Alternate Start (ARCHIVE)

Chapter Thirty: An End

"You... wanted to see us, Master Krell?"

Droidbait wasn't stupid. He could tell how afraid Satahl was. He could tell by the slight shake in her voice that something bad was about to happen.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Cutup muttered. Droidbait gave the slightest nod of his head.

"Indeed." Krell's voice rumbled lowly. It was about the same level rumble that Droidbait always associated with his general's held back growls. It made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. "It seems you all have accomplished a very brave act."

For a moment, Droidbait thought Krell was about to be reasonable.

"Unfortunately, Padawan, you have all committed a serious crime by directly disobeying my order."

"With all due respect, Master—"

"The order was mine sir."

Satahl and the others turned their heads to look at Droidbait like he was insane. He didn't even realize the words had come out of his mouth until they had. He blinked, then continued slowly. "If there's a punishment to be given, it should be directed towards me. I'm Krayt Squadron's commanding officer."

"Master Krell, Droidbait is trying to take the blame for actions that were clearly mine!" Satahl hurriedly amended, shooting droidbait a warning look.

"Sat'ika—"

"I ask that his admission of guilt be denied and full blame placed upon me."

"Oh, do you?" Krell hummed, raising a brow, "You willfully countermand my direct order, Padawan, and now you have the audacity to request who should bear the punishment of your insurrection?!"

Every member of the 201st in the room once again tensed, fearing that Commander Cahlay would be struck again. He jabbed her in the chest, then turned away.

"Let me be clear about the punishment for you and your troopers' treason, Padawan Cahlay. The council will deal with you, Padawan, but as for CT-14-9562, CT-4040, CT-27-5555, CT-1409, CT-00-2010, CT-782, CT-77-420, CT-5385, and CT-5384,"

Droidbait's eyes narrowed as Krell read off their numbers like droids on an assembly line.

"They will be court-martialed, they will be found guilty, and they will be executed!"

The horror on Satahl's face was indescribable. She looked so afraid, and he could even see the tears rolling down her cheeks beneath her veil.

She was blaming herself.

"Make no mistake." Krell hummed, turning away. "For crossing me, you and your men will pay the price, Padawan."

He glanced at Guilttrip. The clone four years younger than he should be. Who was saved only a month ago from certain demise by General Sunna's brave actions, was about to be executed for doing the right thing. The kid had barely lived, and yet Krell was throwing his life away like it was nothing. He looked at Satahl, who looked absolutely helpless. She gave an apologetic look behind her, swallowing down any words she could say as she realized she had just condemned her two closest friends.