Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V.
Weâre back with another ~7500 words for this tale, which picks up directly from the ending of Part V.
As always a big thanks to @feralferrule for her contributions, and @foxwithadarkside for piloting Mayday through the woods in a âChoose Your Own Adventureâ style game that was quite fun to concoct.
Part VI - in which everyone (except Veetch) is feeling their feelings (warning! Both over-protective and saccharine/close interactions ahead!), Fi offers some brotherly advice, Mayday goes on another quest, and the future of âMaycherâ is finally decided. This tale picks up directly from the cliff-hanger-y ending of Part V.
Verdâika - Little warrior (affectionate term)
Medical Lab, Kyrimorut, Mandalore
Archer turned and swept from the room, leaving Choy with Mayday. As she watched the door close, still processing what had just happened, Choy felt all of the anger coming from Mayday suddenly drain away. She looked back at him and saw his face go completely blank. A kaleidoscope of images and emotions had started flitting through his mind as the forgotten events of GGN played out for him in fast-forward. Archerâs use of her pet name for him must have been the push needed to snap him back to himself.
With a sharp inhale, his eyes refocused and a hand strayed idly to his chest, searching for a comfort that wasnât there. Choy stooped and picked up the dropped beskar karâta pendant, and gently handed it to him. He accepted it wordlessly and looked at her, confusion plain in his eyes as he took in his surroundings again as though he was waking up for the first time.
Choy sighed and was about to speak when the door flew open.Â
âChoy!â Hexx shouted as he burst into the room.
âAre you ok?â Veetch said right behind him. âWe just saw Archer - Oh, Commander, sir! Youâre awake, but what happened?â
âKriff, Commander! I told her youâd be happy to see her!!â Hexx shouted as he took a defensive stance between Mayday and Choy, and Veetch stood next to her and put his hands on her waist.Â
âVeetch? Hexx? I-Â you two were dead,â Mayday stammered.Â
Hexx looked at Choy for signs of distress, "Are you alright?â
âIâm ok, guys, settle down,â Choy said calmly yet firmly in her field medic tone and squeezed Hexxâs hand bringing him back and next to her. She leaned up to his ear and quietly said, âHe overreacted, donât join him. Itâs my fault- I didnât anticipate this happening.â Hexx continued to scowl as she turned to Mayday who was looking at Hexx and Veetch like they were ghosts in their civvie clothing and haircuts. She sat on the stool near the bed and radiated calm to the bewildered clone.Â
âMy name is Choy, we met at GAR Goth Night at 79âs on Coruscant. This is a hidden base on Mandalore, built by the Mandalorian Skirata clan. Many clones who have defected are here along with Mandos and some former Jedi, and other wayward refugees. Archer, and two of her friends and I secretly rescued you three from Barton IV. You remember Archer now, right?â
A soft smile lifted Mayday's expression for a moment before horrified realization of what heâd just said and done dawned in its place. Distress flooded into his force signature as he looked down at the beskar in his hand.
Choy looked at Hexx who still seemed pretty mad.
âNo.. I.. Why didnât I know? How could I forget her? SheâsâŚâÂ
âForgetting who someone is is still no excuse for screaming at them,â Hexx barked. Choy side eyed him, unable to explain the true nature of the situation.
âShut the kriff up, Hexx,â Mayday said dismissively. He began to rise from the bed, uncertain where to go, but needing to do something to find her.Â
âCommander,â Choy said in the same tone sheâd used on the boys. He hesitated for a moment, unused to being on the receiving end of commands. âI understand this is a huge shock to the system, but youâve survived everything so far, so I need you to focus right now.â Mayday flicked his eyes up to Choyâs, and decided he needed the additional information she might give him. He sat, and gave her his full attention.
âFirstly, we were all given amnesia that night, itâs not your fault that you didnât remember Archer. Once I remembered, I contacted Archer, restored her memory and we came to rescue you all from death at the outpost. I fixed their memories too,â she indicated the boys with her thumb. Maydayâs wheels were turning and Choy could see the questions in his eyes as he looked at her and the boys. âWe had to make it look like you three were dead to the Empire, and everyone else. And we rescued you all at the last minute to not interfere with an important chain of events. Your friend Crosshair killed Nolan.â Mayday's head snapped up at that. âHe is alive but not here, we had to leave him because he will be very important in freeing more of your brothers from a really bad situation.â
Mayday looked up at Hexx and Veetch who were nodding affirmatively to Choyâs story. âHow did you know we would die? What situation?â he asked carefully.
âIâve seen this all play out, so I know this course of events and others to come.â
âYouâre a Jedi?â Mayday wondered, âDid the force tell you the future?âÂ
Choy sighed, âNot really, but I can do what Jedi do. I can tell you more about that another time. Right now I want the head medic here to examine you. Then we can talk about how you will make things right with Archer.â
âWait, if you are the one fixing everyoneâs memories, why-â
Choy stood up, held up a finger and flashed a fierce look at him. He raised an eyebrow at her. She turned to Hexx and Veetch and asked sweetly, âBoys, can you go get Fi, please?â Veetch went over to the door âBoth of you,â she said to the still-fuming Hexx. He huffed and followed Veetch out the door.
Choy turned to regard Mayday. He emulated gravitas, but she could sense that he felt haggard and defeated, distressed by his uncharacteristic actions and worried about Archer.
âIâm sure you understand it wasnât me in your dream restoring your memory. Archer made herself very vulnerable for you, just now, to do that and wake you up. Sheâs a Mandalorian and her people traditionally donât take kindly to the force sensitive. Sheâs hidden it her whole life. And now you and I are the only people who know about her abilities.âÂ
âKriff,â Mayday looked even more distressed.
âAnd she has a, a very well-developed sense of consent and respect and boundaries. She felt this kind of mind treatment was overstepping since you were unconscious but I talked her into it. Iâm not trying to make you feel worse, but I think you should know what youâre dealing with- when you go fix it,â she added firmly but kindly then sighed, âIâll help, youâre not on your own. She might talk to you more about this. But, remember, when it comes to you getting your memory back and waking up and anything to do with the force, if anyone asks, it was me.â She said, fists on her hips.Â
âYes maâam,â Mayday said, âI wouldnât do anything to put her in jeopardy.â The clonesâ notoriously bad lying capabilities crossed Choyâs mind at that point.
A guttural roar that sounded very Copi-like rumbled through the air outside, rattling the windows of the room. Before Choy could comment on it, the door opened again and Fi walked in, trailed by Hexx and Veetch.
âCommander, welcome to Kyrimorut. I see youâre getting acquainted with Archerâs scary friend,â Fi quipped.Â
Choy rolled her eyes, âMayday this is Fi Skirata. Boys, let's let them do what they need, we can wait out there.â She ushered a frowning Hexx toward the door and tugged Veetch by his hand behind.
âGlad youâre alright, Commander, donât worry, you can get Archer back.â Veetch called out as the door closed.
There was a small area down the corridor with seating arranged, a waiting room of sorts. Choy sank down onto a wider seat and pulled the boys down with her. Hexx sat down heavily and crossed his arms. Veetch snuggled up against Choyâs other side.
âHe shouldnât have done that, Archer was- you should have seen the look on her face.â
âI was there for the whole thing, Hexx, I feel awful, it should have just been me he shouted at,â Choy said.
âDonât say that,â Veetch said. Choy idly stroked his cheek.
Hexx bristled even more, âWhy would you say that?â
âI should have been- I should have anticipated that he might wake up in distress- with fight. Heâs a very strong-minded man.âÂ
âYouâre too generous,â Hexx glowered.
âLighten up Hexx, he was probably all disoriented and hung over from the meds,â Veetch yawned and wrapped an arm around Choy.
Choy wondered about what kind of a relationship the men had while serving together and rested her hand on Hexxâs knee. âI understand how you feel, I am heartbroken for Archer. She is a special friend. Mayday feels awful, and it wasnât really his fault. We need to support him for Archerâs sake. He will make this right and weâll help - even if that means staying out of it.â She gave his knee a squeeze.
âHereâs our fine selection of clothing.â Fi opened a closet full of all manner of shirts, tunics, trousers and outerwear hanging and some bins of belts and shoes and other items on the floor. âYou should be able to fit into everything. Might be a bit loose till you fill out on the delicious Mandalorian cooking here. Ever had uj cake?â Â
Mayday, standing in his hospital gown, scanned the contents of the closet. âThe market down the street has more, newer things for sale, but theyâre closed until morning and you donât have any credits anyway. Take your pick from here, and the sonicâs through there. Throw the linens in the bin there.â Fi pointed to another door.
âThank you Fi, not least of all for sticking your neck out for me and my men,â Mayday shook his hand with both of his. âTell me, youâre Mandalorian, right? What would you recommend I wear?â he asked, turning his gaze back to the closet, and thinking about what Archer might like.
Fiâs face lit up, and he immediately twirled in place, sending his kama swirling gracefully out from his sides. âI really canât say enough about a good kama. The lads and ladies find them irresistible!â he crowed. âYou might want to consider a little, you know, landscaping too,â he said, eyeing Maydayâs hair and beard which were sticking up in multiple directions.
Mayday shot him a withering look. âI am not wearing a skirt.â
Fi clapped him on the shoulder, ignoring the jab, âGlad to have you with us, vodâika. You chose an interesting mando lady. Hopefully you wonât be in the strill house too long.âÂ
Mayday smirked as Fi left. He looked over the clothing and thought about what the civilians that heâd seen before were wearing. He needed something blue.
Choy snapped her head up from where she had dozed off against Hexxâs shoulder. He was sitting more rigidly. She pushed against Veetch who had also dozed off. The sound of Fi and Maydayâs voices came down the corridor. She checked her com for a response from Archer. She had sent her a message before falling asleep explaining how Mayday hadnât actually known who she was, that his traumatized brain was still catching up when he lashed out. And that she was sorry. The com hadnât even been read.
âThey are probably right down here, ah yes. Well, at least some of them seem happy to see you,â said Fi as they rounded the corner and came into view. Ignoring Hexxâs glare, Mayday paused and held his arms out to the sides.
âWell, how do I look? Mandalorian enough?â He was wearing a blue vest fastened over a grey long sleeve shirt that had reinforced shoulders. It tucked into a belted pair of dark pants. He had his cowl around his neck and had put Archerâs beskar karâta back on over it all.
âLooking good, commander,â Veetch enthused as the trio stood up.
âThe blue is perfect,â Choy said, clasping her hands to her chest. She elbowed Hexx who begrudgingly nodded.Â
âSo where to?â Mayday asked, striding to the exit and they followed. âDo you know where she went?â
They all looked at each other. âWe don't know for sure, but maybe itâs best to let her have her space, we can look in the morning when sheâs,â Choy started.
âNo, Iâm not-,â Mayday growled out, before noticing Choy put her hand on Hexxâs arm as his posture stiffened. âI canât wait,â Mayday continued in a calmer tone, âI need to fix this now. Fi, do you know where I should go?â They all spilled out onto the sleepy village street.Â
âKnowing her, sheâs probably not even home.â Fi mused.
âHow do I get to her home? If sheâs not there Iâll wait as long as it takes.â Mayday said with finality.Â
Choy could tell thereâd be no convincing him otherwise. She sighed and made to lead the way, âAlright, we can take you out there if you insist.â
âOh absolutely not,â Hexx said as he strode over to intercept her, âitâs dark out and I don't want you walking through the forest at night.â
Choy looked at him incredulously, âYouâve got to be kidding, Hexx. Iâll be with all of you- not that I need to be.â
âVeetch and I can take him, but you should stay here where itâs safe.â
âOh, this has got to stop, Hexx,â Choy said, her voice rising with her temper.
Veetch approached them to try to calm them down. âOoo,â said Fi to himself and he ducked back into the medical building, leaving Mayday, whose impatience was growing.
âHey you guys this isnât really the time-,â Veetch began. Choyâs hand came up to his chest while she narrowed her eyes at Hexx.
Fi swiftly reappeared with a container of a crunchy glazed snack and offered it to Mayday. âIâve been waiting for this episode, and weâve got front row seats,â he said conspiratorially as he settled on a bench against the building. Mayday huffed, and pinched the bridge of his nose, frustratedly.
âYouâve been putting yourself in harmâs way too much,â Hexx declared.Â
âWhat âharmâ are you so worried about?â Choy asked with an eye roll and hands raised to the sides.
âWell, for one thing, I found out Archer has a repulsor lift,â Hexx said as he drew himself taller.Â
Choy raised her eyebrows and tipped her chin up at him challengingly.
âAnd I saw and heard things last night, things that are out there in those woods. And just now, I think-â
âWeâre in a village full of Mandalorians and Commandos, for crying out loud!âÂ
âAnd Nulls!â Fi interjected from his seat.
âSee, Fi agrees with me,â said Choy. Hexx shot Fi a look.Â
âI am not taking sides,â Fi protested through a mouthful of snacks, holding up his hands.Â
Hexx looked back at her, âNone of them are in charge of you.â
ââIn charge?â And just who do you think you areâ telling me what I can and canât do?â Choy spat, balling her hands into fists on her hips.
âI think- no, I know Iâm someone who cares about you!â
âThis isnât how youâre supposed to care about someone, Hexxâ Choy protested.
A hint of knowing he was in the wrong flashed on Hexxâs face before stubbornness won out. âAnd I suppose youâre the expert in that department.â
âI know a thing or two, yeah.â
âWell if you really cared about me- about us-,â
âHexx!â Veetch shouted, noticing Choyâs wounded expression.
âControl is not care!â Choy yelled and tore off the scarf she wore around her neck, pointing at her scars. âThat, I know really well,â she said with pain and tears in her eyes.Â
Hexxâs anger derailed and crashed into regret as those tears fell down her flushed cheeks and past her trembling chin.Â
âShowâs over,â she said venomously over her shoulder.
Fi and Mayday cleared their throats and avoided everyoneâs eye contact. Choy stalked off down the street, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.
Veetch huffed and shook his head at Hexx. âYou kriffinâ diâkut,â he said as he patted Hexxâs shoulder. âYouâre going to need to do more than cook her a fancy dinner now.â Hexx sighed and started following as he felt another hand on his shoulder.Â
âBefore you go and patch things up with your woman,â Fi glanced at Mayday, âlisten a minute,â he said with an unusually serious tone.
Fi pulled a small holoprint out of one of his belt pouches and held it up for Hexx to see. A very battered looking Fi was propped up in a bed with Parja at his side.Â
âThis is a picture of me and Parja when I woke up from the coma. I couldnât even walk.â Hexx studied the snapshot, noticing the softness on Parja's face as she looked at Fi. âIâd be in a chair at best if it werenât for her.âÂ
Hexx looked at him, understanding the parallel Fi was starting to draw.Â
âIve seen Choy look at you like that. Us clones are lucky if anyone looks at us at all.â Hexx hung his head a little. âParjaâs so precious to me. She's mine, but not like these shoes or my tooth sonic are mine. Sheâs my wife like you are my brother.â Hexx perked up at Fi calling him his brother.
âI worry about her when weâre on a mission or weâre apart, but we have each otherâs complete trust. And I listen to her needs. If I tried to coop her up, keep her away from anything dangerous, Iâd smother her. Iâd lose her. Women like her and Keb and, from what Iâve seen, Choy, need us to have their six, but give them the rest of the clock.â
Hexx worked on Fiâs words, frowning and cursing himself. Then he thought about Choyâs attempts to distance herself from him and Veetch earlier that day. âMaker, I really messed this all up,â he muttered dragging his hands down his face. âIâd better go find her,â he said, turning to look in the direction she left and realized Mayday and Veetch were gone, too. He looked back at Fi, âthanks for setting me straight, vod,â he held out his hand.Â
Fi grasped it and pulled him into a big back slapping hug. âGo get her.â
Hexx set off, looking around and between the rustic structures of the village. He noticed Hexx pointing Mayday in the direction of the trail to Archerâs home. The street was dimly and sparsely lit by the occasional electric lantern or bulb hung from the overhanging roofs. He heard a voice. It was soft and feminine and definitely Choyâs although kicked up in pitch from normal. He came to what looked like an open barn structure under which were cubed stacks of dried plant material. Choy was faced away from him, kneeling on the straw-strewn floor, talking to and petting something small and furry. It walked back and forth, rubbing the length of its body against her leg.
âArenât you such a good momma? What pretty babies you have. Of course they take after you, pretty thing.â She stroked the creature's head who seemed to be responding to her praise with affection. âIâm sorry I don't have any food for you, but I can bring you some tomorrow.â Hexx drew closer, letting his footfalls make plenty of noise so she could hear him, not realizing she could feel his very chagrined force presence before he ever saw her. He smiled as he noticed that Choy was petting something cute. He caught a flash of green from the creatureâs eyes.Â
âDonât mind him, he's not being very nice right now,â Choy told the creature, which hopped up on her lap and flashed its eyes again in Hexxâs direction. âYouâre an awful lot like him, cute, smart, very protective. Just promise me you wonât corner me and bite my head off.â The creature stamped its feet and twitched its tail before jumping off Choyâs lap and back to its nest of young.Â
âChoy,â Hexx said as he drew closer. âChoy Iâm so sorry, Iâve been a total idiot,â he braced himself for the rejection he expected.
Choy turned her head slightly in his direction. âGo on.âÂ
Hexx exhaled the breath heâd been holding and jumped at the second chance he felt within his reach. âI havenât been treating you the way you deserve. I shouldnât have tried controlling you. I was acting out of fear.â He paused as he composed himself.Â
Choy turned fully to look at him. She could sense a feeling of profound loss from him. Hexxâs eyes were closed as he swallowed.Â
âYou mean so much to me, and to Veetch. I hope you can forgive me.â
Choy stood and walked up to him. She looked deeply in his eyes searching for any sign of subtle coercion he might not even be aware of. All she felt from him was regret and fear and an earnest hopefulness. But none of the manipulative undercurrent that she was worried about. Veetch appeared behind Hexx and she beckoned him closer.
âWell thatâs a start,â she said to Hexx, clasping his hand with hers and taking Veetchâs in her other, âbut before we continue this conversation we should help Mayday and Archer.
âI just showed him how to get up to her place,â said Veetch, âheâs already gone.âÂ
Choy sighed. She hoped Archer would listen to him. âWell, let's go back to the cabin, then.â
Choy tried reaching out in the force for Archer as she and the boys approached the fork in Archerâs trail. She was sure Archer was physically ok but was growing increasingly concerned about how Maydayâs outburst may have affected her.Â
âCan you sense if sheâs up at the tree house?â asked Veetch.
Choy closed her eyes and held her hands out in that direction. âI canât tell for sure. I feel Mayday up that way. Archerâs probably hiding her force signature like she did when we were at 79âs. Sheâs really good at that.â Choy dropped her hands and cast her gaze back down at the trail. âSheâs probably not super happy with me right now. I donât know if Iâm just too far away, I could try again from close to her tree.â
Hexx put his arm around Choy and she leaned her head on his shoulder. âCome on, itâll be alright, the commanderâs got to do his thing on his own.â
They made their way down to the little cabin. Hexx held the door open for Choy as Veetch hung back. Hexx looked at him.
âIâll let you talk,â Veetch said, settling in a chair with his feet propped up on the railing. Hexx left him out there watching the moonlight ripple on the lake. Just as he began dozing off he heard a low grumbling sound. He opened his eyes to the sight of Copi filling up his field of vision and about fell out of his seat. She snuffled him and resumed pacing back and forth making whines and growls. Veetch scrambled up and knocked at the cabin door. He cracked it open.Â
âChoy, Hexx? Sorry Copi isâ,â he peeked his head in and caught them in the middle of a passionate embrace. âAw you guys made up. Hey Copi is out here and I think sheâs upset.â
Choy unwrapped herself from Hexx and went to the door. Copi was pacing around and acting a bit agitated. Choy finished fastening her top as she gave Veetch a quick kiss and went out to her.
âCopi, hey sweetie are you alright?â Choy cooed, holding her hands out wide and focusing love and comfort to the gigantic creature. Copi swung her head towards Choy and ambled over. She rested her big chin on the railing with a huff. Choy could feel the worry and anxiety and partly formed thoughts from the somewhat sentient beast.Â
âOh Copi, Archer- Keb- is sad right now but will be ok.â She stroked the rancorâs scaly head above her eye. Copi rumbled and closed her eyes. âMayday is also looking for her, maybe you can help him.â [Mayday, Archer, LOVE,] Choy added through the force.
Copi opened her eyes. They seemed brightened and hopeful now. [Copi help,] Choy felt from her. Copi rose up and loped away into the forest.
Veetchâs directions to Archerâs home had been fairly straightforward. A single wooded trail with only one fork. There would be a sign at the fork to point him in the direction he wanted to go.Â
Mayday was standing in front of that sign now, feeling determined. The sign was in Mandoâa, which he couldnât read, but as he examined the sign more closely he noticed two small pictograms. One looked like it was meant to be water and the other appeared to have a hammer and a tiny, familiar Mandalorian helmet.Â
Thatâs obviously the path to take, he thought.Â
As he set off to the northeast he noticed a small flower blooming at the base of a tree. He needed a flower, he was sure of that. This one wasnât exactly what he was thinking of - he wanted one the colour of sunshine, of warmth - but heâd take it just in case he didnât find any others.Â
He stooped to pluck the blossom, placed it into his belt pocket along with the comlink and packet of dried meat strips Fi had given him, and continued on up the path. He had a mission to complete, but he was still tired from his recovery, and questions about what the kark had happened at 79âs and in the past couple of hours and days lingered in the back of his mind. And Hexx. Kriff Hexx, what did he know? Heâd forgotten about his lass too, and heâd upset her right in front of everybody.
He shook his head and pushed the questions away. He could sort through these things later, and get a debrief on the parts heâd missed, right now he had to find her, and make things right again. He sighed, guilt rising in him. What had happened? How could he possibly have forgotten, how could he have sent her away like that?
Another loud roar echoed through the woods, shaking him out of his thought spiral. This time it sounded like it was behind him. He assumed the noise was Copi, and he was glad he seemed to have bypassed her - she sounded unhappy. If he was the cause of her unhappiness, which he suspected he might be, it was just as well he didnât run into her.
He jogged down the trail, ignoring his fatigue until he came around a slight bend and spotted several colorful flowers along the side of the trail. Taking note of the nearby sign, he collected a pink and a yellow flower and stashed them with the blue one in his belt pocket. The yellow one would be perfect.
Within minutes of finding the flowers, he arrived at a large clearing, where the trail ended. He stood before a small, round building constructed of stone blocks and wooden timbers. Some smoke was coming from the chimney and a blue glow was visible from the small windows. This must be the workshop she told me she had, he thought. In the distance, at the top of a very tall veshok tree he could just make out the shape of Archerâs home.
Peeking in the door of the workshop, he quickly determined she was not there. The forge, however, was lit, casting the blue glow from the windows and he noted two incomplete sets of Mandalorian armour hanging on the wall. Hexx and Veetchâs names were scribbled below them.
He smiled to himself, thinking about how she had taken the risk to come for him and his men, and now she was crafting new armour - beskar armour by the look of it - for them. Â
He closed the door to the workshop and trotted over to the base of the large tree where Archer made her home. Circling around it, he looked for a door for the turbolift Hexx had mentioned to Choy. He found a small, partially hidden access panel with illuminated buttons. A red flashing light on the top told him that the lift was probably locked.
He was confident that he could slice the panel, but the thought of breaking into Archerâs home was incredibly disrespectful. He would never betray her trust like that. Except that she probably doesnât trust me right now, he thought with a frown.
He wandered back over toward the workshop, gazing up at the huge tree above him. The lights were on in the home, could she be up there? Â
The sounds of heavy footsteps and growling suddenly reached his ears. Copi was pounding up the trail behind him, and she was close. He knew the rancor was generally friendly with clones - sometime a little too friendly - and he had even met her at 79s, but he also knew that her mood could be mercurial and she was protective of Archer. He decided taking shelter inside the workshop until he could ascertain her mood would be a good idea, and quickly ducked inside.Â
Copi barreled into the clearing and stopped to look around. From the window in the workshop door, Mayday watched her swing her head from side to side, as though she was looking for something.
She ambled past the workshop and suddenly stopped and sniffed the air. She swung her head in his direction and her eyes found his. Spotted, he thought.Â
The rancor gazed at him, seeming to turn something over in her mind. After a moment, she huffed and continued on her way to the middle of the clearing. She sat down in the grass there and looked up at the home in the tree.Â
He felt the low-pitched rumbling sound she made next vibrate through him, and watched as she seemed to deflate sadly and lie down on her belly. She seemed relatively peaceful, and he felt a little bad for the seemingly lonely creature, so he opened the workshop door, exited slowly and sat down on the steps, watching her for a response. Â
Copi lifted her head from where she lay, quivered a bit and waved her short tail back and forth a few times, but otherwise remained where she was.
âHi Copi,â he said, as he rose and approached her calmly. He stood next to her and gazed up at the tree house. He wondered again if Archer was up there. âIâm going to call for her, ok? Donât be alarmed,â he said to the rancor. She blinked at him.
âKebiiâtra! Itâs Mayday! Iâve come to apologise!" he shouted up into the limbs above.
He waited, watching for any sign of her, but the house remained silent and still. He was confident that, even if she were upset with him, she wouldnât ignore him calling her name. Next to him, Copi sat up and studied him curiously. He got the feeling that she was considering grabbing him, but was restraining herself.
Cautiously, he made his way over to the workshop again, and sat down against the exterior wall, keeping his awareness on Copi the entire time. He would wait here as long as he had to for Archer return. He would apologise and she would understand. He hoped.
An anxious sigh left him and he focused on Copi.  She was watching him closely, but seemed content that he didnât intend to leave the area as sheâd laid back down. She was definitely keeping an eye on him, too.Â
With nothing to do but wait, thoughts and questions about the events of the past 6 months circled through his head. He thought about what his purpose would be now that he was free from the Empire, and what it would be like to make a home in this place, amongst these capable Mandalorian people. There was so much possibility here, and he was ready to be part of it. He just needed to repair the rift with his Mandalorian.Â
 Fatigue soon caught up with him again, and he began dozing off. Just a few minutes, he told himself, sheâll be back soon and everything will be fine.
Light was peeking over the horizon with the approaching dawn as she returned home from her night flight.Â
Appropriate term, she thought. Sheâd literally fled from the medical lab. Like an ikâaad, she thought bitterly.Â
The hurt that had crashed over her when Mayday had demanded she leave him alone was more than she could conceal. No one had chased after her, and sheâd needed the time away from everyone to gain control of her emotions again. She didnât want them to feel sorry for her, and she didnât want to burden Choy with her failings.
Sheâd spent a couple hours hidden away in a peaceful spot and had calmed down, but even so she didnât plan on going back to the village to face them any time soon. She'd been so sure of herself, of him, but she should have left the force osik well-enough aloneâŚ
An icon in her HUD flickered to life, notifying her of an unexpected heat signature on the ground next to her workshop. She landed softly on the deck of her treetop home and flicked her rangefinder down, zooming in on the distant anomaly below. The dark shape slumped against the outer wall of her workshop resolved itself into the form of a fuzzy, sleeping, clone commander. Â
A warbling chirp from below had her looking back over the railing again at a very pleased-with-herself Copi. Had Copi snatched him and brought him here? She sighed. Sheâd have to wake him, apologise, and send him on his way back to the village. Great.
âTraitor!â she whispered loudly to the rancor. Copi rumbled and sauntered back into the forest, apparently satisfied that her job was done.Â
Taking her helmet off and setting it on the deck table, Archer glanced at the data pad that was still sitting there. There were a couple of missed notifications. She decided to take her armour off and get this awkward moment with Mayday over with before dealing with them, and finally getting some sleep.
She quickly changed into more casual clothing, and strapped her dual Westar-35s to her thighs. She descended to the ground in the turbolift, and felt her tension building again as it crept closer to the ground. Would he be even more angry this time?
She approached him cautiously. He appeared to be fully asleep. How long had Copi held him here? She was within a few paces of him when his eyes opened suddenly, and he rose to his feet, and focused on her with wide eyes.
âKebiiâtraâŚâ he breathed, his voice barely a whisper, âyouâre here.â He felt his heart pounding erratically. He had to get this right. âI came here to apologise to you.â
His eyes burned and he desperately wanted to take her in his arms and squeeze her tight, but she was regarding him with a guarded look, every line of her posture emphasizing the warrior that she was, even without her armour on. The ghost of hurt was lingering in her eyes. Â
âIâm sorry I shouted at you, I didnât mean any of that. I was angry and frightened⌠cold and⌠I didnât remember..â He trailed off before he recalled Choyâs advice. âIâm glad it was you who helped me remember.â
Her expression softened, just a bit. He took this as a good sign, so he forged on.
âI know I promised to contact you after 79âs, and Iâm sorry that I didnât.â His fingers found the beskar hanging around his neck, and he glanced down at it âI had this with me every day, and it kept me warm when things felt most cold.â He looked back up at her, âYou kept me warm, kept me going.â
Please understand, he thought. She was dear to him and the thought that he might lose her left him feeling colder than any mission on Barton IV ever had.
He reached into a pocket on his belt, and pulled out the slightly wilted-looking yellow flower. He felt a little deflated about the state of it, but he held it out in front of him in both hands nonetheless.
âYou came for me. Just like you said you would... you even brought Copi.â He looked down at the slightly sad flower. It was a little damaged, but still beautiful. âI can find you more flowers, if you want,â he began to ramble.
She still hadnât said anything. But she hadnât told him to leave, either. She hadnât called Copi to eat him, or blasted him. Was she sensing his thoughts, even now? He hoped so.
He tried to think about the close moments theyâd shared, about the way heâd felt when heâd had to leave her behind at Gar goth night, and about how even though he was made to forget, her karâta, her heart, had kept him warm everyday since then.
 Slowly, cautiously, he reached for her hand. Taking it gently in one of his, he quietly brought it to his face and softly pressed her palm to his cheek, his eyes searching hers for her reaction.
He saw her eyes widen and become briefly unfocused as her palm touched his skin. She took a shuddering breath, and met his gaze. He felt like she was looking into him, like she could really see him.
âMayday?â she whispered, raising her other hand to frame his face between her palms. Â
Relief and optimism flooded him at the sound of his name on her lips. Heâd only heard her call it once before - the moment sheâd summoned him, inadvertently, that night too long ago. He drew himself up and flashed her a confident, lopsided grin, âAt your service?â
âThere he is,â she said softly, a smile lighting her face, âThereâs my Alâverde.â
The tension between them evaporated like mist in the morning sun.Â
His grin widened, and he hummed, a mischievous look spreading across his face. In a swift motion he wrapped his arms around her waist, and, lifting her up against his chest he nuzzled his face into hers, tickling her with his bushy beard.Â
Her surprised gasp and bubbling, genuine laughter as she tried, half-heartedly, to push him and his fuzz away was music to his ears. The delighted sounds sent happiness coursing through his veins, and knowing that he was the source of that joy had his heart pounding again as heat bloomed in his cheeks.Â
 He set her back on her feet, but kept his arms around her. She looked up at him to find him gazing down at her with open adoration, before his eyes took on a look of intense focus, like he was trying to communicate something to her with his gaze.Â
Tentatively, remembering his earlier reaction to her mental intrusion, she extended her thoughts to him and brushed her consciousness delicately against his.Â
He felt warm and welcoming, like coming home to a mug of hot cocoa on a cold day, and he was thinking the same four Mandoâa words over and over in a loop.Â
She felt a tear squeeze itself out of the corner of her eye and roll slowly down her cheek. He swiped it away with a thumb, smiling softly. âI mean that.â
âI know,â she responded, feeling a little dazed. How did he seem to know all the right things to say?  Heâd completely overturned everything sheâd been thinking when sheâd returned, and had wordlessly reassured her that he accepted her completely. His emotions were undeniably genuine.Â
The contrast between how she was feeling now compared with just minutes ago couldn't have been bigger. She was glad they were alone here, because she felt like a lovesick foundling and she was certain Parja would enjoy the chance for friendly teasing.
It doesnât matter, she decided. This felt right, and she was going to embrace it fully.
âWhat are you thinking?â Mayday asked, noticing her brief distraction.
Her face heated a bit, and she looked up at him again. There was a trace of concern in his eyes. âJust that I missed your warmth and steady presence, and Iâm glad that youâre here and that you can make your own choices now, make your own life.â She paused, wondering if heâd thought about the future at all. âWhat do you want, Al'verde? What will make you happy?â
She hoped that, whatever it was, he wanted to include her.
âRight now?â he asked, tucking a loose strand of blue hair behind her ear along with the flower heâd been holding, still. âI want to kiss you.â
Her cheeks were surely about to combust. She smirked at him. âIs that so?â
âNothing would make me happier.â His eyes were pools of molten chocolate.
âThen kiss me, Mayday.â
He woke gently, feeling a deep peace and comfort that heâd never known before. The dappled afternoon sunlight warmed his bare skin, and the deep carpet of soft moss cradled him comfortably. Birds were singing in the boughs above the secluded little clearing where he lay, and the warm breeze sighing through the trees added to the soothing natural melody.Â
His precious Kebiiâtra lay asleep in his arms, and all the worry and sorrow from the hours and days before were as nothing. He curled around her, feeling content and protective. She was his, and he was hers, and this was paradise. For the moment, nothing else in the galaxy mattered.Â
A shadow crept over them, and he cracked an eye open to see the huge, toothy grin of one very smug-looking rancor looming above. Copi stared at him intently, and if he hadnât had her friend at his side, heâd have been a bit unnerved. He squeezed Archer a little bit closer to him, anyway. He had a feeling Copi was smarter than the average beast.
âShh, Copi,â he whispered, worried that sheâd make a noise and wake his exhausted verdâika.
âShe wants the food in your belt,â Archer mumbled sleepily into his chest.Â
Mayday reached behind them and groped for his discarded clothing. Finding his belt, he rummaged through the leather pocket until he found the foil-wrapped meat strips. He tossed them to Copi, who warbled happily and plopped herself down in a nearby patch of sun.
âI didnât mean to wake you,â he whispered to her, as he wrapped her back up in his embrace. She hummed contentedly and he felt pure contentment surround him.
Maker. He could lie here like this forever. Â
After a long moment though, she sighed. âI suppose we should comm Choy and the guys. Theyâre probably wondering if you got lost in the forest, or if I fed you to Copi.â
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and squeezed her closer. âYouâre still tired. Rest a little longer, they can wait.â
She smiled up at him then sat up, stretching. âIâll be ok, and thereâll be plenty of time to rest tonight.â She gave him a sly smile. âBesides, I need food, and perhaps a visit to the âfresher.â
Mayday chuckled, âWell I wonât let you starve on my watch!â He stood to gather their wayward clothing. âChoy did seem worried about you, but she tried to convince me to wait until morning to come find you.â
Archer frowned. She probably should have looked at the messages on her datapad earlier. She reflected that Choy probably felt a little badly over the whole misunderstanding, especially since sheâd hidden herself right after.
She furrowed her brow in guilt and released the mental shield sheâd held around herself. She allowed the joy and love she was feeling from Mayday, and a bit of remorse over her actions to fill that space and surround her.Â
There. Choy could probably feel that. She nudged against her distant presence, just to be sure, and mused for a moment about how easy it was, now, to feel the presence of the other woman, even though there was some distance between them. Curious.Â
Mayday pressed the bundle of their clothing into her lap, set the yellow flower on top, and stooped down to hoist her up into his arms. âBefore you worry about taking care of anyone else,â he said as he carried her towards the turbolift and the inviting treehouse above, âIâm going to take care of you.â
Choy floated in the lake and watched little fluffy clouds float across the afternoon sky. She had stopped searching in the force for Archer that morning. Maydayâs presence had been the only thing human that Choy could sense out there and as the day broke he had flared up with some big, passionate emotions and then just⌠vanished. Choy was puzzled about that but suspected that maybe the search for Archer was having a happy and private ending.Â
The unmistakable feeling of a mind nudged against hers, direct and intentional. Archer! Choy gave the feeling her full attention and felt a mixture of loving bliss and regret. She swam over to the shore and waved at Hexx and Veetch where they were collecting firewood along the treeline. They dropped their armfuls of wood and hustled over to her.
âI heard from Archer!â Choy exclaimed as they rushed down to her, concerned something was wrong. âSheâs good, everythingâs worked out!âÂ
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