letitrainathousandflames:

It’s better to be dead – an Appo minific

It’s so shameful to turn away from battle. It’s better to be dead than to be a coward.

The men that would carry the blue of their armors so proudly now would be glad at the scratches at their gauntlets, at the small cracks at the paint on the guards of their elbow and knees.

Captain Rex – their captain, their commanding officer, General Skywalker’s right hand man – how could he do that to his men, to his brothers? Running away like a coward in the middle of the night, leave them without even a note or a goodbye to commander Cody, his closest vod, or to Skywalker, who would trust him with his life.

He had deserted, bringing dishonor to every single man in the 501st battalion, for cowardice was the most despicable trait a clone could have.

It’s better to be dead than to be a coward.

Appo did not take the promotion well. He had never wanted to be Torrent Company’s commander, because that would mean that Rex would have to be dead. He didn’t want to lose his captain; he respected and admired Rex, his ability to keep his cool even under pressing circumstances, his concern for his men, for their mission. Rex was loyal, he was compassionate with his brothers, and he was brave, very much so. Running away didn’t match his personality at all. How could he have fooled him for so long?

“You used to be a hero. Our hero. And now you disgraced our name and what it stands for. I hope you’re proud, vod. I hope it was kriffing worth it.”

Appo takes his time putting on his kama and shoulder guards. They are light on his hands but they feel heavy on his body. He never quite manages to feel comfortable wearing them, and they always feel like they don’t belong to him, not really.

No matter what it takes, Appo will do his duty with perfection. He will clean the honor of the 501st from the stain of Rex’s betrayal.

Under the inescapable order 66, his armor finally feels like it belongs to him. He marches behind Skywalker, his blaster set to kill. Something doesn’t feel right in the back of his mind. He ignores it, aiming at the Jedi in the temple as they ignite their lightsabers. He might die here. He doesn’t care.

It’s better to be dead than to be a coward.