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I.
The comradery stacked down into the very bones of four planked tables did an impressive job handling the weight of enough cultivated food plates to feed one medic staff; not excluding freshly tin graduate shinies from Kamino.
Bless were the well-crafted hands of Laseema crew, working exceptionally hard for a celebration of turns. The end of the war should allow that.
“This punch won’t drink itself.” Came from his right, the voice still tanked on the depths of solitude. “We shouldn’t displace Madame Laseema manual efforts.”
“Well we won’t.” Kal haughtily sniffed; the citrus tang of sliced fruits stirred well in a delightful brewery. Not that it wasn’t well demolished by his full cup of sons. Clattering voices over chirped with laughter fueled the tidings of the tables, joyous faces of all conversing like tomorrow wasn’t promised.
“I’m telling you there’s not enough rocket science you can think out that clamp brain to set clear we’re free men.” Jaing wild pull of playful lithe was smacking Kom’rk, the latter utterly bewildered. “You just don’t see it, ya didn't studied it enough.”
“Well mir’sheb maybe if you use your eyes and less that mouth, I’d be able to say a thing or two about that case design.”
What were his boys speaking on?
Partaking.
“These boys of mine.” Kal thought, fondness stimming his vision glancing over his lot in life all switching and chatting conversations so forth and on. “My son, Ordo.”
Ordo, the young man he sires from the point of no return to the blossoming young man he is today. This young man solemnly places aside him lowly conversing with Besany, his wife. Beautiful she was, the smile lines rounding her features enough to make the best beauty idols of Coruscant jealous. Beside her, Prudii and Mereel, hounding another in comradery with Jusik. As it were, A’den oversaw taking direct discussion with Omega squad minus one.
As it were by chance, A’den glanced his way and back, sill deeply engaged with conversation with Corr and Atin alike. The other three, bless their stained competent were now engage with that Delta squad, all which surrounded Etain and Kad, sitting aside Darman like the Loth cat who stole the cream.
The wave of emotions striving to carry him away made him turn to drink, permitting the sweet beverage of sliced effort to pacify his heart.
“Only two days more and we’ll be able to do this somewhere where these poor saps can thrive in peace.”
Mandalore, home to a benevolent race of verda, nomadic cast iron which pries the value of fatherhood and its heritage-one’s sons. In no time at all the clearance of take-off never seemed brighter calling him home, them all home.
“Yes, two days more.” Kal thought, looking around the table of impressive kin and yes, some mettle sprung truce with Vau the chakaar.
The end to the end showed under some last monumental farce to take some pitiful stake under Palpatine, the old hag! Debatable sources, all yelling the chancellor was a farce; Sith-ordained!
“And I’m the appointed kelhav of Concordia.”
No matter the drivel around that bag of fancy air it brought about this moment of ceasefire amends to the end of the war. Now the legacies of the Republic and the Separatists monopoly play against another has failed. The real issues at hand, the becoming of the clone army lies in the mercies of the Republic.
"Well enough of them! “If they knew what was good for them in their glass-stained wheels they’d figured out this army can overthrow any notion and making way for themselves. To start anew on Mandalore at that.”
Eyes sighting the crew of tag-alongs he’s cultivated within these thirteen years, the layered punch he was was still taking down was a lightened rose hue. Through that liquid sloshing hue he spotted the mirage of Kad, little Kad gurgling happily in his buir arms. Etain were focused on Corr and Scorch conversation, both rivals for the attention of their squealing playmate. Etain petite frame was shaking from over-exertion.
“You and Vau best consider thinking on those blueprints Kal, at this rate you’ll need another nursery.”
Kal puttered surprise at Miji settled the doctor into whole bemusement. “This juice has you in a good mood it would seem.”
“I have my moments.” Gilmar pauldron clinked comradely to Vau own, the formidable click of cups giving him pause. What was on his face must’ve been refutable given the two looks of kinship.
“Don’t you know this bag always talks big fanfare before realizing his penance.” Sharp blue ice glided parallel swoops between Kal and Miji both. “Only if the man remembers not to over plan that next yaim print lek?”
“I said nursery, now I’ll do you one better, a compost worthy greenhouse.” Miji countered and the two Mandalorians clicked.
“Oh now?” Vau pushed in miffing Kal ire.
“Indeed. Steel enforced. Crafted by the best welders and herbalists near Kyrimorut; solar placement.”
“Now wait just this moment you two I never said,”
“Now don’t be ridiculous you fool, listen to privy genius at its finest!” Vau snapped his way eyes flashing. “You wouldn’t shove down actual helpful ideas for your ade would you?”
For reasons intended, that heat bang of anger ready to fall into rank and file disparage for hiccups. “Well.” Kal uttered, startled from the matter much to his chagrin. “There’s nothing of the matter I couldn’t tack hmm. I made it this far so choke on that.” Kal turned to drink, drinking again to settle buzzed nerves.
Haran he just might end up doing that, throwing together another communal yaim.
The blink or miss pressure of eyes were upon him and so he blinked, reaching blindly for Ordo shoulder. One squeeze was enough, one and once.
“I’m well. Stay.”
The matter of that known weight momently peered off and yes, Kal was reminded. “I’ve really raised an impressive being.” Like his brothers, the young ones too. Rightfully charged mando boys ready to finally settle down and take on their new livelihoods. Husbands, fathers, hunters alike.”
And now forty-eight hours more until they all began anew.
II.
Don’t tell me you want me to hitch some shit spot on you and Mereel escapade shtick.” Corr sought A’den inquiry out. "I'm not a spring chick but how much mania can I give the ladies before it goes static huh?"
The Null smiled like he just placed how, entangling with the fresh rye bread brought out on the table; drowned in tomato sauce. The earthy spices watering his tastebuds were divine. “Atin?”
The commando to his right shrugged, clearly distracted by Laseema conversation with Fixer, eyes neutral in kind. “Clearly I’m kept here. Very much that.”
“No last hurrah mister kept and checked? I’d be damned.” A’den whistled between his teeth, shoving the vast of his crumpled bread into his mouth. “Laseema you keep how you do and watch all his bite go bye-bye bye.”
She paused in her conversation with Fixer, slight confusion matching the latter’s blank peripheral stare.
“Ooo best ticket that A’den, he'll spill that bite into your lap.” Fi cut in from Corr right, smiling as if Atin begruntled stare weren't cutting slate. Elsewise, Fixer attention to Laseema was nothing less than similar, conversing with pomp. “We’ve got plenty of time to compare variations unless I missed out something.”
A’den snorted to this amused peering his way past Corr. “Now why would you do that? Everything between us is all out to share, no need to fix anything.”
“Then we’re fine.” Atin flat-out stated before Fi could make leeway.
“I’m just saying.” A’den pulled out his mouths like it were vexing, pompous with his smile. “Elsewise you bunch will just draw the guidelines of too-haves and not too-haves get it?”
“I mean,” Fi countered. “Not everyone I guess?” dotted confusion drawing to a blank to Atin and Corr sudden quieted stares. He wasn’t sure what cause the tenseness so the next best solution came to mind. “Sarge.” An elbow jostle to his neighbor, shoving his utensil to shift to his opposite hand wobble. The sight of his curious face Fi breathed easier, he'll know what to do.
“Seems they’re trying to swap for scraps here, that’s fine with you?”
Niner stalled from his own conversation with Delta squad sergeant; inquisitively covering his spoon. At Fi’ directing wink Niner look to him, Corr, A’den and Atin, eyebrows drawing together before it stilled in place- lending this brewing clump of waiting.
“You got something to say vod?” A’den asked, having drawn back some vague manner tapping on the tabletop. He'd hadn't move yet the immensity of his posture lingered in a way drawing to a still. “Make this one count won’t you?”
Fi never felt more shimmered cooked under two separate gazes, and for once he couldn't speak a word. Someone could've dipped a spoon in the air and taste its mighty bite in the air- this jolted tension on a lure.
Niner didn't respond, the assessment in his eyes no doubt pulling underway against A'den own. The click of his jaw was telling.
“Next they’re going to hash some ducee’ slinging and call it a draw? Or is he going to pop a cork and get defensive.” Just a side glance beyond A'den Fi spotted Corr and Atin expression own tight expression. The two looked tight enough to swallow wax looks like, sluggish.
Just when he felt ready to open his mouth again, Niner cut in for them both.
Niner released some hack noise from the back of his throat and blinked, making Fi pulse slip in place.
“What you four work out will be on your terms, I’m not picking up after that.” And then he turned, distracted by Boss slight laughter to Kad own across from him. The clench in his jaw went away in place of something else before he turned back, eyes darken flints meeting the Null again.
"That should be alright with you right A'den?" Niner asked, the undertone in his voice spooling this heavy weight that knock Fi between the eyes. He watched him turned away by some distraction to his right, leaving the four alone, silently aback from his reaction.
"That' just happened?" Fi mused on, watching the mans' relaxed nature converse lowly with Delta serge, the two of them speaking far too low to interrupt. Maybe he were taking Kal advice to heart; but this seemed disjointed.
"I should ask the others...." flirted to mind but the sudden tense of Niner shoulder's repelling laughter knocked aside his and that strike flame dimmed. Like the matter wasn't inquisitive enough to take back his blase response. Atin and Corr must be running poppers in their heads then making sense of his lack of too.
“Well, if Serge decides its good let’s stake it good. I know I am, hello!" Fi counted quickly to stitch the light mood back. His teammates shrugged, taking the answer at face value, accepting the solution. Though he noticed A’den fingers rhythm were stalling.
"We know Fi, trust." Atin snorted and so went that.
The man shrugged, beckoning to make way to stand to utter about more bread, silence following the space he left behind getting up before the conversation started up again. He’ll ask them about that when they get home just in case.
Only two days to go living in the big city of empty skylines, not star clustered or gourd brutalist architecture to be scaled.
“You seem quieter these days.” Fi thought, side gazing the back of Niner’ head turned away to Boss. After deliberation he decided to catch up with Corr and Atin warmth again, keeping steady his opposite hand on his own food bowl.
Actually. "Wait."
Fi made to look back at Niner again, looking over the rest of Delta way eating relatively easy aside Etain, Darman seemingly all too smug still. The side profile of Niner face was relaxed despite his tense composure, just how everyone else seemed to be stolen away in this fanfare of familiar comradery best seen mopping egos and jabs in Quibbu hut.
To think most of them will doing this with him tomorrow to add into the quiet abyssal space of his new familiar made his throat swell. There' hasn't been enough time even after reuniting with his squad to really do much of anything beyond touch and waves, and off they took off whereas he stay with Jusik watching the inevitable mock him since he first woke up from his coma. "I can keep this even after tomorrow won't I? "
Fi stole a quiet look to Sev tapping his spoon to his soup bowl, eyes deep in thought to the noise around him and look away feeling ever more strange. “Parja workshop will look busy soon enough.”
Feeling the encouraged hand on his shoulder blade Fi refrained from speaking to Niner but for a moment his eye caught his own. When Niner hand unsubtly reached to clasp at his jacket arm Fi squeezed it back, the tightness inside his limbs receding at the warm gesture brushing the grey spots back just a bit further.
Yet turning so to join the other cohorts he didn’t notice Niner staring his way, one zip from exposing himself.
III.
That fateful morning Etain woke up first in her and Darman assigned room, blinking sleep away from her eyes. Her nocturnal clock been mighty screwed since Quillba really and ever since, so this was just liken anything she'd dealt with before.
The settled grip of Darman hold on her waist, ticklish were cool unlike his typical warmth, his fingers etched to the lower knock of her ribcage. Sated down to her bones in a way that comes only from early morning pleasantries, she stirred, unpeeling the hot heat of dormant limbs from sleep to stand, adjusting her sleep clothes for the comfort of her robes heading to Kad.
Her grace as a mother was stirring clump by clump, building and shifting right.
The unwavering quiet she shared with Kad before the day begins was like no other.
“Hi baby.” She cooed to their swaddled awaken bundle, fingers making to examine the clothed tummy of their round, healthy baby staring back with as much lively joy he gives freely. “Oh look at you.”
It was impossible not to smile into the bassinet of their star-clad beloved, chewing on his sleep onesie sleeves, doe eyes watching. The careful gather, pulling her baby into her arms blanket bound and so they went, mother and child, to the kitchen. It was still early morning, certainly enough time to appreciate this final get-together of shared comradery.
Perhaps that's why she couldn't stall her surprise sighting Niner sitting in their shared communal space; the hazy blue screen lighting his expression in the hush hush quiet of morning gracing from the windows.
“Nines, good morning.” she loudly whispered, pulling Kad better up on her hip. She sighted his dimmed tablet in his hand while she made way for the cooling chamber, again checking her baby's placement on her hip searching for food. Kad taken to fruit it would seem, mashed fruit much to her and Laseema delight.
“Jate varr'tur Et'ika." greeted them back; dark eyes complacent under the awakening artificial early lights casting over the atmosphere. “Hey Kad’ika.” Long fingers waving gentle greetings. He awaited in the back with his thoughts while she flitted around for food; searching for edible baby food first and foremost.
“May I?” Niner tentatively asked after she lastly exclaimed victory, two miniature glass jars of something...mushy caught his attention. There wasn't any doubt her and Darman ik'aad were theirs through and through.
The wane of protectiveness she held over Kad settled looking to her friend approaching her that hopeful made her heart lurch. Kad eager babbling was the only audible noises in the room, shifting her attention to her grip around Kad and Niner sure stare his way. He was good with Kad in a way she hadn't gotten down quite yet whenever they saw each other.
“Sure, let me just.” Etain started, still clutching until she wasn't, placing her bundle into assured matched arms.
Leaving her baby and uncle duo be, Etain turned to whip up something light enough for Kad to chew over, something to tide him over until his next feeding. Her back turned away as Niner made way back to the table chairs, she listened heart aglow to Kad gurgling laughter above Niner sleep deprived vocals. “Would milk be better to start the his big day?”
In no time at all, minutes of relative peace passed; with the occasional quip and pleasantries striking back and forth between the two. When Etain last turned to greet them milk bottle in hand mindful about the small pot of bubbling heat cooling from the stove top, she noted Niner joy strewn across his face twinning Kad' current mission to grab his nose, missing for his eyes rather. Her serge words of amused support tug her heart strings.
“I wonder if he’ll want this for himself, he’s a natural.” came into thought, not daring the slump of pity in her stomach to mess up the moment. “He’s still trying to watch out for everyone, even now.” When at last joined them blinking back the heat in her eyes, Niner own greeted her again, unmoving his tight locked security cradle of her baby focused on the likes of his nose again. The dimples revealed on his face reminded her briefly of someone else's, just smaller.
With Kad assured eager babbles reaching out for her swinging his bundled feet, Etain internally sighed relieved, settling back into her skin taking him back to hold; her nerves coursing back to her default calm again.
“Are you excited for what’s coming? Darman hasn't stop talking about how excited he is too settle for real furniture that's not cubby hole sized."
"I can go without the cubby beds and boxes for a good bit yeah." Niner chuckled, the shadows under his eyes catching streak lights of the morning sun. "He better make sure to add some color to it all while he's at it. You excited about getting your armor finally?"
Etain nodded, distractedly shifting Kad up better to take his bottle, pridefully studying her child's genuine efforts to hold his food to no avail. "More than anything, I'm ready to move on, get away from. This you know, the banality of what the war's done. The two of us Nines? We made it! We," she cleared her throat as to keep her voice down. "Things are going to jump around so fast I won't be able to keep up."
"You will." Niner assured, bringing his hand up to bask in the morning sun now absorbed off his hand. "You'd figured it out before so I don't doubt you can do it again. Only this time we're on the same page."
"It’s going to be a big jump from what you’re use too.”
Niner looked to her then, eyes distant for a moment. “Like you wouldn’t believe.” How he smiled then threaten Etain sense of not pity. “Though I have to say I’m not sure how the others will adjust, though its’ likely everyone will just do what they’re needing to looks it.”
The way he stated that, something of it struck this rapid-fire pin of doubt Etain couldn’t place unless she could check. “So where do you make space for you while everyone does whatever?”
Niner didn’t answer how she assumed, if anything. He didn't speak in that similar, firm weight of calm how he does.
He only smiled, smiled the hardest she ever seen from him, crossing his arms together aside his general for the last time on Triple Zero. When he lastly excused himself back to his room, this time Etain watched his steady pace back to his shared room, silently apologizing to peer into what he kept wrapped and concealed.
His presence in the force weren’t clear sea algae, connecting and entwined like sea moss with his fellow squadron brothers. Niner still was bright in the force, shiningly clear.
Etain reached out just a little more, patient like the way he was and felt something that could only remind her of overcast shadows of the sea's endless descendance.
His presence in the force felt liken that of an rising, towering, ocean wave.
IV.
Location: Shinarcan Bridge Extension to loading dock three
Approximately one thousand and forty three days after the Battle of Geonosis
Time:14:30
Temperature: Fair sun, slightly overcast. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 20%.
The Aay’hann never looked so appealing to look at that morning in Kal eyes.
After enough scrambling and double checking, quadruple checking lists to lists all over sought by Ordo, the man running final check with keenness and tact. Save light cargo for bells and whistles and every heavy container holding additional little more; what more should a Mandalorian need beyond beskar’gam and spare wit? The rest will fall into place liken any adaptable mando will attend too with their reflected environment.
Liken-how his buir encouraged, the nomadic sparring's of any mando and one’s clan will utilize and redefined itself with each change.
Jusik jostling his boys for weapons and cargo transfer was going about as well as putting a cluster of stray rombla puppies together, certainly with more play and give. Mereel and Prudii boasted cackles to Jusik own strained attempt to carry additional armor onboard lull any additional prick tickling his heart. Whereas his other sons were awaiting him on the ship no less now, there was sparse else left to wait for. The busy lines of Coruscant air traffic meant to the likes of their big day.
“We made this happened and now we’re in the stage for take-off.”
He himself were always a man of caution, best inspect and play out as would be but in kind of their passing departure, matters of small were indifferent. Those jettise could ram the place now and it wouldn’t mean a damn thing for the likes of what’s he’s about to pull off. “Whatever this damn Republic thinks or say by this point our clan will be gone.”
Breaking the line of composure from the sudden emotional wave that pricked him again, Kal distracted himself; watching all three daughter in laws walking onto the Aay’hann. The three young women, now exceptional ladies he sees as daughters held themselves with an attuned air, holding themselves together with an air he hasn’t seen in person since Illumi. Besany platinum blonde shone beneath the sunlight conversing amicably to Etain, her gallant beauty overwhelming despite the overcast day. Laseema was ahead of them both, turning to the two nothing less of leading them on in how converging conversation. If Etain was here, her riddur mustn't be far off as Omega squad was coming in from an slight detour to arrive to avoid air traffic suspicions.
“Come to think of it, I don’t recall the three of them together like they are today, have I?”
Kal fingers dug into his heavy duty jacket observing his allit trio, ears quick to catch the loud trod of boots drawing closer to him. One peer to his right and there Niner stood, his squad having finally arrived themselves all cheers and excited rambling heading to the aircraft. “Yes son?”
Niner then made to stand afront him in dark civvies' clothes, a simple black ensemble of black cargos and turtleneck fitted under his heavy duty jacket. There were no signs of his gear on him save the large standard duffel bag he held. The only thing that distinguish him from his Nulls sons were the pinched expression of focus always stitched over his features.
“I’ve come to say thank you." Niner said tentatively. "And good-bye.”
Kal process those nine words with the same breath it took Niner to finish. “What?”
“I’m not going to Mandalore.” Niner spoke, the duffel bag tucked in his hand its own distraction. “I'm leaving, just not with you all. I'm going elsewhere for awhile and then I'll come home.”
If the entirety of deep space could translate his current thoughts, it would be nothing save utter disruption. All Kal could make in that moment were Niner empty words, rushing adrenaline pinning him to solve and nip this matter in the bud.
"You know better than to upset my heart like this.” He hear himself state, reaching to grip Niner jacket forearm with utter confusion.
And nip it quickly.
“Why are you leaving us? To where? To who?”
Niner calm expression, rather disappear morph into this sadden smile. “Naboo." and Kal couldn't help the scornful frown painting his features, liken the place insult him. "A really good opportunity showed up, I'm going to check it out."
“Let's think this bizarre think piece through here, I can’t see this going well for you playing out this foolish pipe dream from nowhere. How.” Kal carried, getting a little bit louder in the staunch way he spoke. “Where did you even get this idea that society would put together some doable effort for you and call it pitiful charity?”
“Uplison and Chi Phi been there two weeks and they've told me enough to make it something. Elsewise I’m knocking all eight of them between the eyes.”
If they weren't stalling then, they most certainly were now conversing over this, this pipe notion.
“You’ve done nothing save be a good man Kal to everyone, all of us. It’s only right to return the favor, to become somebody like you did. After everything you done-“
“No son, no.” Kal voiced turned husky then, eyes watery despite the other side of him wanting to scream. “Leaving us at the start of our new lives together, I don’t understand how you can choose something this foolish, over all of us.”
“I'd never choose that.” Niner voiced thickly. “Like I'll never forget what you’ve done for me.” He grasped his mentor like this matter wasn’t this gut jarring. “And your right, nothing about this is fair to you.” Inhaling in slower and slower.
“But neither is me holding anyone back here. My boys, I mean.” Niner floundered, apathetically shaking his head. “Me dictating married vode? No more chew-outs Kal, no more. I mean for all the stars in the nebula imagine me going on and on like this with Ordo. Ordo.” He heavily pressed onto Kal, desperate. At Kal silence he withdrew his arms away, swaying.
“Just, tell me your team knows about this hare-brained scheme of yours to Naboo.” Kal said, biting the inner part of his jaw to look down and away. Niner silence deepen the finality of slouched sadness barreling in his ribcage.
“Out of all the boys I never suspect you’d be the one to get this old man down. You, Niner.” Kal squinted at Niner full-fledged flinch, starring down into his jacket much like a chastised child. Sighing he took sight of the Aay’hann , Vau and Miji making headway within, the rest of Omega squad clambering right after them. The purse of lips was all it took, heart heavy.
His ad’e wasn’t planning to stay.
“Boys! Come here for a minute won't you?” Niner sudden wide-eye stare of guilt was visible to spot on.
“What’s the hold up Kal’buir? One last pep talk before the big ride?” Darman was the first to reach them, standing aside the two. “Ordo’ probably going to wear a hole in the cockpit waiting.
“Ask him.” Kal briskly spoke clearing his throat, leveling Niner said stare with his own. “Seems he’s caught flight elsewhere.” Before Darman could speak Fi cut in, confused.
“Serge,” He asked Niner, looking by Corr, Atin and Darman, each silent in their discreet way. “Your waiting on us?”
“No I’m.” Niner started again, the grip on his bag tight. “Think this is where we part for awhile until later.
“Niner if your about to stay I’ll knock you one that good you’ll see stars for months.” Darman got in his face, his cool facade begruntled to anger. “What’s your deal not wanting to put through huh?”
“Who told you I wasn’t pulling through except me?” Niner demanded taking his jab. “I’m going to Naboo. That’s it.”
“The shab? Since when!” Atin demanded, akin the others own shocked expressions. Just skirting the precipice of freedom and Omega squad future was threatened. Again.
“At’ika, do you remember when you demanded me once to see past ourselves for something else?” At his begruntled look Niner eyes took on this veil of foggy relief. “You did, and you won, and.” He didn’t finished patting Darman fists accordingly them placing them away.
“Everyone here reached that end point long before me."
“No that was so long ago! None of that matters anymore bump what I said before alright? You were just, looking out for us how you do.” Atin clicked his teeth together frustratingly, yet Niner looked past them all to the scenery of triple Zero.
“The GAR don’t exist anymore.” Niner softly chided, “Neither does any of this squadron responsibilities save us watching after each another."
"What does that matter when we're still here? Everyone turned out fine,"
"Yeah we did, so even before that," Niner argued back. "What's been the biggest thing on you boy's mind since our first mission; and don't lie." Niner teeth bared together. "Be honest, you really think Laseema would be happy with me in your crafting bubble? And what Dar, you’re a husband- buir and riddur aren't just some words you eat! That's who you are now. Fi literally went away for months, and he's back up and married too."
"Like its wrong still?"
NO!" Niner snapped. "No!" the word broke out more strangled than his anger. "Never."
“All of that, it’s. It’s just how it’s been,” Niner stated, wiping at his eyes against the swathing heat he felt on him.
The silence was deafening.
“What will you do on Naboo?” Corr demanded, next to get the attention of everyone there.
“School. I want to go to school. See what makes civvies academy more than the show we got chained to at Kamino. Only for a bit, it won't be long.” Niner strained, taking his time to rub down the back of his neck.
He wasn’t prepared for the intense shove he gained from their bomb expert, Darman, now an lithe rush of hurt-all steamed anger hitting him head on.
“So you’re running! You’re running off because what? What Niner? You’re upset you can’t line us along so that’s how you deal with it? In case you haven’t knock it together -k’ara your so – so shabla! Difficult!” heaving in Niner face with all the quick fire of hurt complying right onto Niner’ face.
“Easy son.” Kal encouraged drawing Darman back. It would seem he were still sensitive to the likes of secrets. The poor boy.
“I-I. I’m not.” Niner stammered out the first time since the conversation started. “You boys don’t need me like that-“
“Show me the guidelines where any of us explicitly stated we’d be fine moving on without you Niner!” Atin demanded without pause.
“Gaftikar.” Niner softly answered, taking the first honest step for truth. He spoke like the word haunted him down to his soul.
"And I didn’t want to listen, not when we’d hadn’t won. And I mean win, not winning going onto the sidelines to wait our lucky shot.”
The swarming silence which attacked the six swarmed over the white noise of Coruscant to his words. Kal stood among the team placing what could've happened down to his recollection. "So much was going on at the time, so this little squat must've kicked off then."
"No, I didn't." Atin got out, eyes narrowed recalling what conspired there. If it wasn't surviving too far from that rock slide the rest was blurred adrenaline. Anything and everything goes when it's your life gambled against the enemies. "I never said."
"You wanted out, Dar was just being too nice about it until I set him off, and Corr just played it cool the whole while." He looked ready to spit out more but at Fi look of betrayal he swallowed it back.
"No wonder Sev picks on us so much. We deserved it." Niner uttered, the lax nature of his shoulders emitting calmness again.
Kal watched the utter contempt Niner held talking to his brothers grimacing. This argument could've been handled on board but maybe letting them hash it out will let Niner change his path of being the prodigal son.
“Life isn’t a game of bolo ball kid. There's no set match when your out there on your own, only people and obstacles who wants to strike you down. You don't want that."
“Well life hasn’t been fun in the first place, and it’s still not.” Niner fussed back, shuffling his shoulders like the matter bothered him much. “Except we won this stupid war so all the old bets are off the table. I can redo things over.”
“For what?” Darman stated, looking as lost as he seemed exhausted, leaning more onto Kal as to direct himself.
Frick, all of it! I don’t want to be the reason you all have to look back, waiting on serge to get on with the program. No more.” Niner pointedly dropped, staring undeterred at Darman hurt expression liken Fi own. Atin could only turn to the only one capable of making him change, Kal. Hesitant.
“When do you leave for Naboo?” Kal asked, the dull hole in his chest mopping in unwanted pain. “So I’ll know what day for Prudii or Jaing to come pick you up after school lets out.”
“One hour from now, boarding starts in twenty.” Niner eyes geared away secondly to look behind them as if awaiting something but look back, stepping back from Darman. He tried not to make light of Dar mussed fists still reeling in his hurt. “If the gib's a scam, some crack-shot you’ll have me in a week notice; just let me try.”
“What more can you say that won’t make this seem some sort of joke?” Darman uttered. “This isn’t like you serge. This isn’t like you at all. If you leave,” countering off the fact Niner showed no remorse save his determination. “We won’t be Omega squad anymore.”
“We’ll always be omega squad, without the war emblem.” Niner answered this time and Corr responded with his own big breath, liken how one gets revelations.
“So you want to figure your mess out, that’s it. Shoot Nines this got you this anxious?” Corr sighed stepping up arm extended. “At most give us one good formal see ya later ya tightwad.”
“Says you the jerk.” Niner breathed out, reaching to extend his own arm out in comradery. “You’re the absolute worse.”
“Ah, that’s just Mereel influence, you know I’m an complete angel.” Corr pushed, taking the chance to embrace the commando, laughing at his absurd shocked reaction. Much more could be said the shift tightness Niner embraced him back with before stepping back, exhaling with gusto.
“Had I told any of you before I’d be herding you all on that ship by now, even you Kal. Right to Mandalore, still clinging onto us. That's something I need to leave here.”
“What’s that?” Fi asked him and Niner shook his head discouraged.
“I don’t know but I will when I get there." He was fidgety, looking away from the five as if he couldn’t bear the thought any longer. “I’m glad we’re clear on this then.”
Kal himself was far done with this conversation the longer he listened, Ordo impatient stance by the hovercraft entryway spoke volumes for him. One discreet side stare and Ordo remained steady, waiting out this serious conversation Kal was having with Omega squad. No doubt he'll have questions later.
“So, you don’t want anything save leaving you to the whelms of society for a school trip, for your new adventure sprung from nowhere? Tell me this old man got it right? Is that it ad’ika? Well then.” Erupting out a long strenuous heave that made every commando or not snap to attention. “What do you want child?”
Niner looked from his team to Kal nothing less than elevated, blinking back his would-be response.
He turned to everyone then, all five vod he’s bled and scattered enough blast rounds with to hold back the dark pit of his consciousness.
“Keep my seat at the table, even if someone else sits there.” The jarring head shake he gave afterwards reared to his teammates. “As for you lot; Dar.” He pointed to the remaining four clearing his throat. “Stop screwing the rut and marry Etain if you hadn’t."
The final orders of Omega Squad Sergeant.
"Commit, Dar, commit to her like you'll drop dead if you don't. Atin, don’t cork your heart out. Corr,” again faltering at Darman unexcused mumbling. “Don’t pull a Darman, no I won’t check, let Jaing deal with it- the guy likes busy work.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Corr wisely quipped back, making Niner scoff turning to the heart of the team, wincing at how much his expression made him antsy.
“Same with you Fi, keep them lively.” The lump in his throat was bothering him too much to speak more.
“You keep saying all this crazy talk and I think your actually leaving us Nines.” Fi stuttered out, the discomfort bridging everyone thoughts at hand.
Niner side glance the Aay’hann and Ordo, still leaning afront the entry way front like he wasn’t staring them down like laser targets. So Niner simply looked towards his direction and back, shrugging. “Okay men. Serge.” He straightened to formal march, saluting Kal like his eyes weren’t the brightest Fi seen in months, straining to smile in earnest. “Hibir kar’ta.”
Kal’buir complete befuddlement were enough to make Niner advance the man in a swift side hug.
“I’m looking for something that’ll get me going. Something I think I’ll find there.” staring into Ka'ls eyes.
Kal only stared back, the lack of response clearing their circle with the air of sobriety.
“Whatever it is, I hope I won’t let you down still. Until next time.” Carefully displacing hands from his pack and away he turned away, trekking his duffel bag over his shoulder. The pivot away from his family collided atop the overpass bridge layover they stood atop of. Weren’t it not for the board-ness of his back-commando standard covered under his jacket, any unaware civilian would've mistaken him for another ghost among millions of city dwellers.
“Buir?” came from behind Kal, startling him from his numb state. It was Prudii, coming up from behind the five for investigation. “Ordo sent me out to check on you, Jaing’ restricting Ordo with sheer luck and elbow grease. What’s the matter?”
It was his hands to Kal face that awoke Kal from his daze, looking to the other four in a worser state than himself; Corr seeming the most unbothered assuring Darman. “Nothing to make you panic ade. We’re on our best behavior here.”
Prudii stared for a moment before nodding. “If you say.”
“I did.” Kal uttered, sniffling to gather his wits together much how Omega squad was aiming to pull it together. Atin forced a nonchalant nod to the other three impulsively made Kal gaze shift to where Niner left.
It would take one command to corner Niner, snatch him up and make way to Mandalore. There was no doubt Enacca wouldn't mind helping him out one final time.
“Everything will be fine, I swear on my life. That the same for you boys too. We’ll be fine, here or no.” How he managed that like the effort weren’t crushing him was a mystery.
Darman unsheltered grief was going to do them all in until Fi carefully step up to the plate, wrapping his arm around the bomber’s shoulders without fail. “When he shows back up, you make sure you got all you sorted Dar’buir.” Darman head dipping into his hands trying to shrug him off yank Fi stubbornness to the max. “You want to bother Kad with all your moping, or you’re gonna get it all out here? He’ll be back! He's taking the long way home.”
“Eh, someone left?” Prudii inquired. “Who’d you say goodbye too?”
“Just casting our goodbyes to ghosts. Now where were we?” Kal answered, rubbing his face far too harshly. “Let’s go home.”
V.
The announcement bulletin by the Naboo hoover transport blaring incoming arrival messages stirred lighting strikes in Niner stomach. He hasn’t checked his comm since he walked away, fighting back the repetition of day-dreaming. The imprint of freeze command repertoire wouldn’t do him any favors leaving behind everything he knows.
The craft’s pilot he spot conversing with the attendants looks like, all pressed and starched navy uniforms adherent against the shuttle grey exterior was dawning on him.
Naboo Voyage, one of the planets finest travel crafters hosting three hundred passengers was taking him away.
Maybe Senator Amidala wanted to lighten the blow of being nothing now with fancy gimmicks. It'd be shameful if her idea wasn't genius, legitimate at that with her welfare clause.
“Deep breaths.” He internally chided, reaching for his data-tablet to source the assigned ticket awaiting him since earlier that morning. Reading his accepted holo letter earlier that morning still made the click's of his stomach muscles twist in two. One glance around the way and sure enough plenty of commandos were there, familiar ones thank fuck.
Everyone seemed in different stages of upkept or edgy, no questions asked. His jacket zipper whittled uselessly into his turtleneck like it were of no meaning glancing around for more familiar faces. Boarding was about to start in the next three minutes, maybe sooner. The ticking of his chromo watch caught the anxious pangs making him puff out smoke rings, exerting faux fear.
And then, and so.
A large fist bumped his shoulder blade harshly and he turned, fists updrawn to defend himself.
“Sup vod’ika!” Scorch greeted him all smiles save his companions besides him, duffel bags in tow, “Don’t tell me you’ve been here since sunrise, excited much?”
Niner wide eye staring slotted in kind to rubbing his eyes.
“Had to literally swing my ass into gear on a speeder bike to get over fast enough. Might’ve sent the police on a tails spin.” Niner sheepishly spoke, taking in account Fixer, Sev, and Boss individual greetings. He said nothing to Sev' heavily wrapped arm cast, relieved he made it out too.
“Something tells me I shouldn’t try that too much when school starts.”
“Nah keep it; it’ll help.” Sev spoke, making to greet Niner with his dutiful encouraging shoulder slap. “You won’t see me crying over school but Gamma squad might. Mongrels.”
“No, no save that, finish this on board before these yuppies get the good spots. I’m not sitting near the fresher end on a week long trip.” Fixer pulled their chatting line to a standstill. The five took note of the other commandos making stand to prep for boarding but Niner was the only one with a pinched expression.
“How they’d take the news?” Boss uttered to Niner while they began joining the converging line created by Phi Kappa, the four of them marking a strict line next to the craft. Standing behind him was its own staunch wall of comfort. "You mentioned you were going to tell them."
“They didn’t.” Niner wisely hummed, checking for the eighth time his ticket was ready for interpretation, shoulders tensely bunched together.
For the last time that afternoon, Niner looked back to the wide expanse of Coruscant mid-day skyline. He looked to peppered skylines, the monstrous skyscrapers linking chains and blocks standing benevolent to the city’s innate traffic. The place he's called home time after time after confronting the ugliness of war decking into his heart like a jagged knife to the horrors of the known and unknown.
Some part of him was relieved that if it were, the Nulls could spot him in this very spot long before he got here if they wanted too, can even. Yet all their sleuthing and expected takedowns meant little to time trickling down when at last he and Delta time arrived to be scanned on.
“Ticket please for identification.” The attendant droid spoke to him, the fourth one in the group and so Niner held out his tablet, ice cracking inside his ribcage.
"One smoke popper to make for distraction, another for overhead nab and grab."
One authorized beep.
"Welcome RC- 1309! Enjoy your trip!"
And so he stepped up by additional support stairs inside the craft, making him disappear from beneath the city’s eyes. The brief time he awaited Boss ticket scan, Niner overlooked the interior of the craft before sighting the others somehow smugly sat square in the middle rather the far back. Authentic to their signature distance nature.
"Who decided they'd change their mind about the seats?" He thought, dropping his duffel bag off his shoulder to make leeway space for one of Kappa boys, Olna greeting him to his left with his crew.
"Haili cetare brother! We made it out this mothafucker!" Two of his boys shouted in sync beside him, leaving Niner bewildered at the four uproar of excitment all slapping another encouragingly. At the next encouraged slap aim his way, he dodge, making sure to motion threateningly back. The wolf-whistles he got in turn lighted that sensitive pit in his stomach still before walking again. He must've made it at maximum some ten steps before he swayed in place, his throat constricting in time to his picked up heart beat.
“Huh?”
His knees were shaking. Strange, they shouldn’t.
“Breathe Nines."
"I am." Niner spoke but the words left like powdered snow. "I am,"
"Your face is getting red." Boss hand came up to support his back, keeping them moving in that single file line. "Breath or gonna you’ll pass out.” There Boss was, distracting him enough not to fall too deep into his head. “Push one foot afront of the other, find your focal point.”
Rather answer Niner voice gave, rechecking his breath to not collapse into a heap on the ground. One foot at a time, simple enough. He can do that, focus on three familiar mean-mugging stares without the crutch of their buy’ce to back them up. Walking briskly down the way like his face want to face plant onto the floor was daunting; yet sure enough he preserved.
Boss hand stayed glued to his shoulder the whole while like an hook-line.
Chills were running up and down his forearms despite his easy maneuver down among the others. Now he blended in more than standing out saving the distinctive scars and changed tissue across many of his brothers faces and hands.
“Thanks.” He mumbled to Fixer first, unminding the other’s wave making for his saved spot, the empty one by the window claimed next to Boss moments later.
“All right, enough niceties give it too us straight. How are you doing?” Scorch asked, leaning into Fixer personal space. “Did the geriatric fall out, did you fall out?”
“Dikutla.” Sev gripped. “Let him breathe man fuck.”
“I ah, told them. They didn’t like it. It makes sense, practically up and abandoned them for this idea. Maybe I should've stayed, maybe I'd should've." Niner stopped there nauseous at himself racking what more he could say. Kal frown was going to cut into his memories for as long as he lived, and the sudden ache of that made him squeeze his hands together, utterly helpless. “I’m cutting my stakes too big being selfish.”
“Maybe you're realizing you have the right to figure out who Serge is.” Boss tutted, the sudden bucket hat he pulled from his durable jacket pocket making Niner mouth dry. It was a bucket hat, simple, clean. Folded.
Dark navy.
He hasn't had his own colors out like this in months, and the reminder made his throat expanded and close again.
“Good thing we all got plenty of free time to fuck up and fix things huh boys.” Placing the hat into Niner hands, squeezing his nearest hand tightly.
"I literally walked up to Serge, say bye and dipped." Niner wetly laughed at himself, an low groan leaving his throat at Sev and Scorch excessive cackling, Fixer not doing better snickering behind his hand. "Why did I do that? I shouldn't have done that to them."
"So?" Scorch popped. "They're happy, your not so you skipped out that bitch."
You won't regret it." Sev got Niner attention seating across from him. Sitting the furthest away from Niner they both had to lean out some. "Though it felt good right?" Sev voice dropped briefly. "Ignore the serge act and asked yourself, you'd do it again wouldn't you?"
Boss hand once sitting on the shuttle armrest pressed onto Niner back when his head dropped, hands coming to cradle the back of his neck.
Niner didn't answer as several more commandos filed past the five to sit some two seats behind chattering away. One of them, Sergeant Beo of Pi Omega waved hello to the group sheepishly.
"Pardon us." He politely bowed shuffling away, Fixer eyeing him off.
"He's too damn square." Fixer mumbled to Scorch, eyeing the ceiling nothing less than quiet. "Too young." went unspoken.
"He doesn't have to know." Scorch sighed, pulling an tired expression despite his smiles line around his scarred forehead. "Just too much of a yes-man to see how big of a deal this is. He'll mellow out maybe."
"Make that two of us." Niner finally answered tracking their attention. He sat all the way up and looked to the four, scoffing to his unattained tears crowding his eyes. "Yeah I'd do this again."
“Hear hear!” Scorch cheered amicably, Fixer accepting it via blink opening up the shuttles travel holo summarizing their flight duration. Sev the one further from their friend eyed Niner discreet face wiping opening his gift as Boss arm reached to tug him closer. "Don't cry."
He couldn't even imagine the idea of leaving his boys how Niner did and he knows they got lucky, too lucky considering his ran out. Him being alive didn't make sense, Vau should've gotten his shebs screwing their last mission up. The very last one.
Likely why they're getting out of dodge too? To protect him? He doesn't need it, and yet.
Frustrated by his self-reflection Sev nearly ignored the bundled jacker placed over his lap. Scorch got hot looks it though no?
"You need to stay warm since your recovering." Scorch yawned sitting bored in his seat now. "You act up I'm making the steward droid get blankets."
"We'll need to look into a medical center while we're here to check on his legs still. I'm not carrying him around."
"You will." Scorch grinned, ducking the quick hand aimed his way. "Doc said keep extra eyes on his walk remember?"
Sev didn't get why the old man let them off the hook on the same line why they were being so nice; but if those people from his squad saw past his fuck-up.
Maybe he' gets Niner more than he thinks.
“Watch this whole thing be boring as shit.”
“You mean luxurious.” Fixer scolded.
"Not getting blown up is an incredible feat so according to the court of three, who's me!" Scorch cut in. "I deserve a treat."
"Human rights are treats now. Great. Just what I need to hear." Sev uttered.
"You think being civvies is more luxurious than gutting Tradosheans?” Scorch piped in, rubbing the tender spot by his stomach where Fixer shoved him so harshly.
“I hate them bitches don’t twist my words. This is temporary.” Sev settled; reaching to half kick at Scorch scramble of dignity.
“Well this breather better not be some scam; it’ll be annoying to can someone thirty seconds into starting over as civvies. It’ll take away from this one’s studies.” Boss opted, carefully drawing his hand about Niner obscured face, frowning at the tear trails he felt still. It was surreal calling himself that.
Their all civilians.
Niner is attending school at one of the best academies in Naboo thanks to Amidala efforts, one of hundreds.
They won't be soliders likely no time soon.
Oh fuck!
“Let’s get there first before you morons act up-God."
“Guys.” Niner sudden voice drew Delta attention, Boss arm around him tightening if anything. He made to sit up, his facial features calm despite the redden eyes everyone saw.
“If we're civvies now, this means we're, we're doing their stuff now. Legally. That's way better than going back into stasis.” His voice wobbled, sniffling aggressively.
Scorch side-eyed him then. “How long it take you to piece that out.”
“The week after the hit on home, supposedly Captain Maze walked right up to Kal’buir to announce his notice. Something about hyper-issuing his work detail into a hodgepodge until he leaves.”
“Fucking ARC.” Sev uttered under his breath. “Can never tell with them.”
“Ori’vod usually too pent up to even talk about his vod unless its serious.” Boss scoffed, taking the time to pat the free spots of Niner neck. “What about that told you oh I should go?”
“You won't believe me," Niner started, this near aggrieved tone in his voice. "He basically said his riddur was getting impatient waiting on him, Ordo is telling us this just, talking. I'm listening to him but mentally I'm clocked, just, the head of Spec-ops cyar'ika was playing the waiting game."
"So I got." Niner cleared his throat sheepishly. "Really fucking mad at myself." and to that Boss exclaimed, turning to the others. “Kal wasn’t pleased.”
“Maze's hooked?” Boss stated to his squad mates and Scorch hummed on. "He's married."
“Been for awhile with one of those ops folks I think? I’ll comm him later and check.”
"You wouldn’t!” Boss barked, Scorch hiss of disbelief making him even more disgruntled if he wasn't smiling at Niner confession. “Your despicable.”
“When we landed, I’ll tell you what he says.” Scorch mocked and Niner snorted into his arm sleeve. "He likes me."
"Bullshit." Fixer snorted and Niner ears perked up listening to the announcement voice coming overhead. He made to untangle briefly from Boss hand to buckle up, but not before knocking his hand to his leg.
"Thank you." He mouthed, uncertain if his tears glands would betray him again.
"Just comm your folks when we get there, they'll understand. If they don't then. We'll deal. We'll deal and keep you sorted Ner'ika." Boss told him, making sure to pressed their heads together in the clunkiest kov'nyn they've done. The lights in the shuttle were dimming now, and the lull of the commando clatter were stirring to an gradual stillness. The others thankfully were distracting another.
"I don't think they'll want my homework." Niner spoke. "But if they'll have me, they can help with my readings." He made to tap at where his tablet was stored in his jacket. "Our professor is already emailing us about orientation and getting to know us. It's weird."
"That's not cheating?"
"No it's teamwork." Niner decided, leaning back just enough to avoid the attendant droid now rolling down the aisle above the starting roars of the shuttle engine. Boss grew quiet drawing their held hands close to him.
"The real world starts the second we take off. Your ready now?"
"Yeah I am." Niner utter back, again roughly at his warming face. That didn't stop the fresh tears stewing unprovoked but it made Boss shoulder the best place to collect himself.