STEALTH and TRACK: BOOK ONE

C H A P T E R T W E N T Y-F O U R

Sometime between then and when we arrived back at the med bay, her eyes fluttered open. I looked down and smiled. She blinked, as if she was trying to recall how she ended up being carried. There was no need for words. Her gaze never left mine until we reached our destination, in which I proceeded to lower her to the floor, supporting her by her bicep. Only then, did she avert her eyes.

Time passed slowly afterwards. Tech and Echo finished the chip-removal procedure on Wrecker, but the latter had yet regained consciousness. We were forced to wait until he did. At some point, Rex approached me and told me I should take Omega topside to get some air, but the young clone refused to leave Wrecker's side. I thought about taking Fern instead, but she had found her place of solitude in the far corner. Her mouth was buried in the crook of her arm while her other hugged her knees close to her chest. Her eyes softly closed and her breathing was normal. And so, I decided to recuperate as well. I let my exhaustion consume me the instant my back hit the wall.

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FERN'S POV

I witnessed everything I was doing, but when I tried to stop myself, my body refused to listen.  I spoke without my own permission. The sensation lacked all struggle, despite my internal objection. And before I knew it, I was confronting Hunter with my blaster pointing directly at him...for the kill.

No...No! Don't do it! HUNTER!!!

I squeezed my eyes shut as I tried to bury away the recurring, burdening image, curling up tighter against the corner I had chosen to seclude myself against. The question that burned in my brain, How did I break free? bided. Hunter's touch still lingered on my face, too...

"He's awake!" I suddenly heard Omega exclaimed, alerting everyone.

"Oh, you made it." Tech monotonously noted, which I would have quipped on had I not just been brainwashed by my own inhibitor chip and almost killed Hunter. The spectacled clone then turned to me with his brain scanner in hand. "It's your turn now."

I nodded, biting my bottom lip with nervousness, then rose to my feet. I noticed Hunter reaching out to me to help, but I waved him off and shook my head. Once I hopped onto the pod's bed, Tech approached me. He raised the scanner to my head, but then paused. 

I glanced up at him. "What are you waiting for?" I breathed, his hesitance sent another wave of apprehension over me.

"Fern," he sighed, briefly lowering his hands and staring earnestly at me. "you truly are...a fascinating specimen."

I couldn't stop myself scoffing, my lips spread into a helpless smile. My eyes softened. "Thanks, Tick. Now get this chip out of me."

"My pleasure."

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THIRD PERSON POV

Once everyone had their inhibitor chips removed, it was time to pack up and leave Bracca. Fern took the time to kneel down to Omega, holding her shoulders, and apologize. "I'm sorry if I scared you, Half-Pint." Omega just smiled. A little while later, both Fern and Hunter noticed Rex had wandered off and the two of them traveled topside to find the captain outside near the ledge. He had just finished a comm report.

"Heading off, already?" Fern scoffed. "Without saying goodbye? Harsh, Captain."

"We figured you weren't out of the fight just yet." Hunter added.

"I spent my life defending the Republic. Can't stop now." Rex shrugged seldomly.

"The Republic's gone, Rex." Hunter said.

"Ah, not all of it." Rex shook his head. "We're here. Others are out there, too. In fact, your squad's skills would be a tremendous asset. Especially you, Fern, with your stealth and agility. Gathering intel would be a breeze with your talents."

Fern rolled her eyes at the compliment, but kindly dismissed the offer. "It took me years to finally join a squad. I'm with whatever the sergeant here decides." She playfully elbowed Hunter next to her.

"Things aren't like before." Hunter sighed, rubbing his rib cage. "Our priorities have...shifted."

"So I've noticed." Rex scoffed, and then nodded to the female clone. "The kid's got him wrapped around her finger, doesn't she?"

"You have no idea." She laughed at the captain's quip. "Nonetheless, I agree with him. Omega needs us, and I know, from experience, that Hunter will decide what is best for the squad."

"Which is what?" Rex inquired.

"We're...still figuring that part out." Fern's mouth formed a straight line.

"I guess, we all are." Rex shrugged. "Wherever you do land, let me know. Tell the boys, I'll see them around." Fern took that as his leave and her smirk softened before she reached out to the captain, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. At first, Rex hesitated, but placed his free arm across her back.

"Thank you, Rex." she breathed, giving her unorthodox hug one last squeeze before sliding out of it.

"Anytime, Fern." Rex nodded to her, and then he locked gauntlets with Hunter, who quipped, "Stay out of trouble."

"Funny, I was going to say the same to you two." Rex slipped on his helmet and headed down the slope.

"Captain," the sergeant called one last time. "If you're ever in a bind, you know how to reach us."

"We'll be there." Fern nodded, and the two of them watched Rex continue his leave.

Once Rex disappeared, the female clone strolled over to the ledge. She breathed in and out deeply. The breeze flowed through her disordered braid; the loose strands got caught on her eyelashes and lips. She began hugging her body from the slight chill of the night. Her eyes closed as she took in the ironic calmness around her.

"You alright, Fern?" Hunter asked.

"I'm, um, sorry." she lamented. "About earlier. When I was under the influence..."

"Fern, it's over." Hunter uncrossed his arms. "You have nothing to apologize for." He couldn't see her face, but when her shoulders hunched forward, he knew he wasn't reassuring her. He approached her from behind and -- he heard soft sobs. "...Fern?"

"I... I could've, killed you."

"But you didn't." Hunter placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You broke through. You did something no one thought was possible. You—"

While Fern listened to Hunter's words, she felt her chest tightened. The moment he touched her from behind, that was it. She viscerally whipped around and collapsed against his chest plate, her left hand clung to the top of the armor. A few silent tears rolled down her cheeks. Fern knew this was probably uncomfortable for the sergeant, but her body had acted on its own, and where her head nestled in the place had her sighing in relief...

Hunter was taken back when Fern embraced him, but a moment later, he relaxed. He wanted to say more...anything to attempt to make her feel better. Yet, he dawned on him that he didn't need to. Granting her instinct to lean onto him like she was right then...that is what she needed. The physical reassurance his heart was still beating and his blood flowed warm throughout his body. His right hand slowly reached up and covered hers that clung to his armor just under his chin. His fingers slipped in between.

"It's over now." he breathed. "We don't have to worry anymore about being controlled by the Empire. We are free to do whatever we want."