Fox held back a chuckle as Stone and Thire came into view, sitting on a wooden crate. There were groups of the Guard all huddled together in the back half of the hangar and right at the very front of them were Stone and Thire. Neither of them had their helmets on and Fox found it weird to see them and so many other Guard members without their helmets outside of the Guard barracks. He wasn't going to say anything though, as he felt they deserved it if they felt safe enough to do so.

Stone was sat on top of the crate with his legs swinging down, just looking around curiously and sending the occasional small smile to Clones that walked past. Thire on the other hand, was sat on the crate with his arms crossed over his chest and a permanent scowl on his face. Fox actually noticed a few 327th members who were walking past, jolt and walk the other direction when they looked Thire's way.

"Do you think he gets that from you or me," Fox asked Thorn.

"A bit of both I reckon. He definitely doesn't get it from Stone cos he's way too nice. He for sure gets the glare from you but maybe the attitude from me," Thorn said with a shrug.

"Oh, so you admit you have an attitude," Fox said, nudging Thorn playfully.

"I am not admitting anything. I am merely saying, he may have gotten a slight attitude from my influence," Thorn said as they got to the other two Commanders.

"You do realise that glaring at everyone who walks past isn't going to help anything right Th'ika," Thorn said as he sat beside Thire and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. Thire huffed and rolled his eyes but leant closer to Thorn. Thorn removed his helmet and clipped it to his belt, nuzzling his head against Thire's. The permanent scowl left Thire's face, instead replaced with a soft smile as he wrapped his arms around Thorn and rest his head on his shoulder.

"How are you two holding up," Fox asked, drawing the others attention. Thire let out a breath of relief and jumped up, hugging Fox tightly. Fox felt tension release from his shoulders and he quickly wrapped his arms around Thire's waist, hugging him tightly.

"I heard you've been giving them all hell here," Fox said, raising his hand to gently run it through Thire's hair.

"I don't get what's going on Buir," Thire said quietly as he pulled back and rested against the crate. Fox let out a sigh and shook his head.

"I don't really know what's happening either but Thorn and I are going to find the Jedi and figure out what is going on. All that Bly told me is General Plo contacted General Secura and then they were suddenly ordered to evacuate all of us," Fox said.

"Do you think Commander Wolffe said something," Stone asked with a frown.

"It's likely, I don't see any other reason why anyone would suddenly start caring about us," Fox said quietly. Thorn winced at the bluntness but they all knew it was true.

"We don't know how much he told them though. There wouldn't have been enough time between when we left him and when they came after us for him to have reached his General and explain everything," Thorn said.

"Do you need us to come with you. Strength in numbers and all that," Stone asked.

"No. I need you and Thire to stay here, to look after the men and make sure nothing happens," Fox said. Stone nodded but Thire frowned and huffed, looking away.

"Thire, come on, we need to make sure everyone is okay right now. This is a drastic change and no one knows what is happening so I need you two to keep things calm," Fox said with a frown.

"Yeah, I get it," Thire said, still not looking up. Fox sighed and tugged his helmet off, bending down slightly so he was eye level with Thire.

"Ad'ika," he said softly and Thire finally glanced up.

"This is just as important as what Thorn and I are doing okay. I know you feel like we are overprotective but we just worry for you okay. I worry for everyone but you're my ad'ika, it's a buir's job to worry endlessly," Fox said softly. Thire huffed and rolled his eyes but a small smile tugged on his lips. He reached out and grabbed the back of Fox's neck, gently pulling him into a keldable. Fox relaxed and leant into it for a second or two before pulling back.

"Thorn, let's go," he said, slipping his helmet back on. Thorn nodded and did the same, both of them nodding to Stone and Thire before they walked off.

"How're we going to figure out where we're supposed to be going," Thorn asked.

"Ask someone," Fox said with a shrug. He glanced around and noticed two familiar Wolfpack members.

"Boost, Sinker," he called out, causing the two to turn around.

"Commanders. I'm assuming you would like us to show you to the Generals," Boost said as they walked over. Fox frowned at the plural of Generals. He wasn't too keen on talking to Bly's General. He doesn't know her, or anything about her. At least with Wolffe's General, they've been told things about him and Helix saw how he acted as well.

"We would appreciate that," Fox said with a nod.

"Follow us," Sinker said, leading the way.

"Thorn," Fox said quietly as they walked, gaining the other Commanders attention as he glanced over.

"I want you to stay one step behind me okay. We don't know anything about this other General and if something happens, it's my job to protect you," Fox said whispered. Boost clenched his jaw angrily, having been listening to what Fox was saying. How could any of them have been so horrible to the Guard when they're that traumatised, they don't feel safe with the Jedi.

"I've got your back Foxy," Thorn said teasingly, nudging Fox to try and loosen him up a bit. He could tell Fox was on edge, especially after the panic attack. He had slipped into protective Commander mode which isn't a bad thing, but it also means he will be quite tense. Fox rolled his eyes and elbowed Thorn lightly in the ribs, making him chuckle.

"Stop it, we need to focus," Fox scolded him.

"I know. But Wolffe will be there and so will General Plo, we can trust them remember," Thorn said softly. Fox settled slightly at that. Thorn was right, Wolffe had proved that he could be trusted, that he cared. Boost and Sinker stopped out front of a door, giving a knock before pressing the button to slide it open. The four of them walked inside, Fox glanced around quickly. It seemed to be a conference room with four other people inside, General Plo, Wolffe, General Secura and Bly.

"General, Commander Fox and Commander Thorn would like to speak with you," Boost said. The others already in the room turned to look over them, the two Generals eyes landing on Thorn and Fox. Fox bristled slightly and slowly pressed his hand to Thorn's hip. Thorn stepped back obediently, knowing that Fox needed the reassurance he would be safer.

"Commanders, it is good to see you. Wolffe has told me there are things we should discuss," General Plo said.

"Yes Sir," Fox said, walking so he was directly in front of the Generals, standing at attention.

"At ease Commanders," General Secura said. Fox hesitated for a second before shifting into parades rest, Thorn following his actions where he was standing on his left, one step behind. Bly frowned, unsettled by how uptight both of the Guard Commanders were. They were safe, in a room with vod and the Jedi, there was no need for them to be so stiff.

"Thank you Boost and Sinker, you may leave," General Plo said, nodding to his two troopers.

"With all due respect Sir, I would like to request to stay. Both Sinker and I already know everything that will be bought up in this meeting. I feel that should Commander Fox and Thorn okay it, they might feel more at ease having two more people that they know and are comfortable with, given the circumstances," Boost spoke up. Fox's head snapped to him in surprise, his heart lifting as he saw both Boost and Sinker standing at parades rest, their faces determined. The two were a massive help with bringing supplies and trying to look after the Guard and Fox trusted them almost as much as he trusted Wolffe.

"Commander Fox, is this something you would be okay with," General Plo asked. It surprised Fox that he was asking for his opinion but he wasn't about to question it.

"Yes Sir. Boost and Sinker have been very helpful and have my full trust," Fox said with a nod. Boost grinned and looked at Sinker to see he was always smiling, both pleased to have earned the trust of the uptight and protective Marshall Commander.

"Very well, you two may stay," General Secura said. Boost and Sinker moved so they were standing behind the Guard Commanders, not wanting to get in the way.

"Wolffe came to me earlier today and brought a few things to my attention, things that I find quite disturbing," General Plo said. Fox could tell he was prompting him but this was not a conversation he was wanting to have. He had told Wolffe he would talk to his General and only his General. Right now he is more concerned with what is going to be happening to his men.

"Commander Bly informed me that there were discussions between the you and General Secura and then they were ordered to evacuate us. I would like to know what will be happening to my men," Fox said, choosing his words carefully. He noticed the way General Plo's eyes narrowed slightly and he tensed, straightening himself further. Bly saw the action and it hurt him to see how cautious Fox was being. He wasn't stupid, he could tell Fox was scared and didn't know how to react with the Jedi. He moved quickly, striding over to stand in front of Fox, resting a hand on his shoulder. Fox was caught off guard and shifted his eyes from the Generals to Bly in front of him.

"Can I take your helmet off please vod'ika," Bly asked softly. Fox clenched his hands behind his back nervously before reaching up and tugging off his helmet. He trusts Bly, even if Bly doesn't care, he still wouldn't go as far as to hurt him. Bly's hand shifted to cup Fox's face and Fox's eyes instinctively shifted to the Generals. Wolffe understood that Bly was trying to calm their batchmate and moved over quickly as well. He wasn't sure how much Bly and Fox got along but he knew he and Fox were steady.

"Relax Fox, no one is going to hurt you or Thorn here, I promise. General Plo is safe remember, you agreed to talk to him. I know General Secura wasn't in the agreement and nor was Bly but they aren't going to hurt you," Wolffe said.

"General Secura won't hurt you Fox'ika. And if in some alternate universe she tried, which she won't, I wouldn't let her okay. You've got Wolffe and I here to protect you, your ori'vods," Bly said softly, rubbing his thumb over Fox's cheek. Wolffe reached out and grabbed Thorn's arm, tugging him to his side. Thorn stumbled over but quickly leant into Wolffe's side as he wrapped an arm around his shoulder. Fox once again went to quickly look at the Generals to make sure they weren't unhappy about how Thorn was acting. Bly quickly stepped to the side to block his view.

"It's okay, we have very good Generals, they're good people. We're just going to talk and you can tell us what's been happening to the Guard. Whatever you feel comfortable talking about and we will listen," Bly said gently.

"I need to know that my men are going to be safe. It seems like an impulsive action to get us but we can't go back now. You realise that right," Fox asked. Bly moved so he was standing beside Fox, slipping his hand into his. Wolffe kept his arm around Thorn but they all faced the Generals.

"Do not worry Commander, your men will not be returning to the Senate. I do admit it was an impulsive decision but after hearing the little Wolffe had time to tell me, about what was going to happen to you, I knew we could not leave you in that position. You will remain on our cruisers until things have settled down and everything is worked out with what has come to light about the Chancellor. His death may mean the war is coming to a quicker close as he was the Sith lord. We will keep you safe, I promise you that," General Plo said calmly.

"So what will happen to us then," Fox asked, squeezing Bly's hand worriedly.

"You will remain here on our cruiser until further notice. The Jedi Council has called an emergency meeting. General Secura and I will attend the meeting once we make sure you are all settled in," General Plo said. Fox glanced to Thorn who was already looking at him. Thorn still had his helmet on but Fox's has known him long enough to be able to understand how he's feeling by his stance. He was a little tense but overall seemed okay.

"What do you need to know," Fox asked, straightening himself out again and removing his hand from Bly's. Bly glanced at him worriedly but didn't reach for his hand again.

"Wolffe informed me that there is mistreatment towards the Guard from those in the Senate. Some type of abuse, is this correct," General Plo asked.

"Well, no sir, not exactly," Fox said slowly, making Wolffe turn to him quickly.

"What the kark do you mean? Fox they-."

"What he means is that it's not technically abuse. As we've already mentioned, we aren't sentient beings," Thorn spoke up, cutting Wolffe off.

"What are talking about Commander? What do you mean you aren't sentient beings," General Secura asked.

"It's exactly that. We Clones are not considered sentient beings. The Guard is property of the Senate so it would be closer to misuse of property than abuse," Fox explained. Bly's breath caught in his throat and he glanced at Fox to see he seemed indifferent, like this was just common knowledge.

"If you feel comfortable, it would help for us to know just what has been happening in the Senate," General Plo said, running his claws over his chin.

"Well, what do you want to know," Fox asked slowly confused by the Jedi's wording.

"Whatever you feel comfortable with Commander," General Secura said. Fox frowned and glanced over at Thorn again. Thorn stepped away from Wolffe's embrace and closer to Fox. Fox didn't have his helmet on so they couldn't speak on internal comms but the Guard had created their own form of sign language, a mix of the taught military signals and their own words.

The Jedi are weird but they want to help. We should tell them

Fox sighed but nodded to Thorn. He was right, they need to trust the Jedi. Bly and Wolffe do, plus they've already helped by getting the Guard off Coruscant which is more than anyone else has.

"I did promise Commander Wolffe I would talk to you General Plo. I wasn't expecting the others to be here but I guess it doesn't really matter," Fox said with a sigh.

"I'm not sure what Commander Wolffe has told you but I will start from when he first came to us. I was severely injured and in need of medical care but unfortunately we were underequip. Commander Wolffe was there and saw that we were low on medical supplies and sent for Boost and Sinker to bring some. They did as asked and in doing so, saved my life. For over a year now we have been short on both medical supplies and food due to budget cuts from the Senate. Every time debates are made about how much is being spent on us clones to build an army, the Chancellor would send a request to deplete supplies to my desk. It always had the same two options. Take it from the Guard or take it from the GAR," Fox explained.

"And let me guess, your decision was always to take from the Guard," General Plo said slowly and Fox frowned.

"The GAR are on the frontlines, they need to be fully functional. We have it hard here but we're used to it. I wasn't just going to sit there and put my batchmates in more danger than they already were," Fox said with a frown.

"Batchmates," General Secura asked in confusion.

"We call the brothers we were decanted with batchmates. We grow up together, train together. Fox, Wolffe and I are batchmates, along with Cody in the 212th and Ponds in the 91st. Batchmates are the closest brothers, even if you're sent to different battalions," Bly explained. He really needs to talk to Cody. Cody named Fox dar'vod after the Fives incident but all along Fox has been trying to protect them, even if they were having just as hard of a time. There definitely must be something they haven't been told in regards to what happened with Fives. It doesn't make sense that Fox would protect those in the GAR just to try and kill one of them without a second thought.

"So you were wanting to protect Bly and your other batchmates," General Secura asked.

"We were wanting to protect all of our brothers General. They may not like us but we still care for them, no matter what. If you asked anyone in the Guard, they would have made the same decision," Thorn said, stepping up beside Fox. Fox shifted slightly but didn't move to push Thorn back just yet.

"What do you mean we don't like you? You're our brothers," Bly said with a frown, making Thorn scoff and step closer to him.

"Right, brothers. Tell me then Commander Bly, when was the last time you talked to Fox? When was the last time any of your batch even gave a damn about him huh? Do you know the amount of time I've had t-."

"Thorn, that's enough," Fox cut in sternly. Bly glanced at Fox before looking down at the ground guiltily. Thorn wasn't wrong, he has been a bad brother but it's not something he can talk about here. He will pull Fox aside properly later and talk to him about it.

"We're getting side-tracked. Commander Wolffe and five other troopers from the Wolfpack helped us with supplies and have been staying with us to help with things in the Barracks. While they've been here, they've done some investigating into what we do," Fox said slowly. He paused before letting out a deep breath. It's easier to just get it all out in one go.

"Basically, the Senate view us as objects to order around however they please. Not all of them are bad, there are a few good ones," Fox said, his hand flitting down to brush against the bracelet on his wrist.

"Some Senators are worse than others. There are the ones that will order you around to do their bidding which is relatively easy to deal with. However if you do not do it correctly, many of them will order for the trooper to be decommissioned.

"Decommissioned? We were made to believe that decommissioning had been banned. The Jedi Council forbade it," General Plo said.

"Yes but we answer the Chancellor and the Senate, we don't have a Jedi. But that's okay, we worked out a way to get past most decommissions. We have all our troopers wear the same armour apart from the Commanders so that they are harder to identify. We also don't allow them to say their names unless specifically asked, which usually the natborns don't care enough to ask names, they just stick with our numbers because they don't care. This works in our favour as we have worked out a system to keep our troopers safe," Fox said. He paused after that, not knowing if he should continue. The system they have, it's defying orders and would definitely get them decommissioned if found out.

"It's okay Commander, the Generals won't hurt you for protecting our brothers," Boost said, speaking up. Fox glanced back at him before nodding and turning back to the Generals.

"We lose a lot of men on Coruscant, whether that be in riots, the lower levels, the prisons, anything really. Clones are not liked here, at all. We keep track of those who march on and keep their numbers in a secured log. When someone is ordered to be decommissioned, we switch their CT numbers, showing the decommissioned clone to have been KIA. We then rotate shifts so they aren't in the senate for two weeks, enough time so things will have died down," Fox explained.

"That is a very well thought out system but not one you should have ever had to come up with. We will bring it up with the Council to find out why decommissions were still allowed in the Guard," General Secura said with a frown.

"What about the worse Senators? You said some are worse than others," General Plo said.

"That is correct. We have put together a list of the worst Senators. Those are the Senators that we make sure none of the shines go near, especially by themselves. We try to have a Commander patrolling the corridors or the next in charge at the very least. Only the more experienced troopers are allowed to patrol those corridors," Fox said with a nod.

"And what is it that these Senators do? What makes them be put on the bad list," General Plo asked. Fox hesitated in answering, glancing around. The Wolfpack already knew, they'd been told when they first came to help so his eyes landed on Bly. Bly's jaw was set and he had a scowl on his face as he looked resolutely at the ground. Fox realised given the state he was found in, Bly already knew.

"They are the Senators that use physical punishment. They like to hit us around, beat us up or have us hurt each other sometimes. Then there are the ones that use us for their pleasure," Fox said. General Secura gasp and Bly clenched his fist angrily while General Plo did not seem to shocked by the information. It was either Wolffe had already told him, or he was good at hiding his surprise.

"Did you just say for their pleasure," General Secura asked.

"Yes Sir, that is correct. There are times that they also like to let off steam, if things don't go their way in Senate debates. That's why we prefer to have higher ranking officials that are more used to it patrolling those areas. We usually try to have Thorn or I there when there are Senate debates," Fox said.

"Y-You willingly put yourselves in those corridors," General Secura asked.

"General, it's going to happen no matter what. It is better us then some poor shiny. Fox and I are used to it, we know what to expect and how to calm things down with some of the Senators," Thorn said quickly.

"I understand, that is very admiral to you. But that should not be a position you are put in. What they are doing is despicable. You do not deserve to go through that and I do not care what the Council decides, you will never have to deal with that anymore. I will make sure of it," General Secura said firmly. Fox's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"You believe us," he asked slowly.

"Are you lying," General Secura asked.

"Of course not," Thorn said quickly.

"Then I believe you," she said with a firm nod. Fox was surprised but also relieved. He thought he would have to show some sort of proof for them to believe it, especially given they were talking about Senators.

"Is there anything else you haven't told us," General Plo asked. Fox sighed and glanced at Bly once again. This next part was definitely not one that he would know and he wasn't sure how much Rex and Cody had told Bly about what happened. Bly looked up and noticed Fox once again looking at him.

"I can leave Fox, if it makes you more comfortable," Bly said quietly. It hurt to know his vod'ika no longer trusted him but Fox deserves to feel safe to speak his mind.

"It's fine ori'vod, just don't know how much you're going to like this part," Fox said with a sigh.

"It gets worse than Senators raping you," Bly asked with wide eyes.

"Again, not technically rape as we aren't sentient. But it depends on your idea of what is worse," Fox said with a shrug.

"What is it Commander," General Plo asked.

"It shouldn't be a problem anymore, given the Chancellor is dead, but I should tell you that I had a pretty good idea that he was a Sith Lord," Fox said.

"You what!"

"Bly, settle down. Explain what you mean Commander Fox," General Secura said. Fox closed his eyes and took a deep breath, willing himself to be calm, to not be overwhelmed by the memories before slipping his eyes back open.

"When I mentioned that I was badly injured when Wolffe found me, it was after I came back from the Chancellor. We have these things we have called blackout missions. We don't know exactly what happens in them because we have no memory of it, we just know we're missing time. Usually though, it coincides with a suspicious death of someone and it always happens after we've been summoned by the Chancellor. It's usually me but Thorn is pretty frequent as well and it sometimes happens with Thire, Stone and on the odd occasion, Hound. There are rare times that we can remember bits and pieces of what happened, which is like what happened this time. I was ordered by the Chancellor to execute an ARC trooper, his name is Fives." Bly's eyes widened and he straightened out, looking to Fox.

"He said Fives had tried to assassinate him, that he was dangerous but I know Fives. He's Rex's vo- trooper. Rex has told us a lot about him and I know he wouldn't betray the republic. Besides, I know the Chancellor and I know he isn't a good person. But despite that fact, I was given a specific order, one I had no control over and could not refuse. That's what usually happens before our blackout missions, he gives us an order and it messes with our mind. We can't control our actions, no matter how hard we try. I tried to set my gun to stun but I must've unconsciously switched it back because of the order. I-I didn't want to shoot Fives, I didn't want to hurt him but I couldn't help it. Or at least I almost couldn't help it. I somehow managed to shoot Fives in the shoulder rather than the chest like I was supposed to. I didn't eliminate him like I was supposed to. Which I am happy with, don't get me wrong, I did not want to hurt Fives at all. But I also defied a direct order from the shrivelled raisin-."

"Shrivelled raisin," Sinker chuckled.

"Right, uh, I mean the Chancellor. And he did not take that very likely. He's always loved to discipline me, or just to hurt me for fun, it's hard to tell with him sometimes. His red guard always do his dirty work. He will have me go up against multiple of them without my weapons and sometimes without my armour. That day he had me fight seven of them and then once I was down, they stripped me of my armour and whipped me until I was unconscious. When I woke back up, I managed to get dressed and try to make my way to the barracks. I wasn't in any shape to get back but luckily Wolffe has a big mouth and told Stone Fives was still alive. He realised what would happen to me so he notified Thorn and Thire and they managed to find me," Fox said.

"The Chancellor has been abusing you all this time as well? Why has no one heard about this," General Secura asked.

"With all due respect General, who would they have even told. I hate to admit it, but the GAR troopers abandoned the Guard. We've had a prejudice towards them since early in the war. We, misjudged how bad their position was, we didn't realise they were being abused. They don't have a Jedi either which means there is no one they are able to turn to for help. Not to mention he is the Supreme Chancellor, it's unlikely anyone would have believed them at the time," Wolffe spoke up.

"This is all very troubling indeed. It was an oversight from us to have left you all unprotected. We were misguided in believing the you would be safe under the command of the Chancellor," General Plo said, stroking his chin with what looked to be a frown.

"Is there anything more you wish to tell us," General Secura asked.

"I, don't think so. Thorn, did I miss something," Fox asked, glancing at the other Commander.

"I think you covered it all," Thorn said with a shrug.

"Very well. You may leave and go back to your men. Wolffe, Boost and Sinker will join you to start getting all of the Guard settled into rooms," General Plo said.

"Of course General, we will do it right away," Wolffe said with a nod. The four Commanders turned and followed Boost and Sinker out of the room, the door closing behind them, leaving the Generals alone.

"Let's go. I think the boys would be happy to have somewhere to lay down," Thorn said.

"Actually. I was hoping Fox could come with me. I need to talk to him," Bly said quickly. Thorn spun around and removed his helmet, attaching it to his belt.

"I don't think so Commander Bly. You've done enough already," Thorn spat, stepping forward with a scowl. Fox quickly stepped to the side and pressed a hand to Thorn's chest.

"Thorn, it's okay," he said gently.

"No, it is not okay Fox. I tentatively forgave Wolffe because he at least still tried to keep in touch with you, he was the last to break contact and he was the only one to properly try to hear you out about what happened with Fives. But I will not stand for any of your other batchmates just waltzing in and acting like everything is okay. Did you know that Fox always checks your after-action reports, he looks through them religiously to make sure you guys are okay. Because that is the only way he knows you aren't dead because none of you talk to him anymore, no one cares a-."

"Udesii Thorn," Fox said quickly. Thorn frowned and glanced down at Fox before huffing and shrugging his hand off. Bly's eyes were downcast as he pictured Fox rushing through reports from their battalions after battles, trying to figure out if they were still alive, all because he didn't feel like he could just send a comm to check in.

"Go back with Wolffe and the others. You and I both know that Thire is going to be an absolute shabuir to everyone. Which is his right given everything but you need to try to at least keep him slightly in line," Fox said. Thorn frowned unhappily. He didn't necessarily like it but it was Fox's choice.

"Fine. But just so you know, I will join Thire in giving them shit," Thorn said, patting Fox's shoulder. Fox chuckled but nodded, tugging Thorn into a quick keldable before letting him go.

"I'll catch up with you guys later," he said, nodding to the Wolfpack members. Wolffe glanced at Bly, narrowing his eyes in warning and Bly quickly gave him a nod of reassurance.

"I'll keep an eye on them for you, just take however long you need," Wolffe said quietly to Fox. Fox needs this, he needs to know that it isn't just Wolffe in his corner. Bly had told him about the panic attack in the gunship and Wolffe had informed him about how Fox felt, about how badly they had let him down. He had his chance to make things right with Fox, now Bly will get his chance, so long as he doesn't kark it up.

A/N

Translations:

Buir - Father
Ad'ika - Child
Vod'ika - Little Brother
Ori'vod - Big Brother
Shabuir - Jerk (Strongly Worded)