#arc trooper five

A/N: Another chunk of goodness brought to you by Shaliira and Kaichi, with the ever valuable input from our faitful betas NixNox and Sketch. 

Lots of clone and Jedi goodness and intrigue in this one, folks. Enjoy ;)

The briefing took long, all too long hours, recounting every minute detail of the Sermeria Campaign. From the very start, Renia recounted her part in it, her men’s. Obi-Wan and Anakin spoke next, recounting an unknown portion of the mission to both the women. The Separatist force on Sermeria had been greater, much greater than anticipated. As Valanthe added her own account of the events, when everything was pieced together two things became very clear.

The Separatists were a lot smarter and a lot more prepared than they had previously considered. Though Valanthe had a more sinister thought on that topic. They almost seemed too well prepared. An inside job perhaps? She hadn’t voiced her thoughts however, as she’d sensed the assemblees were not willing to even begin entertaining such thought. 

The second thing was very apparent however. The Campaign was a failure which everyone was very lucky to get out of. 

As the assembly dismissed and exited the briefing room, Valanthe, Renia and Obi-Wan remained behind, all three seemingly in their own thoughts. 

“Well… at least I didn’t fly off the rails this time,” Valanthe broke the silence with a dry chuckle as she looked at her two friends. 

“Thank the Force for minor miracles.” Renia couldn’t help but hold back her own chuckle at Valanthe’s quip. Considering the tone of their debriefing and the amount of fault Republic Command tried to shift off their shoulders it was rather amazing that Vala had kept her temper in check. Hell it was amazing Ren herself hadn’t given them a piece of her mind, she’d lost so many good troopers, so many good people. It still weighed heavily on her. 

Valanthe laughed softly as she turned fully to the two. “I have to say, this isn’t how I ever imagined the three of us meeting again. It was more along the line of exploring a Force user ruin somewhere. It’s been a while since I’ve done that,” she said more to herself than anyone else. “Yet, here we are. Involved in a war, leading an army, without knowing the full truth of it. Strange orders, stranger missions and even stranger results.” 

Her thoughts drew back to her own men, split and alone on different missions, without contact with her. Were they in contact with each other? They had to have found something on Balmorra that warranted the split. Why else would RMOI and GAR command split them up? To boot, why was the GAR involved in a RMOI mission? 

“It’s more than just the cloud of the Dark Side, like Master Yoda says.” Riis added quietly. 

“Soldiers have talked about the fog of war for millennia, how it keeps you from seeing anything clearly even if it’s only a few feet in front of you,” Obi-Wan said, his hand stroking his beard in thought. “I doubt they were talking about the Dark Side, but considering how insidious it can be…” 

Ren couldn’t help the eyebrow raise as Obi-Wan began hypothesizing right in front of them, it had been a long time since she’d seen him like this, maybe having the three of them back together was having more of an effect on him than she realized. “Well while he goes on about that, do you really think there’s something more at work here? Obi-wan is right, the organization and bureaucracy in any army can confuse things.” 

Valanthe gave an uncharacteristic mix of a snort and a chuckle, showing just how exhausted she was. “It could be just the fact that the GAR didn’t exist until Geonosis and we’re still reeling from all the bureaucracy that it brought with it. That still doesn’t explain strange orders, placements.” The Mirialan shook her head and sighed. “Part of me wants to go back to Coruscant and chase down Black Sun gangsters who stole old relics and sold them in the Old Market.” 

She pinched the bridge of her tattooed nose, “but then again, I’m worried about my boys.” At Renia’s look, she chuckled, “hey, Fives and Echo, as much as I like them are Anakin’s. I did...do...have my own clone detachment.” 

“I didn’t know the council had any non-Jedi leading Clone units,” Ren said, surprised. Frankly even if they were, she wouldn’t have expected many of the Council would have wanted Vala involved. Probably Master Yoda’s doing, he always supported Vala. “What do they have you doing? Other than rescuing wayward friends.” 

“It’s why I’m a Commander, not a General. They needed someone from the RMOI to train and run Clone Intelligence units,” Valanthe explained. “Master Sinube pulled some strings after I left and helped me get into Intelligence. Then about four months before Kamino was attacked, both he and Yoda came to ask me to help train up clone spooks. I actually met Fives and Echo when I first met my trainees.” The green woman smiled fondly at the memory, “they had us doing classified stuff.” 

She’d wanted to mention the Balmorran Armory Incident, but she doubted Renia would have heard of it, considering it was all not too long ago and probably while she was already deployed to Sermeria. 

“My 2IC and my tech escorted a package to Coruscant, the others went to merge with the rest of my team on Felucia. I was assigned to the Resolute for the time being. Though I suspect, I’ll be moving again soon. They had to have finished their assignments by now.” 

“Wow! I mean I didn’t even realize there were Clone Intelligence units.” Ren imagined that’d be a little difficult with them all looking the same, but if there was anyone who could find a way around that it would be Vala. She always had a talent for getting into places she wasn’t necessarily supposed to. “I can’t image that’s been easy, especially being separated from them. I’ve been with my guys since Geonosis and it’s hard to think of what it would be like now to be assigned somewhere else.” 

“I’m a little worried… I haven’t heard from the original Felucia team, since they were deployed, prior to our last op. No word from any of them yet, granted I haven’t checked my messages yet, since we came back from Sermeria,” Valanthe admitted quietly. “I’ll have to make a call with my boss. What’s next for you?” she asked, deflecting from her own anxiety. 

She knew of only one way to deal with it. It was to do something about it. In this case, get a fix on her boys. 

Ren placed her hand gently on Vala’s shoulder, giving a slight squeeze. She had some understanding of what the other woman was feeling. “I don’t know honestly, considering the casualties we took, I imagine we’ll be off the front lines for awhile. Getting in fresh troopers and training them will take some time. My guess would be security on a core world or installation until then,” Ren said, her eyes flicking to Obi-wan who was trying very hard not to look like he was intruding on their conversation. “But it’s hard to tell considering this mission was a failure.” 

Valanthe nodded. “And you, Obi-Wan? What’s next for the 212th?” She looked over at their friend with a fond, tired smile. 

“Hmm? Oh yes, there have been reports of increased attacked against our forces garrisoned on Geonosis,” Obi-wan explained, quickly slipping back into his role as Master and senior General. “I expect we will be heading there soon enough, their droid and weapons manufacturing facilities cannot be allowed to fall back into Separatist hands.” 

Valanthe nodded gravely, “I forget that the war continues for you, while I get to sneak around and avoid most of it. That being said, if either of you ever need to vent and I’m not deployed, call me, alright?” She looked at both Renia and Obi-Wan with a serious expression. 

“Well I can’t speak for Obi-Wan here, you know how much he loves a good brood,” Renia said with a grin, trying to find the lighthearted side of this conversation. Not that she didn’t appreciate the seriousness or the sentiment, but she didn’t want to leave things on a somber note. “But I’m certainly going to keep in touch as much as possible.” 

Valanthe chuckled, “I’m sure Anakin will give him plenty to brood over as well. Walk with me?” She glanced at Renia. 

“Sure,” Ren said with a slight bow to Obi-wan and she fell into step with the Mirialan. Ren really didn’t have an idea what Vala wanted to talk about, but at the same time she didn’t really care, more time spent catching up was all she wanted. They could be enduring another one of Master Di’s endurance training regimens and she would be happy. 

As the doors of the Briefing Room closed behind them, Valanthe glanced over at her dark haired friend. “I’ve missed you, in all your Jedi-ness,” she said with a smirk. 

“I missed you too, in well everything really. It hasn’t quite been the same since you left… even with Nemina around to keep me on my toes,” Ren said with a slightly sad smile. One regret she had was that Vala hadn’t been around to share in the experience of training a young Jedi, seeing them grow into a full member of the Order. 

“She seems like a good soul, Nemina, very dedicated to being a healer. The look on her face and relief in her when I came to relieve her.” Valanthe smiled as they walked, vaguely aware of the attention they were attracting. “I wonder if I ever would have taken on a Padawan of my own.” 

“She’s an amazing healer and such a gentle soul, I hate that she’s been forced to get involved in this war. But she’s held up quite well, as I’m sure you would have to having your own Padawan. You’d have been a great Master, Vala I’m sure of it.” The other Masters might have had an issue with what, Ren was sure, would have been an extremely unique training philosophy, but she knew just as strongly that it would have worked out brilliantly.   

Valanthe laughed softly as they walked. “Maybe. But that is in the past now. Well, technically, since I am teaching troopers to be spooks and believe me, knocking the need to obey and be uniform out of them is harder than it may appear.” 

“Now that I can agree with, but once you open that door they can really run with it, you’ve seen Oddball.” Although the ARC was certainly a special case, no Clone she’d met so far had been so expressive. “You could still take a Padawan someday, maybe when the war’s over… the Jedi will need good people who aren’t caught up in the glory of it.” 

Vala’s usually lilac eyes grew dark purple as a serious expression settled in her features. She looked over at her friend with a determined yet somewhat sad expression. “The Force has lead me away from the Jedi for a reason, Renia. They made their choice and I made mine. My life… trading it for the ways of the Jedi I don’t agree with.” A shake of her head as they continued walking, “I am an intelligence officer, not a Jedi.” 

After a few moments silence, a dry chuckle escaped her. “I do like Oddball though. Blew my mind when we realized he was the tech spec,” she said, very obviously changing the subject. 

As much as she loved Renia, the Onderonian woman’s near insistence that she could always come back never had the desired effect and wore Valanthe’s patience thin on that subject. 

Renia didn’t miss the quick change of subject, or the somewhat strained look on her face. But she’d respect her friends desires on that point for now, Ren honestly believed that Vala could make an amazing Jedi again someday and that the Order could use someone like her  — someone who saw the Galaxy in a much different light. She also pinned somewhat for the old days, when she and Vala had toured the Galaxy with their masters, searching out mysteries of the Force, righting the occasional wrong along the way. Maybe some of the others were right, that those days were well and gone… but Ren didn’t want to accept that, she couldn’t or what was the point? 

“It surprised me too,” the woman said, accepting the change in subject. “But he’s a genius when it comes to tech and has saved our butts more than once. As crazy as he is part of me wishes there were another dozen just like him. But more of me likes that he’s unique. Same goes for all the clones I’ve met.” 

Valanthe nodded, images coming unbidden to her mind of her own boys, and the two ARCs she lead into battle on Sermeria. For some reason the one with the Five tattooed on his temple more so than the one who Echoed orders. The feelings of fondness surprised her a little and she shook herself out of her thoughts quickly. 

“When did we start creating races only to have them die for us, instead of us picking up weapons and doing it ourselves?” Riis asked quietly, sighing. “What will become of this life that we created, life that flourished despite its design, when the guns fall silent?” 

“I… I don’t know,” Ren said honestly, she’d thought about it from time to time, especially once more and more of the clones began displaying their individuality. “I like to think that they will be free to follow their own interests, find paths in life that they feel are fulfilling. Considering how much they’ve sacrificed, they’ve certainly earned it.” 

The Mirialan nodded as they entered a lift, “indeed. Let us hope the Senate and GAR feel the same way. A year ago I couldn’t imagine them even existing, let alone interacting with them. Now, I can’t imagine not being able to.” 

“I know what you mean, maybe I’ve just gotten used the constant noise or the conversation… but it’s hard to imagine going back to me and my Padawan. It’s amazing I learn something new everyday with the clones, some of them are impossibly inquisitive.” 

Riis nodded, chuckling, “and so refreshingly innocent and untainted. They asked me to have drinks in the mess with them, Fives and Echo. Well… Fives asked.” 

“Oh he did?” Ren asked with a grin and a mischievous little glint in her eye. They might be Jedi… well Jedi and former Jedi but neither were completely innocent of the world. “And did he actually say that Echo would be there?” 

A dark eyebrow raised, “yes, actually. He claimed he’d drag him down.” Valanthe chuckled. “What’s that grin for?” 

“Hmm oh nothing.” Ren’s tone a touch lighter than normal, her grin still ever present. “You got invited for drinks, I think it’s nice.” 

Riis shook her head amusedly, “uh huh.” 

As the doors closed and they called for their destinations, Valanthe turned to face Renia. “Be careful out there. Question everything. Something is going on, the leads are not adding up to reality… it’s the best I can describe it.” 

“I will, and you be careful too,” Ren said, reaching out to lay her hands on her friend’s shoulders. “You’re right there does seem to be something out there, just out beyond the periphery and you’re in much more of a position to see what’s happening and that makes you dangerous, I… I don’t want to lose you again.” 

“I don’t want to lose you either, ferith,” Valanthe sighed and smiled at the same time, slipping her arms under Renia’s shoulders, wrapping them around her ribcage into an embrace. Ferith meant sister in the Mirialan language. 

Smiling into the embrace, Renia wrapped her arms tightly around her friend… her family. It might be against the Jedi code to have attachment, but frankly she didn’t care. What mattered, who mattered was in front of her. To know she was a part of Ren’s life, and she a part of Vala’s comforted her in way the Code never did. 

As they pulled apart, Valanthe nodded in a silent confirmation of the connection they’d always shared. 

“I should go call my boss,” she said finally, sighing. “See if I can locate my boys. See if they’re okay.” 

Truth be told, part of her didn’t want to go. The Resolute and its atmosphere, it’s crew, held a certain appeal to the woman. Being with her old friends held another kind of appeal. What awaited out there was a dark and lonely reality. 

“I hope they’re alright,” Ren said with a sigh of her own. She was sure it weighed heavily on Valanthe’s mind, worse probably than she had worried about her troops who had been separated on the battlefield, at least they were on the same planet. “But no matter what, I’m here for you, just like you said you’d be for me.” 

Valanthe placed a hand on Renia’s shoulder and squeezed. Nodding, she took a deep breath, “I’ll let you know if I learn anything.” She never expressed her emotions as openly as Renia, but rather acted, which in turn earned her some issues, such as the near expulsion and actual leaving of the Jedi Order. 

That being said, when the lift door opened, with another nod. Valanthe stepped out, heading for a secure communications room. 

Watching her friend leave, this time Ren didn’t have the same bad feeling as she did all those years ago. Yes she wished they could have spent more time together, but somehow she just knew that this wouldn’t be the last time they would see each other.   

It had only been a couple of days since she parted ways with her team so she wasn’t quite sure why she was so worried. She never used to worry before for her teammates. Was it because they were clones and in her mind needing of extra protection? Valanthe had to remind herself that these men were a) highly trained and b) stronger, faster and smarter than most if not all of them. They would be fine. 

So why couldn’t she stop worrying? 

Banishing the thoughts for a moment, she nodded to the trooper who was standing guard outside the secured room and stepped inside as he keyed in the open code. Stepping over to the communications console, she tapped in a few commands. 

“Computer, channel scramble set 3857 blue, Field Agent Cassandra for RMOI Field Operations Director,” she dictated. 

An image of Zabrak man’s face appeared on the holo call. 

“For security purposes, please list the fourth, seventeenth and eighty first number,” the voice said. 

The numbers were a security verification technique. Each agent memorized a set of numbers which they would recite to the controller. The numbers were picked randomly and never the same set twice. There was never a hard copy of the memorized numbers which were unique to each agent. 

“Six, eighty-nine, zero.” Valanthe returned calmly. 

“For security purposes, please give your personal code word.” 

The personal code word was the second level of security measures. 

“Starburst,” Valanthe said, arms clasping behind her back as she started pacing the small room. 

“For security purposes, please give the priority gradient.” 

The gradient indicated the level of urgency. 

“Sienna.” 

No more requests out of security purposes were made, instead her friend, mentor and boss, Lex Night appeared. 

“Valanthe…” he nodded to her, “how’d Sermeria go?” 

She was surprised that he’d learned of the mission so quickly, even more of her participation in it. 

“We managed to extract General Vinree and what was left of her troops.” Valanthe found her voice as she began debriefing him, trying to keep in mind to ask about her team and not get distracted. 

After another thirty minutes of retelling the Sermeria mission, she felt very much lead around. He never once mentioned the results of the Balmorran Arms Factory database decoding, nor the status of her and her men. 

“Sir, has there been any progress on decoding the BAF database my men delivered?” Valanthe asked. 

He tapped on a console next to him. “Just to be clear, you found survivors on each Case Orange points?” 

What? Valanthe blinked, “uh, no, sir. Only on two, lead by ARC No-Nines and ARC Oddball each.” 

“Their CT designations?” Night continued, not lifting his head. 

What’s going on with you? Riis bottled down her confusion. 

“CT 5735 - Sergeant No-Nines and CT 8945 - Sergeant Oddball. Why do you need this? Just look up the 442nd roster,” she couldn’t help asking. “Sir, the Balmorra mission results?” 

Night nodded, “Your assessment of General Vinree and Padawan Alachi?” 

Valanthe frowned, “they held their own under immense pressure. Expectedly distraught over the heavy losses but their stability and ability to lead has not been impacted. Sir...” 

“Are they able to continue leading the 442nd Siegebreakers?” Night asked again. 

Valanthe stopped pacing, looking over at him, “yes, sir. They are. You’ll get my detailed reports within a few days, as usual. What’s the status of my men and the Balmorra mission results?” 

“How did the 501st ARCs in training perform?” Lex didn’t look up from his console still. 

“Admirably. I’m sending my commendations to Kamino to their ARC trainer.” She sighed, pinching the bridge of her tattooed nose. 

“Kenobi and Skywalker?”

“Lex, with due respect, you’re stalling,” she said finally, staring square in the light holographic eyes as if trying to sense him through the Force half way across the galaxy. 

He, however, didn’t miss a beat, “I am sending your Lieutenant and your tech to rendezvous with the Resolute. You are to connect with them and make your way to Felucia. Your Lieutenant has the details of the assignment. Once you wrap up on Felucia you and your team are ordered to return to Coruscant and report to General Telth for your next assignment.” 

“General Telth? Since when does he run my missions?” Valanthe almost choked, blinked then let out a deep breath. “Sorry, sir. I’m just surprised.” 

Night held up a placating hand, “you do lead GAR personnel, Riis. But this is a temporary assignment. You are still my officer.” 

It seemed to her that he was holding back. Usually he was far more open with her and relaxed. Now it seemed like he was trying to not let on there was more to be said while giving hints that there indeed was. 

I’ll need to talk to him when I’m back on Coruscant. Valanthe decided as she nodded at Night. 

“Understood, sir. When will they arrive?” She asked then, schooling her features into a neutral mask. 

“They are due to rendezvous with the Resolute in three days time at the Carcel Resupply Station where you will receive instructions given to your men,” Night said. “Anything else?” He asked in a clipped tone. 

Valanthe shook her head. “No, sir.” 

“Alright, Night out.” 

With that said, the holo projector turned off, leaving a confused and even more worried Mirialan in its wake. 

As she logged off and secured the console she exited the secure room and tapped on her wristcomm. 

“Admiral Yularen, this is Valanthe Riis, I never got to ask, what’s our current destination?” she asked in the nicest tone she could. 

“Carcel Resupply Station, Commander,” came a swift reply from the eloquent Admiral. 

“Thank you, sir. Riis out.” Valanthe headed for the nearest turbolift, trying to wrap her head around the entirely cryptic and worrying conversation she’d just had.

***Resolute Mess Hall, three days later*** 

It wasn’t that she was avoiding them, Fives and Echo, it was more they were on drills and busy training and preparing for their own departure and she was trying her best to catch up with Renia and her Padawan. They had years and years to catch up on, yet somehow, most of their talks revolved around Dalleron, Vala’s departure and what they’ve been doing since the War began. 

With her time of departure approaching, the Spirits and the fabric of the universe decided to afford her some time with the two ARCs she’d commanded in her first field battle. She entered the Clone mess hall with some hesitation, knowing most Jedi and officers tended to avoid or, as they’d said, leave the Clones to themselves. 

She almost needed to sit down, however, when she sensed all the myriad of emotion swirling around the room. Though, if you looked at it from the outside, it was the epitome of a normal, soldier’s mess. Even if a little subdued. Shaking her head a little, she pulled up her mental shields and put on a smile as she located Fives and Echo sitting with Rex and two other clones, each bald with rather big and colourful tattoos on their heads. 

Fives noticed her first. He was honestly not sure she’d ever take him up on the offer. Why would she after all? She was a Jedi, or a spook, as she insisted. He was just an expendable clone. Despite his own recent assertions to the contrary, the fact was most people considered him and his brothers so. She did seem different, treating them as people, like Burner had once said. But how far did that “different” go? 

Echo had been delighted when he’d mentioned the possibility to him and even offered decent reasons why she hadn’t come to see them, even Rex offered that the Mirialan seemed to spend most of her time with the General of the 442nd. So, Fives wasn’t sure why he felt so deflated over the whole thing. Not that he showed it, it was only really Echo, his closest vod and Rex, soon becoming as close to him as Echo, that noticed his anxieties over such a small act. 

So when she entered the mess hall, he felt a lump in his throat he didn’t expect. She seemed a little overwhelmed for a moment before she looked over in their direction and smiled brightly. 

He couldn’t help but grin, “need your caf, Commander?” Fives called across a few tables. 

Valanthe chuckled softly, “it would seem so. Give me a moment to grab a cup and I’ll be with you boys.” 

Well at least Fives and Echo seemed happy to see her. Rex seemed very amused and the other two, a mix of wary and curious. Well the one with the blue tattoo more intently curious and nearly bursting with energy. 

“See, told you she’d show up.” Echo glanced over at Fives with a knowing grin, which earned him a punch in the shoulder. 

“You weren’t kidding, sir,” the blue tattooed clone commented, his eyes following the Mirialan when he felt a kick under the table. “Ow! What?!” He glared at the one with the tattoo of the emblem of the republic across half of his face. 

The other four clones were glaring back at him. “That is a superior officer you are leering at, trooper,” Rex growled at him. “Keep your eyes to yourself, Hardcase.” 

Hardcase straightened up a little, not looking at all repentant. “Sorry, sir.” 

“Yeah, of course you are.” Rex chuckled as he looked over to his right where Echo and Fives sat. “Good to see you again, Commander.” 

Valanthe chuckled as she sat down next to the two ARCs. “Hello boys. Good to see you too.” Looking over at the two tattooed ones, she nodded, “Valanthe Riis, pleased to meet you.”

“I’m Jesse, he’s Hardcase,” the one with the Republic emblem said and the other one nodded. “We hear you actually made Fives and Echo invisible?” 

Valanthe sipped her caf slowly, glancing over at Fives who sat next to her, then at the others, “mhm, I did. It was quite a challenge coordinating everything, but we did it.” She winked at the two ARCs who grinned back at her. “So, you two are with the 501st too, I assume?” 

“Yes, ma’am. We’re under the Captain here.” Jesse grinned, slapping the Captain’s pauldron gently at which he earned a disapproving glare from Rex and a chuckle from Fives and Echo. 

“Alright you two, let’s go. We got patrol duty in a few minutes. Fives, Echo, gym after you’re done, I’ll meet you there after patrol,” Rex ordered as he stood up, in a very Obi-Wan Kenobi-lightly frustrated manner. “It was good to see you, Commander.” 

Valanthe chuckled, nodding. “How much did you beg Rex to leave you alone with me?” she asked, noting how Echo had moved to sit where Rex was sitting to see both her and Fives better. 

Fives laughed softly, rubbing the back of his neck. She had such an easy manner about her, he couldn’t help but admire it. Even in nearly impossible conditions, in battle, she kept her easy composure. “Yeah, we may have bought him off with our stash of sweets.” 

This earned a pearl of giggles from the Mirialan. “What, both of you?” 

“We may have also ascertained the particular kind of sweets the Captain favours and acquired a certain amount. How, naturally, is classified.” Echo supplied with a grin of his own. 

“Naturally,” Valanthe nodded, winking. “I wanted to thank you boys, for your help on Sermeria. You really came through without me having to guide you much. It was my first battle command. You two knowing what to do really helped.” Her tone sobered as she looked at each of the men. 

“All we did was our duty, Commander. With your leadership it was easy,” Fives said, though he felt lifted at her words as he was sure Echo did as well. 

“Like Fives said… but thank you. We appreciate your faith in us too, sir,” Echo supplied what both he and Fives were thinking. “Not many people trust us as fully.” 

Valanthe nodded somberly, “so I hear. If it makes you feel any better, us spooks don’t get much love either. Naturally, I can’t and am not comparing…” 

Fives nodded, “so, are you staying with us for a while?” Somehow, he knew she’d say no. It bothered him, but he wasn’t sure why. This was war, she was a Jedi he was a clone and they both had their jobs, and he was alright with that. So why did it bother him? 

Valanthe sighed, “I’m afraid I get off at Carcel Station. New orders came in. I’m heading for Felucia with Burner and Stick, they should already be there.” She looked over at them, wanting to tell them the full story. But she hadn’t told her two closest friends because she wasn’t allowed to. Telling two ARCs who didn’t even serve under her decreased that possibility further. 

Fives and Echo nodded, each projecting their own form of disappointment and understanding at the news. 

“You guys are going back to Kamino to finish training soon?” She turned the conversation around to them again, determined to enjoy the last few hours of relative peace before the harsh reality of who she was and what she did came back and bit her in the ass. 

They nodded in well attuned unison. “After we resupply at Carcel, we’re heading to Kamino, then, then we get the fun missions.” Fives chuckled, “who knows, we may even be sent to help your people, when you need some proper help.” 

“Proper help, huh?” She smirked, glancing from one to the other. “Are you implying Clone Intelligence and RMOI can’t handle themselves?” 

“No, no, of course not, Commander.” Echo held his hands up, trying to placate. 

Fives grinned, speaking at the same time, “not at all, we’re just… better. Being ARCs and all.” He turned slightly to face her more fully. 

Valanthe looked over at him, taking in the striking features with a smirk. Amber coloured eyes, chiseled features, jet black hair that seemed like it would be soft to the touch, the very stylized goatee, the number 5 tatooed on his temple, all enhanced by the mischievous look on his face. 

Then there was Echo who, though technically identical looking, gave off a completely different appearance. No individualized markings save for the blue handpring on his armour, the standard haircut most clones had, no facial hair to speak of. Yet, his posture and expression spoke of fierce intelligence and hidden wisdom, with a touch of naivete. 

“Being ARCs and all, hm…” Vala smirked into her caf, “well, how about you finish your training first and get some miles under your belt and then I’ll put you on my backup list, how’s that?” She rose her eyebrow in challenge. 

Oh how she would miss those two when she left. They seemed on a completely different independence scale than her own men, despite the latter having been trained by her personally. It was becoming clearer to her as time went on that individuality couldn’t be pushed or forced, it could only be nurtured when identified and let develop on its own. This was the lesson she took from her time with Fives and Echo and the 501st. 

The two of them grinned, snapping to mock attention, bellowing, “sir, yes, sir!” They each saluted to add to the effect. This caused all three of them to burst into laughter. 

“So, tell me, what was Rishi station like?” she asked with a chuckle as they calmed down. 

At first they were a little hesitant to talk about that and the attack on Kamino, but with some gentle urging from Vala, they launched into a flurry of stories of their time on the Rishi station up till the moment of its destruction. Hours passed easily in shared stories. Vala regaled them with a few stories from her time as a Jedi, particularly some involving Masters Vinree, Kenobi and, of course, General Skywalker. 

It was glancing at the chronometer that sobered Valanthe up. They would be docking with the station soon. “Well boys, I need to go pack up and get ready to depart…” she said with a well practiced smile, but one she didn’t at all feel. 

The three of them stood up together. “It was a pleasure working with you, Commander.” Fives said, extending his hand to her, Echo mirroring his action a moment later. 

“Likewise boys.” Valanthe nodded, shaking each of their hands firmly. “You two stay alive, you hear?” It took a lot of her self discipline to remain smiling and project her positive attitude. 

The pit in Fives’ stomach grew as she shook their hands. Being a professional, however, he maintained the cheerful grin. There was no reason to feel this strange, people came in and out of lives, war went on, missions went on. He had his vode to look out for, he had Echo to to look out for. That was all he needed. That was all he knew. That was all he was made for. To fight… and die. 

Only he found himself not wanting to do the latter all that much. 

“How did you say, swift winds to you, Commander?” Echo’s voice broke him out of his thoughts. 

Valanthe grinned, “and to you both.” With a bow of respect, she left the Mess Hall, steeling herself, focusing on the time ahead.

***An hour later, departure bay*** 

Why am I here again? We said our goodbyes to her in the Mess Hall. Why would she care if I was here to see her off? Why do I care for that matter? Damn you, Echo! Fives debated inwardly with himself as he paced the departure bay. Echo had subtly hinted to him that she might appreciate the send off and Fives took his hint. Why? It was done, end of, moving on! 

Because she’s a decent person treating us decently and it’s normal to want to be in the presence of such. He justified his internal confusion to himself, rather ignoring everyone else who shuffled to and fro the room. 

“Haar'chak Vod, you’re going to wear a hole in the deck plating if you keep pacing back and forth like that,” Oddball said as he and No-Nines fast-roped down from one of the overhead catwalks, both with wide grins on their faces as they appeared next to the fellow clone. They’d come by to see the Commander off when Oddball noticed that someone was already waiting at the shuttle; and when he and No-Nines realized it was Fives, they couldn’t resist the chance to to have a little fun with their ARC in training. 

Fives blinked. “Kriffin hells, Oddball! What are you two doing fastroping in a non-training area?” He asked as he got over the surprising entrance of the older ARCs. 

There was also the fact he felt slightly embarrassed, and it could be seen in the slight red flush of his tanned skin as he had no helmet on. 

“What are you two doing here anyway?” 

“Other than having a bit of… impromptu training?” Oddball asked, the grin on his face only getting wider. “We thought we’d come by and see the Commander off, it’s the least we can do after all, considering she saved our skins back on Sermeria.” 

“Since we’re on the subject, what exactly might you be doing here?” No-Nines added, his voice even, not letting on that he was enjoying ribbing the other clone almost as much as Oddball was. He actually liked Fives, and probably wouldn’t have decided to mess with him this much had it just been the two of them. But hang around with Oddball long enough and a few bad habits tended to rub off on you. 

“The same, she did command Echo and myself.” Fives shrugged non-commitally. “Echo’s in one of Rex’s theoretical crafting sessions, so I came for the both of us.” 

The tone of No-Nines’ voice put the younger ARC somewhat at ease, but that grin on the crazy tech vod’s face? Now that was a whole different pair of problems. As much as he liked the two, No-Nines was the one he’d pick to watch his back any day if given a choice. Not that he didn’t trust Oddball, but he was… odd. Just as his name said. 

“Ah well what a coincidence,” Oddball said with a chuckle, his hand landing hard but jovially on Fives’ shoulder pauldron. “We can wait here together! It shouldn’t be too long before she’s scheduled to leave.” 

“Rrrright.” Fives eyed the gauntleted hand on his shoulder with a raised eyebrow. “So, where’s General Vinree? I would have thought she’d be here too? Seeing as the two are friends.” 

Why did he feel uncomfortable? Did he look it? Why’d they have to come? 

“Oh I’m sure she’ll be here soon, if she’s not already with the Commander.” No-Nines thought it was about time he butted in, Oddball could be a bit overwhelming at times. “Relax Fives, they’ll be here when they’ll be here. Jedi love to just float into a room as if they’re always right on time.” 

Fives chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. I remember Commander Tano saying something about that,” he affected the young Togruta’s mannerisms, “a Jedi is never late, nor are they early, they arrive exactly when they are supposed to.” Switching back to the natural, clone accent, he chuckled, “or something to that effect. Hey, you two did really good back there, it was a pleasure watching you work. I hope Echo and I can be on your level one day.” 

“I wouldn’t worry about that, considering that you two are only trainees and survived all that says a lot. I’m sure you two will be damn good ARCs,” No-Nines said with a grin, one that Oddball held as well. They’d both been impressed by the two Clones, it would be interesting to see where they would be in just a few short months. 

“Vor entye, vod.” Fives grinned, nodding at the two. (tr: Thank you, brother.) 

He felt humbled and a little honoured by No-Nines’ words. These two were the first ARCs he’d met outside Kamino as a shiny, and later in ARC training, first ARCs he could genuinely talk to, soak up their experiences. 

Oddball was about to make another teasing yet still supportive remark when he heard the flight deck access doors open and Renia walked in. Quite a bit more rested and centered than she had been when under siege, Ren looked like an all new woman. The color had come back to her light brown cheeks and her eyes had far more spark… more fire to them. Ren had even had a chance to repair and even change her somewhat distressed clothing. Her style changed slightly, the blues still present, and sleeves that only came up just past her biceps, but they were a little sharper. Still Jedi-like but it definitely took some influence from Valanthe. 

“General Vinree, ma’am!” Fives called out of habit, snapping to attention. 

Taking slightly aback by the sudden snap to attention, Ren had to blink away her confusion for a moment. “As you were Fives, I’m off duty right now, just here as a friend.” Renia said with a smile. Her own ARCs still relaxed, knowing her preference for informality when possible, especially in more social situations like this. 

Fives nodded, relaxing. “Right… sorry, sir.” 

He shifted a little, wondering where the Commander was. The shuttle would be leaving soon for the Supply Station. Or had she already left? He felt a sudden heaviness in his heart at the thought, though he wasn’t sure why. 

“Fives,” Renia said quietly. Not quietly enough to keep the others from hearing, but enough that they’d have to try and listen. “I said you could relax, not get even more tense.” His reaction was odd but rather endearing, all Clones were unique despite their origins but Fives… Fives just might have been the most unique Clone she’d ever met. 

He looked over at the dark haired Jedi, throwing on a grin. “Sorry, ma’am. This is all very outside the norm so it takes a bit of getting used to,” Fives admitted. 

“I can imagine. After Geonosis when I took command of the four-four-two, I visited Kamino.” Renia frowned a bit, that trip had not been quite what she’d expected. “The environment there, the constant regimentation, the training… it doesn’t quite prepare you for anything but being a soldier. I was impressed of course by the facilities and the training, but most of all by how each of you developed far beyond what the Kaminoans intended or imagined. But they did very little to prepare you all for that.” 

“Heh, I guess that was a long way around to saying that you’ll get used to it eventually.” 

“Well, at least we all hope so.” Valanthe announced her presence as she stepped closer to the group. 

She had taken to hiding her own presence by habit, as well as moving and walking quietly. This usually ended up with her scaring the people she moved towards to. But the fact that the four of them had come to see her off, it warmed her more than she could describe, which showed in the fact she was grinning widely. 

Fives threw on a mock huff, “I’d like to think we’re doing well!” He crossed his gauntleted arms on his armoured chest, trying to give her an indignant glare and failing. 

Renia could only shake her head and chuckle, smiling widely as her friend appeared nearby. She thought she’d sensed Valanthe’s presence nearby and wasn’t surprised when the woman revealed herself. Ren hadn’t know exactly where the Mirialan was, or just how close she was to their group, but still she wasn’t shocked. Oddball and No-Nines on the other hand jumped at least a couple of inches as Vala began talking. 

The interesting thing was Fives — he didn’t jump, didn’t even seem concerned by the sudden appearance. Considering how tightly wound he’d been a moment before, she’d expected he’d be all the way up to the rafters by now. Once again this clone was surpassing her expectations. 

“I never said you lot weren’t.” Valanthe smirked, “in fact, the General and I were just discussing how we couldn’t imagine our lives without you, anymore.” 

“You all have made quite the impression, I like to imagine many of the Jedi will have trouble adjusting to not having a Clone or few around to keep them honest.” Ren had been thinking about that a lot lately, ever since Vala brought it up a few days before. What would the Jedi and the Clones be like after the war, could they learn to live without the other again? 

“Oh I don’t know,” Fives chuckled looking at his two brothers in jest, “some people would say you Jedi did a number on us, made us stray from our purpose. But I don’t mind really, do you?” 

“I know we,” Valanthe motioned between Renia and herself, “don’t mind.” 

“Speak for yourself Fives, I’m obviously the pinnacle of Kaminoan training and genetic engineering. Everything they could have hoped for in an elite soldier…” Oddball replied, puffing out his chest in mirthful pride. “Oh and I guess No-Nines too.” 

“Thanks for including me in this little delusion of yours Oddball,” his fellow ARC shot back, his deadpan well timed and obviously practiced. 

Valanthe’s shoulders shook with mirth as a soft laugh escaped her. As much as she appreciated them coming to see her off, all this good cheer was making leaving all the harder. 

“I am going to miss you, all of you,” she said finally. 

She looked from one to the other, taking a moment to take each of them in. 

“We’ll miss you too Valanthe,” Renia said, the reality of the goodbyes tugging at her heart a bit. This could actually be the last time they saw one another. Despite her feelings to the contrary, wars had a tendency to influence the force dramatically. 

The Mirialan stepped closer, setting her duffel bag down. She pulled Renia into a tight hug. “Stay alive,” Valanthe whispered into Renia’s ear. 

“As long as you promise to do the same,” Ren whispered back, squeezing her friend just that little bit tighter. Part of her never wanted to let go, the part of her that was still that insecure young woman who needed her strong, confident friend around for support. Of course she had to let go, had to let Vala go about her duties, and she hated herself just a little bit for knowing that. 

“I promise to try, which is the best we can do,” Valanthe winked at Renia as she pulled away, sensing a strange feeling emanating from all the three clones next to them. 

They seemed… envious? Wanting? She wasn’t sure, the emotion wasn’t overly clear. 

So she looked over at them, “oookay, what is it?” 

“It’s nothing, Commander,” No-Nines quickly said, his eyes shifting a bit as both Jedi looked at him quizzically. No-Nines didn’t mind being the center of attention but there was something about two Jedi examining him so closely that was a bit… unnerving. “It’s just that…” 

“It’s strange seeing people hug, especially Jedi,” Oddball said with a shrug. “It’s not something a Clone would have much experience in, Kaminoans aren’t really the touchy-feely type.” 

Valanthe laughed softly, “well then,” she opened her arms and stepped over to No-Nines first, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. 

Not quite sure what to do with the woman wrapping her arms around him, No-Nines pulled his arms tight to his body. Looking at his brothers, eyes wide it took a moment for the ARC to unfreeze and return the gesture hesitantly. It wasn’t unpleasant, in fact it was comforting… just strange, but a good kind of strange. 

“It’s okay,” Valanthe chuckled into his neck as she squeezed him a little tighter before stepping away and heading over to Oddball, arms spread again. “Come on, I won’t bite.” The Mirialan chuckled at the timid reactions of the usually boisterous men. 

“I… ahh, don’t know about this,” Oddball said hesitating a bit as the Mirialan moved in his direction. It felt like something he’d seen on one of those early morning weekend holo-specials. 

Fives chuckled softly from the side, “come on, vod. This may be your only chance to hug a girl.” 

Valanthe grinned stepping closer, “well?” She spread her arms further. 

“Well… I…” Oddball was still hesitant but damned if he was going to let No-Nines say he was the braver of the two. Spreading his arms a bit and stepping forward, the ARC tried not to cringe as he felt her arms wrap around his middle. 

Valanthe laughed softly as she embraced him lightly, trying not to laugh too much however, so as not to embarrass the usually self assured ARC. “See? Feels good!” 

The feeling of elation No-Nines tampered down, and the mix of wanting some too and wanting to appear more manly that No-Nines at the same time from Oddball highly amused her. 

Another curiosity that is a clone. The green woman thought to herself. 

“Yeah it ah, feels good… I guess,” Oddball said rubbing the back of his head a slightly embarrassed flush filling his cheeks. In all honesty he was covering his feelings, he'd actually quite enjoyed the hug, but what kind of big bad ARC would he be if he admitted it. 

Fives was laughing softly and a little flustered up as the Commander stepped up in front of him. “Now, vod, this is how you hug a girl,” He announced grandly as he stepped closer to Valanthe, praying he called it right and lightly wrapped his arms around her while trying to appear as if he had it all under control, all confident and suave. 

Embracing Oddball and No-Nines had been more fun than anything else. However, the fact that Fives half intercepted her into a rather confident hug left Valanthe feeling unexpectedly warm and tingly. He squeezed her a little for good measure. 

“Hmm, seems you did more than hear about those certain places, hm?” she murmured into his shoulder with clear amusement as she felt him stiffen up a bit and gradually release her before he collected himself. 

“Audio input and practical application, aced that in ARC training,” he countered. 

A laugh escaped her, “I see. Well, it’s paid off, that’s for certain. You two should take lessons.” She glanced at Renia and her two crazy ARCs. 

Renia was doing her best not to crack up watching Vala hug the clones. In all the time she'd known the two ARCs she'd never seen them so uncomfortable and yet elated before. Vala certainly had a way about bringing out the good in people. 

“All departing personnel, please board your shuttles,” the announcement came. 

Valanthe’s demeanour almost instantly sobered up, adjusting her duffel bag. “Well, time to go. May the Force be with you all and swift winds at your back,” she said, giving a little bow. 

“May the Force be with you too old friend,” Renia said returning the bow, her smile brighter than ever. Vala may not be returning to the Jedi and she may be leaving for dangerous parts unknown, but she was back in Ren’s life and following the right path. That was enough for the young Onderonian. 

Fives nodded solemnly, “take care of yourself, Commander.” Despite it all, he still felt his gut twisting., but why? 

“And don't do anything stupid now,” Oddball called after her, earning him an elbow to the ribs from No-Nines. The more level headed ARC giving her a wave a moment later. 

Valanthe chuckled, “no promises, I will try, you two keep the General safe, you hear?” With a nod and a bright smile she didn’t feel, Valanthe stepped onto the transport that would take her to her designated bay, where she would meet with her own boys, Burner and Stick.