#wbit

Nothing happened.

Thresh’s sword hovered inches from Quill’s neck, the Trandoshan clearly struggling to move his hand from where it was frozen in place.

“What -.” Fives gasped, looking around wildly. His eyes landed on Ju’Lah, her hand outstretched and face screwed up in concentration.

Quill was first to react.

He charged into Thresh, knocking him onto his back and forcing him to drop the sword. His hands were still bound behind his back, but that didn’t stop him from headbutting the Trandoshan, trying to push himself to his feet.

The other Trandoshans who had been gathered around Thresh charged at Quill, readying their weapons, but blaster-fire rang out once more through the clearing. You looked up to the rooftop again, finally recognizing the tip of a rifle poking out behind the cover of the trees near the building, and one by one, the Trandoshans began to fall as Crosshair took them out.

“Get to the tunnels!” Athena shouted at you and Ju’Lah, drawing her blaster. “It’s the two of you they want, you have to run!”

“Mama?” Kiran asked, tugging on her pantleg anxiously.

Fives and Echo ran past you, sprinting up the hillside towards Quill.

“Dogma,” Athena commanded, picking Kiran up and quickly passing him to the clone. “Get these three to the tunnels, they’ll be safest there.” Then, after a moment of hesitation, she added, “Stay with them, help protect the people below ground if it comes to that.”

“Yes ma’am.” Dogma nodded, holding out a hand to Ju’Lah. “Come on, quickly!”

You cried out again as the pain in your stomach became unbearable, your knees buckling underneath you as you fell to the ground.

“What happened?! Are you hit?” Dogma crouched beside you, but Ju’Lah pushed him out of the way, putting her hands flat against your belly.

“Something – something’s wrong.” You whimpered, clutching your stomach. “Something’s wrong.”

Ju’Lah pulled her hands back, a serious expression on her little face. “Can you walk?”

You shook your head, and Ju’Lah reached for Kiran instead.

“Dogma, you have to carry her. Let me take Kiran. Try to jostle her as little as possible.”

“What’s going on?” Dogma asked, but did as he was told.

“I think the baby is coming.”

“What?!” You managed tightly, gripping your stomach and groaning lowly. “Not now, not now, he can’t come now, it’s still way too early.”

“We have to get to Soteria in the tunnels.” Ju’Lah said.

A loud rumbling prevented your response, and you looked up just in time to see four large dropships soaring over the village.

“The Empire.” You whispered. “They’re here.”

Dogma moved first, carefully working his arms under you and grunting as he picked you up, cradling you as best he could against his chest. “Come on, everyone stay together.” He ordered. “Kid, with me, let’s move!”

“There’s an entrance to one of the tunnels inside the Command Center!” Ju’Lah shouted over the frightened screams of villagers as the Imperial ships landed. “Come on!”

Ju’Lah hoisted Kiran higher in her arms, holding him as steady as she could while Dogma carried you, and the four of you started towards the Command Center.

When you made it to the entrance, you could already see an ocean of white armor marching towards the village, and you glanced to Dogma, spotting the horror and fear in his eyes.

“Kriff,” he whispered. “Kriff, we’re all going to die.”

“Drop us off and then join the fight.” You ordered him. “Rex will – oh gods – Rex will need all the help he can get.” You winced mid-sentence, covering your stomach again.

Soteria was waiting just inside the tunnel’s entrance, her hands outstretched to catch you as Dogma lowered you down. “What’s happening?!”

“We think she’s in labor.” Dogma explained quickly, passing you down. “I’m going to join the others, stay underground!”

He left you with Soteria, who hoisted your arm over her shoulder and carefully guided you down into the tunnel, leading you deeper underground while Ju’Lah followed, carrying a sobbing Kiran in her arms.

“It’s okay, Kiran.” Ju’Lah tried to soothe him, setting him down and taking his hand instead. “Come on, just a little further.”

“We’re nearly to the bunkers.” Soteria called over her shoulder. “Just hang in there a bit longer.”

You could feel something hot running down your leg, and you whimpered softly, terror coursing through you as you gripped Soteria tightly. “No matter what, you get him out.” You told her, your voice shaking. “You save him no matter what, okay?”

“I’ll do everything I can -.”

“No, you promise me.” You grabbed her arm tighter, nails digging into her skin. “If it comes down to him or me, you save Calder. Promise me.”

Soteria hesitated, but she nodded. “I promise.”

You relaxed, but only slightly. Soteria pushed open the door to the bunker, ushering people out of the way as she led you to an isolated corner, tearing Rex’s cape from your shoulders and setting it aside, instead guiding you to one of the cots scattered throughout the room.

“Lie back.” She commanded, and Ju’Lah rushed over, helping to guide you down as she moved her hands quickly over your belly.

“I can sense him.” She reported. “He’s alive, but he’s distressed, something’s not right.”

“I need a scanner.” Soteria cursed under her breath, her head whipping around wildly until she spotted someone positioned near the entrance to the bunker. “Tech! Come here!”

“Captain Howzer is guarding the other entrance.” Tech reported as he jogged over with Omega on his heels. “I was told to wait here and -.” He cut himself off, dropping immediately to your other side and raking his eyes across your body, filtering in the data appearing on his visor. “Well. That’s a problem.”

“What is it?” Soteria demanded.

“It appears the placenta is becoming abrupted.” Tech replied.

“What – what does that mean?” You asked weakly.

“It means the fetus will soon be unable to get oxygen.” Tech replied, focused as ever as he removed his pack, fumbling around in it for a moment. “We will need to remove the fetus as quickly as possible for it to have any chance of survival.”

“I don’t have any supplies here, the best we’ve got is bacta and some bandages in the supply crates.” Soteria protested, and lowered her voice, whispering something frantic to Tech.

“What are you saying, talk to me!” You demanded, propping yourself up on your elbows, only to flatten on your back again as another wave of pain ripped through you. “Get him out!” You shouted, panic finally overtaking you. “He can’t breathe, get him out!”

“What can I do to help?” Omega asked, her expression determined.

“I’m going to need you to help me keep her still.” Soteria said. “And – and the storage crates, get as much bacta and bandages as you can. Quickly.”

“I can numb her pain, but I – I’m not strong enough to heal her if this goes wrong.” Ju’Lah warned. “I have to get my Buir, he can help better than me.”

“Go.” Soteria said at once. “Run. As fast as you can.”

Ju’Lah wasted no time, jumping to her feet and darting back out of the tunnels as fast as her legs could carry her.

“I know this is scary, but try to stay calm.” Soteria soothed, smoothing her hand along your forehead. “We’re going to get him out, okay? You’re already in labor, and Tech’s going to give you a stim shot to help speed things up. Just listen to your body and do what it tells you to do.”

You nodded, inhaling slowly and trying to quell the rising terror in your chest. “Rex doesn’t know.” You said quietly, your voice shaking again. “Kriff, he’s out there fighting, he doesn’t know. What if something happens to him? What if something happens to both of us?”

“You have to stay calm.” Soteria reminded you, brushing the backs of her knuckles lightly against your cheek. “It’ll be alright, deep breaths. When Gol’Chek comes, he can give us an update on Rex. I’m sure it’ll all be alright.”

Your mind was racing. What if you died? What if Rex was killed? Who would watch over your son?

You whimpered again as another wave of pain washed over you, and Tech pricked something into your neck while Soteria worked to disrobe you.

Above ground, several things were happening at once.

~

Rex raced through the village, shouting orders left and right as he went.

“Everyone get to the tunnels, quickly! If you can hold a weapon, prepare for invasion! Move, now!”

He drew his blasters, leaving the Darksaber untouched on his hip for now and turned his head towards the sky, the familiar whine of incoming ships drawing his attention as Gol’Chek sprinted to his side.

“There’s four of them.” Gol’Chek reported, breathless as the ships came in for a landing. “They’ve got to be loaded with Imperials.”

Both men ducked as the dropships began firing at the structures along the edge of the village, and Rex lifted his head, spotting three figures in the distance running for their lives from the fray down the side of the hill. One appeared to be a Nautolan.

“Rex, we won’t survive against that many troopers.” Gol’Chek told him, his voice grim. “Not unless I perform the Recitation.”

Rex’s head swum for a moment as he struggled to remember what that meant. He looked at Gol’Chek’s staff, at the inscription burned into the wood, and he remembered the conversation he’d overheard on the Cordillera many months ago.

“What’s it say?”

“It’s an ancient dialect of Cymruun, the Garbak language.” Ju’Lah answered before Gol’Chek could. “Unreadable to anyone but him, now. And he can’t say it aloud.”

“Why not?”

“Because it will kill him.” Ju’Lah gave Gol’Chek a sharp look. “Right? It’s a Recitation, isn’t it? You call upon the All-Mother when you read it but in exchange, she gets to take you back to the Pale with her.”

Rex shook his head. “No. No, not if it’ll kill you in the process.”

“We don’t have a choice.” Gol’Chek said forcefully. “The Recitation is for our darkest hour, and this is it. We aren’t strong enough to take them all, Rex.” He gripped his staff tighter. “I can.”

“Maybe we can’t take them alone, but with help, we stand a chance.” Rex said, quickly pressing buttons on his commlink as another explosion rocked the village. “Don’t do anything stupid.” He warned Gol’Chek, bringing the device to his lips.

“Wolffe, we’re under attack!” He began, throwing an arm over his head to defend himself as another explosion lit up one of the buildings nearby. “The Empire’s here, they’ve found us.”

He took a shuddering breath. “Listen, if you can’t help us, everyone here is going to die. All of us.” He flinched as the bombers swept through again, and a nearby home was obliterated. “Help us, Commander. You’re our only hope.”

“Everyone brace along the edge of the village, facing the dropships.” Gol’Chek ordered. “If we can hold them off, we can buy time for everyone else to get to the bunkers.”

“No, you need to get high, as high as you can.” Rex said.

Gol’Chek blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“Find high ground. Then get mad. Really mad.” Rex insisted. “You can make it storm, Gol’Chek. You can give us an advantage.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You didn’t realize it before?” Rex asked. “Gol’Chek, when you were on the roof after you found out about the baby, you were the one making it rain. You were the one summoning the thunder and lightning. It was all you. You have more power than you realize.” He put a hand on Gol’Chek’s shoulder. “Use it.”

“The fighters are assembling along the Northern perimeter.” Athena reported, skidding up to the group. “Hunter and Wrecker are leading one team to the West, and Dogma’s got another group to the East. We need our flanks covered, and Rex, you should take the lead in the northern quarter.”

Rex turned to Gol’Chek. “We need you behind us.” He said. “Give it everything you’ve got.”

Gol’Chek hesitated, but nodded quickly, gripping his staff tighter and about-facing, running for the hills.

“Where are the others?” Rex asked.

“Howzer and Tech are below ground, helping protect the civilians. I haven’t seen Fives, Quill, or Echo.” Athena’s voice shook slightly at that, but she cleared her throat quickly. “Your wife is safe.”

Rex relaxed, but only marginally. “We need to find the others as fast as we can. If you find Echo, send him to the Eastern corner with Dogma, Fives and Quill can brace the inner village in case they get through our lines of defense. Athena, you’re with me.” He nodded. “Let’s move!”

Everyone split off, and Rex looked to the sky again. A single fighter flew overhead, landing far away from the Empire’s troops and out of Rex’s sight.

“Who’s that?” Athena asked, jogging alongside him.

“I don’t know, but let’s hope it’s a friend.” Rex muttered. “Go, quickly!”

~

Fives sprinted across the clearing, drawing his blaster as he moved and firing on the first Trandoshan to turn his way. Echo was hot on his heels.

Blaster fire from Crosshair’s rifle sailed over his head, blasting Trandoshans away from Quill as they tried to attack him, and Fives prayed to whatever gods were listening that his aim was true, and a stray bolt wouldn’t hit Quill.

He threw himself onto the back of one of the Trandoshans attacking Quill, and the Trandoshan roared, throwing his head back and snapping his jaws at Fives. Fives grit his teeth, pulling the knife Quill had given him from its sheath and stabbing the Trandoshan through the neck, felling it at once.

Echo raced up behind him, firing hard onto the remaining Trandoshans as Fives attacked the second one that was after Quill, driving the blade first through its ribs and then again through the neck, dropping it just as he had dropped the first one.

“Quill!”

“I’m alright.” Quill sat up, his cheek bruised and nose bloodied from where he’d been hit, but seemed otherwise unharmed. “Quickly, untie me.”

Fives went around behind him, using the blade to free Quill from his bindings, and as soon as the Nautolan was free, Fives threw his arms around him.

“Fuck, fuck I thought I lost you.” He whispered breathlessly, balling his fists up in the fabric of Quill’s shirt.

“I’m alright, little one.” Quill promised, wrapping his tendrils reassuringly around Fives. “I’m alright.”

“Where is he?” Fives demanded, pulling back at last and looking around for Thresh. “I’ll kill the shabuir myself, where is he?!”

He turned, starting to stalk towards the ship where he assumed Thresh had run and hid, but Quill grabbed his arm.

“Fives, leave him, we have to go, and we have to go now.”

He pointed up, and Fives saw the four dropships coming down for a landing in the very field they occupied.

“Oh skrag. Run!”

He took off again with Quill and Echo right behind him, and one of the dropships open fired, cannon fire exploding through the field around and behind them, kicking up dirt and debris as they ran.

“Hurry!” Echo shouted, ducking his head around the cannon fire.

They ran into the village, cannon fire following them and blowing through the nearby buildings as they ran, with Quill finally grabbing Fives and ducking in cover as Echo lunged behind one of the stone buildings, covering his head and rolling into cover.

“Osik!” Fives ducked his head as the building beside theirs blew to smithereens, debris flying through the village.

The dropships had surrounded the village, and the cannon fire blessedly stopped only to be replaced by the march of several platoons of soldiers, all in the frighteningly white uniformity of the clones.

“Gods, we’re outnumbered.” Fives whispered to Quill, peeking his head around the building. “We’re way outnumbered, ten to one at least.”

He turned to Quill. “We can’t fight them all.”

Another starfighter flew low overhead, landing on the opposite side of the village, but none of the men noticed.

“We need to make a break for it.” Echo called across the street. “They’ve stopped firing to assemble, they’re surrounding the village on all sides. They’ll begin the march any moment.”

“Fives, Fives do you copy?”

“I’m here, Captain.” Fives sighed in relief, lifting his comm and peeking out around the building again. “We’re pinned down in the town center. I’m with Echo and Quill.”

“Send Echo to the East, we need more men on that side. You and Quill get whoever’s left and brace the inner village. We can’t let them breach the tunnels.”

“Copy that, we’re on the move.” He paused, noticing a figure dressed in black slowly walking towards the village. “Who’s that?”

Quill turned his head, looking to where Fives was. “That isn’t one of ours. Is he one of theirs?” He asked, jerking his head to where the troopers were beginning to march on the village.

“I don’t know.” Fives said, staying crouched low. “Echo, get to the Eastern perimeter, they need backup over there.”

Echo nodded, taking off towards the east while Fives turned to Quill. “You ready for this?”

Quill grinned, nodding once. “I think it’s good luck to go to war with your fiancé.” He teased. Then, in a more serious voice, he added, “They took my blasters, do you have an extra?”

Fives chuckled, drawing a blaster pistol and passing it to Quill. “Where would you be without me?”

Quill smirked. “Perhaps now is finally your chance to actually save my life, trooper, instead of me saving yours…” he tapped his forehead against Fives’. “… twice.”

“You’ll never let me live that down, will you?” Fives grinned.

“Not as long as I live.”

Fives rolled his eyes, and turned back towards the battlefield, his smile fading at once. “They’re coming.” His hand found Quill’s, and the two men waited side by side for the end to come.

~

When Ju’Lah reemerged from the tunnels, an all-out war had taken over the village. Bodies of rebels and stormtroopers alike were strewn about across the streets, and blaster fire rang out all around her. She could hear the whine of comm chatter droning from one of the fallen rebel’s commlinks, and she snatched it quickly, listening as she ran.

“They’ve broken through the Eastern defenses, fall back! Fall back!”

“They’re inside the village, they’ve flanked around the sides. They’re coming inward!”

“Fives, Quill, brace yourselves and whatever fighters you can arm, they’re coming toward you!”

Ju’Lah ran towards the heart of the village, where she knew most of the fighting was, and took to the rooftops, scampering across them as quickly as possible and watching the fighting below.

Across the village, away from the worst of the fighting, Thresh stepped over the bodies of fallen warriors and stormtroopers alike, the Command Center looming proudly ahead of him. He could smell blood, could taste it in the air, feel it beating through the thready pulse of the one survivor, the last man standing who had been trying to guard the entrance to the tunnels that lay hidden in the Command Center.

Thresh sighed as Howzer’s fingers twitched, reaching futilely for his blaster, and he raised his foot, stepping on the man’s wrist as the clone gasped, choking on his own breath in his cry of pain.

“You’re beaten, young man.” Thresh cooed, leaning down slightly. “Why do you still fight?”

The two Trandoshans flanking Thresh chuckled, watching as their leader sighed again. He kicked the blaster away from Howzer’s hand, instead dropping his foot to the soldier’s bloody chest plate and pressing down. “Tell me how to get inside.”

Howzer scowled, blood dribbling down from the corners of his mouth. “I won’t – talk – to scum like you.” He wheezed, glaring up at the Trandoshan with as much fire behind his eyes as he could manage.

The Trandoshan hummed, drawing his blaster from its holster. “Pity.”

A single blaster shot rang out, and the Trandoshan to Thresh’s right fell. Another shot, and the one to his left fell before he could even look over his shoulder. Below him, Howzer wheezed.

Thresh smiled to himself, slowly raising his hands and turning around. “I was wondering when you might catch up to me.”

Rex stared him down, his blaster aimed directly at the Trandoshan.

“You’re a man of honor, Captain. I could tell that about you even then, when you were at my fortress.” Thresh continued, taking his foot off Howzer’s chest and stepping towards Rex. “You kill only out of necessity. You wouldn’t kill an unarmed man.”

Rex lowered his blaster, but only slightly, and the Trandoshan smiled.

“Or maybe you just want to make it hurt.” He hissed. “Maybe you aren’t such a good man after all. Maybe, after all this talk about the things I want to do to your woman, to your child, maybe I’ve struck a nerve in you, hmm?”

He lowered his hands, instead reaching for his belt and withdrawing his sword, the very one he’d held to Quill’s neck back in the clearing. It crackled to life, and Thresh stared Rex down. “Let this end in honor, Captain.” He called. “Let this end in blood.”

Rex lowered his blaster, holstering it and instead withdrawing the Darksaber. He ignited it, gripping the hilt tightly in both hands as Thresh pulled his lips back from his teeth, a sinister sneer creeping across his expression. Rex tightened his grip. Exhaled.

Thresh charged first.

As two blades clashed in front of the Command Center, the edges of the village were being overrun, falling back further and further into the cover of the village only to become more cornered than before.

“Fall back!” Athena screamed, waving her blaster in the air to signal the others. “FALL BACK!”

Fives and Quill ran further back into the village, with Athena and Echo behind them. Dogma was limping, half-leaning against Wrecker while Hunter covered them as the remaining rebels fought for their lives. Ju’Lah dropped down into the center of the fighting, igniting her lightsaber and striking down as many stormtroopers as she could before falling back with the rest of the group.

“We’re pinned!” Athena shouted into the comms. “Rex, where are you?! REX!”

“We have to fall further back into the village, there’s still some buildings standing that can give us cover!” Fives shouted over the chaos. “We’re too exposed out here!”

“Keep firing, and keep moving backwards!” Athena roared, firing her blaster once into the air and waving everyone backwards. “EVERYONE BACK! INTO THE VILLAGE, QUICKLY!”

Wrecker yelled as he threw a smoke grenade, temporarily granting them some cover as they started to run deeper into the village.

A red blade lit up in the center of the smoke. A second protruded behind it.

The stormtroopers howled as they were cut down one by one, the blade whipping mercilessly through the smoke. Finally, the smoke cleared, and a figure approached.

It wasn’t the same Zabrak who had raided her village those years ago, slaughtering her family and friends, burning her village and leaving her and Gol’Chek for dead. But Ju’Lah knew him. Her visions, the stories of Rex and his brothers who fought the monster and survived, all of it, it all pointed to him.

“I’ve been looking for you for a long time, girl.” He hissed, yellow eyes cutting through the rebels and landing straight on Ju’Lah. “It is good to finally meet, Garbak.”

Maul.

Ju’Lah was frozen. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t breathe. For the second time in her life, Ju’Lah faced down a Zabrak, only this time, her Buir wasn’t there to save her.

Fives didn’t hesitate.

He grabbed Ju’Lah between one breath and the next, sprinting in the opposite direction as fast as he could while the others scattered, open firing on the Sith Lord as they ran.

“Shit! Fall back!” Athena shouted again, and Ju’Lah heard her scream somewhere behind her while Fives continued to run.

Fives didn’t make it far, the sounds of Maul storming after them, and the carnage he left in his wake, following them as he ducked into an alleyway, setting Ju’Lah down and crouching in front of her.

“Look at me.” Fives gripped her arms tightly, forcing her to look him in the eye. “You go, you understand me? You run, right now, as fast as you can. Get to the tunnels and don’t look back, okay?” He shifted his grip to cup her cheeks. “Don’t look back, just run.”

“I’m not leaving you!”

“You have to.” An explosion rocked them both for a moment, and Fives pulled her close, hugging her so tight that she thought her bones may break.

When he released her, he cupped her cheeks again, brushing quickly at her tears. She hadn’t realized she’d been crying.

“You run.” Fives said firmly, his voice breaking on the word. “You run as fast as you can, Ju’Lah. Don’t look back.”

Ju’Lah nodded, and Fives pressed his forehead quickly against hers. “I’ll come find you when it’s over, I promise.”

Blaster fire sailed over their heads, and Fives pushed Ju’Lah behind him, shielding her as he fired back on the incoming stormtroopers. “Go!”

Ju’Lah obeyed, running as fast as her legs could carry her while Fives straightened up, raising his blaster and preparing himself to buy as much time for Ju’Lah as he could.

Back in front of the Command Center, Rex’s blade clashed with Thresh’s, the electricity crackling from Thresh’s sword and threatening to sear Rex’s skin as the clone twisted away, swinging back around to bring his blade low, only to be blocked again.

“I didn’t realize clones were trained swordsmen as well, Captain!” Thresh called as he brought his blade down hard twice in a row. “Or have you been practicing in my absence? My employer would be impressed, perhaps you’d even stand a chance against him now.”

Rex grunted, breaking the lock on their swords and stepping back, pointing the tip of his saber at Thresh. “Who is he? Your employer, what does he want with Ju’Lah?”

Thresh only sneered, forked tongue gliding across razor sharp teeth. “You’ll have to kill me to get that from me, boy.”

Thresh leapt forward again, swinging the blade towards Rex’s torso and narrowly missing as Rex jumped backwards, swinging the Darksaber forward again and slashing at Thresh’s arms. The Trandoshan snarled, locking their blades together and pushing Rex backwards, the smaller man straining to stay upright.

Again, Rex broke their lock, and Thresh stumbled, giving Rex the opportunity to swing the blade towards his back, narrowly missing as Thresh blocked, and Thresh cackled.

“You think you can beat him? You think you can protect the girl from him?” He demanded. “Look around you: The Empire will wipe you out, and when all that’s left is the girl, I’ll take her back to my employer, and I will be well-rewarded.” He grinned again. “And your wife, your sweet little baby, they’ll be mine.”

Rex roared, surging forward and swung three times, hammering his blade down towards Thresh and cracking it against the other man’s blade in rapid succession. Rex felt the blade begin to give, and he pressed forward, locking their blades once more and pushing back against Thresh.

“You… will never… come near my family.”

He twisted the Darksaber upwards, cutting Thresh’s blade cleanly in two as the hilt split down the middle, and Thresh cried out, falling backwards and grabbing his wrist. Rex panted, standing over the fallen Trandoshan and raising his sword again even as Thresh scooted backwards, one hand raised in surrender.

“Please.” Thresh began as Rex stepped forward. “Please, I – I was only working under Maul’s orders, he just wanted the girl. I’ll leave you in peace, I swear.”

“Maul? He’s your employer?” Rex shoved the Darksaber towards him again. “Tell me what he wants with Ju’Lah.”

“He – He thinks she’s powerful. More powerful than even him. He wants to make her his.” Thresh gasped, scrambling backwards again.

“What does that mean?” Rex demanded. “Answer me!”

“I don’t know!” Thresh wailed. “I don’t know, he just told me to bring him the girl, and if – if I couldn’t, he’d come get her himself.”

Rex’s heart thudded in his chest. “Maul’s coming here?”

Thresh whimpered, and raised his hands. “I’m just a man. It’s Maul you really want. I’m just a man.”

Rex snarled. “You’re a dead man.”

Rex brought the Darksaber down, cleanly severing Thresh’s head from his shoulders in one fell swoop.

He turned quickly, racing over to Howzer and dropping down beside him. “Can you move?”

Howzer was trembling all over, his color draining as he wheezed again. “Think – think I’m out of the fight, Captain.”

“Not yet you aren’t, come on, get up, we can get you back to the tunnels, we can -.”

Howzer tightened his grip on Rex, looking the other Captain in the eye.

“Get to the kid.” Howzer wheezed. “Maul… he’s after the kid. That’s – that’s what the lizard said, yeah? Get to the kid.” He whimpered slightly, squeezing his eyes shut as blood spattered across his lips. “Protect the kid.”

Howzer slumped backwards, his eyes open and unseeing as the breath left him, and Rex grit his teeth, grabbing the Darksaber tighter in hand as he brushed his fingers over Howzer’s cheek.

Maul. Maul was after Ju’Lah. Maul was coming here.

Rex’s jaw set, and he rose to his feet, turning and taking off once more.

~

Fives gasped as Maul flung him against the wall, the wind knocked out of him only to be cut off again as the Force choked him, Maul dragging him upright and keeping him pinned against the wall.

“Where is she?” He demanded, his fingers curling as the invisible cord tightened around Fives’ throat. Fives didn’t answer, his hands pawing uselessly at his throat as Maul growled, throwing him into the opposite wall instead and letting him crumble. Fives felt his bones break, black spots swimming in his vision as Maul scooped him up with the Force once more, dragging him upwards until he was several feet off the ground.

“I won’t ask again.” Maul warned, fingers tightening again. “Where. Is. The Girl?”

Fives answered with a wheeze. “Fuck you.”

Maul threw him again, headfirst this time, and Fives cracked his skull against the wall of the alleyway, landing in a heap on the ground as Maul stalked down the direction Ju’Lah had ran.

Back in the village, Ju’Lah kept running, rounding a corner and running straight into a squad of Stormtroopers. She gasped, stumbling backwards and quickly drawing her lightsaber.

“It’s a Jedi!” One shouted. “Blast her!”

Ju’Lah leapt upwards, scampering up the nearest building and running from rooftop to rooftop instead, deflecting blaster bolts as best she could.

She dropped low to the ground again, trying to sense her Buir through the carnage and find him. There was too much chaos, too much bloodshed and pain and suffering, she couldn’t find him through all the distractions. She had to get to him, had to bring him back to the tunnels or else –.

Blaster fire erupted behind her again as the stormtroopers caught up, and she ran once more, weaving between houses even as cannon fire from the dropships blew them up around her. She screamed, ducking around debris and narrowly missing being crushed as a house came down right beside her, and she stumbled, falling hard to the street, and knocking her lightsaber from her hand.

“It’s over, Jedi.” One of the stormtroopers barked out. “On my count!”

Ju’Lah reached out with the Force, calling her lightsaber back to her hand as she tried to stand, but she was too slow. She heard blaster fire, and when she turned around, the leader of the squad was dead.

“What the –?!” The stormtroopers turned, looking for the source of the bolts.

More blaster fire, and Ju’Lah saw a single bolt flip through several reflectors lined up on the walls of the remaining houses, each one striking through the remaining troopers with mathematical precision.

Crosshair stepped out of an alleyway, calmly collecting his reflectors from the trap he’d lain, inclining his gray helmeted head towards Ju’Lah.

“You shouldn’t be out here, Jedi.” He said, his voice dark and garbled within the helmet.

“I’m no Jedi.”

Crosshair chuckled, lifting his rifle. “Doesn’t look that way from where I’m standing.”

He jerked his rifle up, firing a shot directly over Ju’Lah’s head and blasting another trooper who’d just rounded the corner.

“Well?” Crosshair prompted. “Are you going to sit there until they eventually catch you, or are you going to come with me?”

Before Ju’Lah could speak, Crosshair continued.

“There’s an entrance to one of those tunnels not far from here. I’ve been firing on anyone who gets too close.” He drawled. “I would suggest you do what little creatures like you do best and… scuttle.”

“I need to find my Buir. It’s an emergency.”

“How touching.” He simpered. “Regrettably, I haven’t seen anything else that looks quite like you.” He jerked his rifle towards her massive ears. “A target that size wouldn’t slip by me that easily.”

“He’s a clone, his name is Gol’Chek.” Ju’Lah snapped. “He’s the man who rescued you.”

She could practically feel Crosshair’s scowl. “Then I guess this incident makes us even.” He replied. He jerked his head behind him. “I heard over the comms they were sending him to protect the southern border. I imagine that’s where you’ll find him… if they haven’t already destroyed it by now.”

Ju’Lah started to run past him, but Crosshair grabbed her roughly by the tunic, holding her in place for a beat. He shoved a small pistol into her hand.

“Don’t let them know what you are.” He warned. “Keep that thing sheathed unless you need it. Use this instead.”

“I’m no Jedi.” Ju’Lah bit back.

Crosshair chuckled, and repeated himself. “Not from where I’m standing.”

Ju’Lah took the pistol anyway, taking off towards the southern border of the village.

“Hey, hey Fives, come on, brother. Come on. Wake up. Please wake up. Wake up!”

Fives peeled his eyes open, the world tinted red from all the blood in his eyes. He blinked, trying to clear them, and a rough hand scrubbed over his face, clearing away some of the crusted-over blood.

“Look at me.” Echo’s voice rang through his head – damn, he had a headache, the mother of all headaches, in fact – and he felt two hands on his cheeks, squishing them tightly so his lips puckered up. “Eyes on me.”

He forced his eyes open again, suddenly aware of the white-hot agony rushing through his body. He made a soft sound, and Echo shushed him.

“Easy, easy, your leg’s broken, and I’d guess your ribs are shattered too from the looks of you.” Echo said. “Easy, we’re gonna get you underground. C’mon.”

“Ju’Lah.” Fives wheezed as Echo grabbed one of his arms, slinging it over his shoulder and hoisting him up. “He’s after Ju’Lah.”

“I know, we’re going after him, but we’ve gotta get you to safety first.” Echo continued. Distantly, Fives became aware of blaster fire, and could make out someone tall shooting out the sides of the alleyway.

“Is he alright?!” Quill’s voice demanded over the blaster fire. “Is he alive?!”

“He’s hurt, he needs help.” Echo called back, half-carrying Fives and coming up to Quill’s side. “You’ll have to cover us, he can’t walk on his own.”

Quill nodded, glancing over his shoulder at Fives and huffing a soft laugh. “This counts as one.”

“One what?” Fives mumbled, his head lolling against Echo’s shoulder as the wound on his scalp continued to bleed.

“One time I’ve saved your life today.” Quill replied with a small smirk. “My jacket looks good on you, by the way. Apart from the fact that you’re getting blood all over it.”

Fives huffed. “Could’a saved me sooner.” He grumbled. “Wouldn’t be so much blood.”

Quill only chuckled, firing back out into the alley again and turning over his shoulder to Fives and Echo. “Alright, we’re clear, we need to move.”

Ju’Lah didn’t make it far.

She made it to the town square, skidding to a halt in the open courtyard, her ears pricking up as she picked up sound directly ahead.

Once more, Maul stepped out of the shadows, crossing directly in front of her and blocking her path.

“Your friends are distracted with the soldiers.” Maul mused. “There is no one to interrupt us, now.”

Ju’Lah squared her shoulders, one hand on her lightsaber on her belt. “You’re the one who’s been hunting me.” She accused. “The bounties, Thresh’s mystery employer, all of it, it’s been you. Why?”

“I’d heard stories about your kind. Fables, really.” Maul said, walking in a slow circle while Ju’Lah circled him as well, keeping her hand on her blade. “Legends about Force-sensitive beings who the Sith believed posed a threat. So they wiped them out.”

Around them, it had begun to rain.

Maul bared his teeth, jagged points of yellow and black that made Ju’Lah’s stomach turn. “They sent my brother to eradicate your people, but he failed.” He inhaled slowly, spreading his arms towards her. “You survived. A child, the only survivor of such divine carnage. It was fate, destiny, that brought us together.”

“Your brother was a monster.” Ju’Lah bit back. “And so are you.”

“I am nothing like my brother.” Maul assured, taking a step towards Ju’Lah, and she drew her lightsaber at once, igniting it and pointing it squarely at Maul’s chest.

“Stay back!” She warned.

“Child, you misunderstand my intentions.” Maul replied. “I am not here to kill you. I wish to train you.”

Ju’Lah startled. “What?”

“A child with your power, your gifts,” he hissed. “Under my guidance, you could become one of the most powerful warriors the galaxy has ever known. Together, we could defeat the Empire, restore order to the Galaxy once and for all. Together, we could rule.”

Overhead, thunder began to rumble, dark clouds rolling in from the hillsides as the rain grew in intensity.

“You fear for your friends.” Maul mused, calling to her over the drone of the rain. “I have come here to aid you, child. I have struck down your invaders, and I will continue to fight them, to spare the ones you love. You need only join me.” He extended his hand. “Take my hand, apprentice.”

Ju’Lah stood her ground. “Never.”

Maul snarled. “You will come willingly, or you will come in pieces.” He warned. “And all your friends will die.”

Thunder boomed again, and Ju’Lah raised her voice.

“Your brother couldn’t kill my father. He was too powerful, and your brother was too weak.” She called to Maul across the courtyard. “Tell me, do you know what thunder means?”

Maul bared his teeth, but didn’t answer. Ju’Lah crouched low.

“It means my father is coming, so you better run.”

She grinned. “My father is what blooms in thunder.”

Ju’Lah leapt backwards as lightning shattered through the center of the courtyard, sending Maul flying back several feet. To the left, Gol’Chek stormed into the courtyard, radiating righteous fury as he gripped his staff tightly in one hand, slamming it against the ground and summoning another bolt of lightning, crashing into the earth near where Maul had landed.

The Sith Lord rose to his feet again, igniting his lightsaber and staring Gol’Chek down. “You are a clone.” He chuckled, looking Gol’Chek up and down. “I have slaughtered many men like you.”

“There are no men like me.”

Lightning crackled overhead as Gol’Chek sprinted forward, meeting Maul in the middle as staff clashed against blade, and the two men began to duel.

“The tunnels aren’t far from here.” Echo said, hoisting Fives a little higher as he half-dragged him through the clearing. “Fuck, is anyone still alive?”

“As soon as we get Fives underground, I’ll search for survivors.” Quill replied, looking around a corner before motioning Echo to follow.

“No offense, but you’re too big of a target to be skulking around looking for the rest of our people.” Echo said. “I’ll come back to the surface. Besides, Fives needs you.”

“He needs his brother.” Quill said sharply, glancing at Echo over his shoulder.

“Fives needs everyone to shut the fuck up.” Fives said, fumbling for his holster. “Where’s my karkin’ blaster?”

“You can’t even stand, what makes you think you can fight?” Echo asked, swatting at Fives’ hand and hauling him further over his shoulder to better support his weight. “Just focus on not bleeding out before we get you to the medics, will you?”

“Nobody’s answering their comms.” Quill said, his back pressed against a wall as he peeked around another corner. “Athena, Rex, Gol’Chek, Hunter, all the others, everyone’s gone quiet.”

“Maybe they’ve already made it underground.” Fives gritted out, spitting a bit of blood onto the ground as he spoke.

Echo shook his head. “Or maybe we’re the only ones left.”

Blaster fire surged around them, and all three men ducked behind debris once more as stormtroopers raced towards them from the opposite end of the street.

“Kriff, we’re pinned down!” Echo shouted, setting Fives down and poking his head above cover to return fire briefly. “Shit, there’s a whole kriffing platoon of ‘em!” He looked to Quill. “There’s too many, we have to run!”

“We can’t, Fives needs the medics.” Quill barked back. “Can’t imagine things are any better elsewhere. This is our shot.” He jerked his head to the left. “There’s a secret back entrance to the Command Center through that building. If we can get through the passageway, it’ll spit us out right in Athena’s office. We get to the control room from there, and we’ll find the entrance to the tunnels.”

“We can’t just make a run for it!” Echo shouted back, raising above cover to fire back a few more rounds before dropping down again. “They’ll kill us the second we step out of cover!”

“Echo’s right, and I’ll just slow you down.” Fives grunted, trying to push himself upright again. “We have – augh – we have to go back.”

“We can try to outflank them.” Echo tried.

“There are more coming up behind us.” Quill said sharply, peering back down the alley they’d run from, his tendrils flicking as he tasted the air around him. “This is our one chance. We take this, or we die.”

“We can’t.” Echo insisted. “We’ll never make it over there alive.”

Quill and Echo looked at one another. Both men seemed to reach the same conclusion, because Quill nodded at once, and pulled the other blaster from Echo’s hands, giving himself twice the firepower.

“You go on my signal.” Quill told him.

“What?” Fives wiped the blood from his eyes, peering up at Quill again. “What – what’re you doing?”

Quill grabbed Fives roughly by the cheeks, kissing him with all the passion he could manage. When he pulled away again, he grinned, teeth smeared slightly with Fives’ blood, and uttered only three words.

“Saved you twice.”

He turned to Echo. “NOW!”

Fives’ brain was moving too slowly. By the time his thoughts caught up with him, and he comprehended what Quill was doing, Echo was already halfway across the street with Fives thrown over his shoulder.

Back in the courtyard, Maul drove Gol’Chek backwards, forcing their weapons together as he bared down on him.

“You lost once against my brother, and I am far more powerful than he.” Maul sneered as their weapons locked. “What makes you think a clone could possibly defeat me?”

Gol’Chek ignored him, breaking their lock and swinging the staff around wide, aiming for Maul’s legs. Maul blocked, bringing the back end of his own blade around to swipe at Gol’Chek’s stomach. He dodged, jumping backwards and swung his staff down once more.

Ju’Lah stood several feet away, her lightsaber still ignited, hesitating near the edge of the courtyard. You still needed help back in the tunnels, and if Gol’Chek was preoccupied with Maul, she could be your only hope.

But she couldn’t abandon her Buir either.

The staff clashed with blade again, and Gol’Chek bared his teeth at the Zabrak, twisting out of the lock and flying backwards to dodge a counterstrike by Maul.

Ju’Lah surged forward, diving low while Gol’Chek attacked from up high, and Maul struggled to block both attacks at once. Ju’Lah was small and quick, and circled around behind him, forcing him to block and leaving him open to an attack from Gol’Chek in the front. Gol’Chek swung his staff around, striking Maul square in the chest with the blunt end before the Zabrak could twist away again.

Maul snarled, roaring as he lunged for Ju’Lah, and Gol’Chek threw his staff, planting it firmly in Maul’s path as lightning crackled from the sky and down through the staff, launching out towards Maul and sending him flying the opposite direction.

Gol’Chek called the staff back to his hand, and pointed it at Maul. “You stay away from her.” He growled.

“She will be mine,” Maul hissed, rising to his feet again. “One way or another.”

Gol’Chek squared himself firmly in front of Ju’Lah. “Over my dead body.”

Maul grinned. “So be it.”

“Go!” Gol’Chek shouted over his shoulder to Ju’Lah, blocking Maul as the Sith charged forward once again.

“I’m not leaving you!” Ju’Lah yelled back, diving forward again to strike at Maul’s legs while Gol’Chek went high, but Maul was prepared for the maneuver this time, and dropped his blade, instead using the Force to grab both Gol’Chek and Ju’Lah by the throat, dragging them upwards as they struggled. He flung them both into buildings on opposite sides of the courtyard. Gol’Chek caught himself, landing in a crouch and recalling his staff to his hands once more. Ju’Lah, however, cracked her head against the stone of the building and crumbled to the ground, her lightsaber falling from her hand.

Fives could hear his own heart beating in his ears. He could feel the ooze of the blood dripping down the sides of his face and blinding him as it fell in his eyes. He could feel his fingers in Echo’s shirt, could feel the strain of his body as he twisted backwards, tried to break free, to run back to Quill, but it was to no avail. Echo surged forward, dragging his injured brother along behind him.

Quill stood in the center of the carnage, a blaster in each hand as he fired on the stormtroopers moving to surround him. One moment he was there, a cyclone of blue and yellow, tendrils whipping with every turn of his head towards the invaders, and the next he was obscured by the wall of white armor bearing down on him.

Sound returned, time caught up, and Fives felt cool air woosh across his face as he and Echo crossed the threshold of the building, sprinting for the passageway.

“We have to go back!” Fives shouted, still futilely struggling to turn around in Echo’s grip. “Echo, they’ll kill him, we have to go BACK!”

“Stop fighting me and I’ll go back for him as soon as we get you somewhere safe!” Echo argued, hauling Fives forward again.

There was a loud whistling sound overhead, and Fives looked up, peering through the skylights on the roof of the building. He could do nothing but watch as the Imperial dropship above them fired down into the city, and he clung to his brother as fire rained down from the heavens upon them.

“Ju’Lah!” Gol’Chek turned towards her, but the child did not move. During his moment of distraction, Maul struck, catching him off guard and knocking the staff from his hands. Gol’Chek took several quick steps back, trying to dodge the swings of Maul’s blade as he called his staff back into his hand.

He managed to block Maul’s downswing just in the nick of time, and shouted Ju’Lah’s name over his shoulder once more.

“Enough of this!” Maul roared, using the Force to once again push Gol’Chek backwards. The warrior stumbled but caught himself, returning Maul’s push in kind with one of his own. The two men faced one another, each pushing with all their might against the other until they broke apart, both flying apart in opposite directions. Maul recovered first, lunging for his blade while Gol’Chek scrambled for the staff. Maul dove forward, swinging the blade down hard towards Gol’Chek’s exposed chest, and the warrior stopped it, but only barely as the Zabrak bared down harder upon him.

“You… are… beaten.” The Zabrak seethed, pushing down even harder until the red of his blade crackled only inches from Gol’Chek’s face. “Surrender, or die.”

Gol’Chek pushed back with all his strength, managing to get Maul off him only for the Sith to grab him with the Force once more, sending him sailing back into the wall and slumping down to the ground, his staff clattering from his grip.

Maul stepped closer, letting his own blade hang loosely at his side as he outstretched his free hand. “I tried to warn you, clone.” Maul hissed. “Now, you too will die.”

He summoned Gol’Chek’s staff, and the weapon flew gracefully from the ground towards Maul, only to be caught with the slap of palm meeting wood as a hand shot out to catch it.

Rex squared his shoulders, crossing the Darksaber over Gol’Chek’s staff as he stood between the fallen warrior and Maul.

“Sorry,” he called. “There’s still one more person you have to get through if you want the kid.”

Maul sneered, his eyes flickering to the Darksaber. “That does not belong to you.”

“If you want it back,” Rex growled. “You’ll have to come and get it.”

“I grow tired of these games.” Maul replied, rolling his head lazily. “I will make your death swift.”

Maul raced forward, and Rex crossed the staff and Darksaber in front of him in a block, twisting away from the red blade and striking down with the Darksaber while jabbing upwards with sharp end of the staff.

Behind him, Gol’Chek pushed himself back to his feet, running back towards the fighting. “Rex!”

Rex spun, tossing the staff into the air in time for Gol’Chek to catch it, and Gol’Chek soared downwards to strike Maul from above while Rex swiped low at his legs.

Below ground, you screamed in agony.

“Where is Ju’Lah and Gol’Chek?” Tech said over your shouts while Omega worked to hold your shoulders back.

“I don’t know, they should’ve been back by now!” Soteria shouted back.

“We aren’t left with much of a choice, we’re going to lose both mother and child if we don’t deliver soon.” Tech warned. “I’m starting the procedure now.”

“No, there’s nobody here to heal her if we do something wrong!” Soteria protested. “We have to wait for Gol’Chek!”

“There’s no time!” Tech snapped back, his composure slipping slightly. “We have a shot at saving them both, but every minute we wait, that’s one more minute the fetus goes without oxygen.”

“Get him out!” You shouted, grabbing ahold of Soteria’s arm. Your face was streaked with tears and sweat, and your grip was like a vice. “You promised.”

Soteria hesitated, looking between you and Tech before glancing back to you. “Okay.” She conceded, nodding to Tech. “Let’s do it.”

“Omega, try to hold her as still as possible. I’m going to numb her as much as I’m able with the supplies we have.” Tech ordered, and looked down at you. “Ma’am, I suggest you bite down on something.”

Maul shrieked in rage, swinging his lightsaber and narrowly missing decapitating Gol’Chek, who ducked aside at the last moment. Rex circled around behind Maul while Gol’Chek continued to occupy his front. Meanwhile, Ju’Lah slowly regained consciousness, shaking her head as she slowly pushed herself back up to her hands and knees. She looked out towards the fighting, blinking to try and clear her vision.

“Buir?”

Gol’Chek’s head snapped towards her, and that moment of distraction was all Maul needed.

In an instant, Maul had swept his blade cleanly through Gol’Chek’s thighs, severing his legs from his body and used the Force to push him backwards against the outskirts of the courtyard.

“Buir!” Ju’Lah screamed, scrambling to her feet and racing over to Gol’Chek. She only made it a few steps before Maul caught her with the Force, starting to choke her, but he broke his concentration when Rex roared from behind him, swinging the Darksaber down towards him again.

Ju’Lah scrambled back to her feet, coughing slightly as she stumbled over to Gol’Chek, tripping over debris and ash that crusted their village. “Buir! Buir please wake up! Wake up!”

Rex and Maul continued to duel, Rex’s blocks becoming weaker while Maul’s attacks grew stronger. All it took was a stumble. One misstep, where Rex raised his sword too high, and left his face vulnerable. Maul thrust the hilt of his blade forward, popping Rex in the face. The stun was enough.

Maul turned, plunging the blade of his lightsaber through Rex’s abdomen.

“NO!”

Ju’Lah’s scream echoed through the village, and far, far below ground, your screams had finally fallen silent.

Your breath was coming in ragged gasps, slumped backwards against Soteria. The medic was patting your face, her voice coming to you in warbled utterances as her face swam in clarity before you.

“Stay with me. Stay with me.”

The last thing you heard was the sound of an infant crying.

~

Darth Maul will return in The Light Between Oceans, coming October 1st.

~

Hi, I'm alive. I was in the hospital for several days, sorry for dropping off the face of the earth and leaving everybody hanging with OC Week and also with dropping this final chapter. It's coming for real this time.

Since it's been literally a month since I posted and I feel like I lost my readers a bit, if you wouldn't mind reblogging this post to spread the word, I'd appreciate it!

Tagging the WBIT list:

“After Umbara, they sent me back to Kamino.” Dogma said quietly. “I thought I was destined for reconditioning – and honestly, I probably was. But Master Ti intervened.”

The clone carefully recounted his journey, staring at the floor instead of into the eyes of his three brothers, who listened intently opposite him while Quill guided their vessel back home.

“She suggested I be retrained, rather than reconditioned.” Dogma explained. “Something away from the battlefield, where I could put my brains to good use.” He chuckled humorlessly. “I think she sold it to the Kaminoans as a ‘cost-saving initiative,’ but I knew she was doing it to look out for me.”

He finally dragged his eyes up off the ground, giving Fives a heartbroken look. “I was there, when you arrived with Tup. Master Ti kept me away. She didn’t want me to – well, she didn’t want me behaving like you were. Or getting infected with whatever it was that got to Tup.”

“But he wasn’t infected with anything.” Fives protested softly. “It was the chips.”

“I know.” Dogma said. “I saw everything you’d found out. The clones who were with Master Ti when you were arrested, the medics who had to wipe the portals you’d researched, practically everyone was talking about it. It was all… whispers, really, all of us trying to convince ourselves that the chip was just to control aggression like Nala Se had said.”

He inhaled. “I managed to get ahold of that AZI unit of yours before he was scrapped. I kept him safe, wiped his memory so he wouldn’t be a target, but I left the knowledge of the chips in his core memory, that way if anything happened to me, someone else would hopefully figure it out.”

He tapped the side of his forehead. “Had the little bugger take my chip out before anybody could figure out what I was up to. I kept waiting to go mad, like Tup, or like they said you went mad, but nothing happened.” He scrubbed a hand tiredly over his face, his thumb catching under his right eye. “Got this tattoo after I heard about Tup.” He said quietly, motioning to the new teardrop under his eye. “And I – I could barely believe what had been done to you too. I couldn’t believe you were still alive, when I heard your name cross the Rebellion channels I -.” He shook his head, catching himself.

“How’d you and Wolffe end up together?” Rex asked.

“Pure dumb luck.” Dogma huffed a short laugh. “He was on Kamino when the order came through. Poor son of a droid had been critically wounded at a campaign just days prior, and it was bad enough to send him back to the motherland for recovery.” Dogma’s half-smile faded. “So… so he wasn’t there, when his men got the order. He only heard about General Plo being shot down after he woke up from the procedure.”

“Procedure?” Fives prompted.

“I panicked.” Dogma explained. “When the Order went through, I knew it was the chips. It had to be. Wolffe – he was closest, he was the first one I could grab and get into a medical bay. So, while everyone else was distracted – some situation with rogue clones escaping with a kid – I took Wolffe’s chip out too.”

He shuddered, wrapping his arms around himself for a moment. “He was pretty out of it when he woke up. Didn’t understand what had happened or what was going on. I had to explain everything to him, had to convince him to flee with me while we had the chance.”

“It must’ve been Clone Force 99.” Rex said, looking to Fives and Gol’Chek. “They were what distracted the other clones.”

“Whatever it was, we got damned lucky.” Dogma continued. “Everyone was so wrapped up in dealing with that mess, and so many clones were being shuttled on and off Kamino at that point anyway, Wolffe and I were able to slip onto a shuttle and escape virtually undetected.” He laughed humorlessly. “I dunno if there’re any gods out there, but if there are, they sure were with us that day.”

“So, how’d you end up running with Mandalorians, then?” Gol’Chek interjected.

“We landed on some Outer Rim shithole with no credits, no chain codes, no nothing.” Dogma said. “We didn’t really have a plan, we were just trying to put as much distance between us and the Empire as possible.” He took a deep breath. “And that’s when they found us.”

Dogma picked at the fabric of his gloves, looking away again. “They offered us food and shelter, but they wouldn’t show their faces. There were a handful of small kids who weren’t wearing helmets, but most of them had hoods up instead. They said they fled Mandalore when Maul took it over, and they’d been living in a secret covert ever since, just trying to survive.”

Dogma lifted his head again, shrugging. “Frankly, they gave me the creeps. Wouldn’t take their helmets off, not even to eat or drink. At least, not in front of us. They had this – this creed they followed, told Wolffe all about it. He was fascinated by it all. I think he just wanted someplace to belong again.”

“So Wolffe joined their covert?” Rex asked.

Dogma nodded. “We split up for a while after that, and that’s when I got my hands on that rebel commlink.” He continued. “I contacted Wolffe, let him know the things I was overhearing, and he shared it with the covert. They were willing to help, so long as it didn’t endanger them or their foundlings, so Wolffe and I became Fulcrum together.”

“What about Ahsoka?” Rex interjected quickly. “You mentioned you’d spoken to her.”

Dogma looked sheepish. “Not – not directly.” He admitted. “A friend of a friend put us in touch with Bail Organa, who has apparently been in contact with Commander Tano. We were given information on the Fulcrum mantle from him.”

“There are others working against the Empire.” Fives realized, looking between Rex and Gol’Chek. “If Senator Organa is still alive and working against them, then surely others are too.”

“Which is why now more than ever we need to organize, create a formal Rebellion and begin fighting back.” Gol’Chek said firmly. “We can begin by establishing bases on other planets, we can’t keep all our eggs in one basket on Dantooine.”

“Gol’s right, we have stronger numbers now.” Fives said. “With the people we’ve freed, we can begin to spread out and relocate. Senator Organa may know of other people willing to rise up and fight too.”

Rex turned to Dogma. “Can we count on you?”

Dogma nodded at once. “Of course sir, for anything.”

Rex grinned. “Then it’s good to have you back, trooper.”

~

You and Ju’Lah waited side by side, watching as Rex’s shuttle landed. You released a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding and turned to Ju’Lah.

“You promise you’ll tell your dad about those dreams?”

Ju’Lah nodded, not taking her eyes off the ship. Just like you, she heaved a soft sigh of relief when the platform dropped and her Buir emerged unharmed.

You hurried over to Rex, throwing your arms tightly around his shoulders while his arms went around your waist, holding you as gently as he could with your belly protruding between the two of you.

“Told you we’d be fine.” Rex said cheekily, pulling back to study your face. “Everything okay here?”

You hesitated. “It will be.” You decided on finally. “I’ll tell you later.”

Rex raised an eyebrow, but kept his questions in check for now, instead turning to watch as Gol’Chek knelt, catching Ju’Lah in his embrace.

Athena, who had landed on Dantooine before Rex and the others caught up, jogged over to the landing platform. Fives beamed at her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

“Can’t believe we pulled it off.” He said eagerly, pulling back to look at her. “Where are they?”

“Getting settled. Most of ‘em were starving and some were injured, so I’m having Soto give each of them a once over and then sending them straight to the village to get some food and rest.” Athena explained, unable to hide her smile. “We did it, we saved every last one of ‘em.”

“Has anyone heard from Clone Force 99?” Rex asked.

“They checked in shortly before arriving on Daro but we haven’t heard from them since.” You said, looking between Rex and Gol’Chek as the warrior straightened back up, holding Ju’Lah’s hand in his own.

“That’s too long.” Gol’Chek said. “Did you try contacting them?”

“Of course we did, but we didn’t get a response.” Ju’Lah replied. “We’re hoping that nothing’s happened, and they’re just still doing exfil.”

Rex and Gol’Chek exchanged a serious look.

“I’ll see what I can find out.” Gol’Chek said before Rex could speak. “You go on home, take care of her. Ju’Lah, with me.”

Rex nodded gratefully to Gol’Chek, turning back to you. “We’ll need to debrief,” he said apologetically. “And we’ll need to get Dogma settled somewhere, he’s a bit jumpy, but -.”

“Dogma?” You cut him off. “He’s alive? He’s here?”

As if on cue, Dogma finally stepped out of the shuttle, his hesitancy painfully obvious as he clung to his helmet in his hands. He met your eyes briefly before quickly averting them, instead electing to shadow Fives, stepping up behind him and squaring his shoulders.  

“You picked up another stray, I see.” Athena commented, looking him over.

“This is Dogma,” Fives introduced. “Otherwise known as Fulcrum. One of them, at least.”

“I was right?” You asked, surprised. “Who was the other one?”

“Wolffe.” Rex reported, keeping his arm around you. “He… has other engagements.”

You turned to Dogma, giving him a small smile. “It’s good to see you again.” You offered.

Dogma only nodded, looking very out of place. Fives shoved him gently on the shoulder.

“It’s alright,” the trooper promised. “You’re among friends here, brother. Let’s find you some civvies, yeah? I’m sure you’re half-starved too.”

“We can take him,” you offered at once. “Come with us, you can stay with us tonight until we find somewhere to put you. And Rex has extra clothes.”

Dogma glanced at Fives, who nodded. “It’s alright.” Fives repeated. “I’ll come get you later if you’d like.”

Dogma seemed to relax a fraction, and trailed after you and Rex instead. “Thank you.” He said quietly, keeping his head down.

“Of course.” You soothed, reaching to touch his arm. “You’ll feel better once you’re out of your armor. You can clean up a bit, get some food in you, and Rex’ll give you some clothes.”

Dogma nodded, a little dazedly, and looked you over. “Er, congratulations ma’am.” He offered, gesturing to your belly. “Don’t think that was there the last time I was at the Lounge.”

You laughed, and even Rex cracked a smile. “No, no he wasn’t.”

Dogma huffed a soft laugh. “The two of you, then?” He asked, nodding his head towards your belly again. “Wow, that’s – congratulations, sir.”

“Thank you.” Rex swelled with pride, one hand wrapping around your hips as the three of you walked home.

Rex directed Dogma upstairs to shower and get changed out of his armor once you’d arrived back at home, and you immediately busied yourself getting food ready for him, certain he was hungry. When Rex returned, he took over cooking for you at once, pulling out a chair for you to sit instead.

“How many people did you end up recovering?” You asked, sighing softly as you settled into the kitchen chair, one hand over your belly.

“Over fifty.” Rex said proudly, glancing at you over his shoulder. “No casualties either. Everyone made it out. There were even some clones among the prisoners. Clones with their chips in who still defected.”

“What?” You asked, shocked. “Is that possible?”

“It appears so. We can learn a lot from them.” Rex said quietly. “It’ll help us figure out how to help the rest of the clones.”

He turned back to you, leaning back slightly against the counter. “What did you want to tell me?”

You hesitated, but only for a moment. “Ju’Lah’s been having visions.” You explained, and you recounted what the Garbak child had told you back in the Command Center after everyone else had left. Rex listened, his eyebrows knitting together in concern as you spoke.

“Does Gol’Chek know?” He asked.

“She promised she’d tell him once he returned.” You said. “Do you have any idea what it means?”

Rex shook his head, scrubbing a hand across his jaw in thought. “No, but if Ju’Lah’s having visions like that then… it can’t be good.” He pushed himself up off the counter, turning back to the stove. “I’ll speak with Gol’Chek about it and see what he thinks. Maybe he’ll have some insight into how seriously we should interpret what she’s been seeing.”

You nodded, wrapping your arms around yourself. Behind you, Dogma padded back down the stairs, dressed in a loose tunic and pants of Rex’s.

“Hey, brother.” Rex motioned for him to sit. “We’ve got food for you.”

Dogma settled himself into the table, his hands shaking slightly as he took the bowl from Rex.

“Everything alright?” You asked.

“Yeah, yeah it’s just -.” Dogma closed his eyes for a moment, a small smile creasing his tired features. “It’s just good to feel safe for once.”

Your heart ached for him, and you put a hand on his knee. “You’re safe now, Dogma. We’re all safe here.”

A soft knock at the door made Dogma jolt, and before any of you could move to open it, Fives pushed open the door on his own, holding Ju’Lah’s hand as he led her inside.

“Hey.” He said grimly. “We’ve got a problem.”

“What is it?” Rex asked, looking between him and Ju’Lah, who was rubbing her eyes and leaning into Fives as much as she could without falling over.

“Clone Force 99 just landed a few minutes ago. Hunter’s been captured.” Fives reported. “They’ve dropped off Gregor and took Gol’Chek with them, they’re going back to Kamino to rescue him.”

“That’s insanity.” Dogma spoke before anyone else could. “Kamino’s a hotbed of Imperials, they’d be going straight into the Gundark’s nest.”

“It’s Hunter.” Fives repeated, looking instead to Rex. “They wouldn’t hear any sort of reason. They asked for help, and Gol’Chek volunteered. With his staff, he’s probably the strongest of us anyway.” Fives sighed. “They’re in good hands with him.”

“That doesn’t mean anything!” You said, raising your voice slightly in a panic. “They’re going to Kamino, Fives. That’s – they’ll be dealing with the Empire face to face, there’s nowhere for them to run, nowhere to hide, what if they -.”

Fives pressed a finger to his lips, shaking his head and inclining his head down towards Ju’Lah, who had hidden her face in Fives’ abdomen even more since the conversation had begun.

“They…” You trailed off, finding your voice and trying again. “They’re very… capable.” You tried. “And with Gol’Chek, they’ll be alright. They’ll get Hunter back, and they’ll come back home. They’ll be fine.”

“I’m keeping an eye on the kid until Gol gets back.” Fives continued, giving you a grateful look at your comment. “I wanted to update you and check in on Dogma. You okay to stay here tonight, brother?”

Dogma nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

“Good,” Fives sighed softly, glancing back down at Ju’Lah. “How about you, kid? You ready to head home?” He shook her hand gently in his, trying to get her to look up at him. When she didn’t, he crouched down, lifting her into his embrace and holding her in his arms instead, letting her bury her face in his neck.

“I’m gonna get her home.” He murmured. “We’ll talk through the next steps in the morning.”

“What about Gol’Chek?” You asked.

“He’s already left with them.” Rex replied. “There’s nothing for us to do but wait for them to come back.”

Fives agreed, nodding once and rubbing Ju’Lah’s back gently as he stepped back out into the night, carrying the child home with him.

“Is that his kid?” Dogma asked once Fives left, shaking his head. “You’ve joined the rebellion, Fives has a kid, you’ve got yourself a wife now. What all have I missed?”

“A lot.” Rex chuckled. “No, that isn’t his kid. Gol’Chek, the man who was with us… I don’t think you ever met him, but he used to go by the name Rose. The kid is his. Sort of.”

Your heart fluttered. Dogma had called you Rex’s wife, and Rex didn’t correct him. 

“I’ve heard of him.” Dogma said softly. “I guess that’s what he meant when he said he came back to life, huh?”

“I’ll fill you in.” Rex promised, motioning for Dogma to follow him into the living room so they could sit and talk.

You excused yourself, going on to bed to give the boys the time to speak to one another privately.

You pressed your hand over your belly as you settled into your side of the bed to wait for Rex, feeling Calder stir under your hand.

“It’s okay, baby boy.” You promised, thinking about Gol’Chek on Kamino, and Ju’Lah’s harrowing visions. “It’s okay. Everything’s going to be alright.”

You took a deep breath. “Everything’s going to be alright.”

~

Gol’Chek returned with the Bad Batch in two days’ time.

It was very early in the morning when they arrived, still dark and well before the rest of the village awoke, and you joined Rex and Athena at the Command Center as they disembarked.

They trudged forth from the Havoc Marauder, Omega in Hunter’s arms and the rest of the batch looking particularly forlorn. Even Gol’Chek barely lifted his head in greeting, eyes tired and bloodshot when you and Rex approached him.

“Gol’Chek -.”

“Kamino’s gone.” He interrupted Rex, and what you had previously assumed was exhaustion you now recognized as grief. “The Empire destroyed it. It’s all gone.”

You turned to Rex, watching as his expression settled into one of similar mourning. “Were there any brothers -.”

“No, far as I could tell, it was abandoned save for us. Though I didn’t get to the growth chambers, so there could’ve been -.” He shook his head, not wanting to think of the possibility of infant clones being slaughtered by the Empire. “We uh, we’ve got an extra passenger too.”

He nodded his head back towards the Marauder, where a familiar trooper stepped down the ramp. He kept his head down, his eyes darting around as though scoping out the area. His wrists were in binders, and Echo held his shoulder, keeping him marching forward.

“Crosshair?” Rex said, impressed. “He came with you?”

“No, he wanted to stay behind.” Gol’Chek replied. “Wanted to sit there and pout on the landing platform until he starved to death I guess, but Hunter and Omega weren’t having that.” He nodded towards Crosshair. “He claims his chip is out, but I don’t buy it. We’re going to have him scanned before we take off the binders.”

“You brought him back here?” Athena asked, lowering her voice. “He was with the Empire, if we let him go, he could contact them and bring them down on all of us.”

“Hunter’s convinced he won’t.” Gol’Chek shrugged. “We couldn’t just leave him there. He saved Omega.” He nodded once over his shoulder to where Echo and Tech were leading Crosshair away. A little droid floated along behind them, seemingly babbling away at Echo and pointing at Crosshair. “We’ll get him checked out and we’ll go from there.”

The warrior sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. “Now, where’s my daughter?”

“She’s been staying with Fives and Quill, I’m sure she’s asleep.” You murmured. “Gol’Chek, did she tell you about her visions?”

Gol’Chek turned towards you at once. “Her what?”

“She’s been having dreams, a recurring vision. She said it’s part of her – her power.” You clunkily explained. “She was supposed to tell you about them.”

“No, no she didn’t mention anything to me.” Gol’Chek frowned. “I’ll see what I can find out from her.”

“We need to plan our next move.” Athena said. “I’ll get Ju’Lah and wake up Fives and Quill, they need to be in on this.”

“It can wait until dawn.” Gol’Chek murmured. “One crisis at a time, Athena.”

“But -.”

“One crisis at a time.” Gol’Chek repeated. “I just watched my home planet burn. Let me take a fucking nap.”

Athena backed off, nodding once as she lowered her gaze. “Right. I’m sorry.” She murmured, glancing instead to you and Rex. “I’ll… touch base with everyone sometime after the sun’s risen.”

You thanked her quietly, taking Rex’s hand as Gol’Chek brushed quietly past you, scrubbing a hand down his face as he made his way towards his home.

“Are you alright?”

The Captain nodded, though grief was still written across his expression. “I hadn’t been back to Kamino in a long time.” He said quietly. “I always thought…” He trailed off, shaking his head and squeezing your hand tighter. “Come on.” He murmured, his voice sounding somewhat defeated. “Let’s go home.”

You let your Captain lead you back home, your thoughts still drifting quietly out to Kamino, and wondering what other planets the Empire could be targeting. 

You thought back to Ju’Lah’s visions, and you repressed a shudder, holding your Captain’s hand a little tighter still.

~

The next day was quiet.

You leaned tiredly against your Captain, fighting to keep your eyes open. What little sleep you’d managed to get after you and your Captain returned to bed had been plagued with nightmares, and had been fitful. That, coupled with rising early for the briefing had you dead on your feet.

The others all stood around the holo-table, each of them delivering their own updates and debriefing on what they knew.

“We were able to use AZI to remove the chips in Howzer, Gregor, and the other clones we rescued from the transport ship, but Crosshair’s third scan returned negative.” Hunter murmured, his arms folded across his broad chest. “He can’t have gotten his chip removed. This isn’t my brother.” 

Soteria and Hunter had been working closely with one another, trying to conclusively determine whether Crosshair still had his inhibitor chip in his head, and if so, if it was active. The little droid the Batch had recovered from Kamino – which Fives had very excitedly identified at once by the name AZI – had done three scans thus far, and all three times, had found nothing.

“People change, Hunter.” Fives said quietly, his voice grim. “If Crosshair’s allegiance lies with the Empire, then we -.”

“We aren’t executing him.” Hunter barked.

“I wasn’t going to suggest that.” Fives raised his hands in surrender. “I’m just saying, I’m not sure he’s someone we can trust yet, and I think you need to be aware of that.”

“We can’t keep treating him like a prisoner either, that isn’t how we’ll earn his trust!” Hunter protested. “We have to let him go, let him come to us on his own.”

“You talk about him like he’s a feral loth cat.” Athena drawled. “I won’t risk jeopardizing everything we’ve built here for one man. Get him under control.”

“He wanted to come with us.” Omega piped up softly from her spot around the table. “I could tell. He just… he felt like he couldn’t.” She looked up at Hunter. “He wanted us to want him back.”

“Of course we want him back. But ‘Mega, he betrayed us, he -.”

“No.” Omega shook her head. “We left him. Even if he doesn’t have the chip in anymore, he started with the chip in. He must have.” She murmured. “I imagine he feels every bit as betrayed as you do.”

“Whatever he feels, it’s for your group to sort out.” Athena said. “We’ve got bigger problems. Dogma?”

“I’ve been in touch with Wolffe.” Dogma reported, tapping something into the holo-table and pulling up a map. “The Empire has been moving through former Republic spaces and resuming their conquest. Most old Republic space has fallen, the Empire has near-complete control.”

To Dogma’s left, Gregor chuckled, rubbing the back of his head absently. “Yeah, they’ve been picking their way through any former Republic spaces, one by one. Won’t be long before they start looking to new planets, like this one.”

You hadn’t met Gregor before, and Rex had told you the previous night that he’d suffered serious brain damage during his time with the Republic. He seemed kind enough, if not a little odd, but his cavalier way of discussing the invasion of your home made your stomach turn.

Athena rubbed her jaw, glancing to her left. “Quill?”

“We have the numbers to try and start another rebellion on another planet.” Quill said. “We were thinking Florrum would be a viable option. The Empire isn’t interested in that space.”

“How soon can you get out there?”

“I can leave with a team of people as soon as possible.” Quill said. “We can scout the area, find a good place to settle, and then go from there.”

“Take at least ten with you.” Athena instructed. “Leave as soon as you’re able.”

“I can go.” Howzer offered. “So can my boys. We’d blend in better if there happens to be Empire patrols in any of the cities.”

“Good, take Howzer and any of his men, maybe Gregor too, plus a few of our own.” Athena added. “We need to create a network, a Rebellion. We need to begin fighting back.”

“Once we begin to migrate to other planets, we’ll have a better understanding of what we’re capable of.” Rex continued. “And maybe we’ll be able to keep recruiting others into our cause. We can start to really push back against the Empire, even if it’s just in small ways.”

You tuned them out as they continued to talk, eyes instead drifting over to Gol’Chek and Ju’Lah. Ju’Lah stood close by her Buir, her gaze distant and distracted as Gol’Chek spoke with the others. She caught you looking, and quickly turned her head, avoiding your gaze.

The child had seemed oddly muted ever since your conversation about her visions earlier that week, and you wondered how much they were plaguing her.

You tuned back in as the briefing began to wrap up, and you sighed softly, touching your belly before glancing up at Rex.

“I think I’m going to head back to bed. Do you need anything?”

Rex shook his head. “No, I think I’m alright. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just tired.” You promised, and lowered your voice. “Ju’Lah seems tired too.”

“I noticed.” Rex agreed. “I spoke to Gol’Chek about it. He says they’d discussed her visions but she’s been having nightmares. He talked about taking her out in the Cord for a day or two to get her out of the village, just to help her clear her head.”

“That might be a good idea.” You said, glancing over your shoulder at them again. “She’s far too young to be carrying this kind of weight on her shoulders. She wasn’t raised to be a warrior.”

Rex nodded, his expression thoughtful as he glanced down at you. “There’s a part of the Mando’a wedding vows that say, ‘we will raise warriors,’” He began slowly, wrapping his arm around your hip as you walked. “I’m not sure I want our son to be raised as a warrior like I was.”

“He won’t be.” You promised. “Our son, he won’t be bred to fight like you were. We’ll give him a life of peace, Rex. I promise. That’s what we’re fighting for now, is it not?” You squeezed his hands. “We’re fighting for the world we want our son to live in.”

You held his hands in yours, kissing him gently again, then gasped softly.

“What is it?”

“Nothing, he just –.” You chuckled, guiding Rex’s hands to your swollen belly. “He always kicks when you’re nearby. He’s been kicking much harder lately is the only problem.” You sighed, rubbing your belly where your son’s little foot had drilled into you. “It hurts.”

“Be good to your Mama.” Rex scolded gently, pressing another kiss to your cheek. “I’ve got to go, I need to talk with Howzer, Gregor, and Quill about who they’re taking tomorrow to scout out the new base.”

You kissed him one last time, smiling after him as he took off, and you wandered back to your home alone.

~

It was several hours later when you heard a knock on your front door. When you opened it, you were surprised to find Gol’Chek. He was handsome, with his hair swept back and that one stubborn curl dancing on his forehead, dressed in a very elegant grey and silver tunic with black trim around the edges.

“Hi.” He said with a small smile. “Can I come in?”

“Of course.” You pulled the door open wider, letting him step inside. “You look very nice, what’re you so dressed up for?”

“Can’t a man dress nicely for a pretty woman?” He teased back, leaning slightly against the counter and watching you with dark eyes. “You want to change?”

“What’s wrong with what I’ve got on?” You said, glancing down at yourself. You were wearing one of Rex’s t-shirts and a pair of baggy coveralls – one of the few clothing items you owned that accommodated how bulky you’d become.

“I thought you might like a walk.” Gol’Chek said, changing the subject rather abruptly. “Care to join me?”

You frowned at him. “You’re a rotten liar. You always have been. So’s Rex. And Fives.” You giggled. “Maybe it’s the genes.”

“I’m sure.” Gol’Chek said, offering you his arm. You looped your own through his, leaning into him as he led you out of the house and down to the street, but instead of turning towards the city’s center, he turned towards the woods, near the edge of the village.

“What are we doing?”

“Walking.” Gol’Chek answered, patting your hand lightly. “How are you feeling? How’s my nephew?” He changed the subject abruptly again, but you indulged him.

“He’s growing, and very, very active. I imagine he’ll be wild when he’s young. He’s got that feel to him.” You mused, putting your other hand on your belly as you walked. “He’s… he’s smart, too. He knows when certain people are around. He moves differently, and I can – it’s silly, but I feel like I know what he’s thinking.”

“Oh?” Gol’Chek raised an eyebrow. “And what does he think of me?”

“He’s fond of you.” You smiled, leaning into him. “He’s been doing somersaults ever since he heard your voice.”

Gol’Chek chuckled, looking back towards the horizon. “I can’t wait to meet him. And any that come after.”

It was your turn to laugh. “One thing at a time.”

You stopped curiously, spotting Omega and Ju’Lah peeking around a corner of one of the nearby houses. Squatting in the dirt next to them was Kiran, and when the girls darted behind the wall to hide, you heard Kiran say “Uh oh” before toddling behind a post, which only hid about a fourth of his body. He peeked his eyes out around it, watching you and Gol’Chek closely.

“What’re the kids doing?” You asked Gol’Chek. The man only shrugged in response.

“Playing? I don’t know what children do.”

“One of them is your child.”

“She’s hardly a child.” Gol’Chek replied. “She’s older than both of us combined.”

“You know what I mean.” You poked his ribs, and he giggled, pulling away from you quickly before you could tickle him again. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing, we’re just walking!” He protested, lifting both his arms in surrender. Behind you, you could hear staggering footsteps, followed by Kiran’s harsh panting in the way that only little children seemed to do, and moments later, he bellowed, “Wait for me!” When you looked over your shoulder to investigate, you saw Omega had turned around, scooped him awkwardly into her small arms, and was carrying him like a sack of meilooruns.

Ju’Lah had evidently run up ahead, because as you and Gol’Chek approached the forest, you found Athena and Fives side by side, with Fives crouching down so Ju’Lah could whisper something in his ear. They were both wearing similar tunics to what Gol’Chek wore, except Fives wore gold trim around the grey of the tunic.

“Okay, you’re definitely up to something now.” You planted your feet firmly, eyeballing them and children as Omega and Kiran caught up. “Somebody tell me what’s going on or I’m not moving.”

“Take it easy.” Gol’Chek chuckled. “Let Fives show you what he’s got.”

Fives beamed, eyes dancing in excitement as he removed his hands from behind his back, showing you a long, rolled-up bunch of fabric.

“Here, put this on.”

It was a long, royal blue cape, with gold trim stitched around the edges and down the sides. On the back of the cape were two crashing waves, one above and one below, centered around the Jaig eyes symbol Rex bore on his helmet.

“The design was all Quill’s idea, and he stitched the whole thing by hand.” Fives added eagerly, showing it off. “Been working on it for weeks between missions. He was sad he couldn’t be here to give it to you himself, but he’s on that scouting mission to Florrum. He sends his best.”

“It’s – It’s beautiful, but what’s it for?” You asked, running your fingers over the material as Fives tossed it over your right shoulder and fastened it into place.

“For before you go.” Fives replied with a grin.

“Go where?”

Gol’Chek smiled, and offered his arm to you. “Towards the rest of your life.”

A sudden realization dawned on you as you realized what the symbol represented. Two waves, crashing together, joining as one. An ocean. Sho’cye.

“Gol’Chek,” Your voice was barely above a whisper. “What is this?”

He only smiled, nodding his head towards the forest. “Why don’t you go meet your groom at the altar and find out?”

Your stomach flipped, and Gol’Chek inclined his head, still holding out his arm to you. You took it slowly, inhaling deeply as he led you deeper into the woods while the others followed.

A short distance into the trees, you stopped, spotting Soteria, Echo, Dogma, and many of the others gathered in a small clearing. At the front of all of them, under a makeshift archway of branches and flowers, stood your Captain.

He wore an elegant grey tunic that matched that of Gol’Chek and Fives, except his was a brilliant gold and grey. His hands were folded neatly in front of him, talking quietly to Dogma, but when he saw you, his expression shifted into one of the brightest smiles you’d ever seen him wear.

Gol’Chek walked you dutifully up to him, pausing in front of Rex and leaning down to your ear. “Welcome to your wedding day, cyar’ika.”

He pulled back, pressing a quick kiss to your cheek before at last letting you go, taking up position slightly behind you while Fives moved behind Rex.

“How long have you been planning this?” You asked Rex, your voice thick with tears.

“A bit.” Rex admitted, a little sheepish. “I figured we should be married before Calder comes into the world, yeah?”

You could only nod, not trusting your voice as you cupped his cheeks, surging forward to quickly kiss him.

“Hey, you aren’t supposed to do that yet.” Fives teased, but you didn’t care. You kept Rex close, kissing him as long as you could before breaking apart, finally letting the tears fall.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” Rex whispered back. “And, I have something for you.”

He hesitated, reaching into his pocket. “In tradition, typically warriors would exchange pieces of their armor as part of their vows.” Rex began. “But I thought you were deserving of something more… transformative.”

He withdrew from his pocket a small white and blue disc, with a hole drilled through the center and threaded through a black cord. Carved onto the front was a wave, stretching out towards the ocean. Sho’cye.

“I fashioned it myself from one of my gauntlets.” “Rex murmured, offering it to you. “It’s part of my armor, part of my body, part of me, just as you carry a piece of my heart with you everywhere you go.” He tied the cord carefully around the back of your neck, so the necklace wouldn’t fall off, with the ring Gol’Chek had given you resting proudly on top of it. “You are my life, Cyare, now and forever. And with this necklace, we share our family name.”

You nodded, unable to speak through the tears that kept sneaking down your cheeks. “I don’t -.” You managed weakly. “I don’t have anything for you.”

“Yes you do.” Fives whispered, and motioned to his own shoulder, miming the removal of the cape.

You sniffled, shaky hands unclasping the brilliant cape as you instead wrapped it around Rex, fastening it at his shoulder so it hung elegantly over one side. On Rex, the cape fit him like it would a king. He looked downright regal in the garment.

“Quill made it.” You said, sniffling again. “But – Rex, I love you. I will always love you, and we will raise our son not in war, but in love. He will carry your name with pride, I know he will.” You smiled, putting a hand over Rex’s heart while your other hand hovered against your belly. “He will be his father’s son.”

Rex’s lips turned up, and he dropped his forehead to yours. “Repeat after me.” He whispered. “Mhi solus tome, mhi solus dar’tome.”

 “Mhi solus tome, mhi solus dar’tome.”

“Mhi me’dinui an…” Rex hesitated. “Mhi ba’juri dral’ore.”

“Mhi me’dinui an, mhi ba’juri dral’ore.”

Rex smiled, pulling back and repeating the vows in Basic. “We are one whether we are together or apart, we will share everything, and we will raise our children to be strong leaders.” He murmured. “Not warriors. Leaders.”

“Leaders.” You repeated, tilting your head up to kiss him. He met you halfway, and Fives whooped, causing the rest of your guests to erupt in shouts of joy as well. Gol’Chek smiled just behind you, clapping quietly along as Rex pulled you as close as your belly would allow, deepening the kiss further still.

“I love you.” Rex whispered against your lips. “Now and forever.”

You echoed the words back to him. “Now and forever.”

~

The festivities that evening once the sun had set were grand. A celebration was held in the town center, honoring both your marriage to Rex and celebrating the safe rescue of the prisoners aboard the transport cruiser. There was a large fire in the center of town, with plenty of food and drink to go around. Many people, most of them strangers, had already approached you and Rex to congratulate you, and your cheeks warmed at the praise every time. The village felt more and more like home with every passing day, and you were glad to see it thrive so well.

Fives found a seat next to you, leaning back and watching as everyone celebrated together. Rex was talking near the fire, his cape catching in the firelight and bringing out the gold stitched into the craftwork.

“Your partner did a lovely job.” You commented, smiling as you watched Rex talk. “That cape is gorgeous.”

“He loves to stitch. He’s very good.” Fives replied with a grin. “He learned from his mother.”

You smiled, then inhaled sharply through your teeth, a hand over your stomach.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.” You winced, exhaling slowly. “Yeah, yeah I – it’s just been hurting a lot more lately. Maybe he cracked a rib or something the last time he kicked me.”

“Babies can do that?” Fives asked, bewildered. “Kriff, strong little man, isn’t he?”

You glanced over at Fives as the pain subsided, noting that he was wearing Quill’s jacket.

“Did he give that to you before he left?”

Fives nodded. “Among other things.”

“Ew.” You laughed, covering your ears. “I don’t need to hear that part.”

“No, it’s not what you think.” Fives chuckled. He leaned forward, as though he wanted to share a secret with you, but Ju’Lah ran over in that moment, seizing both his hands and pulling him to his feet.

“Come dance with me!” She said, tugging on his hands.

“Dance?” Fives repeated, following Ju’Lah to the open clearing near the fire.

“You’ll learn quick.” Ju’Lah promised. “It’s easy!”

You laughed, clapping along and watching as Fives fumbled through the steps, quickly getting the hang of it and joining in the festivities. You watched as your husband – husband. Even just thinking the word made you smile – was roped into dancing by Athena, and Wrecker and Echo were dragged in by Omega while Gol’Chek joined in the clapping from the sidelines as well.

Off to the side, you spotted Crosshair slinking along the edges of the celebration, arms folded across his chest as he leaned against a nearby building. He watched as Wrecker spun Omega around with an almost forlorn expression on his face, but when he caught you looking, he scowled at once and turned away.

“What do you think?” Athena asked, panting as she broke away from the dancing with Kiran on her hip. “We throw a damn good party.”

She sat down in the seat beside you, Kiran on her lap, and you giggled. “Yes, you definitely do.”

“You think they’ll do okay, scouting out a new planet?” Athena asked you, adjusting her grip slightly on Kiran as he bit into a fruit the size of his head.

“I know they will.” You said confidently, your heart swelling as you watched Rex dance. The partners had switched, and now he was moving with Ju’Lah. “Once we get new territory colonized, we can really begin to expand the Rebellion.”

Athena smiled, nodding in quiet agreement. “Yeah, I think a lot of good things will come from all this.” She mused. “So, you and Rex going to honeymoon tonight?”

You nudged her playfully, rolling your eyes. “I’m sure we’ll have our own way of celebrating, but not until Calder’s out.” You sighed, putting both your hands on your belly. “He’s sapping all my energy as is.”

Another wave of pain washed over you, and you bit your lip, muscling through it.

“Have you seen Soteria?” You asked tightly, gasping softly.

“She’s around here somewhere, need me to find her?” Athena asked.

“No, no that’s alright. I’ll find her later.” You replied, rubbing your belly.

You watched the dancers as they switched partners again, Fives and Ju’Lah winding up together. You saw the child laughing happily, her big ears flapping behind her as Fives spun her around.

“When’s he due?” Athena asked, nodding to your belly.

“About a month, give or take a week or two.” You sighed happily. “I’m ready to meet him, and I know Rex is too.”

Athena chuckled, kissing the top of Kiran’s head. “It’ll be nice having kids in the village.” She said softly. “Makes it feel less like a war zone and more like a home, you know?”

You nodded your agreement, watching as the song drew to an end, and your husband laughed with the others, clapping his hand on Fives’ shoulder as he passed and moved back to you.

“It’s getting late.” He said with a small smile, offering his arm to you. “Should we call it a night?”

“You can’t bail on your own celebration!” Athena teased, and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Unless, of course, you’re going to have some grownup fun to celebrate your marriage.”

“What fun?” Kiran asked sleepily, rubbing his eyes. Athena hushed him gently, patting the top of his head while Rex chuckled.

“We’ll see you in the morning.” Rex said.

Overhead, the drone of an incoming ship rang through the clearing, and you looked up, spotting a familiar shuttle sailing overhead and heading towards the edge of the village.

“Is that Quill’s ship?” You asked, surprised. “They can’t be back already, can they?”

“No, they shouldn’t be.” Athena frowned, bringing her commlink to her lips. “Quill? Is that you?”

There was no response, and you watched as the ship docked not at the landing platform, but in the clearing just slightly beyond the village, not far from where the celebrations were taking place.

Suddenly, out in the clearing where the others were dancing, you heard a shout.

“Somebody help!”

Ju’Lah had collapsed into Fives’ arms, and Fives was kneeling, holding her tightly as she convulsed, her eyes rolling back in her head. Rex had noticed the commotion, and so had Gol’Chek, both men rushing over to her as all the merriment ceased, Gol’Chek elbowing his way to Ju’Lah at once and dropping beside her.

“What happened?” He demanded, pressing his hands to Ju’Lah’s small body as it shook.

“I don’t know, she just suddenly stopped and collapsed!” Fives passed her carefully to Gol’Chek, and Ju’Lah’s mouth began to foam, her entire body convulsing violently in his embrace.

“Ju’Lah? Ju’Lah!” He shook her gently, but her head just lolled back further, until suddenly she gasped, her eyes rolling forwards again as she sat bolt upright in Gol’Chek’s arms. She panted softly, her sharp claws digging into his arms.

“Ju’Lah, what is it, what did you see?” Gol’Chek demanded, turning her to face him.

“We have to go.” She rasped, digging her little hands tighter into his arms. “We have to go now!”

“What happened? What’s wrong?!” Athena demanded. Her commlink suddenly lit up. Ju’Lah locked eyes with you.

“They’re coming.”

“General Brisbane!” A soldier cried into Athena’s commlink. “Commander Cawthon’s ship has just made contact, but – but something’s wrong.”

“What is it?” Athena asked, narrowing her eyes at the commlink.

“We received a transmission from the ship, sending it to you now.”

Athena pressed a few buttons on her commlink, and a raspy voice suddenly flooded through the speakers, echoing through the clearing.

“You think yourselves clever, don’t you? You thought you could hide from me. You thought I’d never find you.”

You knew that voice. At once, you seized Rex’s hand, panic bleeding into your veins as Thresh continued.

“Well, I’ve found you now, haven’t I? And soon enough, the Empire will find you too, but I’m prepared to offer you a deal.”

You looked towards Quill’s ship and saw Quill, Howzer, and Gregor marched out of the ship, their hands bound behind their back. One by one, they were forced to their knees by other Trandoshans as Thresh exited the ship last, graceful as ever, with a commlink to his lips. In his hands a long vibro-sword crackled with electricity.

“I can see you, darling.” He chuckled. “I know you’re watching, little pet. I can feel your eyes on me.”

“That’s – that’s him, that’s Quill.” Fives grabbed your arm tightly, his voice wavering slightly. “He’s got Quill.”

“Who are you?” Athena demanded, her voice calm as she watched the prisoners. “What do you want?”

“My offer is very simple.” Thresh replied. You saw him lift the sword, bringing it to rest just slightly to the left of Howzer’s neck. “You give me the woman and her child, along with the man who slaughtered my brothers, and the Jedi child – yes, I know what you’re harboring, Outlander. I know about the girl.” He hissed.

“What do you want with them?” Athena asked.

“My employer wants the Jedi for his own reasons, and I want the others for mine.” He hissed. “Do this, and I’ll let your friends live.” He growled. “And if you hurry, maybe you can still escape before the Empire arrives.”  

“What do we do?” Fives said, his eyes flicking between Quill, you, and Rex. “He wants the two of you and Ju’Lah.”

“We’re not handing them over.” Athena replied to Fives.

“Obviously not, but we have to do something, Quill’s up there.” Fives snapped, looking back towards the clearing. “He’s going to kill Quill and the others if we don’t act.”

“This does not have to end in bloodshed.” Thresh continued. “As a gesture of my goodwill…”

He turned up on the hillside, and cut the bindings loose on Howzer and Gregor, leaving only Quill bound at his feet. Howzer and Gregor hurried across the plateau, rejoining the village.

“He got the drop on us, had at least thirty men waiting, maybe more, and killed everyone else and captured us three.” Howzer reported breathlessly. “He took the base’s location from the navigation system.”

“I’ve returned two of your friends to you, now it is time for you to give me what I am owed.” Thresh warned. “Give me what I want, or this man will die. Decide quickly, the Empire will be arriving any minute, and they have far less patience than I.”

“He’s bluffing, he has to be.” You whispered, your heart pounding and stomach rolling. “Even if he did tell the Empire, there’s no way they’d send anyone just to scout out a small tip from a man like him, would they?”

Athena shook her head. “We can’t take that chance.” She murmured. “We have underground bunkers and tunnels throughout the village that serve as a shelter in case of an attack. It’s time we put them to use.”

She turned to one of her men. “Start moving everyone into the tunnels. Tell everyone to move as quickly and quietly as possible. Anyone who can hold a weapon needs to arm themselves. Prepare for invasion.”

Your stomach flopped again, a stabbing pain searing up through your gut as panic took hold of you.

“Rex?”

“Go to the tunnels with the others.” Rex instructed you, taking his cape off and instead wrapping it around your shoulders, as though the garment could protect you from what was to come. “Athena, I’ll assemble the fighters.”

“Quickly.” Athena said in a low voice.

“Rex,” you started to say more, but shook your head. “Be careful.”

He nodded, motioning for the others to follow him. Fives stayed rooted in place, with Echo waiting by his side. Behind you, Hunter was urging Omega towards the tunnels while the rest of the Batch armed themselves. You didn’t see Crosshair.

“Stay together, get to the tunnels if the fighting starts.” Gol’Chek instructed Ju’Lah and followed the others to prepare for battle.

You swallowed. “Ju’Lah, let’s – let’s start heading to the tunnels.”

“Wait.” Ju’Lah told you, holding her hand up in pause, looking between Fives and Quill.

“If the Empire comes, they’ll kill you too.” Athena scowled into the comms. “I think you’re bluffing, lizard-boy.”

“Then I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.” Thresh purred back. “I’m more than happy to sit back and watch your people be slaughtered. I’ll still get what I want.”

“And what is it that you want?” Athena asked, glancing at Ju’Lah. “Your employer, who is he? What does he want with the girl?”

“My employer’s desires are of no concern to me.” Thresh responded. “And my desires are no concern of yours. I grow tired of our discussion.”

Up on the hilltop, he dragged the sword lazily towards Quill.

“I’ll even sweeten the deal.” Thresh continued. “Just the woman and her baby. In exchange, my men won’t raid your village, slaughtering every last man, woman, and child, leaving only scraps for the Empire to pick through. And you’ll even get your fish friend back.” He nudged Quill with his foot.

“Or, you can keep the bitch, and I’ll come down there myself after I’ve cut every last tendril from the Nauto’s head, one by one, and only after you’ve heard his screams will I cut out his tongue.” He hissed. “The last thing you’ll hear is the sound of your people wailing for your help as we invade.”

Fives made a broken sound next to you, starting forward only for Echo to hold him back.

“Wait, Fives.”

“He’s going to kill Quill if we don’t do something.” Fives snapped, struggling against Echo. “Athena, do something!”

Another wave of pain washed over you, and Ju’Lah suddenly twitched her ears, jerking her head abruptly to the left. You followed her gaze, and spotted something glinting on the rooftop of a nearby building. You squinted, trying to make it out.   

“Let them come.” Ju’Lah said quietly.

“What? What’re you -.” You gasped, pain rocking through you abruptly, nearly bringing you to your knees. Something was wrong.

“Let them come.” Ju’Lah repeated, her eyes flicking to the rooftop again. “Tell them to kill Quill if they must, but we aren’t handing anyone over.”

“No!” Fives shouted, elbowing Echo and making it a few feet before Echo grabbed him again. “No! What’re you doing?!”

Athena scowled, bringing her commlink to her lips again. “If you want them,” She began. “You’ll have to come down here and get them yourself.”

“What are you doing?!” Fives screamed, rushing forward only to be stopped by Echo again. “Stop!”

“Take it easy, brother!” Echo held him back. “Easy! It’s under control!”

“He’s going to kill Quill!”

Thresh tsked. “Tragic that we were unable to come to an agreement. But then again, I hear the tendrils of a Nautolan can be quite the delicacy when cooked properly. Perhaps this isn’t a total loss.” He raised his sword, preparing to bring it down.  

“Farewell.”

“No!” Fives screamed, breaking free of Echo’s grip and sprinting forward. “NO!”

Quill snapped his head upright, and Thresh swung the sword. 

~

SUPER thrilled with this incredible work from @celiansartblog !!! In honor of Gol’Chek and Ju’Lah reuniting/completing the adoption vows in Ch. 14 of WBIT, I thought I’d share this lovely piece!! Thank you so much for this, @celiansartblog!!! 

WBIT Taglist, have a treat: