Beginners Luck

Chapter 9

POV: Lucky

I was inspecting a bright white helmet before looking at the nervous vod sitting across from me. Badger was his name. Sprite sat crossed legged next to me, helping me by sorting the paints. He always seemed at ease here. Helping with the art projects. He also liked taking care of the little potted plant in the barracks. It was a mini succulent plant. Aloe.

So you want four stripes? Ones to mimic badger stripes? I signed. I could speak, but I usually used GSL with others. Sprite translated for me. Most of the five oh first understood GSL or ARC signals at the very least so we could communicate, but some didn't, or like this shiny, hadn't had the opportunity to learn. He nodded, fiddling with a tube of paint. I could do a dark blue. I offered. To represent the 501st but still look similar to the actual animal. Badger thought about that for a moment before deciding. "I think- I think I want that. Thanks." No problem. I signed before turning back to the helmet.

I painted carefully, finishing the first layer of the four stripes, two of which went through the visor. I selected another, slightly lighter paint and started adding subtle lines. I was so focused, I nearly didn't notice the Jedi and brothers walking in. "Back at it again, eh Lucky." I paused, setting down the helmet to dry before glancing up at Fives annoyed. It calms me. I signed. Better then you and your chaotic pranks at midnight. Scared the living daylight out of Sprite last time.

Sprite's cheeks turned pink while Fives shrugged, grinning sheepishly. "How was I supposed to know he was off limits?" Echo rolled his eyes before stepping forwards. "Me and Cutup told you. Ten times."

"It's also why we didn't join you that night." Cutup said with a smirk. Fives cursed. "I should've known you were acting suspicious." Yes, you should've. How's your arm? I signed, changing the subject. Fives grimaced. "It's still sore, but at least it's not broken. I can actually participate in this battle." I noticed the Jedi exchange alarmed looks. "Y- you broke his arm over a prank?" Spluttered Skywalker, looking like he wasn't sure whether to be impressed, alarmed, or laugh. I fixed it afterwards. Also others have done more for less. I protested before turning to Rex. Remember when Jesse stole Echo's Reg manuals on a dare. Fives winced. "I probably should have known that he wouldn't back down from a dare."

"You didn't warn him either." Chortled Cutup. "Or let us warn him." General Kenobi blinked. "What happened?" He asked and I smirked. Let's just say Echo got his Reg manuals back, and Jesse had some quality time with Coric, our medic. "Master, since when did you know sign language?" Asked General Skywalker, furrowing his brow. "Since a mission to Mandalore I had when I was a Padawan. There was a deaf woman who taught me." He said wistfully.

"Huh." Was all Skywalker said in reply. Tell Badger the standard instructions. I signed to Sprite and he launched into the normal helmet care speech so that he wouldn't scratch the paint. Soooo. I signed, holding the word longer to silently enunciate the extended word. Who are we working with. I asked. "212th I believe." Replied Rex. I brightened a bit, as did the rest of the Domino squad. "Cody? We haven't seen him since Rishi." Said Cutup as Echo and Fives exchanged mischievous looks. "Oh no." Groaned Rex. "You guys better not prank them. I know you want to have fun, but starting a prank war is not the way to do it."

Yeah. Then I'll have to babysit you guys. Again. I signed disapprovingly. "Why do you not speak?" Asked Skywalker rather rudely. "Anakin!" Exclaimed Kenobi. I held up my hand authoritatively. It's fine. I said with a smile behind my helmet. I get the question a lot. Or at least people think it.

I turned to them and signed simply. Call me selectively mute. I can speak and do speak with some. Others I don't. I have spoken with the Domino squad, Rex, and... I paused. "And..." Prodded General Kenobi. The others don't matter anymore. I signed quietly, faltering slightly. They are probably With The Spirits and Among The Stars now.

I bowed my head before jerking it back up, sensing something coming. I felt a headache coming on. I stood up suddenly. If you'll excuse me, I would like to return to the barracks. I hurried away down hallways. It was coming. I could feel it. I hadn't had one since Rishi. I managed to make it to the barracks (thankfully it was empty) and collapse onto my rock-hard bed before the vision came, bringing the pain with it. I had managed to push the visions back until now, but now that it had broken through, it came with vengeance, as though punishing me for daring to try and suppress it. They had started happening more often, and I suspected Nebula was causing them.

They normally came in my sleep, making the nights seem endless. Luckily, (heh) I didn't need to sleep very often. Only Sprite knew about my visions. Most of the time he was here to help me through them. He had a hard time on Kamino, so I helped him. In return, he had decided to help and cover me, but there was no time to get him now. The visions were coming now.

I saw a beautiful planet, buildings of glass reaching towards the sky. It flashed to droids marching through. Brothers falling. A woman in a tall skyscraper. She looked to be a- a dathomirian Zabrak. She was holding two red lightsabers threatening to cut me in half. It changed to her sneaking in and stealing a slug-like creature. A huttling. A brother meeting with the dark acolyte, later transmitting information. Then the brother, dying or fading into unconsciousness I couldn't tell, I still couldn't see his face. As he closed his eyes, he muttered something. "Sixty six. Traitors. Good soldiers follow orders..." It wasn't just the troopers words that caught my attention. It was his face. He was a vod, but not just any vod, it was one I knew rather well.