#and after the citadel fives only really had rex (and cody) to lean on

[datastate]

anyway you ever think abt the domino twins and fucking weep.

[talkcloneshipstome]

I would like to request Rex/Fives, incorporating the word: forever ❤️

D... did I really never answer this ask? I wrote the prompt. It's been written for a while now. I am so sorry I forgot about this! I'm pretty sure Kanra even reminded me at some point, and then upon being reminded, I forgot to come and post this. Either way, I hope you like this. It's geared more towards Rex/Fives/Echo — which was done on accident — but Echo isn't actually present. This takes place post-Citadel. Due to that, the fic is under the cut for talk of death and character death.

Rex sits alone in the barracks. He hasn’t got a clue how he’s managed it, but he seems to have found a random sweet spot of time in which the entire bunk room is totally empty. It’s just Rex, the bunks, and his thoughts.

Thanks to General Kenobi, Cody, and the 212th’s ARCs joining the 501st for a few rotations for strategy planning and other similar responsibilities, Rex has been relegated once again to the barracks, along with Fives. They’re the only ARCs at the moment, so the ARC bunk room has been given over to their guests. Not that Rex is complaining though. He likes staying in the barracks usually. It feels less lonely…

The pressing quiet of his and Fives’ bunk room has been driving him insane. They were never an overly rowdy bunch in their free time, so the quiet isn’t out of the ordinary. But there’s something horribly oppressive about silence brought on by a missing presence who should, by all accounts, be there. But he’s not.

It’s been… oh, Rex isn’t sure anymore. He lost count of the days by the third after returning from the Citadel. It’s been over a week, he’s at least sure of that much. But other than that, time has been blurring into itself of getting very little (if any) sleep, rising with his alarm, and forcing himself to go through the motions. He is aware that his men are getting concerned, but it’s not like there’s much to worry about. Something will snap him out of this eventually, Rex is sure of it. It always does.

Though, they’ve also never lost Echo before. They’ve lost vode, of course. That’s just life for the clones. They’ve been losing brothers since before they could even remember. It’s different now that the war is officially going. Now that it’s been a year and a half or however long, losing brothers is different than it had been on Kamino.

And truthfully, Rex would be a filthy liar if he said that losing Echo wasn’t the punch in the gut that it is.

He tries not to think about it too hard. Tries to ignore the weight bearing down on him from all angles, and how sometimes he wants to cry so hard he can’t breathe. Rex doesn’t deserve to feel this way. He shouldn’t get to think of Echo and feel pain wash through him, so debilitating that he once actually stumbled and fell to his knees with a silent, grief-stricken sob.

Luckily, Fives had not been around.

After all, Rex is the one who said no. He’s the one who turned them down. Them. His chosen shinies, his ARC troopers. His Echo and Fives. They held out their hearts to him, full of love and hope for the future. They asked him for forever, and Rex told them no.

He wanted to agree so badly. It hadn’t been a new concept, of course. Brothers marry all the time. It’s not unheard of. Beyond that, the three of them had actually talked about it before. Rex had shared his concerns — his fears, his dreams, his realism. For all that he knew there was nothing wrong with it, Rex was scared of marriage. He still is. How can he promise someone forever when he can’t even be sure he’ll make it to see the morning?

It didn’t matter that they are his troopers. It didn’t matter that it’s more likely for all of them to die together than to die separately. Rex couldn’t promise them what they wanted. He refused to break their hearts like that.

Of course, he broke them a little bit by doing this anyway. They had looked at him with hope and love so true and deep in their eyes, and Rex had crushed it.

No, Rex does not deserve to miss Echo. He doesn’t deserve to feel like he’s bursting at the seams and falling apart. Fives is the one who deserves to be feeling this way. And he does. Rex knows Fives is barely keeping a lid on this thing. One misstep, and the whole tower of cards will come crashing down. Rex needs to be there for him when it finally does. Even if Fives hates him, Rex will be there.

That’s the thing that’s killing him though.

Fives does not hate Rex. Hell, he’s not even mad at him. Even as Rex watched his troopers’ hearts shatter before his eyes, they still smiled at him — sad though the expressions were — and said it was okay. They told him they understood. Because that’s how they are. Understanding. Caring. Loving.

Rex couldn’t have asked for better partners even if he wanted it.

The swish of the door opening and closing again pulls Rex out of his thoughts. There are tears on his cheeks, dripping down his chin.

Fives stands in front of Rex. His eyes are dull and watery with his own unshed tears. There’s a slackness to his features that tells Rex all he needs to know about how well Fives has been sleeping recently. Not.

Rex startles a little, not having realized someone was coming toward him.

“Fives—”

Fives holds up a hand and shakes his head silently. Rex shuts up immediately. He may be the captain, and Fives one of his ARC troopers, but Rex still knows when to take orders. The answer is “now” and “definitely from Fives”.

“You haven’t been sleeping,” Fives eventually says. It’s not what Rex was expecting to hear.

“Not well.”

The ARC nods. “Me either.”

There’s a pause after that in which neither of them speak. They just watch each other for a moment. A million things to say flash across Rex’s mind. In the end, he says none of them. It’s Fives who has to break their silence again.

“You and I both know he wouldn’t want us living like this,” he says finally. “This isn’t living, cyare.”

No, it’s not. Rex knows that. He nods in agreement, because really, that’s about as much as he can get out right now.

Fives sits heavily onto the bunk side Rex with a deep sigh.

“I don’t know why you’ve been avoiding me, Rex, but this has got to stop.”

“I’m not—”

“You are. I won’t pretend to know what going through that head of yours. Only you can say. So the only way I’ll know is if you actually tell me.”

Rex stares down at his lap, playing with his fingers and twisting them together painfully.

When he thinks he’s finally found his words, Rex swallows.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers. “I shouldn’t have… I wish I hadn’t said no.”

Fives shakes his head again, cutting off whatever was going to follow that thought up.

“He knew you love us, Rex,” Fives tells him. He leans into Rex’s side, pulling him into a side hug with an arm hooked over the blond’s shoulders. “No marriage or lack thereof would change that. We love you, and you love us. You have your reasons for denying our proposal, so—”

“Had,” Rex corrects him. “I had my reasons, which I’ve realized now were really just making me feel worse. I just want to use whatever time I have at least trying to find some semblance of happiness.”

Fives doesn’t respond, but he doesn’t argue, either. He doesn’t pull away from Rex and leave him alone.

���I’m not asking you to marry me,” Rex cuts in again quickly. “That’s not— I wouldn’t—”

“Shh…” Damp lips press against his temple in a kiss. Fives tugs Rex even closer, until he’s practically in the ARC’s lap, hiding in his neck. “Shh, it’s alright. We can talk later, after we both take a nap. Got it?”

Rex nods, finally and suddenly realizing he doesn’t mind that he’s crying in Fives’ presence and noticing just how exhausted every part of him is. Fives maneuvers them until they’re laying down together. The new position is much more comfortable for the both of them. Rex finds himself sinking into the warmth of Fives’ embrace and the safety and comfort that he offers.

“Forever,” he mumbles. “You feel like forever.”

Fives smiles tearily against him.

“You do, too.”

Rex falls asleep to the feeling of a phantom hand he isn’t sure exists brushing over his hair. Warm air tickles across his ear like perhaps someone had whispered something into it.

“Forever, cyare’se. I’ll come back to you.”

[jgvfhl]

Number Lads! AKA me taking a hammer to canon :)

Well now we see some actual plot being affected by the character choices in this here little ol' story I'm writing. Damn this list is getting long... wonderful! (Read Part 1 - Part 2- Part 3)

Some gentle warnings for injury descriptions--specifically burns

ARC-0000 = Zero = d0nut man

CT-2222 = Do-si-do = Double Trouble

CT-3333 = Trees = Leafs

CT-4444 = Fours = Submarine

ARC-5555 = Fives = high fives

ARC-1409 = Echo = BetterDomino

CC-6666 = Sixes/Death = DEATH

ARC-7777 = Sevenset = RedBoiiiii

CT-8888 = Loops = Loopy

high fives: GUYS guys guys i think echo and i can get our hands on nines soon

d0nut man: “get our hands on nines”

d0nut man: well. I’ve heard stranger things out of one of our medics

BetterDomino: lol yeah us too

Leafs: nines? 212th yeah?

high fives: yeah echo and i just got the rundown for a mission with cmdr cody and gen kenobi and there was definitely a CT-9999 on the list

Double Trouble: oo what kinda mission??

BetterDomino: the kind you’re not allowed to know about

high fives: yeah :3

BetterDomino: and technically he shouldn’t even have mentioned it >_>

Double Trouble: oh ho ho

Leafs: do si do, gossip is not worth breaking classified information

high fives: but nines!!

RedBoiiiii: WE’RE GETTING A NEW NUMBER????

high fives: MAYBE

BetterDomino: very strong maybe

DEATH: classified missions = death trap

DEATH: the new guy might not even make it out, don’t get too excited

RedBoiiiii: life of the party, as usual

Leafs: well he is the more experienced of us in these things… so…

high fives: we’re not gonna die guys

Loopy: you better not :(

DEATH: you want some advice? if the seps point a gun at something, they’re going to shoot

DEATH: doesn’t matter how important it is to them or their cause. they will shoot it.

high fives: … noted sir

BetterDomino: thank you

RedBoiiiii: OYA DOMINO I LOVE YOUUUUUUU blease come back safe *bonk*

high fives: *bonk*

BetterDomino: *bonk*

____

Had Nines not been a member of the 212th for nearly two years, he’d probably be wondering if all of his general’s missions went this muja-shaped so fast. Well. Actually, he’d probably be dead. He rather liked not being dead, and hoped to keep it that way, despite the absolute and utter chaos happening around the Citadel’s lower airfield at the moment. The air was a haze of colors as blue, red, and green blaster bolts zipped through the air, combined with the five lightsabers whirling about the generals and commander. But right now, Nines was really trying not to die while pinned down behind this cargo crate.

The noise of a door drew his attention--ever so briefly--as yet more clankers emerged from the hellish prison. He could only take a glance before he had to duck back behind the large cargo crate he and two ARCs were using for cover. He looked over at the pair, watching one--Echo or Fives, he couldn’t quite recall at the moment--launch a charge at the new droids. Nines felt the detonation, and twisted back around to send some bolts towards the scattered droids. Kriffing hells, commando droids? Again? Stars, he really hated those buggers.

“General Skywalker!” Nines barely caught the tail end of the ARC’s warning as he returned to cover. “A droid is manning one of those turrets. They’re gonna blow up the shuttle, sir.”

Oh, hells no. Nines looked up, locating General Skywalker and General Peill on the little flying craft they’d commandeered from incoming assailants. It looked like they were heading towards the turret, then they disappeared over the edge of the cargo crate.

“This is our only chance!” Nines heard behind him from the same ARC. “We have to stop him.” He looked over just as one of the pair disappeared around the side of the crate, the other close on his heels.

“Echo no!”

Nines jogged over, hoping to cover the pair. Echo was running towards the shuttle’s ramp with a shield dropped by one of the commandos. Nines looked and saw at the same time as Fives--if that was Echo, the one still standing here was Fives--the commando droid at the turret’s controls turning the blaster barrels towards the shuttle.

Nines felt a horribly familiar cold lump sink into his gut as the seconds seemed to slow, green turret rounds creeping closer and closer to Echo and their only way out of this Maker-abandoned pit. But it seemed time hadn’t slowed for Fives, who was suddenly reaching to the ascension cable at the back of his utility belt.

He attached it to his blaster, aimed at his brother, and fired.

There was the distinct sound of the cable striking plastoid. A huge noise followed, managing to drown out the whizz of blaster fire. A wave of light and heat washed over the immediate area as the shuttle exploded. Nines’ eyes followed a chunk of the ship as it flew over the landing pad and destroyed the turret and the droid manning it, but then his attention was back on Fives. Fives, who was drawing in his ascension cable desperately as the rest of the strike team collected by the last way out of the landing pad.

“We need to go,” General Kenobi said, and no one was going to argue. “Now.”

“Fives,” Captain Rex stood next to his ARCs.

Fives was kneeling on one knee over Echo’s unmoving, singed, and smoking form, hastily detaching the cable from his brother’s chestplate. “I got him,” he said, and even for all the training he had, anyone would hear the distress underlining the urgency of his actions.

Nines cast his eyes over the fallen ARC. The plastoid of Echo’s boot had melted in the intense heat of the shuttle’s explosion. It wasn’t coming off until a medic was there to cut it off. Nines was grateful now for the filters in his bucket, keeping the smell of burning blacks and probably flesh out of his nose. Taking another look, he saw Echo’s right arm had suffered similar injuries--the side unprotected by the shield. But, judging by Fives’ concerted efforts, he was still alive.

As the team retreated, Fives finally stowed his cable and his blaster on his belt, hefting his brother across his shoulders and hauling them both up. Nines lagged between the two parties, waiting until Fives had caught up before picking up his pace.

“No man left behind, right?” Nines said, low enough to keep it between them.

“Not a kriffing chance,” Fives huffed.

_____

In a whirlwind of sulfurous stench, near misses, anoobas, crawling over lethal lava lakes, and the unfortunate death of General Peill, the greatly reduced strike team was finally aboard General Koon’s gunship. Fives carefully lowered his brother to the floor, leaning him against the wall. Captain Rex maneuvered over to them, standing between them and the other occupants like a human privacy screen as the gunship flew far, far away from the stinking hell that was The Citadel.

It was another hour or so before Nines had the chance to find them again. Echo’s injuries were the worst to come out of the mission, mostly because of the sheer number of casualties. Nines himself only suffered some relatively superficial bumps and bruises, so he was cleared from medical quickly.

“Where are you off to, Nines?”

The commander, too, had been quickly cleared, it seemed. Nines turned and waited for Commander Cody before starting for the other medbay rooms again. “Sir, I thought I’d check on the two ARCs. Fives and Echo?”

The commander nodded, switching his helmet to under his other arm. “I was gonna check on Rex, and he’s probably with them. I’ll come with.”

“The captain’s pretty fond of them, then?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe,” the commander smiled, though there was something bittersweet in the expression.

As he’d predicted, they found the captain and Fives outside one of the medbay rooms. Rex was seated on the bench between doorways, his bucket on the floor between his feet, a water bottle in one hand. Fives was on his feet, pacing back and forth in front of the room, his eyes only leaving the windows briefly at every pass. His bucket was resting on the ground near the captain’s.

When the two caught sight of Nines and Cody approaching, Rex made to stand, but the commander gave him a sharp look. “Sit down, Rex.” The captain slumped back down on the bench, where the commander soon joined him. “What’s the word?”

“There hasn’t been any kriffing word,” Fives growled, still pacing.

The commander’s brows scrunched. “It’s been over an hour.”

“I know,” Fives shot back with far more force than Nines would ever use towards a commander.

But Cody took it in stride, barely reacting to the added bite in the ARC’s words. He just nodded and leaned back against the wall like Captain Rex, whom he asked, “Have you both been looked over?”

The captain nodded. “Yeah, we’ve been cleared.”

Nines watched Fives pacing back and forth. He hadn’t gotten much of a chance to talk to Echo or Fives before the whole strike team went into carbonite. But, clearly, Fives needed a distraction. Nines had been around long enough, battle after battle, to recognize that.

He took a step forward, clearing his throat. “Hey, uh… Fives. What was it you were telling me about before we left? That… number group?”

Fives paused in his pacing, and some of the stress on his face replaced by slight confusion, then recognition. “Right. Yeah.”

The captain raised an eyebrow at them both. “Number group? Fives, how many people are you gonna tell about those guys?”

“Well,” Nines began, “he had a good reason. I’m CT-9999. Nines, sir.”

The captain chuckled. “I see.”

“Yeah, he didn’t get much out before we had to go under. Anything else I should know about these guys?”

Fives finally stopped pacing and sighed quietly, looking over through the medbay windows. “Yeah, okay.” He rubbed his eyes, his shoulders lowering as some of the fight left his system. It appeared he’d realized Nines was only trying to take his mind off his injured brother, and was giving in to the plan.

“Why don’t you get cleaned up while you’re at it, Fives,” Captain Rex told him, and despite the wording, it wasn’t a question.

“But--”

“Echo’s not going anywhere,” the captain said, cutting off Fives’ protests. “I’ll stay here, and I’ll comm you the second I hear anything.”

Fives sighed again. The captain had won, Nines knew. The ARC trudged over to collect his helmet from the floor by his captain’s boots. As he straighted up, the captain caught the back of his neck and pressed their foreheads together long enough to murmur something inaudible. Nines knew it wasn’t for him to hear anyway. But Fives nodded when he was released, and even Cody reached up to pat his chestplate. Huh.

“Food first or shower first?” Nines asked when he walked over to him. “‘Cause I’m starving.”

“Yeah, me too,” Fives admitted. “But, I think I wanna get the stink of that place out of my armor before I try eating anything.”

_____

After a fast shower, even by GAR standards, Nines found Fives sitting on the floor outside the ‘freshers in just his blacks and boots with his kit and a wet cloth, in the middle of wiping off the worst of the grime from the mission. He had paused, however, and was now fiddling with his wrist comm. Nines sat down next to him with his own kit to do the same.

“Any news?”

“No, I just remembered something…” Fives replied, clearly occupied. Finally, his comm blinked green as it connected with someone else’s. “Loops?”

There was a hesitant answer. “Fives…? Why can you comm me while I’m in hyperspace?”

Fives smiled triumphantly. “Don’t worry about it. Are you busy right now?”

“I mean… it can wait an hour or so. Why?”

“You wanna pop down to the mess hall for a bit?”

There was a pause. “Are you onboard?”

“Maybe.”

Loops stuttered out a few indignant syllables before demanding, “Did we just haul ass across hyperspace to pull you out of The Citadel?”

“Well, not just me, but yeah. Thanks, by the way, for whatever small part you played in getting us the hell out of there.”

“What in the nine hells were you doing in The Citadel, Fives?”

Fives rolled his eyes. “Can you just meet me in the mess and I’ll tell you?”

Another pause. “Fine, but I’m not happy about it.”

Even if Fives hadn’t filled Nines in on who Loops was on their way to the mess hall, it would have been fairly obvious by the large eight tattooed on his cheek, much the way Fives’ tattoo was obvious. Loops was CT-8888, and his face only dropped its suspicious scowl at Fives when Nines introduced himself.

“Nines? Really?”

“Hey, I said we could get our hands on him,” Fives said around a mouthful of rations. He and Nines had gotten their food and found a table before Loops had shown up.

“Yeah, and the commander said he’d be dead by the end of the mission,” Loops shot back across the table.

Nines raised an eyebrow. “Well, I’m not dead…”

“Which is wonderful,” Loops assured him.

“And… which commander?”

Loops looked at Fives, who took the opportunity to take a long drink. “You didn’t tell him about the commander?”

When he finished, Fives shrugged, wiping his mouth and smiling. “I think it’s better when you find out organically.”

“Maker, you and Sevenset are two of a kind,” Loops said, shaking his head. “Hey, where’s Echo?”

“Medbay.”

“Is he okay?”

Nines watched the shadow of worry fall across Fives’ face, but he seemed to shake it off. “I don’t know yet.”

Loops dipped his chin, looking sympathetic. “Oh. I’m sorry.”

Fives tried to give an assuring smile, but it didn’t quite land. “Yeah, well… it’s not gonna kill him. So.” He poked the remaining cubes of food on his tray with his fork.

His friend nodded, understanding that, sometimes, injuries weren’t so straightforward to fix. Clones had been decommissioned for some pretty mundane reasons, and everyone knew it. “Well, hey,” he said, “you’re both alive, and so is Nines. You can prove the commander wrong if nothing else.”

“Well, you’ve got a point there.”

“Do you wanna do that now, or…?” Loops asked, slowly raising his wrist comm and opening a text channel.

“We’re in hyperspace,” Nines reminded him.

He frowned, putting his arm back on the table and resting his chin on it. “I hate hyperspace.”

Nines could understand. Usually, he was too busy to complain, but now he was a bit at odd ends. But before he could voice his commiseration, Fives’ comm pinged, and a second later, Fives sprang up from the table, food and tray almost forgotten.

“That was Rex, I gotta go,” he said, already hurrying away to deposit his tray before dashing out the door.

Loops had made no move to follow him, and Nines knew there would be no room in the medbay for them regardless. “Hope it’s good news,” Loops said. Nines nodded.

_____

Fives skidded to a stop, narrowly avoiding crashing directly into Rex in front of Echo’s room in the medbay. Rex grabbed his upper arms to help him stop.

“What is it? What happened?” Fives demanded, only just noticing the Wolfpack medic standing by. He looked regulation except for a large geometric tattoo on the left side of his neck.

“Take a breath, Fives,” Rex told him. “This is Bolt, he was just about to tell us.”

Bolt gestured them into the room, allowing Fives to move past him to stand next to his twin. Echo was still unconscious, although Fives didn’t know if that was because of the extent of his injuries or because of something the medics had done. A blanket was drawn up to his chest, his arms laid out at his sides. His right arm was swathed in bandages almost to the shoulder joint, and Fives could see by the outline of his right leg that it was wrapped up similarly. He reached over to put a hand on his brother’s head, feeling some of the tension he’d still been carrying fade as he ran gentle fingers through his brother’s hair.

“So, how is he?” Rex asked.

“Why is he still unconscious?” Fives added.

Bolt folded his arms, tucking his datapad under one arm. “He’s medically sedated. The burns on his leg are extensive and severe, and it’s better for him to be unconscious for the pain. Most of the time we spent today was getting his leg out of his boots and blacks. They’d melted on in some places. There are some third-degree burns around his knees and ankles where his armor didn’t protect him, but for the most part, they’re all second- and first-degree.”

“But his--it’ll all heal, right?” Fives wanted to know. Batchmate aside, Echo was his partner on the field. He needed to know Echo could still be that, or else Jesse might be getting a bit of informal ARC training to make up for it.

The medic nodded. “It should heal. There might be some nerve damage that will take longer than the rest, but it should be a functional result. Whatever surgeries or grafts will be minor, which is good. As soon as we come out of hyperspace, I will contact your medics, Captain, and let them know to have a bacta tank ready for him when you arrive.”

Rex nodded back, and Fives could see a similar shedding of worries from his shoulders. “Thank you.”

“It’ll still be a couple months until he’s ready for action, but he should be able to return to full duties eventually.” He unfolded his arms and moved towards the door. “You can stay as long as you want.”

Fives nodded, his focus back on Echo now the medic was done. He didn’t notice the captain moving until Rex’s hand landed on his shoulder, and he looked over. “Have a seat. I know you’re gonna be here a while.”

An empty supply crate had appeared behind him. He sat, his hand moving to grasp his brother’s. “I thought I was gonna be the one getting hurt doing something stupid like that.”

Rex breathed a short laugh. “Yeah. Well. Good on you for pulling him out like that. Ascension cable--don’t think I would have thought of that one.”

A tiny smile appeared on Fives’ face. “Guess the ARC training was good for something.”

“Mm… I think that was more Domino training than ARC training.” Rex ruffled Fives’ curls. “Maybe get some sleep while you’re keeping him company, okay?”

He didn’t have any arguments for that. Once Rex was gone, however, he stood up so he could lean over Echo to put their foreheads together, resting his left hand on the side of his brother’s face. He remained like that for a short moment, where he could feel his brother’s slow, even breaths across his face, and to finally let it sink in that Echo was okay. That explosion had been terrifying to watch, and the sight of Echo’s body landing limply on the ground on the end of the cable would have debilitated Fives before ARC training. Then again, they wouldn’t be ARCs if they didn’t have the potential to be better than themselves.

Echo was okay. That was the important thing.

“You’re gonna be right as rain in a few,” he murmured before moving to kiss the spot where their heads had touched. “And I’ll be there the whole time, okay?”

He pulled the crate a bit closer to the bed before he sat back down so he could lay his arms down and rest his head on top of them. He took Echo’s hand in his own, tucked their clasped hands against his cheek, and closed his eyes. Sleep wasn’t far behind.

_____

high fives: guess who’s not dead commander

RedBoiiiii: FIVES!!!! YOU’RE OKAY!!!

DEATH: what do you want, a medal?

high fives: already have one, thanks

Leafs: is everyone else alive too, or just you

Double Trouble: YOU LIVE!!! Now do we get all the goss about the mission??

Leafs: do si do you are a hazard to the gar

Double Trouble: why thank you trees <3

high fives: anyway nines is *also* alive

RedBoiiiii: NINES??

Loopy: and so is echo

d0nut man: oh good nox and pixel were worried about their “handprint buddy”

high fives: that’s adorable he’ll be glad to hear it

DEATH: Where is your plus one?

high fives: … medbay

high fives: also sevenset, i sent you nines’ comm code? didn’t you get it?

RedBoiiiii: oh whoops hang on

d0nut man: what happened to echo???

Leafs: is he okay?

high fives: he got caught in an explosion, got some nasty burns. he’s still in bacta for another half-day, but the medics seem pleased with the progress so… yay?

Double Trouble: damn i’m sorry that sounds awful

RedBoiiiii: nu ;-; fives that sucks but i’m glad the medics are keeping an eye on him

Loopy: yeah that’s good to hear

Loopy: sevens did you get nines in here yet i wanna say hi to my number neighbor

Orangio: hello i’m nines

Orangio: please tell me i can change my own name here

Loopy: nines! hiiii, yeah you can change it

high fives: hey nines

Leafs: welcome to the madness

Double Trouble: we’re not *that* bad :)

d0nut man: … arguable, but welcome anyway

Double Trouble: >:(

DressedtotheNines: thanks guys

Submarine: sorry to hear about your batcher, fives. hi nines

RedBoiiiii: IS THAT FOURS???

Loopy: fours!!

Submarine: yeah sorry i’m not here a lot, but i read all of it

RedBoiiiii: no apologies!! only love!!

Double Trouble: yeah there’s no pressure to use the chat, don’t worry about it

DressedtotheNines: so if i happen to get good footage of cmdr cody like spin kicking grievous or smth, you guys want to see that, yeah?

RedBoiiiii: YES

high fives: pleeeaassseee rex hoards his footage the bastard >:(

d0nut man: i would like to see it

Submarine: yeah me too. general mundi is… he doesn’t do that

DEATH: i’ll bet i could get cadet pictures of cody from some of the alphas

DressedtotheNines: commander death sir i would be honored to help blackmail him for you if you ever need it

DEATH: noted

RedBoiiiii: wait

Double Trouble: anyone else see that

RedBoiiiii: DID WE FINALLY FIND A NUMBER SIXES LIKES????

DEATH: no and while you’re at it kriff off

RedBoiiiii: nines you are magical

DressedtotheNines: ………… cool

I love these lads so much :) @darth-void @23-bears @theultimatesandwich @nintendolover13 @peacefulwizardfox @glubtheflyingfish (lmk if you don't want to be tagged anymore 👍 or if you'd like to be tagged in the future!)

[redrobinhoood]

The War Is Over | one-shot

A/N: Alternate ending to Age Of Heroes, can stand on its own.

AO3 Link | 2,200 words (approx)

Summary: What if Palpatine wasn’t the Sith Lord? The happy ending where the whole crew goes to 79′s.

Rex laughed at the hologram in his hand. “I’d hate for you to miss out on the celebration. I know you love the dress greys.”

“Mhm. They really bring out the bags under my eyes. Maybe after the formal dinner we could go get absolutely pissed at Seventy-Nine’s. You, me, Wolffe, Echo, Ahsoka, whoever else wants to join us.”

“Commander Tano is seventeen, Cody. That’s underage.” Though she’d soon be eighteen and drinking age in most systems, Rex still thought of her as the same brash fourteen-year-old he had met on Christophsis when it came to anything but combat.

“Four years older than we are. You can’t protect her forever, Rex. If she can fight in a war and die for the Republic, she can have a drink. Though, with the amount you lot drink, she may swear alcohol off entirely.”

“I’ll make sure Jesse is there if that’s our goal.”

Cody grinned and looked around the medical bay before turning back to Rex conspiratorially. “Do you really think we’re going to win?”

“General Skywalker thinks so. Why not?” Rex couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. “Count Dooku is dead, General Grievous is dead, you’ve captured Maul. We may have just won the Clone Wars.”

“Isn’t that something.” A new message chirped on Cody’s comm, and he stopped to glance at it. “I’m needed on the bridge, Rex.”

“Well, duty calls.”

“I’ll see you on the other side of the war.”

“See you on the other side of the war. Take care of yourself, Cody.”

---

The war was over.

Ahsoka stood before the mirror in her room, running the strand of beads that had served as her padawan braid between her fingers before setting it off to the side and returning her focus to her reflection. She was a Jedi, vanity had no place in her mind, but she couldn’t help but admire the ornate patterns lining her new white robes. Barriss had chosen the design with her, and Master Ti had helped the young women incorporate it in a traditional togrutan manner. Master Windu had, of all beings, been the one to help them sew the fabric on in straight lines.

The war was over.

Rex tugged on the collar of the new service dress whites. He hated the constrictions the fabric imposed on him.

“You’ll break the clasp if you keep doing that.” Cody, always the older brother figure, leaned over and straightened Rex’s collar before moving to straighten the colored shoulder pads they had been given. Rex let Cody have his moment. He had bounced back from his injuries, cleaned himself up, then spent the past week overseeing Darth Maul’s interrogation. He deserved to do what he wanted for a bit. Or at least, that was how Rex justified it. Cody still did outrank him, as evidenced by the extra ribbons and decor his uniform bore.

“Maybe I wanted to break the clasp.” Rex whispered as Cody straightened back up in his seat. “Get out of this awful dinner.”

“Now, now, Rex. Play along for the senators. This is their moment after all.” Wolffe chided from Cody’s other side.

The war was over.

---

Ahsoka met the group of clones outside of the Senate, bounding over as soon as they were in sight. “Notice anything different?” She asked, twirling around.

“You have a back to your shirt?” Fives offered.

“No, no. She fixed the holes in her leggings.” Tup corrected.

“You changed your hair.” Echo said.

Ahsoka laughed and turned to Rex. “Any other observations?”

“No, I believe they covered it.” Rex smirked and lay an arm around Ahsoka’s shoulders. “Congratulations, Jedi Knight Tano.”

“Will all due respect, Commander Cody, does this mean that she officially outrank you?” Jesse asked.

“No. No I’m still taller.” Cody glanced over at Kix. “That’s how it works right?”

“Absolutely.” Kix confirmed. “Until the tips of her montrals pass your height next week, you’re in charge.”

Rex made a sound of indignation. “You’re saying that like she’s going to grow up.”

“Rex, I went with you to the Citadel, I’ve faced off against Sith lords and you’re worried about me growing up?” Ahsoka hoped that the men wouldn’t notice how her eyes were getting misty.

“Of course I am, kid. You’re only, what, fourteen?” He teased.

“Absolutely, Rex. I’m the youngest Jedi Knight in the history of the Order.” She squinted up her eyes and nose and shook her head at him.

“That’s cause for celebration then!” Cody threw an arm around Wolffe and Echo and leaned slightly forward towards her. “As your commanding officer until this time next week when your montrals surpass me, would you like to join us at Seventy-Nine’s?”

“Cody!” Wolffe protested.

“General Plo doesn’t need to know.” Cody assured him. “Are you in, Ahsoka?”

Ahsoka glanced around at the men surrounding her. Rex and Wolffe were wearing looks of indignation. Jesse looked surprised. The Domino Twins and their adopted triplet were biting back laughter. Kix seemed unphased. Cody looked steady in his proposition.

“I’m in.”

Obi-Wan was going to be so mad when he found out about this.

---

The eight clones and one togruta crammed onto the two benches around the corner table. Ahsoka found herself squished between Wolffe and Echo. The situation would have been uncomfortable in armor, but without it was not unlike crowding into a gunship during an evacuation. Not the most convenient spot to find yourself in, but still very enjoyable at the heart of it.

“Fives and Kix are taking orders, what do you want, General Tano?” Echo asked, tossing his head towards the men, who were sitting at the ends of each bench.

Ahsoka bit her lip. “I don’t know, I don’t know what they have.”

Fives pointed a finger in her direction. “I got you.”

Ahsoka tried to commit everyone’s orders to memory as she looked around at the interior of the club. She wanted to connect the drink’s appearances to their names when Fives returned. She listened to the conversations around her as she continued to sweep the room. Wolffe on her left was talking to Cody, who was sitting directly across from him and was just as squished into the wall as he was. Beside Cody was Rex, who was politely listening to Echo’s recount of the Citadel to Jesse and Tup, who had brought it up in the first place.

“I did not trip when we unfroze, your liar.” Fives insisted as he and Kix returned with two trays of drinks.

“Oh yes, you did.” Ahsoka grinned. “I saw you when Master Kenobi and Master Skywalker were arguing.”

“I should have gotten you a soda.” Fives scoffed, passing her a drink.

She took it and looked suspiciously at the brown liquid. “What is this?”

Fives shrugged and sat back down next to Tup. “A drink.”

Ahsoka took a small sip, then a larger one. “Just whiskey?

Rex nearly choked. “Excuse me?”

“What, you think I’ve never had a drink before?”

“Actually, yes. Where have you had whiskey before? Not from General Skywalker.”

“No, not from Anakin.” She agreed and glanced over towards Cody.

“Cody.” Rex turned as much as he could on the crammed bench to berate his brother while Ahsoka turned her gaze over to the men on her right. Echo raised his glass and nodded at her. She caught a glimpse of Tup’s wide eyes behind him, though her attention was quickly drawn back across the table to Kix biting his hand to muffle his laughter from Rex. Ahsoka could feel Wolffe’s arm shaking from similarly repressed laughter as Cody tried to defend himself from Rex’s accusations.

Eventually, Cody was vindicated and Jesse and Tup brought another round. Ahsoka accepted the fruity drink Tup had chosen for her as her last one and stuck with it for subsequent rounds. Kix’s mid-drink lecture on clone and togruta metabolism solidified her stance, along with Wolffe’s attempt to parent her in the generals’ absence.

In the end, she found herself stumbling out of Seventy-Nine’s with Jesse draped half over her shoulders and half over Kix’s. Once they were in a less populated stretch of road Rex came up to her side and wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her up, taking some of Jesse’s weight off her.

“Ahsoka. I don’t know what comes next, but I want you to know that I’m proud of you, kid.” Rex smiled down at her.

She beamed back up at him. “That means a lot to me, Rex. It’s been an honor to serve with you.”

“It’s a pity you only served in the third best legion in the GAR.” Cody shouted from behind them. “Your battalion is the reason General Kenobi is going grey.”

“At least I’ve never threatened to tie General Skywalker’s lightsaber to his wrist.” Rex shot back.

“Only because you have the astromech to retrieve it.”

“Look.” Echo cut in. “You can diss the general all you want, but leave Artoo out of it.”

“Even Wolffe likes Artoo-detoo.” Fives nodded his head in agreement.

“I said I can tolerate it.” Wolffe responded.

“Him, Commander. Artoo has masculine programming.” Tup spoke up.

“Yeah, it’s what really brings us all together.” Kix agreed.

Ahsoka couldn’t help the laughter that spilled from her lips. Maybe being a little tipsy, she wouldn’t dare say she was drunk, had something to do with it. Maybe it was just the stress of the past three years being lifted off her shoulders. They’d all made it. The Separatists had surrendered and with their surrender Chancellor Palpatine had stepped down and opened the floor in search for his successor. Supposedly, he was going to retire by the lakes of Naboo. She wondered if he and Padme were to one day be neighbors.

They managed to get back to the barracks in one piece and Ahsoka soon found herself in Rex’s room along with Cody and Wolffe and a large pitcher of water.

“No hangovers.” Wolffe emphasized as he poured Ahsoka a generous cup of water.

“And that’s the reason why the five-oh-first is only the third best legion.” Cody said as he tapped his glass against Ahsoka’s. “You’d have a shot at perhaps being number two if you weren’t so dehydrated.”

“With you as the number one?” Rex scoffed.

“Oh no, the three hundred twenty-seventh corps.” Cody shook his head at Rex. “Gotta support my batchmates.”

“And who is the second?” Ahsoka asked. She had never seen these men this calm before. Some of it was the alcohol, but most of it was the weight of the war lifting from their shoulders.

“Forty-first corps, of course.” Wolffe answered.

“I’ll make sure to pass that on to Barriss.” She laughed.

“So, where do you two lie on this scale?” Rex asked, sitting down and propping his feet up on his bed.

“We’re too good to be measured by a single-factor scale such as this one.” Wolffe waved his hand dismissively. “It’s like if you were trying to pick your favorite ARC trooper.”

“It’s Echo.” Ahsoka cut in. “Fives and Jesse have their moments, but it’s usually Echo. Deny it.”

Rex shook his head. “I am to be an impartial captain over all of my men.”

“That means yes.” Cody smirked.

A comm chirped, and the four beings scrambled for their comms. It was Cody who had the pleasure of the summons.

“Obi-Wan.” Cody casually answered.

“Cody.” Obi-Wan’s crisp voice came through the comm. “I don’t suppose you’ve kidnapped Ahsoka, have you?”

"Rex and I took her down to Dex’s this evening. Is there a problem with that?”

“That depends on what state she’s in when Anakin arrives at the barracks in five minutes.”

“Ah, thank you, sir.” Cody turned the comm off and topped up Ahsoka’s water glass. “With all due respect, Ahsoka, do you own any makeup? Your tails are flushed.”

Ahsoka sighed. “No, I don’t.”

Wolffe gulped down the rest of his water and set the glass on Rex’s desk. “It’s been a wonderful evening, but I’d rather not dirty my reputation with the likes of you when General Skywalker arrives.”

“Oh, get out.” Rex laughed as Cody gave his batchmate a shove out the door.

“So, who’s taking the fall for this one?” Ahsoka asked.

“I believe that the great Marshall Commander Cody should, considering that it was his plan.” Rex said.

“I agree, especially since he’s still in charge, right, Rex?”

“That’s right.”

“You two are horrible.” Cody laughed.

When Anakin Skywalker arrived in the barracks, it was to find his and Obi-Wan’s right hand men and his former padawan asleep on the common room couches. And if he saw the flush of their cheeks, or lekku, if he saw the way their eyelids twitched when he walked closer, and if he saw the slight shaking of Ahsoka’s chest as he walked away, he never told them. He thought it better to let them get away with a few things here and there rather than train three good liars. With a smirk, Anakin lowered himself onto the fourth couch and let himself fall into sleep amongst his friends.

[nimsajlove]

As a team!

This fills in what I had left out between Ahsoka and the Bad Batch in Brothers V and Freezing Cold. This takes place in the Episodes of Echo’s rescue.

Brothers-AU  Ao3

Part III (Part II in the reblog)

*~*

"All right, take a couple of men and see what you can find.", Kenobi agreed and Cody and Rex nodded before they both left the meeting hastily. There was silence for a while, then Ahsoka restlessly rubbed her palms together and took a deep breath. Master Windu stood far too close to her for her liking and seemed to be watching her with a keen eye, while Kenobi watched the battle plans tense and exchanged quiet words with Anakin. "I'll see if I can support my men.", Ahsoka muttered to Windu, bowed hastily and fled from the crushing presence of the three Jedi. With a careful look she slid through the organized chaos around her until she spotted Cody. He seemed to be holding a long-distance transmitter and exchanged a few words with the person on the other end until he saw her walking towards him and said goodbye. "General Tano, what can I do for you?", he asked and stored the transmitter again, Ahsoka shrugged a little helplessly. Now that she'd escaped the meeting, she wasn't sure what else to do to help the others. "I was hoping you had a job for me.", she explained and Cody smirked, then he shook his head. “You can't come with us. If the Separatists start another onslaught, we can certainly use every Jedi right here.” Resigned, she nodded, even if she didn't like sending the men off alone, Cody was still right. As is was so often the case. Jesse, Kix and Fives approached them, they seemed ready to move out. "Where's Rex?", Kix asked almost casually while he took off the backpack and checked its contents one last time. Ahsoka saw at first glance that her brother had once again squeezed in as much as he could carry. Her gaze wandered across the square, searching. If the three soldiers were already finished, Rex couldn't be far either! Cody hummed beside her and when she turned her gaze to him he had raised an eyebrow in disapproval. "He wanted to look for Fives.", he replied flat and Ahsoka was a bit startled, that didn't seem like her oldest brother!

After a quick look, they split up and started looking, preferably without attracting any further attention. Kix seemed to be making another detour to the mobile medistation, the others had disappeared too quickly to know where they were going. Ahsoka strolled through the camp without a fixed direction, a faint worry had spread cold in her stomach. It wasn't like Rex at all, just disappearing. She could count the moments in which something similar had happened on one hand. The thought brought back memories, she compared his disappearance with his behavior after the citadel, or after Umbara, and shook her head. No, this was different. The cold subsided a little, this wasn't as bad as it was then. She was looking over a group of shinys who were standing close together when her comlink flashed at her. She gave it a squeeze and Jesse's voice rang out: "Commander Cody found him. We'll wait for you in front of the quarters.”“ Thank you.”, she replied and made her way to the open, quieter place in front of the quarters. Kix and Jesse sat on the ramp of a container, Fives leaned next to the door and when he caught the worried look of the young woman, he shrugged helplessly. Cody she couldn't see there, he had to be inside. When he and Rex were alone in there, she didn't want to disturb. She knew how little time many brothers had to talk openly with one another. So she swung onto the ramp next to Jesse and, after a moment's hesitation, leaned her head on his shoulder. That was better, the cold went away. "How long do you think we will take?", asked Kix, buckling his backpack. Jesse shrugged and shook Ahsoka's head uncomfortably, she grumbled and slapped him on his arm and got a little laugh. That was nice, a few minutes of peace. "With them? Certainly not long.", Fives announced from the door and curiously Ahsoka lifted her head to look over at him, he smirked. If Fives could smile about it since his adventures, then she was interested! "With whom?" "Clone force 99.", Jesse answered her and she looked at him questioningly, she had never heard of these ones before. The name seemed to ring something in everyone else, even to mean something! Kix had cocked his head thoughtfully, Jesse frowned and Fives looked at the floor, he seemed to be thinking something over. Or did he mourn?

The door suddenly slid open, they all sat up hastily in shock and Ahsoka slid off the ramp a little faster than intended, she hastily bit her tongue as the pain briefly shot up her ankle. Didn‘t matter! When they joined Rex and Cody, it didn't hurt anymore. "Who is clone force 99?", she asked to Cody and clasped her hands behind her back, she felt the calluses from the lifelong swing of her lightsabers and thought in the back of her head, maybe to wear gloves after all... "A group of clones, with a couple of useful mutations. They are unstoppable“, the Commander smiled and Jesse snorted softly. "I'm not concerned about the results, it's theire approach.", he muttered and Fives made an approving sound, though he seemed far less concerned than the other ARC. Cody seemed to be about to answer and Ahsoka was curious what his opinion was on such a subject when they heard the engines of a ship. Seconds later, the elegant ship shot down through the clouds and approached too quickly. Ahsoka soberly noted that these pilots had a style similar to that of Anakin. Did they crash land that often too? "So, 99 it is? Nice one.", Rex mumbled to Cody's other side and Ahsoka got the feeling again, as if the number should mean something to her too!

"The cavalry is here!", yelled the first to leave the ship and grinned broadly at her. Ahsoka looked at him and quickly realized what Cody had been talking about. The guy was huge compared to the other clones. He was followed by three other men and she felt Jesse tense behind her. "And those are supposed to be clones?", he mumbled softly and Ahsoka glanced at him, her brother looked torn. As if he didn't quite know what to think of the newcomers. "Hey, different is not bad.", she muttered encouragingly, he shrugged his shoulders. "I just don't like the way they look at us.", he mumbled back and now, at second glance, she understood what he meant. The small group across from them let their gaze wander over them once and some of them not only seemed distant, but almost arrogant. The big man's grin had something dangerous about it, another's sharp look was condescending. Only one of them seemed closed of, but otherwise perfectly calm.

"Commander.", he greeted Cody and Ahsoka had to smile, because there was real joy on Cody's face! "Sorry for our delay, we were held up." Ahsoka saw the face of the big clone light up and had to grin, she knew such a facial expression! This was what Anakin looked like when he found a droid to repair, and here she guessed that a large enemy and a lot of explosives must have been involved. "Oh, I can imagine that.", she grinned and suddenly won the attention of the whole unit. "You can imagine a fight with Yalbecs?", asked the narrowest one, his eyes glowing attentively and although he did not look very strong, Ahsoka did know not to underestimate the wiry figure. But indeed, Yalbecs? She eyed the men and gave the picture in her head a little more color and suppressed a small snort. "Nice, bigger than an Akul, isn't it?" The men were silent, had she said something wrong? Her gaze quickly flicked over to her brothers. Jesse rolled his eyes and Fives and Rex seemed to have the same smile on display. Kix's shoulders were hunched slightly to maintain his poise. "What?" "No need to brag, General.", Cody grinned, aha! So that was what it was all about. Maybe she should have taken her old headdress with her to show off even more... "That wasn't showing off. For the Togruta the Akul- "" They probably already know, Tech.", the leader interrupted the enthusiastic chatter of his brother and he seemed to thaw when he turned to her. “I really didn't mean to show off. My respect, I'm sure an Akul you would have brought down as well.", Ahsoka explained hastily, these were clones and after years with her brothers she knew that mutual respect was essential! These men should know that she was thoroughly impressed. The man across from her nodded and before he could answer, Ahsoka felt the piercing vibration of a gunship powering up in her montrals. That was probably her sign to let the men go... The uncomfortable rumbling in her stomach, wich had started after Cody presented his idea to the other Jedi, increased and she grabbed Cody's forearm. "Come back safe! I don't know what else to tell Master Kenobi.", she tried to joke and her brothers laughed softly, Cody took her arm with a small smile and gave it a squeeze. "Don't worry, I'm sure the General would survive that too." Then he quickly turned away, even if neither his walk or his demeanor betrayed him, she could feel his grin. "That was no answer!", she yelled after them and watched as the gunship took off and disappeared. She stood there for a few seconds and listened to the fading feeling of nausea, instead a slight headache crept in and she sighed, then she turned away. Maybe it would help everyone if she took another look at the current situation...

*~*

Ahsoka felt as if someone had punched her in the face. She looked around hastily, she was still leaning against the holo table, where she had decided to take a nap after all the tension between her and the other Jedi. Someone had squeezed one of the thin, rough blankets between her head and the cold metal so that at least her lekku wouldn't get cold. She strongly suspected Anakin, or even Kenobi? But there was no one in her immediate vicinity, nothing that could wake her up so suddenly. But her hectic pulse did not calm down and she carefully checked every little bond she had built with the others. The one with her former Master was still strong and dominant, even i fit was slightly surpressed. From here she did not receive any violent unrest, it was more like radio silence... She avoided the bond to Kenobi and immediately turned to her brothers. The clones weren't force sensitive, so the connection was weaker than she'd liked it to be. And, to her great regret, this was a one-way thing...

She felt for the others and paused. Something was wrong! She just didn't know what exactly. Perhaps it was the concerned undertone in Rex's presence or the dead silence that only emanated from Kix when he was highly concentrated. Before she could ponder it any further, the holo table above her made a sharp beep. Before she recognized it as a distress signal, her body had already responded. Within a heartbeat she was back on her feet and frantically hit the acceptance button with the flat of her hand, barely registering the hasty steps behind her. When Rex began to speak, Kenobi and Anakin were already at her side. “We need immediate transport. The Commander and Kix are waiting at these coordinates.” Next to her, Kenobi took a breath a little too quickly and seemed to have to suppress a surprised coughing fit. Ahsoka didn't want to think about why. That was Cody, he wouldn‘t just get away from them like that! She was grateful that her head and body immediately acted on their own. "I'll take care of it.", she answered in a firm voice, she was a little surprised herself. Her voice not once wavered and remained firm and stern. As soon as she had interrupted the transmission at the holo table, she reached for her comlink and opened the channel of the 332nd. “I need a transport immediately from the attached coordinates. Take a medic and two more troopers with you for support.", she growled and there was silence for a few seconds, then one of her men answered. “Gut here. We start now, I have Hug, Mad and Burnes on board.", the pilot announced in a calm voice and Ahsoka answered him with a confirmatory sound, which was enough for him as an answer from the young General. Ahsoka interrupted the transmission again and swallowed, her throat tightening a little. Damn it. There was no way she could think about Cody now. Or Hardcase. Or... Oh kriff!

She felt the looks of the other Jedi at her back, as she reached for the comlink again and entered Crick's code, perhaps a little too forcefully, with poorly suppressed nervousness. "Yes Sir?", the clone reported immediately and Ahsoka made her way through the camp with long strides. Her destination? The rest of her brothers who had stayed. "Do you have time to keep me and the Dominos company?", she asked a little pressed and got a hasty another "Yes." from Crick, before she ended the connection.

She didn't get far. Halfway to the quarters, Hevy met her, he was wearing his helmet and the trembling in his shoulders alone gave him away. "Is he okay?", he asked and although his voice wasn't trembling, there was still a little panic in it. Neither of them felt like doing the Citadel again. “It's not Fives. It's Cody."

[halfblood-demigods]

CodyWan week day 4- Time Travel

I know I missed day 2 and 3 but I was already writing a fix-it fix that has CodyWan before this so I didn’t want to start a new one, but the first part of that should be out in the next few days and I kinda don’t know what to do for day 3 but I will think of something for it by the end of the week.

Anyway enjoy this fun time travel au I have written

Cody always knew hanging around the Jedi, would someday get him into some weird mess, (I mean we are talking about Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka here, it would be even crazier for everything to go normally all the time) but he never thought that the mess would be suddenly getting thrown back in time.

One moment he was standing on watching Obi-Wan ride off after handing him his lightsaber on Utapu and the next he was waking up in his barracks across the galaxy.

At first Cody didn’t know that he had been flung back in time but many things quickly made it apparent

First, was that he had woken up in the barracks something that he hadn’t done in a long time, ever since he and Obi-Wan had started dating.

Second, was when he got a com asking him to complete a report about there mission to the citadel, a mission that had happened almost a year ago.

After realizing this Cody immediately contacted Obi-Wan knowing he would know what to do

Little did Cody know that in multiple places across the galaxy 4 other people were experiencing the same thing.

Obi-Wan Kenobi woke up in his own bed, last remembering riding off to attack some separatists

He, like Cody realized something was wrong, when not only was he not going into battle, but alone in his bed for the first time in a while.

Obi-Wan received Cody’s message, and realizing he was not alone, contacted Anakin, wondering if his former Padawan had experienced the same event.

Anakin Skywalker, had indeed experienced, the same thing, going from sitting in the council chambers wondering if he should go after Master Windu, to suddenly being back aboard the Resolute.

At first Anakin too did not realize he had been flung back in time, instead thinking he must of just had a force vision about the day, but when he stood up and walked into the hallway to be meet with Ahsoka standing there, he knew there was no way he had just dreamed up the events of one day.

Ahsoka Tano also experienced the same event, one moment thinking about the meeting she had just had with the Jedi council, the next waking up in her bunk on the resolute, a bunk she hadn’t slept in since she left the Jedi Order

She walked out into the hallway only to be meet by the confused face of her master, who’s com was beeping. On Anakin’s Com was a message asking if something strange had happened to Anakin as well, and if it had to meet Obi-wan and Cody aboard the Negotiator. Anakin and Ahsoka’s eyes meet and at  the same time they both quickly ran off in the direction of the main hanger. Stopping only so they could grab Rex and see if he experienced it as well.

Rex, no surprise there, had also gone from directing his men to keep an eye on Maul, to being in his bunk in the barracks aboard the Resolute.

Rex, knew immediately that something was up, not only because he was aboard the resolute, but upon seeing fives asleep in his bunk, when he was painfully aware that only moments ago he knew for sure that he was dead.

Rex climbed out of his bunk and was about to try and find Anakin, when he was meet by the man himself, and Ahsoka along with him!

Anakin quickly told Rex what him and Ahsoka had heard from Obi-Wan and Cody and without hesitation he began to follow Anakin and Ahsoka towards the hanger.

Cody and Obi-Wan sat leaning against each other in the meeting room that they had told Anakin to meet them in.

The two of them were leaning against each other not speaking, but clinging to the fact that the other was there and had been through the same thing.

Cody didn’t know what was going to happen but he knew if he clung to Obi-Wan they could figure out anything.

Sorry for that little cliff hanger but I knew that if I kept writing this could go on for hours and it’s already almost 2 am. I know the writing style is weird, but again, I suck at dialogue and I wanted to play around with POV and perspective a little bit and I think it came out pretty good. Also this was really fun to write so if you guys like it I might write some more. I hope you guys enjoyed this! and look out for the next few days!

[dottiechan]

Spare bunk

Pairing: Captain Rex x reader

Word count: 2008

Warnings: TCW S7 spoilers below cut

Summary: After discovering a strange signal at the cyber station on Anaxes, Captain Rex calls an old ally for help.

Having just arrived back to Fort Anaxes from the Separatist cyber station, Rex feels drained. Drained might actually be a poor description of what he is going through – being overwhelmed by all his newfound feelings might be a better way to capture his inner sufferings. Sufferings he cannot share with anyone truly. No one who would understand, no one who would fully believe him.

Because he knows Echo is alive, damn all who think otherwise.

Tup, Dogma, Hardcase and Fives are all gone – no more than distant memories and smiling faces on holo images tucked away carefully in crates of 501st military gear and equipment. Cody is injured, moaning incoherently in his sleep while his face is scrunched up in pain despite all the kolto circulating in his bloodstream, with Jesse and Kix tending to him, watching over him.

There’s General Skywalker, of course, but one need not be Force sensitive to feel he’s reluctant, filled to the brim with disbelief and concerns to his own. And the Bad Batch may have proven themselves as allies and warriors, but none of them knew Echo. None of them would share his pain, feel his grief, and support his blind hope.

There is one another, his mind reminds Rex as he sits alone in his barracks, the white-blue shells of his armour lying discarded on the floor more carelessly than how he usually leaves them, knees hugged tightly to his chest. Another who’s survived the Citadel, another who was broken by the loss of Echo, so broken she walked straight out the Jedi Order, maybe even the Republic. Another who could potentially help, potentially understand. Also across the Galaxy, probably, but that is beside the point. Rex is aching to hear her voice, feel her compassion, feel like something, anything that isn’t just plain miserable. Anyone who says clones are engineered to not be afraid, to focus only on duty, can go straight to hell according to the Captain.

Rex moves slowly, not trusting his limbs as he unravels himself, plants his feet firmly on the ground as if he didn’t trust his own body. He pushes aside the pieces of his chestplate to fish out the utility belt underneath. There’s an encryption only he and her know, the one he constantly aches to use and yet never once dared to actually use to make a call. Now there is no hesitation in his fingers as he keys it into his holoprojector and waits for you to answer on the other end.

...

Sskoora growls, but you know him well enough to decipher the meaning behind the Trandoshan’s hisses – the one he emitted just now is the equivalent of a sigh, and you know you’ve won when the hunter brushes past you to enter the cockpit of your ship.

“Scorekeeper won’t accept droids as Jagannath points. A waste of time; a hunt not worthy of our time and our talents.”

But your old friend is already entering the coordinates of Fort Anaxes into the navicomputer and you can’t help but smile softly. He isn’t like most Trandoshans. He is a seasoned warrior, but he has honour, and the friendship you established over the last year after surviving the harsh sands of Tatooine together is one you will cherish until you die. Your attachment to Sskoora is yet another reminder why you kept failing as a Jedi. And another is waiting for you at the end of your destination.

“I owe you one, old friend.”

“You owe me a hunt,” he corrects you calmly, his red scaled face a mask of perfect tranquillity.

“Find the burliest rancor by the time we’ve rescued my friend, Sskoora.”

The Trandoshan wants to say he knows it’s about more than just Echo, more than just a friend lost and found again. He knows you want to be reunited with your mate, but he keeps his mouth shut. You’re still young in his eyes, and he will respect the rashness of youth just like the wisdom of old age.

“The burliest I will, little hunter.”

...

When a Trandoshan appears on the ramp of the ship that just landed in Fort Anaxes, all the perimeter guards are on alert, guns aimed and ready to fire. Until a Jedi appears behind, waving her arms to show their harmlessness. It takes General Skywalker to break the state of emergency, but the great hunter seems to be regarded with distrust even afterwards. Anakin is upset when he finds out why you’re here, but he cannot truly be mad. He stalks off in the night after showing you the direction in which Rex’s barracks are. You bring back too many painful memories – the Citadel, the way you got out of the Order to live your life, the same way Ahsoka did. You don’t blame him for not wanting to speak to you more. So you send Sskoora back to the ship and ask him to prepare for a fight, pacifying him enough to know his preparations for the hunt will quell any desire in him to cause trouble. And then you take a deep breath and go, trying not to reach out with the Force so eagerly to where you suspect Rex to be. The man you so innocently loved as a Jedi, and then agreed to let go for the sake of the Republic.

You’re not a Jedi anymore. And though you wish nothing more than to throw your arms around him like he used to allow you, what you truly wish is to make him happy, to console him, to trust him when no one else does. You tell your little heart beating so fast that the man asked for your help only to bring Echo back, not for any other reason, and the sour lie helps you restrain your emotions as you enter the dark building.

“I got your message. Rex?”

You can sense him – his anguish and thoughtfulness draws your focus immediately, but you cannot see him until he moves. He’s partly in his blacks, the circular emblem of the Republic visible on his chest. His kama and boots are on, however, and you’ve caught him in the act of fastening his belt around his hips.

“I wasn’t sure you’d come, if I’m honest.”

“Oh... I can wait outside, if you’d like.”

“With our shared history?” Rex snorts, shaking his head. “You’ve seen more while you were still a Jedi.”

“A fair point,” you admit, usurping a bed and perching on top of it cross-legged. “Why weren’t you sure I’d come?”

“That message encryption we cooked up was during... well, you know,” he sighs, sitting across from you as he fidgets with his bracers.

“Yeah. I know,” you breathe, voice quiet and strained.

It was during the prime of your love, before you both agreed to put an end to it for the greater good. Not long after, the mission to the Citadel came, and all your hopes of ever loving him again where shattered by the most painful decision you’ve ever had to make. Echo was a friend, a member of your weird little family, and you realised you were tired of losing them all one by one under your command, as you led them to countless battles knowing full well many of them would die. Echo’s death was the last straw, the awakening you needed to stop being a hypocrite by enslaving an army of clones and spouting wisdom about the wrongness of oppressing the weak.

You never lost hope and you never stopped helping wherever you could, wherever the Republic would still let you, but you mostly did it for the same reason you didn’t delete the encryption from your datapad all this time – Rex. It is well beyond your capabilities to say no to the man, to do anything that would harm him, anything that would go against his beliefs. Even if those beliefs in the GAR and the Senate had shaky underpinnings at best these days.

“I haven’t seen you since you left,” he says suddenly, eyes not rising to meet yours, but voice so full of suppressed yearning that it makes your head spin.

“I hope you understand why it had to happen this way, Rex...”

“You never told me. So no, I don’t really. But you’re not a Separatist, so I wouldn’t mind hearing you out.”

“I left because of you.”

“Me?” he asks, looking up with a face full of shock that makes the corners of your lips lift into a small smile that disappears quickly from your face. Rex’s eyes chase after it, wishing it lasted more than that split second.

“In a way, yes. I refused to be part of an Order that would willingly enslave you and your brothers, forcing you to fight in a war you have nothing to do with. And I don’t see a way winning would make your situation any better. You’re men, and yet you’re treated as property. So much for the Jedi values.”

“It’s the Senate, not the Jedi,” Rex argues back meekly, knowing your words to hold more truth than he’d like to admit.

“Well, now I’m not bound to either. Speaking of being bound, I have a spare bunk on the ship... Sskoora takes up two, but the top bunk is all free,” you joke, trying to lighten both your moods momentarily. It works for a little while as Rex snorts, shaking his head a little as he concentrates on slipping his gloves back on.

“Sharing sleeping quarters with a Trandoshan sounds fun, but I might just pass on that.”

“You could share mine. Captain’s quarters are quite spacious, you know. More comfortable, less... Trandoshan, I suppose.”

“Now that is a tempting offer. Think you could extend it to the end of the war?”

“Let’s just extend it until we find Echo now,” you sigh, both your moods souring considerably as you think of your friend. “You really think he’s out there?”

“It was his voice. I know it. It couldn’t have been anything else.”

You slowly stand and sit next to him, casually letting your elbows touch. When Rex doesn’t pull back, you let your shoulder lean against his, a small encouraging smile gracing your lips as you lean closer. “I believe you. We’ll find him tomorrow. I’ll help. Even if the Republic does not want me to. You just send me the coordinates, and I and Sskoora will be there on Skako Minor to back you up.”

Rex, struggling with his tears at the prospect of seeing Echo again, and moved by your devotion to him, stares at his fingers and nods. “Thank you. For believing in me.”

“I never stopped doing that, and I never will. Oh come here, you,” you sigh, drawing him in for a hug which he gratefully accepts. Despite all the heartache, the war, the constant terror the Galaxy lives in, you find peace in Rex’s arms, and he in yours. It’s both extraordinary and just so natural at the same time, your minds joined in a synchrony you’ve terribly missed. Even if he cannot feel it through the Force, there’s a bond that intertwines your fates so much that there is no escaping one another.

“There was a time I would have scolded you for even suggesting something like that, you know. About the spare bunk thing. But now all I’m saying – no, all I’m asking – is that you hold onto that question until we find Echo and win this war. And then I’ll say yes, if you still want me. Stars know I’m more than ready for that.”

You nod against his shoulder, letting your heart rejoice at the notion that the man you used to love, the man you still do, has grown so much in your absence. Maybe your separation was not for good, but only a temporary setback, a lesson for you to learn that there is no life without one another.

“I’ll be waiting patiently until then. Like I have been all this time.”

[loridrabbles]

Mercy | Echo x Jedi!Reader

Warnings: Angsty as hell, sad as fuck. Blood and violence.

     (Y/n) couldn’t remember a time when her heart didn’t flutter when thinking about Echo. As a Jedi, of course, she wasn’t supposed to have these feelings, but her late Master Qui-Gon reminded her that feelings could be healthy and controlled. During her first few missions with the 501st, all she could do was stare at him across the room. As soon as her eyes would cross his, she’d look away or pretend she was looking at something behind him. She didn’t know it, but whenever his helmet was covering his face, he’d be staring just the same. 

     She expected her heart to jump to her chest when he decided to talk to her alone one day, but after meditating on Qui-Gon’s teaching for hours upon hours, she restrained herself. Yes, her heart was pounding and her breathing was quick and heavy, but she wasn’t distracted.

       "I know I shouldn’t be talking to you alone like this,“ Echo said to her one day after everyone else had left the meeting room. “And it’s against every regulation, but the books never said there’s anything wrong with flirting.”

      “Do the books say anything about a top-secret briefing with a Jedi Commander?” She asked, gazing into his eyes, twirling a piece of her (h/c) hair around her finger.

     "I don’t believe they do.“ He said with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "And where would this meeting take place?”

     "In a private study room in the library as the base of the Jedi temple. The one that’s open to the public. I could really use some help understanding a few…“ She placed her hand on his cheek and ran her finger down his face to trace his jawline. "Protocols…" 

     "I’ll make sure to bring my manuals.” He purred.

     That’s one thing she always loved about him. He knew right from wrong and the risks of disobeying what had been put in place, but knew how to work his way around things that were unnecessarily ridiculous. She also knew he would never let her take things too far unless she really wanted to.  If she’d ask him to do something that would for sure get her kicked out of The Order, he wouldn’t let her unless she had been begging for weeks.

     "I know the consequences.“ She panted, straddling him as he sat on a cushion on the floor of the library where they met several times a week. Her fingers danced around the plating of his armor, trying to remove any piece she could. "Please…no one will know.”

     "You’ll be in serious trouble, my dear.“ He said cupping her face in his hands.

     "I’ll leave.” She said, turning her head to kiss the palm of his hand. “I just want to be with you.”

     "And make me a deserter? I couldn’t.“ He said. She brought her lips to his, giving him a quick peck on the lips, before resting her forehead against his.

     "Is there anything in the book about a classified stealth mission, where both the Commander and her Corporal lose their lives?”

     "Yes, it’s called a level 4 recovery mission that wouldn’t stop till they found our bodies.“ He snickered playfully, kissing her cheek.

     "I hate your books.” She said, leaning into him, her arms around him.

     He took a deep breath and closed, enjoying the closeness and placed kisses on her temple as he ran his fingers through her hair. His eyes opened when he heard a snap.

     "Haha! Got it!.“ She said victoriously as she removed his pauldron.

     "Hey!” He said, watching as she tossed it to the side. “You know how much trouble you’ll get in to. I know you want this, but-”

     "I do want this.“ She leaned forward, kissing him again.

     "But, you’re not thinking with your head right now.” He said, trailing his hand from her shoulder to her stomach. He moved forward to sit up, sliding her off his lap, and stood. He reached for his pauldron and returned it to its rightful spot over his shoulder.

     "Echo.“ She whined, standing up as well. He cupped her face with his hands and kissed her gently.

     "Think about it.” He said.

     "But I have th-“

     "Meditate on it.” He cut her off, his voice strict, but soft. “Give it some time. I don’t want you to make a decision before you’re ready to deal with the consequences. I’ve got to get going." 

     "Ok…” She said, disappointed, but glad he was looking out for her wellbeing.

     "I love you.“ He said, looking over his shoulder as he stood at the door.

     "I love you too.” She smiled.

     She had done as he asked and meditated on it for a while, thinking about what Qui-Gon would tell her to do in the situation. He didn’t think intimacy should be against the Jedi code, but just like feelings, it should be enjoyed in controlled moderation. She was glad she waited. Assisting a stressed-out soldier in her meditation room for one-on-one learning made for a much more romantic time than the floor of the library.

     She wasn’t supposed to join the 501st and 212th on their mission to the Citadel, but when Master Plo pulled her aside and asked her to go to keep an eye on Ahsoka, she happily joined. She had always been able to cope with loss before. It was difficult, but over the years, it became easier and easier. Her heart wrenched every time a clone fell beside her, but she no longer froze in place and learned to grieve later.

     No amount of meditation or experience could have prepared her for watching her dearest Echo turned to ash and bone in a fiery blaze before her. It had been years since she froze, but her legs were iron and weights of grief were shackled around her waist. She could hear Fives and Rex screaming for her to move, but it wasn’t until one of them grabbed her by her wrist and dragged her that came to her senses and ran. 

     She’d never felt this sort of bereavement before. She felt empty and numb and the world around her was dull. Getting out of bed in the morning was pointless, but it had to be done. It took her a great amount of effort to swing her legs over the edge of the bed. Feeling the cold floor on her feet sent the shock through her system that she needed to snap out of it and join the others. This went on for months. One day, she just couldn’t take the first step to move forward so she sat there, motionless, on the edge of her bed. No one ever knocked on her door, so when she heard a rhythmic rapping, it sparked her interest.

     "Who is it? Come in.“ She called, still unmoving.

     "Commander (Y/n).” It was Rex, panting, a bead of sweat on his brow. 

     "Rex? What is it? Calm down.“ She said, getting up and grabbing him by the wrist, placing a hand on his heaving chest. She led him to a seat and waited for him to talk.

     "Echo…I know you are going to think I’m insane. Cody did, but you have to believe me.” He tried to catch his breath. “The algorithm Echo and I came up with. The separatists are using it and…I thought maybe there was a chance he could be alive." 

     She scowled.

     "Stop it, Rex.” She said, dropping his hand from hers.

     "No. Listen.“ He said. "I didn’t even believe it myself, but-”

     "I said enough! He’s gone!“ She said, on the verge of tears.

     "I…I’m sorry, Commander.” He said, his voice calm and quiet. “But…please allow me to finish.”

     She crossed her arms, scowl still across her face as she stared at the floor. She ground her teeth as she heard him sigh.

     "He told me how close you were.“ He said quietly. 

     "He did?” She asked, her face softening.

     "Yes. We told each other everything.“ He said. "Will you please let me finish?”

     "Go ahead.“ She whispered after her voice hitched in her throat.

     "I myself didn’t believe he could be alive, but after our raid on a separatists base, I know he is. I heard him speak. I know it was him.”

     "H-how do you…“

     "I don’t know, but we’re headed to the source of the signal now. Please come with us.” He begged. She looked at him for a short moment, thinking it over and nodded.

     ”(Y/n), get in here!“ Rex called. She looked in the direction of his voice as she continued to deflect blaster bolts with her lightsaber.

     "Go on, commander. We’ve got this.” Wrecker said. (Y/n) jogged to the room and shut the door behind her. 

     Rex knelt on the floor beside Echo. He was thin, pale, hooked up to all sorts of sensors and machinery. He spasmed and twitched as Rex tried to communicate with him. He mumbled incoherently and his eyes looked empty and soulless. (Y/n) rushed to him, kneeling beside him placing a hand on his cheek, warming his skin with her touch. 

     "Echo.“ She whispered, tears pricking her eyes.

     "Tech, how is he?” Rex asked, standing up.

     "He’s…not all there.“ He said solemnly. He pointed to his datapad. “You can see here what’s been done to his brain. It’s like he’s only able to function properly if a certain signal is transmitted from the control center. He’s awake and conscious of what’s happening around him, but he can’t react to it. I can’t imagine the pain…and agony.” He said.

     "Is there anything we can do?“ (Y/n) asked, holding his trembling hand.

     "Unfortunately, no.” He said, shaking his head. “If we disconnect him he’ll die. But it’ll be slow…and horrible. We could quickly reprogram him somewhat, but he’ll never be the same. I’ll go and help the others. I’ll leave you two to decide what we’re going to do.”

     "Ok, Tech.“ Rex said. "Thank you.”

     Rex turned back to (Y/n) who had her arms wrapped tightly around the frail shadow of her lover, sobbing over his shoulder.

     "I’m so sorry, love.“ She cried, caressing his cheek, looking into his empty eyes. Looking for something, anything. She spoke through her sniffles and hiccups. "I should have sensed you were ok. I shouldn’t have left you behind. Please, I know you’re in there. Just talk to me. Give me anything.”

     She cried, placing a kiss on his lips, then several all over his face.

     ”(Y/n).“ She heard him whisper. She looked at him, hopefully. For a moment, he stopped trembling, his breathing slowed, and the color returned to his eyes. 

     "Yes. It’s me, love. I’m here.” She cried, placing another kiss on this lips, this time, getting a little something back. She rested her head against his forehead, listening for the faintest whisper.

     "Please…“ Echo struggled to speak. “E…end it…end.” He gasped. “The citadel. We have to get out of the Citadel. The shuttle…it’s.”

     And just like that, he was gone again. She cried, hugging him close to her, his head nuzzled into her chest.

     ”(Y/n)?“ Rex spoke softly. She turned her head to face him, blinking away some tears. She looked at his hip, then up at him, holding out her hand. He removed his blaster from the holster and placed it in her outstretched hand.

     "I know what I have to do, but I don’t know if I have the strength to do it.” She said. 

     "It’s ok, (Y/n).“ He said, placing a hand on her shoulder, kneeling down to kiss the top of her head, then Echo’s cheek. He tried to keep his voice from shaking and was successful, but couldn’t keep the tears from falling down his face. “It’s what’s best.” He stood and took a step back, looking straight ahead, his eyes fixated on the empty chamber, unable to watch.

     "I’m so sorry, Echo. I love you so much.“ She said, giving him one last kiss on the top of his head as she brought the blaster to his temple. She squeezed her eyes shut, as she pulled the trigger. The sound rang loudly in her ears as he slumped against her chest. When the ringing faded, the room was quiet. Rex silently walked to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

     "We should go.” He said. She stood, laying Echo out on the floor, the necklace he had given her clutched in his left hand as it lay on his chest. She tore a small piece of fabric from her cloak, brought it to her lips and kissed it, before covering his face with it. 

     "I love you.“ She whispered one last time as she stood to leave with Rex. As they stepped through the door, he gave her hand a squeeze.

      The ride on the transport was rowdy as usual with the bat batch aboard, but Rex and (Y/n) sat silently side by side. (Y/n) fiddled with her fingers and Rex sat with his elbows on his knees, hands folded in front of him.

     "Did I do the right thing?” She said. Rex took a deep, quiet breath and looked at her.

     "I would have done the same.“ He said, taking one of her hands. "I’m sorry you had to make that decision, (y/n).”

     "I couldn’t leave him in the hands of those bastards.“ She said.

     The two of them were silent for a moment.

     "I could feel it.” She said. “Like he was trying to tell me it was ok. Like…like he wanted me to…” She couldn’t help but start sobbing uncontrollably. “Did I do the right thing! Tell me I did the right thing, Rex! Please!" 

     Rex put his arm around her, pulling her close, shushing her gently.

     "You did the right thing, (y/n).” Rex tried his best to calm her down, but her erratic screaming and crying alerted the attention of the rest of the ship. As she looked down to her lap, she noticed the crimson red stains covering her chest and the spatters on her arms. “Get it off me!” She screamed. “It…it’s not my blood! It’s not my blood!”

     Tech stepped forward, a daunting looking needle in his hand and injected whatever it was into her neck. She slumped over onto Rex and her crying and panting became slow, steady breaths.

     "That should help her calm down.“ He said. "I…can’t imagine what she’s feeling right now, but she’ll be ok. Why don’t we all head to the front of the ship and give her some quiet time.”

     Rex stood, gently positioning her to lay on the bench as he walked to the door. Crosshair stood there, staring at (y/n) with a blank face, then to Rex. Remembering his comments, Rex furrowed his brow, upper lip raising ever so slightly.

     "What?“ He asked, almost spitting out his words. Crosshair sighed and looked back to (y/n).

     "I’m sorry.” He said putting a hand on his shoulder. “About everything.”

     "Thank you.“ Rex said, after a bit of silence. 

     "I’ll…make sure to apologize to her too when she comes around." 

     "Give it a few days.” Rex said. “But, I think she’d like to hear it and she’ll need all the support she can get.”

[sirloozelite]

Hi! I have a chapter/prompt idea for you. Remember the line in the Ahsoka book that goes... “what do you even know about family?” Kaeden said. “You never had one. And you probably never had friends, either. Just clones who had to do everything you said, because you were their superior officer.” Would love to see Ahsoka and Kaeden talk about it in a prompt/chapter. It really struck a nerve in me. The Jedi and clones were Ahsoka’s family and majority of them died... :(

Hey anon, hope you didn’t mind the wait for the reply. Wanted to get it all good and everything. I took your idea and ran with it a bit. It might not be 100% what you wanted, but I hope you liked what I did do. Thanks for the prompt. Feel free to send more my way. Same goes for the rest of you. XD

1: Kaeden and Ahsoka speak about family

"Hey, I need to talk to you. It's important."

Ahsoka Tano was no expert at romance. There was a reason many of her closest friends, her girlfriend included, often referred to her as the 'Queen of being Dense'. Nine times out of ten she missed the subtle social cues that usually indicated that something was wrong, or that something shouldn't be investigated or talked about.

Of course though, Ahsoka just had to be the person who would break all of those rules! She blamed her time as an undercover spy.

That said, even she knew when something was bothering someone, and by the way Kaeden has suddenly sunk onto the couch next to her, her posture slouched in despair and her tone grim, it was something bad.

And as Kaeden Larte's girlfriend, it was Ahsoka's job to find out what the problem was!

"What's up?" Ahsoka replied as she bookmarked the page of the 'Book of Hondo', setting it aside for later, before moving closer to Kaeden, one arm wrapping round the human woman.

Kaeden didn't answer immediately, though she did raise her head from where she had been staring at the floor blankly. Her eyes, usually so bright with joy and focus, and sometimes mischievousness, instead seemed to have a dark shadow to them, as if something was haunting the gateway to her soul.

"Kaeden? Talk to me."

"I need to apologise to you."

That surprised Ahsoka! What did Kaeden possibly have to apologise for? If anything Ahsoka was the one that should be apologizing on a daily basis for all the crazy stunts she pulled.

Still, whatever Kaeden felt like she had to apologize for was clearly eating her up inside, so Ahsoka didn't hesitate to respond.

"I forgive you."

"No! I… you don't even know what I'm apologizing for!

"I know… but I already forgive you."

"Please Ahsoka… just… just let me speak."

Ahsoka didn't miss the way Kaeden had winced as Ahsoka had 'forgiven' her without blinking an eye. The thought that Kaeden thought that Ahsoka wouldn't forgive her hurt the Togruta. Did Kaeden not know how special she was to Ahsoka?

"Ok Kaeden… ok. What do you need to apologize for?"

Kaeden lowered her head for a few seconds as she contemplated how to phrase whatever was on her mind. Ahsoka didn't want to rush her, but every moment that passed was hell for the Togruta. She hated seeing anyone suffer, double so for Kaeden.

"About Raada. About what I said to you when you first revealed your Force powers. I said you didn't know what it was like to have a family. That all you had were Clones to boss around because you were their commanding officer. I was wrong to say that, and I was wrong to say you didn't know what it meant to have a family and I'm so sorry for what I said to you."

Ahsoka's eyes widened. She had honestly forgotten that Kaeden had ever said such a thing! Had she really said something that could have been taken in such a cruel way?

Memories came back to Ahsoka, one of an angry Kaeden surrounded by her friends and sister on Raada, accusing her of not helping them fight the Empire more, of not doing enough!

But even back then, Ahsoka had remembered not being angry at the words. She had understood, and in some ways she agreed. What did Ahsoka know about a true family? She had been taken from hers at three years of age after all.

"What's brought this on Kaeden?" Ahsoka asked quietly, pulling the human woman closer to her, resting her head atop Kaeden's, hoping it offered some comfort. From the way Kaeden leaned in closer as well, Ahsoka could tell it was having some sort of positive effect.

"I was speaking to Rex. I told him what I said to you and he… well he didn't take it too well to say the least."

Ahsoka didn't even realize she had frozen up until she felt Kaeden's palm gently wrap around her own, squeezing intently as a reminder that she was still there. Ahsoka couldn't help the build up of anger at herself that occurred suddenly. She was supposed to be comforting Kaeden… not the other way around!

"What did Rex say?" Ahsoka inquired, worried that her girlfriend had just inadvertently made an enemy out of her oldest and most trusted friend.

"He called me unreasonable and said I was damned lucky to have you. He said if anyone ever hurt his little sister he would kill them, then clone them just so he could kill them again. I don't think he was even kidding!"

Once more Ahsoka's eyes widened at Kaeden's recount of Rex's words. In all honesty, she wasn't that surprised about ex's reaction. The old Clone Captain was fiercely territorial and defensive when it came to people he saw as his brothers and family, and in Ahsoka's case, his little sister.

There was a time Ahsoka could recall that all of the Clones in the 501st saw her that way. Rex was always willing to teach her, to help her improve herself.

Fives was always willing to joke around with her. He had taught her how not to succumb to the pressures of command.

Echo had taught her how to be patient, how to follow procedure when it mattered most. Losing him at the Citadel had been a major blow for them all.

Kix and Coric had taught her how to save people in more ways than one. It didn't matter that they weren't always out fighting, as they fought the most dangerous and formidable foe in existence on a daily basis and won. Combating death was one hell of a task after all.

It wasn't just the boys in the 501st that had taught her either. Both Cody and Wolffe had given her new perspective on things. Through their teachings and encouragement, she had learned how to adapt on the fly, how to improvise, and most importantly, how to get the job done.

And then there were the rest. Hardcase had taught her to be bold. Waxer and Boil had taught her the importance of companionship. Dogma had taught her to have faith and not lose it.

And Jesse had taught her how to be cautious. It was not the lesson she wished she had learnt from him, but it was the most important one of her life, one she had carried with her as Fulcrum. When Order 66 had been issued, and Jesse turned on her and Rex, Ahsoka had no choice but to act.

There were nights where she still saw the Arc Trooper in her dreams, impaled on a burning green blade, mere seconds away from murdering Rex in cold blood. She did not regret her actions, but she wished how they had been different.

If only things had been different.

"He was right of course. The Clones, despite being your subordinates, were your family. Rex told me about them all. About Fives and Echo, Jesse and Hardcase. Hell he even introduced me to Kix. And then there's the Jedi too!"

Ahsoka listened as Kaeden continued on, recalling more and more of her discussion with Rex, which sounded like had gotten more civil after the old Clone's initial hostility.

"And then Rex told me about the Jedi he knew, about the one's he knew had a strong bond with you. I'm sorry about Master Plo Koon, Ahsoka. I wish I could have met him. He sounded wonderful."

"He really was." Ahsoka couldn't help but reply, her fond memories of the Kel Dor coming to her mind. How she wished he was still here.

"He also told me about Anakin. And Senator Amidala too."

Ahsoka tried not to stiffen at the mention of her former Jedi Master. Even now he was a sore spot, for both her and Rex. How Obi-Wan was able to forgive and forget was unknown to her. She really wished she had his patience and understanding sometimes.

But then she hadn't been there at the end, and Obi-Wan had. Perhaps he knew something she didn't.

"I know you hate him Ahsoka, and no one blames you for it, but from what Rex told me he was like your father figure in many ways. I can't imagine what it was like to have to kill him."

It had been hard at the time…. but like with Jesse it had been necessary. Ahsoka had had to make a difficult decision with the information she had… just as Anakin had taught her too as a Padawan.

And Padmé? Padmé had taught her to trust in her actions, and to know right from wrong.

Ahsoka really hoped that the Senator would be proud of her if she was still alive.

"So I'm sorry. I was wrong to say you didn't know what it was like to have a family, because you did have one. It was just very different from mine." Kaeden finished, squeezing Ahsoka's hand again whilst waiting for the Togruta's response.

Wasting no time and already knowing how she was going to respond, Ahsoka brought her free hand up to Kaeden's cheek, gently pulling the woman's face towards her before placing a gentle kiss to her lips.

Pulling back, Ahsoka rested her forehead on Kaeden's and spoke.

"As I said, you are already forgiven, forever and always. My family may have been different from yours, but back then you had every right to say what you did. I may have lost that family, but now I have a new one in you."

The way Kaeden's face lit up with a small smile was all the response Ahsoka needed. If Kaeden was happy, so was she.

"I…. ok… thanks Ahsoka. I feel like I understand you better now thanks to Rex. I wish I could have met all of your old family."

"Me too Kaeden. Me too." Ahsoka replied, banishing any thoughts of the fate of her old family from her mind. It would not do her well to dwell on the past. Right now all she wanted to focus on was the present.

And that present was Kaeden Larte.

[ryder-s-block]

Jaig Eyes (Ch 52)

Jaig Eyes (52/?)

Summary:

Kida, a former slave who now thrives as a bounty hunter, finds herself sucked into the war she advised Jango Fett against. Now that she’s involved, she has to finally mourn the loss of Jango, seeing his face in the clones that man the GAR. What happens when she allows herself to get attached to one, not for his resemblance to her former mentor, but for his heart?

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Chapter Fifty-Two: The Lightsaber

“Ah, welcome,” Bendu’s voice echoed as I made my way across the coral-like plains of Atollon. My ship’s engines were barely even cooling and he already sensed my presence, greeting me as I descended into his pit. “A new person approaches me this day,” he commented, sitting back on his haunches to regard me. “You are far less loud.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at my friend. “I’ve spent some time thinking about what you said. And had some experiences that better helped me understand.”

Bendu smiled gently. “You’ve listened to your crystal. I hear it now. It no longer screams as it once did.”

“No, but it’s still broken.”

He regarded me with his deep gaze. “Are you? Still broken, I mean.”

I breathed slowly, considering. “I have my scars, I’ll admit. And I’m sure I’ll get more. But no. I’m not broken. Not anymore.”

“Then it’s time your kyber was the same way. Are you ready?” He leaned back, gesturing to the cave I’d already entered once before.

I closed my eyes, drawing out my pistols and putting them on the ground. Pulling forth my ancestor’s lightsaber and the new kyber hilt, I clipped them both to my belt. “Yes. I’ve reassembled this countless times,” I breathed, touching the saber at my hip. “I can do it with my eyes closed.”

“Forget all you’ve read,” my friend suggested, shocking me. “Forget all you’ve studied. Your saber must be your own. You will be tested. Trust only in the Force.”

“I will,” I assured gently, walking into the tunnels with as much confidence as I could muster. 

The air was stale. Potent with the scent of decay I knew came from the spiders. They were ancient. Maybe even as old as Bendu, who I knew had watched empires rise and fall. I couldn’t sense them, but I felt their eyes on me. Heard their pinchers clacking with curiosity. I walked on, letting the Force guide me into the tunnels.

Aware of Bendu’s thoughts following me through my journey, I focused on keeping myself centered. Now understanding the creatures that lurked here, I knew they would react as I did. Fear wasn’t an option.

I walked for likely half an hour beneath the surface of the deserted planet before I felt drawn to a particular junction. It was parted five ways, with a long wall on one side. It was almost...reflective.

I stepped up to it, feeling it calling for me to sit before it. Kneeling and ignoring the hiss of the curious spiders that were blocking my exits, I drew out my lightsaber and new hilt, placing them on the ground before me. Closing my eyes, I let the Force take over, feeling the pieces lift and separate in the air, revealing the broken kyber crystal.

It hummed with pain. Loss. And hope.

I felt a whisper of the Force, opening my eyes to see my crystal floating before me. Further, in the reflection of the wall, I saw a shadow that looked nothing like me. The shoulders were wider, but the stature shorter. I looked boyish.

I was drawn to this unknown shadow, both by blatant curiosity and the gentle nudging of the Force. My fingers reached past my suspended crystal, the shadow mimicking me. As the pads of my bare hands touched the reflection, the other hand met it, the reflection clearing from a shadow to an image.

The boy before me was likely eight or nine, his skin tan and hair cropped short. He was wearing Jedi robes, some frost sticking to the edges. 

I pulled my hand away sharply, the boy I recognized as a young Remulus Dreypa doing the same. We stared at each other, our shared crystal floating between us. I shoved down my fear and emotions, feeling the spiders behind me reacting.

Stilling myself and my whirlwind of a mind, I reached back out, prodding Remulus to do the same. Pressing my hand firmly against the wall, I could almost feel the heat of his hand against mine. And then his fingers curled, growing longer and stronger, emerging from the wall to link with my hand roughly.

I tried to pull away again, on instinct, as his face warped to grow older, his eyes turning a menacing yellow. Gritting my teeth, I felt the spiders hiss in anxiety, edging closer as I pushed down my panic. I closed my eyes, feeling the pull of the mirrored wall as it tried to drag me into what I feared most.

I steadied myself, turning my free hand to be palm up, resting easily on my lap. I stopped pulling from Dreypa’s grasp, letting him hold me and glare through the wall. I looked him in the eyes, steeling myself.

“I do not fear where I come from. Nor do I fear the past. My gaze lies ahead now,” I announced to the room, the spiders stilling as I spoke calmly. Clenching my jaw, I dared him, “Do your worst.”

He only smiled at me, his grip becoming less severe as image faded to a slightly lighter complexion, his eyes turning a warm golden color.

“Rex,” I whispered, earning another silent smile. Behind him, I saw the image of Qui-Gon. Yilria. Jango. Boba. Fives. Echo. Obi-wan. Anakin. Padme. Ahsoka. Merl. Rouva. Cody. Hardcase. Jesse. Kix. 

My family. 

I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth they brought me, even though they weren’t here. And when I opened them, they were gone, the wall a dark stone, rather than reflective. And my crystal was glowing. Fractures ran through it like veins, but it wasn’t cracked anymore. It was healed.

Scarred, like me. But no longer broken.

Concentrating in my meditation, I let the Force guide the pieces, ignoring how I’d once put it together when I practiced. Lifting my hands to better guide myself, I turned the mechanism over as it came together, watching the kyber slide into its place eagerly. The sleeve slid over the finished version, sweat beading on my brow as I allowed the Force to guide everything into its perfect position.

I felt the click in the Force more so than I heard it.

Standing slowly, I reached out to take the hilt from where it floated, feeling eyes on me in the darkness. The saber felt...right...in my hands. Strong. Powerful. But peaceful. Hopeful.

I thumbed the activator, the blade igniting to life. It shined a brilliant white--a symptom of a healed crystal, Bendu had told me--illuminating the cavern.

As I held my blade high in the air, I was shocked to find there were no spiders near me at all. It had been my worries. My fear.

When I let it all go in the reflection of the mirror...I let them go, too. And now I could get to work.

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

The blade came to my hand easily when I called for it through the Force, igniting in its blinding white brilliance. I spun it in my grasp, slicing my cuffs, before holding it at the ready.

Dooku glared at me through the holoprojector. “Kill her.” I thrust out my hand, throwing Sobeck backwards and into the projector, cutting off the count. The special units leapt into action, but I deflected their bolts easily, rolling sideways to slice two of them in half before deflecting the last two back at the final ones.

I would’ve stuck around to finish off Sobeck and take down the Citadel from the inside, but the command droid was already calling squads our way. I could even hear the destroyers rolling down the halls.

So I bolted, hurrying from the room and sprinting down the halls, saber in hand. I made my way to an elevator, calling the button to bring me back up towards the holding cells, where I assumed Obi-wan and the others were being taken again.

Break-out...take two. 

The lift doors hissed open, revealing a squad of unsuspecting battle droids. “Hey!” one of them yelled as I smirked before them, lifting my lightsaber for them to see. “Blast her!” They didn’t get the chance as I surged into the lift, slicing them down easily.

In reality, Piell was right. A lightsaber really was so much more effective.

The lift brought me up quickly, opening to reveal even more droids. Oh boy...this wasn’t going to be very easy.

Still, the bounty hunter that still resided in me revelled in the chance to finally use this weapon in the open. I recalled what the armorer had said. “Swear to wield this weapon with the honor of a Mandalorian...Use this weapon wisely, young Fett.

I gave the blade a little flourish with an easy smile. “Hi guys,” I said, earning the attention of the dozen droids there. They all turned with fright, but had little time to react as I leapt forward, dodging through them easily. 

The longer I wielded the blade, the more at ease I became. I felt myself connect with the Force...flow with it. I knew where to put my blade. To deflect a shot. To sweep through a droid. I knew where to step. To dodge. To deflect a shot. To get in close.

It wasn’t until all the droids had fallen that I became aware of my knelt form, lightsaber thrust behind me. I panted, finally feeling fatigue from the use of both my body and my mind. Disengaging the saber, I hooked it to the front of my belt easily to assess the room. The droids were scattered in pieces--something I’d achieved with ease with my use of the Force. Maybe I should consider implementing the lightsaber and the Force when I worked my usual jobs. It certainly made things easier.

Then again, maybe it made things more dangerous, too. Higher stakes. Higher prices. Higher threats.

A comm beeped from one of the droids, drawing my attention. “To the hangar! To the hangar!” a droid cried through it. “The prisoners have escaped!”

Ah. So they didn’t make it to the cells after all. I glanced around, grinning when I spotted a window at the far end of the hall. Conveniently, it was in the direction of the hangar.

Just what I needed.

I raced towards it, leaving the droid parts behind. The sound of destroyers echoed down the far hall, moving to cut off my escape. Well, I wouldn’t allow that, especially considering I could hear the beginnings of a battle outside. As they rolled into my way, I grounded my stance, pushing my hands towards them.

And with my hands, the Force shoved forwards, launching the destroyers backwards and through the window. Yay. No glass shards in my face this time. I followed them shortly, leaping down onto a platform above the landing pad. Turrets were firing endlessly into the hangar below--likely at my fellow escapees.

Without even thinking, I rushed forward to the blinding shine of the spotlights. Igniting my lightsaber, I slashed through the base of the turret closest to me, spinning away as it sparked and slid forwards to crash into the hangar.

As much as taking out a turret helped the plight of my friends, it only drew attention to me. The next turret turned in its base, aiming at me. “Uh oh,” I muttered before leaping backwards, barely dodging the twin green blasts it shot at me. 

With the closest turrets turning to aim at me, I knew there was no more I could do up here but be killed. I turned and left the death trap behind, leaping into the hangar to join the others. Droid squadrons began to enter the area, emerging from the hallways of the Citadel, as I raced around the corner of the shipping containers.

The clones in 212th yellow nearly shot me as I came around, all seeming shocked at my escape. My lightsaber wasn’t ignited anymore, but it was still easily seen hanging from my belt.

Piell eyed me as I joined them, giving me a small grin. “Nice to see you didn’t need a rescue.”

“Never,” I smiled back, peering around the corner to see our situation only getting worse as more droids joined the fray. “Though you seem to always need one.” I received some looks from the Kenobi and the clones alike, but Piell only chuckled at my teasing. 

Shots sounded from behind us, a familiar tremor rippling in the Force. We turned, seeing Anakin’s group racing over the rocky surface of Lola Sayu. I breathed a sigh of relief as I saw Echo and Fives, as well as Rex and Ahsoka, all doing well and fine.

Perhaps the sense of dread I’d felt while saying goodbye to Echo and Fives had only been my paranoia, rather than the Force.

“Sorry I’m late,” Anakin joked as he joined us at our cover.

“How nice of you to join us,” Obi-wan responded easily with equal sass, earning a smile from his former padawan. Ahsoka moved beside me where I was looking out at the hangar, Tarkin kneeling as well.

“The ship is surrounded,” she announced, clearly getting tired herself.

“We need to launch a full scale assault and take that vessel!” I turned slowly, already knowing which worm was talking. Tarkin.

“I thought you were a renowned military leader, Captain,” I bit, earning some looks from the others present. Notably...Rex. “Take a second to take in your battlefield. Rushing out there will get us all killed with those turrets up there.”

“She’s right,” Obi-wan allowed, though I could sense his distaste at my bitterness. “If we don’t take them out, they will use them to destroy the shuttle and prevent our escape.”

Tarkin threw up his hands in exasperation. “Which is precisely why we should get aboard that shuttle and use the weapons systems to decimate those droids!”

I was going to say something back in a snarl, but stopped when Anakin rose to his feet. “Whatever we’re going to do,” he said, sounding as annoyed as I was. “We better do it fast.” He lifted his hand, pointing in the direction his squad had come from. I followed his line of sight, seeing a squadron of droids on STAPs, heading our way. They open fired on us, everyone diving out of the way. I rolled to the next container, joining Fives and Echo as they worked to take down the droids storming the hangar floor.

Aiming my wrist gauntlet skyward, I fired the fibercord at one of the oncoming STAPs, watching it wrap around the battledroid’s leg. I pulled hard, putting my whole body into it, before smirking as the droid was pulled from its mount and sent hurtling to the ground.

While the Jedi took care of the rest, I drew my lightsaber, getting in front of the brothers to help defend them. “Nice to see you again,” Fives joked while he joined my side and fired his blaster at the oncoming droids. Echo moved out from cover right after him, throwing a detonator under one of the approaching spider droids.

I grinned at them both as the droids went down, only for the hangar doors to hiss open again. Sobeck’s special units, equipped with shields, emerged from the interior hallways, heading right for us. “Stay behind me,” I ordered, crossing my saber in front of my body, creating a ready guard.

As I deflected the incoming fire, Echo through another detonator. Unfortunately, while they did well against battle droids, these commandos were sturdy. They were flown backwards, but quickly found their feet again.

We ducked behind the crate again, my energy beginning to sap with all the Force use I’d been putting in that day...not to mention all the running.

“As helpful as that thing is,” Fives muttered to me as we pressed our backs to the metal container. “I don’t think it’ll be enough.”

“We’ll figure it out,” I assured him, breathing heavily as I examined the landing pad. Our odds were pretty grim. Especially since I spotted a commando droid climbing up to one of the turrets they’d shot a droid out of earlier.

“General Skywalker,” I heard Echo say into his wrist comm behind me. “A droid is manning one of those turrets. They’re gonna blow up the shuttle, sir.”

We looked up as the turret’s hydraulics hissed and groaned, aiming skyward. That didn’t make sense… the shuttle was-- 

Anakin and Piell were both on a STAP together, zooming at top speed towards the turret. “Get ‘em, General,” Fives whispered as he and his brother peered around the corner with me. It was said almost like a prayer, rather than an encouragement.

Whatever deity he was praying to wasn’t listening. 

The turret caught the STAP in its front, sending both Jedi tumbling to the ground, their ride destroyed. We ducked behind cover again as the commandos began to advance on us again, Anakin and Piell racing for cover as the turret’s blasts followed them across the hangar. 

“This is our only chance,” Echo said beside me, taking my place at the corner. “We’ve got to stop him.”

I steadied myself as Fives nodded, stepping out after his brother, who was scooping up one of the shields a commando had dropped. As I turned to stop them, connecting myself with the Force, I was struck with a vision.

I didn’t see much, but I was struck with the same sense of dread I’d felt when I’d said goodbye to the brothers. When I’d feared I wouldn’t be there to protect them. My body turned cold, my breath hitching in my chest. 

I saw a scorched clone helmet.

“Echo, look out!” I heard Fives call from only a few feet in front of me. Echo was rushing forward with the shield, making his way onto the gangway. 

“Fives,” I said urgently, grabbing shoulder pauldron and turning him away. “Move!” We dove backwards as the turret’s blasts struck the shuttle, blowing it….and my friend...to pieces. I was nearly blinded by the amount of brutal grief I felt from the clones. And Skywalker and his padawan. 

“Echo!” Fives screamed beside me as he found his feet. I looked over my shoulder, lightsaber hilt in hand. Echo’s helmet laid on the hangar floor before us. Scorched and destroyed. Just as I had seen in my vision.

“We have to go now,” Obi-wan commanded from behind us, lightsaber still up to deflect oncoming shots.

I swallowed past the emotion I felt not only from those around me, but from within myself. I touched Fives’ shoulder, glancing at him. He didn’t look at me for a second, before his head finally turned. I saw my own teary eyes reflected in the black visor.

He pivoted with me, shoving down his grief as I did, before running to catch up with the others as they raced towards somewhere to hide within Lola Sayu’s deadly landscape.

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

Author’s Note:

I know a lot of you wanted me to save Echo. However, I chose against doing that, not only because Echo’s death plays an important role in Fives’ arc, but also will tie into the next season coming out.

I don’t want to lock myself out of potentially having Kida in the new season one day, if I mess with canon TOO much. 

As always, likes/comments/reviews/shares are always appreciated.

-Ryder

[brothers-all]

Echoy'la (Lost)

dum dum dum... Things get much more serious in this one mates! Also, kinda short, but... more emotional? I dunno

As always, read, review and enjoy ^^

Chapter 4 Or'trikar (Grief)

"These are all the records on the captive clones, sir," a droid walked up to him, handing him a data-pad. He took it, immediately going to reading it.

"CT-7567 aka Rex. ARC-5555 formerly CT-5555 aka Fives. ARC-5597 formerly CT-5597 aka Jesse. CT-6116 aka Kix. CT-5485 aka Cinder. CT-4421 aka Svak." His eyes scanned the individual clone, before checking the quick recommendations and records. "Four survivors of Umbara…" He narrowed his eyes at the four names, spotting a few more of the dead men. "Bring me Krell's report," he said to the droid, who moved away and returned shortly after with another pad.

Checking that one, he cross-referenced it with the first one, seeing the full picture. He had his link, his point to get to the clone. He just needed to use it and exploit it. Setting the pads down, he put his hands behind his back and turned back to the door.

"Bring in one of the other clones," he said to the droid.

"Which one?" it asked, slightly shocked.

"The youngest," his smirk appeared right before he stepped through the door.

The doors to the cell opened and the soldiers instantly collected themselves. Fives didn't even sleep, and Jesse had stayed up as long as he could. Cinder and Svak had fallen asleep on one another as brothers usually do, and Kix pretty much collapsed in the corner after everything that's happened. A day has gone by, and they still have no idea what's really going on here or why.

"Wake up lovelies," of course; the first thing they see in the morning is the beautiful faceplate of General Grievous.

"One of you is very unlucky today," he laughed as the men glared at him. Fives stood in front of him, looking tempted to ram into the monster.

"Where's Rex?" Kix actually spoke up, his glare almost stronger than Fives'.

Grievous turned to the medic, took a step forward and leaned in closer to him. "He is currently our guest of honor. Which why I am here," a dark chuckle came out of him as three guards stepped inside. "One of you will be going to see him."

"Take me!" Jesse had just enough of a feeling and knowledge of his brothers that he grabbed Fives before the ARC could actually do anything.

"Fives, calm down!" he hissed in his ear, jerking both of them into the wall.

"I look forward to killing that fire, clone," Grievous laughed, but got interrupted by his coughing. "However, I was instructed to retrieve someone else," his yellow eyes landed on Svak, who had moved into a corner.

"Leave him alone!" Cinder stepped in front of the rookie, arms outstretched.

"Out of the way!" the General grabbed Cinder by his torso and tossed him into the ARC Troopers, knocking all three to the ground. "Take him," he nodded to the shinie, who was trying to find a way further back.

"What are you going to do?" Kix wanted to move, to help, so badly, but knew he couldn't do anything in this situation. Might actually make it worse.

"You'll find out soon enough," Svak struggled, but the guards held him tight as they dragged him out of the cell and down the corridor. "Now then, play nice," Grievous gave one last broken laugh, before the doors shut closed again.

"We have four possible locations," Cody said as he stood by the holo table, typing down the coordinates. "But we can't tell for sure which one it is," he added, looking at everyone gathered. Including the two Jedi, Jewels, Boil and Appo were present.

"We can almost certainly exclude one of them," Jewels stepped closer. "Iego. General Kenobi had us sent a small squad there after you two managed to free it of the 'ghost' and they've been keeping an eye out for anything happening."

"However, the other three are all highly possible…" Cody took over again, presenting the three remaining systems. "The Nivek system, located in the Citlik sector. The Duro system. And in the Lambda sector, the Ando system."

"These three systems don't have that many locations. About three orbit systems per one…" Ahsoka rubbed her chin in thought.

"That may be true, but we only get one chance at this," Boil leaned on the table. "If we miss the location, we'll not only miss our brothers, but we'll have Sepis on our tail."

"So we can't go in randomly. We need a plan," Appo sighed, shaking his head. "Not exactly our specialty," they all shared a small smile at that. This was the 501st after all.

"Then it's a good thing we're here," Cody smiled more truly, giving a nod. "It might take some time, but we'll track Grievous down. And when we do, we'll go get our vode home."

He woke up to a zap of lighting on his neck. Eyes snapping open and gasping for breath he hit the restraints over his chest and it knocked the air out of him.

"Good morning Captain. Hope you had a pleasant night," Count Dooku was already there, standing tall and powerful. Rex needed a few seconds to clear away the fog of his eyes and mind, to recall what happened…

Umbara. The Count had managed to pull out some more information out of him when he came back next time. He got the way Hardcase died and the massacre that happened. Made Rex relive it on a loop for a while, before the clone just passed out.

"Might have a few complaints," but the Captain had stayed strong. He swallowed down the screams and repeated his old mantra in his head. It kept him sane.

"I see you haven't lost you spark. Perhaps we can change that," the Sith seemed displeased for a moment, before speaking to someone else. "Bring him in."

Before Rex had a chance to ask what was going on and who he was, a door behind him opened and he heard the ever so familiar grunts and mutters of a struggling brother.

"No, please, no…" he whispered, eyes closed and trying to calm himself.

"Captain!" he opened his eyes and wished he hadn't.

"Svak!" out of all the soldiers, they chose the youngest. The kid's only been with them a month! And the confused, lost and hopeful look in his eyes made the blonde want to look away again. The kid was forced to a kneeling position, arms cuffed in front of him.

"If all goes well, you have nothing to fear, child," Dooku stepped behind him, setting his hands on his shoulders and giving a smirk. "However, the ultimate decision lies with your beloved Captain."

"Don't do it sir!" Svak yelled instantly, the hope and confusion turning into determination.

"Brave solider, aren't you," Dooku sounded almost impressed, before raising one of his hands. In seconds, lightning emerged from his fingers, flying directly at the kid. His screams echoed in the small room, but the blonde didn't spot the transmitter in the corner, broadcasting it to the cell as well.

"Stop! Leave him alone!" he yelled, struggling in his restraints again. And the Sith did stop.

"If you wish for him to live, then submit," his voice turned cold and harsh, his eyes narrow and glaring daggers.

"Don't… do it…" Svak repeated, clearly in pain. "No matter what…"

"Do you truly wish to be responsible for another of your brothers' deaths?"

"Don't listen to him!" the kid was finding new strength. Death usually did make them all fearless and maybe a bit reckless. "You're not… responsible for anyone's death! No one blames you for any of it!" that earned him another blast of lighting and another scream.

"What will your answer be, Captain?" the Count spoke after Svak fell forward, leaning on his elbows to not smack his face in.

The blonde had remained still since the kid spoke. Did everyone know about it? That he still blames himself for so much death. Of course everyone's probably heard about those that hit him hardest, when he was still young.

"We… need you… Captain," the kid managed to speak, although he was talking more to the ground than his brother. "Don't give… up just yet…"

"…I'm so sorry, Svak…" Rex closed his eyes, head hung. "I'll never submit." His eyes held anger and hate as he glared at the Sith. He would pay for this!

"So be it," Dooku frowned and pulled out his lightsaber, raising it above the kid.

"Vode An," Svak gave a weak smile, managing to get to his keens again. He's ready to die like a soldier.

"Vode An," Rex said back, giving a nod of his head and closed his eyes just as the red blade pierced the soldier's chest.

"Such a shame…" Dooku mused, looking at the lifeless body. "It would seem I am in need of a new tactic…"

"AGH! LET ME OUT!" Fives was hitting the door with his shoulder, punching it even, screaming and cursing the ones who put them in here. "LET ME OUT YOU HUT'UUN!" he rammed the door again, but when silence filled the cell, he stopped.

"Vode An," was the last thing they heard before the well-known sound of a lightsaber was heard.

"Vode An," again and then silence.

"LET. ME. OUT!" Fives was at it again, hitting the door. "Let me out," it turned quiet soon after, with him leaning on the door now. "Let me out…" it was low and almost broken, head resting against the metal.

Kix stood behind him all the while, not trying to stop him. Not again. It started with the screaming and when the medic tried to stop his brother, he pushed him away. Jesse tried talking to him, but Fives just wouldn't listen. So, they stayed behind him, watching his rampage, hurting just the same. Cinder had remained silent, eyes empty as he watched the floor. He felt responsible for Svak, since the two were in the same batch.

"…Fives…" Kix only now moved, gently setting a hand on his shoulder. He could feel the ARC shaking, yet made no sign he heard him. "C'mon, lemme get a look at you," the medic gently pulled at his shoulders, getting him to turn away from the door. Fives' eyes went to his, and in a moment, Kix found himself hugging his brother.

"It'll be okay vod…" he whispered, pulling the man closer. "We'll get them for this…" he saw Jesse helping Cinder on his feet, making sure he was alright.

"I just… feel so useless…" Fives had his eyes closed. "Just like on the Rishi Moon or the Citadel or even Umbara…"

"Trust me," Kix let out a humorless chuckle. "You aren't the only one…" he looked at the celling, trying to ignore the pain stabbing his heart. "You aren't the only one…"

"Count Dooku," Grievous spoke as he approached the man. "You wished to see me?"

"Yes," the Sith turned to the cyborg. "I hear you wish to break one of the clones?" the General's eyes widened at that. "If that is the case, I believe you will have your fun."

"And how is that?" Grievous tried to hide his excitement.

"The Captain is proving more resilient that I anticipated. However, I believe he may be… persuaded, should any of his brothers break first."

"But if the death of one didn't-,"

"I did not imply death, General," he Count handed the General a data-pad. "There you have all the information you require for the one they call 'Fives'. His latest outburst proved he is close to what we need. We must only redirect that anger and hate." Grievous checked the information quickly, a slow laughing rising in him.

"It will be my pleasure."

"Splendid. In the meantime, I shall try again with the Captain. Perhaps my Master might give some assistance…"

Cut! As I said, shorter than the others, but I felt like it had a lot more emotion to it *cough* Fives *cough* and I really enjoyed writing it Gimme your best prediction for what's going to happen soon! Love to hear what you all are thinking =P Anyway, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed! Maybe review with what you love, or not so much? Thoughts? Anything really! Till next time~

[ryder-s-block]

Jaig Eyes (Ch 50)

Jaig Eyes (50/?)

Summary:

Kida, a former slave who now thrives as a bounty hunter, finds herself sucked into the war she advised Jango Fett against. Now that she’s involved, she has to finally mourn the loss of Jango, seeing his face in the clones that man the GAR. What happens when she allows herself to get attached to one, not for his resemblance to her former mentor, but for his heart?

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Chapter Fifty: The Citadel

“Fear,” I heard a voice say in the darkness. “A Jedi spends his whole life training against it.” In the blackness, I began to hear the buzz of a generator. The clicking of buttons. I saw the glow of monitors. 

I could tell by the slightly overbearing, claustrophobic feeling over my skin that what I was seeing was through the Force. I was likely still frozen in a block of carbonite...hopefully on our way past the defenses of the Citadel. And hopefully not on our way to death or worse...imprisonment.

“But at the Citadel,” the voice continued, making me turn to see a Phindian looking over a series of monitors. “Breaking Jedi is our specialty. Within these walls, they will learn to fear us. And if not, they die.” 

I was bombarded with images. A Lannik with a terrible scar over his eye suspended in the air. Droids torturing him. He was a jedi.

Republic officers locked in cells.

The pain the Jedi was feeling.

Over and over.

  The smugness of the Phindian. I prodded into his mind. His name. Osi Sobeck. 

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

I lurched out of my brick of carbonite like a drowning child being drawn from a pool. Coughing and spluttered, I chased the Force visions from my mind as I righted myself, letting my cramped muscles loosen slowly.

“Hey, Snips,” I heard Skywalker say casually, making me turn. A grin crept to my lips as I saw Ahsoka stretching her neck, having just exited her own carbonite.

“Hey, Master,” she greeted back with the same nonchalance. 

And then it dawned on Skywalker. He looked sideways at his padawan with an angry expression as Obi-wan and I joined him. “I must have carbon sickness,” Obi-wan expressed. “Because I could swear that’s Ahsoka.”

“Your eyes are fine,” Anakin said with a sigh. “It’s Ahsoka’s hearing that needs help.” My eyebrows shot up as the padawan scowled.

“I received orders to join the team,” she lied smoothly, her glance cutting to me quickly. “I thought you knew.”

“Orders? From who?” her master pressed.

“I discussed it with Master Plo.” I smirked beside her, watching Obi-wan go and check on the men. Sure, she’d discussed it with Plo. But I was the one who prodded her to go on the mission.

“He didn’t tell me,” Anakin growled.

“You were already in carbonite.”

“Well, I gave you a specific order not to come.”

Ahsoka crossed her arms. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from you, Master, it’s that following direct orders isn’t always the best way to solve a problem.”

I smiled as Obi-wan returned to the group, the clones having been checked on. “I see Anakin’s new teaching method is do as I say, not as I do.” He looked to the young Togruta. “Welcome aboard.”

Ahsoka gave him a slight smile as the clones went about preparing, the droids discarding the leftover carbonite. And then...we started to walk.

I fell in beside the padawan, giving her shoulder a nudge. “I see you took my advice. You didn’t have to lie to cover my ass, though,” I said in a hushed tone.

“What?” she smiled. “I didn’t lie. I talked to Master Plo.”

“Right,” I chuckled, glancing at the clones around me, all of whom were pretending they weren’t listening. I looked down at my boots briefly, remembering the visions I’d seen in the carbonite.

“That was weird, wasn’t it?” Fives muttered to his brother. “Like a dreamless sleep.”

Yeah, I wish mine had been dreamless.

“Are you alright?” Ahsoka asked, butting into my thoughts. “You seem troubled.”

“We are breaking into the Citadel,” I lied smoothly--even better than she had. “It’s not something to take lightly.”

She frowned at me. Damned Jedi and their extra senses. “It’s more than that.”

I sighed. “I had a vision. I saw Master Piell.”

Obi-wan turned abruptly from in front of us--apparently he was listening in, too. “What did you see?”

I stopped in my tracks, all eyes on me now. Ah...now I knew how awkward this would all be with my new abilities. And they didn’t even know it all yet.

“He was being tortured. But he’s alive, for now. The officers are alive, too,” I assured.

“Then we’re not too late,” Anakin said with relief.

“There are cameras in every corridor,” I cut him off, not wanting anyone to get too confident. “The guy in charge is a Phindian named Osi Sobeck.”

“Yes,” Obi-wan mused, regarding me as he stroked his beard. “He’s been the warden of this Citadel for some time. And he’s not a threat we should take lightly. Come along. We are almost there.”

We rounded the corner of the cliffside we walked on, the Citadel looming before us, speckled with spotlights and security measures. I could feel Rex’s gaze on me, but I ignored it as Anakin took out electrobinoculars to examine the wall. “I see the entry point,” he announced.

“You were right,” Cody said beside me. “The wind conditions are too strong for jetpacks.” I dropped my goggles down, engaging the interface to scan the wall we’d have to climb to reach the door.

“Yes,” Kenobi replied to his commander. “We’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way, with ascension cables and a steel grip.”

“I don’t think so,” Anakin sighed, seeing the same thing I was seeing.

“What do you mean?” the jedi asked.

I chuckled, pushing my goggles up my forehead again. “Electro-mines.”

“She’s right,” Anakin mused. “We hit one of those, the mission’s over. They’ll know we’re here.”

Rex stepped up beside me, looking it over with his helmet specs. He glanced at me for only a moment before speaking. “I suppose that means we free-climb it.”

I breathed out slowly through my nose, steadying myself as I’d been taught by my masters. Obi-wan. Qui-Gon. Yilria. Bendu. Even Darth Bane. And even Jango.

And we started to climb. 

With no ascension cables, I felt like I was back on Tatooine where Jabba would send my scrawny ass crawling to the tops of his Sail Barge to fetch his disobedient pet. Despite having his favor, I was still only a slave to him. And I was the only one light enough to crawl up there and get his monkey-lizard. 

Or...it reminded me of when I would have to go clean the Rancor pit and scale the walls to get the pieces of armor that had been thrown around when the creature devoured its meal. Poor thing was starved. It really wasn’t that mean of a thing, as I’d seen it with its handler be rather sweet. He was raised in domestication, so he wasn’t raised to be savage. But Jabba didn’t feed him enough and chose to use him for entertainment.

What was I, a slave, supposed to say against his wishes?

Electricity bounced over my head as it zapped between the electro-mines. “You hanging in there, Snips?” Anakin called back to the padawan beside me.

She leaned in her hold on the wall, looking up at her master. “Couldn’t be better.�� Her voice quieted as she started climbing again, glancing at me. “I could do without the wind, though.”

Sweat was beading under the rims of my goggles when Obi-wan glanced down at us. “The entry point is just a few more meters.” He scaled the last distance, pulling his nose up over the edge of the platform. Suddenly, he dropped down, hanging with only one hand, pressing a finger to his lips.

Anakin motioned for everyone to stop, my breath catching in my throat as we held on in silence. I heard the clanking of droid feet as they stepped out to inspect the platform above us, my fingers aching from gripping the stone wall. The footsteps receded again in a moment, followed by a sound that made my heart stop.

It sounded like a ray shield engaging.

“They locked the door,” Obi-wan called down, confirming my fears. “It’s ray-shielded.”

“Ray-shielded?” Anakin groaned. “That wasn’t the plan.”

I crawled up beside him, grunting. “Well it’s in the plan now.” I glanced over at Ahsoka as she crawled to the side to look up. 

“There’s an opening up there,” she announced.

“We know,” Anakin dismissed. “The ventilation ducts. But they’re too small for us to gain access.”

“Too small for you, maybe,” Ahsoka argued. “But I think I can squeeze through.”

“Well, we hadn’t planned on Ahsoka being here,” Obi-wan allowed. “Perhaps she’s right.” 

Anakin gave his padawan a nod, all of us resuming our climb up the wall as she pounced up deftly, slipping through the ventilation shaft with ease. I smirked, watching the ray shield disengage when she got inside.

“See?” she said, greeting her master as we pulled ourselves onto the platform. “I can handle myself after all.”

He smirked at her, but waved his hand. “Kida could have done that.”

“Not with my armor on, I couldn’t,” I called back, sitting for a moment at the edge of the platform, breathing hard. All my Force-based training had taken away from my usual physical work outs.

I was losing my edge.

I took a deep breath, getting up to help Fives as he found his way to the edge. I pulled him up, the two of us offering our hands to Rex, who was following close behind. The captain grabbed our hands, letting us haul him up onto the platform. 

As Fives moved to help the next clone, I was kept still by Rex still gripping my hand. It was brief and discreet, so we didn’t draw attention...but it was enough.

He looked right at me, squeezed my hand in thanks, and then helped me to my feet beside him. I met his gaze from behind his helmet, but our moment was wrecked in a single second.

“Charger!” Fives yelled beside me, making us all turn and see the clone slipping down the wall. I leapt forward, throwing my upper body over the edge, feeling Fives grab my legs. He was too far out of reach for me to grab.

So I caught him with something else.

The clone--Charger--stopped midair, suspended by the Force. I could feel the surprise of the group, but I shoved them from my thoughts, focusing on getting Charger back safely.

It was hard. I hadn’t used it to hold something this big, or from this far...ever. And if I had, it was before I had training and was tapping into my rampant darkness.

Rex was beside me in a moment, leaning over the edge to reach for Charger’s rising outstretched hand. He grabbed his soldier hauling him up onto the platform, both panting from adrenaline.

“Thank you,” Charger breathed, touching my shoulder gently. I gave him a nod, feeling terribly drained.

And this mission had barely even begun.

The alarms sounded, all of our heads shooting up. “Well,” Obi-wan mused. “They know we’re here.”

“How?” Ahsoka asked, leading the way into the Citadel halls. “We didn’t hit a mine.”

“I’m assuming our shuttle was cleared for landing,” I breathed beside her, trying to muster my strength again. “We didn’t land where we were supposed to.”

“Take out their surveillance,” Anakin ordered as we raced down the halls. Fives took out a camera, only to have a series of wall turrets aim at us.

“Cover,” I called, ducking into the walling beside us, letting the Jedi deflect the incoming bolts with their sabers. Mine practically itched in the pouch at the back of my belt. The kyber was daring me to use it. It reflected my own soul quite a lot, I realized… the more I got to know it.

It was daring. Determined. Stubborn. But also had a love for life. For fighting. For protecting. For excitement.

So it wasn’t very happy that I was electing not to use it just yet.

The clones and Jedi worked together to destroy the turrets, barely spending any effort on the matter. My head lifted at the sound of something booting up.

“The walls are electrified,” a clone reported, turning our heads to the sight of an electrical field heading towards us. “Go! Go! Go! Go!”

I darted around the corner after Rex and Fives, feeling the electricity pass behind my heels. Someone screamed, a body flying past, encased in lightning. 

“Longshot!” Cody called, leaning into the hall to see the dead soldier. I felt the immediate grief through the group. It nearly knocked me over, my hand reaching out blindly to find the wall. It caught Rex’s shoulder pauldron instead, prodding him to grab my shoulders.

“Are you alright?” he muttered softly, doing the best to smother his own grief. I shook my head, but stepped away to try and separate our touch. Him touching me only intensified my connection to him through the Force. It made the loss of the clone--his brother--horrible to bear.

“We must keep moving,”  Obi-wan said gently, the clones following him easily.

I ran with them, making our way towards the holding cells. “I’m sorry about your vod,” I whispered gently. It was loud enough for the clones around me to hear, but soft enough that the Jedi leading us would not.

They were quiet for a moment before I heard them softly recite the Mando’a I had learned so long ago. I knew Jango had taught it to them. I was there when he had gently taught it to some clones after a training accident took one of their squad.

“Nu kyr’adyc, shi taab’echaaj’la.”

It was whispered softly, but it still felt like a chorus. As we came upon the holding cells, I muttered it back to them, understanding.

“He’s inside,” Anakin muttered at a door, stepping aside for Fives and Echo to take the lead. The door hissed open, the ARC troopers spinning into the room with ease and taking down the special units arranged along the walls.

Rex stepped in with me, easily shooting down the droid that was torturing the Jedi Master. I stepped forward immediately, seeing the Jedi as I’d seen him in my vision--suspended in the air, looking exhausted. I knelt at the base, pulling it apart to find the switch.

“You’re not who I expected,” the Jedi grunted above me. He wasn’t teasing, nor was he complaining. He was just making a statement.

“Secure the entrance,” Anakin commanded as he entered the room, lightsaber engaged. I rolled my eyes as I worked on the base, knowing the room was already secured by the clones. I found the switch, pulling the wires from their homes to disengage the restraints. 

Obi-wan was beside me in seconds, helping the wounded Jedi to the ground. “Master Piell, are you alright?”

“Obi-wan,” Piell groaned out. “What took you guys so long?”

Anakin let out a grunt of amusement, helping the master to his feet. “At least your sense of humor is still intact.”

“It takes more than they got to break me, young Skywalker,” Piell assured, accepting the spare lightsaber Obi-wan had brought for him.

“So you have the coordinates for the Nexus Route?” Anakin asked, getting right to the point.

“I got them, all right. Half of them, anyway.” The Lannik turned to look over us with his one good eye. “My captain’s got the other half.” That would explain why I’d seen the officers in my vision. “I erased the computers when we were boarded and had both of us memorize part of the intel. That way, if somehow I cracked, the information would be useless to them without the other half.”

“Where’s your captain?” Obi-wan asked.

“Being held with the other officers, I assume.” I earned some glances around the room after Piell spoke. They’d remembered what I’d said about my vision.

Anakin sighed. “We’re going to need a new plan for getting out.”

“We can figure that out on the way,” I dismissed, glancing out the door to the sound of the alarms still blaring. “But we need to get moving now.”

Piell smirked at me as he led everyone from the room. “I like your style” he grunted at me before running off down the halls. I lifted my eyebrow earning a teasing punch in the shoulder from Fives as he ran by.

We hurried into the halls, making our way towards where the clones and officers were being held. As we moved, Cody taking point, I glanced around, my hair on edge.

“We’re being watched,” I whispered, Echo glancing at me knowingly. Whirring sounded at the end of the hall, commando droids pouncing into our line of vision. Kenobi and Skywalker stepped in front of us with lightsaber ignited, only for more to appear behind us. We were cornered in.

I stayed behind Ahsoka as she blocked the shots, firing my pistols over her shoulder. I hated commandos. Not only were they deadly, they were damn hard to shoot because they never stopped moving and jumping and twisting.

I almost envied their ability to move so fast.

They were getting too close, one dodging my blasts and pouncing straight into Ahsoka. She fell back into me, both of us pinned below the droid. It grabbed at her neck and lightsaber, letting me lift my pistol beside her montrals and shoot the droid in the head. She pushed it off, helping me up as the rest of the group downed the final commandos.

“We need to keep moving,” Kenobi said, leading us forward past the scrapped droids.

A loud, high pitched, whine sounded over the speakers, making us all flinch and hold our ears. I watched in horror as our guns were drawn to the ceiling...as well as Skywalker and I. There were magnets, pulling my armor with our weapons.

I would have laughed at Skywalker being pulled up by his metal arm if the situation wasn’t so dire. And then the ceiling ignited in electricity, Anakin and I both screaming as it enveloped our bodies.

The laugh I recognized as Osi Sobeck came over the loudspeaker. “You fools!” he cried with glee, more commando droids appearing around us. “I hope you enjoyed the reunion with your fellow Jedi, because you’re going to be my guests for a very long time.”

I watched in a daze from the ceiling as Ahsoka, Obi-wan, and Piell used the Force to push the commandos backwards, only for them to move only a few feet. “They’re magnetized,” Kenobi worried, pushing again. The clones did their best to fight with their fists...but let’s be honest...human fists against metal assassin droids? It wasn’t their best idea but I appreciated the gusto.

Glancing over to Anakin, I saw him reaching for his saber, my eyes widening. “Anakin, don’t!” More electricity coursed through the mechanism, making us both cry out. To my surprise, despite the terrible pain, Anakin was still reaching for his weapon. He got it, slicing through the ceiling, disengaging the magnets. We fell hard to the floor. I did my best to land deftly, but my legs gave out, making me crumble beside Anakin. 

Now with their weapons, the Jedi and clones took down the remaining commandos, Fives and Echo coming over to us. “Are you alright, sir?” Echo asked, helping Anakin to his feet. Fives helped me up by my elbow, steadying me.

“Yeah,” Anakin breathed. “Let’s get out of here.”

They led the group out, Rex shooting out the camera Sobeck had been watching us through. He ran beside me, glancing over. “You alright?”

“I mean,” I shrugged, trying to brush off the remaining soreness from both the electrocution and the fall. “It didn’t feel great.”

He surprised me with a light chuckle as we rounded into the next hallway of cells. The clones locked down the hallway as I joined the Jedi at the locked door. I could feel the clones inside.

Anakin ignited his lightsaber, waiting with his eyes closed in front of the door. Suddenly, he pushed it through the door, destroying the droid on the other side and unlocking it. Ahsoka leapt in from above, taking out the second guard.

“General,” an accented officer greeted as Peill entered the room. He was a slight man who stood with a rigid back and emanated arrogance. My nose crinkled slightly.

“Captain Tarkin,” Piell greeted back. 

The captain stepped forward to greet the Jedi as the clones tended to the four that had been captive. “I never thought I’d see you again. And you’ve brought friends.”

“Tarkin, this is Obi-wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.”

The man didn’t greet the Jedi, merely glancing at them before addressing the room as a whole. “Now that you’ve found us, how do you expect to get us out? If they’ve locked this fortress down, there’s at least ten squads on their way. It’s going to be impossible to escape.”

“Well, he’s quite an optimist,” I muttered as the clones exited the cell beside me. I earned a few chuckles from them, the newly freed ones giving me a grateful nod.

“What if we split up?” Kenobi mused. “My team will create a diversion, while Anakin leads the others away. That way, if one of us is captured, the enemy will only have part of the information, and not all of it.”

My eyebrow rose as Tarkin stepped forward, a frown on his face. “General Kenobi, I think it’s better if we stick together. A stronger force would have a better chance of protecting the information.

“Not in this situation,” Obi-wan bit, obviously having a distaste for the captain.

“But surely we’d have more strength in numbers, Tarkin persisted, stepping after the Jedi. “Rather than divide us.”

“Obi-wan has a point,” Piell cut in with finality in his tone. “I’ll go with him. You go with Skywalker.”

I glanced between the captain and the Jedi before following them out of the cell. “Kida,” Obi-wan said, looking back at me. “You’re with me.”

I nodded, not missing the slight anxiety coming from Rex when he heard we were separating. “I’ll be fine,” I muttered beside him as the group readied to split. He nodded only slightly at me before turning to prepare his men.

“Shoot straight, kid,” Fives said, knuckling my shoulder pauldron again. I grinned at him, telling him to do the same.

Echo touched me shoulder gently, a jolt going through me that I couldn’t quite pinpoint the meaning behind. “Stay safe.”

“Yeah,” I whispered, watching the brothers give me a nod before following Skywalker and Ahsoka. “You too.”

Yet, as they receded, I felt the Force ripple with a sense of dread and sadness. And it was centered around Echo.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was going to happen...and I wouldn’t be there to help.

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MANDO’A

Nu kyr’adyc, shi taab’echaaj’la--  not gone, merely marching away (tribute to a dead comrade)