"I've heard the Resolute is one of the biggest ships ever," Core was saying to Pell as they trailed behind the others of the squad. "The crew alone numbers over 2,000 and it is rumored to have over 100 LAATs in the hangar decks." Pell merely nodded and Core continued speaking. "I'll find out the particulars, of course, but what do you think us common grunts will do on a ship?"

"LAATs," answered Pell succinctly, a wry smile curling one side of his lips.

Core laughed at himself. "Of course, ground-pounders as usual, just traveling in style."

Boil, had decided to walk with them though he hadn't said anything, simply listening as they discussed the General's announcement. Occasionally he'd nod as well, or interject an open question that kept Core talking.

He and Waxer had heard the heavy gunner's scornful words - 'an entire nest of them'. He had turned toward his partner to see Waxer raise an eyebrow and tilt his eyes towards the crowded table. Boil, curious about an entire next of… what, had given a tiny nod.

Jester led them, moving down the corridors with purpose firm in his stride. Ori and Kad followed behind, almost close enough to step on his heel with Thirteen right behind them. The other two troopers simply moved to keep with the squad, saying nothing as they followed while their senior, Coop, was beside Jester.

"Jester," Coop said in a voice that was as close as a clone got to whining, "We need to meet Sergeant Wooley at the gym for drills in ten."

"This won't take long, Coop," Jester replied grimly. "And it will take care of everything."

Take care of everything? To Boil, that sounded as if this was a problem of long-standing

"What is so…"

Jester halted so abruptly as he turned a corner that Kad did run into him, pushing him slightly forward.

"Troopers," drawled the calm voice of their new Jedi general. The entire squad as well as Boil, still around the corner and not in sight of the general or commander, came to attention. Boil could see the squad and the arm of a clone, presumably the commander.

Boil moved slightly until General Kenobi and Commander Cody were in his view. He wanted to see expressions and it would be worth a stern look or demerit from command.

They ignored him, focusing on Jester.

Jester gave a quick nod then saluted as if they were all on the parade ground. "General Kenobi, Commander Cody; I want to be transferred, sir," he said with no preamble. "As soon as possible."

Jester paused, his lips tight. Commander Cody gave an indrawn breath and quick wince of pain. The Jedi General had a suddenly solemn expression. Jester gave another, tiny nod as if he'd just finished a debate and was confident of his actions. "I didn't realize the range of effect that my presence would have on the 212th. I didn't take certain things into consideration when I asked to remain." He paused, then spoke in a softer voice. "It's best if I go, sir. I am sorry, I never meant..."

"Does this mean you're giving up, CT-4646?" The commander's voice was firm though Boil heard sympathy as well. "I thought we clones were engineered to never surrender." Commander Cody turned to Kad. "Should I transfer this trooper to another company?"

Kad pressed his lips together at Cody's question. "He is a…" Kad paused then changed his words. "He is not a good trooper, sir. That is my firm belief and I am currently searching for sufficient evidence to prove my accusation to sergeant's satisfaction. However, if he is transferred to another company there is the possibility that the troopers in that company won't be as diligent or thorough in searching his records or watching his actions." Kad spoke slowly, deliberating over every word. "Because they didn't experience…"

Commander Cody tensed, his lips tightened and his eyes narrow into slits. The general's expression went pensive and he glanced at the commander as though more concerned for him than the trooper being questioned.

Kad paled. "Anything," he finished after a moment's thought.

Commander Cody gave General Kenobi a questioning glanced and it was the general who turned to Thirteen. "What about you, trooper? Do you think CT-4646 should be transferred to another company?"

Thirteen tilted his head, nervous in front of the commander and being asked a question by their new general. Boil could see he had no more idea than Boil of what Kad referred to. He swallowed softly and licked his lower lip. "I believe Jester, CT 4646," he added for General Kenobi's benefit with a nervous nod at the Jedi though Kenobi seemed to be aware of who Jester was, "is one of the best troopers in the 212th. He is observant and always provides good ideas and thoughts to Sergeant Wooley through open channels so we all know what he's thinking about the situation." Thirteen paused and tilted his head slightly. "If you transfer him,sir, I think I might like to go along."

Jester turned his head momentarily to the rookie; amazed hope dawning in his expression then quickly back to Commander Cody.

Boil was sure Thirteen had missed Jester's expression but it was an interesting expression; as if just realizing his back was covered.

Commander Cody nodded at Ori, also directly behind Jester.

Ori spoke slowly and avoided looking at Kad. "While I do believe CT-4646 to be of questionable…" He also paused and, after a moment, he launched into a different tact. "I have seen no actions of his that are consistent or demonstrative of what I would consider unequivocal…" Like Kad, he paused then continued, "evidence or even actions detrimental to any trooper. What I have seen," he emphasized the word, "is a trooper who is very careful of all the regulations and appears." Again he emphasized the word, "to care a great deal about his squad."

Commander Cody glanced at Coop, then the four remaining troopers of the squad. They glanced down at the floor, then gave a tiny shrug of one shoulder. Doesn't matter, not concerned, either choice, your decision.

"Transfer denied." Commander Cody seemed about to say something else but only shook his head with a sad expression.

Boil chuckled. "What's that saying Inspector Divo is so fond of? Where you find bantha poodoo, you'll find a bantha."

"It's all rumors, so many rumors, and the best was almost blasphemous." Waxer got a frown on his face. "They were all talking around treason," he looked around as if they weren't in the privacy of their barracks. "Not one of them used that word, though. Almost as if it's been stricken from their vocabulary. 'Jester was there when the armory blew up.' 'Jester was there when the droids attacked.' 'Jester was there when Ventress showed up.' Some of them are saying things like, 'I've always suspected him of more funny business than his humor.' and 'He and Three-quarter shabuir had more demerits and punishment duty than the entire rest of the company.' Funny thing though, none of them can remember what Jester and this other trooper did to get the demerits and punishment detail."

"Treason," Boil nodded. "That was the first word that popped into my head when Kad spoke and, like you noticed, that word was never voiced aloud. So evident by its omission. We keep our eyes open," Boil shrugged. "Like we always do." He paused, setting out tomorrow's bodysuit. "But if he was a traitor, why would he ask to be transferred?"

Waxer shrugged then tossed out a possibility. "Because he's been discovered?"

"No, he hasn't been discovered. Kad has been given permission to search for evidence by his sergeant. It has been condoned by command. And, he hasn't found anything. Neither has his partner."

Waxer thought for a moment, worrying his lower lip then nodded. "Because it's hard to live with brothers who don't trust you."

Boil nodded then grinned. "So a little mystery for us to solve."

Waxer laughed. "We wouldn't be the best otherwise."