"I found a family in my friends"

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Chapter Ten

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Mando'a Translations

Vode - Capitalized refers to the Clones as whole rather than "siblings" plural

vod/vode - Sibling/siblings

Vor entye - Thank you (lit. I accept a debt)

Ke'sush - Attention

Oya! - Many meanings depending on context. Here it's a call to action

Demagolka - someone who commits atrocities (specifically against children), a real-life monster, a war criminal

~*~

200 Jedi went to Geonosis. 98 died. 72 Jedi could have been a part of the casualties if you hadn't taken medics to the arena and given them the medical attention they needed. The Council spoke of your name being recorded in the archives for saving so many lives. You were regretful so many died in the first place.

The living suffered as well. Obi-Wan spent a week in the Halls of Healing due to his injuries and another two after that recovering. Anakin lost his right arm below the elbow in the duel between him, Obi-Wan, and Dooku. He recovered for two days before being given a prosthetic. He spent the better part of three weeks learning how to do simple tasks with it. Seeing as how you were minimally injured, you were stuck making sure neither of them were stupid enough to aggravate their injuries.

"Obi-Wan, I'm going to set a screen time limit if you don't listen to me about when to stop working," you warned, sending your husband a harsh glare. You couldn't stay angry at him for long though, because a crash sounded from Anakin's room and you were rushing over there, "Anakin, are you alright?"

"Fine, just underestimated the adjustments I made," Anakin grumbled, stretching out his new fingers and setting his arm on his desk to continue working.

"I trust in your abilities Anakin, but please don't blow your arm up, you're just getting used to it."

Nodding distractedly, Anakin picked up the tool across from him, "Yeah, I got it. No blowing it up."

Huffing, you crossed your arms and watched him work for a few moments. He'd taken to his prosthetic well, so well that Master Che predicted he could start saber fighting again within the next few days. It was startling, honestly, how much patience Anakin had in those early days when simply functioning was so difficult.

It made you proud beyond comprehension, watching him work to understand his new normal and push past the barriers set in front of him. The support system you'd formed over the years, with you and Obi-Wan and your friends and his and his mind healer, had obviously paid off when hard times had approached.

"What?" Anakin finally looked up from his work, sensing his gaze on you.

Smiling, you shook your head, "Nothing, I'm just... very proud of you, Anakin. For how much you've grown."

Ducking his head, Anakin bashfully replied, "I owe it all to you and Obi-Wan, (Y/n)."

"Don't sell yourself short, Anakin," you basked in the moment for a few seconds before continuing, "I was called into a Council meeting today seeing as how you and Obi-Wan were unavailable. They've requested that Senator Amidala have an escort back to Naboo. She wishes to spend time with her family. With the war starting, I think she knows she won't see them very often."

"Oh, well when are you leaving?"

"Actually, I suggested that you bring her to Naboo," Anakin's eyes widened in shock, "I realize that you enjoyed bending the rules last time, but I thought you'd like to see her again."

"Yes!" Anakin replied a bit too enthusiastically, quick to clear his throat and start over, "I mean- yes, I'll go on the mission. With Jango Fett MIA she should be safe."

"I doubt he'll be a problem." Now that he's been reminded who's depending on him, at least, "I also wanted to discuss your relationship with her."

Anakin winced, "You picked up on that?"

"Anakin, you couldn't have been more obvious if you tried. I spoke to you briefly at the start of the mission about how to do things. I sense those feelings have since developed and been reciprocated, so I have some more advice. Don't rush into things. Especially not with the lives the two of you lead. Obi-Wan and I were together for years before we got married."

"Who- who said anything about getting married?"

"I know you, Anakin. I know how impulsive you are. You also talk in your sleep sometimes when I come in to wake you up. I'm not saying you can never get married, Anakin, but this love is young and still growing and so are you. On top of that, you don't have special permission like Obi-Wan and I do. Take the time to think about what you truly want from the future before jumping into things, okay?"

Deflating slightly, Anakin nodded all the same and you knew he'd heed your advice.

"Good. I'll leave you to it then and go check on Obi-Wan. Something tells me he's going to lose screen privileges."

The next day Anakin left Coruscant with Padmé to escort her back to her home planet. The Force sang and seemed brighter than it had been since the beginning of the war. When you had a meeting with the Council to discuss the ownership - and didn't that make you want to rip your hair out - of the Clones, Master Windu kept his eyes on you the entire time. Since you were one of the first Jedi to meet and interact with the Clones, you had a say in the conversation. By the end of the meeting, you convinced the Council to keep full ownership of the Clones rather than sign it away to the Senate in exchange for stricter senate control over the GAR as a whole. It was worth it if it meant keeping the Clones with those who would actually treat them like people.

After the meeting, Master Windu approached you.

"I sense that you have done something," he stated vaguely.

"Have any shatterpoints around me broken?" You asked curiously. Master Plo and Master Windu were close friends, meaning you spent a lot of time with him and Depa Billaba when you were younger. You knew a lot about how he perceived the Force.

"No, and yet many shatterpoints around others have broken and it seems to be because of you. What have you done, (Y/n)?"

Smiling, you cheekily replied, "Something for the better if the Force has anything to say about it. You know me, Mace, I live to knock sense into people."

"Yes, you certainly do."

~*~

The Council wanted to knight Anakin for what happened on Geonosis, mostly because of his duel against Dooku. You and Obi-Wan thought it was a horrible idea, but Anakin had taken great strides recently, and the Jedi Order needed Generals - generals? Generals? Jedi were meant to be peacekeepers! - so no matter your hesitations Anakin was to be knighted.

Obi-Wan was allowed into the Knighting Chamber as Anakin's Master, but you had no such right - even if you co-raised him - so you simply waited outside.

You knew the ceremony was done when Anakin stepped out of the chamber, silent and serious as he was meant to be. The doors slid shut behind him and his face broke into a joyous grin. Spreading your arms, you laughed when Anakin barrelled into you for a hug.

"Congratulations, Knight Skywalker. Now come on, Obi-Wan and I set up a little celebration," looking back at the door to the Chamber, you realized Obi-Wan would probably talk to the Council for a while, "Obi-Wan will catch up, let's go."

Nodding, Anakin followed you without question back through the Temple and toward your quarters.

"I'm more okay with messes than Obi-Wan is," you explained shortly while plugging in the code to your room.

"Yeah, that sounds about right," Anakin smirked.

The door opened, and cheers sounded. Inside were the majority of yours and Obi-Wan's friends - who were a constant presence in Obi-Wan's life - and a couple of friends that Anakin had inexplicably picked up over the years - such as Aayla Secura, Rissa Mano, and Aakar Deshu - though his attention went to Padmé before anyone else.

"Happy Knighting," you whispered in his ear, patting him on the shoulder before moving on to mingle.

"Look at that, you kind of son-slash-padawan has been knighted and he's going to leave the nest," Quin lamented dramatically, though he handed you a drink so you couldn't be too annoyed.

"I think Obi-Wan's going to be much more relieved than I am. He's had to live with him for ten years," you chuckled, watching Anakin laugh and have fun with his friends, "You don't think he's too young, do you?"

Quin shrugged, "I mean, Aayla's only a couple years older and she got knighted last year, but I can see where you're coming from. Sadly, I don't think the Council had much of a choice. He's too powerful to be kept as a Padawan with a war on the horizon."

Sighing, you nodded. Quin said what all of you already knew. Anakin would have likely remained a Padawan if it wasn't for the war. He was losing the last precious years of his apprenticeship, where he could have truly learned the finer skills he was lacking in.

After spending some time with all of your friends, catching up since it had been some time since you'd last seen each other, Obi-Wan stepped into your quarters. Anakin, who was deep into a conversation with Aayla about who knows what, immediately sensed his master's presence and went to greet him at the door. You watched as Anakin pressed something into Obi-Wan's hand, and your husband smiled before pulling Anakin into a hug.

"Remember when Obi was scared to get close to him cause Qui-Gon made him think that love and affection were bad?" Bant asked, taking a generous sip from her Calamari liquor.

"Yeah, before (Y/n) knocked some sense into him," Garen snorted, "Welcome to the party, Master Kenobi."

Obi-Wan grinned, startling when Quin shoved a drink into his hand, "Really?"

"You're two drinks behind, Obes, catch up!" Quin cheered, "You don't have a kid to look after anymore, get as drunk as you want then spend some quality time with (Y/n)!"

Rolling his eyes, Obi-Wan took a drink all the same. You met his gaze and motioned to the small kitchen where the two of you could talk with some hope of privacy. Nodding, Obi-Wan promised everyone that he'd catch up with them then followed you.

"He gave you his braid, didn't he?" You asked.

"Yes. I was a bit surprised. I thought he would give it to Padmé," Obi-Wan admitted, his Force signature oozing happiness at the pleasant surprise.

"Well, she didn't have to put up with him for ten years. His braid seems like a fair exchange, don't you think?" you and Obi-Wan exchanged laughs, "What did the Council want to talk to you about?"

Obi-Wan became more serious, and you were worried something bad had happened, but there was an underlying sense of cautious pride that confused you, "Now that Anakin has been knighted I'm a Jedi Master. They offered me a seat on the High Council."

Blinking, it took your brain a few seconds to process what Obi-Wan just said, then it hit you, "The High Council? Obi-Wan that's amazing! You always dreamed of being a part of it when we were younger- you seem hesitant."

"I'd be the youngest person elected to the Council in nearly a hundred years. It's wartime and I just became a Master. And... what if this affects our relationship?"

"How so?"

"You're a part of the Order but you've always clashed with the Council at times and they're meant to uphold the rules you've set yourself apart from."

Oh, Obi-Wan. He was always thinking of how to best serve others, "Obi-Wan, you are a wonderful Jedi. You know what it means to follow the Force for the good of the people. And even if you accept this seat, you will still be my husband. If any tension arises because of this then we'll work through it like we always do."

"You think I should accept?"

"I think I'd be a hypocrite to deny you this when you encouraged me to accept a seat on the Council of Reconciliation. Take some time to think about it- later. Tonight is a time for celebration."

Kissing you quickly on the temple, Obi-Wan took another sip of his drink and turned back to your friends. It was going to be a good night.

~*~

Even though the war had started, there had been no major battles yet, just minor skirmishes. Despite that, everyone knew that the Separatists were gearing up for much larger fights. As such, it was time for the Jedi to officially meet their army. Barracks had been erected on Coruscant and the troops now had permission to leave Kamino and dock there.

You were on your way to Kamino with Obi-Wan and Anakin, who were now fully recovered and cleared for active duty. A week ago the three of you had traveled to Illum to get new Kyber crystals and make new sabers. All of you returned with your former colors and slightly different hilts.

"Welcome, Master Jedi," Lama Su greeted the three of you as you landed, and you forced yourself to give him a polite smile. You still despised the Kaminoans for everything they had put the Clones through, but there was no point in upsetting the people who the Jedi would be working closely with for however long the war went on, "Your units are ready for your command."

"That is good to hear," Obi-Wan spoke when it was clear neither you nor Anakin would. He had picked up on the fear throughout the city as well, though it was likely worse for him since he was stronger.

"Come, I shall escort you."

Lama Su led you through the familiar facility to the docking bay, where three battalions were waiting for each of you- all of them positioned formally as this was their first time meeting their respective general.

"For Master Kenobi, we have prepared the 212th Attack Battalion, led by CC-2224."

Obi-Wan's displeasure slipped through his shields into the familial bond, a sentiment that you and Anakin were quick to return. Though outwardly, Obi-Wan did nothing more than bow to Lama Su in thanks and turn to his troops to introduce himself. As Lama Su led you and Anakin away, you caught Cody's fingers moving in Galactic Sign - a silent hello that you easily returned.

Next was a battalion led by a trooper you weren't familiar with. Lama Su introduced his battalion as the 501st Legion, led by CT-7567, so not a born and bred command clone. If he fought his way to his command then he'd be a good match for Anakin's fiery spirit - though you hoped this clone would help temper Anakin as well.

"And lastly, we have the 377th Battalion, led by CC-3852. I hope they are satisfactory. Please contact us if there are any products you wish to replace."

A wave of discomfort spread throughout the clones at that, though none of them showed any signs of it. You forced a smile onto your face and bowed your head.

"I will. Is there any work that must be completed immediately, or may we immediately embark to Coruscant with our troops?"

"Any paperwork that must be done can be sent to your datapads. If you have any concerns before you leave then you may find one of us before you leave."

Good, you didn't want to interact with the Kaminoans more than you had to, "Thank you for your time."

With one last exchange of bows, Lama Su left. You watched him go, no longer bothering to hide your distaste. When you felt that he was out of earshot, you turned to your troops.

"Drifter, it's good to see you again!" You greeted cheerily, seeing as you didn't see him on Geonosis.

"You too, vod. Glad to see you made it off that desert planet. Cody told us that you ordered the medics to treat the Jedi and Vode equally. Vor entye."

"There's no debt to repay. You and your brothers deserve the same treatment as everyone else. In any case, I'm glad that I'll be working with you. Let's do a quick introduction and then get out of here, yeah? I don't want to spend any more time here than I have to."

"You and me both," Drifter turned to face the troops, "Vod, ke'sush!"

"Thank you, Commander. Hello, I am General (Y/n) Pavond." As always, you gave your preferred pronouns then continued on, "I would like to make haste to Coruscant. Further introductions can happen on the ship after takeoff. Oya!"

"Oya!" The troops responded in kind and you beamed.

The troops moved aside and stood at parade rest while you and Drifter walked onto the ship first, as was standard protocol. The troops' synchronized footsteps were just behind you.

Already leaving? Obi-Wan's amused voice floated through the bond.

I'd rather not stay here longer than I have to, you sent back.

They're slaves, Anakin butted in, obviously seething. He'd apparently figured out not only why the clones were so nervous, but the true nature of their servitude to the Republic as well.

Yes. This is something we can discuss more later. Now, you should focus on getting to know your troops and making sure they know they aren't a threat. I'll speak to Drifter and tell him to let your commanding officers know you're safe, but you're also going to have to prove it.

...okay

You'd have to make sure Anakin had an appointment with his mind healer when all of you got back to Coruscant. The realization that the clones were essentially slaves to the Republic would likely dredge up a lot of bad memories he'd already had trouble moving past.

You and Drifter arrived at the cockpit, overseeing your ship's - which needed a name - takeoff and successful departure from Tipoca City. From the elation seeping off of Drifter and the clones around you, none of them were particularly upset that they were leaving the place they'd grown up.

After you were out of the atmosphere you turned to Drifter, who had been standing dutifully by your side the entire time, "Is there a place we can gather any available troops?"

"Yes, one of the hangars should be fine," Drifter opened his comm and spoke into it for a few moments before turning back to you, "All available troopers will be in the main hangar in a few minutes. I'll lead you there."

Nodding, you followed Drifter around the ship for the second time. On the way back to Coruscant you'd have to take the time to explore the ship for yourself and learn the ins and outs.

"Obi-Wan and Anakin are safe," you informed Drifter, "Anakin is impulsive, but he'd never do anything to hurt any of your vode. Obi-Wan has been through war before, he wouldn't want to hurt them either. Both of them are good people."

"I'll inform Cody, your word carries a lot of weight since you're one of us. Lucky for you, Cody is with Obi-Wan, and Rex is with Anakin. They'll confirm it soon enough."

"Is Cody the highest authority among the Vode?" You asked, having been curious about their power structures since you first learned about them.

"Yes. When we were younger, one of the demagolka trainers set up a bit of a fight club among the Vode for entertainment. Little did he know that we used it as a way to decide rank. Eventually, all of the Vode joined in, even the Alpha ranks. Cody just kept winning every fight. Eventually, there was no one else for him to go up against and he became the Vode'alor."

"Is that why he was the one to tell the others I was vod?"

"Part of the reason. Most of the Commanders are high in rank too, so Wolffe or I could have sent the memo for Cody, but everyone would have been unsure. If Cody says it then the Vode listen."

"Interesting," you hummed. The Vode had an entire subculture unrelated to them being Mandalorian that they managed to hide from the Kaminoans and the Mandalorians training them, "Why did Cody claim me as vod in the first place?"

Drifter shrugged, "I never asked. You have a lot of mandokar, so that could be what he saw. You were also the first person to treat us like people either way. If the rest of the Jedi are like you it shouldn't be too hard for them to be accepted as vod, though the approval would go through Cody."

"Huh." Force, the Vode were fascinating! You couldn't wait to get to know them more, especially now that you were officially considered one of them. Hopefully, that'd help with them trusting you in the long run anyway, "Are there any rec rooms for you on the ship?"

"No, General. Just housing and a couple of training rooms."

"How well-stocked are the training rooms?"

"Not very."

"Hmm."

"Here we are," Drifter stepped into the hangar first and you followed close behind, unsurprised to see the vast majority of your troops waiting. Unless they were essential in flying the ship, there'd be no reason for them to be working at the moment, "Ke'sush! General Pavond is here to allow further introductions."

"Thank you, Drifter. I've already introduced myself and my rank, but I'm afraid that doesn't exactly build trust. I'm aware that Commander Cody has announced me as vod, but that also doesn't build trust if you don't know me. We are going to be fighting side by side throughout this war, winning and losing the same battles, mourning the same people. I am your General because of my status as a Jedi, I am a vod because Cody said so, but I hope over time I can grow to be a friend. I have three official rules starting off. Number one, unless we are in the middle of a campaign or otherwise occupied then my door is always open. I am not going to ignore your needs whatever they may be. Number two, there will be respect between all members of this battalion, whether they are Vode or natborn. That being said, if there are issues with any natborn officers not treating you with proper respect then come to me and I will handle it. Number three, any infighting must be handled between yourselves. If you believe you cannot handle it professionally then go to a commanding officer to help mediate. There may be more rules that come up in the future but that's it for now."

"Those aren't really rules, General," Drifter told you quietly, amusement and relief flowing off of him in waves. You'd have to take the time to teach simple shielding to the men. Even if they weren't Force-sensitive it would do all of you a lot of good.

"Maybe not the rules all of you are used to, but they're the rules I want to put into place," you mumbled back before turning back to the men, "Now, there is one more thing before I move on. It has come to my attention that the training rooms don't have nice equipment and there are no rec rooms. I'll be seeing what I can do about that, so I'll be setting out a datapad in the barracks. I want all of you to place any items you would like on that pad for either of the rooms. I'll see what I can do to get you those items."

A wave of excitement spread through the Vode at the idea of getting new equipment and a rec room to themselves. It was a bit sad they were so excited about basic amenities, but you'd work on that.

Clapping your hands, you were glad to be finished with everything you needed to say right off the bat, "Now, we're done with all of that, I'd like to move on to something more light-hearted. I understand that many of you probably have questions for me, so the rest of our time will be dedicated to that. Feel free to ask anything, whether it's Jedi or General related- oh! And please tell me your name and preferred pronouns when you do."

The hangar fell silent, and you knew the Vode were hesitant to speak in case it was some sort of trap. But, there were always those just a bit braver than the others. A throat cleared near the front. You recognized their presence immediately as Burner, one of the clones you worked with on Geonosis.

"Burner, Ser. He/him. Do you have any other titles aside from General that you would like us to call you?"

An easy question to start off with, "There are many titles that I have. Jedi Master, General, Councilor, Princex. I am comfortable with any of them, though I suppose Master or General would fit best. I'm not against any of you simply using my name."

Another clone spoke up, with close-shaved hair and lack of facial hair, "Clik, he/him. Are you royalty, General?"

Oops, that was a bit of a slip-up but it was a title you were called for at least two weeks a year, so it just slipped in, "I am. My parents rule a planet called Othan. I am second-in-line. I've been in contact with my family for several years in order to learn the ropes should something happen to my sister."

"Bonus, Ser," the red-headed trooper paused just long enough for you to pick up on it before they continued, "They/them," there was another pause as if they were waiting for you to say or do something. The clones around them stiffened as well and shifted to subtly cover Bonus. You assumed it wasn't something they told many people, especially on Kamino where it could be considered a major issue, "Could you- could you tell us about your planet?"

"Of course!" You beamed, and the Vode seemed to collectively relax, "My planet is a bit unique in that it holds several different biodiverse areas, on top of that each area has a different season depending on the time of year. But it's very beautiful year-round, full of different types of..."

The Vode listened in, entranced. Any previous hints of fear had quickly disappeared as you began storytelling. They had yet to see the galaxy, and they'd likely see the worst parts of it through the war. For now, at least, you could let them picture something beautiful.