#buir reader

It was the familiar shout that broke through your dazed mind. That voice... who was that? You pondered, lifting your heavy helmeted head, trying to follow the voice. The blurry image through your visor rushed forward, large hands grabbing you by the shoulders. "Buir! Come on, we gotta get out of here!" He yelled over the blaster shots.

"My ad'ika? Wrecker?" Your rasped, reaching to his helmet, your hand tracing the white paint for a moment. Precious Wrecker faltered at your touch, leaning his helmet into your hand. 

"No time for a reunion, Wrecker! We need to go now!" Yelled one of his brothers from the line of fire, leading the larger clone to haul you over his shoulder and make a run for their rendezvous. Wrecker said something else, but your mind was too foggy to take in anything clearly. Squinting at your fading vision, the last thing you saw was a blonde blob before it faded to black.

A hand came to rest on your forehead, causing you to stir. You heard someone call for you, softly trying to get a response, but the sound just made your head throb. Cursing in your mother tongue, you brushed the hand away and tried to turn over. But the same hand caught your shoulder and returned you to your back. 

You forced yourself to open your eyes with a groan, looking at the figure peering down at you, but your vision hadn't cleared yet. Automatically, you raised your hand to wipe your eyes. Momentarily surprised when you didn't feel the beskar of your helmet. Weren't you wearing it before? You pondered while clearing your eyes. Finally, you could see those around you.

"Hunter," You whispered fondly, instinctively tucking some of his hair behind his ear, your thumb caressing his tattooed cheek. He leaned into your gloved palm and smiled, relief filling his features. 

"Glad you're awake," He murmured, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. The long-haired clone proceeded to help you sit up. Despite your mindful movement, the pain still shot through your bones. You winced, gripping your side. "Careful," Hunter chided. "We weren't able to give you enough bacta, you're gonna hurt for a while," 

"Eh, child's play," You puffed your chest and grinned in a poor attempt to mask the pain. But your ever-observant Hunter only needed to raise an eyebrow for you to deflate - it was no use keeping it up anyway. 

"Buir!" Wrecker cheered as he entered the room. He swiftly knelt down and wrapped his arms around you. He didn't give his characteristic squeeze. No, he cradled your form like fragile glass, and you couldn't resist snuggling into his warm embrace. "We missed ya," He whispered. 

"Missed you too, my boy," You replied, patting his armoured chest gently. You caught Tech sneaking into the room; he smiled upon seeing you. A smile you returned, only for it to fade in favour of confusion. You excepted Crosshair to follow suit; instead, a young girl came in. 

Her curious brown eyes met yours, causing you to tilt your head a little. Nervously, she waved in your direction. "H...Hello," She greeted quietly, glancing away shyly.

Any other day, you'd be jumping to greet the girl. But your brows remained knitted together, causing the girl's already shy disposition to falter further. "Where's Crosshair?" You asked, your gaze shifting to the boys. They blinked but didn't dare to question what they witnessed. 

"His inhibitor chip activated... He's with the Empire." Tech informed you, refusing to make eye contact; they all were. None of them wanted to watch the heartbreak settle into your features. 

WHAM!

The side of your fist met the wall, startling everyone around you. Your shoulders shook with your seething aura. "Curse the Empire, kriff everything it stands for!" 

"Buir-" 

"I'll burn it to the ground myself, after everything they've done to you all!" 

"Buir!" Hunter snapped, gripping your shoulders to force your gaze on him. "Calm down," He told you sternly but gently. "You're still healing, getting worked up will only make it worse," The suggestion let the fatigue set in. Your shoulders slumped, and your eyes dimmed with exhaustion.

"You're right... you're right," You nodded, laying back down with Hunter's aid. Your eyes fluttered shut as soon got comfortable, falling into a restful slumber. 

You didn't know how long you'd been asleep, but it was the longest time you've had to relax since everything went to shit. You'd faze in and out of deep sleep to hear the occasional chatter around you or feel a hand on your forehead. 

But now, it felt like the room was heating up. Quickly causing sweat to build upon your skin. The sticky sensation caused you to stir in hopes of finding comfort but to no use. Shifting to get up, you were interrupted when something cool was placed on your forehead, allowing you to settle once more. 

Your saviour sighed in relief, and you could hear them sit down by your bedside. You thought about opening your eyes to see who it was.

"Omega? How long have you been back here?" Hunter whispered as he entered the room, causing you to keep your eyes shut. Clearly, he was being mindful of your resting state. 

Omega? 

"They have a fever, I'm just making sure they're comfortable..." A young voice spoke sheepishly. 

Oh! It's the girl! Omega, huh? What a lovely name, you mused contentedly. 

"Tech's given them the shots they need. Buir's strong; they'll be alright." He reassured, stepping further into the room to place a hand on your arm. "Come on, you need to rest as well," He told her gently. There was no response or action you could discern from any sound. 

"What's wrong?" Hunter asked after a few moments of this silence. 

"Just I... I want to stay with them." She started but fell silent for another short time. "I've seen how they cared for you guys from day one. I wanted to meet them myself. I want them to like me, but Nala Se always kept me away-" 

"She did what!?" You shouted, snapping into an upright position fast enough to make both of them jump at your sudden movement. Hunter even reached for his blade, only to relax as he processed it was you. 

"Buir lay down-" He reached over to grab your shoulder, only for you to grasp his wrist. Looking at him, your eyes conveyed a clear message — Step back. Hunter hesitated but soon nodded and backed away, leaving your path to the young girl unhindered. 

Omega glanced between you and Hunter, her brows raised as she waited for your next move. Kneeling down, you grabbed her shoulders, "Ad'ika, I'm so sorry," You told her softly, brows knitting together as you looked into her soft brown eyes. 

"For what?" The girl asked; the confusion in her eyes reminded you of the boys when you first met them. So young in such a cruel galaxy. Your heart never failed to clench. 

"For not being there when you needed me. I... had an inkling." You looked away, but only for a moment. "Damn longnecks! I should've known... I..." You heaved a sigh, regaining compose. Omega stayed quiet. "I know I can't change the past — there are so many things I wish I could. But we can make up for that time," 

You smiled at Omega as her expression shifted. But still, she didn't say anything. Your smile faltered, "U-uh... I mean, only if you want to! I understand if you-" Fumbled words were cut off when Omega wrapped her arms around your neck and buried her face into your fur collar.

"Omega?" 

"Please..." She whispered, her fists gripping the bantha till her knuckles were white. "Please, Buir." She whispered again. Finally, your arms wrapped around her, holding her protectively. Feeling her nuzzle into your embrace, you smiled and closed your eyes. 

"Of course, Ad'ika. I'm here now," 

Opening one eye to meet Hunter, you waved your hand. He nodded again and left the room. Picking up the girl, you returned to your bed and sat down with her. Looking up at you now, Omega smiled brighter than Tatooine's suns. 

"Well, my dear. Tell me about yourself, I want to hear everything," 

Over an hour later, Echo stepped in to check on you, only to stop at the doorway. "Hey guys," He called quietly, gaining the brothers' attention. Echo gestured inside with his scomp limb. Once they were all at the entrance, they smiled at the sight. 

Omega and yourself were fast asleep, the girl snuggled up to your chest with your red cloak acting as a blanket. Even in your sleep, you played with her blonde locks slowly. 

Tech pushed his way past his brothers despite the sweet moment to lay his hand on your forehead. You shifted away from his hand, pulling Omega closer, keeping her near your heart.

.....

"Unfortunately, we need to wake them," Tech stated, "Buir still has a fever," Which earned a collective sigh from the others. 

Taglist:

"Buir..."

Echo's call fell upon deaf ears as you held your 99 close to your chest, unable to tear your glossy-eyed gaze from his face. Your calloused hand rose to caress his cheek like you had done so many times before — a gesture customarily greeted with a smile as he held your hand in return.

Not this time.

His face remained still as if he was merely sleeping, but you knew no matter what you did, he wouldn't be waking up. Tears fell haphazardly down your cheeks as you brought him closer, pressing your lips to his forehead.

"Ret'urcye mhi, Cyare." You whimpered as you closed your eyes, praying for this to be a bad dream.

"Cyare!?" you gasped, bolting upright on your mattress, instinctively palming the space next to you to find your partner, though you only felt the cold sheets. Glancing at the empty space, you clenched the fabric till your knuckles were white; it didn't stop the sting of tears in your eyes. Nothing could stop them.

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you dragged yourself out of your bed to suit up. Strapping the pieces of your grey beskar armour to your form and patting down your collar of bantha fur to prepare for your typical day to day tasks. Reaching down for your helmet, you stopped upon seeing an all too familiar medal beside your beskar.

"Oh, Hevy..." You sighed, tracing the four-pointed star fondly. All you could see was the proud smile he wore when you first clipped it to his chest. Attaching it to your fur collar and carrying your helmet under your arm, you finally left your quarters. You stopped just before the door to take a deep breath and placed your helmet on for good measure.

Kamino felt lifeless now, despite the multitude of clones that marched past you, always taking the time to greet you warmly. But you could only muster a nod in return, focused on your destination.

Engine noise faded into the background as your gaze landed on your boys in blue. Rex had his helmet tucked under his arm as he watched Fives and Echo adjust their newly earned pauldrons around their shoulders. Boyish grins, practically glowing with pride that made your heart swell.

"Looking good, boys," Their heads snapped in your head direction as you stopped merely a few feet away.

"Buir!" The lads were quick to raise their arms to salute you, but you swiftly motioned for them to stop.

"None of that now," You spoke sternly, only to perk up. "Come on! Let me look at ya two!" Gesturing for the two to step forward, you cupped their cheeks, tenderly caressing them with your gloved thumb — A gesture that they both melted into. "My Dominos... Feels like it was only yesterday that you were boys, now ARC Troopers! I'm so proud of you..."

"So is he," You whispered, abruptly pulling them to you in an embrace and squeezing. The unspoken grief hung in the air as they wrapped their arms around you, encasing you in a protective hold. But just what did they believe they were shielding you from?

"We'll visit," Fives broke the silence, clearly hoping to lighten the air. But they were met with silence as you hesitantly released them, letting them step back. Brows furrowed, Echo called you back to reality with a mumble of your title, which Fives echoed not long after.

Looking down, you clenched the fabric of your scrappy red cloak in your fist. "I'm not staying on Kamino." Their brows shot up in surprise, but they didn't respond immediately. How were they supposed to react to news like that? Fives opened his mouth, but nothing was said.

"Where will you go?" Rex spoke up this time around, grabbing your shoulder to turn you towards him. Your shoulders rose and fell in a shrug as you held his hand, caressing it gently.

"Where ever the galaxy takes me. The Halberd's been neglected for long enough, don't you think?" The laugh you hoped to lighten the mood came out forced, accomplishing the exact opposite of your intention. Their shoulders sagged. "My Ade, this is not the end of our time together. We will meet again, I promise you,"

Rex pulled you into a hug, providing a prolonged squeeze, even burying his face into your collar. Feeling your hand cradle the back of his head, he nuzzled further into the fur.

Silent tears remained hidden behind your helmet as Echo and Fives joined the embrace again.

This warmth. Something you never deserved... You were going to miss it.

"I'm sure General Skywalker's waiting for you boys, don't let me delay you." Inwardly praising your steady voice, you stepped back from their arms to stare at the men they've become.

To their surprise, you raised your arm in a salute. "It's been my pleasure to know you and your brothers. Keep going great things,"

Fives blinked rapidly and bit his lip, but that washed away into a smirk. "None of that now!" He chuckled, mimicking your earlier tone, "You said it yourself, this isn't the last time we'll see each other," Echo chimed in.

Despite their smiles, their brows were still furrowed. You were the same behind the dark visor, but it still broke your heart to see it on their faces; all you envisioned was a time when their cheeks were so chubby and pinchable.

You giggled as you lowered your arm, leaving them to enter their ship. The engines started as you turned away to approach the Halberd. Poor thing hadn't been used in months; it wouldn't be a shock if she'd kicked the bucket.

"Hey, old girl. Can you ever forgive me?" You muttered, letting your hand trail along her hull till you reached the hatch door. Pressing the open button, a wave of dust washed over you, thoroughly caking your armour in a dry beige coat.

A hacking cough ripped itself from your throat and you frantically used your cloak to fan away the onslaught. "I'll take that as a no," You sassed the empty ship, almost hitting your head when a sneeze processed you.

"Caretaker,"

Halting a few steps barely into your ship, you didn't need to turn your head to know who called for you. "Nala Se," You responded coldly, "What is it?" You turned to face the long-neck with your arms crossed over your chest.

"I need you to come with me,"

"No! No! I'm done." You barked, stepping back on the Halberd's ramp. "I've been here long enough; my debt was paid long ago. Nothing's going to make me stay," You swiped your arm through the air, drawing your line in the sand while glaring into her soul.

Nala Se, however, didn't react to your aggression and simply stared down at you. "We'll see if your resolve weakens when you see the new specimens," The Kaminoan then began a stride out of the hangar and into the corridor.

"Spec... Specimens?" You muttered, your fist clenching at your side. "Son of a bantha," You seethed, stomping your way to Nala Se's side and keeping pace with her. Glancing up at the Kaminoan, you saw she was looking down with a tony smug smile on her face. Glaring daggers at her through your visor, you growled, "This means nothing, Long-neck,"

"Of course," Was her sarcastic response to your hostility. How you lived on Kamino for so long remained unknown to you, especially when you had to interact with these people daily. They better thank the maker for your blessed patience.

"What's new about these clones?" After a few minutes of silent travel through the facilities, you began to question. Despite the years, you've inhabited the establishment, it was new wherever Nala Se led you. The signs you did pass indicated rooms you've never been in, causing you to raise an eyebrow. Coming to a hatch, you both halted.

"They are enhanced clones, specialised with different abilities." She started, pressing a few buttons on the wall, which opened the hatch, revealing a lab. It was dark and baren, though you could have sworn you spotted a flash of blonde, it was gone before you could focus on the form if there was anyone there at all. But it seemed as if you were the only ones there.

"Weird," You whispered to yourself, but a sound from further in drew your attention away. Leaving Nala Se at the entrance, you followed it, allowing three little voices to become evident the closer you got. Turning the corner, your eyes widened.

Right there were not three, but four young boys. There were some differences to note with each of them. The one with long hair was doing his best to twirl a knife around his fingers, but it was too big for his tiny hand and fell to the ground.

The larger one was trying to lift a craft at least twice his size... and succeeding. A smaller one with lighter hair was messing with the keypad in the room, standing on a nearby crate to reach it. Finally, the lanky one with grey hair sat on the bunk, biting his nails.

Feeling a familiar tug at your heart, your helmet met the wall with a slight tang, and a defeated sigh escaped your lips. Glancing over your shoulder, your blood boiled at the sight of Nala Se's stupid smug smile. Biting back your curses, you grumbled, "Tell me more,"

The long-neck caught up with you, taking place behind you as she spoke proudly. "They'll be trained as a special forces unit-" You quickly became distracted watching the boys as Nala Se went on about the finer details about these modified clones. You should have learned by now not to ask for more information; it was always the same despite the differences they claimed.

"And they will be known as Clone Force 99," Your brow shot up, snapping your head to look up at Nala Se, who was staring at you intently — a rare flash of sympathy appearing in her large eyes.

"99..." You sighed, looking towards the wall like he was right there beside you again, holding your hand tenderly. What would he think? What would he say was the right thing to do?

"You win," Was all you told Nala Se before approaching the young clones.

It didn't take long for them to notice your presence. Most of them appeared curious about you, raising eyebrows, while the lanky boy's eyes narrowed into a glare.

"Hello, boys," Your modulated voice greeted them as you squatted down to their level. "What're your names?" Your helmet tilted curiously as you glanced between them.

"CT-9901, Sir," The kid with long hair stepped forward to stand before you. He then gestured to his brothers, "That's CT-9902," first to the one by the keypad, "CT-9903," The bigger boy smiled at you upon being introduced, "And CT-9904." The grey-haired kid's glare didn't let up when your gaze fell on him.

Those weren't the name you wanted, you lamented to yourself with a sigh. But they were still young; you shouldn't be complaining.

"Who are you, Sir?" The boy in front of you asked, his shoulders squaring with reasonable caution. But you chuckled, ruffling his hair, catching the poor boy off guard.

"Lay off the 'sir', Ad'ika," You told him, standing at your full height once again. "They call me the Caretaker around here." You smiled behind the visor as you looked at the cadets again, basking in the waves of personality each of them displayed in these few moments you've known them. Perhaps this was the start of something new...

"But you can call me Buir,"