FORESIGHT and SCOPE: BOOK TWO

C H A P T E R F I F T Y-F I V E

Everyone took turns retelling the sequence of events that eventually led to corruption and deceit being discovered and exposed, and the ultimate demise of Mokko, the criminal in charge. To herself, Fern determined the gang boss' death was quite the weak cop-out. Those kids who persevered through starvation and competition for food should've at least gotten to push him over the railing.

Fern recalled Hunter's decision to not engage with Mokko's and the adolesent miner's operation just before she was knocked out. It seemed like the squad did engage, realizing that they couldn't stand idly by while children suffered— a similar conclusion Echo had come to. The cyborg clone had left to fight for those being oppressed by the Empire. Here, Clone Force 99 fought for those who were not. The squad Echo left behind were fighting to defend everyone else.

Echo had said, "There are others out there who need our help."

He was right. Today was not just about getting the ship back. It was also about getting back their purpose as soldiers... While Echo performed selfless acts at large-scale approach, which is important because the Empire should go uncontested, Clone Force 99 had each other, who focused more in the smaller scale of threats. And that's important, too.

The young miners assisted the clones in retrieving Gonky from town and returning all their gear, supplies, and ship parts. When the defective power droid was returned, Wrecker hoisted him up just like he had done with Fern, laughing with delight. Gonky honked with joy that he was back with who he belonged with. Benni pushed aside the final hovercart. The female clone raised a brow with a slight smirk, crossing her arms. "Is that all of the rest of our things?"

"Yeah," The young boy opened his arms. "don't you trust me?" Fern's other brow followed its twin. Benni stuck his bottom lip out with a bob of his head. "Okay, that's fair, but it's all there. I promise."

While Hunter and Wrecker worked at loading it onto the ship, Fern studied Benni, who flinched when he noticed. "W-What?"

"What will you do from here?"

"Well, I guess we'll keep mining ipsium."

"You can be whatever you want." Omega chimed in, a kind smile stretched across her round cheeks. "It's a big galaxy. You don't have to stay here." Fern caught a hint of adventure in her tone, as if to subtly urge him to seek out a new purpose than continue to stick around in a town that had been squeezed dry. Benni rolled one shoulder back. "It's not so bad. And with Mokko gone, we'll all be getting an equal share of the profits now."

"Benni, chow time!" The oldest of the adolesent miners called from the farside of the garage bay. Fern's stomach growled at the mention of food. She couldn't remember the last time she had a meal—but she would never complain, knowing there were worse situations than having to conserve what little rations they all possessed...

"Thanks for showing me the truth." Benni said kindly to Omega, then he winked at her. "Hey, if you ever need a thief, I owe you." He looked up at Fern and smirked. "Glad you made it out alive. All of you in this squad are really cool."

"Thanks, Kid." Fern scoffed lightly. She then relaxed her crossed arms. "Hey, promise me something?"

"Yeah, okay, what?"

"Don't grow up too quickly. Okay?"

Benni was a little stunned. He even blushed. Fern snorted at his reaction, reached around his shoulders, and playfully pushed him along. "And stay out of trouble. Maybe cut back on your thieving."

"Jeez," Benni laughed. "Has anyone ever told you that you're bossy?" He then rushed off before Fern could snag his shirt collar. Omega giggled with a cheeky grin behind her hand just as the young man passed by Tech as the latter approached both female clones, datapad in hand.

"I've completed the rest of the recailbrations." the intellectual clone informed.

"I would have done it in half the time." Fern scrunched her nose teasingly. Tech rolled his eyes behind his specs, but a smirk crept at his lips. She turned back to Omega. "You ready to go, Half-Pint? Half-Pint?" Noticing the young girl suddenly looking glum, she knelt down and tucked a strand of her blonde curls behind her ear. "What is it?"

"The Empire's not the only threat." Omega sighed at Fern's side. "We've seen so many in the galaxy like Mokko." The young girl gazed up at her, her eyes shimmering. Fern's mouth twisted as she smoothed down her hair. She opened her mouth to comfort her, when Tech beat her to it. "Unfortunately, yes." He glanced over to Fern with soft eyes. "However, there are many like us out there, as well." He touched Omega's shoulder. "And that is something."

"Couldn't have said it better myself." Fern approved. She then held out her arms to Omega. "Come on, Half-Pint, let's get out of here." The young girl didn't hesitate, throwing her own around her mother figure's neck. The female clone hoisted her up, hugging her tightly, and carried her up the ramp. "Don't fall behind, Tick!"

Tech shook his head and followed. She was 'gracious' enough to allow him to pilot while she served as his second-in-command. Once confirmed everything was safely secured and everyone was on board, he flipped a few switches and the engines whirled from their slumber. He pulled up from the garage bay, ascending the main access shaft and zoomed a direct route towards the planet's atmosphere. Fern took one last glimpse of the desert terrain.

"This is one planet I will not miss." she laughed. "Despite how beautiful it is."

"I concur." Tech nodded. Fern looked over to her left and noticed he was staring right back.

"It will be unforgettable..." Fern reverently sighed as her eyes softened in his gaze. "A cathartic experience..."

Tech longed to reach out and stroke just above her brow, just as he had done when she was recovering. I will never await the honor again... he promised himself. What is most valuable is she is still my friend. She does not resent me, and therefore I can move on.

At least I can keep her smile in my life...