Cadet Captured

8. Reunited

According to the medical droid I have been left with, in addition to the many bruises and burns decorating my body, I also have lacerations in my lower female area, thanks to King Katuunko's last nights with me. The droid tried explaining to me how the lacerations could occur, but I told him, in unlady-like words, to shut his tin can. The generals and clones don't ask me to explain my injuries, so I remain silent about what I had faced. I'm sure they can guess at what had happened, anyway.

"Blitz," Captain Rex calls as I exit the Med Bay, dressed in a fresh cadet uniform. "If you're feeling up to it, I know of a couple people who would like to see you."

"Who is it?" I ask, following the captain towards the bridge.

Captain Rex, however, doesn't answer. The doors of the bridge slide open, and three familiar faces in cadet uniforms run to me. Lucky, Leadhead, and Hotshot.

"Blitz," Lucky says softly, taking in my thin, frail figure. "What happened to you?"

"I-I'm fine," I say. "Really. Just a few burns and bruises."

"Liar," Leadhead accuses, but he doesn't sound angry. "But you will be fine. We'll make sure of it."

I shake my head, but change the subject. "Shouldn't you boys have graduated by now?" I ask, looking at their orange and blue uniforms.

"Well," Hotshot smirks. "We couldn't, since we were missing a member of our squadron."

"They refused, is more like it," Commander Cody puts in, watching our exchange. "They've been Rex's errand boys ever since, waiting for you to get back."

"Really?" I ask. "But you were all so excited to get out in the field."

"So were you," Lucky points out. "And Master Ti said that we more than surpassed the final test during the attack on Kamino."

"She said we could wait for you," Leadhead continues. "So we could graduate together."

"That is," Hotshot says nervously, "if you are still up for it. We know you've been through a lot."

"Of course I'm up for it," I answer, smiling softly. "Thank you for waiting for me."

I clasp hands with Hotshot, and Lucky and Leadhead lay their hands on top of ours. Just like at the academy. Except, without Guru.

In only a short time, we've reached Kamino, where a small ceremony will be held to celebrate the graduation of Zulu Squadron. Attending the ceremony will be Captain Rex, Commander Cody, their Generals, and a handful of other clones, including Fives and Echo, who've gotten to know my brothers in the last couple months.

Master Ti pins the graduation medals to our uniforms. When she gets to me, she stops.

"CT-7897," she starts, then corrects herself. "Blitz. I want you to know that I have never once regretted the chance I gave you. You have made me and your brothers proud."

After the ceremony, Captain Rex makes good on the promise he made me, and takes me and the rest of Zulu Squadron in to the 501st. We are officially clone troopers.

Even though we each have our own bunks, either on the cruisers or in the barracks, Lucky, Leadhead, and Hotshot have accustomed themselves to sharing my bunk. I tried to protest at first, but having my brothers around helps ease the nightmares I have near nightly. We aren't the only clones with this sort of sleeping arrangement, either, I learned. In fact, most clones are prone to nightmares of varying severity, and all had certain people they would go to for comfort. The only unspoken rule of clone nightmares, due to the one we all share, is 'don't tell the Jedi'.

Hotshot takes it upon himself to paint blue designs on our armor. His own helmet is decorated to look almost like a target, because, according to himself, he will always be in the heat of the battle. Leadhead's has a firing blaster on it, since guns are his specialty. Lucky's helmet has arrows pointing outward. Hotshot says it's supposed to symbolize how shots always go right past him.

Then, I see mine. On the forehead is what looks like a flower, with chevron lines coming up the sides of the helmet.

"I asked Commander Tano for some inspiration," Hotshot admits. "It had to be something that showed strength and was kinda feminine. She said this flower grew in adversity on her homeworld. Or something like that."

I grin at Hotshot. "I love it," I assure him. "Thank you."

Over the next few months, we go on numerous missions with the 501st, General Skywalker, and Commander Tano. Captain Rex, Echo, and Fives help me regain my strength and freshen up my training. That is, before Echo is killed in action.

Nearly six months after my rescue, Captain Rex and General Skywalker come up to me as I'm heading out of the training room. I salute, but they quickly have me relax.

"Is everything alright, sirs?" I ask.

"Oh, everything's fine," General Skywalker says, relaxing against the wall. "I'm just here as a witness."

"Blitz," Captain Rex says, drawing my attention back to him. "You've been doing exceptionally well on missions, ever since you started in the 501st. I know you're still young, even by clone standards, but I would like to ask you to be my second in command. General Skywalker has already approved you for the position."

"I... I would be honored, sir," I answer, unsure of what else to say. "Thank you. And thank you, too, General Skywalker."

Captain Rex grins at me. "Welcome to leadership, Lieutenant Blitz."