#cc 1004

“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.