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Master Bela and her padawan Solari were meant to join the rest of their squadron on the swamp planet of Mijos to snuff out a C.I.S facility. It should have been an easy trip, the mechanics in the docking bay of the republics light cruiser told the older woman that everything had been fixed with the ship. Promising her that nothing would happen to it. So, they packed up.Solari’s pack hung off her shoulder easily, not much was in it. A spare robe and a change of clothing were in the small brown thing. She wouldn’t need much, or well, wasn’t allowed to take much on the mission. Her master was already on the ship when Solari walked up the ramp.The Crescent-X9 was a fair ship for their journey. It was small, only seating about eight people within it, but the ship carried an insane amount of firepower. Solari had read up on the statistics of the ship before they had gotten to the main hangar. It is firing power along with agility would help them on their mission.With the main part of their journey being short Solari found herself in a pleasant mood. Being trapped in a small space with some of the members from her master’s clone battalion could be tiring, especially when they got impatient. As she entered the ship she smiled, CD was directing his brethren, as well as helping them stow away some of the cargo they were taking to Mijo. Bombs upon bobs passed in front of her as she watched the clone’s work.“Woah there-watch out kid,” MJ grunted, lifting one of the heavy boxes of artillery above the thirteen-year-olds head.The blue-haired child ducked, moving out of the way as best as she could, “Sorry Mj,” She mumbled.“Distracted by the firepower eh? Can’t wait to fire these,” the taller man laughed handing the box off to CD easily.She nodded her head in agreement, “I can’t wait to see them in action.”“Solari,” Bela called from the cockpit’s open door, causing the small girl to turn and move through the ship.Solari’s eyes passed over the navigational computer as she greeted her master. Her master looked angry, which wasn’t out of the normal, but Solari chalked her annoyance up at being in such a small place. Bela was looking out the windshield when Solari entered the cockpit. Her master’s eyes were trained on the hanger as if she were overlooking everyone’s movements. Steeping up Solari took her place next to her Master, flexing her metal fingers easily. She was still getting used to them. The metal attachment made a soft creak. Having the device attached to her had made her nervous at first; unwilling to come to the reality of having lost her arm only six months ago.Bela didn’t spare her a glance as she spoke, “Are you ready?”“Yes master,” she spoke honestly, pushing some of her overgrown blue hair out of her eyes.The blonde woman nodded briefly, folding her arms across her chest, “Pick a seat, we are leaving now.”Solari opened her mouth quickly an excited expression on her face, “Can I- ““No. You cannot fly the ship,” Bela stated harshly, causing Solari to mope a bit. Her excited face fell as she stood there awkwardly. There was a slight pause before Bela sighed, “When we return, I will teach you how to fly a smaller Hoover speeder all right. Right now, we need to get moving.”“Yes master,” Solari said, turning to find a comfortable seat.The small batch of the 420th finally clambered onto the ship, settling down for the small flight. Solari kept an eye on the windshield, watching as they were flagged through the hanger before dropping off the larger star cruiser.Space always interested the young girl. How cold it got, or how no matter where they went in the galaxy all people were the same. Solari had the pleasure of being on many planets in the last few months. Even if they were at war Solari tried to find the positive side of things.“Entering hyperspace General,” DT stated as Bela nodded before moving out of the cockpit without another word.“Keep us steady Captain,” she said just before the cockpit doors sealed shut.There was a pause in the air, leaving Solari and the clones inside of it. The young padawan had no doubt her master was going to meditate. She did that a lot when she didn’t want to engage in conversation.“C’mere kid,” DT whispered, waving the young girl over.Solari moved with ease, a large grin on her face as DT grabbed her flesh hand, placing it on the lever for the hyperdrive.“Pull it slowly,” DT guided, shifting so Solari could stand between his legs to look out the windshield.She was vibrating with excitement as she pulled the lever. Blue and white streaks greeted her eager eyes. There was nothing more beautiful in Solari’s eyes. The way the ship lurched ever so slightly before rocketing forward. The padawan believed it was much easier to reach the force in hyperspace. There were no distractions in space. No one to call for you, or to interrupt you.The clones behind her started their conversation easily. Talking and bickering. Wondering what it would be like on Mijo. Solari half listened as she sat on DT’s knee as he talked to the others. It was their routine when they were on smaller ships. Solari only sat on DT’s leg and watched hyperspace until Bela inevitably came in and told her to get off. That she should have just stayed buckled into her seat instead of bothering the captain.“The holonet said Mijo was a swamp planet,” GB stated, playing with her helmet slightly. He was nervous, which wasn’t uncommon for the smaller clone.MJ had told the young girl it was because the Kaminoans let GB out of his growth tube too early. Solari stood up, patting the captain on his shoulder before settling back down in the seat she claimed as her own.“It is a swamp planet, that’s why we came prepared with the waterproof gear,” Solari said, resting her head on her metal palm.“How’s the arm?” CD asked, leaning over to look at Solari.Rolling her wrist slightly she glanced down at it. “It’s alight…feels weird, Anakin helped me modify it,” Solari stated, looking up at the clone.His face was stern, worried even, as he gently rubbed a gloved thumb over her metal wrist. The metal bent and twisted; a soft, shaky pattern etched into it. It was something Solari had done herself. It was wavy, shaky, and uneven since she did it with her left hand. There was a small green band painted into the metal around her wrist, a small nod to the clones she fought with.When he released her hand she curled her legs up onto the ship’s seat, eyes slowly shutting as she breathed deeply. Solari was never good at meditation. Not when there had always been so many things going on around the Jedi Temple. Evening out her breaths she hummed, trying to reach out to the force; to let it flow over her easily.It welcomed her slowly, wrapping around the young girl’s brain like a comforting blanket. Unable to do much more than kiss her wounds like a soft mother would. Solari smiled slightly, mouth twitching as she replaced. She understood her master at that moment as the 420th’s voices faded out into the distance. Inside her own mind, she let herself wander. Imagining the Jedi Temples gardens.Master Bela had told her once to pick a place she felt the most comfortable in. The gardens were that place for the young girl. She had never seen so much green in her life until she came to the temple. The scents of the flowers soothed her. Calming her down quicker than anything else had in her life. Solari paused for a moment. She wondered where Master Bela’s comfort place was, and much more selfishly she wondered if she was in it.As Solari mediated she looked around in her mind. She could see every version of herself. They passed her at varied sizes and ages. Running and playing in the gardens, or simply talking to Master Bela. Solari missed that. Being able to just sit and enjoy the gardens. To finally get to see the flowers bloom on hot days, or how they wilted slightly when the sun went down. She could even feel the grass below her feet, or how the rain kissed her and the planets.In the distance of her mind, she could see herself talking to her Master. The older woman was holding a much smaller version of Solari. Talking to her in a soft tone, one that was unlike the tone Bela would ever use on her now. Her mouth twitched slightly at the sight before she was bumped into by one of her younger selves. Solari was about to greet one of them when the ground lurched below her, causing her to fall abruptly to the floor.When her eyes opened, she groaned. She was back in the ship, lying flat on the durrasteel floor. Her metal hand scrapped against the flooring briefly before two large hands grabbed the back of her cloak, hauling her up and back into her seat.“What’s going on?” She asked quickly, standing up to force herself between the four men that gathered around the pilot’s seat. There was a slight grunting as Master Bela pushed wormed her way through their small blockage.“We dropped from hyperspace,” DT said quickly, helmet firmly in place as his fingers danced over the controls.How long had Solari been closed off to them? All the 420th were fully armored once more, helmets secured as they tumbled through space/“Where are we Captain,” Bela cut in, pushing Solari to the back to get a better look at their situation.The clones’ fingers hit some of the buttons on the console of the ship before pulling back on the steering. “Hoth,” he said quickly barely glancing at Bela, “Our left engine has given out, we have no other choice than to land General.”Master Bela sighed. Even in this dangerous situation, she looked annoyed rather than concerned. Solari was growing anxious, her hands tightening and opening as they were sucked into the planet’s gravitational pull.She looked towards her master for guidance in this situation, yet Blea simply waved her hand. “Stap in, the lot of you,” her voice was firm, leaving no invitation to argue. So, they didn’t.Solari sat down in her seat hands quickly pulling the belts across her lap and chest as the rest of the 420th did the same. The padawan’s blue eyes widened as the snowy planet came in fast. Smoke was trailing up from the front of their ship now. Signaling that their problem had only grown bigger since they entered the atmosphere. The others were talking now, trying to find the best evasive plan instead of just nose-diving into the ground. Yet Solari couldn’t think. Not when everything in her mind told her to panic.Solari, a warm voice called in the back of her mind. It was Master Bela, she sounded gentle. Even soothing in that moment.Master Solari responded eyes closed as she focused on using the force to talk to her mentor.Relax young one, we will be fine. Have faith in the force, her master hummed.The youngest nodded quickly, hands loosening just a fraction around the straps of the belts as DT announced their landing. It was rough, shaking the ship violently as they bumped and jumped along the surface of the planet. Solari only grunted, her body lifting off her seat as the ship skidded and turned. DT tried his best to control it. Master Bela barely managed to stay standing, hands bracing herself up between the captain’s chair and the co-pilots.They skidded to a stop. The ship made a harsh sound, metal scrapping along metal and rock until it finally stopped moving. Each of them lets out a collective sign, knowing that their wreck could have been much worse. Solari began to undo her belts as Bela patted their captain on the shoulder.“Excellent work DT. We need to access the damage and report it to the nearest republic ship. I would hate to be out here longer than necessary,” the older woman said firmly, turning on her heel to make her way outside.Solari followed naturally as if she was her master’s shadow. When the ramp fell open she shivered, nose crinkling slightly as she was assaulted by the wintry weather of Hoth.“Master, what is this?” Solari asked, taking a tentative step into the snow.Bela looked over her shoulder briefly, “Snow Solari. Frozen water.”The young girl found herself reaching out to her, her flesh hand slowly running through the kicked-up mess. It was cold to the touch, causing her nose to scrunch up, a small smile working its way onto her face. She had never seen snow before. Coruscant didn’t lead itself to many weather changes due to its pollution, and Kessel didn’t have snow at all.Glancing up she noted that their ship was thoroughly destroyed. Its wing was damaged severely, broken at the bottom, and leaving a trail of debris behind them. Solari looked to the right, eyes squinting as she looked over the track they had made from falling from the sky.“Master is there any cities on Hoth?” she asked gently, standing up to her full height and taking her place at Bela’s side.“No. DT!” Bela called, hands on her hips as she looked towards the ramp of the ship.DT came out quickly, standing at attention as he looked toward the two women. “Yes sir,” her spoke voice rough and modulated through his helmet.“Try reaching the 501st or the 212th we will need help getting off this planet,” Bela stated, folding her arms under her robes as she moved to make her way around the ship.A sharp nod came from the clone before he disappeared once more. Solari found herself stuck; it didn’t look like they would be doing much until they were rescued. Frowning she noticed that the cold of the planet was seeping into her clothing, curling over her limbs quickly. It wasn’t long until Bela did a full assessment of the ship before walking back up the ramp.Yet her padawan stayed outside, hands playing with the icy snow. Solari grinned to herself as she drew shapes into the snow. It was fun, being able to play freely for once. The child barely got any downtime now that the war had started, and Master Bela refused to let her take her holopad on missions.“What are you up to?” Another voice spoke.It was familiar, but all the clones sounded the same. Looking up at the green armor she smiled, “Just looking,” she stated.“Yeah? At what the snow? You are going to be cold if you keep staying out here,” GH stated, his voice playful as he tilted his helmet.“I am cold, but there isn’t anything to-Hey!” she screeched as a firm boot pushed her into the snow.Sitting up Solari shook out her hands, the wetness of the snow seeped through her pants quickly. GH was laughing, hands on his stomach as he did so. Solari accessed him quickly, noting that the other had left his weapon on the ship. Grinning to herself she scrambled up for a second time today before launching herself at him. The clone grunted, arms catching the child easily as they tumbled back. Solari was quick, crawling around his side to his back before wrapping her arms around his neck.“That was unfair! I wasn’t ready!” she laughed easily as the clone trooper easily flipped her over his head.He was quick to dodge her neck attack, “That’s the point kid,” he grunted, fending her off with a quick wave of his hands.She ducked, diving for his leg. GH fell backward, his armor making a slick clunk as it hit the snow. Yet she didn’t relent as she pushed his helmeted head back into the snow. Cover it quickly with the surrounding white powder.His laughter was infectious as he tossed her off him. Rolling in the snow, Solari ignored the way her robes clung to her body.“What are you two- “GB asked carefully before his brother hurled a large amount of snow at him.The smallest clone of their battalion yelped hands coming up to cover his face as if the snow could get inside his armor. Solari laughed at the sight, knowing that it wouldn’t be long until GB joined in their fun.“What’s wrong Bangers?” GH asked, hands on his hips as he teased the other, “Don’t like the snow?”“You-we-we should be focusing on calling- “GB stooped as his brother interrupted.MJ had stepped off the ship, his helmet tucked under one arm as a cigarette dangled from his lips. “Listen ain’t no one is coming for a while,” he stated lifting a small lighter.“That’s not regulation,” Solari called from her spot in the snow watching as the clone lit his cigarette up quickly, taking a few puffs from it.He raised an eyebrow at her before rolling his eyes, “What would you know about regulation kid?”“I have read your manuals! It’s remarkably interesting how many-” Solari was unable to finish as GH threw a snowball at her.“I read your manuals,” he mimicked her voice in a high pitched way. “Nerd, no one reads those.”Brushing the snow off her face she gasped, “I don’t sound like that!”“Yes, you do,” three identical voices called each of the clones looking at her.Crossing her arms, she scoffed. She totally did not sound like that. Lowering her voice, she spoke “YeS yoU dO, go build your lung cancer somewhere else I hate the smell of that thing,” She waved a hand at MJ.He laughed slightly, tapping the cigarette slightly as he continued to smoke. Three pairs of foot steeps gained the squad’s attention. Bela, DT, and CD came down the ramp, stopping as Bela opened her mouth.“We attempted to reach Kenobi and Skywalker but neither picked up. I called the Jedi Council, and they are sending out a special squadron to come and pick us up. I am not sure how long that will take though, so I recommend all of you get out of the snow before you freeze,” Master Bela spoke with the air of authority that simply came with the title of Jedi Master.“Please can we play for a bit longer,” Solari pleaded, “it’s not like anyone is coming soon.”Bela raised an eyebrow at her, ignoring the way the young girl sighed as she climbed out of the snow. “You can play later, right now we need to worry about staying warm.”Solari nodded, her fingertips already turning a bright red color from being outside in the cold for far too long. The group piled back into the ship and Solari noted she didn’t feel any warmer. Taking her outer robe off she searched through her pack for another. The dry fabric did nothing. Yet Solari knew it was better to be dry than wet.Hours passed by slowly, she and the clones had tried entertaining themselves in every way possible. They were on their tenth round of sabbac when Solari finally threw her cards in the center.“This is boring, and you guys cheat,” she whined, laying backward on the floor.“We don’t cheat, and I don’t know what to tell you, kid,” DT stated, continuing to play his hand. “You just have to wait it out, we will see the action soon enough.”GB hummed, “It’s nice not having to run around yet. I’m not ready to be shot at.”“That’s just because you are boring Bangers,” CD commented, resting backward on his hands.GB scoffed, “I am not.”“Could be worse, the General could be in a bad mood,” MJ stated, jerking his head towards the cockpit’s door.GH laughed, “I’m telling you, the sooner we are off this planet the better. I can’t wait to see the reaming she gives General Kenobi.”“She isn’t going to hurt Obi-wan,” Solari interrupted, sitting back up. “It’s not his fault our ship crashed.”“Yeah but he didn’t answer his comms,” DT stated, pointing his cards at Solari.“General Novan is going to lose her mind,” CD laughed, putting his cards down as well. “When has he ever not responded to her call,” he asked rhetorically.Solari hummed. She couldn’t remember a time Obi-wan hadn’t answered Bela right away. It was cute, in her mind, that they were both still good friends. Bela had told her that they had even shared a Master one. She couldn’t say the same thing about Anakin, however. The younger man always ignored her calls like the plague. Solari sighed to herself, that was until he wanted to play holo-8ball. The young girl briefly mourned the fact that her holo pad was back in her room at the Jedi Temple. What she wouldn’t give to be able to play on it.“Solari,” Bela called as the cockpit door slid open. “Come now, we have training to do.”The young girl groaned, “Master it’s cold,” she whined yet still stood up to follow the older woman.“Yes. But soon enough you will warm up, come.” Bela started waving her over. Her master ignited her lightsaber, twirling it slightly.Her padawan moved through the snow, one foot after the other as she came to stand in front of her master. Pulling out her saber she shifted it +in her hands. The metal cooled to the touch as she ignited it. It was warm, the hum of the saber calming as she extended the blade. Solari loved the difference between their lightsabers.Bela’s blade was short, bright vibrant pink as well. It made a sharp crackling noise, unlike Solari’s. Her master’s crystal was cracked, yet she never bothered getting a new one, saying that this kyber was meant for her and would be hers until the day she died. Her master’s hilt was simple. The cool smooth metal was perfect for her master’s hands. Solari noted how well the blade fit the older woman. Small and unassuming, if one didn’t know of Bela’s reputation no one would guess that she would have a rather brutal fighting style.Solari’s own blade was different. The saber's blade was long, extending far past Solari’s reach. She wasn’t good at close combat fighting, preferring long-distance fighting, it was better. The young girl didn’t need to get any closer to her appointees than necessary. Solari did not want to fight anyway. She believed in the Jedi’s original mission. To keep the peace. To negotiate and not cause harm. Yet all this war was doing caused harm. Not only to civilians but the clone troopers.Bela cleared her throat, “Go through your stances Padawan. Warm-up and we will spar.”Nodding she began her stretches with the blade. The moves were simple, she wasn’t as good at dueling as Anakin way. Pushing her thoughts to the side, she stretched her cold limbs. Easy. Simple. She could do this. Even if there was a growing crowd of eyes.Taking deep breaths, she centered herself.“Are you ready padawan?” Bela asked using the force to clear out enough snow so that they stood on a flat surface.“Yes Master,” Solari responded, bringing her blade to the side.Twirling the yellow saber, she looked toward her master. Master Bela always made the first move, as if the older woman couldn’t help it. So, Solari stood firm. Her knees bent and ready to greet her master’s movements with ease.It was like clockwork. Bela rushed forward, and Solari pulled her blade up. The lightsabers made a harsh sound as they banged together. Their magnetic pull was hypnotizing as Solari ducked under Bela’s arm, the saber shifting behind her back as she struck the other. Repeatedly they danced around in the snow. It was calming she noted. Hit and block.Bela did let up either, she fought with the same ferociousness she did on the battlefield. Solari guessed that she only made it through Geonosis due to her master’s harsh training. The pink blade barely missed her shoulder as she swerved to the side.“Keep your mind in the fight Solari. “Not in the past nor the future,” Blea instructed as her blade came down once more overhead.It was too bright for Solari to stare at her master through the blade. Extending her fleshy palm, she pushed her master back with force. Bela skidded backward, not entirely thrown off her feet, however. Solari panted, metal hand twirling the long saber before breaking the blade in half. It’s magnets whined at the cold as she ignited the other saber. Though it wouldn’t matter how many blades she had on her. Bela was simply better versed in fighting than she was. But Solari knew that it was just how it went.There was a reason Bela got the ranking of Master. Small cheers broke out from the ship. Glancing towards them Solari couldn’t fight her smile and the 420th cheered her on. Much more interested in the padawan’s training than their card came. Fixing her stance, she held her saber in a defensive position, her chest rising and falling with the excretion of fending off her master.Bela came at her like a coiled snake. Strikes fast and venomous. Each attack was blocked successfully. Left first. Then right. Blades lifted high above her head as Bela slammed her own down. The pink blade screamed against the yellow two. Solari slipped, sending her crashing down onto her knee as Bela repeatedly slammed her blade down.“Your enemy will never let up,” She spoke in a loud tone, yelling over the blades singing. “Find your balance in the force,” she stated, punctuating every word with a bash of her saber. “And use it to your advantage.”Solari’s arm shook with strain< The thirteen-year-olds strength was fading fast as she looked up at her master. Her blue eyes ran over the other quickly, looking for a weak point, Panic started to set in. She didn’t think her master would harm her, but there were times Bela got carried away when wanting to prove a point to her. Solari slid her right leg out of the room under her, knocking her boot heavily into Bela’s shin. As the Jedi knight fell in front of her Solari rolled backward onto her back; using both feet and the force to launch the smaller woman away from her.Clambering to her feet she stood tall as she watched Bela fly for a moment. “Master?” Solari called in a worried tone as her master hit a snowbank heavily.The other was silent for a moment, causing the padawan’s worry to grow. Anxiety crawled at her throat until she heard Bela’s groan. CD moved from his spot, climbing through the snow to check on the general. He helped her sit up gently.“Very well done,” she praised, even though she rubbed a hand over her stomach. “We are done for now, you’ll bruise my organs if we don’t,” she laughed, impressed at her padawan.Solari disengaged her blades quickly before jogging up to her master. “Sorry master, I don’t know what came over me,” she spoke quickly helping Bela onto her feet.“There is no need to apologize, Solari,” she stated only to be interrupted by the sound of her commlink beeping. Pulling it from her pocket she held it up, “Novan.”“General Novan,” a clone called from the other side of the commlink. “I am Sargent Hunter; we have entered the atmosphere.”“Understood Sargent, you will have no trouble finding us,” Bela stated, eyes already trained up on the sky.Solari looked up as well, in the distance she could see the blurred outline of a ship.“Oh great,” CD grumbled, arms crossing as he looked up Solari had no doubt he had a frown on his face.“What’s wrong?” she asked, resting her hand on his elbow gently.“Nothin’ is wrong kid, I just don’t wanna share air with that batch,” He grunted, patting Solari on the shoulder.Master Novan tilted her head, “Why is that?”“It’s Clone Force 99.” MJ spoke up, cigarette dangling from his lips as he spoke, “Talk about rejects General.”“Rejects?” Bela questioned before looking at a lot of the clones in front of her, “One could say that you are rejects.”“It’s not like that, they just-” GH interrupted, “They are different,” he stressed, joining his brothers in the conversation.“There is nothing wrong with being different,” Solari spoke up, watching as the ship kept coming in. “Looks like they are still getting hot,” she said to her master, eyebrows pinching together.“Their craft looks-” Bela was interrupted by the sound of an engine sputtering.The seven on the ground watched as the ship spun before dropping out of the sky. Solari gasped, noticing the way the back engines sputtered and sparked. Without much thought she began her trek through the snow, running as quickly as she could over to the other ship, just in case the fire grew larger.“Great. There goes the rescue,” MJ hissed, shaking his head as he watched the scene.Solari ignored the grumbling from the adults behind her as she rested her hand on the ship’s hull. The ramp opened quickly, flinging down into the snow as a white-haired woman stepped out. She blinked at her, taking in the uniform before humming. They sent a field nurse with them. For a rescue mission?“Are you alright?” The woman asked her, piercing orangey brown eyes greeting her.The padawan blinked for a moment, startled at the discovery. “You are an albino?” She asked dumbly hands hanging by her sides.Scoffing the nurse shook her head, before pushing past her. Solari watched her for a moment before peeking her head into the main hull of the ship.“Hello? Are you guys all right?” She called searching for the clone she had heard from the commlink.Before she saw anyone she could hear arguing.“As I told you before Hunter, there were still repairs to do on the ship before we left.”“You told me they were complete Tech.”“No. I said that the ship would be able to fly, nothing more. I was unaware about the landing gears malfunctions or the engine blowing out,” Tech stated.Or at least that’s who Solari thought was speaking. Stepping fully into the ship she looked around. The main hull was small, four large crates strapped to the wall caught her attention. There were names scribbled on them. Walking towards them, she rested her hand on one. A vision flooded her mind of a larger man writing the letters easily.“Hey! Who are you,” a booming voice called.As Solari turned around her mouth felt open. Her eyes traveled up the larger man’s frame. He was the largest clone she had ever seen. Her mouth opened and closed like a dying fish as the helmet clone leaned over her, his painted mask causing her to sputter.“I-um-” Solari fought to find the right words.“Wrecker back up,” a smaller woman hissed. Her hands looked comically small pushing the giant man backwards. “Hi, I’m Lora. We were here to rescue you.” She laughed slightly, extending a hand to Solari in a greeting.She took the other’s hand gently, shaking it as she looked up at the man called Wrecker. He lifted his helmet up, a large grin on his face. It was an odd juxtaposition compared to his helmet.“I’m Solari,” she said, nodding at Wrecker. “I came over to check if you were alright.”“Yea nothing bad,” Wrecker grunted, patting Solari a little too roughly on the shoulder.“What’s going on,” a voice broke through their small group.“Hunter, this is Solari, she is a part of the crew we were meant to pick up,” Lora stated, making room for the smaller child to walk forward.Solari took in the newest clone. He had shaggier hair, a bright red bandana, and the upper half of a skull tattoo on his face. She squinted at him, raising an eyebrow slightly, “Why do you have a bandana?” she asked abruptly causing Hunter to simply blink.“Where is your crew kid,” he said, jerking his head to the door.The thirteen-year-old took that as her sign to lead the clones over to their ship. It was easy, guiding the four clones and Lora over to wear Bela stood with the nurse and 420th.“Nurse Jor,” DT greeted, “It is nice to see you again.”“Sadly, I cannot say the same for you,” she stated, giving them each a once over. “If you have gloves little one you should put them on, they will protect your fingers,” the field medic said, looking down at Solari.“Master Bela, Hunter, Wrecker, Lora, and…the other two,” Solari introduced them oddly, motioning with her hands.“Sorry General, our ship had some malfunctions,” Hunter apologized using his free hand to shake Bela’s hand.Bela only grunted, “Tragic, isn’t it? I will try the council again, hopefully, someone will come out soon. I don’t know how much more snow I can take.”Solari watched as her master made her way back into the ship leaving them once more. She shifted from foot to foot. “What are your names?” She asked the two clones she hadn’t met yet.“This is Tech, and this is Crosshair,” Hunter stated, securing his helmet back in place as he pointed at the other two.Their armor caught Solari’s attention the dark grey and red paint caught her eyes. She could almost imagine them painting it in their barracks. Hunter’s armor was simple, the red stripe down his helmet was striking. Shifting her gaze to the one called Tech, she took in his goggles. Weird, she didn’t know of any clones that need glasses. His armor was much like Hunter's. A simple stripe ran down his helmet and chest plate, but he carried a holo pad in his hands. One that he hadn’t even looked up from since they got off the ship. His helmet was also different. It was much squarer, modified even as it held his goggles perfectly. He also had a lot of pouches on his belt. As well as a leg holster-or well at least what Solari thought was a leg holster. She watched him for a moment, typing away on his data pad like he wasn’t knee-deep in snow.The next one was Crosshair, immediately her eyes went to the markings around the right side of his visor. She wondered if he could see through the paint, or if she was simply being dumb. Yet from the clone’s closed-off stance, she doubted the other would answer her question. She eyed his rifle carefully, an interesting choice. He must be their sniper, she thought dumbly.Lastly, she focused on Wrecker once more. He towered over the lot of them, hands on his hips as he looked off into the distance. The more she stared at him the worse she felt for gaping at him earlier. Even if the face on his mask made her jump. It fit him, however, his bulky frame barely fitting into his armor. There was no doubt they had to customize the armor for him on Kamino. She had read somewhere in the databases about Alpha-clones. Some of the first modified clones that ever came out of Kamino. Solari found herself wondering if he was one of them.Before she could open her mouth she noticed a hand on her shoulder. When the 420th came to stand beside her.“Well, what an excellent rescue,” GH stated, hands resting on his hips as he looked over at the other’s ship.“It wasn’t like we planned to crash as well,” Lora stated. The smaller woman wore clone armor as well. Her smaller chest plate was weight, however. Why hadn’t she painted hers? Solari thought idly. She wasn’t even a clone…or well? Solari didn’t think she was a clone. Not with how short she was…or well from the fact she was a woman.“Listen,” Hunter started, “We don’t even have to talk to each other, I’m sure your General is making the call. So, we just must be patient.” His own hands rested outwards as if to calm down the situation.“Why?” Solari asked, “I wanna talk to you guys. Master Bela could be in there forever and I’m bored,” she whined slightly.“Come on kid, let’s let them go back to their ship-” CD tried only for Solari to ignore him.“Why are you guys so different?” she asked abruptly, pushing CD’s hand off her shoulder to get closer to the batch. “Where is your Jedi knight? Why are you here,” she asked pointing at Lora. “Why isn’t your armor painted Lora? And why are yours painted grey?” The padawan spoke quickly as if her voice was going to fail her. “And why are you so pale? How’d you become an albino? And why is your uniform so white? Aren’t you a field nurse? And-”“Woah that's enough questions kid,” Hunter interrupted quickly.“Do they not let you talk?” Crosshair asked snarkily.“Don’t talk to the commander like that,” DT interrupted, coming to stand behind Solari.“We are genetically modified clones. We had more desirable defects,” Tech started, looking down at the young girl. “We do not have a Jedi knight assigned to our group. Lora is here because she is a weapons and armor designer. Our task force lends itself better to test the weapons before they go out into mainstream use. Lora has no reason to paint her armor because it’s test armor. Nurse Jor is a field medic and an albino. “You do not become an albino you are born one,” Tech finished, answering all the young girls’ questions efficiently.“You sound different,” Solari mumbled, yet took in the information calmly. She liked Tech. His matter-a-fact attitude was nice.“Yes. So, I have heard,” Tech responded looking back at his data pad. “We should hear inside; it will only get colder and none of us are prepared for the cold.”“Our ship isn’t big enough for you,” CD responded grabbing Solari’s arm. “Come on kid, we-”“No way! I wanna go with them!” The smaller squirmed. “I have questions, I already know everything about you guys I want to-” the padawan was interrupted by Bela. “I have managed to reach General Kenobi, the 212th freighter won’t be here until nightfall. We will have to tough it out until then,” She announced watching the growing group of clones.“Nurse Jor thank you for your assistance,” Bela replied, watching as the nurse carefully looked over Solari.“My pleasure,” She responded.“Hey, I think your ship is on fire?” GB stated awkwardly, pointing at the batches ship.“Shit,” Hunter cursed, “We have to” Lora interrupted him.“My test weapons! I-Wrecker come on,” she cried out abruptly, making her way back through the snow with the larger clone in tow.Nurse Jor sighed, “It looks like we have to stay here.”Bela nodded her agreement, “Get in the main hull, there should be enough room.”It wasn’t long until they were all piled on the ship. Solari grinned widely as she talked on and on to the new clones. They were interesting and dirty-mouthed as they spoke to her. The 420th always seemed to treat her like she had never heard swear words before. Yet Hunter, Tech, Crosshair, and Wrecker swore as if it was a normal thing. The young girl found herself talking about her arm, having asked Wrecker how he got his large expansive scar across his face.“I lost it to a battle droid on Geonosis,” She stated, “Isn’t as bad as being blown up, however” she laughed slightly. Rolling her metal wrist slightly she held it out, allowing the larger clone to gently touch the prosthetic.“Does it hurt?” he asked carefully big round brown eyes staring at her.She shook her head, “Nah, I barely remember the pain of my arm coming off.”“It is reckless to let a child out on the battlefield,” Hunter sighed slightly, rolling his eyes at the shifting coming from the 420th.“Solari is capable,” CD grunted.Crosshair looked at him, “Yeah, capable of losing her arm.”“Hey!” Solari laughed slightly, not hurt at all by Crosshair’s comment. “Hunter is right, Padawan’s really shouldn’t be on the battlefield, but there is no place better to learn.”The tension in the air was thick. Pliable even as both batches looked at each other. Nurse Jor spoke, “If it bothers you Solari I can give you something to soothe it.”“No thank you Nurse Jor, it really is fine,” Solari said, waving her hands slightly.“It’s alright Jessa the wound looks healed enough from what she showed us,” Hunter stated, easily craning his head to look at the albino.“Jessa?” Five voices called.Nurse Jor’s eyes widened a fraction as the 420th started to murmur.“Your name is Jessa?” CD asked, eyes squinting as he rubbed a hand over the stubble on his chin. “No,” Jor said quickly looking away and into her medical kit.Hunter looks mortified, Solari noted. Watching him as he pressed a hand over his eyes.“It so is!” MJ called, laughing as he leaned over toward Nurse Jor. “Jessa is a good name,” he cooed slightly.“Must be the name of an angel,” GH laughed, nudging Jessa’s leg with his boot.Solari tilted her head, “Why don’t you want them to know your name?”“It’s not-”“So it is your name!” CD said quickly, “Jessa. I like that name baby,” he grinned at Jessa oddly. Solari scrunched her nose at it. Uncomfortable with the way he said it.The nurse’s cheeks heated as she glared at CD. “Do not,” she hissed, her accent getting thicker with each passing second.“It’s a pretty name,” Solari tried to soothe as Hunter frowned.“Leave her alone,” He hissed slightly, protectively, Solari noted.Lora looked around, standing up before stretching, “Way to go, Hunter,” she laughed. “Well, I am done just sitting here, this place is perfect to evaluate that new rocket launcher,” she said smoothly. “Wreck, can you grab that container?”“Yes ma’am,” he answered, lifting it with ease after he stood up.“Rocket launcher?” Solari questioned, following the two out of the ship eagerly.“Yeah, I designed a new one. It should be able to launch farther for long-range attacks,” Lora stated as she began to open the crate.The padawan shifted as Wrecker spoke, “It’s super cool, heavy firepower on this one here,” he patted the weapon proudly with a large grin on his face.“Can I shoot it?” Solari asked abruptly, eyes wide as she stared at Lora.Lora paused, frowning slightly, “I don’t know kid go ask your mom.”“She’s not my-whatever hold on,” the blue-haired padawan stated, running up the ramp of the ship and towards the cockpit.Dodging the clone’s legs on the floor she knocked on the door of the cockpit. The durrasteel wrang loudly with each bang of her fist, her excitement building in her stomach as she waited.“What is it, Solari?” Bela asked when the door opened, the holo com still on.“Can I help Lora with something?” She asked. Not wanting to tell her Master that she was going to shoot a rocket launcher. Bela would never let her do that.Master Bela narrowed her eyes for a moment, “Fine. But if you get yourself hurt-”“Yeah no complaining thank you!” Solari yelled, hugging Bela before running out of the ship once more.It was easier now that the clones on the ground moved outside, curious about what the weapons designer was doing. Solari was bouncing with energy, as she ran up to Lora. Her smile was wide and infectious.“Master Bela said I could shoot it,” she stated unable to contain her excitement any longer.Lora laughed easily, handing the launcher to Wrecker before nodding at him, “Show her how to use it.”Wrecker nodded, kneeling next to the smaller girl “Okay c’mere kid,” He grumbled watching as Solari stood next to him. “I’ll hold it for you, just gotta pull the trigger gently.”She nodded eagerly, standing within the clones’ arms to look through the scope her padawan braid gently rested against the long end of the launcher. “Anywhere?” she asked looking towards Lora.“Yeah kid, there’s nothing out there that you can hit anyway,” Lora stated hands on her hips. “It’s gonna be loud kid don’t be scared,” the older woman warned, hands coming to rest over her ears.The 420th shifted, uneasy at the thought of Solari holding such a powerful weapon without one of them helping her. They had been the only ones assigned to the padawan and general now for 7 months.CD shifted on his feet, “If she gets-”“Relax, Wrecker is holding most of the weight,” Lora waved her hand dismissively. “You might want to cover your ears,” She motioned to the rest of the clones.They all followed suit, hands over their ears as they watched. Solari set her hands where Wrecker told her. She breathed in carefully, relaxing her shoulders as she gently pulled on the trigger. The kickback of the weapon sent her bumping backward into Wrecker.“Easy, I got ya,” Wrecker stated, calm as day as he shifted the weight of the rocket launcher into one of his hands.The small group watched the rocket fly, losing it for a moment once it got too far away. Hunter shifted, and everyone waited for a moment. A heavy pause filled the air.“Where’d it-” Solari started only for the rocket to finally explode.Snow and other debris kicked up, from the blast force. Solari squealed in excitement, shielding her face from the flying debris as Wrecker whooped and hollered. The small padawan was lifted off her feet as Wrecker cheered, jerking her around as he laughed.“Nice job kid!” He laughed before putting her down.Solari laughed as well, the joyous sound filling their small group easily. It wasn’t long until she was pulled into the safety of the 420th’s small circle. She grunted slightly at their concerned gazes.“Are you alright?” CD asked.“The recoil didn’t get you did it?” MJ asked.The padawan shifted, tugging her head away from their concerned gazes, “I’m okay guys.”Lora patted her on the back, “Good job kid!”Beaming under the praise Solari looked at the blast sight. A sense of pride fell over her as she looked toward the clones. Their easy laughter and their relaxed postures made her happy. Ever since the war started no one ever relaxed anymore. Always worried and nervous about the next battle. The next plan. Solari was tired of the war already.Lora moved to write something on her small datapad, taking notes on the explosion and such before looking back toward the small Jedi. “Ya know if you wanna evaluate out some of my other stuff-”The ground shook violently. Each of the twelve people on the ground shifted, trying to gain their balance as Solari looked around.“What was that?” she asked nervously.DT grabbed his blaster, the DC-17 firm in his grip as he looked around, trying to figure out what was happening. There was a pause in the air, each clone on edge as they awaited the next move. A spiderweb of crackling was heard from under their feet. It was sudden and abrupt when they fell through the ice. Solari screamed, hands flying out to try and catch herself from hitting the ground. A strong arm wrapped around her waist, as she fell. Groans filled the air as they landed on hard rock. She scrambled to the side, looking over the man below her.DT groaned as he sat up “You okay?”“Is everyone alright?” Hunter called out, standing up to look at the hole.A chorus of moans came from the surrounding area, as Solari peered into the cave. Hand groping at her side for her lightsaber. Grabbing the metal tube she ignited it, illuminating the area around them. The ice cave was barren, as she peered around, unable to see much farther than her saber's light.“Great job Lora,” Crosshair grunted standing up and grabbing his rifle.“How is this my fault?” She asked, hands on her hips as she stared at him.Crosshair looked down at her, leaning in close to her face, “Let’s fire the fucking rocket launcher guys. It will be fun guys.”A small hand went to smack his helmet, but he caught it easily, “I didn’t know we were atop of ice you are fucking-”“Enough,” Hunter grunted, pushing them apart. “There is no use in crying about it now, we have to find a way back up.”“I don’t think there is one,” CD responded, looking up to see the sky through the hole. “We might just have to wait it out until the General comes with backup.”Solari pouted slightly, walking off towards one of the ice walls. Her head tilted as she drew closer to the wall.“Well, there has to be some way out, no way I’m just sitting here,” GH stated hands on his hips.DT sighed, “Glory enough. The sooner the rescue comes the better.”“Guys,” Solari called out, eyebrows pinched as she looked at the hoard of bones in the farthest corner of the cave.“If you give me a moment I might be able to find an escape route,” Tech stated, voice fluttering through the air.“Guys,” the padawan tired again.“We wouldn’t be down here if you let that bitch take out the rocket launcher,” CD hissed, brushing snow off his armor.“What did you just say?” Hunter asked, his voice turning sour as he looked at the green-armored clone.CD didn’t bother looking up, “you fucking heard me-”He choked as he was lifted off his feet. Wrecker wrapped a firm hand around his throat, hauling him into the air. “Don’t speak to her like that,” he hissed, tightening his grip.The smaller clone choked, holding onto Wrecker’s arm as he tried to alleviate the pressure from his neck. DT moved, pushing Wrecker to try and separate the pair.“Wrecker put him down!” Hunter hissed, trying to reason with him.“Guys!” Solari yelled as a shadow shifted behind the ice wall in front of her.Her cries went unheard as the arguing grew louder behind her. The shadow shifted, growing bigger and larger. A faint glow came from behind the wall, causing Solari to narrow her eyes. The flow burned brighter and brighter until the ice started to melt. Her scream was loud, blood-curdling even as she threw her hands up. Pushing the force through them she created a barrier between her and the flames that finally pushed through the wall. The beast screamed, a deep rumbling howl as it slithered up to her. Its large mouth closed as it looked at the group.Solari couldn’t breathe fear running through her veins as the beast stared down at her.“DT,” she hiccupped softly, hand traveling to her lightsaber.“Careful Solari,” Tech spoke, eyes narrowing. “It’s an ice slug,” he stated watching the beast for a moment longer.“Don’t move Solari,” DT spoke, shifting his blaster slightly.Wrecker put CD down, his own hands traveling to his blaster.Everyone was silent barely breathing before the beast moved. Its loud screech echoed through the cave as it came through the rest of the wall.Solari ignited her saber as she rolled out of the way. The blue worm was spotted, with odd fins wiggling and squirming as it breathed fire toward them.The group scattered, running in different directions as the beast wriggled around. Solari found herself Running beside Crosshair and Tech.“How do we kill it?” Crosshair asked, looking towards tech before turning to fire at the beast.“The head would be the best option to fire at,” Tech stated, firing behind him as the trio hid behind a large formation of ice.Unable to stop the tremble in her hands Solari tightened her grip on her saber. Feeling like a coward for running away.Hunter and the rest of the group were not faring well either. Two slugs lived in a small space. Lora stood in front of Jessa the nurse wasn’t even armed. Her stomach turned as Wrecker fired at it. The 420th were working together flanking the beast easily. Their blaster bolts sank into its skin easily. Causing it to cry. “It doesn’t look like our blasters are doing much,” Lora stated, arm steady as she fired at the beast.GB frowned, reaching for his belt, “You guys don’t have any explosives?”“Firing any other explosive could cause the cave to collapse,” Hunter spoke quickly, aiming at the creature’s buggy yellow eyes.There was a pause in the beasts’ movements as a cry rang through the cave. The slug paused, turning quickly to follow the sound, leaving the clones and women alone.“Why’d it-” Wrecker started, looking around at the others.“Who knows but we can’t let it get away,” CD stated, already running off in the direction of the beast.The rest of the batch and the 420th followed behind him quickly.—-----Looking out from the ice formation Solari barely listened to tech and crosshair bicker.“You have a droid popper?” Crosshair asked.Tech rolled his eyes “It won’t work. The most you’d do would piss it off.”“I’m trying to come up with solutions you dick,” Crosshair grunted, ignoring how Solari moved to look out from around the ice formation.The youngest went to open her mouth when she heard one of the clones’ screams. She needs to help her crew. Her brothers, she thought as she jumped from the formation hands out in front of her.Trust in the force, she thought eyes closing easily as she got into her stance.Her saber hummed softly as the beast screamed at her, slithering towards her with impressive speed. The padawan opened her eyes briefly, swinging her saber up as she dropped to her knees. Its yellow blade disappeared into the belly of the beast. Dragging along its soft underside as it plows through her. Warm liquid rained down on her, causing her to inwardly groan at the thought of being covered in blood and bile. Yet as the beast finally fell off to the side she stood up, turning to the ice formation she had once been hiding behind.“Are you alright?” She called out to the two clones.Crosshair and Tech were watching her. They didn’t respond right away as they came out of the formation, simply casting a glance at the beast. Its dark blue spots seemed duller now that life was drained out of its body.“Fascinating, I have never seen a creature like this,” Tech stated, eyes roaming the open cut of the beast.Solari wiped a hand down her face, trying to get off most of the grime as she sighed, “Me either. Let’s go reconnect with the-” A hiss caught her attention.It would have been comical if it were in a holo-movie. The way slug’s counterpart snapped down on her metal arm and dragged her back. Yet the scream that came from her mouth was anything but comical. The padawan’s eyes were wide as her saber was knocked out of her hand. She could feel it, how its mouth shifted and ground against her metal arm. Her hand looked ridiculously small against the beast’s head as she tried to push against it, wiggling her arm inside its mouth.“Solari?” A voice called as she was brought back toward the main area of the cave.“Get me down!” She cried at the group of clones, screaming as the dragon slug shook its head wildly. Jerking her back and forth as it opened its mouth to get her to go deeper into it.Solari looked around panicked, nearly crying when a large blaster bolt barely missed her shoulder. Fuck. Fuck fuck, she thought as there was a commotion on the ground as if the clones didn’t know what to do either. She groped her belt, fingers diving into the leftmost pocket before pulling out her fast cutter. The blaster bolts were loud near her head as she brought the fast cutter to her metal shoulder. A loud metallic screech filled the air as the fast cutter’s blade worked through the metal parts. In a matter of seconds, she was free, falling to the icy floor as someone jumped from the top of the opening. In a pink and brown blur, her master landed atop the beast with ease.Solari watched from the ground with awe as her master twisted her blade easily, before digging it into the skull of the creature. Bela looked calm at that moment as if she weren’t afraid of anything. Solari twisted up into a sitting position as she watched her master jump from the corpse of the beast.“Are you alright Solari?” she asked, coming to kneel in front of the girl.Nodding slightly, she stared at Bela with fascination. The Jedi master stood up, helping the young one up as well with a sigh.“You won’t be able to get a new arm until after our mission Solari,” she frowned, deeply looking at the cut metal.Solari swallowed thickly, “Yes master. Sorry master,” she added quickly, turning her right side away from the older woman.Bela only grunted, turning away to address the beast. Leaving the padawan to stand behind her. As Bela moved on, Solari kicked at the ice a little bit. Dejected and shameful at being so careless. She destroyed the arm that was so graciously given to her by the council. The young one wondered how the council would react. Would they be angry at her? Or would she be denied another arm? Chewing on her tongue she frowned, she didn’t need it. She could learn to write with her left hand and spare with her left hand. It was fine. Many people in the galaxy didn’t have arms and they still made it.“Are you okay?” A feminine voice pulled her from her thoughts.Blinking back tears Solari nodded slightly, keeping her gaze towards the ground. The field medic sighed anyway, “I am going to check you over.”So, she let her. Solari twisted and turned when asked. Answered questions like she was supposed to. It was easy, and from the way Bela was talking into her comlink, she knew their rescue would be here soon. Suddenly her lightsaber was thrust in front of her eyes.Blinking Solari looked up at the person holding it.“You dropped it,” Crosshair grunted as Solari reached up to grab it.Nodding gently, she smiled tightly at him, “Thank you.” “Are you alright?” Hunter asked eyebrows pinched as he looked over to the rest of the 420th and Bela. “Your Master seems kind of mean kid.”“She’s not mean! She’s just…disappointed in me,” Solari whispered, rolling her saber in her palm. “I just cut off an expensive arm and -”“It’s just metal. I am sure she is happy you are safe,” Lora stated, kneeling next to the kid. Her hand came up to brush some of Solari’s hair off her face. “Relax kid,” she murmured, feeling slightly bad at the way Solari sagged into her touch.A silence grew over them as Jessa addressed a few of Solari's minor cuts before Bela announced to the group that their rescue was here. Wrecker helped the padawan up, not that she needed it. Yet as they walked towards the opening of the cave the 420th quickly pushed past the batch. Their own questions and concerns over Solari’s well-being fill the air as the 212th looking into the cave.“Waxer, Boil, go grab the cables. General Novan you all right down there?” A voice called.“Commander Cody how nice to see you. Obi-wan with you?” Bela asked, arms crossed.“No sir. General Kenobi is still stationed on Mijo,” Cody answered truthfully as he glanced at the group looking at him. “Don’t worry General you’ll be out of the snow soon.” Solari pushed her thoughts behind her, ignoring the nagging feeling in her chest as she waited patiently for the 212th to lift them out of the ice cave. Even if Bela were annoyed with her Solari knew she did the right thing and would be able to live with herself come morning.