and be a distraction if anyone that would recognize us comes out.” Thire suggests.

“Alright, so Bacara and I can push a crate with the Prime Minister to the storage area. Gree, you can hack the cameras from here and I think Wolffe should stay with you. You’re our best strategists. If something happens, we’ll need your eye in the sky to guide us. And Thire you’ll be our shadow just in case,” Cody goes on. Wolffe, Thire, Gree, and Bacara nod fully on board with the plan. “Now for the distraction…” he starts to look at 7567 when Fox pats Neyo’s shoulder loudly.

“We’ll do the distraction.” Fox says. Everyone stares at him. he rolls his eyes and continues, “We need this fight to be believable right? Well, I don’t think anyone would question why Neyo and myself would start such a big fight. Not to mention I know where to hit the pipes to make them burst in the way we need them to.”

“First how do you know that and second why do you think I would do anything with you?” Neyo frowns at him.

“One because I pay attention to things and two because you’ll get to hit me.” Fox crosses his arms while staring at Neyo.

“Okay, I’m in.” Neyo leans on his elbows like Bacara who chuckles next to him.

“That just leaves…” Cody trails off as everyone’s eyes are on 7567. The last one out. The only one without a name. Fox snorts a laugh.

“Can’t even come up with a job for…” Fox starts but 7567 doesn’t want to give him a chance to finish.

“I got the escort problem covered.” 7567 says loudly. He pushes himself away from the crowded holotable and walks towards the doors. Cody rushes over and grabs his arm.

“What are you doing?” he asks quietly. 7567 takes a deep breath trying to calm the anger Fox stirred inside him.

“We need an escort.”

“I know. But how…” “Everyone will recognize us. They already do. In a city where almost everyone shares your face we get recognized the most. So we can’t just walk out there and pretend to be random clones following another random clone.” Rex explains. Cody curses unders his breath. “But, when I helped 99 carry those boxes I did see something… odd.”

“Odd?” Cody repeats the word. 7567 rubs the back of his neck nervously.

“Look, this isn’t a great idea but… the Captain isn’t in his normal armor. He’s in this… other uniform.” 7567 explains. Cody shakes his head already knowing where he was going with this. “So I can dress up as the Captain and escort you to the Prime Minister’s office.” Cody smacks 7567’s arm with wide eyes.

“Dumbass!” he hisses softly so the others wouldn’t hear it but they could probably tell from body language. “Everyone knows he’s in that meeting! They’ll know somethings up!” “What else can we do?” 7567 hisses back. Cody looks down trying to think.

“We could ask 99.” He suggests but 7567 shakes his head.

“No. I won’t do that him. no matter what we’re getting in trouble. Either for knocking out the Prime Minister or for starting a fight and flood in the cafeteria. The only difference is one ends in probable death and the other ends in a never ending series of sprints.” 7567 looks Cody in the eye. “We have to do this.”

Cody nods and lets him go. 7567 squeezes Cody’s arm as a thanks before walking out of the barracks.

7567 has never been in the Captain private quarters before. He didn’t know what to expect but it wasn’t what he found. A couch is pushed to the far wall with a shelf full of liquor lined above it. A bed made so neatly it looks like it’s never been slept in. a table with papers, data pads, empty cups scattered about is pushed next to the window peering out at the raining dark sea. Or maybe this was exactly what 7567 was picturing. He shakes his head to get focused and starts looking for the Captains uniform. He finds it in a closet and pulls it out hurriedly. He pauses before pulling it on. Once he does this there’s no going back. He swallows his fear and starts putting on the armor.

7567 slips into the barracks still trying to get used to the helmet. It didn’t fit quite as well as it did the Captain so he stuffed some parts to bulk himself up. Everyone freezes for a moment as if unsure if it was 7567 or actually the Captain. 7567 took that as a good sign.

“It’s me.” He says lifting the helmet up. Everyone gives a sigh of relief and goes on to prepare for their mission. Bacara and Neyo gently lift the Minister into an old ammo container.

“Gentle now.” Gree whispers as they fold his long limbs into the box. Neyo tries to carefully put the Minister’s head in before it slips out of his hands and bonks the side of the crate. Bacara and Gree freeze with eyes burning into Neyo.

“How many times are you going to hurt this man?” Bacara hisses.

“It was an accident!” Neyo hisses back. Gree quickly gets the lid on and walks away. 7567 stands trying to adjust to the armor. He notices Fox walking towards him and tries to ignore him.

“If you’re going to do this then you need to know how to act like him.” Fox says surprisingly without any hint of snark. 7567 doesn’t say anything so he goes on. “When the Captain walks he likes to put his hands behind his back as if at parade rest or he’ll keep them in tight fists and swings them slightly as he walks.”

“Okay, got it.” 7567 nods. “Anything else.”

“You probably already know this but he’s not a big talker. So, if you do get approached by someone you can probably get away with just going hm.”

“Hm.” 7567 practices. Fox nods and continues.

“Body language is also important. He favors putting weight on his left side and crosses his arms a lot when he’s talking to someone he’s annoyed with or if he’s feeling superior. His voice is rougher then ours so take a moment to practice that just in case.”

“Okay,” 7567 says in as much of a Captain’s voice as he can muster. Fox gives him a quick thumbs up before turning away. “Thank you, Fox.”

Fox only nods before walking over to join Thire. Cody slowly walks up next to 7567.

“Was Fox being nice to you?” he chuckles. 7567 shakes his head with a sigh.

“Today is a strange day.”

When everyone is ready, they meet in the center of the room one last time.

“Okay,” Cody starts. “We all know what we have to do. We only get one shot at this and… well either way we’re in for it. We’re counting on each other to get this right. Our lives could very well be at stake. And if it looks like things are about to go to hell then… we all meet in the hanger and try and steal a ship.”

Everyone gives solemn nod in understanding. With that it was time to start. They check to make sure everyone was on the same commlink so we can stay in touch. Fox and Neyo are the first to leave. 7567 waits by Cody and Bacara with the cart loaded with the ammo crate counseling the Prime minister. They wait ten minutes before Thire heads out first to get a head start to make sure everything was still good up ahead. Then it was their turn. 7567 looks back at Gree and Wolffe who give him the all clear sign. 7567 takes a deep breath before leading Cody and Bacara out of the barracks.

The Captain’s Helmet was completely different form the training ones they used during simulations and practice battles. Some much information flashes across the visor that 7567 has to fight to stay focused. So far everything was going according to plan. Fox and Neyo were able to start quite a big riot in the cafeteria. By the time they turned a corner towards the corridor going by the cafeteria the pipes were already busted. For a moment 7567 could hear Fox over the coms going “Not the face—not the fa—” and then nothing but Neyo’s laughter. That makes 7567 laugh to himself and then quickly fix his posture hoping no one noticed. So far no one had. People walked past him saluting or politely acknowledging him. 7567 did everything he remembered the Captain would do when responding to them. Everything was going fine. That is until 99 starts down the corridor towards them.

“Thire, you’re up.” Cody says over the coms. As if like magic Thire appears out of nowhere and approaches 99. Immediately brings up the fact that he shouldn’t be out of his barracks.

“I know 99 it’s just… I lost a safety pin from my training blaster. I have to find. I’m scared what the Captain might do to me.” Thire says using the real panic of the real situation to convince him. 99 sighs and pats Thire on the shoulder just as 7567 leads Cody and Bacara past them.

“Come along. I’ll help you search for it. It’s probably in the simulation room.” He leads Thire away.

“You’re on your own. Sorry.” Thire says softly into the com.

“No worries. You did great.” Cody answers before everything goes quiet again. Until Wolffe comes on.

“We got major trouble coming your way.” Wolffe says over the coms. 7567 feels his stomach drop.

“What is it?” Cody asks.

“Commander Fordo has left the meeting early and heading your way.”

That is bad. 7567 feels himself freeze. He can’t talk his way out of Commander Fordo. Not when he just came form a meeting with the Captain.

“What should I do?” he asks quickly.

“You need to hide, 7567. At least until he passes. That’s all I can think of. 99 still has Thire in the simulation room.” Gree comes over.

“I see him.” Bacara says just as the Commander turns the corner. His eyes are down at a data pad. 7567 thinks fast and ducks into a random room. It’s only by sheer luck that the room he dove into is empty. He peeks through the window on the door waiting to see what will happen. Much to everyone’s surprise he never looks up from his data pad.

“I’m not looking up therefore I do not see you and cannot be held responsible for your fuckery.” Commander Fordo says as he continues to walk past them. 7567 doesn’t know if that was a good or bad thing.

“All clear, 7567.” Wolffe says. 7567 carefully leaves the room and joins Cody and Bacara.

“Should we be considered about that?” 7567 asks as he leads on.

“We’ll worry about it when we have to. We already know we’re going to get in trouble for the cafeteria so… I think it’s fine.” Cody reassures 7567. When they finally make it to the Minister’s office 7567 lets Cody and Bacara go inside while he waits outside to be the look out. When Bacara and Cody return with the all clear sign they continue to push the cart towards the storage room. They ditch the empty ammo crate and start for the barracks.

“You guys are doing great. Home stretch now.” Gree says over the coms. By now Fox, Neyo, and Thire have made it back to the barracks in one piece. All that is left is for 7567, Cody, and Bacara to make it back unnoticed. As 7567 turns a corner he freezes when he nearly runs into Nala Se.

“Oh, Captain,” she says in the same soft monotone voice that all Kaminoans spoke in.

“Hm.” 7567 manages hoping it sounded like the Captain.

When he tries to walk past her, she says, “The Prime Minister was looking for you. Have you seen him?”

“No.” 7567 says while the fight or flight instinct starts to kick in. he wondered if Cody and Bacara looked just as nervous as 7567 felt.

“You should speak with him when you are available.” She goes on. 7567 gives a slight nod and another “Hm.” Before she seems content to let him pass. Once he’s put some distance between her and them, he lets out a relieved breath. When the barracks are in view they sprint to the finish.

Once inside the safety of the barracks they all rush each other in a group hug.

“We did it! Holy crap!” Gree breathes as with a hand running over his head. Fox has a black eye most likely from his food fight with Neyo. Neyo looks unscathed and like the happiest person alive despite everything that happened.

“I can’t believe we pulled that off!” 7567 laughs relieved that it’s over at least. And then as quickly as that relief came, it vanished. When the doors to the barracks open the cadets fall silent. Frozen in absolute fear. 7567 stands with his back to the door unable to see the threat that has entered the room. Footsteps approach from behind him. 7567 swallows the knot in his throat before slowly turning around. Alpha stares into his visor with eyes filled with rage. Without his helmet they are able to see just how furious their Captain is.

“Take it off. Now.” Alpha says in almost a whisper. When 7567 hesitates, this time he screams it. “Take it off right now!”

7567 pulls the helmet off unable to meet the Captain eyes. The Captain is so furious he begins breathing heavily. He looks out at the other cadets before his eyes fall back on 7567.

“You will return this to my private quarters. Right now.” He growls with his face inches from 7567.

“Yes, Sir.” 7567 can barely get the words out before he is rushing to the Captain’s room. He falls over when he starts pulling the armor off. He’s so angry at himself for thinking this was a good plan that he could scream. But he doesn’t not when the Captain was so mad. His fear made him rush taking the armor off and then hurry back to the barracks. Everyone is down on the floor in the down pushup position. 7567 immediately walks over and joins his brothers on the floor. His arms begin to burn immediately. The Captain stands over them with his arms crossed over his chest pacing back and forth in front of them. 7567 doesn’t know how long they stay like that before they start fully body shaking and dropping. Every time they drop the Captain would scream at them until they got back up into the down push up position. Sweat begins to pool beneath them. 7567 shakes and drops. The pain in his arms and abdomen are so bad he barely hears the Captain screaming over him. when he finally gets back into the position it’s not before the Captain finally lets them up. They rush to stand at attention while panting and blinking sweat from their eyes.

“Now,” the Captain says in a soft but furious voice. “Would someone like to explain to me what you were doing?”

“Sir,” Neyo says through pants. He tells him what happened with his weapon and the Prime Minister. The Captain’s face turns the deepest shade of red 7567 has ever seen. Next thing 7567 knows they are back in the down push up position.

“And you!” the Captain yells at Fox. “Why do you have a black eye?”

Fox explains through a straining voice of his distraction in the cafeteria. This makes the Captain demand everyone get to their feet. Now they start doing suicides form one side of the room to the other. already being tired from staying in the down push up position for so long it didn’t take long for 7567 to start seeing spots. He pauses with his hand on the wall to steady himself while he desperately tries to catch his breath.

“Don’t stop.” Bacara pants next to him. he encourages 7567 to keep going so he does. His legs, lungs, arms, and abs were screaming. Finally, once Gree starts vomiting into a waste bin, the Captain lets them stop. Fox coughs into his elbow profusely and Cody struggles to catch his breath. 7567 pats Bacara’s back as a thank you for helping him keep going before putting his hands on his knees to try and catch his breath.

“I am going to go check on the Prime Minister. While I’m gone, I want you showered and standing here at attention until I get back. And if I hear that any one of you even so much as moved an inch from this line,” he points to the yellow line where they line up in the mornings. “I’m having every single one of you court marshaled. If you aren’t already destined for that.”

The Captain leaves before Thire drops to his knees.

“So… I guess this… was all for nothing.” Wolffe breathes from crouching on the floor. 7567 shakes his head.

“We might not.” He swallows feeling his throat sore from the running.

“We could still try and make it to the ships?” Thire wipes his face with his shirt. They are silent after that. Neyo is the first one to move. He limps past them and starts towards the showers. Bacara follows after him along with 7567 who helps Cody up from where he sits on the floor. They shuffle inside and take a stall. The warm water feels nice on 7567’s sore body. He wonders if this is the last hot shower he’ll have in a long time. Maybe ever. He takes his time showering. Along with everyone else it seems. 7567 still manages to be one of the first done. Neyo stands under the water unmoving. He knows this is his fault. But in truth, 7567 didn’t blame him. even if it was true. They all went with the plan. Not once did any of them stop to pin it on him. Not even Fox. 7567 looks over at Fox as he walks out of the refresher. 7567 dries quickly before walking after him.

“Fox,” 7567 says when he catches up to him. Fox turns to him with little to no life left in him. “You hate Neyo. And pretty much most of us here. So, why didn’t you try and pin this on Neyo or anyone else?”

Fox makes a face at him before looking down at the ground.

“Because you’re my brothers. We look after each other.” he says finally. 7567 wasn’t expecting that answer. Fox reaches out and pats his shoulder. “You did good today. Really fooled everyone thinking you were the Captain.”

Fox turns to finish getting dressed. 7567 nods a quiet thanks before walking over to his locker next to Cody’s. they get dressed in silence before walking to the yellow line and stand at attention.

The cadets had no clue how long they stood at attention on the yellow line. For them it felt like an eternity. Standing at attention starts to hurt after a time and the punishment they received before this wasn’t helping. 7567 could see Wolffe shaking out of the corner of his eye. Of course he was shaking too along with most of the others. Bacara was the only one to still be holding strong. At some point he was going to break too. Finally, when the Captain returned they held their breath. He slowly walks towards them now wearing his usual armor. He wears his helmet hiding any chance for them to see how bad it was coming for them.

“I am going to call you one by one to come and explain to me in my room of what happened today.” He says in the same quiet angry voice. “CC-2224, you’re first.”

7567 winces for Cody at the use of his CC number. He watches out of the corner of his eye as his best friend steps off the line to follow the Captain out of the room. No one says a thing. They just stand there and wait for their turn. When Cody does return his eyes stay glued to the floor refusing to meet anyones eyes. He walks right past them to start climbing the ladder leading to their racks.

“CC-3636, you’re next.” The Captain calls from the door. One by one they each get called. And each time they walk past the remaining cadets to climb into their rack not saying a word. When 7567 is the last one standing at attention he feels his full body shaking. He was exhausted and the stress of what was to come was killing him. when Neyo appears in the doorway 7567 almost feels relieved. At least it’s almost over. This part at least. He had no clue what was coming. The Captain doesn’t say a word to him. 7567 begins walking towards him and he walks ahead to his room.

When 7567 enters the Captain’s room for the third time today, he carefully walks forward to sit across from the Captain at his table. The Captain wear his helmet now and doesn’t say a word at first. He types into his computer at a speed 7567 could only hope to reach one day. Finally the Captain turns to he is facing 7567. He rubs his face looking almost as exhausted by all this as 7567 and the others were. Finally, 7567 couldn’t take it anymore and speaks first. “Is the Prime Minister okay?”

“He’s fine.”

7567 is shocked at the fact there was no hint in anger in the Captains voice. Maybe because he used it all earlier. 7567 flinches when the Captain stands but he only walks over to pour himself a drink. He walks back over and takes his seat.

“So, tell me what happened.” The Captain says while leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of his drink. 7567 swallows the knot in his throat and shifts in his seat.

“It was all me.” He says suddenly. The Captain says nothing as he takes another sip of his drink. “I was the one who suggested we do something and I’m the one who had the idea to steal your armor.”

The Captain gives a slight chuckle while looking down into his cup. 7567 shifts nervously waiting desperately for the Captain to say something.

“I saw the security video. We have them in the barracks too. I saw everything.” The Captain meets his eyes. “I also saw how everyone went into panic meltdown mode… except you.”

7567 doesn’t say anything.

“While everyone was panicking you were the calm voice over the storm. I won’t lie. I was kind of impressed.” The Captain goes on. “I mean, everything you did was insanely stupid. Just completely idiocy but hey, you kept your cool.”

7567 stares at the blank expression on the Captains face unable to tell if he was being serious or not. Probably not. He was going with not. The Captain sits his glass down so he can rubs his face tiredly again.

“The Prime Minister doesn’t remember anything. He does remember going into your barracks but he doesn’t remember anything after that. He fell for your story. The cafeteria… that you’re all going down for but despite the damage it’s not court marshal worthy. I talked them down from it.” This makes 7567 lift his head.

“You vouched for us? Why?” 7567 studies the Captains face but it was stuck in a natural expression.

“Because as pissed off as I am at all of this… you all finally worked together.” This makes 7567 shift in his seat and frown at the Captain.

“That can’t be the real reason. We did a terrible thing and then tried to cover it up. We shouldn’t be here right now.” 7567 says trying to understand the Captain.

“Oh, you are welcome to go tell the Prime Minister what really happened! But…” the Captain trails off. He looks out the window at the dark sea and pitch black skies. “Shit happens out on the battlefield. Shit you’ll never see coming and if you don’t know how to adapt and go with it you will die. And the eight clones I saw try and fix this crazy mess they found themselves in didn’t just shut down and panic. They acted. Say what you will about this situation but you, 7567, stayed calm and cool headed enough to see a possible way out.”

7567 fidgets nervously. “So, does this mean we’re not in trouble?”

“Hell no. You’re in trouble and as far as I’m concerned, you’ll be always in trouble. You eight are forever on my shit list. Congratulations. You’re just not getting court marshalled and executed.” The Captain says with anger appearing in his voice again. Despite the revival in anger, 7567 can’t help but to laugh. Maybe it was from the exhaustion from everything that happened today, but he let himself laugh. The Captain gives his own chuckle before taking a sip of his drink. When 7567 finally regains himself the Captain nods towards the door. “Now go to bed. I don’t want to hear another word out of any of you.”

“Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.” 7567 stands and starts for the door.

“Hey, kid.” The Captain calls after him before he can walk out. 7567 pauses in the open doorway. “You want a name?”

7567 must be hallucinating from the exhaustion. He blinks a few times before says, “Sir?”

“You had the balls to steal my armor and then impersonate me while I was still in this building. Someone brave enough for that deserves a name.” he says. all 7567 can manage at this point is a nod. The Captain smiles and says, “From now on your name is Rex. It means king. Now go to bed.”

7567—no, Rex stands tall in the doorway wearing the biggest smile he can.

“Thank you, Sir!” he says before leaving the Captains room. Rex almost runs back to the barracks. He busts through the doors and stares at the racks. The sound of his return makes the others pull their racks out so they can look at him.

“What happened?” Cody asked from his rack.

“He gave me a name,” Rex says feeling the weight of the day and all his jealousies and insecurities fade away. “My name is Rex!”

            “I’m fine.” Fox manages with the same amount of defiance as he usually has. Cody decides to drop it. They can’t do anything about it right now anyway. Fox glances up at one of their destroyed AT-ET’s. A few clones have climbed inside to use it as a vantage point. Thire’s in there somewhere. Every now and then in the corner of his eye, he’ll see a clone drop. Fox and Cody look to each other. Both reach out, putting a hand on the other’s shoulder, squeezing it before taking their blasters in hand and preparing to get back to the battle.

            At least until they hear footsteps charging from behind. Before they can turn and react, Neyo calls out, “Coming through!”

            He places a foot on Fox’s right shoulder while pressing down on Cody’s helmet to boost him up onto the debris that they use as cover.

            “Neyo!” they both yell in unison. Neyo stands on the debris holding a rocket launcher.

            “Who gave him that?” Fox rubs his shoulder while Cody readjusts his helmet and stretches his neck side to side. Neyo gives a gleeful little laugh before firing the rocket at a horde of droids coming their way. Droid bits explode in all directions in a cloud of fumes and dust. Neyo gives a maniacal laugh before Cody and Fox each grab one of his arms and yanks him down to their level. He lands on his back staring at the sky just as another canon fires on their position. Dirt and rock rains over them, hitting their armor with little clinks.

            “Do you want to explode again?” Cody shouts over the battle. Neyo tilts his head considering it.

            “That wasn’t a literal question you moron!” Fox kicks his side in frustration. They would have continued shouting if weren’t for a loud explosion coming from behind the droid army. The three troopers stare at the black smoke rising in the city.

            Neyo sits up, crossing his legs as he stares, “They did it.”

            Rex. Cody grips his blaster. Please still be alive.

            “Troopers,” the sudden voice in his ears makes Cody jump. It takes a second to remind himself it’s his communicator. General Kenobi goes on, “Regroup at my location.”

            They start to head back to the main control hub set up just behind the front lines when Fox stops and stares up at the AT-TE where Thire still is.

            “Thire, we’re regrouping,” he repeats the orders when Thire doesn’t appear from the wreckage. They wait, ears straining over the coms for Thire’s voice. An image of the tower back on Kamino flashes behind Cody’s eyes. The blood stain where Thire had been standing.

            Finally, Thire’s voice comes over the coms, “Go ahead without me. I don’t think I can get away just this second.”

            Fox looks like he’s about to argue with him but stops when Cody pats his shoulder. He doesn’t have to say what they already know. Thire can handle himself. Fox reluctantly follows Cody and Neyo back to General Kenobi.

            They hop over the small wall to the control hub. General Kenobi stands behind some troopers with arms crossed and brown Jedi robe flowing in the wind. Cody’s foot snags on the wall as he steps over it making him stumble to the other side catching the General’s attention. He’s suddenly grateful for his helmet as a new type of heat spreads across his face.

            “Glad you made it. Where’s the fourth?” he arches a brow at them.

            “He’s taken a sniper position in a wrecked AT-ET and couldn’t get away. He’ll be here when he can.” Fox explains through heavy breaths. The sun beats down on Fox and Cody. Cody blinks away the spots in his vision and tries not to draw anymore attention to himself. Neyo sits on the wall staring between the two of them. He hops off and strolls over to them and with one fluid motion pulls both Cody and Fox’s helmets off, exposing their faces to the General. General Kenobi’s eyebrows rise as a little smirk pulls at the corner of his lips. Cody and Fox are both horrified by this.

            “Sorry sir, it seems their cooling systems are down. I’ll patch it for them.” Neyo explains with more professionalism than Cody thought him possible.  

            “Very good trooper.” General Kenobi nods still holding his smirk. Cody and Fox stand to the side feeling naked. The other troopers give a few chuckles and laughs their way but otherwise stay focused on the battle. Fox and Cody decide to slump against the walls surrounding the control hub while waiting for Neyo fix their helmets. An explosion comes from close by sending a cloud to wash over them. It hits the back of Cody’s throat making him fall into a coughing fit. Fox does the same though he tries to hide it.

            “How does he stand not having a helmet?” Fox stifles a cough while looking at the General. Cody shrugs. So far, nothing seems to bother the General. He stays cool and collected even in the most dire situation. Cody feels the heat from before growing hotter on his face.

            Fox’s head turns towards Cody before gently reaching up and pulling at one of Cody’s ears while saying, “Your ears are turning pink.”

            Cody instinctively covers his ears with his hands. Two troopers at the control desk struggle to hold in laughter only making Cody’s face burn brighter. He awkwardly clears his throat and turns his attention to Neyo, “Are you almost done?”

Neyo hums a little tune while continuing to tinker with their helmets and says nothing. Cody rolls his eyes and pulls his knees up so he can rest his arms on them. He carefully glances at Fox who has thankfully lost interest in teasing Cody and now fans his face with his hand. His hair is matted and dripping with sweat. He looks older than he had before leaving Kamino. Cody rubs the back of his neck discovering a layer of dirt that’s quickly turning to a thin coat of mud thanks to his sweat. He assumes he must look the same.  

            When Neyo is finished, he tosses them their helmets and says, “There, now maybe you two won’t be panting so hard into your coms every time you have to move. It was getting annoying.”

            “Oh, and here I thought you fixed them out of the goodness of your heart.” Cody smirks while gladly pulling the helmet on. A refreshing burst of coolness rushes over his body making him shiver. He lets his head rest against the wall enjoying the relief from the heat. Neyo gives a snort and mumbles something that Cody doesn’t catch.

They’re silent after that, waiting for the General’s next set of orders. That is until Thire’s voice comes over the coms, “General! We got a problem.”

They’re on their feet in an instant and moving with the General to look out towards Thire’s position.

“There’s a—” he’s cut off by blaster fire. Cody holds his breath. The familiar sound of blaster bolts hitting armor rings in his ears.

“Thire!” Fox shouts into the coms. Once again, they wait for their brother to come over the comes. When a gasp breaks the silence, they all give a collective sigh of relief.

“I’m—I’m alright. My armor actually held.” Thire laughs shakily.

“Get back here at once trooper. That’s an order.” The General says into his com. Thire doesn’t argue and starts for their position. They continue to look out towards the battle where a giant cloud obstructs their view. Cody struggles to get his visor to work and eventually gives up, not wanting to screw his vision up completely. The General stares through a pair of macrobinoculars as the rest wait in anticipation.

Within the dense cloud come sounds of metal scraping metal amongst the constant canon fire followed by screams. A chill runs up his spine and not because of his newly fixed cooling system. He squints when rows of black dots form in the smoke before a fleet of droids atop speeders break through. He frown’s when he realizes that they aren’t holding blasters but long javelins. He’s never seen anything like this before. They watch, expecting the troopers on the ground to easily take them out only for the droids to cut them down with relative ease. It’s not until they reach the canons—slicing through their sides like butter—does the gravity of the situation set in.

“They’re destroying our canons with sticks.” Fox snarls with hands ball into fists. Cody sets his jaw.

Thire emerges hopping over the wall to their side. His white armor has black blaster residue but no sign of any real damage. He says, “That’s what I was trying to tell you. They came out of nowhere and just decimated the front lines. The one leading the droids is different. I’ve never seen anything like it.”   

The senior troopers go over possible battle plans while General Kenobi strokes his beard, deep in thought. Fox frets over Thire like a mother tip-yip while Thire struggles to reassure his brother that he’s fine. Cody lets out a deep breath and tries to collect his thoughts. This fails entirely when he realizes that Neyo is missing. He tries not to make it obvious but a small part of him is screaming inside. Neyo missing is different than if Thire or Fox is missing. Neyo missing means trouble for both troopers and droids.

“What is he doing?” Fox stares down the bank as he and Thire freeze. Cody follows their gaze to find Neyo bounding towards them, arms full of the javelins from the few droids the army was able to take out. He hops over the wall forcing all attention to be on him.

“General, I have an idea!” he announces, arms still full of javelins. Cody knows they’re doomed when the General smiles.

“Mount up!” is the last thing said after Neyo explains his bright idea.

Now, Fox, Cody, and Thire stand next to their assigned speeders all emanating a cloud of dread.

“Yeah, no—don’t worry everyone! The cavalry has arrived but with sticks!” Fox growls down at the javelin in his hands. Cody grumbles some choice words under his breath while mounting his bike. Neyo sits on his speeder next to Cody practically exuding excitement.

“I suppose things could be worse,” Thire mumbles next to Fox, “I don’t know how but they could.”

Cody gives a remorseful ugh and prepares himself for the most asinine plan he’s ever heard.

“Line up Troopers.” Fordo’s voice is sudden and nearly startles the kid, but he manages to keep his cool by giving a quick salute before speed walking over to the group of newly graduate clones. Alpha’s stare follows the boy only causing Cody to stiffen and grow more uncomfortable. Fordo turns his visor on Alpha.

“A word, Captain,” Fordo’s voice comes out a little to loudly causing the other ARC Troopers to take notice of their Commander and Captain stepping out of the room. Now in the corridor, Alpha lets his eyes land on the ARC Trooper in red and white gear. His hands clench into tight fists.

Fordo puts his hands on his hips with a sigh before saying, “You can be mad at me all you want but I need—theyneed you to have a clear head!”

Alpha’s jaw clenches so tight it hurts. It takes everything to hold himself back.

“Sir. Yes. Sir.” Every word is forced before the real words can come pouring out in an irreversible flood of rage. The air around them is heavy where one wrong move could end in complete disaster. Neither of them could afford anything to go wrong today. The Jedi were watching their every move in this mission. They couldn’t slip up before the mission even started.

Alpha is the first to walk back into the room with the other Troopers. One second more and he wasn’t sure if he could restrain himself. While walking towards the far end of the room a cluster of soft voices comes over his commlink.

“… not something we did, right?” it was one of his new Troopers. Alpha almost comes to a complete stop.

“I don’t think we’ve been Clone Troopers long enough to make him angry.” A different clone, probably Rex says.

“You don’t think we did anything to get knocked down to cadets again, do you?” the voice is timid so it must be Gree.

There’s a chuckle and a different boy with too much confidence in his voice says, “That would be a new record I’m sure.”

Alpha feels his anger subside for a moment as a smile begins to form across his lips. He clears his throat and says, “I can hear you.”

Eight clone’s whip their heads in Alpha’s direction. He holds in a chuckle while laughter erupts on the other end of the room where the other ARC Troopers were listening in on the newly graduate clones open commlink. All eight wince and begin bickering with each other over whose fault this was. Alpha walks over to their group causing them to fall into silence.

“For the upcoming mission I’ve decided to split you up into two groups of four,” Alpha moves on straight to business. “Four will be coming with the ARC Trooper team and the other four will be joining Jedi General Kenobi.”

There is a sudden wave of anger and anxiety with clenched fists and stiffened posture. Alpha waits to let them settle their thoughts before one steps forward. He stands at attention trying to stay professional.

“Sir, I thought the point of this program was to train us to be ARC Troopers? By splitting us up and sending half with the Jedi would it not put that half behind?” Fox’s voice was calm, but Alpha could hear the steel in his words.

“I’m training you to be leaders, not ARC Troopers. One day each of you will be assigned to a battalion that you will lead into battle beside a Jedi general. The ARC Troopers can help you acquire skill but none of that will be worth a damn if you can’t follow the orders given to you by the Jedi.” He waits for anyone else to come forward. When they don’t, he lets out a breath and goes on, “Cody, Fox, Thire, and Neyo will be joining the Jedi.”

Cody and Fox break their forcefully causal stances and look like they’re going to argue. One sharp look from Alpha, even with his helmet on, puts them in their place. Thire and Neyo show no sign of disappointment or excitement. Thire gives a nod while Neyo shrugs his shoulders like he couldn’t care less where he was assigned. Rex and Wolffe give each other looks but with their helmets Alpha couldn’t tell what it meant. Bacara was just as indifferent as Neyo, but Gree looked like he was buzzing with excitement. Alpha gestures for the four going with the Jedi to follow him. He ignores the slight grumble from Fox and the sluggish movements from Cody. When they’re walking through the corridors of the ship Alpha chuckles, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you boys were pouting.”

“I’m not—” Cody and Fox blurt out before falling into silent embarrassment. Alpha smiles under his helmet and leads them into the ship’s hanger. He spots Kenobi staring at a fleet of starships preparing to depart for battle. When he sees Alpha, he gives a smile.

“Captain, are these the Troops you were telling me about?” Kenobi places a hand on his hip while taking in the four clones. They pop to attention in front of the Jedi. Alpha crosses his arms with a soft chuckle.

“They’re still green but they’ll get the job done.”

“Not a problem. I look forward to working alongside you four. You can board the gunship with the others. We’ll be parting shortly.” Kenobi gestures to the closest gunship. The four salute and walk towards the ship. Alpha stares after them. His hands squeeze the sides of his crossed arms. Kenobi notices and gives him a light pat on the shoulder.

“It never gets easier,” Kenobi’s eyes look out to the new Jedi Knight getting settled in his starship. “You just have to trust your training and trust them.”

Alpha lets out a shaky breath exposing how anxious he really was. Wanting to move past the emotional moment, Alpha turns towards Kenobi, “Where are the Troops coming with us?”

Kenobi points to a small squad of clones in pure white armor standing to the side. With half of his boys going with the ground assault they were going to need to fill in their ranks. Fordo wasn’t happy with the thought of splitting them up but Alpha didn’t care. Cody and Fox would excel alongside the ARC’s, but what they really needed was time working beside a Jedi. Neyo was a wild card and Alpha would be the first to admit he lets him get away with a little too much. If he can’t handle following a Jedi, then he’ll have to go back to the drawing board with that one. He wasn’t sure how Thire would do. In the ground assault Thire wouldn’t be able to rely on the shadows. He’ll have to adapt and quickly. At least that’s the reason he told Fordo. The real reason he was sending half his squad was a truth Alpha wasn’t quite ready to admit to himself.

When he leaves Kenobi and begins leading the new Troops back towards the ARC Troopers the conversation with Fordo on Kamino comes flooding back. He squeezes his eyes shut when the wave of anger washes back over him. The Troops behind him notice and give him a wide berth. When he makes it back to the room with the ARC’s he sees his boys checking their gear one more time before lining up. The Troops Alpha had escorted in takes in the new four.

“Who are you four supposed to be?” one of the newer ones say. Bacara manages to side eye the Trooper even with his helmet on.

“We’re part of the ARC Training Program.” Gree explains proudly. The new Troops exchange looks with each other before the one who approached them snorts.

“ARC Training Program? You’re either born an ARC or you’re not one at all.” The Trooper crosses his arms. “How long have you been in?”

“Since… yesterday.” Gree says with less enthusiasm. The Troopers burst into hysteric laughter. Alpha reaches his limit and clears his throat with a glance over his shoulder towards them. the new Troopers straighten up and put some distance between them and Alpha’s four. Bacara keeps an eye on them but follows the others when it was time for them to board their gunship.

“Listen up,” Alpha turns to his four and quickly shows them how to connect to the ARC commlink. “We’ll be silent from here on out. The Seppies like to try and listen in on our chatter so we’ll be relying mostly on hand signals. Only use verbal communication when necessary.”

“Understood.” They say as one. When the gunship departs, they can already hear the blaster fire from the fight in space. Alpha keeps an eye on his four and an eye on the new Troops. He was feeling something he’s never felt before. His legs begin to feel weak and a sour taste coats his tongue making him feel nauseous. Memories of finding his boys in the training simulation covered in blood and shrapnel burns behinds his eyes.

“You’re kidding me.” Alpha had laughed expecting what he was just told to be a joke. He was standing in his room with Fordo who stood with arms crossed, his expression serious.

“It’s time Alpha. If we’re going to take Muunilinst we’re going to need them to fill in our ranks.”

Alpha couldn’t believe what he was hearing. A sudden urgency falls over Alpha as he says, “Cody just got out of his bacta tank! Half of them still walk with a limp. They aren’t ready.”

“We’ve gone into battle with much worse. They’ll be fine.” Fordo doesn’t budge. Alpha knew he was talking to a brick wall and the fact that Fordo was keeping his cool and Alpha was close to losing it only fanned his anger. Fordo goes on, “They were able to complete an ARC Trooper level battle simulation with training blasters. I’m not even convinced all ARC Troopers could do that. They’re ready.”

“It’s not your call. This is my program Fordo. I say when they’re ready or not.” Alpha stands his ground. He’s worked to hard for this to be swept out from under him. Fordo’s eyes fall to the floor for a moment before meeting Alpha’s again.

“It’s already done. I spoke with the Prime Minister. They’re already marked for graduation and assigned to the Muunilinst mission.”

Alpha feels the breath get knocked out of his lungs. His limbs feel numb as he tries to grasp the words coming out of his Commander’s mouth. It’s already done.A pain aches through his chest with a heavy weight. The image of Fordo changes in that moment for Alpha. He was no longer speaking with a trusted friend and brother. This was his Commander. Nothing more.

Alpha’s grip on the handgrip tightens as the gunship lowers into Muunilinst’s atmosphere. The gunship has fallen into a dead silence. His four were holding up under the anticipation for their first battle. After a time, Kenobi’s voice comes over their commlink.

“ARC Troopers, deploy!” with that command their gunship pulls away from the horde heading for the ground assault. Alpha closes his eyes pushing back the memory of Thire’s limp body being carried down from the tower in the battle simulation. Fox cold and lifeless, Neyo barely recognizable under a pile of droids, and Cody falling from the citadel tower. He opens his eyes with a deep breath. Kenobi’s words ring in his ears. Trust your training and trust them.

And then their gunship is shot down.

“Yes, that’s your name now.” Alpha hopes he doesn’t sound as awkward and unsure as he felt. “If you don’t like it…”

“No, it’s fine Sir.” 2224 interrupts suddenly. “It’s just… why Cody?”

“Cody was the name of a Mandalorian that helped train us ARC Troopers. I thought you and he shared a likeness in some respects.” Alpha watches the cadet’s face closely. He was trying hard not to show any form of excitement, but it was there. “Now, Cody, get the others to the start and redo this simulation. I want to see some real results this time.”

“Yes, Sir!” Cody salutes as Alpha turns away. In the reflection of the window leading into the observation room Alpha can see the smile spreading across the cadet’s face. Alpha holds back his own smile despite his face already being hidden by his helmet. When he walks into the observation room, he finds Fordo staring at him with crossed arms.

“Commander.” Alpha grunts while stepping in front of the controls. He has the jungle simulation up again disrupting the cadet’s conversations over 2224’s new name.

“So, you’re naming them now, huh?” Fordo tilts head slightly.

“Why not? We both have names and so do most clones now.” Alpha commands a few of the torrents to aim fire at 1138. He takes cover behind a tree signaling 3636 for back up.

“Well, you know what they say about naming something? You start to get attached to it.”

Alpha watches closely as 1138 and 3636 take out the torrents. “And what if I do? We’re not Jedi.”

“No, no, you’re right,” Fordo begins walking towards the door before stopping right behind Alpha. “But unlike the Jedi we don’t get nice funerals surrounded by friends and loved ones. We get left behind as the squad advances. Will you be prepared to leave Codybehind if he gets shot down in battle?”

Alpha finds himself unable to answer. When the doors open, Shaak Ti walks in. She nods politely to Fordo as he walks out. Alpha crosses his arms and focuses on the simulation.

“I can sense your unrest, Captain. What troubles you?”

Shit.

“Nothing. Just… stressed about the boys training.” He sighs the last bit feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. She eyes him curiously.

“You carry much on your shoulders. Do not forget that you do not have to carry it alone.”

Alpha glances at the Jedi. She smiles softly at him before turning her head towards the simulation. Alpha stares a moment longer before doing the same. They stand in a comfortable silence while the cadets go through the simulation. After a time, Alpha begins pulling up the different monitors.

“What are you looking for?” Ti asks.

“4477. I lost track of him.” Again.

Ti closes her eyes while focusing through the Force. When her eyes open, she says, “There, in the upper east side.”

Alpha pulls up the camera pointed in that area. When the image appears they both squint until they can finally make out 4477 crouched down in a tree. A droid walks below scanning the ground for lifeforms. 4477 drops down stunning the droid before darting into the bushes unseen.

“Clever kid, I’ll give him that.” Alpha chuckles. “That one’s getting harder and harder to spot in these drills.”

“A useful skill to have.” Ti nods. She reaches down checking on the other cadets. After a moment she says, “Your cadets are improving more and more each day. But still, something troubles you.”

This again. “It’s really nothing.”

“Knowing you, if you’re this rattled its not nothing.” She arches her version of a brow at him. Alpha feels his lips twitch into a smile.

“Fine,” He sighs at last. “These cadets… am I getting to attached?”

“Ah,” she says as if she completely understands. Hell, maybe she does. “The hardest part of teaching.”

“Though, who am I kidding? I’m sure the great Shaak Ti would never grow to close to anyone. To good of a Jedi.” Alpha crosses his arms. He sees a flash of… somethingin her eyes before she quickly returns to her natural expression.

“I’ve had padawans, Alpha-17.” She says with a hint of ice in her words. Alpha chuckles. Hit a nerve, did I?

“Oh? And did you ever form attachments?” Alpha leans against the control panel now giving her his full attention. Ti stares down at the controls in thought.

“I did.” She lifts her eyes to him. Even though he still wears his helmet it felt like she was staring right into his eyes.

More softly he asks, “So, what happened?”

“When my last padawan’s training was complete I took her to coruscant to go through the trials and become a knight. And she did.” She looks back at the training cadets. Alpha stays silent feeling the tension in her words. “On her first mission she was sent to a planet filled with Jedi hating mercenaries. She was killed.”

The once comfortable atmosphere now feels like they were trapped in a pressurized room. Alpha uncrosses his arms failing to find the right words.

“And do you know what I did after receiving the news that my former padawan died on her first mission? I grieved. The grief felt suffocating at times, but I found my resolve in the fact that I must go on for the sake of myself and others. Now I carry her death and the death of all the others with me every day. So, no. I may not be that great of a Jedi after all, Alpha-17.” She begins to walk towards the door. Alpha doesn’t quite understand why he did what he does but it achieves its goal. He pulls his helmet off showing his face and by doing so it stops her in her tracks. This wasn’t the first time she’s seen Alpha’s bare face, but it is rare for him to remove his helmet out of his private quarters. Now, unable to hide his expressions and facial tells he feels naked before her. She can sense his unease and can clearly see it too. Alpha clears his throat awkwardly trying to pull a neutral expression on.

“I’m sorry Ti. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Alpha also hadn’t meant to call her Ti out loud. A smile spreads across her face before she turns back to the controls as if trying to hide it.

“I’m not upset, Alpha.” The comfort from before slowly settles between them again.

Trying to move past their last conversation, Alpha asks, “So, any ideas on what to name one of these guys? I’ve got a few in mind but still struggling with the rest.”

“Hm,” she lifts a hand to her chin in thought. “If you wouldn’t mind, 1138 reminds me a lot of one of my very first padawans. He died in a fierce battle. He was strong and very brave. I think he would be glad to share his name with 1138.”

“And what was his name?” “Bacara.” She smiles sadly with eyes looking towards the past. Alpha smiles softly. He finds himself reaching out to gently touch her shoulder.

“I think that’s a perfect name.” definitely better than Steroids that’s for sure. They find themselves staying like that for a few moments longer before the doors open and a cadet steps inside. Alpha takes his hand away and slips his helmet on as fast as possible. Ti occupies herself with the control panel. Alpha turns to see 1010 looking between Ti and Alpha before slightly tilting his head and smiling. “What are you doing? Get back out there and finish the simulation!”

“We did. Ten minutes ago.” 1010 gestures to the simulation room that has reverted back to a bare bland grey training room. The other cadets lean against pillars and blocks looking bored. Oh.

“I knew that.” He snarls at the cadet who already knows that he definitely didn’t know that. “Get back in the room. Now.”

“Yes, Sir.” He says before looking past Alpha to Ti and going, “General.”

“Cadet.” Ti says politely. 1010 smiles wider while returning to the others. Alpha shakes his head with a heavy sigh. He freezes when he feels a warm hand gently touch his left shoulder.

“I’ve distracted you long enough. I’ll leave you to your cadets.”

Alpha watches her walk out of the room. Now standing alone he smacks the side of his helmet. Get it together Alpha. He walks into the simulation room prompting the others to pop to attention.

“Alright boys, we’ll be running sprints next.” There is a collective of groans even from the more obedient ones. As the boys start gathering their gear to head to the indoor track, Alpha stops 1138. “What do you say about having the name Bacara?”

“Bacara?” 1138 repeats the name while wrinkling his nose as if something smelled bad. Alpha eyes him through his helmet.

“It was the name of a strong and brave Jedi. They were also trained by the greatest Jedi I’ve ever known. Anyone would be lucky to have it.” Alpha watches the cadets face slowly come to terms with it. Eventually he nods. “Good, Bacara it is then.”

Alpha sees excitement and intrigue grow on the faces of the others who haven’t been given a name yet. A clear flash of jealously burns across 1010’s. That put a smile on Alpha’s face.

Over the next few days Alpha begins giving out the clones names. He gives 3636 his name after successfully out witting everyone, including 1010, in a drill. He was more then happy to be given the name Wolffe. Alpha was a little hesitant to give 1010 his name. 1010 already put himself on a high pedestal, Alpha didn’t want his ego to grow any bigger. But the kid had skill and earned it after completing a training course in record time. Though it still made Alpha grit his teeth after giving the kid his name and he responds, “Fox huh… this is acceptable.”And then going about his business. Ti ended up helping again in naming 4477. Alpha was close to naming the kid Ghost before she pointed out how many other clones shared the name already. They finally settled on Thire, and the cadet was happy to take it. 1004 was the easiest to name because the cadet chose it himself.

“Gree?” Alpha repeated the name. “Like the species?”

“Yes, Sir. They’re my favorite species to read about.” 1004 says proudly. Alpha shrugs his shoulders.

“Fine. Gree it is.” and that was that. This left 7567 and 8826. Alpha could see how much it bothered 7567 no matter how hard the cadet tried to hide it. He could also see how unbothered 8826 was. Fordo and Alpha lean against the barracks wall talking quietly to each other while watching the cadets clean their gear.

“I don’t know… maybe Clumsy?” Fordo shrugs his shoulders while watching 7567 trip over a bag on the floor. Alpha shakes his head.

“No, he’s been doing better. A name like that might affect his confidence.” Alpha can feel Fordo’s stare but keeps going. “What about 8826?”

“I don’t know. I still like Lil’ Psycho for him.” Fordo chuckles to himself. Alpha rolls his eyes but doesn’t necessarily disagree. They look over at 8826 as he tells a story to Bacara and Wolffe.

“… and you should have seen the way I jumped over the droid!” 8826 goes on in his story. Wolffe rolls his eyes.

“We did see it, you plebe. We were there.” Wolffe says while Bacara continues to silently clean his blaster.

“Yeah? But did you see how fast I was going? I went NEYOOUUM!” He stands and moves his hand quickly as if to demonstrate his speed. Alpha and Fordo look at each other.

“That’s it.” They both say.

“Hey, 8826, you want a name?” Alpha calls across the room. The cadet looks over at them.

“If you’re giving them out.” He shrugs with a half grin.

“Good. Because from now on your names Neyoum.”

This causes the other cadets to erupt in laughter. 8826’s face pales.

“Sir, no.” he says with a face so grim it even brings Alpha and Fordo to laughter. “Sir, anything but that. Please.”

“Alright. Since you said please,” Alpha chuckles. He tilts his head thinking it over. “How about Neyo then.”

“Neyo works for me Sir!” the cadet sits with his cheeks growing a few shades of red. Bacara is still in a laugh that shakes his whole body prompting Neyo to smack him.

Fordo pats Alpha’s back as he regains himself. “Well, that was easy.”

“Yeah, but we still need to find one for 7567.” Alpha nods his head in the cadet’s direction. The cadet stares at his training blaster like someone just told him he had six weeks to live. Fordo taps the side of his helmet.

“We’ll have to come up with one later. Just got word the Generals are arriving.”

Alpha lets out an exhausted sigh. That’s right. The meeting. A bunch of the Jedi Generals are coming to form a plan of attack on the upcoming battle of Muunilinst and Hypori. All of the ARC troopers have been requested to be there. Alpha groans deep in his throat.

“My sentiments exactly but we need to change if we’re going to be on time. They want us in the new officer attire to look more professional.” Fordo snorts while making his way towards the exit. Alpha forces himself to walk out to the center of the room.

“Alright, listen up,” Alpha says loudly getting all of the cadets attention. “I have to go to a meeting for the next hour or so. You are to stay here. I don’t care what you do as long as you don’t leave this room or burn anything down. Are we clear?”

“Yes, Sir!” they say loudly. Alpha leaves the barracks to return to his quarters. The only time Alpha was ever out of his armor was when he was sleeping here on Kamino. Sometimes not even then. So peeling off his armor and pulling on a thin grey fabric uniform felt like putting on uncomfortable pajamas and parading around the city. Alpha walks out of his room while tugging at his collar. A chuckle gives him pause as Shaak Ti approaches him. If he felt naked before with his helmet off in front of her, he definitely does now.

“This is ridiculous.” He says while still struggling to adjust the collar.

“It’s good to see how well you can function in them. I hear they are about to issue these to all clones stationed in control towers.” She reaches up and helps him adjust the collar size.

“Thanks.” He says now that he doesn’t feel like he’s being strangled. She smiles softly before walking with him towards the meeting room. “Will you be joining us?”

“I will. From what Master Mundi is saying I will be accompanying him and a few other Jedi to Hypori.” She explains. He gives a hm. As they walk Alpha spots a familiar face walking down the corridor with 99.

“CT-7567, what are you doing out of the barracks?” Alpha frowns at the cadet. 7567 just stares back at Alpha to shocked to speak from seeing him out of his usual armor. Alpha clears his throat loudly. “I’m waiting.”

“It’s my fault Sir. I came by the barracks needing help carrying some boxes. 7567 was kind enough to help me out.” 99 says. Alpha softens his expression at 99 before hardening it again at 7567.

“Back to the barracks the second you are done helping 99.” He orders. 7567 can only nod with eyes still wide with shock. He silently follows 99 down the corridor. Alpha rubs his face tiredly. When he hears a laugh from Ti, he arches a brow at her. “Something funny?”

“I’ve never seen you so uncomfortable before.” She says as they continue walking. Alpha fidgets in his uniform.

“Yeah, well…” he trails off unable to argue with her. when they make to the meeting room, he makes out the other ARC Troopers all as uncomfortable as Alpha in the new officer uniforms. He turns his gaze over to the Jedi filling the other parts of the room. Masters Mundi, Windu, Secura, and K’kruhk along with a hand full of others Alpha didn’t recognize huddle around each other in their jedi robes. Alpha keeps looking through the faces trying to see everyone he recognized when he spots a boy standing with a scrunched-up face of constant disapproval. Alpha feels himself chuckle before approaching the boy.

“Didn’t know they let kids in here?” Alpha snorts with a grin. Skywalker looks him over with a raised brow. Then a smile spreads on his face as he realizes who Alpha is.

“I’ll have you know I’m a Jedi Knight now.” He says standing a little taller. Alpha chuckles while crossing his arms.

“Oh? And who in their right mind decided that?”

“I did, Captain. Along with the rest of the Jedi council.” Another familiar voice comes from behind him. Alpha turns to see General Kenobi approaching them. He reaches out and shakes the Jedi’s hand. “Good to see you again.”

“You as well.” Alpha crosses his arms as they stand around each other. “But what I really want to know is who came up with this uniform?”

“That you’ll have to take up with the Admirals I’m afraid.” Kenobi laughs slightly. He reaches up to stroke his beard.

“Oh, I don’t know Master. I rather like the outfit.” Skywalker says making Alpha roll his eyes.

“Outfit? It’s a uniform.” Alpha corrects him but the kid just smiles.

“Call it whatever you want. Either way it brings out your eyes.”

This time its Kenobi’s turn to roll his eyes. At that moment Windu walks towards the holotable letting everyone know they are about to begin. Alpha stands next to Skywalker taking in how much he’s grown since the last he saw him. while the briefing goes on, he notices the kid yawning. Alpha nudges him slightly before leaning closer to say, “If you watch Commander Fordo closely, you’ll see him roll his eyes from time to time. I think he’s forgetting he’s not wearing a helmet.”

They watch Fordo for a moment before he rolls his eyes at something Secura says. This makes both Alpha and Skywalker laugh earning a harsh glare from Kenobi. They straighten up and try to act professional but snicker every time Fordo makes a face or rolls his eyes again. Maybe the briefing won’t be too bad after all.

“I have administered an anesthetic. You will feel better shortly.” A female Kaminoan says down at him. He can feel himself breathing heavily. He squeezes his eyes shut again but this time to try and pull his memories back. They were doing a practice battle… the droids had real weapons… his eyes open. He forces himself to sit up despite his body protesting. The Kaminoan turns back to him to start laying him back down, but Cody holds a hand up. He breathes through the pain.

“Easy cadet.”

Cody freezes at the sound of that voice. It was the same as all clones but eventually you learn to hear the difference between each man and their personalities. This one was deeper then most and had a rough edge to each word almost like he was trying not to growl.

“Captain?” Cody turns towards the front of the room. Captain Alpha strides past the rows of empty beds to stand next Cody’s. He reaches up and pulls his helmet off before holding it under his left arm. Cody has to blink a few more times to be sure but it appears that the Captain is smiling at him.

“Glad to have you back. How are you feeling?” The Captain’s face isn’t what Cody would call soft but it wasn’t in his usual scowl either. Cody feels his heartbeat speed up.

“Sir, Fox… the others… are they…?” Cody can barely get the words out. He’s only now realizing his throat is extremely dry and sore. The Captain reaches out and places a hand on Cody’s right shoulder. Cody stares at the heavy hand.

“They’re fine. They’ve been waiting for you.” The Captain takes his hand away. Cody lets out a shaky relieved breath. His hands grab the edge of the blanket that covers his lower body and squeezes as hard has he can to hide his shaking. They’re alive. He thinks back to Fox. He lost so much blood. Wolffe fell from such a high height after getting shot. But they’re alive.

Cody lifts his eyes back to his Captain. “Can I see them?”

The Captain shifts with his smile slipping slightly. “Yes, but only if the doctor clears you.”

Cody turns to the doctor wincing slightly. The Kaminoan stares down at him and then at the Captain.

“The patient is still recovering, but if he feels well enough to walk then he may leave. as long as he returns for treatment.” She says slowly. Cody thanks her before starting to slide off the bed. He freezes. He feels heat spread throughout his body but mostly to his ears and face. He stares at the floor realizing for the first time that he is completely naked. The Captain doesn’t move and Cody can’t see his face. Cody slowly returns back to sitting up straight but pulls the blanket around his exposed hips. The Captain arches a brow him.

“Something wrong?” The Captain now wears his normal scowl. Cody can’t bring himself to say it. In the barracks there is little to no privacy. He’s changed in front of a group of other clones and even shares showers with them but exposing himself in front of the Captain felt… different. It’s embarrassing in a way he couldn’t explain to anyone but another clone cadet. The Captain must pick up on this because he lets out a mixture of a chuckle and a snort. “Why don’t you get changed and I’ll wait outside?”

This only seems to make the heat in his ears and face burn hotter. He reluctantly lets the female Kaminoan help him get dressed. He was trying really hard to hide it, but he was having a hard time moving around. He held in a silent scream when he first tried to stand. He finds focusing on a spot in the room helps. He can’t lift his arms above his shoulders, and he walks with an obvious limp. The Kaminoan doctor looks like she’s about to order him back in bed, but Cody forces himself to hide the worst of it. After I see them, then I’ll rest. I have to see them. He thinks to himself. He repeats this over and over until he is finally decent. He limps out of the doors to stand in corridor where the Captain messes with his com. He gives Cody a smirk that makes the heat return to his ears.

“You sure you’re okay?” The Captain says it softly. Cody can feel the sweat dripping down his back as his legs strain to keep him standing. He needed to keep moving if he was going to endure this.

“Yessir.” Cody manages. The Captain doesn’t look convinced but turns to lead Cody out of the med bay. Cody feels the sweat dripping down the side of his face. His breath now has a slight wheeze to it while he struggles to keep it together. He has to keep going. He won’t stop. He won’t…

Cody begins to fall. The room blurs past until he feels something hard scoop him up before he can hit the ground. He eventually realizes the Captain saved him. now his face was really red. The Captain carries him over to where a row of wheelchairs sits. He carefully plops Cody down in one before frowning.

“You don’t have to force yourself. You need to heal.” Cody is still surprised at the lack of anger in his voice. Cody gives a nod. His legs throb from the short walk from his bed to the front of the medical bay. He hadn’t gotten a good look at them when he was getting changed but he knew it wasn’t good. He has been trying to avoid looking at his arms but now that he’s sitting, he can’t look at anything else. His knuckles are wrapped in bandages, and he has a few patches stuck to his arms in different places. Mostly his arms are just a gross purple, green, and yellow splotchy mess.

Cody presses his lips into a tight line before saying, “You can take me back.”

He hangs his head feeling completely defeated. Captain Alpha walks behind the wheelchair and begins to push. When he turns them towards the doors leading out of the med bay Cody perks up. He glances back as much as he can to see the Captain smiling again.

“If the others find out you’re awake, they’ll bombard the med bay again. And they’re already band unless they need actual medical attention.”

Cody faces forward feeling himself laugh. Of course, they are. Cody isn’t thrilled about being wheeled around through Tipoca City for all to see. But he needed this. And something told him the others did too. Cody can feel a weight on his shoulders while the Captain pushes him through the pristine corridors. He wants to ask the Captain about what happened. Why did the droids have real blasters? he vaguely remembers the Captain holding him at the end before it all faded away. He wanted to thank him. while Cody is lost in thought he doesn’t realize until they are almost through the doors that they have arrived to the barracks. Cody perks up and holds his breath. Fox lying on the ground lying in a puddle of his own blood, Thire’s blood sprayed on the tower, Neyo disappearing in an explosion of droid bits, Wolffe getting shot and falling from the Citadel, Rex getting crushed and thrown, Gree getting surrounded and hit by his own grenade, Bacara fighting until he could no longer stand. He was suddenly filled with panic. He grips the sides of the wheelchair and holds his breath as the doors to the barracks parts.

“Touch my helmet again and I’m putting your head in the refresher.” Fox’s voice cuts through the music playing from the holotable. It’s all surreal. It’s like nothing happened. Wolffe sits on the side of the holotable while messing with a datapad. Gree sits on the floor by Wolffe’s dangling feet reading a book. Thire and Fox sit on the floor cleaning their blasters while Neyo and Bacara sit on a bench next to them polishing their cadet armor.

“Do it. Touch it Neyo!” Rex calls down from his rack. He has one leg hanging off the side swinging lazily while he reads a datapad. Neyo starts to reach over to poke Fox’s helmet but freezes when he glances in Cody and the Captain’s direction. He does a second glance causing him to lose balance and falling off the bench and hitting the floor. Fox throws his head back and laughs.

Cody swallows the knot in his throat. “Fox?”

Fox stiffens. He slowly turns landing his eyes on Cody. The others fall silent except for the music still playing throughout the barracks. Then all at once seven cadets charge towards Cody. He finds himself pushing out of the wheelchair. Before he can take a second step arms are around him. they’re shouting in excitement. Cody doesn’t feel the pain in his arms or legs. He’s just happy to see his brothers.

“Alright, that’s enough!” the Captain calls causing their huddle to break apart. Fox and Rex help Cody back into the wheelchair. Now seated he can feel the throbbing pain pulse through his limbs. He doesn’t care. He looks over at Rex who doesn’t move from his side. He doesn’t have any noticeable scars. He turns to Fox, and he’s relieved to see the same. He looks each one over until he see’s the limp Bacara has and how Wolffe keeps putting pressure to his chest where he had been shot.

“We’re fine.” Bacara says when Cody has been staring for to long. Neyo elbows Bacara slightly causing Bacara’s eyes to widen and place a hand over the place he was elbowed.

“They’re just a bit sore. You’re the one who took his time.” Neyo crosses his arms over his chest. Bacara lets out a breath and then nods. Wolffe gives a smile.

“We really are fine.” Wolffe assures him. Cody feels his shoulders relax.

“I’m glad you’re okay. All of you.” Cody glances at all of them.

“Just focus on getting better. Everyone else is ready to start training again.” Fox places a hand on his hip with a smirk.

“I will,” Cody chuckles softly. He stares at Neyo closely. He doesn’t seem to have any sign of their battle. The only thing he can make out is a few scars peeking over his collar. “Neyo, you’re alright too? You blew up.”

“I know!” Neyo’s eyes grow with excitement as if the memory was a good one. “I don’t think I can die. I’m essentially a god.”

“No.” they all say while Gree smacks the back of Neyo’s head. Cody feels a hand on his left shoulder.

Rex gives his shoulder a squeeze. “I’m glad you made it out okay.”

“You too.” Cody can feel the knot forming in his throat again. He forces it away when the Captain clears his throat.

“Alright, Cody needs to go back to the med bay. When he’s fit for full then he’ll be back.” The others begin their goodbyes as Cody’s eyes threaten to blur. On the way back to the med bay he can feel the weight of the tension between him and the Captain again. He doesn’t say anything. At least until they return to the room lined with empty beds. The Captain wheels him over to the last bed on the left where Cody had first woken up. He helps Cody stand and then slide onto the mattress. While the Captain helps spread the blanket over Cody’s aching legs, Cody finally finds the courage to speak.

“Captain?” The Captain glances at him so he keeps going. “About what happened in the training simulation… I…”

He can’t seem to grasp the words. Captain Alpha looks away for a moment before nodding and sitting on the edge of the bed. Cody swallows her nerves.

“I’m sorry for what happened. There was a mistake made with the droids meant for the ARC Trooper practice battle and yours. I came as soon as I could but…” this time the Captain trails off. His eyebrows are furrowed with his eyes staring off in deep thoughts. Then he faces Cody meeting his eyes. “What you cadets did… it was incredible. But it never should have happened and I’m sorry.”

Cody tightens his grip on the blankets. He blinks and stares down at his bandaged hands. He desperately wanted to say something, but no words come out. Instead, he nods because it’s the only thing he can do. Captain Alpha gets to his feet.

“I’m going to head out. If you need anything just com me and I’ll come.” The Captain places his hand on Cody’s shoulder again giving it a gentle squeeze before turning away.

“Captain,” Cody’s voice surprises him. The Captain pauses with his helmet halfway up to his face. He looks back at Cody. Cody swallows feeling his mouth get very dry. “Thank you.”

This time it’s the Captain’s turn to be at a loss for words. He looks surprised by Cody’s words and eventually nods. He then turns, slips his helmet on, and leaves.

It would be another week in the med bay before they would give Cody the all clear. It would take another week of taking it easy before Cody can start training again. By the time he makes it back to the barracks Bacara and Wolffe seemed to have completely healed. The training that they do is very relaxed. Mostly classroom stuff with a few trips to the shooting range but nothing much more. The other ARC Troopers have begun to visit them while they train or even when they are just relaxing in the barracks. ARC Trooper Colt has taken a shine to Wolffe and Gree while Arc Trooper Havoc spends a lot of time with Bacara and Neyo. Cody and Fox hang on every word Commander Fordo has to share, though, they are discovering that he can be almost as crude as Neyo at times. Some days the room is filled with ARC Troopers all trying to bestow their wisdom onto the cadets and the cadets were more then happy to have it. Something has changed about the Captain. Cody couldn’t put his finger on it, so he eventually looked to Fox for the answer.

“Heh at uth ta each uh.” Fox says with his toothbrush still in his mouth. Cody leans against the sink next to his while swishing mouthwash around in his mouth. Cody leans down and spits.

“What?” He watches Fox spit and rinse as well.

“I said he has nothing else to teach us.” Fox repeats clearer.

“Of course he has more to teach us!” Gree shouts from the showers in the back. Rex walks past them with a towel around his waist.

“I think he just feels guilty for what happened and is taking it easy on us.” Rex wipes the steam off of a mirror.

“Yeah that’s not it. He definitely felt guilty but that time has past.” Fox runs his hands through his hair while checking his reflection.

“Then what?” Cody begins to gather his toiletries.

“Commander Fordo has been acting a bit weird too. Come to think of it, so does the other ARC Troopers.” Wolffe leans in the refresher doorway. Fox turns so his back against the sink. He crosses his arms and then lifts a hand to his chin.

“Well… I have my theories, but I’ll need more time before I can be sure.” He shrugs. Cody lets out a sigh and walks out of the refresher.

Finally, almost three days after their discussion in the refresher, the Captain has them line up on the toe line. They stand at attention while 99 pushes a crate into the room.

“You have ten minutes to dress into the new armor and report to hanger bay 3. When you report you will stand in formation at attention with helmets under the right arm and weapon in the left. Am I clear?” Captain Alpha has his hands folded behind his back. They each give a yessir before the Captain leaves them with 99. 99 glances back at them with a smile. Cody lets his shoulders relax and approaches the crate. He pushes the lid off and stares at the white armor within.

“This can’t be right.” He mumbles to himself. He reaches inside and pulls out a piece of plastoid-alloy composite armor. This wasn’t cadet armor, but clone trooperarmor. He turns it in his hand like he must be imagining it but the more they pull the armor out the more it only confirms it.

“Why are we getting lone trooper armor?” Rex asks while they start to pull it on. No one wanted to say it in fear that they would be wrong. Instead, they stay quiet as they dress. After checking each other to make sure they are wearing the armor correctly, they leave the barracks to head to the hanger bay.

When they enter the hanger bay, they are surprised to see it empty of troopers. A ship is parked in front of the open hanger with its ramp lowered down. Feeling a little uncertain Cody stands in the front at attention as the others get into position. Cody stands on the far left in the front with Rex behind him. Then it is Fox with Thire behind him, Bacara with Neyo behind him, and Wolffe with Gree behind him. they stay at attention unmoving and silent. Finally, they hear movement behind them.

Captain Alpha, Commander Fordo, and all of the other ARC Troopers march into view. ARC Troopers stand at both their sides until Commander Fordo calls them to parade rest. Cody holds his head high trying not shake. Commander Fordo and Captain Alpha walk in front of them. 99 appears in the corner of Cody’s eye as he stands off to the side. He beams at the cadets.

“As part of the new ARC Program you eight were chosen because you displayed qualities of a leader. No matter the obstacle or challenge that lay before you, you persevered and came through it stronger than ever. After proving yourselves time and time again and surpassing all expectations I speak for everyone here to say it would be an honor to fight at your side.” Captain Alpha speaks to the cadets in a loud clear voice. Cody swallows feeling a knot in his throat. Alpha steps back letting Commander Fordo step forward.

“Today is your graduation. From here, you will ship out to fight against the Separatist and restore peace to the Republic. Congratulations. You are no longer cadets. You are troopers. May the Force be with you.” Commander Fordo steps to the side letting Captain Alpha stand in front of them. Cody could hardly believe what he was hearing. His eyes were growing wider, but he was trying to keep his neutral expression.

“Attention!” Captain Alpha shouts. They were already at attention, but they feel themselves stand just a little taller. “Helmets on!” Cody doesn’t know how he managed to get his helmet onto his head without dropping it. Captain Alpha then turns so he is facing the ramp leading up into the ship. When he begins to march towards it Cody feels his feet following. The hanger bay is filled with the sound of marching. The ARC Troopers march beside them all the way into the hanger. Cody felt light as air. When they are in the ship and the ramp is pulled up the Captain puts them at ease. Cody lets a shaky breath out before turning to Rex. Their helmets are on, their clone trooper helmets, but he can sense his excitement. When Captain Alpha steps towards them, they give them their full attention.

“I am beyond proud of each and every one of you. I expect great things from you eight.” Now they can’t help but let out loud shouts of excitement. Tears sting Cody’s eyes. There were no words to express his joy and relief to have actually graduated. The other ARC Troopers join in their excitement. Fordo gives a chuckle to the side. They feel the ship begin to take off. It’s finally occurring to Cody he didn’t know where they were going.

“Captain, what’s our first mission?” all eight of them stare at their Captain. Captain Alpha crosses his arms with chuckle.

“You’ll be accompanying us ARC Troopers to Muunilist. Now that you are full fledged troopers its time you experience real combat.” He begins to turn back towards Commander Fordo as Cody and his other fellow troopers share in their excitement before glancing back over his shoulder. “Now that you’re troopers, the real ARC training can begin.”

They pause letting the words sink in before letting out a loud, “What?!”

“I understand your concern. Then what do you propose we do?”

Alpha stops so he can face her.

“I want to take the best cadets and train them myself. These cadets will go on to not just fight in the army but lead it.” Alpha says. Shaak Ti gives a soft smile.

“I see no harm in that,” She starts before eyeing him. “But these troops must be willing to follow their Jedi Generals. I understand you yourself have had issue with this in the past.”

Alpha gives a laugh deep in his throat.

“Don’t worry about that. They’ll be loyal.” He says. She raises her version of an eyebrow at him before they continue walking.

“Very well. I will compile a list of the highest ranking cadets.”

“Thank you.” He says making Shaak Ti glance at him.

“I believe that is the first time you’ve ever said thank you.” She grins.

“These are strange times.” He says giving her a small smile. When they reach the end of the corridor, they leave each other to prepare.

The Kaminoans were kind enough to give him his own training room for his cadets and their own barracks to set them apart from the rest. He spends the rest of his time going over his plans. Despite all his training he wasn’t sure if he was prepared to actually teach. When the doors to his room open, he lets out a small grunt when Fordo walks in.

“I didn’t think it would be true but here you are.” He says. He leans against the doorway with his helmet under his arm.

“Someone’s got to do it. Jango isn’t here anymore so it falls on us to make sure these cadets are trained properly.” Alpha says while shuffling some papers around. Fordo walks further into Alpha’s room and places his helmet on the table.

“So, you’re really going to train a bunch of cadets? I’m sure some of the Mandalorian bounty hunters wouldn’t have a problem doing it.” Fordo crosses his arms.

“You know they all cleared out after Jango died. Now it’s just regular bounty hunters who just want to get paid.” Alpha leans back in his chair. Fordo stares at the ground thinking.

“Then I wish you the best of luck.” He says finally. He takes his helmet before slipping it back on his head. Just before walking out of the room, he turns back over his shoulder and says “You’re gonna need it.”

Alpha stares at the doors a moment longer before returning to his training plans. By the time Shaak Ti has summoned him he’s already inspected all of the gear and training room a couple times over. He can’t keep feeling like he was forgetting something but chalked it up to just being his nerves. Alpha never got nervous when it came to battle. But this? This made him uneasy.

When finds Shaak Ti, she’s staring at a datapad deep in thought. She smiles when she sees him.

“Find me some cadets?” Alpha asks when he joins her. She motions for him to follow her.

“I have,” She says as they walk down a corridor looking down at different batches training. “The first cadet is CC-2224.”

They stand next to the window looking down at a cadet running through the simulation. Alpha watches the boy take out the training droids. He was impressed.

“Though, I would like to mention that he can be a bit…” Shaak Ti starts before the boy has his blaster shot out of his hands. Alpha stiffens when the boy continues to charge and lands a punch on the chest of the droid. The boy lets out a painful scream before cradling his wounded hand and ultimately being shot. “… reckless.”

“Let’s move on.” Alpha says still unable to take his eyes off the kid that thought punching the metal droid was a good idea. Still, he was impressed. They walk over to the next window.

“This is CT-7567.” Shaak Ti says. At first Alpha couldn’t tell which cadet he was supposed to be looking at until Shaak Ti points towards a pillar. A cadet climbs up the side before dropping down on top of a droid. While steering the droid into the other training droids he manages to hold onto his blaster taking out a sniper droid. Alpha lifts a hand to his chin as a smile creeps on his face. With the droid beneath him the only one left he leaps off it and fires a single shot. The droid falls to the ground. His batchmates cheer for their brother. The cadet wears a proud smile before turning and walking straight into a pillar. Alpha frowns.

“We can work on that.” Alpha says when Shaak Ti gives a worried expression. They move on to the other cadets listed. When they’ve inspected each cadet, Alpha goes over the list. He decides to only pick eight for now. No reason to start too big. He might not succeed in this after all.

“Have you decided which ones you will be taking?” Shaak Ti asks after a moment. They now sit in a room used for meetings.

“I have.” He says sliding her the datapad. She looks over the list and nods in agreeance.

“I will have these cadets report to your training room immediately.”

When she leaves, Alpha feels jittery. What he was about to do could make these boys into the most capable and feared soldiers in the army. He could possibly make them the most useless soldiers anyone has ever seen. He decides that he can’t think like that now. He makes his way to the training room. He paces on one of the platforms while waiting. When the doors open, he stands tall hiding any sign of insecurity. Shaak Ti leads the eight cadets into the room. They stand in formation at attention.

“CC-2224, CT-7567, CC-3636, CC-1138, CC-8826, CC-1010, CC-4477, and CC-1004,” He says already agreeing with the Skywalker kid. They need normal names. Not just numbers. “You eight have been the first selected to undergo the first ARC training program! Here you will not just be trained as soldiers but to lead soldiers!”

The boys are good. They show little to no sign of excitement or shock. Alpha places his hands behind his back.

“Now I’ve seen what you could do with your batchmates. Show me what you can do next to the other elite cadets!” He says. They are given training blasters before he and Shaak Ti clear the training course. They stand at the top looking down from the railings. He notices Fordo on the other side watching as intently as he is. He gives the signal for them to begin and holds his breath.

It first starts out well. They take formation and appear to be follow directions well. Until Alpha gives out the next set of orders. Each cadet is used to being the leader of the batch. Now in a group of eight equally competent cadets they started bumping heads. Literally. CC-1010 and CC-4477 run right into each other while trying to advance. They fall to the training room floor before breaking out in a fight. CC-2224 tries advance past the fighting cadets only to dive for cover when CT-7567 tries to commandeer a droid similar to the way he did in his last training course. This time he’s unable to take control of the droid.

“Watch it!” CC-2224 yells before the droid lands a shot stunning him. CT-7567 steers the droid into the wall knocking himself unconscious. Alpha winces when the kids hits the ground. CC-3636 and CC-1004 are the only two who seem to be capable of working alongside each other. They work along side each other but seem to not want to outdo the other. Alpha rolls his eyes when they pause not wanting to shove past the other resulting in getting stunned by a droid they failed to see. Alpha turns his attention to the last two cadets who have managed to get closer to the citadel then any of the others. Unlike CC-3636 and CC-1004, these two act like it’s a competition. They shove each other in attempting to be first. Alpha shakes his head when they break out into an all out fight. Alpha rubs his face tiredly. He can hear Fordo’s laughing from across the training course.

“It appears you have your work cut out for you.” Shaak Ti says giving him a light pat on his shoulder. She leaves him to stare down at four stunned cadets and four in all out fist fights. He lets out a painful groan before muttering to himself: