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“Did you see him…”
“With the light sword? Yeah”
“What do they call it? A laser sword?”
“A lightsaber.” Cody supplied as he walked past the group of troopers lining up for evening meal on the edge of the leveled battlefield.
“Sir, yes, Sir.” The trooper said standing to attention.
Cody gave him a salute and continued on, stumbling upon the same conversation in varying forms the further he went.
“I think I saw him fly,” one trooper said in an awestruck voice as he looked around to make sure no one could hear him.
“Jedi can’t fly, trooper.” Cody replied casually as he walked past, the trooper was so stunned to be overheard he didn’t even salute.
“They can read your minds, you know. Don’t think of anything inappropriate when around him or…”
“Son, the General can’t read your mind.” Cody said with a sigh as he turned and took off his helmet, fixing a younger version of himself with a stern look. “This has to stop. We’ve been deployed less than a day and rumors are already flying. If you want to learn about the Jedi, read the documents the Kaminoans gave you. Otherwise, keep your eyes on the battlefield.”
“Sir, yes, Sir” the troopers all parroted as Cody continued on his way.
“If he can read minds, I think I may have already said too much.” One trooper hushed in a panicked voice.
“Silo!”
“What? I can’t help it. Have you seen him? he’s ridiculously…”
Cody rolled his eyes and slammed his helmet back on as he continued to the command tent at the end of the row. He marched through the flap authoritatively and paused as his General looked up from a datapad, serenely sipping on a cup of tea.
“Ah, Commander Cody. To what to I owe the pleasure?” Obi Wan asked, the corners or his bearded mouth ticking up pleasantly.
Cody had only been under his command for a couple of days and deployed for less than a full rotation, but the man seemed to be determined to treat him like he would anyone else, Using the same tone he often used with his former padawan.
“Just wanted to give you the all clear, Sir. The stirring in quadrant four ended up being some curious farmers. They were pretty pleased to see the droids wiped out.”
“Ah yes, well happy to help I suppose.” He yanked at the edge of the plastoid armor covering his chest. “Do tell me you get used to the armor, Commander. It feels rather cumbersome to me.”
“I’ve been wearing it since I was in training, Sir. I prefer it to civilian clothes most days.”
Obi Wan raised a curious eyebrow and smiled. “Remind me to introduce you to the wonders of Jedi robes one of these days, Commander Cody. I think you will likely rescind that statement once that has happened.”
Cody chuckled, “Whatever you say, General.” He replied, smiling under his helmet momentarily before realizing he was being borderline insubordinate and changing his tone.
“Will there be anything else, Sir?” he asked, his arms snapping to his sides rigidly.
General Kenobi seemed mildly amused. “Yes, I suppose there is.” The Jedi mused as he finally had enough and started pulling the pieces of his armor off. “How do you think he campaign went, Commander?”
Cody looked behind him as though expecting this to be some kind of test. “How did I…Er, well, Sir…the men acclimatized themselves well considering it was their first mission. Injuries and fatalities were well below the suggested ratio…”
The General paused, his leg up on a chair as he pulled off the plate to protect his shins from blaster fire. “Commander Cody. I know what the report will say. I am asking you a personal question. If that isn’t something you are willing or able to answer, by all means, please let me know…”
“Oh…I…we did well, Sir. All the men followed orders honorably and I couldn’t be prouder of the job they did today.”
Obi Wan beamed at him. “I couldn’t agree more, Commander. Please, come in and relax. I feel we should celebrate.”
Cody hesitated before coming forward, “The campaign’s not over, Sir.”
“Right you are, Commander. But I feel we should take the victories where we can. It certainly won’t always be this way.” He handed Cody a glass of amber liquid and clinked it with his own. “You and your men fought valiantly today, Commander, and I am very proud to be serving beside you.” He said warmly as he took a sip.
Cody blinked down at the glass and took a small sip. His eyes grew wide as he looked up at Obi Wan.
“Corellian whiskey, before you ask and yes, technically it is against regulation. But any and all battles are hard won, Commander. I thought I’d bring this with me just in case.”
Cody blinked at the glass in his hand and narrowed his eyes at the Jedi. Could this be a trick? A test? General Kenobi didn’t seem the type. He was friendly, open, and downright pleasant to be around. He swirled the liquid in the glass to buy himself some time.
“Of course, if you’d prefer not to, Commander, I will defer to your expertise.”
Cody looked up from his glass, trying, and failing to stifle a laugh. “Defer to me? You’re the General, General. You defer to no-one except…”
“Republic command and the council. Yes, technically I suppose. But you have been training for this war far longer than I. I am a peacemaker, not a warrior. There will be times when I have to defer to you for judgment. I am more than convinced you will deal with such occasions with the same valor you exhibited today. Although admittedly roundhouse kicking a battle droid was an odd choice.” He finished, the corners of his mouth quirking up on that unforgettable smile that seemed to set the galaxy alight.
“It was more of an instinct that a choice, Sir. I could say the same about you leaping over the line and surrounding yourself with B2s.” he added, testing the newfound relationship for where the line truly stood. To his astonishment, Obi Wan laughed and took another sip of his drink.
“Yes, well. Perhaps we can agree to keep both incidents out of the official report. Just to ensure it is as succinct as necessary, you understand.”
Cody stepped towards the table and held out his hand. “I think I can manage that, General.” Obi Wan took his hand and shook it vigorously.
“Good man, Cody. Good man.” He replied with a smile before taking a final gulp of his drink and slamming the glass on the table. “Right then. What’s next?”
***
In the early days, Cody had told his fellow clones to read up on the Jedi if they wanted to understand them. At the time, he had thought the advice was solid, but after six months in the shadow of the enigmatic, Obi Wan Kenobi, he thought perhaps purging the data and throwing it into the swirling seas of Kamino would have been of more use.
In all honestly, there was no document created by the Kaminoans or the Republic that could explain General Kenobi, or the other Jedi in his circle. Commander Tano and General Skywalker were just as mysterious and nonsensical as Kenobi, but at least they wore their aversion to the rules like a badge of honor. Obi Wan was crafty, giving off the air of a reserved and restrained Jedi, when in fact he was flinging himself out of windows and using dejarik moves seen on only the seediest of parlors in order to get the outcome he preferred.
Being Kenobi’s second in command had come with a steep but somewhat enjoyable learning curve, however, it was the quiet moments that really surprised Cody. The times when the bravado and sarcasm slipped away and he saw the true weight of a peacekeeper on the front lines.
The battle had been over for more than an hour. The wounded were already being treated aboard the venator circling above. The dead, they still lay amongst the scrap like remains of the battle droids, cracked helmets and smoking blaster wounds, the final remnants of lives the clones didn’t really even get to live. He hadn’t seen the General for a while. He had wanted to walk the battlefield, survey the wounded, watch over the dead as though perhaps his bleeding heart could bring them back.
It couldn’t.
When Cody finally went to look for him, he sat on a ridge overlooking the rising sun. “We’re ready to depart, General.” He said softly, keeping his distance, giving him space.
“There were so many.” Obi Wan said softly, his eyes not wavering from the horizon, his sweat streaked hair hanging in his face.
“Yes, Sir.” Cody replied matter-of-factly. He couldn’t lie, not to the General, and not to himself. There had been too many fatalities this time. Too much bloodshed.
“I don’t know their names. Not all of them.” Obi Wan seemed to choke on his words, his regret getting stuck in his throat.
“A lot of them were new, Sir. Shipped out from Kamino a couple of days ago. Some of them hadn’t chosen names yet.”
Obi Wan twisted around to face him. “How is that possible?”
Cody shrugged. “Some clones wait until they’re deployed to choose their name. Some don’t bother. It’s a personal choice, Sir. One of the few we get.”
Obi Wan ran his hand down his cheek and brushed ash off his face. His armor had lost some of its integrity in the ferociousness of the battle. His chest plate hung at an awkward angle and a deep gash had appeared of his arm since the Cody had lost track of him.
“We really should go, Sir, we’re…”
“Sit with me Commander.” He said, dusting off the rocky patch next to him and refocusing his eyes on the sun.
“Sir, we really…”
“Please. Cody.”
Cody had heard the General use his name plenty of times over their deployments. He interspersed it with ‘Commander’ so readily and still, Cody got a thrill every time he heard it. But this time, somehow, he felt a part of him break. Obi Wan was hanging like the strained strap of his armor, barely clinging on as the galaxy erupted in chaos. Cody had always thought of Obi Wan as a steadfast failsafe, the one thing in the middle of all of this that simply wouldn’t move, wouldn’t falter, wouldn’t fall, but here he saw the truth of it all.
Obi Wan was closer to the edge than most, clinging to his belief system while simultaneously performing the mental gymnastics necessary to wage war, when he knew he should be seeking peace.
Cody sat next to him, his eyes lingering even as the other man continued to look away. With a quick assessment, Cody noted a number of injuries he would be reporting to the medic in charge upon their return to the Negotiator, but what he couldn’t decipher, couldn’t see, was what was going on in Obi Wan’s mind.
“You’re injured, Sir.” Cody said at last, feeling the silence closing in on him and becoming oppressive.
“I’m alive. Which is more than can be said for most.” The Jedi replied bitterly.
“Some, Sir. Not most. You got them out of the firing line as soon as you could.”
Obi Wan looked over at Cody, his cool eyes searching his face and the hint of a smile returning. “I appreciate the attempt to buoy my spirits, Commander. But the fact remains that we failed today…I failed…and your brothers paid the price.”
Cody nodded, “My brothers were created for this war. Created to die. They understood their place in all this, Sir. We won the day, we won the planet, every clone who lost his life today would be proud of that, proud of you, and proud to have served beneath you for victory. For the Republic.”
To his surprise, Obi Wan looked irritated by his response and shook his head. “It’s not enough.” He replied, almost to himself.
“Enough, Sir?”
Obi Wan’s face screwed up in anguish and for the first time, Cody saw the mask slip. He finally saw the man underneath, and he was heartbroken. “Enough. It’s not enough…time…life…they didn’t get enough of it.”
“They were never supposed to, Sir.” Cody replied, knowing that his response would make things worse, not better, but was unwilling, or unable to lie to the man beside him.
Obi Wan’s mouth fell into a flat line as he looked back at the rising sun, the shards of light slicing through puffy, white clouds and chasing the darkness away. They sat in silence for another few minutes before Obi Wan nodded and stood up.
“Thank you, Cody.” He said, a soft smile on his lips. “I believe you are right. We are needed elsewhere.”
Cody nodded and followed as Obi Wan picked his way across the battlefield, his bright blue eyes lingering on the fallen longer than was necessary for most. But not for him.
Upon their return to the ship, Obi Wan didn’t argue about Cody’s insistence that he visit the medics. The mask was firmly back on as he laughed and joked, throwing praise and inuendo in equal measure, causing the wounded to double over in laughter.
Only Cody noticed the signs that would escape in a moment of quiet, or when attention was directed elsewhere. He watched him closely, noticed his eyes close for a second too long as he thought of the losses, a flicker of pain flittering across his face before he managed to right himself.
“You know, you don’t have to pretend, Sir.” Cody said quietly as he helped the Jedi back to his quarters.
Obi Wan smiled softly and shook his head. “Oh, but I do my dear Commander. For your brothers. For you, if nothing else.” He paused by the door, his right arm gripping his waist. Cody wanted to reach for him, to steady him, but felt that perhaps it was a step too far.
“You don’t have to do anything for my benefit, General. I serve you for the glory of the Republic.” He said, the well-rehearsed line falling out of his lips as though the Kaminoan programming had taken over.
“I appreciate the sentiment, Cody and your unwavering support these last few months. But I don’t believe glory is something we can expect from this war. The sooner we get used to the idea, the better it will be for all of us. Goodnight.” He said, tapping Cody’s shoulder twice before turning and disappearing behind the door.
Cody’s hand gravitated towards the spot Obi Wan’s had been. It felt warm, even through his armor. He smiled under his helmet and nodded to himself as he walked away.
***
Despite the warmer armor and supplies, the biting cold was still prevalent as Cody made his way over the ridge to the nearby base. He’d spent the last twelve hours on guard duty with some veterans of the 212th. There was something about the long serving clones, the ‘old timers’ as the shinies called them, that gave Cody a glimmer of hope. They could see it through to the end of the war. They could survive. There could be life after this. What kind of life Cody wasn’t sure, but with every battle won, it felt more and more tangible.
He was just at the crest of the snow-covered hill and pressed his transport harder as a stealthy Jedi fighter flew overhead and landed at the other end of the base. Cody’s heart leapt. He recognized that fighter.
Obi Wan was getting called away from the battlefield more and more these days, often sent on secret missions for the council with Skywalker in tow. It wasn’t that Cody minded, that was Obi Wan’s job, and he was so good at it, but Cody was fine in admitting to himself that while he was more than capable of holding the reigns, he missed his General’s steadfast presence and sense of humor in the face of almost certain death. He missed how easy he was with a smile or praise or how…
Cody blinked, realizing he was moving his transport towards the hanger and not the command center where he was needed. He also realized, belatedly, that his cheeks ached from the smile on his lips. He opened his jaw to relax his face but found it sprung right back into the same position. You’re just happy not to be in charge anymore, he thought to himself as the transport skidded to a halt just outside of the landing platform.
Obi Wan pulled the communicator off his head and threw it in his seat as he leapt out of the fighter. He seemed to slow the closer he got to the ground, and Cody wasn’t sure whether it was his imagination or if the General was using the force. He did a quick assessment as the General gave a wave to the mechanics tending to his ship. His armor and robes were singed, a large slash across his chest seemed to be testing the integrity of his armor. Cody wasn’t unconvinced that he walked with a slight limp and intended to ask about it when the man’s eyes fell on him, and the thought suddenly evaporated.
“My dear Commander. You’re looking well.” Obi Wan said, his voice jolly and smile wide.
“Thank you, Sir. I see you’ve been keeping the seppies busy?” Cody replied, his eyes raking nervously over his General and fearing what injuries the medics may find underneath.
“Indeed. Or perhaps they kept us busy.” He followed Cody’s gaze and looked down, “Don’t fret, Cody. I’m quite alright.”
“Sir, your armor…”
“Will last a little while longer, I’m sure.”
“Sir…”
Obi Wan sighed and tugged at his chest plate, easily pulling the two damaged parts aside and letting them clatter to the floor. “I wish I’d thought to do that before jumping into hyperspace.” He grumbled as he walked in the direction of the command tent. “How are things here? Anything I should be aware of?” he pulled his arms around himself against the cold.
Cody shook his head and let out a huff of white breath as he realized the General’s chest, beneath his armor, seemed perfectly fine. “Ah, no, Sir. Still no sign of General Grievous or any droids. It’s possible the intel was wrong. Although given past experience…”
“Hmm…yes, I tend to agree, Commander. He’s here somewhere. I’m sure of it.”
They walked with purpose down the main thoroughfare of the base. Obi Wan smiled, nodded, and waved at his men as they all stopped what they were doing to greet him. Cody loved that his brothers clearly thought so much of the General. Just like he did. It was well earned, he knew, something General Kenobi had worked hard to secure during the early days of the war.
“Oh Cody,” Obi Wan said as he paused, digging into one of the pouches on his belt. “I remember a few months ago we were talking about the crystal halls of Vanalor…” his bright blue eyes caught Cody’s gaze and he felt, for a moment, as though the Jedi Master looked nervous. “…well, chances had it that Anakin and I made a stop there during our mission and I…” he held out a piece of glowing yellow rock, the same, golden color currently decorating his helmet and armor, “I thought perhaps, you may like a taste. Until you can visit the halls yourself, of course.”
Cody pulled off his helmet and blinked at the man. He held out his hand, before hesitating. “Sir, that’s really kind but I…”
“It’s just a piece of rock, Cody,” Obi Wan said with a nonchalant chuckle, “But hold it up to the light, go on…” he held out his hand higher, prompting Cody to take the rock in his hand.
It was heavier than he expected. He laughed and grinned back at his General, amazed that a conversation from months ago when Cody had lamented not being able to see the galaxy, except from the bridge of a venator or a battlefield, had been remembered so readily by General Kenobi, who by all rights had much more important things to think about. Still, he was touched by the gesture and heard himself gasp as he lifted the crystal to his eye and held it in front of the dim, fading light of this ice moon.
“It’s…” he looked over at Obi Wan and noticed his smile impossibly wide, his grin momentarily hiding the sheer exhaustion on his face. “It looks like a rainbow.”
“Indeed. It’s quite impressive to see the whole place. During the sunrise I’m not sure there is a more beautiful place in the galaxy. Perhaps when the war is over, I can show you.”
Cody slowly pulled the rock away from his face and felt heat climb into his cheeks. He was not sure there way anything he wanted more at this particular moment in time than to watch the sunrise through rainbow crystal halls with Obi Wan…the General, he corrected himself.
“Thank you, Sir.” Cody said definitively and tucked the crystal into one of the many pouches on his belt. “We should probably get you to a medic for a once over.”
Master Kenobi, in true jedi form, waved him off, “No need, Cody. I’m quite alright. We can check in with the others first. When do we expect the 501st to arrive?”
“Less than one rotation, Sir. General Skywalker has been waylaid, I understand.”
“Yes, Anakin had been called back to Coruscant by the Chancelor, but Commander Tano and Captain Rex will join us and between the two of them they can usually cause just as much chaos as my former padawan.” He said warmly.
Cody chuckled and put his bucket back on as they reached the command center, “Yes, Sir.” He muttered, his hand falling to his waist. He felt a warmth spreading from the compartment where the crystal lay. He surreptitiously opened the compartment and put his fingers on the rock. It was perfectly cool. Whatever he was feeling, it wasn’t from that.
He pushed the thought out of his mind as he watched General Kenobi march purposely to the center of the room greeting the other clones as if they were family members. He was definitely favoring one leg. Cody would make sure to have a medic meet the General in his quarters later. Whether he liked it or not. He smiled as the banter he knew would follow and moved to his General’s side once more.
As expected, Master Kenobi was less than thrilled to walk into his quarters and find Flux, the medic, waiting.
“Not that it’s not always lovely to see you, Flux, but what do I owe the pleasure?” Obi Wan asked as he sauntered into the room.
Flux gave a nervous glance at Cody, who took off his helmet in part to show his brother that fear was an unnecessary emotion. “Flux was kind enough to offer to do a once over in your quarters, instead of the medbay, Sir.”
The General turned his sapphire eyes to Cody and he felt his breath catch, despite himself. He had looked at this man more times than he could count, had studied him, was able to read him like a data pad, and yet, caught in his current mischievous gaze, Cody felt something new that he wasn’t entirely sure what to do with.
“Oh, how you wound me, Commander. I told you I was quite…”
“Alright, Yes, Sir. But I still need a medic to tell me that.”
The General huffed and flicked his hair off his forehead. “I suppose the longer I protest, the longer this will take?” he asked, directing the question at Flux.
“Something like that, Sir. Yes.”
Obi Wan chuckled and remarkably acquiesced without a fuss. Cody had rarely seen him in such a good mood of late and smiled to himself as he watched the Jedi sink into his bunk and take off his boots.
“Am I to have an audience?” The General asked Cody, his eyebrow raised in amusement.
Cody felt his cheeks flush, something he wasn’t entirely sure had ever happened on Kamino, and now seemed to be happening with alarming regularity. “Of course not,
General.” He said to Kenobi before looking over at Flux, “feel free to stun him if he protests.” Obi Wan laughed and shook his head. Cody smiled, “I’ll be outside if you need me.”
“Well, I always need you, Cody. But in this instance, perhaps that is the best place for you.”
Cody nodded and left the room, hovering outside the tent, hoping his bright red cheeks weren’t that indistinguishable from those who had been out in the cold too long. Once again, he felt into the pouch on his hip, this time taking the rock out and rolling it in around in his gloved palm. The sun had long since set, but the glow of a nearby moon meant there was still some light. He held the crystal up to his eye and sighed at the beauty of it.
“I’d say you invite me to the nicest places,” Rex said, his boots crunching in the snow as he approached, “but…” he waved his arms around.
Cody grinned and closed the gap, embracing his brother. “Well, you know. It’s been a while. Figured maybe you’d like a real challenge.”
Rex laughed and removed his helmet. “What's that you got there?”
Cody didn’t realize he was still clutching the crystal. He held it tightly in his grasp for a second more before holding it out for Rex. His brother took it and tossed it up a couple of times before catching it in his palm.
“What is it?” the Captain asked.
Cody shot a look back at the tent a took a couple of steps away. “It’s a crystal from Vanalor. Apparently they rocks are made of rainbows…” he pushed it up to Rex’s eye and repositioned him so he was looking at the moonlight.
“Well, would you look at that?” he brother breathed as he twisted the rock this way and that. “Wait, Vanalor…isn’t that where the Generals…”
Cody took the rock back and popped it into his belt, “Eh, yeah…”
“General Kenobi brought you a gift?” Rex asked in surprise.
Cody rolled his eyes, “it’s just a rock, Rex.” Cody replied in the same dismissive tone Obi Wan had used earlier.
Rex held his gaze for a second too long before nodding. “The last thing General Skywalker gave me was a concussion when he threw me off a wall and failed to catch me.” Rex grumbled.
Cody laughed, “Well, perhaps you’ll have more luck with General Kenobi and Commander Tano.”
“The Master who taught him and the Padawan who is more reckless than he is? I doubt it.” Rex replied with a chuckle, “Wanna come grab some food?”
Cody looked back at the tent, “I have to…”
“Do please go ahead, Commander. Captain Flux here is more than capable of treating these minor…”
“You have a broken rib, Sir, and a slash on your right leg. None of this is minor.” The medic scolded.
“So, it’s not just my Jedi, then?” Rex asked with an eyeroll.
Cody shook his head, “apparently not.” He huffed. “I’ll be back to check on you later, Sir. With orders to sedate you if you refuse medical assistance.” He called through the tent flap.
He heard Obi Wan sigh deeply, “Your insistence in keeping me alive is becoming quite bothersome, Commander.”
“Just doing my job, Sir.” Cody replied with a grin and an elbow to Rex’s shoulder. “Come on, before he lays it on any thicker.”
Rex chuckled and followed him away. Cody wanted to look back, as though he could feel the General’s eyes on his retreating back. But he shook off the thought and enjoyed a few more minutes with his brother.
***
“Commander,” General Kenobi barked at him as soon as the LAAT landed in the hanger, “I need to see you in my office, now.” He growled, his blue eyes flashing in a way Cody had rarely seen. Cody gave a curt nod and followed without looking back at his men.
He struggled to keep up with Kenobi as he marched him through the ship, only pausing by the door to his office to ensure that Cody would go in first. Less chance of escape, he supposed.
The Jedi threw his hand on the door release and Cody somehow felt that if he could have slammed the door, he would have.
“Sir, before you…”
Obi Wan looked over at him, his eyes once again flashing angrily, and Cody felt the rest of his sentence disappear into the ether.
Obi Wan mumbled something, his hand over his mouth, pausing as he stroked his beard.
“I’m sorry, Sir, I…”
“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR KRIFFIN’ MIND, COMMANDER?” The Jedi Master shouted with such fury Cody felt the walls shake. He knew he must have looked alarmed because a second later, the mask of the thoughtful, reserved, and pensive Jedi was back in place. “Apologies, Commander…”
“Sir, I did…”
“You deliberately disobeyed an order, Commander.”
Cody took a deep breath, ready to make his case but he couldn’t bear to see the disappointment on the General’s face, so he kept his eyes firmly on his boots instead. “I was unable to contact you, Sir, but we have an opening and…”
“There was no time, Commander. No time, no resources. You had no way out. Had General Skywalker not…”
“I know, Sir, and I’m grateful, but greater men than me have laid down their lives for the Republic. If today was the day, then…”
Obi Wan was agitated again, pacing a tight path in the small office, his fingers pulling at the hairs of his beard and though wanting to rip them out. “There are no greater men than you, Cody. Don’t you see that?”
Cody’s eyes flicked to the Jedi Master’s, realizing for the first time that it wasn’t anger, or frustration, fear was etched on his handsome face. “I...I’m…”
“You could have died.” The General said softly, looking away from him as though not being able to bare the thought. No, Cody must have been projecting. Obi Wan could have had any number of reasons for feeling the way he felt. It didn’t have to be…it couldn’t possibly be…
“I did what I thought was right. What I thought you would do in my situation, Sir.”
Obi Wan turned to him and ran his hand though his hair aggressively, leaving a channel in the copper strands, “I would not…”
“Don’t you dare tell me you wouldn’t risk yourself, General. We both know you would. Have done, on every possible occasion. Why are you allowed to sacrifice yourself, but I am not allowed to do the same?”
“I am a Jedi, I am sworn to…”
“Protect the beings of the galaxy. And I was created to protect you, Sir. I let you do your job; you need to let me do mine. Even if it might mean I die.”
The General blinked at him and huffed. “No, Commander.”
Cody stared at him. “No?” He asked, his brows furrowed in confusion.
General Kenobi took a step forward, “No, Cody.” He reiterated. “I simply do not give you permission to die.”
“Sir, you…”
“I can absolutely make that call, as your commanding officer. You do not have permission to die for me or the Republic. You will live a long and happy life. You will one day see the Crysal halls of Vanalor. Is that understood?”
Cody was amazed that before he hadn’t been able to look the Jedi in the eye and now, now, he couldn’t take his eyes off him. His face looked gaunt, his eyes wide and sad, a shimmer of tears hanging on his eyelashes. He looked haggard and stressed and when he was able to pull his eyes away, he noticed a datapad on his desk, a video feed paused in mid action. He had seen the whole thing, seen how close he had come to death this time. He was scared for Cody in a way the Commander didn’t expect and had no idea how to deal with.
“I…” Cody started again, “I understand, General. But if I may have permission to speak freely?”
Obi Wan’s eyes softened, “You always have that permission with me, Commander Cody.”
Cody took a step forward, “If I am not allowed to die for the republic, or for you, then you are not allowed to either.”
Obi Wan chuckled, “Commander, I…”
“I mean it, Obi Wan,” he said forcefully, noticing the Jedi’s eyes go wide at the sound of his name, uttered for the first time from Cody’s lips, “You don’t get to die either. You promised to take me to Vanalor yourself. I haven’t forgotten that. It’s a debt you still need to pay.”
The General swallowed whatever snarky expression was going to escape his lips, instead opting to nod once. “Very well, Cody. You have my word that I will do everything in my power to survive.”
Cody held out his hand, “Promise, Sir?”
Wry amusement twisted a smile onto Obi Wan’s lips. He pursed them together, his bright blue eyes twinkling as he looked up at his Commander. “As much as I can. Yes, Cody, of course.” Cody nodded and withdrew his hand. “Now,” the Jedi said with the same empathetic softness Cody heard when he spoke with yonuglings, “You’re hurt. Let me escort you to the medbay.”
Cody opened his mouth to protest.
“Don’t make me call Flux, Cody. He’s had more than enough of our shenanigans over the last few months.”
Cody gave a rueful smile and nodded, “Very well, Sir.” Cody said, noticing for the first time how truly sore every inch of his body was.
“Here,” Obi Wan said, wrapping Cody’s right arm around his shoulders and supporting him through the door. Cody felt a familiar and all-encompassing warmth and longed to rest his head on the General’s shoulder.
“Thank you, Sir.” He mumbled, exhaustion hitting him like a blaster bolt.
“Of course, my dear Commander.”
Cody smiled and enjoyed the closeness with his General. He had expected to be reprimanded, perhaps even transferred. He hadn’t expected…whatever this was. He knew Obi Wan cared for his men, was heartbroken with every injury or death, but he had never seen him storm the hanger, never heard him yell. Obi Wan…cared for him, wanted him to live more than anything, and a flicker of hope that Cody hadn’t ever given oxygen to before, burst to life in his chest.
***
With Obi Wan away, again, the requisition reports had once more fallen to Cody. It’s not that he minded, it was fairy innocuous work, but it was definitely preferable when the General was taking part in the ritual with him.
They would have tea, most days once daily comms with the GAR central command and the Jedi temple had been concluded. It was the one time Cody got General Kenobi alone, his defenses down, his wit as sharp as ever. Cody looked forward to those times.
He looked mournfully at the seat opposite him and sank his cheek onto his hand as he flicked through the datapad.
“You don’t need a flamethrower, Waxer.” He grumbled as he read the reasoning and tilted his head to the side, “eh, you know what? Have at it. Just don’t come crying to me if you set Boil on fire.” He chuckled at the thought and then reprimanded himself for it internally. Not overly becoming for a Marshall Commander, but then, there was no one around to hear him.
He wasn’t entirely sure how long he’d been at it, but he woke with start, his forehead pressed into the side of the desk. He heard some shuffling behind him and started, leaping to his feet and almost falling into General Kenobi.
“Sorry to wake you, Commander.” Obi Wan’s voice said softly. He turned down the light in the room, making the bright white fade to a soft yellow and allowing Cody to blink his eyes into focus much more easily.
“Thank you, Sir.” He murmured sleepily. “The mission went well? I wasn’t expecting you back for a few more rotations yet.”
Obi Wan hesitated and lowered his head as he took off his robe, throwing it over his shoulder onto his chair and revealing a blood stained tunic and some dark liquid covering him from the waist down. “We…it was…” Obi Wan raised his eyes to look at Cody and he felt his chest constrict. There was bad news. “Perhaps you should sit down, Cody.”
Cody felt his eyes widen and his sense of dread intensify. Obi Wan perched himself on the corner of the desk where moments before Cody had been fast asleep.
“Who, Sir?” Cody asked, sinking into his chair.
Obi Wan huffed out a sigh and ran his hand through his hair. “I’m very sorry to tell you, Cody, that both Commander Grim and Captain…” Cody felt himself bristle and Obi Wan’s hand, seemingly instinctively went to his shoulder, “No, Cody. Rex is fine. Captain Gray didn’t make it. I know you were close to both and I…”
Cody hung his head and closed his eyes, feeling the tears pricking in the corners. He pressed the feeling away. They were both old timers, like him. He thought they would be some of the few to make it through, would be the ones he would celebrate the end of the war with. He huffed out a sigh and ran his hand over his face as though trying to wipe the grief free. Obi Wan’s hand was still on his shoulder, soft, constant pressure, like trying to stem the blood from an invisible wound.
“Thank you for telling me, Sir.” Cody said curtly.
“I’m sorry to have to do so, Cody.”
Cody nodded but didn’t really listen. He was suddenly overcome but the reality of it all. He had been a fool, thinking he’d get out of this alive. No matter what he’d promised his General, there was no avenue where he would know peace, not truly. He would die, like Grim and Grey and any number of other troopers he’s seen obliterated in this war. And when he was wiped from the face of the galaxy, like his brothers before him, they would grow another man just like him to take his place. He was infinitely replaceable, his heart, his blood, his rank. They could even manufacture the same scar if the General was truly partial to it.
His place in the galaxy hit him like a slag to the head and he almost couldn’t keep the weight from pressing him into the floor.
“Commander?” Obi Wan’s soft, strained voice came as though far away. He could have been at the opposite side of the room, but Cody could still feel his hand on his shoulder. “Cody?” Obi Wan asked, dropping to his knees, crouching in front of his Commander, his hand not moving from him. “Cody,” he tried again, tapping his knee.
Cody nodded, too overwhelmed to speak, to share. He couldn’t share this anyway, not with his General. He wouldn’t understand, could never understand a clone’s place in the galaxy and the mix of feelings that came with that, when they allowed themselves to feel, of course.
“I’m fine, Sir.” Cody replied, lifting up his head, training his face back to his standard visage. He caught Obi Wan’s soft blue eyes watching him wearily.
“We both know that’s not true, Cody.”
“WHAT DOES IT MATTER?” The question exploded out of Cody like a droid popper, fizzing the air in the room and making the hair on his arms stand up.
Obi Wan hadn’t reacted, hadn’t even flinched, he still crouched next to him, his hands reassuringly on his shoulder and knee and despite the anguish currently surging through Cody, he also felt the calming warmth that always came from his General’s touch. Stars, if he could die feeling this warmth, maybe the rest wouldn’t matter.
“I’m sorry, Sir.” Cody mumbled when he regained some control.
“Don’t be, my dear. Your feelings are well founded, your grief to be expected.”
“And what about you, Sir?”
Obi Wan raised an eyebrow in surprise, “Me, Cody?”
“What do you feel, at times like these?”
Obi Wan pulled his hands away and adjusted his blood-soaked tunic. Cody focused on it once more and felt his eyes go wide, “Sir, we need to get you to medical. We can’t…”
“I am fine, Cody. It’s not mine.” He said somberly.
“I…oh…”
“But in answer to your question, Cody, I think perhaps all I can do is…show you.”
Cody looked up in surprise, “Show me, Sir?”
“You asked what I feel, and while it’s impossible for me to show you that, I may be able to enlighten you to what I hear through the Force, and maybe you will understand a little better…Only with your permission, of course.”
Cody blinked at him as he straightened and rested his hands on his hips. Cody noticed blood crusted under his nails and a sizable bruise blooming on his cheek. He nodded, not entirely sure what he was agreeing to.
Obi Wan smiled faintly and dopped to his knees once more in front of his Commander. His hands hovered on either side of Cody’s head, just short of touching him. “I must confess, I have never tried this was someone who was not force sensitive, Cody. So please, if you feel any discomfort, you must tell me.”
“What are you going to do?” Cody asked nervously.
Obi Wan smiled, “Answer your question, I hope.”
Cody gave a faint, nervous laugh and nodded. He trusted Obi Wan with any and every part of himself.
Obi Wan’s hands closed around Cody’s head, and he watched the Jedi’s eyes flutter closed. It was rare for him to see him up close like this, content, serene. Cody liked it. He enjoyed the arch of his lips, like soft, pink pillows in the office lighting, the scattering of light freckles over his nose, the flecks of gold in his beard and the mole on his forehead that gave him a quizzical look. He wanted to massage the crease away between his eyebrows. But then he felt something, no, heard something.
He didn’t really understand where it was coming from or what was happening, but his eyes snapped shut as his head jerked back and all at once, he was met with an overwhelming noise. Images, people, things flicked through his consciousness, he recognized some beings, he saw himself, mumbling to a shiny, he heard music, and laughter, fear, grief, he felt the weight of all of it and though it were handing off his heart, trying to pull him under. The noise didn’t just stop with the room, or the ship, it expanded, as though every voice in the galaxy was trying to start a conversation with him, he shook his head to try and make sense of it, to try and hear it and then the scene changed. He was looking at himself, not hearing anything this time, but feeling it, feeling a wave of grief erupt out of him so completely he was amazed he couldn’t physically see it.
His eyes snapped opened as though shocked awake. He was surprised to see Obi Wan’s do the same, he was closer now, their foreheads almost touching. The General was panting heavily from the effort of whatever he had just done, and Cody realized that he was as well.
Obi Wan slowly lowered his hands away from Cody’s head, his blue eyes glittering as though Cody could see the Force flicker through them.
“You feel everything…” Cody said impossibly softly.
“Not all the time. I can control it to some extent. But…yes.”
“That’s what the Force is?” Cody asked, astonished.
His General chewed on his lip and flipped his head side to side, “yes, and no, I suppose. It is one aspect of it.”
“Why did you…show me this?”
Obi Wan seemed to ponder the question for a while and stood up, leaning against the desk. “I suppose I wanted you to know that, while I can’t possibly hope to have the same lived experience as you, to truly know what you and your brothers have been through and continue to go through…that I do understand how you feel on some superficial level, and that…” The General looked down at him, his eyes soft and almost pleading, “…that I am here for you, Cody, in whatever capacity you may need.”
If the words had been spoken by anyone else, Cody would have likely rolled his eyes. But he knew Obi Wan, after almost a year together he knew the tenor of his voice when he was sincere, the slant of his eyes when he was sorry and the staccato of his breath when he was unsure, and he had no doubt that in this exchange, Obi Wan had offered a piece of himself to Cody in an effort to console him, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever been as touched by anything else the man had done. Including the many times he had saved his life in battle.
“Thank you, Obi Wan.” Cody replied earnestly.
A broad smile crested on Obi Wan’s face and Cody felt a familiar flutter in his stomach at the sight. “Anything for you, my dear Commander.”
***
“I’m not quite sure I understand, Sir.” Cody said as the speeder whizzed across the desert, “aren’t we supposed to be on leave?”
Obi Wan chuckled, the wind flying through his hair and robes, giving him a carefree look Cody wasn’t sure he’d ever seen before. He’d caught the sun in the last few days, making the freckles on his face more prominent.
The 212th were on shore leave on a planet in the Mid-Rim. Most of his men were sunning themselves by the pool or exploring the tropical vegetation of the planet Cody hadn’t even bothered to get the name of. The General had been the one with the plan and for once and Cody enjoyed just having to show up and occasionally keep the more rambunctious members of his squad contained. Not that the General was much help with that, challenging them to races in the pool and diving contests. Not that Cody minded, seeing Obi Wan relaxed and in swim shorts was likely a memory that would never leave him.
“We are on leave, my dear. I just thought perhaps I could show you something you might find of interest.”
Cody looked over at him, enjoying the grin on his rosy complexion. “If this is another diplomatic mission where I have to save you, General, I should probably let you know that I didn’t bring my blaster.”
Obi Wan laughed and spared him a look. “Patently false, Cody, you have a blaster at your ankle. Luckily for you, where we’re going won’t require any weapons.”
“I bet you have your lightsaber anyway, Sir.” Cody teased.
“Well, what kind of Jedi would I be without it?”
Cody bit back a retort, the best, he thought to himself with pride and he tried to wrench his eyes away from his General. After another twenty minutes in the scorching sun, Cody was starting to get uncomfortable, as though he could sense it, and Cody supposed he could, Obi Wan patted the back of his hand reassuringly. “Only a couple of minutes now, Commander.” He said warmly.
The speeder flew up a high sand dune and just as Cody’s stomach started to fall due to the shift in momentum, he caught his breath. Below them, spreading as far as the eye could see, was a cathedral of glowing crystal. The bright midday sun illuminated it all in a cascade of color that Cody wouldn’t have thought possible in a galaxy festooned by war and misery.
“Is this…” Cody started.
Obi Wan nodded, his grin wide on his lips, “Indeed. Welcome to Vanalor, Cody.” He pressed the speeder forward and took it down to a large entrance that was as tall as a mountain. The colors of the rock danced and changed like a prism in the fluctuating light. Cody knew his mouth was hanging open in an unbecoming motion and he didn’t care. He reached for the rock in his pouch, only to realize he was wearing civilian clothes and it remained safely back at the hotel.
Obi Wan hopped out of the speeder spryly but didn’t say anything as Cody stepped forward. Cody knew his eyes were on him, reading his reaction, likely feeling his joy, and he was thrilled that he knew that was being conveyed, even if words in the moment failed him. He wanted Obi Wan to know how happy he had made him. How happy he always made him.
“I thought perhaps after our little scuffle with Ventress, we deserved a treat and apparently the GAR agreed. I hope it lives up to your expectations.” Obi Wan said, craning his neck back to look at the top of the entranceway.
“Breathtaking.” Was all Cody could get out as he wandered forward. “Where is everyone else? I figured it would be packed when I eventually did get to come.”
Obi Wan smiled sheepishly. “They don’t usually open on Benduday, I may have implied it was important for the Jedi to have access…”
“Sir!” Cody laughed.
“Well, it was only half a mistruth. I feel it has done wonders for your moral.”
Cody grinned at him and nodded. “I can’t thank you enough for this.”
Obi Wan beamed at him, “Anything for you…”
“You say that a lot, Sir…” Cody said absentmindedly as he wandered through the entrance and into the perfectly ornate carved halls. He didn’t realize until he was amongst the coolness that Obi Wan was no longer by his side, instead still hovering under the bright sun. “Sir?”
The General nodded and followed him in, his face more reserved than before. They walked in silence, their shoes shuffling on the crystal floor that had been lit below, giving the impression of walking on a rainbow.
Cody looked back at him, concern suddenly taking over in the shift of the Jedi’s mood. “’Is everything okay, Sir? Do you…sense something? Danger?”
Obi Wan gave him a tight smile and shook his head, “No, no, Cody. Everything is fine.”
Cody nodded and took a few more steps before turning back, “have I…done something?”
Again, Obi Wan smiled, “of course not, my…Commander, all is well.”
They walked through the main hall and into some small supporting rooms, all beautiful, glimmering in the sunshine that seemed to be able to permeate the stone and make it look like it was lit from within. They turned a corner and found themselves showered in gold.
Cody looked back and was glad that Obi Wan’s true smile had returned. “This is my favorite room.” He said softly, looking up, the yellow light making the copper in his hair glitter.
“Why’s that? Cody asked, looking up and wandering around, accidentally colliding with the General as they met in the middle.
Obi Wan chuckled and helped right his Commander, “Some beacons in the Force take on colors. One in particular glows in a very similar way. I suppose it reminds me of that.” He said pleasantly.
“It reminds me of the rock you gave me.” Cody said, brushing his palm against the walls. “I think it might be my favorite room too, for that reason alone.”
“Oh?” Obi Wan asked, his voice echoing around the room. “Why’s that?”
“No one had ever given me a gift before, Obi Wan. I suppose it made it’s mark.”
Obi Wan grinned, putting his hand to his heart and giving him a short bow. “I’m delighted to hear it.”
Cody felt as though the conversation had morphed into something else without him realizing it and he was suddenly struck with the fact that he was alone with his General. Completely alone.
“I can’t thank you enough for bringing me here, Obi Wan. This truly is a dream I never thought would come to fruition.”
Obi Wan smiled and walked closer, “And why’s that?”
Cody shrugged, “You know, there’s no guarantee, especially for a clone.”
He noticed Obi Wan’s lips press into a firm line, “I thought we already discussed this, Cody. You do not have permission to die. Ever.”
Cody chuckled and shook his head, “well, after seeing this I think I could fade into the Force quite happily, Sir.” He said with a smirk.
“That is still unacceptable, Cody. In every way.”
Cody looked over at him, expecting to see a smile, but instead saw the Jedi’s eyes glassy. “I was only joking, Sir. I made a promise. I intend to keep it.”
Obi Wan gave him a tight smile. “Very well. We should probably get back. No accounting for what Waxer and Boil have cooked up in our absence.”
Cody nodded, feeling deflated somehow. They were at the entrance before he found his voice, “I thought we were supposed to watch the sunrise.” He said, looking back into the cathedral of light.
Obi Wan smiled, “I suppose I’ll have to bring you back another time.”
Cody paused as he watched Obi Wan walk towards their speeder, “What about the sunset? I imagine that will still be pretty spectacular, right?”
Obi Wan paused and smiled, checking the chrono on the speeder. “I suppose the boys can do without us a little while longer.”
With short, ten hour days, sunset came in no time. Cody sat in the entrance way, his legs spread out over a carved symbol in the middle of the floor, lit from below to give the impression of some mystical priestess.
“Do you know what this means?” Cody asked as Obi Wan hovered around the room, his hand tracing over the crystal walls. He sank down and sat next to Cody, his legs crossed as if he was going to meditate.
“Hmm, a little. The ancient Valorians believed light to be a kind of lifeforce. Each color represented a different part of life. Green is agriculture for instance, blue, water etcetera. It is said that pilgrims would come and pray, whichever color they saw would imply to source of ultimate happiness and success.”
“What about the gold?” Cody asked, laying down staring up at the ceiling. The light had started to fade now, a faint glimmer lingering just over the horizon. It was possible he’d made a mistake, that nothing would happen at sunset after all.
Obi Wan looked over at him and smiled. “In the Valorian culture, gold represents pure love, be it familial, romantic, and so on…”
Cody nodded and looked back up at the ceiling. “I think sunset is a bust. Looks like you’ll be bringing me back after all, Obi Wan.”
Obi Wan grinned and laid down on the floor next to him, his eyes searching the ceiling. “I wouldn’t count my porgs before their hatched, Commander.” He mused.
And as if on cue, the darkening halls of the cathedral lit up, the setting sun somehow reaching far enough to cast the whole place in a gorgeous golden glow.
Cody’s mouth hung open as the streams of light filtered through the walls, floor, and ceiling, every inch of the place radiant. Without thinking, Cody reached for Obi Wan’s hand and clasped it tightly as he watched the light show, feeling his breath catch as the Jedi ever so slowly moved his thumb against the back of Cody's hand in a soothing motion.
Cody looked over ever so subtly, taking in the man’s beautiful profile as his head tilted towards the ceiling, before realizing that his eyes were closed.
“Is everything okay?” Cody whispered, not wanting to disturb the Jedi.
Obi Wan’s beautiful blue eyes fluttered open as he turned his head to look at Cody, his copper hair falling in his eyes. “Hmm…forgive me. I was just…reveling in your happiness, Cody. It’s seeping out of you and is quite glorious to behold in the force.”
Cody felt his mouth go dry and he looked at his General, looking perfect and serene in the most beautiful place in the galaxy. And suddenly, the cathedral of rainbows and light paled in comparison. He tightened his grip on Obi Wan’s hand and turned onto his side.
“Obi Wan?”
Obi Wan turned to look at him and smiled. “You’re going to miss the show, my dear.”
Still clutching Obi Wan’s hand in his left hand, Cody shakily brought up his right and ever so slightly brushed his fingers against the Jedi’s beard. He waited a brief second for him to pull away, or tell him no, or give him some idea that his indiscretion was unwanted. And when that didn’t happen, he pulled the Jedi master closer, closing his eyes at the feel of his breath on his face.
“Cody…” Obi Wan mumbled, his fingers lightly brushing against Cody’s lips.
“If you want me to stop, you need to tell me now.” Cody whispered as his lips lingered just off Obi Wan’s. Force, how he wanted to push himself forward, land on top of him, live out every explicit fantasy that had ever flitted through his head in this hall of crystal and gold.
Obi Wan’s hand brushed his cheek tenderly and hooked around his jaw possessively. “I never thought it possible.”
Cody smiled, “Hmm…then you haven’t been paying attention.” He mumbled as he pushed forward and collided with Obi Wan. He was faintly aware of the light show going on around and above them. The flickering of light and movement behind his closed eyes likely paled in comparison to what was going on in the Crystal halls, but his entire body was lit like a flare and he couldn’t even begin to care.
Obi Wan caressed his hair softly as they crashed together and back again over and over. He pushed himself closer, needing more, wanting it all. Obi Wan’s beard tickled on his chin and neck as he slowly tracked his way down and Cody was forever grateful to be wearing civilian clothing for once. He tucked his leg between Obi Wan’s and pulled him closer so that they were so intertwined there was hardly any part of Cody that wasn’t under Obi Wan’s care.
When they finally pulled apart, the halls were dark, the sun had sunk under the horizon, and a chill had taken the place of the oppressive warmth of the day. Obi Wan’s arms still cradled Cody, brushing up and down his arms in an attempt to keep him warm. The Jedi nuzzled his nose and gave him and chaste, earnest kiss on the lips.
“For once, my dear, I’m rather at a loss for what to say.” Obi Wan said with a smile, his cheeks rosy.
“I love it when you call me that.” Cody said proudly.
Obi Wan grinned and leaned forward, “my dear,” he whispered into Cody’s neck. “My dear,” he said again into his cheek, “my darling.” He finished, just below Codys left ear, causing an involuntary lurch and tingle to spread throughout his whole body.
Cody chased his lips like it was the last thing he’d ever do, enjoying the muffled chuckle from the Jedi as he was finally successful. “I suppose we’ll have to talk about this.” Cody mumbled when he finally let the Jedi up for air.
“Hmm, yes, I suppose. But we have quite a long ride back, and a few days of leave left. I’m sure if anyone can figure something out, it’s us.”
Cody grinned and stood up, offering Obi Wan his hand and pulling the man into him and wrapping his arms around him. He rested his head on his shoulder and enjoyed the tightness as the General enveloped him in his arms.
“I’ve loved you for so long.” Cody mumbled into the fabric of Obi Wan’s shoulder, feeling a sense of overwhelm that not only was he not in trouble for the way he felt, but that his feelings were reciprocated.
“And I, you, my darling.” Obi Wan’s soothing voice whispered into his neck.
“What?”
Obi Wan chuckled as Cody pulled away. He ran his hands more vigorously over Cody as they were cast in darkness. “Yes, months at least. Perhaps longer.”
Cody squeezed his hand and started to steer him towards to speeder. “Oh?” he asked, his lips spread into a wide and seemingly permanent smile.
“Hmm, of course, my love. What color is your crystal?” Obi Wan asked, his eyebrow raised.
Cody paused, looked back at the cathedral and then over at Obi Wan. The feeling of overwhelm had returned and he dived for Obi Wan’s lips, his hands searching him possessively and he pulled him close. “You said it was just a rock.” Cody said, his eyebrows raised.
“Ah, yes. Well, perhaps that was a slight understatement.”
Cody laughed and kissed him again, not wanting to stop now that he knew he could. “We could stay. Spend the night. Just the two of us.” Cody suggested even as he felt a shiver go through him.
“That’s how rumors start, my dear. Besides, I would like nothing more than to spend every waking moment of leave with you in comfort and warmth.”
“Just your waking moments?” Cody asked mischievously.
Obi Wan chuckled again and yanked on his shirt so their lips collided. “Very well, every single waking and sleeping moment and anything and everything in between. Does that suffice?”
“That’s more like it, love.” Cody said proudly.
Obi Wan brushed his cheek with the back of his hand. “Say it again.” He moaned into Cody’s lips.
“My love.” Cody whispered as he pinched his eyes closed, his head sinking back at the pressure of Obi Wan’s lips.
The light had faded entirely now, they stood, two silhouettes against the starry night sky. They finally hopped into the speeder with Obi Wan using the Force as much as the guidance tools to get them home safely. Cody had wrapped his arm around his Generals, intertwining their fingers and resting their hands on his thigh.
He wasn’t sure he’d every felt happier or more serene. It wasn’t genuinely a feeling clones were accustomed to or trained to manage but as Cody looked over at Obi Wan and saw the Jedi instinctively turn to him, giving his hand an quick squeeze of reassurance, he knew it wasn’t a feeling that would be leaving him anytime soon.
He brought their hands up to his lips, just as the speeder crossed the resort threshold and kissed Obi Wan’s hand. The Jedi Master’s lips spread into a wide grin as he mouthed “I love you.” Cody mouthed it back and grinned, the last display of affection, until they made it to their room, at least.