22 BBY, Month 6

Crosshair

Let's just say, Crosshair wasn't surprised to have a meeting with Shaak Ti, but he was not expecting it to go how it did. He had been waiting for a quiet scolding for trying to train Ryle, but for the Jedi Master to ask them to work under Rylann? He wondered what was in his soup for lunch because it all just felt like a fever dream.

"I know you don't like followin orders, but I know that Rylann is your friend, so I hope you will consider it," the togruta female said, placing her hands behind her back, turning around to face them in the conference room.

Crosshair sat at the end of the table, turning his attention to his brothers. Hunter's jaw was clenched, tapping his fingers in thought, Tech was watching Shaak Ti quizzically, and Wrecker was grinning.

"Yeah!" The biggest brother said, slamming his hands on the table in excitement, almost flipping it in the process.

"Wrecker, let's talk about this," Tech said, adjusting his goggles. "We must think over what this could do for the team."

"Tech's right," Hunter cut in, trying to beat Wrecker to talking, for the bigger clone had opened his mouth to speak and they all knew the likelihood of never getting to talk when Wrecker did. "We wanted to be a solo team because we don't like to follow orders. We think better on our own, without someone to tell us what to do."

Tech raised his finger. "Not to mention, if we feel that we need to change the plan last minute, we could get in trouble for disobeying orders."

Crosshair couldn't believe what he was hearing. He could understand their reasoning if it was any other Jedi, but what of Rylann, their friend?

Cross leaned forward on the table, pulling out a toothpick. "I don't see why we are even discussing it," he said, sticking the small piece of wood beneath his tongue. "This is Rylann we're talking about." He shook his head at the blank stares from Hunter and Tech. "Rylann would never punish us for creative thought, and I'm not sure all Jedi would either." Crosshair glanced up at Shaak Ti who offered him a soft smile.

"But—"

"Listen, I'm not saying that we become like the regs," "I'm just saying of all people who would execute missions like us, it'd be Ryle."

Hunter frowned, looking up at the Jedi master. "What does Rylann think of this?"

Shaak Ti stepped forward, crossing her arms over her chest. "My padawan is all for it if you are."

"What do you think of it?" Crosshair asked, eyeing the togruta with curiosity. He was pleasantly surprised by her input as of yet and was intrigued to see what was going on in that white and orange head of hers.

"I think it is good," was all she said at first, looking between him and his brothers. "Both you and Rylann have something you can learn from each other. What that lesson is, you will have to figure that out yourselves." The woman paused, a small smile hiding on her lips. "Rylann is ready to become a Knight to protect the peace and you are ready to become soldiers to protect the people. Whatever way you achieve that is between you and Rylann. I give her and you full trust."

There was a beat of silence that lingered in the room. Cross was mulling it all over, quite blown away by the current events. He wanted to celebrate because he was glad to be serving with Rylann. That meant spending more time with her, but regardless of how much he wanted to smile, he closed that feeling up, hiding it away in a corner of his heart and mind. He didn't want anyone to see or feel his excitement.

Wrecker cleared his throat to raise his hand. Shaak Ti nodded at him to continue. "So, Lanny is gonna be a General?" Wrecker asked, eyes wide with excitement.

"Yes." Shaak Ti nodded.

Tech tilted his head. "A general over four people?"

"Not exactly," Shaak To said after a moment's pause. "I plan on deeming her the General over the special forces of Kamino, but I still need the Council's signature on that."

"So we are a test run?" Hunter asked out of nowhere, a frown forming on his lips.

Shaak Ti smiled softly. "You are an observant one," she said, before shaking her head. "To the Council? Yes. But to me? I foresee you all being her closest force." Shaak Ti looked at Crosshair from the corner of her eye. "I hope to see you fighting closely in battle and be an extension of each other. Inseparable and a single unit."

Crosshair frowned, wondering why she looked at him? Hunter caught onto it, too, giving Cross a side eye saying "we'll talk later." Cross rolled his eyes. He had just as little of an idea as anyone in the room.

"Fine, we'll do it," Hunter said, standing up, almost sending his chair flying back. "Let's sign it and get it over with?"

Crosshair was beyond confused. Wasn't he supposed to be the grumpy one? Not Hunter? Seems the roles have switched today, Crosshair thought with a grin as Shaak To brought out the tablet with the contract. I for once and the voice of reason. Someone better get it on record because this would not happen again anytime soon.

【 ⌖ 】

The cafeteria was mostly empty after the meeting with Shaak Ti. Perfect. Crosshair hated to be around too many people, so he would relish this moment to eat his soup in peace.

"I still can't believe how lucky we are," Wrecker exclaimed, setting down his plate. "We get to spend more time with Lanny!"

"It also means more risk for her to get hurt or worse," Hunter stated with a frown, adding salt and pepper to his gravy.

Crosshair didn't even think about that. Rylann could get killed on the missions they did. So could he or his brothers. Clenching his jaw, Crosshair looked at Hunter. "That could happen to any of us, but at least we can protect her."

Hunter straightened, giving a hand signal for "we are being watched." Not looking around, Crosshair decided to change the subject to the little subject that has been dancing in the back of his mind. "Rylann's birthday is on the 20th," he stated, nonchalantly taking another bite of soup.

Wrecker's face lit up in anticipation. "Can we do a surprise party?" He asked, initiating his puppy dog eyes. Crosshair hated it when his brother looked at him like that. He couldn't say no to it. "Pretty please?"

"I think that's a good idea," Tech said in agreement. "We should all either get her an individual gift or pitch in together."

"Who should we invite?" Wrecker asked, slurping his noodles into his mouth, splattering oil across his face and the table.

"I wasn't planning on inviting others," Crosshair replied, frowning. He wanted this time to be simple and fun. Too many people often distract from the person that they were celebrating.

"What about those Cresters or whatever they are called?" Hunter asked, spooning the extra gravy into his mouth.

Crosshair groaned. If they invited the Crest Squad, then he'd have to invite Kix and that clone seemed the type to just invite whoever he wanted. "I don't know why I said anything."

"It's a good idea," Tech countered, pushing back his plate of noodles to pull out his tablet. "I can create invitations right now."

Crosshair pushed his bowl back, leaning on his elbows to wipe his hands over his face in annoyance. This was just supposed to be a conversation to cover up the conversation from whoever was watching or listening to them. It was supposed to be a whole ordeal.

"It's decided then," Tech grinned, clicking a button. "Invitations are sent and set for the 15th at 8pm."

"How did you even send it to people so fast?" Hunter asked, blowing his long hair from his face, swiping the strands away in frustration. Just get a haircut already, Crosshair thought, rolling his eyes.

"I found out who friended Rylann on KaminoNet," Tech stated as if it was obvious. "Just a handful and you guys haven't even friended her yet."

"I'm not really a K-Net type," Hunter said with a disdainful sneer. Crosshair agreed. Neither was he. Why would he want to see stupid updates from the regs? The only people he'd have on his forum would be his brothers and he already saw them every minute of every day.

Crosshair looked at Hunter signaling, "are we clear?" with his hands. Hunter nodded. Crosshair would have to ask later who was watching them, but for now, his attention was diverted to party planning. He had to come up with a gift for Rylann. He didn't know what yet, but he did know he wanted it to be meaningful. It's just that Cross had zero experience with gifts for girls and Rylann was definitely one of those. 

.........................

A/N: This is definitely a shorter one but it needs to happen to fill in some information.