Chapter Text
ARC Trooper Fives discovers the insidious plot to destroy the Jedi Order by use of inhibitor chips embedded in every clone. With the aid of the Jedi, the Chancellor's plot is thwarted. Revealed as the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, Chancellor Palpatine is destroyed and Senator Bail Organa is made interim Chancellor. With new leadership the Senate passes the Clone Rights and Reparations Act. The Trade Federation and Techno Union are revealed as traitors to the Republic, their assets are liquidated and used to support Clone Rights issues. General Windu and the 91st Mobile Reconnaissance Corps, with the aid of General Di and the Outer Rim Garrison, apprehend Watt Tambor on Skako Minor where ARC Trooper Echo, previously assumed killed in action, is discovered alive. He is brought back to Coruscant to heal at the Jedi Temple...
~~~~~
“Are you sure this is ok?” Fives is sitting next to Echo on the bottom bunk that Echo will be crashing on now that he has been released from the healers. The suite in the Guard barracks is comfortable, if sparse. Fives is still getting used to having things. Regulations have loosened since the Coruscant Guard has become in charge of their own dealings, and Fives hadn’t felt the need or had the time to personalize his space while transitioning to working for the Guard.
Another bonus to the loosened regulations is that Echo gets to stay with Fives for now, even though he isn’t one of the Guard. Fox had waved Fives off when he tried to thank him, saying he would perform better if he wasn't constantly worrying like a new tooka mother if Echo was ok. Knowing he is safe on the base does help a little, though Fives is still concerned.
What if Echo doesn’t want to stay with him? What if it’s too much to have Fives on the bunk above him, a reminder of how it was before, in the ARC barracks on the Resolute.
“Fives.” Echo rests his remaining hand on Fives shoulder, pulling him out of his spiraling thoughts. “I’m going to be fine. I’m pretty sure you’re late for your shift.”
Fives doesn’t think Echo looks fine, still so thin, and the bags under his eyes haven’t faded completely. Still, he’s going to have to get used to believing Echo when he says he’s ok. He used to be able to trust his closest brother with everything. But this feels different. He knows Echo will be trying to make him feel better. He really doesn’t deserve that.
“Ok…” Fives stands from the bed reluctantly. He stops to look back at Echo when he reaches the door leading to the rest of the barracks, from what is now their room. At least until Echo finds something. Something more than Fives.
~~~~~
Echo gives a small wave and his best attempt at a smile as Fives leaves. It’s quiet in the barracks, and the officers of the new Coruscant Guard have their own suite. Fox, Thorn, Stone, and Thire are all on duty already (there hasn’t been a lot of downtime for command) and with more space than Echo is used to in living quarters he feels like he is small and disconnected. He closes his eyes and tries for the breathing exercises he learned as an ARC.
It doesn’t work. His skin is tingling, practically vibrating with all of the low level electrical signals around him, both inside the barracks and on the other side of the small transparisteel window. The commotion of coruscant might as well be in the room with him for all that he can feel every speeder pass. Shuddering, he pulls himself up from the low bunk. His right ankle joint feels stiff; he makes a mental note to take a look at it later, when he can concentrate.
When he gets to the window, he presses his forehead against the cool surface before reaching over to palm the controls that darken the panel. It blocks out the light even if it can’t stop the electrical charges dancing over his scalp, especially sensitive where the silver ports remain, not yet hidden by the short curls growing back in.
It was different in the temple. It was quiet, but peaceful quiet. He didn't feel the same amount of fizzling energy surrounding him. Maybe it had to do with having so many Jedi around, or something to do with the Force. General Windu had said their healers were skilled in something called the living Force… whatever that means.
Pushing back from the window, he shuffles back to the bunk, lying down and pulling the familiar, thin, GAR issued blanket all the way over his head. Anything to put a buffer between him and the rest of the galaxy. He ends up curled in on himself, clutching to the thin blanket like a lifeline.
~~~~~
When Fives returns at the end of the day cycle with Thorn and Stone, Echo is set up in the common area, a small tool kit on the table in front of him. He is working on what looks like his foot prosthesis, small pieces of machinery neatly arranged on a clean cloth. He almost looks embarrassed when he lifts his gaze up to greet the three returning men.
“Sorry, uh, I’ll be out of here in a minute,” Echo mumbles. “Just have to get this…” He trails off, motioning towards his right ankle, which stops at a sturdy looking ball joint, a few wires hanging loose.
“Take your time, brother.” Stone waves casually and heads down the hall to the 'freshers. Thorn smiles at Echo and gives Fives’ shoulder a quick squeeze as he makes his way past, heading in the same direction as Stone. Fives can hear them chatting as they remove their armor, the comforting sound of brothers nearby, made even better knowing they aren't in any immediate danger. Echo doesn't look like he shares the comfortable feeling though; he’s already moving to hastily wire in his foot.
“Echo, stop...” Fives places his helmet on the table, careful not to disturb Echo’s tools. He pulls out the chair next to his brother and sits facing him. “You don’t have to go anywhere, Stone said to take your time.”
Echo doesn't look like he’s listening. He's bent over, trying to force the ball joint into the hollow of his foot prosthesis. It doesn't seem to be working the way he wants it to.
Fives reaches out, gently placing a hand on Echo’s shoulder. “Echo, please.”
Echo pauses, but doesn’t look up. “I just. I just need to get this back on. I’ll be out of the way in a minute.”
Fives stomach tightens uncomfortably at that.
“Echo…”
“It’s fine Fives, see? All done.” Echo sits up and smiles at Fives, but it doesn't reach his eyes. He rolls his ankle a few times before standing up to pack his tools away. Fives watches him closely, but it's not worth pressing right now. This is what it means to trust his brother.