Chapter Text
AUTHOR
She was exhausted. Literally. She gave herself Force exhaustion. Who knew that was a thing?
The planet was in an uproar. The Jedi released the video the troopers had taken in their helmets to the public.
There was a cease-fire across the whole galaxy. Dooku was taken out by Anakin after he tried escaping from Coruscant. General Grievous was taken out by Obi-wan the same as in the show except for Jesse and the 501st were there instead of Cody and the 212th.
The Senate was a mess that the Singer was taking them to task for. She went on about slavery and pointed out the conditions that the men had been living in for the past three years. She pointed out that these men died for them and they treated them like dirt under their shoes. It was impressive.
The Traveler was not doing well. She lost one of her legs defending the Jedi and she was having a difficult time with it. No matter how much she was reassured, she refused to believe otherwise. Cody was having a hard time.
The one who was having the hardest time was Captain Rex. The Jedi was in a coma from being treated like a ragdoll and flung into walls. It had been a few weeks and she wasn’t waking up. She had tried reading to her and other things, but there was no change.
Fox was working through the issues that came from being mind-controlled. She was with him every step of the way. The Jedi had offered a mind healer and Fox had accepted.
Her little one was perfectly okay, despite the fight his mother got into. He was a tough little guy. Just like his father. She was scheduled for another appointment soon.
Currently, she was laid up at the Jedi temple on forced bed rest. The healers here were vicious. If she moved so much as one toe out of bed she had the nine levels of hell unleashed on her.
Fox stayed with her as much as he could. His time with the mind healers and the time taken to check on his brothers and their home were the only times he was away from them.
She smiled when the door opened to reveal Letters and a few of his brothers. “Hi. Fox isn’t here right now.”
“We didn’t come to see Fox. We came to see how you and our nephew are doing.” Letters led the four of his brothers closer. She spotted one that was bouncing eagerly.
“Hi. I don’t think we’ve been introduced. I’m-” She began.
“Oh, I know who you are. I think all of us know who you are. You’re,” The shiny said her name without hesitation. “The one who is with Fox. Who is going to give us our first nephew.”
She felt her cheeks get hot. “I hope that’s not all I’m known for.”
The shiny looked taken back. “No. That’s not what I-”
“Steady here is… was training to be a medic. He’s a little excited about nat-born births.” Letters teased.
Steady flushed. “I read one book and all of the sudden I get picked on.”
She laughed softly. “There are doctors that go into specific fields of medicine. Back in my homeworld, there are hundreds of different doctors. Some only treat kids, some treat families, some specialize in surgeries only, but you really have to have steady hands for that. Then there are some who only deal with women and some who deal with pregnancies and birth. The one you might be interested in is called an OBGYN. They specialize in babies.”
“How so?” Steady looked eager to learn.
“I don’t really know. They just help if there are any complications. I wouldn’t know because obviously, this little one is my first and you don’t really see a type of doctor there unless you need them.” She shrugged apologetically. “But it could be something to look into here.”
“Complications?” Steady looked alarmed. “Like what?”
“I don’t really know. I was fifteen when I moved here. That’s way too young to need that kind of doctor.” She laid back in her surprisingly comfortable hospital bed. “I can probably answer some other questions for you but don’t get too invasive. You might not like what you hear.” She teased.
Steady blushed. He launched into a bunch of medical-related questions. Like... for example, how soon can you tell if you are expecting, are there certain medications you can and can’t have, he heard about something called morning sickness, what was that and how can you fight it.
She could tell that the others were getting anxious. She brought the conversation around to the other men.
“What are your plans now? I know Steady might want to become an OBGYN. What about you, Letters?” She looked over at the older trooper.
The stoic trooper blushed and looked away from her. “I… uh. I was wondering if…” He stammered.
She waited patiently for him to gather his thoughts.
“I kind of write stories too and I was wondering if you could help me.” He mumbled the words so she had a hard time making it out.
When she understood him, she beamed. “I can definitely do that. I love helping out fellow authors. What kind of books do you write? There’s Non-Fiction, which is based on facts or there’s Fiction which is made up and there are hundreds of different styles of that. There’s adult, young adult, teen -”
“Children’s?” Letters looked up at her. “They’re nothing special. Just little things I came up with when I needed a break from…”
She gave an understanding nod. “We all have ways we deal and process things. Mine happens to be the written word too.”
“How do you even go about getting it out there?” Letters stared at her with hope in his eyes.
She settled back in bed. “Well, for starters, you’d need a manuscript which is basically a rough draft of your work. You’d send it to an editor who would go over it and see if it would sell. Then it goes to a publisher who markets the book. I actually can introduce you to my agent. She is like a go-between person who has your best interests in mind and will take actions to get you there.”
After a bit more talking with Letters, she switched over to the other two giving them all equal time.
Fox came in as she was wrapping up talking to all four of them.
“What’s all this?” Fox leaned against the door frame.
“Fox.” She beamed at him. “We’re just discussing plans. I’m helping Letters get published and Steady wants to be an OBGYN. Bows wants to get into design and Brush is an artist and I definitely want to see his work. If Brush and Letters team up though, they will have some awesome books.”
“Team up?” Letters looked confused.
“Well, yeah. Every children’s author needs a good illustrator. Pictures go a long way when it’s a book for kids. Depending on the age group, learning to read is a huge thing and sometimes their minds like to take a break with easy books with pictures. Back in my homeworld I did a couple of kids’ books for fun and had one of my friends draw pictures for them. It can be a fun thing if you are not picky and just let the artist do their own work.” She was nearly bouncing in excitement. “I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with.”
Fox came into the room and laid a calming hand on her shoulder. “I thought you were supposed to be resting, not getting riled up.”
She pouted. “It takes my mind off things. Besides, its books.”
Fox smiled. “Authors.” He shook his head.
“Letters should be included in that statement too.” She gave a teasing grin to the ex trooper.
Fox spoke some words in Mando’a. Letters, Bows, Brush, and Steady stood up.
“Goodbye.”
Each trooper hugged her gently. When Letters gave her a hug he whispered a choked thanks in her ear.
She pulled back and looked him in the eye. “No thanks needed. We’re family and we look after each other. If that includes using my success to help along with yours then let the favoritism commence.” She looked at each trooper in the room. “If that means doing my best with all the resources and things I can get my hands on to make your dreams and plans happen then I will use everything I can to help you achieve your dreams. Because you guys are the true heroes of this war.”
The four troopers looked at Fox and then another round of hugs happened before they left.
They must have spread the word because for a few weeks she was flooded with troopers sharing what they wanted to do and asking her for help.
Fox grew irritated and must have given them some orders because they backed off. She knew she wasn’t going to let them hold back forever.
She relaxed in her bed with Fox curled up behind her. His face was in her neck and his hand was resting on her baby bump.
“Thank you. For everything you have done for me and my brothers.” Fox murmured into her skin.
She rolled over to face him. “Fox. Don’t place me up somewhere to look at with awe. I’m human. I make mistakes all the time. I know you think I saved you, but you saved yourself. You were the one who took down that Bastard and you were the one who fought for so many years in this war. Honestly, I never wanted any part of this in the first place. When the others approached me to help them take him down, I said no. Not going to happen.”
“What changed?” Fox whispered.
“You. Seeing how you cared for your brothers made me fall in love with you. Seeing how you care for this planet and the Republic despite the way they treat you and your men, made me want to fight alongside you. When you had your injury, I knew who did it and I swore that no one was going to harm you or your brothers anymore and if I had to team up with three crazy women from my homeworld then I was going to do it.” She rested her hand on his cheek. “You are my caring Fox and I love you.”
Fox breathed out her nickname before kissing her softly.
“What does that mean? No one will tell me and I just stopped asking them.” She stroked Fox’s cheek.
“My Heart. It means my Heart.” Fox admitted.
“Sap.” She smiled wetly. She felt full of awe and love for this man. He truly loved her. Enough to stick around and have a baby with her and to call her his heart? This man is a keeper.
“Marry me.” Fox traced lines across her belly like he was writing on her stomach.
“What?” Her breath caught.
“Mandalorians don’t have big ceremonies. There’s no one invited to it. It’s just simple vows done in the quiet of each other.” Fox explained softly.
She thought about that. “What do these vows entail?”
“Just promising that we are together when we are apart, we will share everything and we will raise warriors.” Fox smiled. “I think we have most of it down.”
“Warriors.” She mused. “I like that, the thought of our little one going to be a warrior. Not much would harm him.”
“Not when he has me and four million uncles and three aunts that would kick anyone’s shebs if they dare harm him. And he has some incredible aunts but an even more amazing Mom.” Fox kept tracing lines on her belly as she gave his request some thought.
“Yes. I will marry you.” She moved her hand to his chest. “How do you say these vows?”
“Just try your best to repeat after me.” Fox gave her a happy grin. “Mhi solus tome. Mhi solus dar’tome. ”
She repeated the words.
“Mhi me’dinui an, mhi ba’juri verde.”
Again she spoke the words with a few stumbles. “That’s it?”
“Yes. That’s all. Ner riduur .” Fox kissed her. “My wife.” He moved her onto her side to love her the proper way.
******
SINGER
She sighed as there was a ding from their door. She groaned. “Not it.”
“That’s probably Rex. Again. I’ll get it.” Wolffe stood up and moved over to the front of her apartment. “Rex.” Wolffe sighed. “Sorry, Mesh’la. Rex isn’t leaving tonight.”
“Why not?” She popped up to look over at the door and sighed. Rex was drunk. Again. She got up from the couch and put away her knitting. “I’ll make up the couch.”
“I’ll get him in the shower.” Wolffe led the intoxicated Captain to their guest bathroom.
This was getting to be a habit for him and routine for them. The Jedi was still in a coma and took a turn for the worst last week. It had been one and half months since the attack to end the war. The doctors said they couldn’t do anything more and if she didn’t wake up in a few weeks, they were going to let her go.
Rex took it hard and after visiting hours closed at the hospital where she was, he hit the bars. This was the third night this week that Rex has done this and she knew he had been over at Fox’s place too.
She put away the snacks and drinks on the coffee table and turned off the holovid she and Wolffe were watching. She pulled out the spare blankets and pillows and made a bed for Rex on the couch.
Soon, Wolffe came back dragging a stumbling Rex behind him. “You can’t keep doing this, Vod. She wouldn’t want this from you. What does Kix say? You’re destroying your liver.”
Rex didn’t say anything and slumped on the couch.
She drew up the blanket over him.
Rex just turned his face into the cushions and fell into a fitful sleep.
She went into their bedroom and collapsed on the bed. “He can’t keep doing this. One day I will throw him out on his ass.”
“Copikla, I kind of get where he’s coming from. If it were you in that hospital bed…” Wolffe trailed off.
She breathed hard through her nose. “I know. You would be off the rails too. It’s just… I had plans tonight.”
“How about we save those plans until our family is better?” Wolffe tugged her into his arms. “I know. I have plans too but our vod needs us. Both Cody and Rex are not doing good right now. Cody’s girl has completely shut everyone out and refuses to let anyone in to see her, even Cody can’t see her. Rex’s Jedi is in a coma and no one knows when she will wake up. It’s hard Mesh’la. ”
She just leaned into her Commander’s chest and took the comfort he was offering. “What are we going to do?”
“I don’t know. Just don’t give up hope.” Wolffe held her for a few more minutes before letting her go. “We can watch our holovid in here.”
She got it up on the tv and settled into bed with Wolffe by her side. “I need to go down to the Senate tomorrow. Senator Amidala invited me to speak on your behalf.”
Wolffe hummed. “Good. Tech had been working on something for a while and he finished it today. Just in time for your trip to the Senate.”
“What did he do?” She looked over at Wolffe. The 104th’s top slicer was known for pulling pranks.
“Nothing like that, Mesh’la. He put together a vid of us. Us working, fighting, playing around, some of the things that happened in 79’s. I think if Tech wanted, he could go far in the holovid industry.” Wolffe smirked. “I think he was even there when Rex and his girl got together. I’ll have to ask if he filmed that.”
“I’m sure he did.” She smiled. “He wouldn’t pass up an opportunity like that. She’s as dramatic as Anakin is. And his kids based on how they arrived.”
Wolffe laughed. “Yeah. As soon as his head hit the floor, the Senator goes into labor. It’s like the little ones didn’t want to be shown up.”
“Typical Skywalkers.” She smiles.
Rex makes a soft noise out in the main room.
She frowns. “Someone needs to knock some sense into him. I know that he’s hurting, but drinking away your problems never fixes anything.”
“I know. Tomorrow, I’ll talk with him. When he’s sober and understands things.” Wolffe falls silent as the holovid plays.
She falls asleep with her Commander wrapped around her. Happy to know that she will never sleep alone again.
The next morning she makes Rex a huge greasy breakfast to cure his sure to be a hangover.
Rex stumbles down the hall to her guest bathroom and she hears the shower start up a few seconds later.
She plates some eggs and tubers when he comes back into the kitchen.
Rex opens his mouth, sure to decline the food she made because she knew visiting hours are open at the hospital.
“Sit.” She sends him her best ‘don’t-mess-with-me’ glare and points to a chair at her table.
Rex groans her name. “We are not talking about this.” He glowers at the food she placed in front of him.
“Eat.” She orders. She goes for her own plate and sits down across from him. “We are going to have this talk because it’s either me or Wolffe and we both know Wolffe will not be kind about this.”
Rex moves to stand up.
“Sit down, Captain.” She barks.
Rex sits back down.
“I’m not going to give you empty promises. She might not get better but what if she does. What will she say about your behavior? I know you haven’t gotten into any bar brawls because Fox would have dragged your ass into a jail cell and let you rot overnight just to teach you a lesson. But drinking as much as you have is not healthy and is the quickest way to addiction. You need to find some other way to cope. You are not alone in this. I’m worried, Anakin is worried, I know the other women are worried and heck, even Wolffe is worried. You have all of us to lean on. Stop thinking you are alone. Open up your eyes and look around at the support group behind you.” She wanted to reach out and touch him but she knew he wouldn’t welcome it.
Rex was silent as he picked at his food. “I don’t…”
“Rex.” Wolffe made his presence known. “Eat your food, go see your Jedi, and meet me back here when visiting hours are over. I know of a better way to help you out than drinking.”
Rex shared a look with his brother before nodding. He ate his food quickly and hurried from their apartment. “Thanks.” He gave her a quick hug and then vanished out her door.
She turned back to face the messy kitchen. “I have to get ready for the Senate.” She looked with dismay at the dishes in the sink and the messy pans on the stove. She was a messy cook and she couldn’t help that.
“I’ve got the dishes. Go get ready to fight, Mesh’la. ” Wolffe ushered her towards the bedroom with a push to her back.
“Yes Sir, Commander Wolffe.” She saluted him cheekily before hurrying to get into her dress she had prepared.
It was the same one she wore for that gala oh so long ago, but this time she made alterations. Now, it had gray accents. 104th gray accents to be precise. The dress showed who she was fighting for with the nods to the trooper armor but adding in the gray showed who exactly she was fighting for. Wolffe and all his men.
Wolffe had yet to see the dress. She kept it hidden in a garment bag that she stowed in her craft room.
She took a shower, shaved all the right places, did her hair, her makeup, and then finally pulled on the dress. She was slipping on her heels when she heard something drop to the floor.
She looked up to see Wolffe staring at her with a slack jaw. She smiled. “Like it?” She gave a little twirl so he could see the wolf design she had put on the side of the dress.
“If you hadn’t worked so hard on all that, you would be late to your show, Mesh’la. ” Wolffe gave her a slow once over. “Later,” Wolffe promised. “Much later.”
“Come on. We’re going to be late.” She grabbed her bag and hurried from the room.
^^^^
She arrived at the Senate building with moments to spare.
Senator Amidala met her out front. She still looked a little weak and pale but from first glance, you never would have guessed that she gave birth to twins a little under two months ago.
The Senator led her to an unoccupied pod and showed her how to work the controls. She left to give her some time to compose herself.
Cody met them shortly after. He gave a low whistle at the sight of her. “Damn Wolffe.”
Cody looked a little haggard. While his hair was neatly in place and his armor was not out of alignment, you could tell he was not having an easy time by the dark smudges under his eyes and the almost scowl lines on his face.
She fidgeted with the little stick thing that Wolffe gave her. She then moved on to the neck of her gown.
"Copikla, stop worrying. You'll be fine." Wolffe moved aside her hands and fixed the collar of her dress.
Cody let out a choke. "You let him call you that."
She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Yes? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing. Nothing. It's just…" Cody took a deep breath to hide some kind of emotion. "Damn, Wolffe. You really are an asshole to borrow Rex's Jedi’s term. And you just let him do that?"
"Cody." Wolffe's words were even. His look must have been the reason Cody sort of backed down.
"All I'm saying is that if she were a real Mandalorian, you would have no head."
"Cody!" Wolffe seemed to be growling a little.
Cody held his hands up. “Alright. It’s none of my business.”
Wolffe spoke something in Mando’a with a savage snarl before turning back to her. “You’ll do fine, Mesh’la.” Wolffe pressed his forehead to her’s quickly. “You look amazing. Good luck.”
She gave him a soft smile. She stepped out into the floating pod. She was going to make a difference.
^^^
She came out of the pod a little breathless. She could see she was swaying most of the Senate her way. She bounced on her heels and into Wolffe’s arms. She kissed his cheek. She knew he wasn’t huge on PDA but she was so excited. “Did you see? Did you see that? Oh, I am going to just… do you think Tech would like me to make him something in thanks? That video was perfect and just what I needed to prove my point.”
Wolffe laughed and shook his head. “I saw Mesh’la. You were amazing.”
A few senators came up to her and started talking to her. She eagerly launched into talking with them about the troopers.
Among them were Senator Organa and Senator Mothma. Senator Chuchi was on the edge of the group.
Wolffe waited patiently by her side as she spoke with the senators. Soon, they all dispersed. Not without inviting her back to speak again next week when the senate gathered again.
She beamed. “That was so exciting. Thanks for waiting for me Wolffe.” She took his hand as they left the Senate.
She slowed to a stop when she felt someone’s extreme distress. Someone very familiar.
She let go of Wolffe’s hand and stepped off to a deserted corner.
“Please. No. You can’t do this.” Cody was near to begging. “Please. I love you. Don’t do this.”
Someone said something and then the com light went off.
Cody slumped to the ground. She was quick to come to his aid.
“Cody?” She called to the downed Commander.
Misery etched every line in his face. He raised wet eyes to her face.
“She ended things with me. She said she doesn’t want to see me again.” Cody looked so sad that her heart ached. “She said she doesn’t love me anymore.”
With Wolffe’s help, she managed to get the heartbroken Commander back to their apartment. When she heard the full story, she was ready to go to war.
*****
TRAVELER
She stared out the window of the little hotel room she got. Her legs were covered. She couldn’t bear the sight of them. One flesh and bone. The other metal and gears.
She could hear that lightsaber crackle and hiss. She could see herself dive to save the Jedi from getting her head cut off. She could feel the heat of the plasma blade cutting through her flesh and bone.
Tears stung her eyes. She wasn’t beautiful. Not anymore. She failed and was a hideous monster.
Anger quickly welled up to follow the tears. She hated this! She hated this stupid planet! This stupid kriffing galaxy! She hated this stupid fucking story! This story where people lose limbs and die like it’s a normal Tuesday.
She had to leave. She had to leave the healing halls where she had been taken. Where everyone looked at her with pity. She hated it!
She kicked the bed frame with her good leg. She fell back on the bed with tears in her eyes. She failed.
Boil didn’t survive the shot to the chest that Palpatine gave him. Longshot and Gearshift were okay though.
She had failed.
She couldn’t stand to look at herself. She sent away everyone. Cody called every once in a while but she wouldn’t answer him. She hated herself and she was sure that everyone else hated her too.
She bet Cody couldn’t stand to look at her. She wasn’t beautiful. Not anymore.
Jango called every once in a while but she didn’t answer him either. She wanted to throw away her com and get a new one but she couldn’t bear to bring herself to throw it out.
She watched as the Singer gave a show for the Senate. Ripping them a new one about the troopers like she always wanted.
She watched the news as they showed snapshots and updates of the other women. There were lots of questions about her and where she was but she turned it off when that happened.
The Author was beginning to show now. Her cute little baby bump was apparent on the cameras and the news was going wild.
It seemed that she and the other women were heroes. The war was officially over and the CIS was slowly starting to cooperate with the Republic under the watchful eye of Senator Amidala and friends.
Slowly but surely the Republic was changing.
Her com went off. Cody. Again.
She couldn’t help it. She needed to hear his voice. She hit the button but didn’t say anything.
“Cyare, please. Answer me. Where are you? I’ll come to get you. You can’t just up and leave. What about…” Cody’s voice trailed off. When he came back on the com, his voice was thick with emotion, like he was trying to stop himself from crying. “I love you, Cyare. Please tell me where you are. I need you to…”
She hung up the com. She couldn’t do this. She eyed her legs again. She screamed into the pillow. She cried tears of sorrow and frustration. She would never be whole again.
The Force tried to wrap around her.
‘Go away!’ She screamed at it in her head. ‘I hate you! You did this to me!’
The Force retreated from her and she wept when she felt it disappear.
Her com went off again a few hours after her crying jag. She looked at it before deciding on whether to answer it or not. Jango. She ignored it.
Her com beeped with a message. She looked at it. Vod’ika if you don’t answer me by nightfall, Boba and I will be on the next ship to wherever you are. If we have to show up on Coruscant and make a fuss we will.
She shot a quick message to Jango. I’m fine. Just been busy with my Commander. No need to come out here.
She hated the lie she told but she didn’t want to be found.
Jango responded back. Fine. Call me as soon as you can. It’s urgent.
She flung her com to the side. She would call him tomorrow.
She sat in her chair and looked out at the night sky. She wanted to go to her homeworld. Earth was never like this.
An idea began wiggling in her mind. Earth was out there. It had to be. She had to go back. She had a ship. If she packed enough supplies she could head out for wild space and…
Her com rang yet again. Cody.
She had to let him go. She had to. She was going back to Earth. There was no place for him there.
Tomorrow. She would plan tomorrow.
She closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
^^^^^
She had done it. She broke things off with Cody. And she was heartbroken.
It took her a few days (more like a week) but she finally got up the nerve to start her plan to go back to Earth. She stepped outside her hotel room on shaky legs. It took her a while to learn how to walk on a mechanical leg. She wasn’t used to it yet.
She stuck to the lower levels of Coruscant. She hid her face with a shirt she had ripped to form a mask.
She managed to make it a few levels before her leg started hurting again. She had to make her way back to her hotel.
When she entered her hotel room she saw two blue-tinged people ‘sitting’ on the couch and holding hands. Force ghosts.
“Who are you?” She ordered.
They lifted their heads and she bit back a gasp. It was Waxer and Boil. They both looked happy and at peace.
“W-waxer? Boil?” She sat on her bed because her legs would not hold her up anymore.
“Hello,” Boil said her name with more happiness than she had ever seen on him.
“What are you doing here? How?” She was at a loss for words.
Waxer shrugged. “We don’t know. All we know is that you needed us. So… we’re here.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I failed the both of you. I’m so sorry.”
Boil sighed. “I don’t blame you and you didn’t fail us. It was our time to go. We are both happier for it.”
“I don’t blame you either.” Waxer piped up. “Now, tell us about what happened.”
She sobbed but went into the story about the final battle and how she lost her leg.
“Let me ask you this,” Boil spoke up. “Do you regret saving her life? Would you rather have your leg and let her die?”
She gasped. “What? No! I would never want her to-”
“Then why do you do this to yourself, to our Commander, to our friends?” Boil may have well slapped her in the face for all the shock he gave her.
She looked down. She scowled at her legs. “I’m not… I can’t… I mean look at me! I have a mechanical leg!”
“And Wolffe has a mechanical eye!” Boil shot back. “Does that make him less deserving of love? Do you think that his girl cares about looks? Do you really think that Cody cares about looks? Do you really think our Commander is that shallow?”
She bit back a retort. Boil would only tear her protests down. He was good at that.
“So what if you lost a leg. You did it saving your friend’s life. How do you think she would feel to wake up and find out what you have done to our family?” Boil scowled at her.
She looked down, chastised. “I didn’t think of it that way.”
“That’s why you need us to point it out to you.” Waxer broke into the tense stare-off between Boil and her. “Now, what are you going to-”
Bang! Bang! Bang!
“Vod’ika! Open the door! I know you are in there.”
Bang! Bang! Bang!
“I’m not above busting it down.” Jango Fett called again.
She walked over and opened the door. She stood there defiantly. Jango gave her a slow look over. He paused on her metal foot, before shrugging and pushing into the room.
Boba scowled as he followed his Buir.
“Why are you here? I told you I was fine.” She snapped. She shut the door behind her uninvited guests.
“And I call bullshit.” Jango crossed his arms over his chest. “You saved my life. I’m here to return the favor.”
She scowled as she sat down on the couch. Her pant leg rode up showing off the metal and gears.
Jango gave it a slow look over.
“What?” She snapped defensively.
“Nice. It could use a few improvements. If you give me a chance I might be able to fit some weapons on it.” Jango leaned against the wall.
His thirteen-year-old mini-me copied him down to the arms crossing.
She bit back a smile. Seeing Boba acting like his buir always brought a smile to her face.
“Now. What’s this about you leaving on a journey to Wild Space?” Jango studied her reaction closely.
Boba gasped. “No! You can’t leave us! You promised you would get me a ship when I’m old enough!” Boba scowled. “You’re not leaving.”
She couldn’t hide her smile as Boba launched himself forward and hugged her. “Ba’vodu, you can’t leave us.”
Tears sprung to her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ve been an idiot about this.”
Jango said nothing. Just looked at her with an expression that screamed ‘Duh’.
“Call Cody. Wolffe’s woman is on the warpath. I would not want to tangle with her.” Jango held out her com that was next to him on a table.
With shaky hands, she dialed the com number she knew by heart. It buzzed three times then someone picked it up. There were no words just breathing on the line.
“ Al’verde? ” She whispered. “ Ni ceta. I’ve been an idiot. I’m so sorry. I’ll tell you where I am. Come get me, please? We need to talk.” She waited for a response.
“Cyare.” Cody breathed out. “Where are you? I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
She rattled off the hotel address, her room number, and what level it was on.
“I’ll be there soon. I love you,” Cody spoke her name softly.
“I love you too.” She hung up and fiddled with a loose thread on her pants. “There. I did it.”
“Did you do it for you or because I wanted you to?” Jango pushed off the wall.
“For me. Because I really don’t want to be without him.” She answered.
Boba wrinkled his nose. “You’re gross.” He announced.
She smirked. “One day, you won’t find that so gross. There may be a girl that catches your eye and-”
“Never!” Boba declared. “I’m going to be a bounty hunter. What girl would want that?”
She thought back to all the girls and women on her homeworld that would absolutely love to be with Boba or another certain Mandalorian bounty hunter. “You’d be surprised about just how many would love that. Don’t ever go to Earth, okay Bob’ika? Especially my Earth.”
"What's Earth?" Boba frowned.
"A dangerous place where bounty hunters would get mobbed by hordes of thirsty people." She answered with a straight face.
Boba scowled an adorable scowl. He still had all his baby fat so his expressions were still cute.
"Aw. Copikla." She teased.
Boba glared at her.
"You're adorable." She cooed.
"You're really not helping your case, son." Jango looked on amused.
"And who's fault is that? You're the one who cursed me with this face. I can't get rid of this." Boba gestured to his face.
"It's called baby fat." She spoke up at the same time as Jango.
"Give it a couple of years. By fifteen, no one will say that anymore."
"Baby fat?" Boba scoffed. "I'm not a baby."
There was a hesitant knock at her door.
She shot a glare at Jango and Boba. "Quiet." She moved to get the door. "Cody?"
She was immediately pulled into a kiss. It was desperate and needy. She might have let it continue if not for her guests.
She pulled back. "Cody. Ni ceta ." She cried. " Ni ceta ."
"Cyare." Cody kisses her again. "I love you."
Cody tried to turn the kiss dirty but she pulled back again.
"Cody. We're not alone." She murmured.
Cody froze. His back straightened. He shot a glance around the room before coming to a stop on a grossed out looking Boba and a smiling Jango Fett.
If possible, his spine straightened even more. "Fett." He spoke stiffly.
"That was…" Jango began.
"Gross? Disgusting?" Boba offered cheekily.
"Weird." Jango decided on. "Come on Boba. We've done our part. Tomorrow night. Dex's Diner. Bring Cody if you want, Vod'ika. Seven. Don't be late." Jango headed past Cody out of the room. "Don't be a di'kut that I have to track down again."
"Bye Ba'vodu ." Boba gave her a hug before glaring at Cody. Boba hurried out after Jango.
"Is there something you want to talk about?" Cody stared at her evenly.
"Yeah." She sat down on the edge of the bed. "It all starts with a promise I made myself…"
^^^^^
She stepped into the Singer's apartment cautiously.
Both Cody and Jango had told her she was on the warpath.
The Singer scowled and marched up to her. She stopped inches from her. "If I wasn't so happy to see you I would smack the shit out of you!" She snapped before pulling her into a hug. The Singer pulled back and smacked her around the back of the head. "If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I will…"
"I love you too." She smiled.
The Singer eyed her up and down. She barely paused over her metal leg. "Come on. Dinner is ready. I have been cooking for hours. Fox and his lady are coming over. Wolffe is in the shower. He and Rex have taken to beating each other up but hey, any reason for Rex to not be drinking is alright with me."
She let the Singer's words wash over her. Maybe she doesn't need Earth. Maybe, her home is here.
****
JEDI
You were standing in darkness. It was like a pitch-black field at night. Only, there was no moon or stars to light your way.
“Hello?” You call out. You step forward only to pause as a scene takes over your view.
"Oh, Captain. It's not so bad. Having three Jedi assigned to you is a good thing. You have me, Anakin, and Ahsoka to watch your back. You will be well protected." You pat the top of his helmet playfully.
A loud snort reached your ears as Rex took off his helmet. "No offense, Commander, but I think three Jedi assigned to me might just kill me."
You start laughing at the look on his face. "Be glad it's not four. I theoretically can take a Padawan myself too."
It was only his training that stopped Rex from paling with fear. His look morphed into unimpressed.
You bent over howling with laughter at his look. A near soundless click passed by as you laughed and Rex just stared at you.
"Please, Commander. We both know that you are too... what’s the word you used before… chicken shit? To take a youngling and teach them." Rex put his helmet back on smirking as you gape at him.
"Why are you showing me this?" You felt lost in the midst of this darkness surrounding you.
"Fight. You must fight."
Voices swirled around her.
"Please, Cyar'ika. Fight. You can do it. Ner atin Jetii. Gar ner atin Jetii. Fight. Please."
"You bitch! You totally missed my big save the galaxy act. We had a party but the 501st didn't really celebrate because of their Captain who is getting really mopey. Wolffe is getting frustrated because he keeps coming over to our apartment. Cody is getting a little angry too. His girl is still not doing good either. You better wake up soon or I will be in jail by Fox for committing homicide. Rex might not be here if you don't wake up soon."
"And then she had her tail again in the middle of the boat. She looked over at her love and…"
"You… you saved me and my family from danger. I… I don't know how to thank you. Leia is named after you. We used your first name as her second name. Padme is still exhausted and she can't ever have any more kids. It's a good thing we have twins. Obi-Wan is joking that ‘thank the Force there are only two Skywalkers and that Force helps the galaxy if we ever have more.' I like to think you will keep them in check. Luke is strong in the Force. Leia is weaker but she is a fighter. Please wake up. You're my best friend and I need you. Rex needs you. Please wake up."
"Wake up? But I am awake. Aren't I?" You call out into the deep pit of darkness that appeared before you.
" Fight. My Chosen One. FIGHT!!!"
"Fight. Okay. Fighting is good. What do I fight though?"
A speck of light shone through the darkness.
You remembered all the sayings about not going into the light. That means you die, right?
"Please Cyar'ika. They said there is nothing they can do anymore. It's all up to you. You promised you wouldn't die on me. We still need to have that prank war on my brothers. Remember? You and I have a plan. Please Cyar'ika. Come back to me. Please."
The darkness swirled around you, eagerly leaping at your legs trying to pull you back. There was something important about the light and dark. What was it?
That speck of light seemed to call you. The light almost grew fainter.
The darkness seemed to hiss with glee.
"NO!! FIGHT MY CHOSEN ONE!!! FIGHT!!!"
You take a chance and sprint for the light.
Voices cheer you on as you run for the warm glow that got bigger and bigger as you approached.
"Cyare, you're doing it. They say you are so close to waking up. Please come back to me."
"Come on. You're almost back. Keep fighting. You took a turn for the better. Keep going. Keep it up. Wolffe and I have a bet. Loser has to do the dishes after your welcome back party we are throwing. Wolffe bet in a week but I said a few days. Come on. Don't make me a loser. Plus, you know you want to see Wolffe in an apron. He's worse than me about clothes now that he has access to them. Rex has been hitting the gym recently. When he's not here with you, he's at the bags going at it. I think he wants to surprise you with new muscles and his prowess where normally you succeed."
"Please come back. I know you can do it. You're stubborn and you won't give up. Fox is doing better. He's recovering which is what you need to do so get your butt in gear and fight."
"When are you going to wake up? Luke and Leia need to meet their Aunt. They are getting so big. Luke can pull himself up if we set him down. Leia is a talker. She might just take after her mother and go into politics. Please come influence her into being a Jedi. Obi-Wan really saved our butts when he pointed out that Master Mundi has almost ten wives and that they would be hypocrites if they denied us our right to our relationships. Plus you have saved them all so it really wouldn't be fair if they punished you when you saved the galaxy. It was awesome. You should have been there. I bet even you would have gone speechless."
You reach the light as Anakin's words come to an end. You burst through the entryway to finally come home.
^^^^
In a dim hospital room, you finally open your eyes. Sounds slowly come back to you. The beep, beep, beep of a monitor, murmuring voices just outside your room.
You start coughing at the tube going down your throat.
“Cyare?” Rex’s face appears above you. “Shhh. Udesiir, Cyar’ika.” Rex’s hand smooths over your forehead and hair.
“Did…” You pause for breath. “Did we win?”
Rex broke out in a relieved smile. “Lek, Cyar’ika. We won.” He brought your hand to his lips and kissed it.
You laid in the bed and studied him. “Who did we lose?”
“Cody’s girl…”
Rex was cut off as a bunch of medical personnel flooded the room.
Your mind was racing. You remembered part of what happened in the coma and you don’t think you heard either the Traveler or Cody. You remember Anakin and the Singer, the Author was there a few times. You definitely remember Rex.
After answering their questions and being poked and prodded for a good ten minutes, you were finally alone with Rex.
“What happened?” You demanded. You tried to sit up but your body was too weak. Rex hit a button on the side of your bed and you were soon sitting reclined. “Where’s Cody and what happened to her?”
Rex sighed. He kept his hands on you as he told the story. He told about the goading into a fight and then a little bit of what happened after you got flung around.
“After this is mostly reports from others. I kind of got knocked around a bit too. According to Cody, after you got taken out, his girl kept trying. He tried giving Order 66 and Cody denied him. He got mad and went after you with his lightsaber. She jumped between you and her leg… well, she’s more like General Skywalker now than she wants to admit. Cody tried taking him out but his shots were deflected back onto the men. Boil… Boil’s dead. Longshot and Gearshift are okay.” Rex squeezed her hands.
“He tried to escape out Fox’s way and his girl managed to hold him off with the other’s help. That author is crazy. She did some kind of movement and his lightsaber flew out of his hand and to Fox’s feet. Fox picked it up and took off his head.” Rex kept his amber eyes on yours.
“And the baby? And everyone else?” You croaked. Despite being in a coma for two months, you were exhausted.
“Little mite’s doing okay. He should be here on schedule.” Rex assured. “The others… I don’t exactly know. I’ve been here with you most days.”
You yawn so wide, your jaw cracks and your eyes squint so you could barely see Rex.
Rex brushes his hand over your cheek. “Get some sleep, Cyare. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
You nod sleepily.
Rex reclines your bed back down.
“Ner Alor’ad?” You mumble.
Rex soothes you with his hands through your hair.
You crack open an eye and stare at him. “I love you.” You use galactic basic to get your point across.
Rex murmurs something back but you were too tired to catch it. You fall asleep, this time a comforting blackness surrounds you.
****
You wake the next morning to see Rex sleeping in the chair by your side. You smile fondly. He was going to hurt today because of that.
A slight knock on the door, caused Rex to jump up with his hand on his blaster.
“Hold your fire Captain. It’s just us.” The Singer pokes her head in the room. The Singer’s face broke out into a wide happy smile. “Look who finally decided to wake up. Good morning Sleeping Beauty. How was your nap?”
“Enlightening. Who won your bet?” You struggle to sit up in bed.
The Author steps gingerly into the room.
You blink at her. “Um… how long was I out?”
“Two months, Cyare.” Rex’s sleep roughened voice answers you.
You mentally did the math. The Author was six months pregnant at least. “How’s the little one doing?”
“He’s fine.” The Author was beaming.
“I still say that it’s a girl.” The Singer pouted. “You have no solid proof yet.”
“Uh… The Force.” The Author spoke like the Singer was an idiot.
“No! I don’t believe it because if It’s a boy that means Wolffe is right and I’m on self-imposed diaper duty the first seven times we babysit.” The Singer pouted and crossed her arms.
“That’s your fault for making the stupid bet in the first place.” The Traveler’s voice rang out from the hall.
You watched as she walked into the room on mismatched legs. Your heart broke for her but was thankful she cared enough about you to save your life. “I hear I have you to thank for me not being a headless freak.”
Rex made a wounded noise. “Don’t even joke about that, Cyare.” He nearly growled.
The Traveler shrugged her shoulders. “Someone needed to save your ass. Do you think I want to be stranded with those two? I’d take Cody and we’d be gone before a week was out.”
“And yet you managed to survive two months without her.” The Singer snarked back. “Don’t lie. You love us. We are angels.”
Rex snorted. “I’m going to go get some breakfast. I’ll see you in an hour.” Rex leaned over your bed and kissed your forehead. He lowered his head to touch yours and just sighed.
“Awe.” The Singer cooed. “So adorable.”
Rex huffed and headed for the door. “Don’t go back to sleep without me, Commander.” Rex left you to the three other women’s mercies.
“So… fill me in on what’s happened.” You look at your guests eagerly.
“Well, someone has been keeping secrets.” The Singer looked pointedly at the Traveler. “Someone also was being a moron and had to have a certain bounty hunter we all thought dead come to Coruscant and make a fuss at the Senate before tracking her down. Turns out she got into his good graces somehow and now she is the unofficial little sister to the Mand’alor.”
You stare at the Traveler in shock. “No way. You actually managed to save Jango Fett and convince him to take back Mandalore?”
The Traveler smirked. “What can I say? I’m just badass enough to fit in with that family. You are not one to talk though. Auntie to the Skywalker twins. They actually named Leia’s second name as your first name.”
“Must be all the defending of him she did.” The Author piped up.
“What about you two?” You turn your attention to the Singer and Author.
“Well, this one could be considered the Senator for the troopers based on how much time she has spent at the Senate fighting for their rights.” The Author nudged the Singer with a proud grin.
“Oh, you’re one to talk. This one is practically the older sister of the troopers and is helping many of them with their after war plans.” The Singer goaded the Author.
The Author blushed. “You’re actually not that far off, considering Fox and I are married now.”
All three women stopped.
“What?” The Singer’s voice was shrill. “And you didn’t bother telling us?! You just eloped and decided to deprive me of my ability to throw you a kickass bachelorette party?”
The Author frowned. “Fox said Mandalorian weddings are not like that. There are no guests invited and it’s just the two of you saying your vows to each other.”
“I personally think it’s romantic.” You speak up when the Singer looks like she’s about to argue. “Just the two of you promising to be together and raise your children right. There’s no pomp to it. There’s no extravagance. It’s just you and your love declaring to each other how much you love each other.”
“Plus, there’s no waiting for the wedding night.” The Traveler wiggled her eyebrows.
The Singer frowned. “I’ll have to think about that.”
The topics moved on to other things. When they were about to leave, you brought up something that was bugging you.
“We’re all happy here, right? We’re all staying and no one wants to go back to Earth.”
“I’m staying.” The Traveler shook her metal leg. “This is far too advanced for Earth technology and there’s no way I’m falling back on a mediocre prosthetic. Plus, I have my Al’verde and I’m not giving him up for some paltry cartoon TV show.”
“I’m not going back either.” The Author laid her hand on her baby bump. “I have my family to think about. Besides, we all have been gone for who knows how long and I don’t think I can just fall back into that. Not when I have the best husband and family I could ever ask for.”
All eyes turned to the Singer. She scoffed. “Are you kidding? I’m definitely not going back. I have Wolffe and I wouldn’t dare leave my three best friends ever.”
As soon as she said that, the Force hummed around the four of them.
My Chosen Ones. Home at last. Happy at last. Many more challenges to face but none will be as important as what you have already done. Be at peace.
You shiver. “Did all of you catch that?”
“Yep. We’re home.” The Singer beamed. “Now. You have to get better because Wolffe and I are throwing a baby shower for her and you have to be there.”
You smile. You were finally home.