Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“TK-9801 move out!” 

9801 moved through the forest as silently as possible. It was hard enough being stealthy with bright white armour in broad daylight, seriously is 9801 ever got his hands on the flimsi pusher who was responsible for that decision. Didn’t help that he couldn’t see a damn thing. Still it was no use whining, white armour had been used since the Imperial Army was called the Grand Army.

“Sir, where is this base?” 9801 turned to his Commander, TK-8513 , who was leading the squad.

“Should be up ahead,” she replied. “I have a bad feeling about this. It feels like we shouldn’t be here”. 

9801 shuddered and gave 8513 a curious look. “Bad feeling huh. What else is new?” 

9801 was silent as the squad approached the rebel base, " more like a hovel " mused 9801.  

They cut through a rather dense vine to reveal an old ruin. There was no evidence that the rebels had taken up residence here 

“I guess our intel was wrong again. There is nothing here” 8513 fumed. She didn’t know what was going on but things were getting unreliable, especially as the war moved on. 

“Let’s rest up, TK-9801 since you were so eager to get here you have the first watch”. 

9801 grumbled a ‘sir yes sir’ and stomped off to find a spot to watch for unfriendlies. He found a good spot up a tree where he could see the camp as well as look over the ruin. He was curious about it. Why was Grand Moff Tarkin so interested in it? They had been told by Lieutenant Moss that there was a rebel base and it was to be blown up and destroyed. However as 8513 had so eloquently grumbled earlier, there was nothing here. Just the old ruin. Most abandoned rebel bases still had machinery and junk surrounding them. This just had bits of stone scattered everywhere and trees growing out of it.

The night dragged on and it seemed 9801’s replacement had forgotten about him. He had counted as many stars as he could, watched some weird animals do animal things and eaten a ration bar. 

He decided to play a prank on the group, it is the least they could do to make up for forgetting about him. 

He went through his backpack where he kept his grenades and extra ammo and found some small explosives meant for blowing locks. He snuck out of his tree and towards where they were snoring. As he crept over to deliver the bang, he noticed the entrance of the temple. It was glowing bright green. 9801 looked at it and his curiosity got the better of him. 

"Damn you"  he cursed to himself. He started towards the entrance with his rifle at the ready. He racked his brain for things that glowed green that wouldn’t hurt him. 

He reached the entrance to the ruin and quickly looked inside. Nobody was standing around, so he started walking towards the glow. He could feel his breath inside his helmet. He was scared and it was getting cold, whatever happened to the climate system in his armour.

He reached the glow which was emulating from a liquid in a stone basin. He could hear whispering voices as well. He turned around to make sure it wasn’t a prank being pulled on him. 9801 approached the basin and noticed that there were runes written around the rim. The liquid itself had the consistency of cooking oil. And was reflecting the sky above it. He picked up a pebble from the floor and threw it in. The pebble floated before slowly disappearing into the liquids depths causing sparks to leap off the surface of the liquid.

9801 had no idea what could cause such an occurrence. 

Unless…9801 was pulled back into his memories before he joined the military. He grew up in a poor Couresanti slum. He was remembering an old woman telling him a story of beings called Jedi, who lived on the surface, who could make things move with their minds and who were fantastic warriors. As a child he was enraptured by the stories. He desperately wanted one of these Jedi to come to his home and get rid of the evil crime lords that plagued their level. The Jedi had disappeared in mysterious circumstances approximately thirteen years ago. Nobody knew what had happened to them. Apparently they had betrayed the Empire, but who knew what to believe, it was dark times.

As he got older and entered into the military academy, his belief in these Jedi died, after all they hadn’t turned up when his entire family was executed for petty crimes, The Empire had. 

"N o, no Jedi aren't real!" H e told himself . He turned back towards the basin, maybe he could collect some of the liquid and sell it? He didn’t exactly make a lot as a NCO Storm trooper and the liquid would be worth something just for the novelty, he was sure some rich surface dwelling Courasenti bastard would find it fascinating. 

He took an empty water flask from his hip and dipped it into the basin, which in hindsight was not a smart thing to do.

 As soon as his hand was submerged he started feeling a tugging sensation, he tried to pull his hand free, but it wouldn’t budge, in fact the liquid seemed to be pulling him in. 9801 was now up to his elbow; he tried cutting the material off his body glove, but he still could not pull himself free.
"HELP! I'm being swallowed!"
He cried out to his comrades, but it was too late. He over balanced as his shoulder was swallowed and was sucked into a vortex. 

Chapter Text

TK-9801 hit the ground hard. He tried to sit up, but fell back down nauseous. He felt like he was going to be sick, which was not a pleasant thing, especially if you’re wearing a helmet.
Somebody tripped on him. He looked up to an angry Rodian carrying a box of fruit. The guy glared at him and was muttering something about lousy clones, drunkenness and menace to society.
What the actual hell? TK-9801 groaned. His stomach felt better so he sat up again and looked around.
He was shocked at what he saw. He was no longer on the mid rim jungle planet with the ruin, instead he was home, on Couresant laying on one of the concourses in the market districts service area. This is where the produce was delivered and prepared for sale. A tooka was sniffing his boot trying to figure out if it was edible. He moved and it hissed at him and scarpered off into the dustbins. 9801 stood up, he was still wobbly and thirsty. He took out his water container and took a good swig.
The familiar smell of Mantell Mix, roasted Warra nuts and pollution hit his nose and he was instantly transported back to his childhood helping his Mother look for the best produce for dinner. He removed his helmet and took it all in.
“Erm! excuse me, but you can’t be here. If you want 79’s, it’s back that way”. TK-9801 turned to look at the speaker. Another Stormtrooper, only this one had armour that was trimmed with red and the helmet looked like an older model. It wasn’t uncommon for troopers to use bits of old armour while they waited for replacement parts from the forge. This dude looked like he could be from the military police, not somebody you want to mess with. He quickly replaced his helmet and saluted.
“Yes Sir!” he shouted and marched off in the opposite direction.
What did that guy just say to me? What’s 79’s? He mused. He regretted not asking more about what just to him, but that might not be such a wise idea. As he walked towards where the trooper had pointed Maybe someone was having a retro party, mind you that was something that could get you chucked in prison. He turned a corner to be confronted with one of the strangest sights he had ever seen.

It was a landing platform outside a seedy looking bar. The platform was chock full of speeder bikes, navy personnel and other Stormtroopers.
"Its funny, I don't remember there been a Stormtrooper bar here" 9801 thought to himself. Most military stuff was located around the staging areas and would never be allowed to get into this state of disrepair.
Suddenly the door to the establishment flew open and a Togruta barmaid threw out an armour clad punter. "If I see you back here again, I will personally throw you off the landing pad!" She shouted at the scruffy looking figure picking himself off the landing pad.
"Good luck trying to recognize me darlin' " The trooper shouted before being struck on the head with his own helmet which the irate barmaid had thrown at him.

Well that certainly would not of been allowed in any of the more respectable bars mused 9801. He wandered over to the figure who was trying to scrap something gross off his armour. It was traditional white with blue stripes. He had a red medics patch on the shoulder bell. 9801 knew some of the more elite and specialized trooper divisions wore stripes on their armour, however this dude had to have the nicest looking kit he had ever seen. 9801 walked over to help the comrade up.
"You ok there? Looks like that broad threw you out pretty good!"

Chapter Text

9801 entered the bar and it was full of guys who all looked the same! 9801 had never seen anything so bizarre, he thought he was going to pass out again. There was something familiar about them all, he shuddered for some reason. Suddenly the front doors of the bar opened and a yellow Twi’lek in a skimpy bartender outfit tossed another one of these lookalikes out onto the footpath right in front of 9801.

“And keep your grubby hands off my dancers!” She shouted angrily. The trooper landed

“Looking good Martine!” The trooper winked at her. She scowled and turned on her heels and stomped back inside. 

CT-5555 or Fives picked himself off the sidewalk. 

“What are you looking at?” He snapped at 9801, who was completely dumbstruck . 

“You alright mate?” 9801 asked. The trooper was dressed in ancient armour that was painted with beautiful blue stripes, a Pauldronnand a skirt.

“Yeah, just a bit scuffed. It was worth it though!” Fives sniggered, glancing back at the seedy bar. “I’m Fives by the way. What’s your name?”. Hmmm! 9801 was confused. Who were these people? And why did they all look the same. It might be best if he kept himself anonymous. He turned and started walking away without a reply to Fives question.

“Hey! Wait up?” 9801 turned to see the trooper running towards him.

“Is that the new phase three armour? I’ve heard it is lighter than this stuff” Fives asked curiously, trying to get this shiny to talk.

“Go away! “ the confused trooper shouted back at him.

Fives stopped and narrowed his eyes. Shinys never spoke like that, especially to an ARC. He decided that now would be a great time to pull a rank. Something was fishy about this guy.

“Trooper! I am a Lieutenant and I didn’t say you could go?”

9801 stopped in his tracks and stood to attention. Years of training kept him from continuing. The Lieutenant swooped up to him, his eyes narrowed.

“Take off your bucket!” Fives ordered him.

9801’s eyes widened and he undid the seals of his suit and removed the helmet. Before he knew it he was thrown up against a wall. The Lieutenant was no longer in a good mood. 

“You’re not a clone?” He snapped sharply “did you get that armour off one of my dead brothers?” Fives snarled.

“What no!” TK-9801, thinking that was the most disturbing thing he had ever heard. Clone? What the hell was a clone. Weren’t they illegal now?

 “It’s standard Imperial issue” he gasped out, hoping it would be enough for the lunatic to release him. Instead the dude howled and positioned himself to king hit 9801

“FIVES!” A curt voice shouted. 9801 managed to twist his head to see who it was. Another trooper with blonde hair and blue striped armour walked up to them with a brisk clip.

“What in tarnation are you doing? The General is really not going to like this ” He snapped at Fives.

“Captain. This mongrel is wearing our armour!” He replied, breathing like a wounded bantha, not letting 9801 up.

The second trooper walked over and pulled Fives up by the pauldron so he could see 9801 properly.

“Seven hells!” He cursed. “Alright you’re coming with me”. The blonde haired Captain hauled 9801 up and cuffed him. 

“I would read you your rights, but I think I will take you straight to the General” he snarled.

9801 was taken away unsure what he had done.

TK-9801 was taken to a massive building with what looked like the Imperial sigil on it. He was marched inside to a briefing room. Inside were four people. Two were dressed in what looked like bathrobes with various bits of armour. One was Togurta female in a battle dress and the last person was another clone in orange striped armour. This one he would recognise if he was on his death bed. It was the one and only training instructor TK-2224. The man was feared across the Stormtrooper Core for his brutal training and bad temper. 9801 recalled the one and only time he had experienced the legendary temper of 2224 as a cadet. He was in a bacta tank for three days.

9801 gulped and waited for the worst. The guy who had him in cuffs pushed him into the room

Chapter Text

The older guy in light robes spoke first.
“Captain Rex. Who is this? He doesn’t appear to be a clone.” He asked.
“General Kenobi, It is a natborn who we found wearing clone armour. He was outside 79s” he replied.
“Really!” The dark robes guy said eyes narrowed squarely at 9801.
“Who do you think you are?” Dark robes asked accusingly.
“TK-9-9801” the stormtrooper stammered, confused by this jumble of characters in front of him.
“No, your name,” his interrogator asked, raising an arm. 9801 felt himself lifted up by an invisible arm. He struggled crying for the guy to put him down.
“WHAT NAME?” He managed to get out.

9801 did once have a name. He hadn’t heard it in years, getting used to being referred to by his TK number or an insult.
The older guy walked up to the younger man with an angry look on his face. He grabbed dark robes and yanked him back.
“Anakin! Control yourself. What example are you setting for your Padawan" he warned.
Anakin straightens up and looks down at 9801 with a look of disgust.
The older guy turned to talk to 9801.
“What name do you go by?” He asked.
“TK-9801 of the Imperial Stormtrooper Core” 9801 repeated. He had been trained to resist torture. CC-2224 snorted. Cody had never heard of such a thing as a Stormtrooper and he was the Marshal Commander .
“It is an offence to try and masquerade as a clone. I hope you realise you are in serious trouble,” he told the natborn.
9801 gulped and flinched at being spoken to by TK-2224. He looked between the strange group of people in front of him. Trouble? Clone? Name? What the fuck was going on?
It was all too much for poor 9801. His face went bright red.

“What in the name of the empire is going on? How come I’m not with my squad anymore, where is TK-8513?” He shouted.
He tried to shake Captain Rex off, but the grip on his upper arm increased to an almost inhuman strength. He could hear the cheap plastoid of his armour creaking.
The Togruta approached him.
“Master, I don't sense any deception from him. I do sense a lot of confusion though, as if he is here, but not meant to be” she said. 9801 had not heard such crap. How could she sense such things? Nobody was that good, unless.
His mind went back to the stories he was told when he was younger and the brief memory of watching a holonews story on a being leaping through a battlefield.
Perhaps these people were…no, no he could not think that! Thoughts like that were enough to get you shot. He wanted to believe but the years of propaganda and conditioning won over that. Plus weren’t the beings he was thinking of traitors? At least that’s what COMPNOR wanted you to believe and they told more lies than a Jawa trying to sell you something. If they did still exist they would be pretty stupid to out themselves like this.

“I was in a cave when I stuck my hand in a basin of unfamiliar liquid. It was stupid of me I know. Then I was dragged here to Courscant” he told the Togruta. Her eyes narrowed and her hand stroked her chin.
“Well, I am Ashoka Tano, Jedi Padawan. What’s your name?” She asked.
9801 yelped at her, Jedi! Traitors! Killing a Jedi could fetch you quite the sum of money these days. It wasn’t an accusation you bandied around with.
“TK-9801” he wearily told her.
Ashoka's eyes widened, however she continued. “What planet are you from?” She asked again.
“Courscant, level 1113” he replied “aren’t the Jedi traitors?” The two older men looked at each other with wide eyes and turned away to talk in private. Ashoka chose to ignore the jibe, he was obviously trying to get a rise out of her.
“What year were you born?” She asked again, keeping her face neutral.
“20.000” he replied yet again, he was getting tired of the questioning.
“I have my chaincode if you wish to see my birth records?” He added.
“Chain code?” Master Kenobi answered as if he had never heard of such a thing.
“My ID chip?” 9801 added.
“Hmmm” Kenobi wondered, stroking his beard. “What did you mean when you said the Jedi were traitors?” He asked.
“In the year 19,000 the Jedi betrayed the Republic, so Palpatine was forced to create the Galactic Empire to try to keep the peace.” 9801 said.
“Are you aware that it is only 20,000?” Kenobi told him.
9801 gulped and went silent. He knew something strange had happened, but to go back in time? It was impossible. He felt himself slide to the ground, Captain Rex's grip softened.
“Sir, do you really believe that?” The Captain asked General Kenobi. He had known weirder stuff to happen, usually he pushed it into a box in the back of his mind labeled ‘Weird Jedi shit’.
“Lies! shouldn’t we send him to GAR headquarters for a trial” Anakin shouted.

“I can’t sense any deception from him. Perhaps he should be taken to the temple, just to be safe” Kenobi answered the Clone and his former Padawan.
Rex nodded and called for a transport. General Kenobi could be more rational and level headed than Skywalker, it was one of the reasons he didn’t mind working with the 212th.
Plus there was something strange about the situation. How did a civvie on Courscant come across a full set of Clone Armour? Pieces did find their way to the black market and the Courscant Guard often had a field day tracking them down, but a full set? Most crooks were too scared to create forgeries due to the punishments offered if they got caught.
Plus the armour didn’t exactly look like clone armour. It was cheaper and had slight design differences.

Rex helped 9801 to his feet. The lad looked like his life had flushed away before his eyes. Ashoka came and grabbed his other arm for support. The Clone and Jedi had to support the natborn to the speeder which took off to the Jedi Temple.

General Kenobi watched the good Captain Rex and Ashoka help the odd man down to a waiting speeder. He turned around to his former apprentice. Lately Anakin had been prone to angry outbursts and making silly decisions. It had become worse since his encounter with the Mortis family. If he wasn’t careful, the council might order him away from the battlefield and into temple duties.
“Something isn’t right here” he told Anakin. Anakin shrugged his shoulders with a grunt and walked out of the room. The Chancellor would be interested to hear about this

Chapter Text

TK-9801 was still processing what was happening. Captain Rex had become friendlier and Padawan Ashoka was no longer treating him as something to be mistrusted and was silently gazing out the window. Time travel! The concept seemed impossible, however it was one of the only things that explained how he had ended up thousands of parsecs across the galaxy. Why? Why did he 9801 have to be the one to go on a freaky adventure. This stuff only happened in those holo shows that showed space going crews exploring the galaxy, which was full of aliens that were willing to negotiate and be nice. Nobody ever died and the hero always got the girl.

“We’re here!” Ashoka announced. 9801 was brought out of his revere by a sight he never had, or wanted, to see. The Imperial Palace, the one place all Galactic Citizens dreaded. It was a mystery what went on here. Usually If you were brought here, you were never leaving. 

The trio got out of the speeder at the base of the palace.

9801 started hyperventilating again, luckily Rex was supporting him because he legs collapsed underneath him. 

“Woah!” The Captain exclaimed, taken off guard by the sudden weight change. 

“No please! I haven’t done anything wrong” the Soldier started begging and pleading.

“S’ok laddy, you're not in trouble” Rex tried to calm the man. 9801 wasn’t having it, he started struggling. Ashoka tried to calm him using the force, but all that did was make him even more agitated. 

“What’s up with him?” She mouthed at Rex who glared back and rolled his eyes. Master Cin Drallig spotted the Clone and Padawan struggling with the trooper, so he wandered down to see what was going on? Clone Troopers typically weren't allowed in the Temple unless they were tourists or had express permission from their Jedi Commanders.

“What’s all this?” He enquired. 

Rex spoke up stunning the Jedi Master. He hadn’t had a lot of experience with the clone army and he was under the impression they were not exactly independent, not something he agreed with, but that was for another time.

“Master Kenobi ordered us to bring this trooper to the temple for a full evaluation” Rex replied.

Master Drallig raised an eyebrow “follow me” he ordered them.

They hauled the struggling 9801 into the great ziggurat. 

9801 was put into a room and told to wait. Captain Rex excused himself and Ashoka followed him leaving 9801 alone with his thoughts for the first time. He put his head into his hands and started hyperventilating again. What was the thing he had put his arm into back on the jungle planet? He now had an idea of why The Imperial Military had an interest in the planet, especially with this Jedi artefact that could time travel. His musing was disrupted by the door opening. Master Drallig, a small green fellow and a tall dark skinned man. 

“So this is the “time traveller” the dark skinned man asked Padawan Tano. She nodded emphatically. 

“Hmmm, curious the situation is, dangerous he could be” the green alien said.

 “Why don’t you start from the beginning” the dark skinned Jedi asked 9801. 9801 told these Jedi his story. It was strange how none of them seem to think him as crazy. Instead they asked questions about the basin and the liquid he put his hand into.

”Remember the name of this planet do you not?” Asked the green alien. 9801 shook his head.
“hmmm, seek the advice from the Jedi Temple archeologists  I shall. Make yourself home you will. We will decide your fate” the alien continued. The three mastered turned to walk away.
“WAIT!” Cried 9801. “Something happened to make the Jedi disappear in my time. You do not exist.”

Grand Mastr Yoda turned back to the trooper and narrowed his eyes. “Take what you have said into consideration we will” he told the man. The dark skinned Jedi narrowed his eyes and gave 9801 a critical look before following his out of the chamber.

Chapter Text

Master Yoda was in his meditation chamber. He was troubled. The Clone War was dragging on longer than most people thought and was becoming highly unpopular with the people. Protests were becoming a daily occurrence outside the temple and senate buildings. The temples guest had said something about the Jedi falling. The order had stood for over ten thousand years and served the Republic with distinction. Why would they fall? Yoda decided to meditate on the matter until he could reconvene the council. Clouded his judgement was during these uncertain times.

“Hey!” 9801 looked up at the voice. Padawan Ahsoka had poked her head into the room and was carrying a tray of food.  “Mind if i come in?” she asked gensturing with her head at the tray. The Stormtrooper nodded in reply, his stomach growling at the sight of food. She set the tray down and he dug in. It was the best meal he had eaten in a while. Most Stormtrooper food was awful. It was made for nutrition, not taste. 

‘What’s it like in your time? You mentioned your part of an army” Ahsoka asked. 9801 choked on his food.
How did these people not know of the Imperial Military? 

An idea sprung into his mind, what if this was a test of loyalty and these people were marking him. Maybe he had been headhunted for a special branch of Trooper Kore. That would explain why TK-2224 was there. The special forces stormtroopers got all sorts of privileges and the best missions.
He had heard people deserting the military for the rebel militias that were springing up and they wanted to make sure he was up to scratch before training him. Yes, this seemed like a plausible scenario. Maybe he should just go along with it.

“Yes, we protect the citizens of the galaxy” 9801 kept his eyes averted and gave a simple answer. Anybody could read that on the holonet recruitment page. He alo ceased eating. Who knows if they had put anything in the food.
“That food is not poisoned” Ahsoka pointed out. 9801 narrowed his eyes at her. The door opened and the dark robed Jedi and Captain Rex entered.
‘I am General Anakin Skywalker” he announced. “We have a job for you’ The General added glumly.
“What is it, Master?” Ahsoka asked. The General glared at the small padawan. 

“We have been ordered to take our friend here to the planet he was when he time traveled”. The Jefi Master glared at 9801 as if he still thought he was a criminal. 

“Rex and a small contingent of Clones will be coming with us,” Master Skywalker added. “We leave in 30 minutes, get him ready”. He turned to walk away but then remembered he had something to ask.

“Where is the planet you came from?” 9801 honestly had no idea. He was usually shuttled around to each mission with limited details. That was usually the sergeants issue. He was just there to follow orders and do what needed to be done to successfully complete the mission. In this case it meant goibg to a jungle planet with a manky ruin on it.
Seeing the blank look on his face, General Skywalker rolled his eyes, turned and walked off. Captain Rex cleared his throat.
“C’mon, I guess you're coming with me”. 9801 stood up and followed the captain out of the room wth Padawan Tano. 

“So where are you from?” 9801 asked the Captain, trying to gain some information about his captors.
“Kamino” Rex replied bluntly “I’m a Clone” he added. 9801 eyes widened in surprise The  original Imperial soldiers  were clones. They were legendary and many of the old timers among the ranks remembered serving with them and often told stories of their bravery  or how much they despised them. In fact there were a few still around in the elite units or training facilities, like the infamous TK-2224 and TK-9904. 

“Wow! Thankyou for your service”. 9801 gushed. Rex became confused and he turned back and glared at the Stormtrooper.
“Why’d you say that?” the clone questioned. He was puzzled by the not clone in armor. What did he do that earnt the lads praise? Ashoka kept silent and watched on in curiosity.

9801 paused and thought carefully about his reply. If this dude was a clone he would have to tread carefully. He didn’t know if he was reasonable, or like TK-2224 who had a nasty temper or TK-9904 who was rumored to be patriotic to the point of being a zealot. The slightest hint of disloyalty could mean punishment.
“Your kind defended the Empire against its greatest threat and continued to provide safety and security to the citizens of the galaxy”. 9801 parroted the line he had been taught in his Galactic History classes.
“We Stormtroopers should follow your lead and continue the legacy you left” he added.
Ahsoka smiled “I guess you guys finally got the recognition you deserve” she punched Rex's arm. Rex gave her an unimpressed look, but then blushed. It was true clones never seem to get any sort of praise or recognition from the galaxy despite COMPNOR harping on about them, in fact many of its citizens regarded them with suspicion. They seem to think the giant memorial located in the GAR plaza, which was closed to public access, was enough. He was beginning to warm to this strange trooper.
They walked to a ship waiting to take them back to the Resolute.
“Good morning Commander, Captain” the pilot greeted them, he gave 9801 a curious glance.
“Morning Appo, take us away” Ahsoka ordered.
The ship left the temple/Imperial Palace. 9801 let out a sigh in relief. Maybe they were taking him to a destroyer to let him know he had passed or failed?

They were going to a ship, but not one he recognised. It looked like an early model Venetor. He had seen a holo of one in a museum. They were used in the early days of the Empire, before being scrapped due to the two bridge system that made it vunerable. 
An older gentleman in a grey naval outfit approached Captain Rex.

"I am afraid the Resolute isn't quite ready for another mission. We are still fixing the shields after the last attack". 
"No worries Admiral, I believe we only need the corvette today" he replied gesturing to a shiny Corellian vessel. 
The older man turned to 9801 running his eyes up and down the trooper. "Is that the new armor I have heard rumors about?" 9801 shook his head.
The Admiral pursed his lips "I see a tooka has got your tongue". Ahsoka came to 9801's defense. "He's not a Clone sir".
Admiral Yularens eyes widened. "I thought Tarkin was taking crazy when he mentions wanting to recruit citizens to join the Army. I guess we will see if your're up to scratch" He commented, sizing up 9801 with a soldiers eyes.
"Well then a strapping young lad like you shouldn't find it too hard too fit in. I will leave you with Captain Rex". The Admiral walked off to attend to other matters. 

General Skywalker stalked up to them with a blue astromech. "You lot ready?"
Ahsoka, 9801 and Rex boarded the corvette. 

Chapter Text

The corvette was one like 9801 had seen the Rebel cells use, they were usually filthy and run down. Only this one was nicer with brand new upholstery and wood panelling.

“We mainly use this for diplomatic missions” Ahsoka explained.
9801 felt special, he would never have considered himself special enough to warrant a diplomatic yacht. At the base of the ramp sat ten more Clones and General Skywalker. They were talking and messing around.
“All right men!” hollered Rex. The Clones all stood in a parade formation with their full attention on their Captain.
“You're with me” General Skywalker told 9801 “you too Snips” he gestured at Ahsoka who scowled.

They walked aboard the Corvette where the dark skinned Jedi from the Palace stood waiting for them.
“Before you proceed, we need to get the location of the planet TK- 9801 came from” He turned to the confused trooper and his normally hard facial expression softened. “I should introduce myself. I am General Mace Windu”. 9801 nodded in return.
“How do you plan to do that sir?” 9801 asked. “I have no recollection of name of the planet”. My squad and I were told to go there and destroy a rebel base”
“Rebel?” questioned Ahsoka. Skywalker put a hand on her shoulder, he knew how much the local militias meant to her after Onderon.
“If you can’t recall where you are from, we can help with that,” General Windu told him with trepidation in his voice.

They led him into the brig and sat him down. The three Jedi surrounded him.
“The more you struggle, the more this will hurt” Windu told him.

“Wait what?” He tried to ask. Suddenly 9801 was hit with blinding pain, it felt like somebody had stabbed his mind with a rusty blade and was twisting it. He cried out and did his best to stop it.

“STOP!” he heard Ahsoka scream.  The pain ceased.
“Padawan! If you cannot control your emotions, perhaps you had better wait outside” Windu snapped at her. Ahsoka just stood rooted on the spot, glaring at the Council Member.  General Skywalker gave his recalcitrant Apprentice a filthy look,
“Outside now!” he growled.
Ahsoka huffed, turned on her heels and stomped out. 
“Sorry Master Jedi, I will discuss with her later” Anakin apologized to Windu.
“Make sure you do”, the Jedi replied, impatient to continue.
9801 was hit with the blinding pain again.

Ahsoka was mad! Why was her Master so afraid of Master Windu? The man was torturing 9801! She didn’t know too many people who would be willing to tell the powerful Jedi master to stop. Master Kenobi was a conformist, Rex and the other clones were hesitant to start an argument with a superior officer who held their lives in his hands, especially after what happened on Umbara., Most of the other masters were like her own and afraid of the Master Jedi. There was someone, but she had better ask first. She found R2 and patched through to Courscant.

9801 woke up in a medical bed. He had a splitting headache and his throat hurt from crying in pain.
“Ah, the stranger awakens!”. A Clone in a white medical uniform appears through the curtain surrounding the bed. “Master Skywalker says you took a bit of a turn. How many fingers am I holding up?” 9801 groaned. He wasn’t in the mood and pulled his blanket up over his head.
“Now now that won’t do” the medic snapped and pulled the blanket back.
“Fine! Four” 9801 snapped at the medic.
Kix pursed his lips at the natborn on the biobed. “No need to be rude, I’m Kix by the way” he snipped.

9801 looked around him, the medibay was empty and looked poorer than anything he had ever seen. In the corner there was a rather foreboding looking machine that simply said ‘organic matter only’. 

Kix’s followed his gaze “Our spare parts machine” Kix explained. 9801 didn’t want to know what that meant.

Next thing the doors for the medibay are swung open by another medic who stomps into the office and Ahsoka.  Kix hurried after the medic.

Ahsoka looks around and walked over to 9801’s bed. 
“How are you feeling?” She asks.

”Like bantha shit” 9801 cowers from her. Ahsoka’s heart and soul breaks. Forcing oneself into the mind of another is a painful process and wander dangerously close to the dark side. She reaches over and grabs his hand, 9801 pulls back. There was a reason why the Jedi Order went away and he guessed that the performance earlier was part of it. 
“Please just go away” He snaps at her, Ahsoka cocks her head. 
“They got what they needed. We are heading to a planet in the very edge of wild space” she tells him bitterness laced through her voice.

9801 was about to respond when the Togrutas comm chirped into life. ”Ahsoka! Get up here now” Anakin’s voice thundered.

”yes Master”

Ansoka turned and walked out of the medibay. It was now time to face the consequences of her actions.

Chapter Text

Walking to the bridge seemed to take forever. Ahsoka had seen her Master angry before. Usually he gave her a talking too then let it go. However lately she had seen him more on edge. He was more impatient and angered easily. She guessed it was stressful being a Jedi General. 

“Commander!” Ahsoka turned to see Fives and Jesse jogging to catch up with her. 

“Where is that imposter?” Asked Fives. Ahsoka looked at the clone who was giving her a rather sheepish look, the same one he uses when he has started a bar brawl or was caught using the pick up lines Anakin taught him.“You mean 9801?” 

“Yeah, that one”, Fives replied, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“He is in the medibay” Ahsoka quickly added 9801 was ok after seeing the stricken look on the clones face. Fives started walking towards said medibay with Jesse following muttering something about bloody brothers.

Ahsoka reached the bridge where her Master stood. He really didn’t look happy. 

“Ahsoka, what were you thinking?”

“About what?” She replied trying to sound as innocent as possible.

“About the massive complaint you sent to Chancellor Palpatine”.

Ahsoka looked defiantly at her Master. 

“Torture is not the Jedi way!” She growled at him. “So is this war!” Snapped Anakin. “You don’t get it. We need something to help us win this war, to gain an advantage over the separatists”

Ahsoka cut him off “by torture! This is not the Jedi way.” 

Ahsoka had really begun to doubt the order for a while now. She wasn’t alone, many Padawans and civilians felt the same. If the citizenry discovered that Jedi were torturing people for information, it would cause chaos. Ahsoka didn’t quite trust Palpatine, however both Anakin and her friend Padme Amidala did which was good enough for her and she knew he would try stop this. 

Sheev Palpatine was a busy man. He had a Republic to run as well as the war effort. Though this morning he was caught off guard by a call from a rather distressed Jedi padawan. Usually if the council wanted to talk to him, they sent someone with a bit more..leverage, not some Togrutan youngling that looked like she should be in grade school. This was different though, it was Anakin Skywalker's padawan. He had taken much interest in the boy and wanted regular updates on how he is progress with his training. Apparently Anakin had wanted information from the unusual trooper he had told Palpatine about. The boy was smart, but naïve and loyal to a fault, his master Obi Wan had chosen to take the trooper to the temple without realising that Anakin had conveyed everything to the Supreme Chancellor that they currently knew about the man. 

Sheev wanted to know everything about this situation from where the man originated from to his true name.

Ahsoka was still fuming at her Master. Usually they got along, more than once she had described Anakin as her older brother. There were a few things they did disagree on. One being what it took for them to win this war. It was ironic because it was Anakin who had taught her that the ends don’t always justify the means and how her actions can have consequences. He did that well over the attack on Ryloth when she lost all,of her squadron.

 She had always been curious about his friendship with Palpatine. The Chancellor often called her master in for impromptu meetings, non of which Ahsoka had ever attended. The man was a symbol of peace, he had the Republics best interests at heart. He also had a way of dealing with Anakin Slywalker that not even Master Kenobi could do. Every time she had seen the great man he seemed to ignore her as if she was a scuttlebug under foot.

9801’s bones no longer felt like they were on fire. Kix had Brought him another tray of food. As he ate his meal he heard the medic snarling at another soldier who had given himself a rather unfortunate tattoo. Chucking 9801 reminisced that it was like his own squad, only their medic had a better bedside manner and probably would’ve taken a picture of the tattoo and posted it on the army holosocial feed for shits and giggles. He hoped they were ok, guiltily he wondered what happened to them. He had largely forgotten about them until now. Most likely they would have been forced to abandon their search for him when their services were required elsewhere. 

“Hello” 

9801 was brough back to reality by the same blue trooper that had nerfed him back on Couresant. The trooper was followed by another who was watching 9801 with curiosity. This guy had an impressive tattoo of a cog on his face. 9801 opened his mouth to speak but the trooper beat him too it with a wall of words that TK 9801 struggled to keep up with.

“Look, I’m sorry for the blue. I saw you in the white armour and assumed that you had stolen it. ImFives by that way”. Fives held out his hand for 9801 to shake. He accepted fives hand. Perhaps he could get more information out of this clone.

“What is your role here?” he asked.

“I’m an ARC trooper”

“Whats an arc trooper?” Fives whipped his head around to stare at 9801 with a shocked expression on his face.
“Only the best and most fabulous troopers get to be ARCs…such as myself” He boasted. Cog face smirked at his friends antics.

“Right” 9801 drawled. Fives narrowed his eyes “Watch your attitude mongrel” the ARC smirked,then he turned serious “WE were wondering of you wanted to come to the mess with us? That is if your up to it?” Fives asked. He then turned to his cog faced friend “What do you think Jessie? Do you think smartass here deserved to sit with the likes of us?”
Jessie smirked back “Sure he can”. They two clones helped 9801 up
“Where do you think your going?” A medic appeared out of the office. He had one of the grumpiest looking faces 9801 had ever seen.
“Coric! Hows my favourite medic?” exclaimed Jessie. Coric scowled at the Clone. “I thought I was your favourite!” Exclaimed Kix from behind an examination curtain.
“Do not encourage the fucker, he is trying to make up for the Tooka incident” Coric snapped at the curtain. Jessie gave Coric a hurt look “I just thought we needed a mascot and the Tooka looked friendly”. Fives intervened before Coric could reply, “Look we were just wanting to take our new friend to the mess to welcome him to the crew?”
I havent discharged him yet” snapped Coric.
“Well hurry up!” the two troopers replied in unison. Corics eyes narrowed as he glared at the two trooperss “Why are you two in such a hurry?” Jessie and Fives shuffled uncomfortably.  
Coric turned to 9801 and snorted “Be careful! these two are the biggest assholes in the legion, I can guarantee they were going to pull a prank on you”.
Fives grabbed 9801 by the elbow and dragged him away “Don’t worry, he will be home for dinner” he called to Coric who looking like he was about to spontaneously combust.

The trio left medibay and made it to the messhall. 9801 felt out of place with Jessie and Fives joking around.   9801 could now see the full compliment of clones the ship had on board. Some of them were wearing white, like the medics who had cared for him earlier. Others were wearing a blue engineers outfit. The clone with the cog on his face raised his hand at tis group and wanted off to sit with them. A couple wore a grey uniform reminiscent of the Imperial Navy and of course there were the familiar white armoured clones.  

9801followed Fives to a table where they both sat down.
“So what do you know about this planet we are going to?” Fives enquired.
9801 sighed, it was as if Fives had been put up to this. It wouldn’t surprise him.

“I am not sure what it is called, but  it was located in the unknown regions. According to my CO we werent really given a lot of information about it. We were meant to go and destroy an old rebel hideout that apparently was in the ruins”. Fives cut him off there “What ruins? What's a rebel hideout?”
9801 was fed up with this, how could they not know what he was talking about. “Rebels who fight against the Empire, terrorists that destroy the peace and properity of the people and make it harder to exist” He snapped. “C’mon it’s time to drop the pretense. I know why I am here”

“And what are you doing here?” Inquired Fives. 

9801 grabbed the trooper and slammed him against the bulkhead. His tattooed companion drew his blaster and pointed it at 9801 “be careful of your next actions” Jesse snarled. The other clones turned in rapt attention, any diversion from their miserable lives was of interest.

“I am here because I am being tested, not sure what for, but I think I should be told. I am loyal and willing to serve the Empire” 9801 was breathing heavily and let Fives up, Jesse lowered his blaster. 

9801 turned on his heels and left the messhall. 

Fives spoke into his comm “We need to talk to the General, we have found something”.

Ahsoka was livid. Not just with her Master, but with the Entire Galactic Republic. How did such a large organisation keep itself going? The call to Palpatine had done the trick. He had spoken to her Master about the mind reading, unfortunately mentioning that it was her. She had recieved a Scaulding from her Master. She just thanked the Goddess that he wasn’t one of the more volatile masters h other Padawans had the unfortunate luck to end up with. There had to be some accountability within the Republic for Jedi. Her Master had vented to Master Kenobi, who decided to out her to Master Windu. As a result it was looking more like she would be sent back to Couresant for disaplinary action. More likely she would be put on security detail again, fun times!