Cuyan~ (OC x Clone wars)

Defects

I groaned in my head, careful to keep my expression schooled into neutrality. The Kaminoans were a bore, but their careful protocols tend to produce good results. Nala Se was telling me about the training regimens the latest batches had gone through, I was here with Cody to pick up some new troopers for the 212th. "...And of course the republic just gave us enough money so we can speed up the aging process even further, meaning clones from the ace of nine can go out..." I hated that. Even with the sped-up aging process, the mental maturity needed... Many of the men, especially the 'shiny' troopers, were not ready for the horrors of war. Not that the senate cared, most of them just cared about producing more troopers quicker. I suppose at age fourteen I shouldn't be prepared for war either, but I mostly am. Sometimes, I really wish I wasn't. 

I really should be paying attention to Nala Se. "...And so we have the strictest diets for the units..." MEN, I wanted to yell at her. Not numbers, or units. MEN. Obi-Wan's words flash through my head. "Be polite. Be strictly military and tactical, that's all they respect. Have good judgment. This is a test." A test of patience, restrain, and judgment. High-stakes, like all true Jedi tests. I really wanted to do this right. I had bit my tongue and only talked when necessary, just like I was supposed to, but...

 "Have you heard of the Bad Batch?" I interrupted. Cody gives a pointed cough, which I ignore. Nala Se frowns. 

"Yes, the successful defects."

"They don't lose. It's incredible. Do you think we can take a look at the, defects, you call them, and see if any of them can be used?" I kept my voice polite and pleasant, so unlike the cocky tone I would ordinarily use while making this request. The Kaminoan's frown deepened. 

"Unorthodox, but I suppose you may. Do not get your hopes up." I nodded respectfully to her and we began walking toward the 'defects' area. Cody gave me a military gesture that meant something like "What" or "Why." It was a questioning gesture. I shot him one back, "Rescue." 

His expression was hidden behind his helmet, but I could sense a vibe of slight disapproval but also gratitude, and a little surprise. Disapproval, because it went against our mandate, gratitude, because I was trying to save his brothers, and surprise, because he knew how much I wanted to pass this test, and doing this could mean failing. I don't know how I'd react if it did, how could saving lives result in failure? Well, it all depends on the test. But I wasn't gonna not save lives just to help with an actually arbitrary assessment. 

We arrived at the door and Nala Se let us in and left, leaving us alone with the imperfect clones. There were maybe ten of them, all ordinary-looking but desolate. "You here to gawk at the defects?" He asked bitterly. "The pathetic, useless, UNITS?" 

"Geez, is that really what you think of yourselves?" I said, feigning annoyance. He scoffs.

"Of course not. But that's what everyone else thinks." He sounded so resigned and bitter.

"Well, not us." Before he can respond I turn to Cody. "Rude and insubordinate." Cody takes off his helmet and gives me a half-smile.

"Remind you of anyone?" I snort.

"Ha-ha, Cody." 

There's a sharp intake of breath from someone else in the room. "Captain Cody?" 

I address the trooper that spoke. "Yup. I'm Padawan Commander Ellor Helagen." I turn back to the man who spoke first. "I'm going to guess you're pretty independent. Also creative. Those tend to go with the insubordinance. Kinda like Fives, right?" I direct the last part to Cody. He nods. "What's your name, trooper?"

"Flux, sir."

"Nice." I turn to Cody. Honestly, I think Flux could be a nice addition to our ranks. Cody sighs.