Rated: Safe for Everyone! (Lil angsty but it'll be ok)
Warnings: Foul Language! Mentions of holiday blues, not knowing parentage, loss of family.
Notes: This is all part of @pickleprickle 12 days of Life Day! Thank you again for the invite this was fun. Ok so a few notes, firstly this is Rebellion era. Secondly the main is an OC named Kar (Mandalorian for Star) he was born a year before the fall of the Republic. Thirdly this is all just a good old fashioned family life day, so shenanigans and cringe is included. Enjoy folks!
GIF by @snow-and-magic
Words: 3300k ish... that's short for me
Masterlist
Life Day had always been a little odd for Kar, always feeling like something was missing.
The newly dubbed “Echo” Base was abuzz with activity and not just because the Rebellion was in anticipation of Chief of Staff arrival. Kar was part of the forward detachment and proud to be too. He and his Pathfinders were good at their job, all part of being in elite ops. Covert insertion, observation, splicing and coding; all to ensure that this new base was as good as command claimed. Maker knew it wouldn't be the first time their intel had been osik. Fortunately the base, while cold as Kark, seemed to meet all their stringent needs.
“Hey Ba'vodi,” Rain came along side Kar. “You waiting for something or just like to pet the Tauntauns?”
“At least they don't talk back,” It was a little ironic that his cousin should be named as such given her disposition, but who was he to judge. “Brass on their way?”
“Yeah and the rest of Striile.” Rain smiled as her blond hair ruffled in the breeze from the blast doors. Kar was always so serious, but with any luck they were about to change that. “Dad too, he's coming in to help.”
Kar hummed, “That's nice. I'm glad he could make it in time for the holiday.”
“My uncle too,”
Kar rolled his eyes, “Which one?”
“You know which one di'kut. Any word from your gran?” At his solemn shake Rain gave her cousin a smile as she smacked his shoulder. “Hey, you got us right?”
“Yeah.”
Kar never knew his father, just one of the many clone troopers of the former Republic. It would have been nice to have known something of the man who helped give him life. He knew his mother's story though. She had been part of the early rebellion, helping subvert and sabotage the Empire. She'd been killed when he was five, they never got to put her to rest properly.
His grandparents had raised him on their quiet little nerf ranch. They loved him dearly and had despaired when he'd decided to join the Rebellion. They'd begged him not to go, but it was what Kar felt he had to do. He was always boiling for a fight, especially when he saw wrong being done. It was something his mother had said came from his father.
So out into the night he'd boarded the nearest transport and hadn't been home since. That first day on base he'd found other children of clones like himself, ready to finish what their fathers had begun and suddenly he wasn't alone in the galaxy. Rain became the closest, more sister than cousin. She had an unerring ability to get him to smile, little ray of sunshine that one. Still even today it did little to help.
As the incoming convoy progressed and ship after ship was guided to offload Kar still felt odd. Neither sad nor angry, just ambivalent. Normally seeing the other troops, especially his cousins, would bring a sense of warmth. Today all he wanted to do though was sulk. He should be happy to see Rain laughing as she tackled her father and uncle in a hug. There was something in the way the old Troopers had looked at him. Kar had shaken it off and let Rain have her joy by leaving to be on his own.
As he would always be.
“This may not be a great plan Ad'ika.” Rex cautioned his daughter.
“Kid's been on his own long enough Rex.” Wolffe grunted, “And he deserves to know the truth.”
“We can give him answers dad, answers that he needs.” Rain looked pleadingly at her Father. He was beginning to look older than his years and not only from the accelerated aging. She was lucky to know his stories of service, Uncle Wolffe's too. It was a privilege though, of knowing who she was and where she came from. Not all of her cousins had that, but she could give that to Kar. Leveling her dad with her most commanding stare, Rain set her shoulders in determination. “It's your duty Captain.”
Wolffe barked in laughter as Rex groused. He hated that look. It was his look and he'd be damned if it was used against him. Unfortunately it was very effective. “I still outrank you Sargent.”
“I'll tell mom...”
“Fine,” Rex sighed, pinched the bridge of his nose in defeat. He knew she was right, didn't help she knew it though. Rain beamed as she gave each of them a hug and bounded out to make arrangements. Rex looked out after her, worried as always. “There are days I wish she didn't take after me so much.”
“Strong genes,” Wolffe grunted, “can't be helped. Could say the same for Kar.”
“What if hates me for...”
“Rex,” Wolffe canted his head to the side, eyeing his younger brother. He well knew what was running wild in his mind, Maker knew Wolffe had his share of regrets and sorrow. Still it was their duty to care for the kamino'ad no matter the personal pain. Especially one to whom they owed so much, “The boy deserves to know.”
The south hangar was alight and there was an air of hope and cheer among the gathered rebels. Many were far from home and family, some could never return thanks to the Empire. Here for tonight there was a little slice of holiday cheer to buoy their weary spirits. Kar had chosen to set on watch, allowing the others to enjoy. Or at least he would have if not for his favorite cousin storming her way over and all but ordering him to go with her. So here he sat with a mug of Keshian spiced milk listening to another drunken round of Joh Blastoh.
“Either they're getting better or the rotgut you spiked this with is starting to work.” A pilot from rouge squadron hollered to En, another of their cousins in their little group spot. “Lieutenant, can't you tell them to sing something else?”
“Do you want to tell them?” En laughed from where they were playing Sabacc. “Alright cadets, pay up. Pure Sabacc.”
Groaning commenced around the table as credits were exchanged. Kar never got in on such games, not that he often had time to spend his credits just that it never interested him. He enjoyed watching instead and tried to keep Rain from loosing too often. Speaking of the troublemaker, “So you got me here. Don't see why pulling guard duty protecting your credits has priority over the base safety?”
“Kaaaaaaarrrrr,” Rain whined buzzily. “Why can't you just enjoy down time as opposed to MAKING me MAKE you enjoy it? Now hold my credits I'll be right back!”
With that she was off like a shot, leaving him literally holding the bag. With a roll of his eyes Kar continued surveying the scene. Looked like Captain Solo had weaseled his way into the bay again. Course it probably helped that he was buddies with Princess Organa and most of the Rogue squadron. Still there was something about the smuggler that needled at him. Maybe it was his devil may care attitude or his formerly being an Imp, either way Kar kept a distance from the man.
“Corporal?”
Startled, Kar shot to attention. “Sir!”
“At ease Corporal.” Lieutenant Antilles chuckled waiving off any further formalities. Instead offering a hand forward, “Just wanted to thank you and your people for all the hard work.”
“Of course Lieutenant,” He clapped into the friendly greeting. Of the pilots, Antilles was one of the few that Striile squad counted among their friends. Antilles had gravitated into their orbit and just fit all to well, even if he was a bit of stickler. Still if they had any wants or needs, like magic they would soon be requisitioned. And all shortly after having talked to the hawkeyed Corellian. “Are you enjoying the new quarters?”
“Anythings better than running like a rat. But got to admit, it's an interesting little spot.”
Kar smirked, “Beautiful sunrises...”
“Oh and the crisp air in the hallway as your balls freeze off, can't beat that.” Both men chuckled as yet another drunken round of singing began to fill the bay. Wedge gave a glimmer of a smile as he saw Luke and Han lifting a very irritated princess up and dance her around. Looking back at the Corporal he gave a sigh, “Any word from your family?”
Kar shook his head, “Not in a while, but then again we don't exactly sent things by Imperial Post do we?”
“No we don't. Well I hope you hear from them soon and if you need anything...”
“Aye Sir,” He gave the officer an easy reply shaking his hand again.
Wedge jutted his chin to a spot behind Kar, “Looks like your Sargent wants you. Happy Life Day.”
“Yeah, you too.” Turning Kar could see Rain enthusiastically waiving him to the opposite side of the bay. Kark, she was practically hopping with excitement as he finally crossed his arms and leaned on the wall. He knew that expression, “What did you do?”
“What kind of thing is that to say?!” Rain scoffed, “And here I was excited but nooooo. Here comes my big grumpy Ba'vodi...”
“Alright, alright. So why do you look like the tooka ate the canary?” Last time his cousin was this happy it was after they'd raided an Imperial base and discovered a case of brandy in the ships they'd paperlessly requisitioned. “I know that look Rainy and you're up to something.”
Her face became instantly and very obviously nervous, “ME? Up to something?”
“You are the galaxy's worst liar, spill.”
“Ugh! Can't I just do something nice for you? Now close your eyes and follow me,” Rain couldn't tell if this was going to be good or bad yet. Probably didn't help she'd nearly concussed her cousin on the overhanging support before sitting him on a crate. With a deep breath she hoped for the best. “Ok so you're always telling me that it doesn't matter and that there was no way to find your dad's file BUT what if you could?”
Kar sat, eyes still closed but scrunched in puzzlement. “What?”
“Like I know you tried to look through the Imperial records...”
Kar shook his head as his head started to feel fuzzy. She couldn't have...
“And that you said it was fine and that it didn't matter that you couldn't find it...”
“Rainy wait,” As if holding up his hands in surrender would have stopped the avalanche of her words that kept falling.
“But I found him!” Rain realized a little too late that her cousin was now hunched over looking as pale as the walls themselves. “Oh Kark!”
“Easy there Ad'ika, just give him a minute. Here kid, take a drink.” A rough voice called as a hand gripped the boy's shoulder. “That's it easy on now.”
A flask was offered, from whom Kar couldn't tell. Blindly taking the drink his tunnel vision began to clear. Rain looked panicked as did the other three men in the small alcove. Two he recognized as the old Commander and Rain's father, the Captain. The other was... well he wasn't entirely human. He resembled the other troopers but had extensive prosthetics. It was something in the eyes though, confident and calm that set him more at ease. After several swigs of whiskey Kar handed back the flask.
The cyborg chuckled, “Rain didn't warn ya huh?”
“I'm soooorrrrryyyyy!” Kar glanced to his cousin who was now sobbing into her uncle Wolffe's shoulder. "It was supposed to be a nice surprise for Life Day..."
“It's ok sweetie, easy now. Remember you're not crying, your eyes are sweating,” Wolffe rumbled in repressed laughter. “Honestly Rex this kid never fails to put a smile on my face.”
“I'm so glad my child's emotional distress is entertaining for you.” He glared at Wolffe before pinching the bridge of his nose. Stars bless the girl she reminded him of his old general. Huge heart and wing the plan. Glancing back to the boy with the all too familiar face, Rex grimaced, “Sorry Corporal she has the best intentions.”
Kar stood on shaky legs and walked over to Rain. Gently turning her shoulder he gave her a hug. If at all possible she cried harder, causing Kar to chuckle. “Rain it's ok, you did good cuz.”
“I...I...I did?” she sniffled.
“Hell of a way to drop that bomb," Letting her go Kar smirked, "but yeah. So....”
“So? OH!” Rain turned following his eyes to her other uncle. Recognizing that she hadn't actually told him anything yet, Rain swiped the last of her tears away. “So this is Uncle Echo he's... Also your Uncle.”
Kar deflated a little but stood patiently as Rain got into her rhythm again.
“But when I say he's your uncle too I mean that he's your father's brother, his twin actually!”
“Why don't I take it from here,” Echo could see that the boy was getting more and more confused the longer his little niece went on. Gesturing back to the crates Echo prepared himself, “Think you'd better sit down for this kid.”
“Yeah.”
Rain was still talking in the other corner with her dad and uncle. The Captain was still looking at him, but it was another person he saw. Someone whom he had known very well. Glancing back at this newest family member Kar tried to find a trace of familiarity in the well creased face next to him. Same nose, similar expression.
“You have many questions, I know that this can't be easy for you.”
"It's just... after all this time, ya know." Kar glanced at his boots once more, “All I ever had was a number, CT- 5555.”
“Fives, his name was Fives,” The old trooper replied softly. Echo gritted his teeth, not from the cold but from the pain. Kark he missed his brother, like one of his own phantom limbs. A chunk of himself had never left that chamber after his rescue, knowing that Fives had died only months before. He had carried on though, still fighting as the two of them had, but it wasn't the same. Now, now as he gazed across at this young man whose resemblance was so uncanny, he felt that part of himself slowly waking from it's long slumber. He had to go slowly though, the boy didn't know him and it had been a hell of a shock. “He was my brother, my best friend. He would have taken on the galaxy bare handed. The fact that you're a Pathfinder...”
"Was he a commando?"
Echo snorted, "No, ARC Trooper. "
Kar's eyebrow raised seeing Echo's eyes crinkle at some unknown joke. “My mom said he was one of the best.”
“Is she...?”
“No, she passed a while ago,” Kar shook his head, “but I read her old journals sometimes.”
“I'm sorry ad'ika.” Echo felt such regret in his heart at that news. If he had known, maybe if he had found them sooner. His nephew needed him now though, “She must have been quite the woman.”
Kar smiled fondly, “She was. I miss her so much.”
“They're never really gone son, simply marching far away.” Rex came to sit with the two, finally finding his resolve. “We find each other after this life, I'm sure that Fives found your mom.”
“You knew him as well?”
Rex chuckled, “Oh yes, from the Rishi moon until...”
Kar watched the Captain's eyes cloud over. He understood it far too well. “You were with him.”
“Yes.” Rex swallowed.
“How did he die?”
“organic chips built into us... a code to follow any order... even kill the Jedi...”
Rex could still hear Fives pleading for them to listen. How many lives could have been saved if they had? Shaking his head the old Captain tried to find the words to explain, “He was trying to warn us...”
“It's alright Rex, let me.” Echo took a deep breath. “Your Father died trying to expose the truth of the Emperor. He was framed and died in infamy. It's the reason that you wouldn't have found anything, his record was sealed. Later on the truth was exposed.”
“What?” Kar sat back in shock.
“If it hadn't been for your Father, more innocent lives would have been sacrificed.” Rex breathed out, the weight lessened from before. “It was because of his knowledge that we were able to later save as many troopers as we did.”
“Because of Fives we know about the inhibitor chips that were in our heads and how to safely remove them,” Wolffe pointed to his own scar. “Your dad made it possible to cut the leash that tethered us all.”
“Ba'vodi, without your dad I wouldn't have mine. He saved his life.” Rain piped in with a sad little look.
“Five's story is not about how he died Kar'ika,” Echo watched as the young man tried to process all this. “It's how he lived.”
Kar sat digesting this as best he could. To know that not only was his father a hero but that he had died trying to stop the very war they now fought... the war that had also taken his mother. There was an anger within him, but at the same time it was now tempered by this new knowledge. Glancing back at the faces gathered around him Kar's voice shook, “What was he like?”
“Loyal, brave, and in a word... trouble,” Echo chuckled. “From the time we were cadets you dad got me into more messes. Thought we'd never get to be ARC Troopers with all our write ups.”
Kar rolled his eyes before they landed on Rain. “Oh that sounds familiar.”
“Why am I not surprised,” Rex scrubbed his hand over his eyes.
“You can't prove anything!” Rain slipped before smacking a hand over her mouth, “I mean...”
Echo and Kar shared a look before dissolving into laughter. They spent hours swapping stories of old times, the happy and the sad. It was cathartic to finally, in a small way, know his father. The Captain, no ba'vodu Rex, gifted him with something Kar never thought to own. It was a copy of an old holo, partially degraded but still clear enough. There stood four troopers, not much older than Rain and he. And in the center stood his father, indeed looking like he could have taken on the Galaxy.
"'bout thought I saw a ghost coming off that transport earlier." Rex hummed. "Though I got to say your goatee is far neater than your dads."
"Rain keeps trying to make me shave it off."
Wolffe snorted, "Leave him be, though it could use a mustache to match."
"Regulations state..."
Kar groaned, "now who's the fun sucker?"
"I didn't say you were a fun sucker, I said you had a stick up your..."
Echo and Rex laughed at the two. They may not have met till the rebellion but by the stars they were alike. Rex turned to Echo, "Remind you of someone?"
"Can't imagine," he smiled broadly. If they were at all like the Dominos or Torrent then the Empire was karked.
Life Day was complicated for Kar, but now at least it was far less lonely.
Translations (Mando'a):
Ad'ika- little one/ little child
Ad- child/son/ daughter
Ba'vodi- cousin (So there isn't a proper word for it and we had to make one; stemming from Ba'vodu meaning uncle/aunt, instead added the diminutive [I])
Kamino'ad- son's/daughter's of those from Kamino (Again had to make one up; Clones aren't necessarily considered Mandalorian so this is what I came up with)
