Star Wars the Clone Wars - One shots

It's an inside joke - Part 1

One did not have to know General Skywalker for very long to respect him.

He was undoubtedly the fiercest Knight in the Jedi Order, and his eye for strategy made him a firm favourite in the GAR.

Many people admired his sometimes-reckless methods of securing a Republic victory, whilst other military leaders were inspired by the compassion he had for his men.

Fives found himself attracted to the Jedi's casual manner of life.

He was all furrowed-brow and set-frown in front of officials or during important briefings where Admirals were present, but when it was just the men, or when they were slaughtering droids on the battlefield, Anakin Skywalker was a very fun person to be around.

He had a larger-than-life personality. Every time someone made a joke, Skywalker was laughing the loudest. He liked being around people and was rarely alone- except for when he was working on his starfighter or fixing his droid.

Fives stayed away from the Jedi for the first few days of being in the 501st. He and Echo had a rough start and were still mourning the loss of their squad on the Rishi Outpost.

Captain Rex understood that they would need some time to settle in, and left them to lick their wounds. Besides training and mealtimes, the two brothers stayed in the barracks, talking quietly to each other about all that had transpired in the last week.

Rex must have spoken to the other men because nobody seemed to try to bother them. Clones would say hello in the corridors and give them nods as they walked into the mess, but besides that, they were relatively isolated- not that either man minded.

As long as they had each other, that was all that mattered.

The last person they expected to have a conversation with was Anakin Skywalker, General of the 501st Legion and Jedi Knight.

Only one of the most esteemed military leaders in history.

No big deal.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

Fives whipped his head up, almost gawking. Their General was stood over their table, a tray piled high with food in his hand. He had an almost scruffy look to him- messy locks of brown hair and a lopsided grin. His presence was completely different to that of Shaak Ti's.

"General, Skywalker, sir!" Fives and Echo jumped from their seats to salute him, gaining some annoyed looks from the veterans at the other end of their table who had to grab their drinks to stop them from spilling.

"At ease," Skywalker said, almost looking embarrassed at the scene they caused. "You don't need to do that every time I speak to you. My ego doesn't need fuelling."

He gestured at the spot beside Echo, "May I?"

"Of course, sir," Echo replied, his muscles tense as he sat down next to one of the most famous Jedi in the galaxy. Fives sat down too, now face-to-face with nothing short of a legend.

"I'm sorry," Skywalker started, shovelling his fork high with food, "I didn't get the chance to formally introduce myself in the hanger during your medal presentation."

I'd be proud to fight beside you anytime, anywhere.

That's what he had told them after pinning a medal to Fives' chest plate. Then he and General Kenobi had bowed to them. Bowed- like the Jedi sign of respect. Fives wouldn't forget that moment until the day he died.

He chewed his food, and Echo and Fives waited silently for him to continue once he had swallowed. "I'm Anakin Skywalker. Echo and Fives, right?"

He pointed to them with the end of his fork, getting their names the right way round. Fives could only nod, dumbstruck.

"Good names," Skywalker said, gesturing to his temple when referring to Fives and then glancing at Echo, "Can I ask where you got yours from, Echo?"

"He repeats orders, sir," Fives answered, gaining a bit of confidence. Echo sent him an annoyed look for answering on his behalf. "It was that or Parrot, and another cadet had already claimed that name."

Skywalker's smile twisted like he was trying to stop himself from laughing. Fives had never seen Shaak Ti laugh before.

"I'm sure you're already familiar with Captain Rex." Skywalker continued, resting his fork on the edge of his plate to look around the room, "And my Padawan should be around here somewhere."

Fives frowned, "A Padawan, General?"

"My Apprentice," he clarified, looking at him again, "Commander Ahsoka Tano. You can't miss her- she stands out like a sore thumb. Cares for the men like they're her own blood, though I try to do the same.

Fives thought about what he said. On Kamino, they were taught to be seen but not heard by their Jedi leaders. They owed complete respect to their Commanders and Generals, but shouldn't expect so much as a glance in return.

Skywalker had proved this expectation wrong in less than five minutes.

"We've been called to support General Kenobi's forces in the Mid Rim." Skywalker continued, "I'd like the two of you to be on my squad."

Fives thought he misheard him. There was no way that General-kriffing-Skywalker had just asked them to be on his squad.

"W-Wouldn't you want more experienced troopers covering your flank, sir?" Echo asked, just as shocked as Fives. They were still very much green and had only been part of one mission. They hadn't even been in a real battle yet.

Skywalker cocked his head, "Like Appo? He's about as interesting to speak to as a protocol droid. Besides, Rex spoke highly of you two. I know potential when I see it."

He looked between them, "What do you say?"

Oh, if Bravo Unit could see them now.

Echo still looked startled, so Fives leaned forward, "It would be an honour, General."