Author's Note: If you have any tips writing tips, please feel free to comment.

As always, I continue to hope that I am doing justice to the spirit of Star Wars as well the respective authors and characters from which I borrow. Again, I gratefully accept constructive criticism as a means to help me develop my skills further as a writer.

Mandalorian (Mando'a) words

Buy'ce (BOO-chay, BOO-shay): helmet; Colloquially: pint, bucket

Di'kut (DEE-koot): idiot, useless individual, waste of space (lit. someone who forgets to put their pants on)

Ika (EE-kah): diminutive suffix written as 'ika - also added to a name as a very familiar or childhood form, e.g, Ord'ika - Little Ordo

Ner vod (nair-vohd): "my brother/sister"; colloquially also "my friend"

Shabla (SHAH-bla): screwed up - impolite

Shebs (shebs): backside, rear, buttocks (also rear of building etc)

Su cuy'gar (Soo COO-ee-gar): Hello - lit. *You're still alive.*

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Chapter 40

I could not manage to break through Commando Jas' barriers of silence, but his sentiments for Arlesse are noble. There is something very real and honest in his eyes, and I believe the observations from Jedi Paxa do not require further challenging. However, due to orders that come from an authority higher than our monarchy, he cannot stay long enough to have his intentions proven. Their distance would either make them stronger or tear them apart forever, and I think we should find a way – utilizing our laws – to let them attempt the bond that they wish to know. I believe such an experience will authenticate their intentions and show us just how serious they truly are.

Duchess Janelle Napith's report to King Vollan Psach after her interrogation of Jas

Tochin Moon II, 787 Days ABG

Sleep had been eluding Jas for the last couple of hours, and rather than fight the inevitable, he had decided to just get himself out of bed before his brothers awakened. Besides, he wasn't exactly accustomed to sleeping on a mattress quite as soft as the one he had been provided, and something about that bothered him. He wasn't certain if it was guilt for the brothers of his who would never experience such luxury or if it was because Jas knew he couldn't enjoy these comforts without knowing if Les'ika was okay now.

As Jas continued to keep himself moving so as not to dwell on Les'ika, he thought back about how Crimson had asked no questions when he returned to the room last night, as his seclusion alone had told them all they needed to know.

Taking advantage now of the silence without his brothers awake to get in his way, Jas took one last inventory of his kit, confirming that it was finalized for departure because he knew that once he was given the new mission briefing, the supplies would be completely changed based on the requirements of their next assignment.

Jas took a quiet sigh, and the lavishly scented soap that lingered on his skin seeped into his nostrils. Because he had no idea when their next break between missions would be, Jas had also taken his time earlier this morning to clean up properly in the refresher before dressing himself in his full armor. He wasn't used to the aroma of the cologne-like cleanser and aftershave that they were provided, and it made him feel somehow different. Again, he wondered if it was another little luxury that Les'ika insisted they be given, something to give them a memory of life in the civilian ranks, or if this was just the standard treatment that any guest who was invited into the palace received.

Trying again to not linger his thoughts on the princess, Jas knew that he and his brothers still had a couple of hours yet before they were scheduled to leave Tochin, and he wanted to take that time to track down Tarj. He needed the closure of explaining to him why Crimson recommended that he stay on Tochin so that he could try to ease any animosity that he was certain Tarj would feel for them.

Leaving the opulent room behind and moving silently through the decorated palace, Jas began his search in the obvious places first, such as the quarters Tarj's squad had been assigned. When Jas had learned that Tarj had also started his day early, Jas knew that he had his work set out for him in Les'ika's magnificent home, but he also knew what kind of man Tarj was and in which kinds of places he would allow himself to be found.

It took a while to track down his brother, but eventually Jas located him on one of the observation balconies. The wide doors had been opened, allowing the cool morning air to enter the palace, and Tarj stood before the railing on the center of the elevated stone terrace, looking out over the expansive courtyard below. With the exception of his buy'ce, Tarj was in his full armor, holding a posture that had his arms crossed over his chest. With his back to Jas, Tarj gave the appearance of taking in the sun-risen morning like some kind of warlord, inventorying the land that beckoned before him.

Jas put a hand briefly on his own buy'ce that he had kept attached to his hip, wondering if he should do this conversation privately with his estranged brother so that no one would eavesdrop on them. After a long moment, however, Jas decided that he needed to look Tarj in the eye and really let him see why his recommendation for Tarj to stay on Tochin was so important.

"Su cuy'gar, ner vod," Jas said greeting him as he stepped onto the white and gray swirled balcony.

Tarj turned and looked to Jas. "I thought you'd be resting up a little longer before your departure this afternoon."

Jas shrugged his shoulders. "I've got some stuff on my mind."

"I think we all do," Tarj responded as he now leaned his back against the smooth stone railing of the balcony. "You know I don't like being pinned down here on some secluded mining world. I really would rather be bare-knuckling Gath's face right now."

Jas scratched the back of his head and instantly felt the need to defend his brother. His voice conveyed slight resentment that Tarj would dare try to attack Gath. "Don't blame Gath. It's not his fault."

"I saw his assigned number on the recommendation for me and my squad to stay behind."

"That's because it was my recommendation, and Gath agreed to it, taking the heat he knew you would give me," Jas admitted, willing to take Tarj's striking blow if his brother decided he needed to let off that kind of fury.

"You did what?" Tarj asked angrily. "You've known me since we were released from those cloning containers. I hate security detail, especially somewhere so remote like this place."

"Tarj, I need you here. You're the only one I know I can trust," Jas sighed, his voice conveying confidence for his distant brother's abilities.

"You're making no sense, ner vod," the green-armored man said angrily. "Get your head straightened or I'll recommend some rest for you in one of those special facilities none of us like to talk about."

"It's...the princess," Jas answered, biting down on the instinctive reaction to say her modified name as he had for the last few days. "I know you can keep her safe."

Tarj raised an eyebrow in curiosity as he saw the genuine concern on Jas' face, and he remembered how Princess Arlesse had refused to let go of Jas' hand during the LAAT/i ride back to the palace. Tarj could see that Jas was opening his emotions so that he would understand. Feeling his own defenses crumble, Tarj rubbed his face with his hands. "Oh fierfek, Jas. Just what the hell did you do?"

"Nothing," Jas admitted and then he turned his head slightly away. "Nothing to cause her harm and yet everything that I know I shouldn't have."

"Damn it, Jas!" Tarj yelled, clenching his fists. "Straight answers. Haven't you learned that about me in ten years? I hate riddles."

Slowly, Jas turned his head back to Tarj and his words came out with a conviction he didn't quite comprehend but knew he felt. "Promise me – no – swear it to me that you'll keep her safe."

Tarj sighed with apology, able to clearly see the anguish that was behind his brother's eyes. "Ner vod, if you want me to help you, I need to know what in the shabla blazes of hell you're talking about."

Jas decided there was no holding back. If he wanted Tarj to do the job properly, he had to level with him. "I...grew attached to her. I learned to care about her, and she feels equally for me, but we both know that can't be together. Fierfek, I haven't seen her since yesterday evening when we got off that LAAT/i, and I know I shouldn't have brought you into this, but I needed to be sure that she will be safe now that I can't protect her anymore."

Tarj turned and grasped the railing with his hands. He was frustrated and angry for Crimson sticking their noses into his business without his consent. All he ever wanted was for someone to just ask him once – just once – if he would do something rather than constantly order his shebs around like he was some kriffing droid.

Jas daringly took a step forward, expecting a fist to come flying at him. "I trust you, Tarj. I know you won't let anything happen to her. You'll see she's caring and wants what's in our best interest. She'll treat you and your men well."

"Fierfek, Jas," Tarj breathed, trying to keep calm as he turned around now. "I thought that if anyone would understand, it would be you and Crimson. Couldn't any of you at least have had the nerve to consult with me before making decisions where my life is concerned? I know we never verbalized it formally, but wasn't this why we were constantly at each other back on Kamino? We all knew we were special, able to exercise a stronger free will than our trooper brothers, and it's one of the reasons why we tested each other so aggressively. Did you forget all that?"

"No, I didn't forget," Jas admitted sadly as he lowered his gaze in regret. "I panicked at that moment. The king offered us – Crimson – the opportunity to stay here, but Gath said we couldn't, and I knew he was right. Even you know that commando squads are too highly specialized, but I couldn't leave Les...the princess to just anyone's protection."

Tarj rubbed his forehead with the palms of his hands, aware of how Jas stopped himself from calling Princess Arlesse something other than a formal title, but his brother cut the name off before Tarj could fully hear it. "Of all the women in the entire galaxy, you had to get attached to a princess, you di'kut. Are we even allowed to feel emotions like that?"

Jas thought of Dusty and was certain that there weren't too many other clones in the galaxy who had grown attachments to women. "You can if you're in the Reject Squad apparently."

Tarj blew out a frustrated breath of air and crossed his arms over his chest again. "Why do you care what happens to her now if you can't even be with her?"

"Because I'm no longer fighting for the Republic," Jas responded softly and without hesitation, keeping his traitorous thoughts contained between the two of them. He understood so very clearly now Dusty's motives after Denon and he empathized with him more than his brother will ever know. "I'm fighting for her – for the princess – and as long as I know she's safe then I can do my job in this war without worrying about her."

Tarj shook his head, not certain if he felt his brother was insane or needed to be admired. "You're talking like a traitor."

Jas swallowed hard. "No, ner vod, I'm talking like a man, something no one ever wanted us to be."

Tarj turned his head slightly towards the courtyard, seeming to be absorbing Jas' words. "We weren't supposed to know any of this, were we? We were just supposed to be the heroic flesh droids that fought a war and died for everyone who was afraid to take up arms themselves."

"That was their plan, whoever 'they' are supposed to be," Jas agreed, "But some of us found more in the galaxy than just following orders."

"Reject Squad always did have a flair for doing the impossible," Tarj answered turning back to his brother, neither committing to nor refusing Jas' request.

Stepping closer now, Jas grabbed Tarj's forearm in his hand as though greeting him. However, Jas' voice was low, thick with emotion to convey that he would not accept anything but a yes to his request. "Please, swear to me that you'll protect her."

Tarj breathed a deep sigh and truly saw that Jas had emotions for this princess that ran so much deeper than the surface. Somehow, she had embedded herself into Jas' very inner being, the place Tarj had heard some cultures refer to as a soul. He saw that Jas would do anything for her, and somehow she had redirected his devotion from the Republic they were ordered to protect so that his devotion was solely for her. Tarj regretted even more that he wasn't ever meant to be part of a commando squad because he would have traded places with Jas at that moment and allowed his brother to stay with the girl he had the good fortune of experiencing a romantic attachment with, even if it had only been temporary and for a couple of days.

"I swear to you, ner vod, that I will lay my life on the line to keep her safe," Tarj whispered. "Fight this war with trust that no harm will come to her."

Jas took a relieved breath and released Tarj's arm. "Be safe, ner vod."

"It's security," Tarj laughed, trying to lighten the moment and reassure his brother. "It's boring, tedious security."

"That's what I'm afraid of," Jas replied before leaving Tarj on the balcony and returning to the room where he had earlier left his sleeping brothers.

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