#in command

[wild-karrde]

In Command - Part 20

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A/N: An update while on vacation? Sure why not. As always, thank you to the phenomenal @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading for me!

Chapter Rating: E (18+ minors skeedaddle)

Warnings: explicit sexual content (PiV sex, oral sex, cum eating, fingering), language

Word Count: 8.5k words

“That cake was AMAZING!”

“Wrecker, we’re all honestly surprised you tasted it at all with how fast you ate it,” Hunter teased.

“Yeah, I think you’ve scarred some of those service droids for life,” Senna joked.

“Did you see the one? Wrecker almost took his arm off!” Echo was laughing so hard tears were pricking at his eyes now, and Senna joined him, doubling over in the middle of the hall as they walked back to their rooms. Maybe it was the wine or just the relief of being safe with full bellies, but either way, the mood had lifted significantly among the group. Even Tech was smiling and engaging in conversation rather than ignoring everyone in favor of his datapad. 

Wrecker shrugged. “I was hungry, and they were in the way.”

“Perhaps you should keep in mind that they are also responsible for preparing your food, Wrecker. Threatening them may not be the best idea,” Tech pointed out, and even Rex snorted in amusement at that. 

“Was that a joke, Tech?” Senna teased. 

The goggled clone blinked at her, and Senna swore he was trying to stifle a grin. 

“Take it as you wish.” 

Their laughter echoed down the halls as they returned to the wing of the palace they were staying in, dying off as they all bid each other good night and returned to their rooms. 

“Try to get some sleep,” Echo murmured to Senna, and she shoved him, her face heating. He chuckled, moving off down the hall to his door. 

Rex leaned against the wall as she punched the unlock code into the keypad for their room. “What was that about?”

Senna shrugged, blowing her hair out of her face as the door slid open. “Just Echo saying good night.” 

She didn’t look at him, but she could hear his huff of a laugh, could practically feel his smirk as he slipped his hand into the small of her back, gently ushering her into the room. 

Senna strode to the center of the bedroom, suddenly nervous for reasons she couldn’t understand. She turned to watch Rex lock the door behind them before he met her eyes. The only sound was their breathing as they stared at one another, seemingly unsure of where to start, paralyzed by choice with nothing inhibiting either of them this time. 

Where do I even begin? There’s so much I want. 

And nothing will stop me from taking it. 

It was strange to think that Senna had been afraid of having this, having the person she’d wanted so desperately with all of her feelings reciprocated. The rest of the galaxy fell away outside of the door, and Senna’s entire universe shrank to the size of the bedroom with Rex at the center of it all. 

Fuck, I love him so much. 

Mercifully, Rex moved first, closing the gap between them with a measured patience that sent need coursing through Senna. He cradled her face, and she felt herself melt into his touch as he smiled down at her with darkening eyes. 

“I believe I made you a promise,” he rumbled. “And now I have all night to fulfill it.” 

Senna felt herself tremble with excitement as he leaned down to kiss her, working his lips gently against hers as his hands slid to her waist. It wasn’t until he slipped his hands under her shirt, his calloused palms grazing her skin that she finally felt some of her wits return to her, enough for her to not let him take the lead entirely. Her tongue grazed his bottom lip, and he groaned, permitting her entrance as his grip on her tightened. Senna allowed him to back her against a wall, letting out a small grunt when her shoulderblades bumped into the hard surface. Rex made no apology, instead slotting his knee in between her legs as he pulled her shirt over her head, tossing it somewhere to be forgotten. Senna ground against him desperately as her fingers dug into the back of his neck. She whined as his lips left hers, moving along her jawline to her neck. He left one mark, and then another, sucking bruises into her skin where her clothing would cover as his hands worked at her breastband, removing it as well and flinging it aside. 

His hands were immediately on her breasts, cradling them before tugging gently on her nipples just enough to make Senna gasp. She felt his mouth curl into a smile against her skin at her response, and for whatever reason, some of her competitive edge resurfaced. She pushed him back from her, relishing in his confusion before she spun him against the wall, effectively swapping places. 

“You are far too clothed,” she rasped, pulling at his shirt eagerly. Rex’s grin returned as he helped her slip the garment over his head. 

“Can’t have that now, can we?” he teased. 

“I think I made you some sort of promise too,” Senna whispered as she nipped at his collarbone, her fingers tracing the bandage on his chest. “If it’s not too much.” 

She felt Rex shudder slightly under her touch. “I don’t recall you promising anything.”

“Then let me refresh your memory,” she whispered directly into his ear, nipping at the lobe before she trailed kisses down his neck and chest, sinking to her knees in front of him. Rex inhaled sharply, and when she met his eyes, they were blown wide. 

“What is it?” she asked. 

“I… would you believe me if I told you I dreamed about this?” 

Her fingers found his belt, undoing the clasp as she kept her eyes on his. 

“Sounds like I’ve got a lot to live up to.” 

He cupped her chin, his thumb pushing against her lower lip as he frantically helped her undo his trousers with his other hand. 

“You’ve already exceeded it in every way, Sen.” 

She kissed the pad of his thumb, blushing under his gaze. Rex caught his lip between his teeth as she freed his cock, stroking it a few times. She adjusted such that the head grazed against her bare breasts, dragging her thumb over the head and spreading the precum leaking from the tip over the flushed skin. 

“I’ve dreamt of this too,” she whispered, pressing closer so that she could kiss Rex’s bare hip teasingly. His muscles flexed as he jerked towards her with a sharp inhale. “Wondered what you tasted like, how you’d feel against my tongue, what sounds you’d make.” She blew against the tip, and Rex whined. 

“Senna, please.”

She grinned wickedly. “I thought we had all night.”

Before Rex could retort, she wrapped her lips around the tip of his cock and sucked gently, savoring the taste and warmth of him as she flicked her tongue against any sensitive spot she could find. Rex’s head thunked against the wall as he unleashed a curse, his hand still gently cradling her face. Senna smiled, running her tongue along the bottom of his length, tracing the vein she could feel there. 

“Fuck,” Rex groaned. 

Slowly, Senna worked Rex further into her mouth, fighting against her gag reflex and the ache of her jaw as she took him deeper with each bob of her head, her fingers wrapped around the length she couldn’t yet reach. She’d never taken anyone as large as Rex in her mouth before, but the way he was sweating and moaning was addicting, and she wasn’t sure she’d ever tire of the sight of Rex, muscles flexing, jaw clenched, eyes locked on her as she allowed him deeper each pass. When her nose finally met the curls at the base of his cock, she swallowed, and Rex’s hands flew to her head as he gasped. 

“Maker alive, do that again. Oh gods, please do that again.” 

Every thought she’d have of taking her time flew from her mind as she heard his plea. She wanted to shatter Rex. 

Tears streamed from Senna’s eyes, but a thrill shot through her at seeing her lover doubled over, gasping and whining and begging for her. She obliged, fighting harder against her gag reflex, practically choking herself on him. Rex’s fingers tightened in her hair, but he didn’t hold her down or press her further. His control only made her want more. Senna pushed her face against Rex hard enough to pin him against the wall, and she drove his cock so far into her throat that she knew she’d be hoarse in the morning, but it was worth hearing Rex whimper and feel his control finally start to slip. 

“Sen, I don’t want-”

Senna released him with a gasp, panting as she pumped him quickly. Strings of saliva connected her lips to him still. 

“Rex, I want to taste it,” she rasped. “Please let me taste you. Give it to me.” 

He swore again as she took him to the back of her throat once more before she began to bob up and down, swallowing when she was able to. Her cunt was screaming for attention, and she slid a hand between her legs as her lips went numb around Rex’s length. She glanced up at him through watery eyes and almost came from the sight of him alone.

The captain was wrecked. Sweat slicked his skin as he did his best to focus on her through hooded lids. Broken curses and stuttered praises poured from between his lips as he watched her, and she relished in every second of it. His abdomen flexed in front of her eyes, and she felt his cock twitch against her tongue. She knew she was close to claiming her prize. 

“S-Sen, I-I…”

She wrapped her hand around him, twisting firmly as her knuckles followed her lips, her fingers growing slick with her own saliva. 

“Oh, f-fuck, Senna.”

Rex came hard, coating Senna’s tongue in warm stickiness. She swallowed everything he gave her, flicking her tongue over the tip of him to clean him off until he shuddered.

“S’too much,” he mumbled. “T-too much.” 

Rex leaned down and kissed her, sinking to the floor along with her, but never releasing his hold on her face as he practically pulled her into his lap, panting against her lips. She kissed him back fervently, grinding her soaked cunt against his thigh again, desperate for any friction. 

“That was… so fucking good,” Rex gasped. He pulled her against him, resting his forehead against hers as he fought to regain his breath. His fingers stroked her bare spine. “Was it ok?”

She giggled against his mouth. “It was perfect. I told you I wanted to taste you like that. From the source.” 

Rex’s eyes had darkened again. 

“Well, it’s only fair that I return the favor then.” 

With a strength and swiftness that drew a surprised whoop from Senna, Rex scooped her into his arms, nearly tackling her backwards onto the bed in three strides. His hand cradled her head as she fell against the mattress, panting as his mouth worked down her body, anticipation sending shivers down her spine. His fingers hooked into her trousers pulling them and her undergarments off in one swift tug. He kicked the rest of the way out of his pants, kneeling at the edge of the bed as his lips reached the inside of her thigh. In between panting breaths, he scooped under Senna’s ass, hauling her to the edge of the bed and pulling one leg over his shoulder. Senna shuddered as his breath hit her warm, wet cunt in a huff that almost felt like a sigh. 

“Beautiful,” he breathed. 

Senna’s skin broke out in goosebumps as he nuzzled the inside of her thigh, biting softly against the tender flesh until she whined. 

“Don’t tease,” she gasped. 

There wasn’t a single glimmer of mercy in Rex’s gaze as he looked up at Senna from between her spread legs. “I thought you said we had all night, love.” 

Senna couldn’t tear her eyes away from Rex as he stuck two fingers into his mouth, keeping his eyes locked on hers as he gently withdrew them, running them along the soaked lips of her cunt. She whimpered again, her fingers gripping the duvet hard enough to drain the blood from them. Rex smirked. 

“I’ve looked forward to this.” 

“Well I wouldn’t want you to deprive yourself any longer,” Senna gritted out, her brow furrowing as she tried to bite back another whimper. 

Rex grinned triumphantly before leaning down and licking into her. Senna’s back arched off the bed as his fingers slid into her, immediately finding the spongy place inside her and pressing against it. Rex’s other hand gripped her thigh, holding her firmly in place as his mouth explored her. Sometimes he removed his fingers, using them to instead apply pressure to her clit as his tongue prodded into her. Then, as her orgasm built, he’d swap back, leaving her huffing in frustration until he plunged his fingers back inside of her, sucking at her sensitive bundle of nerves. 

His mouth was heaven, and before long, Senna found herself grinding back up to meet his tongue. Rex relaxed his grip on her hip, groaning into her as she clenched around him. 

“You going to cum for me, pretty girl?” he mumbled into her folds. 

“P-please. Please let me, Rex.”

“I want to taste it.” 

He redoubled his effort until it felt like every nerve ending in Senna’s body was stretched taut, ready to snap. When she glanced down between her knees, electricity licked up her spine. Rex was stroking himself as he devoured her, his cock hardening again in his hand as he worshiped her on his knees. 

“Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease,” she begged. “Don’t stop. Right there.”

The wet smacking sound of Rex devouring her echoed between her pants and moans, and finally, Rex gave her what she wanted, snapping the tension as Senna came with a scream that poured out between her clenched teeth. She rode out the aftershocks, drifting through her haze until Rex’s damp lips pressed against hers once more. 

His knees were pressing hers further apart, and she wrapped her legs around him. 

“Tell me what you want, Senna,” he whispered against the shell of her ear. “I’ll give you anything.” 

This time, Senna had a response. “I want it all, Rex. Everything. I want you. I need you inside me.” She kissed him back, tasting her own release on his tongue. “I love you. Fuck I love you.” 

He rested his forehead against hers as his cock caught at her entrance. Calloused hands cradled her face as he pushed into her, slowly stretching her to accommodate him. 

“I love you, Senna. F-fuck. You feel so good. So good for me.”

Senna’s fingers wrapped around the back of Rex’s neck as she buried her face in his shoulder, sighing into his skin as he bottomed out inside of her. 

“All for you, Rex. All yours.” 

“And I’m yours.” 

Rex pulled her apart slowly, adjusting his hips and noting how Senna whined and writhed beneath him. She should have guessed he’d be meticulous, but his patience drove her wild. Desperation clouded her senses, and she couldn’t understand how he fucked her so methodically, so patiently, carefully crafting her orgasm while she clawed at his back. She came again, trying to muffle her screams in his shoulder, but Rex was having none of it. 

“I want to hear it all, Senna.” 

“B-but what about the others?”

“Door’s got a soundproof setting when locked,” he rasped. “I’m selfish. I want all of your sounds just for me.” 

That was all the encouragement Senna needed as Rex put his hands behind her knees, folding her in half and driving his cock back into her, bringing her another orgasm in a matter of minutes. She had no doubt he meant to make good on his promise as he moved her again, molding her malleable body to his liking. All of the possibilities that had overwhelmed her had also apparently been bouncing around in Rex’s mind, and he seemed intent on checking every box in one evening. He took her on her side with one leg hooked over his hip, he lifted her into his lap as though she weighed nothing, spearing her on his cock, and when she felt as though she couldn’t possibly orgasm again in this lifetime without spontaneously combusting, he rolled her onto her hands and knees, taking her from behind. 

Her cunt was swollen and she knew she’d feel sore in the morning, and her throat felt raw from crying out Rex’s name. Sweat slicked both of their skin, and the sheets stuck to them, damp from their bodies. Even still, she couldn’t get enough of him, and she wasn’t about to tell him to stop. 

“One more for me, Sen. I know you’ve got one more in you,” Rex grunted from behind her. 

“Rex… I…” Senna wasn’t even sure what plane of existence she lived on at this point, floating between bliss and some other world where ‘pleasure’ was an inadequate word to describe anything she felt. And yet, somehow, she felt the coil tightening in her gut again as Rex’s fingers dug into her hips, pulling her back into him. She felt her ass rippling with every thrust, a wet slapping sound coming from between her legs as Rex fucked her.

“You can,” he growled. “Touch yourself for me, pretty girl. You’ll give me one more.” 

Senna slowly adjusted, her body feeling gelatinous, but somehow she managed to prop herself up on one elbow, her fingers finding their way to her swollen clit, rubbing with a practiced pressure that immediately pushed her towards the edge. Her forehead stuck to the sheets, and suddenly, she felt Rex brush the hair off of her shoulder before his fingers gripped her, pulling her up against his chest with one of his arms draped across her collar bone, holding her up. 

“Look at how gorgeous you are,” he whispered into her ear, and Senna’s eyes fell on the mirror in one corner of the room. 

Her hair hung in loose waves, sticking to her sweaty body and Rex’s chest. One hand gently cradled her throat while the other tightly gripped her hip, guiding her along his length. Her breasts bounced with every snap of Rex’s hips, and she could see his cock disappearing inside of her with every thrust, his balls swinging forward to slap against her clit. But the thing that set her entire body ablaze was the way Rex was watching her in the mirror, his dark eyes focused on her face and expressions. He looked hungry, enamored, in charge and at her mercy all at the same time, as if he was taking everything he wanted but would submit at her word. 

His hand slipped from her hip, finding her clit and pressing with just the perfect amount of pressure, as if he’d been touching her like this all of his life. 

“Cum for me, Senna.” 

She nearly passed out, screaming as she soaked the sheets beneath them with her release. Rex’s arms held her up as the room around them disappeared around them in a haze, and she sagged against him, wrung out and undone in every way. 

“I’ve got you,” Rex gasped in her ear as he held her close. Gently, he lowered her down onto the pillows, leaning over her and brushing away the hair that was stuck to her face. Sweat trickled from his brow, but his expression was softer, more tender as he stared down at her. 

“Are you alright?” he asked. 

“No,” she replied. Rex’s brow furrowed with concern. 

Senna planted her palms against his chest, pushing him onto his back and clambering on top of him clumsily. 

“Your turn,” she gasped, pushing her hair back out of her face. 

Rex rested his hands on her thighs, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles. “Sen, you don’t have-”

“Shhh,” she insisted. “I want to.” She felt his cock twitch against her ass with interest. 

“Are you sure you’ve got the stamina for it?” he asked teasingly. 

She glared at him before angling her hips and sheathing him inside of her in one smooth motion, sitting up on his hips and grinding down until she felt him bottom out inside of her. Rex groaned, his grip on her tightening, and Senna huffed with victory. 

“Pretty sure,” she laughed, rocking her hips against Rex and enjoying the way his chest heaved beneath her fingertips. 

She teased him for a while, allowing herself to catch her breath as she slowly raised herself, letting the cool night air hit Rex’s slick cock before dropping herself back down to meet his hips, relishing in his grunts and groans of pleasure. Finally, when her head was a little clearer, she picked up the pace, bracing her hands against his shoulders as she rode him, finding pleasure when the head of his cock brushed the place inside her that had her seeing stars. 

“Senna.”

She hadn’t realized she’d closed her eyes, but snapped them back open to look down at Rex. His lips were parted slightly as he reached for her, cradling her face and running his thumb along her lower lip. She kissed it. 

“You’re so gorgeous,” he whispered, resting his other hand on her hip to slow her. Senna took her cue from him, whining when he began to meet her slow grinding with his hips. 

“C’mere.” He pulled her down so that their foreheads rested against one another. Senna braced herself on either side of his head, dropping to her elbows so that she could graze her nose against his. Her hair hung down, curtaining the two of them in together so that all she seemed able to focus on was his eyes, locked on hers. He groaned quietly into her mouth as he met her hips again. 

“Just like this,” he rasped. “I want to finish just like this. Looking at you like this.” 

“Ok,” was the only response she could muster. Her body felt heated again, burning under his touch but needing more of it. Her breasts rested against his chest as she pressed her lips against his, whimpering into his mouth. 

The room was quiet except for their soft gasps and whines and the rustling of the sheets, and something about the quiet intimacy of it all almost made Senna cry. 

“I love you,” Rex whispered, his voice slightly more strained. “I love you so much.” 

“I love you too, Rex.”

“I-I never… fuck… I never thought I-I’d feel like this… with anyone. B-but here you are. I never stood a chance.” 

She laughed quietly before he punctured it with another gasp when he began guiding her hips to grind himself deeper into her. It felt as though his cock was reaching something so deep inside of her, somewhere no one had ever touched, and Senna cried out.

“I want it all with you, Senna,” Rex continued. She’d never heard him talk like this, but fuck if it wasn’t unravelling everything in her. “I d-don’t ever want to be without you again. I wanted this for so long. So long. And I don’t think I can lose you. Ever.”

“Rex.” 

“Senna.” 

“Rex, I-I… I’m gonna-”

“I know. I know. Me too.” 

“Don’t stop.” 

“I won’t. I won’t ever stop.” 

Rex gasped, swearing as he came, and his grip on the back of her neck tightened. The warmth between her legs drew a stuttering, breathy cry from Senna as her orgasm met his. The two of them rode out their highs, sighing and panting into each other’s mouths until Rex eased Senna down on the pillow next to him. Her leg remained draped over his hip as he kissed her tenderly, cradling her face. 

Finally, Rex relented, laying back on the pillows and pulling the covers over the two of them. They lay facing each other, the sweat still glistening on their foreheads as their panting finally calmed to a normal rate of breathing. Senna traced her fingers along Rex’s neck and collarbone as she looked into his eyes. 

“Well, that was a pleasant upgrade from a cave floor,” she grinned.

Rex let out a deep breathy laugh, letting his fingers intertwine with hers. “I couldn’t agree more. And this bed is better than the one at the inn.”

“Yeah.”

They lay in silence for several more moments as Rex traced patterns on the skin of her hip and she shivered under his touch. Pulling the sheet up to cover her abdomen and chest, she scooted closer to him, resting her forehead against his as his hand drifted across her waist and pressed into the small of her back, pulling her closer.

“Did you mean what you said?” she whispered after a few moments. “About never being without me again?” 

She was glad he didn’t answer instantly, that he took a moment to think about it before smiling at her, stroking her cheek. 

“Yes. I do mean that.” 

Senna hesitated for a moment. 

“How do you think our story ends?” 

It was a question that had been sitting in the back of her mind ever since she’d first considered the possibility of being with Rex. What would their future look like? How would it all end? With the two of them married? With children? It seemed like they should be on the same page in terms of the end goal, but if she was honest, she had no idea what she hoped for. 

Happiness, I suppose.

“How do you want it to end?” Rex asked, rubbing his thumb along her lower lip to deter the nervous chewing she’d started.

Senna sighed. “I don’t know. I want to be happy.”

“Are you happy?”

“Of course. But there are many ways to be happy with someone that you love.” 

Rex laughed softly, letting the thought hang between them for a few moments. “Would…would you want to get married?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Senna met his eyes, her azure irises boring into him. It was something she’d considered of course, but hearing Rex say the words out loud only solidified her desire for it in her mind. She wanted to be bound to Rex in any way she could. Of course, it would take time to be sure. She wasn’t that impulsive. 

In fact, marriage wasn’t something she’d really thought of as a possibility for herself, even after the war. It seemed silly to consider that path when she was so focused on survival and keeping herself hidden. But then Rex had come along, and something about him had always made her certain it was a thing he’d desire if he was with the right person. When she’d first met him, she’d just never thought that she would be that person for him. 

Senna leaned into his touch and nodded. “Yes, I suppose I would. If that’s something you’d want as well when the time comes.”

Rex smiled widely, seemingly giddy in a way that Senna had never seen. “That is very much something I’d want after this is over.” He hesitated, suddenly appearing a bit nervous. “Although…I’m sorry I have no surname to give you.”

Senna giggled. “What makes you think I’d take your name anyway?”

Rex huffed before throwing an arm around her and squeezing her playfully, digging his nose into the spot near her collarbone that he’d clearly noted was ticklish. Senna wriggled in his arms until he finally released her, bumping his nose against hers. 

“Good point, I suppose.” He let his thumb run over her cheekbone, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “I…I’d have no issue taking yours. I kind of like the name ‘Aven’.”

Senna’s smile faltered slightly. “I don’t think I’d want to keep that name. I’m no longer that person anymore. In my mind, Senna Aven didn’t survive Order 66. I mean, I did, but-” 

“I understand,” Rex tried to reassure her. 

“It’s just…” The words escaped Senna, and that frustrated her. Her teeth dug into her lip once more, and again, he soothed her nerves again with his thumb, trying to keep her from bloodying her own lip with her nerves. 

“If you don’t stop doing that, I’m not going to have anything left to kiss.”

She smiled. “Sorry. It’s a habit when I’m thinking.”

“When are you not thinking?”

She huffed and rolled her eyes, but couldn’t muster any argument. Instead, she let her hand drift to his hip as she met his eyes. 

“What if…what if we chose our own surname? Something that was meaningful to us and kind of symbolic of us starting over? A new beginning.”

Senna could see him thinking the suggestion over. 

“I chose my own name when I was a cadet,” he said slowly. “So in a sense, it’s a family tradition, I suppose. But this seems so much more important than picking ‘Rex’. It’s something I’d share with you.” He met her gaze. “The person I love.”

She watched him quietly as he thought for a few moments, and then his eyes widened slightly. Rex intertwined his fingers with hers as his tongue darted out to wet his lips. 

“There’s a word in Mando’a, atiniir. It means ‘to endure’ or ‘to tough it out.’ It’s a word I heard the trainers use when I was a cadet, and I think that kind of describes the both of us.”

Senna turned the word over on her tongue, considering it. 

Atiniir. 

Endurance was definitely a word that felt right for her and Rex. They’d endured the war, the aftermath, hell even each other before they’d fallen in love. After a few moments, she grinned at him. 

“We don’t have to decide now. It was just a thought,” Rex said, suddenly nervous. 

Senna smiled at him, and the worried pinch between his brows vanished. “Well, then I wouldn’t have to worry about changing my initials,” she joked. Leaning more into him, she captured his lips in a kiss, and he tangled his fingers in her hair, pulling her to him. Parting her lips from his, she rested her forehead against his. 

“If we last long enough to get married, I’d be honored to share that name with you, Rex. I love it.”

Rex smiled, stroking her cheek as he held her close to him. 

“And I love you,” he murmured softly.

—

The following morning, Rex awoke to an empty bed, but this time, everything felt decidedly different from Lothal. Senna had gotten up an hour ago, trying to not wake him. He’d felt her watching him sleep for a few moments before she leaned down and kissed him, and after all of her effort to let him sleep, he figured it would only be rude to let her know he was awake. After the main door had hissed shut behind her, he’d managed to drop back off for a little while, dreaming of the night before, of her smile, her laugh, and the way she looked wrapped around him. But now, the dreams were no longer enough, and he was ready to track her back down and feel her in his arms for real. 

Rolling over and opening his eyes, he immediately noticed a metallic glint on the pillow next to him. Rex picked it up, turning it over in his hands and examining it. It was a piece of metallic tubing a few centimeters in length that had been bent at a right angle. It had a small nozzle on either end and in the middle of the bent line, two spacers seated along the tubing that spun as he turned the piece over in his hands. He could see that they’d fused together, which he assumed wasn’t good, but beyond that, he wasn’t sure what the hardware was for. 

What’s she playing at? he thought, his mouth curving into a grin despite his confusion. 

Rex dressed quickly with some clothes he found in the room’s wardrobe that seemed to be the right fit, slipping the piece of metal into his pocket before stepping out into the hallway. He stood still for a minute, straining his ears to catch any clue of where Senna might have gone. After a few moments, he was rewarded with the sound of quick footsteps and a familiar grunt from further down the hall, and he strode off towards the source of the noise.

After wandering through a few corridors, he came upon a wide open room with massive archways that opened to the outside. A cool morning breeze was blowing, whistling slightly through the archways and tugging at the corners of Rex’s shirt. The room appeared to be some sort of training center, with targets at one end of the room, weight training equipment at the other, and in the wide open space in the middle was Senna, her lightsaber humming as she parried an invisible opponent. The cerulean sleeveless tunic she wore rippled like water as she spun, and Rex could see the back of it was soaked with sweat. Her hair was tied back in a long braid that whipped back and forth as she turned on her heel and struck another blow at her imaginary assailant. She grunted and yelled as she attacked, and he realized that was the sound that he’d been hearing from down the hall as she moved through the same sequence again. Rex leaned against the edge of the archway, watching her until a quiet voice next to him made him jump.

“Seems like she’s getting her stuff back,” Echo whispered. “Or at least she’s certainly trying to.”

Rex glanced sideways. Hunter, Wrecker, and Tech stood behind Echo, Wrecker munching on some kind of bun he’d likely gotten from the kitchens. The clones were out of their armor and wearing lightweight clothing clearly meant for them to work out in.

“I think that encounter with the Inquisitor shook her up a bit. It’s been a while since she was challenged on that level, and trust me, she hates to lose,” Rex said under his breath.

“She didn’t lose though. She survived,” Echo replied.

Rex smirked. “She won’t see it that way.” He glanced back at Senna. “I’m not sure her using that lightsaber out in the open is a good idea though.”

“Organa’s aide assured us no one would come down to this part of the castle,” Hunter replied. “We were feeling antsy and were assured this would be a safe place to blow off some steam.” 

“Are you all going to stand there like mynocks on a power cable, or are you going to come over here and make yourselves useful?” Senna called from the middle of the room, her back to them.

Rex snorted and Echo rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as they all stepped further into the room. Senna finally turned to face them, the tiny wisps of hair that had come loose from her braid sticking to her face and neck. She smiled at Rex, her eyes roving over him. He realized it was the most well-rested she’d looked in a long time despite the hours they’d spent wrapped around one another the night before. The sudden image of her on her knees in front of him invaded his mind, and his cock threatened to noticeably stiffen in his pants. He tried to subtly adjust himself, but Senna’s sharp blue eyes flicked down to where his hands were trying to hide an erection, and her lips curled into a mischievous grin. 

“Something on your mind, Captain?” she asked under her breath, bumping her shoulder against his.

“Oh, just the fact that you seem to be walking just fine,” he murmured into her ear. 

She winked at him. “I suppose I am, even if I am a bit sore. Voice is definitely hoarse if that’s any consolation.” 

He smirked at her. “Guess I’ve got more work to do.”

“If you’re up for it,” she teased. Turning to the rest of them, she raised an eyebrow. “Anyone wanna spar with me? I could use the practice instead of shadow boxing.”

“Only if you put the lightsaber away. Otherwise it won’t be much of a fair fight,” Hunter joked, walking over to grab two of the wooden staffs that were leaning against some of the weight equipment. Stepping forward, he tossed her one and she caught it above her head, giving it a few experimental spins to test its balance.

“Deal,” she said, a sly grin spreading across her face as she deactivated her blade, clipping her hilt to her belt. Rex and Echo took a seat against the nearest wall while Tech stood at the edge of the padded flooring and Wrecker sat on a weight bench. Senna squared her feet, taking a ready stance as Hunter let the staff dangle at his side, stalking around her confidently.

Rex leaned over to whisper to Echo. “Care to make this interesting?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“I’m betting he doesn’t land a hit on her.”

Echo shot him a skeptical look. “Not a one? I think that’s a little overconfident. It is Hunter, and you know how competitive he can get.”

Rex nodded. “Twenty credits?”

“You’re on.”

Just then, Hunter lunged at Senna. She easily sidestepped him, and his swing flew by her. The sergeant tried to redirect his momentum, swinging the staff backhanded towards his target, and again, Senna lightly stepped back and out of the way.

Rex raised an eyebrow at Echo. “Still feeling good about that bet?”

Echo grinned. “He’s got time. He’s testing the water still to see what she’ll do. I’ve got faith in him.”

Hunter was walking slowly around Senna again, and a smirk was tugging at her lips. She squared her feet once more as Hunter stalked behind her. Her eyes drifted over her shoulder, and she swung her hips to the left just as he stabbed at her midriff, releasing her staff with her right hand to wrap her fingers around his wrist and pull him towards her. Hunter stumbled, off balance as she spun him and stepped forward, knocking him on the floor. His weapon clattered away from him as Senna knelt on top of him, pressing her staff to his throat. 

“Got ya,” she teased, tongue poking between her teeth.

Hunter’s face was blank for a moment before the confident glint returned to his eyes. Shifting his weight, he bucked his hips upward, knocking Senna forward. She flipped over the top of him and onto her back as Hunter whirled away from her to grab his staff. Kicking herself back up into a crouched position, Senna brandished her weapon outwards. 

“Is that all you’ve got?” she mocked with a raised eyebrow.

“Not even close, sweetheart,” Hunter rumbled, and he charged forward. His footwork was no longer sloppy and he had adapted to her parries as he pressed her. She retreated backwards, blocking his blows as he continued his advance.

“See, now he’s got her figured out,” Echo whispered. “He’s matching her footwork and fighting style.”

“We’ll see,” Rex said.

They watched as Senna and Hunter sparred, dancing around one another and testing the other’s reactions. Echo was right; Hunter had adjusted, but Senna still had one or two tricks up her sleeves. She was more focused than Rex had ever seen her, more determined. 

“She knows this is just practice, right?” Echo asked after a few minutes. 

Rex glanced at him. “I told you she doesn’t like losing.”

“Is that all this is?” 

“What do you mean?”

Echo leaned closer, lowering his voice. “It seems like there’s something else here. Not just a friendly competition. I don’t know that Senna’s just fighting Hunter right now.” 

Rex sighed. “The Inquisitor caught her off guard.” His mind drifted back to how frustrated she’d been the night Fisk had tried to assault her, anger crackling in his chest despite the months that separated him from that moment. “And she doesn’t like it when… when someone gets the drop on her.” 

“Who else then?” Echo pressed, sensing Rex was holding something back. 

“An Imperial named Fisk. He was on Lothal. She underestimated what he was capable of. And she almost paid dearly for it.” 

He could tell Echo knew him well enough to pull the pieces together, and he saw a similar anger flare in the eyes they shared. His brother’s jaw clenched as he sat back, watching Senna with a very different expression. 

“I’m surprised you let him live.”

“Oh, if I had it my way, he’d be at the bottom of the darkest hole I could find,” Rex gritted out, his fist clenching reflexively. “But she insisted the mission came first.”

“Damn her sensibility,” Echo joked mirthlessly. 

“Yeah,” Rex agreed. “She’s very protective of me. Perhaps too much so. She was willing… to do far too much to keep me safe.” He picked at a cuticle on his index finger. “She almost wouldn’t be with me because she was afraid it would put me in danger.”

“Danger has a way of finding you, Rex,” Echo chuckled.

“That’s what I told her.” 

They fell silent for a few more moments, letting the clacking of Senna and Hunter’s staff echo around the room.  

“I’m glad she wasn’t harmed,” Echo said quietly. “And I’m also glad someone is looking out for you.” 

Before Rex could respond, a frustrated growl from Senna drew his attention back to the sparring session in front of him. Hunter was still pressing Senna towards the edge of the mat when she suddenly dropped to her knees, rotating back behind him. From her kneeling position, Senna went to hit Hunter in the back, but he leapt into the air in a backflip, striking at her as he passed overhead. She reached up and grappled his wrist again, shoving him back farther than he’d anticipated for his landing, forcing him to tuck and roll upon impact. Spinning on her knees to a standing position, Senna advanced. Hunter was still kneeling as she struck at him, the wood cracking together loudly in the quiet of the room. The sergeant was desperately trying to get back to his feet, but Senna’s relentless flurry of blows kept him off balance until finally, he stabbed at her out of desperation and she dodged it, bringing her arm down to lock his sword arm in place while she brought her staff to his throat again and pressed forward, trapping his kneeling leg underneath him. There was no escape this time, and Hunter grinned as he dropped his staff and raised his other hand in surrender. 

“You got me.”

Echo sighed as he fished around in one of his belt pouches before slipping the credits into Rex’s outstretched hand.

“I saw that,” Senna called over her shoulder as she helped Hunter up. “It wasn’t really a fair fight though. I’m going to bet that style of combat isn’t in the training manuals on Kamino.”

“You would be correct,” Tech said from where he’d been standing. “However, some of us did take it upon ourselves to learn the skill.” Setting his datapad on the ground near the wall, he walked over and picked up a staff, twirling it lightly with his wrist.

“You, Tech? Really?” Hunter asked.

“Yes. Why is that shocking?”

“I guess…you know what, nevermind. It’s not. Have at her.” He walked over to slump against the wall and slid down into a seated position next to Rex, wiping his face on the edge of his shirt. “She’s something else.”

Rex bit back a proud grin, some of the tension leaving him as he caught Senna’s eye. “Indeed, she is.”

Tech mirrored Senna with his stance, tucking one hand behind his back as he brandished the staff in front of him. The two slowly circled each other until Senna feinted left, testing Tech’s response. He seemed unphased as he sidestepped her, maintaining his balance and parrying her test strike. Stepping back, he resumed his defensive position, waiting for her next move. She imitated Hunter, stalking around him with her staff hanging at her hip. Tech maintained his defensive position, waiting for her attack. This time, Senna raced towards him, leaping into the air and swiping at Tech’s off shoulder as she flew over him. Tech dropped to his knees, rolling away from her slash and spinning to face her as she landed. Their battle went on for several minutes as they tested each other, Senna poking and prodding at Tech’s defenses and Tech managing to block every blow. Finally, Senna went for a feint and then charged Tech, swinging as he parried her attack. She continued to press forward until Tech suddenly dropped low, kicking her legs out from under her. Senna let out a surprised curse as Tech changed his momentum, stepping forward to grasp her sword arm as she toppled to the ground. He locked his staff with hers, twisting it so she was disarmed and the wooden rod flew across the mat. Holding her arm to his chest, he knelt on her ribs, panting. 

“I do believe I win,” he said evenly. His expression was neutral, but his eyes were glinting triumphantly behind his lenses.

Rex chuckled to himself. 

Oh, she’s going to hate that.

Sure enough, Senna’s hand that Tech had captured by the wrist twitched, and his goggles wiggled on his nose as she tugged at them with the Force. 

“Don’t you dare,” he warned, standing up and releasing her.

“Oh, come on, just a bit of fun,” she teased as he helped her up. To Rex’s surprise, she gave him a light, playful shove. “Well fought, Legs.”

Echo glanced at Rex. “Does she take instruction?”

“At your own risk,” Rex replied. 

“Yeah, well I want her to be prepared too. For Inquisitors or the next sleamo she encounters,” Echo muttered, pushing himself to his feet. “Would you like to know what you did wrong?” he called out.

Senna turned, cocking an eyebrow at him. He shrugged. “I am a strategist. It’s what I do.”

Her face split into a wide smile, and she bowed dramatically. “Enlighten me then, Corporal.”

Echo stepped out onto the mat, his spine straightening and his scomp arm drifting behind his back while he gesticulated with his biological limb. Rex had to fight back a laugh at how serious his little brother became.

If only Fives could see him now. He’d have teased him relentlessly.  

“You shifted your weight too early and got too close to him,” Echo told Senna, who to her credit, was listening attentively. “He’d clearly been waiting on you to do that the entire time, but you just hadn’t gotten overly eager until that last point. Also, you have a tell for when you’re going to step within proximity. It’s slight, but you shift your weight to push off your left foot more so than your right, and you lean your hip outwards.”

“Giving away all my secrets, Echo?” Tech joked dryly, wiping sweat from his brow on his sleeve. “He is correct though. That was exactly my strategy.”

Senna nodded. “Let’s go again then.”

Rex smiled to himself. 

Atta girl.

—

Senna and Tech went for another half an hour before she bested him, and in another hour, she was beating him consistently. At that point, the clones switched things up, having her fight Tech and Hunter at the same time, and when she won those battles, they had Wrecker start chucking small sandbags at her during combat to just add one more thing to dodge. Echo and Rex gave feedback from the sidelines, providing minor corrections to make her less of a predictable fighter, and Senna took each bit of feedback in stride.

I won’t get surprised again. And it’s been a long time since I felt this… right.

Her blood roared in her ears and her muscles burned, but she loved it. She hadn’t sparred, really sparred since her time at the temple. She’d kept herself locked away for so long, and there was clearly rust there, but her progress was evident. Now, when she reached out, she could feel everything around her without having to strain. She wasn’t completely attuned yet, but what had been a struggle a few weeks ago now felt natural again. 

With time. It’ll come back with time. Just gotta be patient.

By the time the sun was starting to sink lower in the sky, Senna felt her stomach rumble, and called a halt to the combat. They were all drenched in sweat, and she could feel blisters starting to form on the bottoms of her feet, but she felt satisfied. Tossing Hunter the staff she’d been working with to be replaced on its rack, she strode up to Rex, wiping her face on her shirt.

He beamed at her. “Well done.”

The compliment made her face feel warm, and she was glad she was already flushed so he couldn’t see its effect. “Thanks. Still not sure I’m where I need to be.”

“But you’re in a better place than you were this morning,” he insisted. 

“I suppose,” she conceded. 

Reaching into his pocket, Rex pulled out the trinket she’d left on his pillow. “By the way, what is this? I found it on your side of the bed this morning.”

It had been a silly, spur-of-of-the-moment idea, and now it felt even more childish with Rex’s confused expression. Senna ducked her head bashfully, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Well, last time I left while you were sleeping, I don’t think I uuuuh made my feelings very clear. I know it was silly, but I wanted to leave something so you’d know I was thinking of you. In case you got worried.” 

Rex chuckled. “I wasn’t worried. But what is it?” 

Senna took the metal from him, turning it over in her palm. “When I mess up something during a build or repair, sometimes I keep the scrap. Don’t know why, but I kind of like having the mementos. This was a piece of fluid line from the speeder bike on Lothal.” She poked at the ruined metal. “I accidentally fused the two spacers together and messed up the tubing bend a bit, so I just kept it. It was in my pocket the night we had to leave.”

Rex took it back from her, turning it over in his hands with a look of newfound appreciation. He met her eyes. “You’re a bit odd, you know that?”

Senna tipped her head back and laughed at that. “You knew what you were getting into.”

“I did,” he confirmed with a grin. 

Slipping her arm around Rex’s waist, Senna turned to recommend they all go get food, but before she could utter a word, Bail Organa walked briskly into the room with his head aide and two guardsmen. Senna stiffened at his appearance. The senator was nervous and winded, as if he’d half-run here. Rex noticed too. She felt his hand rest protectively on her shoulder. Organa glanced around, clearly glad they were all in one place before he spoke. 

“I’m afraid we have a problem.”

Tag List: @redheadgirl @cyarbika @witchklng @djarrex @arctrooper69 @sleepingsun501 @ladytano420 @rexxdjarin @echos-girlfriend @zoeykallus @leftealeaf @galacticgraffiti @hidden-behind-the-fourth-wall @ariadnes-red-thread @goblininawig @merkitty49 @fives-lover @ladykatakuri @runforrestr @baba-fett @daimyosprincess @obihiddlenox @bucketbunny99 @fordo-kixed-rex @nerdika @amish---paradise @arctrooperechy

[androdragynous]

being on tumblr for a long time but never reading homestuck like

[fuckyeahchinesefashion]

OP: so this is the ‘intense regional downpour’ on the weather forecast

[geekysteven]

Example art from Tumblr users @poltergrease @teenageclown @randomationality

[astorkes]

what if act2 but nobody gets better, they get worse instead🌚

[soaked-doors]

pirates and their unconventional weddings (marines crashed it seven times)

[supertaliart]

Thinking about the Coruscant subway system

[vietsoul]

Dirk Jager & Dean Flynn Command Post, 2007 - Titan Men, dir. Brian Mills

[wild-karrde]

In Command - Part 21

Master List | Previous Part | Next Part

A/N: Well, would you look at that. I still know how to write I guess. Been a minute between bookcases and bouts of depression, but HERE'S THE NEXT CHAPTER!! As always, thank you to the absolutely wonderful @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading for me!

Chapter Rating: T

Warnings: implied sexual content

Word Count: 5.9k words

"We're about to have some uninvited Imperial guests," Organa announced, tension clearly throbbing in his temple despite his relatively calm demeanor. Senna noted him fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve, an uncharacteristic tell for the normally-composed politician. 

It must be serious then.

“You said we’d be safe here,” Rex gritted out, his hand resting protectively against Senna’s lower back. 

The senator opened his hands in supplication. “We will do everything we can to ensure that remains true, Captain. I’d remind you that having you here also puts me, my family, and everyone in this palace in danger as well.” He sighed, and Senna could feel the weight he was carrying in the breath he expelled, the lines around his eyes suddenly becoming more pronounced. 

“Do you know why they’re coming, Senator?” Senna asked gently.

Organa met her gaze. “We were planning to host trade negotiations with Corellia next week, and I had invited Senator Roon and their entourage for the discussions.” His fingers flexed nervously at his side. “It was meant to be routine, even pleasant since I’m friends with the senator they were sending. We’d made a lot of good progress in our prior discussions, so this was largely meant to be a final ironing out of details. This meeting was also intended to be the forum in which I briefed the senator on the information gleaned from your time on Lothal. Senator Inor Roon was hoping they would be able to take that information back to their colleagues to make some headway in pushback against the Empire. Unfortunately, it appears the senator’s recent inflammatory comments about the Emperor has cost them their position in government.” Senna could see a history reflected in Organa’s eyes, a guilt looming. 

He tried to warn Roon, tried to make them see. And now he’s wondering if he could have done more. Roon’s rhetoric has put him at risk as well.

“I was informed a few moments ago that an Imperial representative will be coming in their stead to participate in the negotiations, and due to scheduling conflicts, they are arriving tomorrow,” Organa continued. “Fortunately, I’ve met the admiral they’re sending several times, Makin is his name. A pleasant enough fellow.”

“Didn’t know Imperials could be pleasant,” Echo muttered under his breath. 

“We have a good working relationship,” Organa replied, shooting Echo a look. “As long as we don’t raise suspicion, I think there is no need for concern. Just extra caution.” 

“And Roon?” Hunter pressed. “If they were involved with your extracurriculars, we’re all in danger, Senator.” 

Organa nodded. “I’ve already reached out to Inor through private channels. Fortunately, their punishment hasn’t gone beyond their removal from government as of now.” He met Hunter’s gaze, his eyes flicking from clone to clone and Senna before finally coming to rest with Rex, as if he understood it was most important to reassure him. “We’ve worked to keep things as compartmentalized as possible within this network. And Inor understood the risk, both for themself and everyone else involved should they reveal anything. I would never have allowed them to be involved if I didn’t trust them in every way that matters. They had plenty of opinions, but I’m positive they wouldn’t be so reckless as to divulge anything that would incriminate others.” 

Something about the name of the Imperial, Makin, tugged at the back of Senna’s mind. She gripped Rex’s arm as it dawned on her suddenly. “Makin was one of the men on the Ilum panel at the conference on Lothal.” 

“You’re sure?” 

She raised an eyebrow at him, and Rex’s mouth drew into a thin, worried line. It was clear he could see what she was thinking, and it thrilled her to be known so intimately and annoyed her at the same time.

“Senna-”

She ignored the warning in Rex’s tone, turning instead to address Organa. “Senator, who all are you planning on including in the negotiations?”

Organa’s brow furrowed. “The queen of course, and a few members of my staff that worked on writing the agreement along with a few advisors, experts in their area. Why?” 

“I’d like to attend in disguise.” 

“Senna,” Rex grunted, making no effort to hide his annoyance.

“I won’t say anything. You can pretend I’m just some sort of aide or something,” she argued, her eyes flicking to the captain before returning to Organa. “I just want to be there in case there’s any pieces of information that would be useful.” 

“We’ll have notes taken,” the senior aide standing next to the senator offered. 

Senna shot him a withering glare. “With all due respect, sometimes things get lost in notes. I’d rather listen in person. There are very specific pieces of information that may seem unimportant in the moment, but may prove to be significant pieces of the puzzle in the correct context.” 

The senator considered it for a moment. “Well, if it’s just you-”

“If she goes, I go too,” Rex stated firmly. 

Senna briefly considered arguing with him, but could see it would do no good. And some sort of concession felt appropriate since Rex hadn’t dragged her out of the room for a quarrel about her impulsiveness.

The guard to Organa’s left spoke up. Senna noticed the captain’s insignia pinned onto his uniform with the name Antilles inscribed in the metal. 

“We cannot possibly hide you all in the palace. While the negotiations should be limited to a certain area, the Imperials tend to be… probing.”

“They often ask to be shown around under the pretense of wanting a tour,” Organa clarified. “We’ve kept the Empire from occupying Alderaan largely because we’ve always been amenable and cooperative. But that means we need to move you and your ship elsewhere.” 

“The Imperial delegation will arrive tomorrow evening. We plan to evacuate you all tonight to a set of caverns in the mountains. You’ll have to stay on your ship, but it will keep you out of harm's way until the Imperials leave.” 

“Let Hunter, Echo, and Wrecker take the ship,” Senna pressed. “They stand out far more than Rex and I do. I think our time on Lothal proved that.”

“But if you’re recognized-”

“I can dress as a guard,” Rex replied, and Senna felt relief flood through her. “The helmets do a good job at hiding faces. I won’t be recognized. And I’m sure we can find a way to disguise Senna.”

I’m positive he’ll have plenty of objections when it’s just the two of us, but at least he’s backing me now.

“Corellia is a hub for manufacturing,” Senna continued. “If Makin is involved, I have to believe it’s in relation to the super weapon we’ve been trying to find more information about.”

Organa regarded her. “What if he doesn’t reveal anything helpful?”

“Then at least we tried,” Senna countered. “And that’s better than risking not having the right people in the room.” She did her best to soften her tone and expression, her eyes flicking back and forth between Organa and Captain Antilles. “Please. I think this is worth the risk.” 

The senator and his guard exchanged a look, and Senna could see some sort of unspoken conversation happening between the two of them. And the guard was losing. 

“Very well,” Organa stated after a few moments. “Clone Force 99, Captain Antilles will escort you down to the hangar for your departure. You’ll be sent with a guide to direct you to the location and back. Captain Rex, please go with them so you may be outfitted. Master Aven, if you’ll go with my aide, he’ll see that you’re appropriately briefed and outfitted as well.” He rubbed his thumbs over his knuckles at his sides, his hands clenched into nervous fists. “We will reconvene in the morning prior to the delegation’s arrival. I’d still like to get the both of you debriefed sooner rather than later.” With that, he turned on his heel and walked off with the remainder of his staff in tow. 

Captain Antilles turned and stalked off wordlessly. 

“Guess he expects us to follow,” Wrecker grunted. 

Echo gripped Senna’s arm. “Be careful.”

“Aren’t I always?”

He huffed a laugh. “I think someone would beg to differ.” His eyes drifted over her shoulder, and she could feel Rex’s gaze practically boring into the back of her neck. Echo released her, giving her a grim smile before taking off after his squad. Senna turned to face Rex, but he brushed by her. 

“Rex, I-”

“I have to go,” he interrupted her. “But we’re going to talk about this later.” 

“Yeah, I figured,” she muttered as he turned and trotted after his brothers. 

—

A few hours later, Rex stepped through the door of the room he was sharing with Senna, hauling a palace guard uniform, weapon, and helmet with him. He’d endured more than enough lecturing from Antilles on what was protocol, sticking around just long enough to see Echo and the others off before escaping any additional thoughts the captain had. 

He didn’t blame Captain Antilles of course; he wasn’t exactly onboard with this idea either. Senna was right, there was a potential chance to gain additional information tied to the superweapon that they’d been chasing, but that also presented yet another opportunity for them to be put in danger. And while he’d never admit it, Rex had hoped to stay out of the thick of it for a little while, especially after only one night of decent rest with Senna. 

But she’d had a good point. It was a rare and promising opportunity, one that he felt duty-bound to take advantage of. He knew he’d been short with her, and if he was honest, his frustration didn’t lie with her, at least not entirely. She was driven and determined and relentless, which were all things he loved about her. But just this once, he wished that the Empire would let them catch a break. Or that she would. 

Senna was standing at the window when he came in, her arms wrapped around herself with her back to him. He noted the dark blue robes that were flung over a chair in the corner. Her disguise, he assumed. At the sound of the door, she turned and caught his eye, and he could see that she was bracing for an argument. But something about the sight of her took all of the fight right out of him. 

“I’m sorry,” he broached, tossing the guard uniform on the same chair. The helmet clattered to the floor, and he bent to retrieve it, resting it more gently on the cushion. 

His words seemed to relax her a bit, her teeth digging into her lower lip. “I’m sorry too. I should have spoken with you first, privately, before signing us both up for another thing to do.” 

He huffed a laugh. “No, I think you took the perfect opportunity. I’m not sure Organa would have agreed if you’d waited longer. He was a bit shaken and needed a win. You offered him one. Maybe.” 

“Maybe,” she agreed, raising one shoulder in a half-shrug. “Rex, I just… I-”

“I know,” he said quietly. “I know, Senna. I understand what you’re hunting. I know what it means.” 

“What we’re hunting.” She was watching him carefully. 

Rex’s tongue darted out to wet his lips. “What we’re hunting,” he agreed. 

They stood looking at one another for half a beat before the moment seemed to pass, Senna turning back to the window. 

“Did you eat?” she asked quietly. 

Relieved that the possibility of conflict had seemingly dissipated, Rex crossed the room, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder, inhaling deeply into her hair, which hung in loose, free waves down her back. The city stretched out beneath them, glowing softly in the moonless night.

“Grabbed a quick bite before coming back. You?”

Senna’s hands wrapped around his forearms, and she leaned back into him, her head resting on his shoulder. “Snuck a sandwich out of the kitchens after I got my wardrobe for tomorrow.”

“What part will you be playing?” he teased. 

“The role of one of the queen’s handmaidens,” Senna replied. “Got a large hooded cloak that should hide my face pretty easily. I’m to stand at the back wall and do ‘nothing noticeable’, is how the aide put it.” 

Rex pressed a kiss to her shoulder, muffling the chuckle that escaped him. “I’m sure you loved that.” 

“If that’s what it takes for me to be in that room, then I’ll do just that,” she muttered. “And I take it you’ll be standing in as security?”

“I will,” he confirmed. “Although I’ve got to say the uniforms are wildly impractical.” 

“They’re not your armor,” she said quietly. There was something strange in the tone of her voice, but he couldn’t pinpoint what it was. 

“Sen? Something wrong?” 

He studied her profile, but she kept her gaze focused forward, as if searching for the words outside the window. Finally, she inhaled hesitantly. 

“We… we didn’t meet during the war, did we?”

Rex thought for a moment, running through every memory he had with Anakin and Ahsoka, searching for some flash of Senna and finding none. “No. I don’t remember us ever meeting, and I’m certain I would have,” he added, trying to joke her out of her funk, but her teeth dug further into her lip, and he could see the answer didn’t seem to be the right one. Slowly, he turned her to face him, slipping his fingers under her chin to raise her blue eyes to meet his. 

“What is it?”

Her brows knitted together, and he could see she was struggling with how to phrase it. He didn’t rush her, letting her work through it despite the fact that his pulse seemed to quicken with every passing second of silence. Finally, she spoke.

“I… I’ve been having dreams. Had them before we met too. Of you.”

Rex’s blood was rushing in his ears. “Of me? Why didn’t you say something?”

“I didn’t know it was you at first.” Her words were tumbling out of her quickly now. “You always were in your armor with your helmet on, and you never said much, and through the vocoder, it was hard to recognize your voice. I didn’t realize who it was until-”

It clicked. 

The odd look on her face as she’d held his helmet. It was a shock, a realization, a discovery. 

“Until you saw my armor on the Marauder.” 

She shivered slightly. “Yes.” 

Rex rested his hands on her shoulders, trying to hide his uncertainty and concern. 

“What do you think that means?”

Senna scrubbed her hands over her face. “I have no idea. I know that’s not comforting, but I really have nothing.”

Rex pulled her into his chest, and he felt her relax slightly. 

“Could be nothing,” he noted, not believing that was true for a second. “But sometimes Jedi have premonitions.” Ahsoka had experienced something similar during the war, and he remembered how much it had alarmed her. But she’d been a teenager. Senna was a fully-fledged Jedi Master, and to see her this shaken made him certain it wasn’t the same. 

“Rex, it can’t be a premonition,” she said slowly. “It’s already happened. And you weren’t there.”

He met her eyes. “Order 66?”

She buried her face in his shirt, muffling her response slightly. “Yes.” 

Rex let out a long, low exhale. 

Creates more questions than it answers.

“Did… did you ever have any dreams or visions like that before?” he asked. 

“Never.” 

He nodded. “Alright.” 

“Alright?” she asked, glancing up at him again.

He smiled. “It’s like you said, it’s already passed. It can’t happen again.” Rex desperately hoped that sounded reassuring. He placed a kiss to her forehead, and he felt her let out a quiet breath. “I know it bothers you to not have the answers to everything,” he said against her skin. “But sometimes you’re not meant to.” 

“It doesn’t strike you as odd?”

Rex grinned. “Everything about the Jedi strikes me as odd, but I’ve learned to live with it.” 

“I’m being serious, Rex.”

“And so am I.” He took her hands between his, kissing her knuckles as he carefully formed his response. “Look, there’s plenty for us both to be worried about. This isn’t remotely near the top of my list, and I don’t think it should be at the top of yours either.” He pushed some hair out of her face before cradling her jaw, his thumb stroking her cheek. “All that’s done now. Let’s just look forward to the future. Together. If the dreams keep happening, we can talk through them, but maybe some part of your brain knew something the rest of you didn’t yet.” 

Senna hummed, smiling before resting her forehead against his and wrapping her arms around his neck. 

“You’re probably right,” she conceded.

“Say that again,” he joked, and she pinched his stomach through his shirt in response. He wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her playfully and twirling her in a circle, her toes dragging against the carpet as she giggled. He set her down, kissing her deeply, and she hummed against his lips. 

“We should get some sleep,” she murmured, her hands sliding under his shirt.

“If you insist.”

—

Rex didn’t sleep much. 

Long after Senna’s breathing had evened out to soft snores, he lay awake, thinking of her dreams and what they could mean. It was strange for him to think that even when they’d been butting heads over her mess and her methods, that she’d been dreaming of him without even knowing it. She’d disclosed a little bit more of the details before nodding off, including the fact that he’d always been trying to save her in the dreams, that they’d always been trying to escape together. Part of him knew it was perhaps silly and useless to try to assign meaning to it, but that didn’t stop his brain from trying. 

Another part of him felt a strange sort of guilt. He hadn’t been there to stop that moment from happening, to keep Senna from harm. Deep down, he knew that was for the best. His chip had activated, and it was an immense amount of luck and his close personal relationship with Ahsoka that had saved the two of them. 

If I had been on Kashyyyk with Senna, at least one of us would be dead. Maybe both if she and I had gone toe-to-toe.

No amount of reasoning seemed to be able to calm his mind. He’d had plenty of recurring dreams himself, but none that involved people he had yet to meet. 

Anakin and Kenobi always joked that the Force works in mysterious ways. Perhaps it’s true.

At some point, he must have drifted off, one arm wrapped around Senna, who was snuggled into his side, sleeping with her cheek resting on his chest. He awoke to soft kisses along his jawline and his name being whispered softly in his ear. His eyes fluttered open to find Senna watching him, her hair wild from sleep. She smiled, and he melted. 

“Morning,” she murmured. 

He cradled the back of her head, letting his fingers thread through her brunette tangles to pull her in for a kiss. She hummed against his mouth, and he rolled her under him, relishing in how her body felt pressed against his. He moved to her jawline, and then her throat, and she arched into him, letting out a little gasp that made his blood thrum in his veins. 

“Careful,” she sighed. “Organa said he wanted us to brief him in half an hour.” 

“I only need ten minutes,” he grunted, but she giggled, pushing against his chest half-heartedly. 

“Yes, well I would want more than ten minutes,” she huffed. 

“Greedy.”

“Maybe,” she conceded with a wicked grin, “but I don’t hear you complaining.” 

Rex relented slightly, but hovered over her, taking her all in. She flushed under his gaze, ducking her head slightly. 

“What?”

He huffed a laugh, playing absently with her hair. “It’s just the first time I’ve woken up in a bed with you still in it.” Her smile faded slightly, shifting to embarrassment, but he cradled her face. “I think I could get used to this.” 

Her lips quirked back up at the corners, and a warmth settled into his chest. 

“Good,” was all she replied. 

—

The remainder of the morning and afternoon seemed to fly by, and with every passing hour, Rex felt a shift within himself, the soldier settling back into place. 

He and Senna were debriefed by Organa, a few aides, and Captain Antilles. Every word they uttered was recorded (and encrypted, he was assured), and every statement was questioned and analyzed down to the cellular level. No stone was left unturned, and at the end of it, he could tell that the senator was left more unsettled with even more questions. Still, he remained reassuring. 

“This is excellent information. You both have done a great service to us.”

Rex couldn’t be certain, but it felt like perhaps hearing the information in its entirety had changed something for Organa. 

Maybe he wasn’t the one tossing the information aside. Maybe he’ll press harder now. 

Maybe this won’t all have been for nothing.

He wanted that to be true. For Senna’s sake. 

“What happens now?” Senna asked. 

“We pass it along to our other network members. See who can add more details or if anyone has heard anything along the same lines.”

“And if they have?” she pressed. Rex could see what she was hoping for, and he also knew she wasn’t going to get it here. This part, at least, made sense to him. 

Military operations take time and patience, even moreso when they’re being conducted covertly. 

And patience isn’t something she has much of.

As if the senator could read his thoughts, he replied “We must be patient, Master Aven. Even if your information is verified and we are able to glean more details, we won’t be able to act immediately. We must choose our moment carefully.” 

Senna did little to hide her frustration. “And while we are patient, worlds like Lothal and Ilum and who knows where else will be plundered and rendered unlivable. All so you can choose a diplomatic solution.” 

It was strange to see her like this, particularly after their conversation on Lothal. Rex had thought then that Senna would endure whatever frustrations to support the rebellion, but maybe something had also changed within her as well. 

She might finally be seeing the cracks. That if she’s going to stick with this, it’s going to come with a lot of disappointment and very few victories. At least for now. 

She has to come to terms with that. Or else this will be the end of her. 

“We must work within our means, Senna,” Organa replied gently. 

Rex could appreciate where the senator was coming from, but he could see it did little to placate his partner. 

“And if we could find more information?” she asked, still pushing.

Organa was clearly trying to find some wording that would satisfy her. Captain Antilles, however, was uninterested in coddling her emotions. 

“It would be reckless to make a move without careful planning, Master Aven,” he said tersely. “While you may be willing to throw your life into the balance, it’s not just your life at risk. This network is vast, and while you may not know or understand all of the pieces in play, I can assure you it would take a single wrong move to dismantle it all.” 

She glared at him, but he didn’t flinch. 

Organa stood, signaling the end of the meeting. Senna’s jaw was set defiantly.  

“We thank you for the information you’ve provided,” Organa tried again, and Rex could see he was genuinely grateful and trying to offer some solace. And genuinely worried. “We will keep you informed as much as we can.” 

He turned to address one of his aides, and Rex took that as a dismissal. Senna did as well, falling into step behind him, but not before she shot Antilles another scowl. If the captain noticed, he didn’t react. 

They walked through the corridors in silence. Rex was content to let Senna stalk off whatever anger she was clearly still feeling, knowing she’d eventually engage him. He didn’t have to wait long.

“How can they just be content to sit by while the Empire burns through planet after planet, clearly building something they consider a game changer?” she exploded, waving her arms as she continued walking, passing Rex with long, energetic strides.

Rex chose his words carefully as he slowed behind her, knowing one misstep would redirect all her ire at him. “They’re being abundantly cautious, which isn’t a bad thing with the number of spies the Empire has deployed.” 

Senna skidded to a halt, rounding on him. “You agree with them? I thought you were the skeptical one when it comes to this.” 

It felt accusatory, but Rex kept his tone even. “Sen, I am still critical of how things operate here, but in this instance, I understand where they’re coming from.” 

“They’re just keeping their own skins safe while everyone else deals with being under the Empire’s heel.” 

“I think that’s a step too far, and you know it,” he countered. 

She scoffed, turning away, but he gripped her shoulders, turning her back to face him. He dipped his head, searching for her eyes, and finally, she glared up at him through her eyebrows, her blue irises blazing. He gave her a sad smile. 

“One thing you’re going to have to come to terms with, especially if you’re going to continue in this line of work, is that you can’t save everyone, Senna.” She tried to huff some hair out of her face unsuccessfully. Rex reached up, brushing the strands behind her ear before slipping his fingers under her chin. “Sometimes, impossible decisions have to be made, and that comes with a cost. They’re being cautious because of how much is at stake. You’re right. The superweapon does feel like something that could shift everything. But that makes the next steps they take all the more important. If we aren’t careful, we get caught, and then it all comes crashing down. And then who will help those people? Who will stop the Empire from getting the upper hand?” 

Senna let out a long exhale between pursed lips before leaning forward, gently tapping her forehead against his chest. 

“You’re right. I know that.”

“Twice in a rotation. That must be a record,” he joked. 

She glanced up at him. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t think we shouldn’t keep pressing the issue. Carefully.”

“I wouldn’t stand in your way,” he agreed. 

The corner of her lip tugged into a smirk.

“Alright. Now let’s go get dressed.” 

—

The helmet of the Alderaan royal guard was much more awkward and heavy than Rex was used to, but it was meant to be more decorative and intimidating than practical. Still, the strap was uncomfortable under his chin, and the uniform itself felt stiff and awkward as he stood at his post inside the conference room. Antilles had positioned him mostly in shadow, using the darkness to obscure whatever of his features the large helmet and visor didn’t cover completely. His palms were sweaty despite being ungloved, and he kept wiping them subtly on his light blue pants. 

This whole getup is ridiculous. Especially the cape. 

He readjusted the grip on his electrostaff again, trying to make sure he was holding it the same way as the other guards. His other hand drifted to check his holster for the standard-issue blaster he’d been given, then slipped under his cloak to check the placement of the vibroblade he’d slid into his belt. That hadn’t been standard issue, but Rex liked to be prepared for all outcomes. 

In theory, it wasn’t difficult to just stand there and blend into the surroundings, but standing still and just watching wasn’t something Rex excelled at. Cody and Fox had the patience for these sorts of things, but not him. 

At least Senna gets to stand a little closer, he thought. I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to hear from here.

“The Imperial delegation has arrived,” Antilles buzzed in the comm in his ear, startling him slightly. “The senator and the queen are greeting them now, but we’ll be heading to the conference room momentarily.” 

Here we go.

Rex counted the seconds silently as the minutes ticked by until one of the side doors hissed open. A gaggle of aides and handmaidens trickled in, taking seats at the table and along the back wall on one side of the room. Rex picked Senna out of the bunch, the hood of her dark blue cloak pulled low to obscure most of her face. Even though her appearance was hidden, everything about her was recognizable to him, from her gait to the way she clasped her hands in front of her. He had to bite back a smile at the realization. 

I really am in deep. 

Senna glided along the floor, taking up her position along the wall behind one end of the table, spaced equally distant between her counterparts. Rex guessed the seat at that end was reserved for the queen. His suspicion was confirmed a few moments later as the delegations came walking in through the main archway. Breha and Bail led the way flanked by aides and guards, followed by a small army in Imperial grey and a handful of stormtroopers.

That feels like more people than necessary for a trade negotiation, Rex thought sourly. But Imperials do love to overcompensate. 

The wall of grey filed into the seats in front of Rex, their backs to him as they sat down, not a single one sparing him a glance. He was fine with that. The stormtroopers flanked the archway, three on each side, standing at attention. Breha Organa sat at the end of the table that the handmaidens shadowed with the senator at her right. An imperial with a massive bald head and a solid blue, six-pip insignia plaque on his breast sat at her left, pulling a handkerchief from a pocket to mop at his sweaty, reddened face as he laughed at something Bail said uproariously. 

That’ll be the admiral then. 

Rex could see why Organa found Makin easy to get along with. The man did seem jovial and good-natured, but the moment chairs stopped scraping against tile and everyone seemed to settle, he got down to business. 

“So, your Highness, Senator, thank you for accommodating our early arrival. I know it couldn’t have been easy with both of your busy schedules.” 

Bail and Breha nodded and smiled graciously. Makin continued. 

“I’d like to go over a few of the points that are in the draft trade agreement.” 

“Is there an issue?” the senator asked, with one eyebrow raising slightly. “We’d spent a large amount of time coming to compromises with Senator Roon, and I anticipated this being a mostly social endeavor if I’m honest.” 

Rex could no longer see Makin’s face, but he did heave a deep sigh as the queen kept a measured, unwavering smile on her face. Her eyes however, were boring into the admiral. The Imperial didn’t seem to feel the heat of her gaze. 

“Yes of course. It’s just that since Senator Roon’s departure, there’s been a desire to better align this agreement with some newer Imperial interests. You understand of course.”

‘Departure’ is one way of putting it, Rex thought.

The senator’s smile flickered for only a second before he pulled his expression into something that mirrored his wife’s. 

“Of course.” 

Rex tried to keep up the negotiations that followed, but after a while, as he had suspected, he found himself struggling to hear some of the points being made, so he instead kept himself busy with trying to catalog the personnel in attendance in the Imperial delegation. He was certain Senna was mentally capturing all of the pertinent details from where she stood anyway. She was as still as a statue, but he could tell she was listening hard and remembering every word. 

She’s got this.

His eyes drifted down the table. Organa had only brought a handful of aides with him, but Makin had brought a dozen other Imperial officers. He guessed the man sitting just to the admiral’s left was some sort of personal aide, tapping away at his data pad frantically and occasionally filling in a piece of information when the admiral addressed him. 

Likely a more junior officer. 

He hadn’t caught a glimpse of any of the other insignia plaques, but he assumed the aide would be an ensign, maybe a lieutenant. There had been some shuffling and mutters during the seating, and he guessed the next few were newly promoted officers, scrabbling to earn the favor of their commanding officer. 

Commanders of one flavor or another, I’d wager.

There were a few officers that were more laid back, clearly having worked under Makin for a while. They understood when to interject, never too aggressive in inserting themselves, but scoffing quietly at their more eager counterparts.

One or two of them have probably been passed over for promotion. 

However, one officer at the opposite end of the table stood out to Rex. He couldn’t see the man’s face, but he was slumped in his chair slightly, not nearly as engaged as the rest of his delegation. Instead, he carried an air of hostility, as if the entire negotiation was beneath him. There was something familiar about him that Rex couldn’t quite put his finger on, but he guessed his placement at the table was probably preferred and strategic. 

Makin wants him involved, but certainly doesn’t want him to be noticed. Not with that attitude. 

“...but we were to be the primary source of that mining,” Senator Organa was arguing, his tone slightly more combative, drawing Rex’s attention. “We’d planned to ramp up production and create a jobs program that brought people in from smaller towns and villages, providing them with housing and training. This was to be a massive economic boon for us, Admiral. And now you’re asking us to scrap all of that work?” 

“Senator, I understand your frustrations, but the new veins of Cubirian discovered on Lothal are much easier to access, and quite frankly, much cheaper for the Empire to procure. The fact that we’re still offering to keep you on as a provider of this particular metal rather than going exclusively with the cheaper option is a goodwill offering.” 

The queen’s nostrils flared, but she remained silent, deferring to her husband with a sideways glance and nearly imperceptible nod. A vein in the senator’s temple was growing more pronounced, but he kept his voice even as he pressed. “And is Lothal even prepared to begin mining and refining? From everything I understand, they do not have the infrastructure in place. That could have significant impacts to any schedule you’re pursuing.” 

Makin leaned forward, glancing down at the opposite end of the table to address the slumped Imperial sitting there. The man must have felt Makin’s gaze on him, turning his face so that Rex finally could make out his features. His hazel eyes were disinterested and filled with disdain as he met his superior’s stare. 

Rex’s blood ran cold as he finally recognized the man. 

The admiral’s smile was tight as he addressed his petulant subordinate. 

“Captain Fisk, would you care to elaborate on the status of Lothal’s mining and refinery construction?”

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[transcarcinization]

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[moss-on-a-pebble]

Every time I talk to Commander Lightfeather I remember he's voiced by the same guy that did Cazador and I find that very funny

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