#commando clone error

[sorry-but-no-sorry]

Update

I finally managed to open the crashing file and got rid of the blue layer !

[the-stars-are-warring]

DELTA SQUAD WEEK Day 3

Tags: @deltasquadweek

No themes hit today but I did get another ficlet done so :)

"Delta Three-Eight." Three-Eight steps onto the mat facing Vau. He hears the way Sev sucks on his teeth and the sympathetic noise Four-Oh makes.

His ribs ache and his shoulder is still stiff from a bad fall yesterday, but no aches or pains are going to matter when the war arrives and none of it matters now.

Vau stands perfectly poised across the mat, the strill has its head on its paws behind him, eyes half lidded and watching.

"Begin" Vau snaps and he lunges forward.

Three-Eight jabs at Vau's chin and over-plays, he jerks his face to the side, barely deflecting Vau's elbow enough to avoid a black eye to add to the list of aches.

There's no conscious thought, no time to plan - just muscle memory and instinct, movements practiced over and over and-

Three-Eight twists out of reach when Vau nearly gets a hold of him and when Vau follows him - he twitches aside at the last second and traps the sergeant's arm against his rib cage.

Its a simple move, every fighting style in the galaxy has some version of it. Three-Eight grabs Vau's forearm and twists to lock it in place, snapping his other fist into the strained joint of Vau's elbow and feels the bone give against the heel of his palm.

There's an involuntary gasp that changes to a hiss of pain from Vau and Three-Eight feels a bolt of vicious satisfaction as he lets the instinct carry him through as he grabs the back of Vau's neck and pulls.

He pivots, trips the older man as he stagger steps forward. Six months ago he wouldn't have had the bulk to force Walon Vau to the mat but he does now. He lands his knee between the Mandalorian's shoulder-blades.

The breath comes out of Vau in a rush and Three-Eight braces, the other man's broken arm still held against his ribs.

He broke Walon Vau's arm.

There's no time for the terrified glance he wants to throw to his brothers. Vau is not a man to be held and Three-Eight knows from experience that any lapse in attention will mean a new scar or worse.

Mird has perked up and is watching them intently, drool forming cords down to where it's head was resting on its paws. Three Eight keeps an eye on the animal in his peripheral.

It wouldn't be the first time the strill had set on a clone. But Vau doesn't usually have it interfere in hand-to-hand training. Vau's ribcage shudders and Three-Eight zeros back in on the other man.

"Gev." Vau says - still a hair breathless and Three-Eight drops the other man's arm and staggers back to attention.

He can feel his brother's eyes on the back of his neck and holds perfectly rigid. He's nearly 8. Almost tall enough to look their sergeant in the eye.

Vau picks himself up, holding the broken arm to his chest. There's a tightness around his eyes but otherwise it's hard to tell the man is in pain at all.

Vau stares at him for a moment. Three-Eight forces himself to hold eye contact. "That's enough Delta." Vau says. Somehow his crisp enunciated way of speaking is still there. "Pack it in."

"Yes Sir." Delta choruses and '38 finally allows himself to look over at his squad mates. Sev's eyes dart from him to Vau in what Three-Eight knows is a desperate attempt to predict the man's next move. Four-Oh nods slightly relief echoing the same that Three-Eight is feeling.

Six-two tilts his chin up slightly. 'Boss' he mouths and Three-Eight snaps his eyes back to Vau. They don't have a squad sergeant yet and he doesn't want to accept a name like Boss if Vau selects Four-Oh instead. Or if the Kaminii decide that their squad cohesion isn't good enough and split Delta up.

Six-Two won't stop calling him that though, Sev even slips into it now and then.

Vau is already walking away which means the four of them are to head to their bunks get cleaned up and make it to the mess in time for late meal.

Six-two rattles his shoulder off Three-Eight's as they pull on the training armour they've been basically living in for the last year.

"Nice move Boss."

"We all learned it." Three-Eight hedges. He broke Walon Vau's arm.

"Think Vau will be mad?" Sev asks and Six-Two hesitates.

"Didn't seem mad." Four-Oh says and Three-Eight presses his lips together.

"He never seems mad." Six-Two says what they're all thinking in an undertone. "But he didn't seem… disappointed."

-

"Delta Three Eight." Walon Vau is back in front of Delta and Four other Squads, arms held behind his back. The bone-menders must have worked fast on him.

Three Eight steps forward, helmet under his am, staring straight ahead. "Yes Sir."

"You have been selected as Sergeant of Delta Squad. Your decisions will be a determining factor of whether your squad succeeds or fails. Don't let them down. Don't disappoint me."

"Sir Yes Sir." Three Eight salutes with his free hand but he can tell Vau is already looking elsewhere.

"Delta - Form up on your sergeant. the rest of you, make ready - we're doing combat simulations - debrief in two minutes."

Thirty-Eight releases the breath he hadn't realized he was holding and pulls his helmet on.

"Finally." Six-Two is saying over their squad com. "This time we'll beat Kappa Squad for sure, they've been holding Nine-Four being sergeant over everyone for a week."

"Nine-Four's the only one of them with any kind of tactical ability." Four Oh says "I'd say it wasn't much of a pick there."

His helmet tilts towards Three-Eight.

"Ready for briefing?"

"Yeah give the order Boss Man." Six-Two prompts and Three-Eight rolls his eyes.

"Delta Squad Form Up."

[bg-11]

Ripping into TCW's A Friend in Need, in which every character is awful.

I'm going to be upfront about this: I do not care for TCW, I never really have. See, I've always been a big stickler for continuity, even as a kid, and by this point there was *plenty* of Clone Wars related content that had been set across the whole 3 years of the war. The big issue of course was always Ahsoka, who of course just couldn't neatly slot into that timeframe at all because there were already plenty of comics that made it clear that Anakin never had a Padawan. She was a square peg the writers of TCW had jammed into a square hole. Of course, Ahsoka wasn't the only example, it was clear the writers never really gave a shit about what other, better writers had already established, and so retcons and continuity errors were rife with the series, only increasing as it continued. Exactly the kind of thing I was leery about. I was willing to give it a chance when it first came out, but that optimistic goodwill didn't really last too long.

I watched it on-and-off when it came out to check it out, I didn't want to judge it without having seen it. It was the same when I heard about how obnoxious Karen Traviss' Republic Commando series was, I wanted to see if that was as bad as people were saying it was (it was worse). By Season 4, I was pretty ready to write it off, the retcons were getting bigger and bigger (Even Piell getting killed off before his Canon death in Coruscant Nights, changing Asajj Ventress' backstory and fate contrary to what it was in the Republic comics, treating the Nightsisters as if they were literal witches who could use actual magic, the list goes on, but those were my biggest gripes). One episode that stood out to me though, was A Friend in Need, an episode in which pretty much everyone except for Artoo is stupid, malicious or both. At the time, I thought it was the worst episode of TCW yet. Has that changed since then? Yeah, but I'd still count this episode as the dumbest.

For whatever reason, the episode popped into my head recently after...I don't know how long its been, relatively shortly after the episode aired, I guess? And, I don't know, I guess I wanted to take a jab at picking it apart? I've never really done this before, there've been a couple of times when I've wanted to examine bad media, but for whatever reason, I never really got to it. So, fuck it, better late than never, I guess. So, I rewatched the episode to get it fresh in my mind. As the old EU was still Canon when this aired, I'm putting it through the lens of it still being Canon when I talk about it.

There's a good reason why my friends call me a masochist, I guess.

Things start out on Mandalore, where Ahsoka is escorting Padme, Bail and Mon Mothma in talks with representatives from the Separatist Senate when Lux Bonteri walks in. When I first watched A Friend in Need, I had missed Lux's Introductory episode which also introduced the Separatist Senate, so I was a little confused here. Confused because prior to TCW, there wasn't a Separatist Senate, the Confederacy was solely ruled over by the Separatist Council. Now, there's commentary from Filoni that apparently, the EU writers had misunderstood the purpose of the Separatist Council, that no, they weren't the leaders of the CIS, and that the megacorporation's who made up the CIS were just neutral parties. I have two issues with that, first being that I trust Dave "I sincerely believe this man wants to fuck wolves" Filoni's word about as far as I can throw his furry ass, and two, that isn't how it comes across in the movies at all.

The leaders of the Trade Federation, Intergalactic Banking Clan, Techno Union and Commerce Guild are all present, outright saying they're pledging their alliance and their armies to the Separatist cause. That they're apparently neutral, uninvolved parties doesn't gel at all, it just seems like a clumsy retcon to me. One of many.

But anyway...

Lux busts in and causes a scene, accusing Count Dooku of murdering his mother, so the Separatist senators have their guards drag him away. Ahsoka, concerned, gets permission from Padme to follow him, as long as she's discrete. Lux is dragged back to the Separatist's shuttle, where a hologram of Dooku appears to gloat a bit, before telling the droids to execute Lux. Why he doesn't just use the Force to choke him, I don't know, all you need is line of sight.

Now, I'd actually misremembered how this scene went down. In my memory, Lux dropped an ion grenade to disable the droids and *then* Ahsoka showed up. Apparently my flawed memory made Lux more competent then he actually is in the episode. How was he actually planning on getting away? We'll get back to that in a moment, but for right now, he's at the battle droid's mercy.

And then Ahsoka intervenes.

Here's another issue I had with Ahsoka, her characterisation. There were a couple of moments that stuck with me that I think are relevant here.

Season 1, episode 19, Storm Over Ryloth: Ahsoka has to learn not to be a reckless, headstrong idiot because she gets her troops killed.

Season 2, episode 1, Holocron Heist: Ahsoka has to learn not to be a reckless, headstrong idiot because she gets her troops killed.

This episode? Ahsoka is a reckless, headstrong idiot who forces her way into a hostile situation, gets the attraction of a bunch of armed droids and leads them back towards the Senate Guards who are stationed at the Republic shuttle, quickly alerts the unaware men that some pissed off droids are on her tail, then boards the shuttle, takes off and flees back to Coruscant, abandoning the Senators she was supposed to be escorting *and* the Senate Guards who are now taking the heat for her.

Ahsoka is such a shitty bodyguard, Jesus Christ. Getting Lux to safety is a priority, fine, but why does she need to board the ship herself and flee the system entirely? Why not just have Lux board the ship, then go back to help the Senate Guards deal with the battle droids that she *led* there in the first place? They're not just regular battle droids either, they're droid commandos who are supposed to be a lot tougher and smarter than the standard B1 battle droids. We don't see the outcome of this fight, so I presume the Senate Guards won, which, good thing. Because Ahsoka abandoned the Senators she was supposed to be watching over, and I genuinely wouldn't put it past the Separatists to pull something now that these peace talks have collapsed because of what Ahsoka did. They were never going to work out anyway of course, given Sidious' whole purpose behind the Clone Wars, but the characters aren't aware of that.

Anakin gets in contact and when Lux tries to apologise with "Master Jedi, I'm sorry if I've caused you any trouble." ("If" you caused trouble? "If"?)

Ahsoka tries to brush it off with "It's nothing." Uh, no, it's not. See the above paragraphs for why it *is* a big deal, and I can't see Anakin of all people being too happy with Padme being left in a dangerous situation like that. But I guess we're brushing past that, cool.

Ahsoka points out how dumb Lux's plan was, saying he would have been killed if she hadn't intervened (true). Then Lux says no, actually, he *did* have a plan, then he pulls out a taser and stuns Ahsoka. Seriously? His plan was to go in, confront Dooku, hoping that he'd send a transmission just to gloat (apparently he "knew" he would, but why? He could just have easily been shot by the battle droids), and he went in there armed with a dinky little taser? Brilliant plan, I'm sure that would have done *wonders* against a squad of droid commandos all armed with blasters.

Ahsoka wakes up hours later aboard the shuttle with just Artoo, her lightsabers missing. She goes out to talk to Lux and finds out the contacts he's meeting are the Death Watch, that Mandalorian supremacist group of terrorists who are awful even by Mandalorian standards.

Jesus Christ, Lux is so fucking stupid.

Despite Ahsoka attempting to tell him that they're bad news, he keeps brushing it off because they *also* hate Dooku, so it'll be fine. Back aboard the ship, Artoo finds Ahsoka's lightsabers tucked away in a random drawer. So, if she had bothered to look for them, she would have found them in the space of five minutes. My God, she is useless. These two deserve each other, I swear.

Oh, and we meet Bo-Katan for the first time.

Awful, *evil* Bo-Katan.

On the ride back, Lux reveals he had a way to track Dooku's location through his communication.

Serenno. He was probably on Serenno, his homeworld of Serenno, where he has a mansion on Serenno, Serenno on which he is a Count. This isn't exactly hidden knowledge.

They go back to the Death Watch compound. see them using kitbashed battle droids as target practice and Ahsoka is marched off while Lux talks to their leader, Pre Vizsla. Apparently, he has beef with Dooku now and the Count gave him a scar. Which, first thing, if Dooku had wanted him dead, he'd be dead. Second, I actually don't remember those two falling out, so I looked it up and apparently it happens entirely offscreen between his last appearance and now, so whatever, I guess. Also, Vizsla threatens to cut up Lux if he doesn't hand over the tracer, and Lux seems pretty fine with that. Brilliant, that one, real smart.

Ahsoka gets thrown in with a hut full of enslaved women from a nearby village. Great people, those Mandalorians. Artoo, meanwhile, is taken to the droid shack and told to fix up the damaged battle droids so they can be used as target practice again. They don't even slap a restraining bolt on him, they just leave him to his own devices. Which, in this case, happens to be a room full of battle droids, several of which actually still have blasters in repairable condition as we'll see later.

Well, the Mandalorians are rock stupid, so I suppose I can't complain *that's* out of character.

Big feast is held, now Lux can see with his own eyes that the Death Watch are using the local women as slaves...but he doesn't seem to give much of a shit about it, even as Ahsoka keeps trying to point out how awful his allies are. It's at that point the village elder shows up and demands Viszla let his people go. He did this unarmed, with his only support being two other unarmed villagers, walking into a camp full of hostile people who had already taken the village's women as slaves and expected things to go well for him. When Vizsla agrees in the most sinister way possible, with several other Death Watch members openly snickering about it, the elder thinks all is well and Lux even says: "You see? They're not the butchers you make them out to be."

I...Jesus Christ, they were using the local women as slaves, but you're fine with that so long as they take them back when they're done? Lux has to be the stupidest character in this series, I swear. There is exactly one smart person this entire episode and it's Artoo.

Next day, the Death Watch take the enslaved women back to their village, the Elder thanking him for it.

And then he takes out his stupid edgesaber and stabs the man's granddaughter in front of him. Can't help but feel this would have been more impactful if obvious sacrificial lamb character had more than a minute of screentime, but okay, its awful and its typical Mando behaviour. For good measure they start torching the village and maybe set one villager on fire. And much to my shock, Lux finally gets it. I was half expecting him to brush it off as them setting fires to keep the villagers warm. Ahsoka seems to impale a guy with a blunt pole, before getting tied up. And then they drag her back to their camp from their speeder...yeah, Ahsoka should be dead.

Then Lux says this...

"I believed you had honour, but you're just murderers."

What possibly led you to think that conclusion, you absolute dumbass? This whole time, Vizsla has been acting as blatantly sinister and creepy as Dick Dastardly, if he had a moustache he'd be twirling it. Lux seems like the kind of character who needs to be told not to drink drain-cleaner, I swear to God.

As Vizsla is preparing to deal with Idiot and Useless, Artoo shows up with an army of kitbashed droids...and like I said either, a few of them have working blasters. Literally the only competent character, I swear. Artoo gives Ahsoka her lightsabers back, and Vizsla decides to duel her one-on-one, because like every Mando, he has a totally unearned superiority complex. She ends up slicing his jetpack and he doesn't even notice until Ahsoka points it out to him. How did he not hear her hit it? How did he not feel that? In the confusion of the exploding jetpack, Dumb and Dumber manage to escape, chased by Bo-Katan, but they get away.

Then Lux fucks off in the escape pod, the end.

And apparently the next time Ahsoka runs into Bo-Katan, they're besties and join forces to free Mandalore. Guess Ahsoka kinda forgot about the whole slavery, village torching and innocent people she murdered, huh? Yeah, guess so. Bo-Katan fucking sucks, she doesn't get a redemption, the narrative just wants you to forget all the atrocities she commits because she doesn't want Maul to be her leader. Zuko she ain't.

Ahsoka majorly screws up her assignment, puts senators in danger and gets some guards killed, Lux is so braindead that he blindly trusts the most obviously evil pack of killers he could find. I'd say he needs a helmet, but I don't think its possible for him to get anymore brain damage.

TCW is massively overrated, this is a hill I will die on.

[sorry-but-no-sorry]

Come unravel the pain, the humor, and the brotherhood that are the lives behind your favorite shenanigans

Go and ask ET ! (Tissues and therapy bills not covered)

Main lore writer for Error and Reg and Beyond.

Any questions ask here, because I’m the one hurting @sorry-but-no-sorry and my own feelings by coming up with the lore.

[vodika-vibes]

Requesting some more love for Boss please!

Wanted

Summary: You and Boss are on the run from the Empire.

Pairing: Clone Commando Boss x Reader

Word Count: 944

Warnings: None

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni

A/N: I'm not sure I'm happy with this, but I have a migraine forming, so this is all I have. Sorry.

“Rules are meant to be broken,” You proclaim, as you wave your wrench towards Boss, who stares at you with a single raised brow.

“That thought, cyare, is why you’re wanted on 13 planets.”

“Wrong!” Your wrench slips out of your hand and clatters to the floor of the ship loudly, “That’s because the Empire ain’t shit!”

He rolls his eyes, “Anyway,” Boss says, “Since we can no longer hide on Daiyu-”

“-that isn’t my fault-” You interrupt.

“Since we can’t hide out on Daiyu anymore,” Boss continues as if you hadn’t spoken, “Where should we go next?”

You stoop to pick up your wrench and shove it into its place, “Outer Rim, maybe? Or Wild Space is an option.”

“I was kind of hoping that you would offer a name,” Boss says with a sigh, “But sure, let’s start with Outer Rim worlds, they’re not likely to bend to the Empire.”

You grin at him, and enthusiastically fling your arms around his neck. He sighs but wraps his arms around your waist, “How about Tatooine?”

“Mm. Sand, sun, slaves, and Hutts. My four most favorite things in the galaxy.” Boss says sarcastically. 

You laugh, “No one will look for us there.” You tempt.

“Right. Until you somehow piss off the Hutt Cartel and we have to run from both the Empire and the Hutts.”

“You make it sound like I go around insulting people all the time.” You say with a pout.

“You told the Grand Moff to take a long walk off a short pier and then broke his nose, and frankly I’m surprised that you lived to meet me in the first place.”

“I take issue with fascists.” You sniff.

He lightly squeezes your hips, “I need you to chill the fuck out, cyare. I’m looking for my brothers, which I can’t do when we’re being chased from Imperial worlds.”

“So you want me to behave?”

“That would be a nice change from normal.” Boss counters.

You rest your forehead against his chest plate, and then sigh, “Fine. We can hide out on Tatooine, just long enough for the heat to die down, and then we’ll go back to Imperial space and look for Fixer, Scorch, and Sev.”

“Thank you, cyare.” He kisses your forehead and then releases you to head towards the cockpit, “The ship isn’t going to fall apart on me when I try to jump to hyperspace, is it?”

“No! Er…probably not.”

“Try to keep the ship from blowing up on us, please cyare.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll do my best.” You turn back to the engines, and open the net to run a quick google search.

While you know how you ended up in this situation (a comedy of errors that started with you getting into a fist fight with someone who used to be part of the 501st and ended with you on the run from the Empire with a former Clone Commando), sometimes you have a hard time comparing what your life used to be to what it’s become.

You were an art student, once. Sure, an art student with anarchist tendencies who was anti government and anti war and went to protests and organized riots from time to time, but you were still an art student. 

And now here you are, slowly working your way up the Empires shit list.

Honestly, the best thing that’s happened to you in the last year is meeting Boss.

You glance towards the cockpit, where Boss is removing some of the bulkier pieces of his armor for comfort, and a small smile crosses your face.

Boss just appeared on your doorstep about a year ago. He had been beaten half to death and needed help, and you’re still not sure how he found you, but you’re glad that he did.

You managed to patch him up, and when he admitted that there was something rotten in the former Republic and that he was looking for his brother, you jumped at the chance to help him.

Anything was better than sitting around and watching as Palpatine destroyed everything good and honest and true in the galaxy.

And six months after that, when you were hiding from Imperial soldiers on Dantooine, you kissed him. And he kissed you back. And then he kissed you again and again.

And now here you are, six months later, in a relationship with a man who you never would have met if the Empire hadn’t taken over. 

Silver linings, right?

“Cyare? How are we looking?” Boss calls from the cockpit.

“I think we’re good. At least, according to the schematics I’m looking at online.” You say as you step out of the engine room and shut the door behind you.

He glances at you, “Alright. Then grab your seat, and we’ll see if we can’t make it to Tatooine.” You grin and climb into the co-pilot’s seat, tucking your feet under you, you turn your attention on him, and smile adoringly.

“What?”

“Just thinking about how we met.” You reply.

He glances at you, and a small smile crosses his face, “Smartest thing I’ve ever done. Right up there with kissing you on Dantooine and that night on Rishi.”

“You really liked that night on Rishi.” You say with a laugh.

“I liked the outfit you were wearing, and the way you looked under the moonlight,” Boss says easily, “And I really liked the way that you looked at me.”

You laugh and stretch out, “I really liked that night on Rishi too. We should do that more often.”

“Once we’re safe.” Boss promises, he focuses on the navigation computer, “Ready to go, cyare?”

“Ready.”

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Melissa Hazen Codex Entry

NAME: Melissa BLOODNAME: Hazen DECANTED: DEC-16-2990 PRIMARY GENETIC CONTRIBUTIONS: Hazen, Elizabeth C.; Turkina LISTED TRAINING (SOURCE) - MechWarrior (CLAN JADE FALCON) - Light Infantry (FURSONA'S FUSILIERS) - SERE (FURSONA'S FUSILIERS) - Anti-Mech Infantry (FURSONA'S FUSILIERS) - Commando Infantry (FURSONA'S FUSILIERS) - Jump Infantry (SLDF) KNOWN PARTICIPATED OPERATIONS [ERROR, MAXIMUM DISPLAYABLE FILE LENGTH EXCEEDED] CONFIRMED OPERATIONAL STATS MECH KILLS - 1715 (+225 shared, +160 probable) CV KILLS - 2150 (+75 shared, +100 probable) BATTLE ARMOR KILLS - 565 (+105 probable) KNOWN INJURIES - Gunshot wound(s), various calibers (total est. 31). Treated. - Stab wound(s), various weapons (total est. 7). Treated. - Concussion(s), various sources (total est. 20). Treated. - Animal bite(s), serious, venomous (total est. 5). Treated with antivenin. - Animal bites, serious, non-venomous (total est. 13). Treated. - Multiple fracture, leg (3025). Treated. - Liver failure via alcohol ingestion. Function restored with cloned replacement. - Left foot middle talon damaged (c. 07-02-3025). Repaired, subsequently Carbon Fiber Reinforced; along w/ all other talons. CURRENT OPERATIONAL STATUS [Functional]

[talesfrommedinastation]

My redneck neighbor Doug reads my fanfiction for 'The Bad Batch'

Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

I made the gross error of telling Doug that I was writing a novel length fanfiction crossover of The Bad Batch and The Expanse. It's here if you'd like to take a gander yourself.

A massive fan of both, Doug practically hooted with joy when I mentioned it at a barbeque. So, like a dumbass, I sent him a link to the fic, thinking he’d wax praise on me.

I had forgotten how aggressively irreverent this man is. I was in for a beating.

Hint: I quickly sketched this up and sent it to Doug asking if this is how he imagined Tech and Sjael Drummer in the story. He said yes, and was ECSTATIC. I'm 99% sure it's on his fridge now. Next to @amalthiaph's piece of course.

CW: It's Doug, he's not child friendly. Y'all should've figured it out by now.

They're looking at me like 'We're a clone commando genius and a pilot with a Ph.D in chemical engineering. WTF is this hillbilly shit?"

Anywho, here’s the delightful exchange we had after he finished up the current chapter:

Doug: So, lemme get this straight. We got a nice pretty Belter scientist-engineer, Sa-Jail Drummah, –so the lady’s a space Cajun. She got an undercut, tattoos, some Indian blood in her, and a crazy bitch sister who was in the Navy! Yup, pure Gulf Shore girl, got it. Sa-Jail’s a chemical engineer, I bet she got her degree at USM* like a good gal. And she meets Ryan-from-Accounting, who is a space redneck, because the boy’s a Mandalorian clone. And they’re all out camping, nice. It’s a white trash love story in space, awesome. Love it.

Me: It’s not a white trash love story in space, DOUG.

Doug: Oh, it ain’t? Let’s see here…the first time the boy meets the girl, she’s setting up a shitty perimeter fence around her trailer in the woods and he holds her up at gunpoint in the middle of the night. That’s some bayou romance right up in there. Did she show him her shrimping boat after that?”

Me: …that is true. No shrimping boat, but he joins her on a hike the next day.

Doug: Taking a girl out into the woods to show her what a rough rugged redneck you are! That’s classic white trash mating rituals right there. I’ve seen it in action my whole life, I know it when I see it. Did the boy talk about his guns?

Me: No, but he does talk about his time in the armed forces and his brothers. His guns are in his backpack. 

Doug: Guns on the first date? Seriously. And bragging about your time in the USMC is like, the first thing a redneck does to impress a lady besides talking about his truck and his smoker and how much he goes to church. This is real redneck courtship happening in this story. Oh, and the part where they finally start banging?”

Me: (takes deep breath) What about it? 

Doug: First of all, my wife, she loved that part!

Me: YOU READ THIS TO YOUR WIFE?!**

Doug: Well, yeah! She loves a good romance and we had a long drive that day. Anyway, Sa-Jail had just been bitching about her ex-oyfriend, or was it ex-husband?

Me: Ex-fiance.

Doug: Same difference. Anyway, Toby***–clearly named after Toby Keith like a good Southern man–left her for some other chick after he joined the Navy because that’s how the Navy man rolls. Just like Toaster Strudel's daddy. Wasn’t Toby a pilot? Yup, sounds like an average day in Pensacola to me. Flew his Blue Angel to different poon. Then, Sa-Jail, well, she needed somebody else to wash her mouth out, per se. 

So, after knowing the man for what, two or three days, she flings herself at Ryan-from-Accounting and they proceed to hump like coked-out rabbits all over her trailer. And in TRUE Cajun fashion, Sa-Jail is so impressed by Ryan-from-Accounting’s pipelaying skills that she makes him DINNER. And what does Ryan-from-Accounting do that any self-preserving redneck man would do with a woman he just started dating?

Me: Enlighten my Yankee self, Doug.

Doug: HE CALLS ALL HIS HUNGRY RELATIVES OVER TO JOIN THEM FOR THEIR FIRST DINNER TOGETHER. Which they all enjoy outside the trailer! Cookout style! Nothing says ‘redneck romance’ like ‘Hey sugar, you and me just started getting serious five minutes ago, now HERE IS MY WHOLE FAMILY. FROM MY BROTHER CLAYTON THAT JUST GOT RELEASED FROM ANGOLA TO MY COUSIN CAROLLYNN WHO HAS FIVE BABY DADDIES. ALSO WE ARE GOING TO CHURCH TOMORROW AND GETTING CRACKER BARREL AFTER THAT SO GET A NICE DRESS OR MEEMAW AND MY AUNTIES WILL JUDGE.” 

Me: Jesus Christ, Doug, that is not what happened.

::Doug screenshots my longfic and sends it to me and I am deceased because he’s not exactly wrong::

Doug: And of course, Sa-Jail is a good Cajun woman, just rolls up her sleeves and feeds everybody because that’s how the bayou babe do. The rest of the story might as well be called ‘Real Housewives of Space Slidell’ for all of the white trash shenanigans that follow. Let’s see here…there’s knife chasing, screaming, someone gets pregnant out of wedlock, a fist fight while someone’s driving, lots of guns, tattoos, motorcycles, a cowboy bar, a hot Southern nurse, lots of cussing, baby daddy drama, biscuits and gravy, Navy veterans, Ryan-from-Accounting’s various brothers from different daddies show up and they all want food and a place to stay, hooch-making, pimp-slaps, more guns…this is a real Cajun-Redneck tale of love. With spaceships. It’s great!

Me: I’m speechless, Doug.

Doug: Jenny loved the scenes where they cross a river with the motorcycle and then they do the nasty next to it. That’s 10/10 on the redneck  Was Ryan-from-Accounting playing ‘Fishin’ in the Dark’ in the background on his phone, too?” 

Me: I AM GENUINELY SPEECHLESS, DOUG. 

@eyecandyeoz, did he do a good job capturing the essence of the story? LOL

---------------------------------------------------------------------

*=In Doug’s defense, University of Southern Mississippi has an incredible department regarding chemical engineering and specifically, polymer science. So he’s not far off.

**=I DIED, I’M DEAD, A GHOST IS WRITING THIS RIGHT NOW. 

***=HIS NAME WAS NOT TOBY FFS. 

[pirunika]

You have asked about the great mother now I will share all my knowledge ….. error xD

But :3 I definitely recommending every Star Wars book she’s made but start first with republic commando makes me sob don’t read the new versions with the ugly Disney covers so annoyed Disney did that

But I feel like you’ll love rav bralor older scary Mando lady who keeps the men in line xD and scares the shit out of kal and all the other Mando men

But I love etain :3 my precious baby

She’s written republic commando and three books in legacy of the force and two other clone wars novels

Oh I think you’ll love bobas wife and daughter and granddaughter aswell :3

Republic... Commando 📝 got it 🥰🤗❣️❣️❣️

[cienie-isengardu]

My RepCom Musing: Vau’s cover up story

"Sergeant Vau!" he barked. No Walon, then. "What in the name of the Force happened to Skirata? I've just passed him."

Vau was the only being Scorch had ever seen who could come to a halt grudgingly. "He's fine."

"He is not fine. He's badly injured. He can't even stand up straight."

Vau inhaled slowly. "We were having a philosophical discussion, as Mandalorians often do, and I asserted that the only demonstrable reality was individual consciousness, but he insisted on the existence of a priori moral values that transcended free will. So I hit him."

Zey didn't even blink. "You think you're so witty."

"No, I think you should stay out of Mando clan business. It's for your own good. Now, do you want a report, or not?"

Zey gestured Vau into a side lobby. So the old chakaar really had been spying on Skirata. Scorch was actually surprised, and even a little disappointed but Zey had a point; and it was an inarguable order. Scorch stood to one side, trying to look-and feel-as if he wasn't listening intently.

"I see that arrests have been swift," Zey said.

"Some stupid clerk, General," said Vau. "So Skirata is not your traitor, even though he is a light-fingered little scumbag who'd steal your teeth if you smiled at him. But I don't think you'll see a continuation of his dishonest habits, because he now understands the error of his ways."

Scorch translated into plain language. So Vau had given Skirata a good hiding for causing trouble, and made him swear not to rip off Republic funds and kit again. That was . . . unexpected. Scorch had always had Skirata down as the alpha Mando, even if he had to stand on a box to head-butt Vau.

"I'm relieved." Zey nodded shoulders relaxing visibly. "I didn't want to think I was that far misguided about his motives."

Republic Commando: Order 66

One of reasons why I love Vau so much is because the man is so witty. But also the way he solves problems is worth of notice. Like in the fragment above. Walon made a story to cover up what happened between Darman and Kal. Which is 2 in 1... or maybe even 3 in 1 type of solution, come to think about that. One, saving Darman’s ass for assault of the higher rank, as sergeant Skirata is in fact his superior first and foremost in military hierarchy then a father (if even this could be acknowledged by non-Mandalorian personnel and GAR bureaucracy, as the clones do not have civil rights and they are property of Republic, so how one could adopt them in the light of legal laws?). Because of Vau’s story, Darman won’t be held responsible and thus, Etain’s relationship with clone commando and their child is not put into picture, as there will be no investigation that could dig up so far into Darman’s reasoning for assault. And lastly but no less important, Vau’s story made Zey - and Scorch - to think it was him who beat Kal for breaking rules thus he cleared Kal of charges, since it was Zey who asked Vau to keep an eye on Skirata to make sure he isn’t working against the best interest of Republic. By Vau taking all the blame, he made Kal, Darman, Etain and little Kad safe for time being and Zey to be reassured  everything is now ok-ish.

However the one big complain I have about this scene is

partially about

why the hell Scorch would think Kal is the alpha Mando and call Vau the chakaar?  And yes, this word was used through the story as general insult even if its at the core a term for thief, grave robber [as was explained in Triple Zero’s little dictionary added at the end of book]. This word here does not sound right for me.  Calling Vau an old bastard? Sure, bastard always fits. Old Psycho? Vau was called this one too. But chakaar? Geez, Mando language is supposed to be full of “insults” but we operate all the time on the same, worn out terms. And worse, Scorch even being disappointed a bit by Vau “checking out” what his fellow buddy is doing? When TC and O66 made it pretty clear Deltas aren’t even sure if Kal and his precious Nulls are still on their side? Disappointed that Vau “solved” a problematic Kal’s behavior without dragging outsiders (and Deltas) into this if Skirata presumably stole GAR stuff intended for clones to use during missions? And even if the money were meant for clones’ best interest, Skirata’s illegal activities placed Deltas and other commandos in an awkward position. So.. Do we really need Deltas/Scorch being such a fan of Kal's when they weren’t his boys and had plenty of doubt about the man’s loyalty in the first place? How that even makes sense, I wonder...?

and partially

why the hell the books have this weird notion of Alpha Mando (Skirata), Alpha between Nulls (Ordo), Alpha Female (Besany). Like, really? Who even looks at people and puts them into such categories? Okay, one character’s fine, a specific way of said person. But at least three different POVs / narratives (four, if we count Ordo’s POV about himself and Kal) went with True Colors, Order 66 and Imperial Commando: 501 and I totally hate those kinds of terms.  

[jgvfhl]

Memory

This is a concept I have been kicking around in my brain since Forever. It's sort of included in my fic on Ao3 To Kill the King, but this is the more generic version, I guess? It's based in the theory of collective memory, and considering Fives and Echo have lived and trained with each other for years, they'd have some serious overlap in cognitive routine. Anyway, @fivesarctrooper said they'd read it! So here ya go! It's pain!

Memory is a fickle thing--something everyone learns about a billion times in their life. Mostly, it was inconsequential. Forgetting a few events, a few names, a few places usually wasn’t a huge deal, but most people weren’t supposed to be perfectly engineered fighting machines. Clones couldn’t exactly afford a lapse in memory, not if it meant forgetting which planet had the purple plants that killed you and which one had the purple plants for food. There was even less room for error for clones with extra training, like ARCs or commandos.

And Fives had been forgetting things.

Little things, usually, like briefing times, shift changes, stuff like that. And it was starting to piss him off, actually. He’d been remembering these things for years now, he’d been in a routine for the past two years doing the same things on the same ship over and over. He should have known it was his turn to run bunk inspections this week, not have Jesse remind him twice already.

His feet carried him to the sparring rooms of their own accord, but he decided against arguing with them. Apparently, he needed to go over his damn schedule with himself because he couldn’t keep track of it anymore. Not since--

Well.

Anymore.

He piled his armor in one corner, muttering under his breath about how stupid this whole thing was. How angry he was at himself.

“Next thing you know, I’m gonna forget which end of the blaster goes up,” he grumbled, stalking towards one of the dummies and swinging his arms to loosen up.

The day you forget how to use a blaster is the day Rex retires, i.e. never. And you’ve got a briefing in forty minutes.

Fives opened his mouth to respond, then froze, half in a fighting guard. He had a briefing in forty minutes. When had he remembered that? And more importantly, he looked around. Who in the hell had just reminded him? He was the only one in the room.

He shook his head. Best not to question what was helping him. “Since when did I have a briefing in forty minutes?” he said, mostly to himself, rubbing his eyes.

Since yesterday when you were talking with Rex…

… Right. He remembered that now. He actually remembered it, he could recall the conversation where he had agreed to have a meeting today. Okay, while his brain was in a remembering mood, what else was he forgetting?

He crossed his arms, cupping his chin with one hand. “Briefing in forty. Still doing bunks today. What else?” Something nagged at his brain. “There’s something else…”

You haven’t done a kitrep in about a week, and you haven’t eaten since 1800 yesterday.

His stomach gurgled as if to prove the point. Well. He had some rations stashed away, he could eat before the briefing. It was a little unnerving he’d almost forgotten to eat, though.

Yeah, you’d be dead without me, we know, you’re welcome.

“Would not,” he muttered.

Ooh, look at me, I’m Stick Man the ARC trooper, I don’t eat enough--

“Oh, you little--” The sentence never finished, because half-way through, a realization hit.

Echo. That was Echo’s voice. All of it, that was his twin.

A second realization landed just after, carrying enough weight to bring him to his knees on the floor.

Of course he couldn’t remember shit. Of course. Echo had always done that. Echo did the schedules and the meetings and the reminders. Fives’ memory had been dependent on that for years.

And suddenly, it was gone.

A bright flash, a huge noise, a wave of heat, and half his memory had come unmoored.

Fives finally just sat down on the mats, curling his knees to his chest and hiding his face in his arms. It wasn’t fair. Not only had he watched yet another batchmate go up in flames and had to leave him behind, but it felt like he’d lost his mind to boot. Like there was an Echo-shaped hole in his life and he kept tripping into it, face-first. He couldn’t just keep tripping. He was an ARC, he had shinies to keep alive, he had a captain who depended on him. There wasn’t time to trip up. There wasn’t time…

“So what? What am I gonna do?” he murmured, because it’s what he would have asked Echo.

You’ll keep going. Keep pushing forward, you’re good at that. When you start feeling like you’re stuck, I’ll be here. Always have been.

Fives could almost see the soft smile his brother would have given him, could almost feel the gentle nudge to his shoulder. But he kept his head down. He wanted a few more seconds to pretend his world hadn’t been turned inside-out last week. But not too long: he had a briefing in thirty minutes, and Echo wouldn't let him forget it.

[sorry-but-no-sorry]

Part 2 of the Cadel Aliit holopics series !

The 2 main characters who don’t know they will spend the rest of their lives together yet.

Back then 404 being a commando knew and cared only about his batch mates and due to his rank, tended to act like a dick to clones lower than him.

Reg (freshly named thanks to a particular lanky commando) on the other end, suffered the losses of to many brothers troopers and grew accustomed to being by himself in the workshop…

(Featuring his beloved Caff machine Lucy !)

@exhaustedtech99

[writer1]

New clone oc

Clone Commander Gears

He is based off of Error, who is @sorry-but-no-sorry oc. She gave me permission to use the idea, so go check out her oc!

He was a clone in the war, before he died.

During a battle he was killed, but his brain was taken by a mad scientist and put in the body of a Commando droid.

He's very scared when he wakes up, and nervous. Freaks out when he sees his body.

He was a Commander in his own squad, but they are all gone.

He is found by the 501st, Rex calls up Cody and the other Commanders immediately.

They all thought he was dead, now they don't know what to think.

His brothers all run to the 501st as soon as they can meet up with them on Coruscant.

As soon as Cody sees his little brother, what has been done to him. He's furious.

He pushes down his fury though, and runs over to hug his brother. Rex hugs him as well, and so do the other Commanders.

They have to help him remember everything, there's lots of dark spaces in his memory.

He ends up joining the 501st, who welcome him with open arms.

Before he "died" he was an older brother to the domino twins as well, he returns after Echo dies.

It hurts him after he remembers them, and he has to convince himself to talk to Fives.

When he does, they mourn Echo together. Fives makes sure to stIck close to gears after that, along with Rex.

Gears used to be very confident, but after he gets put in a droids body, he becomes very shy.

He's very unsure, and scared of even touching his brothers just in case he hurts them.

Acts more like a Shiny afterwards, but after a year he starts to act like his old self.

He loves Cadets and Shiny's, and always hangs with them, showing them the ropes.

He's still like that after he's turned into a droid, although he's hurt when he scared them by mistake.

It takes a while for word of a Commando droid brother in the 501st to get around, so there are a few close calls.

They always hurt Gears, not physically. It saddens him a lot, to know his brothers don't recognize him as a brother.

That's all I have for him right now, but I'm planning to have more. I'm accepting headcanon requests for him, if anyone would like to send them in!

Taglist:@ahsokatano-thetogruta @pro-fangirls-unsocial-life @captainrexisboo

[exhaustedtech99]

Error n’ Reg Shenanigans #56

@sorry-but-no-sorry

“Apparently Sev found another commando who got out, he’s bringing him here for a meeting.”

Cadel sighed as she went to join Skirata at the mock landing site his little compound had.

He always got excited at the prospect of finding a clone that managed to get away, moreso if they were a commando.

Hoping to find more of his boys, she thinks.

The sting of that thought has lessened over the years, she realized, I guess time will heal all wounds.

Cadel joined the Cuy’val Dar late, she never saw herself training elite squads of any kind, she had been listless, after so much loss in her life she needed something to focus on. Kal Skirata was the one who talked Jango into sending out the invite to her, and she accepted.

Having lost her family, she already felt like she didn’t exist, so why not make it official?

She’d only had time enough to train one batch before being discharged after Jango Fetts death, but that was all the time she needed to become attached.

“Buir, can I help?”

00, Flare, Snap, and 404…her sweet 404. Always wanting to know what she was doing and if he could help, her little cooking assistant. She remembered once he snuck down to the kitchen to steal ingredients, apparently she was out, just to make his vod a late night snack.

Hearing they had survived Geonosis, one of a few commando units to do so, filled her heart with pride, that she taught her boys well and they used what they learned and survived.

When Skirata called, yet again, asking if she would help him as a advisor for the commando’s, she jumped at the chance. If anything to see her aliit again.

She saw them a handful of times since, listening to them excitedly tell her about their last mission while she treated them to her home cooking, bragging they get it fresh knowing she’d bring the leftovers to the barracks for whatever squad was back at that time.

“Cadel…the report says they are MIA, no bodies were discovered but it’s highly likely they-Cadel I am so sorry”

Skirata delivered her the news, after throwing a fit at the Jedi who sent them on the mission. She lost count of how many times she’d gone over the report.

Standard information retrieval mission, in and out, her boys had done similar before. But this one…something was wrong with it. Location, nature of the intel, all blacked out and now behind so much red tape. To much for it to be the “standard” they kept saying it was.

Skirata, ever the bleeding heart, tried to help and find out as much as he could. Going so far to have one of his boys slice into the system to see what he could find.

Nothing.

More blacked out documents.

They were gone.

She grieved, still grieved, but remained to help. If anything she strived to help keep the others alive, they deserved better than this…better than what her boys got.

Which is how she found herself here, after everything went to osik’la she helped Skirata get his own out and started this little clan. She still felt the outsider, these weren’t her ad’ika.

Flare, always patching up his vod.

Snap, constantly hacking into her data pad and changing her training programs.

00, she never knew someone could find so many creative ways to blow things up.

404, for as quiet as he was on his feet and as lethal a assassin as he was…he was the most gentlest of the 4.

As she stood by Skirata, watching the ship land, she thought back on everything. Her training Sigma, their death, everything leading up to now. Skirata joked Sev was now her’s, all she did was mother the man when he first came here, and he took a liking to her cooking. Anything with nuts.

The ship lands, dust settles, side door slides open, ramp comes down, time to meet the new member to clan Skirata-

Cadel freezes.

Sev is first off, following him is a familiar face.

They all have familiar faces Cadel, it can’t be-

But the tattoo…she remembered, right before Geonosis, her boys wanted to get tattooed.

Flare and his blue square, Snap a purple triangle, Flare a red circle, and 404…her 404…a green X.

Whoever this was saw her, he looked as surprised as she felt, but his excitement quickly turned to concern as he raised his hands in surrender.

“Cadel, what are you-ok…Cadel…lower the blaster.”

Cadel wasn’t aware she had drew her side arm and was pointing it at this stranger. It felt like she was outside her body, Skirata calmly talking her to lower her blaster sounding muffled to her ears, Sev looking between the two confused.

“Who are you?” She was proud she kept the shake from her voice.

“Buir…it’s me-“

“I’m not your Buir.”

The hurt that crossed his face at that statement caused her heart to ache, but this wasn’t 404. 404 died with his squad, this clone is some imposter who dared to get the same tattoo as her ad’ika.

“Buir, it really is me-“

“No, no it’s not.”

“Cadel-“ Skirata reached out to grab her arm, to get her to lower her blaster.

“No, I want to know who this is, and why he has Fo’ika’s tattoo.”

“Well that’s a long story, but it is me Buir-“

“I am not your Buir, my ad died, years ago. You aren’t him.”

The stranger took a deep breath and started reciting…a recipe? Cadel was confused at first till it clicked. It was a dish she used to make when her boys did well on a training exercise. But how-

“How do you know that?” She couldn’t keep the shake out of her voice that time.

“You used to make it for us…heh, once I snuck out of our room to go to the kitchens and-“

“-stole the ingredients to make it,” Cadel didn’t know what to feel, “all because the others wanted a midnight snack.”

“404?”

He looked sad, “You are half right Buir, 404 did die, it’s Error now.”

[ace-oreos]

Fordo being protective of his batchmates, that’s it that’s the ask please

Fordo being a good brother is just...  🥺 🥺 🥺

I really love his relationship with his vode okay 

I broke this down into three little snapshot type things so we could squeeze in some other characters besides just Fordo and Alpha. :D Borrowing Vortex was entirely necessary and I am SO DOWN to do it again - 

Anyways. Hope you like it! And I hope I didn’t write Fordo too similar to Alpha. XD

Tags: @dudewhynotthis @delta-the-mando @merspots @the-mandalorian-clone-lover @or-te-ka-ra (taglist is open!) 

17’s distracted frown has become a common sight lately. Fordo can only guess its cause this time around - it could be anything from cadets not performing to standard to another report of high casualties from another pointless assault ordered by a nat-born officer. 

Whatever the reason, it doesn’t take him long to decide that someone ought to broach the subject. It’s hardly likely that 17 will decide to do it himself, so Fordo takes the initiative.

“Me’vaar ti gar?” he asks, keeping his tone casual.

“The usual.” 17 looks tired. He’ll never admit it, of course, but it just so happens that Fordo knows him better than most. You weren’t always like this.

The usual could mean any number of things. 17 isn’t keeping him in the dark deliberately, but Fordo never liked having to guess and prod for details.

“Performance scores,” his brother clarifies as if he sensed the incoming question. “They’re lower than they should be, and I’d be lying if I said I knew why.”

“New batch?” Fordo guesses.

17 shakes his head. “That’s the problem. They’re halfway through the course.”

“Have you changed anything lately?”

“Nothing that wasn’t planned for.”

“Give them some time,” Fordo advises. It’ll likely do little to placate his brother, but on the whole 17 tends to take such things better when it comes from Fordo. A nat-born or a shiny wouldn’t stand a chance.

“We haven’t got time,” 17 mutters, more to himself than Fordo. 

“If you’ve done your job, you’ve done everything you can,” Fordo says bracingly, hoping a more direct approach will resonate with 17. “The rest is up to them.”

“If they’re not up to standard, then that’s on me,” 17 says flatly. 

It’s not a matter of their lackluster performance reflecting poorly on 17, Fordo knows; it’s the difference between life and death. For all that 17 insists on separating himself from his cadets, he wouldn’t have bothered taking training detail if he didn’t care. 

“You’ll figure it out,” Fordo assures. “Or it’ll work itself out. There’s bound to be some trial and error along the way.”

17 doesn’t look convinced, but his chin dips in a nod.

You’ll see, Fordo promises, wishing he could better articulate some sort of reassurance, if 17 would tolerate it. It’s not always down to you. 

He��s always pushed himself too hard, 17 - always burdened himself with carrying the weight of Jango’s legacy as though he couldn’t entrust any of the man’s ninety-nine other sons to do the job themselves. Fordo shouldn’t count himself grateful, but he can’t deny that he would be all too happy to pass it up, given the choice.

Better you than me, ner vod.

Fordo doesn’t pretend he always understands what goes on his brother’s mind, but if he can share that burden, even temporarily… well, he’ll have upheld his end of the deal. 

______________

For all that they’re soldiers, the near-constant disquiet lurking in Vortex’s eyes is a stark reminder that there are some obstacles even Jango Fett couldn’t overcome.

Fordo prefers to have a target in front of him, himself - an enemy that has the decency to identify itself from the start. He’s never grappled with things that can’t be seen when he can avoid it; those are Jedi matters, the likes of which Fordo doesn’t have any problem ignoring so long as it’s not an imminent threat.

He doesn’t bother asking Vortex if he’s okay. In short, he’s not. His brother is fearless and cunning and strong-willed - but he’s vulnerable, too. He’s on guard far too often for one to wonder if there isn’t a reason for it.

You don’t have to protect yourself from me, Fordo wants to say. But the invitation to lower those carefully crafted shields will only drive Vortex away. It’s a complexity Fordo doesn’t fancy he’ll ever unravel, so he navigates the situation as best he can.

“I have some stuff to take care of if you want to join me,” he says. “Mission reports and the like. Nothing exciting, but I’d welcome the company.”

The answer in Vortex’s eyes is plain. The hesitation isn’t far behind. It’s almost painful, to see how clearly his brother longs to give in, only to be held back by some inhibition that isn’t entirely of his own making.

“Hey,” Fordo presses gently. This isn’t his territory at all, but if he doesn’t try, who will? 

“You don’t have to explain anything to me if you’re not ready. But you don’t have to be alone, either.”

Vortex wavers.

“Besides, someone has to keep me on track,” he continues, opting for a route that’s kinder all around. “As Seventeen so kindly reminds me, I’ve been lagging in the paperwork department.”

Vortex’s first instinct will always be to turn to Alpha, but Fordo likes to imagine he’s a suitable alternative. He doesn’t think he’s imagining the gratitude that smooths the creases of his brother’s frown. 

It’s not quite a smile, but it tells Fordo everything Vortex doesn’t yet know how to say.

_____________

Plenty of their brothers dismiss Maze out of hand for being too uptight or too rigid, but there are times when Fordo finds his methodical manner oddly reassuring. It’s almost comical, the contrast between their respective approaches, but Maze is as steady as they come. 

“Sounds messy,” Maze opines when Fordo gives him a rundown of the situation that’s brewing in the Ryloth system.

“Got it in one.” Talking to a grainy holo of his brother isn’t half as satisfying as holding a conversation face-to-face, but Fordo takes what he can get. “Guess who’s on standby.”

“Why not send an infantry battalion?” Maze says critically. “Your squad shouldn’t be used as front-line troops.”

“Tell that to command,” Fordo says, unable to hold back a sigh. “We go where sent.”

“Go careful, though, yeah?”

“With the way things have been going this could blow over in a few days. I’m not too worried.”

“Or it could get out of hand,” Maze cautions. “I wouldn’t assume anything if I were you.”

It’s nothing Fordo hasn’t figured out for himself, but he doesn’t berate his brother for it. Maze doesn’t get too many field missions anymore; Fordo can only imagine how frustrating it must be to watch the rest of the Special Operations Brigade come and go on any number of high-risk assignments. 

“You ought to see if Zey will let you loose for a while,” he suggests. “Field ops take priority over paperwork.” 

Desk duty is a waste of Maze’s skills, too, but even Fordo knows better than to say that.

Maze’s jaw tightens. “I’m sure someone will need a new assignment soon.”

Not that they have the numbers for that; the first year of the war did a number on the commando squads. Even with the combined strength of the cross-trained ARCs and Republic commandos, they’re operating at less than half the original strength of the brigade. Fordo doesn’t see the sense in keeping Maze tied to Coruscant, and he can’t fathom why it’s so difficult for General Zey to puzzle out, either. 

“We’ll watch our backs,” Fordo promises. “You promised me a drink a while ago, remember?” 

Maze cracks a smile. “So I did.”

“I’m holding you to that. Gotta have something to keep me going out here.”

“K’oyacyi, ner vod.”

[anstarwar]

As an artist who loves drawing Clones, from “I will draw this with ease” to “cry at your desk internally”, would you rank the types of Clone armour when drawing the Clones. This is ranging from the Phase 1, Phase 2 and Clone Commando armour. There’s probably more I’m not aware of, so feel free to add them to your small ranking list. I’m just curious, cause I can tell drawing armour can be the bane of an artist’s life.

I love your drawings though! They’re amazing!

Thank you for sending this! Ok so I think a list, yes a list will do quite nicely for this, so ranking from 1 (I will draw this with ease) to 5 (crying at desk, gnashing of teeth, walking back and forth while shaking my head at my tablet and saying "no" like Gollum) Phase 1 Clone Armor: 3....because there are SO MANY PLATES. Still, despite it having a simpler bucket, there are just *cries* SO MANY PLATES and angles...I'd say this is the easiest armor to draw, but not by much

Phase 2 Clone Armor: 5...because, again, SO MANY PLATES, but then they have the audacity to add breathy hole greeblies, antenna, scopes, and angles, and....aesthetically give me Phase 2 over Phase 1, but drawing it? I... *shakes head again like Gollum from Lord of the Rings*

Oh hey and also special shout cry out to our favorite commanders who feel the sun is just too much for the delicate eyes and went and added visors to their buckets...*lovingly glares at Fox, Cody, Thorn, etc.* (ok but for real, I love drawing their visors, I don't know why, it's tough (for me) as all get out, but...artistic pain and suffering I guess?)

Now onto the specialists!

ARC Trooper Armor: 15....greeblies, angles, plates, AND NOW YOU WANT A PAULDRON(S) AND A SKIRT? Are you kidding me with this? There are also buckles upon buckles....these ARCs were outfitted and went "oh no not enough, let's hit up Hot Topic for some Utilikilts and buckle pants..maybe we'll just add plaid...."(I need to draw a plaid ARC now)....

Commando aka Katarn Armor: 4.5....this shit is bulky...like bulky and angular with an extra special frowny face bucket and a clip-on (duct taped on?) backpack for extra stuff (probably cupcakes and candy). Ok so despite it's bulky angular-ness, Katarn armor is actually some of my favorite to draw I think because the bulkiness leaves more room for hiding of errors? Also look at this face? It's....it's the puppy dog face of the armor types

I'm guessing I'm missing types of armor as well, but these, I think, are the 4 big types. All in all, I really love drawing Clones, both because of and despite their armor. There's something therapeutic about drawing them and finding out their personalities which I think very much is reflected in the armor and armor paint they choose. Once again, thanks again for sending this in, sorry if it got longer than you expected. XD

[bleachanimefan1]

Turtles Forever Part 77

Bishop's Gambit

In the Lair, Splinter, the turtles, and the girls were all meditating.

"We have faced many adversaries, we have fought many battles, and we have been victorious," Splinter said. "But, do we know why?"

"Because shell we're good," Mikey answered, holding up his arm. Splinter smacked him with is staff. "Uh, sorry sensei."

Splinter cleared his throat. "We have survived these many trials and tests by following the path of ninjitsu and by finding and using?" Leo thought for a minute.

"Our inner strength?" he guessed.

"Yes, Leonardo, only by focusing on our inner strength can we overcome our enemies," Splinter finished. However, Mikey wasn't listening as he directed his attention towards the pool, confused. "Michelangelo, where is your focus?"

"Uh, right over there, sensei," he answered, pointing to the pool. Strange devices were floating in it. "In the pool."

"What the shell are those things?" Donnie questioned.

"Ground Force to Night Sky, the packages have been delivered," one of the drivers reported.

"Roger, Ground Force. Stand by."

Bishop stepped forward. "Proceed," he replied. The devices activated as they emitted a high frequency throughout the sewers. It drives the rats out, sending them running out into the streets. Leatherhead was hearing the frequencies as well.

"What is that noise?" he asked, painfully as he tried to cover his ears. "I can't think! It has to stop! Someone make it stop!"

In the lair, Splinter was having the same reaction as the rats, as well as Alopex. They both tried to cover their ears.

"Master Splinter?" Leo asked in concern and turned to Donnie. "Don, what's the matter with him?"

He picks up one of the devices. "It's these!"

"The sound, I can't block it out!" Splinter explained, painfully. He faints and Leo catches him in time.

"We need to get them out of here, now!" Leo shouted.

Everyone took the elevator up to the surface and climbed into the Battle Shell, driving off. On the streets, they still heard the sound coming from the devices as they were scattered throughout the city.

"Man, I'm hearing it up here, too!" Raph complained as he drove.

"There seems to be some kind of sonic disruption throughout the city," Donnie explained, looking out the window. "And although it doesn't appear to bother humans, it's clearly targeting to other species."

"Like rats," Leo replied.

"And foxes," Mikey added.

Bishop was in a helicopter. "Beginning sweep to mobile mutated genetic signatures," a soldier reported as he searched the screen until it spotted the Battle Shell. "Right there, sir. Looks like our target."

"Intercept them." Bishop ordered.

"Night Sky to Ground Force, Operation Mousetrap is a go. I repeat, Mousetrap is go."

Suddenly, vans swarmed in front of the oncoming Battle Shell, blocking the road. "What the shell?!" Raph exclaimed and quickly turned as they opened fire. He dodges the bullets, but helicopters were now hovering above, following. They launch several missiles at the Battle Shell.

"We got missiles incoming!" Mikey yelled as he looked out from the passenger side window. Raph manages to dodge some of the missiles but one manages to hit as it lands directly into the Battle Shell. Everyone screamed in surprise until the missile breaks apart, revealing small rounded beads inside of it.

"What are those things?" Mikey panicked.

"I don't know!" Donnie exclaimed. The beads unleash a strange gas and one by one it began knocking everyone out. The truck screeched to a stop as the turtles and girls, along with Mona, holding Elizabeth, tried to get out quickly but was succumbed by the gas, passing out on the street. Three black vans pulled up. Soldiers ran out and took Splinter and Elizabeth. They carried them into the vans and drove away, while several soldiers stayed behind to guard the turtles and girls.

"Targets acquired, sir."

"What about the turtles and girls?" Bishop asked on the other end of the radio.

"Neutralized, sir. Your orders?"

"No survivors," Bishop ordered. The soldier nods to the other three remaining men and they lifted their guns, aiming at the turtles and girls.

"You heard the man, let's finish this," the soldier ordered. Just as they were about to fire, a large shadow lunged out at the soldiers, attacking them. It was Leatherhead. Sounds of their screams haunted the streets before they went deadly silent.

The turtles and girls began to wake up as they found themselves in the abandoned train station. Leo noticed that Splinter was not there.

"Master Splinter!?"

Mona's eyes widen in horror realizing that Elizabeth was gone as well.

"No! Raph, Lizzie's gone!" she cried.

"What?!" Raph's eyes widen as he held Mona, trying to calm her down, and looked around. She wasn't there.

"They abducted them," Leatherhead explained. "I'm sorry, I couldn't stop them. Luckily, the gas was non-lethal."

"Which means, that whoever abducted your sensei and the little one, wanted them alive." a voice called out, surprising Leo and Leatherhead. The Fugitoid stepped out, walking towards everyone, his body was composed of salvaged parts.

"Whoa, new threads, Professor Honeycutt?" Mikey asked.

"Yes, those segments of my memory were purged. We recovered blueprints for my former Sal 1000 body. Overusing Earth technology makes it seem rather...homemade." he replied.

"I hope Master Splinter and Elizabeth are alright," Leo murmured, worried.

"Well, at least we know who took 'em. Those were Bishop's flunky commandos. Now, all we have to do is find 'em!" Raph growled.

"But how?" Donnie questioned.

"Wait a minute, we still have Bishop's subway train car, at least half of it,"

"Let's take this thing apart and find some answers," Leo said as they stepped into the car, starting to take it apart. Donnie placed his laptop next to the Fugitoid.

"I can't seem to hack into the system. A lot of this seems to be Federation and Triceraton tech."

"As well as other alien technology that I am unable to classify," the Fugitoid said. "Your Agent Bishop gets around for an Earthling."

"I don't think that he is even human to begin with," Yuuki commented.

"Wait, there," Leatherhead pointed to a blinking icon on the map. "An automatic recall layered into the train car sub circuitry."

"Hmm," the Fugitoid pondered. "If we reactivate it..."

"The recall signal should be triggered." Leatherhead finished.

"And if we're on board, it'll take us right to Bishop's location." Donnie added.

In Bishop's lab, Splinter was strapped to a gurney as he was starting to wake up. He struggled to break free out of his restraints.

"Oh good, you're awake, Master Splinter." Bishop said, walking up to him, holding Elizabeth.

"Bishop," Splinter glared at him. "Let the child go. She will be of no use to you."

"How wrong you are," the agent smirked, as he tickled Elizabeth's chin who responded back by trying to bite his finger. "Your unique genetic makeup has been very useful to me indeed as well as hers. In fact, the mutated DNA I'm extracting from you even as we speak will help save all humanity."

Splinter narrowed his eyes at him, gritting his teeth. "But, you look confused. Allow me to explain. I work for the Earth Protection Force, a secret government organization assembled to face a mounting crisis. A crisis dating back to 1870, when President Grant created the EPF."

A screen appeared behind Bishop as it came on, revealing a man that resembled Bishop standing next to the president. "After the first extraterrestrials crashed on Earth, extraterrestrials as crisis that continue to this day as we've seen with the recent invasion of those savage Triceratons." he turned to Splinter. "I guarantee you, similar invasions will follow. And someone has to be there to stop them. That is the purpose of the EPF, my purpose, to create a new humanity, a new superior race born of enhanced DNA."

Splinter saw that Bishop was hovering over something, lying on the table. "DNA that have been acquired from genetic manipulation, alien autopsies, and even stolen from your sons and the girls."

Splinter glared at him. "But, it was your mutated rat DNA being nearly so human that has allowed me to finally complete the process, and for that, I thank you." Bishop powered up his laboratory equipment. Electricity began to surge as it began to shock the specimen strapped on the table.

"Yes! It lives! The new evolution of humankind!" Splinter saw a person that looked like a human but it was wearing a helmet on their head and armor.

"The Slayer!"

The turtles and the girls, the Fugitoid and Leatherhead were riding on the train as it took them to the tracking location of Bishop's base.

"Okay," Raph called out, turning to them. "Next stop, Bishop Central."

Bishop walked past his experiments that were in glass tubes. "Not only are these future members of the Earth Protection Force, but they are the new humanity. These clones are awaiting the final DNA sequencing. By cellular acceleration, I can give birth to an army within six hours, fully trained thanks to my advances and bio-data transference. And your DNA. I've uploaded complex survival tactics into this prototype."

"What will you do with them?" Splinter asked, as a crane was lifting him up into the air.

"Mainstream them into the population, of course," Bishop answered. "We have aliens out there right now, living amongst us. My Slayers will ferret them all out."

"Lots of innocent people get "ferreted out." What if errors are made?" Splinter protested. The crane stopped as he was hovering over a glass container.

"Not my concern," Bishop replied. "I'm a bigger picture kind of guy. Besides, my calculations suggests that it would be beneficial if fifty-seven of the the Earth's population simply...disappeared." The crane lowered Splinter into the container. "Just think, my little lab rat. Your DNA will make it all possible. You're lucky you're such an unique organic specimen. You shall be preserved." The container was now beginning to fill up with a green liquid.

One of the soldiers, walked up to Bishop. "Sir, the recall signal for A13 has been activated," he reported. "It's on it's way in."

"Hmm," Bishop murmured, in thought. "That train should haven been destroyed. Prepare a suitable reception, just in case it's occupied."

The train approached as it rolled into a stop. The soldiers ran up to it, surrounding the train. A couple soldiers walked up to the car door. Leatherhead immediately attacked them. Donnie spinned his staff and kneed a soldier in the stomach. Donna jumped over a soldier, landing behind them, as they tried to attack her with their gun. She quickly turned around and slapped a glyph on their backs.

"Huh?" the guard asked confused. Donna smirked. The glyph activated as the guard was launched from off of his feet, slamming into the ceiling then flew at a couple of other soldiers, smacking into them. They fell off the edge, landing right on the train tracks. They let out a loud shriek as the tracks shocked them before going silent. Donnie and Venus both cringed as they watched with a shocked and disturbed look on their faces. Donna turned to them with a smile on her face.

"I'm sure they're okay," she reassured them, as she rubbed the back of her head. No, I'm pretty sure, in fact, that they're dead. Mikey runs up to two soldiers, who were firing at him. Leo and Yuuki disarmed them. "Leatherhead, the door!"

Leatherhead holds it up. "Hurry!" The Fugitoid, the turtles and the girls run over to him. "Hurry, I can't hold it much longer!" He holds it open for them as they run inside then drops it behind them. More guards ran over to the mutant gator.

"Alright, freak, slowly get to your feet and make no sudden moves," one of them orders. Leatherhead's eyes turned into slits, getting angry. He growls and turns around and attacks them.

The group quickly rush into Bishop's lab. They stop when they see Splinter in the containment tube.

"Master Splinter, no!" Leo cried out.

"Master Splinter!" Raph shouted. Everyone heard the sound of clapping to see Bishop as he approached them.

"Elizabeth!" Mona cried out as she saw her in Bishop's hands. Elizabeth's eyes widen happily as she saw Mona and Raph who had scared and angry looks on their faces. She tried to reach out to them with her hands.

"Baba! Mama!" she squealed, happily. Mona's and Raph's eyes widen in shock as well as everyone else's. Elizabeth had said her first words.

"Bishop!" Raph growled.

"I must say, I'm impressed that you found me," he smirked evilly as he told them. "but you won't be staying."

Everyone rushed towards him, but Bishop made no move as they got closer. Then the Slayer landed down in front of the agent, protecting him from everyone. Leo stepped back before charging at him. He tried to slice the Slayer with his swords but he dodges. The Slayer jumps over to the staircase as Leo tries to chase after him.The Slayer turns around and kicks Leo away. Raph growls and charges towards him with his sais. But, the Slayer was quicker as he grabs onto the railing of the staircase and swings around and kicks Raph back.

Mikey ran up to him, spinning his nunchucks but the Slayer grabs them. He throws Mikey into the wall. Donnie jumps up, using his staff but the Slayer moves out of the way. Donnie swings his staff, but the Slayer dodges it and knocks Donnie down the stairs.

The Fugitoid inches over towards Leo as he gets up. "Get Master Splinter out of there!" he told the Fugitoid.

"Absolutely," the Fugitoid rans off, to where Master Splinter was as Leo lunged at the Slayer.

"I'll help." Donna pitched in, running off to help the Fugitoid.

Raph stabs his sai into the Slayer's arm, he flips over him. The Slayer pulls Raph's weapon out and the wound begins to heal by itself. Raph makes a shocked look as the armor breaks off from the Slayer's arm. The Slayer looks at it for a minute then grabs Raph's other sai, spinning them in his hands. Raph pushes Mikey out of the way as he throws his sais at them, stabbing a control panel. It sparks behind Raph as it exploded, knocking Raph to the ground. Leo ran on the catwalk above while Mikey and Alopex fought with the Slayer. Leo swings in on the crane, hitting the Slayer with his swords. He stumbles back, sparking. He pulls off his helmet, revealing his face. He had Bishop's face, but the other half was robotic as well.

Everyone gasped in shock. "Bishop?!" Donnie asked in surprise. Bishop's clone turned to them.

Bishop walked up to him. "Handsome devil, if I do say myself."

"Okay, now I'm officially freaked out!" Mikey commented while the others had their mouths still open in shock. The Slayer began to jump around, quickly.

"Oh believe me, you ain't seen nothing yet," Bishop added as the Slayer climbed on some tubes then turned his head, looking at everyone, without moving his whole body, then turned invisible.

"This just keeps getting better and better," Raph retorted, getting his sais. The Fugitoid and Donna walked up to the computer to free Splinter from the tube.

"Don't worry, Master Splinter," he assured. "I'll have you out of that nasty bio-suspension fluid in a jiffy." The crane moves and begins to lift Splinter out of the container. Suddenly, a chain with a claw hook latched onto the Fugitoid's arm.

"Oh dear," Bishop pulls the chain, ripping off the robot's arm. "That was totally uncalled for." Bishop throws the Fugitoid's arm away.

"Step away from those controls, cyborg."

Donna rushed towards Bishop as she tried to grab Elizabeth but he dodged her stepping to the side. Donna slammed a glyph down and an ice pillar shot out, catching Bishop off guard, making him accidentally let go of Elizabeth. Donna quickly rolled and caught her in time before she hit the floor.

"That was a close one," she sighed in relief. Elizabeth babbled as she cooed as she reached out squishing Donna's face with her hands.

"Not close enough," Bishop called out as he flipped over the ice pillar, landing behind Donna. Donna's eyes widen as she tried to cover Elizabeth in her arms. Bishop reached out to grab Elizabeth but Donna quickly ducked out of the way. She tried to run but Bishop grabbed her arm, pulling her back, hard. A loud snap was heard as Donna's arm was pulled out of it's socket and she yelled out in pain. She kicked Bishop back and flipped away from him, landing on her feet, still clutching Elizabeth in her other hand, tightly.

Then, the crane that was holding Splinter, drops him and it also breaks the gurney that he was strapped to, as it lands on the floor, freeing him. He was still soaking wet, as he faced Bishop.

"Bishop, you will not succeed!" Splinter shouted, as he picked up a pipe, spinning it.

"Wrong," Bishop corrected him. "Neither you nor your little green brats can stop me."

Raph and Donnie were with each other as they searched for the Slayer as well as everyone else who were in pairs. Suddenly, Slayer appears in front of Mikey and grabs him as he kicks Alopex away. "Guys, he's over hereee!" the Slayer throws him into the wall and flips, kicking Mikey against it. He falls to the floor and rubs his head as the Slayer escapes. "This guy doesn't play nice!"

"You don't understand," Bishop throws his hook at Splinter. "I've created life!" Splinter jumps over it and knocks Bishop down, pinning him with his pipe. Bishop flips, knocking Splinter off of him.

"Bishop, no one has the right to play God!" Splinter exclaimed. Bishop surprises Splinter as he pulled the chain using his hook to wrap around Splinter.

"I am taking the necessary steps to defend the world! It is my duty!" He breaks Splinter's pipe using the hook and flips Splinter over. Splinter lands on his feet.

"The world has enough monsters! It does not need yours!"

Raph and Mona were searching for the Slayer. He turns himself visible as he lands on a containment pod behind them. He jumped away, when Raph turned around, sensing him, while Mona continued on ahead. "Come out, come out wherever you are, you ugly freak." The Slayer appeared behind Raph and Raph turns around, growling. The Slayer turned invisible again and flips over Raph, kicking him from behind. Raph tried to charge at him but the Slayer grabs Raph's wrist and twists it. He slams Raph's sai into a pipe, pinning him to the wall as he punched Raph's shell repeatedly. Raph turned around and runs towards the Slayer only for him to grab Raph and lift him up and toss him to the ground.

Not to far off, Leo and Yuuki heard fighting in the distance.

"Raph?" Leo murmured and gasped, before turning to Yuuki.

"Let's hurry!" she quickly told him. They quickly turned around the corner, only for Raph to be shot out in front of them, as he was thrown, crashing into some of the pods nearby, where Mona was. A containment pod falls on top of Raph, as he struggles to hold it up, and sees another one of Bishop's clones inside of it.

"Bishop?"

Leo and Yuuki jump, down hearing a growl. They looked up to see the Slayer climbing on the vent and saw that he was heading towards Splinter. They followed after it. Splinter kicks Bishop from behind as the Slayer jumps down, getting ready to attack Splinter. Leo and Yuuki jumped into the air and kicked him. The Slayer lands into the containment tube with the liquid.

"Professor Honeycutt, the tank! Seal it!" Leo shouted.

The Fugitoid sends an electric current into the vat, shocking the Slayer as well. Bishop gets up to see what is happening. "No! My Slayer!" Splinter jumps up and kicks him.

"This is over, Bishop!"

Bishop adjusted his glasses and turned to see Splinter charging at him. He jumps and lands on the hook, hanging from the ceiling.

"My plans are far from over, rodent!" Bishop jumps off from it and lands. "You have no idea!" He grabs his chain, spinning it. Splinter glared at him and Bishop throws the chain at him. Splinter uses his pipe to block it but Bishop takes it from him. Splinter jumps over a gurney and Bishop breaks a part of it with his chain. He throws the gurney at a shocked Splinter. Splinter kicked it, breaking it into pieces. Bishop throws his chain and the hook latches onto a engine turbine.

Splinter bends down and picks up a piece of the gurney and throws it at a lever, activating the machine. Electricity from the turbine shocks Bishop, electrocuting him. He growls and pulls the chain off, but the turbine explodes. Bishop and Splinter are sent flying in different directions from the explosion. Bishop was impaled by a hook on a chain, screaming.

Raph and Mona rushed over to Donna, as did everyone else, as she handed Elizabeth over to Mona.

"Elizabeth!" Mona shouted as she took her from Donna.

"Whoa, dudette, your arm!" Mikey shouted in concern. Donna hissed in pain as she tried to support her arm. Venus used her chi magic to try to lessen the pain on Donna's dislocated shoulder.

"I'll pop it back into place," Donnie told her as he was about to. But, Donna moved his hand away.

"There's no time," she told them. "We need to find Splinter."

Splinter groaned as he got up, seeing Bishop on the hook, but also saw that the explosion had caused fires, too.

"Sensei!" He turned to see everyone running towards him.

"My children," he said in relief.

"We have to get out of here!" Leo told him. The fire and the explosion had caused water to start flooding the room as well. Splinter looked back towards Bishop to find him not there. He was gone!

"You will pay for this, mutants," everyone gasped as they saw him climbing up a ladder, escaping. "One day, you will all pay!" They all ran over to the ladder, following him.

"After him!" Mikey yelled as Splinter climbed up it first. More turbines exploded as the room was beginning to flood, destroying the lab. The flood water also carried the Slayer's tube, as it fell down a pipe, just as the lab was destroyed. Everyone soon found themselves in an elevator as it carried them up to the streets and ran out of it, water rushing out of it as they did.

"Whoa, we're in the middle of Midtown!" Mikey said. They didn't see Bishop anywhere. He had somehow managed to elude them.

"And Bishop's nowhere in sight." Leo pointed out.

"We will see him again. Such men are hard to destroy." Splinter told them.